South Africa: DPSA slams public servants for grant fraud

Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Director-General, Yoliswa Makhasi, has urged public servants to refrain from fraudulent attempts to benefit from the R350 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

Makhasi condemned public servants who see nothing wrong with applying for the grant, while they have a source of income.

The SRD is intended to provide relief to the poor and financially distressed citizens in the country. The Social Development Minister reported that approximately 40 000 public servants applied for the R350 relief grant in May last year, and 241 of the public servants received the grant.

This amounts to fraud and the DPSA is ready and available to support the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in strengthening controls to prevent public servants from accessing the SRD grant, Makhasi said.

The Director-General said the DPSA will support steps to recover monies from public servants who wrongfully benefited, and will ensure that their cases are referred to law enforcement agencies to take action.

I want to reiterate that any official who receives any form of income from the public service does not qualify for this grant and may not apply for it, as it is tantamount to stealing from the poor, she said.

People who do not qualify to receive the grant include public servants on the Persal system, those on internships, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), learnerships or any developmental programme where they receive a form of stipend from government.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-08-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Concern over rising COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape

Newly appointed Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has expressed concern at the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape, which has become the countrys epicentre.

We remain concerned about the rise of numbers in the Western Cape which has become the epicentre of the pandemic, said the Minister on Friday.

Making his first public appearance since his appointment as Health Minister on Thursday night , Phaahla said the country had in the last 24 hours recorded 13 777 new cases, an increase from the 13 263 new cases recorded the day before.

Despite this, he said the department is confident that the province has put in place sufficient containment measures to deal with rising hospitalisations and oxygen needs.

The National Department will continue to continuously work closely with the provinces and provide all the necessary support in the containment efforts.

KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape have also seen increasing numbers of cases.

Vaccination progress

Meanwhile, Minister Phaahla also announced that the countrys vaccine supplies were stable, with 10 million doses currently in stock.

In August alone, the department expects to receive 20 million doses.

The supply of vaccine has stabilised and for the remainder of the year we expect to take delivery of another 21 million doses that are on order.

This, he said, means the vaccination programmes can be expanded to reach more people.

Providers in the public and private sectors are all gearing up capacity to vaccinate by increasing the capacity of existing sites and by increasing the number of sites to areas where gaps have been identified. Now that the single shot J&J vaccine is available, it is easier to reach some difficult to serve rural areas. Notwithstanding this vaccine security, we are working to secure other vaccines.

In addition, the Department of Health has learnt that supply lines are always vulnerable, and that immunity created by each vaccine may be quite different for the evolving variants of the virus that may appear.

He said the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee (VMAC) and the National Essential Medicines Committee (NEMLC) had thoroughly examined the Sinovac and Astra Zeneca vaccines as possible additional vaccines for the country.

The two vaccines have been found to be effective against the Delta variant and may be possible additional options in the countrys fight against COVID-19.

We continue to hear a lot of fake news and misinformation generated by those who are opposed to vaccination. Many messages that we see, especially on social media, are false and are distributed irresponsibly to deliberately disrupt vaccination.

He cautioned the public to verify facts that are widely available on government and science platforms.

Continuity

Phaahla who served as Deputy Minister of Health, since 2014, until President Cyril Ramaphosa announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday night, thanked the President for entrusting him with the role of leading the department.

Phaahla replaced Dr Zweli Mkhize who this week resigned from the post.

He expressed gratitude to Mkhize for laying the foundation in the Department, especially as far as the fight against COVID-19 is concerned.

South Africa has received accolades both locally and internationally for the manner in which it had handled its response to the pandemic under the leadership of President Ramaphosa and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

Let me also thank the former Acting Minister and colleague Mmamoloko Kubayi [for] an excellent job and her ability to adapt in the new environment where most of the decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than theories and personal opinions. - SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Study affirms J&J vaccine efficacy against death, hospitalisation

The results of the Sisonke programme study have revealed that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has provided effective protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19 infection.

This was on Friday revealed by Professor Glenda Gray, the CEO of the Medical Research Council and co-lead investigator, during the Health Departments weekly briefing.

The study commenced on 17 February 2021 and concluded on 17 May 2021. The trial reached over 470 000 healthcare workers in over 120 sites across the country.

The vaccine, Gray said, proved effective against the Beta and Delta variants, which are both prevalent in South Africa.

An analysis of the data, which was done in three ways, looked at the effectiveness of the vaccine.

"We want to look at the infections that we get - and we will get breakthrough infections. We want to make sure that we understand whether these breakthrough infections were mild, moderate or severe," said Gray.

While results of one analysis are outstanding, Gray said the first two were obtained from medical insurance and provincial PERSAL databases.

"When we look at the evaluation effectiveness, we start looking at the vaccination protection 28 days after receiving the single dose J&J vaccine. We closed our analysis for this on the 17th of July in the middle of the Delta wave.

The reason we chose the first analysis at this time is our co-workers were getting anxious, and were worried that the vaccine may not be protecting them," Gray said.

She said the study group will continue to have an ongoing analysis of the Sisonke programme for up to two years, as this will allow them to be "able to see how durable and effective this vaccine is over time".

On effectiveness against death, Gray said the latest data show protection of between 91% to 96.2% of inoculated healthcare workers.

"This was our primary endpoint. We're able to say that this vaccine protected health workers against death.

The study group then looked at whether J&J provided protection against the Delta variant.

"When we started the vaccine rollout, we knew that the Beta variant was circulating in our country, and then over time, the Delta became the variant of concern.

You can see quite profoundly that the vaccine protected both against the Beta and Delta variants, she said.

The vaccine, Gray said, has greater efficacy against the Delta variant.

The J&J vaccine data recorded between 65% and 66% protection against hospitalisation, and between 91% and 95% protection against death.

"When breakthrough infections happen, they happen to be very mild - around 96%. In terms of severe illness and death, these have been less than 0.05%, Gray said.

The J&J vaccine, Gray affirmed, is safe.

There's no statistic that has been detected in this cohort of people [health workers] at a global level. The side effects that we see are completely in line with what we're seeing globally.

We have seen some rare adverse events that have been reported at a global level... once you actually [vaccinate] millions of people. We continue to evaluate the safety of the J&J vaccine.

She said based on laboratory data, the vaccine is showing good durability", giving an indication that there is currently no need for a booster at this stage.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: UIF welcomes court action against COVID TERS fraudsters

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has welcomed a preservation order granted by the Grahamstown High Court to freeze the bank accounts of an Eastern Cape taxi cooperation, which allegedly defrauded the Fund of millions of rands.

In a statement, the UIF said the court had dealt a blow to suspected fraudsters, who have milked the Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefit scheme, which was designed to help workers in distress during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

The Fund said the Grahamstown High Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit a preservation order freezing bank accounts belonging to the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Cooperative Limited (ECTCC) and various taxi associations in Gqeberha and other areas in the Eastern Cape.

The order prevents ECTCC and other taxi associations from transacting on the 25 bank accounts they hold with FNB, ABSA and Nedbank.

The preservation order is intended to prevent further loss of TERS funds already paid to ECTCC and various taxi associations. This follows an investigation of alleged misappropriation of TERS funds and complaints lodged mostly by taxi drivers in Gqeberha and surrounding areas, the UIF said.

The UIF paid R23.7 million to the Port Elizabeth & District Taxi Association, as well as the Uncedo Transport and Business Taxi Association, covering 5 472 taxi drivers.

Approximately R219 million was paid for 62 COVID TERS claims submitted on behalf of various employers by the ECTCC, covering 48 441 employees.

The UIF said it had blocked the profiles of ECTCC and the affected taxi associations pending investigations by law enforcement agencies.

The Fund is currently investigating 75 reported cases. Sixteen have been finalised and five suspects have already appeared in court.

The preservation order comes hot on the heels of the conviction and sentencing of Boitumelo Mashele last month, who received a three-year suspended jail sentence for defrauding the UIF. The Specialised Crime Court in Pretoria also ordered her to repay R215 000 to the UIF after disposal of her house.

Another suspect, Mark Vorster, was arrested last month by the Hawks. Vorster, who is an accountant from Gqeberha, was nabbed on allegations that he fraudulently submitted TERS claims worth R884 000.00. He has been granted bail by the East London Magistrates Court.

Acting UIF Commissioner, Adv Mzie Yawa, welcomed the concerted action by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, saying all those who have stolen money meant for workers will have nowhere to hide.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Committee supports SANDF employment in Mozambique

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has underlined the importance of regional stability in its support employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to Mozambique to combat acts of terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province.

Committee Co-Chairperson Cyril Xaba said the committee recognised the threat posed by the actions of the extremists, not only to Mozambique, but to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a whole.

Our support of deployment to the SADC is based on the need to protect and promote the main objectives of the SADC which are to achieve economic development, peace and security, growth, alleviate poverty, and enhance the standard and quality of life of the peoples of Southern Africa that are being undermined and threatened by the insurgents, Xaba said.

As per Section 201 (3) and (4) of the Constitution, a letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa was tabled informing Parliament of the employment of 1 495 members of the SANDF for a service in fulfilment of an international obligation of the republic towards SADC.

The employment of the SANDF members will be from 15 July 2021 to 15 October 2021, and the expenditure expected to be incurred amounts to R984 368 057.

Co-Chairperson of the committee, Mamagase Nchabeleng, said the committee remains confident in the ability, capability and fortitude of the countrys armed forces, and confident that they will carry through their mandate successfully.

We are also convinced that there is a need to suppress the insurgency at the source to prevent it from spilling over into neighbouring countries, Nchabeleng said.

The committee added that it remains cognisant of the challenges, especially funding shortfall that impacts the ability of the SANDF to adequately procure needed capabilities to ensure that it operates optimally.

During its Budget Review and Recommendation Report process, the committee put forward these challenges, with an aim of finding lasting solutions to funding shortfall challenges that render the SANDF unable to carry out its work.

However, the committee said it is confident that the funding challenges will not be an impediment to the successful execution of Operation Vikela.  SAnews.gov.za

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RTHK: Taliban take provincial capital, kill top official

The Taliban captured an Afghan provincial capital and assassinated the government's top media officer in Kabul on Friday, dealing twin high-profile blows to the Western-backed administration.

A police spokesman in southern Nimroz province said the capital Zaranj had fallen to the hardline Islamists because of a lack of reinforcements from the government.

Fighting to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ousting by US-led forces, the Taliban have intensified their campaign to defeat the US-backed government as foreign forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war.

The insurgents have taken dozens of districts and border crossings in recent months and put pressure on several provincial capitals, including Herat in the west and Kandahar in the south, as foreign troops withdraw.

Zaranj was the first provincial capital to fall to the group since the United States reached a deal with the Taliban in February 2020 for a US troop pullout. A local source said the Taliban had seized the governor's office, the police headquarters and an ecampment near the Iranian border.

Taliban sources said the group was celebrating, and Zaranj's fall would boost the morale of their fighters in other provinces. A Taliban commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it has strategic importance as it is on the border with Iran.

This is the beginning and see how other provinces fall in our hands very soon, he said.

In Kabul, Taliban attackers killed Dawa Khan Menapal, head of the Government Media and Information Centre, in the latest in a series of assassinations aimed at weakening President Ashraf Ghani's democratically elected government.

In a tweet, US Charge d'Affaires Ross Wilson said he was saddened and disgusted by the death of Menapal, whom he called a friend who provided truthful information to all Afghans.

"These murders are an affront to Afghans human rights & freedom of speech," he said. (Reuters)

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Remdesivir medicine arrives in Vietnam

Vietnam has received the first batch of Remdesivir medicine which will be used to treat seriously ill Covid-19 patients.



Remdesivir medicine





50,000 Remdesivir bottles arrived at Tan Son Nhat Aiport in HCM City on August 5. This is the first part of 500,000 bottles donated to Vietnam. Remdesivir is produced by Indian firms under the agreement with US-based Gilead Sciences.



Luong Ngoc Khue, head of the Health Ministry's Department of Medical Examination and Treatment, said the ministry will hold a meeting to add the medicine into the treatment regime within August 6. Deputy Minister Nguyen Truong Son said the medicine will be allocated to provinces and cities with Covid-19 outbreaks.



The Ministry of Health advised against buying and using Remdesivir without doctors' prescription and guidance.



Remdesivir is being used in over 50 countries including the US, Australia, Singapore and the EU to treat Covid-19 patients. A test with 1,063 patients started on February 21 showed that patients who used Remdesivir recovered 31% faster than other patients. Patients who used Remdesivir recovered in 11 days while other patients recovered in 15 days.



The fatality rate is 8% among Remdesivir users and 11.6% among other patients.
China is keeping its word in building global immunity barrier

Xinhua) 07:46, August 06, 2021

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday, marking a further step by China in honoring its commitment to making vaccines a "global public good."

"China will do its best to help developing countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic," Xi said in a written message to the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation.

To fight with the world in solidarity against the common health crisis, China is making all-out efforts to promote the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, champion global cooperation, and reject vaccine nationalism, to build the global immunity barrier soon.

PROMOTING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO VACCINES

"I hope this forum will promote the accessibility and fair distribution of vaccines around the world, strengthen solidarity and cooperation in developing countries, and make new contributions for an early victory against the pandemic," Xi said in the written message.

In May this year, President Xi announced China's five measures to further support global solidarity against COVID-19 at the Global Health Summit. They include setting up an international forum on vaccine cooperation for vaccine-developing and producing countries, companies, and other stakeholders.

The forum on Thursday marked a further practical step by China to explore ways of promoting the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies. The forum is themed "strengthening international cooperation on vaccines, and promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world."

Ruan added that China shouldered more than its due responsibility, and China's donation of COVID-19 vaccines will certainly help countries in need to move a step closer to achieving herd immunity.

Since September 2020, China has provided vaccines to countries in urgent need and has been donating vaccines to more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, China is exporting vaccines to more than 60 countries, with the total amount exceeding 770 million doses, ranking the first globally, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said while chairing Thursday's meeting.

China is committed to building a global community of health for all and has provided vaccines to the world, especially developing countries. The country also actively carried out joint production, Xi said, adding that it illustrates the concept of vaccines as global public goods.

The Philippines has been tortured by the pandemic, with 60 percent of its population below the poverty line. The country is hugely concerned about the affordability of COVID-19 vaccines, said Enrique Gonzalez, CEO of IP Biotech company in the Philippines.

"It's China that helped the Philippines, and thanks to the Chinese government and China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., 15 million people in the Philippines have completed one or two doses of the vaccination within a short time," Gonzalez said. He added that this reflects the friendship between the two countries in the face of the pandemic and demonstrates that China is always acting as a major responsible country.

CHAMPIONING GLOBAL COOPERATION

As of Wednesday, nearly 200 million people globally have contracted the virus, with the global death toll reaching 4.2 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Amid a surging COVID-19 caseload, largely driven by the Delta variant, China has made its call for strengthening international cooperation on vaccines.

"We are willing to work with the international community to promote international vaccine cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

The important decision by China demonstrates the responsibility and vision of a major country, said Ruan Zongze, adding that China is using practical actions to build a global community of health for all and ensure the availability and affordability of vaccines.

"China lends a helping hand to developing countries in response to their genuine needs and makes up for shortcomings in international vaccine cooperation. It will help enhance the confidence of the international community in overcoming the pandemic," said Ruan, noting that China's deeds are in sharp contrast with the selfish and hypocritical attitudes of some other countries.

From vaccine development and production to vaccine distribution, China always adopts an open and cooperative attitude, actively responds to countries' requests for vaccine cooperation, and launches cooperation with them.

China is also the first to cooperate with developing countries on vaccine production. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil have become the first ones in the region to have the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines, which charted a new chapter of unity and self-reliance among developing countries, Wang Yi said.

Participants at the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation issued a joint statement, in which they underline the importance of vaccine multilateralism and call upon countries to enhance international cooperation mechanisms and collaboration. They also urge rejecting vaccine nationalism, lifting export restrictions on relevant vaccines and raw materials, and supporting enhanced cooperation on vaccine research and development, production, equitable distribution and ensuring cross-border flows of vaccines.

The need for global cooperation around vaccines and public health is essential and urgent, said Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at the University of New South Wales. He added that the pandemic will only be defeated if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

"International politicization of the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been and will continue to be counter-productive and unhelpful to achieving the global public-health good of pandemic control," said Zwi.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China says latest COVID-19 resurgence more complicated but "controllable"

Xinhua) 08:12, August 06, 2021

A medical worker takes a swab sample for a COVID-19 test at a testing site in Laishan District of Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 5, 2021. Yantai has started the second round of nucleic acid testing citywide for possible COVID-19 cases or asymptomatic infections. (Photo by Tang Ke/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The latest resurgence of COVID-19 in China, caused mainly by the Delta variant, is more complicated but the epidemic is generally controllable, Chinese officials said Thursday.

In the latest wave, 15 provincial-level regions -- out of 31 -- on the Chinese mainland have reported COVID-19 infections, said He Qinghua, a senior official with the National Health Commission (NHC), at a press conference organized by the State Council inter-agency task force.

"CONTROLLABLE"

"As long as local authorities strictly implement various prevention and control measures, I think the epidemic will be largely under control within two to three incubation periods," he said.

He acknowledged that the current wave is more complicated and has put some strain on response efforts since it has multiple imported sources and has affected a wide range of people and places.

An NHC spokesperson said at the press conference that there is an increasing risk of the epidemic spreading as sporadic outbreaks took place in multiple places during the peak of summer travel. Whenever there is an outbreak, the most stringent measures must be taken to bring the epidemic under control as swiftly as possible, said Mi Feng, the spokesperson.

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 62 new locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases, the NHC said in its daily report Thursday.

Of the locally-transmitted cases, 40 were reported from Jiangsu, nine from Hunan, three each from Beijing, Shandong, Henan and Yunnan, and one from Hubei, according to the commission.

The latest outbreak mainly originated from a flight that departed from Russia and landed in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. Further viral genome sequencing has found that all the strains in the recent resurgence of COVID-19 were the highly infectious Delta variant.

He Qinghua said China's current COVID-19 containment measures are effective against the variant. Vaccines administered across the country -- having surpassed 1.72 billion doses as of Wednesday -- also demonstrate good preventive and protective effects against the variant, he said.

China had earlier successfully stopped the spread of the variant in multiple densely-populated regions with high population mobility in Guangdong Province, which proves measures including vaccination, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, keeping social distance, and avoiding crowded places are effective, the official said.

SWIFT ACTIONS

Mi, the spokesperson, also said the State Council inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response has sent 20 working groups to key port cities across the country to aid anti-virus efforts.

The working groups will supervise and guide the port cities in plugging loopholes in measures to prevent imported infections and respond to possible outbreaks, Mi added.

An education official told the press conference that schools in China's areas classified as having medium or high risks of COVID-19 outbreaks may delay the start of the upcoming autumn semester.

Liu Peijun, an official with the Ministry of Education, said that should there exist medium or high-risk areas right before the start of the new semester, schools in the areas will accordingly postpone the beginning of the session.

COVID-19 prevention and control is the top priority for the new semester, Liu said.

China is also stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the tourism and culture sectors, said Yu Changguo, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The ministry has urged all travel agencies and online platforms to avoid high and medium-risk areas in their offers, pay close attention to the COVID-19 situation in tourist destinations, and adjust or cancel ongoing tours accordingly, Yu added.

As of Wednesday, 1,152 tourist attractions with A ratings, the country's highest rating for scenic spots, had been temporarily closed to visitors as requested, according to Yu.

Tourist spots and cultural venues were also asked to fully implement epidemic-prevention measures, including limiting tourist numbers, adopting staggered visiting hours, taking visitors' temperature before allowing them in, and sterilizing public facilities regularly, Yu added.

China's film watchdog on Thursday asked cinemas across the country to guard against COVID-19 resurgence based on local conditions.

Movie theaters in medium and high-risk areas should be closed, said the China Film Administration in the circular, adding that the attendance rate for those in low-risk areas should remain under 75 percent.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Raisi sworn in as Iran's new president

Xinhua) 08:14, August 06, 2021

Ebrahim Raisi attends a swearing-in ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 5, 2021.(Xinhua/Javad Salarheyli)

TEHRAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ebrahim Raisi was sworn in on Thursday as the new president of Iran in the parliament.

"I swear ... to be the guardian of the official religion and the Islamic Republic establishment and the constitution of the country, and to use all my capacity and competencies to fulfill the responsibilities I have undertaken," Raisi took the oath during his swearing-in ceremony.

"I swear to dedicate myself to serve the people, elevate the country, promote religion and morality, support the right and spread justice, refrain from any dictatorship, support freedom and dignity of individuals and the rights that the constitution has recognized for the nation," he added.

In the ceremony broadcast live on the state TV, Raisi also vowed to protect the borders and political, economic and cultural independence of Iran.

Iranian lawmakers and guests from more than 70 countries attended Raisi's inauguration ceremony in the parliament, local media reported.

Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi attends his first press conference after winning the election in Tehran June 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

According to the regulations, the president has two weeks after the inauguration ceremony to introduce the cabinet and the ministerial plan to the parliament for one-week evaluation.

The reports said Raisi will probably introduce his cabinet to the parliament by Sunday.

Raisi was elected as Iran's new president on June 18, and formally assumed office after the supreme leader's decree on Tuesday and swearing-in ceremony in the parliament on Thursday.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
PLA holds large drills amid military threats

Global Times) 08:18, August 06, 2021

A naval fleet comprised of the guided-missile destroyers Ningbo (Hull 139) and Taiyuan (Hull 131), as well as the guided-missile frigate Nantong (Hull 601), steams in astern formation in waters of the East China Sea during a maritime training drill in late January, 2021. Photo:China Military Online

At a time when the US is holding large-scale military exercises targeting China, and several countries including the UK, Germany and India plan to send or have already sent warships to the South China Sea, China announced it will hold a military exercise from Friday to Tuesday in the South China Sea, setting up a vast navigation restriction zone some observers said resembles a drill conducted last year in which the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly conducted live-fire "aircraft carrier killer" anti-ship ballistic missiles exercises.

While details on the upcoming drill remain speculative, it will serve as a response to the recent provocations, demonstrating that China has "hunting rifles ready against the wolves" that hunger for China's core interests, experts said.

China will hold a military training in the South China Sea from Friday to Tuesday, and other vessels are prohibited from entering the navigation restriction zone, read a notice released by the Maritime Safety Administration on Wednesday.

The coordinates provided in the notice show that the exclusion zone stretches from waters off the southeast of Hainan Island to a majority of waters around the Xisha Islands, meaning that the exercise area is larger than even the Hainan Island, the National Defense Newspaper reported on Thursday.

The notice did not give more details on the exercise, but a Taipei-based news agency reported that the PLA launched anti-ship ballistic missiles in the South China Sea in a similar exercise last year.

Last year's exercise, conducted from August 24 to 29, also featured a navigation restriction zone in almost the same location and of similar size announced by the Maritime Safety Administration.

US media outlets then quoted US defense officials as saying that China launched four medium-range ballistic missiles into the South China Sea in that exercise, landing in an area between Hainan Island and the Xisha Islands. This was widely interpreted by overseas media as the PLA testing anti-ship ballistic missiles, presumably "aircraft carrier killers" - the DF-21D and the DF-26.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said at a regular press conference on August 27, 2020 that recent Chinese military exercises were routine and did not target at any country.

Based on publicly available information, it could be said this year's PLA drill in the South China Sea will likely feature anti-ship exercises, Xu Guangyu, a senior adviser to the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Both ship-based and land-based anti-ship missiles, including the missiles in the DF series, have a long range, and that is why the exercise requires such a large area, Xu said, noting that this year's exercise could be an enhanced version based on the one conducted last year.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Thursday that the PLA is advocating the concept of joint operations featuring multiple military services, which could include the PLA Rocket Force, and another live-fire anti-ship ballistic missile exercise is possible this year.

If not, the exercise would likely feature joint maritime and aerial forces, Song said.

"These exercises have already become routine near Chinese waters, with the aim of honing the PLA's capabilities to fight and win wars under realistic combat scenarios," Song said.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that while another "aircraft carrier killer" test is possible, it is still difficult to tell only by the navigation restriction notice.

It could instead feature ship-based, submarine-based or aircraft-based anti-ship missiles, or ship-based air defense missiles, Fu said, noting that the number of participating warships and warplanes could also be a factor to the large exercise zone.

China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was in the South China Sea for exercises last week, US media outlet thedrive.com reported, citing foreign satellite images.

File photo taken on Sept. 3, 2015 shows DF-26 missiles attending a military parade in Beijing, capital of China. It has been a big year for China's military as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is to celebrate its 90th birthday. As Aug. 1, the birthday of the PLA, approaches, the country's army has shown how much its military capacity has grown and how committed it is to maintaining world peace. The PLA has come a long way since its birth during the armed uprising in the city of Nanchang on August 1, 1927, when it had only 20,000 soldiers. Ninety years later, the country boasts 2 million servicemen, according to a national defense white paper titled China's Military Strategy, published in 2015. Besides the growth in numbers, the PLA has armed its soldiers with world-class equipment. As of June 2017, the Chinese military had participated in 24 UN peacekeeping missions, sending 31,000 personnel, 13 of whom lost their lives in duty. Since 2008, the Navy has dispatched 26 escort task force groups, including more than 70 ships for escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. More than 6,300 Chinese and foreign ships have been protected during these missions. (Xinhua)

Pointed warning

No matter what training subjects will be featured in the upcoming exercise, it comes at a time when China is facing military provocations from the US and several other countries.

The US kicked off on Tuesday the Large Scale Exercise 2021 naval and amphibious exercise billed as the largest of its kind in 40 years, US military media outlet the Stars and Stripes reported, saying that it aims to send a message to Russia and China.

Featuring units in 17 different time zones, the exercise attempts to show that the US can simultaneously address challenges in the Black Sea, eastern Mediterranean Sea, South China Sea and East China Sea and shut down efforts to spread US military forces thin, and that the US can prevent China from reunifying the island of Taiwan or landing on the Diaoyu Islands, the report quoted a US scholar as saying.

The US has also been holding the Large Scale Global Exercise 21 with UK, Australian and Japanese forces since Monday, the US Indo-Pacific Command said.

A UK aircraft carrier strike group led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier sailed through the South China Sea on Monday, with a German warship, the Bayern frigate, setting sail on the same day also for the South China Sea.

India is another country that plans to send warships to the South China Sea, as four Indian destroyers and a frigate will be deployed for a two-month period to Southeast Asia, the South China Sea and the western Pacific, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing the China-India border question since clashes last year.

Against this backdrop, China's large-scale exercise in the South China Sea is a pointed response that warns these provocateurs, Song said.

They are like hungry wolves that have been frequently stirring up troubles and challenging China's core interests, Song said.

"China holding military exercises is like readying a hunting rifle and striking back at the wolves," Song said, noting that a good rifle is necessary.

Xu said that the PLA's exercise has perfect timing, as it will show on a strategic level that China is not afraid of anyone, and even warships from a hundred countries coming to the South China Sea will not shake its determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security.

Of all those countries, the PLA exercise is a warning to the US, which is the one that rallied the gang, Xu said.

It is a common understanding among foreign and Chinese military analysts that the PLA has the upper hand if a war breaks out on China's doorsteps, be it in the South China Sea, the East China Sea or the Taiwan Straits, even against powerful opponents like the US and its allies.

The large-scale exercise in the South China Sea is not the only drill the PLA will conduct, as the Maritime Safety Administration has announced several more drills in the Bohai Strait, the Yellow Sea, and other locations in the South China Sea.

From Monday to August 13, China and Russia will hold the Zapad/Interaction-2021 exercise in the Qingtongxia Combined Arms Tactical Training Base in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which will feature more than 10,000 personnel, multiple types of aircraft, artillery pieces and armored equipment with the aim of testing joint reconnaissance, early warning, electronic information attack and strike capabilities.

In addition to displaying China' and Russia's roles as major powers in jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability in Central Asia following the US' irresponsible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, the joint exercise will also enhance military cooperation under the context that both countries are facing suppression by the US, a Chinese expert on international affairs who requested anonymity told the Global Times.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Americans divided in reaction to surge of COVID-19 variant cases

Xinhua) 08:20, August 06, 2021

Video: Global COVID-19 cases surpassed 200 million on Aug. 4, 2021. The United States topped the world chart with over 35 million cases and more than 610,000 deaths. (Xinhua)

The most recent guidance from the CDC urging even fully-vaccinated Americans to mask up indoors in areas where coronavirus transmission is high still won't persuade nearly one-fourth of American adults to regularly wear a mask.

NEW YORK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- As the COVID-19 pandemic is making a fierce comeback to the United States with its Delta variant, Americans and the country's local and federal governments have reacted in palpable desynchronization.

Some treat it seriously by wearing masks and getting vaccinated as soon as they can, while some others behave much differently or even in an opposite direction, showcasing both sides of a coin whenever a major decision is to be made in this motley nation of democracy.

On Tuesday, the country reported 92,005 new COVID-19 cases, whose 14-day change was a 139-percent increase, and 371 related deaths, whose 14-day change was a 4-percent fall, according to the figures updated on The New York Time's website.

The Delta variant accounts for an estimated 93.4 percent of all new COVID-19 cases in the United States during the last two weeks of July, according to figures published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday.

Passengers with face masks are seen in a bus in New York City, the United States, Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

THOSE WHO ACT

Except for his recommendation that New York City residents, even if vaccinated, wear masks when indoors, Mayor Bill de Blasio is also initiating a "Key to NYC Pass," which is like the COVID-19 passport talked about a few months ago.

"It's a carrot-and-stick approach," as reported by Forbes, for people will be required to show that they are vaccinated if they want to go to restaurants, gyms and other places.

No vaccinations, no entrance. "If you want to participate in society fully, you've got to get vaccinated," de Blasio said. "If we're going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now. This is going to make clear, you want to enjoy everything great in this summer of New York City? Go get vaccinated."

More of human interest in positive reaction to the pandemic, former U.S. President Barack Obama has decided to significantly scale back a celebrity-studded 60th birthday bash planned for Saturday on Martha's Vineyard.

"The outdoor event was planned months ago in accordance with all public guidelines and COVID-19 safeguards in place," Hannah Hankins, spokeswoman for the former president, said in a statement on Wednesday. Due to the new spread of the Delta variant over the past week, the former president and Mrs. Obama "have decided to significantly scale back the event to include only family and close friends."

Also on Wednesday, the most financially exhilarating counter-pandemic news is that Vanguard -- one of the world's largest asset managers -- is offering employees 1,000 U.S. dollars to get vaccinated. "The incentive shows how aggressively some companies are moving to encourage workers to get vaccinated as concerns about the Delta variant mount," said CNN.

All of Vanguard's approximately 16,500 U.S. employees are eligible and must show proof of vaccination by Oct. 1. "Vanguard recognizes vaccines are the best way to stop the spread of this virus and strongly encourages crew to be vaccinated," said Vanguard spokesperson Charles Kurtz in a statement. "As such, we are offering a vaccine incentive for crew who provide COVID-19 vaccination proof."

Encouraging decision also emerged in San Francisco, California, where J&J recipients can make a special request to get a "supplemental dose" of an mRNA vaccine, city health officials said in a statement, while declining to call the second shots "boosters."

Nationwide, facing mounting pressure from progressive Democratic lawmakers and a spike of COVID-19 cases, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday issued a new 60-day eviction moratorium to prevent millions of American renters from being forced to leave their homes.

The "temporary" moratorium, issued by the CDC, will expire on Oct. 3. Targeting areas with high or substantial COVID-19 transmission, it covers 80 percent of U.S. counties and 90 percent of the U.S. population.

A man wearing a mask rides an electric scooter near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, the United States, Aug. 4, 2021.(Xinhua/Liu Jie)

THE NON-ACTS

Florida has been in focus these days for Governor Ron DeSantis has turned a cold shoulder to the surging cases of coronavirus, saying that there wasn't any new data showing the Delta variant was more severe.

On Tuesday, he said that his state will not shut down again despite a record-breaking influx of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, which has made the Sunshine State the nation's new virus epicenter.

When asked about the COVID-19 policies of DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Biden said that "I believe the results of their decisions are not good for their constituents and it's clear to me and to most of the medical experts that the decisions being made, like not allowing mask mandates in school, are bad health policy."

The most recent guidance from the CDC urging even fully-vaccinated Americans to mask up indoors in areas where coronavirus transmission is high still won't persuade nearly one-fourth of American adults to regularly wear a mask, new polling suggests, and "unvaccinated Americans are particularly unlikely to wear a face covering despite the delta variant's rapid spread," Forbes reported on Wednesday.

Another survey published on Wednesday has found that most unvaccinated American adults don't believe the COVID-19 vaccines are very effective and see the vaccines as a greater health risk than the virus itself.

The most worrisome thing for the United States in this unprecedented pandemic is that "nearly 18 months into the pandemic, there's no consensus on how to keep students and staff safe," said news portal Politico on Wednesday.

"School boards are at war with governors over masks. Superintendents are developing contingency plans on the fly. And schools that only just opened have had to shut down," it said, adding that the U.S. schools' opening days are almost there, but "the Delta variant, which few had heard of when classes ended in the spring, is upending reopening plans across the country, threatening President Joe Biden's promise of a more normal school year and sustained economic recovery."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
U.S. political manipulation of COVID-19 origin tracing doomed to find little support in the world

People's Daily) 08:24, August 06, 2021

Photo taken on March 16, 2020 shows the White House Visitor Center in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives issued the so-called addendum to the origin of COVID-19 report on August 2, continuously hyping up the lab leak conspiracy theory without providing any reliable or scientific evidence.

The despicable and immoral practice has once again proven that American politicians have gone out of their minds in defaming China for political interests of their own.

As Delta variant rages across the globe, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the world has neared 200 million. Meanwhile, core epidemic indicators in the U.S., including the daily numbers of newly confirmed cases, hospitalizations and death toll, have rebounded sharply.

At such a moment of crisis, U.S. politicians, in total disregard of the lives and health of people in their country, bent their efforts to politicize virus-tracing, stigmatize other countries and turn the origin-tracing study into their tool, severely hindering and sabotaging scientific and serious virus origin study as well as international cooperation in epidemic prevention and control.

These misdeeds of U.S. politicians, which have made them accomplices of the COVID-19 and become an even more destructive political virus, are neither moral nor supported by people in the world, and will only end in failure.

For a while, it has been reported that COVID-19 cases appeared in multiple places in the world during the second half of 2019. In the U.S., COVID-19 infections in at least five states happened earlier than the first confirmed case reported by the country.

This once again indicates that COVID-19 origin tracing, a complex scientific problem as it is, should be jointly carried out by scientists in the world based on a global vision.

However, U.S. officials have turned a blind eye to science and facts, and instead been obsessed with political manipulation, including seeking evidence for a conclusion reached beforehand and a presumption of guilt, aiming to make wild accusations against China.

To prove the presupposition that the virus escaped from a Chinese lab, they involved the intelligence community into the origin investigations in defiance of facts and science, and even suggested the government put up a reward for the evidence it wants. Such origin-tracing terrorism has become another demonstration of American hegemonic thinking and bullying acts.

Ever since the previous U.S. administration led by Donald Trump coined the term Chinese virus, the country has been slandering China for the pandemic. Through such political manipulation, it intends to scapegoat China for its own incompetence amid the outbreak and make yet another excuse for containing Chinas development.

For this purpose, the U.S. has exhausted all the possibilities, including coercing and pressuring scientists so that they would give in to hegemony and bullying and support the lab leak theory. Many scientists who are unwilling to yield to power have suffered from personal attacks, abuse, and threats, some of whom even resigned their positions to stay true to science.

Therefore, to advance the origin tracing of the novel coronavirus, the world must wipe out the political virus of buck-passing, discrimination and coercion first.

Justice naturally inhabits peoples hearts. Lies of the U.S. will eventually be exposed.

In fact, the attempt of the U.S. to manipulate virus tracing has been widely opposed by the international community.

According to a survey gauging opinions from around the world carried out by CGTN Think Tank on major social media platforms, about 80 percent of the respondents believe that efforts to trace the origins of the novel coronavirus have been politicized.

So far, 70 countries have opposed politicization of virus tracing and expressed support for WHOs report of a joint study with China on the tracing of COVID-19 origins by sending letters to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issuing statements, and through other ways.

Recently, politicians, media outlets, experts, and people from many countries have condemned the U.S. for politicizing virus tracing in various ways, while the U.S. tried to intimidate several other countries into joining its attempt to manipulate COVID-19 origin-tracing through political means, oppose science, and distort facts.

The stark contrast has shown clearly what the international community wants and supports.

The world will never forget that the U.S. accused Iraq of possessing weapons of mass destruction based on the evidence of a bottle of detergent in 2003. Such an absurd allegation is considered one of the biggest stains in U.S. diplomatic history.

If the U.S. plans to repeat such old tactics again, it will be an open insult to science, a terrible misjudgment toward China as well as a huge provocation to the rest of the world.

Just like the novel coronavirus, politicizing virus tracing is also a common enemy of the world.

U.S. politicians should realize that political manipulation will never find support from people across the world in the face of facts, science, and justice. They should focus their attention on fighting the virus and saving lives and quit playing the old tricks of political manipulation and buck-passing. Only in this way can they shoulder their responsibility for American people as well as the global public health course.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Chinese, Russian militaries to hold joint drill in NW China

Xinhua) 08:30, August 06, 2021

Chinese and Russian military personnel communicate on a joint military drill at a training ground on Aug. 5, 2021. A joint military exercise by the Chinese and Russian armies will be held from Aug. 9 to 13 at a training base of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Liu Fang)

YINCHUAN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A joint military exercise by the Chinese and Russian armies will be held from Aug. 9 to 13 at a training base of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The exercise, named ZAPAD/INTERACTION-2021, is the first joint military exercise held inside China since the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the exercise's leading group.

The participating troops will mainly be from China's PLA Western Theater Command and Russia's Eastern Military District. A total of over 10,000 members will be involved.

The exercise aims to further demonstrate the determination and ability of both sides to combat terrorist forces and jointly safeguard regional peace and security, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference last week.

All the Russian officers and soldiers participating in the drill have entered the exercise area after completing quarantine and medical observation according to China's epidemic-prevention regulations. All the preparatory work for the exercise has been completed.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China's public security ministry opposes U.S. Senate passing Xinjiang-related bill

Xinhua) 09:14, August 06, 2021

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security has voiced strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to a Xinjiang-related bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate.

The passage of the so-called Uygur Forced Labor Prevention Act is a further move by the United States to contain China by disrupting Xinjiang, the ministry said in a statement.

The claims such as "mass arbitrary detention," "torture" and "high-technology surveillance" are pure fabrications, it said, adding that these are meant to smear China, hold down relevant Chinese individuals and entities, interfere in China's internal affairs, and undermine Xinjiang's stability and development.

The statement pointed out that Xinjiang now enjoys economic prosperity, ethnic unity and harmony, social stability, and freedom of religious belief. People of various ethnic groups are living safe and happy lives in the region.

China's public security departments are committed to law-based crackdowns on all law violations and crimes, including terrorist and separatist activities. They will make utmost efforts to safeguard the basic rights of the people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including their rights to subsistence and development, the statement said.

The United States slanders China by maliciously accusing it of "violating human rights" for what are usual measures to prevent and contain crimes, it said.

By doing so, the United States' real intention is to bolster the terrorist and separatist forces of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement and instigate separatism and unrest in Xinjiang, it added.

"We reiterate that we will resolutely fight all sorts of illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguard Xinjiang's security and development interests," it said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Commentary: Cautious and confident, China can control spread of Delta variant

Xinhua) 09:19, August 06, 2021

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The recent spread of the highly infectious Delta variant of the novel coronavirus in many parts of China has highlighted the resilience of the country's epidemic-control system.

Based on the previous effective epidemic-control measures against COVID-19, China is prepared, cautiously and confidently, to bring the new spread under control.

Massive testing, targeted lockdowns, extensive contact tracing and quarantine are the tried and tested formula that has helped China contain the COVID-19 epidemic and sporadic resurgences. Now these measures are in full swing once again, as the country strives to flatten the curve of daily locally-transmitted cases caused by the Delta variant.

All 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland have urged residents not to go to medium- and high-risk areas for COVID-19 or leave the provinces where they live unless it is necessary. Within 10 days, three rounds of citywide mass testing were conducted in east China's Nanjing City, where the latest outbreak started when nine airport staff were infected with the Delta strain.

The Chinese people have shown strong solidarity and cooperation in combating the new outbreak, as they did in 2020. Nobody is safe from the virus until everybody is safe, and the best way out is to act as one.

Putting people's lives and health first, the Chinese leadership has shown strong mobilization power to tackle the Delta variant, employing more experience and resources than it had in early 2020.

The authorities follow the epidemic situation closely, maintaining a subtle balance between strict anti-virus measures and the normal social and economic life. The decision-making demonstrates respect for precision, stringency and flexibility.

China's tool kit also includes a large-scale vaccination program. As of Wednesday, more than 1.72 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered across China, according to the National Health Commission.

A preliminary study of 153 patients in Guangzhou's recent resurgence of cases, which was also triggered by the highly contagious Delta variant in May, shows that China's domestic vaccines are effective against the virus strain, said Chinese epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan.

Some encouraging news is emerging. The Chinese mainland reported 62 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, down from 71 on Tuesday. However, the Chinese government knows well that the development of the various clusters remains uncertain, and any laxity of mind should be set aside in the bid to curb the spread of the virus. Cool-headiness, composure and strong enforcement capabilities are more than welcome.

An anti-virus system centering on the people and supported by the people is the fundamental reason for China's confidence in its "Great Wall" against the Delta or any other variant.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Interview: RCEP marks beginning of new era for China-ASEAN ties, says Thai official

Xinhua) 09:35, August 06, 2021

BANGKOK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) marks the beginning of a new era for ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a Thai official has said.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, chairman of Thai prime minister's Security Advisory Committee, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the interaction between China and ASEAN started in 1991, when China was invited to the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bilateral relations have since gone smoothly, with continued progresses in cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, security, education, culture, and tourism, he said.

Bilateral trade has skyrocketed by 85 times during the past three decades, according to China's official data. In 2020, ASEAN became China's largest trading partner, while China has remained ASEAN's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years.

On the investment front, ASEAN has become one of China's major outbound investment destinations and sources of foreign direct investment.

In November 2020, the RCEP agreement was signed by its 15 participating countries including China and the 10 ASEAN members, creating a massive free trade zone covering roughly 30 percent of the world's gross domestic product, trade and population.

The RCEP marks "the beginning of a new era for China-ASEAN ties" and is a boon to trade and investment in not only Southeast Asia, but also the world, Panitan said.

He called on the RCEP participating countries to work together for the early entry into force and implementation of the agreement.

"We are hoping that this unprecedented multilateral cooperation will get a goal next year," said the official.

Pointing to the rapid economic growth of ASEAN and China, the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and many other new advancement between the two partners, Panitan said that bilateral ties are not only important for the region like in the past, but going to be significant for the international community.

"The future is quite bright ahead for China and ASEAN," he said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Latest COVID-19 outbreak in China can be soon contained: health official

Xinhua) 10:11, August 06, 2021

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a resident for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, Aug. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The latest resurgence of COVID-19 in China can be effectively contained in a short time if response measures are strictly enforced, a health official said Thursday.

"The COVID-19 epidemic in China is controllable now," said He Qinghua, a senior official with the National Health Commission, at a press conference in Beijing.

He acknowledged that the current wave of cases is more complicated and has put some strain on response efforts since it has multiple imported sources and has affected a wide range of places and people.

He noted that the governments of all affected places have adopted rigorous anti-epidemic measures, following a national epidemic control scheme and taking into account local situations.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Wuhan lab leak theory not confirmed by House Foreign Affairs Committee: U.S. media

Xinhua) 10:15, August 06, 2021

Photo taken on June 17, 2021 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The claim that House Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States concluded the coronavirus leaked from a Wuhan lab was dismissed in a fact-check report by the U.S. news magazine Newsweek on Tuesday.

The report said that the claim came after the addendum of the origins of COVID-19 report had been released, which was the result of a committee minority staff investigation led by Michael McCaul, a ranking member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.

However, the addendum was not representative of the views of the entire House Foreign Affairs Committee, but of minority Republican staff led by McCaul, according to the report.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Commentary: Washington is committing crimes against humanity

Xinhua) 10:22, August 06, 2021

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- As global COVID-19 cases crossed the gruesome 200-million mark on Thursday and new variants are fueling fresh surges, Washington is committing crimes against humanity by trying to take the world hostage in the battle to beat the cunning virus.

In recent weeks, the Delta variant has been ravaging Earth like a wildfire. Yet, some U.S. politicians are still seeking to hijack the world's COVID agenda and stage a witch hunt against China.

In their reckless bid to smear China and peddle the so-called "Wuhan lab leak" theory, those Washington politicians have gone increasingly insane.

They appoint intelligence agents instead of scientists to lead a taskforce to search for the origins of the virus; they parrot each other saying there is evidence for their conspiracy theories but always fail to present them simply because there isn't any; and they jump up and down to strong-arm other countries and the World Health Organization into accepting their lies.

Their self-serving calculations are too obvious to miss: to scapegoat China for their immense failure in controlling the outbreak within their own borders, to reject international origin tracing inside the United States, to find another excuse to suppress China and to score cheap personal political points.

The United States should have played a key role in rallying the global community to vanquish the deadly pathogen given the fact that it boasts the world's most advanced medical technologies and facilities as well as top-tier talents. However, under the watch of its political leaders, the world's sole superpower, which has produced the most infections and related deaths so far, has become a major source of infections worldwide, and a disruptor-in-chief of the world's anti-pandemic fight.

Had those politicians shown a little bit of respect for science, facts and, most of all, human lives, the 200-mln milestone could have been delayed or never arrived.

In America, there is a saying that every president is the antidote to the excesses of his predecessor. Many around the world once hoped that the current U.S. administration could shift away from the previous White House that was filled with liars. Yet it seems that Washington is still crowded with hypocrites and doctrinaires.

One case in point is Washington's hollow vaccine promise. While most countries are still struggling to deal with the new virus variants and the unequal distribution of vaccines, the U.S. government has already hoarded vaccine doses enough to cover its total populations several times over. Although the administration has pledged to help other countries with vaccines, its promise has largely stayed on paper.

Without a shadow of doubt, the world as a whole has paid a heavy price for Washington's political manipulation, and is mostly likely to suffer more.

As suspicions and tensions grow among different countries, the hard-won solidarity and consensus of the international community on jointly fighting the deadly pathogen are thrown into real jeopardy.

Meanwhile, with new variants emerging, the spread of this cunning disease is gaining momentum. It took more than one year for the virus to infect 100 million people, and only less than seven months to infect a second 100 million.

"It is a slaughter," William Foege, epidemiologist and former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, once said in a letter at the early days of the pandemic, denouncing the U.S. government for politicizing the fight against the deadly pathogen within the United States.

And now, by politicizing the fight against the pandemic on a global scale, the U.S. government is committing crimes against all humanity.

Those Washington politicians should be well aware that their preposterous China lies are dragging the whole world deeper into the abyss of this once-in-a-century pandemic. If they do not take back their manipulative hands fast and call off their viperous political scheme, they will one day be prosecuted for their high crimes against humanity.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China launches Zhongxing-2E satellite

Xinhua) 10:25, August 06, 2021

A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying the Zhongxing-2E satellite blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 6, 2021. The satellite has entered its preset orbit. Friday's launch was the 383rd mission of the Long March rocket series. (Photo by Guo Wenbin/Xinhua)

XICHANG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China sent the Zhongxing-2E satellite into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 0:30 a.m. Friday.

The satellite has entered its preset orbit.

Friday's launch was the 383rd mission of the Long March rocket series.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Xinjiang meteorological workers strive for rainbow forecast accuracy

Xinhua) 10:30, August 06, 2021

Photo taken on May 30, 2018 shows a double rainbow in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Wang Liping/Xinhua)

URUMQI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Wang Liping still remembers the first time she tracked a rainbow.

It was late in the afternoon on June 30, 2018, when she sat alone on a hilltop in Zhaosu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. She waited two hours until cloud clusters began to gather in the sky and raindrops began to fall.

Later, a partial rainbow appeared after the clouds cleared away.

"At that moment, I knew I had finally gotten what I really wanted. It was not just a rainbow, but a chance to prove the accuracy of my work," said the 33-year-old staffer at Zhaosu's meteorological bureau and a member of a rainbow forecast team of seven.

That day, she made a rainbow forecast report 10 hours in advance. It showed there was an 80 percent chance of rainbow occurrence and that they could be viewed from six locations across the county.

Every morning, either Wang or one of her colleagues spends 30 minutes making the day's rainbow forecast, including the possibility of rainbow occurrence and potential locations, after checking the weather forecast and cloud maps.

Their work is part of a broader effort by the bureau to develop the county's rainbow resources.

Zhaosu, located in a mountainous basin, sees frequent thundershowers during the summer. From June to August, convective clouds grow quickly into afternoon thundershowers, and there is always rain in the eastern sky while the sun sets in the west, creating the perfect conditions for rainbows.

According to Chen Chunyan, chief expert at the Xinjiang Meteorological Observatory, the requirements for rainbows include sufficient water vapor, clean air and a proper solar altitude. When sunlight encounters droplets, light is refracted, reflected and then refracted again before a rainbow appears.

Rainbows can be seen in Zhaosu almost 160 times from June to August, according to statistics provided by the bureau.

In 2017, photos capturing a double rainbow went viral on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo, racking up views and comments. Some netizens said they hoped to see the rare event in person.

Such comments caught the attention of Wang Yuan, now head of the county's meteorological bureau, prompting her to take a new look at rainbows, which were nothing new to her. She wondered what the bureau could do to make full use of its resources.

"Rainbow forecasting could be an effective means of achieving our purpose -- contributing to the development of local tourism, and then to its economic development," she said.

Over the years, Wang Yuan and her colleagues have been promoting the improvement of the rainbow forecast weather service.

They established the rainbow forecast team in March 2017 to include the service in their daily work.

New to rainbow forecasting, the team worked out technicalities from scratch. Every time a rainbow appeared, they took videos and photos, kept notes on details such as when a rainbow began and ended, its location, and cloud and solar orientation, and analyzed data to figure out the laws of rainbows.

Four months later, the team successfully forecast a rainbow two hours in advance. In June 2018, it officially launched the rainbow weather service, providing forecast reports to local authorities like the bureau of tourism and culture.

Its efforts have yielded positive results. The county's natural conditions and the team's work won Zhaosu the title of "Rainbow Capital of China" from the China Meteorological Administration in late 2019.

The team has to date established a "rainbow gene bank" containing data on over 1,000 rainbows, including pictures and related meteorological information. It has made more than 370 rainbow forecast reports.

More organizations and locals have joined the efforts.

This year, the bureau has started collaborating with a subsidiary of the China Meteorological Administration to develop a model that is considered a time saver and a step toward intelligent forecasting.

In recent years, many specialized forecasts have been made in Xinjiang, including rainbow forecasts, according to Chen. "The rainbow forecast model itself is useful, but it will not be easy to improve its accuracy further in the future."

"We will continue to collect data and work with related organizations to improve the model in the hopes of gaining a higher forecasting accuracy rate and contributing to local tourism," said Wang Yuan.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Fighter bombers in 24-hour flight

China Military Online) 11:03, August 06, 2021

A fighter bomber attached to a naval aviation brigade under the PLA Southern Theater Command takes off for a round-the-clock flight training exercise on July 29, 2021. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Nie Haifei)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Philippine influencers call for probe into U.S. Fort Detrick biolab

Xinhua) 11:25, August 06, 2021

MANILA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Philippine influencers have launched an online petition, urging the international community to seriously look into the role of the Fort Detrick laboratory in the United States in the global spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Herman Laurel, a columnist for social news website Sovereign P.H., said the World Health Organization (WHO) should probe the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Fort Detrick, Maryland.

"This biological laboratory suffered a laboratory incident in July 2019, causing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to shut down the facility in August 2019 due to 'serious safety violations,'" Laurel said.

He said the facility was ordered closed after it disposed of "dangerous materials believed to have caused strange 'vaping sickness' and the 'strange flu' in the U.S. at that time."

Laurel added there are plenty of serious and credible reports raised by experts of different countries pointing to the COVID-19 incidences in their territories much earlier than the end of 2019.

"The logical direction is to widen the search net as much as possible to get to the bottom of where the so-called patient zero originated," said the petition, adding that "To this day, Fort Detrick remains too dangerous a mystery to be ignored by WHO experts."

The online campaign, which has amassed hundreds of signatures so far, also calls on "certain countries" to stop politicizing COVID-19.

"We, therefore, affix our marks to this appeal, hopeful that in joining millions around the globe seeking a common ground to allow science, not politics and not racism, to rule," said the petition.

Former Philippine diplomat to Washington and book author Adolfo Paglinawan said that politicizing the virus "leads to an information war."

Paglinawan warned the "info-demics are moving at a get-go to preempt the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," adding that there is "no vaccine for a virus called racism."

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China, UN provide protective equipment to Botswana to help fight pandemic

Xinhua) 13:02, August 06, 2021

GABORONE, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday donated personal protective equipment to Botswana to assist the country in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The donation could not have come at a better time than now when the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic is higher, in the process stretching our healthcare facilities and resources to the limit. Our frontliners have never been this strained and overwhelmed," said Edwin Dikoloti, Botswana's minister of health and wellness, after the handover ceremony in Gaborone.

No country can be "immune" from the pandemic, said the minister, adding that COVID-19 vaccines should be available to everyone.

Wang Xuefeng, China's ambassador to Botswana, said during the ceremony that he believes these supplies, a gesture of friendship from China and the UNFPA, will meet Botswana's urgent need and help the bravest frontline health workers protect themselves while fighting against the pandemic.

For the common interest of the international community, the origin-tracing of the virus should not be manipulated by politics, the ambassador said, noting that it is a major and complex scientific issue, and requires the collaboration of scientists around the world.

"We can lose no time in strengthening international vaccine cooperation to save lives rather than political manipulation and finger-pointing," he added.

Botswana has reported 122,574 confirmed cases with 1,704 deaths as of Thursday.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Anti-China animosity mars next stage of coronavirus origin study: commissioner of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR

Xinhua) 16:00, August 06, 2021

HONG KONG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Politicizing the COVID-19 pandemic and weaponizing the origin tracing will mar the next stage of coronavirus origin study plan, Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said Friday in an article published in the South China Morning Post.

A joint study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this year concluded that the introduction of the coronavirus through a laboratory incident was extremely unlikely, and the study pointed the way for the next stage of joint origin tracing in multiple countries and regions under a global framework, Liu said.

However, politicians of some countries turned a blind eye to the study and kept spreading the anti-China political virus, Liu said.

Those politicians from the beginning have politicized the pandemic, stigmatized China with terms such as "Wuhan virus" and weaponized origin tracing to bash China, Liu said, adding that a few have even peddled the so-called lab leak theory.

China will never accept any origin-tracing plan that is a political move to discredit it instead of a scientific one to identify the origins of the virus, Liu said.

Liu reiterated the three points made by China in response to the "lab leak theory."

First, before Dec. 30, 2019, the Wuhan Institute of Virology had not come into contact with, preserved or studied Sars-CoV-2. Second, the institute has never designed, manufactured or leaked the virus. Third, none of the institute's staff members or graduate students have ever been infected with the virus.

Recently, The Lancet published an open letter from 24 scientists, reiterating that the virus most likely originated in nature and not in a laboratory, Liu said, stressing that origin tracing is a serious scientific matter.

China firmly supports science-based origin study and has participated in relevant international cooperation in an open manner, but it opposes any politicizing, he said.

Going forward, the study should build on the initial research and stay committed to the spirit of science and undistracted by politics, Liu said.

The focus should be on tracing animal origins and investigating early cases in multiple countries and regions based on extensive consultations among WHO members, Liu said.

It remains the top priority of the international community to work together to control the virus, reignite the economy, protect livelihoods and promote fair and equitable vaccine distribution to developing countries, Liu said.

The virus does not respect borders and scapegoating gets one nowhere, he said, emphasizing that cooperation is the right way forward.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Commentary: U.S. arms sales to Taiwan -- dirty deal, dangerous provocation

Xinhua) 16:12, August 06, 2021

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department recently staged another dangerous provocation against China by approving an arms deal worth 750 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan, an inalienable part of China's territory.

Washington's flagrant move grossly violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the Aug. 17 Communique, all of which the United States has pledged to adhere to.

The China-U.S. relationship now faces rising tensions. This first arms deal to Taiwan since the current U.S. administration took power cast another ominous shadow over relations between the two countries, and will further damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Such a vicious move came just days after U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's visit to China, during which she expressed the hope that the United States and China would take joint actions to improve bilateral relations, and reiterated that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence." Clearly, Washington is not keeping these commitments.

The approval of the deal also represents a perilous provocation against China. It lays bare Washington's ill intent to contain China's development. Being fully aware that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests, the U.S. government, which has been obsessed with regarding China as a potential challenger to its pursuit of hegemony in the Asia-Pacific, has habitually played the "Taiwan card" as an old cheap trick to suppress China.

In the meantime, Washington also sells hardware to Taiwan for monetary and political gain. It is an open secret that Washington politicians have long been ardent to act as salesmen for America's military industrial complex. This is how they can trade for financial support from companies like Lockheed Martin in extremely costly elections back home.

There is no way that Washington's repeated provocation can shake Beijing's determination to realize China's national reunification.

Even with the U.S. weapons, those "Taiwan independence" forces should not harbor the illusion that they have any chance of separating the island from China. In fact, they should sober up to the fact that the U.S. arms sales are nothing but an invitation of humiliation for themselves and danger for Taiwan.

The Chinese military has recently made it loud and clear that it will be on high alert and take all necessary measures to foil any attempt from those seeking "Taiwan independence."

As Chinese President Xi Jinping said last month at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China, no one should underestimate the great resolve, strong will, and extraordinary ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The reunification of China is unstoppable and therefore just a matter of time. Anyone who seeks to deny China's development and to stand in the way of China's reunification will only be met with Beijing's resolute counter-measures.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Hey America! Now it is your turn

16:40, August 06, 2021 By Liu Ning, Xian Jiangnan, Wei Qingcheng, Ning Jing ( People's Daily Online

For some time, some people in the US have made coronavirus origin tracing a political issue, doing everything they can to cast unreasonable suspicions on China. But when it comes to how and when the novel coronavirus started spreading in their own country, they remain silent.

Now the big question still remains: Why did the U.S. close Fort Detrick?

Let's turn the clock back two years. In July 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered Fort Detrick to halt all research. At almost the same time, unexplained pneumonia outbreaks appeared in two nursing homes near the research base. Two months later, in Maryland, where Fort Detrick is located, the number of patients with EVALI, e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury, had doubled. And several thousand cases of pneumonia with symptoms extremely similar to those of the COVID-19 pneumonia were reported in several U.S. states.

Oh, and one more thing: in a recent study of 250 chest CT scans from 142 EVALI patients, scientists found that 16 involved viral infections. This means they probably had COVID-19. All 16 cases were from the US.

So, what is the connection between Fort Detrick and this pneumonia of unknown cause? How many EVALI patients are actually COVID-19 patients? Why does the CDC still refuse to reveal the reason for why the base was closed? What's the hidden secret behind the whole affair?

COVID-19 source tracing should be conducted across multiple countries, not just a single nation. The U.S. should be one of the priority countries in the next stage of scientists' investigations.

All I'm saying is, America, it's time for you to open your door to investigations by international scientists. The global community has many questions that need answering.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
There is something rather special about a grandfather clock, beating the time in your grandparents hallway. As a child, I was slightly intimidated by my grandparents clock with its dark wood and looming height, but it also fascinated me as I would stand there patiently waiting for it to strike the hour. The rhythmic tick-tock became part of my childhood as I eventually grew old enough and tall enough to read the time.



The new Lebru X Silbertstein KB2 Clock looks nothing like a grandfather clock, but its concept is the same, and that is to become part of the family, keeping everyone on time, but also bearing witness to a family that grows and evolves over the years.

KB2 Clock  M.A.D. Gallery

In France, between the 17th and 20th centuries, a grandfather clock was a popular choice of gift when a couple got married. Several family members or friends would contribute to its purchase and their names would be engraved into the clock as a reminder of their friendship and the important day.



The Lebru X Silberstein Kontwaz Bauhaus 2 (or KB2 for short) is a co-creation between two French watchmaking legends  Alain Silberstein and Philippe Lebru  who have joined forces in the creation of a fun and colourful timekeeper that is set to bring the grandfather clock back into our lives.

Alain Silberstein and Philippe Lebru  M.A.D. Gallery

Alain Silberstein

Alain Silberstein is a renowned watch designer who came from an interior design and architecture background before becoming fascinated with watches. He reached horological stardom in the 1990s with his avant-garde geometric wristwatches in red, blue and yellow that were a world away from the traditional horology of the day.



Following the closure of his eponymous brand a few years ago, he has since put his energies into different collaborations, such as MB&F  with the LM1 Silberstein and the HM2.2 Black Box Performance Art  and Louis Erard with Le Regulateur Louis Erard x Alan Silberstein, and now the KB2 with Philippe Lebru and Utinam.

Philippe Lebru, Utinam

Philippe Lebru is the founder of Utinam in Besancon, a clock manufacture in this UNESCO heritage region, and is the name behind many award-winning contemporary pendulum clocks, such as Hortence, Lala, and Pop Up. Lebru received the Grand Prix at the Lepine competition in Paris, as well as the gold medal in clockmaking at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in 2005. He has also created several monumental clocks for public spaces in Switzerland and Japan.

KB2 Clock  M.A.D. Gallery

The KB2

The KB2 is a standing pendulum clock with an eight-day power reserve that stands at two metres high, but can also be mounted on a wall. It combines Silbersteins iconic, colourful and geometric design with Lebrus Pop Up clock. Silberstein didnt change the architecture of the movement, but he paid attention to the overall aesthetic with different finishings and shapes that result in a highly contemporary object.

KB2 Clock  M.A.D. Gallery

The KB2 is wound with a key that has a free-wheel system and works much like with an old pocket watch. It also has a safety function so even the kids can wind it (with adult supervision, of course). And the bright red pendulum has also been designed to be just out of the reach of cats, who apparently caused havoc with the prototypes!



The KB2 is available at the M.A.D Art Galleries in Geneva, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Taipei, so wherever you live, there is a KB2 waiting to be welcomed into your home!






On August 8, overlook paddy fields located in Guiyuan village, Leqiao town, Lujiang county in Hefei, capital of Anhui province and you will see a splendid painting of the emblem of the Communist Party of China and numbers and Chinese characters made by colorful paddy rice.



Local farmers reshaped the paddies covering nearly 100 mu into various patterns and they also set up viewing platforms which make it convenient for tourists to visit.

In recent years, based on ecological development and reviving treasure embedded in culture, local authorities have been focusing on the development of diverse patterns of one town one industry, one village one product, building a distinctive beautiful countryside landscape and promoting rural revitalization.

(By Yang Zixuan)
By Zhang Hong

Recently, Russia is busy having joint military exercises with China and India respectively. These exercises, reported by Russian media, reflect new changes in Moscows diplomatic policy and are strategically significant.

The relation between Russia and the West has kept deteriorating since Biden took office. The US has not only besieged Russia in military but also frequently interfered in its internal affairs on the excuse of human rights, freedom and democracy. Therefore, Russia attached more importance to its eastward diplomacy, especially the relations with Asian countries like China and India.

After the Ukraine crisis in 2014, the US-led NATO, seeing Russia as a chief security threat, has held frequent large-scale military exercises around the country and provided military assistance to Ukraine, further complicating the geo-security environment in east Europe. In response to the Wests military challenges, Moscow began to strengthen military interactions with partners like Beijing and New Delhi, and held regular joint exercises to demonstrate its military strengths and enhance its ability to deal with regional security crises.

Specifically speaking, first, the joint military exercises are aimed at enhancing Russia's influence as a major power. Due to the Biden administration, the economic collaboration between Russia and the European Union (EU) gradually sees cracks and more doubts on the Russia emerge within the EU.

To fight against the West's security pressure and diplomatic isolation, Putin decided to strengthen the ties with the East, and consolidating the relations with China and India is a key part. Russia unveiled its new National Security Strategy in July, which explicitly displayed the close attention paid by Russia to its relations with China and India, as it stressed the importance of "forming a reliable mechanism of regional stability and security guarantee in the Asia Pacific on the basis of non-alliance". The separate joint military exercises with China and India will help Russia break the strategic containment and diplomatic isolation imposed by the West.

Second, the joint military exercises can showcase Russias military strengths. After the end of the Cold War, Russia inherited the advanced military industry from the Soviet Union, which was the most solid material foundation for maintaining its position as a major country. Since Biden took office, NATO continued to expand eastward and began to approach the Crimea peninsula, driving bilateral relations to the verge of war. On June 23, British warships entered Russia's littoral waters for patrol regardless of warnings issued by the Russian military, which then fired shells to warn the intruders.

The pressure from NATO has prompted Moscow to not only accelerate its military modernization but also intensify the interaction with strategic partners including China and India. The joint military exercise is a key part of the military collaboration among strategic partners as well as an important way of showcasing Russia's military strengths and deterring the enemy from taking any risk. During the Indo-Russia joint military exercise, Exercise INDRA 2021, Moscow displayed its latest naval frigates and combined assault capability. Russian media also reported that their Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has been invited to view the exercise in Ningxia, China. The two exercises reflect new dynamics in Russias diplomacy and demonstrate its capability of strategic coordination with China and India.

Third, the joint military exercises will help resist American hegemonism. After the Cold War, the US, leveraged on its economic, technological and military strengths, has not only tried to force its values upon other countries and blatantly interfered in the internal affairs of other sovereign states through unilateral sanction, but has also overthrown foreign regimes through military means.

As member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO), Russia, China and India are all important forces in safeguarding world peace and multilateralism. Weve always advocated respecting the UNs dominant position in international affairs, and opposed major countries interfering in others internal affairs on the excuse of human rights and security and forcing their political systems and values on others. No other international organizations, much less military alliances, can shake the UNs lead over international affairs. The best way to prevent the US from military interference is to enhance our own military capabilities, expand the influence of multilateralism and fortify the resistance against Americas hegemonism and unilateralism through strategic collaboration with partners.

China and India have made united efforts to effectively control their divergences despite their territorial disputes. The two countries share similar stances on preserving regional peace and promoting a multilateral international order. Russias balanced strategic cooperation with them in a way boosts the tripartite strategic stability and makes the strategic interaction possible.

(The author is a researcher at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European & Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

Editor's note: This article is originally published on huanqiu.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.


UN inspectors are checking the helicopters electric winch. (81.cn/Photo by Yu Hao)

By Ma Yichong, Zhang Yandong

KHARTOUM, Aug.6 -- China's first batch of peacekeeping helicopter contingent to Abyei, Sudan passed the equipment inspection conducted by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) since its deployment with high standards on August 4.

The equipment inspection, which lasted nearly one month, included the check-on-arrival of general equipment and self-sustained equipment, and the helicopters.

The equipment of the Chinese peacekeeping contingent is in very good condition. They have strong maintenance capability and complete amenities and facilities, setting a new peak for equipment inspection in the mission area, said the head of the UN check team.

According to Colonel Chu Zhiqin, commanding officer of the contingent, we want not only to pass the inspection, but also to improve our ability of equipment maintenance in the field, and to check our self-protecting ability during the mission.

It is learned that China's first peacekeeping helicopter contingent to Abyei consists of three companies, responsible for air patrol, battle field reconnaissance, transportation of the injured, personnel transportation, and material delivery.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday offered an 18-month "safe haven" to thousands of Hong Kong residents to remain living in the U.S. rather than to face repression by being deported to the Chinese-controlled territory.

Biden assailed Beijing's 14-month crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and said it was in "compelling" U.S. foreign policy interests to allow Hong Kong residents to stay and work in the U.S.

The precise number of people affected by the order was not immediately clear, but a senior Biden administration official said most of the 330,000 Hong Kong residents living in the U.S. are likely eligible to stay, excepting any people who have been convicted of serious criminal offenses.

In his order, Biden said at least 100 opposition politicians, activists, and protesters have been detained by the Chinese during the last year on an array of allegations, while more than 10,000 individuals have been arrested for other charges in connection with anti-government protests.

"The United States is committed to a foreign policy that unites our democratic values with our foreign policy goals, which is centered on the defense of democracy and the promotion of human rights around the world," Biden said.

"Offering safe haven for Hong Kong residents who have been deprived of their guaranteed freedoms in Hong Kong furthers United States interests in the region," the U.S. leader added. "The United States will not waver in our support of people in Hong Kong."


Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asan Nations have appointed Brunei diplomat Erywan Yusof as its special envoy to military-ruled Myanmar.

The 10-member regional bloc has tasked Erywan, his country's second foreign minister, with the goal of mediating an end to the 7-month-old crisis that began when the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi and her civilian government, just three months after her National League for Democracy party scored a landslide victory in general elections.

The military junta claimed widespread electoral fraud as a reason for overthrowing Suu Kyi's government. The takeover triggered anti-coup demonstrations across the country, which the military responded to by launching a brutal crackdown that has left more than 900 protesters and bystanders dead, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which tracks casualties and arrests in Myanmar.
After zero COVID cases at its youth shelters for about six months, Connections Individual an
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Indiana would see about $6.6 billion in additional highway funding and hundreds of millions more for bridges, public transportation, broadband and more if the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now under consideration in the U.S. Senate becomes law.

The $550 billion plan was agreed to by President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators last week, and it could receive a vote as early as this weekend. Coupled with $450 million in already approved spending, the infrastructure package totals $1 trillion.

Earlier this week, the White House released state-by-state fact sheets showing additional spending from the $550 billion package. It shows Indiana would receive $6.6 billion for federal-aid highway programs and $401 million for bridge replacement and repair.

Public transportation systems in Indiana would see an additional $682 million through existing formula-based programs, and the state also could expect $100 million over five years to support the expansion of its electric vehicle, or EV, charging network.

The act also includes assistance for broadband internet service expansion. Indiana would receive a minimum of $100 million to help improve service, including by providing broadband access to the 217,000 Hoosiers who currently lack it. Further, an estimated 1.6 million people in Indiana would be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

Watch Now: Riding Shotgun With NWI Paramedics

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also includes competitive grant programs that could provide additional funding for road and internet infrastructure.

The Senate voted 67-32 July 28 to begin debate on the bill. U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., was among the 17 Republicans voting to open the bill to debate and amendment.

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As the Crossroads of America, Indiana understands the need for federal investment in our crumbling infrastructure, especially with nearly 5,500 miles of Hoosier highways in poor condition, Young said in announcing his decision. Thats why I voted today to formally begin debate on a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Weve made a lot of progress so far on an historic investment in our nations core infrastructure that will be fully paid for without raising taxes. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we sand and polish the final product.

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, also a Republican, signed onto a statement with six colleagues opposing the bill.

"Congress cant keep spending trillions of dollars we dont have, they said. The infrastructure package announced today continues the trend in Congress of insane deficit spending. Lets not forget, this is just the first step in the Democrats plan to pass their $5.5 trillion tax and spend liberal wish list.  Needless to say, we will not support this legislation.

Major spending in the package includes $110 billion for highways, $65 billion for broadband, $73 billion to modernize the nations electric grid, $25 billion for airports, $55 billion for waterworks, more than $50 billion to bolster infrastructure against cyberattacks and climate change and $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations.

Supporters say the five-year spending package would be paid for by tapping $205 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief aid and $53 billion in unemployment insurance aid some states have halted. It also relies on economic growth to bring in $56 billion, as well as other measures.

A Congressional Budget Office report released Thursday suggests the package, paired with $450 billion in infrastructure spending already approved, would add $256 billion to the federal deficit over 10 years, but supporters said the CBO evaluation did not include significant revenues and savings the investment will produce.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NWI Business Ins and Outs: Schoop's, Shark's and Aldo close in Southlake Mall; Segway course and Harry Potter attraction come to mall
Ensure 'ayuda' during lockdown - Bong Revilla

As the National Capital Region (NCR) reimposes a two-week Enhanced Community Quarantine from August 6 to 20, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. reminded the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of Malacanang's commitment to provide cash aid, more popularly referred to as 'ayuda', to those who would be affected. In the President's talk to the people earlier in the week, President Rodrigo Duterte assured that affected individuals in Metro Manila will receive one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) each, with a maximum four thousand pesos (P4,000.00) per family.

Equally important, the lawmaker stressed the crucial cooperation between the National Government and the various Local Government Units (LGUs) so that the 'ayuda' is distributed efficiently, reaching those who are most in need in a timely manner.

"Dalawang linggong lockdown na naman po ito sa Metro Manila. We need to go through this so we have hope against the resurgence of COVID-19 and its emerging variants," the solon said. "Marami na naman tayong kababayan na mawawalan ng pagkakakitaan bunga ng lockdown na ito. Kailangan makaabot sa kanila ang tulong ng pamahalaan agad-agad dahil karamihan, isang-kahig isang tuka," he explained.

Revilla challenged the DSWD to work even more effectively with LGUs so that the downloading of the financial aid properly.
Community Bank has recently presented over $20,000 in grants to four community-based organizations throughout Mississippi. Community Bank sponsored Sacred Heart Southern Missions Housing Corporation in Southaven.
Shock and grief have gripped students and staff at Kagumo Teachers Training College in Nyeri County after the institutions Deputy Principal committed suicide.

Cyrus Ndirangu reportedly hanged himself at Mathari Consolata Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after an earlier attempt to take his life.

Nyeri police boss Paul Kuria said Ndirangu was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday evening after ingesting an unknown poison in his house located at the college.

The teacher was rushed by his colleagues after ingesting an unknown poison, however, he sneaked out at night while under treatment and committed suicide by hanging himself on the cloth line, Kuria said.

He said police have launched investigations to establish circumstances that might have driven Ndirangu to take his own life.

Already we have sent sleuths to the facility to investigate how he died. We are awaiting reports from our officers,  Kuria said.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has implored Interior Permanent Secretary Karanja Kibicho to stay away from the media.

Speaking Thursday morning, Governor Mutua said the PS should desist from address issues touching on the government. He said it is the work of Government Spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna to speak out for the government.

This comes after PS Kibicho spoke out on Deputy President William Rutos botched trip to Uganda.

Kibicho is a good friend of mine and I know he is being attacked as the PS for the ministry of interior. But that is why you got a government spokesperson. Kibicho should keep off media. Let the minister and the PS for interior keep off media, he told Citizen TV.

According to Mutua, PS Kibicho is making himself a target of political attacks by engaging in such matters.

You need to be felt and not seen. Let your power be the power that is felt by your work and machinations. Because that poses him as a target and it looks like Kibicho is against Deputy President William Ruto or these other guys, Mutua added.
Dickson Njanja Mararo, the man facing three counts of attempted murder over the shooting of two police officers and a woman at Quiver Lounge in Nairobi, has been granted bail.

Milimani Magistrate Esther Kimilu released the accused on a cash bail of Ksh5 million with an alternative bond of Ksh10 million.

The court, however, denied Dickson Mararu certain privileges in return for his freedom.

The magistrate directed Mararo to deposit his passports with the court and give one contact person.

Kimilu also ordered relevant agencies to never issue the trader with any other firearm until the case is heard and determined.

I hereby grant bail on condition that the suspect should not interfere in any way with the crucial witnesses, directly or indirectly, the court added.

The court also heard that one of the victims, Police Constable Festus Musyoka, is still in ICU, with his hospital bill now standing at Ksh5.7 million.

Through his lawyer Cliff Ombeta, the accused said that he would try to settle the matter out of court.

The case will be mentioned on September 30.
Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has told off Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua for dragging him and Interior CS Fred Matiangi in his(Gachagua) fraud case.

According to Gachagua, Kibicho and Matiangi orchestrated his recent arrest and subsequent arraignment over a Ksh7.4 billion graft case. He claimed that the two officials at the Interior Ministry are on a political witch-hunt for lawmakers allied to Deputy President William Ruto.

But speaking on NTV on Wednesday, PS Kibicho accused Gachagua of peddling lies on national television.

He claimed that Gachagua was using the same old-fashioned tactics that he used when he was Molo District Officer in the late President Daniel Arap Mois regime.

Gachagua is an old DO who used rungus during their regime. He has forgotten that when we changed the Constitution, everyone was poised to be accountable for their actions, stated Kibicho.

He keeps thinking that the recklessness continued. I want to tell him that it stopped. He needs to grow up and stop being reckless. He has issues with his own people of Nyeri who stated that he embezzled funds. Let him deal with that and desist from dragging Kibicho and CS Matiangi in it.

PS Kibicho added that the Interior Ministry will not take any action against the MP over his claims.

That is what he is looking for. We will not engage him even as he keeps telling lies on TV, the PS added
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Navalnys associate restricted of liberty for year breaching sanitary rules at rally

 The Basmanny District Court, Moscow city news agency

12:01 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  Moscows Preobrazhensky District Court on Friday sentenced Nikolay Lyaskin, an ally of convicted blogger Alexey Navalny, to 1 year of supervised release for abetting to breaching sanitary and epidemiological rules at an unauthorized rally held in the city in January, the courts press service told RAPSI.

On August 4, the court sentenced one more defendant Lyubov Sobol to 1.5-year restriction of liberty.

According to police, coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among participants of the Moscow rally. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact.




Leader of 1990s Moscow gang sentenced to nearly 25 years behind bars

 flickr.com/ meesh

13:17 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Friday sentenced Sergey Zakharov, the leader of a Moscow gang accused of committing murders in the 1990s, to 24 years and 11 months to high-security penal colony as prosecutors requested, the courts press service told RAPSI.

Earlier, jurors found the defendant guilty of two counts of arms trafficking, murder of two people for personal gain by an organized group.

The jury found that in the 1990s Zakharov organized and led an armed gang. In September 1995, he ordered the murder of a member of another Moscow criminal group and paid killers $2,500 for this crime. Moreover, he gave them $12,000 for killing one of the members of his gang.

However, jurors acquitted him of kidnapping, money extortion and one more murder.




Gerald Wesley Donovan of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, July 31st. Gerald was surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, daughter Mary Lanham, and sons Wesley and Ryan along with their families, his siblings, and many of his grandchildren.



Gerald was born on October 31, 1948 to the late Daphne and Fred Donovan. Gerald attended Calvert High School, Baltimore College of Commerce, Prince George's Community College, and University of Maryland.



Gerald is survived by his wife Mary E. Donovan of Chesapeake Beach, sons Wesley and wife Julie of Dunkirk, Ryan and husband Erik of New York City, Roger O'Dell of Drum Point, daughters Mary Lanham and husband Mike of Dunkirk, and Veronica Fleming and husband Ricky of Flinton, Pennsylvania. He is survived by sisters Joan Kilmon of Huntingtown, Gail Harkins of Chesapeake Beach, Diane Harrison and husband Griffith of Huntingtown, brother Freddie Donovan and wife Carol of Chesapeake Beach. Thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive Gerald. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Addison Donovan and son Ricky O'Dell.



Gerald was a humble man who loved to serve. As a young man, he was on active duty in the US Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971. He was a former president and a lifetime member of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Gerald graduated from Leadership Maryland, was an executive committee member of the Maryland Tourism Board, and a board member of the Maryland Restaurant Association. He served a term as chairman of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee and initiated the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum.



One of his proudest accomplishments was starting the Cancer Gala/Celebration of Life along with his brother Freddie in memory of their father, Fred. Together, they raised more than $4 million dollars in thirty years of events for the American Cancer Society. In 2011, Mary and Gerald received The American Cancer Society's Award of Excellence for Income Development in honor of their efforts during the thirty years of the event.



Gerald served on the Chesapeake Beach town council from 1976 to 1983. After being appointed mayor in 1983, he went on to be elected for six straight terms as mayor from 1984 until 2008, when he retired after thirty-two years of service. As mayor, many of his accomplishments are enjoyed by thousands of residents and guests every year: the Water Park, the Railway Trail, Bayfront Park, the town's annual fireworks display, and Veterans Memorial Park. Gerald loved the Christmas season and was able to garner support from the town council to light the entire town with festive lights and displays. After he retired from his mayorship, he loved to drive around town looking at the new sidewalks, the decorative light poles with the hanging baskets full of flowers, all the while listening to Motown. As mayor, he would often tell people it's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't worry who gets the credit for it.



He loved Chesapeake Beach more than anywhere else, knew its history better than anyone, and made it his mission as mayor to put Chesapeake Beach back on the map, just as Otto Mears did in 1900. He was a teacher of all things business and Chesapeake Beach to those around him, like his grandfather Wesley Stinnett had been to him.



Gerald gave so much to our community, where he set forth his vision for The Rod 'N' Reel Resort. Always a visionary, he was so proud of his life's work. He felt immense gratitude to those who helped him fulfill his dreams. He loved coming to work every day and as he often said, "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." He truly loved what he did.



A funeral procession escorted by Calvert County Sheriff's Department and the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department will depart St. Anthony's Church in North Beach at 1:30pm on Saturday, August 7th. They will travel along Rt. 261, passing many of Gerald's favorite locations in Chesapeake Beach, circle through the Rod 'N' Reel parking lot before heading west on Rt. 260. If you wish to pay tribute to Gerald as the procession makes its way through Chesapeake Beach, we invite you to stand along Rt. 261 somewhere between the St. Anthony's Church and the Rod 'N' Reel. Chesapeake Beach Town Hall, restaurants Trader's and 1936 will have flags to pass out for when the procession passes by.



There will be a private family service by invitation and a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to One Breath at a Time, Inc.'s Butterfly House, which provides room and board for families during the lung transplant process. www.onebreathatatime.net.


MARIETTA, Ga.(BUSINESS WIRE)Wrench Group, LLC ("Wrench"), a national leader in home services, announced that Boothe's Heating, Air & Plumbing, based in Hollywood, Md., has joined the company's family of regional brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.



The transaction expands the Wrench Group presence into the Mid-Atlantic region. Boothe's was founded in 1993 and provides a wide array of services for homeowners in southern Maryland, including heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, plumbing and drains.



"Boothe's has built a reputation of outstanding customer service and rapid response from certified technicians over their nearly three decades in business," said Ken Haines, Wrench Group CEO. "Their track record of growth is a perfect match for Wrench Group as we move into the mid-Atlantic for the first time."



"Joining the Wrench Group family is a major milestone for us, as they embody the same values of excellence that I founded our business upon," said Wayne Boothe, president and owner of Boothe's. "Wrench's technology and operations support will enable us to grow more efficiently while providing the same high level of service that our customers have come to rely on."



Boothe's will retain its local leadership and management, and continue to operate under its current brand. They currently have over 115 team members and serve approximately 25,000 clients across southern Maryland, with a service area that spans from the southeast Washington D.C. suburbs to Point Lookout, from the Potomac River across to the Chesapeake Bay.



About Wrench Group



Wrench Group, LLC is a national leader operating under 22 brands in 16 markets across the United States. The locations provide home repair, replacement and maintenance services specializing in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, water, and electrical services. The company collectively serves more than 1.1 million customers annually with over 3,600 team members in the Atlanta, Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Fort Myers-Naples, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Louisville, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, southern Maryland and Tampa Bay metropolitan areas. The locations have developed strong reputations with brands that date back to the 1940s. For more information, please visit us at www.wrenchgroup.com.
NASAs Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) imaged about 75% of the sky during its two-year-long primary mission. This plot dissolves between the TESS sky map and a mass map constructed by combining TESS measurements of 158,000 oscillating red giant stars with their distances, established by ESAs (the European Space Agencys) Gaia mission. The prominent band in both images is the Milky Way, which marks the central plane of our galaxy. In the mass map, green, yellow, orange, and red show where giant stars average more than 1.4 times the Suns mass. Such stars evolve faster than the Sun, becoming giants at younger ages. The close correspondence of higher-mass giants with the plane of the Milky Way, which contains our galaxy's spiral arms, demonstrates that it contains many young stars. Credit: NASA/MIT/TESS and Ethan Kruse (USRA), M. Hon et al., 2021

Using observations from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have identified an unprecedented collection of pulsating red giant stars all across the sky.

These stars, whose rhythms arise from internal sound waves, provide the opening chords of a symphonic exploration of our galactic neighborhood.

TESS primarily hunts for worlds beyond our solar system, also known as exoplanets. But its sensitive measurements of stellar brightness make TESS ideal for studying stellar oscillations, an area of research called asteroseismology.

Hon presented the research during the second TESS Science Conference, an event supported by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge - held virtually from Aug. 2 to 6 - where scientists discuss all aspects of the mission. The Astrophysical Journal has accepted a paper describing the findings, led by Hon.

This visualization shows the new sample of oscillating red giant stars (colored dots) discovered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The colors map to each 24-by-96-degree swath of the sky observed during the mission's first two years. The view then changes to show the positions of these stars within our galaxy, based on distances determined by ESA's (the European Space Agency's) Gaia mission. The scale shows distances in kiloparsecs, each equal to 3,260 light-years, and extends nearly 20,000 light-years from the Sun.

Credits: Credit: Kristin Riebe, Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam



Sound waves traveling through any object - a guitar string, an organ pipe, or the interiors of Earth and the Sun - can reflect and interact, reinforcing some waves and canceling out others. This can result in orderly motion called standing waves, which create the tones in musical instruments.

Just below the surfaces of stars like the Sun, hot gas rises, cools, and then sinks, where it heats up again, much like a pan of boiling water on a hot stove. This motion produces waves of changing pressure - sound waves - that interact, ultimately driving stable oscillations with periods of a few minutes that produce subtle brightness changes. For the Sun, these variations amount to a few parts per million. Giant stars with masses similar to the Sun's pulsate much more slowly, and the corresponding brightness changes can be hundreds of times greater.

Oscillations in the Sun were first observed in the 1960s. Solar-like oscillations were detected in thousands of stars by the French-led Convection, Rotation and planetary Transits (CoRoT) space telescope, which operated from 2006 to 2013. NASA's Kepler and K2 missions, which surveyed the sky from 2009 to 2018, found tens of thousands of oscillating giants. Now TESS extends this number by another 10 times.

"With a sample this large, giants that might occur only 1% of the time become pretty common," said co-author Jamie Tayar, a Hubble Fellow at the University of Hawaii. "Now we can start thinking about finding even rarer examples."

The physical differences between a cello and a violin produce their distinctive voices. Similarly, the stellar oscillations astronomers observe depend on each star's interior structure, mass, and size. This means asteroseismology can help determine fundamental properties for large numbers of stars with accuracies not achievable in any other way.

"Our initial result, using stellar measurements across TESS's first two years, shows that we can determine the masses and sizes of these oscillating giants with precision that will only improve as TESS goes on," said Marc Hon, a NASA Hubble Fellow at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. "What's really unparalleled here is that TESS's broad coverage allows us to make these measurements uniformly across almost the entire sky."

When stars similar in mass to the Sun evolve into red giants, the penultimate phase of their stellar lives, their outer layers expand by 10 or more times. These vast gaseous envelopes pulsate with longer periods and larger amplitudes, which means their oscillations can be observed in fainter and more numerous stars.

TESS monitors large swaths of the sky for about a month at a time using its four cameras. During its two-year primary mission, TESS covered about 75% of the sky, each camera capturing a full image measuring 24-by-24 degrees every 30 minutes. In mid-2020, the cameras began collecting these images at an even faster pace, every 10 minutes.

The images were used to develop light curves - graphs of changing brightness - for nearly 24 million stars over 27 days, the length of time TESS stares at each swath of the sky. To sift through this immense accumulation of measurements, Hon and his colleagues taught a computer to recognize pulsating giants. The team used machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence that trains computers to make decisions based on general patterns without explicitly programming them.

To train the system, the team used Kepler light curves for more than 150,000 stars, of which some 20,000 were oscillating red giants. When the neural network finished processing all of the TESS data, it had identified a chorus of 158,505 pulsating giants.

Next, the team found distances for each giant using data from ESA's (the European Space Agency's) Gaia mission, and plotted the masses of these stars across the sky. Stars more massive than the Sun evolve faster, becoming giants at younger ages. A fundamental prediction in galactic astronomy is that younger, higher-mass stars should lie closer to the plane of the galaxy, which is marked by the high density of stars that create the glowing band of the Milky Way in the night sky.

"Our map demonstrates for the first time empirically that this is indeed the case across nearly the whole sky," said co-author Daniel Huber, an assistant professor for astronomy at the University of Hawaii. "With the help of Gaia, TESS has now given us tickets to a red giant concert in the sky."

TESS is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer mission led and operated by MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Additional partners include Northrop Grumman, based in Falls Church, Virginia; NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley; the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in Cambridge, Massachusetts; MIT's Lincoln Laboratory; and the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. More than a dozen universities, research institutes, and observatories worldwide are participants in the mission.

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Saudi Arabia modular kitchen market has shown promising growth in historical years until 2019 and this trend is expected to continue over the next five years, thanks to the rising demand for aesthetically-pleasing designing and decoration for homes and the rooms, said a report.

Evolving lifestyle of consumers is driving the growth of Saudi Arabia Modular Kitchen Market, in the forecast period, 2022-2026, according to the report by TechSci Research.

A modular kitchen includes the product ranges of fixings and storage cabinets that are assembled such that maximum storage space can be devised and exquisite look can be given to the kitchen area inside residential and commercial setup, stated the report.

The modular kitchen consists of wooden cabinets, countertops, internal accessories including built-in covered baskets, and household and kitchen appliances such as a washbasin, dishwasher, chimney, cooking range/stove, and microwave oven.

In the recent trends, consumers are actively adopting smart electronics and technologically advanced kitchen appliances thereby supporting the ideas of modular kitchen.

The key market players in the kingdom are Saudi Kitchen Line Company, Snaidero Kitchens Saudi Arabia, AlKhaleejion Kitchens, Ikea Systems (Khobar), Pedini Cucine Saudi Arabia, Hafele, Hacker Kitchens, Kitchen Net, Oakcraft Kitchen cabinets and Al Joaib Group.

TradeArabia News Service
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that Virtual PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2021 will take place from September 2-5 and Leshan, China will once again be the featured destination for the event.



Virtual PTM is a business-to-business travel contracting and virtual networking event that both mirrors and enhances the features of the long-standing PTM, which boasts over four decades of experience in connecting qualified international buyers and sellers from Asia Pacific and beyond through one-to-one business appointments.



PATAs goal is to bring valuable content and virtual networking opportunities to enable our members and trade show attendees to stay current with the latest travel products and build connections with new global colleagues, said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. I invite our industry stakeholders to join us for this years event, as we support our members and the industry in this recovery.



The event is being organised in conjunction with the Sichuan International Travel Expo (SITE) with the support of Official Event Partner, the Leshan Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, and is powered by the Official Virtual Event Partner, Dragon Trail Interactive.



PATA, as one of the most authoritative international tourism organisations in the world, enhances the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. In recent years, PATA has been actively committed to promoting in-depth cooperation with Leshan Tourism, and has achieved fruitful results, becoming a model of regional cooperation in Asia and even the world, said Song Qiu, Director of Leshan Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.



PATA Travel Mart is one of the longest-running travel trade shows in Asia Pacific. In 2020, Leshan, as the Featured Destination of PTM 2020, took advantage of the SCITE and cooperated with PATA to jointly organize an international tourism EXPO, and achieved a transaction volume of over 90 million yuan through the interactive form of online + offline.



In 2021, Leshan will once again hold PTM 2021 with PATA to provide convenient and comfortable services for international buyers and sellers, build a communication and interactive platform for participants, and work with PATA to make new and greater contributions to the development of tourism in post-pandemic era, she added.



The event will offer two business days of one-on-one meetings with up to 50 matched appointments across all time zones from September 2-3. There will also be two trade visitor days on September 4-5. In addition, industry trends and insights will be a part of the program as well as interactive networking breaks with special sessions from various national tourism organisations (NTOs).



Dragon Trail Interactive Co-founder & CEO, George Cao, said: PATA Travel Mart is a trade show with a long and distinguished history. Going virtual last year demonstrated PATA's strong leadership in innovation for our industry, and that leadership continues today. As a PATA member, we are proud to be selected again as a partner for this year's PTM and hope to work with the PATA team, and with the Leshan government, to bring another successful show to fellow PATA members and the global travel industry.



Virtual PTM 2021 highlights include:



 Interactive Exhibition Experience - Navigate an interactive map to browse sellers, submit appointment requests, view product pitches, and exchange contact information.

 Video Meets  Set up time slots and request meetings supported by video calls, text, and voice chat.

 High-Quality Live Forums  Gain insights on travel recovery with live presentations and panels through the PTM Forums.

 Buyer Incentives  Buyers have the opportunity to earn prizes by earning points and completing event missions.

 Games & Giveaways - Join one of the virtual social games and get the chance to win some awesome travel giveaways and prizes from our sponsors and partners.



PATA International Members in good standing are eligible for a free Standard Booth and both Chapter Members and Non-Members can benefit from seller fees that are 50% lower than market rates (US 599 for Chapter Members and 799 for Non-Members).



Virtual PATA Travel Mart is a one-stop-service to market to over +75,000 Chinese and international travel trade professionals, contract valuable new business and consolidate existing business relationships.  TradeArabia News Service
Emirates has announced it is restarting services to Glasgow in the United Kingdom, with four weekly flights from August 11.

Flights between Dubai and Glasgow will operate four times a week on Emirates' Boeing 777-200LR, in a two-class configuration, offering premium services in Business Class and Economy Class, an airline statement said.

Emirates flight EK 27 will depart Dubai on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 07:50hrs, arriving at Glasgow International Airport at 12:45hrs the same day. The return flight, EK 28, will depart Glasgow at 14:35 hrs, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Dubai at 01:05hrs the following day (all times are local). From September, Emirates will increase its flight frequency to a daily service.

With the UAE moving onto the UK's 'amber' list for travel on August 8, travellers arriving in the UK from Dubai no longer need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel, provided they are fully vaccinated.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Emirates welcomes the decision to add the UAE to the UK's 'amber list' for international travel, reflecting the extensive steps that have been taken to mitigate the spread of the virus in the UK and UAE.

"Since the UK's announcement, we've seen a huge surge in queries from customers desperate to travel to see their families, planning their kids' return for the new school term, as well as their postponed business or holiday travel. Emirates is reviewing our operations to various points in the UK and any service restart will be announced in the usual fashion."

Emirates has been gradually rebuilding its global network, in a safe and sustainable manner and has resumed passenger services to over 120 passenger destinations, allowing travellers to conveniently connect to the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific via Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi national airline Etihad Airways will resume passenger flights to London and Manchester from Abu dabi from August 8 following the United Arab Emirates being added to the UK 'Amber' List.

Unvaccinated guests travelling from the UAE will be required to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before departure and to undergo 10 days home quarantine, as well as follow up Covid-19 tests on day two and day eight. Fully vaccinated guests who had their vaccine administered in the UK, US or Europe are exempt from quarantine and the day eight test.

The airlines three daily flights to London Heathrow have been scheduled to provide guests with a choice of conveniently timed departures and arrivals, and all 28 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and the UK will be operated using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Those wishing to book are advised to visit www.etihad.com to view their options, and to remain informed of the appropriate entry regulations at their end destination, the airline said.

Etihad continues to follow UAE and international government, regulatory and health authority directives, and is playing its part in helping to limit the spread of Covid-19, it said. - TradeArabia News Service
Help India!

Residents of Ramesh Park have been rendered homeless after a demolition drive by Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Most of the residents, who are either Muslim or Dalits, are rickshaw-pullers.

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Suchitra | TwoCircles.net

NEW DELHI  Since July 2, hundreds of residents around Lalita Park and Ramesh Park in New Delhi have been evicted as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) conducted an encroachment removal effort in the floodplains. Locals, on the other hand, claim they were not notified in advance and have not been provided rehabilitation.

Now, with monsoon pouring, their alternative shelters are drenched as well.

Danish, a 26-year-old man works as a worker in an electrical shop. He recently returned to Delhi after the second Covid-19 wave and managed to find a job again. He is scared of what to do now because he cannot move away to a new location, where it will be difficult to commute to work. I cannot pay for a new house. I just found a new job. They are building some kind of a park or a lake. Maybe our jhuggis arent good to look at, he says.

Most residents are Muslims and Dalits and are engaged in daily wage labour.

Mohammed Ehsaan, a 32-year-old man, lives in Ramesh Park with his family of 9 members. He is a daily wage labourer, who previously worked as a rickshaw puller. He is one of the 2 earners in the family. There was no notice given to them. We dont know what to do. It is constantly raining and the children in our family are suffering. We have nowhere to go. Our houses are gone. They are continuing to demolish whats left, he said.

Rafiq is the Pradhan of the basti. From June 29 to July 2, the bastis of Ramesh Park and Lalita Park were demolished by DDA. Over 500 families are now sleeping under the open sky with incessant rains. We are mostly rickshaw-pullers and daily wage labourers, the women are mostly domestic workers. Many have lived here for even 30-35 years. We have voted for so many governments, and none of them has helped us till now, Rafiq said.

Dev Pal, a field researcher at Housing and Land Rights Network, told TwoCircles.net the demolition is happening to construct a lake, and they have filed a petition to stay the demolition and provide rehabilitation. We got to know that there is a lake being constructed in this area, which is why these people are being removed.

This is not the first time a slum settlement on the banks of the river Yamuna has been threatened. Many environmental cases have clashed with slum-dwellers interests, calling them encroachers and robbing them of their housing rights.

Last year, in a similar environmental plea, Supreme Court directed the Railway ministry to remove 48,000 slums in India.

Pal comments, This was done amid a pandemic, which is an infringement of fundamental rights. People have not been given any rehabilitation elsewhere. These are all rickshaw drivers and persons from the marginalised social classes. How will people cope in this situation?

Those whose houses were demolished are now sleeping outside, exposed to the monsoon rains in Delhi. They have resorted to taking shelter under plastic covers. Many others are catching illnesses as a result of a lack of food or getting wet in the rain.

We are left to starve. I spent the entire night standing beneath a shed while it poured. I had no choice except to bring my entire family to a house I work at for shelter. I have a high fever, my children havent eaten, and we have nowhere to go, Meena, a slum-dweller, who lost her house said.
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BEIJING, Aug. 6 -- China firmly opposes US arms sale to Taiwan or having any military interactions with Taiwan, a defense spokesperson said in a written statement on Friday.

It is reported that the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on August 4 that the US State Department had approved the sale of 40 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer artillery systems to Taiwan in a deal valued at $750 million.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, pointed out that the US arms sale to Taiwan, regardless of international law and basic norms governing international relations, has seriously violated the one-China principle and three China-US Joint Communiques, severely interfered in China's internal affairs, sent wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and endangered the stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwan question matters for China's core interests, Wu stressed. China urges the US side to keep its promises, strictly abide by the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, especially the August 17th communique, properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and stop arms sales to Taiwan or military ties with the island, so as to avoid serious consequences to Sino-American bilateral and mil-to-mil relations, as well as maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, said the spokesperson.

Senior Colonel Wu emphasized that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has the determined will, full confidence and enough capability to thwart any form of external interference and any separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence". "The Chinese PLA will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and make continuous efforts to advance national reunification process," the spokesperson added.
by Nirmala Carvalho

India's abortion law will be 50 years old on 10 August. Indian bishops are urged to promote a pro-life mindset in Indian society.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Card Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, has urged fellow bishops to hold a national "Day of Mourning" on 10 August, 50th anniversary of the countrys abortion law.

In a letter sent to Indian prelates, Card Gracias explains that in our country after that legislation [. . .] there is no sign of slowing down of this anti-life trend.

The purpose of this day is to express our sorrow at the killing of unwanted babies, so that we can promote a pro-life mindset in our society.

The text goes on to suggest some initiatives that could be implemented on this day of sorrow.

For Bishop Thomas Elavanal of Kalyan, God is the Creator of life. Life is sacred and precious in the sight of God and so life is to be protected and promoted right from the first moment of its existence, as we say, from womb to tomb.

Any Medical intervention has to be solely for the purpose of saving life, noted Dr Pascoal Carvalho, a Mumbai doctor member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Calling Abortion, a Medical intervention, is a subtle way of disguising a horrendous act towards a defenceless person.

Initially the MTP Act[*] allowed termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks, Dr Carvalho explained. But In March 2021, nearly 50 years later, the Amendment to the Act allows termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks.

For Dr Carvalho, from the moment of conception i.e., on the very first day of its life in the womb, the unborn child is a person and has equal rights as any adult.

[*] Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
The country commemorates the 76th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on the city. Kazumi Matsui: Young people encourage nuclear states to change their policies. Premier Suga talks about 'realistic' solutions. Prayers of Catholic faithful. Nuclear weapons worldwide number more than 13,000.

Hiroshima (AsiaNews) - Today Japan commemorates the 76th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The mayor of the city, Kazumi Matsui, has again asked the world powers to abandon nuclear deterrence and build a dialogue based on mutual trust and renewed his appeal to the Japanese government to adhere to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which came into force on January 22. In honoring the Hibakusha (survivors of the bombing), Matsui then called on young people to encourage nuclear states to change their policies.

Hiroshima was the target of the first nuclear attack in history, which occurred at the hands of U.S. bomber Enola Gay at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945. Three days later, Washington's air force dropped a second device on Nagasaki. The double raid prompted Emperor Hiro Hito to declare surrender, which led to the end of World War II.

After the nuclear bomb was dropped, at least 140,000 people died instantly. Thousands later lost their lives as a result of burns and radiation. The victims of the explosion in Nagasaki were instead 74 thousand. Of the 12 thousand Catholics living in the city, 8,500 died from the bombing.

Before the outbreak of the pandemic, up to 50 thousand people attended the ceremony. Due to health regulations for Covid-19, only 800 people were present today. Among them were representatives of 83 countries, including those from the European Union.

The response of the Japanese government to the requests of Mayor Matsui remains lukewarm. At the commemoration, Premier Yoshihide Suga stressed the need to "persevere with realistic initiatives" for nuclear disarmament. All this taking into account the difficult international security framework and the widening differences in views among nations on atomic proliferation.

The Catholic Church of Japan urged faithful to commemorate the anniversary through the annual 10 days of prayer for peace. For the occasion, the Archbishop of Nagasaki, Msgr. Mitsuaki Takami, president of the Episcopal Conference of Japan, reiterated the request to the Japanese government to ratify the Treaty for the banning of nuclear weapons.

The reality is nations with nuclear arsenals have refused to adhere to the treaty rendering the UN document useless. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in the last 12 months the total number of nuclear weapons has dropped from 13,400 to 13,080. The drop in the number of nuclear devices is due to reductions made by the United States and Russia under the New Start treaty, renewed for five years in February.

However, China has 350 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, 30 more than last year. Great Britain (+10 devices), India (+6), Pakistan (+5) and North Korea have also increased their atomic deposits. Pyongyang's arsenal is estimated at between 40 and 50 warheads, compared to 30-40 in 2020.
Openings from US State Department spokesman Ned Price. During his inauguration speech, the new Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi said he wanted to extend 'a hand of friendship" to the countries of the region. Iran accused of an attack on an Israeli oil tanker.

Washington (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The United States has urged Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who took office yesterday, to return to talks on restoring the 2015 nuclear deal. The statement came from State Department spokesman Ned Price: "We urge Iran to return to negotiations soon so that we can finish our work." He added, "We hope that Iran seizes the opportunity now to advance diplomatic solutions."

Among the favorites to replace the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his inauguration speech Raisi reiterated Iran's desire to maintain the country's independence and resist foreign bullying. The newly elected president then promised to pursue "diplomacy," especially with neighboring countries. "I extend a hand of friendship and brotherhood to all countries, especially those in the region," he said.

Under the Trump administration, the United States had unilaterally withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Jcpoa); in early 2020, Washington also killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Qods Force, with an air raid on Baghdad.

Since Joe Biden's arrival in the White House, the US has been trying to reduce tensions in the region. Last week, Iran was accused by the UK and Israel of conducting an attack on the Israeli oil tanker Mercer Street and killing two crew members off the Gulf of Oman. The Israeli government claims to have provided allies with "concrete evidence" of Tehran's responsibility, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken dreaded the idea of a "collective response."

In recent times Iran had resumed enriching uranium in higher concentrations, arguing that the nuclear program has only peaceful purposes.
Katzenberg said workers in the union want to meet with the Hogan administration on comprehensive measures to protect workers and clients from getting sick. Its all the more urgent, he said, given the contagiousness of the delta variant.
As three swimmers struggled onto the shore, lifeguards attempted to save another swimmer who was being swept away by a rip current, the fire department said. A call came in to 911 operators around the same time reporting the swimmer being swept away.
If we really want to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate, the federal government has a powerful, yet unused, tool (Were beyond urging COVID best practices, its time start mandating in Maryland, Aug. 4). With a recent survey reporting that through the end of May, 25% of hospital workers (and much higher in nursing homes) with direct contact with patients are not vaccinated, we should make vaccination for all such employees a condition for ongoing participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
First, Mr. Campbell asserts that the military is the only government function that has the support of the countrys citizens. While a 2019 Gallop poll shows that 78% of the American public are satisfied with the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal government agencies are even more popular. A survey released by the Pew Research Center shows that 91% of the American public had a favorable view of the U.S. Postal Service. A 2020 poll showed that 96% of the public supports the Social Security Administration. A public satisfaction survey indicated that 93% of the American public was satisfied by the service that they received in Social Security field and hearings offices. A July 2020 independent survey of veterans showed 82% of veterans were satisfied with the health care that they received from the Veterans Administration. The facts show that the American public has a high regard for the work done by federal employees in many agencies besides the Department of Defense and the military who work there.
Binh Thuan to boost dragon fruit

Binh Thuan to boost dragon fruit exports to Indian and Pakistan 2021 via Teleconference

BTO- A teleconference on dragon fruit exports between Vietnamese exporters and their partners in Indian and Pakistan took place on August 5th on Zoom and Facebook platforms. The event was co-hosted by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) and the Vietnamese embassies in both India and Pakistan.

This online trade is to promote dragon fruit consumption in the Indian and Pakistani markets. 3 sites were placed in Ha Noi (Vietnam), New Delhi (India) and Islamabad (Pakistan) with the attendance of over 60 representatives from localities growing dragon fruit, authorities and enterprises of the three countries.

Binh Thuan has 12 enterprises which produce, process and export dragon fruit participated the conference. The teleconference has the attendance of Representatives of Trade Promotion Department, Embassy of Vietnam in India and Pakistan, Binh Thuan authorities and dragon fruit exporters.

This event is a part of the national program on trade promotion in 2021 to support dragon fruit growing localities, and enterprises and cooperatives that supply Vietnamese dragon fruits to update information on the current situation, trends, and market demand, search and connect with buyers, distribution systems, and importers in India and Pakistan. Thereby, it will strengthen the export promotion of fresh dragon fruits and products from Vietnam to these two potential new markets.



According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Binh Thuan Province, the province currently has 33,750 hectares of dragon fruit, of which 11,000 hectares meet the VietGAP standards, and 517 hectares meet the GlobalGAP ones. In 2020, the output of dragon fruits harvested here reached nearly 700,000 tons.

To remove hurdles faced by local farm produce amid the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietrade has recently organized several online trade exchange schemes to boost the consumption of local agricultural products.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Binh Thuan dragon has affected the export of agricultural products to China in general and Vietnamese dragon fruits in particular. Some border gates stop customs clearance for some time to control the pandemic, leading to a backlog of goods. Therefore, accelerating trade promotion and seeking new markets for Vietnamese dragon fruit and agricultural products is the current new requirement.

Translated by My Thien (Source: Binh Thuan Online)
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Making federal investments to generate more opportunities, good-paying jobs, and a better quality of life for all Marylanders is a top priority, Van Hollen said in a statement. From funding new and innovative ways to grow our local economies, to supporting our efforts to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, these projects hold tremendous potential for our communities.
Im not likely to go out and do something the state is not requiring me to do, Glassman, a Republican, said. Nothing, of course, is off the table. We really dont know whats going to happen in two to three months or whats going to happen next week. If this thing continues to surge or get out of hand, certainly were going to have to take a look at some stronger measures.
The pleas come less than two weeks after a group of police officers testified at a congressional hearing about their harrowing confrontations with the mob of insurrectionists. Five officers who were at the Capitol that day have died, four of them by suicide. The Justice Department has said that rioters assaulted approximately 140 police officers on Jan. 6. About 80 of them were U.S. Capitol Police officers and about 60 were from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.
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A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:
HAYS, Kan., August 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Terri Braun's new creation "No More Patches" serves as a beacon of hope for everyone whose struggles have worn them down. It was published by Trilogy Christian Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of TBN. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2014, Terri felt the holes and tears that life can rip into your heart and soul. She fell into a trap of self-pity, became depressed and spiraled into a pit of despair. She put on patches just to survive another day. Terri shares, "Come to Him just as you are. You are never so broken that God will not want you." "No More Patches" serves as a reminder that you are never so torn, that you just need "patched."
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Still, it remains to be seen how quickly consumers will be willing to embrace higher-mileage, lower-emission vehicles over less fuel-efficient SUVs, currently the industrys top sellers. The 2030 EV targets ultimately are nonbinding, and the industry stresses that billions of dollars in electric-vehicle investments in legislation pending in Congress will be vital to meeting those goals.
In the April letter to shareholders, Dimon said the company expected many employees will work on site full time, some will work in a hybrid model and a small percentage in specific roles may work full time from home. Remote work isnt as effective when employees dont already know each other, and it virtually eliminates spontaneous learning and creativity by limiting interactions with co-workers, clients, customers and employees, he wrote.
With all that we have been through since the beginning of the pandemic, all that we have fought for and won, there is now too much at risk to not ensure the safety and well-being of United Flight Attendants. ... Vaccination is necessary to end the pandemic and the health and economic harm it has caused, the Association of Flight Attendants said in a message to members.
A Kaiser Family Foundation survey released Aug. 4 found most unvaccinated adults in the U.S. believe the COVID-19 vaccine poses a greater risk to their health than a COVID-19 infection. This is despite thorough testing of the COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, continuous and intense safety monitoring, and close to 350 million doses administered so far in the United States with very few serious side effects.
Therefore, I can see the rationale of testing yourself if you went to Lollapalooza, especially if you live or work around people who are not vaccinated or are likely not as well-protected, Sala said. From my perspective, if you were at Lollapalooza, you should be masking and self-quarantining to keep other people safe, vaccinated or not. My take is that if you were at Lollapalooza, you have to assume you were exposed to (the virus) and should behave as such to protect those around you.
Data from other areas of the country on breakthrough infections indicate that, on the whole, they seem rare, with a recent Kaiser Family Foundation analysis finding the rate of vaccinated people getting COVID-19 to be well below 1% in two dozen states. But some areas have seen spikes, such as Los Angeles County, where 20% of new, diagnosed COVID-19 cases in June were among fully vaccinated people, according to public health officials.
Born in January 1971 and raised in Chicago, Johnson joined the local music scene at a young age, first as a breakdancer and then DJing by the time he was 13 years old. Johnson began producing in 1987, creating tracks for Chicago house labels such as Dance Mania, Cajual, Defected, Peacefrog and Moody. He rose up the ranks in the Chicago house music community and became a key figure in its second wave during the mid-90s.
The bar was to the right and the dance floor was in front, Aloma-Gibbs explains as she maps out the space. The elevated stage was in the corner, where bands would play in full suits, sweating in front of only a fan rather than tossing away their jackets. The dining hall was to the left. Behind double doors, dominoes. To the right of that was the kitchen.
The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest, he told the newspaper, which was the first to report on the complaint. Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it, Apple said.
One day when Cuomo was holding his briefing, Trump tweeted that the New York governor was doing too much complaining and should get out there and get the job done. Stop talking. Cuomo was asked about that and shot back, If hes sitting home watching TV, maybe he should get up and go to work.
A 28-year-old woman and 26-year-old man were standing in the parking lot when they were shot, police said. The woman was hit in the left leg and taken to Rush University Medical Center in fair condition, and the man was taken to Stroger Hospital also in fair condition with a gunshot wound to the left leg and arm, police said.
Weve actually watched females sitting on platforms with a male in attendance, and the male will repeatedly approach the nest and present the female with a stick, Anchor said. And if she likes it, shell leave it. If she doesnt like it, shell reach down, pick it up, and go to the edge of the platform and drop it.
He further argues his inability to run for state and local office disenfranchises voters of their First Amendment rights to be able to vote for or against him in a free election. Blagojevich, a former North Side congressman before becoming governor in 2003, can still run for federal office  including the U.S. Senate seat he was accused of trying to sell after Barack Obamas election as president.
Members of the Luohu People's Political Consultative Conference (LPPCC), the district's top political advisory body, founded a public welfare fund five years ago, the first of its kind established by political advisers in China.





Since its founding, more than 200 members of the LPPCC have donated over 9.28 million yuan ($1.44 million), which has been spent on 22 projects. What's more, in the process of facilitating the projects, the donors have drafted 19 proposals covering a range of issues including campus security, youth drug prevention, employment opportunities for disabled individuals and child-friendly urban development.





On the afternoon of July 29, a ceremony was held at the Baoneng Center in Luohu to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the fund.





During the ceremony, Wu Yuzhong, chairman of the CPPCC Luohu Committee, said, Looking into the next five years, the fund will continue to uphold its people-centered principle, and make itself a platform to serve the people and contribute to the development of Luohu.





Wang Wenhui, a member of the fund's executive board, said that folding the fund into the greater LPPCC board affords it a clear objective. That is, it should be seen as a public welfare incubator that hatches new ideas promoting public welfare development in Luohu while exploring the LPPCC's integral role in promoting good governance in the district.





The political advisers' expertise has proven invaluable to operating the fund, as ensuring that the money is well spent requires a deep understanding of the issues, and the cooperation of multiple parties, Wang added.





Operating the fund has encouraged LPPCC members to come up with 19 proposals related to residents' everyday concerns, and most of the proposals have already resulted in policies that address local issues.





Ultimately, the fund has pushed the political advisors to the forefront of daily life, where they can be directly engaged with the socio-economic development of the district while listening and actively responding to their constituents' concerns.





Hu Xiaojun, a member of the fund's expert penal, said the project connects LPPCC members with government departments, social organizations, communities and other parties, and provides them with a small incision to gain insights into local problems so that their proposals can better reflect the people's will, and serve as necessary reference points for policymakers.





Hu urged the executive board of the fund to pay more attention to aligning their work with Luohu's ambitions of becoming a comprehensive hub in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.




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China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday, marking a further step by China in honoring its commitment to making vaccines a "global public good."

"China will do its best to help developing countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic," Xi said in a written message to the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation.

To fight with the world in solidarity against the common health crisis, China is making all-out efforts to promote the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, champion global cooperation, and reject vaccine nationalism, to build the global immunity barrier soon.

Promoting equitable access to vaccines

"I hope this forum will promote the accessibility and fair distribution of vaccines around the world, strengthen solidarity and cooperation in developing countries, and make new contributions for an early victory against the pandemic," Xi said in the written message.

In May this year, President Xi announced China's five measures to further support global solidarity against COVID-19 at the Global Health Summit. They include setting up an international forum on vaccine cooperation for vaccine-developing and producing countries, companies, and other stakeholders.

The forum on Thursday marked a further practical step by China to explore ways of promoting the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies. The forum is themed "strengthening international cooperation on vaccines, and promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world."

Ruan added that China shouldered more than its due responsibility, and China's donation of COVID-19 vaccines will certainly help countries in need to move a step closer to achieving herd immunity.

Since September 2020, China has provided vaccines to countries in urgent need and has been donating vaccines to more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, China is exporting vaccines to more than 60 countries, with the total amount exceeding 770 million doses, ranking the first globally, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said while chairing Thursday's meeting.

China is committed to building a global community of health for all and has provided vaccines to the world, especially developing countries. The country also actively carried out joint production, Xi said, adding that it illustrates the concept of vaccines as global public goods.

The Philippines has been tortured by the pandemic, with 60 percent of its population below the poverty line. The country is hugely concerned about the affordability of COVID-19 vaccines, said Enrique Gonzalez, CEO of IP Biotech company in the Philippines.

"It's China that helped the Philippines, and thanks to the Chinese government and China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., 15 million people in the Philippines have completed one or two doses of the vaccination within a short time," Gonzalez said. He added that this reflects the friendship between the two countries in the face of the pandemic and demonstrates that China is always acting as a major responsible country.

Championing global cooperation

As of Wednesday, nearly 200 million people globally have contracted the virus, with the global death toll reaching 4.2 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Amid a surging COVID-19 caseload, largely driven by the Delta variant, China has made its call for strengthening international cooperation on vaccines.

"We are willing to work with the international community to promote international vaccine cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

The important decision by China demonstrates the responsibility and vision of a major country, said Ruan Zongze, adding that China is using practical actions to build a global community of health for all and ensure the availability and affordability of vaccines.

"China lends a helping hand to developing countries in response to their genuine needs and makes up for shortcomings in international vaccine cooperation. It will help enhance the confidence of the international community in overcoming the pandemic," said Ruan, noting that China's deeds are in sharp contrast with the selfish and hypocritical attitudes of some other countries.

From vaccine development and production to vaccine distribution, China always adopts an open and cooperative attitude, actively responds to countries' requests for vaccine cooperation, and launches cooperation with them.

China is also the first to cooperate with developing countries on vaccine production. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil have become the first ones in the region to have the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines, which charted a new chapter of unity and self-reliance among developing countries, Wang Yi said.

Participants at the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation issued a joint statement, in which they underline the importance of vaccine multilateralism and call upon countries to enhance international cooperation mechanisms and collaboration. They also urge rejecting vaccine nationalism, lifting export restrictions on relevant vaccines and raw materials, and supporting enhanced cooperation on vaccine research and development, production, equitable distribution and ensuring cross-border flows of vaccines.

The need for global cooperation around vaccines and public health is essential and urgent, said Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at the University of New South Wales. He added that the pandemic will only be defeated if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

"International politicization of the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been and will continue to be counter-productive and unhelpful to achieving the global public-health good of pandemic control," said Zwi.
 Flash

China on Thursday expressed firm opposition to the U.S. State Department's approval of an arms sale to Taiwan, and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

China will take legitimate and necessary counter-measures in light of the development of the situation, said the spokesperson.

That came after the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on August 4 that the U.S. State Department had approved the sale of 40 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer artillery systems to Taiwan in a deal valued at $750 million.

Noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, the spokesperson said that the United States is interfering in China's internal affairs and undermining China's sovereignty and security interests by selling arms to the Taiwan region.

The move runs counter to international law and the basic principles of international relations, and violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the move sends erroneous signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and severely jeopardizes China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "China is firmly opposed to this and has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side."

The spokesperson said that China urges the U.S. side to honor its commitments, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, cease arms sales to and military interactions with Taiwan, and immediately revoke relevant arms sales to Taiwan, lest more damage be dealt to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
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Unknown armed men in a targeted attack claimed the life of senior government official Dawa Khan Menapal in Kabul, Afghanistan on Friday, local media reported.

"Dawa Khan Menapal the director of government's Media and Information Center was shot dead by unknown armed men in Kabul on Friday," Tolonews reported.

Menapal, a former journalist, who had also served as deputy spokesman for the Presidential Palace in the past years, was gunned down by unidentified armed men in the Darul Aman area of Kabul city and two more persons were injured in the attack, the media outlet added in its report.

In the meantime, Interior Ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai has confirmed the incident and in talks with Xinhua, saying, "Terrorists attacked Mr. Menapal in PD 7 of Kabul city when he was offering Friday prayer and martyred him."

No group has claimed responsibility and the government has yet to make comment.
 Flash

China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday expressed strong opposition against the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan and vowed to defeat any foreign intervention and any attempts to seek "Taiwan independence."

Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the statement in response to an Aug. 4 announcement from the United States about an arms deal to Taiwan worth 750 million U.S. dollars.

The arms deal ignored international laws and general principles for international relations and violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, Wu said.

The U.S. side interfered in China's domestic affairs and undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, he said.

Wu urged the United States to abide by the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique, cautiously handle affairs related to Taiwan and stop arms sales and military contact with Taiwan.

The People's Liberation Army will take any necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
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Join Edith Salas of Salas Properties & host Jenn Barlow as they visit the Coronado Shores community. The towers have amazing views including the world famous Hotel del Coronado, downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, the City of Coronado, Point Loma, and the Pacific Ocean.
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After the two confronted one another, Loveland said he then took his right hand and made contact with the males left side. He said he was still holding the e-cigarette in his right hand. He said he did this to keep the male a safe distance from him. He said he definitely made contact with the males body but said he didnt push into him very hard, the warrant added.
We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Stop & Shop that will ensure customers in strategic locations statewide maintain continued convenient access to in-store banking services, particularly in low- and moderate-income communities, where nearly half of the retained branches are located, Jeff Tengel, president of Peoples United Bank, said in a release. We remain committed to serving our customers across the channels in which they prefer, including through our many digital banking capabilities and in our branches, now and once the merger with M&T Bank is complete.
But on Friday, in a conference call on the matter with Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Connecticuts U.S. senators, bank executives said 1,280 Peoples United employees now work in the headquarters. With an initial reduction of 661, the headquarter headcount would tumble to 619. As much as a whole year could pass until M&T would bring the employee numbers back to at least 1,000, Blumenthal said.
Im thrilled that Connecticut is beginning to welcome Afghans who risked their lives to support our troops, our diplomats and our allies, and Im very grateful to IRIS for working hard to place them here in Connecticut, Mayor Luke Bronin, a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan, said Thursday. Our entire country should welcome these refugees with open arms, not just because we owe it to them, but because theyll be an asset to any community they live in.
Along the way, the trail passes through Farmingtons Unionville section, Burlington and the Collinsville section of Canton. The route largely follows the course of long-abandoned rail lines that served the Collins Co. axe factory. Its popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, and on sunny weekend days in the summer the parking lots are frequently jammed.
More than 200 of the states 833 census tracts qualify as disproportionately impacted areas based on their unemployment rates and historical drug conviction rates. Under the terms of the marijuana legalization bill signed into law earlier this year, residents of those neighborhoods  or those who grew up there  will pay lower licensing fees. And half of all marijuana business licenses must be reserved for applicants from those areas.
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Shortly after his conviction, Grethen was briefly named Republican of the Year in 2002 by the National Republican Congressional Committee  an arm of the Republican National Committee. He was selected for the award based on donations he made to the campaign committee, The Pilot reported.
Lyndon German Staff writer

Lyndon German is a Virginia native born in Mechanicsville. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, he went on to work for the Hopewell News, the Progress Index, the Richmond Free Press and Virginia Public Media. He has a passion for news, radio, podcasts and the NBA.
The developer of the plant told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the company will not seek to legally force any property owner to allow use of their land for the pipeline from Charlottesville to Charles City. Irfan Ali of Balico LLC, said Charles City County is one of the most impoverished counties in Virginia and needs the economic boost that the plant would provide. He said environmental activists who drum up action come from outside the county.
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Visakhapatnam: The government must now focus on the people aged above 18 in administering the Covid19 vaccine, so as to protect them from the anticipated third wave of the pandemic, say experts in the field of health care as also the general public.

Based on the Census 2011 report, nearly 40 per cent of the people in AP are aged between 20 and 44. The states present projected population is around 5.46 crore. As such, nearly 2.23 crore people come under the 20-44-year category. Nearly 25 per cent of the state population is aged between 20-34 years.

Koduru Sumana from Tirupati, who recovered from severe Covid19 infection in May, said, The governments focus must now be on the youngsters since they engage more in daily activities.

An Andhra University professor said, Opening vaccination for college students will help in the smooth running of educational institutions. The governments priority groups like those aged above 45 years were largely covered already.

A public health officer at Greater Vizag said, We are now conducting special drives for those above age 45. As per our observations, almost all people under this age category are covered. Now, the focus can be on the youth.

Andhra Medical College principal Dr Sudhakar said this matter was discussed at some internal meetings, but the problem is the unavailability of sufficient stocks of the C-vaccine. The countrys manufacturing capacity is seven crore doses a month, including the 6 crore Covishield and one crore Covaxine. The country needs at least 240 crore doses to cover the entire population.

It will be good if the government relaxes the age bar on vaccination and procures more vaccines from other countries where surplus stock is available. Vaccination is the only option apart from social distancing to keep the third wave away, he said.
A majority of those, who had taken vaccines in the state, were elderly people and only 28 per cent of the youth had received the jabs in the state so far. (AFP Photo)

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Friday justified its decision to make vaccine certificate or RT-PCR test negative result mandatory for people to visit shops and other establishments in the state and said it was theirresponsibilityto ensure adequate protection to the lives of people in the view of the COVID-19 spread.

Health Minister Veena George told the state Assembly that the government had decided on the fresh directives after detailed contemplation with an aim to check the further spread of the virus and it was unfortunate that the opposition opposed it.

High population density, lifestyle diseases and increasing number of elderly people were major causes of worry with regard to the COVID spread in the state, she said.

"Though the lockdown restrictions are lifted, the government is forced to continue some other simplified curbs due to these factors. The prime responsibility of the government is to protect the people," she said.

She was speaking during the zero hour when the opposition moved a notice for an adjournment motion over the new restrictions alleging that they were "impractical".

Pointing to a recent Supreme Court verdict with regard to the easing of curbs, she said the apex court had made it clear that any relaxation to the lockdown restrictions should be given after ensuring protection to the life and property of people.

Criticising the opposition, she said the only aim of those who objected to this was to tarnish the image of the government even though the disease spread had intensified.

It would not be possible for the government to lift all the restrictions at one go in the present circumstance, she said and reminded the opposition that it may cost the state dear if it was decided to go without the imposition of any curbs.

She also made it clear that the curbs were not meant to continue forever.

Over 34 lakh people have been infected in the state so far and over 17,000 people lost their lives, the minister said, detailing the COVID situation in the state.

K Babu (Congress), who moved the notice, said if the new order is implemented, elderly people would be forced to come out of their houses to meet household needs.

A majority of those, who had taken vaccines in the state, were elderly people and only 28 per cent of the youth had received the jabs in the state so far, he said.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan attacked the government over the new COVID-related directives and said the Left government was mocking the people by imposing more restrictions after announcing that it would relax the lockdown curbs.

The latest government order gives power to the police to stop anyone and impose fines citing the directives, he alleged.

The UDF members later staged a walkout as Speaker M B Rajesh denied leave for the motion after the minister's reply.

As per the recent order, only people, who have taken at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago, or who were in possession of RT-PCR negative certificate taken 72 hours earlier or who are in possession of COVID-19 positive results more than a month old, would be allowed inside (workers/visitors) shops, banks and other establishments.

However, the Health Minister earlier said in the House that it is "desirable" that those visiting shops take at least one dose of vaccine or have RT-PCR negative certificate received within 72 hours or those recovered from the infection withina month.

Under attack from Opposition parties and traders over prolongedlockdown restrictions for some time, the Kerala government on Wednesday announcedeasing of the curbs, imposed inthe state in view of the spread of COVID-19.

As per the new guidelines, shops, markets, banks, offices, financial institutions, factories, industrial establishments, open tourist spaces and other establishments can function six days in a week from Monday to Saturday.
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The warnings of Head of the Executive Body of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Ilham Ahmed, came in an exclusive interview with Hawar news agency, in which she discussed in detail the Konya massacre, the possibility of a Syrian solution in light of the government's intransigence and insistence on moving forward with its old approach, and the Russian role in deepening the crisis that erupted in the country in 2011.

Phobia against Kurds is a dangerous policy

On the Konya massacre, Head of the Executive Body of the Syrian Democratic Council, Ilham Ahmed, said that it was not the first Turkish massacre against Kurds, and she continued, "We have heard many attacks against Kurds because of the tension that came as a result of the Turkish state's policies (the Justice and Development Party's policy)."

She added, "The Kurdish phobia that the Justice and Development Party regime has against Kurds and the practices it uses against them is a dangerous policy and has serious repercussions in Turkish society, and we hear that there are arming and forming cells aimed at carrying out assassinations."

Ilham Ahmed expected disasters to occur in light of the mentality and policy pursued by the Justice and Development Party, and demanded international intervention to deter the policies of the Turkish state, and to stop genocide against the Kurdish people. She hoped intervention of Turkey's allies to pressure it, especially European countries in light of Turkey's quest to join the European Union, to stop this genocide, reducing the racist policy practiced by Turkey against the Kurdish people.

In another context, Ilham Ahmed spoke about the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria as being of great importance, as well as the escalation of racist attacks against the Kurdish people in Turkey under the AKP and MHP's special guidance.

Recognition of the AA is a Syrian issue

In her interview with ANHA, Ilham Ahmed said that the issue of recognizing the Autonomous Administration is "a Syrian issue in the first place, and it is linked to constitutional amendments."

She added, "There is direct communication with the Autonomous Administration by Western countries, especially in the file of fighting ISIS and prisoners of the terrorist organization ISIS, as well as the economic file in north and east Syria. It can be said that these files are considered among the most important files that international forces deal with the Autonomous Administration."

She continued, "As for the political side, we in the Syrian Democratic Council have relations and communication with countries, and I think that this issue is a comprehensive Syrian one related to the Syrian crisis and its solution, but so far there are no signs of a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and there is still insistence on continuing and deepening the Syrian crisis, whether regionally or even at the Syrian level."

There is no immediate solution to the Syrian crisis

Ilham Ahmed ruled out that there will be a solution to the Syrian crisis in the near future despite the pressures on the Damascus government and other Syrian parties.

She attributed the reason for this to the conflict and contradiction of international interests in Syria and the lack of a real Syrian will capable of resolving the crisis and taking decision in this regard, and said, "The Syrian crisis is still ongoing, and we see the return of tension to areas in Syria such as Daraa, and she did not exclude similar incidents' return to other areas in Syria.

Russia is not a real mediator

Concerning the Russian role, Ilham Ahmed said, "Russians have repeatedly tried to play the role of mediator between us and the Syrian regime, but all these efforts yielded no results, while SDC is still insisting on an open dialogue with the regime."

She added that "the regime does not have the will and decision about starting a dialogue and reaching understandings to solve the Syrian crisis and change the constitution, and there are serious obstacles, including external interference and the internal factor represented in the regime's mentality, and all of these obstacles prevent the development of a serious dialogue to end the Syrian conflict."

Head of the Executive Body of the Syrian Democratic Council indicated that there are other parties such as "Turkey and Iran" obstructing the solution of the Syrian crisis, and that Russia does not alone bear the issue of interfering in the Syrian decision, indicating the existence of intelligence communication between the Damascus and Ankara governments.

Ilham Ahmed drew attention to the Russian position on the Damascus government, describing its role as loyal to the government and its failure to play the role of mediator between the conflicting Syrian parties.

She hoped that Russia will play a positive role in resolving the Syrian crisis, that it will be neutral towards the other Syrian parties and play the role of the real mediator in resolving the Syrian crisis.

Every demand for democracy is accused of plotting against the Syrian identity

Ilham Ahmed considered that the statements made by the Damascus government and all those affiliated with it are not reassuring, provocative and inciting, and do not open the way for a solution, but rather hinder its attempts and prolong the crisis.

She deplored the repeated statements by the Damascus government and other Syrian parties, even regional ones about separation and dividing Syria, and described these statements as "malicious", made by anyone who opposes democracy.

Ilham Ahmed said that from these parties' point of view, those who demand democracy, justice and equality are seen as conspiring against the Syrian identity and the territorial integrity of Syria.

Raising Arabism umbrella over Syria is a trap set by the government for Syrians

She explained that "one of the biggest fallacies is that the regime raised the umbrella of Arabism over Syria, as it set it as a trap for Syrians, merging all the components under that umbrella. The regime accuses all those who speak of Syria outside the Arabism umbrella of separation, division, and weakening of Syria.

She emphasized that "the Syrian identity is the one that unites Syrians without national or ideological discrimination, and it is able to unite the Syrians, guarantees their equal access to their rights, and it is the basic solution, but this characterization for the Arabism of the regime becomes a conspiracy and separation, this language is spoken by the authoritarian Turkish state, and all countries that advocate the supremacy of one culture over the entire social fabric and state territory.

She went on to say, "This contradicts the fabric of Syrian society entirely, as they always talk about a diverse Syrian fabric, but the domination of Arabism on the diverse Syrian fabric undermines all the diversity in it."

Combating ISIS is a humanitarian mission in the first place

In her speech, Ilham Ahmed, pointed out that the SDF's fight against ISIS "was a humanitarian mission in the first place, and international support was required to complete this task, and support is still ongoing."

She revealed that the cooperation is still continuing by Western powers, but taking the issue within the military framework is considered a fallacy, "the individual or person, when joining ISIS, they joined on an ideological basis."

Military support alone is not enough, it is necessary to support the Autonomous Administration

Ilham Ahmed considered it necessary to supplement the military support with civilian one by countries to combat this ideology by securing job opportunities for individuals so that they do not fall into the trap of the need to secure their daily needs, considering that this mechanism is the correct to combat "terrorism" completely, and the Autonomous Administration is responsible for securing job opportunities and rehabilitating individuals intellectually.

She added, "All of these reasons are enough to support the Autonomous Administration, in addition to political support and its involvement in international forums, and the meetings that are held to solve the Syrian crisis because it is the model that was able to give an important vision towards democracy and change."

International cooperation with the Autonomous Administration will eliminate "terrorism" militarily and ideologically

Ilham Ahmed indicated that the international dealings with the Autonomous Administration within this framework will contribute to a large extent in ending "terrorism" and eliminating it militarily and intellectually.

We are heading towards a tangible object regarding the solution to the Syrian crisis

On the matter of communication with the Syrian parties, she explained that they have extensive communication and dialogues with various national figures that have a history of opposition and a tendency towards change and democratic direction.

She added, "We are working to expand relations, form good and real ties, and move towards a tangible object regarding the issue of solution where the Syrian agreement and consensus on the solution, if the regime accepts or rejects, and that there is a Syrian consensus on the solution. We are working in this framework and we have good relations with Syrian opponents."

ANHA
China is undergoing a significant change by improving the weapons technology of the People's Liberation Army, readying for conflict in the Indo-Pacific. There is an uptick of several navies entering the South China Sea, and most notable is the entry of the HMS Queen Elizabeth, which Beijing warned off earlier.

But Chinese military planners are amid a significant modernization of their forces. Xi Jinping has sanctioned the return of Taiwan, but technological superiority is not in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It is crucial to take on the US especially,

the South China Sea, as one of the hottest flashpoints globally, mainly with major navies stepping up operations in the disputed region.

CCP Intends to Win Back Taiwan

As the western and Asian allies do some major pushback against the CCP's interests, China is showing its might as the west shifts against the Chinese regime, reported Express UK.

China is moving up its maritime operations to intimidate Taipei, as it denies the People's Republic of China its prize, the island of Taiwan. Also, they have violated the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on numerous occasions on the South-Western coast.

Dr. John Sullivan, an expert in China affairs from the University of Nottingham, captured the island enclave. It needs to improve its weapons to conquer Taiwan and invade it successfully.

Sullivan added that Beijing intends to make the independent island a part of China after it separated itself from the republic. An ever-increasing chance that Taipei will declare independence might prompt a full-scale invasion. There is no doubt the People Liberation Army is readying for conflict to come soon.

Read Also: Should Xi Jinping Fear Domestic Problems Than Military Action in the South China Sea? Here's What Analysts Say

Repetitious statements by Beijing about getting back to the island of Taiwan are very redundant; over the flapping lips is investing in advanced military tech. All to counter the weapons the island enclave purchased to defend itself.

Recently the PLA showcased its current weapons to Xi Jinping in a special military parade on its 94th Anniversary.

China Holds Naval Drills as a Show of Might

As a show of might, the PLA Navy had released a video of its three aircraft carriers, the Liaoning, Shandong, and the Hainan, which are crucial to the Chinese strategy in a Taiwan assault, noted the Global Times.

All three aircraft carriers were involved in a naval drill a week ago. The Shandong was in the South China Sea as well, said sources.

The area is one of the resource-rich waters the Communist regime wants to own, even edging out Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam with valid claims.

Rising tensions arise as the US and UK, as part of a multi-national task force, were threatened with reprisals despite following international law.

Last Wednesday, India joined the fray by sending a guided-missile destroyer and a missile frigate in Southeast Asian waters in the South China Sea cited by the Daily Advent.

The Indian Navy will be part of the wargames with the members of the Quad, together with the three nations, Japan, Australia, and the US. Recently Germany sent several warships to the Soth China Sea after the UK deployment.

One admission by the US is that the PLA has a lead in defense areas, more ships, and has 350 vessels in their Navy. It is a slight conundrum when the small deficit in numbers is more serious.

A warning that its modernization and the People Liberation Army readying for conflict is hard to ignore, as it aspires to supplant the US in 2049. Its rise is dangerous for many nations as it wants to dominate other countries, while the US Navy languishes for now.

Related Article: Beijing Says the UK Seems to Be Asking for a "Beating" After Carrier Queen Elizabeth Entered South China Sea

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The kidnap ordeal of Natascha Kampusch that lasted for eight years was one of the publicized abductions. Her experience was uncertain if she would survive it since her captor can do anything to her.

About fifteen years ago, she was on her way to school when someone took her away. Never reaching the intended destination and vanish without a trace, no one knew if she was alive or dead.

But after a fortunate turn of events, she was able to escape the dungeon that was her home until she escaped eight years later.

Terror in a dungeon-like cell

The horror of getting taken away as a ten-year-old and leaving at 18, after eight-year isolation and being free again, is damaging on one's psyche, reported J99 News.

To this day, Kampusch experiences memories of the captive years as a form of post-traumatic stress. Regular weekly visits to her therapist are done to resolve what happened in the past.

In an interview days before the 15th anniversary of her escape, Kampusch recounted what happened while she was a helpless captive of Wolfgang Priklopil, noted Tipspedia.

Priklopil idolized Adolf Hitler and wanted to emulate him. He had an unhealthy interest in the German leader Adolf Hitler, which determine his treatment of his young captive. She added that Priklopil would pretend to be Hitler, and she would be the victim.

While a captive, Kampusch had less to eat, wear almost no clothes, was subjugated, forced heavy labor, and even had her head shaved bald like a Nazi prisoner.

The kidnap ordeal of Natascha Kampusch when abducted by the Nazi idolizing pedophile Priklopil on the way and locked for almost a decade inside a wine cellar in a town close to Vienna.

Read Also: 100-Year-Old Former Nazi Guard Faces Charges as Accessory in Concentration Camp Executions

Kampusch, now 33 and a successful writer and jewelry designer, said it was not a normal abduction. Even after escaping all these years, the horror does not go away.

On March 2, 1998, she was taken suddenly by pedophile Priklopil and stayed trapped until August 23, 2006.

He did not realize that the girl escaped the dungeon, with the noise of a loud vacuum cleaner that left him very mad.

With Kampusch's escape, it means that the police would apprehend him. The following day, he leaped in front of a train and got crushed like a grape. He has chosen death instead of getting caught by the authorities and be humiliated. He knew well that pedophiles are not treated well by fellow inmates.

Natascha cathartically wrote about her terrifying isolation and uncertainty called "3096 Days," which became a hit movie, cited Newsweek.

Oddly, the former captive now is the owner of the house where her ordeal of life and death were not sure for eight years. The house was given to her as payment for her terror as a young girl.

She visits the house once in a while to check on it and said it gives the feeling of 'control' and satisfaction for surviving in 8 years inside it. There is an attachment to the place of her former captivity.

Why didn't she run away?

Kampusch recalls that one of the worst scenes during her captivity was when Priklopil taunted her while wearing only her underwear, with a shaved head. He would open the door and tell her to run, but she would turn back in terror. He brainwashed her and humiliated her to no end, utterly dehumanizing the scared girl.

In a recent interview, Kampush remarked her kidnap ordeal is no better than the present pandemic. It's just like a captive cell, where freedom is lost. But, for her, the terror will never end.

Related Article: Hitler's Weird Stone Henge: Does It Hide Secret Tunnels to Experiment Aircraft Before Modern Prototypes?

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Top female Democrats and Kamala Harris allies convened a "crisis dinner" to discuss responding to the vice president's and her office's recent barrage of negative news.

According to a new report, the Democratic women believe Vice President Kamala Harris' low popularity rating is due to sexist media coverage; making sure the press is aware of this is critical to improving her image.

Top Democrats, allies are concerned over Kamala Harris' image

The goal of the dinner was to quickly devise a strategy to defend Vice President Kamala Harris and her chief of staff, Tina Flournoy, from allegations of a hostile workplace, NY Post reported. It was intended to examine how Harris might improve her national media profile by drawing on her prosecutor, California attorney general, and senator expertise to counter criticism.

Kiki McLean, a Democratic communications expert and former aide to Bill and Hillary Clinton, planned the event. Jennifer Palmieri, former Obama White House communications director, Minyon Moore, Biden advisor Stephanie Cutter, and Hillary Clinton campaign spokeswomen Karen Finney and Adrienne Elrod were attendees.

A source told Axios that the women believed her press coverage had "sexist overtones" that reminded them of Hillary Clinton's disastrous 2016 campaign.

Harris has struggled to maintain the positive coverage she received as a vice presidential candidate, from her poorly received the management of the southern border crisis to her awkward interview moments to her office's reported clashes with the West Wing. And stories about low morale and toxic work culture in her office.

If Biden does not run, Kamala Harris will be the presumptive nominee. According to administration insiders, deposing the first Black woman vice president would be almost difficult. Many Democrats, including some current government officials, are afraid that she will be unable to defeat whatever the Republican Party nominates, even if it is Donald Trump.

The meal occurred while Harris is under fire for her handling of the illegal immigration problem and allegations that she created a hostile and dysfunctional workplace.

Read Also: Joe Biden Loses Track in Another Blunder While Speaking to Half-Empty CNN Town Hall

Vice president's "toxic office"

Much of the conversation among the media behemoths was focused on highlighting Harris' expertise as California attorney general and subsequently as a US senator. According to Department of Homeland Security data, the dinner was timed to coincide with a wave of negative news about her failing as Border Czar as tens of thousands of migrants, many of them children, arrived in the United States.

Harris flew to the southern border at the end of June, just as former President Donald Trump announced his visit to McAllen, Texas. She explained the fundamental causes of why so many people forsake their homeland and go north after she arrived.

She also placed the finger of blame on former President Donald Trump for the escalating situation at the US-Mexico border. The dinner story coincided with a report that interviewed 22 current and former vice presidential staffers, administration officials, and allies of both Harris and Biden and characterized the office as "abusive" and "treated unfairly."

The Sun reported staffers who worked with the Democrat before she became Joe Biden's vice president said she was notorious for abruptly stopping phone calls. Others were criticized and subjected to verbal abuse about why she wasn't prepared and how she insisted on having a particular pen. The news of the crisis dinner comes as Anthony Bernal, one of First Lady Jill Biden's top aides, is accused of "berating" other workers, prompting comparisons to Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada and Game of Thrones' or Littlefinger.

Related Article: Voters Poll Says Kamala Harris Will Not Be the Next US President



@YouTube

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The Australian government on Thursday announced it would allocate approximately 380 million Australian dollars, or 280 million U.S. dollars, to launch a reparation fund for members of the country's indigenous population.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Commonwealth's Closing the Gap Implementation Plan as part of an "apology" to the indigenous members who were forcibly removed from their families despite being under the age of 18.

Australia's Reparations for the 'Stolen Generation'

During his speech, Morrison said the decision was a long overdue step that recognized the bond between healing, dignity, and the health and well-being of members of the "Stolen Generation." He added that the Australian government was not just simply apologizing for the events, but are also taking responsibility for it, NBC News reported.

The program will cover members from three Commonwealth territories, including the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory and Jervis Bay Territory.

The government's new program will send a one-time compensation of 75,000 AUD, or 55,387 USD, to each survivor. They will also be given an additional 7,000 AUD, or 5,169 USD, to "support their healing," according to CNN.

Survivors will also be given a chance to relay their experiences about the forced removal to a senior government official.

Read Also: Joe Biden Announces Commitment From Auto Industry, Aims 50% of New Cars to Be Electric to Boost Zero-Emission by 2030

Australia's colonization began in 1788. Throughout the colonization, more than 100,000 indigenous children were taken away from their communities by governments, churches and welfare agencies. Although experts believe there were some who remain unaccounted for.

The children, who were later referred to as the "Stolen Generations," were taken to institutions where they were forced to abandon their culture and language.

There were an estimated 27,200 surviving aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 who were removed from their families during the colonization, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Indigenous People

Indigenous groups said they welcomed the payment. However, they cautioned that more work needs to be done to address the effects of the forced removal.

"The scheme is practical support for Stolen Generation survivors to address the often complex health and economic needs that are evidence to be a result of forced removal and forced removal alone," Fiona Cornfort, CEO of the Healing Foundation, a representative group for some members of the Stolen Generation, said in a video. "Reparations to acknowledge that truth is important."

We are grateful to be part of this moment today on the journey of healing. As a trusted advisor of Governments & National Community Controlled Org, The Healing Foundation will continue to elevate #StolenGenerations voices and support their leading of Intergenerational Healing pic.twitter.com/VnEiW0blvX  Healing Foundation (@HealingOurWay) August 5, 2021

The Healing Foundation has worked with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to track the lasting effects of the forced removal. A study found that 88% of survivors have yet to complete Year 12 of school, while 66% did not own a home.

At least 43% of all survivors also struggled to have enough money to purchase basic needs, and 43% have said they struggled with mental health conditions.

The life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is also eight years shorter than their non-Indigenous counterparts. They are also more likely to experience infant mortality, obesity, unemployment and suicide.

Related Article: Change in Child Tax Credit Payments Implies; Lawmakers Call for Stimulus Checks to be Permanent as Poverty Cut by Half

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The Biden administration may be considering withholding federal funds from institutions as part of an effort to get more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19.

The U.S. government is allegedly considering using federal regulatory powers to withhold funding to institutions, such as long-term care facilities, cruise ships and universities, to push more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine shot, four people with knowledge of the deliberations told The Washington Post.

Withholding Funding from Institutions

If the plan is imposed, employers who refuse to require their health care workers to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus may face restrictions on Medicare dollars and other federal funding.

The discussions are still in the early stages, the sources noted. President Joe Biden and other administration officials have yet to make a decision. However, one lawyer who is in contact with the administration recommended using federal powers sparingly.

Some experts have previously floated the idea of using federal incentives to boost the country's vaccination program.

"If you look through history, there are presidents who - even in the absence of legal authority - influence people, you might say," Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania who recently organized a joint statement from nearly 60 medical groups urging every health facility to require workers to get vaccinated, told The Post, as reported by MSN. "We keep referring to this covid thing like it's an emergency and then we don't behave like it's a wartime emergency."

Read Also: Joe Biden Announces Commitment From Auto Industry, Aims 50% of New Cars to Be Electric to Boost Zero-Emission by 2030

News about the discussion comes after a White House official, who spoke to Reuters under the condition of anonymity, revealed that the administration is currently working with other agencies to develop a system that would allow it to require all foreign travellers coming to the United States to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Ban on Travelers

Currently, the U.S. is barring travelers from Iran, China, Brazil, Britain, South Africa, India, Ireland and over 29 countries, city-states and microstates in Europe's Schengen area from coming into the country. This restriction does not apply to travelers who are U.S. citizens or those who spent at least 14 days in a country that is not on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's prohibited list.

Health officials in the U.S. on Wednesday reported more than 100,000 new coronavirus cases. The figures were on par with the numbers recorded in February this year, when the vaccines were not yet widely available. On Thursday, the country had a rolling seven-day average of 95,000 new COVID-19 cases.

The more contagious Delta variant has been rampant in recent weeks. It currently accounts for 93% of all new cases in the country. In late May, the variant only accounted for 3% of all sequenced cases in the U.S.

The country has fully vaccinated 49.9% of its total population, according to data from the CDC. The numbers are far from the 90% vaccination rate that experts suggest the U.S. would need to hit in order to reach herd immunity.



Related Article: Disney World Replaces Trump Figure with Biden Animatronic, Places Republican in the Back Row

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Due to the dispute involving Nas Daily founder Nuseir Yassin and world-renowned traditional tattoo artist Whang-Od and chef-businesswoman Louise Mabulo, the official Nas Daily Facebook page has lost a great number of followers.

After Louise De Guzman Mabulo, a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 listee, recounted her experiences working with Nas Daily's founder, Nuseir Yassin, the media firm has come under fire in the Philippines. Mabulo, the creator of The Cacao Project, wrote on Facebook about her experience working with Yassin in the Philippines in 2019 when the internet celebrity went to the Philippines to cover her story.

Nas Daily has a fresh backlash online

Mabulo claimed she was a Yassin fan at the time and would watch his videos with her father every day. However, it appears that the oft-repeated cliche "never meet your heroes" applies to Mabulo. The Cacao Project was established to provide Filipino farmers with chocolate plant seedlings and teach them how to grow cacao ethically to have a more sustainable living. According to Forbes, the program assisted over 200 farmers in planting 80,000 trees last year.

Per MSN, Grace Palicas, Apo Whang Od's grandniece, said Nas Academy's Whang Od Academy was a "scam." This was connected to the vlogger's feud with Apo Whang Od's grandniece, Grace Palicas. Netizens on Twitter were criticizing Nas and seeking to cancel his web pages, including his Nas Academy. Some people have already stopped following Nas Daily and other international content providers that post Filipino content.



As a result of the challenges, Nas Daily Facebook followers have decreased from 40 million to 20 million as of today. Mabulo's claim elicited a response from the YouTuber himself. Nas Daily, a YouTuber, disputed Mabulo's accusations on his Facebook page, stating that her account was not accurate on the ground.

His side stated that they were "supporting" Mabulo and her Cacao Project, which is why he and his crew went from Singapore to the Philippines to share her incredible tale with the globe. Nas then accused Mabulo of fabricating her tale and refusing to post any false news on his website. After breaking his 2-year silence on what happened when they sought to tell her story, he provided Mabulo some "guidance."

Read Also: Kris Wu Allegedly Attempts to Take His Life Amid Sexual Assault Accusations; Video Shows Life in Prison

Other nations previously want to cancel Nas Daily

The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) organization issued a boycott call last year, urging people all over the globe to boycott Nuseir Yassin, aka Nas Daily, a well-known YouTuber, and Vlogger. Nas' attempt to normalize the UAE-Israel normalization pact, which was strongly criticized by citizens from many Arab states and beyond, including Palestinians, on both governmental and popular levels, prompted the appeal.

The BDS call was also for individuals who had been selected to attend NasDaily Academy training. It appears to be having an effect. Israa Elshareef, a Palestinian media activist, announced her withdrawal from a training program in which many people had expressed interest.

Only 80 Arab content producers were chosen for Nas Academy's initiative to get stipends in return for producing videos for six months. In a video titled "Beware of Loser Arabs," Nas responds to the BDS appeal, labeling people who criticize him "enemies of success."

The 28-year-old social media celebrity was born in the historical Palestinian town of Arraba. He has an Israeli passport and considers as a Palestinian-Israeli. Israel likes to think of him as a Palestinian-Israeli. He has frequently stated that he makes videos to make "the world a better place." He has traveled much of the world in 1,000 days, recording a thousand 60-second videos and publishing them on his Facebook page, Nas Daily.

Many Palestinians accuse him of whitewashing Israel's war crimes against them. He's been dubbed an Israeli spy by some. While Nas recognizes Palestine-Israel as a dispute, he had stayed away from discussing the fundamental reason, or how it all began in 1948, when Palestinians were forcibly evicted from their homes so that Zionists could have their land, as per TRT World.

Related Article: Three Popular Kids Streaming Services in 2021: Pros and Cons

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COLDWATER, Mich., Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYMINT, Michigan's leading purveyor of premium cannabis brands and lifestyle products, today announced the opening of its 15th retail store in Michigan, located in the tri-state region of Coldwater just off Interstate-69. Housed in the former Sears retail store at 352 S. Willowbrook, SKYMINT Coldwater is the third and largest cannabis storefront to enter the city's flowering cannabis retail scene.

"At SKYMINT, we're about celebrating the intersection of cannabis, fashion, food, art, and music," explains SKYMINT Senior Director of Marketing, Aimee Michalak. "This store was specifically chosen for its location and convenience, allowing us to bring an unparalleled shopping experience to locals as well as those traveling through," she adds.

Brightly lit with white walls, an illuminated logo, and a high industrial ceiling, SKYMINT Coldwater possesses a boutique gallery-like vibe and interactive atmosphere. Handcrafted wooden shelving units, defined by an uninhibited creative flow and inspired by connections between art, culture, and cannabis, house over 250 impeccably displayed products alongside lounge chairs, vinyl record players, and hanging pipe rails. A large woven mural created by SKYMINT's Store Corporate Merchandiser and Visual Artist, Julie Lowry, welcomes customers with colorful panels and the words, "Flower to the People."

"SKYMINT is known for creating a destination space in each of SKYMINT's chosen cities, and our new SKYMINT Coldwater retail store is just that with 4,000 sq. ft. of exploratory, artfully staged product vignettes and accessories, including coffee table books, clothing, countertop infusion kitchenware, hand-made and vintage ceramic smoking accoutrements, and more," says SKYMINT's President of Retail Summer Ransom-Cleveland, formerly the North America Visual Director for Urban Outfitters.

SKYMINT Coldwater celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting with members from the Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce on August 5th, 2021.

"SKYMINT is proud to be a meaningful economic force and powerful contributor to Michigan's booming cannabis industry," says Jeff Radway, CEO and Co-Founder of SKYMINT. "We invest in each and every community of which we are a part with over 500 new jobs created throughout Michigan and $500,000 invested in organizations and nonprofits to date. Our mission here in Coldwater is to revive what was once one of the city's largest retail destinations by leveraging what we do best at SKYMINT - cultivating happy plants, a happy workforce, and happy customers who walk through our doors multiple times per month."

SKYMINT Coldwater features more than 60 brands, including the exclusive SKYMINT x DNA Genetics collection - the largest selection available anywhere in Michigan of sustainably harvested, globally awarded strains.

SKYMINT COLDWATER

352 South Willowbrook, Coldwater MI

Phone: (517) 317-8312

Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 11am - 8pm

Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm

Thursday - Saturday: 9am - 9pm

Online orders may be placed outside of normal business hours, to be picked up in store or curbside.

ABOUT SKYMINT

Beginning operations in Fall 2018 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, SKYMINT is Michigan's leading vertically integrated cannabis company and the state's largest medical and recreational license holder. With two state-of-the-art indoor grow facilities as well as SKYMINT Farms, a 200-acre sungrown, sustainable farm, the company cultivates, processes, markets, distributes and sells a full range of branded cannabis products, including SKYMINT, North Cannabis, Jolly Edibles, the Two Joints brand, which benefits the Last Prisoner Project, and SKYMINT X DNA GENETICS. Just as SKYMINT treats its plants like people - tending to and caring for them by hand, and even playing them music - each and every product is handcrafted to ensure the safest, cleanest, highest quality products at the best value. SKYMINT products can be found at the company's 15 SKYMINT retail centers. As purveyors of premium-crafted cannabis, SKYMINT has developed a portfolio of the finest cannabis brands available for daily wellness, healing, or just getting high on life. Happy Plants. Happy People. Visit www.skymintbrands.com

PRESS CONTACTS:

Ally Galanty, 313.575.0361, Ally@humannaturepr.com

Holly Aubry, 646.943.0541, Haubry@humannaturepr.com

HIGH-RES IMAGES

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SOURCE SKYMINT
FENTON, Mich., Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invisible Fence Brand, pioneer of the pet containment industry, announced Invisible Fence of Michigan is growing their service area east. Invisible Fence of Michigan will continue to serve their current territories in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair and Greater Lansing/Jackson as well as expanding their footprint in Genesee, Lapeer and Northern Livingston counties.

Based in Rochester Hills, Invisible Fence of Michigan became an authorized, full-service dealership of genuine Invisible Fence products and services in 2020. With the addition of three counties, Invisible Fence of Michigan will now serve an addition of 5,000 satisfied customers.

"Even though Invisible Fence of Michigan was acquired just last year, they have already been so vital in our mission to keep dogs and cats safe at home. We look forward to continuing this mission with the team from the Eastern Michigan dealership who has been committed to protecting pets since 1996." Said Ed Hoyt, Director of Invisible Fence.

Acquiring Eastern Michigan is the company's eighth acquisition of the year and the third expansion in Michigan alone. The company just recently acquired Invisible Fence of Westland and now has over 240 authorized dealers. Invisible Fence has the largest support network for pet containment in the US and Canada.

"Expanding our footprint allows us to extend our customer service hours and offer new and innovative solutions that will help customers enjoy their pets even more  all while providing the same high-level of attention customers have come to expect." said Hoyt.

Invisible Fence offers the most premier dog fence on the market including professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and exclusive Boundary Plus Technology. Highly recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists and other pet experts, Invisible Fence offers pet fences that can be customized for clients' unique needs.

Growing dealerships allows Invisible Fence to continue to support and be involved in their communities. Local animal shelter donations, adoption events and the Project Breathe Program are among some of the ways Invisible Fence of Michigan will continue to contribute to local pet wellness.

For additional information or questions, customers can call 1-800-578-3647, visit InvisibleFence.com, and follow Invisible Fence of Michigan on Facebook.

About Invisible Fence Brand

Invisible Fence pioneered the pet containment industry in 1973, making it their mission to provide safe boundaries inside and outside of the home. The Radio Systems Corporation owned company predominantly sells pet containment, avoidance and access solutions across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering award-winning products like Boundary Plus Technology, Authorized Dealers provide professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and integrated solutions that have protected more than three million pets to date. Invisible Fence also founded the Project Breathe Program in 2006, donating more than 32,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence or to find a local dealer, visit InvisibleFence.com or follow the company on Facebook.

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How much does Elon Musk earn? A full breakdown of his 2020 salary is available now.

According to Insider, Musk earned $6.66 billion from his salary as CEO in 2020. This is nearly 12 times more than the earnings of the second highest paid CEO in America! Musk was awarded consecutively as the highest paid U.S. executive since 2018.

The Tesla and SpaceX boss obviously earns a few times more than the average company employee. Now, it is certainly interesting to know how much he is paid for every second of his time.

Elon Musk Salary Per Second in 2020

Calculating the income per second of the richest CEO in US should be easy.

As mentioned, Musk has earned $6.66 billion as his 2020 salary from the Electric Car Company Tesla. It is also important to note that these numbers are entirely separate from his earnings in SpaceX and other business industries, per Bloomberg.

This salary would be divided into 366 days since 2020 was a leap year, resulting in a salary of $18,196,721 every day. Then the number should be divided to the 86,400 seconds available in one day.

Elon Musk made an average salary income of $211 per second in 2020!

Note, however, that the numbers are hypothetical. The days and the time used for this calculation assumed that Musk does not take vacation breaks or spend any time of his day sleeping! It is safe to consider that Musk earns more than the calculation since he is limited to office hours.

Read Also: iPhone Camera Green Orb Problem Solved? New Leak Hints Apple Has Fix for Annoying Flare!

Elon Musk: Highest Paid CEO in the US

The highest-earning American CEOs listed under Musk's name all earn significantly lower than the Tesla head, according to Bloomberg's list of "Highest Paid CEOs and Executives in 2020." The other Top 4 listed are:

Mike Pykosz: Oak Street Health - $568,442,024

Trevor Bezdek: GoodRx Holdings - $497,838,903

Douglas Hirsch: GoodRx Holdings - 497,836,647

Eric Wu: Opendoor Technologies - $388,713,679

Notably, only Musk passed the income threshold of billions.

Why Is the Dogefather So Rich?

Unlike traditional company workers, Elon Musk doesn't receive his salary in cash, instead, Musk is awarded compensation and option awards equitable to the salary indicated. Often, Musk uses this as an advantage to purchase Tesla shares at a discounted price.

Bloomberg Technology highlighted that "Tesla stocks keep going up, and the pay package is now worth a lot more. It's a trend that keeps going for Musk." The analyst also mentioned that "for Musk, actually none of this is salary. He gets only paid in stock options that grow in value if Tesla share price goes up."



The internet should be pretty familiar with the level of influence Elon has over the automotive company. Thanks to his marketing, the company maintained industry success in these last few years. In fact, in the company Q2 2021 report, Tesla mentioned that their vehicle production far exceeded Q1 performance.

As Musk continues to work for the automotive company, his stock shares on the market also continue to provide him with an endless wealth of money.

Related Article: Toyota Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Truck Colors, Specs, Design Changes: Only 600 of These Are For Sale!
The poster for the play, "Ten Million Cities," by the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre / Seoul Metropolitan Theatre





By Park Ji-won







The play "Ten Million Cities" will spotlight the diversity in Seoul residents' lives, during its run at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from Sept. 3 to 19.







Directed by Park Hae-seong and written by Jeon Sung-hyun, the play focuses on reflecting a wide range of experiences in Seoulites' everyday lives. Therefore, instead of having a lead role and a central storyline, it stages 47 scenes with a variety of characters and situations that can be encountered on a daily basis. The play, run by Seoul Metropolitan Theatre, a theater troupe at the Sejong Center, also features characters that cannot be categorized according to age, gender, nationality or disability, while adding spice to the show via the music of music director and composer Kayip.







The scenes, for example, include a resident walking their dog, a customer buying a ticket and people getting lost in the street.







A scene from the play "Ten Million Cities" by Seoul Metropolitan Theatre / Seoul Metropolitan Theatre





"We started this journey with the theme of Seoul. How can we sense that we are living in the same city even though we are living in different moments and have different stories?  There are many moments we don't remember, as there are so many different things (going on). But this big city is comprised of all those moments. There is one city and there are millions of lives. As your universe (the city) is huge, just like mine, we easily get lost in our own worlds. But we may be able to meet in a kind of shared city if we pay attention to each other's moments," Seoul Metropolitan Theatre wrote in the synopsis of the play.







To better reflect the lives of Seoulites, it conducted a research study one year ago, and interviewed 18 residents of different ages and jobs over the last four months.







The theater troupe also introduced a new kind of "barrier-free" production. As the members of the cast include a diverse range of Seoulites, such as residents of foreign nationality and disabled residents, it tried to make the production environment accessible to every participant by offering, for example, wheelchair ramps and a sign language interpreter.







The play will provide Korean subtitles in every show as well as audio commentary and sign language translation service in six of the performances. Those who wish to experience the performance via audio commentary should make a reservation by phone.






South Korea posted a current account surplus for the 14th straight month in June as exports remained solid amid the global economic recovery, the central bank said Friday.







The current account surplus reached $8.85 billion in June, compared with $10.76 billion the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The current account is the broadest measure of cross-border trade.







The current account has been in the black since the country suffered a deficit of $3.33 billion in April last year on faltering exports caused by the pandemic.







The June surplus came as exports remained robust and dividend income from Korean firms' overseas units increased, the BOK said.







In the first half, the accumulative surplus amounted to $44.34 billion.







The goods balance logged a surplus of $7.62 billion in June, larger than a surplus of $6.37 billion the previous month.







Exports, which account for half of the South Korean economy, rose 35.9 percent on-year to $53.63 billion, while imports increased 38.2 percent to $46.02 billion.







The service account, which includes outlays by South Koreans on overseas trips, logged a deficit of $950 million in June, compared with a shortfall of $560 million in May.







The primary income account, which tracks wages of foreign workers and dividend payments overseas, logged a surplus of $2.53 billion in the month, smaller than a surplus of $5.49 billion in May.







The capital and financial account, which covers cross-border investments, posted a net inflow of $4.29 billion in June, compared with a net inflow of $8.38 billion the previous month.







Asia's fourth-largest economy is on a recovery track on brisk exports of chips and autos, and improving domestic demand.







But the latest spike in COVID-19 cases and the fast spread of the highly contagious delta variant emerged as major downside risks for the economic recovery.







In May, the BOK raised its 2021 outlook for the current account surplus to $70 billion from its earlier estimate of $64 billion. The 2022 surplus is expected to reach $65 billion, it added. (Yonhap)






South Korea will extend its tough social distancing restrictions for two more weeks, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced Friday, as the country struggles to contain the spread of COVID-19.







The measure to ban private gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m., including in restaurants, will remain in place in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon through Aug. 22, he said during an interagency meeting.







The highest of the nation's four-tier coronavirus prevention system, effective in the Seoul metropolitan area, was slated to expire this weekend. The other parts of the country have been under Level 3 guidelines.







Kim said it was not easy for the government to make the decision to extend the Level 4 social distancing system in the capital area and the Level 3 in other areas, as small businesses have long suffered difficulties due to social distancing rules.







"For now, however, coronavirus control and prevention is a priority," he stated, adding it is a way to improve the livelihoods of the people.







He warned the government will never tolerate illicit street rallies reportedly scheduled on the occasion of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day. (Yonhap)


In this April 4 file photo, Easter worship service is going on at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul. Yonhap



A leading association of Protestant churches in South Korea on Friday welcomed quarantine authorities' decision to ease social distancing rules for religious facilities.



The United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK) said in a statement that the government's decision to lift the maximum number of attendees allowed for each worship service from the current 19 to 99 is "belated but meaningful."



Earlier in the day, the government announced a decision to extend its toughest Level 4 social distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area and Level 3 elsewhere for two more weeks to contain the spread of COVID-19.



Restrictions on the size of private gatherings and the operations of multi-use community facilities will mostly remain unchanged, but the government decided to raise the maximum permissible number of attendees at an in-person religious service from the current 19 to 99.



Currently, in-person worship services in Level 4 areas are allowed at a limited capacity of 10 percent or with fewer than 20 attendees. Beginning Monday, religious facilities with 100 or fewer seats can admit 10 people per worship service and those with more than 101 seats can operate at 10 percent capacity, though the maximum number will be set at 99.



"The revised social distancing rules for religious organizations came after their emotional barriers have collapsed. The revised measures are belated but meaningful, as churches with fewer than 1,000 seats can hold worship services at up to 10 percent capacity under Level 4," the UCCK said in its statement.



But the religious group still evaluated the latest measures as "insufficient," because tough restrictions for large churches with more than 1,000 seats will remain in place.



"It is regrettable that large churches with more than 1,000 seats will still be irrationally controlled, though they have so far held worship services strictly in accordance with quarantine rules," the statement said.



The UCCK has persistently asked authorities to allow large churches to hold services at up to 10 percent seating capacity, but no conclusion has been drawn.



In mid-July, a local court partially accepted a petition filed by a group of Protestant churches against Seoul's previous ban on in-person worship services imposed as part of measures to rein in the fourth wave of the pandemic.



The court said in-person worship services should be allowed under cited conditions, considering some small churches' inability to provide contactless services due to lack of materials or personnel. (Yonhap)






Police on Friday sought an arrest warrant for the leader of a labor umbrella group on charges of holding a mass rally last month in violation of COVID-19 rules.







Yang Kyung-soo, chief of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), has been booked on charges of holding the rally in downtown Seoul on July 3 in defiance of a COVID-19 ban by the city government and the police.







Around 8,000 people attended the event, according to the KCTU, to demand improvements to labor conditions.







Sources told Yonhap News Agency that police requested the arrest warrant Friday, two days after questioning him for over five hours.







"We determined it was a serious crime, given that he pushed ahead with a large-scale rally under the dangerous circumstances of a spreading infectious disease," a police official said.







"We requested (the warrant) after conducting a comprehensive review of the risk of a repeat crime."







Police said Yang's arrest is being sought also in connection with previous KCTU rallies in May and June.







Yang appeared at Jongno Police Station on Wednesday after rejecting three previous summonses.







He faces charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, as well as traffic disruption.







Police have booked a total of 23 people over the July 3 rally and questioned 19 of them as of Friday.







Three KCTU members tested positive for the coronavirus about two weeks after the rally, raising concerns the virus may have spread to other participants. The government later announced, however, that the infections were traced to a restaurant that the three had visited four days after the demonstration. (Yonhap)


People Power Party presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl speaks during his visit to the party's chapter in Eunpyeong District Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps



By Nam Hyun-woo



Yoon Seok-youl, former prosecutor general and a presidential contender for the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), is under fire for his recent remarks that there was no radioactivity leaked from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.



This marks Yoon's latest slip of the tongue, following his controversial comments on the government's plan regulating the workweek and "income classes."



In an interview with the Busan Ilbo newspaper Wednesday, Yoon said, "The Fukushima nuclear plant did not explode," and, "Though there was damage due to the tsunami and earthquake, the reactor did not collapse, thus there was no radiation leaked," when asked about his thoughts on the risks of nuclear power plants.



Yoon apparently made the remarks as part of his criticism of the Moon Jae-in government's policy to phase out nuclear power.



Contrary to Yoon's assertion, the Fukushima nuclear plant was damaged by the massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and its cooling water became contaminated and began leaking, releasing radioactive materials such as strontium-90 and cesium-137. Due to its severity, the disaster was classified as Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale, same as the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.



Rep. Kim Du-kwan of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) wrote on Facebook, Friday, that Yoon should withdraw his presidential bid for continuously making controversial remarks.



"Even the Japanese government acknowledged that there was a radiation leak, but Yoon is saying there wasn't one," Kim wrote. "Yoon is setting a world record in controversial comments by stirring one controversy per day with his rhetoric."



Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, a DPK presidential hopeful, said, "Yoon's comments, which lack any common sense, only cast worries and cause disappointment among the public," asking Yoon "Where were you in 2011?"





Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers denounce People Power Party presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl's comments on the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disaster during a press conference at the National Assembly, Friday. Yonhap
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Song Young-gil speaks during a Supreme Council meeting of the party at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Song Young-gil has come under fire for calling the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) "infertile" in criticizing it for scouting strong presidential contenders from outside the party.



The controversy is growing as Song used a apolitical, sensitive health issue as a tool to denounce the rival party, making remarks that could offend couples or women with infertility issues.



Song said that the PPP's scouting of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and former Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong, both of whom had served under President Moon Jae-in but resigned from their posts to run in the presidential election slated for next March, was equivalent to the Roman Empire's employing of mercenaries, which led to its decline.



"The PPP is taking people who were under the Moon Jae-in administration, which it is attacking using them as mercenaries," Song said in a radio interview with local broadcaster YTN, Thursday. "Taking Choe and Yoon as their mercenaries is like confessing that the PPP is an infertile party."



Song's remarks were immediately criticized in political circles.



"Infertility is not a disgrace," said Kang Min-jin, the head of the social democratic minor opposition Justice Party's youth division, said in a statement the same day.



"Song's use of this metaphor as a criticism of the PPP was an expression that hurt people who are actually suffering with related issues. Isn't it the bare minimum, in terms of an understanding of human rights, not to use a disability or illness as a negative metaphor? Song's use of infertility is an extension of this matter."



PPP spokesman Lim Seung-ho called for Song to apologize for his remarks, saying they violated human rights, especially those of women who suffer from infertility.



"It is even more shocking that Song used women suffering from infertility as a political tool to criticize the conservative main opposition party," Lim said in a commentary.



Former Prosecutor General Yoon and former BAI Chairman Choe joined the PPP in recent weeks. Their popularity as presidential hopefuls rose among people critical of the Moon government's policy failures, because the two had often clashed with the Moon administration over its policy "reform" drives.



As the controversy grew, Song told Yonhap News Agency in a phone call that he was sorry for his remarks and would be more careful in the future.



The current DPK chairman has been troubled by slips of the tongue before.



In a July 28 radio interview with local broadcaster KBS, Song mentioned U.S. firm Moderna's vaccine supply plan to South Korea, raising concerns that he might have broken a confidentiality agreement between the government and the firm.



Korea's Central Disaster Management Headquarters expressed regret over Song's remarks at the time, and the concerns subsided only after Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum made an official announcement July 30 over Moderna's vaccine supply plans for the country scheduled for August.










By Lee Min-young







ESG, or the environmental, social, and governance principles of a company, is one of the main topics being discussed these days in the business world.







Europe and the U.S. have been leading the adoption of ESG standards, while businesses in Asia have recently started to jump on the bandwagon.







To understand this topic in more depth, The Korea Times invited Jeon YouMe, the managing director of PERSOLKELLY Korea and the group leader for PERSOLKELLY Consulting in the APAC region, for a discussion on how Korean companies are responding to the rapidly evolving business environment in which ESG management practices are becoming the central issue for companies to tackle in order to survive  both for the firms themselves and for humankind's future generations.







Jeon has more than 20 years of experience in consulting for multinational corporations in Korea and Singapore to help them build corporate strategies for market entry, HR solutions, and corporate restructuring.







We also invited Elvin Tan, who will join us online from Singapore. He is the Regional Director of PERSOLKELLY and the Head of Operations in the APAC region.







With our two panelists having worked in the HR solutions industry for many years, they will give us more focused insights on what roles HR plays in helping companies succeed, as well as how companies can incorporate HR strategies that pursue ESG principles and standards.


More efforts needed to secure sufficient vaccines



President Moon Jae-in has vowed to invest 2.2 trillion won ($1.9 billion) to make Korea one of the world's top five virus vaccine manufacturing bases by 2025. Moon noted his administration will designate the development of anti-viral vaccines as one of the nation's three major strategic technology areas along with semiconductors and batteries.



During a meeting of government officials and medical experts at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday, Moon said his administration will provide full support to nurture the vaccine industry as a new growth engine. He added that steps will focus on nurturing 12,000 people as human resources pertinent to vaccine development technology and production.



Moon's remarks can be taken to mean that his government will create a blueprint for the country's biotech firms to expand domestic vaccine production and speed up the development of their own vaccines. South Korean companies are currently manufacturing the Astra Zeneca and Sputnik V vaccines as outside contractors.



Many experts share the opinion that securing vaccine sovereignty will be more and more significant in determining a country's sustainability given the possibility of a growing number of contagious diseases in the 21st century. Against this backdrop, the Moon administration deserves acclaim for expressing a strong resolve to develop the nation's own vaccines.



The prospects for the early termination of COVID-19 have become slimmer due to the lingering fourth wave of the pandemic coupled with the outbreak of variants, prompting the need for the country to expand the infrastructure for the development and manufacture of its own vaccines. A global competition to stockpile vaccines will likely accelerate as an increasing number of advanced economies with higher inoculation rates, such as France and the United Kingdom, have begun to administer booster shots to their populations.



South Korea has been suffering difficulties as it failed to secure sufficient vaccines in due time, and so the importance of securing enough to be used next year cannot be overemphasized. Furthermore, the government should come up with concrete plans for the long-term investment into developing vaccines locally.



President Moon also said Korean companies will be able to produce locally-developed vaccines from the first half of next year. If this materializes, it will be good news for people suffering from the protracted COVID-19 pandemic. Major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna began the production of the currently predominant mRNA-type vaccines some 20 years ago. The U.S. administration has offered more than 1 trillion won for continued research into Moderna vaccines.



It is important for the government to present a vision to make the country one of the global hubs for vaccine manufacturing. Yet, what is more urgent now is the need for it to secure sufficient vaccines. Since April, the government has failed to sign any contract to purchase additional vaccines. This compares with the United States and European Union which have already stockpiled vaccines for more than ten times their population. The government should put its first priority on purchasing sufficient vaccines for the Korean people.


gettyimagesbank



By Yi Whan-woo



Domestic and foreign auto brands saw diverging fortunes in their sales in the first half, fueling speculation that the polarized market trend may continue, as younger car buyers increasingly favor imported cars.



In a report released this week, the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) said the number of domestic cars sold from January to June shrank by 6.2 percent from a year earlier to 756,000.



On the other hand, the year-on-year sales of imported vehicles increased by 17.9 percent to 167,000.



This increase enabled the market share of the overseas brands to reach 18.1 percent, a 3.1-percent year-on-year rise.



"The overall slump for domestic brands can be attributed to conflicts between labor and management and the lack of new models," the KAMA said.



It also said that the government's "restrictive measures" against domestic brands has made them less competitive in the local market. The measures include restricting Hyundai and other Korea-based car manufacturers from advancing into the used car market.



Meanwhile, German brands, notably Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, were at the forefront of foreign auto sales. Their year-on-year-sales jumped 23.9 percent to 104,000.



Sales of American brands also rose by 12.3 percent to 22,000, while those of Japanese brands dropped 2.4 percent to 10,072, amid lingering public sentiment against Japan.



Of the foreign cars sold in 2021, 755 of them were luxury models that were priced 400 million won ($350,200) on average. The 2021 sales of luxury cars were up 38.3 percent from the previous year.



For domestic cars, year-on-year sales of SUVs rose by 6 percent to 397,000 vehicles, while sales of sedans fell by 11.1 percent to 383,000 vehicles.



Eco-friendly cars' expanded market share was another notable trend.



Eco-friendly cars accounted for 17 percent of the market, up from 9.6 percent in 2020, as the year-on-year sales of hybrid and electric cars combined soared by 72.9 percent to 157,000 vehicles.



Hybrid cars saw a 71.4-percent year-on-year rise in sales to 113,000 vehicles while 39,000 electric vehicles were sold  a 78.1-percent year-on-year increase in sales.



By age, about 30 to 40 percent of car buyers are in their 20s and 30s, and are characterized by their interest in high-end vehicles, clothing and other luxury goods as status symbols.


Kia's K8 sedan / Courtesy of Kia



By Baek Byung-yeul



Kia's new K8 sedan has emerged as the top pick for full-size sedan lovers here, as its sales recently surpassed Hyundai Motor's Grandeur sedan, which has been a steady-selling model for more than three decades.



According to Kia, the company sold 6,008 K8 sedans in July while its sister company Hyundai Motor sold 5,247 Grandeur sedans during the same period. Since the model was first launched in the Korean market in April, the company has sold a total of 22,063 K8 sedans.



The K8, which comes with four engine types  2.5-liter gasoline, 3.5-liter gasoline, 3.5-liter liquefied petroleum injection (LPG) and 1.6-liter gasoline turbo hybrid  is a direct follow-up to the K7, which was sold as the Cadenza in overseas markets.



The soaring popularity of the K8 comes as a surprise in the Korean market where the Grandeur has shown its dominance. In 2020, Kia sold 41,048 K7 sedans while the sales of the Grandeur was 145,463.



It's been about three years since Kia surpassed Hyundai in the full-size sedan segment in terms of monthly sales. Kia once overtook the Grandeur in terms of sales with the K7 for three months in 2019 from July to September, but lost the No. 1 position to Hyundai Motor after the carmaker launched the sixth-generation Grandeur that year.



Drivers have been giving more attention to the K8, which is more spacious and features advanced convenient features than the Grandeur. Views are that the K8 is expected to take the lead in the full-size sedan market for a while until Hyundai releases next-generation Grandeur, which is expected for next year.



Overall, Kia overtook Hyundai in terms of sales last month. Data showed that Kia sold 42,774 cars in July while Hyundai recorded 32,883. In the mid-size sedan segment, Kia sold 5,777 K5 sedans to overtake Hyundai's Sonata, which recorded 3,712 sales.



As seen in the K8's case, Kia will be able to extend its lead over Hyundai Motor as the latter's car models such as the Grandeur, the Sonata and the Palisade are set to be completely or partially changed next year.


Yuquot, Western Canada where a wave power generation system will be installed / Courtesy of INGINE



By Yoon Ja-young



Korea's wave power generation system developer INGINE signed a deal to develop an onshore wave energy system in Canada, which will contribute to the supply of renewable and clean energy for a remote First Nations community.



According to INGINE, it inked a deal with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations in Yuquot, Canada, for the installation of an onshore wave energy system as a part of the Yuquot Wave Project.



Supported by the Federal Government of Canada, the Yuquot Wave Project also includes the involvement of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED) at the University of Victoria, the Barkley Project Group (BPG) and the EDI Environmental Dynamics, as well as the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations and INGINE. After INGINE completes the detailed engineering design, the second phase of the project, which includes construction and commissioning, is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022.



The contract has symbolic significance for the Korean wave energy developer as it is being recognized internationally for its excellence.



INGINE has a high degree of competitiveness in the sector, as the onshore nature of its wave energy converter, the INWave, makes it well-suited for remote locations. As it lacks access to the central power grid, the Yuquot area located on an island just west of Vancouver Island, currently depends on diesel generators for its electricity supply. The Yuquot Wave Project aims at increasing access to renewable, locally sourced clean energy, while decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and it is expected to contribute to setting environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) best practice standards for wave energy projects in off-grid and Indigenous communities.



INGINE's technology is getting the spotlight around the world as a key solution to enable the energy transition in many remote areas, such as Ly Son Island in Vietnam's Quang Ngai Province. In November 2019, the company signed a contract with energy group SK Innovation to take part in Vietnam's Zero Carbon Island Initiative, a multi-stakeholder ESG project. The wave energy project here is progressing based on this contract and financial support from SK Innovation. In April 2021, the Ly Son project was selected to receive technical assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).


Yun Sun-jin, co-chairperson of the presidential committee on carbon neutrality, announces three plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the government complex in central Seoul, last week. Yonhap





By Baek Byung-yeul







The business circle and environmental advocates are casting doubts over both the feasibility and thoroughness of the government's plans, unveiled last week, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.







Business representatives argue that the drastic plan will reduce the number of jobs and undermine the competitiveness of the nation's industries, which are centered on manufacturing. Meanwhile, environmental groups say the plans come up short in realizing full carbon neutrality.







The Presidential Committee on Carbon Neutrality announced three plans to achieve net zero emissions, Thursday, as part of the government's effort to join global efforts to fight climate change.







The committee said the three plans are differentiated by the rate of eco-friendly technology adoption.







The first aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 96.3 percent by continuing to rely on pre-existing resources, such as coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while the second aims to suspend coal development and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 97.3 percent.







The third is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 100 percent by replacing coal and LNG development with green hydrogen, referring to the production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal or biomass.







"We have established a vision for a carbon neutral society that is safe and sustainable, and presented a draft scenario based on five principles: responsibility, inclusion, fairness, rationality and innovation," Yun Sun-jin, the co-chairman of the committee and a professor at the Seoul National University Graduate School of Environmental Studies, said.







However, the Federation of Korea Industries (FKI), the country's business lobby group, expressed its concerns, saying, "The committee set the carbon emission reduction goal too high."







"In all three of the scenarios, the industry sector should cut about 80 percent of its 2018 level emissions by 2050. If we set unreasonable goals in Korea, which has a manufacturing-oriented industrial structure, we are concerned about job losses and a decline in the international competitiveness of manufactured products," the FKI said in a statement.







The FKI also pointed out that the draft doesn't include the use of nuclear power generation. "Nuclear power plants are able to provide stable power without emitting greenhouse gases. As the United States, Japan and other countries also use nuclear power as a means of realizing carbon neutrality, Korea should include measures to expand nuclear power plants in its plan."







gettyimagesbank





The committee's plans were also criticized by civic groups, who said that the first and second scenarios should not be referred to as "carbon neutral," as the plans still allow greenhouse gas emissions.







"The three scenarios proposed by the committee are projections based on very limited preconditions and their means of implementation is also unclear," the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) said in a statement.







"The announcement, under the name of 'carbon neutral scenarios' for the first and second plans that are expected to fail to achieve carbon neutrality by allowing the continued emission of greenhouse gases, shows insufficient work on the part of the carbon neutral committee. In particular, it is embarrassing to refer to the low conversion rate of eco-friendly cars in the transportation sector and the failure to eliminate the use of coal and fossil fuels in the electric power sector as part of carbon neutral scenarios," KFEM added.







The committee is scheduled to announce the final version of its 2050 carbon neutrality plan in October. Before coming out with the final draft, the committee will listen to the opinions of various groups, including those from the industrial sector, civic groups and scholars.







Given the fact that the committee has faced setbacks from both civic groups and industry concerning the three scenarios, there is the chance that the organization will come up with a new plan. The final version, made by gathering these opinions, will be announced to the international community at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in November.


In this 2020 September file photo, police patrol the area after protesters called for a rally in Hong Kong to protest against the government's decision to postpone the legislative council election due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the national security law. AFP-Yonhap



President Joe Biden announced Thursday that Hong Kong citizens currently in the United States who fear for their safety amid the political crackdown back home will receive temporary safe haven.



Biden said the move recognizes "the significant erosion" of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong by the Chinese government.



"By unilaterally imposing on Hong Kong the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People's Republic of China has undermined the enjoyment of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong," he said in a statement.



Biden cited the "politically motivated arrests" of more than 100 opposition politicians, activists and protesters on charges under the national security law, including allegations of secession, subversion and terrorist activities.



More than 10,000 others have been arrested in relation to anti-government protests, he said.



The new decision extends "deferred enforced departure" (DED) to Hong Kong residents currently in the United States, allowing them to remain for 18 months even if their visas have expired.



It differs from the more formal immigration class of "temporary protected status" (TPS), which is given to foreign nationals stuck in the United States due to natural disasters or political upheavals back home.



Democracy has dimmed



China's embassy in the United States slammed Biden's announcement.



"Such moves disregard and distort facts, and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs," spokesman Liu Pengyu told AFP.



Since the national security law took effect, "social order has been restored, rule of law and justice have been upheld" and rights have been better protected, he said, adding that "this is an undeniable fact that all unbiased people would recognize."



China introduced the national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, giving Beijing more power over the territory's judiciary and criminalizing many types of political activity.



Critics say it is being used to undermine the "one country, two systems" architecture for the city's governance, established when Britain handed its former colony back to China in 1997.



The arrest of opposition politicians has stifled free speech and left activists in fear of detention or other punishment, including those overseas.



In June, Hong Kong police raided the offices of the feisty pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, shutting it down and arresting key executives.



Under the national security law, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "Hong Kong's promise of democracy has dimmed."



China has "fundamentally altered the bedrock of Hong Kong's institutions and suppressed freedoms of Hong Kongers," he said in a statement.



In a show of bipartisan support, Republican Senator Pat Toomey called Biden's announcement "the right call" and pledged U.S. support for the territory against "China's oppressive regime."



"Hongkongers are facing abhorrent retribution for actions as simple as speaking out against Beijing's crusade to undermine freedom, democracy, and basic rights in #HongKong," he tweeted.



Biden's declaration came nearly three weeks after the U.S. government formally warned American businesses of the "growing risks" of operating in the Asian financial hub.



The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the July 16 move was designed to "groundlessly smear Hong Kong's business environment" and retaliated by slapping sanctions on seven U.S. individuals and organizations.





U.S. President Joe Biden / Reuters-Yonhap
Brothers Chad and Chase Valencia opened the Filipino-style rotisserie takeout window Lasita in February, after having to pivot their business model due to COVID-19.


WE ARE GROWING! Looking for DRIVERS and DISPATCHERS Drivers Will Train Applicants With Some Truck Driving Experience: Light and Heavy Drivers Apply If You Have: Excellent Customer Service Skills

Clean Florida Drivers License

Heavy Duty- Class A CDL required

Light Duty Operators do not require a CDL

Availability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Ability to pay attention to detail and good geographical knowledge of area Dispatchers Dispatchers will answer incoming calls and digital requests in the Towing and Recovery industry. Dispatcher will need to recognize and send appropriate equipment needed to assist stranded motorists within a timely timeframe. Previous dispatch experience is not required, we will train those who have potential! Knowledge of computer operations to enter, retrieve and manipulate data.

Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.

Effectively prioritize situations and make decisions based on the information received.

Work under stressful conditions and react appropriately using good judgment.

Availability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Willingness to maintain respectful working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.

Flexibility and Dependability in attendance is a must. We offer Competitive Salary

PTO for Full time Employees*

OT Available

Insurance Benefits for Full Time Employees*

Training opportunities

Incentive Bonuses Johns Towing is a fast paced, growing company meeting the needs of the motoring public in Volusia and Flagler County. Johns Towing is looking for positive and professional candidates that are driven to meet the mission of the company. We believe in serving our customers with excellence. Apply today!

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YOUTH LAW PROJECT STAFF ATTORNEY/ADVOCATE - FULL-TIME Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) is seeking a full-time staff attorney or advocate in its Minneapolis office for a position with the Youth Law Project (YLP). YLP provides free legal advice and representation to Hennepin County youth. This position will start as soon as possible after it is filled. This position is posted on our website under two listings: one for attorney applicants and one for advocate applicants. RESPONSIBILITIES: Apply the principles of MMLAs Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions

Advise and represent youth regarding emancipation, obtaining necessary documents, access to medical, mental health care, social services, school discipline, independent living issues, homelessness, and other civil legal matters.

Provide community outreach

Conduct intake at youth centers and shelters

Provide training and community legal education programs on youth law issues

Visit facilities and programs that serve youth to ensure appropriate and individualized delivery of and access to services and support

Additional responsibilities may include policy advocacy QUALIFICATIONS: Attorney applicants must be licensed in Minnesota, registered for taking the July 2021 Minnesota Bar examination, or eligible for admission by reciprocity.

Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the needs of people from low-income backgrounds and vulnerable communities

Commitment to working as a team member to serve the needs of youth

A desire to appear in court and/or administrative proceedings to advance clients rights

Excellent analytical and written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency using Microsoft Office required

Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences preferred

Second language ability preferred

Experience working with youth of different ages and backgrounds preferred SALARY: For the attorney position: $51,000 to $61,218 per year, depending on experience, plus benefits. For the advocate position: $34,908 to $40,681 per year, depending on experience, plus benefits. APPLICATIONS: Submit resume, cover letter, and three job-related references online at https://mylegalaid.org/employment by Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, or until position is filled. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for the ATTORNEY position or the ADVOCATE position. If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Jolene Chestnut at jchestnut@mylegalaid.org. Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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The IT Service Desk is the central point of contact for all IT related incidents and service requests. The role of the Desktop Support Technician is to provide second line support for all staff of Benjamin Moore. The Desktop Support Technician is responsible for resolving support requests as well as meeting customer satisfaction and continuous service delivery demands. IT Support staff will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment which provides services over the phone, through e-mail, phone, in person (for walk-in customers) and self-service. Responsibilities Diagnose and resolve software and hardware incidents, including operating systems (Windows and Mac) and across a range of software applications.

To assist all Benjamin Moore internal customers with any logged IT related incident when called upon.

Take ownership of issues by carrying out problem analysis to implement temporary or permanent fixes with the aim of restoring service to the customer as soon as possible; escalating incidents to other support teams where necessary.

Ability to find creative solutions to technical challenges and implements solutions.

Accurately record, update, and document requests using the call management system.

Install and configure new IT equipment.

Resolve incidents and perform upgrades on different types of software and hardware

Troubleshoot and resolve incidents with printers, copiers and scanners

To maintain a first-class level of customer service ensuring that all customers are treated efficiently and in an appropriate manner.

Maintain excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues at all levels in the organization.

To be a highly motivated team player with the skills and ability to manage changing priorities.

Build and maintain a good working relationship with other departments and employees, keeping them informed and updated on the progress of resolving outstanding issues.

Create, maintain, and publish relevant support documentation to assist all staff in the quick resolution of their incidents and service requests and enable users to become more self-sufficient.

Exhibit a flexible approach to working on a rotation basis and provide necessary coverage where needed.

Be flexible with location and hours worked.

Willingness to travel to Benjamin Moore corporate facilities throughout North America to implement and provide support for all IT initiatives as needed (less than 20% travel).

Be willing to attend internal training as necessary to keep up to date with the latest technology and internal system processes and that are appropriate for development.

The ability to follow and work within relevant policies and procedures.

Participate in an Annual Performance Development Review Process. Qualifications BA in Computer Science or equivalent

Desired ITIL foundation knowledge, network + (TCP/IP knowledge) preferred

5-7 years experience in Technical Services field with including planning of resources and supporting corporate systems.

Strong organizational and communication skills

Apple OX X Operating system support, mobile device experience (Apple, Android, Microsoft) preferred

Demonstrated knowledge in planning, implementing, supporting, and managing resources for second/third level technical services environment.

Comprehensive knowledge of desktop and IT peripheral industry including key trends in software and hardware deployment and IT managed services.

Strong professional presence, good customer service skills and business acumen.

Comprehensive knowledge of MS Windows based applications, supporting corporate environment.

Ability to demonstrate practical troubleshooting and problem analysis techniques

Attention to detail and the ability to demonstrate drive and initiative

Excellent knowledge of customer service best practices

Willingness to work flexibly and with enthusiasm

Ability to prioritize, manage and perform under pressure to meet SLAs Company Profile The color of pride: Benjamin Moore is proud to be a part of Berkshire Hathaway, which was recognized by Fortune magazine as the world's fourth most admired company. And for more than 130 years we've been a respected leader in the architectural coatings and home decor landscape; creating the products and tools that enrich and beautify thousands of communities each day. We recognize that our associates are the driving force behind our success and we strive to provide a work environment where hard work, creativity and purposeful collaboration are fostered and encouraged. Join a company where innovation is constantly recognized as we look for individuals who produce world-class products, best-in-class services and customer experiences, design pioneering paints using the latest technologies and deliver unparalleled value and brand experiences for our customers and retail network. Safety At Benjamin Moore, our people are the heart of the company and our number one asset. We are committed to providing safe working conditions at all of our locations and have invested heavily in measures aimed at keeping employees healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With safety as one of our core company values, weve modified facilities and work schedules to support social distancing, established enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols, and regularly provide personal protective equipment to all employeesincluding masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Ensuring the well-being of our team members is a top priority.






You became a nurse so you could put your passion for helping others to work. Join Meth-Wick where your one-on-one contact with our residents can make a real difference in their life. As a not-for-profit, our decisions are made based on residents needs not pocketbook of investors. Meth-Wick has been providing quality services to residents for 60 years and we believe our residents should live Life as it should be!. As a wellness campus with options for care, residents and staff alike embrace a culture of physical, mental, and social well-being. Meth-Wick is a place where residents are at home and where they participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Life as it should be! is not just our motto; it is the foundation for everything we do. Come see for yourself how our philosophy of care makes life better for the people who live here and for those who work here. Visit our website www.methwick.org to see all we have to offer our residents on 65 beautiful acres. It is a great place to work. The Woodlands is our nursing facility and is uniquely designed as three distinct neighborhoods. We have 66 private resident rooms and are seeking a full-time 2nd shift LPN/RN. If you are looking for more than just a job, come join our team where you can really make a difference. Meth-Wick provides a competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for continuing education, a beautiful environment, friendly co-workers and residents! Click apply now to email your resume today!

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Town of Manchester POSITION AVAILABLE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Water & Sewer Department 37.5 hours per week $82,532 Applications will be accepted until the position is filled FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: AUGUST 30, 2021 NATURE OF WORK Under the general supervision of the Water and Sewer Administrator, oversees the administrative and financial operations of the Town of Manchester Water and Sewer Department. The Deputy Administrator for Administration and Finance is responsible for overseeing the business, financial, and other administrative affairs of the department in such a way as to provide the best possible level of service to Manchester Water & Sewer customers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Day-to-day administrative and financial management of the Department, including customer service, meter services, and accounting. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and collaborative manager, as well as a strategic thinker, with proven experience in accounting, budgeting, customer service, compliance, business operations, and office administration, staff management, and operations. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE At least five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, progressively responsible related public finance and/or business administration experience, of which two (2) must have been in a supervisory capacity. A Bachelor's degree in Public Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration or closely related field strongly preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in the above listed fields highly preferred and may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. There is no substitution for supervisory experience. Suitable experience may be substituted for educational attainment if deemed appropriate by the General Manager or his designee. EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF: Parts Weight Passing Score Oral Examination 100% 80% To apply please visit: www.townofmanchester.org, under Employment Opportunities. PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Manchester Online or Print Application is the only valid Form accepted. Resumes and Cover Letters submitted without the accompanying Application are not considered complete. Applications submitted through any other site will not be accepted. Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. The Town of Manchester shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical disability or sexual orientation. The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department. The Town of Manchester is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, men, minorities, veterans and the disabled. The above posting is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete description of the position or the process.

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Health Sensing HW - Optical Architect San Diego , California , United States Hardware Summary

Posted: Aug 5, 2021 Role Number: 200274451 The Health Sensing team develops ground breaking health sensors that are central to helping our customers live a healthier lifestyle. We are looking for an Optical Architect to work on the next-generation of Optical Health Sensors. The successful candidate will leverage proven experience in bio-photonics and tissue physics to design HW prototypes. Key Qualifications HW engineer with shown expertise in design of optical assemblies and platforms comprising of electro-optical and mechanical components.

In-depth knowledge of tissue-optics is preferred.

Knowledge of light transport in biological tissue and experience with modeling tools in bio-photonics.

Experience with design for high-volume mass production is a plus.

Prior experience with developing analysis tools for automating data processing.

Fundamental understanding of electro-optical systems and EE principles.

Experience planning, executing and analyzing data from user studies.

Proficient in programming languages, MATLAB, Python, C etc.

Familiarity with optical simulation packages, LightTools, Zemax.

Flexible, collaborative and willing to work in multi-functional fast-paced technology development.

2-3 years of relevant industry experience preferred. Description You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for designing prototypes and test platforms, and conducting user studies which will inform the optical design and architecture. The role also requires strong data analysis skills to infer trends and dependencies in the data to improve the understanding of tissue-sensor interactions and directly impact the design and performance of the health sensors. This is a highly multi-functional role and will require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical and software engineers. Education & Experience - MS/PhD degree in Biomedical, EE engineering or related field.




!!NEWSPAPER CARRIERS NEEDED !!



$600 SIGN ON BONUS



Earn anywhere from $500 - $1200+ per month, become an Independent Contractor delivering newspapers. This is a great way to supplement your income, and there's no wait, as you can start earning money immediately. Also provide good service and you can get tips!

 Must have own vehicle

 Valid Drivers License

 Proof of vehicle insurance

 Be at least 18 years old



This is 7 days a week, all overnight hours. Routes open in the

LangleyArea



- Limited routes available! UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS - If you like to burn the midnight oil, this is a great way to make extra income while you are waiting for the next call!





Apply Now!



Tulsa World Media Company owns a suite of brands that serve as the preeminent

sources of news and information for northeast Oklahoma. Our brands include Tulsa World, tulsaworld.com, Tulsa World Classifieds, Owasso Reporter, Skiatook Journal, Wagoner County American Tribune, Sand Springs Leader and more. Tulsa World Media Company is a part of Lee Enterprises Inc.



We serve the communities in northeast Oklahoma by

providing trusted news and

information to readers and viewers while helping businesses reach customers using

traditional and innovative marketing solutions.



We have been a part of this community for more than 110 years and are honored to

deliver outstanding journalism to our community.



We invite you to #JoinOurStory

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DELIVERY ASSISTANT NEEDED (PART TIME) !!



(20-25hrs/week)

Positions available in

Tulsa & Broken Arrow



The Tulsa World has an immediate part-time opening in Circulation to assist in the distribution of the daily newspaper to our subscribers.



Responsibilities:

 Asurance of quality service through the periodic delivery of routes

 Field audits

 Delivery verification and general assistance in the daily operation of the distribution center.



Compensation:

 $11/hour + mileage



Schedule:

 1am - 6am weekdays

 2am - 7am weekends

Work days to be determined



Requirements:

 Driver's License

 Cell Phone

 Vehicle

 Vehicle insurance



Apply Now!



Tulsa World Media Company owns a suite of brands that serve as the preeminent

sources of news and information for northeast Oklahoma. Our brands include Tulsa World, tulsaworld.com, Tulsa World Classifieds, Owasso Reporter, Skiatook Journal, Wagoner County American Tribune, Sand Springs Leader and more. Tulsa World Media Company is a part of Lee Enterprises Inc.



We serve the communities in northeast Oklahoma by

providing trusted news and

information to readers and viewers while helping businesses reach customers using

traditional and innovative marketing solutions.



We have been a part of this community for more than 110 years and are honored to

deliver outstanding journalism to our community.



We invite you to #JoinOurStory

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ImOn Communications is the LOCAL choice for cable TV, high-speed Internet and phone service. We value the relationships we have with colleagues, customers, and members of our community and look forward to serving Eastern Iowa for many years to come. As we expand our service availability we are looking for an Outside Plant Construction Inspection Technician to be a part of the ImOn Difference! Our employees share a passion for building a culture of Creating Connections One Person at a Time and fostering a fun and rewarding work environment. General Statement of Duties The OSP Construction Inspection Technician will oversee the construction activities that take place on the worksite and will be involved in the monitoring of construction contractors (contractors are not ImOn employees we cant supervise them.) in the field. The Construction Inspection Technician will plan, implement and oversee construction efforts at specific work sites. Essential Job Responsibilities for Primary Functional Area of Accountability Do the prep work for Loose Tube, Mid-Sheath, and Splitting Ribbon Buffer Tube. Fiber optic cable. When required in an active environment.

Splicing Fiber optic cable (loose tube, Ribbon, Multi-mode) fiber together, customer and company termination panels. When required in an active environment.

Ability to Operate Optical Time Domain Reflector meters to test fiber use of visual fault light and power meter loss and readings.

Complete a building entrance for services

Aerial and Underground Telecommunications Construction Knowledge

Construct aerial network fiber (FTTX)

Pole frames

Strand

Lashing

Gigging cable

Easements and ROW

Boring specifications

Structure placement

Follows approved company construction specifications

General understanding of DOT traffic control requirements

Reads and interprets work orders, specifications, and engineering drawings.

Fiber Documentation  read and understand the following:

Maps for FTTX- new fiber to the X or subscriber

Maps for HFC and Phone

Fiber Splice documentation

Termination Assignments

Coordinate projects in the field to ensure they are on time and within budget.

Field inspect contractors during build and post build projects.

Performs routine construction inspection for work such as digging holes, climbing telephone poles, placing and removing anchors, pulling and stringing wire/cable from pole to pole, laying cable and conduit in the ground.

Facilitate sales opportunities by providing the economic structure needed to meet the companys build rates and/or key performance indicators.

Monitor area locator.

Responsible for completing weekly production reports.

Route Inspections  drive ImOn routes to Inspect pole line and buried routes.

Meets operational standards by contributing construction information to strategic plans and reviews; implementing production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; identifying construction management system improvements.

Operates power equipment such as generators, blowers and hydraulic aerial lifts mounted on trucks.

Uses test equipment to check for gas in manholes; may be required to empty water and other debris from manholes.

Dismantles, moves, and removes aerial, underground or building wire, cable associated equipment, and hardware.

Connects wires and cables to terminals and attaches/detaches various kinds of hardware to wires, cables, buildings, or poles.

Responds to and participates in emergency and outage situations that require heavy construction capabilities.

Ensures that all work considers the safety of the customer and general public and compliance with all governmental orders.

Able and willing to work outdoors and in inclement weather conditions.

Some travel involved, occasionally overnight

All other duties as assigned Requirements Required Experience, Training, and Special Qualifications 1+ year(s) experience in one or combination of equipment installation, cable splicing, line work, installation and repair.

Must accommodate after-hours work as required.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Valid Iowa Driver License with the ability to obtain an Iowa CDL Class DII Driver License for bucket trucks and a driving record that allows employee to be insured by ImOns insurance carrier.

Aerial only work will require DOT Class B License with an air brake endorsement as well as the ability to perform aerial inspections safely. Essential Physical Abilities Requires the following with or without reasonable accommodation: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing which permits the employee to communicate effectively.

Vision ability: close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus

Must have a valid drivers license and satisfactory driving record

Must accommodate various working conditions such as: Poorly ventilated areas such as attics during extreme heat, dust, dirt, noise, insects, cleaning solutions

Work outdoors in all kinds of weather and at all times of the day or night

Work near power lines and electricity

Work and travel in inclement weather

Ability to work while standing 50 - 70% of the time

Ability to use the following hand tools: electric drills, hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

Ability to perform job from high places (i.e. poles and roofs)

Ability to make cable connections in tight spaces by bending, reaching, twisting

Ability to walk over all types of terrain in all kinds of weather while carrying tools and equipment, including gaffs, ladders, and fully loaded tool belts

Ability to carry, climb and operate extension ladder, (approx. 28 ft high and 75+ pounds)

Ability to climb poles using gaffs, hooks and climbing belt as needed

Employees must be able to use required personal protective equipment to adhere to safety requirements.

Employees in this position must weigh within the safety weight requirements (250lbs without tools) to safely operate company ladders and bucket trucks which are essential to this position. In addition to competitive pay, ImOn also offers health & dental insurance, 401(k), discounted Cable, Internet & Phone services, and additional perks such as FREE vision and life insurance as well as FREE short term/long term disability, vacation & holiday pay, and community volunteer opportunities.

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Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 95F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 95F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Two of the richest Poles want to develop nuclear power: one with small reactors from the US, and another with large reactors from Russia. Geopolitics will play a part in which project succeeds  if either do.

Polish billionaire Zygmunt Solorz-Zak is considering investing in a Russian nuclear project in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between two European Union neighbors, Poland and Lithuania. This followed an announcement by Polish chemical firm Synthos  which is owned by another billionaire, Michal Solowow  on the development of four small nuclear reactors. Beyond this, the Polish government also has its own nuclear power plans.

Synthos plans would not appear until the 2030s at the earliest, while the Baltic Nuclear Power Plant in Kaliningrad (BEJ) could be built by the turn of 2028 and 2029, reported the newspaper Rzeczpospolita. The cost of erecting the four Polish units with a capacity of 4 gigawatt is estimated at 105 billion zlotys ($28 billion, 23 billion), while the cost of BEJ would be approximately 30 billion zlotys.

BEJ originally involved the construction of two reactors with a capacity of at least 1,170 MW each, intended for commissioning in 2016 and 2018. But in 2013, construction of the station was suspended when neighboring states said they would not buy the electricity  because of their attempts to escape the Kremlins highly politicized energy strategy.

Russias nuclear utility Rosenergoatom (part of Rosatom) in 2019 suspended construction for five years.

Tomasz Matwiejczuk, the press spokesman for Solorz-Zak, confirmed to DW that ZE PAK was preparing to implement projects related to nuclear energy, and that various options were being considered.

Successive Polish governments since 1989 have sought to break with energy sources from Russia. The construction of a power plant in Kaliningrad capable of supplying electricity markets in the EU would be dependent on Polish acquiescence to the building of an energy bridge; that is, an interconnector between Kaliningrad and the Polish grid.

According to the governments energy strategy, Poland plans to construct six nuclear power units. In 2033, Warsaw should launch the first reactor in its first nuclear power plant, generating 1 to 1.6 GW of power. Subsequent reactors would be constructed every two to three years until the target of six units is reached.

The end of imported energy?

Polands electricity demand was 165.5 terawatts per hour in 2020, including electricity imports of 13 TW/h. The potential share of energy that could be supplied by a nuclear power plant in Kaliningrad is approximately 15 TW/h per year.

It is also worth remembering that in 2020, almost 10 million tons of coal worth several billion zlotys were imported to Poland from Russia, which was then burned in Polish power plants and houses, Matwiejczuk said.

An alternative is clean, cheap [nuclear] energy, and in addition from a power plant that would be jointly controlled by Poland, he added.

In 2020, the share of coal and lignite, or brown coal, in Polands energy mix fell to less than 70% from 73% in 2019, according to a report by the Instrat Foundation. In accordance with Polands new energy policy, power from coal should not exceed 56% by 2030. Renewable energy is to constitute at least 23% of final energy consumption by 2030.

Price prohibitive

The investment in nuclear generation assets is very expensive, said Wladyslaw Mielczarski, a professor at the Institute of Electric Power Engineering at the Technical University of Lodz.

The latest constructions in Europe such indicate the final costs reaching $10 billion per 1GW, which is eight to 10 times more expensive than similar investments in combined cycle gas turbine generation. The economic effectiveness of nuclear power stations is doubtful, taking into account overwhelming construction costs, Mielczarski told DW.

Polish government in the middle

As the Warsaw government is embroiled in a very public recent spat with Washington over its treatment of a US media investor in Poland and restitution claims, the nuclear talks could provide some leverage for the traditionally Russophobic ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which is also furious over the Biden adminsitrations green light for the Russo-German gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

PiS needs a close alliance with Budapest due to the balance of power in the EU.

Robert Tomaszewski, an energy analyst at Polityka Insight, believes that although such a scenario is extremely unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. If relations between Poland and Russia improve, the project in Kaliningrad may receive the green light from the government, he told DW.

At some future time, Warsaw may be interested in energy from Russia, in the event of problems stabilizing the energy system due fast transformation and decarbonization, Tomaszewski told DW.

But many EU countries will not be pleased to have such constructions just over the fence, Mielczarski said. Germany is among them.


Le gouvernement va signer Exchange of Notes avec celui du Japon pour cette somme afin de mettre en place un Coastal Surveillance Radar System Project, une premiere signature avait eu lieu au mois de fevrier 2021 pour ce meme projet.

Cabinet has agreed to the Government of Mauritius signing an Exchange of Notes with the Government of Japan for a Grant Aid of an additional JPY600 million. In February 2021, a Grant Agreement was signed between the Government of Mauritius and the Government of Japan, for an amount of JPY600 million to finance the Coastal Surveillance Radar System Project. An additional grant of JPY600 million would be needed to meet the total cost of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System Project.
Knoll, the main furniture manufacturer that we sell, is headquartered not far from the Lehigh Valley in East Greenville. Knolls Workplace Research & Strategy group led roundtable forums, hosted panel discussions and conducted interviews over the past 12 months, and the result is their publication, The Thriving Workplace. In it, they argue that hybrid work is here to stay  now that we know that they can do it, most people will still work remotely some of the time  but that the office will gain a new importance as a center of collaboration and creativity. Working from home is great for those heads-down and focused sorts of tasks. But when your team needs to generate ideas or benefit from the back and forth of collaboration, Zoom and Microsoft Teams dont hold a candle to a table and a white board.
The Lehigh Valley's weather data comes from the radar station based in Mount Holly, New Jersey. The distance between the two points, as well as limitations primarily driven by geography, mean the radar beam is generally sampling data from 6,000+ feet above the ground, missing out on information that can be critical in severe weather.
In 2015, the couple moved to Bethlehem. Curious as to why African cuisine lacked representation in her new community, Sibu decided to take it upon herself. I love grilled meats; the emphasis here is on the meats. I wanted to bring African barbeque to this area. And the community has been so supportive. Braai Hut emphasizes the meats indeed, but it also is a flavorful, cultural experience all around. Now if you arent sold already, let me tell you a little more.
While the process is still early on and the warehouse project will require approvals from both municipalities, the plan is just the latest proposal in one of the nations most active industrial markets. For the last several years, industrial developers have flocked to the Lehigh Valley, attracted to its available land, workforce and proximity to major ports, highways and cities.
The company also expects to repurchase approximately $500 million in shares by years end, with its board of directors recently authorizing the purchase of up to $3 billion of outstanding shares. Companies often buy back shares when management considers them undervalued. Sorgi said the company arrived at the $500 million figure because it represented a nice balance while providing value to create value for shareowners.
More than 30 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties are now considered to have substantial or high levels of community transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with half of Penn States 20 campuses located in these counties. The CDC recommends that people wear a face covering indoors in public in areas of substantial or high transmission.
The number of cases in Northampton County has more than doubled in the past week, going from 55 diagnoses per 100,000 residents to 120.2 cases. The jump means Northampton County now has a high level of community transmissions by federal Centers for Disease Control and Protection guidelines. The CDC recommends people wear masks indoors at this level, even for people who have been vaccinated.
Deputy Education Secretary Dr. Sherry Smith said she did not know of any school district in the state that has asked the department to do fully remote instruction. Nearly all the talk, she said, has been about full-time in-person instruction.
The back pain started when Luke Shultz was a teenager, and it got worse. When he was in his late 30s, he said, it led him to leave his job as a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Around the same time, since it hurt too much to sit for very long, he stopped driving. The family set up a cot in the back of a minivan so he could lie down while someone else drove.
The complaint against her stated that nearly a third of her per diem reimbursements for hotel stays in Harrisburg from 2017 through 2019 were fraudulent. The Office of Attorney General alleged that Davidson either had not stayed overnight in Harrisburg, as she had claimed, or she had already been reimbursed for the stay through her campaign account, effectively engaging in double-dipping.
It was the third such incident this year. Last week, authorities said a Quakertown man tried to board a flight with a handgun in his carry-on bag. In April, a Lehighton man was stopped with a handgun loaded with seven bullets.
As a side note, our mother loved the opera and frequently would take our father to the Met in New York. Much to her consternation, he would cheekily tell people he had some of his best naps there. Yet deep down he appreciated the arts and fully embraced the important role they played in a community.
As a former American history teacher, I can say with a high degree of certainty that few, if any, school textbooks include the following historical facts: In 1619, white Virginia landowners created the colonies first legislative assembly. That same year, 40 miles away at Point Comfort, African slavery was introduced to the region to provide a cheap labor supply for those same landowners.
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Sayre, PA (18840)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Fewer than 5 Percent of Homes Remain Underwater

Thanks to rising home prices. hardly any homeowners find themselves underwater on their mortgages and the few that do are concentrated in a few cities and towns. In fact, ATTOM says that more than one-third of mortgaged homes in the country are considered "equity rich" with a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio below 50 percent. The 34.4 percent of homeowners in that category is up from 31.2 percent the previous quarter and 27.5 percent in the second quarter of 2020.

The company, in its second quarter U.S. Home Equity and Underwater Report, shows only 4.1 percent of mortgaged homes, or one in 24, were considered seriously underwater in the second quarter of 2021. Those homes had a CLTV at least 25 percent more than the property's estimated market value. That was down from 5.2 percent of all U.S. properties with a mortgage in the prior quarter and 6.2 percent, or one in 16 properties, a year ago.

Forty-eight states saw the number of equity-rich homes increase and the seriously underwater decline from the first to the second quarters. All 50 had such an increase compared to a year earlier. Equity increases in the second quarter came as the median home prices nationwide rose 11 percent, quarterly, and 22 percent on an annual basis in the second quarter.

"The huge home-price jumps over the past year that helped millions of sellers earn big profits also kicked in big-time during the second quarter for other owners who saw their typical equity improve more than at any time in the last two years," said Todd Teta, chief product officer with ATTOM. "Instead of the virus pandemic harming homeowners, it's helped create conditions that have boosted the balance sheets of households all across the country. There are still a lot of questions hanging over the near future of the U.S. housing market, with some connected to how well the economy keeps recovering from the pandemic, and some not. We'll keep watching those closely, though for now, there are few assets that keep on giving so much as homeownership."

Nine of the top 10 states in terms of growth in equity-rich homes were in the West and Northeast. In Arizona that share jumped from 16.3 percent in the first quarter to 39.7 percent in the second. In each of three neighboring New England states the gain was about 16 percentage points quarter-over-quarter. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all ended quarter two with just over 41 percent of their mortgaged homes in the equity-rich category.

The smallest gains, and in some cases losses in the share of equity-rich homes were posted in Maryland (down from 23.5 percent to 23.2 percent), West Virginia (unchanged at 19.8 percent), Nebraska (flat at 27.1 percent), Alaska and Montana, each up less than 1 point to 22.9 and 40.8 percent respectively

The decline in the share of underwater homes was greatest in Tennessee, Alabama, and Delaware, each of which declined by about 6 points into the single digits, while the share increased the most in West Virginia, from 10.3 percent to 11.7 percent. There were also small increases in New Hampshire, Hawaii, New York, and Utah, but all remained below a 5 percent share.

Equity-rich properties were most predominant in the West, with Idaho, California leading with over 50 percent, although Vermont was also above that mark. The shares were lowest in the Midwest and South which also led in the percentage of underwater properties.

All but one of the 106 metro areas analyzed (99 percent) showed an increase in levels of equity-rich homes from the first quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2021 while all 106 improved year-over- year. The greatest concentration of high equity properties was in the San Francisco Bay area of California.

When it comes to those concentrations of underwater homeowners we mentioned at the start of this piece, no one can top Ohio. ATTOM says there were 33 counties in the U.S. where at least 25 percent of properties were seriously underwater. The largest number of those zip codes were in Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo.
AE, MLO Jobs; Warehouse, Broker Products; FHA and Loan Mods; Strong Jobs Data Moving Rates

We live in world of numbers. It has been 76 years since an atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Lets hope nothing close, with its 140,000 instantaneous deaths, ever happens again. Did you know that male houseflies live for 28 days, females for 25? (Think about that when your kids leave the screen door open.) 2020 was a great year for volume ($3.8 trillion); did you know that the MBA predicts that 2021 will be almost as great ($3.6 trillion)? How much do you think that lawsuit plaintiffs, and counsel, will receive from Transunion, Equifax, and others in the Fair Credit Reporting Act class action? (The case is 3:21-cv-14172, O'Brien v. Equifax Information Services, LLC et al.) this cartoon points out, have turned feral? Did you know that, in 1991, 92 percent of rental properties were owned by individuals? But in recent years that number has fallen to 74 percent. And how many Zoom meetings have you been in during the last year and a half? You may have a little fun in them going forward, and here is a simple way to clone yourself and put a video in your background. (The audio version of todays commentary, available here, is sponsored by Origence, helping financial institutions provide mortgage, consumer, indirect, and home equity loans with greater efficiency and increased scale while also delivering a convenient and personalized experience to borrowers.)



Lender and Broker Services and Products

Many brokers already do a lot of business with Homepoint, but for those who dont, its recent announcement is probably a good reason to look at Homepoint. The company recently announced "HomepointAmplify," a new service model in which Operations personnel are being aligned regionally into pods, essentially functioning as a large lender with a small lender feel. Brokers will work with dedicated underwriters, closers, and so on, making communications and escalations easier and cutting down on points of contact. Homepoint already has some of the most experienced Operations people and account executives in the wholesale channel, and the process of working with them is going to be that much easier moving forward. Brokers that arent signed up with Homepoint yet can do so by clicking here.

Silvergate Warehouse Lending is as innovative as the entrepreneurs we serve. We offer credit line sizes from $20M - $200M that can accommodate unique and niche markets. Specialty products include Jumbo, Non-QM/DSCR, Small Balance Commercial, and Aggregation Facilities. With Operations Centers on both Coasts, we build strong relationships through a high level of personal service and the ease and flexibility that comes with timely, in-house lending decisions. Meet Silvergate at the CMBA Western-Secondary and the MBA Annual in San Diego. Contact Elaine Batlis (EVP), Greg Davis (West), or Steve Klein (East).

Sierra Pacific Mortgage (SPM) is honored to be a corporate partner of the Arbor Day Foundations Time for Trees initiative. In doing our part to help fund the greener good and rebuild ecosystems devastated by natural disasters, SPM has committed to planting a tree at the funding of every loan closed with our team for the remainder of 2021. Because of the support of our borrowers and business partners, weve planted over 5,450 trees since launching the Earth Day, Every Day campaign in May. Are you ready to work with a company that is involved in such impactful community work? Reach out to a local Loan Officer today to learn how you can get involved!

Western Alliance Banks Specialized Mortgage Services Group continues to be solution-oriented in changing markets in providing various financing vehicles. Warehouse Lending finances a wide spectrum of loan types including Agency, FHA/VA/USDA, Jumbo and Non-QM, funds until 2:30pm PST and works with borrowers to customize terms to meet investor and execution needs. MSR financing provides lines of credit that leverage Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae collateral. Lines can be annual revolvers or longer-term interest only draw periods followed by term finance. Flexible structures provide solutions to accommodate originators MSR retention strategy. Additionally, the Specialized Mortgage Services Group provides Note Financing, Treasury Management Services, Working Capital Lines and Commercial Real Estate solutions across the country. Member FDIC.



FHA and USDA

Servicers, those that value mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), and lenders who originate government loans took note of yesterdays FHA announcement on partial waivers to its policies pertaining to COVID-19 Advance Loan Modification (COVID-19 ALM) and COVID-19 Recovery Loss Mitigation Options (COVID-19 Recovery Options). Partial Waiver of the Borrower Review Requirements for the COVID-19 Advance Loan Modification in Handbook 4000.1 and Mortgagee Letter 2021-18. Partial Waiver of the Re-Review of Borrower Requirements for the COVID-19 Recovery Loss Mitigation Options in Mortgagee Letter 2021-18. These waivers address the mortgagees timeframes and borrower eligibility for a required review or re-review for the COVID-19 ALM and the COVID-19 Recovery Options. Mortgagees are encouraged to thoroughly review the two waivers that posted today as well as the COVID-19 ALM and COVID-19 Recovery Options policies outlined in ML 2021-15 and ML 2021-18, respectively.

USDA extended its moratorium on evictions through September 30, 2021, for Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program. The extension of the eviction moratorium is effective immediately for all USDA direct loan mortgages except for vacant or abandoned properties. The foreclosure moratorium expired on July 31, 2021, and the Agency will not be extending that moratorium further. Servicers should evaluate borrowers for USDA COVID-19 Special Relief Measures before commencing foreclosure actions.



Conventional Conforming Shifts

Over in conventional conforming land, recall the myriad of investors and major lenders who adjusted their fees and adverse market pricing.

Effective for all Best Effort commitments taken on or after July 27, 2021, PennyMac is changing its BE rate sheet updating values on the Conventional Investment Property LLPA.

Flagstar announced Agency Investment LLPA Updates taking effect starting with new locks as of Friday, July 30, 2021. Flagstar Bank is decreasing the price improvement for Agency < 25 Year Fixed Investment Property FICO >= 680 loans to +0.125. This LLPA is addition to any existing investment property LLPAs. Flagstar Bank posted clarification regarding Agency Adverse Market Refinance Fee.

Effective with Commitment Confirmations issued on or after July 16, the Conventional Adverse Market Refinance Fee was removed from Caliber Home Loans Bulk bids and Best Effort/Single Loan mandatory.

Mountain West Financial Bulletin 21W-052 covers Freddie Mac revisions on no cash-out refinance seasoning requirement; cash-out refinance exception and future long term disability income.

Plaza Home Mortgage has removed the Adverse Market Refinance Fee requirement. Clients with existing locks, a price adjustment will be automatically added to offset the AMRF. Plus, any new locks are not subject to the AMRF.

Citi Correspondent Lending was no longer charging the Adverse Market Refinance Fee on applicable loans purchased after July 16th. Loans will be repriced as part of the pre-purchase review process; at which time, the fee will be removed. For any loan purchased after July 16th, 2021, where the fee was charged, the Seller will receive a refund.

Carrington Correspondent posted Announcement 21-0027 regarding FHFAs elimination of Adverse Market Refinance Fee.

First Community Mortgage Wholesale announced the elimination of the Adverse Market Refinance Fee. And it on correspondent loans. For loans purchased on or after July 19, 2021, to which the Adverse Market Refinance Fee was previously applied, FCM will adjust pricing by 50 basis points. The adjustment will be reflected on the Purchase Advice.

FAMC has removed the Adverse Market Refinance Fee and is no longer applicable to new best-efforts locks or mandatory commitments. The LLPA will be removed from existing active best-efforts pipeline.



Capital Markets

Treasuries, and along with them MBS prices, sold off yesterday after the day's batch of data included a smaller than expected decrease in weekly initial claims and a wider than expected trade deficit for June. We will see how recovery-minded the labor market is with todays July payrolls report. The freight train that is tapering talk rolled out of the station a little more with another Fed speaker, San Francisco President Daly, lending support to a late year tapering announcement.

Lenders know what rates have been doing, and this was echoed by Freddie Macs Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending August 5. The 15-year fixed rate hold at its record low of 2.10 percent, while the 30-year rate fell to just 12 bps off of the survey low from earlier this year. Separately, Black Knight reported that the number of active forbearance plans fell by 71k as we entered the first week of August, continuing the trend of strong early month declines in forbearance volumes. The number of active plans is down 131k (-6.7 percent) from the same time last month, which is a slightly slower rate of improvement than we had been seeing in recent weeks.

Today brings the highly anticipated employment situation for July. (Recall that Wednesday we learned that the ADP employment report missed by a wide margin.) The unemployment rate came in at 5.4 percent, a huge decline, hourly earnings were +.4 percent, huge, and nonfarm payrolls at 943k, much higher than expected. The weeks economic calendar rounds out later today with wholesale inventories and sales for June as well as consumer credit for June. The NY Desk will purchase up to $5.15 billion 30-year 2 percent and 2.5 percent. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse .250 and the 10-year yielding 1.27 after closing yesterday at 1.22 percent after the powerful jobs numbers.

Employment

Attention Loan Officers: Want to make up to 300bps LO Comp on each loan you close? Want to have competitive pricing and maximum comp? Rates are up and volume is moving around right now. LO's who want to win need to align themselves with nimble lenders who take care of their LO's. Our philosophy is simple; when you win, we all win. JFK Financial is a rapidly growing retail mortgage banker headquartered in Las Vegas Nevada. We offer a competitive comp plan that allows you to go up to 3% points. Many of our competitors are offering 1.75% comp at the same rate that we are paying 3% back. We are focused on bringing on top LOs/Production teams/ and branches in CA, NV, AZ, CO, FL, OR and WA markets who want to take their game to the next level. We have been in business since 1995 and we have consistently grown for the past 16 years regardless of market cycles. READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? Interested parties should email Tarnita Woodard.

JMAC Lending is hiring experienced underwriters and top producing Sr. Account Executives to join our industry-leading wholesale lending group. Were growing at a record rate. Contact HR@jmaclending.com. JMAC Lending has a new jumbo priced to move you. The new Laguna Jumbo features aggressive pricing on fixed and ARMs to $2.0M. Price it today: www.jmaclending.com/laguna. Register today. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to with a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

Homeowners Financial Group (HFG) is thrilled to announce Leonard Cullip as West Regional Manager. Len will oversee California, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii markets, providing strategic direction, market analysis, and oversight to ensure these regions are maximizing production while maintaining efficient and accurate operations. Len is exactly the type of leader we are looking for as we continue to enhance our retail presence across the country, said Bill Rogers, President & CEO of HFG. Bill added, Len has a proven track record of building and fortifying retail markets on the West Coast. We are excited to have him on our team. Ron Stowers, CSO, commented Lens genuine passion to serve people perfectly aligns with HFGs culture and commitment to our people. If you are interested in joining HFG, please contact Leonard Cullip, or send your confidential resume to Erin Dueck.

Take control of your pipeline, and your career, as an independent mortgage broker. One of the best things about going independent as a wholesale mortgage broker is being able to serve as many clients as you like Something you cant always do at a retail lender or bank. Working for yourself lets you take control of your pipeline and work within your borrowers timelines to ensure you can close when they need to. Plus, youll get access to a range of wholesale lenders who offer cutting-edge technology with unmatched service and turnaround times. Ready to find the perfect workflow for you? Contact us at BeAMortgageBroker.com today!

Well recognized as a leader in non-QM loans nationwide, Sprout Mortgage LLC is continuing to grow and is looking for strong talent to join the team. Sprout is actively seeking Wholesale Account Executives with 1+ year experience as well as experienced Underwriters with non-QM experience or experienced Underwriters eager to learn how to underwrite non-QM programs. Expansive loan programs in non-QM, agency, best in class non-QM technology, flexible alternative documentation guidelines, underwriting exceptions, and loans up to $10 M all provide ample opportunities for significant sales growth on top of a very competitive compensation. If youre looking for a new opportunity, e-mail your resume to Cheri Brousseau, Director of Recruiting or call her at 516-738-4796 for a confidential conversation.

275BPS Agency, 325BPS Govie P&L Model with Rapid Turn-Times. Recently named among Top 6 Best Large Mortgage Companies to Work For by National Mortgage News, Geneva Financial Home Loans is filling Branch Manager and Loan officer positions in 45 states. Close in as little as 10 days. Large volume branches can opt for same-day underwriting with in-branch Ops option. P&L includes zero fees for credit reports, AUS, LOS, CRM, technology fees, employer taxes (commissioned employees), VOEs, 4506Ts, and warehouse costs. See why Geneva Financial has a 5-star Google rating with over 1,800 verified borrower reviews!

If you are an owner of a mortgage company and have held off selling for fear of letting your team down, then please reach out. We guarantee you that we are who your team would want to be with if they had a choice; impressive capital base for expansion, leading innovator, stunning execution metrics, incredible brand, aggressive compensation, and, most importantly, we give independence to the branches for highly flexible model choices to support all markets. You leave the legacy with your people that you most wanted while attaining the financial freedom and reward you have worked hard for. Confidential discussions are the start of incredible opportunity for you and your team. Please send your confidential note of interest to Chrisman LLCs Angelica Nixt and specify this opportunity for forwarding.

Open Mortgage has appointed Windi Gerber as SVP of Human Resources where she will be accountable for the people operations of Open Mortgage, managing all aspects of the employee life cycle, ensuring team members are equipped with the training required to perform their roles, and managing performance objectives.
Regional

Drug trafficker shot at in Assam

Diphu, Aug 5 | Publish Date: 8/5/2021 1:21:15 PM IST

A drug trafficker was shot at and critically injured in an encounter in KarbiAnglong district of Assam on Thursday when he allegedly tried to escape from police custody, an official said.

The incident happened along the Assam-Nagaland border, he said.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of policemen had on August 2 arrested two drug traffickers and seized heroin worth Rs 7 lakh and a vehicle from them.

They were apprehended in an area under the Dhansiri Police Station limits of the district, the official said.

The police had taken them to conduct search operations at Dimapur in Nagaland on the next day.

One of the two drug traffickers tried to escape from custody when they were being taken again to the neighbouring state on Thursday for further operations. The police opened fire on him and he received bullet injuries on his leg, the official said, adding that the drug trafficker has been admitted to the Diphu Medical College and Hospital.

A rising number of police encounters, which have seen several suspected insurgents and criminals being shot dead as they tried to escape from custody in the last three months, has whipped up a political furore in Assam. At least 30 arrested people have been injured and 15 others were killed during the period when they allegedly tried to run away from police custody.

The opposition parties and a section of the civil society accused the police of indulging in open killings since HimantaBiswaSarma of the BJP assumed charge as chief minister on May 10.

Unfazed by criticism of his government over recent encounter killings, Sarma had said the state police has full operational liberty to fight against the criminals within the ambit of law.

The Assam Human Rights Commission, taking suomotu cognizance, has asked the state government to conduct an inquiry into circumstances that led to the death and injury of people in police firing since May.

Earlier, a New Delhi-based lawyer from Assam, ArifJwadder, had filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission against the state police for a series of encounters that have taken place since Sarma took over the charge.
Business

Finance Ministry releases Rs 685.80 cr grant for ULBs

New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) | Publish Date: 8/5/2021 1:26:26 PM IST

The Union Finance Ministry has released an amount of Rs 685.80 crore to four states for providing grants to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Out of this, an amount of Rs 494 crore has been released to Uttar Pradesh, Rs 110.20 crore to Gujarat, Rs 74.80 crore to Jharkhand and Rs.6.80 crore to Mizoram.

Grants for ULBs have been released, as per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, for improving basic civic services including fulfilling location specific felt needs.

These grants are intended for smaller (Non-Million Plus) cities including cantonment boards.

The 15th Finance Commission has divided the urban local bodies into two categories: Million-Plus urban agglomerations/cities (excluding Delhi and Srinagar), and all other cities and towns with less than one million population (Non-Million Plus cities). Out of the 15th Finance Commission recommended grants for Non-Million Plus cities, 50 per cent is basic (untied) and the remaining 50 per cent as tied grant.

Basic grants (untied) can be utilised for location specific felt needs except for salary or other establishment expenditure. The tied grants are to be utilised for drinking water (including rainwater harvesting and recycling) and solid waste management.

The grants are meant to ensure provision of additional funds to urban local bodies over and above the funds allocated by the Centre and the state for sanitation and drinking water under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

The states are required to transfer the grants to the ULBs within 10 working days of receipt from the Union Government. Any delay beyond 10 working days requires the state governments to release the grants with interest.
Regional

Mlaya & Assam to hold 2nd CM level talks today

Correspondent Shillong, Aug 5 | Publish Date: 8/5/2021 1:20:38 PM IST

Meghalaya and Assam would be holding the second Chief Ministerial level talk on the inter-state boundary dispute on Friday in Guwahati.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister PrestoneTynsong , some cabinet ministers and top government officials.

Fridays meeting between Meghalaya and Assam is significant following the recent border skirmishes at Iongkhuli village after Assam police uprooted electric poles erected by Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) in the village, which Assam claimed that the area falls under Assams territory.

The first round of the Chief Ministerial level talks between Sangma and his Assam counterpart HimantaBiswaSarma was in Shillong on July 23, and resolved to move beyond status quo to solution in regard to the long pending boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states.

Immediately after the first round of Chief Ministerial meeting, the Meghalaya government formed a state level committee on the dispute headed by Deputy Chief Minister PrestoneTynsong.

Further under this state level committee, three district level committees for Jaintia Hills district , West Khasi Hills district and Ri-Bhoi district were formed.

The Jaintia Hills committee was headed by Transport Minister SniawbhalangDhar, the Ri-Bhoi committee was headed by Home Minister LahkmenRymbui and the West Khasi Hills committee was headed by PHE Minister, ReniktonLyngdohTongkhar.

These committees surveyed the disputed areas in their respective districts and spoke to the people residing in those areas to get their views. These committees have submitted their report to the State level Committee.

The heads of these committees would also accompany the CM together with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Deputy Commissioners and other senior officials for the second meeting at Guwahati.

Meghalayas Leader of OppositionDr.MukulSangma has asserted that the upcoming Meghalaya-Assam talks on resolving the vexed boundary issue should be based on the documentations prepared by the State government on the 12 areas of difference which substantiate the claims that these places belong to Meghalaya.

In the past, Meghalaya had submitted documents and maps on its claims to the 12 sectors/areas of Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah-Matamur, Khanapara- Pillangkata, Deshdemoreah, Block I and Block II, Khanduli-Psiar and Ratacherra.

The total area of difference is 2,765.14 square km, of which Blocks I and II cover 1,583.42 square km.

The Meghalaya Assembly had in March 2011 passed a resolution to urge the central government to constitute a Boundary Commission to re-examine and redefine the inter-state boundary between the two states.
The new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army is Lieutenant General David Sigauke with President Mnangagwa promoting him from major general and appointing him to the army command with effect from July 30.

Lt Gen Sigauke replaces the late Lt Gen Edzai Chimonyo who died last month. As part of the reassignments within the top ranks of the army, Brigadier General Emmanuel Matatu was promoted by the President to Major General.

A third promotion came with the retirement of Brigadier General Sydney Bhebhe who moves to the retired list as a Major General. Before his promotion Lt Gen Sigauke was Chief of Staff general staff, the number two post in the army.

His promotion has seen a general reassignment of senior army officers. Major General Kasirai Tazira moves from Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) headquarters, where he was Inspector General, to Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff general staff.

From left, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, new Army Chief of Staff Administration Staff Major General Emmanuel Matatu, newly promoted Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant General David Sigauke and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda pose for a picture at Defence House in Harare yesterday.

In turn Maj Gen Paul Chima moves from Chief of Staff administration staff at army headquarters to ZDF headquarters as Inspector General while Maj Gen Matatu moves from the Zimbabwe National Defence University to Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff administration staff. Maj Gen Hlanganani Dube remains at Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff quartermaster.

Conferring the new insignia of rank to the three promoted general officers, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said their promotion was an acknowledgement of the generals loyalty, hard work and diligence.

She urged the generals to continue demonstrating high levels of professionalism which earned them the recognition.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President and Commander In Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for promoting these three general officers to the next higher rank, she said.

To the new ZNA Commander, Lt-Gen Sigauke, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the appointment was challenging and came with many expectations from superiors.

As leader of the ZNA, you will be expected to rally soldiers in implementing Government programmes such as the NDS 1. You will also have responsibility to look after the welfare of the forces inculcating discipline and loyalty as well as capacitating them to adequately defend the countrys independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the promotion of Maj Gen Matatu was well deserved and would add value to the ZDF in the capacity he would serve.

She said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces acknowledged Maj Gen Bhebhes immense contribution during his long active service.

Be reminded that the organisation will call upon you to render service, from time to time, tapping on your wealth of experience.

It is my sincere hope that these three promotions inspire others as this is a reflection that the organisation rewards hardwork, she said.

Lt-Gen Sigauke thanked President Mnangagwa for the recognition given to the three generals which he said was a show of confidence and trust. He promised that the work left by the late commander Lt-Gen Edzai Chimonyo would be continued.

As I take over, I will ensure the vision is brought to fruition. We promise to serve Zimbabwe and ensure its people and territorial integrity are safeguarded at all costs, he said. Herald
THE 14-year-old girl who recently lost her life during child birth at an apostolic sects church gathering in Marange was forced out of school while doing Form One in Mhondoro to get married to Evans Momberume, The Manica Post can reveal.

Memory Machaya reportedly died around 9am on July 15 and was secretly buried two hours later.

Memory, the last born child in a family of six, was having her first birth. She left behind a baby boy who is said to be in the custody of his father. Efforts to get in touch with Momberume were fruitless as no one had his contact details.

However, information availed to The Manica Post revealed that the polygamous Machayas were planning to offer their nine-year-old daughter to their in-laws as Memorys replacement (chigadzamapfihwa).

Police could neither confirm nor deny the case, with national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi saying they were yet to receive such a report.

Have you been in touch with our provincial office? We are yet to get such a report. We will try to get all the finer details, said Asst Comm Nyathi.

However, provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda, was not available for comment.

In a telephone interview with The Manica Post yesterday (Thursday), the Machaya spokesperson, a bitter Ms Alice Mabika, confirmed her nieces painful death.

Ms Mabika is demanding justice and says she and Memorys mother  Ms Shy Mabika  were barred from entering the church shrine after their daughters burial. The Mabika sisters said their daughter was denied medical attention at her hour of need.

Ms Mabika said from the information they obtained from Momberumes sister (name not supplied), those who attended to Memory on the fateful day say she complained of a headache.

She said the midwives diagnosed that Memory had ulcers in the mouth and nose and went on to rub her mouth with salt, while pouring paraffin into her nose.

We were told that five midwives attended to Memory and rubbed salt in her mouth, while pouring paraffin in her nose. We were told that she had a seizure and hit her head on the ground.

She died soon after delivering her baby boy and the church members went on to bury her without involving us, said Ms Mabika.

After getting wind of Memorys death, her mother, a devotee of the church who had not attended the church gathering in question, teamed up with her relatives to attend her burial, but the worst nightmare awaited them at the Marange Shrine.

The family was barred from entering the shrine and a scuffle ensued as they sought to force their way in after spending the night waiting to be granted access.

In an audio recording which was availed to The Manica Post, the Mabikas, who were led by their brother, Patrick, are heard complaining bitterly about the inhuman treatment they were being subjected to by the churchs security team.

Said Ms Mabika: When we arrived at the shrine around 2pm, we were told to wait until the prayers were done at 6pm. The security team checked us around 7pm, but they became evasive. Our pleas to be attended to fell on deaf ears and we had to spend the night in the open.

We remained resolute in our quest to see our daughters body, but the security details would not budge. We even tried to engage the service of our relative who is in the police force in Chinhoyi.

We phoned him and he tried to talk to the churchs security personnel, but they refused to entertain him over the phone, she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Ms Mabika said her sister  Memorys mother  was equally bitter, but cannot do anything about it.

Memorys death devastated her and she is bedridden at her home in Kwekwe as we speak. She cannot do anything about it as she respects the wishes of her husband.

People should not be slaves of these religious doctrines. Our hearts are bleeding and we pray that one day justice will prevail, she said.

Ms Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, African Union Goodwill Ambassador on ending child marriages posted on her social media platforms: This childs death has created outrage. We are all angry because it is not a single child, thousands of them are being sexually abused in this country. May the perpetrator of this crime be arrested so that he faces justice? The accomplices are known  those who gave away the child and those who took her to the shrine are all guilty . . . 

Mutare human rights lawyer, Mr Passmore Nyakureba chipped in: This story is heart-breaking. It runs against everything that we stand for and believe in as a nation. This is a violation of the rights of the girl child committed by paedophiles hiding behind the cover of religion.

This is a case of child marriage. All those behind it must face criminal prosecution as the deceased was a minor, the man behind the pregnancy violated the law by being intimate with a minor. The circumstances leading to the burial must also be properly investigated as they smack of every deliberate effort to conceal a crime. I am hopeful that the relevant officials from the concerned Government departments are leaving no stone unturned in addressing this issue.

According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is 16, while the minimum age for marriage is 18. Manica Post
Those sorts of complexities arent always presented on TV. You often see someone whos saintly or whos terrible. You see someone whos a hero or a villain. I wanted to tell a story about someone whos more like how real people are: theyre kind of imperfect, sometimes they feel one way, sometimes they feel another way, theyre doing their best. Not feeling happy 100% of the time can be sad. It can be anxiety-inducing sometimes. It can also be funny though!
Its outrageous that [Mateo] forced me back into court for what was nothing more than a last ditch attempt to avoid facing any accountability for murdering my son, Hawa Bah said in a statement. Now that Det. Mateos lawsuit has been dismissed, the CCRB must move quickly to complete its investigation and bring charges against him. Most importantly, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner [Dermot] Shea must fire him for murdering my son.
My 20 year high school reunion is in less than 2 months, Gonzalez posted recently. Yesterday, I was saddened to learn of the passing of one of my classmates, Luis Ramirez. He was a good man trying to make his way in the world and was looking forward to the reunion. Just another reminder of how short life is. R.I.P bro.
Scales, though convicted of hiring a hitman to track down and kill rival drug dealers on June 9, 2017, was acquitted of murder in the slaying of innocent bystander Joshua Lopez that night. The 24-year-old father of two boys was gunned down as he exited the Supreme Clientele Beauty Salon on E. Tremont Ave.
He slammed into the passenger side of a Toyota Corolla in the south-bound lane turning left onto W. 229th St. and was thrown from his motorcycle, according to police. First responders found him sprawled out on the street, suffering from severe injuries to his head and body.
Rivera is being held on Bronx murder and weapons charges. About a year ago, he punched another officer in the face, knocking out several teeth, sources said. His disciplinary record shows some three dozen infractions for fighting, attacking staff, and other misconduct, sources said. He has been housed in eight different jails during his stint on Rikers.
They didnt say anything. They just started stabbing us. We were like, Stop! Stop! But they kept going. They stabbed my nephew in the chest and under his ribs. Hes still recovering, Steven Cortez said.
The crash knocked Boyd off his bike, prosecutors said. A moment later, surveillance cameras recorded him as he stood up, picked up his scooter, and walked a few steps to take a look at Banes, who was lying face down on the asphalt, court records state.
They falsely accused her, persecuted her, hunted her, insulted her with transphobic epithets and killed her. Three suspects have been arrested, but there are more people who contributed to her murder, those who shared the lie on social media and the fundamentalist leaders who incite a climate of violence with their hateful rhetoric toward trans people, he added.
Authorities have not said what evidence they have uncovered in their investigation so far, nor have they named any suspects. Shields said authorities have a few potential gunmen in mind, but that officers are playing their investigation close to the vest to ensure justice for their fallen comrade.
The State will seek the death penalty against Chad Guy Daybell in the event of the defendants conviction for any of the three counts of first degree murder and/or any of the counts of conspiracy to commit first degree murder as charged in the Indictment, according to the court documents.
Boisvert was charged with one count of simple assault and one count of disorderly conduct and held for the next session of 6th District Court. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, the statement said.
Dropbox, the cloud-storage technology company, informed the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in May that Madden possessed 1,667 files of what they believed to be child pornography. Madden was arrested by federal officials in March following an execution of a search warrant of his home, according to Vice.
By May, the issue had gone to an internal safety committee at Ford and just two months later, the NHTSA notified the auto company about the increase in complaints concerning the cameras.
The attorney representing Collier, Phil Reizenstein, came out swinging against the grand jurys decision, saying that he was stunned by the indictment. He added that the medical examiner was unable to pinpoint the drug that led to her death due to the multitude of substances found in her system, according to the Miami Herald.
On July 26, police said Balthazar drove around the gate arms blocking off the track when his vehicle was struck by an oncoming train. He was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger in his vehicle was left injured, WBTV reported.
Exotic eventually lost control of his Oklahoma zoo, and federal agents have since seized all the big cats from the new owner, Jeff Lowe. Exotic was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the murder-for-hire plot, but a judge ruled last month that his sentence should be reviewed and shortened.
FDNY EMTs, paramedics, and officers are essential to the safety and health of our city, said FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic they once again bravely demonstrated to the world what we all know to be true  they are the very best and deserve to be compensated for the critical emergency medical care they provide to thousands of New Yorkers each day.
He added that thousands of homeless people who couldve benefited from Capronis order have already been moved into shelters. More than 6,100 have been moved out of 41 hotels since the evictions began in July, according to a filing from the Department of Homeless Services this week. Another 1,900 people remain to be moved, the filing said.
But research is highly dubious on the educational effects of such indiscriminate class-size reductions. Thats partly because theres a limited supply of great teachers, which means blanket mandates may well decrease the odds that the students who need them the most will get them. Its also one of the costliest educational investments imaginable; every dollar spent hiring more teachers is a dollar not invested in focused investments likelier to make a bigger difference. Plus, here in New York, theres this little problem: How can the school system possibly find the space to spread kids out like this?
The states sluggishness is especially problematic given the rumblings in the U.S. Capitol. On July 14, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his co-sponsors unveiled a 163-page discussion draft of the new Senate bill to legalize cannabis at the federal level. While state legislators have slowed to a stop, New Yorkers on the federal level are moving forward. If the federal government beats New York to the finish line, we stand to lose thousands of jobs. Instead of a craft and local supply chain, we will be buying west-coast cannabis.
For the third time in our lives, my wife and I are in baby jail. The most recent previous time was, of course, during the protracted original COVID lockdown  a shared loneliness at a time when no one was going anywhere. Before that, our stint in the baby big house was because, well, our son was actually a baby.
The 63-year-old comedian known for his dirty nursery rhymes shared on Instagram that he has the condition, which results in muscle weakness or paralysis of the face, and he posted photos to prove his point. But the Dice Man said hell continue performing despite his neurological disorder.
Weve only seen a few weeks of increase, so its too early to see if this is seasonal, said Marc Napp, chief medical officer for Browards Memorial Healthcare System. We have only been through one annual cycle. A year ago there was no vaccine and now there is, so its too early to say if its going to be bad every July. It could take a couple of years before we can shake out when the peaks and valleys will be.
He was one of the most personable people that I have ever had the pleasure of working with because he didnt just come in, punch the clock and do the job, Fox said. He came in to make sure that everybody around him was doing good, and if they werent, you know, he tried to help them out.
As a community organization, we have witnessed, through our autism center and community health clinic, how our families have been struggling with the effects of this pandemic in different facets of their lives. For that reason, we believe that everyone should be vaccinated and continue to wear masks when indoors. This is not a political problem. It is a public health problem. We need to protect the mental health of our children. Wearing masks will help alleviate the dramatic impacts of the delta variant and bring us back to a sense of normalcy faster. We have to come together as a community to end this pandemic, said Guzman.
Detectives said the calls happened after weeks of threatening behavior where [he] made statements that he was going to commit mass murders, he believed he is a prophet of God and has been commanded to form an army and they were going to rise up, according to the sheriffs office.
Some of you, and I know this is a fact, may have thought that some of the balances that cleared up was a mistake, right? Robinson told graduates during one of the ceremonies, adding some of their parents had called the school to ask about the missing balances. That was not a mistake.
The new rules come as COVID-19 cases surge in Florida and the 2021-22 school year is to start Aug. 10 in many Florida counties, including Orange and Seminole. That has prompted new calls for face mask mandates and convinced the Alachua County School Board to buck the governor and impose one for the first two weeks of classes.
In less than an hour, Arango and his brother, also a firefighter, were at the scene. For seven days, Arango and his brother worked with fellow firefighters. Racing against the clock, they worked vigorously in the hopes that their efforts would assist in finding his daughter before it was too late, according to the suit.
A 70-year-old airline passenger accused of hitting a flight attendant was arrested after the plane landed in Florida on Thursday, August 5, 2021. John Loucky refused to follow instructions and became hostile before striking the flight attendant, police said. (Escambia County jail)
When investigators linked to the account, they found a video of a child involved in a sex act. The account was linked to various IP addresses that were traced to Edlund, the release said. Some of the internet addresses were assigned to Embry-Riddle, while others were traced to where Edlund was staying with family in Chicago, police said.
Berry had two drinks while on the Frontier Airlines flight and ordered another drink, police said. Berry brushed an empty cup against the backside of a flight attendant, who then told him not to touch her, officials said. At some point, Berry spilled a drink on his shirt, went to the bathroom and came out shirtless, the report said. A flight attendant helped him get another shirt from his carry-on.
A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office also drew concerns, particularly from Republicans. It concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade, though the bills backers argued that the budget office was unable to take into account certain revenue streams  including from future economic growth.
Our fear is that the shortened window of opportunity will be an opportunity for the process to operate even further outside the sunshine than it has in the past. In other words, more behind-the-scenes, anti-constitutional mischief  safe in the belief that the state Supreme Court will quietly go along with whatever the Legislature decides.
Earlier, he was in suburban Milwaukee, and he made other fund-raising forays to Las Vegas and San Diego. Being AWOL during a life-threatening crisis used to be a disqualifier in Florida politics. Im trying, without success, to picture Gov. Jeb Bush jetting off to Maine to hobnob with the rich and well-connected as a Category 4 hurricane bears down on the state. DeSantis does it without a trace of self-consciousness.
In 2016 and again in 2018, when a state of emergency was declared for Southwest Florida, I learned about blue-green algae blooms and red tides. I had never seen thousands of tons of dead sea life on shorelines, even though I lived 60 years on Long Island. I had never seen a local economy suffer so profoundly from an environmental disaster, nor heard of fecal bacteria contamination, nor ever imagined that there would be a need for a governors task force on something so basic and critical as water.
I just returned from a 10-day dive trip in Cozumel, Mexico, where there is a mask mandate. Every single Mexican I saw was wearing a mask except for the scuba professionals on the boats. Many ride motor scooters as their main transportation, and they were wearing masks while driving down the streets. Walking down the street? Masked. At work? Masked. In stores? You got it, masked.
The word nutrient can be misleading. It sounds peppy  like the kind of thing you want to ingest to keep your bones strong and hair shiny. And it can mean that. But when it comes to water quality, nutrients are usually bad; things like fertilizer and septic runoff that feed algal blooms that muck up the water and suffocate life below the surface.
Border officials at points of entry and elsewhere recorded more than 822,000 encounters with migrants from February to June, PolitiFact wrote, and most of those people were expelled under the public health law. These individuals dont get to stay in the country to request asylum or other immigration protection.
With the spread of the more infectious delta variant of COVID-19, though, cruise lines have shifted their policies. Carnival and Princess Cruises this week, now call for mask wearing for all passengers in interior spaces no matter if vaccinated or not. And as of Aug. 14, all passengers 2 and over, whether vaccinated or not, must have at least a negative antigen COVID-19 test taken within three days of embarkation.
Oswego, NY (13126)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Port Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - The Mauritian health authorities said on Friday that they detected 173 positive cases of COVID-19, all asymptomatic, on Thursday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan prime minister of the Government of National Accord and minister of Defence, Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba, affirmed here Thursday his government seeks to build a civilian state with a truly organized army
Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Amnesty International is accusing the Nigerian security forces of committing "a catalogue of human rights violations and crimes under international law" in their response to spiralling violence in southeast Nigeria
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan prime minister of the Government of National Accord, Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba, has decided to impose a three-day curfew and complete lockdown on Saturday, Sunday and next Monday to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is convening of a new virtual meeting of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) on Wednesday to discuss the results of Proposals Consensus Committee of the forum
The products being acquired by the firm include Gelclair, an oral rinse gel used to manage the painful symptoms of oral mucositis, a side effect of some cancer therapies

( ) PLC said it has acquired a series of oncology support product assets from Helsinn Healthcare, a Swiss cancer support firm, for around 6mln Swiss francs (4.7mln).

The maker of products for the self-care market said the purchase is comprised of three on-market products within the oncology support area, as well as all associated intellectual property and customer relationships.

The products consist of Gelclair, an oral rinse gel used to manage the painful symptoms of oral mucositis, a side effect of some cancer therapies; Pomi-T, a food supplement used to manage prostate-specific antigen levels in prostate cancer; and Xonrid, a gel used for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced dermatitis.

Venture Life said that for the year to December 31, 2020, the three brands generated gross profits of 1.3mln on sales of 2.5mln, although it said revenues were impacted by the pandemic and expected income from the brands to benefit from the easing of the effects of COVID-19 and a return of oncology treatments to pre-COVID levels.

The board believes that there is a sizeable opportunity to expand the Brands' geographical footprint via [ ( )s (VLG)] existing relationships with many of the Brands' current partners as well as cross-selling within the current VLG business. The board also considers that there is a further opportunity to develop additional new products for this nascent oncology support category within VLG, the company said.

Venture Life will pay half of the cost of the purchase on completion while the rest of the cost will be paid 12 months later. The acquisition will be funded through cash reserves as well as the companys credit facility announced on June 21.

"I am delighted to announce another acquisition in pursuit of our progressive strategy to develop the group through selective acquisitions of exciting and immediately earnings enhancing assets. Oncology support has been an area of interest in recent years for VLG as a potential growth area in an under-served market. Oncology patients and their healthcare practitioners look for products that provide effective relief from the painful side effects of oncology treatments, Venture Life chief executive Jerry Randall said in a statement.

The Brands we are acquiring are well established Brands, backed by good clinical data and already have meaningful revenues in many countries. We believe we can broaden the portfolio and offering, leveraging our in-house capabilities and expertise in medical devices and our geographic reach. Gelclair is partnered in 40 countries already and we have existing relationships with some of its partners. There is the opportunity to further expand its geographic footprint and recently a new Japanese partner has achieved registration and is expected to launch the product in 2021. Pomi-T is less widely distributed, in 22 countries, as it was only launched in 2017, but again we believe there is a good opportunity to expand this interesting product further geographically. The addition of the Brands to the group brings meaningful additional revenue and profitability for the future," the CEO added.
The test results support a feasibility study that's due for completion in the third quarter.

( , ) has received positive bench and pilot scale metallurgical test results on ferrovanadium-bearing titanomagnetite samples taken from the Pitombeiras ferrovanadium project.

Pilot scale metallurgical tests were conducted at the Fundaco Gorceix mineral and metallurgy institute in Brazil and the company described the results as excellent.

The process used magnetic separation using dry and wet concentration to produce a ferrovanadium-rich concentrate. Jangada said the result indicates that concentrate product could be highly attractive and would support a highly economical operation.

"Today's announcement represents a further exciting step forward in the development of Pitombeiras, said chairman Brian McMaster. These metallurgical test results, along with recently reported upsized mineral resources estimates, are now being incorporated into the ongoing definitive feasibility study.

The favourable results also provide us with the necessary information to further advance the negotiations with potential traders and possible local buyers. It has been a busy time at Jangada and we are very excited to share developments as they unfold."
FTSE 100 made a low-key start to Friday as attention focused on lunchtimes monthly US jobs number. Around 870,000 additions is the consensus forecast. Londons blue chip index dropped 12 to 7,018.

Energy bills are set to rise by 139 a year on average as Ofgem raised the price cap on the most widely used tariffs by 12%. The regular is putting the hike down to soaring gas prices in Europe.

Virgin-Galactic-Holdings-Inc ( ) has started selling tickets to space, with prices starting at $450,000 per seat. After his own recent trip to the edge of the atmosphere Sir Richard Branson said his space tourism company will have three offerings for the private astronaut market.

Philipp Plein will become the first major fashion brand to accept payments in cryptocurrency at both its retail stores and online. The Swiss-based brand will accept 15 different digital currencies including major cryptos Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Among the small caps, ( ) ( ) has formed a strategic partnership with Northampton-based ecommerce fulfilment expert Synergy Retail Support. Synergy will use vacant space in Xpediators warehouse in Braintree, Essex, to expand its operations.

( , , , ) ( ) chief executive Leon Coetzer said it had produced an exceptional performance in the six months ending June. Jubilee reported 40.1mln of attributable operational earnings for the first half, on 75.6mln of revenue.
Talk that online giant Amazon might get involved also has not gone away

( ) ( ) has received a higher takeover offer from US private equity giant Fortress, whose recommended bid now values the grocery chain at 6.7bn.

In a statement, the grocer and its 'bidco' said they had agreed on a new cash bid of 272p per share or around 7% more than the previously recommended deal of 254p per share including a dividend.

This increased offer, which comprises a cash consideration of 270p and a special dividend of 2p, follows criticism of the deal from various parties, including the grocer's largest investor.

Silchester Asset Management, which owns a 15.1% stake in the Bradford-based chain, said on Tuesday night it was not inclined to support the 252p-per-share offer from the Fortress-led consortium.

Silchester said that there was little in the recommended offer that could not be achieved by Morrison as a listed company, and the board should allow more time to respond to other parties who might offer better value to Morrisons public shareholders.

Legal & General has also expressed doubts over the deal, comments that have chimed with a general mood swing against private equity deals and takeovers in general if they lead to cost-cutting, lack of investment and asset stripping.

Rumours have also been swirling that original bidder Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, another US private equity firm, is putting together the resources for a renewed attempt to buy the UK grocer.

Talk that online giant Amazon might get involved also has not gone away.

In the statement today Morrisons directors repeated that they considered a deal with Fortress was in the best interests of Morrisons shareholders as a whole, and accordingly unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour.

Fortress recently added GIC, the Singapore sovereign wealth fund, to the consortium it had put together to bid for Morrisons that already includes the Canada Pension Plan 9CPP) and US billionaire Charles Koch's real estate business.

Fortress said the deal will be funded through a combination of equity and debt capital provided by the four groups, though once the deal becomes effective it will own 65%, KREI (Koch) 22% and Cambourne (GIC) 13%.

Fortress added it might syndicate out its investment further.

Shares in Morrisons rose by 2.4% to 278.4p, or around 2% higher than the new offer indicating another suitor is being tipped to enter or re-enter the battle.
The ecommerce giant will now expect staff to be back in the office from Janaury 3, an extension of its previous guidance which had planned to end the work-from-home period on September 7

Amazon.com Inc has pushed back plans for its workers to return to the office to January next year as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

On Thursday, the ecommerce giant said it will not expect employees to return to its offices until January 3, an extension of its previous guidance which had planned to end the work-from-home (WFH) period on September 7.

The company also told Reuters that it will continue to mandate mask-wearing at its offices except for staff who have been fully vaccinated.

Amazons move comes amid growing concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19 sweeping across the US, with several states, particularly those with lower rates of vaccination, seeing spikes in cases over the summer.

The surge has led many companies to reassess their plans to get employees to come back into the office, with Google parent ( ) saying last week that its WFH policy will be extended to October 18 while ( ) said it will close workspaces it had previously reopened.

Others, such as ( ), are instead mandating that employees be fully vaccinated before they are allowed back in the office.

However, Amazons policy does not extend to the workers that pack and deliver products from its massive warehouses, which contain the majority of its giant 1.3mln strong global workforce.

In pre-market trading in New York on Friday, shares in Amazon were flat at US$3,373.
( ) ( ) Robert Ross talks to Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam after forming a strategic partnership with Northampton-based ecommerce fulfilment expert Synergy Retail Support Limited.

As Ross explains, Synergy will use vacant space in Xpediators warehouse in Braintree, Essex, to expand its operations.

Some of Synergys clients have already taken space in the warehouse and discussions are underway for other customers to use the space.
Good afternoon, the markets here in the UK are set to finish up the week pretty mixed after news that the US economy added more jobs than expected in July as employment rose by 943,000.

However, given that these numbers were calculated before the rise of the Delta variant - there are concerns of new restrictions, a factor to watch.

This hiring also helped reduce the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points to 5.4%, equating to 8.7 million people unemployed as of July.

But these optimistic figures meant gold lost its shine as fears the days of a generous monetary policy could be numbered.

Back down to Earth here in London where Risers include ( ) ( ), Richard Branson's space tourism group, which said it has started selling tickets to space with prices starting at $450,000 per seat.

Rupert Murdochs media group ( ) the owner of the Wall Street Journal and The Sun was also in the green as it said it had returned to profit in the year to the end of June from a loss the year before.

Other market snapshots include Supermarket chain Morrisons says it has agreed to a revised takeover offer worth 6.7bn, up from 6.3bn, from a private equity consortium led by Fortress Investment Group.

The Halifax says house prices rose again in July after dipping last month, with prices 7.6% higher than at the same time last year - making the average price in the UK worth 261,221.

Thats all from me this week have a great weekend!
The webinar will be livestreamed on the Proactive YouTube channel, where it can be viewed at any time following the event.

The three companies presenting include Noxopharm Ltd, Global Health Ltd, and Compumedics Ltd.

Proactive will host a Lifesciences Webinar on Tuesday, August 10, with three ASX-listed companies  ( ), ( ) and ( )  set to present on upcoming plans and strategies for the remainder of 2021.

Each company will present for 12 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session, which will be live-streamed on the Proactive YouTube channel, where it can be viewed at any time following the event.

Click here to register.

Questions for the speakers can be submitted before and during the online presentations by email to John Phillips at john.phillips@proactiveinvestors.com or by text to 0431 597 771.

Noxopharm

First to take the stage is Noxopharm managing director Graham Kelly, who will outline the companys latest achievements, including the Notice of Allowance on its key Veyonda patent from the European Patent Office.

The clinical-stage drug development company, with headquarters in New South Wales, is developing the first-in-class, dual-acting cytotoxic and immuno-oncology Veyonda drug candidate, designed to enhance the effectiveness and safety of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Noxopharm worked across its four development programs over FY21s final quarter, with activity across its clinical oncology, cancer research, septic shock and chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases portfolios.

Global Health

Next in line is Global Health executive director Mathew Cherian.

The company is a leading provider of digital health solutions to the Australian healthcare industry.

Its applications help streamline the delivery of healthcare services to provide better health outcomes for people living with chronic conditions such as mental health illness, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Compumedics

To conclude the webinar, Compumedics chief executive officer David Burton will provide investors with a summary of its business activities for the June quarter.

Established in 1987, the global technology leader has so far focused on the fast growing, high value sleep medicine market.

It is also now focusing on the associated fields of neuro-diagnostics and brain research.

Event details

When: Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Time: 12:00 pm Sydney time/ 10:00 am Perth time

Focus: Lifesciences webinar

Register here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/82/6k43xh7w
The companys lithium DLE recovery rate increased from 80% to 90% without a of chemical wash.

Anson is an Australian-based exploration and development company, focused on the discovery, acquisition, and development of natural resources that will meet the demand from rapidly growing new energy and technology markets.

( ) has conducted test work at a third-party laboratory using an alternate direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.

The move has improved the expected lithium recovery rate in the first stage of the extraction process to 90%, an increase of 10% from previous test work results.

The improvement is set to positively impact production costs, having been undertaken using brine taken from the Clastic Zone 31 horizon within the Paradox Brine Project in Utah, USA.

It is expected that the higher recovery rate, no requirement for pre-treatment, using water rather than chemicals to wash the lithium from the resin, and a longer life span of the lithium extracting resin and media will improve the economics of the project.

The financial impact of these improvements is being assessed and will be included in the 15,000-tonne-per-annum sodium bromide pre-feasibility study (PFS) and 2,500-tonne-per-annum lithium carbonate equivalent preliminary economic assessment (PEA), which is currently being finalised.

Technology selection is paramount

Anson executive chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson said: The selection of the most suitable technology for our Paradox brine is paramount in meeting both objectives.

The four improvements of higher recovery rate, no pre-treatment, water replacing chemicals to wash the lithium from the selective resin and a longer life span of the extraction resin by using an alternative DLE technology is expected to improve the economics of the lithium processing plant.

Our team has delivered on this guiding principle, and we are very pleased with the results of this alternative DLE technology test work.

We look forward to providing further details on potential financial improvements in our updated PFS/PEA.

Taking into account ESG considerations

As part of its continual improvement agenda, Anson has continued to test several alternative DLE technologies over the past two years, with the aim of improving operational and economic performance and taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.

This alternative DLE process, tested by Anson, does not require pre-treatment of the brine prior to lithium extraction using resin.

Additionally, the lithium is recovered from the extraction resin with water rather than chemicals.

These two flow sheet changes are also expected to reduce operating costs as the previous process required pre-treatment and a chemical wash.

A longer life span of the lithium attracting media used in the alternative DLE process is anticipated, which is also expected to positively impact operating costs.

Benchtop test work was initially conducted to test the suitability of the process for Paradox brine and similar results were achieved using a small-scale pilot plant at a third-party laboratory processing 4,000 litres of Paradox brine.
The company has begun reconnaissance exploration at its regional Mt Remarkable Tenements which cover gold prospective rocks known as the Whitewater Volcanics.

Left: Quartz Adularia veining with sulphides at Tunganary; Right: Quartz breccia and veining with oxidised sulphides at Middle Branch.

( )'s ongoing exploration activities have discovered indications of potential high-grade gold mineralisation at its Mt Remarkable project in Western Australia and Tennant Creek Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) Project in the Northern Territory.

The companys initial helicopter reconnaissance phase has been completed at Mt Remarkable with the discovery of new quartz veins and indications of mineralisation with assays pending.

In addition, the ground magnetics geophysical survey work has continued from last year at Tennant Creek where a thin veneer of Cambrian rocks covers the prospective Warramunga Formation units along strike of known historical mining and ironstones.

Opportunity for additional high-grade gold discoveries

King River has begun reconnaissance exploration at its regional Mt Remarkable Tenements which cover gold prospective rocks known as the Whitewater Volcanics extending 200 kilometres along a NE-SW strike south of the Speewah Dome.

This horizon extends from the Hunter Project held by WA Mining Resources Pty Ltd, where historical high-grade gold values of up to 50.65g/t gold have been returned through to King Rivers Mt Remarkable Project and continue to the southwest hosting both the Tunganary and Middle Branch Bore gold prospects within anticlinal fold structure.

Past exploration along with this prospective trend and between these high-grade gold exploration projects has been sparse leaving an excellent opportunity for additional high-grade gold discoveries within the Whitewater unit.

Further on-ground reconnaissance exploration at Tunganary

King River has collected a total of 88 rock chip grab samples from veining during this first phase helicopter reconnaissance programme.

Notably, quartz veining with indications of mineralisation (such as adularia, malachite and oxidised sulphides) was identified in five different areas

At Tunganary, numerous east-west quartz adularia veins with multiple structural orientations were identified.

Therefore, Tunganary will be the first project returned to by King River for further on-ground reconnaissance exploration due to its extensive veining and structural complexity.

Tennant Creek

Ground Magnetics has commenced at King Rivers Tennant Creek Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) project.

The ground magnetics geophysical survey work has continued from last year with initial targets being immediately east of the Lonestar-Gigantic-Blue Moon IOCG trend where a thin veneer of Cambrian rocks covers the prospective Warramunga Formation units along strike of known historic mining and ironstones.

King Rivers exploration is planned to continue in the Tennant Creek region during the year including: reconnaissance at the Kurundi Project and surrounding tenements, soil sampling in the areas around Edmirringee and Whistle Duck, ongoing ground magnetics and gravity on EL31619 (to test prospective ground immediately east of the Blue Moon and Gigantic mines) and airborne magnetics and VTEM on EL31633 and EL31634 in the Tennant East/Barkly Tenements.

Best targets will be prioritised for drilling.

- Ephrems Joseph
We all recognise the substantial resource potential and the significant opportunities for accelerated early development and cannot be more excited to join the company, says incoming COO.

Collectively, incoming executive Faron Thibodeaux (pictured) and the new operational team bring more than 200 years of direct experience in the energy industry.

( ) has appointed exploration and production executive Faron Thibodeaux as chief operating officer.

Thibodeaux will be supported by five experienced technical and operational professionals that recently joined Tamboran from ( ), the largest producer in the Permian Basin in the United States.

Thibodeaux brings to the board more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry and will be based out of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Experience in unconventional energy development

Tamboran managing director and CEO Joel Riddle said: We are excited to announce the appointment of Faron Thibodeaux as the chief operating officer of Tamboran Resources.

Mr Thibodeaux will be responsible for the delivery of Tamborans safety, technical and operational performance in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, including working with Santos QNT Pty Ltd (Santos), our joint venture partner in EP 161, and executing our operated strategy in EP 136.

Faron brings more than 40 years of knowledge and considerable experience in unconventional energy development to the company.

His experience in both the Permian Basin in the United States and Australian energy sector will be invaluable in the accelerated development of our Beetaloo assets.

Experience across US and Australia

Thibodeaux recently served as the senior vice president for global drilling, completions and production engineering at APA Corporation, formerly ( ).

His previous assignment was senior region vice president at APAs operations in the Permian Basin, described as the leading and most competitive basin in North America for unconventional drilling and technologies.

At Midland Texas, he oversaw the operational performance of up to 46 rigs in the Permian Basin. He served on the Boards of the Permian basin petroleum association (PBPA) and the midland chamber of commerce.

He also served as the senior region vice president for several of APAs most successful assets, including the North West Shelf of Australia, where he was based in Perth.

In addition, Thibodeaux previously held senior technical and operational roles with Unocal Corporation and ( ).

Oversee drilling operations

In his new role, Thibodeaux will report to managing director and CEO Joel Riddle, subject to the lifting of travel restrictions.

As part of his role, Thibodeaux will oversee, on behalf of Tamboran, the ongoing horizontal well drilling operations being conducted as part of the Tanumbirini appraisal campaign.

The 2021Tanumbirini appraisal campaign includes the drilling of two wells, Tanumbirini 2H (T2H) and Tanumbirini 3H (T3H), located in the EP 161 permit within Tamboran's core Beetaloo Sub-basin holding in the Northern Territory.

( ) operates EP 161 with a 75% working interest, while Tamboran holds the remaining 25% stake.

Importantly, Thibodeaux will also have responsibility for Tamborans safety, technical and operational performance in Tamborans 100% interest in the EP 136 permit, where the company is planning the acquisition of 2D seismic and drilling of the Maverick #1/1H horizontal well within the next 12 months.

Industry best practices and leading-edge technology

Thibodeaux will be joined by five gas experts that previously worked with ( ), the largest producer in the Permian Basin.

These professionals served Pioneer for a combined 40 years, where they applied industry best practices and leading-edge technology in unconventional shale development in what is today considered the premier basin in the United States.

Collectively, the Tamboran executive and operational team has more than 200 years of direct experience in the energy industry and has a strong track record of safely drilling.

Riddle adds: Faron will be supported by five new highly experienced technical and operational professionals, who collectively have drilled more than 5,000 unconventional horizontal shale wells in the US.

We are delighted to have attracted a team of such a high calibre to Tamboran

Getting low-emission energy into the market.

Tamboran COO Faron Thibodeaux said: The new team and I have studied closely the geology and drilling results associated with Tamborans assets in the Core Beetaloo Sub-basin.

We all recognise the substantial resource potential and the significant opportunities for accelerated early development and cannot be more excited to join the Company.

This is one of those rare situations in our careers where our knowledge from decades of experience in the unconventional sector in the US can have an immediate impact on the Beetaloo Subbasin and the overall Australian energy market.

Our goal at Tamboran is to bring this low CO2 gas to market as soon as possible.

Our ability to execute begins with the superior geology that exists in the Core Beetaloo and the application of next-generation proven technology and know-how to getting this low-emission energy into the market.

- Ephrems Joseph
Auteco is earning up to an 80% interest at the Pickle Crow Gold Project, situated in one of Canadas most prolific gold mining districts.

Auteco is exploring for gold in what it describes as one of the best mining addresses in the world.

( , ) is heading into the new financial year on a mission to further develop the 1.7-million-ounce Pickle Crow Gold Project in Ontario, Canada.

The emerging mineral exploration company presented at Diggers and Dealers this week, outlining how it plans to develop the cornerstone project less than one week after it unveiled its latest quarterly report.

Looking ahead, the ASX-lister is working through a 50,000-metre drilling campaign in a bid to deliver another mineral resource update at Pickle Crow, where Auteco is on track to secure 80% of the project by years end.

Auteco also maintains it is well-funded to progress operations and advance its growth strategy; the company ended the June quarter with A$21.8 million in the bank.

Good news continues to flow

Speaking to the companys June quarter activities, Auteco Minerals executive chairman Ray Shorrocks said: It has been a highly successful quarter, marked by the delivery of the resource increase and the subsequent exceptional drill results, which point to further growth in the inventory.

We have grown the high-grade Pickle Crow resource by 710,000 ounces. This is an outstanding result and has been achieved at a cost of around A$15 per ounce.

And the good news continues to flow, with the new drilling program already intersecting significant high-grade mineralisation outside the updated resource envelope.

To further capitalise on this quarters success, another 50,000-metre drill program is underway. The new drilling program will focus on inventory growth and regional discovery.

Looking ahead

As it prepares to increase its stake in Pickle Crow, Auteco has unveiled a three-pronged forward work plan, focused on long-term growth and developing a pathway to production.

The first stage is exploration-heavy, with the Auteco board approving a further 50,000 metres of drilling at the cornerstone gold asset.

Between four and six drill rigs will be on-site at any one time to execute the program, while the company will also conduct target-generative work.

Following that, the ASX-lister has its sights set on a mineral resource estimate (MRE) update, after a mid-year review brought the MRE up to 6.6 million tonnes at 8.1 g/t gold for 1.71 million contained gold ounces. Auteco intends to update the resource as at December 31, 2021.

Beyond that, the company hopes to move to high-level activities that demonstrate its pathway to production, including advanced exploration permitting, review and assessment work.

Importantly, the 1.7-million-ounce project is still growing, with 710,000 ounces of near-surface gold resource added to the MRE in a 10-month window.

June quarter highlights

One of the key June quarter highlights came in May 2021, when Auteco completed a Stage 1 earn-in to earn 51% of the Pickle Crow project.

The company issued 100 million AUT shares to increase its stake and has since set its sights on boosting its holding further to an 80% interest.

Earlier this week, Auteco announced its second stage expenditure requirement, detailed under the earn-in agreement with First Mining Gold, has been satisfied, meaning the ASX-lister can now move to 70% equity ownership of the Pickle Crow Gold Project.

Overall, the June quarter marked the end of a 10-month strategic work program that involved more than 45,000 metres of drilling and 166 diamond drill holes.

Just after the June quarter closed, Auteco grew the Pickle Crow gold resource by 71% to its current 1.7-million-ounce status.

A subsequent 50,000-metre drilling program is currently underway, with strong intersections including:

1.8 metres at 16.6 g/t gold from 61.5 metres;

3.3 metres at 8.0 g/t from 836.4 metres;

1.8 metres at 21.2 g/t from 838 metres;

4.9 metres at 4.7 g/t from 514 metres, including 2.1 metres at 10.4 g/t; and

1 metre at 14.1 g/t from 432 metres.

Auteco has also unearthed a new gold target at Pickle Crow, dubbed the Carey discovery, where it has intersected as much as 5.3 g/t gold during recent exploration.

Follow up drilling at the Carey discovery is in progress, with results expected in the September quarter.

In addition to this new target, drilling has extended the known high-grade gold mineralisation in Pickle Crows Shaft 3 and Shaft 1 areas.

Auteco has so far completed almost 8,000 metres and 35 diamond drill holes in its new exploration campaign, with four drill rigs currently on site.

Financials

Heading into the new financial year, Auteco has nearly A$22 million in the bank to support its phase two exploration program.

Over the June quarter, the ASX-lister expensed A$4.3 million on exploration activities, while payments to related parties and their associates for executive and non-executive directors fees, including (where applicable) superannuation, totalled A$118,000.

Taking into account its cash flow and available cash reserves, Auteco maintains it has enough capital to sustain operations for another 18 months, depending on exploration spend.
Vejii will fulfill Boosh's e-commerce and third-party orders through their fulfillment centers throughout North America

Boosh currently offer six frozen meals, which are sold throughout Canada, and is expanding its meals to include three refrigerated products

( , ) announced it will offer Canadians and Americans home delivery services through the ShopVejii.com website.

The firm said it had inked an agreement with Vejii Holdings Ltd to start home delivery services throughout Canada and the US in September 2021.

British Columbia-based Vejii owns and operates a digital marketplace for plant-based and sustainable-living products at ShopVejii.com.

Vejii will fulfill Boosh's e-commerce and third-party orders through their strategically located fulfillment centers throughout North America, Boosh told investors in a statement.

"We're extremely pleased to begin offering home delivery of Boosh products in Canada and the US through ShopVejii.com, and to expand our reach and customer base throughout North America," Connie Marples, Boosh President said in a statement.

Marples told shareholders that home delivery should perfectly complement its recently hired US food broker, Thrive, in the Vancouver-based firms quest to create an expansive footprint throughout America.

Vejii CEO Kory Zelickson added that the company was excited to offer Booshs 100% plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, frozen and refrigerated onto its home delivery platform.

Operating one of the leading north American vegan and plant-based marketplaces through ShopVejii.com gives us a unique advantage to showcase Boosh to our growing north American customer base who are seeking high quality, tasty, plant-based and vegan options, without having to leave the comforts of their home, Zelickson said.

Boosh currently offers six frozen meals, which are sold throughout Canada, and is expanding its meals to include three refrigerated products.

Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas
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Four defendants in surrogacy kids trade case returned to detention

 RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov

10:43 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  The First Appeals Court of General Jurisdiction overturned house arrest imposed on CEO of the European Surrogacy Center Vladislav Melnikov and three other defendants in a case over trafficking of surrogate mothers children and detained them, according to the courts press service.

Melnikov, Taras Ashitkov, Yuliana Ivanova and Lillia Panaioti have been ordered to be placed in detention for 3 months.

They are charged with human trafficking committed by an organized group.

In January 2020, law enforcement found a body of a dead newborn boy in a flat in the Moscow Regions town of Odintsovo. There were also three other kids there along with a nurse. Investigators believe surrogate mothers gave birth to the children to transfer them later to foreign parents.

However, defense lawyers believe that investigators failed to discover cause-effect links between actions of the doctors and the babys death. Moreover, they state that current legislation does not prohibit citizens to become parents using vitro fertilization and surrogate services.




Procedure of sale of ex-banker Motylevs assets extended until 2022

 RAPSI

11:09 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has extended the sale of property owned by ex-head of the Russian Credit Bank Anatoly Motylev until January 24, 2022, according to court records.

In January, the court dismissed an application filed by a financial receiver to forward requests for submission of information on foreign bank accounts of the debtor to Swiss, French, Monaco and Spanish authorities.

In September 2020, the court ordered the receiver to search for the debtors assets abroad upon a claim of the Russian Credit Bank.

In May 2018, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld a decision declaring Motylev bankrupt and launching a procedure governing the sale of his property. At that time, the businessman challenged the decision of the Moscow Commercial Court of February 19. According to the documents presented by Motylevs bankruptcy supervisor, ex-bankers debt made in total 23.4 billion rubles (about $356 million).

In May 2018, banks and a range of organizations filed claims to include nearly 42 billion rubles (about $639 million at the current exchange rate) in the creditors demands list against former head of the banking group Motylev. The Russian Credit bank alone demanded 33.3 billion rubles ($500 million).

Motylev, who currently lives abroad, is a former owner of several Russian banks including Russian Credit, M Bank, AMB B and Tulsky Industrialist. In July 2015, the Central Bank of Russia revoked licenses of the financial organizations.

In May 2016, Moscows Basmanny District Court seized the businessmans property including several apartments and land plots in the Moscow Region.




Navalnys brother gets suspended sentence in sanitary code breach case

 Moscow's Tverskoy District Court, Moskva city news agency

15:05 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  Oleg Navalny, the brother of convicted blogger Alexey Navalny, on Friday received 1-year suspended sentence for abetting breaching of sanitary and epidemiological norms during an unauthorized rally held in Moscow on January 23, the Preobrazhensky District Courts press service told RAPSI.

On Friday, one more defendant Nikolay Lyaskin received 1 year of restriction of liberty. On August 4, the court sentenced another opposition figure Lyubov Sobol to 1.5-year supervisory release.

According to police, coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among participants of the Moscow rally. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact.
Investigators launch case over road accident involving Russians in Turkey

 flickr.com/Greenland Michael

16:38 06/08/2021

MOSCOW, August 6 (RAPSI)  The Investigative Committee for the Russian Samara Region has opened a criminal case over the deaths of three Russian tourists in a road accident that occurred in Turkish Antalya, the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee informs RAPSI.

According to the information available to investigators, on August 2, 2021, at about 6 pm, a tourist bus driver transporting Russian citizens to the airport on the Alania-Antalya route committed a traffic accident. As a result of the incident, 19 residents of the Samara region received bodily injuries of varying severity, three more died, including a minor, the Committee said in a statement.

The investigative authorities are preparing a request for legal assistance to the competent authorities of Turkey. The case was initiated under the article of the Russian Criminal Code as to the provision of services that do not meet safety requirements, and which inadvertently resulted in the death of two or more persons.

The Committee takes necessary measures to aid the Russian nationals to return to the Russian Federation; after their return, all necessary expert examinations and procedural actions will be immediately ensured, according to the Investigative Committee statement.
Posted by Liam on at 10:27 AM CST





Although fans were eager to see the further adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han following the end of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars has always been a generational story where the Jedi teachings are passed down to a younger batch of heroes. While the sequel trilogy introduced Rey, Finn, and Poe as the next central trio, the early Expanded Universe featured Han and Leias three children Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin in starring roles.







The twins Jacen and Jaina were born in The Last Command, the final installment in Timothy Zahns Thrawn Trilogy of novels, and a third child, Anakin, was born in the comic series Dark Empire II. The three Solo children were raised within the New Republic alongside their parents, but early on they began their Jedi training at Luke Skywalkers Jedi Academy on Yavin IV.







Like all great Star Wars trios, the Solo children had contrasting personalities and developed a unique repertoire between them. Jacen inherited much of his fathers charismatic rogue energy, but was also tempted by the darker impulses of his grandfather Darth Vader. Jaina had much of her mothers independent spirit and level-headed practicality, particularly during the heights of the Yuuzhan Vong. Anakin, the youngest and most idealistic, was often attuned to the natural world through the Living Force, sharing many qualities with his uncle Luke. He was also a gifted pilot like his father and grandfather before him.







The childrens training was depicted across the course of a YA series, with Jacen and Jaina leading the Young Jedi Knights series that introduced characters like Tenel Ka, a stern, no-nonsense aspiring warrior who eventually develops as Jacens love interest. Anakins training was depicted within the Junior Jedi Knights series, which foreshadowed a future where hed become one of the wisest and most powerful Jedi of his time. Tragically, this was a prophecy that would never come to fruition.



Originally it seemed like Anakin would be the core protagonist of the overall franchise with Jacen perishing early on, but it was George Lucas himself who vetoed the decision and suggested the roles should be reversed. As a result, Anakin was one of the many casualties of the Yuuzhan Vong war, and his death weighed heavily on his siblings as they grew to embrace different sides of the Force.







The New Jedi Order series saw the Solo twins growing up during an intergalactic conflict and introduced them to a wider audience of Star Wars fans outside of the YA readers. Excellent Star Wars authors including Troy Denning, James Luceno, and Greg Keyes among others developed mature characters who grew to embrace their destiny within the heights of the Yuuzhan Vong conflict. It was ultimately Jacen who emerged as the galaxys savior after his showdown with the Yuuzhan Vong overlord, not dissimilar from his grandfathers heroism during the Clone Wars. Unfortunately for the Skywalker and Solo families, Jacen would go down the same dark path that Anakin Skywalker did.







During the Legacy of the Force series, Jacens brooding interest in the dark side was grown as he was mentored by the Sith acolyte Lumiya, and his villainy was solidified when he murdered Mara Jade Skywalker. Becoming the Sith Lord Darth Caedus, Jacen reigned as the new flagship villain of the franchise until he met his end at his sisters hands after she trained with Boba Fett himself in order to defeat her brother. The epic duel between siblings was depicted in the final installment in the Legacy of the Force series, Troy Dennings Invincible. Jaina is left to raise Jacens daughter Allana.







However, The New Jedi Order series also introduced another hero into the mix after Anakins path was cut short. Ben Skywalker, the son of Luke and Mara Jade, would become a close ally to Jacen before his cousin brutally tortured him during his ascension to the dark side. Ben would grow closer to his father during the next major series Fate of the Jedi, where the father-son duo traveled the galaxy in search of mythical force artifacts that predated the Jedi and Sith themselves.







Ben and Anakin were never offered as figures, but both Jacen and Jaina got figure releases for the 2009 Legacy Collection, with Jaina also released as an exclusive Black Series character. The fate of Jaina and Ben was never unveiled, as the existing Expanded Universe timeline was sunsetted following Disneys purchase of Lucasfilm and the launch of a new Star Wars canon. However, these stories were certainly well-developed by many great Star Wars storytellers who crafted compelling characters over arcs for twenty years. Canon or not, these are essential figures within Star Wars media.



What do you think? Do you have any favorite storylines featuring the Solo children? Did you enjoy how these characters were depicted in The New Jedi Order novels, or did you prefer Legacy of the Force or Fate of the Jedi? Let us know, and as always, may the Force be with you!

Greetings,fans! This week on the site weve covered the epic nineteen books that make up The New Jedi Order series of novels. make sure to check out our base "Expand Your Mind" article that explains the series history, its importance within Legends, and the coolest collectibles youll want to get your hands on. Make sure to check out our "Timeline Breakdown" that explores the connections to other Star Wars Legends media, and with "Force Casting" article where we'll fan cast some of our favorite characters! Also be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see Bobbys videos covering the subject.
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Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

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Opposition leaders from the Congress and other parties joined protesting farmers at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Friday to express their support to their agitation and take part in the ongoing Kisan Sansad. This is the first organised visit of Opposition leaders to the farmers protest site. Around 200 farmers have been camping at the Jantar Mantar for the Kisan Sansad (farmers parliament) since July 22 when the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament began. This is an extension of the months-long agitation that they have been holding along the borders of Delhi seeking a repeal of three Central farm laws.




A non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against former MLA Louise Khurshid, wife of Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, has been recalled by the Farrukhabad chief judicial magistrate after it was brought to the notice that an interim bail had been granted to the accused by the Allahabad High Court in the same case.

The warrant had been issued by the Farrukhabad court in a case of alleged misappropriation of central grants for a trust headed by Louise Khurshid.

The order issued by the court of the chief judicial magistrate of Farrukhabad stated that as interim bail was granted to the accused in December 2019 and the matter is still pending before the high court, the implementation of NBW, issued by the court, is adjourned till further order.

The court also directed immediate recall of the NBW order from the police station concerned.

The case dates back to 2010. The Dr Zakir Husain Memorial Trust in Delhi, a government-funded organisation which, among other things, also runs the Zakir Husain College, had received a grant of Rs 71.5 lakh from the Centre for distribution of wheelchairs and hearing aids among the disabled in 17 Uttar Pradesh districts, including Farrukhabad.

Government officials' signatures were allegedly forged and fake seals used to show that distribution camps had been organized.

A news channel claimed that the money meant for the disabled had never been used.

Louise Khurshid, a former Kaimganj MLA, filed a defamation suit against the channel in the Delhi High Court -- it was eventually settled in 2015 -- while the trust was issued a notice by the Allahabad high court.
Kent, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2021 -- American Retail Supply offers a large selection of wholesale products that support the operations of retail stores in the USA. The store's inventory is composed of products such as printed tissue papers, gift boxes with lids, pricing guns & tagging guns, paper bags, T-shirt bags, mannequins & forms, banners & posters, slatwall & wall panels, shopping bags, retail POS system & accessories, among others. At American Retail Supply, they not only supply products to retail store owners in the USA but, also Alaska and Hawaii, as they are headquartered in Puyallup, and have showrooms in Honolulu and Denver.



Answering a query, American Retail Supply's spokesperson commented, "On our platform, orders placed by 3 pm are mostly shipped before the end of the day. Even if the product you want to purchase is not available, we will deliver it at the specified time when it is finally available. When it comes to product delivery, we do well to keep our word on whatever time we assign to our customers as the date of delivery. You can also trust our amiable customer attendants to help you with any difficulties as regards placing an order".



At American Retail Supply, they provide printed tissue papers for various retail stores, including restaurants, gift shops, bakeries, jewelry stores, and apparel stores. Their printed tissue papers come in numerous styles and designs. They offer gold and silver printed tissue papers, which are appropriate for events with gold, silver, or copper color as their theme color. Gemstone sparkling tissue papers are also ideal for packing valuable gifts and jewelry, and on all occasions printed tissue papers suit every type of event.



Moreover, American Retail Supply's stock of printed tissue papers also includes pearl shiny tissue papers, which are proper for wrapping and packaging gifts. They also offer western theme tissue papers in various designs such as red brands western printed tissue paper, lasso & horseshoe printed tissue paper, and horse & foal print on tissue paper. Retail store owners who are on the verge to get wholesale printed tissue paper can therefore reach out to American Retail Supply.



The spokesperson further added, "We offer sturdy Hi Wall two-piece gift boxes & lids, which allows you select lids and folding base with multiple colors. These sophisticated gift boxes are more heavy-duty for packing exquisite and costly products, and their set-up lids are useable with various bases. A 4 by 4 lid is useable with a base of 4 by 4 by 3, 4 by 4 by 6 or 4 by 4 by 9. You can trust us to deliver several varieties of gift boxes & lids that will fit into your requirements".



Furthermore, American Retail Supply offers a wide variety of gift boxes with lids. These include white gift boxes with lids, black gift boxes with lids, red gift boxes with lids, and gold gift boxes with lids. Retail store owners can order gift box with lid by simply visiting the American Retail Supply website.



About American Retail Supply

American Retail Supply has been supplying retail store owners with items and products for their business needs since 1971. Customers can also place orders through their website, via email, phone call, or fax.



Contact Information:



American Retail Supply



16719 110th Ave E Ste A,

Puyallup, WA 98374

Phone 1: 253 850 2247

Phone 2: 800 426 5708



11440 East 56th Ave, Unit #125,

Denver, CO 80239

Phone: 303 295 1036



94-1388 Moaniani St. Unit #109,

Honolulu, HI 96797

Phone: 888 395 4888



Email: info@americanretailsupply.com

Website: https://www.americanretailsupply.com/
Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/05/2021 -- According to the new market research report on the "Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Market by Type (Fixed CMM, Portable CMM), Industry (Automotive, Aerospace, Heavy Machinery, Energy & Power, Electronics, Medical), and Region (North America, APAC, Europe, and RoW) - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the CMM market size is expected to grow from USD 2.8 billion in 2021 to USD 4.3 billion by 2026; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2026. The key factors driving the growth of the market growing use of 3D data in modeling and analytical applications, increasing R&D spending on developing metrology products, and thriving automotive sector.



Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=153666711



"Type-wise, fixed CMM segment captured the larger market size of the overall CMM market in 2020"



The rising need for validating the dimensional and geometric accuracy in the manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries is the factor responsible for the largest share of the fixed CMM segment. The bridge CMM is the most common type in the CMM market. As the manufacturing processes are getting complex, along with constant changes in quality and accuracy standards of the manufacturing processes in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, accuracy and precision have become the topmost requirements. The demand for bridge CMMs is increasing. Better rigidity and higher accuracy are the major factors responsible for the high adoption of bridge CMMs in industrial metrology. Bridge CMMs require less setup time and are most accurate and flexible.



Industry-wise, heavy machinery segment to grow at the highest rate from 2021 to 2026"



As CMMs can provide an onsite dimensional measurement to manufacturers of heavy equipment including earthmoving, excavation, and agricultural machinery, the adoption of CMMs is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. China is the largest market for heavy machinery, which poses increased demand for CMM solutions and is driving the growth of the market in APAC. China's economic restructuring includes focusing on the development of advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries. Given this focus, sub-sectors that offer the most promising business opportunities are CNC machine tools, robotics, 3D printing equipment, and energy-efficient and environment protection equipment. Furthermore, Made in China 2025, a Chinese government initiative to upgrade China's machinery industry to manufacture major machine goods with their own innovation and intellectual property rights is a huge opportunity for the CMM market.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Market"

243  Tables

61  Figures

255  Pages



Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=153666711



"APAC to record highest CAGR from 2021 to 2026"



Asia Pacific is the most rapidly growing market and offers a huge opportunity for the automotive industry, whose growth is driven by the growing population. The heavy machinery industry is booming rapidly, which, in turn, has driven the market for CMMs in India and China. The rising awareness related to automation, increasing emphasis of leading economies such as China and Japan on heavy machinery industries are some primary factors contributing to the largest market share of APAC. The rapid growth of the automotive, heavy machinery, and aerospace industries in emerging economies, such as China and India, has contributed to the growth of the CMM market in APAC. Funding for R&D of heavy machinery and an extensive industrial base are the major factors that make APAC a dynamic region for CMMs, with China and Japan being the major contributors. The APAC region has already started recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. With the fear of the new strain of COVID-19 and another wave of pandemics hitting this region, countries are opening their trade and businesses cautiously. The use of CMMs reduces the wastage of material due to inaccuracy and faulty manufacturing, which is one of the factors fueling the demand for CMMs in this region.



Major players involved in the CMM market include Zeiss Group (Germany), FARO Technologies (US), Hexagon (Sweden), Nikon Corporation (Japan), Mitutoyo (Japan), Tokyo Seimitsu (Japan), Keyence Corporation (Japan), Creaform (Canada), Perceptron (US), and Wenzel Group (Germany).



Related Reports:



Industrial Metrology Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Offering, Equipment, Application (Quality & Inspection, Reverse Engineering, Mapping & Modelling), End-User Industry, Geography - Global Forecast to 2026



3D Metrology Market with COVID-19 Impact by Product Type (CMM, ODS, VMM, 3D AOI, 3D X-ray &CT), Application (Quality Control & Inspection, Reverse Engineering, Virtual Simulation), Offering, End-user Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2026



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Berlin, Germany -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2021 -- Stocks and shares of airlines have been unstable since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with international travel having been subjected to some of the strictest restrictions across Europe. Earlier this month, Germany lifted some of the tough restrictions placed on visitors from countries such as the UK and Portugal, which resulted in a positive uptick but then quickly nosedived. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Ryanair, and the International Airlines Group all saw gains before the stocks across Europe fell with the pan-European Stoxx 600, London, Paris, and Frankfurt all seeing decreases.



A wealth of experience in banking and financial services coupled with an extensive national and international reach establishes Selby Jennings as a clear choice when searching for talent for commodities careers in Germany. The business works with firms in the financial services sector, handling talent acquisition for industry-leading organisations and assisting dynamic start-ups in implementing robust and streamlined recruiting strategies. The ingenuity that leads to the reimagination and simplification of the recruiting process to reveal new opportunities for growth has been paramount to the firm's prosperity over the last 15 years. Equipped with a dedicated team of over 750 incandescent consultants based in over 60 locations worldwide, cementing their internationality as a multifaceted financial services recruitment agency. Selby Jenning's consultants are thoroughly trained and actively encouraged to develop their understanding in areas such as industry awareness, movement, and trends in order to better comprehend the market. The Selby Jennings consultants are able to help skilled professionals leverage opportunities in private wealth management, corporate and investment banking, financial technology and risk management, as well as sales and trading. Candidates partnering with the firm pursue incredible career paths across a plethora of specialisations.



Selby Jennings, as part of the Phaidon International Group, is the preferred recruiting partner for hundreds of internationally acclaimed organisations. As a commodities careers recruiter working with businesses across Germany, this is paired with in-depth local knowledge of the financial services sector. From initial advertising through to interviews and offers, Selby Jennings consultants are committed to ensuring that companies and applicants feel supported throughout the recruiting process. A strategy that can be best defined as 'recruitment beyond borders' opens up a plethora of new options for individuals looking to further their careers as well as companies looking to hire the next generation of business-critical talent. Some of the opportunities that are currently available through Selby Jennings in Germany include: Information Security Officer, Senior Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Senior IT Security Manager, Machine Learning Engineer, IT Auditor, Senior Consultant, Retail Credit Risk Manager, Senior Credit Risk Modeller, Financial Accountant, Head Derivative Operations and many more.



"2020 was a year of seismic change across the recruitment sector. Challenges of logistics and ongoing uncertainty tested the commitment of many organisations to goals, values and ideals. An unwavering sense of duty and focus on our clients has helped us to build even stronger networks and connections for the coming year," commented Matt Nicholson, Managing Director at Selby Jennings Europe. He went on to say, "the challenges that we have faced in virtually securing and retaining talent have proven to be an opportunity in terms of increasing the versatility of our team and demonstrating just how adaptable and insightful we can be when it comes to providing talent acquisition support under any conditions."



To find out more about commodities careers in Germany visit https://selbyjennings.de



For any media enquiries please contact Gary Elliot at Iconic Digital - 020 7100 0726



For all other enquiries please contact Selby Jennings: +49 30 72 62 11 444.



For more information about Selby Jennings please go to https://selbyjennings.de



About Selby Jennings

Selby Jennings knows that building the right team isn't easy. However, with the support of the right hiring partner, access to key networks and contacts, it's possible to reimagine the process of recruitment to make it more positive, satisfying and productive.
Kington, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2021 -- QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is recommended for larger companies with sales larger than $1 million and 20 to 250 employees.



QuickBooks Enterprise can support up to 30 simultaneous users, because of which it is considered the most robust edition. Enterprise also allows for the most transactions, multiple locations, and faster processing with larger limits and has enhanced reporting capabilities, like additional user permissions and restrictions. Enterprise also allows for more customization and filtering to enhance and identify trends and key performance insights in a quicker fashion.



QuickBooks Enterprise is the most expensive of QuickBooks's suite of accounting software options According to E-Tech's John Rocha, this version of QuickBooks would just be the right fit if a business has employees in specialized roles and functions, with multiple locations that need to be tracked and managed.



"As your business needs change, QuickBooks Enterprise lets you add more users - up to a maximum of 30 users  and is available in 1-10 user, and 30-user licenses. You can add users up to a 10-user license. If you currently have 10 users, you can upgrade to a 30-user license," Rocha said. "Under these circumstances, most small businesses do not realize that QuickBooks Enterprise may not be the software they need especially if do not exceed the 14,500 products, customers, or vendors. Most company files do not exceed those limits and in such cases, QuickBooks Pro and Premier can offer the required features at a very economical price," Rocha said.



For businesses that are just getting started and wanting to try out QuickBooks, Pro is a very cost-effective and manageable tool. This version of QuickBooks helps create invoices, paying and tracking bills.



For those considering a switch to QuickBooks Pro, E-Tech's conversion service can downgrade an Enterprise data file to Pro or Premier by accessing data directly. The service includes the complete conversion of all data including payroll and service subscriptions, with a full money-back guarantee.



For more information on this service, visit https://quickbooksrecovery.co.uk/quickbooks-data-conversions/quickbooks-enterprise-uk-conversion/



About E-Tech

E-Tech is the leading service provider of QuickBooks File Repair, Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion and QuickBooks SDK programming in the UK and Ireland. In our 20 years plus of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, we have assisted over a 1000 satisfied customers with their requirements.



We offer a range of services for existing QuickBooks users and provide comprehensive solutions for small businesses. Additionally, our expertise covers the US, UK, Canadian, Australian (Reckon Accounts), and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks (PC and Mac platforms).



For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at Melanie@e-tech.ca.



Media Contact



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Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2021 -- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe, increasing government and corporate investments in healthcare projects and infrastructure development, rising demand for infection control measures to curb the occurrence of HAIs, and the rising demand for medical devices are driving the growth of the global medical supplies market. Moreover, the rising medical tourism and emerging markets are expected to offer significant growth opportunities to players operating in the medical supplies market in the coming years.



According to the new market research report "Medical Supplies Market by Type (Diagnostic, Dialysis, Wound Care, Disinfectants, PPE, Radiology, Sterilization, Catheters), Application (Urology, Cardiology, Infection Control), End User (Hospitals, Clinics & Physician Offices)  Global Forecast to 2025" published by MarketsandMarkets, is projected to grow from USD 133.5 billion by 2025 from USD 132.6 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.6%



Recent Developments:



- In 2020, Baxter launched peri-strips dry with secure grip technology for reliable staple line reinforcement in surgical procedures.



- In 2020, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA inaugurated a EUR 30 million expansion of its transfusion and apheresis disposables plant in the Dominican Republic. The new space includes advanced production equipment, plasma kit assembly lines, and sterilization units that double the cleanroom and storage capacity. The site also includes a large warehouse.



- In 2019, Boston Scientific Corporation acquired BTG plc with a focus on offering best-in-class technologies, unparalleled clinical evidence, and strengthened commercial infrastructure.



Request Research Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=64344238



Geographically;



The global medical supplies market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In 2019, North America accounted for the largest market share, followed by Europe. The increasing incidence of COVID-19 in the US and the implementation of various supportive initiatives by the Canadian Government are the major factors driving the growth of the medical supplies market in North America.



Key Market Players;



The prominent players operating in the medical supplies market include Medtronic (Ireland), Cardinal Health, Inc. (US), BD (US), Johnson & Johnson (US), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Baxter International, Inc. (US), Avanos Medical, Inc. (US), 3M (US), Smith & Nephew (Ireland), ConvaTec Group Plc. (UK), Abbott (US), Cook Medical (US), Merit Medical Systems (US), Stryker (US), Terumo Corporation (Japan), Teleflex Incorporated (US), Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (Germany), and Coloplast Group (Denmark).



Medtronic plc (Ireland) is one of the leading players in the medical supplies market. The company offers a broad product portfolio across the globe. Over the years, the company has maintained its leading position in the market.



Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=64344238



Market Segmentation in Detailed:



Catheters accounted for the largest share of the medical supplies market.



By Type, the medical supplies market is segmented into diagnostic supplies, infusion & injectable supplies, intubation & ventilation supplies, disinfectants, personal protective equipment, sterilization consumables, wound care consumables, dialysis consumables, radiology consumables, catheters, sleep apnea consumables, and other medical supplies. The intubation & ventilation supplies segment is expected to grow at the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven mainly by the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD across the globe.



The other applications segment accounted for the largest market share in 2019



The applications market is categorized into urology, wound care, radiology, respiratory, infection control, cardiology, IVD, and other applications. The other applications segment held the largest market share in 2019, due to factors such as the increasing number of surgical procedures, rising prevalence of dental diseases, and the increasing focus on adhering to proper waste disposal methods.
London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2021 -- Information about the Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market drivers and business focus impediments have been covered in this industry appraisal document. The report outfits an overview of key competitors with the foreordained points of interest and moreover deals with the expense of key pieces of information and examination of the huge thing parts affecting the general Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector try. It besides considers office profiles with seeing to an affiliation picture, geological presence, thing portfolio, and late examples. The agent of this archive bases on the static and dynamic pillars of the endeavors, for an essential appreciation of the strategies. Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market chronicle presents an assessment of Covid-19 impediments constrained on entrepreneurs, specialists, and so forth Due to how lockdowns are refined in another way in stand-apart areas and countries, the topographical and nearby effects exchange much of the time. This examination separates current business place brings about the short and long time and assists pioneers with cultivating brief and long stretch undertaking methodology across geography.



Do You Have Any Query? Assurance our Free Sample PDF! https://www.intelligencemarketreport.com/report-sample/23487



Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector Market: Regional Analysis Includes:

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc)

North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada.)

South America (Brazil, etc)

The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt.)



Vicious appraisal and definite authentic examination of the Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector adventure stance may be found in the latest Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market thinks about archives. The Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector report will instruct perusers about market components and characteristics to present a total blueprint of the business place. The primary pieces of the Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector adventure are given in the examination as market impact, business focus components, risks, and worth plans. The components of rising business areas, the current turn of events, the improvement of R&D, and essential providers are inspected thoroughly. The Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector report is isolated by using thing type, application, and fundamental geographic region. This record contains the appraisal of market size for the cost (million USD) and degree (k contraptions). Both summit down and back up strategies were used to assess and endorse the business community size of Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector business focus, to check the segments of grouped other based submarkets inside the ordinary market. Focal members inside the market have been recognized through assistant examinations, and their bits of the general business was picked through fundamental and discretionary assessment. All percent offers, parts, and breakdowns had been picked the usage of discretionary resources and exhibited number one sources.



Key Insights of The Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector Report:

This applied assessment of the general Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market deals with the expense of market things, programming sensible division, reasonable examination, and pinpoint assessment for changing genuine components. These records will help players at every key stage starting from unrefined material resources to set up a general presence. From rough materials to downstream clients of this industry are taken apart. The limit of thing stream and arrangements divert is in like way gave moreover. The record offers stand-apart overall Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector business focus areas, including programming, types, size, give up customers, and cost.



Market Drivers conditions:

The record covers the key powerful components affecting the size of the advantage of the general Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector business focus. The report contains key endeavor experiences and is a huge course and heading resource for affiliations and individuals needed inside the market. The different ventures are canvassed in the record to choose the market float.

The last portions of the report present the creators chargeable for extending pay inside the Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market. those creators had been analyzed concerning their gathering base, clear records, and competition.



Huge Contents Explained In The Global Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector Market Report:

Pioneer diagram: This piece of the document presents the increase rate and business focus size examination by region.

Breakdown bits of knowledge by Manufacturers: Income, Revenue, and Price are three crucial segments that are poor down here.

Breakdown experiences with the aide of Product: Revenue, Income, and rate are poor down on the explanation of thing type.

Breakdown information through application: It includes breakdown information of the overall Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector business focus by the utility.

Geographical examination: All key locales and worldwide regions are penniless down on the chance of association, thing type, and application.

Attempt Profiles: Main imperative members are profiled on net edge, pay, bargains, the current examples, and different factors.



Complete Report Available Here: https://www.intelligencemarketreport.com/market-report/global-si-pin-semiconductor-detector-consumption-market-research-report-2016-2027-of-major-types-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries



Finally, the Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector market record is the possible stock for obtaining the business community investigation with the ultimate objective to drastically uphold up your business. The record proposes the ideas of locale, monetary conditions with the article cost, get, limit, age, pass on, sales and business focus improvement cost and parent, and so forth Si-Pin Semiconductor Detector adventure report additionally present new undertaking SWOT test, speculation achievability investigation, and assignment bring research back.



Customization of the record:

1)All divisions gave above in this report are tended to at the country level.

2)All things included inside the business place, thing sum, and ordinary selling expenses could be covered as flexible choices which may besides get no or least additional charge (relies upon customization).



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Page Content

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Omar Ottley hereby informs the public that starting this month August, Minister Ottley will open his office to the public on every last Friday of the month.





During this time, persons can choose to share ideas and suggestions with the Minister. Persons who are interested in meeting with the Minister can email TogetherwecanwithOttley@gmail.com. When requesting a meeting, persons are asked to provide your full name and the purpose of the meeting.





The hectic schedule of the Minister only permits him to have on average 3 meetings a day for the time being. However, on community days, the Minister intends to schedule on average 8-10 meetings.





Due to the anticipated increase in meetings on community days and taking into consideration that the





meetings will be held in the Government building, persons will be requested to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the day of meeting. This will be enforced for the protection of all staff and colleagues in the building.




How the Internet Transforms the Individual into a Conspiracy of One

by Edward Snowden

1. The easier it becomes to produce information, the harder that information becomes to consume  and the harder we have to work to separate the spurious from the significant.

Humans are meaning-making machines, seeking order in the chaos. Our pattern recognition capabilities are a key determinant in defining intelligence. But we now live in a dystopian digital landscape purpose-built to undermine these capabilities, training us to mistake planned patterns for convenient and even meaningful coincidences.

You know the drill: email a colleague about the shit weather and start getting banner ads for cheap flights to Corsica (I hear its nice?); google "ordination license" or "city hall hours" and watch your inbox fill with rebates for rings and cribs. For those of us who grew up during the rise of surveillance capitalism, our online experience has been defined by the effort of separating coincidence from cause-and-effect. Today we understand, if not accept, that hyper-consumption of information online comes at the cost of being hyper-consumed, bled by tech companies for the that data our readings secrete: You click, and the Big Five scrape a sample of your preferencesto exploit.

The real cost to this recursive construction of reality from the ephemera of our preferences is that it tailors a separate world for each individual.

And when you do live at the center of a private world, reverse-engineered from your own search history, you begin to notice patterns that others cant. Believe me when I say I know what it feels like to be told that youre the only one who sees the connectiona pattern of injustice, sayand that youre downright crazy for noticing anything at all. To manufacture meaning from mere coincidence is the essence of paranoia, the gateway to world-building your own private conspiraciesor else to an epiphany that allows you to see the world as it actually is.

I want to talk about that epiphany, about taking back control of our atomized, pre-conspiracy world.

2. The German psychologist Klaus Conrad called this premonitory state apophenia, defined as perceiving patterns that don't actually exist and referring them back to an unseen authority who must be pulling the strings. Its a theory he developed as an army medical officer specializing in head traumas under the Third Reich. Today, its analogized to political conspiracy thinking.

Consider Case No. 10: a German soldier at a filling station refuses to service a patrol that doesnt have the proper paperwork. Chalk his behavior up to that infamous Nazi officiousness, but when the patrol returns, papers in hand, the soldier still refuses to obey orders. His pattern recognition has gone into overdrive, and hes begun to see every detaila locked door, these patrolmen, papers signed or unsignedas a test. His paranoid disobedience lands him in the psych ward, where Conrad writes him up as one of 107 cases that revolutionizes the Germano-spheres understanding of human psychology.

Conrad became famous for recognizing this oppressive emergence of patterns as a pre-psychotic state that he compared to stage-fright. It culminates in a false epiphany: an apophany is not a flash of insight into the true nature of reality but an aha experience (literally: Aha-Erlebnis) that constitutes the birth of delusion. The entire universe has turned back and reorganized itself to revolve around the individual, performing and corroborating his suspicions.

Shakespeare said that all the worlds a stage. But in this case its staged specifically for you, the audience who's also the star.

For someone obsessed with the pathology of conspiracy, Conrad was pretty susceptible to conspiratorial thinking himself. Born in Germany and raised in Vienna, his loyalties to the Nazi Party preceded his military duty. He joined in 1940 when his earlier research in hereditary epilepsy looked like promising fodder for the Nazi's monstrous sterilization laws. Maybe it was careerist opportunism, maybe it was ideological. Or maybe it takes one delusion-obsessed man to recognize another: Hitler was one of greatest conspiracy theorists of all time.

Only Conrads scientific findings arent themselves delusional. In fact he ended up being one of the only Nazi scientists to be producing science without rockets, torture, or pentagrams. The traumatized soldiers he treated on the battlefield turned out to be good data, and the hundreds of cases he worked on allowed him to work out the laws of Gestalt (i.e. pattern) psychology, a school of thought that argues the human mind grasps in an instant not just individual elements of an information set, but entire configurations or patterns. For example, when we see alternating bars of light, they appear to be moving, even though they're not  our brains are just recalling patterns related to the perception of motion and applying them to stationary objects.

In an apophenic state, everythings a pattern. And while Conrads stage-model uses the analogy of starring in your own one-man show, the narcissism of living online today provides plenty more. On Instagram you can filter your face, filter out unwanted followers, construct an image that you and your peers want to believe inyoure living a private illusion, in public, that the world reifies with likes. For-profit data collection has literally reorganized the world to revolve around you. As you wish itor they will it.

The true epiphany, I want to argue, is that youre the one pulling the strings. Enlightenment is to realize you have more agency than your push-notifications would have you believe.

3. Heres a better way to think: in an apophenic, information-glutted world where you can basically find evidence for any theory you want, where people inhabit separate online realities, we should focus on falsifiability (which can be tested for) over supportability (which cannot). 

This what what the Austrian Jewish sociologist Karl Popper, refugee of the Holocaust in New Zealand and later England, laid out in his theory of science. Popper believed conspiracy theories are exactly what feeds a totalitarian state like Hitlers Germany, playing on and playing up the publics paranoia of The Other. And authoritarians get away with it precisely because their pseudoscientific claims, masquerading as sound research, are designed to be difficult to prove false in the heat of the moment, when data sets  not to mention a sense of the historical consequences  are necessarily incomplete.

By Poppers lightsand, Id argue, by the intuition of basic human decencywe shouldnt consider these provisional theories science at all.

Poppers a favorite in conspiracy theory studies, but I want to bring in an adjacent idea of his that I think is underemphasized in this context, which is that most human actions have unintended consequences. Instant advertising was supposed to yield informed consumers; the National Security Agency was supposed to protect "us" by exploiting "them." These plans went horribly wrong. But once you wake up to the idea that the world has been patterned, intentionally or unintentionally, in ways you dont agree with, you can begin to change it.

It is in good faith that whistleblowers around the world bring these contradictions to public attention; they facilitate public epiphany, reminding us that were not quarantined in our private, paranoid stages. Thinking in public, together, allows us to stage a different performance entirely. We become more like Poppers social theorists:

The conspiracy theorist will believe that institutions can be understood completely as the result of conscious design; and as collectives, he usually ascribes to them a kind of group-personality, treating them as conspiring agents, just as if they were individual men. As opposed to this view, the social theorist should recognize that the persistence of institutions and collectives creates a problem to be solved in terms of an analysis of individual social actions and their unintended (and often unwanted) social consequences, as well as their intended ones.

Maybe Im the deluded one for finding reason for optimism in this ideaand not only because it saves me from letting the former Nazi Conrad have the last word. Poppers thinking offers an escape hatch from our private worlds and back into the public sphere. The social theorist is a public thinker, oriented toward improving society; the conspiracy theorist is a victim of institutions that lie beyond their control.
The KDU bill has provoked widespread protest from the academic world.

by Col R Hariharan

The aphorism road to hell is paved with good intentions may well apply to the Gotabaya governments disastrous performance, despite its claims of acting in good faith. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, hailed as the doer and Terminator (for wiping out the LTTE insurgents), continued to falter in delivering the vistas of prosperity and splendour he promised before the election.

Obviously, one reason is the continuing Covid-19 pandemic that hobbled much of the Terminators endeavours. The unrelenting run of pandemic infections crossed the 300,000-mark during the month. However, the small consolation is, the daily average of 1504 new infections during the month, was 47 percent of the highest average reached on May 26. Tourism industry, foreign remittances and export trade crippled by the pandemic are yet to recover. This has affected the livelihood of the people, sending the cost of essential commodities shooting to the skies.

But neither the pandemic nor existential issues of the people seem to deter the President from introducing some of the drastic measures, ostensibly for shoring up the sinking economy and create an environmentally friendly society. These include banning the import of chemical fertilisers to popularise use of organic fertilisers, ban on import of phones and automobiles, which have made life difficult for the citizen.

President Gotabaya is already running the country with handpicked military officers heading oversight committees and occupying administrative posts. He has also pardoned military men convicted of criminal acts and dropped cases against armed forces personnel who were being prosecuted for such acts. This has raised widespread suspicion of militarisation of the administration under his leadership.

Under these circumstances, it is not surprising the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Bill to be introduced in parliament in August, is seen by many as yet another militarisation effort. This time it is the haloed precincts of academic education. The bill aims to turn the KDU, a military training institution for officer cadets and officers, into a full-fledged university. It envisages the admission of civilian students also to pursue studies in law, engineering, management and medicine. It will be governed by a military-heavy board, with five serving members of armed forces in the nine-member board of governors. The wording of the Bill indicates the university will be run like a military institution. The KDU will function on its own, unlike 16 universities of the country which come under the Universities Act of 1978.

The KDU bill has provoked widespread protest from the academic world. The Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA), the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) and the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), one of the powerful student bodies in the country, have voiced their strong opposition to the Bill. Earlier in the month, police came down heavily on a protest against the KDU Bill by the CTU members. Some of protestors were arrested by the police for violating Covid-19 health regulations, provoking complaints of misuse of health regulations.

The economy is limping along from crisis to crisis. During July, it was yet another doomsday prediction from Moodys, global debt rating agency.

It placed Sri Lankas unsecured debt ratings under review for downgrade. It was driven by Moodys assessment that Sri Lankas increasingly fragile external liquidity position raises the risk of default. The Finance Ministry called Moodys action unwarranted and ill timed as it was working overtime to meet the settlement of $1 billion worth of International Sovereign Bonds (ISB) maturing towards the end of the month. However, Sri Lanka said it had completed the groundwork towards the settlement of the maturing ISBs. Capital Market Minister Nivard Cabral, said Sri Lanka has proved all the doomsayers and sceptics, globally and locally, wrong. The settlement also cements the fact Sri Lanka continues its unblemished reputation of honouring its debt, he added. But Sri Lanka will have to move from one financial crisis to another for quite some time it seems.

The US State Departments report on investment climate in Sri Lanka made dismal reading. It said, Sri Lanka is a challenging place to do business with high transaction costs, aggravated by an unpredictable economic policy environment, inefficient delivery of government services, and opaque government procurement practices. Investors noted concerns over the potential for contract repudiation, cronyism, and de facto or de jure expropriation. Public sector corruption is a significant challenge for U.S. firms operating in Sri Lanka and a constraint on foreign investment. While the country generally has adequate laws and regulations to combat corruption, enforcement is weak, inconsistent, and selective. US stakeholders and potential investors expressed particular concern about corruption in large infrastructure projects and in government procurement. The government pledged to address these issues, but the Covid response remains its primary concern. Historically, the main political parties do not pursue corruption cases against each other after gaining or losing power.

It was in this murky atmosphere, Basil Rajapaksa, younger brother of the President and fifth member of the Rajapaksa clan, was sworn in as Finance Minister. Basil is said to be the chief strategist of ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and already heads almost all the Presidential Task Forces ranging from economic policy to environment and essential services. His induction as a Minister only formalises his powerful political role he is playing behind the scene. The fact Basil is a US citizen, holding dual Sri Lanka citizenship, apparently does not seem to bother anyone, not even the opposition.

The newly inducted finance minister in his speech in parliament is said to have made fun of his new office by referring to himself as a finance minister with no finances. It is a statement of fact and he has the difficult task of presenting a politically acceptable budget. The Sunday Times hinted at government sources saying that informal contacts had been made with different sources to raise funds. There was also the likelihood of a visit to Colombo by an important foreign dignitary where more funds from his country are expected to be discussed. Meanwhile, in his first official move, he is bringing a bill to provide amnesty to those holding funds in foreign banks, if they repatriate them to Sri Lanka before December 31. If they disclose taxable money, they will be protected from investigation or prosecution.





But President Gotabaya seems to be pragmatic that he would not be able to achieve his goal of economic prosperity in the present term. While speaking to heads of state-run and local media houses on his priorities, the President said he would have five more years to achieve his goals, hinting at seeking a second term in office. This has set speculation mills in motion, particularly as it came a fortnight after Basil was anointed as a cabinet minister. Even a second term in office may not be enough for the President to clean up Sri Lankas problems galore: ethnic reconciliation, new constitution, accountability for human rights violations etc.

In this context, Albert Camus words from The Plague comes to mind. He said: On the whole, men are more good than bad; that however, isnt the real point. But they are more or less ignorant, and its that we call vice or virtue; the most incorrigible vice being that an ignorance that fancies it knows everything and therefore claims for itself the right to kill.

Sri Lanka seems to be caught in this incorrigible vice, from which it may not be able to come out easily. [July 31, 2021]

[Col R Hariharan, a retire MI specialist on South Asia and terrorism, served as the head of intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka 1987-90. He is associated with the Chennai Centre for China Studies. E-mail: colhari@gmail.com
Today in Europe, we are not dealing with three positions  populist right, liberal center, left  within the same universal political arch which reaches from the right to the left: each of the three positions implies its own vision of the universal political space.

by Slavoj Zizek

The rise of rightist populism across Eastern Europe has formed what I call a new axis of evil  and it needs to be confronted and defeated.

Thirty-two years after the fall of socialist regimes in Eastern Europe, nationalist conservative populism is returning there with a vengeance: the recent turn of Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and some other post-socialist countries  I call them a new axis of evil  into a conservative-illiberal direction worries us all. How could have things turned so wrong? Maybe, we are paying the price now for something that vanished from our view after socialism was replaced by capitalist democracy. What vanished was not socialism but things that mediated the passage from socialism to capitalist democracy.

Vanishing mediator, a term introduced decades ago by Fredric Jameson, designates a specific feature in the process of a passage from the old order to a new order: when the old order is disintegrating, unexpected things happen, not just horrors mentioned by Gramsci but also bright utopian projects and practices. Once the new order is established, a new narrative arises and, within this new ideological space, mediators disappear from view.

Here is an example. In his Immaterialism, Graham Harman quotes a perspicuous remark on the 1960s: You have to remember that the 1960s really happened in the 1970s. His comment: An object somehow exists even more in the stage following its initial heyday. The marijuana smoking, free love, and internal violence of the dramatic American 1960s were in some ways even better exemplified by the campy and tasteless 1970s.

If, however, one takes a closer look at the passage from the 1960s to the 1970s, one can easily see the key difference: in the 1960s, the spirit of permissiveness, sexual liberation, counter-culture and drugs was part of a utopian political protest movement, while in the 1970s, this spirit was deprived of its political content and fully integrated into the hegemonic culture and ideology. Although one should definitely raise the question of the limitation of the spirit of the 1960s which rendered this integration so easy, the repression of the political dimension remains a key feature of the popular culture of the 1970s. This dimension was the vanishing mediator which later disappeared from view.

The reason I mention all this is that the passage to capitalism in East European socialist countries was also not a direct transition: between the Socialist order and the new order, liberal-capitalist and/or nationalist-conservative, there were many vanishing mediators the new power was trying to erase from memory. I witnessed this process when Yugoslavia fell apart. To avoid any misunderstanding, I have no nostalgia for Yugoslavia: the war that ravaged it from 1991 to 1995 was its truth, the moment when all antagonisms of the Yugoslav project exploded. Yugoslavia died in 1985 when Slobodan Milosevic came to power in Serbia and broke the fragile balance that kept it working.

In the last years of Yugoslavia, communists in power knew they were lost, so they desperately tried to find a way to survive as a political force during the passage to democracy. Some did it by mobilizing nationalist passions, others tolerated and even supported new democratic processes. In Slovenia, communists in power showed understanding for punk music, including Laibach, and for the gay movement (Incidentally, they financed a gay periodical and after the free elections, this money was canceled  the newly elected conservative city council of Ljubljana judged that being gay is not a culture but a way of life which doesnt need to be supported.)

At a more general level, when people protested against the communist regimes in Eastern Europe, what the large majority had in mind was not capitalism. They wanted social security, solidarity, a rough kind of justice; they wanted the freedom to live their lives outside of state control, to come together and talk as they pleased; they wanted a life of simple honesty and sincerity, liberated from primitive ideological indoctrination and the prevailing cynical hypocrisy... in short, the vague ideals that led the protesters were, to a large extent, taken from socialist ideology itself. And, as we learned from Sigmund Freud, what is repressed returns in a distorted form. In Europe, the socialism repressed in the dissident imaginary returned in the guise of right-wing populism.

Although, as to their positive content, the communist regimes were a failure, they at the same time opened up a certain space, the space of utopian expectations which, among other things, enabled us to measure the failure of the really existing socialism itself. When dissidents like Vaclav Havel denounced the existing Communist regime on behalf of authentic human solidarity, they (unknowingly, for the most part of it) spoke from the place opened up by communism itself  which is why they tend to be so disappointed when the really existing capitalism does not meet the high expectations of their anti-Communist struggle.

At a recent reception in Poland, a nouveau riche capitalist congratulated Adam Michnik for being a doubly successful capitalist (he helped destroy socialism, plus he heads a highly profitable publishing empire); deeply embarrassed, Michnik replied: I am not a capitalist; I am a socialist who is unable to forgive socialism that it did not work.

Why mention these vanishing mediators today? In his interpretation of the fall of East European communism, Jurgen Habermas proved to be the ultimate left Fukuyamist, silently accepting that the existing liberal-democratic order is the best one possible, and that, while we should strive to make it more just, we should not challenge its basic premises.

This is why he welcomed precisely what many leftists saw as the big deficiency of the anti-communist protests in Eastern Europe: the fact that these protests were not motivated by any new visions of the post-communist future. As he put it, the central and eastern European revolutions were just rectifying or catch-up (nachholende) revolutions; their aim being to enable those societies to gain what the Western Europeans already possessed; in other words, to return to the West European normality.

However, the gilets jaunes protests in Spain and other similar protests today are definitely NOT catch-up movements. They embody the weird reversal that characterizes todays global situation. The old antagonism between ordinary people and financial-capitalist elites is back with a vengeance, with ordinary people erupting in protest against the elites, who are accused of being blind to their suffering and demands.

However, what is new is that the populist Right has proved to be much more adept in channeling these eruptions in its direction than the Left. Alain Badiou was thus fully justified to say apropos the gilets jaunes: Tout ce qui bouge nest pas rouge  all that moves (makes unrest) is not red. Todays populist Right participates in a long tradition of popular protests which were predominantly leftist.

Here, then, is the paradox we have to confront: the populist disappointment at liberal democracy is proof that 1989 was not just a catch-up revolution, that it aimed at more than the liberal-capitalist normality. Freud spoke about Unbehagen in der Kultur, the discontent or unease in culture; today, 30 years after the fall of the Wall, the ongoing new wave of protests bears witness of a kind of Unbehagen in liberal capitalism, and the key question is: who will articulate this discontent? Will it be left to nationalist populists to exploit it? Therein resides the big task of the left. This discontent is not something new. Ive written about it more than 30 years ago in Eastern Europes Republics of Gilead (a reference to The Handmaids Tale), which was published in New Left Review back in 1990 - may I quote myself?:

The dark side of the processes current in Eastern Europe is thus the gradual retreat of the liberal-democratic tendency in the face of the growth of corporate national populism with all its usual elements, from xenophobia to anti-Semitism. The swiftness of this process has been surprising: today, we find anti-Semitism in East Germany (where one attributes to Jews the lack of food, and to Vietnamese the lack of bicycles) and in Hungary and in Romania (where the persecution of the Hungarian minority also continues). Even in Poland we can perceive signs of a split within Solidarity: the rise of a nationalist-populist faction that imputes to the cosmopolitan intellectual (the old regimes codeword for Jews) the failure of the recent governments measures.

This dark side is now re-emerging forcefully, and its effects are felt in the rightist rewriting of history: first, the socialist aspect of the struggle against communism (remember that Solidarnosc was a workers trade union!) disappears, and then even the liberal aspect disappears so that a new story emerges in which the only true opposition is the one between communist legacy and the Christian-national legacy  or, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban put it: There are no liberals, only communists with university degrees.

On July 7, 2021, Orban bought a page in the Austrian daily Die Presse to publish his views on Europe. His main points were: Brussels bureaucracy acts as a superstate which only protects its own ideological and institutional goals  nobody authorized Brussels to do it. We should renounce the goal of greater unity because the coming decade will bring new challenges and dangers, and Europeans need to be protected from massive migrations and pandemics.

This couple is a false one: immigrants and pandemic didnt invade us from outside, for both we are responsible. Without the US intervention in Iraq etc., there would have been much fewer immigrants; without global capitalism, there would have been no pandemic; plus it is precisely immigrant crises and pandemics which necessitate stronger European unity.

The new rightist populism aims at destroying the European emancipatory legacy: its Europe is a Europe of nation-states bent on preserving their particular identity  when a couple of years ago, Steve Bannon visited France, he finished a speech there with: America first, vive la France! Vive la France, viva Italia, long live Germany but not Europe.

Does this mean that we should put all our forces into resuscitating liberal democracy? No: in some sense Orban is right, the rise of new populism is a symptom of what was wrong with the liberal-democratic capitalism which was praised by Francis Fukuyama as the end of history (Fukuyama now supports Bernie Sanders). In order to save what is worth saving in liberal democracy, we have to move to the left, to what Orban and his companions perceive as communism. How can this be?

Today in Europe, we are not dealing with three positions  populist right, liberal center, left  within the same universal political arch which reaches from the right to the left: each of the three positions implies its own vision of the universal political space. For a liberal, left and right are the two extremes that threaten our freedoms; if any of them predominates, authoritarianism wins  thats why European liberals see in what Orban is now doing in Hungary (his fierce anti-communism), the continuation of the same methods as those of communists in power.

For the left, rightist populism is, of course, worse than tolerant liberalism, but it perceives the rise of rightist populism as a symptom of what went wrong in liberalism, so if we want to get rid of rightist populism, we should radically change liberal capitalism itself which is now morphing into neo-feudal corporate rule. The new populist right exploits the fully justified complaints of ordinary people against the reign of big corporations and banks which cover up their ruthless exploitation, domination, and new forms of control over our lives with fake politically correct justice.

For the new populist right, multiculturalism, MeToo, LGBT+, etc., are just a continuation of communist totalitarianism, sometimes worse than communism itself  Brussels is the center of cultural Marxism. The alt-right obsession with cultural Marxism signals its rejection to confront the fact that the phenomena they criticize as the effects of the cultural Marxist plot (moral degradation, sexual promiscuity, consumerist hedonism, etc.) are the outcome of the immanent dynamic of late capitalism itself.

In his The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism (1976), Daniel Bell described how the unbounded drive of modern capitalism undermines the moral foundations of the original Protestant ethic that ushered in capitalism itself. In a new afterword, Bell offers a bracing perspective on contemporary Western society, from the end of the Cold War to the rise and fall of postmodernism, revealing the crucial cultural fault lines we face as the 21st century continues.

The turn towards culture as a key component of capitalist reproduction, and, concomitant to it, the commodification of cultural life itself, enables capitals expanded reproduction. Just think about todays explosion of art biennales (Venice, Kassel): although they usually present themselves as a form of resistance towards global capitalism and its commodification of everything, they are, in their mode of organization, the ultimate form of art as a moment of capitalist self-reproduction.

Now we see why we should remember vanishing mediators: today the global capitalist order is approaching a crisis again, and the vanished radical legacy will have to be resuscitated.

Slavoj Zizek is a cultural philosopher. Hes a senior researcher at the Institute for Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Ljubljana, Global Distinguished Professor of German at New York University, and international director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities of the University of London.
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Homestead, FL (33030)

Today

Watching the tropics. Isolated thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 78F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Watching the tropics. Isolated thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 78F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said this week that polling shows Black Americans are optimistic about getting ahead of the COVID-19 crisis and resuming their daily lives, yet there remains a great deal of work to be doneespecially in reaching our young people and men with the information that they need.
Doing things like bringing kids ice cream helps to humanize law enforcement, Sims said. It helps residents to see us as people like everyone else. Sometimes we get so caught with the us against them mindset and we lose opportunities to build and foster relationships with the community. So we try to break down what I consider to be invisible barriers as much as possible.
In determining how best to accomplish that, I have consulted with members of the local and national medical community, I have considered the guidance from local pediatricians who are extremely concerned about the health of our children, and I have discussed this critical decision with our School Board Members
Kayla Pierre,11, gets ready to leave thei apartment she lives in with her family at the Villa Bianca Condominium in Coral Springs on Thursday August 5, 2021.They plan to stay with family after the City of Coral Springs deemed the building unsafe and ordered all of the occupants to vacate the building. The city gave owners the option to make the necessary repairs or it will be demolished. Pieces of the roof have cracked and fallen, the wood supporting the structure has rotted and walls and ceilings have been scattered with mold. (Mike Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Thirteen residents with COVID-19 had been isolated from the 100 other residents. Because they could not be placed with the others, Kane said, all were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in an abundance of caution. None were in distress, he said.
But thats not what the Fort Lauderdale police officers said happened. They claim Robinson never came out of the bushes and they had to send the dog in to drag him out and arrest him because he was resisting. They claimed an unnamed witness at the scene approached Officer Good and told him they thought Robinson might have a gun.
During the election, the two political committees filed campaign finance reports showing they got all of their money from the same donor. They initially identified that donor as Proclivity Inc., a nonprofit set up in Delaware and based out of a UPS store in Atlanta. But they later changed their reports to say the donor was Grow United Inc., a nonprofit set up in Delaware but based out of a UPS store in Denver.
National Police in Malaga have arrested their main suspect after the body of an 88-year-old man was found in his apartment on Tuesday, with signs of violence.

The victim's son was arrested this Thursday (5 August), hiding out in the city centre, official sources confirmed in a statement. He is a 54-year-old man of Spanish nationality, who also lived at the apartment with the elderly man, and is also accused of stealing from his father - a former bank worker.

The alarm was raised on Tuesday at 1.40pm, when a 112 call - believed to have been made by the mans son  alerted the emergency services.

The police investigation is still open and officers continue to make enquiries.
The company has inaugurated its new rest centre at the Palmones industrial estate in Los Barrios

Maxcolchon opened its third shop in Cadiz yesterday. With this new launch, the mattress manufacturer reinforces its omnichannel approach with both its physical presence, with more than 85 shops in Spain and Europe, and its online presence. With this new shop located in the Palmones industrial estate, in the municipality of Los Barrios and very close to Algeciras, the mattress company expands its distribution and direct sales points in Cadiz, with a total of three showrooms in different parts of the province.

Thus, the new Maxcolchon premises offer a wide range of rest-related equipment consisting of different types of mattresses, fixed bases or box bases with storage, headboards, pillows and bedding. A varied catalogue that adds to the brand's main value point: personalisation. This allows the manufacturer to offer clients the possibility of making any type of mattress to measure, as well as offering bases and headboards in more than 30 different shades. In addition to this, there is a wide range of payment methods available, including payment by Bizum, with cryptocurrencies or 24-month interest-free financing. All of this is proof of Maxcolchon's philosophy, which offers an approach to rest that is aimed at each individual's specific needs.

Special launch promotions

For the first few days, and while stocks last, the new mattress shop in Cadiz is offering customers various promotions such as pillows, neck supports and even several types of discounts. Moreover, the opening coincides with Maxcolchons summer sales campaign, which offers customers several discounts to enable them to enjoy top-quality rest.

For all these reasons, its hardly surprising that Maxcolchon is the Spanish benchmark in rest e-commerce, with more than 15 years of experience manufacturing rest equipment. A bi-directional system that stands out for its adaptation to current trends, with shop-showrooms as points of sale and a comprehensive online catalogue. In addition, Maxcolchon also operates online and distributes its products in both France and Portugal.
This week saw the first anniversary of former king Juan Carlos's flight from Spain to the United Arab Emirates, following the launch of inquiries into allegedly fraudulent activity during and after his reign. Now, after a year on a paradisiacal island off Abu Dhabi, the former king apparently wants to return to La Zarzuela, the royal palace where he lived for almost six decades - and according to a recent poll, 57% of Spaniards support his homecoming. Perhaps even more surprising is that almost half the population (49.5%) think that the continually worsening scandal hasn't done the Spanish royal family any reputational damage.

Since the story emerged a year ago, it's become much more complex. Last August, Juan Carlos was placed under investigation by Spanish and Swiss authorities, after their suspicion was aroused by funds held in bank accounts registered in Liechtenstein and Panama (two of the world's premier tax havens), and by allegations of kickbacks in connection with a contract awarded to a Spanish consortium to build a high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia. In an attempt to ward off Spain's Tax Agency, Juan Carlos has made two back-payments since fleeing to Abu Dhabi, one of 700,000 euros last December and a second of over four million euros in February. Neither exactly screamed innocence of the charges.

The initial allegations were followed, in January this year, by revelations of alleged espionage conducted by Juan Carlos against his former lover, German-Danish businesswoman Corinna Larsen, in 2012, via the then-head of Spain's secret intelligence service, Felix Roldan. In a trial against ex-police chief and spymaster Jose Villarejo, Larsen testified that Roldan had threatened her and her children, and that his orders were coming directly from Juan Carlos, who was king at the time.

The latest installment in this increasingly-labyrinthine drama came a few days ago, when London's High Court of Justice revealed a case filed against Juan Carlos by Larsen last December. Larsen alleges harassment and illegal surveillance dating back to 2012, the year in which Roldan allegedly threatened her and in which her Monte Carlo apartment was apparently raided by Spanish intelligence services. Larsen has requested a restraining order on her former lover and compensation for damages.

Meanwhile, the Swiss and Spanish investigations into Juan Carlos's finances continue.

And yet the above-mentioned poll reveals an almost unconditional admiration for Spain's emeritus monarch, in contrast to the outrage expressed over scandals involving politicians.

Perhaps this is because Juan Carlos's most loyal fans regard him as above the law (which he was during his reign), or because he's so revered for guiding Spain from dictatorship to democracy in the 1970s that his alleged misdemeanors are judged irrelevant.

Either way, as far as his adoring public is concerned, Juan Carlos can do no wrong.
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Lawmakers hear farmers' concerns at legislative farm tour

dbyers / Dianne Byers Clearfield County Farm Bureau director Bill Clouser and herd manager at Hicks Dairy Farm, Luthersburg, explained details about the dairy farming operation to local legislators, members and guests of the CCFB who attended Wednesdays legislative farm tour.

LUTHERSBURG  The Clearfield County Farm Bureau held its annual legislative tour Wednesday at Hicks Dairy Farm, Luthersburg.

The tour, held annually at locations throughout Clearfield County, offers the organization and individual members a forum to voice concerns to their legislative representatives, President Bill Clouser said.

He welcomed state Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., state Rep. Tommy Sankey, state Rep. Mike Armanini, Clearfield County Commissioner John Sobel and legislative aides to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson and state Rep. Cris Dusch.

Four topics of concern to local farmers and CCFB members were presented.

Reliable broadband

Member Steve Blackburn noted an issue for local farmers is a lack of reliable, cost-effective broadband. He said the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized an absence of dependable Internet service as many people were forced to work from home. He also reported increasingly more occupations use the internet either to make their work easier or quicker to perform including agriculture.

Agriculture is becoming more and more linked to the internet. There is such a void, especially in the rural areas, Blackburn said.

He said as the COVID-19 Delta variant becomes more prevalent in Pennsylvania there is a strong possibility residents will again be working from home so they need reliable tools to do their work with.

Langerholc told the audience he often uses the Farm Bureaus concerns to guide the legislation he drafts including presentations at previous CCFB events on the lack of reliable broadband.

He said a bill, he sponsored, was signed into law. It provides grants to companies who bring broadband and broadband infrastructure to rural areas. The grants make the prospect more lucrative, Langerholc explained.

Dairy farming concerns

Member Mike Kennis related dairy farmers are continuing to struggle.

Things havent changed very much, he said. He reported in 2020, 300 Pennsylvania dairy farms went out of business.

He reported there are a number of changes that could be made that would provide relief for dairy farmers including why dairy farmers cant set their own prices for the milk. Farmers need to be more involved in setting milk prices.

The milk marketing order that is used to calculate milk prices needs to more transparent and easier to understand. They need to simplify and modernize the MMO. Its complicated and no one understands it, Kennis said.

He said he would also like the Food and Drug Administration to enforce its regulations about labeling non-dairy products made from plants as milk and meat. There are already rules in place. Why are they not enforcing them, he asked, adding, current plant-based products labeling is misleading and consumers are unsure what they are buying.

Another concern is the U.S. Department of Agriculture currently does not allow whole or two-percent milk to be served as part of students lunches. We have lost a whole generation of milk drinkers because kids do not like the milk choices they get with their lunches. A lot of students are obese or pre-diabetic because they are drinking sugary drinks. We need to get whole milk back into schools.

Legislative Aide to Congressman Thompson Bryan Adams said he co-sponsored a bill to allow both flavored and plain whole milk to be served with school lunches. A bill has also been introduced that would increase the access to whole milk by those who are eligible for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Solar and wind farm bonding

Member Frank Snyder reported there has been interest in Clearfield County in establishing solar and wind farms.

Solar operations are proposed for Karthaus, Penfield and Bloom Township. I believe we are going to see more of them, Snyder said.

The solar panels often contain dangerous chemicals and currently there are no bonds held providing funding to clean them up when they are no longer viable. He said many of those enterprises have 30-year leases and others are owned by companies, some of whom declare bankruptcy before the lease is up. When they are abandoned, those who own the land are responsible for them. If they are required to be bonded, there will be money there to clean them up.

Clouser said the CCFB is not against any farmer or landowner who wants to have a solar farm on their property but they would like companies to be required to accept the responsibility for cleanup.

Farm conservation funding

Clouser said farmers are being called on more than ever to put conservation practices in place however it is becoming increasingly more difficult financially for them to afford all they are being asked to do.

He said the CCFB is recommending the state use some of its federal stimulus funds to institute a program similar to the dirt and gravel road funding program. Funds would be distributed to farmers to help them put additional conservation practices into place.

Armanini thanked the CCFB for bringing issues to legislators attention. We have a lot of work to do to make some of these things right When we are back in session we know what we need to do to make this area strong.
Clearfield, PA (16830)

Today

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Saudi Arabia's Internet of Things (IoT) market has shown promising growth in the historical years until 2019 and is expected to continue its performance over the next five years, thanks to the rising urbanisation and industrialisation in the kingdom, according to TechSci Research.

The IoT is operating system that collects the information from a device of electronic through various segments like sensors, software, etc. and delivers it to other devices with the help of the internet.

The support extends toward data collection, automation of the data, data operations, through the smart devices.

Moreover, the rising number of smart cities and smart electronics abundance is further driving the growth of the Saudi Arabia IoT market in the next five years.

According to the report, the Saudi government is investing heavily on digital ecosystems that will increase internet of things devices demand and further substantiating the market growth. Furthermore, technological advancements in the IoT sector is further substantiating the growth of the market.

TechSci Research pointed out that the lifestyle has influenced the consumers to be more inclined toward smarter technologies and devices.

The smart infrastructure, health services and educational sectors among other industries are being supported enough with the internet of things and thereby supporting the growth of the Saudi Arabia internet of things market, it stated.

"The Saudi IoT market is expecting to grow in the upcoming five years with the aids of technological advancements. The market players entering the future market may focus on the extended research to provide faster, efficient, and fluid services to thew consumers and thereby support the growth of the market," stated Karan Chechi, the Research Director.

"The presence of global players in the market might play major role in the growth but new market players would have to bring up cut-throat technologies to further stabilize their brands in the market," he noted.

The big names in the Saudi IoT sector include IBM Middle East; Intel Corporation; ZTE (HK); Honeywell Turki Arabia; Huawei Tech Investment Saudi; Oracle Systems; Cisco; Siemens Al Khobar, SAP and Microsoft.

"These market players hold larger shares of the market than the new market players. With the advancement of the technology, it is appropriate to say that the effective research and development of the technologically advanced devices would support the market growth and benefit the market players as well as the consumers," noted Chechi.

"New market players may focus on the research and development to provide devices that satisfies the consumer demand as well as benefits the market players in building their brand value. Other competitive strategies include mergers & acquisitions and new product developments," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Bangladesh receives 30 ambulances gifted by India

Dhaka, Aug 6 (UNI) As many as 30 ambulances from India as a gift to Bangladesh from the Indian government, have arrived at Benapole, an official said here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced gifting 109 life support ambulances to Bangladesh during his visit to Dhaka on March 26 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday said 30 ambulances have arrived Benapole and will leave for Dhaka after getting clearance. The rest of the ambulances will arrive in phases by the end of September, the commission said.
United Nations, Aug 6 (UNI) For enduring peace in Afghanistan, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries in the region must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted, TS Tirumurti, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, said on Friday, with India holding the month-long presidency of the 15-member UN Security Council.



Tirumurti, in a briefing after a closed door meeting on Afghanistan at the UN Security Council, said that it needs to be ensured that Afghanistans neighbours and region aren't threatened by terrorism, separatism and extremism.



There needs to be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It's equally important to ensure that Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country, Tirumurti said.



The comments are in apparent reference to Pakistan that is accused of actively backing the Taliban and harbouring terrorists on its soil.



Those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable. We, as the international community, must ensure that our commitments to Afghanistan, including to its various institutions, are maintained, he added.



The UNSC meeting was called after Afghanistans Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar called Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday to request convening of an emergency session of the 15-nation body, as the Taliban have begun rapidly taking over large swathes of territory and unleashing violence across the country.





During his address to the media on India taking over the presidency for the month of August, Tirumurti had said that India is convinced that any meeting on Afghanistan must address the question of violence and targeted attacks in the war-wracked country, and that violence must come to an end.



India has supported every opportunity that can bring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. And we are convinced that any meeting should address the question of violence, and targeted attacks, and these are of very serious concern. Violence must come to an end, Tirumurti said on August 2.



And ties with international terrorism must also be cut, and we cannot have terrorist camps once again going back into Afghanistan, as this will have a direct impact on India," he added.

UNI RN JAL 2259


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On the 29th of July 2021, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), and FIU Hungary co-hosted the global Webinar entitled Cooperation between National Customs Authorities and Financial Intelligence Units: Operational Matters, Challenges and Solutions. Over 300 customs officers and FIU analysts from 107 countries across the world attended this anti-money laundering forum.

Customs authorities from the United States, and Australia, and the FIUs of Hungary and Italy shared success stories regarding cross-cutting, collaborative work between Customs authorities and FIUs. The Australian Border Force (ABF) presented on the enhanced money laundering capabilities of Australian law enforcement authorities which has been generated through the AUSTRAC-spearheaded Fintel Alliance. Per the ABF, the Fintel Alliance has bolstered the resilience of the Australian financial sector due to the robust partnership between the ABF, AFP and AUSTRAC. The Fintel Alliance supports all law enforcement authorities that engage in serious crime investigations from the money laundering and terrorism financing angles. U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) presented a FinCEN award-winning, high-impact terrorism financing investigation in which an on-line fundraising scheme and conduit for a global terrorist organization was identified and dismantled through Customs, police and FIU partnership. WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Trevino related, The webinar was a great success. It is my strong belief that our FIUs and Customs authorities will become more inspired when they hear about these highly successful anti-money laundering and terrorism financing investigations. These forums also highlight how important customs is in the global fight to contain money laundering and terrorism. Hennie Verbeek-Kusters, Chair of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, added, Building partnerships across the public sector is crucial for effectively combatting money laundering and terrorism financing. Throughout this global webinar, customs authorities and FIUs learned how to build mutual trust and create opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The various case studies presented demonstrate the great collaborative work currently being done in jurisdictions around the world. Thank you to the webinar organizers, presenters, and attendees that made this event a success.

During the Webinar, the WCO and the Egmont Group of FIUs also briefed the audience on future collaborative efforts, to include joint training efforts for customs services and FIUs and a prospective global WCO-Egmont Group AML conference that will be held in Budapest, Hungary in 2022. The FIU Hungary highlighted the main features of the Customs-FIU Cooperation Handbook, which was first published online by the WCO and Egmont Group in 2020 and is now available in six languages in printed format. The WCO and Egmont Group will join forces again to combat customs-based money laundering activities through the design of a financial intelligence and analysis-focused AML training compendium. In furtherance of their joint effort to enhance regional security, as well as ensure the integrity of the financial and trade sectors, the WCO and Egmont Group will continue to assist law enforcement in the development of actionable financial and commercial intelligence to counter money laundering and terrorism financing in the customs arena.
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'Fill the Fire Truck' Today With School Supplies

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The Paducah Fire Department invites everyone to help Paducah students during today's Fill the Fire Truck with School Supplies campaign.Firefighters will collect school supply donations day at the Southside Walmart on Irvin Cobb Drive from 9 a.m. to noon, and at the Hinckleville Road Walmart from 1 to 4 p.m.Donations will also be accepted through Tuesday at the Fire Prevention Division office in City Hall.Here are some suggested school supply items to donate:Yellow #2 Pencils, Erasers, Black or Blue Ink PensPlastic School BoxPlastic Pocket FoldersComposition NotebooksLoose Leaf Notebook paperSpiral NotebooksHighlightersGraph PaperProtractorThree-ring bindersGlue SticksDivider TabsPrinter Paper ReamsFlash DrivesBackpacksClipboardsRulersEarbuds (with cord)Individually wrapped food including fruit snacks, tuna salad kits, peanut butter or cheese crackers, potato chips, applesauce and fruit cups, Pop Tarts, and granola bars.
Friends of Library Book Sale Through Saturday

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 today and Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah.Book sale hours are today from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at the St. Paul Lutheran Church gym at 21st and Kentucky.Saturday is also "Bag Day," where shoppers purchase a grocery bag for $5 and then fill it with as many books and audiovisual titles that will fit in the bag.More than 20,000 books and audiovisual titles will be arranged by subject or format. Most hardback books, paperbacks, DVDs and audio books are only $1. Pocketbook paperbacks, music CDs and some children's books are just fifty cents each. Special interest and local collector titles are available at deeply discounted amounts.Book sale proceeds benefit the McCracken County Public Librarys collection development and services.Homemade pastries and other food products will also be sold to support St. Paul Lutheran Churchs mission projects.Masks will be required for everyone coming into the building.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.
Local Leaders Address Frequent I-24 Accidents

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - McCracken County Judge-Executive Craig Clymer held a meeting with local leaders Thursday to analyze the high rate of traffic accidents on I-24.Clymer said on The Greg Dunker Show Friday the meeting helped officials conclude that while the current signage has been somewhat effective in alerting drivers to the road work, the answer is a heavier law enforcement presence."The bottom line, we need more police presence out there. Enforcement of those signs through citations for speeding or threats of citations by the police cars being visible," Clymer said. "Many people just won't do what they're told without sufficient motivation, and the threat of a couple hundred dollar citation does that for a lot of people."According to Clymer, they are also considering dropping the speed limit back even further. However, officials believe the main issue is not so much speeding as it is inattention.Clymer said there is good collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, Paducah Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police will be working together to address the problem.He said, "We have good communication with the city police, our sheriff's department, and the state police vehicle enforcement folks. They're going to work out some schedules on who can be out there at what time to get a pretty consistent police presence. I think it will make a good dent in the problem. Pardon the pun."Clymer said they would set aside more money to help correct the problem if needed."We'll do all we can. It's our number one function, the number one mission is to protect the people, and everything else comes after that. So we'll put what we need into that to get that accomplished," Clymer said.You can listen to the complete interview below.On the Net:
McCracken Sheriff Looking for Wanted Men

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The McCracken County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding two men wanted on bench warrants.The Sheriff's Office says 52-year-old Mark A. Tyler is wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear. The photo of Tyler is from 2005. Meanwhile 31-year-old Jeremy P. Kendrick is wanted on a bench warrant for probation violation for a felony offense.Anyone with information about these two men are asked to contact the McCracken County Sheriffs Office at 270-444-4719, mccrackencountysheriff.com, or your local law enforcement agency.Information also may be provided anonymously through West Kentucky Crime Stoppers by texting WKY and your tip to 847411 (tip411) or by downloading the app WKY Crime Stoppers from the Apple Store or Google Play. You may also contact WKY Crime Stoppers at 270-444-TELL.
Benton Electric Alerts Customers to Scam

By West Kentucky Star Staff

BENTON - Benton Electric System is warning customers of a new scam where someone has spoofed their phone number.On Friday the utility said they had received a call from one of their customers that someone had called them as "Benton Co-op" and the number showed up as Benton Electric's.The scam caller told the customer that their electric meter had been over-read for several months and they were entitled to a refund. The caller asked for the customer's name to issue the refund to and wanted to do so with a direct deposit into the customer's bank account.Benton Electric said their customer did the right thing and did not give the caller any personal information, but instead hung up and reported it to their office.The utility said they would never request personal information over the phone.
Missing Marshall County Teen Located

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARSHALL COUNTY - UPDATE:The Marshall County Sheriff's Office has announced that Alexus Belcher has been located.They would like to thank all that helped with this situation.ORIGINAL STORY:The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's help with locating a missing juvenile.Authorities are searching for 17-year-old Alexus Belcher. Belcher is white, approximately 5 feet tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in Marshall County on Wednesday wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and shorts.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Office or your local law enforcement agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 05:47:22|Editor: huaxia

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An aircraft tries to extinguish a wildfire in the north of Evia island, Greece, on Aug. 5, 2021. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday evening that Greece is facing an extremely critical situation with multiple forest fires at the same time, while saving human lives is the government's top priority. Wildfires in the north of Athens leapt back to life on Thursday as Greece also faces flare-ups on the island of Evia, in Ancient Olympia in the northwestern Peloponnese and in other parts of the country. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

ATHENS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday evening that Greece is facing an extremely critical situation with multiple forest fires at the same time, while saving human lives is the government's top priority.

"The difficulties are still ahead of us. We have unprecedented conditions as we had ten days of extreme heatwave that turned the country into a powder keg," he said in an address broadcast live on public broadcaster ERT.

Firefighting forces are battling relentlessly to contain the fires that sprung up across the country.

Wildfires in the north of Athens leapt back to life on Thursday as Greece also faces flare-ups on the island of Evia, in Ancient Olympia in the northwestern Peloponnese and in other parts of the country.

Despite the efforts of the firefighters to contain the previous fire that burnt 1,250 hectares of forest and other land on Wednesday, the fire-stricken area of Varybobi in the north of Athens flared up on Thursday noon, with a new major fire front in the foothills of Parnitha Mount, leading to the evacuation of five settlements nearby.

At least four volunteers who were assisting in the fronts and one firefighter were transferred to hospitals, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The power supplier warned later of possible scheduled power interruptions in the Attica Region, depending on developments of the fire burning in the area.

Similar scenes were unfolding in the northwestern part of Evia island where the blaze continued to rage since Tuesday. More than 20 villages have been evacuated.

Earlier on Thursday, Mitsotakis visited the fire-stricken regions in Ilia prefecture, including Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, where firefighters fought all night to save the well-known archaeological sites. The fire burning in the area for a second day has led to the evacuation of 32 communities.

"A total of 99 new flare-ups were recorded in Greece today, while authorities had to manage 145 fires in the last 24 hours," Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias told a press briefing.

To back up the firefighting efforts, Greece deployed in the battle the armed forces with helicopters, aircraft, drones and soldiers.

Apart from Sweden and Cyprus, France, Romania and Switzerland also responded to the activation of EU's emergency mechanism for disasters, sending ground and aerial aid to help Greece put out the blazes. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 08:24:07|Editor: huaxia

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MEXICO CITY, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan midfielder Romulo Otero has joined Mexico's Cruz Azul on a two-year deal, the reigning Liga MX champions said on Thursday.

The 28-year-old arrives as a free agent, having parted ways with Brazil's Atletico Mineiro in June.

"When I think that I am the first Venezuelan to sign with a club as big as Cruz Azul, I feel very happy. I am very motivated and I hope that all things can go well," Otero told a virtual news conference.

"It is a big and beautiful responsibility. But I'm ready for the challenge, to pursue my dreams and to make history."

Otero, who has been capped 37 times for Venezuela's national team, is expected to be available for the club's visit to Necaxa in the Liga MX on Friday.

Cruz Azul are currently 13th in the 18-team standings with a draw and two losses from their three matches so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 08:50:37|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON -- The United States on Thursday urged the new Iranian government under President Ebrahim Raisi to return to negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear deal, reiterating the diplomatic opportunity will not last forever.

Raisi, who was elected as Iran's new president on June 18, formally assumed office after the supreme leader's decree on Tuesday and the swearing-in ceremony in the parliament on Thursday. (US-Iran-JCPOA)

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OUAGADOUGOU -- Thirty people, including civilians, army soldiers and pro-government militiamen, were killed on Wednesday in double attacks by armed terrorist groups near the border with Niger, the defence ministry said on Thursday in a statement.

The unidentified attackers struck villages near the town of Markoye in the province of Oudalan near the border with Niger around midday on Wednesday, killing eleven civilians, according to the statement. (Burkina Faso-terrorism-attack)

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YAOUNDE -- At least 38 people were killed and several others injured in two separate road accidents in Cameroon on Thursday, according to the country's Minister of Transport Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle.

The first accident followed a collision between a passenger bus in the Center region that killed 16 people and the second tragedy occurred in the country's West region when a truck carrying sand collided head-on with a bus, killing 22 people on the spot, Ngalle said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. (Cameroon-Road accident)

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JUBA -- At least 30,000 civilians displaced by heavy flooding in Ayod County of Jonglei state in South Sudan are in dire need of assistance as they are surviving on grass after crops were washed away by water, a UN relief official said Thursday.

Arafat Jamal, acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan who visited Ayod Wednesday, said persisting rains have washed away crops forcing women and children to eat grass to stay alive. (South Sudan-Flood-Impact)

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NAIROBI -- Chinese phone maker Vivo on Thursday launched its latest smartphone as an addition to the Y-series, the Y53s, in the Kenyan market.

According to the firm, the mobile device will be available at a cost of 28,000 shillings (about 259 U.S. dollars) at both retail and online stores.

"The device that comes with a high-definition 64MP main rear camera aims to set a new standard for phones in the same price range, bringing impressive clarity to its users," the company said in a statement. (Kenya-China-Phone) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 09:24:41|Editor: huaxia

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Health workers receive doses of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine during mass vaccination program for health workers as a main priority group in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 4, 2021. (Photo by Agung Kuncahya B./Xinhua)

-- China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX.

-- Since September 2020, China has provided vaccines to countries in urgent need and has been donating vaccines to more than 100 countries.

-- "China will do its best to help developing countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic," President Xi Jinping said.

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday, marking a further step by China in honoring its commitment to making vaccines a "global public good."

"China will do its best to help developing countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic," Xi said in a written message to the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation.

To fight with the world in solidarity against the common health crisis, China is making all-out efforts to promote the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, champion global cooperation, and reject vaccine nationalism, to build the global immunity barrier soon.

PROMOTING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO VACCINES

"I hope this forum will promote the accessibility and fair distribution of vaccines around the world, strengthen solidarity and cooperation in developing countries, and make new contributions for an early victory against the pandemic," Xi said in the written message.

In May this year, President Xi announced China's five measures to further support global solidarity against COVID-19 at the Global Health Summit. They include setting up an international forum on vaccine cooperation for vaccine-developing and producing countries, companies, and other stakeholders.

A nurse shows a vial of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, July 8, 2021. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)

The forum on Thursday marked a further practical step by China to explore ways of promoting the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies. The forum is themed "strengthening international cooperation on vaccines, and promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world."

Ruan added that China shouldered more than its due responsibility, and China's donation of COVID-19 vaccines will certainly help countries in need to move a step closer to achieving herd immunity.

Since September 2020, China has provided vaccines to countries in urgent need and has been donating vaccines to more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, China is exporting vaccines to more than 60 countries, with the total amount exceeding 770 million doses, ranking the first globally, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said while chairing Thursday's meeting.

China is committed to building a global community of health for all and has provided vaccines to the world, especially developing countries. The country also actively carried out joint production, Xi said, adding that it illustrates the concept of vaccines as global public goods.

The Philippines has been tortured by the pandemic, with 60 percent of its population below the poverty line. The country is hugely concerned about the affordability of COVID-19 vaccines, said Enrique Gonzalez, CEO of IP Biotech company in the Philippines.

"It's China that helped the Philippines, and thanks to the Chinese government and China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., 15 million people in the Philippines have completed one or two doses of the vaccination within a short time," Gonzalez said. He added that this reflects the friendship between the two countries in the face of the pandemic and demonstrates that China is always acting as a major responsible country.

A cargo containing the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines is seen upon arrival in Manila, the Philippines, June 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

CHAMPIONING GLOBAL COOPERATION

As of Wednesday, nearly 200 million people globally have contracted the virus, with the global death toll reaching 4.2 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Amid a surging COVID-19 caseload, largely driven by the Delta variant, China has made its call for strengthening international cooperation on vaccines.

"We are willing to work with the international community to promote international vaccine cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

The important decision by China demonstrates the responsibility and vision of a major country, said Ruan Zongze, adding that China is using practical actions to build a global community of health for all and ensure the availability and affordability of vaccines.

"China lends a helping hand to developing countries in response to their genuine needs and makes up for shortcomings in international vaccine cooperation. It will help enhance the confidence of the international community in overcoming the pandemic," said Ruan, noting that China's deeds are in sharp contrast with the selfish and hypocritical attitudes of some other countries.

From vaccine development and production to vaccine distribution, China always adopts an open and cooperative attitude, actively responds to countries' requests for vaccine cooperation, and launches cooperation with them.

China is also the first to cooperate with developing countries on vaccine production. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil have become the first ones in the region to have the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines, which charted a new chapter of unity and self-reliance among developing countries, Wang Yi said.

Participants at the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation issued a joint statement, in which they underline the importance of vaccine multilateralism and call upon countries to enhance international cooperation mechanisms and collaboration. They also urge rejecting vaccine nationalism, lifting export restrictions on relevant vaccines and raw materials, and supporting enhanced cooperation on vaccine research and development, production, equitable distribution and ensuring cross-border flows of vaccines.

The need for global cooperation around vaccines and public health is essential and urgent, said Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at the University of New South Wales. He added that the pandemic will only be defeated if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

"International politicization of the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been and will continue to be counter-productive and unhelpful to achieving the global public-health good of pandemic control," said Zwi.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 10:08:09|Editor: huaxia

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SYDNEY, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- As Australia's most populated states struggled to cope with the rising toll of the highly contagious Delta strain of COVID-19, an ever-growing number of people are overcoming their initial reluctance to get vaccinated.

The disease's rising statistics are, of course, a major motivator to get the jab. On Friday, there were 291 new locally acquired cases recorded in the state of New South Wales (NSW), bringing the state's total to 4,610 in the latest outbreak, which began with a single case in the state's capital of Sydney on June 16.

While Greater Sydney and surrounding area were already sealed in lockdown for over a month, the state health authorities also pushed ever harder to get the public vaccinated. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a target of administering 6 million jabs to its 8-million population by the end of this month.

The NSW government has also announced incentives to encourage people to "roll up their sleeves" to receive either the Pfizer or the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"We're focusing on what we believe people really want at this stage; they want peace of mind that they can move more freely, send their kids to school, work, so any incentives around those things we think are great motivators so we're looking at those options," Berejiklian said on Tuesday.

The government's message appears to be getting through. As of Friday, 4,221,181 vaccines have been administered throughout NSW. With current daily doses topping 70,000, NSW is well on track to reach the 6-million-dose target by the end of the month.

Among the demographic groups keen to book into their doctors, or chemists or vaccination hubs are young adults up to the age of 30. They have good reason to do so. Unlike last year's first wave of COVID-19, the Delta variant is affecting people of all ages, not just older adults. On Wednesday, it was reported that a 27-year-old man died at his home in Sydney, the youngest person to die from the disease in NSW.

NSW authorities reported on Tuesday that the largest demographic group to get the virus within the previous week were people aged 20 to 39. This demographic, being the most mobile and socially active, also poses the greatest threat to the virus' spread.

One of the young adults who made up his mind to get the jab was Roy, 26, who lives in Sydney, the epicenter of the outbreak. "After seeing how relieved my roommates were after getting vaccinated, I started to consider my options," Roy told Xinhua.

Roy said he initially wanted to wait for a Pfizer shot but as the outbreak worsened, he began to weigh up the perceived risks around the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is in much greater supply in Australia.

"Seeing news of people dying from blood clots in the U.K. (Britain) had really deterred me, but after reading about how the risk compares to other activities, I realized my fears were irrational."

According to Australian health data, the risk of blood clots from AstraZeneca for people aged under 50s is about three in 100,000. Of the 60 recorded cases of the syndrome in Australia just two resulted in death.

While Roy said he felt nervous about getting the jab, he believed it was important not just to protect himself but also his loved ones and the community. He said he could not wait to see his parents for the first time in over two months after Sydney's lockdown ends.

For many young Aussies, beyond the individual protection, getting vaccinated has been seen as a civic duty. Many have taken to social media platforms to rally others to get vaccinated, demystify the process and normalize getting the jab.

More and more people are posting selfies, known as "vaxxies" in the quickly evolving lexicon, getting their COVID-19 shot. It is a healthy trend, according to Professor of Marketing Martin Grimmer from the University of Tasmania.

"Seeing lots of selfies of everyday people getting their shots, can normalize the whole process and make people feel less hesitant about getting vaccinated," Grimmer told Xinhua.

"In that way, it can be a more effective way of spreading a message, rather than seeing well-known figures getting vaccinated. It seems more authentic. It is like an implicit nudge to move people in a certain direction and that is better than being shoved."

One user on the highly influential and popular platform TikTok posted a video of herself going to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in Sydney with the caption "hot girls get vaxxed."

Another user posted a selfie on Twitter and wrote, "Reported for my moral duty!"

Health authorities in other Australian states have also jumped on the trend. Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton posted a selfie on Twitter after getting his vaccination. He wrote, "Here's my vaxxie and couldn't be happier."

The trend shows the importance of grassroots acceptance of vaccinations. For many young people the avenues of social media engagement, humor and solidarity have played important roles in the uptake of Australia's vaccine campaigns. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 11:06:28|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 80 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said in its daily report on Friday.

Of the locally transmitted cases, 61 were reported in Jiangsu, nine in Hunan, six in Hubei, one each in Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hainan and Yunnan, according to the commission.

Also reported were 44 new imported cases, of which 13 were reported in Guangdong, 10 in Yunnan, eight each in Shanghai and Shandong, two each in Sichuan and Shaanxi and one in Tianjin.

Three suspected cases arriving from outside the mainland were newly reported in Shanghai on Thursday.

No deaths related to COVID-19 were newly reported, the commission added.

By the end of Thursday, a total of 7,596 imported cases had been reported on the mainland. Among them, 6,878 had been discharged from hospitals following recovery, and 718 remained hospitalized. No deaths had been reported among the imported cases.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland reached 93,498 by Thursday, including 1,370 patients still receiving treatment, 34 of whom were in severe condition.

A total of 87,492 patients had been discharged from hospitals following recovery on the mainland, and 4,636 had died as a result of the virus.

There were three suspected COVID-19 cases on the mainland on Thursday.

A total of 58 asymptomatic cases were newly reported. There were a total of 557 asymptomatic cases, of which 391 were imported, under medical observation on Thursday.

By the end of Thursday, 12,002 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 212 deaths, had been reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), while 63 cases had been reported in the Macao SAR, and 15,753 cases, including 791 deaths, had been reported in Taiwan.

A total of 11,721 COVID-19 patients in the Hong Kong SAR had been discharged from hospitals following recovery, while 56 had been discharged in the Macao SAR, and 13,001 had been discharged in Taiwan. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 15:31:55|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Politicizing the COVID-19 pandemic and weaponizing the origin tracing will mar the next stage of coronavirus origin study plan, Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said Friday in an article published in the South China Morning Post.

A joint study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this year concluded that the introduction of the coronavirus through a laboratory incident was extremely unlikely, and the study pointed the way for the next stage of joint origin tracing in multiple countries and regions under a global framework, Liu said.

However, politicians of some countries turned a blind eye to the study and kept spreading the anti-China political virus, Liu said.

Those politicians from the beginning have politicized the pandemic, stigmatized China with terms such as "Wuhan virus" and weaponized origin tracing to bash China, Liu said, adding that a few have even peddled the so-called lab leak theory.

China will never accept any origin-tracing plan that is a political move to discredit it instead of a scientific one to identify the origins of the virus, Liu said.

Liu reiterated the three points made by China in response to the "lab leak theory."

First, before Dec. 30, 2019, the Wuhan Institute of Virology had not come into contact with, preserved or studied Sars-CoV-2. Second, the institute has never designed, manufactured or leaked the virus. Third, none of the institute's staff members or graduate students have ever been infected with the virus.

Recently, The Lancet published an open letter from 24 scientists, reiterating that the virus most likely originated in nature and not in a laboratory, Liu said, stressing that origin tracing is a serious scientific matter.

China firmly supports science-based origin study and has participated in relevant international cooperation in an open manner, but it opposes any politicizing, he said.

Going forward, the study should build on the initial research and stay committed to the spirit of science and undistracted by politics, Liu said.

The focus should be on tracing animal origins and investigating early cases in multiple countries and regions based on extensive consultations among WHO members, Liu said.

It remains the top priority of the international community to work together to control the virus, reignite the economy, protect livelihoods and promote fair and equitable vaccine distribution to developing countries, Liu said.

The virus does not respect borders and scapegoating gets one nowhere, he said, emphasizing that cooperation is the right way forward. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 15:36:01|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia confirmed another 67 new cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant on Friday, raising the kingdom's total number of the Delta variant cases to 327, the health ministry said in a statement.

Laboratory testing by the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia during the past two days found COVID-19 variant B.1.617-2 (Delta) on 25 local residents and 42 travelers from overseas, the ministry said.

The local cases were detected in capital Phnom Penh and the provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Svay Rieng and Stung Treng, it added.

Health Minister Mam Bunheng renewed his call on people to be more cautious as the Delta variant had been spreading in the community.

"Please continue to implement the three do's and three don'ts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants," he said in the statement. "And for those who undergo a quarantine, they must strictly abide by the rules in order to prevent large-scale community transmission."

The three do's include wearing a face mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 meters, and the three don'ts are avoiding confined and enclosed spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and avoiding touching each other. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 15:46:15|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Zhao Wencai

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department recently staged another dangerous provocation against China by approving an arms deal worth 750 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan, an inalienable part of China's territory.

Washington's flagrant move grossly violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the Aug. 17 Communique, all of which the United States has pledged to adhere to.

The China-U.S. relationship now faces rising tensions. This first arms deal to Taiwan since the current U.S. administration took power cast another ominous shadow over relations between the two countries, and will further damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Such a vicious move came just days after U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's visit to China, during which she expressed the hope that the United States and China would take joint actions to improve bilateral relations, and reiterated that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence." Clearly, Washington is not keeping these commitments.

The approval of the deal also represents a perilous provocation against China. It lays bare Washington's ill intent to contain China's development. Being fully aware that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests, the U.S. government, which has been obsessed with regarding China as a potential challenger to its pursuit of hegemony in the Asia-Pacific, has habitually played the "Taiwan card" as an old cheap trick to suppress China.

In the meantime, Washington also sells hardware to Taiwan for monetary and political gain. It is an open secret that Washington politicians have long been ardent to act as salesmen for America's military industrial complex. This is how they can trade for financial support from companies like Lockheed Martin in extremely costly elections back home.

There is no way that Washington's repeated provocation can shake Beijing's determination to realize China's national reunification.

Even with the U.S. weapons, those "Taiwan independence" forces should not harbor the illusion that they have any chance of separating the island from China. In fact, they should sober up to the fact that the U.S. arms sales are nothing but an invitation of humiliation for themselves and danger for Taiwan.

The Chinese military has recently made it loud and clear that it will be on high alert and take all necessary measures to foil any attempt from those seeking "Taiwan independence."

As Chinese President Xi Jinping said last month at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China, no one should underestimate the great resolve, strong will, and extraordinary ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The reunification of China is unstoppable and therefore just a matter of time. Anyone who seeks to deny China's development and to stand in the way of China's reunification will only be met with Beijing's resolute counter-measures. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 15:59:03|Editor: huaxia

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HOHHOT, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- A new China-Europe freight train service was launched on Friday, linking the city of Ordos in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with Moscow in Russia.

On Friday morning, a freight train loaded with more than 2,000 tonnes of auto parts and agricultural and sideline products left a logistics park in Ordos for Moscow, marking the launch of the China-Europe freight train service in Ordos.

Loaded with 50 TEUs of goods, the first train on this route will travel north to Moscow, passing through the border port of Erenhot and Mongolia.

It is scheduled to arrive in Moscow in 15 days. Approximately 25 days are saved in transportation time when compared to shipping by sea. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 16:47:36|Editor: huaxia

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SYDNEY, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- As Sydney's outbreak continues to escalate, breaches into neighbouring states and regions have forced some 16 million people along Australia's densely populated eastern coast into lockdown.

The state of Victoria and some regional areas of the state of New South Wales (NSW) are the latest ones joining the ongoing lockdown gripping both Greater Sydney and its surrounding areas, as well as part of the state of Queensland.

With these new restrictions that took effect on Thursday evening, an estimated 60 percent of all Australians are under lockdown orders.

On Friday, Victoria recorded six new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to midnight Thursday from 29,631 test results.

For Victoria, the latest lockdown marks its sixth one, just nine days after its previous 12-day lockdown following an incursion of cases from Sydney in mid-July.

When justifying Victoria's snap decision to re-enter lockdown, State Premier Daniel Andrews expressed helplessness and painted a picture of a bleak alternative.

"With so few in the community with one vaccination let alone two, I have no choice..."

"If we were to wait even just a few days, there is every chance, instead of being locked down for a week and this gets away from us, we are potentially locked down until we all get vaccinated. That's months away," said Andrews.

Meanwhile, Queensland, with 11 areas in its southeast part including capital city Brisbane in a week-long lockdown, recorded 10 new local cases on Friday, all linked to a known cluster.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said whether the lockdown would end on Sunday as planned depends on the situation in the following days.

"It is too soon to say what will happen over the next few days and whether we will be able to ease restrictions on Sunday," he said.

"So the results so far are very, very promising. We need to continue to see low case numbers all linked, declining infectious days in the community and a high rate of testing and if we can keep that up, then we will be able to begin to ease these restrictions."

In NSW, despite the daily increase of local cases reaching 291 on Friday, a new high in the latest outbreak, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian told citizens to expect increased daily case numbers in the coming days.

"I do want to foreshadow that given this high number of cases, we are likely to see this trend continue for the next few days," she said.

The state also recorded another death, a woman in her 60s, which brought the COVID-related death toll in the current outbreak to 22.

Given the recurring outbreak, increasingly authorities and medical experts alike are coming to the conclusion that Australia needs to give up on its "elimination" approach and focus on vaccinating as much of the population as possible.

According to government data, 13,270,296 vaccine doses have been administered across the nation as of August 6. Over 240,000 of these doses were administered in the 24 hours to when the data was released.

Sydney University epidemiologist Professor Alexandra Martiniuk told Xinhua that until vaccination rates reach the 70 to 80 percent range, states with community infection will struggle to safely reopen.

"When the states re-open, it will likely be a decision which takes into account both the proportion of the population vaccinated as well as the rates of COVID infection in the community at the time," she said.

She noted until then it is important that states do the best they can to suppress the spread of the virus.

"Immediate, sharp and short lockdowns appear to be the best approach against the Delta variant, where suppression of community transmission is the goal." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 17:13:25|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Angola will continue to invest in collaborative projects with China, said the country's finance minister.

Finance Minister Vera Daves made the remarks on Thursday during a virtual meeting with about 120 entrepreneurs, mostly Chinese.

She underlined that "relations between Angola and China have been mutually recognized as very positive for over two decades, in a climate of friendship and strategic cooperation in various areas, with emphasis on trade and finance and on which Angola will continue to invest daily," according to a press release by the Angolan Institute for State Asset and Holdings Management.

Chinese Ambassador to Angola Gong Tao reiterated China's interest in continuing to cooperate economically with Angola and working with the country's business community to attract potential investors.

Apart from the meeting with Chinese investors and a previous one recently with Portuguese investors, Angola expects to hold other virtual meetings with entrepreneurs from the United States, Spain, Germany and Britain by the end of the year. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 17:31:32|Editor: huaxia

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ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan inspected virus-hit Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan province, and ordered the timely implementation of anti-epidemic measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also urged timely investigations into key personnel as well as mass nucleic acid testing, adding that lessons should be drawn from cases of in-hospital infection.

Sun visited the city immediately after attending a teleconference held on Wednesday in Beijing by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:17:28|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The office of the commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Friday condemned and firmly opposed a so-called memorandum concerning Hong Kong issued by the U.S. government.

The memorandum smeared the national security law in Hong Kong, interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large and trampled on international law and basic norms governing international relations, the spokesperson of the office said.

The national security law in Hong Kong and the improvements to its electoral system have restored stability, improved the rule of law, and protected the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and people from all countries living here, the spokesperson said, adding that Hong Kong has transformed from chaos to stability and opened a new chapter in sound governance.

The number of crimes in Hong Kong has dropped significantly, the economy and finance continue to be strong, the confidence of Hong Kong society in "one country, two systems" has increased, the spokesperson said, adding that Hong Kong people are happy about the current situation, and the international community is still optimistic about the future of Hong Kong.

In disregard of the facts and the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong, the United States fabricated lies to slander the national security law, sugarcoated anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, and claimed to provide the so-called "safe haven for Hong Kongers", the spokesperson said.

The little trick fully reveals its ulterior motive to curb China's development by playing the "Hong Kong card", the spokesperson said.

The United States is not caring about Hong Kong, but grossly interfering in Hong Kong affairs; it is not "standing with people in Hong Kong," but with a small group of anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong; it is not supporting rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, but emboldening a small group of elements to disrupt Hong Kong and China at large and to endanger China's national security, the spokesperson said.

The statement issued by the U.S. government is just a pretext for deceiving the world, which reflects the hypocrisy of some American politicians, the spokesperson said, stressing that the political manipulation is doomed to fail.

The Chinese government is determined to oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs as a whole, to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to implement "one country, two systems," the spokesperson said.

No country or anyone can stop Hong Kong from enjoying a promising future and those who attempt to disrupt Hong Kong and China at large are just overestimating their strength and their tricks will get nowhere, the spokesperson said, urging the U.S. side to cease and desist and drop the illusion about the idea. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:26:00|Editor: huaxia

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ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan inspected virus-hit Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, ordering immediate implementation of anti-epidemic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged accelerating investigations into key personnel like close contacts and conducting city-wide nucleic acid testing. She said lessons must be drawn from in-hospital infections.

Sun visited the city immediately after attending a teleconference held on Wednesday in Beijing by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19.

Sun visited venues including the provincial center for disease control and prevention, a nucleic acid testing site, a residential community and the sixth people's hospital of Zhengzhou, where in-hospital infections have occurred and spread to the rest of the city.

After learning about the in-hospital infection control and other anti-epidemic measures of the city, Sun demanded immediate reports and quarantine of infections, vowing zero tolerance for in-hospital infections.

Authorities across the country must further enhance their sense of responsibility amid the recent COVID-19 resurgence in multiple regions, said Sun.

Local Party and government officials should be trained with policies, guidelines and professional knowledge of disease prevention and control, so as to improve their ability of emergency responses, Sun added.

Sun also requested the State Council's joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19 to supervise and inspect the implementation of epidemic prevention and control policies in all regions. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:26:35|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel continued launching rockets into southern Lebanon on Friday following Hezbollah's attacks of Israeli targets in the occupied Shebaa Farms, al-Manar TV channel run by Hezbollah said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon warned that the situation on the border remains dangerous, calling on all parties to cease fire.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese armed group and party, announced Friday that it launched dozens of rockets at Israeli targets in the occupied Shebaa Farms.

Hezbollah launched the rockets in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes Thursday on sites in southern Lebanon.

This was the first time that Israel used its military jets against Lebanon since 2006.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:33:36|Editor: huaxia

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An Israeli artillery unit fires at targets in the Lebanese territory from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Aug. 6, 2021. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it fired artillery shells at targets in southern Lebanon in response to Lebanon's firing of more than 10 rockets into Israeli territory earlier in the day. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it fired artillery shells at targets in southern Lebanon in response to Lebanon's firing of more than 10 rockets into Israeli territory earlier in the day.

Most of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's anti-rocket Iron Dome defense system, and the rest landed in open areas, the Israeli army added.

The rockets, fired from Lebanon at the Israel-occupied Golan Heights and the Galilee Panhandle area in northern Israel, did not cause casualties, according to a report by Israel's state-owned Kan TV news.

The Lebanese organization Hezbollah has announced that it carried out the rocket attack in response to the Israeli airstrike.

The IDF said on Thursday that it had attacked targets in Lebanon following the firing of three rockets into Israel.

Following Friday's incident, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is expected to hold consultations with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, the military chief Aviv Kochavi, and other senior military officials, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:44:13|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab urged on Friday the United Nations to exert pressure on Israel to stop its violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, al-Jadeed TV channel reported.

"Israel's attacks against Lebanese territories constitute a clear violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701," Diab said.

Hezbollah fired rockets earlier in the day against Israeli targets in the occupied Shebaa Farms in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Thursday in southern Lebanon.

Two rockets from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Wednesday, prompting Israeli artillery fire.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon warned that the situation on the border is very dangerous and called on all parties to stop fire. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:46:17|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Half of Hong Kong's eligible population have as far taken at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine as the financial hub is racing to build sufficient immunity amid tightening pandemics around the globe.

More than 3.4 million residents here have received their first shot under a government vaccination program starting late February, including 2.59 million fully vaccinated, official data has showed.

Hong Kong's inoculation drive started to pick up pace at the end of May partly due to the rounds of vaccine benefits, including holidays and lotteries, launched by the government and private companies.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said the demand for vaccine doses have been on the rise and predicted the share of people getting at least one jab will hopefully hit 70 percent by the end of September as long as the vaccine rollout maintains the current speed.

The government has decided that its 26 community vaccination centers will operate for one more month till the end of October.

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection reported two new imported cases of COVID-19 on Friday, taking the total tally to 12,004. A total of 31 cases were found in the past 14 days, including an untraceable local infection and 30 imported. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:49:22|Editor: huaxia

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SHENZHEN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech giant Huawei's revenue reached 320.4 billion yuan (about 49.6 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2021, with a net profit margin of 9.8 percent, according to the company's semiannual report released Friday.

As for the company's three main businesses, the carrier business revenue reached 136.9 billion yuan, the revenue from enterprise business amounted to 42.9 billion yuan, and consumer business revenue hit 135.7 billion yuan.

"We've set our strategic goals for the next five years. Our aim is to survive and to do so sustainably by creating practical value for our customers and partners," said Eric Xu, Huawei's rotating chairman.

"Despite a decline in revenue from our consumer business caused by external factors, we are confident that our carrier and enterprise businesses will continue to grow steadily," Xu added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:34:35|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese capital Beijing plans to strengthen prevention and control measures on its inbound flights due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, striving to safeguard quarantine and reception for Olympic Games returnees.

The city's Shunyi District has prepared 22 designated hotels with 5,071 rooms for future quarantine of China's Olympic Games returnees, said the municipal government during a press conference Friday.

Currently, airline companies have canceled flights destined for Beijing from Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province and 13 cities, including Nanjing, Zhangjiajie and Zhengzhou, that have reported a cluster of recent COVID-19 infections. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:38:21|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

- - - -

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia reported 20,889 new COVID-19 infections in the highest daily spike since the outbreak, bringing the national total to 1,224,595, the Health Ministry said Friday.

Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement that 13 of the new cases are imported and 20,876 are local transmissions.

- - - -

MOSCOW -- Russia registered 22,660 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours as the Delta variant continues to spread, taking the nationwide tally to 6,402,564, the official monitoring and response center said Friday.

The nationwide death toll grew by 792 to 163,301, while the number of recoveries increased by 20,141 to 5,720,353.

- - - -

TOKYO -- The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 4,515 daily COVID-19 cases, and Osaka Prefecture confirmed a record 1,310 infections Friday, with growing concerns about the potential collapse of medical systems in Japan amid a resurgence of COVID-19.

Hosting the Olympic Games while under a state of emergency, Tokyo hit record infection figures for two consecutive days through Thursday, when it confirmed 5,042 cases.

- - - -

MANILA -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday 10,623 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,638,345.

The death toll climbed to 28,673 after 247 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH added.

- - - -

JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Health Ministry on Friday reported that the COVID-19 cases across the country rose by 39,532 within the past 24 hours to 3,607,863 with the death toll adding by 1,635 to 104,010.

Additional 48,832 recovered patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the total number of recoveries from the pandemic in the Southeast Asian country to 2,996,478, according to the ministry. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:38:21|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department has approved an arms deal with China's Taiwan region worth 750 million U.S. dollars -- the first arms sale to Taiwan by the new U.S. administration.

By doing so, the United States betrayed its promise, continued down the path of "playing with fire," and went against the trend of the time for doing what does not serve the fundamental interests of both Chinese and American people.

Manipulating the Taiwan question has been a long-term strategy of the United States to contain China. Regrettably, the new U.S. administration showed no sign of altering its predecessors' hegemonic behavior, and attempted even harder to suppress China.

In 1982, China and the United States released the August 17 Communique concerning the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, in which the United States stated that it "intends to gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan".

The new U.S. administration has, on multiple occasions, declared its adherence to the one-China principle and pledged not to support Taiwan in seeking so-called "independence."

However, the U.S. administration has gone back and forth and reneged on its own words. Such a self-contradictory act has seriously tarnished its political credit and gone against its commitment to the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

The U.S. side is clearly still trapped in its misunderstanding of China, and has not yet determined on the correct way of dealing with China.

The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. China will not compromise or make concessions on issues that concern its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The U.S. side has constantly tested China's bottom line by playing the Taiwan card, which is playing with fire. It must stop sending erroneous signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

The response of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to the arms sale further exposes its intention of resisting the unstoppable trend of reunification by relying on the United States and resorting to force.

In reality, whatever weapons the DPP authority may obtain will not change the trend of reunification.

The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. China has never intended to make itself an enemy of the United States, but no one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The United States must withdraw its plans to sell arms to Taiwan immediately, properly handle Taiwan-related issues and stop poisoning China-U.S. relations with its wrong China policies. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:52:34|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT -- Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab urged on Friday the United Nations to exert pressure on Israel to stop its violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, al-Jadeed TV channel reported.

"Israel's attacks against Lebanese territories constitute a clear violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701," Diab said.

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GABORONE -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday donated personal protective equipment to Botswana to assist the country in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The donation could not have come at a better time than now when the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic is higher, in the process stretching our healthcare facilities and resources to the limit. Our frontliners have never been this strained and overwhelmed," said Edwin Dikoloti, Botswana's minister of health and wellness, after the handover ceremony in Gaborone.

- - - -

WASHINGTON -- U.S. politicians are "taking tools" away from public health offices in a bid to control the COVID-19 pandemic, former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has said, according to a media report on Thursday.

"You'd never sent a police officer out into the field without a weapon. Don't take weapons away indiscriminately from public health officials," he said.

- - - -

UNITED NATIONS -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for progress toward a world free of nuclear weapons on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

"I call on all states that possess nuclear weapons to adopt risk reduction measures, individually and jointly," said Guterres. "The only guarantee against the use of nuclear weapons is their total elimination."

- - - -

MANILA -- Philippine influencers have launched an online petition, urging the international community to seriously look into the role of the Fort Detrick laboratory in the United States in the global spread of the COVID-19 virus.

"This biological laboratory suffered a laboratory incident in July 2019, causing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to shut down the facility in August 2019 due to 'serious safety violations,'" said Herman Laurel, a columnist for social news website Sovereign P.H.. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:16:53|Editor: huaxia

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CANBERRA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ruled out introducing new laws that would allow employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccines.

Morrison said on Friday afternoon that employers may wish to enforce a "reasonable directive" that staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19 but that it must be "consistent with the law."

It came after a meeting of the National Cabinet during which the government's top law adviser, the solicitor-general, briefed the prime minister and state and territory leaders on legal issues surrounding mandatory vaccinations.

Morrison said that there were some situations where employers could mandate vaccines but that the government would not introduce laws for wider mandates.

As of Friday about half of the Australian population was in lockdown in three states to prevent the spread of Delta variant of COVID-19.

The state of Victoria and some regional areas of the state of New South Wales (NSW) are the latest ones joining the ongoing lockdown gripping both the Greater Sydney and its surrounding areas, as well as part of the state of Queensland.

"We've met at a time when so many Australians are now subject to lockdowns because of the Delta variant of this strain, which is causing a third wave all around the world," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

Paul Kelly, the nation's Chief Medical Officer, described the strain of the virus as a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

"What we do know is that whilst there is this other wave, vaccine works. Mostly the outbreaks in other countries, and including here and particularly in New South Wales, this is a epidemic or a pandemic of the unvaccinated," he said in the same press conference.

The National Cabinet on Friday agreed with Morrison's four-phase pathway out of the pandemic that will see an end to lockdowns after 80 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

So far more than 21.3 percent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated.

As of Friday afternoon, there had been 35,688 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, and the number of locally acquired cases in the last 24 hours was 308, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:17:55|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's commitment and endeavors made to promote global cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines have earned praise from experts, officials of international organizations and countries across the world.

China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday in a written message to the first meeting of the international forum on COVID-19 vaccine cooperation, which was jointly held by 23 countries via video links.

World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that the global health body "is very grateful for President Xi's announcement that China will contribute 100 million dollars to COVAX, for immediate use."

The WHO thanked Xi "for this very generous contribution, which will help to save lives around the world."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who attended the meeting online, expressed "Egypt's appreciation for the support provided by China" in boosting the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries.

The two countries have recently celebrated the joint production of 1 million doses of the Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in Egypt.

The WHO expects countries, which are capable of offering COVID-19 vaccines to others, to send the doses to the COVAX facility, so that all countries could get equitable and effective access to the vaccine, said Lei Dianliang, a scientist with the WHO's Department of Health Products Policy and Standards.

China, Lei said, has made a remarkable contribution to the push for global vaccination, since Chinese researchers have cooperated with their peers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil, Pakistan and others in conducting phase III clinical trials, and sent vaccine concentrate to countries including Egypt, the UAE, Pakistan and Malaysia for local production and packaging, addressing vaccine shortage in the countries to some extent.

Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at Australia's University of New South Wales, said the pandemic will be defeated only if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

Noting that equity in vaccine distribution is essential to overcoming the pandemic, the scholar called on the international community to work together to ensure priority populations worldwide are immunized with good-quality, safe, and effective vaccines. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:22:52|Editor: huaxia

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BEIRUT, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel fired 40 artillery shells into southern Lebanon after Lebanon fired rockets into Israel amid rising tension in the region, the Lebanese army said Friday.

In a statement, the army said 10 artillery shells fell on the outskirts of the town of al-Sadana and 30 in Bastra and Kfarshouba, causing a number of fires in the area.

The Lebanese army was deployed on the ground trying to restore calm in the region in coordination with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, said the army command. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:27:51|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

The comments in the memorandum that smeared the national security law in Hong Kong are baseless and purely politically oriented, a spokesman of the HKSAR government said, stressing the U.S. act shows clear hypocrisy and double standards.



HONG KONG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday expressed strong opposition to the latest actions by the U.S. government against the HKSAR under the so-called "Memorandum on the Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents."

The comments in the memorandum that smeared the national security law in Hong Kong are baseless and purely politically oriented, a spokesman of the HKSAR government said.

National security is a matter within the purview of the central authorities and it is the legitimate right and duty of every country to safeguard its national security, the spokesman said.

The United States has prolific laws on national security but chooses to smear the national security law in Hong Kong out of political motivation, the spokesman said, stressing that the U.S. act shows clear hypocrisy and double standards.

Actions taken by Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law, for the acts of the people or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation, the spokesman said.

Anyone who violates the law should be responsible for the behavior, and people who are wanted for prosecution and have fled Hong Kong are fugitive offenders, the spokesman said, adding that the HKSAR government will pursue the absconders' legal liabilities in accordance with the law to ensure that offenders will face justice.

The national security law has reversed the chaotic situation in Hong Kong starting June 2019, with violent acts substantially reduced, external forces having been diminished, and advocacy of "Hong Kong independence" subsiding, the spokesman said.

Stability, which is vital to business activities, has been restored to society and national security has been safeguarded in the HKSAR, the spokesman said.

Hong Kong people can continue to enjoy their basic rights and freedoms in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

The HKSAR government will continue to discharge its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

Since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, the U.S. government has been exploiting different incidents and making up excuses to slander the law, the spokesman said, noting that its accusations are baseless and have simply twisted the facts.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:43:14|Editor: huaxia

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People take part in a horse racing activity in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Aug. 6, 2021. A horse racing activity was held here on Friday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:41:53|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writers Yao Yulin, Wang Xiaojie and Sun Lei

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 20-something junior in college Yi Cheng caressed his new "art collection," a nut-sized toy in the shape of a lion's head, at the Beijing Dream Fair earlier in July, a days-long bash for young Chinese art buffs.

"It is a unique 3D carving, polished from an original design. It is also a perfect mix of modern technology and traditional Chinese culture," enthused the student, who can fork out more than 20,000 yuan (about 3,100 U.S. dollars) a year on designer toys.

Designer toys, or art toys, are toys and collectibles created by artists and designers and typically sold in limited editions.

"Some dismiss designer toys as mere playthings for adults. Still, there is no escaping the fact that those of relatively high artistic value sell well in second-hand mobile marketplaces, which is a testament to their collection and investment value," Yi said.

The youngster is an acute observer of this burgeoning niche market.

Many of these toys come in the form of mystery boxes or blind boxes in China, an approach that can be traced back to Japan's capsule toys and lucky bags. Statistics by iiMedia Research indicated that more than 440,000 users on Xianyu, a consumer-to-consumer marketplace spun from Alibaba's Taobao, traded blind boxes containing collectible toys in 2020. In November 2020 alone, the turnover of blind-box trading topped 120 million yuan, up over 70 percent year on year in the sector on Xianyu.

Limited editions of such toys can even be auctioned at a price dozens of times higher than their original price, let alone designer toys that are only available for lucky consumers who are chosen by drawing lots.

KEME Life, a company that designs and sells aesthetically appealing household products, also branches out to collectible toys.

The company's head of sales, Xu Manman, brought her daughter to the toy fair in Beijing, hoping that the artistic environment on-site can help foster her child's appreciation and interest in art.

"Designer toys can be deemed as small works of art, which offer a relatively low threshold for the younger generations to have their own art collection," Xu said.

It is almost an instinct for today's children to collect their favorites, like cards hidden in packaged snacks and toys in chocolate surprise eggs. When such a generation grows up, they are more likely than their parents to take an interest in collecting designer toys, added Xu.

A high school graduate surnamed Wu, aged 18, came from Changchun City, northeast China's Jilin Province, to Beijing for the three-day exhibition.

When Wu graduated from junior high school, she went to Britain to study. The massive cultural differences in a foreign country and the loneliness of living alone gradually led to immersion in her own imaginary world of the designer toys she bought.

"I can see the implying ideas of the designers from the toys and make up my own story," Wu said. "The toys are both pure art and goods for general consumers."

Chen Wei, CEO of 52TOYS, China's other producer and designer of such toys, believes that the toys are merely entry-level collections for young Chinese, and the sector is sure to diversify as the consumers show growing appetites and searches for new thrills.

While investors are salivating over the prospect of this niche market, China's cultural and creative industry is expecting a welcome fillip. The whole value chain of designer toys, covering designs, production, and marketing, has propelled Chinese designers to look towards traditional culture for new inspiration.

Blind boxes related to relics in the Sanxingdui Ruins site and the country's renowned museum collections were among the most sought-after at the fair, according to this year's fair host, 52TOYS.

"These products are enough to prove that the creativity and ability of Chinese designers can match that of many global brands," said Wang Yin, senior product director of a toy company. Enditem

(Intern Su Xing also contributed to the story)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:54:44|Editor: huaxia

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A handover ceremony of a batch of China-donated COVID-19 vaccine is held at Noor Khan Air Base near Islamabad, Pakistan, Feb. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Tian)

The WHO said it "is very grateful for President Xi's announcement that China will contribute 100 million dollars to COVAX, for immediate use," and thanked Xi "for this very generous contribution, which will help to save lives around the world."



BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's commitment and endeavors made to promote global cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines have earned praise from experts, officials of international organizations and countries across the world.

China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday in a written message to the first meeting of the international forum on COVID-19 vaccine cooperation, which was jointly held by 23 countries via video links.

World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that the global health body "is very grateful for President Xi's announcement that China will contribute 100 million dollars to COVAX, for immediate use."

Health workers receive doses of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine during mass vaccination program for health workers as a main priority group in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 4, 2021. (Photo by Agung Kuncahya B./Xinhua)

The WHO thanked Xi "for this very generous contribution, which will help to save lives around the world."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who attended the meeting online, expressed "Egypt's appreciation for the support provided by China" in boosting the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries.

The two countries have recently celebrated the joint production of 1 million doses of the Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in Egypt.

The WHO expects countries, which are capable of offering COVID-19 vaccines to others, to send the doses to the COVAX facility, so that all countries could get equitable and effective access to the vaccine, said Lei Dianliang, a scientist with the WHO's Department of Health Products Policy and Standards.

A nurse shows a vial of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, July 8, 2021. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)

China, Lei said, has made a remarkable contribution to the push for global vaccination, since Chinese researchers have cooperated with their peers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil, Pakistan and others in conducting phase III clinical trials, and sent vaccine concentrate to countries including Egypt, the UAE, Pakistan and Malaysia for local production and packaging, addressing vaccine shortage in the countries to some extent.

Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at Australia's University of New South Wales, said the pandemic will be defeated only if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

Noting that equity in vaccine distribution is essential to overcoming the pandemic, the scholar called on the international community to work together to ensure priority populations worldwide are immunized with good-quality, safe, and effective vaccines. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 22:45:18|Editor: huaxia

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Student Fozia Ismael speaks during an interview with Xinhua at the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Aug. 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fozia Ismael, 22, is one of 17 vibrant young Ethiopian students who are presently pursuing their third-year Chinese language studies at the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University in the Ethiopian capital.

Ismael, who is now awaiting her graduation slated for September this year, attributed her personal interest and lucrative job opportunities behind her inclination to studying Mandarin.

"Most of us have the economic (advantage) in common. Of course, studying the Chinese language also helps us to develop ourselves and explore the world as well," she told Xinhua recently after attending a Chinese culture lecture by He Yang, a translator and member of the 22nd batch of Chinese medical team to Ethiopia.

Ismael emphasized language as the key to understanding another culture, as she encouraged more and more young Ethiopians to study Mandarin amid China's rising importance in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the international stage.

"I studied not only the Chinese language, I also studied the culture as well. I found it (Chinese culture) more unique than ours, and their food and how they eat it. Their culture is so impressive," she added.

Courtesy of the everblooming Sino-Ethiopian ties, the interest in studying Chinese language is growing fast with newly opening institutes being operational across public universities in different parts of the East African country.

In addition to the federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute, Chinese language studies are now provided in four other public universities across Ethiopia, namely Addis Ababa University (AAU) in the capital, Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia's northwestern Amhara regional state, Mekelle University in northern Ethiopia, as well as Arsi University in Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state.

The Confucius Institute at the AAU, which started operation in Ethiopia in 2012, has so far registered over 10,000 students who passed through various levels of Chinese language studies at different facilities across the country, according to figures from the institute.

Among them, close to 100 were able to get their bachelor's degrees in Chinese language, most of whom had the experience to study in China and now actively engaging in facilitating the ever-expanding Sino-Ethiopian relations.

Chinese professors have also won the hearts and minds of local youths for their efforts to improve their future prospects, and serve as the connecting bridge between the two cultures.

He Yang, who is also a professor of English language from China's Henan University of Chinese Medicine, presently serving as a voluntary lecturer at the Confucius Institute, is one of the Chinese professors who have received acclaim for their dedication.

"Language is a very important bridge between the two countries. Language is, I think, very, very important for Chinese and Ethiopian young students. So, the Confucius Institute is very great in this," He asserted.

During the lecture, He taught students about Chinese culture, including the Chinese zodiac classification scheme and the lunar calendar that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a 12-year cycle, which turned out to be appealing young Ethiopian students who are keen to learn Chinese culture and knowledge.

"The Chinese teachers here are very good, very hard working. Part of their culture is also being on time. They are more engaging with hardworking students in class," Ismael said.

According to the AAU, the Chinese language studies combine elements of Chinese language and culture. The program envisages producing graduates with solid basis for Chinese language, extensive knowledge of Chinese culture, a good understanding of modern Chinese society and a sound basis for employment and further study related to China.

It aspires to enable students to acquire communication skills in Chinese and use the skills in cross cultural communication, and pursue careers in Chinese so as to strengthen the ties between Ethiopia and China, according to the AAU.

Gao Lili, director of the Confucius Institute at the AAU, also emphasized the institute's growing role in terms of serving as a bridge between China and Ethiopia, and boosting the people-to-people relations among the two countries through culture.

"Apart from the language program, we also have many different cultural programs including celebration of Chinese festivals, we organize different kinds of cultural lectures, we invite students to go to China for summer visit including some Ethiopian government officials especially from the education sector," the director said.

As the interest to studying Mandarin grows, the institute is now actively offering Chinese language studies across various organizations, which also targets foreign expats who are presently working and residing in Ethiopia, Gao added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 22:57:28|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China extends congratulations on Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi's inauguration, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China believes Iran will achieve greater progress in nation-building and socio-economic development under the leadership of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Noting that China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, Hua said China attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations and stands ready to work with Iran to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, Hua said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 23:47:31|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Friday 11,435 new COVID-19 cases and 87 deaths, the highest daily fatalities this year, taking its nationwide death toll to 19,087.

The caseload of the coronavirus in Iraq increased to 1,696,390, while the total recoveries in the country climbed by 8,667 to 1,510,888, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

A total of 13,382,440 tests have been carried out in Iraq since the outbreak of the disease last year, with 51,816 done during the day, it said.

The ministry added that a total of 88,875 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 during the past 24 hours across the country, bringing the total number of doses administered to 2,102,550.

Riyadh Abdul-Amir, head of the ministry's public health department, told the official Iraqi News Agency (INA) that Iraq now is "at the peak of the third wave of coronavirus after the entry of the Delta variant, which is characterized by its faster transmission and can severely infect young people."

Meanwhile, the ministry's spokesman Sayf al-Badr told INA that Iraqi health institutions face enormous pressures from the increasing cases caused by the spread of Delta and other major challenges.

Iraq has been pushing forward its vaccination drive since the drug authority approved in January the emergency use of China's Sinopharm vaccine and other COVID-19 vaccines. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 23:49:44|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has earned 90.53 million U.S. dollars from energy exports during the last Ethiopian fiscal year 2020/2021, which ended on July 7, an Ethiopian official said on Friday.

Moges Mekonen, Communication Director at Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP), said the revenue was earned through energy exports to neighboring Djibouti and Sudan.

Mekonen said this is the highest revenue from energy exports the east African country has earned, with previous fiscal years' revenues not exceeding 70 million U.S. dollars.

On Thursday, EEP disclosed plans to sell an additional 1,000 Megawatts of energy to the east African country's neighboring nations.

Ethiopia's energy exports are part of a broader plan to economically integrate the East African region through electricity.

The energy sector is one of Ethiopia's priorities as the country envisages becoming a light manufacturing hub in Africa and a middle-income economy by 2025.

Ethiopia has identified hydro, wind, geothermal, solar, and biomass for energy generation projects.

The East African country is striving to increase its electricity generating capacity from the current 4,200 MW to around 35,000 MW by 2037. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 00:03:36|Editor: huaxia

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by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has recently seen a surge in COVID-19 cases and fatalities, a development that has brought renewed pressure on the health system and further compounded by an ongoing industrial action by resident doctors in the country.

According to data from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the country recorded 747 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, the highest daily count in about six months. And the new cases have been rising in the past weeks. In the week between July 26 and Aug. 1, the number of newly confirmed cases increased sharply to 3,218 from 1,579 reported in the previous week.

"All data indicate that we are now in, no doubt, in the third wave of the resurgence of the SARS-COV-2 infection, which we saw coming a long time ago," said Osagie Ehanire, the minister of Health, at a press briefing in Abuja Monday.

Ehanire said the government are considering strategies to scale up testing and identify positive cases for isolation and treatment, and called for more participation of states in sample collection, preparing isolation and treatment centers.

Meanwhile, Nigeria grappled with the more deadly Delta strain of the coronavirus discovered in the country since early July.

On July 8, Nigerian health authorities first announced they detected the Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2, in a traveler to the country, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at a laboratory in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Three days later, another case of the variant was reported in the southwestern state of Oyo.

As of July 27, the country had recorded up to 10 cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19, with the NCDC, which spearheads the national response to the pandemic, assuring that it will continue to intensify its surveillance to prevent an alarming rate of the spread.

The Delta variant caseload rose to 32 and had been reported in five states across the country, Chikwe Ihekweazu, head of the NCDC, said at a press conference in Abuja Monday.

According to Ihekweazu, the disease control agency has now scaled up its sequencing capacity to have a better understanding of the burden of the variants of concern in the country.

"We will continue to scale the weekly number of samples sequenced as part of our surveillance," he said, stressing that the risk of virus mutation was higher when there was a high transmission of the virus. "While sequencing is important for us to understand the situation, handwashing, physical distancing, and the proper use of face masks are very important to prevent the spread of the virus."

The NCDC disclosed Thursday that the COVID-19 average positive test rate in Nigeria was 6 percent, and the case fatality rate was at 1.2 percent since the onset of the pandemic in Nigeria last year.

Local analysts say that managing the situation could further be a challenge, with the ongoing strike by the resident doctors who are supposed to be at the frontline.

Resident doctors in Nigeria downed their tools Monday due to "the failure by the federal and state governments to attend to the issues affecting their welfare."

Ehanire said the health ministry is engaging resident doctors with a view to quickly resolving the issues.

The country is currently expanding vaccine sources in order to meet the target of vaccinating 70 percent of its population by 2022.

Nigeria received nearly 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX facility. On Monday, the country took delivery of 4 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine donated by the United States through the COVAX facility.

Faisal Shuaib, head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, told media that about 700,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are expected soon and another 3.9 million doses will be received later this month.

The country expects to receive up to 40 million doses of vaccine by the end of the year, according to Ehanire.

The NCDC data show Nigeria had recorded 176,577 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, out of which, 165,333 cases had recovered and been discharged, and 2,178 related deaths had been recorded. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 00:49:20|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday called for a concerted international effort to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan.

Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum held online, Qureshi stressed developing a vaccine that is accessible to all as a global public good, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Talking about the stance of his country on the politicizing of COVID-19 by some countries, the foreign minister said that Pakistan remains opposed to any politicization of the issue.

He said that Pakistan has made progress in the field of counter-terrorism.

He also underscored that "a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was central to regional peace. Highlighting Pakistan's contributions, he reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for "an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 01:05:46|Editor: huaxia

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KATHMANDU, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have jointly launched a new initiative in Nepal to help seven hospitals in the South Asian country improve its healthcare waste management system so as to better handle the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN agency said Friday.

Efforts shall be devoted to upgrade the waste management system by providing support in the form of autoclaves to the seven hospitals across Nepal which treat COVID-19 patients, setting up waste treatment areas, and training healthcare workers on their use as well as the proper means to manage medical waste, the UNDP said in a press release.

The program, launched under the framework of China's South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF), will enable the UN agency to work together with the Department of Health Services under Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population.

"It is anticipated that 350 healthcare professionals will be provided with the required technical skill-set on proper management of healthcare waste," noted the press release. "Alongside this, 100 officials from the local government will also be trained on better handling of health emergencies."

In addition, youth volunteers from 300 urban and rural municipalities in Nepal will be mobilized to conduct an online campaign to raise awareness about medical waste management, the UNDP said.

Dr. Prakash Bahadur Thapa, chief of Bheri Hospital in Nepal's southwestern city of Nepalgunj which joins the program, told Xinhua that his hospital has been unable to better manage the wastes created by COVID-19 patients due to the lack of necessary human resources and equipment.

"We have to manage the wastes created by COVID-19 patients separately but this has not happened," he said. "We keep such wastes separately at the hospital but they are collected and taken together with other wastes of the hospital to be decomposed."

He said the availability of autoclaves would help to disinfect the wastes left by COVID-19 patients and remove the risk of being infected by the virus. "We have held talks with the UNDP regarding the matter and I expect we can better manage the wastes and use them to produce bio gas too," he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi hoped that Nepal would benefit from the project, and that "the haze of COVID-19 pandemic would disperse as soon as possible with the joint efforts of all countries around the world."

According to the UNDP, the initiative is part of the SSCAF COVID-19 regional project in Asia and the Pacific and will benefit over 1 million people. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 01:47:49|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has decided to appoint Michael Herzog as Israel's ambassador to the United States, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday.

Herzog, 69, has served in several senior positions in the Israel Defense Forces, including the head of strategic planning, the defense minister's chief of staff, and military secretary.

After retiring from the army, he participated in political negotiations under several prime ministers and served as a special political envoy on behalf of the former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu between 2009 and 2014.

He is the brother of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"Prime Minister Bennett decided to appoint Herzog as ambassador due to his rich experience in the security and political arenas, and his in-depth knowledge of the strategic issues facing Israel, including the Iranian nuclear program," the statement said.

Herzog will replace Gilad Erdan, who asked to finish his role as ambassador to the United States two weeks after the inauguration of the new Bennett-led government in mid-June.

Erdan, who was appointed in January this year, will continue to serve as Israel's envoy to the United Nations. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 02:33:50|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Friday expressed concern over escalation on the Lebanon-Israel border and called for maximum restraint by both sides.

"We are concerned about the escalatory developments, including rocket fire into Israel and airstrikes and artillery fire in response, across the Blue Line in recent days. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and maintain stability. Lebanon cannot afford another crisis," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Blue Line is a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel published by the United Nations in 2000.

"It is paramount that all actors involved avoid actions that can further heighten tensions and lead to miscalculation," said Haq.

Head of mission and force commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Stefano Del Col, is in direct contact with the parties, said the deputy spokesman. "He calls on everyone to immediately cease fire. This is a very dangerous situation, with escalatory actions seen on both sides over the past two days."

UNIFIL calls on the parties to cease fire and maintain calm so that it can begin an investigation, said Haq.

The UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, exercising her good offices, has activated her political contacts and reached out to all stakeholders concerned. The potential for miscalculation presents the risk of serious consequences. Maximum restraint is required to prevent further escalation, said Haq.

The latest escalation came as Lebanon is struggling both politically and economically, one year after the devastating Beirut Port blast.

Lebanon is grappling with an economic and financial meltdown, COVID-19, the disastrous impact and aftermath of the Beirut Port blast, and the continued impact of the Syrian crisis, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the eve of the first anniversary of the massive blast, which took place on Aug. 4, 2020.

Political deadlock continues to fuel popular protests and is hampering meaningful reform and recovery efforts. The situation of ordinary people in Lebanon is worsening day by day. Food prices increased by a staggering 400 percent between January and December 2020. Humanitarian needs are increasing among Lebanese and migrants, including in food security and nutrition, health, protection, education and water and sanitation, said OCHA.

In March 2021, 78 percent of the population was estimated to be in poverty. More than a third of the Lebanese population is facing extreme poverty, it said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 02:37:18|Editor: huaxia

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ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's internationally-recognized government reported on Friday a new rise of the daily COVID-19 cases following a relative decline during the past weeks.

In the government-controlled Yemeni provinces, the health authorities officially recorded 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the southern port city of Aden and neighboring towns.

The health ministry said that 15 new cases were officially detected in Aden, five in Hadramout province, three in Shabwa province, two in Taiz province, and two in Lahj province, bringing the total confirmed cases to 7,131.

It said that the medical teams recorded one death in the country's southeastern province of Hadramout, raising the death toll from the virus to 1,384.

Last week, the United Nations warned that COVID-19 cases have increased in Yemen over recent days, triggering fears that the war-torn Arab country is facing the third wave of the pandemic.

So far, just over 310,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Yemen, meaning that only 1 percent of its population have got their first dose. This takes place against a backdrop of dire humanitarian needs, conflict and the threat of famine, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

More than half of Yemenis face crisis levels of food insecurity, and 5 million people are one step away from famine. As the value of the Yemeni currency continues to plummet, more and more Yemenis are being pushed to the brink, it said.

The 3.85-billion-U.S.-dollar humanitarian response plan for Yemen is currently only 47 percent funded. And most of the money available will run out in September, said OCHA. "Additional and predictable funding is urgently needed so that people can continue receiving the lifesaving assistance." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 02:44:40|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 4.4 million people, including internally displaced, face critical food shortages in northeast Nigeria, a UN spokesman said on Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns 775,000 of those people are at extreme risk of catastrophic food insecurity, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "This is the worst outlook in four years."

"Without sustained funding, millions of people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states will struggle to feed themselves during the lean season due to conflict, COVID-19, high food prices and the effects of climate change," Haq said.

The lean season across the Sahel is May to August, between harvests. This year, scarce rains reduced farmer's production, leaving the population short of crops to carry them to the September harvest.

"Our colleagues tell us that 8.7 million people in Nigeria need urgent assistance, including 2.2 million displaced people," the spokesman said. The United Nations and humanitarian partners work with the government and local authorities to increase food distribution in high-risk areas. But a surge in violence targeting aid workers and assets has made it difficult.

Boko Haram and other non-state actors are blamed for a resurgence in violence earlier this year.

The UN humanitarian response plan for Nigeria seeks just over 1 billion U.S. dollars. It is only one-third funded, OCHA said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 03:07:35|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi has held a series of meeting with diplomats and officials from regional countries, where he called for the promotion of dialogue to solve regional issues, local media reported.

"If there is a problem or an issue among regional countries, it should be resolved through dialogue and interaction and no room should be allowed for foreign powers to interfere in the region," said Raisi when meeting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah on Friday.

Al-Sabah, who attended Raisi's swearing-in ceremony in Tehran on Thursday, said that Kuwait hopes a new chapter in bilateral ties would be opened under the new Iranian administration and is willing to join hands with the Iranian side to map out plans for developing relations.

On Thursday night, Raisi met a special representative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and put forward the idea of a joint mechanism to develop bilateral ties with Abu Dhabi, local media reported, without revealing the name of the special envoy.

"A joint mechanism should be created in order to accelerate the process of developing ties, using capacities and ways to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries in different spheres," he said.

Raisi said Iran is "a true and sincere friend" of the UAE, and expressed "a spirit of heartfelt amity" towards it.

In further remarks about regional issues, Raisi told the UAE envoy that the future of Yemen should be decided by Yemenis themselves, and added that such an approach would benefit peace and stability in the region, if shared by regional countries.

Also on Friday, Raisi met Sahiba Gafarova, speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, vowing Tehran is determined to take major steps to develop all-out relations with Baku.

Iranian companies are ready to cooperate in the reconstruction of Azeri war-torn areas, as well as in the implementation of joint projects in technical, engineering and infrastructure fields, Iran's president said.

Gafarova expressed her country's intention to develop ties with Iran under Raisi' administration. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 04:31:27|Editor: huaxia

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Zahra Ershadi, the charge d'affaires ad interim of Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations, speaks to reporters outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Aug. 6, 2021. British UN ambassador Barbara Woodward said Friday that her country briefed the Security Council on the evidence it has about the attack against an oil tanker off the coast of Oman last week, which she said points to Iran. Zahra Ershadi, the charge d'affaires ad interim of Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations, on Friday rejected the accusation and blamed Israel for destabilizing the region. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- British UN ambassador Barbara Woodward said Friday that her country briefed the Security Council on the evidence it has about the attack against an oil tanker off the coast of Oman last week, which she said points to Iran.

"That evidence is clear-cut. The UK knows that Iran was responsible for this attack. We know it was deliberate and targeted," she told reporters after the Security Council held closed-door consultations on the July 29 attack on Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by an Israeli-owned company headquartered in London.

Asked to elaborate on the evidence, Woodward said, "We know that Iran was responsible for this attack. And the evidence, we are confident -- based on our assessment of the debris that was recovered from the MV Mercer Street -- that the system used in the attack was an Iranian Shahed-136 UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), and these are manufactured only in Iran."

There is no justification for what happened: a state-sanctioned attack on a civilian vessel passing peacefully through international waters, she said.

"Iran's activities, and its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threaten international peace and security. The United Kingdom calls on Iran to stop these activities and calls on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace," said Woodward.

Zahra Ershadi, the charge d'affaires ad interim of Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations, on Friday rejected the accusation and blamed Israel for destabilizing the region.

"We just heard a distorted statement about the Mercer Street vessel incident," said Ershadi shortly after Woodward at the same press encounter venue outside the Security Council Chamber.

"We categorically reject the unfounded accusation of Israel on the Mercer Street vessel incident," she said. "The Israeli regime cannot whitewash its destabilizing practices and vicious policies by blaming and accusing others."

"Immediately following this event, Israeli officials accused Iran of the incident. This is what they usually do. It is a standard practice of the Israeli regime. Its aim is to divert attention of the world public opinion from the regime's crimes and inhumane practices in the region. To that end, they accuse others of wrongdoing. In almost all incidents in the Middle East, Israel accuses Iran. They do it immediately and provide no evidence. Playing victim, lying and deception are part of their toolbox," she said.

"This regime has been the main source of threat, instability and insecurity in the region for over seven decades. ... The Israeli regime also continues to brazenly threaten to use force against regional states. Again, yesterday its defense minister threatened to use force against Iran. Iran warns against any such adventurism and miscalculations. Yet, Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests," she said.

The Security Council must prevent Israel's unbridled adventurism in the region. The Security Council must also prove that it is not trapped by Israel's deceptions and fabrications, she said.

Mercer Street was attacked on its way from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates. Two crew members -- a Romanian national and a British national -- died in the attack. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 04:53:24|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan is at a dangerous turning point as the war has entered a new phase, said Deborah Lyons, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, on Friday.

"Afghanistan is now at a dangerous turning point. Ahead lies either a genuine peace negotiation or a tragically intertwined set of crises: an increasingly brutal conflict combined with an acute humanitarian situation and multiplying human rights abuses," she told the Security Council in a briefing.

She asked the Security Council to work to prevent Afghanistan from descending into a situation of catastrophe "so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels in this century."

"And let me assure you, such a catastrophe would have consequences far beyond the borders of Afghanistan. I do believe that the Security Council and the broader international community can help prevent the most dire scenarios. But it will require acting in unity and acting quickly," she said.

In the past weeks, the war in Afghanistan has entered a new, deadlier, and more destructive phase. The Taliban campaign during June and July to capture rural areas has achieved significant territorial gains. From this strengthened position, they have begun to attack the large cities, said Lyons.

The provincial capitals of Kandahar, Herat, and Helmand have come under significant pressure. This is a clear attempt by the Taliban to seize urban centers with the force of arms. The human toll of this strategy is extremely distressing, and the political message is even more deeply disturbing, she said.

Fighting has been especially severe in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province in the south. Since July 28, at least 104 civilians have been killed and 403 others wounded, as registered by the two main hospitals in the city. All roads leading to and going out of the city are closed by the Taliban. Hospitals have nearly reached full capacity and can no longer accept patients. The available food supply in the city is fast diminishing, which raises the possibility of an acute food shortage in the coming days, as well as shortage of medical supplies, she said.

Since the start of the offensive in neighboring Kandahar province on July 9, more than 460 civilian casualties have been registered. The United Nations has credible reports of over 135 civilian casualties from the onset of the Taliban offensive in and around Herat in the west, she said.

Homes, hospitals, shops, bridges and other infrastructure are being destroyed. In this dire situation, the United Nations and humanitarian partners continue to be present to assess needs and deliver assistance where there is access. But access is becoming increasingly difficult, said Lyons, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

This is now a different kind of war in Afghanistan, reminiscent of Syria recently or Sarajevo in the not-so-distant past, she said.

To attack urban areas is to knowingly inflict enormous harm and cause massive civilian casualties. Nonetheless, the threatening of large urban areas appears to be a strategic decision by the Taliban, who have accepted the likely carnage that will ensue. Afghan government troops are defending these cities. But this defense will also undoubtedly cause civilian casualties, she said.

Urban warfare will also inflict daily miseries when basic infrastructure such as electricity and water networks are damaged. These tactics may amount to serious violation of international humanitarian law for which individuals can be held accountable and may quickly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, warned the UN envoy.

The suffering caused by war comes on top of an already increasing humanitarian crisis, with severe drought affecting the country. Some 18.5 million people, or nearly half of the country's population, need humanitarian assistance. And yet, attacks on aid workers continue with more than 25 aid workers killed and more than 60 others injured in the first six months of 2021, she said.

Lyons expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace negotiations.

"There had been an expectation when the U.S.-Taliban deal was signed in February 2020 ... that we would see a reduction of violence. We did not. There had been an expectation when the talks between the Afghan Republic and the Taliban began in September last year that we would see a reduction of violence. We have not. There had been an expectation that when international troops left that we would see a reduction of violence. We did not," she said. "Instead, despite significant concessions for peace, we have seen a 50 percent increase in civilian casualties with the certainty of many more as the cities are attacked."

"There is a striking contrast between the activity on the battlefield and the quiet stalemate at the negotiating table in Doha, where we should see the opposite: quiet on the battlefield and engagement around the negotiating table," said Lyons.

"In speaking to Afghans, the impression I have now is of a population waiting apprehensively for a dark shadow to pass over the brighter futures they once imagined. It is difficult to me to describe the mood of dread we are faced with every day. As one Afghan put it to us recently, 'We are no longer talking about preserving the progress and the rights we have gained, we are talking about mere survival.' Another woman told us that she sometimes regretted that she had educated her daughter as that had put the daughter in a more vulnerable position. For all of us who are parents of daughters, I can hardly think of a more despondent comment," said Lyons.

Afghans face this coming darkness with a sense of being abandoned by the regional and international community. They expect far greater engagement and visible support from the Security Council, which is tasked to maintain international peace and security, she said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 05:27:23|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, on Friday called on the Security Council to take action to prevent the war-torn country from descending into a situation of catastrophe "so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels in this century."

The Security Council must issue an unambiguous statement that attacks against cities must stop now, she told the Security Council in a briefing.

In the past weeks, the war in Afghanistan has entered a new, deadlier, and more destructive phase. The Taliban campaign during June and July to capture rural areas has achieved significant territorial gains. From this strengthened position, they have begun to attack the large cities, said Lyons.

The provincial capitals of Kandahar, Herat, and Helmand have come under significant pressure. This is a clear attempt by the Taliban to seize urban centers with the force of arms. The human toll of this strategy is extremely distressing, and the political message is even more deeply disturbing, she said.

Those countries that meet with the Taliban Political Commission should insist on a general cease-fire, a resumption of the negotiations, as well as reiterate the position of the Security Council and that of the regional and international community that a government imposed by force in Afghanistan will not be recognized, she said.

The Security Council should give serious consideration to providing the United Nations with a mandate that allows it to play, when requested by both parties, a greater role in facilitating the negotiations, she said.

The travel ban exemption on Taliban members exists to allow them to travel for the sole purpose of peace negotiations. The exemption is to be renewed on Sept. 20. Further extension must be predicated on real progress in peace, she said.

The Security Council and those states who meet with the Taliban must urge them to grant humanitarian access to areas it controls and commit to humanitarian cease-fires in contested areas -- if it will not agree to the general cease-fire. At the same time, UN member states should contribute to the severely underfunded humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan. This humanitarian appeal right now stands at only 30 percent funded, she said.

Her mission strongly supports greater efforts by the United Nations and regional and international community to find ways to hold the perpetrators of the most serious human rights violations accountable, she said.

"We, as the members of the regional and international community so well represented by this council, must put aside our own differences on the question of Afghanistan and send a strong signal -- not only in our public statements but also in our bilateral communications with both parties -- that it is essential to stop fighting and negotiate, in that order. Otherwise, there may be nothing left to win," said Lyons. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 05:35:18|Editor: huaxia

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ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Yemen welcomed the United Nations' naming of Swedish diplomat Hans Grundberg as a new envoy for the war-torn Arab country, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said that the Yemeni government pledged its full support for Grundberg to resume the political process and achieve a comprehensive political solution to end its years-long conflict.

The Yemeni ministry expressed its hope that "the new envoy, with his experience and expertise in Yemeni affairs, would resume political efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive cease-fire in light of the international consensus on the need to end the war and reach a political settlement through dialogue and negotiation."

Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Grundberg as new Yemen envoy to succeed Martin Griffiths, who was appointed to head the UN humanitarian relief task in May.

Yemen has been mired in civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 06:33:01|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called on the international community to carry forward the Afghan peace process by preventing all-out war, advancing peace and reconciliation, and fighting terrorism.

Afghanistan is at a historic conjuncture of war and peace. With the hasty withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Afghanistan has seen increased violence, rising civilian casualties and a deteriorating security situation, said Dai Bing, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the United Nations.

Two decades of war in Afghanistan has once again demonstrated that there is no military solution. Any external power interference in Afghanistan is doomed to fail, he told the Security Council.

The international community should help avoid the expansion of fighting and prevent all-out war in Afghanistan, he said.

It is the greatest aspiration of the Afghan people to see the cessation of hostilities and to enjoy peace. It is also the common expectation of regional countries and the international community. China condemns violent attacks against civilians and civilian facilities, and calls on all parties in Afghanistan to exercise restraint, stop military confrontation and reach a comprehensive cease-fire at an early date, said Dai.

Foreign troops should consult fully with the Afghan government on post-withdrawal arrangements to ensure a smooth transition in Afghanistan. They should be more transparent with regional countries and avoid leaving behind all the problems. The United States has recently expressed its intention to assist Afghanistan in maintaining stability. China hopes that the United States can earnestly fulfill its commitment and step up efforts, he said.

Dai said efforts are needed to advance the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

A political solution is the only way out for Afghanistan. No government should be established in Afghanistan by force. China welcomes the recent resumption of dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, and their agreement to continue high-level talks and to accelerate the negotiation process, he said.

"We hope that negotiating parties can show flexibility, seek common ground while managing differences, and chart out a roadmap and timetable for reconciliation as soon as possible. We look forward to the rebirth of Afghanistan and the establishment of a broad and inclusive political structure in pursuit of a moderate and steady Muslim policy, with a commitment to friendly relations with all neighboring countries," said Dai.

China is willing to host intra-Afghan negotiations in due course to support and facilitate the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, he added.

He also stressed the importance of preventing terrorist forces from gaining strength. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 00:16:47|Editor: huaxia

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A man receives a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Imouzzer Kandar, Morocco, on Aug. 5, 2021. Morocco announced on Thursday 12,039 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally of infections in the North African country to 665,325. A total of 14,809,114 people have received their first vaccine shots against COVID-19 in the country, with 10,733,482 having received two doses. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua)

RABAT, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Morocco announced on Thursday 12,039 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally of infections in the North African country to 665,325.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased by 7,350 to 590,042.

The death toll rose to 10,087 with 72 new fatalities reported, while 1,432 people were in intensive care units.

Meanwhile, a total of 14,809,114 people have received their first vaccine shots against COVID-19 in the country, with 10,733,482 having received two doses.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccine. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 01:04:44|Editor: huaxia

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JUBA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 30,000 civilians displaced by heavy flooding in Ayod County of Jonglei state in South Sudan are in dire need of assistance as they are surviving on grass after crops were washed away by water, a UN relief official said Thursday.

Arafat Jamal, acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan who visited Ayod Wednesday, said persisting rains have washed away crops forcing women and children to eat grass to stay alive.

"One of the most moving and shocking things for me is when someone threw pieces of grass on the ground and said this is what we have to eat," Jamal told journalists after his return to Juba, capital of South Sudan.

He disclosed that some homes in both Unity and Jonglei states have been submerged in addition to crops being destroyed.

"They said we have this (grass) and when we eat it we get upset and fall sick but this is all we have to eat, and to me when I see these people suffering I see human dignity that is affected," said Jamal, who blamed climate change for severe floods in South Sudan.

"Floods are nothing new but what is different is that we are truly in the age of climate change and climate catastrophe and what we are seeing now is that floods are coming in regularly and at a higher intensity than before," he said.

Jamal disclosed that these displaced people also lack clean drinking water. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 03:48:07|Editor: huaxia

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KHARTOUM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Thursday reiterated its demand to replace the Ethiopian forces within the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

During a meeting held at the Presidential Palace in the capital Khartoum, Sudan's Security and Defense Council discussed the UNISFA's situation and its future.

The council reaffirmed Sudan's firm position regarding the necessity of continuing the mission with multinational forces, without Ethiopia being part of it, said Sudan's Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin in a statement.

The council expressed concern over "the security violations of military nature and the growing phenomenon of exploitation and use of military uniforms in conducting crimes that threaten social security and peace," the minister said.

He added that the council stressed the need to form a joint force under a unified command, with an appropriate mandate to deal with the violations.

Sudan believes that Ethiopia has failed to help establish peace at the disputed area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan.

The UNISFA was established in 2011 by the UN Security Council to monitor the Abyei border. It is mainly composed of Ethiopian forces of around 4,200 troops and 50 police personnel. Later, the size of the forces was increased 5,326, all of whom are from Ethiopia.

The Sudan-Ethiopia relations have been strained by the rising tensions, including deadly skirmishes, along the border between the two countries since September 2020.

Sudan accuses Ethiopian farmers, backed by Ethiopian armed forces, of seizing Sudanese lands in the Fashaga area along the border and cultivating them since 1995. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 05:31:13|Editor: huaxia

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JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The much anticipated Cabinet reshuffle finally occurred on Thursday night when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made major changes to his cabinet including the finance minister position.

He said the country is facing several challenges such as accelerating vaccination program, ensuring peace and stability in the wake of the recent outbreak of violence and destruction as well as rebuilding the economy.

"I am therefore making changes to the national executive to improve the capacity of the government to effectively undertake these tasks," he said during a national address.

Ramaphosa announced Enoch Godongwana as the new minister of finance after the former minister Tito Mboweni requested the president to excuse him from his duties. Former speaker of the National Assembly Thandi Modise has been announced as the new defence and military veterans minister, replacing Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

Suspended Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, who was embroiled in some corruption scandal, resigned from his position and has been replaced by his former deputy minister Joe Phaahla.

Another notable change was to do away with the Ministry of State Security and place political responsibility for the State Security Agency in the Presidency.

"This is to ensure that the country's domestic and foreign intelligence services more effectively enable the President to exercise his responsibility to safeguard the security and integrity of the nation," Ramaphosa said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 09:45:27|Editor: huaxia

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File photo taken on April 22, 2021 shows a camera crew working in the city center of Cape Town, South Africa. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)

CAPE TOWN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's legislative capital Cape Town on Thursday announced that it has established an online film locations library as part of assistance to the film industry that is trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Film Cape Town, a project between the Cape Town municipality and the city's film industry, puts over 1,300 images and videos of locations across the city online, to showcase the city's amazing locations, film studios, infrastructure and architecture, the city said in a statement.

The image library is expected to assist in identifying potential locations in the pre-production phase of films, provide footage and images to filmmakers to help them complement their projects, and promote the city as a competitive international film destination.

The city municipality and Film Cape Town are working on promoting the local film industry ahead of summer, the peak season for film, and the image library is one of the first steps of the city's long-term strategy assisting the film industry, which has experienced a "challenging" period during the last 15 months, the city's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said in the statement.

Cape Town is a popular destination for film and media productions in Africa, with a variety of world-class locations, studios, facilitation companies and specialized crew.

The film sector is a priority sector in the economy of Western Cape Province, where Cape Town is located, which generated around 5 billion rands (345 million U.S. dollars) and created thousands of jobs a year, according to 2019's official figures. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 10:00:18|Editor: huaxia

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LAGOS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concern about the deteriorating food situation in northeast Nigeria, according to a statement on Thursday.

In northeast Nigeria, intense rains, flash flooding, and periods of drought are some factors preventing farmers from accessing their fields and growing crops, OCHA said in a statement sent to Xinhua on Thursday.

The situation may likely worsen during the rainy season if diseases like cholera and malaria are not prevented or controlled, the statement said, adding an estimated 4.4 million people in the region, including internally displaced people, could face severe food shortages.

"Some 775,000 people are at extreme risk of catastrophic food insecurity, the worst outlook in four years," the statement said.

"In northeast Nigeria, the outlook is dire. Without sustained humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, millions will struggle to feed themselves during this critical 2021 lean season," it added.

OCHA urged the Nigerian government, the humanitarian community and non-governmental organizations to join efforts to address the rapidly worsening food situation in the region. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:07:02|Editor: huaxia

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YAOUNDE, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian army said Thursday that it firmly opposed what it called "outrageous and provocative" report by the U.S.-based organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) on atrocities committed by its troops in its English-speaking region of Northwest.

The report published on Monday accused government forces of destruction of property, rape, murder and execution of civilians and looting in the region.

"Everything seems to clearly indicate that the multiple positions taken by HRW are intended only to discredit the defence and security forces," army spokesman Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo said in a statement Thursday evening while stressing that the accusations were "unfounded."

"This umpteenth trick by Human Rights Watch does not in any way weaken the morale of the defence and security forces," he added.

Armed separatists fighting for the "independence" of the two English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest of the Central African nation have been clashing with government forces since 2017. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:42:07|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on July 29, 2021 shows a view of the China-built Turgusun hydropower station on the Turgusun River near the city of Altai, Kazakhstan. The China-built Turgusun hydropower plant has been operating at full capacity since mid-July and will help ease a power shortage in East Kazakhstan Region. Built by the China International Water and Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of the China Three Gorges Corporation, the station has an installed capacity of 24.9 MW, producing up to 79.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua)

NUR-SULTAN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-built Turgusun hydropower plant has been operating at full capacity since mid-July and will help ease a power shortage in East Kazakhstan Region.

Built by the China International Water and Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of the China Three Gorges Corporation, the station has an installed capacity of 24.9 MW, producing up to 79.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The plant is located on the Turgusun River near the city of Altai.

"The project has been included in the state program of Industrial and Innovative Development of Kazakhstan for 2015-2019. The Kazakh government has attached great importance to the project," Xiang Zhiliang, general manager of the project told Xinhua.

Construction began in 2017 and is a key hydropower project under the Belt and Road Initiative, Xiang said.

"The plant can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 72,000 tons per year, contributing to the country's green development," said the manager, adding that reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality are the aspirations of both China and Kazakhstan.

Kalaubek Baimukhanbeto, director of the Turgusun-1 company, said Chinese engineers had been dispatched on the scene and state-of-the-art equipment was used in the project.

Appreciating Chinese workers for their hard work, Baimukhanbeto said engineers of the two countries have forged friendship throughout the project.

Nurbol Kopbaev, deputy director of the Turgusun-1 company, stressed that the Altai district had a power deficit of about 50 MW. The launch of the Turgusun station could greatly ease the shortage.

Kazakhstan is forging ahead with renewable energy projects, with 23 green energy projects with a total capacity of 381 MW expected to be put into operation this year.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that green energy is expected to contribute to 15 percent of its electricity consumption by 2030. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 21:40:41|Editor: huaxia

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GABORONE, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, resulting in a number of patients requiring hospitalization and oxygen supply, an official said Friday.

During a parliament meeting in Gaborone, Edwin Dikoloti, Minister of Health and Wellness, stated that prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the country consumed approximately 100,000 kg of oxygen per month. "While at the peak of the pandemic in July 2021, we found ourselves needing around 200,000 kg of oxygen," he said.

In an effort to prevent people from suffering and dying as a result of medical oxygen shortages, the health ministry immediately equipped all of its major facilities with adequate oxygen supplies by installing a 25-ton oxygen tank at the country's COVID-19 high care hospital Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) in the last week of July 2021.

Prior to the installation, SKMTH could only provide oxygen to 100 patients; now, they can provide oxygen to a total of 195 patients.

In an effort to assist the southern African country, the Chinese Embassy in Botswana also donated eight oxygen concentrators and 20 ventilators on Wednesday to Botswana. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 02:15:36|Editor: huaxia

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TUNIS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied has appointed Ali Mrabet as the new health minister, the presidency said on Friday.

During the inauguration ceremony, the new minister "took the constitutional oath before the president, in accordance with article 89 of the Tunisian Constitution," a presidency statement said.

Mrabet is professor in epidemiology and public health.

On July 20, Tunisia's Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi removed Health Minister Faouzi Mehdi, amid rising COVID-19 cases in the North African country.

Five days later, Saied removed Mechichi from the post of prime minister and acting interior minister, and suspended all activities of the Assembly of People's Representatives, or the parliament. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 00:42:36|Editor: huaxia

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KATHMANDU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Nepal on Thursday recorded 3,007 new COVID-19 cases, the highest in the past one and a half months which experts attributed to the relaxation in restrictive measures.

The Ministry of Health and Population reported 3,007 new infections and 37 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total cases to 708,079 and the death toll to 9,994.

The South Asian country last reported more than 3,000 cases on June 22, when the daily figure stood at 3,703.

"The recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases could well be the continuation of the second wave," Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel, spokesman at the Ministry of Health and Population, told Xinhua.

And he blamed the relaxation in restrictive measures in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country in recent weeks for the rising cases.

As new cases started to come down from early June and as low as 1,174 cases were reported on June 26, the restrictive measures enforced since late April were eased in parallel with the lockdown being extended time and again.

Nepal logged a record high of 9,317 cases on May 11 when the country was hit hard by the second wave of the coronavirus and the health system was strained to its limit.

A lack of medical oxygen and hospital beds forced many hospitals to turn away patients in May and the death toll more than doubled than during the first wave of the pandemic.

In recent days, hospitals in Kathmandu are seeing more inflow of new COVID-19 patients, and the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital on Thursday responded by adding 18 general beds and ten intensive care unit beds.

"Now, 36 of 40 ICU beds are occupied while around 100 beds of 133 general beds have been occupied," Dr. Shanta Kumar Das, coordinator of the COVID-19 Management Committee under the teaching hospital, told Xinhua.

Das believes that the cases are increasing because of the growing movement of people after the restrictive measures were eased.

Dr. Nabin Pokharel, deputy director at the Unified COVID-19 Hospital in Kathmandu, also observed a rising inflow of patients at hospitals in recent days. "The demand for ICU beds for coronavirus patients has also been growing," he said.

Besides, hospitals outside the Kathmandu Valley have been adding new ICU beds to accommodate more coronavirus patients, added Pokharel. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 09:49:03|Editor: huaxia

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WELLINGTON, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's Fox Glacier has long been an internationally renowned tourism attraction.

However, Rob Jewell, CEO of Fox Glacier Guiding, is deeply concerned about the cancellations of booking after the eight-week pause of Trans-Tasman travel bubble implemented in late July, usually the golden season for businesses of Fox Glacier township, a remote and small tour destination in New Zealand.

Located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Fox Glacier township, as well as the nearby Franz Josef, own spectacular scenic views of snow mountains, glaciers and temperate rain forest. Around three to four-hour drive from renowned Queenstown and Wanaka makes the remote town always ski tourists' alternative for winter adventure and relaxation. The local economy is extremely reliant on tourism, especially international tourists.

Jewell told Xinhua that 97 percent of his revenue came from international tourists before the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, thanks for the booming of local tourism, the remote township witnessed four times more domestic tourists coming in the past half year. The operating capacity of Jewell's company, however, remained only 10 percent of the pre-COVID period.

"This year, we cannot see any good signs before October due to new COVID outbreak in Australia," Jewell said.

Jewell's company started operation in the 1970's and is one of the regional leading touring companies. Jewell felt that if his company is struggling for survival, it may be even more difficult for many others.

The winter season booking rate of Li Shuanwei's motel, which has more than 30 rooms, used to be over 80 percent. But this year due to the latest lockdown in Australia, Li lost all the international bookings from Australia.

"Merely only one room was booked in one day in the past month," Li said.

Besides poor business, Li also mentioned the soaring living expenses in such a remote town.

"As a motel runner, I need to have someone do the linen service from Wanaka every fortnight. But since COVID, the service price rose by 15 percent. Everything is getting more expensive," Li said.

"My neighbors left one by one. Fox Glacier is turned to a ghost town now."

A survey launched by the Glacier Country Tourism Group, a regional marketing group in Westland, shows that in the past year, 73 percent of 103 businesses in the Group reduced their staff. All together 519 jobs were reported lost. At least 68 businesses and an additional 195 jobs will likely be lost in the next six months if there is no changes on the border control or no additional support from the government.

Before the pandemic, Fox Glacier township had around 250 residents. Now the number plummeted to 160.

Jewell still holds an optimistic view on his business in a long run, however.

"I am on rebuilding strategy of my business. Maybe the year of 2022, maybe later, the border will reopen and tourists will come back. We need to be ready for that." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 10:05:05|Editor: huaxia

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Photo provided by the Australian National University (ANU) on Aug. 6, 2021 shows Mount Stromlo Observatory where the ANU researchers in a supernova study were based, in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. (ANU/Handout via Xinhua)

CANBERRA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from Australian National University (ANU) have first captured the moments of the exploding death of a star.

In a study published on Thursday, the team from ANU collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and a host of international researchers to observe the earliest moments of a supernova in unprecedented detail.

The team discovered that the supernova was captured from beginning to end by NASA's now-defunct Kepler space telescope in 2017.

"This is the first time anyone has had such a detailed look at a complete shock cooling curve in any supernova," Patrick Armstrong, the lead author of the study from the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, said in a media release.

"Because the initial stage of a supernova happens so quickly, it is very hard for most telescopes to record this phenomenon," he said. "Until now, the data we had was incomplete and only included the dimming of the shock cooling curve and the subsequent explosion, but never the bright burst of light at the very start of the supernova."

"This major discovery will give us the data we need to identify other stars that became supernovae, even after they have exploded."

A supernova occurs when a star burns all its fuel at the end of its lifespan and collapses, causing a huge explosion.

Based on the data, the scientists were able to determine that the star that caused the supernova was a yellow supergiant more than 100 times bigger than the sun.

Kepler was retired in 2018 but Armstrong said new telescopes would likely capture more supernova events in the future.

"As more space telescopes are launched, we will likely observe more of these shock cooling curves," he said.

"This will provide us with further opportunities to improve our models and build our understanding of supernovae and where the elements that make up the world around us come from." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 17:00:05|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia registered 1,246 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the national tally to 171,097, the health ministry said Friday.

A total of 7,463 samples were tested across the country in the past day, and the latest confirmed cases were all local infections, the ministry said in a statement.

In addition, five people aged 80 and above died from the virus during the period, pushing the death toll to 868, added the ministry.

The Asian country launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to cover at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million.

More than 60 percent of the country's total population has been fully vaccinated so far. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 17:29:49|Editor: huaxia

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Members of public uprising forces are seen in Shiberghan, capital of Jawzjan Province, Afghanistan, Aug. 6, 2021. At least 40 militants have been killed and operations backed by fighting planes are going on to repel Taliban attack on Shiberghan on Friday, said an army statement released here. (Photo by Mohammad Jan Aria/Xinhua)

SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 militants have been killed and operations backed by fighting planes are going on to repel the Taliban attack on Shiberghan city, the capital of northern Jawzjan province on Friday, an army statement released here said.

"The security forces backed by fighting planes have killed 40 insurgents and captured 15 others in counter-offensive to repulse Taliban rebels attack on Shiberghan city today," the statement said.

"The Taliban rebels entered residential houses in Shiberghan city and have been using civilians as human shield," the statement said, adding government forces would continue to target the insurgents until the city is cleared of the militants.

Taliban militants, according to officials and residents of Shiberghan, entered the city on Friday morning and a gun battle has been continuing.

The Taliban outfit, which has intensified activities and overrun around 200 districts including some in Jawzjan and the neighboring Faryab province since early May, has been attempting to capture big cities including the western Herat, southern Lashkar Gah, northern Shiberghan and Maimana, the capital of Faryab province. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:31:09|Editor: huaxia

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MANILA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' total external trade in goods grew by 26.8 percent in June to 15.84 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Friday.

China remains the Southeast Asian country's biggest trade partner.

Of the total external trade in June, 58.9 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, the PSA said.

The balance of trade in goods in June amounted to -2.83 billion U.S. dollars, representing a trade deficit with an annual increase of 98.5 percent.

By trade partners, the PSA said exports to China comprised 1.06 billion U.S. dollars or a share of 16.2 percent of the total exports during the month.

The statistics agency added that China was the country's biggest supplier of imported goods valued at 2.25 billion U.S. dollars or 24.1 percent of the total imports in June.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez attributed the double-digit surge of Philippine exports in June to "the reopening of the global markets in China, U.S. and European Union, and the continuing government policy to keep export operations at full capacity despite the COVID-19 lockdowns." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:02:13|Editor: huaxia

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VIENTIANE, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Laos has increased the quarantine period for those entering Laos from 14 days to 28 days following cases of community spread by those leaving quarantine.

Sisavath Soutthaniraxay, deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control under the Lao Ministry of Health, told a press conference here on Friday that quarantine centers in some provinces are to be expanded in order to better accommodate the large volumes of returning migrant workers.

Sisavath said that those returning to Laos will now be required to quarantine for 14 days at the state level and enter a further 14 days quarantine at a district level quarantine center.

The total quarantine period will therefore be 28 days for those in quarantine centers.

The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control is currently monitoring 13,398 people in 123 accommodation centers across Laos.

Laos recorded 267 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 7,778.

A total of 3,884 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 20:39:43|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fighting in Afghanistan has further intensified as the Taliban militants have been mounting pressure on big cities and the government forces have been fighting back to foil the militants' attempts to enter any city.

The Taliban group, which has reportedly captured some 200 districts since the start of the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces from Afghanistan early in May, has been fighting to capture major cities. In the latest move, the militants stormed Shiberghan city, the capital of northern Jawzjan province on Friday.

Since early morning fighting in Shiberghan city has been going on. The Taliban militants have gained ground and fighting is still continuing on the streets, according to sources who declined to be named.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the group's fighters had captured police headquarters of Shiberghan city. However, a government official on the condition of anonymity has rejected Taliban spokesman's claim, saying fighting continues in Shiberghan and the security forces have repulsed the militants from parts of the city.

The Taliban outfit has also been fighting to capture the western Herat city, southern Laskhar Gah, the neighboring Kandahar and northern Taluqan and neighboring Kunduz city.

More than 200 militants, according to security officials, have been killed in fighting for the control of the said cities over the past 24 hours, including nearly 100 in Lashkar Gah, 35 in Herat and over 70 in Shiberghan.

Mujahid has rejected the reports on casualties, saying the militants have been consolidating their positions elsewhere in the country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 22:43:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday lifted a ban on travelers from India after the latter has seen a dramatic fall in new COVID-19 cases, the kingdom's Health Minister Mam Bunheng said in a statement.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen approved the lifting of the ban, Bunheng said, adding that the ban removal will take effect from Saturday onwards.

The Southeast Asian country banned all Indian nationals and foreign passengers travelling through India from entering Cambodia in late April to curb the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Cambodia has been enduring the third wave of COVID-19 community transmission since Feb. 20.

The kingdom registered 588 new infections on Friday, pushing the national case total to 80,813, with 1,526 fatalities and 74,045 recoveries, the health ministry said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 23:25:14|Editor: huaxia

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A woman receives the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Aug. 7, 2021. Sri Lanka is in the midst of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with medical officials warning that the Delta Variant may be spreading beyond control. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Army Chief and Head of the National Operations Center for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak General Shavendra Silva said on Friday that a countrywide lockdown would not be imposed in the wake of a spike in COVID-19 cases but restrictions on public gatherings would come into immediate effect.

Silva said in an announcement that following a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in which stakeholders briefed the president on the current situation of COVID-19 spread, it was decided that a countrywide lockdown was not required but the number of people attending weddings, funerals, and other public events should be limited.

Accordingly, wedding attendees at places where the capacity is over 500 will be limited to 150 guests while the places of less than 500 capacity will be limited to 100 guests.

Also, a maximum of 25 people will be allowed to attend funerals at any given time with effect from midnight Saturday.

Silva said all state festivals will also be postponed until Sept. 1 while the attendance of government servants should be decided by the head of the institution.

Sri Lanka is in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic with medical officials warning that the Delta Variant may be spreading beyond control.

Hospitals especially in the main urban Western Province have been filled with patients while officials have raised warnings of a possible oxygen shortage.

State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Channa Jayasumana was quoted in local media reports as saying that discussions were underway to import more PPE's, PCR and Antigen test kits and oxygen from foreign partners.

He said there was a possibility of COVID-19 cases doubling or trebling in the coming weeks.

People throughout the country have been urged to strictly follow all health protocols as well as maintain wearing tight-fitting masks when leaving home.

Those caught violating these health guidelines will be arrested, the police have warned.

According to official figures, Sri Lanka's total active patient count rose to 28,301 on Friday while the total death count reached 4,821. On Thursday the country reported 94 deaths in a single day. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 00:52:02|Editor: huaxia

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KABUL, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants on Friday captured Zaranj city, capital of Afghanistan's western Nimroz province, a local TV channel reported.

The militants took control of the city after brief clashes as the Afghan security forces retreated from the city to two neighboring suburban districts, reported local TV channel Tolo News.

Zaranj, the smallest Afghan provincial capital, was the first Afghan city seized by Taliban militants, who have been waging heavy fighting to capture Afghan cities since the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in early May.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, wrote on his social media that the militants took control of all government offices and a provincial prison in Zaranj on Friday afternoon.

The remote Nimroz province has five districts, out of which the government security forces still control two of them, according to local sources.

Meanwhile, Rohulla Ahmadzai, spokesperson of Afghan Ministry of Defense, told local media that Afghan security forces would soon launch a counter-offensive to evict the militants from Zaranj.

Earlier on Friday, the Afghan government security forces backed by local public uprising forces repelled Taliban militants from two cities of Lashkar Gah and Shiberghan in northern and southern Afghan regions while the militants were trying to take control over the said cities.

On Thursday night, scores of Zaranj residents, including women and children, were displaced and fled to Iran border after sporadic clashes erupted on the outskirts of the city.

At least 30 Afghan soldiers were killed or wounded after Taliban militants captured Kang district in Nimroz on Wednesday night before taking control of the remote district. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 06:05:43|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20) on Thursday established the Digital Economy Working Group, a forum that will help shepherd the world through upcoming digital transitions.

Speaking to reporters after Thursday's summit of G20 ministers, Italy's Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition Vittorio Colao said the creation of the working group was the crowning achievement of the talks.

Italy, which holds the 2021 G20 presidency, hosted the talks in the northeastern port city of Trieste.

"Thanks to the work of the Italian presidency, the Digital Economy Working Group was born at this year's G20," Colao said, calling the working group a platform that will "lead the debate on the digital transformation in the public and private sector for future G20 presidencies."

The minister said the coronavirus pandemic illustrated the value of digital capacities.

"We must work to increase the use of digital identities such as electronic identification schemes that are operational between various platforms, sectors, and national borders," he said. "This will help strengthen the relationship of trust that must exist between citizens and governments, something we have seen during the pandemic."

He used the example of European Union (EU) digital health certificates to make his point.

"In a remarkably short period of time, the 27 European Union countries designed, tested, and made operational an infrastructure that makes digital health certificates operational between platforms and easy to authenticate," Colao said.

The challenge of making the newly-established working group relevant in the future will include addressing the different speeds with which countries and large companies move toward their own versions of digital transformation.

"We are moving in the right direction, both in terms of updating regulator frameworks and in strengthening international collaboration," Colao said. "We must be open to greater experimentation in both the private and public sectors."

Ministers also discussed cybersecurity, a point brought to a head earlier this month when Lazio, the Italian region that includes the capital of Rome, saw its health networks crippled by what the regional government called "a powerful hacker attack." The attack, which has since been resolved, shut down the Health Lazio portal and halted the region's vaccination rollout.

Also discussed were the role of digital technologies in industrial production and sustainable economic growth, social inclusion, artificial intelligence, research and development, incentives for innovation for smart cities, and the encouragement of safe cross-border data flows. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 18:37:08|Editor: huaxia

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COPENHAGEN, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Denmark is encouraging its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country due to a deteriorating security situation, according to a recent travel warning.

"If you choose to stay in Afghanistan, stay as much as possible at your place of residence and be aware of your surroundings if you travel abroad," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a travel note.

Danes are also discouraged from traveling to the region. However, it remains possible for "professionals" to work in Afghanistan "with the right security measures."

In addition, the safety of Afghans working at the Danish embassy in Kabul and local interpreters for the Danish Armed Forces has become a humanitarian issue. The sitting government will meet with other parties in parliament to discuss the handling of the situation next Monday.

"We will do what is necessary to help the particularly vulnerable Afghans who have stood side by side with Denmark in Afghanistan," Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told a press release on Thursday.

Denmark started evacuating soldiers from Afghanistan in the wake of the United States and NATO's announcement in April of withdrawing troops after 20 years of military intrusion in the war-torn country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 19:09:19|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2021 shows a shower of sparks as wildfires rage in the north of Athens, Greece. Devastating wildfires continue to scorch thousands of hectares of forest land across Greece. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

ATHENS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires continued to rage across Greece for another day on Friday, while meteorologists warned that weather conditions are expected to worsen with strong winds in many parts of the country.

Winds will become stronger and the risk of forest fires is very high, although a significant drop in temperatures is expected on Friday, according to Athens National Observatory.

The thick smoke returned to Attica on Friday morning with ash falling from the sky, as the massive blaze in the north suburbs of Athens continued to rage overnight, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes, destroying houses, and burning thousands of hectares of forest land.

Despite the efforts of the Fire Service, the fire that leapt back on Thursday crossed the national highway that links Athens to northern Greece, spreading sparks and burning pinecones at several points, threatening more residential areas.

Traffic was halted in several parts on the country's main highway, railroad service was disrupted as well. Power cuts occurred in more areas around and in Athens.

Some 2,000 migrants and refugees have been evacuated from the Ritsona camp in northern Athens to another facility.

A total of 450 firefighters, 40 ground crews, 150 fire engines along with three helicopters and seven aircraft were dousing the flames from above.

The firefighting front in the north of Athens was also supported by firefighters from France and Cyprus.

Two more firefighting planes from France were also expected to be dispatched, as well as reinforcements from Sweden, Israel, Austria, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, firefighting situations are also difficult in Evia island, Ilia prefecture and the Mani region in the Peloponnese peninsula.

At least 20 people have been transferred to the hospital from the fires in Attica and Evia, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced on Friday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 23:20:47|Editor: huaxia

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BUCHAREST, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Moldova's parliament on Friday confirmed the nomination of Natalia Gavrilita as the country' new prime minister.

Gavrilita and her government received 61 votes in the 101 seat parliament.

In her program, the new prime minister, who also serves as the vice-chairman of the majority Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), has pledged to carry out a judicial reform, fight corruption, attract investments and create well-paid jobs, reduce poverty and increase pensions.

The incoming prime minister also intends to tackle problems related to migration and low birth rates, insufficient infrastructure, and an underperforming education and health system.

She also promised to promote the country's accession to the European Union.

The new government led by Gavrilita consists of 13 ministries and four deputy prime ministers. The deputy prime ministers will oversee digitization, foreign affairs, infrastructure and regional development.

The approval of Gavrilita's cabinet was widely expected after her party had won the majority of seats in the snap parliamentary elections held on July 11.

Gavrilita, 43, has served as the vice-chairman of the PAS since 2019. She was nominated as prime minister designate by President Maia Sandu on July 30. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 04:35:34|Editor: huaxia

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BUCHAREST, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Moldova's new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita took the oath of office late Friday before President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace in central Chisinau, capital of Moldova, soon after receiving a vote of confidence in the parliament.

The head of state urged the new cabinet to rise to the expectations of Moldovans, saying that "I will support you, the parliament will support you... but it is very important to have the support of the citizens."

"To be close to citizens, communicate with them, and any decision you are taking to start from the interest of the citizens," stressed Sandu, who led the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) until her victory in the presidential elections late last year.

Gavrilita, who has served as the vice-chair of the majority PAS since 2019, said in her turn: "We will work with abnegation and firmness to clear the state institutions of thieves and corrupt people, so that the state institutions work to safeguard the interests of the citizens and public interest."

She added that her cabinet, consisting of a team of upright and well-intentioned professionals, is ready to put into practice the vision of the country's transformation formulated by Maia Sandu in the presidential elections of 2020 and by the PAS in the parliamentary elections in mid July.

"We will work to create new jobs, we will work for public investment to quickly bring real results for citizens," pledged the new prime minister.

Gavrilita and her cabinet won the vote of confidence in the parliament on Friday. The outcome was widely expected after her party had secured the majority of seats in the snap parliamentary elections held on July 11.

The new government led by Gavrilita consists of four deputy prime ministers and 13 ministries, with two of the deputy prime ministers serving also as ministers.

Gavrilita, 43, was nominated as prime minister designate by President Sandu on July 30. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 07:22:17|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The bipartisan infrastructure bill would add 256 billion U.S. dollars to U.S. budget deficits over 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said on Thursday.

The CBO estimated that the bill would increase discretionary spending by 415 billion dollars over the 2021-2031 period while increasing revenues by 50 billion dollars and decreasing direct spending by 110 billion dollars.

"On net, the legislation would add $256 billion to projected deficits over that period," the CBO said in an analysis.

The White House and a bipartisan group of senators have reached an agreement on a roughly 1.2-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill, which includes 550 billion dollars in new spending on infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, passenger rails, drinking water and waste water systems.

The latest analysis from the CBO shows that just more than half of the new infrastructure spending would be offset by pay-fors.

The release of the CBO analysis was one of the key steps remaining before the Senate votes on the bill. It is unclear whether the analysis would prompt any Republicans who back the bill to reconsider their support, according to CNBC.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, has urged policymakers to identify additional offsets to fully cover the costs of the infrastructure bill and ideally reduce long-term deficits.

"Between income tax revenue, user fees, and spending reforms, there are plenty of offsets available," MacGuineas said in a recent statement.

However, the bill's two lead negotiators, Democratic senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Republican senator Rob Portman of Ohio, said that the CBO analysis did not account for all the ways the bill offset costs.

"The new spending under the bill is offset through a combination of new revenue and savings, some of which is reflected in the formal CBO score and some of which is reflected in other savings and additional revenue identified in estimates, as CBO is limited in what it can include in its formal score," the senators said Thursday in a joint statement.

"The American people strongly support this bipartisan legislation and we look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle and President (Joe) Biden to get it passed through Congress and signed into law," they said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-06 07:31:07|Editor: huaxia

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U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the press during an event on clean cars and trucks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 5, 2021. Joe Biden Thursday signed an executive order calling for half of new vehicles sold in U.S. by 2030 to be zero-emission. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden Thursday signed an executive order calling for half of new vehicles sold in U.S. by 2030 to be zero-emission.

"America must lead the world on clean and efficient cars and trucks. That means bolstering our domestic market by setting a goal that 50 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles," said the executive order.

The executive order also sets a schedule for developing long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards rolled back during the Donald Trump administration.

Executives from auto companies, including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis as well as lawmakers and United Auto Workers members joined Biden at the White House on Thursday afternoon.

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk, whose company makes electric cars, tweeted early on Thursday: "seems odd that Tesla wasn't invited."

"I'll let you draw your own conclusion," said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki when asked during a press briefing whether Tesla was being excluded from the event because its employees were not part of an automotive union. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-07 05:19:10|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden's administration announced on Friday that it is extending the pause on federal student loans one last time through Jan. 31, 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The payment pause has been a lifeline that allowed millions of Americans to focus on their families, health, and finances instead of student loans during the national emergency," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

"The Department believes this additional time and a definitive end date will allow borrowers to plan for the resumption of payments and reduce the risk of delinquency and defaults after restart," the statement said.

Student loan payments in the country have been paused since Congress passed the CARES Act last year but were due to end in September. During the pause, borrowers do not need to make payments and interest will not accrue on their remaining balance.

Collecting on the country's 1.6-trillion-U.S.-dollar student loan bills is a daunting task even during normal times, local analysts said.

Meanwhile, a number of Democratic lawmakers argued that the Biden administration doesn't go far enough on the student loan issue.

"While this temporary relief is welcome, it doesn't go far enough. Our broken student loan system continues to exacerbate racial wealth gaps and hold back our entire economy," Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, progressive senator Elizabeth Warren and House Democratic lawmaker Ayanna Pressley said in a statement.

The Biden administration has canceled 1.5 billion dollars in student loan debt in total, according to a The Hill report. Enditem
Overview. The Ghanaian education system is divided in three parts: Basic Education, secondary cycle and tertiary Education. Basic Education lasts 11 years(Age 4-15), is free and compulsory. It is divided into Kindergarten(2 years), primary school(2 modules of 3 years) and Junior High school(3 years).

Is SHS a basic school?

Basic Education, comprising Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools. Secondary Education comprising Senior high School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)

What means basic school?

The Basic School (TBS) is where all newly commissioned and appointed (for warrant officers) United States Marine Corps officers are taught the basics of being an Officer of Marines.

What is the best basic school in Ghana?

Top 10 Best Primary Schools in Ghana

Galaxy International School. 

Kay Billie Klaer. 

Alsyd Academy. 

Faith Montessori. 

Alpha Beta School. 

Morning Star School. 

Queensland International School. 

The Hilltop International British School.

Is Basic Education free in Ghana?

In Ghana, elementary and middle school has been free and compulsory since 1995, with a 90 percent enrollment rate. But high school, though government-run, required tuition.

What are disadvantages of formal education?

Disadvantages of Formal Education:

Exams and grades can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety. It is costly and rigid. An unprofessional and non-standard education system may also cause wastage of time and money.

Which tribe in Ghana is most educated?

The most educated tribe in Africa are majorly from western part of Africa.

YORUBA. Unarguably the most educated tribe in Africa, and even thought to be the most learned by some people. 

ASHANTI. The Ashanti are an Akan people and their tribe is the largest in Ghana. 

BEDOUINS.

What is basic education short answer?

Basic education refers to the whole range of educational activities taking place in various settings, that aim to meet basic learning needs. According to the International Standard Classification of Education, basic education comprises primary education and lower secondary education.

What is basic education in bed?

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN PRIMARY EDUCATION

Primary Education is a graduation level course. It is typically the first stage of ceremonial education, coming after preschool and before secondary education (The first two grades of primary school, Grades 1 and 2, are also part of early childhood education).

What grade is basic education?

The K to 12 Program covers 13 years of basic education with the following key stages: Kindergarten to Grade 3. Grades 4 to 6. Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School)

How do I set up a school in Ghana?

How to Start a Private School in Ghana

Steps On Starting a Private School in Ghana.  Draw a good plan.  Work out a Niche.  Start with lower grades.  Register your school.  Choose a very good site.  Employ Qualified Staff.  Provide adequate facilities.

How much is Ghana international school fees?

Ghana International School (GIS)

The school has three departments; nursery, primary and secondary. Each student pays about $2,027 to $3,045 tuition fees.

How many private schools are in Ghana?

A total of 561 primary and junior secondary schools were found: 141 unregistered private, 154 government, 393 Private and public schooling in Ghana Page 6 and 266 registered private schools (see Table 1).
Following World War II, rapid decolonisation swept across the continent of Africa as many territories gained their independence from European colonisation.  Consumed with post-war debt, European powers were no longer able to afford the resources needed to maintain control of their African colonies.

When did African countries gain independence?

24, 1973, now considered as Independence Day. However, independence was only recognized by Portugal on 10 September 1974 as a result of the Algiers Accord of Aug.



Chronological List of African Independence.

Country Independence Date Prior ruling country Nigeria (British Cameroon North) June 1, 1961 Britain Cameroon(British Cameroon South) Oct. 1, 1961 Britain

Which African country gained independence first?

The decolonisation of English-speaking Africa

The British colonies were the first to gain independence. On 19 December 1955, the Sudanese Parliament proclaimed the countrys independence.

What caused decolonization in Africa?

The Second World War was a catalyst for African political freedom and independence.  World War II led to decolonization of Africa by affecting both Europe and Africa militarily, psychologically, politically, and economically. In 1939, Nazi Germany initiated the Second World War by attacking and invading Poland.

Which countries in Africa remained independent and why?

Key players in this expansion were England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal. By the end of the scramble, only two African states remained independent: Ethiopia (Abyssinia) and Liberia (although Liberia is often considered an informal colony of the United States).

Which is the first country to get independence?

In 1939, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand were the first to be given independence within the Commonwealth. Since then a total of 62 countries have gained independence from the United Kingdom. This is followed by France with 28, Spain with 17, The Soviet Union with 16, Portugal with 7 and the USA with 5.

Which country is a richest in Africa?

Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya followed, establishing the five wealthier markets in the continent.



Total private wealth in Africa as of 2020, by country (in billion U.S. dollars)

Characteristic Wealth in billion U.S. dollars South Africa 604 Egypt 282 Nigeria 207

Which African country is still Colonised?

Western Sahara is still colonized because it is rich in natural resources that became a sort of curse to the Saharawi people, and free stolen goods to those countries and governments exploiting it in complicity with Morocco. And the list of the guilty plunderers of this African country is huge.

Which country has not got independence?

Though the International Court of Justice affirmed Kosovos independence, Serbia and some other countries still do not recognize it as a sovereign nation. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after years of civil war, but violence continues to ravage the worlds newest country.

Which country championed decolonization in Africa?

On 6 March 1957, Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast) became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain its independence from European colonization.

Was the decolonization of Africa successful?

Transition to independence

Following World War II, rapid decolonisation swept across the continent of Africa as many territories gained their independence from European colonisation.  Some territories, however, saw great death tolls as a result of their fight for independence.

What did decolonization?

Decolonization, process by which colonies become independent of the colonizing country. Decolonization was gradual and peaceful for some British colonies largely settled by expatriates but violent for others, where native rebellions were energized by nationalism.
In 1885 European leaders met at the infamous Berlin Conference to divide Africa and arbitrarily draw up borders that exist to this day.  With the exception of Ethiopia and Liberia, all the states that make up present day Africa were parceled out among the colonial powers within a few years after the meeting.

What were the reasons for the partition of Africa?

The reasons for African colonisation were mainly economic, political and religious. During this time of colonisation, an economic depression was occurring in Europe, and powerful countries such as Germany, France, and Great Britain, were losing money.

What country in Africa has the fastest growing population?

CIA World Factbook (2017)

Rank Country Annual growth (%) 1 South Sudan 3.83 2 Angola 3.52 3 Malawi 3.31 4 Burundi 3.25

What happened before South Africa could become a British colony?

Between 1731 and 1765 more and more slaves were bought from Madagascar. In 1795, the Cape Colony became a British colony, before it was returned to the Dutch in 1802. During this first period of British rule, South-East Africa became the main source of slaves.  The main purpose of these expeditions was to trade slaves.

What were the negative effects of colonialism in Africa?

Some of the negative impacts that are associated with colonization include; degradation of natural resources, capitalist, urbanization, introduction of foreign diseases to livestock and humans.

Why was Africa colonized so late?

Before the industrial revolution, ships were too small to transport cheap raw materials. Malaria and other tropical diseases are among top reasons. Quinine was discovered on the XIX century, and will allow more european to survive local climate. Before that, Europeans could not settle inland.

Did Africa ever invade Europe?

Between the 1870s and 1900, Africa faced European imperialist aggression, diplomatic pressures, military invasions, and eventual conquest and colonization.  By the early twentieth century, however, much of Africa, except Ethiopia and Liberia, had been colonized by European powers.

Which two nations had control of the greatest amount of territory in Africa?

What two nations had control of the greatest amount of territory in Africa? Britain and Europe wanted to exert their economic and military influence, and were centered around slave trade. They were also stationed on the coastal outposts.

Why did Belgium gain control of Africa?

control of a sizable portion of central Africa was because it was personal property that belong to King Leopold II. The constitutional monarch of Belgium.
IATA ICAO Callsign G0 GHB GHANA AIRLINES Hubs Kotoka International Airport Fleet size 1 Destinations 4 Headquarters Accra, Ghana

Does Ghana have its own airline?

Ghana Airways Limited was the Flag carrier of Ghana with its main base of operation, and hub, at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.



Ghana Airways.

IATA ICAO Callsign GH GHA GHANA Hubs Kotoka International Airport Fleet size 2 Destinations 4 Parent company Government of Ghana

Has international flight started in Ghana?

Ghana reopened to international flights in September 2020. However, land and sea borders remain closed. All visitors must have proof of a negative test and take a further test on arrival.

Is Ghana a rich or poor country?

While Ghana is considered to be among the least developed countries in the world, it is rated as one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. It is a low-income economy; using the purchasing power parity conversion (which allows for the low price of many basic commodities in Ghana) GDP per head was US$1,900 in 1999.

Which airlines fly from Ghana to USA?

Popular Airlines flying from Ghana to United States

Kenya Airways.

Delta Air Lines.

British Airways.

ASKY Airlines.

Ethiopian Airlines.

Africa World Airlines.

Emirates.

TAP Air Portugal.

Is Ghana safe travel?

Most visits to Ghana are trouble free, but criminal activity does occur and can range from incidents of petty crime to violent crime. In 2021 there has been an increase in robbery, burglary and serious assault, and such attacks can include the use of weapons.

Is Kotoka International Airport open for international flights?

International Restrictions: *Entry to Ghana: Kotoka International Airport is open. Commercial flights are operating to and from Ghana.

Is Accra airport open for international flights?

International travel

Kotoka International Airport is open. Commercial flights are operating to and from Ghana. Check with your travel company for the latest information. Land and sea borders remain closed.

What airlines fly to Ghana?

Other airlines flying to Ghana

British Airways flights jetBlue flights ASKY Airlines flights KLM flights Brussels Airlines flights Air Italy flights Air France flights Ethiopian Airlines flights EgyptAir flights American Airlines flights TAP Air Portugal flights Air Cote dIvoire flights Emirates flights United flights

Which airlines fly from Ghana to Nigeria?

Popular Airlines flying from Ghana to Nigeria
What is the best airline to fly to Egypt?

British Airways is UK airline but is Egypts favorite airline because of its offers year-round low fares to destinations across the world.

How expensive is it to go to Egypt?

Egypt trip cost

So how much does it cost to go to Egypt and see the highlights? I estimate that 8 days in Egypt, including a Nile River cruise and professional, private guides, will cost approximately $2,430 per person. Not bad considering this estimate also includes private guides for all of the sites and attractions.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Egypt?

High season is considered to be November and December. The cheapest month to fly to Egypt is March.

What UK airports fly to Egypt?

EasyJet fly direct from London Gatwick (LGW) to Hurghada, while indirect flight options to Hurghada include London Stansted (STN) with Pegasus Airways, stopping in Istanbul, or with Lufthansa which includes a stopover in Munich or Frankfurt. EgyptAir flies from Heathrow to Hurghada and Luxor, with a stop in Cairo.

What is the best month to go to Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.

Is it safe to go to Egypt in 2020?

Egypt  Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel due to terrorism, and do not travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert due to terrorism, and Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Do and donts in Egypt?

DO

Do spend time chatting with people. 

Do learn some basic Egyptian Arabic during your trip. 

Do ask when you dont understand something. 

Do savour as much Egyptian food as you can. 

Do make sure you try this food:

Do stay in a central location. 

Do dress modestly. 

Do be careful of public displays of affection.

Is it safe to visit Egypt in 2021?

Yes, Egypt is safe to visit right now. In fact, its been very safe to visit for the last couple of years, so youll be in for a treat. That being said, you should still make use of your travel common sense to avoid any trouble.

How long is flight to Egypt?

How long is the flight to Egypt? Flights from London to Cairo, Egypt: 4 hours 40 minutes. Flights from Manchester to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt: 5 hours 35 minutes. Flights from Birmingham to Hurghada, Egypt: 6 hours 30 minutes.

Do you need a visa to go to Egypt?

U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee.  Visas for gainful employment or study in Egypt must be obtained prior to travel.
The average price for one way flights from Entebbe to London, United Kingdom is UGX1,419,849. The average price for round trip flights from Entebbe to London, United Kingdom is UGX2,613,089.

How much is a ticket from Entebbe to London?

Airfares from $415 One Way, $789 Round Trip from Entebbe to London.

How much is a ticket from Uganda to England?

Flights to Cities in England

Flights Lowest Price Entebbe to London, United Kingdom UGX1,493,376 Entebbe to Manchester, United Kingdom UGX3,050,601 Entebbe to Birmingham, United Kingdom UGX3,036,412 Entebbe to Newcastle, United Kingdom UGX3,419,511

How many hours is Uganda to UK?

The total flight duration from Kampala, Uganda to London, United Kingdom is 8 hours, 31 minutes.

How long does it take from Uganda to London?

Flight time from Entebbe to London is 8 hours 45 minutes.

How long does it take to fly from Uganda to USA?

Flight time from Entebbe to New York is 21 hours 21 minutes.

How much is a visa from Uganda to UK?

Visa processing time for UK Travel Document holders is within 10 working days. Visa Fees: Single entry visa: A Single entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and costs65 (in the UK) or $100 (at entry point in Uganda).

Do I need a visa to go to Uganda?

Do I Need a Visa for Uganda? A visa will be required when you travel to Uganda as well as a passport with validity of up to 6 months after you enter the country. You may also have the option of applying for an e-visa in order to enter Uganda.

Is it safe to travel Uganda?

Uganda  Level 4: Do Not Travel. Do not travel to Uganda due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Uganda due to crime.  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, kidnapping, and sexual assault, can occur at any time, especially in larger cities including Kampala and Entebbe.
A diverse geography means a variable climate across the country but Kenya is considered a year-round destination for both safaris and beach holidays. Most Kenya safari destinations are at their best between January and the end of March; the climate is mild, mostly dry and game viewing is at its peak.

What is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?

The classic best time to visit Tanzania and Kenya on safari is generally from mid-June through to late October, the peak being around August and September. This four-to-five month window, between East Africas two rainy seasons, is when both the weather is at its best and game viewing is at its most thrilling.

What is the best month to go on an African safari?

The best time for an African safari is typically from July through October, when the animals are easy to find and in substantial numbers. Deciding when to go on safari depends on what country you would like to visit and when you can plan your trip.

What is the busiest month for tourists to visit Kenya?

Visiting Kenya in August

The temperatures are pleasant and its mostly dry, making it one of the peak times to visit.

What vaccinations do I need to go to Kenya?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kenya: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How far in advance should I book safari?

The quick answer is ideally 9 to 12 months out. i.e., if you are looking to travel in July/August, then we suggest you look at booking around October, the year before. For some people though, this is an awfully long time to plan ahead.

What is the hottest month in Kenya?

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (27C). The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (22.4C). The month with the highest average low temperature is April (15.6C).

What is the rainy season in Kenya?

Most parts of Kenya experiences two rain seasons: March to Mays long rains and October to Decembers short rains. The months of June to August are mainly cool and dry over most parts of the country except for some parts in the western region that report some rains.

Is December a good month to visit Kenya?

December in particular is a great time to travel to Kenya, since the rains are short and you have the chance to see newborn animals and migratory bird species. Only the peak of the long rains in March, April and May are very wet.

Is Kenya or Tanzania safari better?

In general, your Tanzania safari will be more expensive than your Kenya safari when comparing a Kenya Safari vs a Tanzania Safari. So Kenya is the better-known safari destination, but consequently, most of its prime national parks and game reserves are considerably busier than across the border in Tanzania.

Which Safari is better Kenya or Tanzania?

So in general, Tanzania is more affordable while Kenya has a better travel infrastructure.  Kenya has the larger tourism infrastructure and has more lodges to accommodate globetrotters heading on an African safari, so the cost of a safari in Kenya will likely be less than one in Tanzania.

How much are safari trips in Kenya?

Kenya Safari Cost
Therefore, you can apply for Lithuania short-stay visas through the French embassy in Nigeria.

Is Lithuania visa free for Nigerians?

Lithuania tourist visa is required for citizens of Nigeria. Visa applications should be submitted for a maximum of 6 months, and no later than 15 days, before the trip. IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, at this time, VisaHQ does not provide full service for tourist visas to Lithuania.

How do you get to Lithuania from Nigeria?

The most affordable way to get from Nigeria to Lithuania is to fly, which costs $270  $700 and takes 17h 4m. What is the fastest way to get from Nigeria to Lithuania? The quickest way to get from Nigeria to Lithuania is to fly which costs $390  $1,000 and takes 12h 54m.

Is there any Lithuania embassy in Nigeria?

The consulate in Lagos is not the only diplomatic representation of Lithuania in Nigeria. On this page you can also find all other Lithuanian consulates located in Nigeria. For an appointment at the Lithuanian consulate in Nigeria, please check in first instance the consulate website .

Can I travel to Lithuania from Nigeria now?

Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries in Europe with a Lithuania Schengen Visa for citizens of Nigeria.

Is it easy to get Lithuania visa?

In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7 percent of applications. More information on the Schengen Area of countries and visas. The standard fee for processing your Schengen Visa application is 80 for adults and 40 for minors.

Do I need a visa to go to Lithuania?

you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.  if you are travelling to Lithuania and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit.

How much is Lithuania visa fee?

Lithuania Visa Fees

A fee of 60 Euros is charged for all types of Lithuanian visa. Furthermore, the fee is only payable in Euros.

How many hours is Nigeria to Lithuania?

Flying time from Nigeria to Lithuania

The total flight duration from Nigeria to Lithuania is 6 hours, 58 minutes.

How long does it take to get Lithuania visa?

A Lithuanian Visa D typically costs 80 ($94), with a residence permit costing an extra 28 ($33). The average visa processing time is two weeks, but you can begin the application process up to six months before you travel.

Is Malta Embassy in Nigeria?

Malta has a Honorary Consulate in Nigeria, which is located at No.  108, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. The official postal address is P.O Box 2688, Ikeja Lagos while the official email address is maltaconsul.lagos@gov.mt.

How can I get work permit in Lithuania?

How to Get a Work Visa in Lithuania: The Application Process

A foreign national accepts a job offer from an employer in Lithuania. The potential employee submits the relevant documents to the employer. The employer submits the work permit application to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange.

Does Latvia have embassy in Nigeria?

If you intend to apply for Latvia tourist, business or visit visa in Nigeria, you should note that Latvia currently does not have a diplomatic mission or embassy in Nigeria, but the Swedish embassy handles all form of visa applications on behalf of Latvia.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS TO BOTSWANA. All visitors to Botswana must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, with the exception of those with outgoing travel documents and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

Can you go to Botswana without a visa?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements. A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa.  Travelers who attempt to enter Botswana with a temporary passport must have a visa to enter.

Which countries need a visa to enter Botswana?

Countries Requiring Visas

Afghanistan Cote dIvoire Kuwait Angola Dominican Republic Lebanon Armenia Ecuador Liberia Azerbaijan Egypt Libya Bahrain El Salvador Lithuania

What countries can South African citizens go to without a visa?

Below are the 103 countries South Africans can travel to visa-free according to the latest Henley & Partners report.



Africa.

Angola Lesotho Seychelles* Botswana Malawi Somalia* Cape Verde Islands* Mauritania* St. Helena* Comores Islands* Mauritius Swaziland (eSwatini) Ethiopia* Mozambique Tanzania

Is Botswana better than South Africa?

Botswana is a more pure wildlife destination than South Africa. Its main safari reserves, for instance the Okavango and Chobe, are less accessible than their South African counterparts, far wilder in feel, and tend to cater more to high-cost, low impact fly-in tourism.

Can foreigners buy property in Botswana?

Foreigners can buy property in Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, F/town and some other areas outside Tribal Territories. Foreigners can also buy any freehold land or property. In Botswana it is illegal to buy unimproved land or plot unless it is freehold property.

How much is Botswana visa fee?

Fees for Consular and Immigration Services

Service US $ 8 Tourist Visa $ 30 single entry up to 1 month 9 Single entry Visitor Visa up to 3 months $ 30 10 Visitor Visa more than 3months $ 150 11 Business Visa $ 50 single entry

What do I need to enter Botswana?

All visitors to Botswana must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, with the exception of those with outgoing travel documents and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

Do I need a visa to work in Botswana?

Botswana has one work visa, also known as a work permit, for all foreign employees working in the country under the Employment of the Non-Citizens Act. Employers cannot engage an employee unless they hold a valid Botswana work permit or a certificate of exemption.
A patient leaves Saint Mary Soledads outpatient consultation corridor in Bamenda - each year, thousands of patients benefited from our support in a region where access to care has been reduced by armed violence. North-West region, Cameroon, March 2020.

Yaounde, Cameroon  Withdrawing emergency health care services amid a crisis was a difficult decision, but it was one that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) had to make after the government suspended its operations for eight months.

Cameroonian authorities have accused the aid group of helping separatist groups in the country's English-speaking northwest region, a charge the group has strongly denied.

Laura Martinelli, MSF's coordinator for the northwest region, where thousands of people need health care access, said MSF had seen no signs of the Cameroon government's authorization for the group to resume its activities.

"We simply cannot remain indefinitely on standby in an area where we are not authorized to do our job," she said. "But we still hope that the [Cameroonian] authorities will revise this decision for the sake of the population, because thousands of patients benefited from our free emergency services. We are therefore maintaining a liaison office to continue with the dialogue in the region and at the central level."

Few other options for care

Martinelli said MSF would be ready to resume activities when Cameroonian authorities lift the suspension. She said the MSF presence was vital because the aid group was one of the few international medical organizations offering free care for people in need, providing 24-hour ambulance services to civilians in the northwest region.

Kennedy Tumenta, coordinator of the Integrated Mental Health Care for Humanity in Babungo, a village in Cameroon's English-speaking northwest, said the center provides psychological care to civilians whom MSF treats. Tumenta said MSF's departure meant that thousands of civilians caught in crossfire would be left without much-needed help.

The withdrawal of Doctors Without Borders, Tumenta said, is a setback "for organizations like ours who provide mental health services to distressed individuals, especially in this region as the crisis has increased the challenges of accessing certain basic health services. We hope that the government and Doctors Without Borders will find ways to solve this problem."

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Cameroon's territorial administration minister, Paul Atanga Nji, who announced the suspension of MSF in December 2020, declined to comment on MSF's withdrawal when VOA reached out for an interview Tuesday.

But in June, Cameroon's health ministry reported that nearly 30% of hospitals in the northwest region were no longer functioning because separatist attacks, and that hundreds of health workers had fled to French-speaking towns for safety.

Government strategy criticized

Cyrille Etoga, a health analyst at the University of Yaounde, said Cameroon should know how to distinguish between the activities of a reputable international organization and groups that may be collaborating with separatists. He said Cameroon's government should legally charge people suspected of collaborating with separatists instead of suspending MSF.

Etoga said Cameroon needs the assistance of organizations like MSF to meet the growing health needs of its citizens in conflict zones.

In 2020, Cameroon's government accused MSF of having close relations with separatists who are fighting to create an independent English-speaking state. The aid organization strongly denies the accusations and says its only goal is to save lives.

MSF says more than 1.4 million people in Cameroon's restive western regions need humanitarian support, where access to health care is extremely limited.

The separatist crisis that began in Cameroon's English-speaking regions in 2017 has killed more than 3,000 people and displaced 750,000, both internally and to neighboring Nigeria, according to the U.N.
analysis

Meet some of the activists fighting to live and love in Namibia.

This year, a growing rumble of LGBTQ rights activism in Namibia has escalated into an impressive array of legal actions. In 2021 alone, there have been at least ten cases brought to the country's courts by same-sex couples seeking marriage equality, trans activists and victims of homophobic violence, and queer families fighting for their rights to live together. This year too, the cabinet considered abolishing Namibia's "sodomy" law, a seldom enforced colonial-era provision that criminalises sex between men.

These developments could be monumental for a country in which state-sanctioned homophobia has continued since its hard-won independence in 1990. Despite the liberation movement turned ruling party SWAPO promising equality for all, Namibia's recent political history is littered with homophobic comments by prominent politicians and LGBTQ Namibians do not enjoy full legal rights. They are not protected from discrimination, they do not have the right to marry, and their marriages in other countries are not recognised. Some popular responses to recent legal cases also highlight the extent to which homophobia is still common in much of society.

It is this status quo that the Namibians are challenging in the courts and through other interventions. Here are some of those activists, sharing their experiences of fighting for queer rights in their own words.

"When we opened the case, we had no idea it was so much bigger than us."

South African Daniel Digashu (left) and his Namibian husband Johann Potgieter (right) are suing the government to have their marriage, convened in South Africa, recognised by the state in Namibia. After years of waiting, their landmark case was heard on 19 May 2021. They await the judgement. As told by Daniel:

"We decided to move to Johann's homeland so that we could spend time with his family, we wanted our kid to know his side of the family, his grandparents. When we initially spoke to officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs, we were told not to open pandora's box by applying for permanent residence because our marriage is not recognised. Instead, we applied for my work permit so that I could at least run the company I own with Johann.

When the work permit was rejected, we were so frustrated because we went to them, we put our cards on the table. We were transparent. When our appeal was also rejected, we didn't really have a choice but to sue. We had uprooted our lives, our home, our son, our dogs. Our kid was already in school. We didn't have a choice. Whether they believe it or not, we are a family unit. I was not just going to go back to RSA because they rejected my visa.

When we opened the case, we had no idea that it was so much bigger than just us. Personally, my two boys are just such rocks. I couldn't have stayed this long had it not been for them. That keeps me going, that and knowing how many more people are fighting for exactly what we're fighting for."

"We... .are normal people who fall in love with people from our own sex. That is the only difference"

Anette Seiler (left), who is Namibian, and Anita Seiler-Lilles (right), who is German, planned to relocate and retire in Annette's homeland. Although she fulfils all criteria in the Immigration Act, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration rejected Anita's application for permanent residence because it does not recognise their German same-sex marriage. As told by Anette:

"There are honestly so many more interesting activities we imagined pursuing in our retirement, rather than being in court fighting the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. On the one hand, we feel that we are in the right. But, on the other hand, we fear that the judges might decide against us. It's not a sure win. For example, when we have spoken to government employees about our case, they openly trampled on our dignity. It's incredibly distressing. We have a lot to lose.

We are not only fighting for Anita's right to live in Namibia. Should we lose, we must both leave Namibia. I am a Namibian, who then would have to live in exile just because I love a woman.

Every time we get an invoice from our lawyer, we are shocked. This case is so expensive, we hope we have enough money to fight until the end. This money is our life savings. We planned on saving it for our retirement and for our travels, not for legal fees.

We, the gays and lesbians living in Namibia, are normal people who fall in love with people from our own sex. That is the only difference to heterosexuals. In every other sense we are like all other people. We laugh, we cry, we work and eat and sleep. Sometimes we are sad, sometimes we are happy. We are creative and interested in many things. Most of the time our sexuality is not even in the forefront of our minds.

In the coat of arms of Namibia, it says 'Unity. Liberty. Justice'. But, as long as there is no liberty for gays and lesbians to be who they are, as long as there is no justice for us because of our sexuality, there will be no unity."

"It's hard to have your existence marginalised, to be told that you don't belong."

Omar van Reenen is a co-founder of Namibia Equal Rights Movement and a civil rights activist.

"What I do is inspired by my grandfather. He built the first hotel for coloured [people] in Namibia, during apartheid. It was a place of activism, community, a safe space. I grew up with that story and I felt like the universe sent me here to fight for social justice in the same way that my grandfather did.

Like racial justice was the civil rights issue of my parent's generation, LGBTQ rights is the civil rights issue of our time. And it's disheartening to see that the government doesn't take this issue seriously.

It's hard to see the government misusing my constitution to invalidate my human dignity. It's hard to have your existence marginalised, to be told that you don't belong. It's hard to be called sick, demonic, satanic. It's hard that you can't walk up to a business and say 'listen, I've got a bright future ahead of me, please hire me' knowing that if they find out who you are, they might ostracise you. It's hard not to be able to walk into a healthcare centre without fearing discrimination. It's hard knowing that I can't marry the person that I love in my country because there's no recognition of my love.

It's hard to talk about my personal stuff because I always try to put other people first. But I will say that it does take a mental toll because you don't only have to stand up and fight against an oppressive regime, there's a lot of internalised homophobia in our communities. It's exhausting going to bed at night, fighting this fight but it's a good exhaustion. It's good to feel tired fighting for social justice, because fighting for what's right, is always worth it. I wake up the next day and I think 'new day, new fight'."

"I always imagined activists to be angry people with posters"

Mercedez von Cloete is a media personality and human rights advocate who is suing the Ministry of Safety and Security for transphobic violence she suffered at the hands of police in 2017. The trial hearing concluded on 16 May 2021. She is awaiting the verdict.

"A few years ago, I had a very traumatic experience with the Namibian Police, where I was unlawfully detained and brutally assaulted, repeatedly. This was not the first time that something like this had happened to me, but I promised myself that I could not allow it to persist. And so, for the last four and a half years I've been trying to get justice and hold the police accountable.

I always imagined activists to be angry people with posters, shouting and protesting on the streets. As someone who is in no way confrontational, it didn't look anything like me. I've since learned that leaving injustices unchecked is an injustice in and of itself. That's what made me realise that activists are really just people who no longer accept the things they 'cannot change' but instead seek to change the things they cannot accept.

Just like how we need the intelligence and courage to look past complexion and see the community to eliminate racism, I feel we need to look past gender and genitalia or who and how we love to live in a just, accepting and equal society.

I now consider myself an advocate for change, for all the trans and gender diverse people who don't have the agency or support to ensure their rights are upheld. Or who are denied certain fundamental services, rights, protections and freedoms because of who they are. For those who experience continual harassment and police brutality, something which has remained unaddressed for far too long.

Personally, the emotional, psychological and physiological (dis)stress cannot be quantified. I'm still healing and just hoping that in November when the final judgement is made, that justice will prevail."

"It's no longer just about my own rights, it's about our rights."

South African Jennifer du Toit-Henneke (left) and her wife Pascale du Toit-Henneke are suing the Namibian government for their constitutional right to live and work in Namibia, Pascale's homeland. As told by Jennifer.

"I would say I'm an unlikely activist. I'd never considered myself to be someone on the forefront and pushing back on social issues. While I have always believed in righteousness, being an activist has never been central to my identity. Putting a legal challenge to the state and potentially launching ourselves into the spotlight on a very controversial issue... it's very daunting.

Pascale and I didn't even have the luxury to ready ourselves for this. We were pretty much forced to because the Ministry of Home Affairs wanted to kick me out of the country knowing that I wouldn't be able to get back in. Back to my wife and our home.

It's hard coming from a country like South Africa where we have wonderful LGBTQ rights. It was a shock for me. I didn't realise that I'd never really felt discriminated against before, this felt like the first time I've really experienced homophobia. It's not a good feeling. It makes you sad, angry, resentful. It chips away at you.

Mostly it's the unspoken discrimination, the laws that have been put down by the Ministry of Home Affairs which has caused us an invisible distress. It's made me feel very unwelcomed and embattled. It's hard to shake off. The state-sanctioned homophobia has caused me to lose a lot. I've lost my right to work, to travel home or to continue my business. It's so stressful and surreal.

Going to court feels a little bit confrontational and so, so unnecessary. And yet, so necessary. And so, it's felt like I've been guided down this path to becoming an activist, or maybe initially forced down it. It's no longer just about my own rights, it's about our rights."

"What propels me to be at the forefront is that I know myself."

Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe is an intersectional gender justice activist involved in advocacy and communications for several organisations including Equal Namibia. Their first book, The Chronicles of a Non-Binary Black Lesbian Namibian... in Love, is now available for pre-order.

"I'm trying to document and narrate what a nonbinary lesbian experience in Namibia could be. I'm doing this for myself, too. If I had the book I've written when I was in high school, I wonder how would it have shaped my own reflections of my identity. It would have confirmed for me all the thoughts I had and the internal conflict I felt. At that time, I didn't have the language to articulate who I am: what I am for myself, to myself. And if media like it could exist, then it's not just for me. It's for the other many people who struggle to articulate exactly what they feel, to help them navigate how to exist.

This work documenting and archiving the struggle, like we in these social movements are doing by live-tweeting from the court rooms and doing Instagram live and radio interviews, is so important. We must do it for ourselves, we need to centre the voices of marginalised groups. It's important because someone is always watching. Out of the 10,000 that are homophobic, maybe 300 appreciate the content you put out and they inform themselves on issues that affect their identities.

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Being at the forefront is a privilege but it's also humbling. It's not about leading people, it's about giving them the authority to become a part of the movement. It's about showing up. What propels me to be at the forefront is that I know myself. I know my leadership qualities. When you say you're going to do something, you must do it. You must be accountable to yourself. No one is going to do that for you just because you're a lesbian or you're gay. You must show that you're not here to play. It means doing the internal work for yourself first."

"Nobody is voiceless. We all have voices. We just have to find ways to use those voices."

Deyonce Cleopatra Chaniqua Naris is a Namibian-born trans woman, blogger and podcast host. She is the executive director of the Transgender, Intersex and Androgynous Movement of Namibia (TIAMON) and the chairperson of the Southern African Trans Forum. She is affectionately known as "Mam D" to her "little Queers of the world".

"Oh my goodness, Namibia is a beautiful country. It's a warm country, the people are amazing. As queer people, we actually live relatively comfortable lives depending on where you find yourself on the socio-economic spectrum. I always say to comrades, in comparison to other countries in Africa, I believe as queer Namibians we are a lot better off and we should value that. But we also know that there is systematic exclusion and discrimination for our community here. Some of it is backed by individuals with personal prejudices that work at governmental institutions or who are custodians of our constitution. Therefore, our access to services like healthcare, judicial or just economic justice is generally a problem.

I've been an activist since I was a child, a mere little bambino. I can remember as early as my school days, I think I became the bully of the bullies, which is never a good thing. But, I've always stood up for the underdog, for what people would define as persons who are voiceless, but I mean, nobody is voiceless. We all have voices. We just have to find ways to use those voices.

But as a transwoman and activist in Namibia, my face is constantly out there. I find myself constantly navigating my own safety. Once your face is blasted all over, you never really feel safe because the level of transphobia and the abuse that you encounter which increases just a little. Its emotionally daunting living like this. It's overwhelming to constantly prepare myself to leave the house because for the verbal abuse that I face, for the amount of taxis that will drive past me because I'm a transgender woman. They think it's taboo or that it's illegal for me to be me, they leave me by the roadside. It is hard but you manage to find ways to exist."

Chris de Beer-Procter [she/her] is an independent photojournalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. She specialises in portraiture and documentary, particularly involving underrepresented communities. She is a member of NATIVE.
Joining several other countries, including Kenya, Uganda and India, Nigeria's government is in the process of rolling out a digital identity system to enable easier access to public and private services.

But, like those and other digital ID projects around the world, Nigeria's initiative has been dogged by privacy concerns, with citizens and rights groups saying the country's lack of data protection leaves their personal information open to abuse.

By October 2020, six years after the government launched a national electronic identity card, less than a quarter of Nigeria's 200 million people had signed up for a National Identification Number (NIN), according to the agency overseeing the scheme.

Communications minister Isa Ali Pantami has issued a directive mandating citizens to link their mobile numbers to their identity numbers by October 31, 2021, or risk being blocked from accessing telecommunications services.

Even this has not convinced everyone, and only about 60 million citizens and legal residents have enrolled for the NIN so far, the National Identity Management Commission said last week.

"I will not link my numbers to my NIN," human rights activist Aisha Yesufu told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"We do not have data protection laws in Nigeria, and my data are not protected," she said.

Uche Chigbo, acting general manager of the NIMC, said the national identity database is well protected despite the lack of a national data protection law.

"Even I do not have access to the database," she said at an event on digital identity in Port Harcourt last month.

"For those who have access to the database, there are so many things required for them to have authorization," she said.

MISSING OUT ON ENROLMENT

The Nigerian government has said the 11-digit NIN is the foundation for a comprehensive digital ID system which will help to tackle insurgency and other crimes.

Including the indirect impact of the fighting, northeast Nigeria's 12-year conflict with Islamist insurgencies had killed nearly 350,000 people as of the end of 2020, the United Nations Development Programme said in June.

NIN enrolment involves the recording of an individual's demographic data and capturing their fingerprints, photo and digital signature.

The number is required for all transactions requiring identity verification, such as opening a bank account, applying for a driver's license, voting, getting health insurance, and filing tax returns.

While the NIN is mandatory for both children and adults, the biometrics of children under 12 years old are not captured due to the instability of their fingerprints, Chigbo said at the event.

Digital rights groups have voiced concern that people in rural areas could miss the enrolment window, which may lead to their mobile numbers being deactivated, but Chigbo said "a lot of people in rural areas are registering - more than people in the cities."

She noted that the federal government is working with the National Orientation Agency, a government body that ensures the public understands new programmes and policies, to spread the word.

"We do a lot of grassroots outreach, and we partner with ... community leaders, religious leaders and market associations to make sure their people enrol," she added.

The closest thing Nigeria has to a data protection law is the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) created by the National Information Technology Development Agency in 2019.

But because the regulation was not established by the National Assembly, government agencies and the private sector do not recognize it, noted Khadijah El-Usman, a program officer with Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights group based in Lagos.

"NDPR does not have the power to check government agencies that are the greatest harvesters of data," she said.

Many Nigerians say they fear that an increase in corruption by the government in recent years could put them at greater risk of being targeted if their data is breached.

Despite President Muhammadu Buhari's 2015 election pledge to tackle graft, anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International ranked Nigeria 149 out of 180 countries on its latest annual index, the country's lowest ever ranking.

Chinonso Chime, an IT consultant in Enugu, in southeast Nigeria, said he does not trust the Nigerian government with citizens' data.

"We may no longer have privacy as the government may end up monitoring our conversations and even sell our data to businessmen and organisations," he said.

DATA PROTECTION

Another country struggling to implement a national digital ID system, Kenya began its rollout in 2019.

Rights groups challenged the process in court, arguing that the scheme violated privacy. The Kenya high court said the government could continue with the rollout if it established regulations to protect citizens' privacy.

In November 2019, Kenya passed a data protection law that complied with European Union legal standards.

Similarly, Nigerians will be more willing to enrol in the NIN when the government provides a certain level of assurance and data protection, said El-Usman.

"You can't put something on nothing and expect it to stand," she said.

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"If our digital identity system needs to be strong, we need a law that will protect our data. Our personal data has become life. It can make or break our lives."

El-Usman said the federal government ought to have established an independent data protection regulator before making it mandatory for Nigerians to enrol for NIN and link it to their mobile numbers.

Edo Civil Society Organisations, a network of nonprofits in Nigeria's Edo state, took the federal government to court in January 2021, challenging the directive. The suit has not yet been heard.

"Nobody should be forced to do the NIN and (mobile number) linkage because it amounts to the infringement of the rights of citizens," Osazee Edigin, a spokesperson for the organisation, said in a phone interview.

There are more than 99 million mobile subscribers in Nigeria according to GSMA Intelligence, the research arm of the industry's trade association.

Deactivating mobile numbers has human rights repercussions, El-Usman said.

"Many people will be barred from accessing information, and many businesses will be affected," she said.

"To block phone numbers without assuring people of their protection is outright wrong."
analysis

History was removed from the Nigerian school curriculum in 2009 - supposedly because students avoided the subject, graduates didn't have job prospects and teachers were scarce. But Nigerians weren't happy with the decision and it has now been reversed. The government has directed that history should be taught as a standalone subject from the 2020/21 academic session. The Conversation Africa's Wale Fatade asked Ayodeji Olukoju, a professor of history, about the value of studying the subject.

Why should young Nigerians study history at school?

Many scholars and commentators have justified the teaching of history, affirming its importance. We can define the subject as a balanced interpretation and reconstruction of the past, based on evidence, with a focus on causation, context and course of events. Ignorance of history creates a vacuum that misinformation or outright falsehood can exploit.

Until pioneering academic historians debunked it, the prevailing idea in the age of European imperialism in Africa was that Africa had no history worth studying beyond European activities on the continent. But then the likes of Kenneth Dike, Saburi Biobaku, J.F. Ade Ajayi, Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Bethwell Ogot and Adu Boahen convincingly demonstrated the reality and vitality of the African past well before European intrusion. They justified and popularised the use of oral sources to reconstruct the African past.

A sound knowledge of the past is the basis for nationalism or patriotism, the driving force in modern nation-building. History creates or reinforces national identity and self-definition. The United States, United Kingdom and Japan are striking examples of the teaching of history as a central plank of the curriculum. Knowledge of history has driven the patriotism exhibited by citizens of these countries. History can give people a proper appreciation of the place of their nation among others.

It is better taught to young, impressionable minds, who can be guided from an early age. Future citizens are products of what they read and watch, and how they form opinions about others. Teaching history in primary and secondary schools can explode myths and debunk stereotypes and prejudices.

In my student days in the 1960s and 1970s, we were raised on a broad knowledge of Nigerian and West African history that opened minds and broadened our worldview. We were influenced more by what we read and were taught in history classes than by fables and fairy tales about the past.

What are the likely impacts when history is removed from the curriculum?

Nigerian leaders and their followers continue to repeat mistakes that could have been avoided by a proper knowledge of history and application of lessons learnt. Repeated mistakes often inflict irreparable damage and widen divisions in society. For example, successive Nigerian governments since the First Republic systematically demonise the opposition, persecuting opposition leaders and denying a fair share of resources to their strongholds. They load political offices with people from favoured zones.

President Goodluck Jonathan favoured his strongholds of South-South and South-East, while alienating the South-West, in particular. President Muhammadu Buhari did not learn from this mistake and made lopsided appointments in favour of the North-West and North-East, while alienating the South-East. Both presidents have merely built resentments in the excluded zones and have done little to develop the favoured zones.

Another lesson is that of over-centralisation of power and resources. This resulted from General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi's Unification Decree of 1966, which turned Nigeria into a unitary state masquerading as a federation. This has stunted development in the regions and states, unlike the competitive regional development of the 1950s and 1960s. It has also hindered efforts against insecurity.

How can we make history more attractive to young Nigerians?

First, we develop texts that pass the tests of content and pedagogy. Texts should present history in easily readable and accessible language. They should also explain concepts and avoid excessive use of dates. Books must divide the subject into manageable modules to suit the age and learning ability of the targeted students. Maps, cartoons, films, quizzes and so on can enliven the subject.

Also, train teachers for each level of learning. The emphasis is to make the students enjoy the subject no matter what their choice of career. Teachers are the most critical human elements in the teaching or study of history.

Parents should also teach their children family history, as my grandparents did.

Nigerian society should purge itself of crass materialism, which promotes a desire for immediate gratification coupled with contempt for whatever appears to lack instant utilitarian value. Fetishisation of the sciences and so-called 'professional courses' and contempt for history as a subject, profession or topic of discussion should stop.

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Teaching of history should be compulsory from primary to tertiary education levels. Government's contempt for history has been responsible for the current state of affairs. Generations of young Nigerians have no basic knowledge of the evolution of their country. Such uninformed people have been misled into believing false narratives of key events, such as the ethnicisation of the formation of the Western Nigerian Regional Government in 1952, or even the causes and course of the Nigerian civil war.

What are the career options available to history graduates in Nigeria?

Teaching history and related subjects at all levels; public administration; consultancy and corporate research (history of private organisations and public institutions). Assisting to collect archival and ethnographic evidence in land and chieftaincy matters and feature writing in newspapers. Archives, museum and cultural administration and service as public historians at local, state and federal levels.

Ayodeji Olukoju, Distinguished Professor of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos
Cape Town  Forces from Ethiopia's Tigray region have taken control of the town of Lalibela in the country's neighbouring Amhara region, Reuters reports.

The town's rock-hewn churches are a United Nations World Heritage site. Lalibela is also a holy site for millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Reuters is quoting two eye-witnesses as saying that residents of the town are fleeing from hundreds of armed men speaking Tigrinya, the language of ethnic Tigrayans. A resident said the men's uniforms were not those of federal forces.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the eyewitnesses' information. Spokespeople for the prime minister, the Ethiopian military and a government task force on Tigray did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Tigrayan forces could also not be reached for comment, the news agency says.

The Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency says Thursday's development indicates that Ethiopian rebels are continuing a weeks-long push beyond the borders of Tigray.

The region has been racked by fighting since November 2020, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the government of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Abiy said the move was a response to TPLF attacks on army camps. In June 2021, pro-TPLF forces retook the Tigray capital Mekelle and the Ethiopian army largely withdrew.

Since then the TPLF has moved east into neighbouring Afar and south into neighbouring Amhara, where Lalibela is located.

AFP reports that soldiers and militia fighters mobilised en masse in parts of Amhara to head off the rebels' advance, but multiple residents of Lalibela told the agency on Thursday that the town fell without a fight to forces they said were from the TPLF.
Mr Abubakar says the PDP can't afford internal wrangling at this time that Nigerians need alternative to APC.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed insinuations that he was fuelling the leadership crisis rocking the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Abubakar, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 election, was among the party leaders allegedly pushing for the resignation of Uche Secondus as the party's national chairman over incompetence.

The leadership crisis in the main opposition party deepened on Tuesday with the resignation of its seven national officials from their positions.

Also, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Joy Emordi, on Wednesday, dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Abubakar said rather than fuelling the crisis, he had ensured unity among the leaders of the party.

He explained that he was lately involved in reconciliation efforts within the party across the country and had backed reconciliation processes aimed at diffusing tensions in the party.

He called for calm and for combatants to sheathe their swords and give the reconciliation mechanisms of the party a chance

The former vice president said the main opposition party could not afford internal division at the time Nigerians need a reliable alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration come 2023.

"The PDP is greater than our individual ambitions. We have to consolidate the party first before we talk about our ambitions. We have to be careful not to play into the hands of the ruling party. We can't afford a one-party system in Nigeria that denies our people a viable alternative for true change in 2023.

"Those who want Nigerians to continue with the current hardship in the land will be eager to fuel the crisis in the PDP for their political advantage," the former vice president said in a statement by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, on Thursday.

Mr Abubakar noted his role in ongoing reconciliation processes aimed at diffusing tensions in the party.

His stance was disclosed the day the party's BoT members met at its national headquarters in Abuja to assess the cause of defections of governors and other party members in recent time.

Read the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

PDP: Atiku calls for calm, urges reconciliation process be given a chance

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has called on PDP leaders to unite for the sake of the party's interest and the country.

Reacting to the current frictions in the PDP, Atiku said the party cannot afford to be divided at this critical point in time when Nigerians are desperately yearning for change in the face of their miserable living conditions.

According to Atiku, an opposition that is looked up to as an alternative cannot afford to be fighting itself and lend its hands to the ruling party for its own destruction.

He urged the party's faithful to understand that the price of having a fragmented PDP is too high to pay, but above all, a betrayal to the memories of the founding fathers of the party.

The former Vice President dismissed insinuations that he was fuelling the crisis in the party.

He explained that he was lately involved in reconciliation efforts within the party across the country and has backed reconciliation processes aimed at diffusing tensions in the party. He called for calm and for combatants to sheath their swords and give the reconciliation mechanisms of the party a chance.

He noted that the interest of the PDP far supersedes that of any individual, insisting that the party will overcome its current travails for as long as all hands are on deck.

"The PDP is greater than our individual ambitions. We have to consolidate the party first before we talk about our ambitions. We have to be careful not to play into the hands of the ruling party. We can't afford a one-party system in Nigeria that denies our people a viable alternative for true change in 2023", the former Vice President said.

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The former PDP presidential candidate warned that lack of unity and internal cohesion could help the ruling party more than the PDP, and that "those who want Nigerians to continue with the current hardship in the land will be eager to fuel the crisis in the PDP for their political advantage."

He added that PDP leaders should put personal differences aside and work for the good of the party, adding that "divided soldiers cannot fight a war and win."

To ensure that the PDP does not repeat the mistakes of the past, Atiku Abubakar said that all contending issues in the party must be resolved through constitutional means.

Signed:

Paul Ibe

Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar

Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007

Abuja.

5th August, 2021.
Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says Cabinet is pleased with the country's vaccination rollout programme, which is seeing one million people inoculated every three days in both the public and private health sectors.

Ntshavheni was updating the nation on Thursday on decisions of the Cabinet meeting held yesterday.

To date, the Minister said over eight million South Africans have been vaccinated.

"At the current pace, the President should soon announce a revised target date for the country to reach population immunity," she said, emphasising that "vaccination remains the country's most effective weapon in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic".

"People can now go to any vaccination site with their identity documents, even without an appointment, to be registered and vaccinated."

The Executive welcomed the donation of 5.6 million Pfizer shots by the United States, with the first batch having landed on Saturday.

"This will ensure an adequate supply of vaccines to intensify our vaccination rollout programme," Ntshavheni said.

The Minister thanked the over 35-year-old age group, who have been visiting inoculation centres to receive their life-saving vaccination.

"We're looking forward to reaching 10 million by early next week," she said.

On 1 September, registration for those aged between 18 and 34 will open.

Cabinet has also noted the significant decline in new infections in South Africa after the country officially surpassed the peak of the third wave.

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However, four provinces -- the Northern Cape, North West, Free State, and Western Cape (which recently passed the peak of the third wave) -- have been recording increases in daily new infection rates.

"Cabinet reiterates its call to all people in South Africa to continue adhering to the prevention protocols of masking up, washing up, maintaining a 1.5-metre social distance, and avoiding large gatherings," Ntshavheni said.

Reopening of schools

Cabinet has welcomed the smooth reopening of schools and the return of all primary pupils to daily classes.

"Cabinet urged all schools to continue to work within the established COVID-19 health protocols. The return of all primary pupils is in the best interests of the child, and it will help to recover the learning time that was lost during the hard national lockdown," the Minister said.
Tourists will now need a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate to enter and leave Kenya, the government has announced.

Previously, they only needed a negative PCR certificate obtained no more than 96 hours before their arrival.

The rule is included in revised guidelines announced by the Ministry of Tourism to combat the deadly Delta variant.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala issued the revised guidelines on August 3 to combat Covid-19 in the hospitality industry.

Even after being vaccinated, he said, visitors including tourists must possess a negative PCR certificate to enter and depart Kenya.

"I know people are saying, 'We have a double vaccine, then why should we do the PCR test?' But according to the experts, irrespective of your double vaccine, the Delta variant is more dangerous," he said.

Speaking to reporters in Nairobi, Mr Balala explained that the PCR test will ensure travellers do not bring in the virus or take it out of the country.

He noted that countries that have vaccinated their people will recover faster, urging industry players to support vaccinations.

Industry players, led by the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast executive Sam Ikwaye, lauded Mr Balala's move, saying it will reassure foreign tourists and Kenyans of their safety.

"Those are international standards that are being applied by many countries. But we must ensure we have a provision that is accessible," Dr Ikwaye said.

"It should also be affordably available. We like the pronouncements. We have been praised by international markets because we seem to be aggressively successfully managing the pandemic."

But he warned about what he described as "sporadic pronouncements" that have the potential to disorient the industry, urging Mr Balala to collaborate with stakeholders to spur tourism.

Mr Balala assured industry players that the government will support the revival of the industry, but he said quarantines and the Delta variant had complicated matters for the sector.

Kenya is still on the UK government's red list, which includes countries that present the highest risk of Covid-19 and should not be visited "except in the most extreme of circumstances".

Kenya is now seeking to lure tourists from countries that have vaccinated most of their populations, mainly the US, the UK and China.

"These are nations that have conducted massive vaccination for their population and those are the people who will be travelling sooner than the others. That is why we want to ensure Kenyans are vaccinated ... so that when visitors come in we will be safer," he said.

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A Covid-19 passport will eventually be required, he said, adding that travellers cannot visit some countries without double vaccines.

On June 28, President Uhuru Kenyatta said all visitors must possess a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate, acquired no more than 96 hours before arrival, with the certificate validated on the Trusted Travel platform for air travellers.

He said his government would vaccinate the entire adult population of 26 million by 2022, and that 10 million will have been inoculated by Christmas this year.

Data from the Tourism Research Institute shows Kenya received 305,635 international visitors between January and June this year.

The US was Kenya's top source market with 49,178 arrivals, followed by Uganda (31,418), Tanzania (31,291), China (18,069), the UK (16,264), India (13,950) and Rwanda (9,800). Others are Somalia (9,194), Nigeria (8,267) and Ethiopia (7,487).
Juba  The Political Bureau of Sudan People Liberation Movement - In Opposition (SPLM-IO) on Wednesday condemned generals who announced the 'ouster' of First Vice President Riek Machar from his political and military positions.

On Wednesday, a group of senior generals in SPLM-IO announced they had dismissed Dr Machar as commander of the group, accusing him of reneging on the movement's vision.

The SPLM-IO generals ostensibly replaced Machar with his previous army Chief Simon Gatwech Dual with immediate effect.

"He [Dr Riek Machar] no longer represents the interest of the wider population in South Sudan - as he has become a part of the national government, compromising fundamental issues, hence his views are not helping the movement [SPLM/A-IO]," said the group spokesperson Brigadier General William Gatjiath Deng then.

But on Wednesday, Dr Machar's allies dismissed the announcement.

Later in a press statement seen by Nation.Africa on Thursday, the opposition party senior political unit described the generals behind the announcement as "peace spoilers."

"The bureau condemns in the strongest terms the ill-fated Kit-Gwang declaration. The three generals who met in Magnels don't constitute SPLA-IO (military force of SPLM-IO) leadership of the Military Command.

"The Military Command is composed of the Commander in Chief, Chief of General Staff and his deputies, commanders of nine sectors, and commander of general headquarters. By the time the pronouncement was issued, Gen Gatwech had been relieved [of his position as the Chief of General Staff] and appointed Presidential advisor for peace," reads the statement.

The party political bureau added that the generals' announcement was intended to derail the formation of a unified professional national army.

"However, the situation is calm and we assure the people of South Sudan that it is under control".

According to the 2018 peace accord, all opposition and government forces are supposed to be trained and unified under one professional national army, a condition that is yet to be fulfilled.
Kenya will not ban fish imports from China, because there is a severe shortage facing the country, the government has said.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said Kenya has insufficient stocks, with local fish fetching higher prices than imported ones.

"The challenge we have in the country is insufficient local fish to satisfy the market and hence you cannot ban imports that fill that gap that we are facing. You only ban when you raise the capacity to produce locally," he said.

Because of the shortage, he said, the government has been building capacity for aquaculture, mariculture and fish farming.

"In the meantime, and until we deal with that... Kenyans will continue importing fish. Even the local fish is very expensive, you go to the restaurants... why? Because there is a big shortage. We urge people to invest in this sector. It's an opportunity for people to do fish farming."

Statistics from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute show that there is a deficit of about 400,000 metric tonnes of fish.

Kenya's annual fish production stands at 160,000 metric tonnes against the potential of 300,000.

Mr Munya said it is illogical to recommend a ban without providing a solution to the deficit.

"But perhaps it's a concern that the National Assembly's Committee on Agriculture has... that we are importing fish when we should be producing locally," he said.

"We must direct more resources to this sector and build our own local fish production so that we don't rely on imports."

Last week, the Agriculture Committee said Kenya would ban fish imports from China because enough stocks are available in its lakes, rivers and the ocean.

Chairperson Silas Tiren (Moiben) assured Kenyans that lawmakers will do their part to improve fisheries and protect the sector from international incursions.

"I don't see why we should import from China when we have enough fish in the country. There is a lot of potential in our waters, we must capture it," he said.

"It's clear that foreign countries are fishing from our waters and later selling to us, which shows we have enough fish and potential."

The MPs and fisheries officials, who were on a fact-finding mission on the plight of fishermen in the Coast region, said they want to help the country to harness the sector's potential and create job and business opportunities.

Adan Haji (Mandera South) said MPs will come up with legislation banning fish imports because Kenya has enough stock.

In 2019, Kenya's total annual fish production stood at 146,687 metric tonnes (MT), comprising 23,700MT from marine resources, 18,542 from aquaculture, and 102,331 from freshwater production.

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Mr Munya said Kenya's deep waters are being exploited by foreign industrial fishing vessels because local fishermen cannot work in those waters.

But he said the government is training its youth to venture into deep sea fishing and work on international vessels in the country's exclusive economic zones.

Artisanal fishermen, he said, have limited fishing technology for semi-industrial and industrial fisheries in deep waters.

But Wavuvi Association of Kenya chairman Hamidi Omar supported a ban though he urged the State to empower local fishers by providing them with modern equipment to increase production.

"A kilogram of tilapia from China is sold for Sh250 while the same fish from Lake Victoria goes for Sh500. Our fish is very expensive because we lack the facilities to increase production," he said.

Though Kenya has enough stock in Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean, he said, fishermen lack modern boats and fishing gear.
La cuarta #Vacunaton se realizara este 6, 7 y 8 de agosto, durante 60 horas ininterrumpidas. Esta jornada tiene como meta proteger a personas rezagadas y con segunda dosis pendiente. Asimismo, se convocara a personas de 38 y 39 anos, informo el ministro Hernando Cevallos. pic.twitter.com/sDTbnbop38
Within this framework, the government official said that health authorities daily monitor how vaccination is moving forward nationwide.

"Every day we monitor (the vaccination process) to see how we advance in Lima and in the (rest of the) country to meet our goals, so that we face a possible third wave with at least 50% of our target population immunized and protected," he told reporters.

30-year-old age group for September

The government official reported that it has been agreed with the regions to homogenize the age of people vaccinated during August, placing emphasis on those who are still behind or require their second dose.

"Some (regions) have advanced very quickly but are not yet completing the coverage of previous age groups," Rosell said.

"Therefore, one of the agreements is to level ourselves in August so that, afterwards, we can advance with the 30-year-old group, which is scheduled for September," he noted.

The deputy minister also reminded citizens that the 50-year-old group is made up of 3.4 million people, followed by 4.6 million (40-year-old), and 5.1 million (30-year-olds).

Desde el Parque Zonal Huiracocha en San Juan de Lurigancho, el viceministro de Salud Publica, Gustavo Rosell, y el director de la @DirisLC_oficial, dieron inicio a la cuarta #Vacunaton contra la #COVID19 en Lima Metropolitana y Callao, que se desarrollara hasta el domingo 8. pic.twitter.com/qmm6QQgOA8
Within this framework, the Head of State affirmed that he will conduct a "timely and permanent follow-up" of the people who were appointed to the various ministries, adding that his administration will not allow a penny "to be stolen from the country."





"We are going to turn our government, into a government working transparently; an efficient government, and I would like to ask, through the media, all compatriots, who do not think like us and who do not feel like us, to help us oversee the people who hold a (government) post," he expressed.





Likewise, the President specified that there are certain fears among citizens who do not know those officials and others who were used to doing politics "behind closed doors."





"Today, I am convinced that there are even personalities who arrive with folders under the table, who are making some calls, even introducing some personalities in order to continue with those old tricks that are seen on the political scene, but we are not going to allow that," he emphasized.





In this sense, the top official reiterated that his administration will not only prioritize health, but also ensure that all Peruvian citizens' money "reaches out to the last corner of the country."





"But first is the vaccination, because Peru comes first," he said.












"This is because he has made clear that the fundamental principles of a market economy will be respected, such as the right to property, the right to savings, and that there will be no exchange or price controls," he told Andina news agency.





Likewise, the economist projected that responsible conduct in the fiscal aspect will be adopted.





"These are statements that bring some peace of mind to economic agents. Yet it is necessary to oversee compliance as time passes," he indicated.

Tax collection





Regarding Minister Francke 's statements in which he points out that tax collection has been evolving in a favorable manner and that there is fiscal space to implement the projects announced by President Pedro Castillo , Gonzalez Izquierdo commented that this fiscal space exists.





"There is currently fiscal space to craft a policy that brings relief to various economic sectors in the country. There is room to give the S/700 (about US$171) bonus (government grant to each vulnerable family hit by COVID-19), but the important thing is that this help be absolutely focused on those who really need it," he explained.





The economist added that this fiscal space comes from the important increases in tax collection, because mining companies are mainly registering increased profits due to high prices of minerals around the world.





"That helps a lot to create a fiscal space," he remarked.





Priority vaccination





Concerning the fact of declaring the vaccination process a priority issue, the university professor said that if it is necessary to spend, this should be done especially in health, education, and infrastructure sectors.





"Obviously, without falling into overspending," he concluded.
YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is banning plastic bags from 2022 to cut environmental pollution. The ban is expected to cut 12 tons of plastic bag circulation annually.

Lusine Avetisyan, the Director for Strategic Policy at the Ministry of Environment said at a news conference that they are working with plastic bag manufacturers ahead of the bans start.

Before the law was adopted we worked for a very long time with the businesses. They were the first group we worked with. We gave them 2-3 years to re-organize their production and find alternative solutions. I have to say that there are complaints in many cases and it is normal, she said.

Avetisyan cited the pollution which plastic bags cause, stressing that riverbeds across the country are full of plastic.

Unitrade Internationals founding director Avetis Varosyan presented their alternative to the plastic bags. Our company is importing the required raw materials, which is biodegradable and is an alternative solution to both single-use and re-usable bags, he said. Unitrade Internationals bags degrade in water, and anyone can simply heat up water and place the bag in it.

In turn, the Innovative Solution for Sustainable Development of Communities organization is offering another type of re-usable bags as an alternative. The NGOs president Mkhitar Avetisyan introduced the Loyalty Bag project. We offer re-usable bags with unique solutions. After buying the bag, the consumer must download the relevant application. When shopping at the stores which are connected to the system the buyer can accumulate bonuses, he said. 8 businesses have already joined the project.

The government policy is aimed at cutting the volume of overall plastic, and not cleaning or re-processing. The plastic bag ban is a part of a wider project, and soon other plastic products will also be addressed.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia NikolPashinyan visited the Ministry of High-tech Industry and presented newly appointed Minister Vahagn Khachaturyan to the staff.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Head of the Government thanked Hayk Chobanyan for his activities as Minister, emphasizing that they will discuss with the latter the issue of finding the correct and effective format for future cooperation.

Afterwards, Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Vahagn Khachaturyan on the occasion of assuming the post of the Minister of High-tech Industry, commenting on the reactions in the media over his appointment, Mr. Khachaturyan is the representative of the generation, who during the leadership of Karen Demirchyan, had a direct participation in the industrialization of Armenia. And I want to emphasize the fact that during the Soviet period, in 70-80s, the Republic of Armenia was a really highly industrialized country according to the criteria of that period.

According to Pashinyan, despite the fact that todays environment is quite different from the environment of that period, the goal of the establishment of the Ministry was to transform Armenia into a highly industrialized country. This is also the reason why we highlight and prioritize the agenda of opening of regional communications and we must consistently take all the measures for overcoming Armenias blockade and achieve the necessary infrastructures for supporting the industry. I am speaking about the railway, which will link Armenia with the world in all directions. Of course, its clear that this is not only the agenda of the Ministry of High-tech technologies, thats the agenda of our Government and the state system, Pashinyan said.

The newly appointed Minister thanked the Prime Minister for the trust and noted, I understand the responsibility of my work and what expectations there are. We all have the opportunity to participate in the development of the Republic of Armenia. My activities in the past have always been aimed at it, irrespective of my status. Now in this new status I feel much more responsibility, Vahagn Kachaturyan said.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Mario Draghi sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the message runs as follows,

Mr. Prime Minister,

In the name of the Government of the Italian Republic, and personally me I would like to convey to you my warmest congratulations on your appointment to the post of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and wish you success in your state activities.

I am confident that we will be able to work together based on the deep friendship that unites Italy and Armenia, aimed at strengthening our bilateral relations in every sphere, contributing to the perspectives of peace, stability and development of your country and the entire Caucasus region.

The upcoming official visit of President Sarkissian to Italy will be a valuable opportunity to deepen our superb partnership also in the sidelines of the relations between Armenia and the EU.

Please, accept my cordial congratulations.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the message runs as follows,

''Your Excellency,

Honorable Mr. Prime Minister,

I convey to you the sincere congratulations in the name of the Government of the People's Republic of China and personally me, on the occasion of your appointment as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

In the recent years Chinese-Armenian relations have recorded stable and healthy development, significant results have been achieved in a wide range of spheres.

The Chinese side is ready to reinforce the combination of the development strategies and deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation with the Armenian side, in order to ensure a continuous upsurge in the content of the friendly relations between China and Armenia for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

I wish Armenia prosperity and fortification, and happiness and welfare to the people.
The leaders of five Central Asian countries have gathered for talks in Turkmenistan, with the spiral of war in neighbouring Afghanistan topping their agenda as the United States-led foreign forces leave the country, Aljazeera reports.

August 6, 2021, 15:09 Central Asias leaders meet as Taliban makes gains in Afghanistan

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: The talks in the Caspian Sea town of Avaza on Friday come as the Taliban challenges Afghan government forces in several large cities after weeks of gains in the countryside, including in provinces next to the three former Soviet stans that border the country  Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov called Afghanistan the question that worries all of us on Wednesday as state television showed him receiving his Tajikistan counterpart Emomali Rahmon for bilateral talks ahead of the summit.

Meanwhile, Russian and Uzbek forces have also completed the active phase of joint military manoeuvres near the Afghan border as scheduled, the Interfax news agency reported on Friday, citing the command headquarters of the exercises.

Russia had said the drills would involve 1,500 troops. Both countries are nervous that a worsening security situation in Afghanistan could spill over into Central Asia.

A top Kremlin military official flew into the region on Thursday to observe the exercises and hold talks.

Fighting in Afghanistans long-running conflict began to intensify in May, when US and other foreign forces began the withdrawal due to be completed later this month.

In June, the Taliban captured Afghanistans main crossing with Tajikistan, Shir Khan Bandar, while Kabuls troops have been forced to retreat into both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in recent weeks during heavy fighting with the group.

The Taliban has insisted that it has no designs on Central Asia, and has established official contacts with both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan as it casts itself as a government-in-waiting.

But analysts argue that a growing security vacuum in the country can pose its own threat to Central Asia, as well as the regions growing economic cooperation with Kabul.

Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian militarys General Staff, arrived in Uzbekistan for talks on Thursday, and to observe military drills that are expected to wrap up next week.
The Azerbaijani troops opened fire from firearms of various calibers at the Armenian defense positions in the Yeraskh border section on Friday, at around 12:10am, the Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

August 6, 2021, 15:18 Armenian positions under Azerbaijani gunfire

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: As a result of the Azerbaijani shooting, the grass cover in the neutral zone caught fire.

''The Armenian side is carrying out actions of countering and suppressing the enemy fire.

There are no casualties from the Armenian side, the defense ministry said.
A major Australian energy supplier has been slapped with almost half a million dollars in penalties for wrongfully disconnecting hundreds of customers.

Victoria's Essential Services Commission fined Origin Energy $450,000 for disconnecting 349 customers between February 2019 and February 2020.

Many of the customers only received "vague text messages" as their final warning before their power and gas was cut off.

The commission found Origin had failed to provide "clear and unambiguous information" to customers about payment assistance they were entitled to under Victoria's payment difficulty framework.

Commissioner Sitesh Bhojani said energy retailers should only disconnect customers for failing to pay their bills as "a last resort".

"These customers deserve more than receiving a confusing text message and then having their power and gas cut off," he said.

"Energy retailers must offer a range of assistance, including flexible payments, bill deferrals and information about relief grants and energy concessions that may be available before disconnecting their customers."

He said there could be many reasons why energy customers struggled to pay a bill, including domestic violence, language barriers and other financial difficulties.

"Because of the lockdowns, many people not working, there are going to be businesses and households struggling to pay their bills," he said.

"Industry really needs to be mindful of this issue."

Origin has paid the penalty, remediated most of the affected customers and co-operated with the commission's investigation, he said.

Under the state's Energy Retail Code, retailers can only disconnect a customer for not paying a bill if, after issuing a disconnection warning notice, it uses "best endeavours to contact the customer".

Origin Energy retail executive general manager Jon Briskin said the retailer had self-reported the issue after identifying it through the company's processes.

The company has since apologised to customers, compensated those affected and improved its processes and communications.

"While the required information was provided to these customers in earlier communications, we regret these options were not reinforced in the final SMS sent to them after their disconnection warning notice," he said.
US army soldiers stand in formation during a joint military tactical training exercise with Bulgaria's and Georgia's armies, during the multinational defense exercise Defender Europe 21

The US Army announced Friday that it would retain troop sites in Germany and Belgium that had been slated for handover, saying they were needed for "growing" defense demands in the region.

The announcement underscored President Joe Biden's reversal of his predecessor Donald Trump's plan to slash US troops in Europe and move some bases out of Germany.

The army said its installations in Ansbach, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, Pirmasens, Stuttgart and Wiesbaden in Germany and at Caserne Daumerie near Chievres in Belgium would not now be turned over to the host nations.

The locations include housing, support facilities, a base for storing hundreds of armored vehicles, a warehouse location and administrative offices.

The reversal to plans made years ago to leave the locations is "due to growing requirements in the European theater," the army said in a statement.

In July 2020 Trump announced that the United States would withdraw almost 12,000 out of the nearly 35,000 US soldiers based in Germany, bringing some home and redeploying others elsewhere in Europe.

But Pentagon officials, citing the need for long-term planning for such moves, did not take immediate action and the current level of troops in Germany remains around 35,000.

After Biden came into office in January, the Trump plan was dropped as Washington views Russia as a significant threat to Europe and believes the US troop presence is crucial to the NATO mission.

In April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Pentagon would actually add another 500 US military personnel to its rosters in Germany, to be based in Weisbaden.

In June around 28,000 soldiers from the United States and 25 allied countries took part in the Defender 21 military exercises for building readiness and interoperability between US, NATO and partner forces.

pmh/ft
According to the woman, Cuomo pulled her in for a hug as she prepared to leave the governors office at the mansion. Told that youre going to get us in trouble, Cuomo replied, I dont care, and slammed the door shut. He slid his hand up her blouse, and grabbed her breast over her bra, according to her account.

I have to tell you, it was  at the moment, I was in such shock that I could just tell you that I just remember looking down seeing his hand, seeing the top of my bra, she told investigators.

She said she pulled away from Cuomo, telling him Youre crazy.

Cuomo has adamantly denied touching her breasts, saying I would have to lose my mind to do such a thing.

Records confirm that the woman was at the mansion for several hours on Nov. 16 and had at least one interaction with the governor, but Glavin said she also sent emails to staff while she was in the building that didn't mention that anything upsetting had happened.

Mariann Wang, an attorney for two other accusers, said the governor's lawyers are ignoring any fear the employees had of being punished by Cuomo if they complained.
A similar warning was issued Thursday as flames pushed toward the southeast in the direction of another tiny mountain community, Taylorsville, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Greenville.

To the northwest, crews were protecting homes in the town of Chester. Residents there were among thousands under evacuation orders or warnings in several counties.

No injuries or deaths were immediately reported.

Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer who has been in Southern California waiting out the fire, watched video of her Greenville office in flames. It's where she kept every journal shes written in since second grade and a hand edit of a novel on top of her grandfathers roll-top desk.

Were in shock. Its not that we didnt think this could happen to us, she said. At the same time, it took our whole town.

Firefighters had to deal with people reluctant to leave on Wednesday. Their refusals meant that firefighters spent precious time loading people into cars to ferry them out, said Jake Cagle, an incident management operations section chief.

We have firefighters that are getting guns pulled out on them, because people dont want to evacuate, he said.
Kia India has become the fastest automaker to sell more than 3 lakh cars in India, claims the South Korean car brand. The automaker has said in a statement that it achieved the milestone in less than 2 years.

(Also Read: Top 10 cars sold in India in July: Tata Nexon edges out Hyundai Venue)

The over 3 lakh sales number is largely attributed to the models such as Seltos and Sonet. Kia Seltos was the first car from the brand to launch in India. This premium SUV garnered a pretty good response from the consumers. Interestingly, the 300,000th car from the band was a Seltos rolled out from the Anantapur manufacturing facility.

Besides the Seltos, the compact SUV Kia Sonet too has been instrumental to fetch impressive sales numbers within a short span after its launch in India. The third model Kia sells in India is the luxury MPV Carnival.

The auto major crossed the first 1 lakh sales milestone in July 2020. The 2 lakh milestone was reached in January 2021. It took only six months to reach the next one lakh milestone. While the first one lakh sales were achieved in one years time, the next two lakh sales were achieved in the same time.

The auto company has informed in a statement that Seltos has contributed around 66% to the total sales for the brand in India. Compact SUV Sonet contributed 32% to the total sales. The Carnival MPV on the other hand has sold 7,310 units in the country so far.

The carmaker is aiming to strengthen its footprint across India by expanding its retail network. As the company has revealed, Kia India aims to increase its touchpoints to 360 from the current 300. It plans to cover 90% of the Indian market including Tier III, IV cities.
SAIC Motor posts 22.95% YoY drop in Jul. wholesales

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC Motor's new vehicle wholesales reached 352,546 units in July 2021, shrinking 22.95% from the previous year, while rising 7.3% compared to June, the company announced on August 6.

The automaker said the month-on-month growth reflected the positive affect of SAICs efforts to cope with the industry-wide chip shortage.

For the first seven months, the Shanghai-based auto giant sold a total of 2,649,831 vehicles, representing a 5.71% year-on-year growth.



Photo credit: SAIC Motor



In terms of July wholesales, the top 3 subsidiaries were still SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), SAIC-GM, and SAIC Volkswagen, and they all logged double-digit year-on-year decrease.



In July, SAIC Motor saw its new energy vehicle (NEV) wholesale volume surge 138.1% over a year ago to around 48,000 units. To be specific, three brands of SAIC Motor PV, namely, Roewe, MG, and R Auto, sold over 13,000 NEVs in total, representing a 219.4% year-on-year hike. The total wholesales of the NEVs under Wuling and Baojun brands zoomed up 135.2% to more than 27,000 units. SAIC Volkswagen recorded an 80.4% rise in NEV sales, which reached nearly 4,000 units.

In overseas markets, SAIC Motor's car wholesales doubled to around 51,000 units in July, over 26,000 units of which were from MG brand, a 80.1% year-over-year surge. The year-to-date overseas sales leapt 101.1% to 309,000 units.
Gasgoo Daily: Baidu-Geely EV venture cooperates with Continental

Baidu-Geely EV venture cooperates with Continental

On Thursday, JiDU, EV joint venture between Baidu and Geely, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Continental . Both sides will make full use of their technological and resource advantages to cooperate in such fields as intelligent electric vehicles and autonomous driving.

GAC Group July sales down 1.86% YoY

GAC Group sold 180,518 new vehicles in July, down 1.86% year on year. The cumulative sales in the first seven months jumped 19.68% from a year ago to 1,207,023 vehicles.

Geely YTD sales up 15%



Geely Auto announced its new vehicle sales reached 729,512 units for the first seven months of 2021, growing 15% from the previous year and fulfilling 48% of the Group's annual sales target of 1.53 million units.

SAIC Motor posts 22.95% YoY drop in Jul. wholesales

SAIC Motor's new vehicles wholesales reached 352,546 units in July 2021, shrinking 22.95% from the previous year, the company announced on August 6. For the first seven months, the Shanghai-based auto giant sold a total of 2,649,831 vehicles, representing a 5.71% year-on-year growth.

Baidu launches Apolong II

On Thursday, Baidu launched the Apolong II, an upgraded version of its first generation autonomous minibus Apolong. The Apolong II will feature autonomous driving capabilities which is comparable to those of a robotaxi, and will be able to cope with complicated open road scenarios.

Huawei sets up new digital energy company

Shanghai Huawei Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was established with a registered capital of RMB20 million. The new companys business include online energy computing technology development and new energy technology development.

AIWAYS ships vehicles to Israel

Chinese new energy vehicle startup AIWAYS shipped 60 AIWAYS U5s from Shanghai to Israel. The company has exported six batches of vehicles to Israel with a total export volume of over 350 vehicles.

Dongfeng Motor Group July sales down 22.3%

In July, Dongfeng Motor Group sold 192,340 new vehicles, down 22.3% year on year. In the first seven months of this year, the groups sales totaled 1,616,751 vehicles, up 16.13% year on year.

NEWRIZON launches two models

On Thursday, NEWRIZON, a smart commercial electric vehicle company in China, launched two new energy vehicle models, the iC1 and the EC1.

Volvo China cuts XC40 Recharge price again



Volvo China said it decided to lower the price of the XC40 Recharge to RMB286,000 ($44,244) after subsidies. Its the second time for the automaker to cut the models price in the past six months.

Hesai Technology, Horizon Robotics agree cooperation on LiDAR solution development

Chinese LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Technology and AI chip developer Horizon Robotics formed a strategic partnership on August 5 to co-work on the development of factory-installed LiDAR solutions for highly automated cars, according to a post on Hesai's WeChat account.
One of these students, Victor Gastelum, is in his fourth year at NAU. Originally from California, he visited the Flagstaff campus on a road trip with his grandmother and knew that NAU is where I wanted to go.

Shortly after arriving on NAUs campus, he moved to studying part time, working full time as a bus driver at the university to reduce his tuition. He joined ATA after it was established at NAU and was able to return to being a full-time student, part-time employee.

It was definitely a big relief when that amount of financial assistance came into play for a career path that [I] wanted to do anyway, Gastelum said. It just really incentivizes staying in Arizona and being a teacher here.

ADEs press release on their 2020 report said the pandemic had a limited impact on the size and average age of the teaching workforce in Arizona. Instead, there were fewer specialized teachers and more students enrolled in charter or online instructional schools.

While the overall size of the workforce did not change significantly, there was a significant decline in the specialized teachers needed to help bridge any learning gaps, according to the press release.
This executive assistant also told investigators that Cuomo had reached under her blouse and grabbed her breast in November last year. She is still an employee of the governor's office.

STATE ENTITY EMPLOYEE NO. 1

At an event in September 2019, this employee and her boss went to meet Cuomo and took a photo with him. She told investigators Cuomo touched her butt while the photo was being taken.

I felt deflated and I felt disrespected and I felt much like smaller and almost younger than I actually am because kind of the funny part of it all is I was making this project happen. So we were there because, you know, the work that I had been doing and have continued to do... so it was just very, yeah, a moment of like, disempowerment.

In an email written after the event that she sent to herself to document Cuomo's action, she wrote, I then felt a lot of emotions around Cuomos inappropriate touching of my body, mostly shock and anger.

VIRGINIA LIMMIATIS

An energy company employee, Virginia Limmiatis extended her hand to the governor while at an event in 2017. Instead of taking her hand, Cuomo slid his fingers across her chest, over letters printed on her shirt, and leaned in so their cheeks touched.
Valleywise Health, a major hospital system serving Maricopa County, announced it had opened a second COVID-19 unit to accommodate all the new cases. Dr. Michael White, the chief clinical officer, said the 25 patients theyre treating are primarily unvaccinated and under the age of 50. Between 1%-2% of them are pediatric patients.

Wearing masks indoors is crucial because it doesn't just protect "you, but others from you if youre asymptomatically having this virus even though you may have been vaccinated, White said at a virtual briefing.

At least six school districts in Phoenix and Tucson have defied the Ducey and the Republican-controlled Legislatures ban on mask mandates. The ban doesnt take effect until late September, but lawmakers declared it retroactive to July 1.

"Shout out to all the school districts in AZ defying @dougducey trying to prevent mask requirements in schools. Protecting our children and communities comes before bowing to the powers that be. Where you at @FlagstaffUSD1," Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy tweeted on Thursday.

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In addition, a Phoenix Union High School District biology teacher has filed a lawsuit challenging the districts mask mandate under the new law.
PHOENIX  Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona used his first speech in Congress on Wednesday to pay tribute to John McCain, the late Republican U.S. senator whose seat Kelly now holds.

His legacy is something that cannot be matched, Kelly said. But it's what inspires me serving in this Senate seat. And it's his example of bipartisanship and independence that continues to demand more of us."

McCain's widow, Cindy McCain, watched from the gallery as Kelly's guest. Shes awaiting Senate confirmation after President Joe Biden nominated her as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

Kelly was elected last year to finish the last two years of McCain's final term. He is a top target for the GOP and faces a tough reelection fight next year for his own six-year term.

Kelly has gone out of his way to pay his respects to McCain, a Vietnam War hero who was tortured during more than five years of captivity. He visited McCains grave at the U.S. Naval Academy the day before taking office last year and talks regularly about being inspired by McCains example not just as a politician but also as a fellow Navy fighter pilot and a prisoner of war.
I dont yet see compelling data saying yes, travel restrictions worked, except for maybe a few examples, such as New Zealand, she said.

Some travel restrictions may be circumvented by some people with the extra time and money to do so. Michelle Lariviere, who lives in a village about 45 minutes from London, flew to Croatia at the end of July, staying in a hotel there for two weeks, and then going to New York, because Croatia isnt on the U.S.'s list of restricted countries while the U.K. is.

She says what shes doing is nonsensical, but shes desperate to see her daughter and grandchildren. She hasnt seen them since September 2019, when they were 4 weeks old and 11 months old, and she had to take out a loan to pay for her trip.

I have to listen to my daughter crying on the phone wanting me to get there, she said.

For some U.S. visa holders who have long been frustrated with having a life in limbo, the pandemic made a bad situation worse. Raj Karnatak, a doctor in Milwaukee, has for years been on a decades-long backlog for a green card. Now he can't see his parents, who are in their 70s and live in India. There was a death in the family, and he and his wife couldn't go to mourn with their relatives.
With the delta variant of the coronavirus proving to be the most infectious yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of California and cities, counties and other states have called on Americans to once again routinely wear masks indoors.

With new infections more than quintupling over the past three months, it appears that both the CDCs May recommendation that mask edicts be dropped and Gov. Gavin Newsoms June decision to end most pandemic restrictions were premature. Yes, COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations are still far lower than what was seen in the first 11 months of this pandemic. But the U.S. is still in the middle of it.

Thing is, masks arent our best defense against COVID-19. Whats needed is to get shots in the arms of the 90 million Americans who are eligible for vaccines but who have not yet received them. Whats needed is for the Food and Drug Administration to finally realize that its failure to give full approval to the three vaccines in wide use in the U.S.  which have been administered with enormous success to hundreds of millions of people worldwide  is emboldening anti-vaccination rhetoric when the FDAs reassurances would fuel many more vaccinations.
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A section of Chinese universities, especially those located in the cities that have medium- and high-risk areas, have delayed the fall semester scheduled to begin around September due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country.





Eastern China's Nanjing city reported 317 cases of COVID-19 by Wednesday. Alarmed by the outbreak, the Southeast University canceled the summer holiday starting Monday to start the fall semester, which started a month earlier.

The Nanjing University of Science and Technology asked students not to return after summer holidays, and Nanjing Tech University implemented the closed-off management of its campus.

Tsinghua University in Beijing announced that the students in the medium and high-risk areas should not return to school and delayed registration of new students. The new schedule for students will be updated.

Beijing Language and Culture University and Fudan University in Shanghai have asked their students who are residing in the medium- and high-risk areas to refrain from returning to school temporarily.

Tianjin University in north China and the Northwest A&F University in the northwest postponed the beginning of their semester as well.
But he said the rule the board approved has the effect of law, and that if school districts dont comply, the board could hold up the transfer of state money.

If a parent wants their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right. If a parent doesnt want their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right, Gibson said.

In response to the governor's order, the Department of Health approved a rule saying students can wear masks, but school districts must allow parents to opt their children out of any local mandates.

So far, two Florida school districts have decided to follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and require masks when they restart classes next week, citing Florida's dramatic rise in coronavirus infections.

More than a dozen Florida parents filed a lawsuit Friday in Miami federal court against DeSantis, the state Department of Education and some of the largest school districts, alleging that the ban on mask mandates violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. They say their disabled children will be unable to attend public schools with unmasked classmates because they are at high risk of COVID-19 infection.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has pardoned 19 people for convictions ranging from cocaine trafficking to domestic violence, bribing a witness and shoplifting, her office announced Friday.

The pardons, signed Monday, represent the third round of clemency decisions since the Democratic governor took office in January 2019. She has now pardoned 50 individuals in all.

Nonviolent offenses such as fraud, burglary and telephone harassment dominate the list of pardoned convictions. In addition, clemency was provided in four instances linked to violent crime for shooting into a dwelling, domestic violence, battery and aggravated assault.

Nearly all of the offenses were at least a decade old, some dating back several decades, the governor's office said in a news release.

The governors pardoning power extends to all crimes committed under state law other than the offenses of impeachment and treason. The governor does not have authority to pardon convictions for violations of municipal ordinances or from other jurisdictions, such as convictions from other states and federal convictions.
Fairlambs involvement in the riot has eviscerated large parts of his life, his attorney said.

He has lost his business. The mortgage on his home where he lives with his wife is in peril. And he has been publicly disgraced, Breite said during an interview after Fridays remote hearing.

Breite said his client wanted to pay the price for what he had done and then move on with his life.

It wasnt so much about the deal. It was about his desire to own up to what he had done, make himself a better person for the future and move on, the lawyer added.

Fairlamb pleaded guilty to two counts, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. The counts carry a maximum of more than 20 years in prison.

Another video captured Fairlamb shoving and punching a police officer in the head after he left the Capitol, according to an FBI agents affidavit.
It was a labor of love, Norma Kathman said in an interview. It was wonderful to watch it evolve. It turned out even better than we expected.

Dennis grew up in Superior, Nebraska, while Norma is from Pittsburgh. Both served as missile systems launch officers aboard the Looking Glass from 1979-82 while assigned to SAC at Offutt. The couple had met while attending a training school in Mississippi soon after they were commissioned as Air Force officers in 1971.

The Kathmans job was as critical as it got in the Cold War Air Force: before taking off, they uploaded nuclear launch codes to the planes onboard computer.

If an order to launch the missiles had ever gone out during their alert shift, Dennis or Norma  Air Force captains at the time  would have been the ones to carry it out. Because they held the same job, they never flew together.

"Flying on Looking Glass was probably our favorite time in the Air Force, Norma Kathman said on the podcast. It was special for us to be part of that.

The Looking Glass mission grew out of the post-Sputnik shock over the Soviet Unions new space capabilities, something the U.S. at first could not match after the satellite was launched in 1957.
Laurel police officer Jackson Booth's first call with his four-legged partner, Colt, was quite the initiation. The team had just returned from K-9 school when Montana Highway Patrol requested Colt investigate a car that had just been involved in a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash.

"It was crazy," Booth explained. "There was a cat inside the car, a dog inside the car, sirens were going off, all the lights, so every environmental thing you could think of was going on at that scene."

Colt even had to sniff through the burning smells of oil and fuel from the wrecked cars. He was successful in zeroing in on the paraphernalia, which included a large amount of meth and a lot of cash. It was a proving test for the newly minted team and a demonstration of what the dogs need to be able to overcome when they arrive on scene.

"It was just crazy to see how dialed in he was to smell exactly what he was trained to do," the K-9 handler said.
The pipeline manufacturer recommended that one of its representatives be on-site for installations, but several parts of the Summit line were installed without one, including the part of the line where the spill happened, according to court documents. After the line was installed, Summit conducted pressure tests on it in 2014 but not at a high enough pressure as indicated by Fiberspar specifications.

Pressure tests are intended to ensure that the material has not been damaged in installation and to otherwise confirm the pipes integrity, the civil complaint says.

Inspection reports identified leaks and blowouts in the line and its fittings that required repair. The reports attributed the issues to faulty pipe or faults in the pipe, as well as to rocks pushing up against the pipe that had damaged it during the installation process, according to the complaint.

It "cannot be known with certainty" that the pipe's weakness was the result of negligent installation, but that "had the potential to be a cause or contributing cause to the blow out," the joint factual statement says.
Energy Transfer has maintained the line is safe, even as it's expanded. The Corps under Biden so far has allowed the line to continue operating.

North Dakota produces just over 1.1 million barrels of oil per day. The line under its new capacity can carry about two-thirds of that amount.

Oil production in North Dakota and other parts of the country fell significantly in the spring and summer of 2020 during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The states oil output has increased since then, though its still below the 1.5 million barrels per day produced before the pandemic hit.

McCrea said the volume of oil shipped across Energy Transfers major pipelines, including Dakota Access and lines in Texas, is at about 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

We think that were going to continue to keep our volumes where they are or grow, he said.

The Dakota Access expansion could prompt a shift in how companies move their oil out of the Bakken, said Justin Kringstad, director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority.
Kimberly Dudik also wasnt shocked to hear about the lawsuit based on the hurdles women in Montana experience when pursuing careers. She is a Missoula-based lawyer with Dudik & Associates, a firm that specializes in protecting citizens rights and advocating for policy reform.

Women in Montana are paid 73.2 cents for every dollar a man makes, Dudik said. She also noted that many women face an uphill battle when it comes to networking and making headway in their jobs.

I wasnt really surprised that there may be issues at UM and if there are issues ... Im glad to see that women are empowered enough to take a stand against what they see as institutional problems that are based in outdated gender norms, Dudik said.

Dudik is also an alumna of the university who graduated with her law degree in 2003. Bodnar was not yet the president when Dudik was enrolled.

While in school, she never experienced discrimination, but she did have an experience where a professor taught something that some of us felt was a little bit of furthering the rape culture and how women are objectified, she said.

Once it was brought to the professors attention, he quickly remedied the situation and apologized, she said.
"We're glad to see anti-energy groups like the authors of this study confirm that 'oil and gas production on federal lands has played a significant role in Wyoming's economic development' even though the report purposely undercounts oil and gas related employment," Ryan McConnaughey, the Petroleum Association's communications director, wrote in an email to the Star-Tribune.

President Joe Bidens Jan. 27 executive order suspending new leases for oil and gas drilling on federal land came as part of a broader effort by his administration to address the causes of climate change.

A federal judge ruled in June that the order was an overreach of executive power and required the government to resume quarterly lease sales  but, to the industrys dismay, did not dictate how many leases must be offered at those auctions.

The Biden administration is expected to publish a review of federal leasing that introduces program reforms by the end of the summer. The next federal lease sale will likely be held in September.

Federal lands make up a significant share of oil and gas leases in all five of the Intermountain West states  Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming  analyzed in the report.
Last week, Tracy Stone-Mannings nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, bound for a Senate floor vote to hopefully confirm her appointment to oversee nearly 250 million acres of our much-loved public lands.

Unfortunately, activities of acquaintances of Stone-Mannings from over thirty years ago are being used to try to overshadow a career steeped in common-sense, consensus-building solutions for our public lands and waters. For those of us who know Tracy, worked with her for decades, watched her singlehandedly walk heated discussions back to a place of commonality, and consistently approach situations with an open mind, these allegations are white noise to a thoughtful, courageous career that will not be silenced.

As a woman working in conservation  often a field dominated by white males  I wonder if a man had been nominated to lead an eighth of our nations land mass, would they have been met with such vitriol and contempt for alleged passions of youth, or would they be graded instead on the thirty years of work accomplished since? Regardless, the truth always finds oxygen, and Stone-Mannings tireless work on behalf of all Montanans will as well.
Bottom line, with only three-fifths of emergency responders' expenses included, the 93 "chronic high utilizers" ran up estimated costs of $10.3 million.

Of course, there are certainly many others in the next rank of "high utilizers" as well.

The report clearly shows the depth of the problem the city faces. It acknowledges the need for further analysis and the formulation of a nontraditional law-enforcement approach.

It also proposes common-sense measures, including increasing jail infrastructure  most of arrestees could not be taken to the jail in 2020 because of chronic crowding  and trying to fill the gap between jail and hospital with a "sobering center," used as a diversion to protect emergency room and jail beds. It points out that other cities have found such a center to be an invaluable resource in managing these populations.

It concludes, "Without serious dialog between all parties involved in the medical services, medical health and addiction services, and emergency response, millions of dollars and high amounts of employee resources will continue to be spent on a small fraction of the population."
The pending sale of Coal Creek Station has made its way to North Dakota regulators, who need to sign off on several permits so that the coal-fired power plant's incoming owners can operate it.

Affiliates of Rainbow Energy Marketing Corp. seek to purchase from Great River Energy the plant and the transmission line connected to it. The companies have applied for permit transfers from the North Dakota Public Service Commission related to the transmission line and a water pipeline.

The PSC first issued those permits in the 1970s to GRE's predecessors. Coal Creek began operating in 1979.

The commission is slated to hold an informal hearing Aug. 18 to discuss the matter, particularly with Rainbow. Commissioner Randy Christmann said he requested the meeting.

"This company is new to working with us," he told reporters at this week's PSC meeting. "I don't think they really have a background dealing with reclamation or siting in North Dakota, and I just thought it was important that we have a dialogue with them and just make sure we're all on the same page before things move along too far."

Rainbow is based in Bismarck and manages power and natural gas assets for clients within the utility sector.
Making global IoT connectivity seamless with TELUS Global Connect

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In this video, learn how TELUS Global Connect provides a platform for customers to enjoy reliable connectivity on their cellular IoT devices across 700 mobile networks in 190 countries.
Passenger lanes at both the Peace Bridge and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge remained relatively clear throughout Friday, but that was largely because there was so little passenger traffic. That situation could change at 12:01 a.m. Monday, when the border opens to nonessential travel for the first time since March 21, 2020.

Commercial traffic has long been considered essential, meaning truck travel over the border bridges has fallen only slightly during the pandemic. And on Friday, with Canadian border agents practicing a "work to rule" job action that slowed the customs process, the truck traffic at the border bridges was overwhelming.

"There's a safety concern when you get trucks backed up on the 190," Kenneth N. Bieger, general manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, said. "You know, you don't want somebody coming in there at 60 miles an hour and suddenly all these trucks are stopped."

Backups occurred at bridges all along the U.S.-Canadian border, Rienas added.

The Canadian unions, who represent customs agents at the Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, focused not on safety concerns, but on their yearslong contract dispute with the Canadian government.
If you've watched the Olympics you might have been reminded of that quixotic track-and-field event the steeplechase. Chuck Schumer can do it one better: the lectern chase.

Schumer, New York's senior senator and the majority leader, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, both walked out to give their weekly press conferences in the Capitol on Tuesday at the same time. It set up a dash to the cameras that would have made Usain Bolt jealous. McConnell looked to be in the lead the entire way until Schumer, at the last possible moment, elbowed his way in front and started taking questions. The incident was captured by CNN and quickly made the rounds on Twitter.
As part of the investigation, the inspector general's office asked the FBI to determine which agents, if any, may have been in touch with Giuliani. The FBI identified four employees, but each employee told the watchdog office during interviews they had not had any contact with Giuliani, according to the report.

The FBI said that the four employees had used their FBI devices to call telephone numbers associated with Giuliani, but the inspector general's office said that information was either outdated or meaningless.

The inspector general said it had concluded that the phone numbers used by the FBI were for the general line of the New York office of the law firm where Giuliani had worked and that two other telephone lines were for businesses at which Giuliani had not been affiliated since at least 2007."

The telephone numbers attributed by the FBI to Giuliani were not, therefore, specific to Giuliani, the report said. Accordingly, the purported investigative leads provided by the FBI based on alleged FBI employee contacts with Giuliani were inaccurate.



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It is conservative, reasonable and compassionate to allow local school districts to protect those students who are under 12 and not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine," he said in a statement.

The schools' lawsuit argues that the ban violates Arkansas' constitution. It seeks a temporary order blocking the prohibition while the lawsuit is considered. Another lawsuit by two parents challenging the ban is going before a state judge Friday morning.

No rational reason exists for denying public school students, teachers and staff, and the school boards which are obligated to keep them safe, the ability to ensure that all who work and learn in our public schools are as safe as possible," the schools' lawsuit said.

The Marion School District on Thursday said 839 students and 10 staff have quarantined since classes began last week because of its outbreak. The district said in a Facebook post that 46 students and 10 staff have tested positive for the virus.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott's order would only apply to city-owned parks and facilities, but Scott also urged private businesses to require masks. The rule takes effect on Friday and will be in effect through the end of the month.
The ticket window is open again for space flights at Virgin Galactic, with prices starting at $450,000 a seat.

The space-tourism company said Thursday it is making progress toward beginning revenue flights next year. It will sell single seats, package deals and entire flights.

Virgin Galactic announced the offerings as it reported Thursday that it lost $94 million in the second quarter on soaring costs for overhead and sales. The company posted revenue of $571,000, barely enough to cover one seat on a future flight.

The companys most noteworthy recent achievement came last month, after the quarter ended, when founder Richard Branson and five crewmates soared to 53.5 miles (86 kilometers) above the New Mexico desert.

CEO Michael Colglazier said the company resumed sales on Thursday to take advantage of a surge in consumer interest after the flight by Branson, who beat rival billionaire Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin ship into space by nine days.
Climate minister Alok Sharma's air travel to 30 countries in seven months is "bizarre" and sets a bad example ahead of COP26, a Labour minister has said.

Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, David Lammy said that reports COP26 President Mr Sharma flew tens of thousands of miles during the pandemic are "worrying" and demonstrate that "it is one rule for them and another rule for us".

The government's climate minister is under fire for flying to dozens of countries since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Sharma made 30 international trips in the latest seven months, including to six countries which are on the government's COVID-19 red list, the Daily Mail newspaper has reported.

It is believed many of the trips took place while international travel was all but banned in the UK and that Mr Sharma did not have to isolate after any of them as he was a "crown servant" on state business, an exemption that does, however, require a negative COVID test.

Speaking on Sky News, shadow justice secretary Mr Lammy questioned whether the amount of foreign travel Mr Sharma has undertaken was necessary.

"Well the optics are very clear - it is one rule for them and another rule for us. Whether it is Dominic Cummings, whether it is Matt Hancock, whether it is Alok Sharma," he said.

"And I've got to say, of course some international travel is required - but this amount of international travel when you are climate change minister feels to be bizarre and feels to not be setting the example.

"Particularly when there is quite widespread criticism of Britain's response to COP - just 100 days to go.

"So I think this is worrying. But it is more of the same from a government that really feels like the rules do not apply to them and their ministers and their class and groups of friends."

Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Sarah Olney echoed this point, adding: "While Alok Sharma flies to red-list countries with abandon, hard-working families can hardly see loved ones or plan holidays as the government changes travel rules on the hoof."

Story continues

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said the reports of Mr Sharma's travels "undermines the effort" that people have had to make.

"We've all got used to having meetings with people in different parts of the world without needing to travel around the world to do it," he told Sky News.

"And when we're trying to persuade people to make the changes they need to make, we need to make, in our daily lives, transport, in our own homes, in the way that we think about the contribution we can make, we need the people at the very top to be demonstrating that they are doing that too, not thinking that that is for other people to carry that burden."

And Green party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb said the trips were "excessive".

"When you're in charge of COP26, to take this many flights is hypocritical," she said.

The revelations come as the UK prepares to cost the COP26 global environment summit this autumn - now less than 100 days away.

Ministers are hoping to use the event to get countries around the world to try to agree measures to slash carbon emissions and limit global warming.

Mr Sharma's thousands of air miles in the past year have been seen as hypocritical in this light, with the aviation industry responsible for 2% of all human-induced carbon dioxide emissions, according to the air transport action group.

The climate minister's Instagram feed shows him travelling to various countries, including India in February and Bolivia and Brazil more recently - both of which are currently on the government's red list.

Other reported red list destinations have included Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Turkey.

The government says Mr Sharma is tasked with securing commitments from key nations as he prepares to host the climate summit in Glasgow later this year which has required some international travel.

The prime minister's official spokesperson told reporters that "some travel is essential" to secure action ahead of the summit later this year, adding that Mr Sharma "has secured ambitious action" as a result of his visit to Japan - with the government committing to the net zero target.

But there has also been some backlash against the COP26 president's exemption from quarantine when travelling back from red list countries.

Under government guidelines, those travelling back from the 33 higher risk countries - including Bolivia and Brazil - face a mandatory 10-day stay in a quarantine hotel at a cost of 2,285 - upped from 1,750 in the latest government travel update.

But as a "crown servant", which encompasses ministers as well as diplomats and defence or border security officials, Mr Sharma does not have to isolate as part of an exemption written into the COVID travel rules.

The guidelines for returning from red list countries state: 'You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel if you have been in a country on the travel ban red list in the 10 days before you arrive in the UK unless a relevant department of the UK government has certified that you are not required to do so and are:

a crown servant or government contractor travelling to the UK for essential government work or returning from such work outside the UK

returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK

returning to the UK where this is necessary to facilitate the functioning of a diplomatic mission or consular post of Her Majesty or of a military/other official posting on behalf of Her Majesty

It adds that the "relevant government department" will issue a letter certifying that someone falls into one of the above categories and is therefore exempt from hotel quarantine.

Those exempt are still expected to complete COVID tests on day two and day eight "where reasonably practicable", but do not need to complete the mandatory testing requirements if a relevant department of the UK government has certified that they are "a crown servant or government contractor travelling for essential government work" or "returning from conducting essential state business".

Government sources told Sky News: "Face to face diplomacy is vital to securing commitments from key countries at COP26.

"All UK government ministers who travel abroad are subject to the same rules on quarantine and to a COVID secure testing regime."

A government spokesperson added: "Helping the world tackle the climate emergency is an international priority for the government.

"Virtual meetings play a large part, however face-to-face meetings are key to success in the climate negotiations the UK is leading as hosts of COP26 and are crucial to understanding first-hand the opportunities and challenges other countries are facing in the fight against climate change."

Sky News has approached Mr Sharma's office for comment.
(Bloomberg) -- McDonalds Corp. investors are demanding the fast-food chain hand over internal files about what directors knew about former Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrooks romantic dalliances with subordinates, which led to his 2019 ouster and a legal fight over a $37 million severance.Three McDonalds shareholders, including a New York City police detectives pension fund, want the company to turn over records about Easterbrook removal and the firing of David Fairhurst, the chains top human-resources executive, according to a lawsuit unsealed Friday in Delaware Chancery Court.The men were ousted the same day over allegations Easterbrook had affairs with staffers while Fairhurst exhibited sexually inappropriate conduct at corporate events, the investors said. Their complaint didnt specify why they were seeking the internal documents other than they seek to investigate alleged misconduct, but such requests are sometimes made before a company is sued by shareholders.McDonalds record of sexual misconduct among its leadership may explain the Companys history of tolerating pervasive sexual harassment and discrimination, the investors said.

The company, in an emailed statement, said it has fully satisfied our obligations to the stockholders who had requested records. The claims that we havent are meritless.

McDonalds is suing Easterbrook in Delaware to claw back $37 million in stock awards because of his allegedly inappropriate sexual relationships with company colleagues.

The case over the propriety of Easterbrooks severance package is set to go to trial in May. Its become one of the highest-profile examples of a big corporation grappling with the #MeToo era. McDonalds officials accused Easterbrook of lying to them about how many subordinates he had sexual relationships with and destroying evidence of those liaisons.While McDonalds already has turned over some files about Easterbrook, the records theyve provided about Fairhursts dismissal are paltry, according to the investors complaint. The company contends the simultaneous ousters werent related.The investors are interested in board records about remedial measures taken in response to any complaints of sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, and/or racial discrimination levelled against McDonalds and any probe of the companys HR department, according to the suit.The case is The Detectives Endowment Association Inc. v. McDonalds Corp., 2021-0673, Delaware Chancery Court (Wilmington)

Story continues

(Updates with comment from McDonalds.)

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  A small but growing number of places in Kansas are requiring people to wear masks indoors, and Gov. Laura Kelly took another stab Friday at persuading more of the state's residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The spread of the more contagious delta variant across the state prompted the University of Kansas to reverse course and impose a mask mandate on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in Johnson County, in the Kansas City area. The university recently said it would strongly recommend masks but would not require them. The mandate takes effect Monday and applies whether someone is vaccinated or not.

The variant has continued to spread nationally and is now putting significant strain on healthcare systems throughout Kansas and neighboring states, said University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod.

Washburn University in Topeka also announced an indoor mask mandate Friday. Kansas State University announced last week that masks would be required indoors on its campuses.
Two people have been charged with election fraud, out of more than 3 million votes cast in the state, and prosecutors are still reviewing a handful of other cases that were among 27 forwarded to them by election officials. Similarly, very few potential voter fraud cases have been identified in Arizona where the type of audit envisioned by Brandtjen was done.

Democrats respond

In a tweet, Gov. Tony Evers took a swipe at those seeking election investigations as he marked the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

As politicians in this state and across the country try to abuse their power to predetermine election results, we are reminded our fight to protect the right of every eligible person to vote has never been more important, he said.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin described Brandtjens effort as an Arizona-style Cyber Ninja circus that makes clear that Vos has lost control of his caucus.
The university announced Thursday that the rock will be removed at 6:30 a.m. Friday. The rock will be placed on university-owned land southeast of Madison near Lake Kegonsa.

The university plans to erect a plaque in Chamberlin Hall to honor the former university president, UW-Madison spokesperson Meredith McGlone said. There were no additional details on the timing of the installation.

The university estimated this winter that removal would cost between $30,000 and $75,000  an amount that officials said at the time would be covered with private or gift funds. McGlone said a more recent cost estimate will be available Friday.

The Black Student Union led the call to remove the rock last summer. Nalah McWhorter, the groups president and a UW-Madison senior, said in an interview this summer that the demands to remove the boulder had been around even before she arrived on campus three years ago.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5)  Business owners from Calabarzon were shocked with the news of varying degrees of lockdown announced just hours before the tighter rules take effect.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said Thursday night that the province of Laguna, which is home to many commercial plants, will return to enhanced community quarantine on the same day as Metro Manila to curb infections caused by the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.

Calabarzon is second to Metro Manila in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks. Cavite, Rizal, and Lucena City were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine, while Batangas and Quezon Province will stay under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions from Aug. 6 to 15.

This is bad news for businesses in the country's manufacturing hub, where even big factories are barely recovering from last year's shutdowns.

Car production

First vice president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez of Toyota Motors Philippines, which operates a car plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, said a lockdown would mean a production loss of up to 200 vehicles per day and send about 1,000 employees temporarily out of work.

We are still waiting for the announcement of ECQ but if ECQ is again imposed in Laguna, we have no choice but to stop plant operations, he told CNN Philippines in a phone interview.

This is again a step backward. That will really put us into recovery mode again in the coming months to recover lost production during ECQ, added Gutierrez, who is also president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.

RELATED: Recovery of job losses due to pandemic may take until 2022  ADB

Prior to the surprise ECQ decision, which was made just hours before the first day of the week-long lockdown, Gutierrez made an appeal: Wag yung biglaan [Dont do it hastily]. We also have to plan, especially our production side. There are certain preparations to be made.

The official said production has risen by 40% from 2020, but this would slump again should lockdowns be enforced. Employees would likely have to render overtime work once restrictions are relaxed to catch up on the monthly and yearly vehicle production targets, Gutierrez added.

Food sector

Meanwhile, food manufacturer Monde Nissin said it does not foresee any major disruption in its Laguna plant as they are allowed to keep operating even under the tightest restrictions.

Although we have been forced to make significant changes to our operations over the past 16 months, we are fortunate that a good portion of our business has proven resilient to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, it said in a statement, adding that the government has ensured the unimpeded movement of goods and workers in the sector.

Transport shuttles are provided to on-site workers, the company added, while adjustments will be implemented in the face of the Delta variant by way of improved ventilation, air filtration, and movement of workers.

More restrictions spoiled the sweet run of startups like Auro Chocolate, which operates a factory in Calamba, Laguna. New product offerings and expansion plans have been shelved to focus on survival.

We do cater to hospitality, airline, resorts and casinos as well as food service sector and both domestic and exports. With their closure, a huge chunk of our demand then disappears pretty much overnight, said Kelly Go, co-founder of Auro Chocolate.

Of course, we understand the Delta variant and it is a grave global concern, but at the same time we have a responsibility also to our employees to continue to give them livelihood considering all the struggles that they've already gone through, she added.

Go added that the chocolate brand has been close to reviving pre-pandemic sales volumes, only to be disrupted again. She called for clearer policies for public transport, border checkpoints, and limits on movement for the looming ECQ.

The more lead time the better  but lead time also with clear details is what would be most appreciated, she said. We also want to have a lot of clarity on important services.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life, August 6)  Increased alert levels, new Delta variant cases, and traffic jams are some of the things that greeted Metro Manila as it went back into an Enhanced Community Quarantine for the third time.

The Department of Health identified 37 areas under Alert Level 4 due to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The indentified areas include eight Metro Manila cities: Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Pateros, Malabon, Taguig, Quezon City, Makati and San Juan. The alert level indicates moderate-to-critical risk, and the COVID-19 beds are more than 70% occupied.

READ: 37 areas under highest alert due to rise in COVID-19 cases, bed occupancy rates

For the first time since April 17, COVID-19 transmission surpassed 10,000 new cases. The DOH reported 10,623 new cases with an 18.4 percent positivity rate. The DOH also confirmed that the Delta variant has been detected in nine out of the 17 regions in the country. As of August 6, there are 119 new Delta variant cases detected, which raises the total to 450.

READ: DOH: Delta is present in all 17 NCR cities, municipality

As authorities have set up checkpoints in borders in ECQ areas to determine whether commuters are on essential trips, some people have reported long lines and waiting times. Some have even resorted to walking because jeeps are hard to come by.

"Nahirapan akong sumakay ngayon. Walang jeep, kita niyo naman walang dumadaan," Weng Rosales told CNN Philippines. (It's hard to find rides. There are no jeepneys passing).

READ: Border control points cause traffic jam on first day of Metro Manila ECQ

Over 1,200 police personnel were deployed to man the 89 quarantine control points across Metro Manila.

Prior to the ECQ, authorities have announced requirements for drivers who will continue reporting for work as APORs (Authorized Persons Outside Residences). These requirements include a certificate of employment from their employers, a business permit to certify that they belong to the industries allowed to operate during ECQ, as well as the identity, vehicle, and contact number of the workers' designated driver.

Below are scenes from Metro Manila as it closes its first day back in ECQ.

As Metro Manila enters its third iteration of ECQ, its business as usual for Verdant Market in Las Pinas City. Photo by JL JAVIER

The vaccination rollout continues at the designated sites all over Metro Manila through the ECQ. Photo by JL JAVIER

Long queues form outside a vaccination center in Las Pinas City as walk-ins try if they can get their first dose. Photo by JL JAVIER

A fruit seller and a tricycle driver waiting for customers in Binondo, Manila. Photo by JL JAVIER

Under ECQ, fewer businesses and establishments are allowed to operate with tightened health restrictions. Photo JL JAVIER

Some cities in Metro Manila have reinstated the quarantine pass, which limits the number of people who can go out to get essential goods. Photo by JL JAVIER

A woman pauses for a moment of prayer outside Quiapo Church. Plaza Miranda is currently off limits to pedestrians, but the surrounding streets remain bustling with fruit and vegetable vendors. Photo by JL JAVIER

Commuters in Pasay stand on the sides of EDSA while waiting for jeepneys. Photo by JL JAVIER

The MRT requires commuters to fill out contact tracing forms and to present employment or residential documents. Photo by JL JAVIER

For this ECQ, the DOTr has permitted public utility vehicles and other transportation systems to continue to operate with a limited capacity. Photo by JL JAVIER

Establishments and shops that sell essential goods, such as groceries and hardware stores, remain open. Photo by JL JAVIER

At 5 p.m., normally rush hour, the traffic along EDSA Guadalupe in Makati appears light. Photo by JL JAVIER

A uniformed policeman reminds jeepney passengers to observe social distancing and health regulations. Photo by JL JAVIER
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  The brutal killing of a transgender woman will undergo investigation by the Commission on Human Rights, the agency said, as the suspect is now in the custody of authorities.

Cindy Jones Torres was reportedly stabbed multiple times by the suspect, who has claimed self-defense.

"The case of Cindy Jones, as well as other similar instances of reprehensible and senseless acts of violence, stresses the harsh realities faced by the LGTBQI community, who are more vulnerable to hate-motivated violence even in present day society," the CHR said in a statement on Friday.

Metro Manila Pride, an organization that advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, described Cindy as a 39-year-old salon owner and a "joyful person" active in LGBTQIA+ activism in Bulacan. She was attacked late Wednesday in Guiguinto town by a man whom the CHR said was borrowing money.

Metro Manila Pride related that the perpetrator allegedly claimed "trans panic" defense which blames the transgender person for their murder.

"The trans panic defense has been used to excuse violence against transgender people," said the organization. "Any legal defense rooted in prejudice has no place in a just world."

The group said Jones' death was the 21st reported transgender murder case under the Duterte administration, as well as the 61st since 2008, with the actual numbers possibly higher.

The group again urged the approval of the SOGIE Equality Bill which was last endorsed to the Senate plenary in December.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  The Department of Education released on Thursday the school calendar for the academic year 2021 to 2022, which contains information about enrollment and vacation days, among other activities.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the recommendation to officially begin basic education classes on Sept. 13.

However, private schools and state or local universities, and colleges that offer basic education could hold classes ahead of the official school year opening date.

They can also deviate from the school calendar, but they must report "any deviation" to their respective DepEd regional offices in advance, the department said.

General rules

With Sept. 13 as the opening date, classes shall end on June 24, 2022.

"There shall be a total of 209 school days, inclusive of Saturdays and the five-day midyear break," the DepEd said.

Face-to-face classes, whether full scale or not, are still not allowed unless the President says otherwise, it also said.

"The Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan as contained in [Department Order] No. 012, s. 2020...shall continue to provide guidance on the delivery of basic education for SY 2021 to 2022," the agency said.

Moreover, conducting remote learning activities is permitted, but not required on weekends, according to the department.

Enrollment, orientation periods

The enrollment period will be from Aug. 16 to Sept. 13, and the DepEd said it will issue separate guidelines for this.

An orientation that covers the curriculum, co-curricular programs, and ancillary services must be held a week before classes begin.

A general assembly of stakeholders, including teachers and parents, must be done at the start, middle, and end of the school year, with a certain amount of time of the midyear and yearend meetings allotted for the presentation of school report cards.

Christmas vacation

Meanwhile, the Christmas break shall begin on Dec. 20, 2021, and end on Jan. 2, 2022.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  Companies with hefty profits despite the coronavirus pandemic should provide cash assistance to their employees in a hard lockdown, a consumer advocacy group said.

Providing aid should not solely rely on the government as companies have the financial capacity to provide crisis support to workers, Laban Konsyumer president Vic Dimagiba said during an interview with CNN Philippines' The Exchange.

"They can afford. 'Yung mga kapitalista, hindi pwedeng laging safe sila. 'Yung profit nila, bilyon-bilyon ang kinikita nila," he said.

"They also owe it to their workers," Dimagiba added.

[Translation: Those capitalists should not always stay on the safe side. Their profit, they earn billions.]

Earlier, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that about 1.8 million workers would be affected by the ECQ in the capital.

The Department of Budget and Management on Friday released 10.89 billion for the committed cash aid for over 10 million residents in Metro Manila.

Each eligible beneficiary will receive 1,000 during the enhanced community quarantine, with a maximum of 4,000 per family.

READ: ECQ 'ayuda' now ready for distribution

Dimagiba said the promised cash aid was "very small".

"'Yung ibang LGUs may kakayahan na magbigay nang mahigit. Siguro 'wag lagyan ng limit. Let LGUs provide assistance to their citizens, consumers," he said.

[Translation: The other LGUs have the ability to give more. Maybe don't put a limit. Let LGUs provide assistance to their citizens, consumers.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  Iloilo City's mayor on Friday appealed to the Health Department for additional hospital beds, saying local health authorities are now overwhelmed because they also have to attend to COVID-19 patients from neighboring provinces.

"It's really time that the DOH should look into helping Iloilo City hospitals come up with more beds," Mayor Jerry Trenas told CNN Philippines' The Source.

"Unfortunately, it is Iloilo City that is the referral hospital of all the patients coming from the province of Iloilo and all other provinces," Trenas said.

He noted that 30% of ICU admissions are residents of Iloilo City, while Iloilo province and other provinces account for the rest of the patients that the city needs to accommodate.

Trenas said they have no choice but to attend to severe to critically ill patients coming from nearby provinces like Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo and Antique, among several areas. However, the city's hospitals have now reached an 84% utilization rate and are "overwhelmed by patients coming from our neighbors."

Iloilo City, along with Laguna and Cagayan de Oro were placed under the strictest enhanced community quarantine on short notice on Aug. 6 to 15 following a rise in COVID-19 cases. Lucena City, Rizal, and Iloilo province were placed under modified ECQ under the same period.

Metro Manila is also under ECQ until Aug. 20.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  The police provincial director of Sulu was fatally shot while at a quarantine checkpoint in Jolo town, the Philippine National Police confirmed on Friday.

Initial investigation showed Police Colonel Michael Bawayan, Jr. was inspecting the checkpoint in Barangay Asturias at 4:20 p.m. when a fellow officer - Police Staff Sergeant Imran Jilah - shot him.

Bawayan's security fired back and killed the suspect.

The 49-year-old Bawayan was rushed to the Sulu provincial hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police have yet to determine why the officer attacked Bawayan.

PNP chief PGen Guillermo Eleazar has ordered an investigation on the shooting incident.

Police Brigadier General Eden Ugale, PNP Regional Director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, was instructed to form a Special Investigation Task Group to handle the probe.

The task group will be composed of teams from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group BAR, Regional Intelligence Division, Crime Laboratory, Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, and Jolo Police Station.
(CNN)  When Republican governors began prematurely lifting coronavirus restrictions in their states earlier this spring, US President Joe Biden and his team largely kept their heads down, ramping up vaccine distribution while steering clear of rhetorical battles with political adversaries.

But this week, as the Delta variant and low vaccination rates in several southern states sent cases soaring, Biden took a new approach: Castigating Republican governors who are standing in the way of mask and vaccine requirements  and calling out the governors of Texas and Florida in particular for enacting "bad health policy."

"I say to these governors: Please help. But if you aren't going to help, at least get out of the way," Biden said during remarks about the pandemic on Tuesday. "The people are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives."

Over the course of the past week, Biden has demonstrated new willingness to cross lines he was previously reluctant to breach, frustrated by the behavior of certain Republicans and exasperated by Americans who refuse to get vaccinated.

Earlier in his presidency, as he worked to stand up a nationwide vaccination effort and distribute coronavirus relief funding, Biden strived to keep politics out of his efforts, believing outright criticism of individual governors or vaccine-hesitant Americans would backfire.

Now, as another surge threatens the progress he's made on the pandemic so far, Biden has come to believe the time holding his tongue has passed. Taken together with the administration's new openness to vaccine mandates and heightened criticism of vaccine disinformation, the direct calls on governors to alter their behavior reflect Biden's impatience with forces he believes are prolonging the crisis.

When a reporter asked Biden specifically about the Republican governors of Florida and Texas, the President went further, alleging some of their decisions  like prohibiting schools from requiring masks or banning vaccine mandates  were unsound.

"I believe the results of their decisions are not good for their constituents," he said. "And it's clear to me and to most of the medical experts that the decisions being made, like not allowing mask mandates in school and the like, are bad health policy."

Still, Biden shrugged off a question on whether he would personally telephone Gov. Ron DeSantis to relay his concerns  "To say happy birthday?" he scoffed  and said instead the Florida governor knows where Biden stands.

"He knows the message. He knows the message," Biden said, adding he and the governor "had a little discussion" when the President visited the site of a condo building collapse outside Miami last month.

The White House defended Biden's decision not to make a personal call to governors like DeSantis, pointing to regular conference calls led by Biden's coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients. Press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House remained in touch with officials from Florida to discuss federal Covid efforts, despite the actions of the state's governor.

"We are working closely with the Florida public health officials and the governor's team to see if we can send a team down there to help address their needs. So that is ongoing," she said. "It doesn't mean we aren't going to call out when we think there's more steps that can be taken."

Until recently, though, officials said that they were mindful to avoid "rhetorical battles" with Republican governors who have stoked the pandemic culture wars and would likely welcome a confrontation with the Democratic President in office.

"Getting into a heated public argument over this is exactly what sometimes plays into people's hands who are making these decisions," a senior administration official told CNN in March. "The President's general view of the world is to not take the bait, not heighten the rhetoric, not trying to create a war."

That mentality changed this week as another senior official told CNN this week that some GOP governors "are putting their political interests ahead of public health." Psaki then made a similar point during her daily briefing on Tuesday, later echoed by the President himself.

DeSantis, who is expected to seek the presidency in 2024, was quick to respond to Biden on Wednesday, positioning himself as a defender of "the rights of parents" and warning that he doesn't "want to hear a blip about Covid" from Biden until he "gets the border secure."

"If you're trying to restrict people and impose mandates and ruin their jobs and livelihood, if you are trying to lock people down, I am standing in your way. I am standing for the people of Florida," DeSantis said.

Biden's vocal frustration with DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott underscores the difficulty he faces in containing another surge of the virus. Most of the decisions that will have the most effect in stopping the spread  like mandating masks and vaccines or ordering further lockdowns  will be made at the state level, limiting the President's power to alter the trajectory of the virus.

While Biden announced last week a new requirement for federal workers to be vaccinated or otherwise be subjected to stringent mitigation measures, he cannot mandate the vaccine for all Americans. Nor can he apply nationwide mask mandates; the guidance offered by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week was merely a set of recommendations that states and localities can choose to take up.

The White House has made clear it does not believe all Republicans governors are blocking progress on the pandemic. They have cited Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, who admitted this week he regrets signing a law banning local mask mandates, as a GOP leader taking positive steps to combat the pandemic.

But officials have become blunter in their assessment of other governors, who have rejected federal guidance and instead appear guided by standing in opposition to the public health measures recommended by the CDC.

Speaking in Miami on Tuesday, DeSantis sought to downplay the current situation in Florida, where coronavirus-related hospitalizations are up 13% from Florida's previous peak on July 23, 2020, according to the Florida Hospital Association.

"I think it's important to point out, because obviously, media does hysteria," DeSantis said. "You try to fear monger, you try to do this stuff. And when they talk about hospitalizations, our hospitals are open for business."

There are currently 11,515 patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the Sunshine State, according to a news release Tuesday. The Florida Hospital Association reports 84% of all inpatient beds and 86.5% of ICU beds are occupied. Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, 21% are in the ICU and 13% are on ventilators, according to the FHA.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Biden changes his tune by getting confrontational with GOP governors over Covid spike"
(CNN) -- Major players on Wall Street are beginning to push back their return-to-office dates because of surging Covid-19 cases.

Wells Fargo on Thursday said it would push back the reopening of its offices by about a month to early October, making it the biggest bank yet to shift gears because of rising Covid-19 cases. And BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is also delaying until October.

Those announcements came a day after US Bank, which had planned to bring employees across the country back to offices on September 7, announced a delay.

"There are increased caseloads across the globe, and the Delta variant has caused us to adjust our plans," Andy Cecere, US Bank's CEO, wrote in an email to employees.

US Bank did not announce a new date to return to the office, but said it will give employees 30 days' notice.

The change in plans by Wells Fargo, BlackRock and US Bank stands in contrast with the stance of other major banks.

Representatives from JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs told CNN Business on Thursday they haven't changed their return-to-office policies. Goldman Sachs brought employees back to the office in June, while JPMorgan staff members were expected back in the office by July.

But the Delta variant could force a rethink, especially if employees indicate they aren't comfortable with piling back into crowded offices, subways and buses.

Other companies are adjusting their return-to-office plans. On Wednesday, ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish told employees that the company has pushed its full-open date to October 18 at the earliest. The company had previously planned to open fully by September 20, according to a spokesperson, and has already been open to employees on a voluntary basis since July 6.

"We will continue to closely monitor the impacts of the Delta variant and the response from schools, governments and other employers as we finalize our plans to return to the office," Bakish said in a memo.

Earlier, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in a late-July blog post that the company was extending its work-from-home policy through October 18.

He said in part that "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."

And Bloomberg reported in late July that Lyft has delayed its return to office until February.

If more companies delay their office reopenings, it would deal a blow to the restaurants, bars and other small businesses that had been banking on a return of office workers this fall.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Big banks are starting to push back their return to offices in response to Delta variant".
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) - The promised cash aid for eligible Metro Manila residents is now ready for distribution after the Department of Budget and Management released a 10.89-billion fund for it on Friday.

National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon confirmed to CNN Philippines that the fund has already been downloaded, and may now be directly released to local government units.

More than 10 million residents in Metro Manila are expected to receive 1,000 during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), with a maximum of 4,000 per family.

Budget Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Tina Canda said in order to speed up the process, the local government support fund will not go through the Department of Social Welfare and Development anymore, and would instead go straight to the LGUs.

"(It) makes the process faster," she pointed out.

Earlier in the day, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippines' The Source that local governments would still need time to make the necessary logistical preparations.

"Ito pong sa ayuda, we hope the notice of cash allocation will be issued by the Department of Budget and Management today pero hindi ibig sabihin niyan na immediately today magsisimula ang pagbigay ng ayuda dahil may proseso pong pinagdadaanan iyan. We have to be fair to LGUs," Malaya said.

[Translation: In terms of our cash aid, we hope the notice of cash allocation will be issued by the Department of Budget and Management today but that does not mean the distribution will start today because there is a process that they have to follow. We have to be fair to LGUs.]

"My fearless forecast is by next week, makakapagsimula na po tayong makapagbigay ng ayuda (we will be able to start giving out the cash aid)," he added.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora told CNN Philippines the city would get exactly the same amount of 98 million that it received during the last ECQ. This can be distributed to residents as early as Saturday.

"The moment we receive this, the next day we can already start disbursing," he said.

The city government of Pasay, for its part, announced it is targeting to distribute the cash aid by Sunday.

Meanwhile, in separate messages, Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco and Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan said they are ready to distribute the aid anytime. Caloocan will tap service providers like remittance firms and e-wallets for the release.

CNN Philippines' Melissa Lopez and Glee Jalea contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  A probe led by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation will look into people involved in disrupting the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Metro Manila, a government official said Friday.

A police anti-cybercrime group will crack down on peddlers of misleading information, blamed for the chaos in Metro Manila on Thursday after thousands rushed to vaccination sites ahead of the enhanced community quarantine.

"May nag-organisa nitong pangyayaring ito para isabotahe itong vaccination program. We are taking this very seriously since this is a serious threat not only to public health but also to national security," Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a virtual briefing.

[Translation: Someone organized this event to sabotage our vaccination program.]

The chaos was triggered by rumors that unvaccinated people cannot go out for essential trips or receive cash assistance from the government.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, in a separate briefing on Thursday, said there was no such order.

READ: Misinformation drives mob to vaccination sites in NCR on eve of lockdown

"We are warning, hinahanap po kayo ng NBI at mga pulis para mahuli kayo," he said.

[Translation: We are warning, the NBI and the police are looking for you to arrest you.]

Malaya said some people who went to the vaccination sites live outside Metro Manila residents, and that it may be impossible to trace them for COVID-19 testing.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday urged people in these gathering to get tested and self-quarantine.

"I hope that after yesterday's potentially superspreading events, these will not happen again with the LGUs ensuring a well-implemented plan of safe and efficient vaccination activities!" Duque said.

"More importantly I appeal to our people to be prudent and responsible in not allowing themselves to be used by ill-meaning groups who peddle dangerous misinformation meant to confuse our people as what was going around yesterday like no ayuda or can't get to work if not vaccinated!" he added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  The provincial government of Cavite still needs about 5 million vaccine doses to protect its residents against COVID-19, Governor Jonvic Remulla told CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday.

"We still have a long way to go before we reach herd immunity. We still need another 5 million doses for us to reach that," Remulla said.

He added there are only 500,000 fully vaccinated residents in the province, four months since the country's vaccine drive started.

"We're at 4-million nighttime population. We are the most populous LGU in the entire country, yet the vaccination rate, we have only received a total of 1 million doses for the past four months," the governor said.

Remulla noted that hospitals are already nearing 90% capacity, especially with workers coming home from nearby cities outside the province like Makati and Muntinlupa.

He said the cities of Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmarinas have recorded a "concentration in cases," with people going to and from Metro Manila.

A barangay in Dasmarinas alone had to impose a strict lockdown after 600 active cases were reported this week.

Cavite was among the areas placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on short notice on Aug. 6 to 15 following a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Others were Lucena City, Rizal, and Iloilo province.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila shifted to the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on Aug. 6 to 20 while Laguna province and Cagayan de Oro will be under ECQ until Aug. 15.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Final Word, Cabuyao Mayor Mel Gecolea said they have observed an increase in COVID-19 infections, but did not specify by how much.

To address this, he said they are working on ramping up their vaccination program by immediately deploying whatever supply they receive from the national government.

Cabuyao recently hit 5,000 vaccinations in a single day - beating their 2,000-target, according to the mayor.

Taking advantage of being an industrial hub, Gecolea said they are also coordinating with companies to establish more vaccination centers to augment the city's two existing sites.
(CNN)  Delhi's chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in the Indian capital, as protests continue for a fifth day.

Since Sunday, crowds have taken to the streets to demand action taken against the alleged perpetrators -- as well as broader change to address India's high rates of rape, sexual violence and caste discrimination.

"The injustice this family has faced is unfortunate and cannot be compensated, but the government will give 10 lakh rupees ($13,480) to them and order a magisterial inquiry into the matter," said Arvind Kejriwal, the head of the Delhi provincial government and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday.

"There is a need to strengthen law and order in Delhi," he added. "I appeal to the central government to take firm steps in this direction. We (Delhi government) will cooperate fully."

Kejriwal added that the Delhi government would appoint top lawyers to represent the family.

Kejriwal made the comments to reporters on Wednesday, shortly after meeting the parents of the victim at a protest near the site of the alleged crime.

The 9-year-old girl  a member of the Dalit community, the most oppressed group in India's Hindu system of caste hierarchy  had gone to fetch water from a Delhi crematorium on Sunday, according to Ingit Pratap Singh, a senior Delhi police official, citing a statement from the victim's mother.

After the girl did not return for half an hour, the crematorium's priest, 55-year-old Radhey Shyam, called the mother and showed her the body of her deceased daughter, said Singh.

The priest and three other crematorium employees told the mother that the girl had been electrocuted while trying to fetch water, and convinced the mother to cremate the body, claiming it would be a hassle to involve the police, said Singh. About 200 villagers began protesting that night.

Police have since arrested the four men alleged to be involved in the girl's death, though they have not yet been charged, said Singh. Police are investigating the crime as an incident of caste violence, and are also investigating allegations of rape made by the victims' family and other villagers.

Apart from the judicial inquiry, several government bodies are also investigating the incident. On Thursday, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights ordered Delhi police to provide a report of what happened, including the autopsy report and any action taken against the alleged perpetrators, within 48 hours.

On Tuesday, the Delhi Commission for Women issued a summons for police to appear before the commission on Thursday, and to provide the relevant case documents.

Numerous opposition leaders, including former opposition party president Rahul Gandhi, have called for justice and expressed their support for the family.

But many activists and members of the Dalit community have voiced anger at a perceived lack of response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

So far, Modi has yet to comment on the issue or release a statement of regret.

Sambit Patra, a BJP spokesperson, released a statement on Wednesday calling rape "a very saddening and unfortunate incident."

"We heavily condemn the manner in which a small girl was raped in," Patra said, adding that "we all want the victim and her family to get justice."

However, the bulk of his statement accused opposition parties, specifically Rahul Gandhi  who visited the protests on Wednesday and met with the victim's parents  of politicizing the issue.

According to India's National Crime Records Bureau, more than 32,000 cases of alleged rape were reported in the latest available figures from 2019  one rape roughly every 17 minutes. But experts say that the real number is likely much higher, owing to the shame attached to reporting sexual assault and the social barriers faced by victims.

Those in low-ranking and oppressed castes  about 201 million people out of India's 1.3 billion population, according to government figures  are especially vulnerable, say human rights organizations and activists.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Delhi leaders order judicial inquiry into alleged rape and murder of 9-year-old girl"
(CNN)  An array of planets with similarities to some in our solar system have been found around a nearby star by astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

The star, known as L 98-59, is 35 light-years away from Earth. There may be as many as five planets in orbit around it, including an ocean world, a potentially habitable planet and one of the lightest-ever exoplanets ever discovered. Exoplanets are those that orbit stars outside of our solar system.

The research published Thursday in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

During these new observations of the system, astronomers determined that three of the planets include some type of water content. The two planets closest to the star are likely dry and rocky with just small amounts of water. These terrestrial planets, like Earth or Venus, are close enough to the star to be warmed by it.

Meanwhile, the third planet's mass could be 30% water. This suggests that it could be an ocean world, similar to some of the moons found across our solar system.

These three planets were first spotted by astronomers in 2019 using NASA's planet-hunting TESS mission, or Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The space-based observer is able to detect exoplanets using the transit method, which measures the dip in light that occurs when a planet passes in front of its star.

Astronomers have another method of finding exoplanets that is known as radial velocity, which calculates the wobble that occurs when orbiting planets create gravitational tugs on a host star. Measurements from the TESS mission were combined with the radial velocity measurements made using the Very Large Telescope to learn more about these planets.

In this case, it allowed astronomers to determine that the planet closest to the star is just half the mass of Venus -- making it the lightest exoplanet ever detected using radial velocity.

"This is a step forward in our ability to measure the masses of the smallest planets beyond the Solar System," said Maria Rosa Zapatero Osorio, author of the new research and an astronomer at the Centre for Astrobiology in Madrid, Spain, in a statement.

During their research, team members also discovered a fourth planet and the hint of a potential fifth planet that wasn't captured in the previous data from TESS. That fifth planet may be at the right distance from the star to allow liquid water to form on the surface. This is known as the star's habitable zone.

"The planet in the habitable zone may have an atmosphere that could protect and support life," Zapatero Osorio said.

This planetary system is an ideal target for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch into orbit around Earth in October, as well as the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope set to begin observations from Chile in 2027.

Both may be able to peer into the atmospheres of these planets. This opens up the potential to discover biosignatures, or signs of life, outside of our planet.

"This system announces what is to come," said Olivier Demangeon, lead study author and a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica e Ciencias do Espaco, University of Porto in Portugal, in a statement. "We, as a society, have been chasing terrestrial planets since the birth of astronomy, and now we are finally getting closer and closer to the detection of a terrestrial planet in the habitable zone of its star, of which we could study the atmosphere."

This story was first published on CNN.com Planets similar to those in our solar system found around nearby star
(CNN)  The US Justice Department has made the extremely rare move of intervening in a court case against a former top Saudi intelligence official who has been targeted by Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince, in order to protect classified intelligence secrets.

If the court case is allowed to proceed, the Justice Department said in a motion filed Tuesday, it could lead to "the disclosure of information that could reasonably be expected to damage the national security of the United States."

The case was brought against Saad Aljabri, a former top Saudi counterterrorism official who is widely respected by US intelligence and counterterrorism officials and credited by them with saving hundreds, maybe thousands, of American lives.

Aljabri  who fled to Canada in 2017  became a nemesis of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, after working for years alongside the country's head of counterterrorism, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was a rival of Salman's for the throne.

A group of Saudi companies owned by the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, which the prince controls, then brought embezzlement cases against Aljabri, first in Canada and now the United States. Aljabri denies the accusations and accuses the prince, known as MBS, of sending an assassination squad to Canada to try to kill him and of holding two of his children hostage in Saudi Arabia.

Aljabri has alleged that MBS made multiple attempts to lure him back to Saudi Arabia and said that the hit team sent to Canada was part of the same team that had killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi just days earlier.

The group of Saudi companies that has brought the cases against Aljabri was, according to the Justice Department's own filing, established "for the purpose of performing anti-terrorism activities."

The holding company, called Sakab, accuses Aljabri of defrauding them. In order to defend himself against the charges, the Justice Department says Aljabri intends "to describe and present evidence regarding alleged sensitive national security information."

"It's definitely rare for such [Justice Department] filings to occur," said Marc Raimondi, who recently left the Justice Department where he served as a spokesman for the National Security Division.

According to a source who used to serve in government and is familiar with the case and intelligence, the classified information that could come to light includes intelligence relationships, operations, classified sources and methods. The revelations could also be embarrassing, particularly to Obama-era officials, given the often "unseemly" nature of the intelligence world, the source added.

'The right thing to do'

"It's the right thing to do. You don't want to disclose these things," the source said.

By bringing the case against Aljabri in the United States, Saudi Arabia and its defacto ruler have put not only the US in a difficult position but prioritized the feud with Aljabri over the two countries' relationship, the former government source said. The source added: "It appears to me a very personal vendetta that doesn't have long term interests both for the kingdom and for the US and for intelligence cooperation in the future."

The Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

Last week, a bipartisan group of senators wrote to President Joe Biden praising Aljabri's two decades of partnership with the US and calling on Biden to help with Aljabri's imprisoned children, Omar and Sarah, 22 and 21, respectively. They also highlighted the danger MBS's campaign against Aljabri presents to US national security and directly reference the possibility that classified information could be exposed.

'Using the children as leverage'

"The Saudi government is believed to be using the children as leverage to blackmail their father and force his return to the kingdom from Canada, where he currently resides in fear of possible retribution for his previous support for a rival of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salmon [sic]," the letter reads, which was signed by Sens. Marco Rubio, Tim Kaine, Patrick Leahy and Ben Cardin.

"The prolonged persecution of Dr. Aljabri and his family members has now evolved to risk the exposure of classified U.S. counter-terrorism projects," the letter concludes. "In light of these recent developments, we urge you and your administration to pursue an amicable resolution that secures the immediate release of Omar and Sarah and protects U.S. national security interests."

In addition to the two imprisoned children, Saudi authorities have detained some 40 other Aljabri family members and associates who remain in detention, Human Rights Watch reported, citing an Aljabri family member.

"For four years now, Dr. Saad has upheld the oath he's taken to protect state secrets despite the ruthless campaign against him, his children and family by MBS," an advisor to Aljabri said in a statement. "The US government becoming party to this case to protect its interests is a welcomed step but it's high time for a facilitation of a full and amicable resolution that frees his children and protects him from further persecution."

The Justice Department's motion Tuesday says that on top of its "weighty interest in intervening," it is considering asserting state secrets privilege, which would allow the US government to block information that is harmful to national security. A final decision will be made by the end of the month.

This story was first published on CNN.com "US intervenes to protect state secrets in Saudi Crown Prince's vendetta against former spy"
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The DHHS offices are the latest organization to join the booming West 23rd Street development. Walmart sat on that site until 2005 when it moved to the east side of town. A call center operated in the former Walmart building from 2008 to 2015; that business moved out of state. The building then stayed empty until about two years ago.

Six businesses have been established on the 12-acre site with a developer taking advantage of tax-increment financing: Bomgaars Supply Inc., Hampton Inn, Legacy 23 Apartments, Freddys Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Starbucks and Nelnet.

Bomgaars was the first development on the land, having moved into the old Walmart building in January 2019. Freddy's opened in a newly-constructed building in May 2020, with both Hampton Inn and Legacy 23 following close behind in July 2020. In 2021, Starbucks opened its first stand-alone building in Columbus in February, and Nelnet moved into the old Walmart in May.

"There's just a lot of stuff going on in that general area, and I'm very very pleased to see that," said Columbus City Council Member John Lohr, who represents the fourth ward. "Most of it's new (construction that) wasn't here to begin with. As far as development is concerned, that's a good thing."
Senior health official Lee Ki-Il said the average number of daily infections this week is 1,451, a decrease from last weeks 1,506. Lee still calls the size of the ongoing outbreak big and says its unclear if the outbreak will display a downward trajectory soon.

Lee says authorities will continue to place the Seoul area under the toughest distancing restrictions until Aug. 22. He says the second highest distancing guidelines enforced on non-capital regions will also be extended for two additional weeks.

In Seoul and nearby cities and towns, private gatherings of three or more people are banned after 6 p.m. High-risk facilities such as nightclubs are not allowed to operate, and weddings and funerals can be attended by up to 49 people. 

TRENTON, N.J.  New Jersey students from kindergarten to 12th grade will be required to wear masks in schools when the new year begins in a few weeks, Gov. Phil Murphy is set to announce Friday as COVID-19 cases rise in the state.

Murphy, a Democrat seeking reelection this year, will formally announce the decision Friday, according to spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna.

The decision to require masks is an about-face from just a few weeks ago when Murphy said it would take a deterioration of COVID-19 data to require masks.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Qatar Airways said Thursday it grounded 13 Airbus A350s over what it described as fuselages degrading at an accelerated rate in the long-range aircraft, further escalating a monthslong dispute with the European airplane maker over the issue.

While Airbus declined to specifically discuss the announcement, Qatar Airways' decision to ground the aircraft raised questions about the A350s' carbon composite fuselage, designed to make the twin-aisle aircraft lighter and cheaper to operate by burning less jet fuel. Qatar Airways also is one of the world's top operators of the aircraft.

In its statement, Qatar Airways said it had been monitoring the degradation beneath the paint on the fuselage of the aircraft for some time. It described the issue as a significant condition, without elaborating.

Following the explicit written instruction of its regulator, 13 aircraft have now been grounded, effectively removing them from service until such time as the root cause can be established and a satisfactory solution made available to permanently correct the underlying condition, the airline said in its statement.
The way the board handled this vacancy reinforced a perception at-large in the community that the district lacks transparency, Wagner said. The shading on this is getting old and people are really getting upset. Why couldnt you offer interviews?

Prior to the meeting, The Sentinel asked Board President Liz Knouse questions about the procedure in the lead-up to nominations and the formal vote. She said there was no time to interview all 12 candidates given the quick turnaround on the appointment. State law required the board to fill the vacancy within 30 days of July 2.

But Wagner noted that only four of the 12 candidates showed up for the meeting. Thats not very many, he said. There are people on this board who were appointed at meetings. They were interviewed.

In the past, for some vacancies, sitting board members have interviewed candidates. This time, board members were given access to all the resumes and letters of interest so that they could review credentials prior to the meeting, Knouse said.

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There was nothing done beyond papers being turned in, said Danielle Archulet, who also objected to the lack of interviews. It felt like who you know is going to get you on the committee. Brad Group, they are familiar with you from working here.
The goal is to plan an event as close to traditional as possible, Roberts said. One strategy may be to base the groundwork on lessons learned from holding the prom this past spring, he said.

We will apply all the precautions to allow for a safe event, Roberts said. We will evaluate the situation at the time to determine the safest way to have it.

Carryovers

Still, even with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and its delta variant, administrators are optimistic about outcomes and the dynamics at work within their districts.

We are hoping to have students back to a normal instructional environment that utilizes group work and small group instruction, Christopher said. We are trying to maintain distance between student desks where feasible. In addition, with the opening of the 9th Grade Academy, we did reduce the number of students at the high school by around 700 students, so that will also help with crowding at our largest school.
Last Friday, Biden announced new sanctions against Cubas national revolutionary police and its top two officials. The president also created a working group to review U.S. remittance policy to make sure the communist government is not taking a cut of the money Cubans send from the U.S. to the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said last month that the government was not taking any of the money.

Former President Donald Trumps administration took more than 200 actions against Cuba, including limiting individual trips to the island from the U.S., barring cruise ship visits and capping remittances. The Republicans gathered in Miami said Thursday that they were against lifting the caps.

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said increasing remittances is something the regime has been asking for.

Diaz-Balart added that he had participated in previous classified briefings during which several options to improve access to the internet had been presented. He said he could not release any details, but that such measures had been used in other countries.
Senate passage comes after 21 House Republicans voted against the measure in June, some of them objecting to the language in the bill that referred to a mob of insurrectionists. Trump, along with many Republicans still loyal to him, has downplayed the rioting and tried to rebrand it as a peaceful protest, even as law enforcement who responded that day have detailed the violence and made clear the toll it has taken on them. Four officers gave emotional testimony in Congress last week about their mental and physical injuries.

No Senate Republicans objected. The top Republican on the Senate Rules panel, Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, said the medals recognize the selflessness, the dedication, the willingness to stand in the way of danger. Blunt said he hopes they will send a clear message of appreciation to the two departments.

At least nine people who were there died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber and three other Trump supporters who suffered medical emergencies. Two police officers died by suicide in the days that immediately followed, and a third officer, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters. A medical examiner determined he died of natural causes.
Each year at the end of July, a new Resident Education Program student body arrives in Carlisle to begin U.S. Army War College studies. This years cohort is part of the USAWC Class of 2022.

My similar journey began two decades ago with meeting our seminar mates in early August 2000, then engaging in the curriculum, and finally completing the course with graduation in June 2001. Like our new students, I was excited and anxious about the year ahead.

From our first meeting, I was impressed by the quality of my seminar peers. Each of us came from diverse backgrounds of branches, services and components (active, guard/reserve and civilian), as well as from various countries represented by international fellows. It was clear that although we had very bright individual members with extensive experience and unique expertise, no one was as bright as the collective talent within the seminar.

Egos, therefore, had to be placed in check. We had to manage our personalities and be aware of our preferences as well as biases in this new learning environment. Appropriately, an early objective for the war college was to establish norms that would guide our behavior within the seminar and with members of the other seminars across the student body.
The Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced a DOORS on Tour Competition that will culminate Sept. 2 when somebody will win a brand new Blackstone Griddle valued at $399.

The chamber-sponsored DOORS on Tour features the work of local artists using doors as their canvas. The DOORS are placed around the city of Farmington, as well as other locations in the Parkland, providing visitors a colorful, creative, and memorable way to remember the community.

Executive Director Candy Hente provided some background on the program, saying, We know there are many other recognizable communities with things we associate with those towns  for instance, Steelville with canoes. We were looking at painting fiberglass cows, to be honest, but they were too expensive to get. Chicago did art cows several years back. The artists painted them in kinds of beautiful ways  and they were all over Chicago.
I think that's one of the messages we've been really pushing for the past 18 months especially, she said. Not only does it protect your child, but it's also for the health of friends, classmates and others in the community, even with our traditional back-to-school immunizations.

Not only has the community seen an increase in COVID cases, Ragsdale said, the health center has seen more Hepatitis A cases recently. They normally see around one case a month but have seen eight this past month, which she said is unusual. Plus flu season is on the horizon.

We know that providing the vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect your child, she added.

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If a parent/guardian is unsure of the immunization their child needs, Ragsdale said they can contact the health center or their childs school or they can check with reliable resources like the AAP or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At the clinics, if the child is under 18, they will need a parent/guardian with them or a signed consent form.

They do need to be accompanied by someone that can drive them, Ragsdale said. We normally do not let students drive afterwards. If they do come by themselves, they do have a waiting period afterwards before they can leave.
PHOENIX (AP)  Democratic Arizona state Sen. Tony Navarrete was charged with multiple sex crimes involving a minor and his bond set at $50,000 during his initial court appearance on Friday.

Navarrete, 35, did not enter a plea on the charges, including child molestation and sexual contact with a minor. He appeared by video from jail, most of the time holding an iPad so that only his forehead could be seen.

Navarrete is accused of repeatedly abusing a boy with whom he was living with over a period of several years, according to court records. The boy, now 16, told detectives that Navarrete touched his genitals with his hands and mouth, starting when he was around 12 or 13 and continuing through his 15th birthday. The teen said he suffers from anxiety and anger that stems from the abuse.

The teen's younger brother, now 13, told police that Navarrete touched his upper leg inside his shorts, causing the boy to slap away the hand and get up, detectives wrote in a probable cause affidavit filed in court.

Police said the 16-year-old boy called authorities on Wednesday.
***

BUT WILL CUOMO BE CHARGED?

State Attorney General Letitia James, who oversaw the probe, said there would be no criminal referral but local police and prosecutors can use the evidence and findings to build their own cases. The district attorney in New York's capital, Albany, said Tuesday he was requesting James' investigative materials and encouraged victims to come forward.

***

CUOMO TOLD THE PUBLIC TO WAIT TO JUDGE HIM UNTIL THE INVESTIGATION WAS COMPLETE. WHAT DOES HE SAY NOW?

Cuomo is more defiant than ever, disputing allegations in a taped response and saying "the facts are much different than what has been portrayed" and that he "never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances." He also alleged that the investigation itself was fueled by "politics and bias."

***

HOW IS CUOMO EXPLAINING HIS BEHAVIOR?
Consolvo said its clear that people sought out where Chandler was staying at a hotel in Henrico and videotaped her arrest. Chandler interrupted the proceedings saying Im famous on the internet loudly, and then Heilberg told her not to speak until spoken to by the court.

Chandler was sworn in to summarize a plan she had for bond, however didnt appear to address that and instead asked the court to allow her to go pick up personal possessions and said she would be willing to proceed with everything if I can get that done.

Judge Barredo told Chandler that there are two things to consider when deciding bond: whether a defendant is likely to appear at trial and if the defendant constitutes an unreasonable danger to himself, his family or his community. Chandler again interrupted the judge saying she. The judge said he was reading from the state statute itself.

Barredo said due to the nature of the offense alleged and the fact that there appears to be a personal danger to the defendant and to the public at large he remanded her held without bond until the preliminary trial, scheduled for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
Jackson made his comments in a virtual press conference Thursday. He said COVID-19 is likely to be around for some time as the virus mutates.

Weve only known about this virus for about 19 months so theres still a lot to know, he said. I think that the most likely scenario is that COVID 19 will remain with us as a respiratory pathogen among the population much like influenza continues to do, and vaccination will continue to be a major emphasis.

Dr. Reid Adams, director of clinical affairs for the UVa Medical Center, said COVID cases treated at the hospital have increased in the past two months.

We were running around eight to 10 patients with COVID-19 and were now running in the range of 15 to 20, Adams said at the UVa press conference. Were seeing an uptick in the number of people requiring hospitalizations.

Hospital officials said those patients hospitalized have, so far, been unvaccinated. Studies show the delta variant has made its way past vaccine defenses to cause what are known as breakthrough cases in vaccinated people.

Those cases tend to be more mild or asymptomatic and seldom result in hospitalization or death, but studies show vaccinated people who are infected can easily spread the virus to others.
RICHMOND  Students and employees at Virginias community colleges will be required to wear masks while indoors, said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

The VCCS will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DuBois said in a letter to college presidents Wednesday. That includes layered prevention strategies at colleges and for vaccinated people to wear a mask in settings with substantial levels of transmission.

All of the states 23 community colleges, including Piedmont Virginia Community College, serve localities that have shown substantial or high transmission rates in recent days, the chancellor said. There have been more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases at Virginias four-year universities since the pandemic began, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch survey of college figures.

Colleges have the flexibility to decide when to implement the rule. The VCCS will allow them to apply the mandate in a manner that best suits each college. For example, professors can remove their masks when standing at a safe distance or behind a plexiglass barrier.

PVCC implemented the new mask policy Thursday. The policy applies to all indoor facilities owned or leased by the college.
Yes. I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home.

No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage.

I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it.

Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time.

Vote

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Hutchinson faced heavy opposition from fellow Republicans, who had been inundated with calls and messages from opponents of masks in schools.

The governor, who has said he regretted signing the ban into law, said he agreed with Fox's decision but didn't plan to reimpose the statewide mask mandate he lifted in March. He also criticized lawmakers who opposed taking action, saying many of them had taken a casual, if not cavalier, attitude toward the state's COVID-19 crisis.

What concerns me is many are simply listening to the loudest voices and not standing up with compassion, common sense and serious action," he told reporters.

Republican Attorney General Leslie Rutledge was talking with the governor and Legislature about the ruling to determine the next steps, her office said. Hutchinson, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the state and legislative leaders, left open the possibility of separately asking the state Supreme Court to uphold Fox's ruling if it's appealed.
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Denton businesses grapple with CDC guidance as local cases rise

Jeff Woo/DRC Barista Millie Isbell makes a coffee drink for a customer on Wednesday at Armadillo Brewing Company.

Reactions to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions latest masking guidelines are varying widely among area businesses as the rate of residents infected with COVID-19 rises to its highest since February in Denton County.

The CDC on July 27 released updated guidance advising vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in areas with elevated COVID-19 transmission, which includes Denton County. The recommendation rolls back a relaxation of guidance from May that fully vaccinated people did not need to wear masks indoors and comes on the heels of new data about the more contagious delta variant of the virus and a rise in cases nationwide. Denton County Public Health estimates about 1,000 residents contracted COVID-19 the week of July 18-24 and anticipates cases will remain over 1,000 in the weeks following.

For local business owners, the surge is leading to difficult decisions on how to keep customers and employees safe.

We are strongly encouraging masks [among customers] but its really hard for us to enforce that, because the people who dont want to mask up are very adamant that theyre not going to mask up, Armadillo Ale Works owner and head brewer Bobby Mullins said.

Armadillo is among Denton businesses that began requiring public-facing employees to mask up shortly after the CDCs announcement. As a business focused on alcohol, Mullins said that aside from being the right decision, its a necessary step to protect his brewery.

We all took the brunt of the shutdowns last year, so I need to show these government entities that we are doing everything we can to prevent this from getting out of hand again, because I worry that we will be the first ones shut down again if things get worse, Mullins said.

Other locally owned spots like Patchouli Joes Books & Indulgences on the Square are taking the same approach for staff but stopping short of requiring customers to wear facial coverings. Some major retailers with Denton locations, including Walmart, Sams Club and Target recently announced that they would also once again require associates to mask up, with Targets policy only requiring it for team members in counties deemed high-risk.

Since Denton County is among the 80% of counties nationwide that have high COVID-19 transmission per the CDCs guidelines, the latest masking recommendations apply to residents, said Juan Rodriguez, assistant director and chief epidemiologist at Denton County Public Health.

Estimates of the delta variant in the United States is about 93%, so the vast majority of COVID infections are from delta, which appears to be more infections than alpha  which was more infectious than the original, Rodriguez said. It does seem to spread easier between people, and the risk  especially for the unvaccinated  can be a little higher indoors than outdoors, and thats why the recommendation would be for people to wear masks indoors, vaccinated or not.

While Gov. Greg Abbott in July prohibited local officials, school districts and entities receiving public funds from instituting mask mandates, private businesses can choose whether to require employees and customers to wear facial coverings. Cases across Texas have risen sharply over the past few weeks, with hospitalizations the week of Aug. 2 topping 7,300 by Thursday  roughly equal to the number hospitalized when Abbott first issued a mask mandate.

At Soma Massage Therapy, owner Amber Briggle said that, because employees and staff cannot remain 6 feet apart, the office has reinstated its universal mask policy for all clients and therapists, regardless of vaccination status. While Soma has always required unvaccinated patients to wear masks, its policy for vaccinated clients and staff has evolved with the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

We required masks for everyone in common areas until just a few weeks ago, Briggle said. After the CDC said vaccinated people could ditch their masks, we also changed our COVID waiver forms asking people if they were vaccinated or not  or chose not to disclose  and if vaccinated, if they were comfortable with their vaccinated therapist removing their mask during the massage, too. Now, everyone is masked all the time.

Others say they are leaving the choice of wearing one or not to the individual.

Your body, your choice, Denton salon owner Jordan Collie said. However, because I am under TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation), if they make a guideline I have to follow in order to stay in business, I will follow their rules.

At Armadillo, Mullins said the choice not to strictly require masks among customers comes down to the difficulty staff has with enforcement.

We want to avoid violent customers, which we had a lot of where we tried to enforce masks the first time around, and were finding that those belligerent people are even more violent and belligerent now than they were before, Mullins said.

At the Denton Chamber of Commerce, president Erin Carter said they have not had member businesses reach out seeking guidance on how to approach masking amid the latest rise in cases, but if they do, the chamber offers advice on a case-by-case basis.

Each business is different, and they have their own individual needs  this is really no different, Carter said. We are continuing to work with our county health professionals to make sure we can provide resources to businesses during this time. We look to Dr. Matt Richardson as our county medical expert, and I am looking forward to working with our local businesses to make sure they utilize [Denton County Public Health Director Matt] Richardson in that same light because we want our local businesses to continue to thrive.

The most important thing residents can do to lower their risk of contracting severe COVID-19 is receive a vaccination, Rodriguez said.

A small number of new cases currently are among the vaccinated but the majority are unvaccinated, and that would be the first guidance that we would provide to people, Rodriguez said. Social distancing, handwashing and staying home when sick and seeking a test when you are getting ill and getting that diagnosis is really helpful to prevent future spread.

As for business owners, they say their policies will likely continue to evolve alongside the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its really frustrating  I wish everyone would just do their part so we can get this over with, but not everyone agrees, Mullins said.
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It wasnt too long ago that pan-African operator MTN seemed keen to have another try at the second Ethiopian telecoms licence it failed to win in May. That opportunity has now been offered, but MTN may no longer be as keen to get involved.

In late May MTN Chief Executive Ralph Mupita told shareholders that MTN would give some thought to the opportunity if the Ethiopian government chose to reissue the second licence for which MTN was deemed to have underbid.

And, as we reported earlier this week, Ethiopia has done just that. The government has formally announced that it will launch the process to award a second new mobile licence later this month. It will also include a permit to offer financial services, the lack of which may have undermined the appeal of the licence first time round.

But, according to a report on the Bloomberg news website, MTN is now unlikely to bid for the licence due to the investment risk. Bloomberg has been told that MTN may be put off by the civil war in the north of the country and tensions around a new giant dam on the Nile. Given that Ethiopia will require up to 8,000 towers to increase coverage, MTN may feel that a new bid is not worthwhile.

MTN has not yet made a final decision on whether to bid again, according to Bloomberg sources. However, the Ethiopian government does seem to be serious about going ahead.

The Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) has been quoted as saying Preparation on the Request for Proposal (RFP) to re-bid the second licence is being finalised. The RFP will include integration of Mobile Financial Services in the scope of the licence.

As yet we dont know which  if any  operators or consortia have expressed interest in bidding.
MTN Group, a South African multinational mobile telecommunications company, operating in many African and Asian countries, has confirmed the renewal of its operating licence in Rwanda with effect from 1 July 2021.

"MTN Rwanda has concluded its licence renewal process with Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA)," the mobile telephone operator confirmed in its half-year statement.

MTN Rwanda, formerly M-Cell, has paid 70% of the RWF91 billion (USD75.7 million) renewal fee, equivalent to around RWF64 billion, with the remaining 30% due by July 2022. The new concession is valid for ten years.

According to local media, the licence fee along with MTN Rwandas ongoing operational and investment requirements was funded by cash generated from operations and supplementary funding from local banks.

"It is obtaining a RWF 64 billion loan syndicated by ten domestic banks to raise funds for the licence," it said.

With its telecoms license in hand, MTN Rwanda is hatching investments to establish its hegemony in the local market, the reports claimed.
Global communications platform for business, Infobip will provide WhatsApp customer communication services and its Conversations CPaaS-based contact centre system to Senegal mobile operator Expresso.

According to a press release communication services provider, combining WhatsApp with Infobip's in-house developed Conversations cloud contact centre software gives Expresso Senegal a powerful tool to manage customer communications and multiple use cases, from technical support to sales and loyalty programs.

Using Conversations means less strain on Expresso customer agents and streamlined internal processes for improved communication and ultimately, a better customer experience, it added.

"Mobile operators worldwide are increasingly adopting cloud-based customer communication solutions, in no small part driven by the COVID-19 pandemic which stressed the need to make remote services available to subscribers.

As one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, WhatsApp is widely used to connect brands and mobile users, and Infobip has been a launch partner of WhatsApp business messaging," the release said.

Were delighted to partner with Expresso Senegal and provide them with the latest trend in customer communication. This is well beyond just a trend, this is a momentous change in the way businesses engage with their customers, and we are certain Expresso will see an immediate improvement and increased customer satisfaction, says Mirza Bukva, Regional Director of Telecom Partnerships, Infobip Francophone Africa.
Statement by Ambassador Flynn at the UNSC Briefing on Afghanistan

Statement

Thank you Mr President,

Thank you also Special Representative Lyons for your deeply worrying, but really important, briefing. And I also thank Ambassador Isaczai, thank you for your participation here today. I would like to express my appreciation also to Ms Akbar, for addressing this Council once again and for your sobering words.

I want to begin by joining others in condemning in the strongest terms recent attacks in Afghanistan, including on the UN compound in Herat last Friday. We join others also in condemning the assassination of Dawa Khan Minapal. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed, and we wish those injured a swift recovery.

Mr President,

There is a real urgency to our discussion today. As SRSG Lyons so powerfully attested, this council needs to come together and needs to act.

The Afghan people are suffering devastating levels of violence. Afghanistan has been the most dangerous country in the world for civilians and even children for some years now. UNAMAs mid-year report on the protection of civilians has documented record levels of civilian casualties as Ms Akbar also highlighted. The scale of the recent violence we have seen against civilians is truly shocking.

The Taliban must end their military offensive, which is causing such suffering, commit to a comprehensive ceasefire, and engage constructively in peace negotiations to reach a just and inclusive political settlement.

The Doha process has the support of the international community and remains our best hope at achieving the peace that the Afghan people so clearly demand and deserve. We deeply regret the failure of the Taliban to engage meaningfully in talks. We reiterate that there can be no military solution: violence begets only violence. Nowhere more than in Afghanistan have we seen this.

All sides must commit to a better future for Afghanistan and a negotiated settlement that guarantees inclusive governance, human rights protections especially for women, young people and minorities, and adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law. Afghanistan must never again become a haven for international terrorism.

To succeed, we know that Afghanistans peace process must also be inclusive, led and owned by Afghans. To achieve this, all Afghans  men, women, youth, minorities and civil society  must be allowed to participate equally and meaningfully in shaping their future.

Ireland stands by Security Council Resolution 2513 on Afghanistan. Along with our EU partners, our position on current and future support to the Afghan government requires adherence to the principles set out in the 2020 Afghanistan Partnership Framework.

We strongly encourage Afghanistans neighbours and regional states to support the Afghan people and to use their influence to promote a lasting peace that benefits all. We welcome the engagement of the Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy in building regional consensus.

Mr President

Lets be clear. The deliberate targeting of civilians constitutes a war crime and it must end. All parties must uphold their responsibility to protect civilians, especially children.

Perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law, and of human rights abuses and violations, must be brought to justice.

We share the deep concern expressed by others at the troubling human rights situation. The past two decades have seen the emergence of a vibrant Afghan civil society, which is now under threat from deliberate and disturbing attacks. Ireland unequivocally condemns these attacks, which target the very fabric of Afghan society.

Violence and intimidation against women and girls is threatening their ability to participate in all aspects of Afghan society. This Council must stand with them. Ireland and Mexico will host a meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security on Afghanistan this month to advance the efforts of the Council to address the situation facing Afghan women.

The surge in violence is increasing the number of internally displaced persons as the SRSG noted, is exacerbating the profound challenges faced by the more than 18 million people in need of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, who were already grappling with devastating food insecurity and the effects of COVID-19. Humanitarian actors need access, and protection.

In conclusion, SRSG Lyons, I want to pay tribute to UNAMAs work in these most difficult circumstances. The UNs commitment to hold firm and serve the people of Afghanistan is unstinting, and we look forward to working with Council members on the UNAMA mandate renewal over the coming weeks.

We, the international community, must continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan to collectively and urgently find a way forward that meets their aspirations for peace and protects their rights.

Thank you Mr President.

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For more than a year, our country longed for the economy to restart. But now that businesses are once again open, employers find themselves wondering where all the workers have gone.
Daily vaccinations have been over 10,000 shots per day in the past week. At one point, vaccinations reached over 16,000 in one day  the highest daily number since mid-May, Harris said, later adding that its not too late for those who received their first dose but never returned for their second dose of vaccine.

About two-thirds of those doses are representing first doses, so weve very glad to see that people are coming out and doing that, he said. I think literally every county in the state has seen an increase in the rate at which theyre vaccinating new people.

Locally, COVID-19 was to blame for the closure Friday and Saturday of the AllSouth Urgent Care office located at the Dothan Pavilion. AllSouths East location was still open Friday but only for well patients with injuries, occupational medicine, and other testing. The Wiregrass Humane Society is also closed to the public until further notice due to staff shortages caused by an exposure to COVID-19. And both civilian and military personnel on Fort Rucker are now required to wear masks on post regardless of vaccination status or social distancing.

Houston County issued a mask mandate effective Monday for all of its government buildings, including the administration building, courthouse, and sheriffs office. The county has also reinstated temperature screenings.
VNLife, which owns digital payments firm VNPay, said it has raised over $250 million in a series B funding round co-led by U.S. investors.

Vietnams second tech unicorn, according to Tech in Asia, intends to use the funds to capitalize further on the vast market opportunities on offer as the country grows increasingly digitalized.

In 2019, VNLife reportedly received $300 million from the U.K.s based SoftBank Vision Fund and Singapore state fund GIC, but did not disclose the information at the time.

VNLifes core financial technology unit is VNPay, which powers the mobile apps of Vietnams 22 banks, including top ones like Agribank, Vietcombank, VietinBank, and BIDV.

The apps allow over 15 million monthly active consumers to transfer money, pay bills, top up mobile credits, book bus tickets, and even shop for groceries, according to VNLife.

The company also runs VNPay-QR, an interoperable cashless payment network that serves 22 million users and over 150,000 merchants.

While VNPay itself does not work like an e-wallet, VNPay-QR is still competing for users and merchants with digital wallets such as MoMo and Moca.

An estimated 70 percent of Vietnams population still has limited or no access to banking services, leaving the door wide open for players that can diversify financial services and effectively monetize acquired data.

VNLife was founded in 2007 by Tri Manh Tran and Mai Thanh Binh, the former CEO of major gaming company Vietnam Esports (now owned by Sea Group).
Workers in Quang Chau Industrial Park of northern Bac Giang Province have their samples taken for Covid-19 tests in May 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quang Huy.

Many enterprises have proposed the government allow them to buy Covid-19 rapid test kits for their employees to reduce costs.

Nguyen Duy Minh, general secretary of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), said drivers who transport goods through checkpoints and provinces or cities have to show certificates stating their PCR tests returned negative for Covid within 48 hours.

On average, each driver has to be PCR tested for Covid-19 every other day. A PCR test costs VND250,000-800,000 VND ($10.88-34.82), and a quick test some VND135,000.

They also face infection risks when completing test procedures and receiving results at designated facilities that are often crowded.

Do Thi Thuy Huong, member of the executive board of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA), said electronics enterprises, which often employ thousands of workers, have to pay a lot for Covid-19 testing if they wish to implement the stay-at-work mode. Meanwhile, some cities and provinces accept rapid tests for workers of stay-at-work factories, while some others only accept PCR tests.

According to her estimation, each stay-at-work firm has to pay some VND3 million for rapid tests per employee each month. For PCR tests, the costs doubles.

"We have urgently proposed the government to allow enterprises to proactively buy Covid-19 test kits and conduct rapid tests for their employees," Huong said.

Minh further proposed the government issue a unified regulation on goods transporters showing certificates proving they tested negative for the coronavirus, instead of PCR tests with validity of 48 or 72 hours.

Late last week, the governments Private Economic Research Board also called on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to allow enterprises to self-test for Covid-19 to slash costs.

So far in the ongoing wave that broke out in late April, Vietnam has registered more than 185,000 Covid-19 cases, with HCMC accounting for over 112,000.
Some people in HCMC have not received coupons to shop for groceries at local markets and supermarkets, and others have been allotted timeframes when key items are unavailable.

My Trinh, who lives in Binh Thanh District, said she could not enter a supermarket last week because she did not have a coupon from ward authorities.

After complaining to her landlord, she and four house mates together received two coupons for shopping on three days a week from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Trinh said two coupons are not enough for five people, and at their allotted time it is hard to buy pork and fish.

HCMC residents have been given tickets to purchase food in certain time frames, aiming to maintain social distancing measures amid rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Ky Hoa of Phuoc Long B Ward, Thu Duc City, said Thursday she has not received a coupon.

"Buying goods online is difficult and expensive now. My three children and I will run out of food in the next two days if I dont get a coupon soon."

A shopping coupon issued to a resident in Ward 16, District 8, HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Tat Dat.

Many people in other districts such as Go Vap, 3, 11, and 12 also complained that when they reach the markets and supermarkets the items they want to buy are sold out, and they are not allowed to go and shop outside their wards or communes.

Fresh vegetables, eggs and meat sell out early, an employee of Vinmart in Go Vap District said, adding that poultry eggs are in fact often gone before 8 a.m though the store only allows customers to buy a maximum of three cartons.

The heads of residential areas in Ward 13, Go Vap District, have promised to print more coupons and adjust the timeframes. Owners of boarding houses are responsible for distributing coupons to tenants.

"Goods are fairly abundant, oversupplied at some outlets, but insufficient at others, and so localities should review them to achieve balance," Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, told VnExpress.

Since the wave started on April 27, over 185,000 community transmissions have been recorded in 62 of Vietnam's 63 cities and provinces, with HCMC accounting for the most cases, more than 112,000.
Workers process fish in a factory in southern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long.

Nineteen southern localities are reporting major challenges in agriculture and husbandry production due to Covid-19 outbreaks, which could lead to a food shortage.

Fishery processing companies in the south have seen their production capacity fall by 60-70 percent, while the $9 billion export target for this year could be missed, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

If the outbreak continues to spread and China tightens frozen fishery imports from ASEAN countries, exports would only hit $8.8 billion at most.

Farmers are reluctant to continue the production of lime, pineapples, chicken and shrimp due to plunging sales caused by mobility restrictions.

Vegetable and fruit exports in the last six months could fall 30 percent year-on-year.

Many meat processing plants have been forced to shut down as they cannot keep workers on-site while most sector staff are unvaccinated.

Factories face many challenges in the remaining months, with the food supply chain possibly broken.

"This would have a major impact on food supply and national food security in the long run," the report stated.

The government needs to provide solutions to support farmers and keep production going, it urged.

Factory workers should all be vaccinated, and short-term loans extended. Factories should receive electricity discounts.

The government should purchase rice to ensure food security, it stressed.

All 19 southern localities including HCMC and 13 southern Mekong Delta provinces have imposed strict social distancing since July 19 to contain the coronavirus.

For decades, the Mekong Delta region has been Vietnam's rice bowl and aquaculture hub, meeting not only the country's food demand but also serving exports.
As HCMC faces a blood shortage while grappling with its worst Covid outbreak, many foreigners have shown their support, hoping to save more lives.

Amid the lockdowns, Liz Temple and her daughter, Madison Brown, have mostly been at home in Thao Dien Ward in District 2. But last Sunday they took a trip to District 5, passing six Covid checkpoints across the city to reach Cho Ray Hospital to donate blood.

"Madison registered to donate after she saw a Facebook post about blood shortages due to Covid-19," Temple, a teacher from Australia, told VnExpress International. This was the first time they had ever donated blood.

They are among many expats in Saigon to do so as the city faces a shortage amid the pandemic.

Matthew Landwehr, coming from South Africa, donates blood in Tan Binh District on July 24, 2021. Photo courtesy of Matthew Landwehr.

It began in late May. Later, when the city imposed a semi-lockdown to combat Covid, all registrations for blood donations were canceled.

Nguyen Phuong Lien, deputy director of the HCMC Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, which provides blood to hospitals across the city, said as of last Sunday it only had 640 bags of type O blood left in stock, while the average daily demand is for 150 bags.

She called on the public to donate as soon as possible.

Many foreigners have responded to the call.

Jovidon Khojaev, 23, an MMA fighter from Tajikistan, also learned about the blood shortage from Facebook and decided to do his bit.

He said: "It is lucky that I have O blood, I live in Saigon. I wanted to do something."

People with O negative blood are dubbed universal donors since red blood cells from this type of blood can be transfused to anyone regardless of their type.

Temple and Brown also have O type blood.

South African Matthew Landwehr of Tan Binh District donated in July.

"I saw a news article on Facebook saying that the blood levels were low, so I wanted to help out in any small way I could," he said.

Donors can visit the Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital at 118 Hong Bang, Ward 12, District 5, any day between 7 a.m. and noon, and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., carrying ID papers.

They are advised to register in advance at 0919660010, 028 39557858 or tiepnhanhienmau@gmail.com so that they can receive a confirmation message they can use to get through Covid checkpoints.

Many people said they were allowed to pass through checkpoints easily after showing their blood donation appointment on mobile phones.

"We were stopped maybe five or six times by police at checkpoints on the way to the hospital," Temple said.

"We went at around 8:30 a.m. from Thao Dien and arrived at Cho Ray Hospital just after 9 a.m. There was hardly any traffic apart from shippers on the streets."

She said language was not a major problem, and since people strictly followed Covid prevention measures they were not worried about infection risks.

"There were other people there, but all precautions like temperature checks, hand sanitizers and distance between people were observed. The entire process took only around 45 minutes."

Landwehr also felt at ease with the Covid precautions taken at the blood donation center in Tan Binh District, saying it was well laid out. While the registration form was in Vietnamese, other donors helped him out where he could not understand.

An American woman has her blood pressure taken before donating her plasma at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, August 12, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Nhat.

After the donation, they were given certificates, gifts and a small amount of money, which was a surprise, Temple said.

"They gave us milk and cookies to take home. We were also given a certificate to say we donated."

She and her daughter did not expect to be given anything for their donation and tried to leave without the milk and cookies, "but the staff insisted we take the bags home with us."

Normally, blood donors are advised to rest briefly and have some light refreshments and snacks before receiving their certificate and payment.

"When we arrived home we were totally surprised to find they had given us each VND50,000 ($2.18) in an envelope," Temple said.

In the last few weeks, with hospitals calling on people to donate blood amid the lockdown, many foreigners have shown their support by sharing their experiences and blood donation process on Facebook.

"It takes you like 20 minutes (to donate blood) but this 20 minutes can help someones life," Khojaev said.

Echoing this, Landwehr said he would like to encourage everyone to donate blood.

"You never know when you will be in hospital and be in need of someone else's blood to survive. It's quick, easy and relatively pain- free."

Many could not hide their sadness at seeing their city desolate amid the lockdown, but all believed things would get better as long as people showed kindness and compassion.

Temple said: "I have no doubt that Saigon will overcome Covid-19 again, and reopen and rebuild the community, the schools and the businesses... If anyone can make a blood donation, please do it."

HCMC has become the epicenter of the latest Covid wave that began in late April and infected over 185,000 people nationwide. City authorities have imposed night-time restrictions and banned non-essential travel.
A woman walks on a deserted street around the Sword Lake in Hanoi downtown amid the city's Covid social distancing order, July 24, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

Hanoi authorities have decided to extend the capital's ongoing Covid-19 social distancing order until August 22.

The Hanoi Standing Party Committee has agreed to a proposal by the municipal People's Committee to extend the social distancing order by another 15 days, starting from 6 a.m. on August 8, the Hanoi Party Committee said Friday.

A press meet Friday afternoon is expected to announce the Covid-19 fighting results following Hanoi's two-week social distancing period from late July, as well as future plans to fight the pandemic.

Hanoi began its 15-day social distancing order starting July 24 amid rising coronavirus threats in the capital, requiring people to stay home and only go out for basic necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open.

Despite said measures, the city has been recording around 50-70 new cases a day on average and unearthed several clusters, including high-risk areas like wholesale markets and supermarkets.

Hanoi has officially recorded 1,762 local Covid-19 cases since the fourth coronavirus wave struck Vietnam in late April.
A cold storage container for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine doses arrives in HCMC's Tan Son Nhat Airport in July 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Phong Lan.

592,100 AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine doses arrived in HCMC's Tan Son Nhat International Airport Friday morning per VNVC contract.

The batch is the seventh of a 30-million dose contract between AstraZeneca and the Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) with support from the Ministry of Health, according to a press release by AstraZeneca. Previous batches arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in February, May and July.

Around 11.5 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses have arrived in Vietnam, either through contracts, global vaccine access mechanism Covax or foreign aid, accounting for around 62 percent of all doses currently available in the country, the release stated.

Vietnam has vaccinated over eight million people against Covid-19 so far, with over 820,000 fully immunized.

The country aims to achieve herd immunity by next year through vaccinating 70 percent of its 96 million population.
Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phan Quang Hieu attended a ceremony Thursday to receive the donations made on behalf of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

Wibar Abdullah I. Al-Baseer, Charge d'affaires of the Saudi Arabian embassy, said he hoped the donations would help Vietnam fight Covid-19 effectively and restore social and economic activities.

Cuong thanked the embassy for the donations and said the equipment would be distributed to medical facilities across the country. He also hoped the foreign ministry would continue to work with the health ministry in gathering support from other countries to strengthen Vietnam's Covid-19 fighting capabilities.

Hieu expressed high regard for Saudi Arabia's support, saying it would strengthen bilateral relations.

Since the beginning of this year, Saudi Arabia has provided more than $800,000 worth of assistance for disaster relief and the Covid-19 fight.

Vietnam has recorded 185,111 local Covid-19 cases in the fourth coronavirus wave that struck the country late April, most of them  112,479, in HCMC.
Kamala Harris will become the first sitting U.S. vice president ever to visit Vietnam. Photo by AFP/Mandel Ngan.

Vietnam is working with the U.S. to prepare for the visit by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to Vietnam, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokeswoman said Thursday.

"We welcome countries' leaders, including the U.S.'s, to visit Vietnam," spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press meet.

Hang said agencies in Vietnam and the U.S. are coordinating to make preparations for the visit in manners to boost the countries' comprehensive partnership and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Harris's senior advisor Symone Sanders said in a statement on July 30 that she will head to Vietnam and Singapore "to strengthen relationships and expand economic cooperation with two critical Indo-Pacific partners of the United States."

Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, will be the first U.S. vice president to visit Vietnam.

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."

Her visit to Vietnam comes following one by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who was in Hanoi on July 28 and 29 as part of a trip that also included Manila and Singapore.
The US blockade has weakened Cuba's economy over the last five decades, leaving it extremely vulnerable to the economic shocks caused by the pandemic. The island has suffered from the lack of tourism of the course of the pandemic, and since they began to reopen just a few weeks ago, cases are skyrocketed.

Further sanctions implemented by the Trump administration make sending money through remittances more difficult, and pharmacies and hospitals have run out of basic supplies needed to treat covid-19 patients.

On 11 July, Cubans took to the streets in historic protests. Many of those who participated called for the removal of President Manuel Diaz-Canal, while others voiced frustrations with food and medical supply shortages and the US blockade, which makes obtaining those goods even more difficult.

Internet Shutdowns: Where did they happen and why?

One tool the Cuban government has used to stimmy the protest movement was to shut off the internet across parts of the island. After a historic number of protesters took to the streets on Sunday, some outlets reported short, widespread, general internet outages.

The government company, ETECSA, which provides internet, stated that the outages were caused by "technical issues," but many officials and activists believe it was intentional. Some experts who have looked into the outages say that signs point to it being an intentional shutdown, but the evidence is far from conclusive.

NetBlocks, an internet freedom advocacy organization, posted a report showing that their systems had confirmed a "partial disruption to social media and messaging platforms in Cuba from 12 July 2021."

The organization reported that apps including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and "some Telegram servers are disrupted on government-owned ETECSA." The blocking of these cities was believed to have been done to "limit the flow of information from Cuba following widespread protests on Sunday."

Based on this information, the organization called on the government to "comply with international norms and internet governance frameworks and ensure reliable internet connectivity including at times of political unrest.



This is not the first time the regime has deployed this tactic. In November, the government powered down the internet in Havana after some isolated protests happened.

Cuban internet infrastructure

Cubas internet infrastructure is weak.

Telecommunications cables that run along the ocean floor are responsible for carrying around 97 percent of the worlds communication traffic," according to The Next Web, a technology media outlet.

The U.S. blockade limited the cables the island could use to connect, as many were built or owned by American companies. Until 2013, Cuba was completely unconnected from the vast underwater cable system until the country activated a $70 million, 1,600 kilometer (994 mile) pipeline to Venezuela.

Why cant they connect to more cables?

The economic embargo is part of the problem. While President Obama loosened the telecommunications restrictions, many US-based companies have not shown an interest in working in Cuba with one major exception, Google.

In 2019, the Cuban government and Google struck a deal to increase internet access across the country. The MoU signed stated that they had agreed to develop a direct connection between their internet networks available at no cost to users.

The embargo does not have all the blame for the faulty internet infrastructure. Additionally, authoritarian regimes do not have the best track record on internet freedom. Cuba monitors citizen internet use, and Next Web argued that a case could be made that the country has deliberately rationed access in order to keep it out of the hands of the masses.
Despite a last-minute extension to the eviction moratorium, there is concern that the number of Americans facing eviction in the United States is a crisis brewing.

Matthew Desmond, professor in the Department of Sociology at Princeton University and author of the book Evicted, estimates that there are roughly one million evictions in a typical year in America.

This sees around 2.3 million people removed from their homes every year, and the economic consequences of the pandemic will likely lift that higher once the eviction moratorium is eventually removed.

New moratorium provided by the CDC

It had appeared that the renters protection would expire at the end of July, when the legislation passed by President Biden in the American Rescue Plan was due to end. The White House had insisted that they were powerless to extend it in the face of a Supreme Court ruling, while Democrats in Congress knew they did not have the votes to approve an extension.

The two-month extension is the product of a decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to state that a wave of evictions would only serve to accelerate the spread of the more infectious Delta variant and would constitute a public health crisis.

As such the new moratorium is different to its predecessor in that the ban on evictions only applies in counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission levels of the coronavirus. Currently, this is thought to cover around 80% of renters, and roughly 90% of all Americans.

The latest figures from the Census Bureau suggest that 1.4 million households are very likely to face eviction in the next two months, with another 2.2 million warning that they are somewhat likely to be evicted.

Concern that states will face an avalanche of evictions when protection ends

Although the CDCs decision will provide extra breathing space for struggling households there is concern that, unless the flailing rental assistance programmes are made more efficient, the extension simply delays the inevitable.

The federal government passed $47 billion of rental support to help struggling renters cover their monthly payments, but only 6.5% of that money has so far been distributed. When the moratorium is eventually lifted renters could be immediately liable for the entirety of their unpaid rent, which could go back months.

In late June and early July, census data found that around 12.7 million renters were unsure if they would be able to make their upcoming rent payment. Making matters worse, the eviction protocol varies greatly between states with some Americans having nearly no protection once the moratorium ends.

Florida, for example, requires renters in arrears to repay the full amount of overdue rent within just five days of their landlords eviction filing. Failure to do so means that they are denied the right to a court hearing and they could well be out in the streets within a week.

Dr Ned Murray, associate director of the Florida International University Metropolitan Center, voiced his concern: Evictions were already high before the pandemic, but with the end of the moratorium were facing an avalanche of evictions because so many renters are not just in a position to pay their current rent but also pay their back rent.
China will strive to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world throughout this year and offer 100 million U.S. dollars to COVAX, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday, marking a further step by China in honoring its commitment to making vaccines a "global public good."

"China will do its best to help developing countries cope with the COVID-19 pandemic," Xi said in a written message to the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation.

To fight with the world in solidarity against the common health crisis, China is making all-out efforts to promote the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, champion global cooperation, and reject vaccine nationalism, to build the global immunity barrier soon.

PROMOTING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO VACCINES

"I hope this forum will promote the accessibility and fair distribution of vaccines around the world, strengthen solidarity and cooperation in developing countries, and make new contributions for an early victory against the pandemic," Xi said in the written message.

In May this year, President Xi announced China's five measures to further support global solidarity against COVID-19 at the Global Health Summit. They include setting up an international forum on vaccine cooperation for vaccine-developing and producing countries, companies, and other stakeholders.

The forum on Thursday marked a further practical step by China to explore ways of promoting the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies. The forum is themed "strengthening international cooperation on vaccines, and promoting fair and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world."

Ruan added that China shouldered more than its due responsibility, and China's donation of COVID-19 vaccines will certainly help countries in need to move a step closer to achieving herd immunity.

Since September 2020, China has provided vaccines to countries in urgent need and has been donating vaccines to more than 100 countries. Meanwhile, China is exporting vaccines to more than 60 countries, with the total amount exceeding 770 million doses, ranking the first globally, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said while chairing Thursday's meeting.

China is committed to building a global community of health for all and has provided vaccines to the world, especially developing countries. The country also actively carried out joint production, Xi said, adding that it illustrates the concept of vaccines as global public goods.

The Philippines has been tortured by the pandemic, with 60 percent of its population below the poverty line. The country is hugely concerned about the affordability of COVID-19 vaccines, said Enrique Gonzalez, CEO of IP Biotech company in the Philippines.

"It's China that helped the Philippines, and thanks to the Chinese government and China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., 15 million people in the Philippines have completed one or two doses of the vaccination within a short time," Gonzalez said. He added that this reflects the friendship between the two countries in the face of the pandemic and demonstrates that China is always acting as a major responsible country.

CHAMPIONING GLOBAL COOPERATION

As of Wednesday, nearly 200 million people globally have contracted the virus, with the global death toll reaching 4.2 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Amid a surging COVID-19 caseload, largely driven by the Delta variant, China has made its call for strengthening international cooperation on vaccines.

"We are willing to work with the international community to promote international vaccine cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

The important decision by China demonstrates the responsibility and vision of a major country, said Ruan Zongze, adding that China is using practical actions to build a global community of health for all and ensure the availability and affordability of vaccines.

"China lends a helping hand to developing countries in response to their genuine needs and makes up for shortcomings in international vaccine cooperation. It will help enhance the confidence of the international community in overcoming the pandemic," said Ruan, noting that China's deeds are in sharp contrast with the selfish and hypocritical attitudes of some other countries.

From vaccine development and production to vaccine distribution, China always adopts an open and cooperative attitude, actively responds to countries' requests for vaccine cooperation, and launches cooperation with them.

China is also the first to cooperate with developing countries on vaccine production. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil have become the first ones in the region to have the production capacity of COVID-19 vaccines, which charted a new chapter of unity and self-reliance among developing countries, Wang Yi said.

Participants at the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation issued a joint statement, in which they underline the importance of vaccine multilateralism and call upon countries to enhance international cooperation mechanisms and collaboration. They also urge rejecting vaccine nationalism, lifting export restrictions on relevant vaccines and raw materials, and supporting enhanced cooperation on vaccine research and development, production, equitable distribution and ensuring cross-border flows of vaccines.

The need for global cooperation around vaccines and public health is essential and urgent, said Anthony Zwi, a professor of Global Health and Development at the University of New South Wales. He added that the pandemic will only be defeated if the international community works together -- collaboratively and in solidarity with the peoples of the world.

"International politicization of the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been and will continue to be counter-productive and unhelpful to achieving the global public-health good of pandemic control," said Zwi.
XICHANG, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China sent the Zhongxing-2E satellite into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 0:30 a.m. Friday.

The satellite has entered its preset orbit.

Friday's launch was the 383rd mission of the Long March rocket series.

Editor: WXL
BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 80 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said in its daily report on Friday.

Of the locally transmitted cases, 61 were reported in Jiangsu, nine in Hunan, six in Hubei, one each in Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hainan and Yunnan, according to the commission.

Also reported were 44 new imported cases, of which 13 were reported in Guangdong, 10 in Yunnan, eight each in Shanghai and Shandong, two each in Sichuan and Shaanxi and one in Tianjin.

Three suspected cases arriving from outside the mainland were newly reported in Shanghai on Thursday.

No deaths related to COVID-19 were newly reported, the commission added. Enditem

Editor: GSY
Beijing has begun offering incentives to encourage young couples to have more children after changes to family planning policies in June allowed all couples to have a third child.

In addition to the extra 30 days of maternity leave that mothers in the city with a third child were awarded from the end of May, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said on Thursday that they can also enjoy a further one to three months of additional leave if their workplace agrees, and their spouses will be eligible for 15 days of paternity leave.

Mothers in Beijing were already entitled to three to four months of maternity leave as the basic standard, depending on the difficulty of delivery and other conditions.

The commission said the city government will accelerate the amendment of population planning regulations to offer more services or convenience to mothers with three children.

"Even though I don't plan to have more kids, it's good to know that women are being given more care and attention," said 35-year-old Li Lifen, the mother of a 5-year-old girl.

Hu Jun, the mother of two boysone aged 4 and the other 6said she cares more about baby care services than maternity leave.

"It's always a headache for young parents who both work to take care of babies," she said. "We cannot always count on our elders to take care of the kids."

China has allowed all couples to have a third child since June in response to the nation's flagging fertility rates.

Authorities are now following up with measures designed to encourage young couples to have more children.

The Panzhihua city government in Sichuan province announced on July 28 that it would offer subsidies to families that have a second or third child, becoming the first city government in the country to introduce such incentives.

Families will receive 500 yuan ($78) a month for each second or third child until the child turns three.

Panzhihua's resident population was more than 1.2 million last year, but that was down by 1,900 from 2010, city government data showed.

Luo Lisheng, a senior official from the Jiangxi Provincial Health Commission, said on Tuesday that the province will provide education support, housing benefits and tax breaks to couples who have more children.

The incentives announced by Beijing this week make the capital the third place in the country to announce measures to encourage bigger families.

Beijing's total population reached 21.89 million last year after growing by an annual average of 1.1 percent for a decademore slowly than in the decade to 2010.

Editor: GSY
Residents in Taiyuan enjoy socializing at a community elder care center. KOU NING/FOR CHINA DAILY

Improving the livelihoods of people has been a major priority for the government in North China's Shanxi province in recent years, local officials said.

According to Ju Limei, deputy chief of the Shanxi Department of Civil Affairs, improving people's livelihoods through establishing a broad social security system is a crucial part in building an overall well-off society.

By enhancing people's sense of gain, happiness and security, Ju said the governments at various levels in Shanxi have increased their budget for subsidizing low-income families and improving services for elder care.

Since 2009, the provincial government has increased its subsistence allowance for low-income families for 13 consecutive years, with more than 1.57 million people benefiting from the system. The allowances for urban and rural residents reached 615 yuan ($95) and 472 yuan per month this year respectively.

According to Ju, since the beginning of last year, the provincial government has implemented a temporary subsidy system to deal with the fluctuation of commodity prices caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total budget of 486 million yuan. About 12.4 million people have benefited from the subsidy.

Shanxi has seen steady growth in its aging population in recent years, and so how to help elderly people live high-quality and decent lives has become key concern among governments.

An elder care service industry, which has been invested in by the government and various social and commercial entities, has emerged in the province, according to Ju.

Wang Baochen, a retired official in the village of Zhongliang in Xiangfen county, enjoys spending time in relaxation centers for seniors. He said that there is one in almost every community in the county.

"These centers, offering meals, relaxing activities like painting and calligraphy, as well as a range of helpful services, are among the most frequently visited venues by elderly people,"Wang said.

There are similar facilities for seniors in the community of Xiyu in Wanbailin district in Taiyuan.

After finishing his exercise each morning in the park, Wei Yinsheng, 67, usually goes to the community canteen for breakfast.

"The meal costs a diner about 3 yuan and the food is delicious and healthy," Wei said. "It is much cheaper than eating at restaurants or even cheaper than a breakfast you cook at home."

The canteen, established for seniors, also offers lunch and dinner.

Du Zhenguo, 76, eats three meals a day at the canteen.

"I'm now living with my wife in Xiyu," Du said. "We seldom prepare our meals at home as the amount of food we need is so small that we don't want to bother to cook."

According to a staff member in the canteen, it is a not-for-profit entity invested in by the local government and operated by the community.

Despite its cheap costs, diners say the food and service it offers are always satisfactory.

Wang Sujie, a diner at the canteen, said they are always treated as family members by the employees there.

"They are fully aware of the health conditions and special requirements of every diner,"Wang Sujie said.

Wang Sujie has diabetes and needs to take medicine right before his meals.

"Every time I come here, the service workers will bring me a cup of water and remind me to take my medicine," Wang Sujie said.

According to an official in Xiyu, the community has more than 1,600 people aged over 60, accounting for more than 20 percent of its total population.

"The canteen is among the government's recent efforts to address the needs arising from an aging society," the official said.

Song Haibin, another deputy chief of the Shanxi Civil Affairs Department, said Shanxi encourages the involvement of various social and commercial entities in the elder care industry.

"We are building Shanxi's unique elder care industry driven and led by the government and supported by businesses," Song said.

Song said Shanxi plans to foster 10 famous elder care brands and 200 model community elder care organizations in the next few years.

Shanxi is currently home to 1,001 elder care organizations and 7,945 elder care facilities in its urban and rural areas, according to the department.

Wang Peicontributed to this story.

Editor: GSY
Screenshot from Reuters

Israel warned on Tuesday against travel to the United States and other countries and said it would tighten quarantine measures for inbound travelers as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant, said a news published by the Reuters site this week.

It also began mandating isolation for returning travelers - including those vaccinated or recovered from the virus - from countries deemed "red", indicating a rapid spread of the disease.

On Tuesday, the health ministry said it would add 18 countries to its red list, including the United States, France, Italy, Iceland, Greece and others, the news said.

"Beginning August 11, 2021, complete isolation for all age groups is required, even for the vaccinated and recovering," the health ministry said of the 18 countries, warning of "a significant increase in morbidity coming from abroad".

The Delta variant has caused a resurgence in coronavirus cases across the United States. Florida and Louisiana were at or near their highest hospitalization numbers of the coronavirus pandemic on Monday.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-issues-travel-warning-us-over-covid-19-concerns-2021-08-03/

Editor: WPY
BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the Joint Statement of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation issued on Thursday.

Joint Statement of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation

Jointly launched by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan at the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation on August 5, 2021.

1. We recognize that solidarity and cooperation are key to fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge confronting all countries in the world. We must champion the vision of building a global community of health for all, put people and their lives first and make concerted and coordinated efforts to address the challenge.

2. We recognize the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as a global public good, and call upon all parties to step up efforts to make vaccines more accessible and affordable in developing countries, including making utmost efforts to provide vaccines for developing countries, LDCs in particular.

3. We call upon all countries, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders, to increase national, regional and global capacities, carry out vaccine research and development as well as production in line with strict standards according to the World Health Organization (WHO) regulations, and provide safe, effective and high-quality COVID-19 vaccines.

4. We support the WHO in promoting access to COVID-19 vaccines through the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and its COVAX Facility, encourage capable vaccine-producing countries to provide more vaccines to COVAX, and call upon multilateral financial institutions and other international organizations to provide inclusive financial support for vaccine procurement and for strengthening production capabilities in developing countries.

5. We underline the importance of vaccine multilateralism and call upon countries to enhance international cooperation mechanisms and collaboration, reject vaccine nationalism, lift export restrictions on relevant vaccines and raw materials, support enhanced cooperation on vaccine research and development, production, equitable distribution and ensure cross-border flows of vaccines.

6. We call upon countries to encourage the ongoing consideration on possible waiver of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organization, stressing the need for flexibility, pragmatism and a sense of urgency. We encourage countries to further strengthen international cooperation on vaccine production capacity by conducting joint research and development, authorized production and technology transfers, and continue to adopt concrete measures to raise the vaccine production capacity of developing countries.

7. We emphasize the scientific nature and importance of World Health Organization Emergency Use List, and call on governments, while conducting study on easing national entry regulations for the vaccinated, to follow the principle of fairness, equity, science and non-discrimination, respect the suggestions proposed by the WHO based on this principle, and strengthen communication and coordination on vaccine certification and regulation policies.

8. We hear the report by the representatives of the vaccine companies and welcome their cooperation outcomes achieved. We are determined to take further joint actions to engage companies and all stakeholders and support their participation in international cooperation efforts on increasing vaccine production and distribution, jointly promote fair, affordable, timely, universal and equitable distribution and strengthen local production of vaccines around the world, and welcome more partners to come aboard, including through transfer of technology.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
According to a Reuters report released on May 3, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), plans to run for a second five-year term as the head of the agency, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Dr. Tedros, who was elected as the Director-General of the WHO for a five-year term by WHO Member States at the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2017, had his global profile dramatically risen for leading the worlds battle against the Covid-19 pandemic since its outbreak in 2019.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (Photo/WHO)

EARLY DAYS

When the coronavirus broke out in China, the country informed the WHO and the international community in a timely, open, transparent and responsible manner even since the early stage. Not only did China swiftly adopt serious measures to control the virus, but also cooperated and shared timely information including genome sequence of the coronavirus, detection and treatment protocols, etc., contributing greatly in advancing scientific understanding of the virus and the development of medical countermeasures worldwide.

As early as Jan. 18-19, 2020, China invited WHO delegation on a field visit to Wuhan City of central China's Hubei Province, where they learnt about the response to novel coronavirus. The WHO delegation highly appreciated the actions China had implemented in response to the outbreak, its speed in identifying the virus and openness to sharing information with WHO and other countries.

Dr. Tedros has lauded Chinas effort after the visit on numerous occasions, noting that we appreciate the seriousness with which China is taking this outbreak, especially the commitment from top leadership, and the transparency they have demonstrated, including sharing data and genetic sequence of the virus.

CHANGE OF WIND

With strict and efficient measures taken, China has largely contained the coronavirus by May 2020, with daily Covid confirmed cases less than a hundred, while the US, on the contrary, was suffering from a surging of Covid cases of more than ten thousand every day. To shift attention, the Trump administration went accusing Dr. Tedros and the WHO of being China-centric, and halted US contributions while starting the process of leaving the agency. Lawrence Gostin, a longtime WHO adviser, commented the action as a blackmail.

A few months later, as Trump was voted out of office, the Biden administration announced immediately in January 2021 that the US would remain a member of the WHO and fulfil its financial obligations while working on reforms.

OUT OF RULES Meantime, a joint team consisting of top international and Chinese experts was sent by the WHO to Wuhan in mission of conducting a joint research for 28 days from Jan. 14 to Feb. 10 in China. Tedros showed his full confidence in this research on Jan. 18, saying that no one should be in any doubt that this is a scientific exercise.

On Feb. 17, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed the UN Security Council during a video conference that they would pay the more than $200 million it owed to the WHO by the end of the month. It reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic even as we work to reform it for the future, he said.

With the payment made or not yet to be known, we did witness a turnaround in Dr. Tedros and the WHO secretariats attitude ever since.

Dr. Tedros was found distanced from the findings of the WHO-led joint team. The report was released on March 30, concluding that lab leak is extremely unlikely, and recommended conducting further research around earlier cases globally and further understanding the role of cold chains and frozen foods in the transmission of the virus.

Yet on the same day, when making remarks at the Member State Briefing on the report of the international team studying the origins of SARS-CoV-2, Dr. Tedros surprised the world by reviving the lab leak theory, a theory that the Biden administration was most keen on, in total defiance of the scientific work.

Although the team has concluded that a laboratory leak is the least likely hypothesis, this requires further investigation, potentially with additional missions involving specialist experts, which I am ready to deploy, Tedros said, as far as WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table.

An anonymous expert on the WHO-China joint team on the virus origins tracing was surprised and unsatisfied by Tedros comment, calling him extremely irresponsible for pursuing the lab leak theory.

POLITICS TAINTED

May 23 this year, an exclusive report titled Intelligence on Sick Staff at Wuhan Lab Fuels Debate on Covid-19 Origin was published on The Wall Street Journal just a day before the World Health Assembly, sending the lab leak theory to the mainstream. The motivated article used only recycled content from 2019 and lacked a decisive or coherent primary source. Moreover, one of its authors, Michael R. Gordon, was best known for his fake Iraq report claiming that Saddam Hussein held Weapons of Mass Destruction, which played a key role in raising public support for the Iraq War, ending up with countless innocent lives wasted.

Three days later, US President Joe Biden announced that he has ordered a closer intelligence review of what he said were two equally plausible scenarios of the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, and demanded a report back to him within 90 days.

Two weeks later, Tedros said on July 15 that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there and urged it to be more transparent.

One day later, Tedros proposed a second phase of studies into the origins of the coronavirus in China, including audits of laboratories and markets in Wuhan, calling for transparency from authorities, when they had it all along. Whats also worth the attention is that unlike the first phase, the Secretariat is to establish a permanent International Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), which will play a vital role in the next phase of studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the origins of future new pathogens.

AGAINST THE DARK

By July 16, 48 countries have sent letters to the WHO opposing the politicization of the probe on the origins of the virus, urging the organization to act according to the resolution made by the WHA and push forward the global probe on the traceability of the virus.

By July 20, a total of 55 countries have submitted letters to the WHO Director-General concerning the COVID-19 origins study.

By Aug. 3, a total of 70 countries have voiced opposition to politicizing origins tracing and emphasized the importance of upholding the joint China-WHO study report via sending letters to the WHO Director-General and issuing statements.



Up to now, China has actively participated in global cooperation in this area with an open and science-based attitude. China has twice invited WHO experts to the country for joint research in origin-tracing. China has invested tremendous efforts, achieved important outcomes and reached authoritative conclusions.

Up to now, no evidence has ever found that samples of the new coronavirus had been stored at the Wuhan Institute of Virology prior to December 2019. No records have ever indicated that viruses closely related to the new coronavirus were kept in any Chinese lab before December 2019. None of the staff in any Wuhan labs studying coronaviruses has reported cases of respiratory illnesses during the weeks/months prior to December 2019.

Additionally, up to now, as further studies carried out worldwide, more and more evidence of coronavirus infections before the outbreak in China has emerged worldwide, including Spain, Italy, France, the US, Brazil, etc., suggesting that the novel coronavirus had likely spread globally months before its known. Efforts should be made to advance origins study in various countries and regions across the world.

Yet even now, Tedros and the WHO Secretariat still choose to make repeating what has already been concluded during the first phase of the origin studies its first priority.

Here is a full timeline of how Dr. Tedros reacted on Covid-19 origin tracing.

Editor: WXY
The daughters of ex-minister of ecology and natural resources of Ukraine Mykola Zlochevsky Anna and Karina became the ultimate beneficial owners of his Ukrainian mining assets.

According to the register of the Ministry of Justice monitored by Interfax-Ukraine, Anna and Karina through a number of Cypriot companies are the beneficiaries of Esco-Pivnich, KUB-Gas, Pari, First Ukrainian Oil and Gas Company, SystemOilEngineering, Nadragaz, Aldea-Ukraine, Burisma Service, Tehnocomservice, Nadragazvydobuvannia, GasOilInvest, Geounit and NGPGeo (Oil and Gas Industrial Geologia).

At the same time, at least since the beginning of 2021, the website and the Burisma Group Facebook page, which united all the above companies, have not been updated.

As reported, in June 2020, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) detained three people red-handed immediately after providing $6 million of unlawful benefits for further transfer to the head of the SAPO, so that he would close the criminal proceedings where the ex-minister of ecology was suspect. The case was transferred in the autumn of 2019 to NABU's investigation in the part concerning the ex-minister by the Prosecutor General's Office.

The episode, in which the head of the anti-corruption bodies was offered an undue benefit, concerns the possible involvement of the ex-minister in the seizure of funds from the stabilization loan of the National Bank issued to Real Bank (then controlled by a criminal organization with the participation of officials from the times of President Yanukovych) and money laundering. In this case, a number of persons, including the former minister, were notified that they will be prosecuted.

According to NABU, this was the largest documented bribe to law enforcement officers in the history of Ukraine.
Aviation of State Emergency Service of Ukraine carries out 9 water discharges per day during extinguishing large-scale forest fires in Turkey

Aviation of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, sent to help Turkey to extinguish large-scale forest fires, carried out nine discharges of water (72 tonnes) over the past day, the State Emergency Service reported.

"During August 5, the SES aviation (two AN-32P aircraft) carried out work to extinguish fires in the territory of the Antalya province of the Turkish Republic, during which nine water discharges (72 tonnes) were carried out," the statement on the agency's website said on Friday morning.

It is said that since the beginning of the work, 80 water discharges (640 tonnes) have been carried out.

As reported, on July 28, forest fires broke out near the city of Manavgat (Antalya province), which spread to the provinces of Osmaniye, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Adana, Mersin and Mugla.

To help Turkish firefighters, Ukraine sent two crews of An-32P firefighting aircraft with a group of 14 experienced specialists.

The first two discharges of water by firefighting aircraft of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine were made on July 30.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression, the U.S. government press service reports following a meeting of the Secretary of State with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak.

"The Secretary and his Ukrainian counterparts also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the United States during President Volodymyr Zelensky's planned visit to Washington, D.C. on August 30," the report says.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova said that following the meetings held on August 5 and August 6, the parties are entering the final stretch of the preparation of the presidents' meeting.

"According to the minister [Kuleba], we will have now three weeks of 'quiet diplomacy' when we, together with our American partners, will work on the implementation of the agreed concrete plans for the meeting of the leaders of Ukraine and the United States. We are entering the final stretch for the preparation of visit No. 1," Markarova said on Facebook.

She noted that as part of the two-day working trip, Kuleba and Yermak held meetings, in addition to Blinken, with U.S. President's National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan, as well as with members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus  senators Jean Shaheen, Chris Murphy, Jim Risch, Roger Wicker, Bob Menendez, Ben Cardin, and congressman Brad Sherman, with whom they discussed a wide range of issues and once again outlined joint plans based on strong bipartisan support for Ukraine.

Kuleba and Yermak also met with representatives of the leading information and analytical centers in Washington.
More needs to be done to hold Russia accountable for its illegal occupation of Crimea, so the United States strongly supports the Crimean Platform and will work closely with the Ukrainian government to support it, U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine Kristina Kvien has said.

Kvien said at the Inaugural Forum of the Expert Network of the Crimean Platform held in Kyiv on Friday, that unfortunately, Russia's aggression against Ukraine extends beyond Crimea. As we all know, in Donbas, Russian-led troops continue to kill Ukrainians on their own territory, and Russia seeks to use its illegal occupation of Crimea to justify restricting access to the Black and Azov Seas. But we know more needs to be done to hold Russia accountable, and therefore the United States strongly supports the Crimean Platform, and will work closely with the Ukrainian government to support it.

She stressed that the United States regards Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea as a crime that cannot be ignored and cannot be forgotten.

Kvien said that widespread repression and human rights violations in Crimea must continue to be exposed and actively addressed, and those who committed these crimes must be held accountable. She assured that the United States will continue to talk about Russia's violations in Crimea.

Kvien said that they will continue to use the Ukraine-related sanctions they have imposed in the past against perpetrators of human rights violations in Crimea. And they will continue to advocate for the release of Crimean political prisoners. They will continue to call for justice for victims of forced disappearance and will report on violations against the Crimean Tatar community, whenever and wherever they hear about them.
Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Artem Sytnyk is upset by the decision of the Appeal Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) to overturn the arrest in absentia of former head of PrivatBank's board Oleksandr Dubilet, and calls for unification of judicial practice in such matters.

"Recently we had a decision on the appeal [...] regarding one of the persons involved in the PrivatBank case. The case is very sensitive, it attracts a lot of attention from our international partners," Sytnyk said at a coordination meeting of heads of law enforcement agencies on Friday.

"The court actually overturned the arrest in absentia. This decision of the anti-corruption court, frankly, very painfully hit the case [of PrivatBank], because now we do not know where to move," he said.

According to the NABU director, the issue of unification of judicial practice in such matters should be raised.

"The practice of addressing international legal orders and extradition issues should be unified [...] Now the courts have a different approach to resolving these issues," Sytnyk said.

He also spoke in favor of drafting a bill that would regulate these legal norms.

As reported, on July 20, the HACC Appeal Chamber upheld the complaint of the defenders of the suspect, former head of PrivatBank's board, Oleksandr Dubilet, overturning his arrest in absentia imposed on June 2, 2021.
A return to normal relations with the Russian Federation is impossible as long as it continues to destabilize Ukraine and seize its territory, British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons said.

Simmons said at the Inaugural Forum of the Expert Network of the Crimean Platform held in Kyiv on Friday, that Ukraine continues to pay a high price for its courage, for having decided to use its sovereign right to face the West. Russia must respect the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Returning to normal relations is impossible as long as Russia continues to destabilize Ukraine and seize its territory.

She assured that the United Kingdom will try to strengthen the resolve of the international community and make efforts to keep the issue of Crimea constantly in focus.

The ambassador said that the United Kingdom remains a loyal partner of Ukraine, resolutely defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Russia's actions in 2014 cannot be justified. Russia seized the territory of sovereign Ukraine by force, having grossly violated the rights of Ukrainians, as well as a number of its international obligations. The United Kingdom's position is clear: they do not recognize and will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Now it is necessary to continue to exert international pressure on Russia for its actions in 2014 and for what has happened in Crimea since that time.

Simmons stressed that the illegal annexation of Crimea posed significant challenges to Ukraine and the overall Euro-Atlantic security system.

She said that the international community must continue to confront these challenges. We must show Russia that we will not tolerate its screaming disrespect for the international order. We must make sure that Russia is responsible for the terrible human rights violations and environmental destruction on the peninsula. The rights of Crimean residents must be protected, the ambassador said.

The diplomat stressed that it is always necessary to remind the world that Crimea is Ukraine and will always be Ukraine.

That is why the United Kingdom welcomes the active efforts of Ukraine on the Crimean Platform initiative, Simmons said.
More than three dozen countries will take part in the Crimean Platform summit in Kyiv on August 23, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova has said.

"We do not want to make forecasts, but today there are more than 30 countries. And we think that up to four dozen countries will be represented at different levels during the Crimean Platform summit," Dzhaparova told reporters at the founding forum of the Crimean Platform Expert Network in Kyiv on Friday.

The Deputy Minister clarified that at the moment a little more than 30 countries have confirmed their participation in the summit, but there are still up to 10 countries from which Ukraine is awaiting official confirmation of participation.

Dzhaparova informed that the Crimean Platform summit will take place at the Parkovy Congress and Exhibition Center and will last for several hours. "It will consist of two parts: the official part and the forum part. The first part will be opened by Jamala, who will perform the song 1944. We really want not just to formally approach the summit, so that we just listen to official speeches, but so that there is a certain cultural and artistic accompaniment," she said.

Dzhaparova noted that after this, speeches will be made by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov, leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev, a representative of the Crimean Platform Expert Network, as well as all heads of delegations representing countries.

"After that, there will be a forum. We will have four panel discussions on different topics, which we prioritize. That is, a leadership panel where high-level representatives will also have the opportunity to speak [...] We want Parkovy not only to have walls, but so that there would be a number of interactive opportunities to immerse yourself in what Crimea is today, through culture and art," Dzhaparova said.
Chief of the Main Division of the National Police in Kyiv Andriy Kryschenko continues to perform the duties of a head, no decision has been made on his resignation, Head of the National Police of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said.

"The decision on his resignation has not been made, he continues to perform his duties," Klymenko told reporters on Friday in Kyiv.

At the same time, he said that the decision to dismiss the deputy head of the National Police  police chief in Kyiv is taken by the minister, thus this issue is within the competence of the Minister of Internal Affairs.

As an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reports, Kryschenko did not attend a coordination meeting of the heads of law enforcement agencies on Friday, while earlier he did it all the time.

Earlier, the media outlets disseminated information that Kryschenko had resigned.
There is no turn of Ukraine towards China, both countries are in a normal process of cooperation in the field of trade and in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said.

"I do not know, maybe someone sees some kind of special rapprochement between Kyiv and Beijing, I see a normal process of cooperation in the field of trade and in the fight against coronavirus pandemic. First of all, we cooperate with our Western partners, with the European Union, with the United States, and we will be happy to see American money and American companies in the implementation of infrastructure projects in Ukraine," Kuleba told journalists in Washington on Friday.

The minister said that Ukraine wants more U.S. business to come to Ukraine, bring funding and implement projects that will bring the United States and Ukraine closer together.

"Ukraine is not turning to China. We are part of the Western world, we are developing as part of this world, but trade with China is an objective reality, and despite the principled policy pursued by the United States regarding China in the security sector, trade is It is following this model that our relations with China are developing," Kuleba said.
The meeting of Presidents of the United States and Ukraine, Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky, will determine the dynamics of bilateral relations between the two countries for the next years, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said.

"We are preparing the first meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, and this, without exaggeration, will be a meeting that will determine the dynamics of bilateral relations for the next years," he told journalists in Washington on Friday.

Kuleba said he and the head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had "very substantive conversations with key partners" U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

"Both conversations were substantive, constructive, friendly, and we spoke exactly the agreements that the presidents will reach," he said.

Kuleba said that Ukraine is negotiating with the U.S. side on the format of the visit of the President of Ukraine to Washington.

In turn, Yermak said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will come to Washington with a new vision of Ukraine's relations with the United States.

"The president will arrive with a completely new vision of our country, a vision of our relations with the United States. This will be the first time in the history of Ukraine's independence, when we have a clear strategy, as we see the development of our strategic partnership," Yermak said.

The head of the President's Office said that during the visit, they made sure that the United States is awaiting the arrival of the President of Ukraine in Washington.

"Everyone is determined to make this a very productive and very fundamental visit. And a meeting with President Biden. Therefore, we once again made sure that the United States is a truly strategic partner of Ukraine, we heard this repeatedly. We heard that the security and protection of Ukraine and supporting our sovereignty and territorial integrity is a foreign policy priority of the United States," he said.

Yermak said that during the visit they did not feel "even a hint of toxicity or an unfriendly or non-strategic attitude towards our country."

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine said that at no meeting there was nothing related to the "toxicity" of Ukraine.

"Everything speaks about something completely different. We have a unique situation, we have the first president in the history of the United States who knows what Ukraine is, understands what Ukraine is, and who does not need to lecture about Ukraine. And the fact that President Zelensky will be the second European leader after Angela Merkel to be invited to the White House, that in itself is a signal. What kind of toxicity or objectivity can we talk about here?" Kuleba said.

He said the fact that Ukraine is going to the United States with concrete results in judicial reform, land market reform, opens up a unique opportunity to bring the strategic partnership with the United States to a new level, not only politically, but also specifically in the amount and essence of assistance that is directed to the security sector of Ukraine, to attract the U.S. investments and U.S. funding for the implementation of major economic projects in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, August 10, at 10.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "If presidential elections in Ukraine were held next Sunday, who would you vote for?" with the participation of Chairman of the NGO Kyiv Institute of Sociology of Civil Society Oleksandr Kovtunenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of seats in the press center is limited. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Details by: (066) 197 4481, kisgopr@gmail.com.
Michael Calvey, senior partner at the Baring Vostok private equity group, attends a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia (Photo : Pyotr Kovalev/TASS/Host Photo Agency/Pool via REUTERS)

A Russian court on Thursday found U.S. investor Michael Calvey guilty of embezzlement, his representatives said, in a case followed closely by the international business community.



Calvey, the founder of Russia-focused private equity group Baring Vostok, was detained along with other executives in early 2019 on charges of embezzlement linked to mid-sized lender Vostochny. He and the executives deny the charges.



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Calvey's press team said the judge would continue to read the verdict on Friday. "This is not the end. I hope that tomorrow the judge will voice the real facts," he was quoted as saying by his team on social media.



"Hope is the last thing to die."



Calvey last month told a court that an innocent verdict in his case would trigger billions of dollars in foreign investment and help create thousands of new jobs.



Initially placed in pre-trial detention, Calvey was subsequently put under house arrest instead. The state prosecutor has asked for a six-year suspended sentence.


The Iranian flag waves in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters, before the beginning of a board of governors meeting, in Vienna (Photo : REUTERS/Lisi Niesner)

The United States on Thursday urged Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi to return to talks on both nations resuming compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, repeating the U.S. stance that the window for diplomacy would not stay open forever.



With the rise of Raisi, who took the oath of office on Thursday, all branches of power within the Islamic Republic will be controlled by anti-Western hardliners loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.



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Iran has been negotiating with six major powers to revive a deal abandoned three years ago by then U.S. President Donald Trump, who said it was too soft on Tehran. The last round of talks in Vienna ended on June 20.



"Our message to President Raisi is the same as our message to his predecessors .. the U.S. will defend and advance our national security interests and those of our partners. We hope that Iran seizes the opportunity now to advance diplomatic solutions," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.



"We urge Iran to return to the negotiations soon so that we can seek to conclude our work," Price added during a regular briefing.



He said "this process cannot go on indefinitely" and at some point the benefits of reviving the 2015 agreement will have been eroded by the advancements of Iran's nuclear program.



Iran began violating the pact, which gave it sanctions relief in return for curbing its atomic program, in 2019 by conducting nuclear activities that were barred under the deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).



Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.


The Egyptian parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs called on Friday for George W. Bush and Tony Blair to be tried as war criminals, saying the resounding report of a British committee investigating Britain's participation in the war against Iraq clearly shows that there were no convincing reasons for the conflict.

"This British committee's report - the Chilcot report - has exposed the false reasons which former US president George W. Bush and former UK prime minister Tony Blair had exploited to wage their illegitimate war against Iraq," said the strongly-worded statement.

The parliament said that the American-led war in Iraq left more than one million Iraqis killed and millions more wounded, internally displaced or sent from their homes as refugees.

"There's no question that George W. Bush and Tony Blair should be put on trial as war criminals not only because they are the ones who trumpeted the reasons for this war, but also because they should be held responsible for the deaths of millions of Iraqis since 2003," the statement read.

It singled out former US president Bush as the Iraqi conflict's foremost war criminal.

"Bush committed his crimes in Iraq amid silence in America which claims itself as the land of democracy and human rights," the statement noted.



According to the statement, the British report on the war also exposed the ceaseless Western conspiracies against the Arab World, the Middle East and the Arab Gulf.



"These conspiracies aim at plundering the riches of this region, enslaving its peoples and plunging them into constant troubles," said the statement.

The committee recommended that the Arab League and the next Arab Summit in Mauritania this month issue strong statements against Western military intervention in the Arab World and to use its influence in the United Nations to espouse this principle.

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The prosecution in Qalyubia ordered the detention of a low-ranking policeman on Friday, pending an investigation for shooting and killing two brothers late-Thursday during a traffic dispute in the governorate.

According to news reports, the two brothers were shot by a low-ranking traffic policeman in a fight over a traffic fine at the town of Shibin Al-Qanater in the Nile Delta governorate.

The two men, aged 32 and 38, died shortly thereafter in hospital due to their wounds.

The shooting of the two siblings caused public unrest in the area, with citizens protesting early-Friday morning, but security forces dispersed the gathering using tear gas.

The prosecution is currently investigating the incident.

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Northern Ethiopia has been wracked by fighting since last November, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the TPLF, the then-ruling party of Tigray which dominated national politics for nearly three decades until 2018.

The move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps, Abiy said.

Although he promised a swift victory, the war took a stunning turn in June when pro-TPLF forces recaptured the Tigray capital Mekele and the Ethiopian army largely withdrew.

Since then the TPLF has pushed east into the neighbouring Afar region and south into Amhara.

Top US officials including US aid chief Samantha Power, who visited Ethiopia this week, have urged the TPLF to withdraw and asked all sides to cease hostilities and focus instead on addressing the humanitarian "catastrophe" in Tigray.

On Thursday, TPLF fighters entered Lalibela without a fight, as security forces withdrew ahead of their advance, residents told AFP.

The move prompted Amhara's government to warn that the TPLF was pressing "deep" into Amhara territory and to hint at possible retaliation.

Getachew said the push into Lalibela was part of a bid to secure roads in northern Amhara and prevent pro-government forces from regrouping.

"You see, we are under siege. We are under blockage. Anything that Abiy is going to use to maintain its chokehold on our people, we'll make sure it doesn't pose a serious problem," he said.

Lalibela is home to 12th-century rock-hewn churches that are a major tourist draw in peacetime, as well as an airport.

'Hot pursuit'

On Friday pro-TPLF forces were in "hot pursuit" of Amhara regional forces who had headed north from Lalibela to the town of Sekota, Getachew said.

The Amhara wing of Abiy's ruling Prosperity Party said the TPLF was walking into "a trap" by moving away from its base in Tigray, adding: "And this is how we will be able to punish it without mercy."

Getachew said the TPLF does not have designs on holding territory in Amhara and Afar and is instead focused on facilitating aid access.

It remains committed, though, to retaking areas of western and southern Tigray that have been occupied by Amhara forces since the war's early stages, he said.

Amhara leaders have rejected calls by the US and other world powers to exit those territories, claiming they historically fall under Amhara control.

The dispute bodes ill for ceasefire calls that have become more intense in recent days.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths wrapped up a visit to Ethiopia this week by declaring "we need the war to end".

The UN says fighting in Tigray has pushed 400,000 people into famine-like conditions, and estimates that more than 100,000 children could suffer from life-threatening acute malnutrition in the next 12 months.

The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of blocking aid to Tigray, and top humanitarian officials continue to decry bureaucratic and other hurdles hindering access.

The government says a unilateral ceasefire it announced in late June was intended to allow aid in, and that the TPLF's subsequent offensive undermines that effort.

On Friday Abiy's office reported an additional 63 trucks of food aid had reached Mekele, taking the total figure to 220 in recent weeks.

'Lalibela is our heritage'

Abiy's spokeswoman Billene Seyoum said Thursday more than 300,000 people had been displaced by recent fighting in Amhara and Afar.

Amhara deputy president Fanta Mandefro told AFP Thursday the rebels were responsible for abuses including killings and sexual assault.

But Getachew dismissed those claims.

"We are in fact working with the people to make sure they go about their lives as normally as they could," he said.

The US State Department on Thursday urged the rebels to protect Lalibela but Getachew said the concerns were misplaced.

"We know what it means to protect heritage sites," he said. "Lalibela is our heritage site as well. They shouldn't worry about our forces protecting or not protecting Lalibela."

Multiple heritage sites in Tigray have been significantly damaged during the conflict, notably monasteries and other places of worship, though Tigrayans have generally blamed pro-government forces for the destruction.
Nigerian forces have killed 78 gunmen, known locally as bandits, during military operations including air strikes in northwestern Zamfara state, the air force said.

Heavily-armed bandits have wracked northwest and central Nigeria for years, but the groups have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students for ransom and prompting a military response.

"On 2 August 2021, Nigerian Air Force... locked on armed bandits on bikes moving into Kwiambana Forest Reserves (in Zamfara state)... over 78 bandits were neutralized, and their camps destroyed," air force spokesman Edward Gabkwet said in a statement late on Thursday.

The bandits were tracked to "extensive and well concealed camps with numerous huts" that were destroyed by the air force, the statement added, "in liaison with ground troops forming blocking forces around the targeted areas of the forest."

The air force said surviving bandits escaped and abandoned the camp.

The air force used the Alpha Jet fighter and attack helicopters to bombard the bandit camp, the statement said.

The Nigerian military first deployed to the area in 2016 and a peace deal with bandits was signed in 2019 but attacks on communities have continued.

Violence linked to these groups is just one of the challenges facing President Muhammadu Buhari's security forces, who are also battling a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency in the northeast and separatist agitation in the southeast.

Last month, heavily-armed gangs shot down an air force Alpha Jet over Zamfara although the pilot safely ejected and evaded capture.

On July 22, the air force said it had received the first six out of 12 Super Tucano light-attack turboprops from the United States.

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A flood killed at least 24 people in an illegal textile factory in a villa basement in the Moroccan city of Tangier, authorities said on Monday, adding that 10 people had been rescued.

It was not immediately clear how many people had been in the building at the time, but authorities said rescue operations were continuing and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident had been launched.

Morocco's informal labour sector represents about a fifth of non-agricultural economic activity and labourers are often prey to unsafe working conditions.

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A flare-up along the border this week has seen Israel carry out its first air strikes on Lebanese territory in seven years and Hezbollah claim a direct rocket attack on Israeli territory for the first time since 2019.

The exchanges coincide with rising tensions between Iran and Israel since a deadly attack on an Israeli-managed tanker in the Gulf of Oman last week.

Following Friday morning's exchange Israel said it did "not wish to escalate to a full war", as the United Nations peacekeeping force in the border region, UNIFIL, warned of "a very dangerous situation" and called on parties to "cease fire and maintain calm".

Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets at open ground near Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms border district.

It said the attack came in response to Israeli air strikes on south Lebanon on Thursday that were the first since 2014.

An AFP correspondent in south Lebanon said he heard several explosions and saw smoke rising from around the Shebaa Farms.

Israel said 19 rockets were fired, six of which hit Israeli ground.

Three fell short while the others were intercepted by air defences, it said.

The Israeli military released a video of multiple vapour trails in the skies, and said it was "striking the launch sources in Lebanon" but did not elaborate.

- Rocket launcher confiscated -

UNIFIL reported an "artillery response from Israel in the Shebaa Farms area", following the Hezbollah rocket attack.

An AFP correspondent in south Lebanon reported artillery fire by Israeli forces on the Shebaa Farms and outside the town of Kfarchouba.

The Shebaa Farms district is claimed by Lebanon but the UN regards it as part of the Syrian Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981.

Israeli army spokesman, Amnon Shefler, played down the prospects of all-out war with Hezbollah.

"We believe that neither Hezbollah wants a full-out war, and we definitely do not wish to have a war," he said after Friday's exchange.

"Yet of course we are very prepared for that."

He said life continued as normal on the Israeli side of the border.

Hezbollah's deputy head, Naeem Qassem, said the group was committed to responding to any attack on Lebanon.

But "we do not believe things are headed towards an escalation, though Hezbollah is prepared" if needed, he added.

In the south Lebanon district of Hasbaya, Druze villagers earlier stopped a truck carrying a multiple rocket launcher used by Hezbollah in Friday's attack, a military source told AFP.

A video widely shared on social media showed angry residents blocking the truck's passage and accusing Hezbollah of endangering civilian lives by launching rockets from close to residential areas.

Hezbollah said the truck was stopped after the group's attack but that the rockets were fired far from residential areas.

The Lebanese army said it arrested the four people who had launched the rockets and seized the launcher after it was intercepted by villagers.

- 'Escalation' -

A series of rocket attacks have been launched from Lebanon towards Israel since Wednesday, but with the exception of Friday's salvo, they have remained unclaimed.

Before Thursday, Israel's last air strikes on Lebanon dated back to 2014 when warplanes struck territory near the Syrian border.

They had not targeted Hezbollah's south Lebanon strongholds since the militants fought a devastating conflict with Israel in 2006.

For its part, Israel has repeatedly warned it will not allow a power vacuum and a deepening economic crisis in Beirut to undermine security on its border.

The Israeli military has said it "views the state of Lebanon as responsible for all actions originating in its territory".

Lebanon is grappling with an economic crisis that the World Bank says is one of the world's worst since the mid-19th century.

Despite international pressure, political leaders have failed to form a government since the outgoing cabinet resigned after a deadly blast last year at the capital's port.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online
Tunisias interior ministry has put under house arrest a senior official of the Ennahda party which opposes the presidents seizure of governing powers, one of his colleagues said on Friday.

Anouar Maarouf is the most prominent member of the party to be targeted since President Kais Saied dismissed the prime minister and suspended parliament on July 25.

Maarouf was minister of communications and technology from 2016-20 , a government department which Saied has suggested parties tried to manipulate for their own advantage.

Anouar Maarouf was informed by official authorities that he is under house arrest, an Ennahda official told Reuters, asking not to be named.

The Interior Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Though Saieds moves appear to have popular support, they have raised questions over Tunisias democratic transition a decade after it threw off autocratic rule in a revolution that triggered the 2011 Arab Spring.

Several politicians and officials have been detained or put under investigation, including on old warrants that were implemented after the president lifted parliamentary immunity.

Saied has moved to gain direct control over the Interior Ministry and Communications and Technology Ministry, replacing the ministers in charge of both.

This week, he said he would not accept future communications and technology ministers being linked to political parties that might want control over citizens data.

Ennahda is one of four political parties that the judiciary said last week it was investigating over foreign financing.

It says it has not broken any rules.

The judiciary also briefly investigated four party members, including some close to the leader, parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, over slight scuffles with Saied supporters on July 26. The cases were quickly dropped, however.

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Wariness and outright hostility to vaccines did not start with Covid-19, they date back to the 18th century when the first shots were given.

From real fears sparked by side-effects, to fake studies and conspiracy theories, we take a look at anti-vax sentiment over the ages:

- 1796: First jab, first fears-

Smallpox killed or disfigured countless millions for centuries before it was eradicated in 1980 through vaccination.

In 1796 the English physician Edward Jenner came up with the idea of using the milder cowpox virus on a child to stimulate immune response after he noticed milkmaids rarely got smallpox.

The process -- coined "vaccinus" by Jenner (from cow in Latin) -- was successful, but from the outset it provoked scepticism and fear.

Before Jenner a riskier method of inoculation known as "variolation" existed for smallpox, introduced to Europe from Ottoman Turkey by the English writer and wit Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.

- 1853: Mandatory shot-

In Britain the smallpox vaccine became compulsory for children in 1853, making it the first-ever mandatory jab and triggering strong resistance.

Opponents objected on religious grounds, raised concerns over the dangers of injecting animal products, and claimed individual freedoms were being infringed.

A "conscience clause" was introduced in 1898 allowing sceptics to avoid vaccination.

- 1885: Pasteur and rabies-

At the end of the 19th century, the French biologist Louis Pasteur developed a vaccine against rabies by infecting rabbits with a weakened form of the virus.

But again the process sparked mistrust and Pasteur was accused of seeking to profit from his discovery.

- 1920s: Vaccines heyday-

Vaccines flourished in the 1920s -- shots were rolled out against tuberculosis with the BCG in 1921, diphtheria in 1923, tetanus in 1926 and whooping cough in 1926.

It was also the decade that aluminium salts began to be used to increase the effectiveness of vaccines.

But more than half a century later these salts became the source of suspicion, with a condition causing lesions and fatigue called macrophagic myofasciitis thought to be caused by them.

- 1998: Fake autism study-

A study published in the top medical journal The Lancet in 1998 suggested there was a link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella shot known as the MMR vaccine.

The paper by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues was revealed years later to be a fraud and retracted by the journal, with Wakefield struck off the medical register.

Despite subsequent studies demonstrating the absence of any such link, the bogus paper is still a reference for anti-vaxxers and it left its mark.

Measles killed 207,500 people in 2019, a jump of 50 percent since 2016 with the World Health Organization warning that vaccine coverage is falling globally.

- 2009: Swine flu scare-

The discovery in 2009 of "Swine flu", or H1N1, caused by a virus of the same family as the deadly Spanish flu, caused great alarm.

But H1N1 was not as deadly as first feared and millions of vaccine doses produced to fight it were destroyed, fuelling mistrust towards vaccination campaigns.

Matters were made worse by the discovery that one of the vaccines, Pandemrix, raised the risk of narcolepsy.

Of 5.5 million people given the vaccine in Sweden, 440 had to be compensated after developing the sleep disorder.

- 2020: Polio conspiracy theories-

Eradicated in Africa since August 2020 thanks to vaccines, polio is still a scourge in Pakistan and Afghanistan where the disease, which causes paralysis in young children, remains endemic.

Anti-vaccine conspiracy theories have allowed it to continue to destroy lives.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban banned vaccine campaigns, calling them a Western plot to sterilise Muslim children.

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The US Army announced Friday that it would retain troop sites in Germany and Belgium that had been slated for handover, saying they were needed for "growing" defense demands in the region.

The announcement underscored President Joe Biden's reversal of his predecessor Donald Trump's plan to slash US troops in Europe and move some bases out of Germany.

The army said its installations in Ansbach, Kaiserslautern, Mannheim, Pirmasens, Stuttgart and Wiesbaden in Germany and at Caserne Daumerie near Chievres in Belgium would not now be turned over to the host nations.

The locations include housing, support facilities, a base for storing hundreds of armored vehicles, a warehouse location and administrative offices.

The reversal to plans made years ago to leave the locations is "due to growing requirements in the European theater," the army said in a statement.

In July 2020 Trump announced that the United States would withdraw almost 12,000 out of the nearly 35,000 US soldiers based in Germany, bringing some home and redeploying others elsewhere in Europe.

But Pentagon officials, citing the need for long-term planning for such moves, did not take immediate action and the current level of troops in Germany remains around 35,000.

After Biden came into office in January, the Trump plan was dropped as Washington views Russia as a significant threat to Europe and believes the US troop presence is crucial to the NATO mission.

In April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Pentagon would actually add another 500 US military personnel to its rosters in Germany, to be based in Weisbaden.

In June around 28,000 soldiers from the United States and 25 allied countries took part in the Defender 21 military exercises for building readiness and interoperability between US, NATO and partner forces.

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In a speech at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, US President Joe Biden said on 27 July that Chinese President Xi Jinping was in deadly earnest about Chinas becoming the most powerful military force in the world by 2040 as well as the largest and most prominent economy in the world.

He added that it was real [Hes] got a plan and that the United States better figure out how we are going to keep pace without exacerbating [the situation] in a sensible approach to the issue.

Over the last few weeks, US diplomacy has been involved in regional networking in the Indo-Pacific region through high-level visits by senior US officials to China, India, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Last week, I wrote about the visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to Tianjin in China. Also last week, US secretary of state Antony Blinken visited India, and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin paid visits to Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines.

If there was a common theme in the talks that Blinken and Austin had with the officials in the cities they visited, it was undoubtedly the emergence of China as a great power and the perceived threat that this emergence represents to the national security interests of the US and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. In American diplomatic speak, this supposed threat is better known as Chinese coercion.

In Tianjin, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng in his talks with Sherman urged the US to change what he called its extremely dangerous Chinese policy. He went on to say that China-US relations are currently at a deadlock and face serious difficulties. He provided the US deputy secretary of state with a list of demands including the relaxation of visa and other restrictions on some Chinese officials and journalists, as well as the dropping of a US extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei executive who remains in Canada pending the result of a court case.

It goes without saying, and putting aside the legal considerations in the case, that if Wanzhou is extradited to the US, Chinese-American relations will witness a dangerous nosedive, let alone Chinese-Canadian relations. Taking into account the already high level of tensions in US-Chinese relations, it is highly doubtful that such an extradition  if it ever takes place  will serve the security interests of the US in East and Northeast Asia.

According to one US official, the Tianjin talks did not reach any specific outcomes. He said that they represented another step in a long process of setting the terms of the relationship, of responsibly managing the competition, and of seeing if we can establish some guardrails for that.

A day after the conclusion of the Tianjin meeting, the US secretary of defence arrived in Vietnam on 27 July. The US and Vietnam are seeking to deepen bilateral defence ties, especially in the South China Sea. The talks in Hanoi mainly focused on security and military cooperation between the US and Vietnam. The visit was meant to underscore the US commitment to strengthening ties with Hanoi and to promote closer cooperation in confronting the expansion of Chinese influence in Southeast Asia.

Le Hong Hiep, a senior fellow at the Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore quoted in the South China Morning Post, said the two countries were interested in pursuing deeper bilateral defence cooperation, especially in the South China Sea. He said he believed Austins visit aimed to drive bilateral relations in that direction.

Another Southeast Asian expert, Pham Quang Minh, former dean of the University of Social Science and Humanities in Hanoi, quoted in the same journal, said that with US weapons Vietnam would strengthen its defence in the face of security tensions in the South China Sea. In 2016, the US lifted a ban on the sale of lethal weapons to Hanoi.

In remarks made at the 40th IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies) Fullerton Lecture on 27 July, the US secretary of defence said that I have come to Southeast Asia to deepen Americas bonds with allies and partners on whom our common security depends. He added that our network of alliances and friendship is an unparalleled strategic asset. As he put it, the Indo-Pacific will again rise to the challenge. And America will be right at your side.

In order to reassure US allies and partners in the region that the US is not planning to involve them in a future military confrontation with China, he said that he was committed to pursuing a constructive, stable relationship with China, including stronger crisis communications with the Peoples Liberation Army. However, he also called on them to invest in cooperation and capabilities and a vision of deterrence that would meet the security challenges in the Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

He pointed out that deterrence remains the cornerstone of American security, and that because of emerging threats and cutting-edge technologies the face and pace of warfare are undergoing changes. Accordingly, the US is operating under a new 21st-century vision that he has termed integrated deterrence.

It thus seems that the Biden administration is sending messages to China and reassurances to US allies and partners in the region that it is engaged in pursuing a strategy of deterrence, or integrated deterrence, to meet Chinese coercion in the South China Sea and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The stage is now set for a summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden to set the parameters of Chinese-American relations in the years to come. Such a summit could take place before the end of the year if the two countries decide that it is better to work out their differences through diplomacy.

I believe that the US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region would welcome such an important meeting. They realise that it will not provide solutions to the array of security challenges in the region, but it would provide a framework to try to overcome those challenges, or, at least, to manage them in a peaceful manner.

The writer is former assistant foreign minister.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 5 August, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Throughout history, any story ever written, inevitably features a villain. It is almost imperative for the dramatic effect, as the teller requires to highlight his theme.



Movies have wisely made good use of villain figures, even at the cost of diminishing the hero. It is possible we walk out of a movie-theatre, remembering the chills the villain provided, that is when Hollywood made movies.



Todays CGI provides all the scary imaging of monsters, aliens, Cyclops, dragons, werewolves, vampires, mutants, that may raise your blood pressure for a spell, but they are easily forgotten once you exit the theatre.



The concept is not new, but advanced technology has made it so easy that it is all left to that department, opting for sensation than human emotion.



For over a century, Hollywood has been the leader in filmmaking worldwide and the industry has left us with a rich legacy of villainous characters, who shall live with us for a long time to come.



How old is Dracula, Frankenstein or Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? Almost 100 years, yet we remember, them from generation to generation.



Even old childrens movies had their own memorable villains, like the Evil Queen in the first Disney animated feature, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (1937) or the Wicked Witch of the East, in The Wizard of Oz (1939), scarier than Cruella De Vil, herself.



As Hollywood matured and ended productions of certain silly comedies, or vacuous musicals, it never stopped embracing a villain. The villain has assumed different forms with the years. Forget the James Bond villains who exhibit no subtlety, but think of a Michael Corleone in Godfather II with the sublime performance by the sublime Al Pacino, who received his first Oscar nomination for this interpretation. Funny to think that eight actors turned down the role, including the two Roberts, Redford and De Niro. Pacino was cast by Coppola despite the producers objections.



While some believe Darth Vader of Star Wars is the number one villain of all of film history, we give our gold medal to Hannibal Lecter of Silence of the Lambs. A first in villainous types, Antony Hopkins performance still gives us chills up and down our spine. It may well be the only thing we remember, yet his on-screen performance only lasted 16 minutes, the shortest turn ever, to win an Oscar, thanks to his bon mots like: I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.



Several villains rated among the best are The Joker, by the incomparable Jack Nicholson, in Batman and Joe Pesci in Scorseses Good Fellas (1990). Hitchcocks Norman Bates in Psycho (1960), gets kudos for creating the most sympathetic villain on the screen. Anthony Perkins performance was ingenious with audiences rooting for him, despite his horrific crimes.



Yes there are lady villains too. Think of Nurse Hatchett, in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, with Louise Thatcher, outstanding as the heartless nurse, (1975). Not to be outdone Glenn Close scared us stiff as Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction, and the grandes dames of the screen, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane got audiences screaming at each performance.



Author Stephen King was delighted with Katherine Bates in the film adaptation of his book Misery and so were we. Yes, ladies can be super-villains as well.



If we have missed a number of your favourites, please forgive us as our space is limited and there is much to cover.



Besides individuals, Hollywood has targeted a few ethnic groups as their preferred evil representatives, among them the Arabs of course. That occurred pre and post 9/11, an antagonism that goes back perhaps to the time of the Crusaders.



Prior to the founding of Israel, the Jew was maligned for a period of time in Hollywood movies. Jewish actors would change their names to sound more Anglo-Saxon, or waspish in order to appease their audiences  but much has changed since Jews now practically own Hollywood.



Asians have been and still remain, though less so, a stereotype of the cheating, sly villain without a conscience. Chinese were your cooks, servants or laundry owners, while Japanese were the wild gangs who provided the drugs for the white man.



None has been maligned as the natives, dubbed as Red Indians. Wars between them dominated the screen for decades. Children played games of Cowboys and Indians. Bang, bang, cowboys always won. Totally ignored was the savagery of the English settlers who slaughtered the natives during a shameful period in history.



Slavery was slightly touched upon, but the compassion of the white man prevailed.



With all those villains maligned on the screen, none were treated as bitterly as the Germans. It was a surprise for us in our research to discover that until today, a Hitler-like image, or a thick German accent is still maligned in movies.



Despite 50 years of democracy, Germans remain the no. 1 stereotypical villains, with a negative representation, especially in the many holocaust movies, Hollywood is so fond of.



Stereotypes of any kind are damaging to peoples of all races.



For one brief moment in time the deserts of Arabia, the romance, beauty, magic, adventures of these lands fascinated Hollywood.



How times have changed.





A foreigner scarcely counts as a human being for someone of another race.



Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD)

*A version of this article appears in print in the 5 August, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Nigeria bombs gunmen camp, kills 78: Military



AFP, , Friday 6 Aug 2021



Nigerian forces have killed 78 gunmen, known locally as bandits, during military operations including air strikes in northwestern Zamfara state, the air force said



Nigerian forces have killed 78 gunmen, known locally as bandits, during military operations including air strikes in northwestern Zamfara state, the air force said.



Heavily-armed bandits have wracked northwest and central Nigeria for years, but the groups have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students for ransom and prompting a military response.



"On 2 August 2021, Nigerian Air Force... locked on armed bandits on bikes moving into Kwiambana Forest Reserves (in Zamfara state)... over 78 bandits were neutralized, and their camps destroyed," air force spokesman Edward Gabkwet said in a statement late on Thursday.



The bandits were tracked to "extensive and well concealed camps with numerous huts" that were destroyed by the air force, the statement added, "in liaison with ground troops forming blocking forces around the targeted areas of the forest."



The air force said surviving bandits escaped and abandoned the camp.



The air force used the Alpha Jet fighter and attack helicopters to bombard the bandit camp, the statement said.



The Nigerian military first deployed to the area in 2016 and a peace deal with bandits was signed in 2019 but attacks on communities have continued.



Violence linked to these groups is just one of the challenges facing President Muhammadu Buhari's security forces, who are also battling a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency in the northeast and separatist agitation in the southeast.



Last month, heavily-armed gangs shot down an air force Alpha Jet over Zamfara although the pilot safely ejected and evaded capture.



On July 22, the air force said it had received the first six out of 12 Super Tucano light-attack turboprops from the United States.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/418511.aspx
KYODO NEWS - Aug 6, 2021 - 20:37 | World, All, Japan

Japan urged Myanmar's junta Friday to free people detained since the Feb. 1 coup and restore democracy, during a meeting with the foreign ministers of five Southeast Asian countries along the Mekong River attended by Myanmar's military-appointed representative.

Conveying concerns about the Myanmar military's nullification of the country's November general election, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for a dialogue among all parties concerned and "expressed his strong expectations for a constructive response from Myanmar," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

On Wednesday, the ASEAN foreign ministers agreed to appoint Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as a special envoy to Myanmar to help resolve the political crisis in the country, though it is yet to be decided when he will make his trip.

In the one-hour videoconference, Motegi reiterated Japan's support for ASEAN's initiative to implement a five-point consensus on how to deal with the crisis including an immediate end to violence, according to the ministry.

On other regional issues, the Japanese foreign minister pledged additional medical support for the region on top of around 5.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and $68 million worth of medical equipment including oxygen concentrators, the ministry said.

"As we face the predicament stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, I would like to reaffirm the importance of the relationship between Japan and the Mekong nations, which is based on strong friendship and deep trust," Motegi said at the beginning of the meeting.

The Japan-Mekong meeting, involving Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, was pushed back from earlier this year because Tokyo feared holding it would be seen as recognizing Myanmar's military government that ousted the country's democratically elected government.

Related coverage:

Japan fully backs appointment of ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar

Blinken shows concerns on Myanmar, calls ASEAN key to region's future

ASEAN selects Brunei diplomat Erywan as special envoy to Myanmar
KYODO NEWS - Aug 6, 2021 - 11:39 | All, World

President Joe Biden on Thursday set a goal to make half of all new vehicles sold in the United States in 2030 electrified vehicles as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to take the lead in clean and efficient transportation technology.

Under an executive order signed by Biden, 50 percent of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in 2030 are expected to be electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen-fuel cell electric vehicles, a move supported by major U.S. and European automakers as well as Japanese companies including Toyota Motor Corp.

The goal is not legally binding, but may add fresh momentum to the electric vehicle market, which in the United States has showed slow growth. EVs accounted for about 2 percent of the U.S. new-car market in recent years, the Pew Research Center said in a report in early June.

The Biden administration is calling for investment in EV infrastructure and manufacturing, saying that doing so will not only create well-paid jobs but will better position the country to win "the future of transportation" and "outcompete" China.

"There is no turning back" on the future of an electric automobile industry, Biden said at the White House. "The question is whether we'll lead or fall behind in the race for the future. It's whether we'll build these vehicles and the batteries...or we're going to have to rely on other countries for those batteries."

China is now leading the race, being one of the largest and fastest-growing EV markets in the world and having dominance over its manufacturing capacity for batteries, the U.S. president warned.

Biden's executive order will also start off the development of long-term fuel efficiency and emissions standards to advance efforts to tackle the climate crisis, according to the White House.

As the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter after China, Biden has vowed to roughly halve emissions from 2005 levels in 2030, underscoring a shift from the previous administration led by Donald Trump that oversaw a rollback on environmental policies and withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accord.

Companies including Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. said in a joint statement that they share the "aspiration" to achieve sales of 40-50 percent of annual U.S. volumes of electrified vehicles by 2030 in order to "move the nation closer to a zero-emissions future consistent with Paris climate goals."

But they also said the development "represents a dramatic shift from the U.S. market today" that can be achieved only with the timely deployment of the full suite of electrification policies committed to by the Biden administration, including purchase incentives, a comprehensive charging network to support millions of vehicles and investments in research and development.

Toyota said in a statement that the Biden administration's target is "great for the environment" and that the company will "do our part."

Japan's Honda Motor Co., along with Germany's BMW AG and some other companies, said in a separate joint statement that they remain committed to "leading the industry in fighting against climate change" and they "support the administration's goal of reaching an electric vehicle future."

The Biden administration said the latest announcements will put the United States on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger vehicle sales by more than 60 percent in 2030 compared with vehicles sold last year.

Among electrified vehicles, EVs have a battery instead of a gasoline tank, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use both gasoline and electricity as fuel sources but can run on electric power without gas until the charged batteries run out.

Fuel cell vehicles are similar to EVs, but are different in that they can generate their electricity onboard.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 6, 2021 - 20:51 | World

The Japanese government lodged a protest with the South Korean government on Friday as Seoul began streaming images from a pair of South Korean-controlled islets in the Sea of Japan that are claimed by Japan.

Takehiro Funakoshi, director general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, protested to Kim Yong Gil, a counselor at the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo, that the islets, called Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, are an "inherent part" of Japanese territory, and demanded that the live webcast be halted immediately.

In Seoul, a senior official at the Japanese Embassy conveyed a similar message to a South Korean Foreign Ministry official there.

South Korea's Oceans and Fisheries Ministry announced Thursday that it would soon start livestreaming footage from the islets, prompting the Japanese Foreign Ministry to lodge a protest afterward.

The images from two vantage points on the islets began being streamed on government-run websites on Friday. The oceans ministry has said the service is aimed at increasing the public's interest in and affinity toward the territory.

The rocky outcrops have long been a source of tension between the two neighbors. South Korea has been in effective control of them since the 1950s.

Related coverage:

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Kolkata:

The IIT Kharagpur has reported to the West Midnapore district administration, state government and the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development about 'law and order violations' by a local group and to ensure safety of the students, faculty and staff.

An IIT KGP statement on Sunday said a group called the Joint Action Committee had allegedly prevented 850 contractual workers from clean-up and mess services at the student halls and had manhandled some of the workers on Saturday.

Also Read | Book records ways how women responded to English language

The group had also called an indefinite strike on Sunday which was later called off, district officials said and promised full cooperation to IIT KGP authorities in maintaining order.

The premier institute has close to 12,000 students living in more than 20 halls of residence and the Hall Management Centre (HMC) has always engaged outsourcing agencies, the statement said.

The group had been claiming that more outsourced workers be engaged in the mess service and cleaning operations at the student halls as in their view the number of staff is inadequate and they wanted to have a say in the operations.

"Supporters of this group are neither on the institutes pay roll nor on outsourced duty and were found illegally entering the halls of residence and coercing the mess workers to leave their work yesterday. They went to the extent of physical assault and threatening them with dire consequences," the statement said quoting an IIT KGP official.

Refusing to give in to the demand of the group, the statement said, "We stand firm on the policies and decisions about not to give in to their illegal threats. The workers concerned are working today."

Also Read | UGC recommends university status for IIMC

Some of the girl students further complained that fewof these local goons entered one of the girls hostels forcibly on Saturday.

"I saw several of these men in bikes and cyclesforcing their way in our hostel while the institutes security personnel were trying to stop them from entering," a girl student said.

IIT KGP said the matter has also been reported to police.

Also Read | Book explores higher realms of self-discovery, inner peace

The institute authorities will have a close monitoring of the situation for the next three days, up to Tuesday night,"as it may take some time to entirely bring back the normalcy," the statement said.
Cyprus:

They arrived in their dozens as soon as school was out, threw their satchels in a pile, wrapped kefiyehs around their heads, armed themselves with stones and catapults and began launching waves of attacks on Israeli soldiers stationed just across the Gaza border.



School was over, it was Intifada time.



This was back in , just days after the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) had erupted.



The afternoon protests were led by the children  mainly boys but also some girls. Towards evening, when the mood had darkened and teargas was hanging angrily in the air, the adults took over. Lethal firefights broke out between Palestinian militants and Israeli troops.



By the end of the evening, several Palestinian men and a few children lay dead. They would be buried the next day after highly emotional funerals that once again stoked the passions and brought out the schoolchildren and later the militants. The cycle of hatred, frustration, anger and confrontation would start all over again.

ALSO READ: How AAPs anger overshoots BJP and targets Congress

, 18 years later, the Gaza blockade remains in place and the Palestinian resistance continues. If anything, the frustration levels in the narrow coastal strip are higher than ever, the anger is still seething, the violence just as intense.



Since March protests in Gaza have continued unabated under the slogan Great Return March  in support of demands that Palestinian refugees and their descendants be allowed to return to Israel. The launch of the campaign coincided with the moving of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, further stoking Palestinian anger.



So, the children along with the adults are back at the barbed wire perimeter fences, throwing stones and molotovs and rolling burning tyres towards the Israeli soldiers. Some arrive armed with wire-cutters and attempt to break through the fences.



Sooner or later, the situation escalates, shots are fired and Palestinians lie dead.



According to the UN agency in Gaza OCHA, 146 Palestinians were killed between , when the Great March protests began, and (their latest casualty update is still to come) -- 124 men, one woman, 20 boys and one girl. In this same period, no Israelis died although four were injured.



But the question remains: Why do Palestinians let their children take part in what are after all acts of violent warfare?



The answer in part is that they cant stop them. They are mostly headstrong teenagers out for action and driven by the belief that it is their duty to fight the Israelis.

ALSO READ: Trump insulting Modi will only hurt long-standing India-US ties

Israelis more cynically say that parents dont WANT to stop them. Being killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers not only brings repute to ones family but it also ensures that ones loved ones receive a monthly stipend of about $350 from the Palestinian Authoritys Martyrs Fund.



In the stark conditions that exist in the overcrowded Gaza Strip, where families are large and dirt poor and where unemployment is running at 27 per cent (60 percent in the age category 15-29), $350 a month can in some instances make all the difference between malnutrition and chronic malnutrition.



The Martyrs Fund, described by critics as "pay for slay", has been slammed by Israel, which says it glorifies terrorism and offers an incentive for murder. The US, meanwhile, has cut off part of its funding to the PA over the stipend issue.



Palestinian leaders defend the stipends paid to families of martyrs as well as to Palestinians being held in Israeli jails, as part of the movements social responsibility. But it is unlikely that, for children in any case, dying simply for the sake of the money would be incentive enough.



Anne Speckhard, Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at Georgetown University, puts the readiness to die for the cause down to a cult of martyrdom in the Palestinian Territories.



From a very young age, children are socialised into a group consciousness that honours martyrs, including human bombers who have given their lives for the fight against what is perceived by Palestinians to be the unjust occupation of their lands. Young children are told stories of martyrs. Many young people wear necklaces venerating particular martyrs, Speckhard wrote in a paper entitled Understanding Suicide Terrorism: Countering Human Bombs and Their Senders.

ALSO READ: Justice Joseph's elevation to SC: Policy of checks and balance needed



The Guardian newspaper in May interviewed the mother of 14-year-old Wesal Sheikh Khalil who was shot dead while protesting at the Gaza border  presumably OCHAs one girl casualty. She thought death was better than this life, said Reem Abu Irmana of her daughter. Every time she went to the demonstrations she prayed to God that she would be martyred.



We will never know if Wesals determination to become a martyr was in any way influenced by the knowledge that her family would be rewarded if she was killed by Israeli forces.



All we know from the girls mother was that Wesal had been inspired by the protest marches and had started to think intensely about martyrdom.



She did make it clear to her mother, however, that should she die she wanted to be buried next to her beloved grandfather. The fragile human face of the young political activist.



Dying, no matter what religious spin you put on it, is, after all, a very lonely affair.

CLICK HERE for More OPINION


New Delhi:

Inevitably, the rechristening of Mughalsarai railway junction after one of the founders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya by BJP president Amit Shah on August 5 takes the attention to the top bracket of Jana Sangh and BJP leaders. And to the chequered history of the two rightwing organisations that followed one after the other like twin chapters of recent history and politics.

A medieval legacy marked the sprawling facility until the other day with a vast web of rail lines, though built in another time, by the sheer name Mughalsarai. The rubric signified hardly anything more than the fact that the medieval era gave way to the modern times for sound reasons.

Yet, medievalism lingered through the time not just because of the name but also courtesy those who succeeded the Mughals despite the British coming in between with their rail systems and other modern-day regalia. An old order tipped to give way to another. The swagger of history railed through intrigues and vicious pursuit of power towards the end of the Mughal era till it was vanquished.

Also Read Analysis | Cult of Martyrdom: Schools out, its protest time in Gaza

This is what Mughalsarai could have told though may be besides other things to the multitudes journeying through it till the virtual Mughals of the day pulled out their masterstroke by renaming it after another pantheon of the Sangh Parivar.

Deendayal Upadhyaya was a Jana Sangh phenomenon in the 1960s. Together with the late Balraj Madhok he had cofounded the saffron party in those hey days of the party that later turned into the BJP. And Upadhyays life was abruptly cut short when his body was found lying besides the rail track close to the then Mughalsarai railway station. He was on way to Patna in a train which he had boarded at Lucknow. His untimely death brought his party to the virtual junction of its journey to what looked like to be an uncertain future. So much so that it gave a chance to his successors in the party after 50 years of his death to repaint the spot of the tragedy after him.

But the very manner of his death had reminded of Mughal era like intrigues leading to power driven murders. There were demands of probe into the baffling incident. A commission of inquiry was set up under a judge to clear the air. He, however, ruled out politics to be behind the death of the Jana Sangh leader. Yet, doubts about what led to his unseemly death persist till this day. Last year, the demand to reopen the probe into this was made in Maharashtra though by the Congress, a party that came under sharp attack at Sundays renaming ceremony by Amit Shah in the presence of a galaxy of Central and state ministers and his party peers.

Also Read Opinion | The confessions - NCWs inappropriate proposal

What followed the death of the veteran Sangh leader was somehow again palpably medieval. Atal Behari Vajpayee became Jana Sangh president to the disappointment of Balraj Madhok who thought himself to be the rightful successor of the late leader. Soon a bitter war started among the top hats of the Jana Sangh as a result of Upadhyayas death in 1968. This raged for the next five years or so. And when LK Advani took over as the partys president, he expelled Madhok from Jana Sangh in 1973. And ever since Madhok lived in near anonymity till he died in Delhi a little over two years ago from now, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides other top BJP leaders to visit his New Rajendra Nagar residence.

A lane leading to Madhoks abode in New Delhi has been named after him. And, thus, renaming Mughalsarai after Upadhyaya is in keeping with the Sangh Parivars wont to honour its dead.

Yet, this comes with a sense of deja vu. Today Advani, who once sent Madhok into virtual oblivion, has been pushed to the sidelines of the party that he presided over since its Jana Sangh days as also through a part of its later incarnation as the Bharatiya Janata Party. And strangely this is courtesy his younger party peers like Modi and Shah.

Hence, the latest turn that Mughalsarai has undergone points to a kind of medieval instincts and mores of politics. These are exactly like those that were once rampant among the Mughal royalty and princes of yore. Sadly, this is what still persists while only the persona has changed.

CLICK HERE for More OPINION
Mumbai:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that all constitutional obligations in connection with the granting of reservations to the Maratha community in the state would be completed by November, 2017.

Fadnavis, making a 15 minute address on state television and radio, said that the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) would inform the Bombay Hight Court on August 7 about when it will submit its report regarding the Maratha quota.

He said that once the report of the MSBCC was submitted, a special session of the state Legislature would be convened within a month to pass a law or resolution regarding granting reservations to the community.

The CM said MSBCC was a statutory body and cannot be pressurised (to submit the report quickly).

The commission was in the process of collecting quantifiable data. About 1.86 lakh evidences and data have been collected, he informed.

Fadnavis appealed to the community to shun violence as a handful of people were giving a bad name to the silent marches (mook morchas) (taken out for reservation earlier) that were seen as a model form of protest.

The Maratha reservation stir took a violent turn following the death of a youth on July 23 and since then it has seen arson and stone-pelting in several districts of the state.

The chief minister said that the agitation was justified only if the government was apathetic and claimed that sincere and genuine efforts were being made to address the communitys grievances which had prevailed for years.

Also Read | Nitin Gadkaris big confession on Maratha quota stir: There are 'no jobs', reservation will do no good

Our government is addressing them sincerely. I appeal to community leaders to monitor schemes implemented in the districts and bring loopholes, if any, to the notice of the government, he said.

Fadnavis also took on his critics who have been demanding an ordinance to grant reservations to the Maratha community.

Some are saying promulgate an ordinance and what was the need for the Backwad Class Commission. An ordinance can be promulgated and you will get satisfaction that a decision was taken. However, it wont stand legal scrutiny, he said.

The chief minister said that legal experts, during detailed discussions, had opined that Maratha reservations would not stand in a court of law if legal and constitutional obligations were not completed.

Also Read | Maratha Reservation Stir: Maratha Kranti Morcha to begin 'jail bharo andolan' today

Referring to a mega recruitment drive to fill government posts in the state, Fadnavis said that no injustice would be done to Marathas.

The drive is yet to start. The process of how to ensure justice for Marathas while not impacting reservations for members of the SC/ST communities was being worked out, Fadnavis said.

Calling on the Maratha community to trust his government, he said that the government was taking effective steps to implement provisions under the Annabhau Sathe Finance Corporation and Rajashri Shahu Maharaj Scholarship schemes for the community.

He said that the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) had been entrusted with the task of surveying and submitting a report in connection with reservations for the Dhangar community in the state.

The TISS report would be submitted by the end of this month, he said.

Appealing people to be calm and shun violence, Fadnavis said that disturbances of this sort would affect the sizable investment that Maharashtra was attracting.

He also appealed to the youth to not commit suicide (several instances of which have occurred during the Maratha stir that started afresh in the last week of July) as it pained him to the core.

I appeal to the youth to not commit suicide. Please come forward and discuss (your issues) with the government. If there is a lacuna, then share it with the government and all efforts will be made to rectify it, he said.

Asking parties to set aside politicking, he requested them to unite in order to fulfil the aspirations of the youth.

Fadnavis, during his address, said that Maharashtra was the most favourable destination for investment in the country.

Also Read | Maratha Reservation: Two commit suicide, 8 attempt self-immolation; jail bharo stir today

About 42 to 47 per cent investment in the country is coming to Maharashtra and this is generating employment on a large scale. The EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation) report for last year stated that Maharashtra was the biggest generator of jobs, at 8 lakh, in a single year, he said.

Citing the violence in Chakan industrial belt near Pune last week, the Maharashtra CM asked whether investors would turn up if such incidents continued.

He informed that industrial corridors were being planned in places like Jalna and Aurangabad and violence in the name of caste and religion among others would ruin the image of a progressive state like Maharashtra.

He also asked people to stop the misuse of social media to mislead society.

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Tura (Meghalaya):

A member of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) was allegedly beaten to death by a mob at Baringgre in East Garo Hills district, police said .



Aita Boro, who escaped police firing in an encounter at Tarasin , reached the village under the Rongjeng police station and was caught by locals, Superintendent of Police R Momin said.

Also Read | Meghalaya: NDFB militant killed in gun battle

Soon, a mob gathered around him and allegedly beat him to death, he said.



A member of the NDFB was killed in an encounter with police at Tarasin .
Thiruvananthapuram:

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church on Sunday flayed the proposal of National Commission for Women (NCW) to prohibit the churches from practising confession, saying it went against the spirit of religious freedom envisaged in the Constitution.

A resolution read out in most of the Orthodox churches in the state today said the proposal was against the spirit of ancient Indian culture and rich values, which respects all religions and faiths with tolerance.

We request the government of India to reject this unilateral immature proposal of the National Womens Commission which is against the spirit of religious freedom as envisaged in the constitution, the resolution said.

The NCWs recommendation came in the backdrop of a rape case against four priests of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church who were accused of sexually exploiting a married woman.

Also Read | 'Reject NCW recommendations to ban confessions in churches'

The matter came to light after the victims husband wrote to the church alleging that the priests blackmailed and raped his wife by using her confession.

The NCW had recommended abolishing the practice of confessions in churches over fears it can lead to women getting blackmailed.

Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) had petitioned prime minister Narendra Modi against the move, calling it shocking.

Read More | Kerala church writes to PM Modi, requests to reject NCW's proposal to abolish confessions

Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam, from Kerala, had rejected outright the NCWs recommendation, insisting that the Modi government would never interfere in religious beliefs of people.

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Jerusalem:

Israel's prime minister is defending a divisive new law enshrining the country's Jewish character after tens of thousands of people demonstrated against it in Tel Aviv.



Benjamin Netanyahu said at Sundays weekly cabinet meeting that the law doesn't harm any citizens, and is needed to "ensure the future of Israel as the state of the Jewish people for generations to come".



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Members of Israel's Arabic-speaking Druze minority, which is known for supporting the state and serving in the military, organised a major protest Saturday against the law.



Opponents say the law passed last month relegates non-Jewish citizens to a second-class status.



Netanyahu said the "deep connection with the Druze community" was essential and that a ministerial committee would "advance the connection and these commitments".



ALSO READ | Pakistan police kill prime suspect behind attacks on schools in Gilgit-Baltistan

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New Delhi:

The government is trying to start work on five river inter-linking projects in the current fiscal and secure financial assistance from the World Bank and the ADB for the Rs 2 lakh crore project, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday.



We are making efforts that work on all these five projects starts by March in the current financial year itself, the Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation said during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha.



Gadkari further said a cabinet note has been moved seeking to accord recognition to it as a National Project.



Minister of State for Water Resources Arjum Ram Meghwal said the delay in implementing the river inter-linking projects was due to projects like the Manas-Sankosh-Teesta- Ganga being connected to Bhutan, Kosi-Mechi and Kosi-Ghaghara to Nepal.



He said that the government can move forward only when the issue of storage is resolved. Under the Himalayan Component of the National Perspective Plan for Water Resources Development, six links in Bihar are the Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga link project; Kosi-Ghaghara link project; Chunar-Sone Barrage; Sone Dam-Southern Tributaries of Ganga link project; Kosi-Mechi link project and Jogighopa-Teesta-Farakka link project.



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We have about 30 river inter-linking projects whom we have taken up for PFR, DPR. Out of these, 5 projects are in the advanced stage which include Ken-Betwa; Godavari-Cauvery; Daman Ganga-Pinjal, Meghwal said.



Referring to the five projects, Gadkari said in two out of these projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Tapi-Narmada and Daman Ganga-Pinjal, some unanimity has been achieved and the agreements will be signed soon.



We planned to do this during the present Parliament Session itself but it will be cleared eventully. Besides, consensus has been arrived on the Ken-Betwa project related to Bundelkhand connected to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and it will be signed after this Parliament session, he said.



Gadkari also said that about Rs 60,000 crore is estimated to be spent on the project related to the building of the Kolavaram dam on Godavari.



The backwaters bring Godavaris water to Krishna river, Krishnas water to Pennar and Pennars water to Cauvery. When Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are fighting over 40 Tmc and 3,000 Tmc water is flowing into the ocean, this is also very significant.



We are making efforts that work on all these five projects starts by March in the current financial year itself, said Gadkari.



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Observing that floods across the country lead to a loss ranging between Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 58,000, including in Bihar, he said But the question arises is there a consensus on this issue and added that the government is formulating a policy as there is a need to carry out dredging at regular intervals.



There should be balance between ecology, environment and development. Sand prices have risen at par with cement in Bihar because we are not allowed to extract. We are bringing with a Cabinet note which will aim to address this problem, Gadkari said.

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Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh):

At least five persons, including three women, were killed and seven others injured when their jeep rammed into a stationary truck on Jaunpur-Rae Bareli road, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Friday late night when some devotees from Varanasi were travelling to Allahabad when their jeep tried to overtake a truck and collided with a stationary truck at a roadside eatery near Machlishahr, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Pandey said.

He said that four passengers died on the spot, while another succumbed to her injuries at a district hospital.

Also Read | Maharashtra bus accident: NDRF rescues 30 bodies from the spot; search operation ends

The deceased have been identified as Manoj Patel (28), Jai Prakash (35), Sarita Devi (33), Sushila (34) and Sharmila (22).

Pandey said that seven persons have sustained serious injuries and have been admitted to a district hospital.

The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem, he said.
New Delhi:

A priest from Chirakkal Bhagayathi Temple in Keralas Thrissur has been arrested after he allegedly rang up the police control room and made a death threat against President Ram Nath Kovind.

The police team traced the call details and took the priest, who has been identified as P Jayaraman, to custody within an hour.

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The temple priest was under the influence of alcohol when he made the call and does not remember anything, said MP Dinesh, Thrissur Superintendent of Police.

President Kovind is on a three-day visit to Kerala and is set to inaugurate the Festival of Democracy to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He is also set to visit the Guravayoor Temple in Thrissur on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: J&K Police start crowdfunding for financial aid for martyr' families

Meanwhile, the priest will be kept in the police custody till the time President Kovind leaves the state.

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New Delhi:

Normal life in Kashmir came to a standstill on Sunday on a call for shutdown by separatists, who have been protesting the government's alleged move to tamper with Article 35-A, which prevents non-locals from buying and owning any immovable property in the state.

The large-scale protest came a day before the Supreme Court's crucial hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the validity of Article 35-A, a presidential order mandated back in 1954.

Though Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar woke up to desolate roads with all kinds of transport and business establishment remained closed, no untoward incident has been reported from across the valley so far.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) called for a two-day strike as the fear that special status of Jammu and Kashmir's will be revoked through a legal route has been mongering across the state.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik from the JRL accused the BJP and RSS of attempting to change the demography of the state. A sit-in was also organised by traders in the city-centre against any change in the special status of the state.

Read | Adultery law violates right to equality; treats men, women differently: Supreme Court

A Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens filed a petition, claiming that the state's special status, granted by Article 35-A and Article 370 of the Constitution, discriminate against neighbouring citizens from across the country.

Article 370 of the Constitution grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, while Article 35A empowers the state legislature to define the states permanent residents and their special rights and privileges.

Meanwhile, the state government has filed an application before the apex court, asking it to defer the hearing in view of the "ongoing preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body and municipal elections in the state".

Separatists, on the other hand, warned of launching a "mass agitation of hitting and occupying streets" if Article 35-A is 'tinkered' under a legal garb.

Amidst this rising tension across the valley, large numbers of security personnel have been deployed at vulnerable places to maintain the law and order.

Read | Section 377: Supreme Court reserves verdict on gay sex law

Various organisations, including Bar Association, transporters and traders' bodies have extended their support to the shutdown call of the JRL.

Protests have been held across the length and breadth of Kashmir since August 1 with mainstream parties like the National Conference and PDP holding rallies in support of continuing Article 35-A.

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Raipur:

At least 18 cows died of suffocation over the past few days at a shelter home managed by a village panchayat in Chhattisgarhs Balodabazar district, a senior official said on Sunday.

Carcasses of 18 cows were recovered from Rohasi village on August 3, Balodabazar Collector Janak Prasad Pathak told PTI.

The incident came to light after local officials received information that carcasses of cows were being transported to be buried in the village, located around 70 km from the state capital, he said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the cows were locked in a room for the past few days and they died of suffocation, he said.

Some villagers were earlier worried about stray cattle damaging crops in their fields.

After discussing the issue among themselves, locals captured the stray cattle, including cows and buffaloes. They locked some of the animals in a room at a kanji house (cow shelter) in the village and tied other cattle in an open area on the premises, Pathak said.

Also Read | Delhi: 36 cows found dead at Dwarka cowshed, government orders probe

When no person came to claim ownership of the animals, the villagers, who were finding it difficult to provide water and fodder, released the cattle tied in the open area of the shelter home, he said.

However, they allegedly did not notice the cattle locked in the room at the shelter home, managed by the village panchayat, he said.

When they noticed a foul smell emanating from the place on August 3, they checked the room and found the animals dead inside it, Pathak said.

While the villagers were transporting the carcasses on tractors for disposal, someone informed the local officials who reached the spot, he said.

After the autopsy, all the carcasses were disposed of in a deep pit dug in the village. Adequate measures have been taken to avoid the spread of any epidemic in the village due to the incident, the collector said.

The cattle remained closed for four days in a room that was not large enough to accommodate 18 animals. Therefore, they died of suffocation, he said.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident and further action will be taken accordingly, he said.

Read More | Haryana govt to enact law to punish those abandoning their cows: CM Khattar

A team of veterinary doctors was sent to the spot to look after the other animals, Pathak added.

In August last year, the Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh had came under attack from the opposition Congress over the death of a large number of cows in three state-aided shelters.

According to the state officials, over 200 cows had died in three shelters between August 16 and 18 last year allegedly due to starvation and lack of care.

One of the cow sheds, named Shagun Gaushala, was run by a local BJP leader in Durg district, while the other two shelters in Bemetara were operated by his relatives.

The state government had then constituted a judicial commission to probe the incident.
Lucknow:

Two persons were arrested in connection with the sensational daylight robbery and murder case, police said on Sunday.

Vineet Tiwari, in his 30s, was arrested on Saturday late night from Bholakhera village in the Lalganj police station area in Rae Bareli district from his sisters home. His brother-in-law Kavindra Pandey was also arrested for providing him shelter. Tiwaris sister too has been taken into custody, Inspector General (Lucknow range) Sujeet Pandey said.

On July 30, the gunner of the cash van was shot dead and a bag containing around Rs 7 lakh was snatched away by an unidentified miscreant only a couple of kilometres away from the Raj Bhavan in the high-security VVIP zone.

In the joint operation conducted by the Lucknow and Rae Bareli police, Rs 4.73 lakh cash was also recovered, he said.

Later, the number plate of the vehicle (used in the crime), the looted bag, a country-made pistol and cartridges were also recovered, Pandey said.

Also Read | Three persons, who duped people at ATMs, arrested after an encounter with the police in Greater Noida

Pandey said Tiwari had fired at the gunner and others sitting in the cash van and fled with the bag. For almost 40 minutes, he roamed across different localities of Lucknow and then reached Krishna Nagar locality in the city.

Later, he hid himself in the house of his brother-in-law Kavindra Pandey in Rae Bareily.

The robbery took place at a distance of about a couple of kilometres from the official residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the state Assembly, a day after the successful conclusion of a mega business event, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

The police had said the incident took place at around 3.30 pm on the service lane adjacent to the Raj Bhavan colony on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and opposite Axis Bank.
New Delhi:

Nearly two months after Major Leetul Gogoi was detained from a Srinagar hotel along with a local woman, the army is likely to take disciplinary action against the officer as a Court of Inquiry (COI) has found him guilty of violating rules, according to sources close to the development.

As per the findings of the COI, indicted Major Gogoi is guilty on at least two counts - being away from the place of duty without permission and involvement with a local woman in a counter-insurgency zone.

The COI was conducted by a brigadier, which took the testimonies of Major Gogoi, other Army officers concerned besides checking documents dealing with the valley woman case.

The findings of the probe have been studied before being processed and submitted to the XV Corps as per the military law.

Read | 'Exemplary punishment' to major Gogoi if found guilty, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

On May 23, trouble found Major Gogoi, a Kashmiri woman and another army jawan named Sameer Ahmed following an altercation at the Hotel Grand Mamta, leading the hotel management to call the police.

According to locals, both Gogoi and the Kashmiri woman were denied accommodation in the Srinagar hotel, which enraged Gogoi. Post that the army major got engaged in a heated exchange of words, which later turned into a scuffle.

Following the scuffle, hotel staffs beat up Gogoi and decided to hand him over to police.

On being asked why they were denied entry, the front-office executive at the hotel said, "A local girl barely 16 or 17 years of age was with a non-local man in his mid-40s. I could sense that something was wrong, therefore I denied them entry".

Read | Pakistan polls engineered by Army in favour of Khan, says Mohajir leader

In the wake of this valley woman incident, Army chief general Bipin Rawat had promised exemplary punishment if Gogoi is found guilty.

"If anyone in the Indian Army, at any rank, does any wrong and it comes to our notice, then strictest action will be taken. If Major Gogoi has done something wrong then I can say that he will be given due punishment and the punishment will be such that it will set an example," Rawat said.

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Bengaluru:

Muthuvel Karunanidhi - an excellent orator, a brilliant scriptwriter and a shrewd politician, is a shining example of communication skills driving a person to life-long power, glory and positions of power. In politics, craftiness is a quality that can make the difference between success and failure. And this skill and ability, 94-year-old Karunanidhi had in plenty.

Karunanidhis craftiness came to the fore in 1969 when he outfoxed V R Nedunchezhiyan, the number two to the then chief minister C Annadurai and became the Chief Minister of the state and captured the DMK that he ran till he breathed his last.

Ironically, Karunanidhi passed away even as the DMK was celebrating his half-century as head of the party, the longest tenure any Indian has had as a head of a recognised political party. Although he was not seen in public for the past over three years or so due to ailments, he maintained a tight grip over the party.

Over the years, Karunanidhi survived two major splits and held the party together at trying times when the DMK was out of power for 12-long years between 1977 and 1989. Now, this responsibility falls on his political heir MK Stalin.

Also Read | DMK chief Karunanidhi is no more, leaves behind rich legacy

Karunanidhi, seen as a wily old fox of Indian politics, grabbed an opportunity to influence national politics and sided with Indira Gandhi and supported her minority government that she was running after the Great Split in the Congress party of 1969.

In 1971, he decisively won in Tamil Nadu but subsequently fell foul with Indira Gandhi who dismissed his government in January 1976 on corruption charges. Karunanidhi had opposed the imposition of emergency and Gandhi was only looking for an excuse to dismiss his government. Gandhi saw in MG Ramachandran, whom Karunanidhi had ousted fearing a threat to his own position, a natural ally.

In the elections in 1977, Karunanidhi was trounced and MGR became the chief minister and confined the former to the opposition benches till 1987. As long as MGR lived, Karunanidhi had to play a waiting game and only after MGRs death and the consequent splits and power struggle in MGRs AIADMK could Karunanidhi enter the corridors of power again and became the chief minister in 1989. But in two years time, the Chandrashekhar government, supported by the Congress, dismissed Karunanidhis government again, this time ostensibly for Karunanidhis pro-LTTE actions.

Read More | Karunanidhi LIVE Updates | Family, supporters mourn loss of DMK chief Kalaignar

In the elections that ensued in 1991, Karunanidhi was battered and Jayalalithaa became the chief minister for the first time.

Since then, Tamil Nadu has seen cyclical alternating governments headed by Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, till Karunanidhi lost an election successively in 2016. Jayalalithaa broke the anti-incumbency factor and got re-elected as the chief minister, a feat no one had accomplished other than MGR in Tamil Nadu.

Karunanidhi losing touch with voters

Party leaders and cadres wanted to see tata (grandfather) as many refer to him fondly in the Chief Ministers chair again. Karunanidhi too was wanting to become the Chief Minister again and was confident too that it was his turn in 2016, but Jayalalithaa outfoxed the old fox by a strategy that was so obviously visible but none could see. She ensured that the vote against her split in many directions and defeated DMK. The vote difference between the AIADMK and DMK was wafer thin and the election could have gone either way.

Was Kalaignar losing touch? The younger elements in the party wanted Karunanidhi to step aside for his elder son MK Stalin.

Karunanidhis death has placed the responsibility of leading the party formally on his son Stalin.

His long list of achievements and people-oriented welfare centric governance, cannot, however, hide his misplaced support to the LTTE. It was one of his greatest follies, opined a political analyst.

Read More | M Karunanidhi: 10 fascinating facts about the towering DMK leader

But equally baffling was Karunanidhis silent inaction during the Genocide of innocent Tamils in North Sri Lanka in 2009 that cost him and his party popularity, said Prof Ramu Manivannan of the Madras University in an assessment of Karunanidhis politics. This is one big setback from which Karunanidhi and DMK have not recovered fully, he said, adding, Karunanidhi was in alliance with the Congress at the Centre then.

In 2016, Jayalalithaa may have succeeded in splitting the votes ranged against her in different directions to pave the way for her stupendous victory breaking the cyclical nature of electoral history in Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhis defeat was also largely attributed to his failure to rope in Captain Vijayakanth to his fold, which would have given the DMK a momentum earlier on in the campaign.

Also, Karunanidhi could do little to blunt Jayalalithaas charge that the DMK was in the central government for a long time and did nothing for Tamil Nadu. The charge stuck. A sign of losing touch, perhaps, of Karunanidhi. Had he declared Stalin as the Chief Ministerial candidate, the outcome could have been different, felt another analyst.

Another negative aspect of Karunanidhis reign is the corruption taintwith the Sarkaria Commission dubbing his regime as indulging in scientific corruption, and more recently the 2G scam and sundry other scandals involving Karunanidhis daughter Kanimozhi, DMKs dalit poster boy A Raja, former union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and the like. To be fair, A Raja and Kanimozhi have come out clean in the 2G case and unlike Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi was never convicted even in a single case.

Able administrator, flexible and open to ideas

On the positive side, Karunanidhi was an able administrator, who was both accessible as well as flexible. An industrialist who dealt with DMK and AIADMK governments recalled with Karunanidhi, you could put across your viewpoint, differ with him and argue. His answer may still be no, but you can speak your mind out. With Amma, you know what will happen.

The five-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi personally never lost any election he contested, ever since he won for the first time in assembly elections in 1951. He has won all the 13 elections he contested in, the latest being the 2016 general elections from Tiruvarur.

The Karunanidhi versus Jayalalithaa political rivalry that dramatised Tamil Nadu politics has had its shameful lows too.

If Jayalalithaa was manhandled inside assembly during the DMK regime and corruption cases were hurled against her, she took full revenge by getting Tamil Nadu police constables to pull out Karunanidhi from his house at midnight and threw him in central jail. The rivalry only got bitter as the time passed.

With Jayalalithaa gone, Karunanidhis dream of seeing his party in power could well be around the corner. For one, the DMK succession plan is clearKarunanidhi had anointed Stalin as his political successor and declared it several times leaving none in doubt who would succeed him as partys leader.

Karunanidhis inability to control his family forces and his inability to master the English language and his anti-Hindi stance perhaps robbed him of a greater role in national politics. He, however, played a key supporting role in national politics and slept with both the Congress and the BJP by becoming a member of the UPA and the NDA dispensations at the Centre.

But he maintained his toughness that came with his own political strength within the stateunyielding in the state and yet cornering lucrative ministerial positions at the Centre. He often used the threat to withdraw support to a telling effect, as results showed.

But for all the Tamil identity politics he professed, and power he wielded at the Centre, Karunanidhi accomplished very little for the state as compared to Jayalalithaa, who spoke little but achieved more, Prof Manivannan felt.

Karunanidhis contributions in the literary field  with scores of poems, novels, plays, articles and communication tools propagating ideologies made him a natural choice and recipient of the honorific title of Kalaignar or loosely translated  Scholar of Arts.

Easily, the tallest TN leader today

Easily, one of the tallest political leaders from Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi straddled the world of cinema, literature, poetry and politics for over seven decades and was in the thick of the political and social action from his childhood  when he was just 14 organising local youth into a reformist organisation. Karunanidhi was drawn towards the ideology of Periyar (EV Ramasamy) who founded Dravida Kazhagam. He shot into prominence when he organised anti-Hindi agitation in 1937-40.

Karunanidhi had recognised the true power of communications  he used to bring out a handwritten newspaper Manavar Nesan and later formed the first student wing of the Dravidian movement called Tamil Nadu Manavar Mandram. A publication he began as a monthly, Murasoli, is now a weekly journal and the official organ of the DMK.

Karunanidhi hitched his political fortunes with CN Annadurai when he broke away from DK to float DMK in 1949. In 1957 he entered the assembly and soon became the party treasurer and in 1962 became the deputy leader of the opposition. When DMK won the 1967 assembly polls, Annadurai made him a minister. When Annadurai passed away in 1969, Karunanidhi outsmarted all the others to emerge as the chief minister.

Karunanidhi brooked no nonsense from any of the party leaders and ensured that his son Stalins route was clear. Vaiko, a fiery speaker, was perceived as a threat to Stalin in the party and ousted. His preference for family and blood relatives for position in party and power, in the state and at Centre, was a point that Jayalalithaa exploited to the hilt in 2011, 2014 general elections and later in the 2016 assembly elections, said a professor of political science in a government college.

Bureaucrats who have seen him up close credit him with native intelligence, flexibility and an openness to ideas.

Karunanidhi is survived by his two wives Dayalu, Rajathi- sons M.K.Muthu, Alagiri, Stalin, M.K.Tamilarasu and daughters S.Selvi and Kanimozhi and grandchildren.

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New Delhi:

A key bill to provide constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) secured Parliaments approval on Monday with the Rajya Sabha passing the measure that will give the panel full powers to safeguard the rights and interests of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill 2017 was passed after a spirited debate during which several members urged the Centre to make public the findings of the caste census and implement reservation accordingly. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha on August 2 superseding the amendments earlier carried out by the Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah termed as historic the passage of the bill.

A historic moment for our country! I am glad that Parliament has passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, which grants Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes. This will contribute to the empowerment of the OBC communities across India, Modi tweeted.



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Shah said the bill fulfilled a long pending demand of the OBCs.

It is a historic legislation that underlines the Modi governments commitment to bring the backward sections to the front row of the countrys development, Shah told reporters.

The bill was passed after the Upper House repealed the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.

The NCBC, a statutory body created in 1993, was given limited powers ? only to recommend to the government inclusion or exclusion of a community in the central list of OBCs. Also, the power to hear complaints of the OBCs and protect their interests remained with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

The Rajya Sabha adopted the bill along with the amendments made by the Lok Sabha, by 156 votes to nil. Over two-thirds majority of those present voted in favour of the bill, which is a necessity for amending the Constitution.

It earlier passed the measure on July 31 last year along with an amendment and sent it to the Lower House. The Lok Sabha approved the bill last week with alternative amendments as well as some more changes unanimously with over two-thirds majority.

Replying to the debate, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said the bill would help the backward classes people fight atrocities against them and ensure quick justice to them. This bill would provide justice to the OBC people, it is the need of the hour, he added,

The bill seeks to bring the NCBC on par with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

In his reply, Gehlot also assured members that the legislation would not encroach upon the rights of state governments as they would have their own backward class commissions. This commission has no relation with the state governments but is related to the Centre only.

He said the state governments had their own lists of castes of OBC people, while the Centre had its own. The NCBC would recommend only to the central government regarding inclusion or deletion of a particular caste in the list.

This is an important issue. There was a demand for a constitutional status to the OBC Commission from the 1980s and Parliament had held discussions several times. It has been discussed by the Standing Committee, Gehlot said, urging the members to pass the bill expeditiously.

He said once the bill is passed by Parliament, the government would immediately form the Commission.

Participating in the debate, Bhupender Yadav (BJP) urged political parties to shun vote bank politics and support these measures.

He said the Bill is long overdue and lamented that many states have not implemented 27 per cent reservation to the OBCs, adding that parties should rise above vote bank politics and work towards social justice.



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Chaya Verma (Cong) sought reservation in Parliament and Assemblies for the OBCs.

Narendra Jadhav (Nominated) demanded that the findings of the socio-economic caste census be made public. He said the Rohini Commission report and the census data should be compared to prepare fresh data of the OBCs.

Ram Kumar Kashyap (INLD) said there should be a bill for reservation in legislature for the OBCs.

Ashok Sidharth (BSP) alleged that the motive behind the government to bring the Bill now was to woo the electorate in the upcoming assembly elections. Assembly polls are due in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh.

Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD) hoped the bill will create a level-playing field, while B Prakash (TRS) said no serious efforts were being made for a caste-based census.

T K Rangarajan (CPI-M) said mere Acts will not do as they did not percolate down to the grassroot level, as recent data showed that only 7 out of 100 teachers in the Central Universities belonged to SC/ST and OBC categories.

Sambhaji Chhatrapati (Nominated) demanded that Marathas be included in the OBC list to get equal opportunity in jobs.

Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the government should come out with the caste-based census and implement the reservations accordingly. He demanded that the reservation be also extended to the judiciary.

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Chennai:

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday visited ailing DMK president M Karunanidhi at a hospital in Chennai and enquired about his health.

At the hospital, the President briefly interacted with Karunanidhis son and DMK working president M K Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi.

The President, who arrived in Chennai from Hyderabad, drove directly from the airport to Kauvery Hospital, where the DMK chief is undergoing treatment.

Visited Thiru M Karunanidhi in Chennai, met Kalaignars family members and doctors and inquired about his health. Wishing the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a veteran of our public life, a quick recovery, the official Twitter account of Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Kovind was accompanied by Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Also Read | DMK chief M Karunanidhi to remain hospitalised for an extended period

A picture of the Presidents interaction with the family members of Karunanidhi was shared on the micro-blogging site.

Before winding up his visit, Kovind walked down a few metres and waved at the media and crowd gathered at the hospital.

Politicians and many prominent leaders have visited Karunanidhi at the hospital.

Last week, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the hospital to enquire about the health of Karunanidhi.

Read More | DMK chief M Karunanidhi's vital signs normalising: Kauvery Hospital

On Saturday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Suresh Prabhu visited him.

Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a dip in his blood pressure on July 28.

On July 31, the hospital said the leader would require an extended period of hospitalisation due to decline in his general health although his vital parameters have normalised.

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Ludhiana:

Two teenagers were run over by a train on Sunday while they were trying to click selfies, police said here.



A group of three friends had gone to the railway bridge near Katana Sahib on Chandigarh-Ludhiana line to click selfies on their phones, they said.



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They wanted to take a selfie with a moving train in the background, but being too close to the train two of them were run over, police said.



The deceased were identified as Yuvraj (15) and Gaurav (15), both students of Class VII, they said.



Yuvraj hailed from village Rampura in this district while Gaurav was the son of a migrant labourer, also residing in the same village, they said.



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New Delhi:

Leaders of several opposition parties on Monday held a meeting in the national capital to discuss their strategies and select candidate for the election of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman. However, another meeting of opposition leaders will take place again on Tuesday to select candidate for the high-profile post.

The election to the post of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha will be held at 11 AM on August 9, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu announced on Monday.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, SP's Ram Gopal Yadav, DMK's Tiruchi Siva, BSP's Satish Chandra Mishra, NCP's Praful Patel, CPI's D Raja, TMC's Derek O'Brien, RJD's Misa Bharti, CPI(M)'s T K Rangarajan and TDP's C M Ramesh were among those who attended the meeting in Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad's chamber in Parliament House.

They met to prepare the opposition strategy for the election and discuss various names for zeroing in on a candidate they can jointly field against the NDA nominee. JD(U) MP Harivansh is likely to be the NDA candidate, sources said.

Read | Parliament Monsoon Session: Rajya Sabha passes NCBC (Repeal) Bill, 2017

Earlier, Naidu had suggested that the deputy chairman should be elected by consensus. However, as of now, it appears an election would take place for the post with the opposition likely to field a candidate as well, the sources added.

The nomination papers will have to be filed before noon on August 8. The post of the Deputy Chairman has been lying vacant since June this year following the retirement of P J Kurien, who was elected to the Upper House of Parliament on a Congress ticket from Kerala.

(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Fifteen oxen were found dead inside an abandoned container in southwest Delhis Vasant Kunj area, police said on Sunday.

On Saturday, the police were informed about a container parked on the National Highway 8 near Link Road, which was emanating a foul smell, they said.

Also Read | 3 detained after 10 dead cows found in abattoir in Khandwa

When it was checked, the bodies of 15 oxen were found, police said.

A case has been registered and the bodies have been sent to a veterinary hospital in Masoodpur for postmortem examination.

Also Read | 18 cows die of suffocation at shelter home in Chhattisgarh

Police are on the lookout for the driver of the container who abandoned it and fled.
New Delhi:

With rumours and scare of data breach mongering against Aadhaar in the backdrop of the appearance of an old Aadhaar helpline number in mobile phones, UIDAI in an official press release on Sunday said, "Google has added UIDAIs old contact number 18003001947 by inadvertently and has since been continuing through sync mechanism".

The press release came a day after Google, the technology giant, apologised for installing the outdated UIDAI (Aadhaar) toll-free number and 112 distress helpline number in the Android phones of certain users without their consent.

The American technology company has also assured users of fixing the issue in the upcoming release of Set Up wizard. Users can also manually delete these numbers from their contact lists, Google added.

On Friday, social media had been flooded with public outrage for loading an old UIDAI helpline number in Android phones of several users. Initially, people questioned the Aadhaar body for this, but later UIDAI came out with a clarification and blamed vested interest for trying to create confusion in the public. Read Full Clarification Here

Read | UIDAI to roll out new service for updating Aadhaar card address easily



Sunday's UIDAI press release too urged people to "stay away from such rumours and malicious campaign by vested interests".

"People should also not waste their time and time of their near and dear ones by forwarding or circulating such false and baseless rumours on their WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook," the Aadhaar body said.

"One must know that Aadhaar has caused tremendous benefits to our country and helped saved more Rs 90,000 Crore by preventing leakage and syphoning of benefits and subsidies meant for poor," UIDAI went on to claim further.

Read | Aadhaar biometrics cannot be used for crime investigation: UIDAI

"It has empowered 121 Crore people of India with a credible and secure identity which can be freely used anywhere, anytime and online. People are able to get their rightful entitlement directly into their bank accounts without any middlemen. It has also helped curb tax evasion, money launderers, benami accounts and shell companies," it concluded.

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Karimganj: In an unusual fight reported in the border area of India-Bangladesh, several persons were injured because of a goat. According to reports, the incident occurred because of a goat, yes you heard it right, who eat all the beans plants of one Abdul Kaddir. Post consumption, in the middle of the conversation, between Giyasuddin, the goat owner, and Abdul Kadir, some people from Giyasuddin side attack Abdul Kadir and his two brothers, injuring them severely.

As per the source, injured Abdul Kadir and his two brothers were taken to Karimganj Civil Hospital but later Abdul Kadir was sifted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital due to critical condition. A local stated, "It's because of the Giyasuddin goat all the incident happened, had the goat didn't eat all the bean plants the fight would not have occurred." "Giyasuddin peoples tried to kill Abdul and his brother." added the local.

Meanwhile, Abdul's brother asserted, "Giyasuddin people wanted to kill us, just because our goat eats the plants." "We want justice, law should punish them, if any one of us die we will not spare them. We will kill them too." added.

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Eleven foreign nationals, including 10 from Nigeria, were arrested from Outer Delhis Nihal Vihar area after police found that they were staying illegally in India. According to DCP (outer district) Parvinder Singh, they have launched a special drive to verify foreigners staying illegally in Chander Vihar area Nihal Vihar. After conducting a door-to-door check, we found eleven foreign nationals were living in India without valid passports and visas. Six of them were staying in the Chander Vihar area, while the others were staying in Tilak Nagar, Dabri, Vikaspuri, Nawada and in Tamil Nadu, he added.

The arrests come after a special drive was carried out by Delhi police to verify the foreigners staying illegally was launched in the area of Chander Vihar under the jurisdiction of Nihal Vihar police station on August 4.

As per reports, FIR dated August 5 under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act has been registered and all the accused persons have been sent to judicial custody. Four FIRs have also been registered against the landlords for providing accommodation to them without valid travel documents and all the accused foreign nationals have been sent to judicial custody,

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has denied that his government's lawsuit against U.S arms manufacturers constituted "intervention" in Washington's domestic affairs. The President made it clear the suit was against arms makers and their lax sales practices, not against the US government or Americans' right to bear arms, according to reports.

The Mexican government on Wednesday filed a civil suit at a federal court in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, seeking damages from a dozen arms manufacturers for "actively facilitating the illicit trafficking of their weapons to the cartels and other criminals in Mexico". "There is no restriction, no control, they even buy online," said Lopez Obrador, acknowledging the lawsuit will not be resolved soon. Lopez Obrador said US companies were making weapons "tailored" to organised crime and selling them indiscriminately.

It says the Mexican government took the action "to put an end to the massive damage that the companies cause by actively facilitating the unlawful trafficking of their guns to drug cartels and other criminals in Mexico". The gun manufacturers "are conscious of the fact that their products are trafficked and used in illicit activities against the civilian population and authorities of Mexico", the Foreign Ministry said in a document related to the lawsuit.

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Niger: In a free country of Nigeria, Muslim terror group Fulani killed 22 innocent farmers and burnt 134 houses. Local police have informed that the incident took place on 3rd August 2021 in four villages of South Kadha. Armed terrorists entered the villages and destroyed the crops that had been steeped in the field.

Mohammad Jalige, spokesman (ASP) of the Command of the Kaduna State Police, told The Epoch Times in Kaduna on Tuesday afternoon, "These attacks could probably be the cause of violence in the neighbouring plateau state of Basa LGA (local government territory).'' The police officer claimed that the situation was under control and said that he had sought information about the incident at his counterpart Basa LGA in the neighboring state to understand the incident in Kaduna.

Kyle Abs, the co-founder of the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), said, "This attack in both Kaduna and Plateau states is not a coincidence, but a targeted attack and is not the first attack by Fulani terrorists.'' Abs says every village has been targeted in recent days, weeks, and months and the government has to understand that it is an attack in a systematic manner. These robbers are not only destroying homes, communities, and crops but also committing a large number of murders.

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When Sarad Shrestha and Abhishek S Mishra get on stage, magic happens. The duo have certain chemistry not many have because when they play, everyone, including their peers, sits and takes notice. For a duo that do not play together as much, their music is incredibly tight as both seem to know what the other wants to do.

Shrestha is flawless on the guitar with his iconic riffs while Mishra, whose guitar skills are underrated, complements him with his powerful vocals. The duo that call themselves 2 Gunslingers have come a long way since they started their journey in 2015. Despite being associated with other projects and bands, they are now planning on releasing their debut EP by September.

Were releasing our debut track Yo Sansar Maa in a few weeks on Noodle and that will be followed by the EP, says Mishra, hoping it will be an honest and successful effort to bring back rock and roll into Nepal.

Two to tango

The two met during the Backyard Session in 2015 and hit it off immediately. Initially, they were just goofing around, playing covers of classic rock bands. That drew a lot of attention as their peers felt they would be great together and suggested they work together if they had a chance. It was then when they decided to form a band and start making music.

Wed be playing together at places and people like Diwas Gurung, Sunny Tuladhar and Hari Maharjan would and join us. We started off as a really fun band that played the music that we wanted to play and were open to anyone joining us, says Shrestha who has also been the guitarist for the popular Nepali rock band The Axe.

But, they clicked with each other. Their tightness made others envious, but with both associated with different bands, the two did not have time to do music together.

I had only just begun my music career when I met Sarad dai while he was busy with Tumbleweed Inc and Shree 3. I also started ASM which got me occupied, so this became a side project for the both of us, says Mishra.

But, they wanted to play together because they knew how compatible they were. With all the positive feedback coming their way, the two continued to play whenever they could. They met and jammed together some days, while other days they would play four songs in four hours at a venue, talking to the audience and having fun along the way.

Four songs in four hours is a long time. But people, rather than leaving, stayed. Im sure that more people came in that day, says Mishra.

Chemistry and continuity

The two like each other too. Mishra has a lot of respect for Shrestha who he idolises. Mishra says that for a guy who has played mainstream music, Shrestha is incredibly technical and soulful at the same time.

Hes someone who went to mainstream and made everyone better. If you play songs by the Axe, Ill assure you that youll be a better guitarist, says Mishra. Sarad dais got both the technique and the feel; a combination that only a few people in Nepal have.

Shrestha also shares the sentiment and says Mishra catches things extremely quickly. He feels they have a telepathic connection which helps him a lot.

His head is great. When I shift from one riff to another, he can just join in effortlessly. His vocals are obviously good, but his guitar skills are underrated, says Shrestha.

With this in mind, the duo have decided it is time to do something original as they plan to release their debut EP on Noodle, having already done two songs: Yo Sansar Maa and In My Head.

There comes a time when, as musicians, you want to do something you can call your own; this EP is just that, says Shrestha.

Mishra echoes Shrestha and adds that for a musician, there comes a time when they will be tired of playing others songs.

Speciality in the EP

This EP is going to be quite special for them as they have written all the songs from a perspective of a street kid. There will be five songs to tell five unique stories. Three will be in Nepali and the remaining two in English.

This is a concept EP where weve experimented a lot. Theres a lot of imaginative writing, which we hope people will like, says Mishra.

The EP is getting released exclusively on Noodle, which both feel has been a boon to musicians in Nepal as it is trying to re-establish a culture of buying music as artists can sell singles on the platform.

Were not even thinking about video; this is what Noodle is doing for the industry. Theyre bring listening culture back in a time where people are judging music or art based on a reaction video by someone who doesnt even understand music, says Shrestha.

That said, the duo want to bring rock and roll back to Nepals music scene but say they do not have a lot of aspirations. Their only aspiration is that people listen to their songs and maybe when they get to play a show, they want to sing along with them.

Our goals are simple. We want to play music without pressure and expectation and sponsorships and continue to do what we do. Make memorable music and have the time of our lives doing so, says Mishra.
Workforce

New guidance on vaccines and COVID testing for feds and contractors

The White House-led Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce issued additional question and answer style guidance on Friday addressing how exactly the recently-released vaccination and testing requirements will be carried out.

The new information reflects policies laid down last week requiring feds to either be vaccinated or abide by strict masking and distancing protocols. This marked a reverse of previous task force guidance instructing agencies not to inquire about their employees' vaccination status.

"Given the different safety protocols for individuals who are fully vaccinated and those who are not fully vaccinated, agencies need to ask about the vaccination status of Federal employees and onsite contractors," the website states.

Federal employee requirements

Employees will give that information via attestation, and anyone who lies or doesn't abide by safety protocols will be subject to discipline.

Agencies should be asking all feds about their vaccination status, even those who are working remotely or teleworking, the guidance states. It doesn't clarify if unvaccinated feds who are not coming into the office will have to go through testing requirements mandated for unvaccinated individuals and those who don't provide their status, though.

However, if agencies already have vaccination information about any of their employees, such as by being the vaccine provider to that employee, they don't need to ask those feds again, it says.

The new taskforce FAQ includes the form that agencies should use, which is being called a "Certification of Vaccination form."

Feds will have three options: "I am fully vaccinated," "I am not yet fully vaccinated," "I have not yet been vaccinated," and "I decline to respond." Employees will be able to submit a new form if their status changes.

Agencies shouldn't ask feds to give additional documentation to prove their status, unless it is part of an agency investigation after receiving a "good faith allegation that strongly suggests that an employee made a false statement" on the form.

A fed who claims to have been vaccinated but is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms is not a reason to ask for documentation, the FAQ states.

The new guidance also addresses privacy concerns.

Agencies should only give vaccination information to "appropriate agency officials who have a need to know to ensure effective implementation of the safety protocols, which, in many cases, will include the supervisor level."

Agencies can use their own systems to store these forms under existing Office of Personnel Management guidelines for employee medical files, according to the guidance.

Contractors and visitor requirements

Although President Joe Biden has noted his intention to include contractors in these new requirements  and onsite contractors are already included  the FAQ specifically notes that "agencies should not be collecting and maintaining contractor and visitor disclosures at this time unless an agency has a system of records notice that covers its collection of this information."

However, the FAQ does address how agencies should deal with onsite contractors: "Agencies should provide onsite contractors with the Certification of Vaccination form when they enter a Federal building or Federally controlled indoor worksite."

Unless they have an existing records system for this information, they'll direct onsite contractors to keep the completed form with them. They might potentially be asked to show the form when entering a federal building or a "federally controlled indoor worksite," or to show it "to a federal employee who oversees their work."

As far as unvaccinated onsite contractors, they'll either need to be enrolled into the agency's own testing program, or show proof of a negative COVID-19 taken within three days before entering that building.

Agencies are also allowed to work with their contractors to meet these new requirements, the guidance states, "such as by having the company certify that all onsite contractors are fully vaccinated."

The certification and safety requirements are similar for visitors to federal buildings, who will be given a form to complete when they enter the building or in advance of arrival. Agencies won't store the information for now, unless they have a system of records notice that can cover this information, so they'll have to keep that form with them while they're onsite.

Notably, feds visiting other agencies will be treated as visitors and have to fill out a new form, the guidance states.

These requirements don't, however, apply to visitors coming to a federal building to apply for federal benefits.

Labor Relations

The taskforce also released new FAQs addressing labor management.

Agencies are working to implement updated "Agency Model Safety Principles" issued by the task force along with the new requirements on vaccines and testing last week.

There "may be" collective bargaining obligations for "impact and implementation" of these new safety principles and CDC guidelines, including over the vaccination requirements, the guidance states, but post-implementation bargaining may be used "where appropriate."

"Since agencies need to act quickly due to the COVID-19 emergency and to protect the health and safety of onsite employees, contractors, and visitors, agencies are strongly encouraged to begin communicating with the appropriate union representatives as soon as possible and otherwise satisfy any applicable collective bargaining obligations under the law at the earliest opportunity, including on a post-implementation basis where appropriate," it states.

For feds still working remotely or via telework, agencies should bargain before they return to the worksite, but if they have to come into work before that's done, they'll need to comply with the guidance, the FAQ states.

The new FAQ specifically encourages agencies to share their draft plans with their unions "in order to provide a meaningful opportunity for the unions to consult."

Agencies are able to authorize more "official time," or federal time spent on union work, for consultation and negotiation over what is currently authorized in their contract, the guidance says.

Finally, if an existing contract with a union has more strict safety standards than CDC standards, agencies will need to "honor" the collective bargaining agreements.
FCW Insider: Aug. 6, 2021

The Biden-Harris administration is looking into what feds could be subject to more stringent vaccination requirements in addition to the mandate for VA clinical staff, said Jeff Zients, COVID-19 response coordinator.

The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) will allow the federal government and corporate partners share information to combat ransomware.

Biden's nominee to the general counsel at the FLRA could help clear a backlog of unfair labor practice charges from federal unions.

Kiran Ahuja, the recently installed director of the Office of Personnel Management, has a host of long-standing agency issues to deal with, along with helping implement governmentwide workforce policy to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Quick Hits

*** Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, died unexpectedly on Thursday.

Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is affiliated with AFL-CIO, remembered Trumka as a passionate and effective labor leader.

"Through every major fight our union has waged in recent decades, Richard Trumka was standing beside AFGE members, defiantly raising his fist in solidarity," Kelley said in a statement. "During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, he rallied all of labor to the steps of the White House to stand up for the 800,000 government workers who went weeks without a paycheck. And behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to help us end a political standoff that was hurting working people."

*** To help systems administrators better secure Kubernetes, the open-source container orchestration tool, the National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have released a new report, Kubernetes Hardening Guidance, that details threats to Kubernetes environments and provides configuration guidance to minimize risk. Read more on this story in GCN.

*** The Professional Services Council, a trade group representing government contractors, wants some of the pandemic compensation flexibilities contained in Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to be extended and be permanently available in case of a new emergency. The renewed request from the group was made in the wake of a report from the Government Accountability Office on the use of 3610 at several agencies including the Department of Defense.
China Telecom, the country's largest fixed-line operator, will raise as much as 54.2 billion yuan (US$8.4 billion) from its stock offering in Shanghai, months after it was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) following a US blacklisting over purported ties to the Chinese military.

The company is selling 10.4 billion shares at 4.53 yuan each in the listing exercise, according to an exchange filing in Hong Kong. If fully exercised, an overallotment option would take the amount of shares sold to nearly 11.96 billion, matching its previously stated aim of raising about 54 billion yuan of proceeds in the flotation.

"The issue price was determined based on several factors including the fundamentals of the issuer, valuation of comparable companies, the industry in which the company operates, market conditions, needs for proceeds and underwriting risks," the Beijing-based firm said in a regulatory filing on Friday.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Its shares slipped 1 per cent to HK$2.90 in Hong Kong as of 11.47am local time, erasing an earlier gain of as much as 3.4 per cent.

The telecoms giant was one of four Chinese companies with listings in Hong Kong and New York to have their shares delisted from American bourses following a November 2020 executive order by former US President Donald Trump. The others were China Unicom, China Mobile and CNOOC, China's largest offshore oil explorer.

The order banned American investors from investing in companies identified by the US Department of Defense as having ties to the Chinese military. US President Joe Biden expanded the ban to 59 companies in June, replacing Trump's prior order. Americans have a year to divest any holdings they have in those companies.

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China Telecom had been listed in New York since 2002, following China Mobile, one of the first so-called red-chip companies to list in the US, in 1997 and China Unicom in 2000. Its shares were lightly traded in New York before the delisting.

China Mobile was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and is seeking a listing in Shanghai as well. Photo: AP alt=China Mobile was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and is seeking a listing in Shanghai as well. Photo: AP

The NYSE reversed its decision several times before ultimately delisting the telecoms companies, which later lost appeals in May to return to the exchange. China Mobile is also seeking to list its shares in Shanghai.

The delisting drama also caught up the Hong Kong's Tracker Fund (TraHK), which is managed by the Hong Kong arm of Boston-based State Street Global Advisors. Three of the delisted stocks are part of Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index, which the Tracker Fund mirrors.

State Street flip-flopped over whether to remove the blacklisted stocks from TraHK to comply with the US order, facing criticism from Hong Kong officials. The company later issued an advisory stating the fund was inappropriate for US investors and has since banned Americans from buying its shares.

Hong Kong is now reviewing its process for appointing a manager for the exchange-traded fund (ETF) to shield it from being ensnared in future rows between the US and China.

At the same time, the US has threatened to delist other Chinese companies if they do not share their audit papers with a US oversight board. The US Securities and Exchange Commission announced last month it would require additional information from Chinese companies seeking to go public in the US following new rules announced by Beijing to increase scrutiny of overseas listings.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2021 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2021. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Nomination Comes as CPBD Has Launched a $550,000+ TV Ad Buy for "Sharpton," Featuring Civil Rights Activist Al Sharpton Contrasting President Bidens Commitment to Judicial Diversity with His Home State of Delawares Failure to Appoint Diverse Judges

WILMINGTON, Del., August 06, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following President Joe Bidens historic nomination of Justice Beth Robinson to United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman nominated to a federal appellate court, as well as Justice Charlotte Sweeney to the Colorado District Court, who would be the first LGBTQ+ federal judge in Colorado if confirmed, Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware Campaign Manager Chris Coffey released the following statement:

"President Biden has once again made history by nominating the first openly LGBTQ+ woman, Justice Beth Robinson, to the Second Circuit. Since taking office, President Biden has taken tremendous steps to diversify the federal courts, nominating Black and brown judges to many of the most powerful courts in the nation. But here in Bidens home state of Delaware weve seen a different story, with Governor Carney and the secret Judicial Nominating Commission continuing to promote well-heeled members of the corporate elite to top judicial vacancies at the expense of Black representation on the courts.

"Our latest ad, featuring legendary civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, highlights this discrepancy and shines a light on the hypocrisy of Delawares leaders, who talk about diversity while maintaining the rigged status quo and secretive nominating process that elevates rich, mostly white elites to Delawares highest courts. This fight isnt easy, but we know that representation matters, that having Black and brown and LGBTQ+ justices builds trust of the justice system in those communities, and that creating a pipeline of diverse legal professionals is essential to Delawares future. We wont stop fighting until Delawares marginalized communities get the representation they deserve and the justice they seek."

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Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware is a group made up of more than 5,000 members including employees of the global translation services company TransPerfect, as well as concerned Delaware residents, business executives, and others. They formed in April of 2016 to focus on raising awareness with Delaware residents, elected officials, and other stakeholders about the unprecedented forced sale of TransPerfect. While their primary goal of saving the company has been accomplished, they continue their efforts to fight for more transparency in the Delaware.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005340/en/

Contacts

Chris Coffey, ccoffey@tuskholdings.com
U.S. electric automaker Fisker expects operating expenses to reach between $490 million and $530 million this year, a slight increase in its business outlook for the year that is driven by R&D spending on prototypes for its Ocean SUV, testing and validation of advanced technology, hiring and its "accelerating" partnership with Foxconn.

The company, which reported its second-quarter earnings Thursday after market close, raised its business outlook for expectations for key non-GAAP operating expenses and capital expenditures for the full year up from its previous guidance of $450 million to $510 million. The earnings report pointed to R&D spending on prototype activities in 2021 driven by testing and validation on advanced driver assistance systems, powertrain and user interface. The company also noted an increase in spending on in-house costs, such as virtual validation software tools, hiring and virtual and physical testing to account for recently tightened Euro NCAP and IIHS safety regulations.

Co-founder, CFO and COO Geeta Gupta Fisker added during an investor call that the company made a strategic decision to develop internal capabilities to test and validate, instead of relying solely on third parties.

Co-founder and CEO Henrik Fisker said in an interview Thursday its partnership with Foxconn, which is "moving faster than expected," also is contributing to an increase in spending.

"We were really aligned," Fisker said in an interview Thursday. "I mean it's a very unique business deal because we are both investing into this program; it's not like we just hired Foxconn to make a car."

Fisker has two vehicle programs in the works. Its first electric vehicle, the Fisker Ocean SUV, will be assembled by automotive contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Europe. The start of production is still on track to begin in November 2022, the company reiterated Thursday. Deliveries will begin in Europe and the United States in late 2022, with a plan to reach production capacity of more than 5,000 vehicles per month during 2023. Deliveries to customers in China are also expected to begin in 2023.

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In May, Fisker signed an agreement with Foxconn, the Taiwanese company that assembles iPhones, to co-develop and manufacture a new electric vehicle. Henrik Fisker said the two companies moved on the design "fairly quickly," and are now diving into the engineering and technical details that include working on a patent for a new way of opening a trunk and other technological innovations.

"We have accelerated really quite fast and we probably will have some early prototypes already by the end of this year," he said.

The companies have also decided that this EV will be designed for the urban lifestyle.

"You can't make a car for everybody," he said. "You can't make a car for a farmer and for somebody who lives in an apartment; those are two different vehicles, so we chose the urban lifestyle for this vehicle."

Production on the Project PEAR car, which stands for Personal Electric Automotive Revolution, will be sold under the Fisker brand name in North America, Europe, China and India. Pre-production is expected begin in the U.S. by the end of 2023, and will then ramp up into the following year, Fisker said Thursday.

Henrik Fisker didn't reveal the U.S. manufacturing location. He did make a recent visit to Foxconn's manufacturing facility in Wisconsin, noting it was an "impressive" facility, as was the region's supply chain. The final decision is Foxconn's, Fisker noted. However, Fisker wants to produce the electric vehicle in a state that allows automakers to sell directly to customers. Wisconsin currently prohibits this practice.

"That's going to be one of the main things that has to change for us to go to the store and sell our electric vehicle," he noted.

Earnings results

Here are the basics from the company's second-quarter earnings. Keep in mind two important factors: Fisker wasn't publicly traded at this time last year, there are no year-over-year comparisons available yet; and this company is essentially pre-revenue, although they did bring in $27,000 from merchandise sales.

Fisker reported it generated $27,000 in revenue, a 22% bump up from the previous quarter. The automaker reported a net loss of $46.2 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to a net loss of $176.8 million in the previous quarter. That large net loss in the first quarter comes from changes in how the SEC treated non-cash items and resulted in warrants liability of $138 million in Q1. The public warrants are now retired and the company says will no longer have these impacts on future earnings.

Loss from operations were $53.1 million in the second quarter compared to a loss of $33 million in the first quarter. Importantly, the company has held onto its cash using what it describes as an "asset light" approach, which means it's not building a factory, instead relying on partners. Cash and cash equivalents were $962 million as of the quarter ended June 30, slightly lower than the $985.1 million in the first quarter.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - Foran Mining Corp. (TSXV: FOM) (OTCQX: FMCXF) ("Foran" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of the strategic C$100 million private placement (the "Financing") by certain entities controlled by Fairfax Financing Holdings Limited (collectively, "Fairfax").

Company Logo (CNW Group/Foran Mining Corporation)

The Financing consisted of the following:

C$50 million gross proceeds through the issuance of 27,777,778 units (each, a " Common Share Unit ") at a price of C$1.80 per Common Share Unit. Each Common Share Unit is comprised of one common share (" Common Share ") and 0.288 of a Common Share purchase warrant (each, a " Warrant "). There is a total of 27,777,778 Common Shares and 8,000,000 Warrants issuable under the Common Share Units. Each whole Warrant may be exercised into one (1) Common Share at a price of C$2.09 for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance; and





C$50 million gross proceeds through the issuance of 27,777,778 non-voting units (each, a "Non-Voting Unit"), at a price of C$1.80 per Non-Voting Unit. Each Non-Voting Unit is comprised of one non-voting share ("Non-Voting Share") and 0.288 of a Warrant. There is a total of 27,777,778 Non-Voting Shares and 8,000,000 Warrants issuable under the Non-Voting Units. Each whole Warrant may be exercised into one (1) Common Share at a price of C$2.09 for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.

The Common Shares, Non-Voting Shares and Warrants issued in connection with the Financing and the Common Shares underlying the Warrants are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of the closing of the Financing, in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

Foran is very pleased to welcome such a highly respected and supportive shareholder in Fairfax to its shareholder registry as its largest investor. This unique transaction establishes a strategic partnership focused on building Canada's first carbon neutral copper company, with the Company's strong proforma cash balance of approximately C$120 million, positioning Foran well to execute on its business plan and accelerate development of the McIlvenna Bay Project.

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The net proceeds of the Financing will be used to rapidly advance the development of the McIlvenna Bay Project and centralized mill for the Hanson Lake District as well as further exploration on the Company's substantial land holdings, enable further investment in key technological and operational research and equipment, and for general corporate purposes.

Dan Myerson, Executive Chairman of Foran commented: "We are very grateful to have gained a world-class cornerstone investor in Fairfax. We appreciate their strong support and profound vote of confidence as we look to create exponential value for all stakeholders as we pursue our vision to enable a greener future and build Canada's first carbon neutral copper mine in the emerging and prolific Hanson Lake District. This investment and partnership is a defining moment for Foran and one that will shape our future for many decades to come, elevating us onto the world-stage."

At the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting held on August 4, 2021 (the "2021 AGSM"), shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favour of all matters brought before them, including the creation of Fairfax as a control person as well as the creation of a new class of non-voting shares as related to the Financing.

The following voting results are based on the total number of votes that were cast at the 2021 AGSM, rather than the issued and outstanding shares as previously announced:

Appointment of Auditors For Withheld Outcome Appoint Smythe LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as

auditors of the Company and to fix their remuneration 72,078,947 (99.9%) 10,000 (0.1%) Carried

Number of Directors For Against Outcome Set the number of directors at five 58,689,152 (99.9%) 4,191 (0.1%) Carried

Election of Directors For Withheld Outcome Elect the following nominees as directors of the Company





Darren Morcombe 58,599,543 (99.8%) 93,800 (0.2%) Carried Daniel Myerson 56,265,332 (95.9%) 2,425,261 (4.1%) Carried Maurice Tagami 52,860,391 (91.8%) 4,714,202 (8.2%) Carried David Petroff 56,193,707 (95.9%) 2,496,886 (4.1%) Carried Jean Rogers 58,669,168 (99.9%) 24,175 (0.1%) Carried

Long Term Incentive Plan For Against Outcome Approve the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan 58,560,727 (99.8%) 132,616 (0.2%) Carried

New Control Person For Against Outcome Approve the creation of a new Control Person 58,652,468 (99.9%) 40,875 (0.1%) Carried

New Class of Non-Voting Shares For Against Outcome Approve the amendment to the Articles to create a new class of non-voting shares 58,623,007 (99.9%) 70,336 (0.1%) Carried

The 2021 AGSM materials, together with the amended and restated articles of Foran, are available on SEDAR.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.

About Foran Mining Corp.

Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development company committed to supporting a greener future, empowering communities, and creating circular economies which create value for all our stakeholders, while also safeguarding the environment. Our goal is to build the first mine in Canada designed to be carbon neutral from day one of production. We are in the feasibility stage of development for our flagship McIlvenna Bay project in eastern Saskatchewan.

McIlvenna Bay is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich VMS deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. McIlvenna Bay sits just 65km from Flin Flon, Manitoba and is part of the world class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225km.

McIlvenna Bay is the largest undeveloped VMS deposit in the region. The Company filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report for the PFS on the McIlvenna Bay Deposit on SEDAR on April 28, 2020. Foran's copper-zinc VMS Bigstone Deposit is expected to serve as additional feed for the mill at McIlvenna Bay. The Company filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Bigstone Deposit's first resource estimate on January 21, 2021. Foran trades on the TSX.V under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FMCXF".

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the use of proceeds of the Financing; completion of the feasibility study in a timely manner, and the anticipated capital and operating costs, sustaining costs, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, process capacity, average annual metal production, average process recoveries, anticipated mining and processing methods, proposed PFS production schedule and metal production profile, anticipated construction period, anticipated mine life, expected recoveries and grades, anticipated production rates, infrastructure, social and environmental impact studies, future financial or operating performance of the Company, subsidiaries and its projects; estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, opportunities for exploration, development and expansion of the McIlvenna Bay Project, its potential mineralization; the future price of metals; the realization of mineral reserve estimates, costs and timing of future exploration, the timing of the development of new deposits; requirements for additional capital; foreign exchange risk; government regulation of mining and exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation expenses; title disputes or claims; insurance coverage; and regulatory matters. In addition, these statements involve assumptions made with regard to the Company's ability to develop the McIlvenna Bay Project and to achieve the results outlined in the PFS, and the ability to raise capital to fund construction and development of the McIlvenna Bay Project.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: volatility in the trading price of common shares of the Company, risks relating to the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals, and complete the Financing on the terms announced; our mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the PFS; success of the Company's projects, including the McIlvenna Bay Project; prices for zinc, copper, gold and silver remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in zinc, copper, gold and silver prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Canada, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information.

SOURCE Foran Mining Corporation

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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Battery Electrolytes - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" . The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace.

Global Battery Electrolytes Market

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Edition: 9; Released: May 2021

Executive Pool: 3459

Companies: 39 - Players covered include Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd.; 3M; American Elements; BASF SE; GS Yuasa Corporation; LG Chem; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Ube Industries; Beijing Institute of Chemical Reagents; Central Glass; Guotai Huarong; Shantou Jinguang High-Tech; Soulbrain; Zhuhai Smoothway; Toshima Manufacturing Co. Ltd. ; Advanced Electrolyte Technologies; Gelest; Targray; Ceramtec; Ohara Corporation ; Daikin America; Nohms Technologies; Stella Chemifa; Tomiyama Pure Chemical Industries and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: Type (Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion, Other Types); End-Use (Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Other End-Uses)

Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry

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ABSTRACT-

Global Battery Electrolytes Market to Reach $4.2 Billion by 2024

Batteries represent an indispensable power source for power-hungry equipment and electronic devices. Driven by changing portable energy needs, battery makers have been developing newer and more powerful battery chemistries for today's high-tech devices. Battery, as defined is a single cell or a collection of cells encased in continuity, having terminals that produce electricity from chemical energy. It is a stand-alone power source that provides electrical energy without a generator, power socket or a cord. All batteries are made up of cathode, anode, and an electrolyte. The electrodes, comprising anode and cathode are submerged into the electrolytic solution, while externally connecting through a conducting wire. When dissolved into the solvent, ions are released by these electrolytes, eventually producing electric current through the movement of released ions. The two electrodes, namely the negative and the positive, allow the current flow while an electrolyte chemically acts on them as conductor of electrons. Electrolyte is defined as a chemical composition of salts and solvents that dissociates into ions to transport electric charge. Based on the state of electrolyte, battery electrolytes are categorized into solid and liquid electrolyte. Liquid electrolytes are basically found in batteries used in laptops and cellphones.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Battery Electrolyte is projected to reach US$4.2 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the analysis period. Europe represents the largest regional market for Battery Electrolyte, accounting for an estimated 18.5% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$816.9 Million by the close of the analysis period. Asia-Pacific is forecast to emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 4.8% over the analysis period. Long term growth in the market is supported by factors such as increasing focus on electric vehicles, sales of automobiles, growing share of alternative energy in the energy mix, and strong demand from the replacement market. Available in liquid, solid and gel forms, battery electrolytes represent a medium to facilitate ion transfer for conductivity and store electrical charge. Electrolyte is a major component of the battery owing to its critical role in supporting overall functioning of the battery. The increasing adoption of batteries in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, manufacturing and aerospace & defense is providing a major impetus to the battery electrolyte market. Consumer electronics and automotive are the primary end-use industries for these batteries, while energy storage is a promising application area. The increasing use of consumer electronic items along with availability of binder-free electrodes for lithium-ion batteries are driving the market growth, while the adoption of electric vehicles to curb carbon emissions is expected to help the market in exhibiting a fast growth in the long term.

Electric vehicles are garnering significant attention from governments and automobile giants to reduce vehicle emissions and protect the environment. In the coming years, leading players are anticipated to launch new and efficient versions of electric vehicles, which are slated to drive their adoption and push the battery electrolyte market. Electric vehicles have been garnering considerable attention over the last few years on account of increasing focus of governments on reducing carbon footprint of the automobile sector. Various countries have set ambitious plans to embrace the concept and offering attractive incentives and subsidies for promoting electric cars. These endeavors have resulted in significant investment in electric vehicles and battery technologies for increasing range and charging time to attract consumers. In the coming years, these vehicles are anticipated to replace a large number of traditional automobiles plying on roads. Ongoing developments related to battery technology intended to improve energy density and reducing unit cost of batteries are anticipated to drive global adoption of the technology for electric vehicles. These developments along with growing demand for electric vehicles are anticipated to play a pivotal role in fueling the global battery electrolyte market. More

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SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - Employment and Social Development Canada

As we continue our pandemic recovery, businesses are once again reopening their doors to Canadians. Already, we are seeing the economy returning to its pre-pandemic levels, and employers on their path to recovery are hiring in increasing numbers. For several years, Quebec has been experiencing workforce recruitment challenges, and even though the pandemic had a significant impact on unemployment in the province, worker shortages remain a problem.

That is why, today, the Government of Canada is announcing an agreement with the Government of Quebec that will allow for the introduction of new flexibilities for Quebec employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This new initiative, which is a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and Quebec labour market partners, will allow Quebec employers to benefit from the following measures:

an increase of 10% to 20% in the maximum number of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions and employed in certain economic sectors designated by Quebec following a consultation with labour market partners;

an exemption from existing advertising and recruitment requirements for a larger number of occupations, designated by Quebec; and

an exemption from the current policy on the refusal to process a Labour Market Impact Assessment application in certain geographic regions designated by Quebec following a consultation with labour market partners.

These flexibilities will be part of a pilot project that will run until December 31, 2023. At the pilot's conclusion, the Government of Canada will evaluate these measures to help inform its future decisions.

The agreement will also see the implementation by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada of new measures under the International Mobility Program that would allow for an additional 7,000 work permits to be issued annually to holders of a Certificat de selection du Quebec. This will allow the Government of Quebec to give more new immigrants opportunities to contribute and to establish themselves, helping alleviate the workforce shortage.

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Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of balancing the labour needs of Quebec employers while ensuring that the economy works for Canadians. Implementing and exploring flexibilities in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will help to ensure that we can continue on the road to economic recovery."

 Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

"Quebec is a unique province, with an immigration context that is also unique. The new agreement on the International Mobility Program Plus will contribute to meeting the workforce needs of Quebec, all while permitting newcomers to establish themselves and prosper in La Belle Province. We will continue to collaborate to bring in the workers that Quebec needs to support its economic recovery."

 Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino

Quick Facts

In June 2021, Quebec's unemployment rate was 6.3%, the lowest in Canada for this period. In February 2020, the unemployment rate in Quebec was 4.5%, the lowest rate in the province since comparable data became available in 1976.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It must first be determined if an LMIA is needed or if the position is LMIA-exempt before applying for a work permit in cases where an employer is seeking to hire a temporary foreign worker. A work permit allows a foreign worker to legally work in Canada. As per the Refusal to Process policy, there are certain conditions that may justify why the Government of Canada cannot process a Labour Market Impact Assessment application.

The Government of Canada recently proposed new regulations to improve protection of temporary foreign workers. The proposed regulations were pre-published on July 10, 2021 in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

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TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the hospital subsector grew in July for the 14th consecutive month, say the nation's hospital supply executives in the latest Hospital ISM Report On Business.

The report was issued today by Nancy LeMaster, MBA, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Hospital Business Survey Committee: "The Hospital PMI registered 62.8 percent in July, decreasing 0.3 percentage point from the June reading of 63.1 percent, indicating a 14th consecutive month of growth. The Business Activity Index increased in July compared to June. The New Orders Index decreased slightly, while the Employment Index fell into contraction in July. The Case Mix Index increased to 53 percent, up 1.5 points compared to the June reading of 51.5 percent. The Days Payable Outstanding Index registered 53.0 percent, a 6.5-percentage point increase from the June reading of 46.5 percent. The Technology Spend Index registered 53 percent, a decrease of 4.5 percentage points from the June reading of 57.5 percent."

LeMaster continues, "In July, business activity was at its highest level in 2021. Business Survey Committee panelists reported continuing pent-up demand for procedures that had been deferred during the pandemic, as well as a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. The brief rebound in employment during June did not last, and panelists commented they were having difficulty recruiting both clinical and nonclinical staff. Panelists indicated that physician shortages and vacations impacted order backlogs. Supply shortages and long delivery times continue to be problematic. Although the numbers did not show an increase in inventory levels, comments such as 'having to carry more inventory to cover longer lead times experienced due to consolidating deliveries' and 'increasing periodic automatic replenishment (PAR) levels due to supply chain disruptions' were common."

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Hospital PMI History

Month Hospital PMI Month Hospital PMI Jul 2021 62.8 Jan 2021 55.8 Jun 2021 63.1 Dec 2020 62.6 May 2021 61.3 Nov 2020 62.6 Apr 2021 61.9 Oct 2020 63.0 Mar 2021 58.8 Sep 2020 63.3 Feb 2021 57.5 Aug 2020 63.8 Average for 12 months  61.4 High  63.8 Low  55.8

About This Report

The information compiled in this report is for the month of July 2021.

The Hospital PMI was developed in collaboration with the Association for Health Care Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM), an association for the health care supply chain profession, and a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association (AHA).

The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of hospital supply executives based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. The data should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making.

Data and Method of Presentation

The Hospital ISM Report On Business is based on data compiled from hospital purchasing and supply executives nationwide. Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (Business Activity, New Orders, Employment, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Prices, Prices: Pharmaceuticals, Prices: Supplies, Backlog of Orders, Imports, Inventory Sentiment, Case Mix, Days Payable Outstanding, Technology Spend, and Touchless Orders), this report shows the percentage reporting each response and the diffusion index. Responses represent raw data and are never changed. Beginning in January 2021, the Report On Business staff and consultants are gathering market information to better validate the Exports Index. Exports Index data are still being collected.

The Hospital PMI is a composite index computed from the following, equally weighted indexes: Business Activity, New Orders, Employment and Supplier Deliveries. Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A Hospital PMI index reading above 50 percent indicates that the hospital sub-sector is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. For the sub-indexes, except Supplier Deliveries, an index reading above 50 percent indicates that the sub-index is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting. A Supplier Deliveries Index above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries and below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries.

The Hospital ISM Report On Business survey is sent out to the Hospital Business Survey Committee respondents the first part of each month. Respondents are asked to ONLY report on U.S. operations for the current month. ISM receives survey responses throughout most of any given month, with the majority of respondents generally waiting until late in the month to submit responses to give the most accurate picture of current business activity. ISM then compiles the report for release on the fifth business day of the following month.

ISM ROB Content

The Institute for Supply Management ("ISM") Report On Business (Manufacturing, Services, and Hospital reports) ("ISM ROB") contains information, text, files, images, video, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, applications, and any other materials or content (collectively, "Content") of ISM ("ISM ROB Content"). ISM ROB Content is protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other laws, and as between you and ISM, ISM owns and retains all rights in the ISM ROB Content. ISM hereby grants you a limited, revocable, nonsublicensable license to access and display on your individual device the ISM ROB Content (excluding any software code) solely for your personal, non-commercial use. The ISM ROB Content shall also contain Content of users and other ISM licensors. Except as provided herein or as explicitly allowed in writing by ISM, you shall not copy, download, stream, capture, reproduce, duplicate, archive, upload, modify, translate, publish, broadcast, transmit, retransmit, distribute, perform, display, sell, or otherwise use any ISM ROB Content.

Except as explicitly and expressly permitted by ISM, you are strictly prohibited from creating works or materials (including, but not limited to tables, charts, data streams, time-series variables, fonts, icons, link buttons, wallpaper, desktop themes, online postcards, montages, mashups and similar videos, greeting cards, and unlicensed merchandise) that derive from or are based on the ISM ROB Content. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the derivative works or materials are sold, bartered, or given away. You shall not either directly or through the use of any device, software, internet site, web-based service, or other means remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with, or circumvent any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices marked on the Content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Content including geo-filtering mechanisms. Without prior written authorization from ISM, you shall not build a business utilizing the Content, whether or not for profit.

You shall not create, recreate, distribute, incorporate in other work, or advertise an index of any portion of the Content unless you receive prior written authorization from ISM. Requests for permission to reproduce or distribute ISM ROB Content can be made by contacting Michelle Rusk in writing at: ISM Research, Institute for Supply Management, 309 W. Elliot Road, Suite 113, Tempe, AZ 85284-1556, or by emailing mrusk@ismworld.org; subject: Content Request.

ISM shall not have any liability, duty, or obligation for or relating to the ISM ROB Content or other information contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in providing any ISM ROB Content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall ISM be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the ISM ROB. Report On Business, PMI, NMI, Manufacturing PMI, Services PMI, and Hospital PMI are registered trademarks and trademarks of Institute for Supply Management. Institute for Supply Management and ISM are registered trademarks of Institute for Supply Management, Inc.

About Institute for Supply Management 

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) serves supply management professionals in more than 90 countries. Its 50,000 members around the world manage about US$1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Founded in 1915 as the first supply management institute in the world, ISM is committed to advancing the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage for its members, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable world. ISM leads the profession through the ISM Report On Business, its highly regarded certification programs and the ISM Mastery Model. This report has been issued by the association since 1931, except for a four-year interruption during World War II.

The full text version of the Hospital ISM Report On Business is posted on ISM's website at www.ismrob.org on the fifth business day* of every month at 10:00 a.m. ET.

The next Hospital ISM Report On Business featuring August 2021 data will be released at 10:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

*Unless the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Contact: Michelle Rusk

Report On Business Analyst

ISM, ROB/Research Manager

Tempe, Arizona

+1 480.455.5944

Email: mrusk@ismworld.org

Institute for Supply Management logo. (PRNewsFoto/Institute for Supply Management)

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SOURCE Institute for Supply Management
Indias apex court on Friday ruled in favor of Amazon to stall the sale of Future Group to Reliance Industries in a major victory for the American e-commerce giant in the key overseas market -- and a blow to the nation's richest man Mukesh Ambani.

The Indian Supreme Court said the order by a Singapore arbitration court last year -- which had ruled to stall the deal between the two Indian giants -- is enforceable and legally binding in India.

The court order today is the latest setback for cash-starved Future Retail, which operates the nation's second-largest retail chain.

Reliance Retail, India's largest retail chain, said a year ago it had reached an agreement with Future Group to acquire the latters retail and wholesaler business, as well as its logistics and warehousing business, for $3.4 billion.

Things began to get complicated shortly. Amazon, which had invested in one of Future Group's units two years ago, accused the Indian firm of violating its contract and approached the Singapore arbitrator to halt the deal between the Indian firms.

Amazons deal with Future Retail had given the American e-commerce giant the first right to refusal on purchase of more stakes in Future Retail, Amazon has argued.

The Indian firms, in return, argued last year that the Singapores court order wasnt valid in the South Asian market. Moreover, India's watchdog Competition Commission of India last year approved the deal between the Indian firms.

At the time, Reliance Industries said that its deal with Future Retail was fully enforceable under the Indian law and it intended to close the deal without any delay.

Shares of Future Retail, which operates 1,700 retail stores across 400 Indian cities, dropped 6% on the Friday order, while Reliance Industries -- the conglomerate that runs Reliance Retail -- were down 1.3%.

Amazon, Walmarts Flipkart and Ambanis Reliance Industries, the most valuable firm in India, are locked in an intense battle to command the Indian retail market.

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With e-commerce commanding only between 3-7% of all retail sales in India  and Reliance Retail launching its own e-commerce business to fight Amazon and Flipkart  Amazons reported future deal with Reliance Retail is already seen by many industry analysts as crucial for the American e-commerce firms future in India.

Amazon, which kickstarted its journey in India eight years ago, has invested more than $6.5 billion in its local business in the country.

Founded in 2006, Reliance Retail serves more than 3.5 million customers each week (as of early this year) through its nearly 12,000 physical stores in more than 6,500 cities and towns in the country.

The retail chain, run by Indias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, raised over $7 billion last year. Ambanis other venture, Jio Platforms, also raised over $20 billion from more than a dozen marquee investors, including Google and Facebook last year.
The Abrahamic Business Circle honored Jon Purizhansky for his exemplary humanitarianism

MIAMI, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joblio CEO Jon Purizhansky was recently honored by the Abrahamic Business Circle in Dubai for his outstanding humanitarianism in the field of global migration (related link: https://youtu.be/cgvBoSQSRG0 ). Purizhansky was granted the "Excellence Innovation Award in Human Rights Protection" and esteemed for his innovative talents which have greatly bolstered migrant well being around the world.



Purizhansky's pioneering of ethical recruitment in the global migrant labour industry was praised by the Abrahamic Business Circle at an event in the United Arab Emirates centered on humanitarian accomplishments. Representatives of the Circle praised Joblio as a revolutionary platform that secured human rights in a crucial economic sector in dire need of ethical reform.

"I am honored to receive the Excellence Innovation Award in Human Rights Protection from the Abrahamic Business Circle," Purizhansky noted. "Our team at Joblio, Inc. is dedicated to cleaning up the global migration industry and helping migrant labourers achieve their full potential."

The Abrahamic Business Circle was formed as the result of the Abraham Accords - a joint statement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, reached on August 13, 2020. The organisation promotes global peace through commerce and recognizes innovative business leaders and humanitarians each year with its prestigious awards.

About Jon Purizhansky: Jon Purizhansky is the CEO of Joblio and a New York lawyer with years of international business experience. Jon is committed to upholding humanitarian standards in the international migrant labour industry through Joblio's digital platform. He is focused on leveraging technology to bring transparency and efficiency into otherwise non-transparent ecosystems globally.

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About Joblio, Inc: Joblio is a leading technology platform in the global migrant labour industry based in Miami, FL. Founded by Jon Purizhansky in 2020, Joblio prevents fraud and ensures compliance with labour laws in the processes of human capital relocation across the world. By directly connecting migrant labourers with their employers, Joblio removes middlemen from the hiring process to ensure fair and prosperous employment.

Media Contact

Company: Joblio, Inc.

Contact: Esther Katz, Chief Marketing Officer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joblio

E-mail: cmo@joblio.co

Website: https://joblio.co/en/

SOURCE: Joblio, Inc.




FILE PHOTO: A JPMorgan logo is seen in New York City

LONDON (Reuters) - Wall Street investment bank giant JPMorgan got regulatory approval from Beijing on Friday to become the first foreign owner of a brokerage in China.

The move is likely to be seen as the clearest sign yet that China is opening up its capital markets after years of gradual moves and pressure from Washington, especially under previous U.S. President Donald Trump.

"The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has approved the registration of J.P. Morgan International Finance Limited taking 100% ownership of J.P. Morgan Securities (China)... making it the first foreign firm to fully own a securities venture in China," JPMorgan said in a statement.

China represented "one of the largest opportunities in the world," said bank Chief Executive Jamie Dimon.

For Beijing the move comes as it simultaneously clamps down on other parts of its financial markets, such as foreign equity listings of its biggest firms and the way they operate more generally at home.

Earlier on Friday, the CSRC gave the nod to Fidelity to set up a China mutual fund unit, while Citi has also received final approval for a China fund custodian business this week.

In June, the world's biggest asset manager, BlackRock, [BLK.N] became the first to be licensed for a wholly-owned China mutual fund unit.

(Reporting by Samuel Shen in Shanghai and Marc Jones in London; Editing by Mike Harrison)
Picture 1

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella was present at the Companys booth for the CHAMPS Las Vegas trade show from July 27 to July 30, 2021.

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella was present at the Companys booth for the CHAMPS Las Vegas trade show from July 27 to July 30, 2021.

Picture 2

As of early August 2021, TAAT is sold in approximately 500 stores in the United States, representing significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 stores as of mid-July 2021. Through its wholesale partners, the Company has established TAATs presence around urban centres such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, and Atlanta.

As of early August 2021, TAAT is sold in approximately 500 stores in the United States, representing significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 stores as of mid-July 2021. Through its wholesale partners, the Company has established TAATs presence around urban centres such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, and Atlanta.

LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQX: TOBAF) (FRANKFURT: 2TP) (the Company or TAAT) is pleased to announce that independent of sales from its regular channels, the Company has closed a total of 68 new initial purchase orders from contacts established at two Las Vegas trade shows where the Company exhibited in late July 2021, with additional buyer leads currently in the pipeline. At The HQ Event, a specialty lifestyle products trade show held at Caesars Palace, votes from buyer attendees recognized TAAT as the Best New Product at the show, as well as the second-place winner for the Best in Show award. TAAT also exhibited at CHAMPS Las Vegas the following week, a significantly larger trade show with a greater emphasis on tobacco products, which sold out of exhibitor spaces well in advance of the events opening day. These two events were the Companys first B2B convention appearances following the launch of TAAT in Q4 2020, and the Company is planning to exhibit at several additional trade shows in 2021.



In a press release dated July 16, 2021 , the Company detailed its progress in setting up its new facilities in the Las Vegas, Nevada area which are set to launch this month and will considerably increase bandwidth for producing the Beyond Tobacco base material of TAAT. To optimize order processing, the Company has more than tripled the size of its fulfillment station in its new facilities compared to its original site on West Post Road. The Company anticipates that it will begin to benefit from these facility expansions as more orders of TAAT are placed resulting from trade show leads in addition to wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales to smokers aged 21+ as part of the Companys existing commercialization initiatives.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb769832-9fc9-4407-9d11-09baeb0e25e6

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella was present at the Companys booth for the CHAMPS Las Vegas trade show from July 27 to July 30, 2021. Video footage from the trade show featuring TAAT can be seen by clicking here .

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

Following these purchase orders, the total count of U.S. retailers carrying TAAT has grown to approximately 500 points of sale, reflecting significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 points of sale on record as of mid-July 2021. The TAAT store locator map displayed below from the Companys TryTAAT webpage ( http://trytaat.com ) shows a well-established retail footprint in eastern regions of the United States around urban centres to include Cincinnati (population 301,000), Columbus (population 878,000), Chicago (population 2.71 million), and Atlanta (population 488,000).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd4d2e15-ea23-40b4-971c-6ae69a19330b

As of early August 2021, TAAT is sold in approximately 500 stores in the United States, representing significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 stores as of mid-July 2021. Through its wholesale partners, the Company has established TAATs presence around urban centres such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, and Atlanta.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella commented, At this time last year, I was in my first week with TAAT after resigning from Philip Morris International as a Lead Strategist and not only were we still focused on perfecting TAAT and Beyond Tobacco then, there were also no trade shows or in-person events where we could introduce the product to commercialization partners before launching. Despite that limitation, we were able to place TAAT in hundreds of stores in multiple states, launch our e-commerce platform making TAAT available to the majority of U.S. smokers aged 21+, and land our first international purchase order from a wholesaler who distributes to the United Kingdom and Ireland. At the end of July, we had our first two trade show exhibits since launching TAAT, and we are more than pleased to have closed these 68 initial purchase orders as a direct result of the connections we made at these events, many of which we expect to convert into repeat orders based on the performance of TAAT since its launch in Q4 2020.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC.

Setti Coscarella

Setti Coscarella, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

TAAT Investor Relations

1-833-TAAT-USA (1-833-822-8872)

investor@taatusa.com

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

About TAAT Global Alternatives Inc.

The Company has developed TAAT, which is a tobacco-free and nicotine-free alternative to traditional cigarettes offered in "Original", "Smooth", and "Menthol" varieties. TAAT's base material is Beyond Tobacco, a proprietary blend which undergoes a patent-pending refinement technique causing its scent and taste to resemble tobacco. Under executive leadership with "Big Tobacco" pedigree, TAAT was launched first in the United States in Q4 2020 as the Company seeks to position itself in the $814 billion1 global tobacco industry.

For more information, please visit http://taatglobal.com .

References

1 British American Tobacco - The Global Market

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated performance of TAAT in the tobacco industry, in addition to the following: Potential additional purchase orders from sales leads obtained at trade shows in July 2021, potential continued sales performance of TAAT in the United States. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the tobacco markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees.

Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms

Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by TAAT Global Alternatives Inc. can be found under the Company's profile on http://sedar.com .




KUWAIT, Aug 3 (Reuters) - The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the Gulf state's sovereign wealth fund, has appointed a new board of directors, according to a government official on Tuesday, confirming media reports.

The move was approved by Kuwait's cabinet on Monday, the newspaper al-Qabas said. (Reporting by Ahmed Hagagy; Writing by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2021 /CNW/ - Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation ("LIORC") (TSX: LIF) announced today its operation and cash flow results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.

Financial Performance

In the second quarter of 2021, LIORC's financial results benefited from higher iron ore prices and pellet premiums, partially offset by lower volumes of concentrate for sale ("CFS") sales. Royalty revenue for the second quarter of 2021 amounted to $78.8 million compared to $46.2 million for the second quarter of 2020. Equity earnings from Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC") were $66.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $28.7 million in the second quarter of 2020. Net income per share for the second quarter of 2021 was $1.72 per share, which was a 126% increase over the same period in 2020. The adjusted cash flow per share for the second quarter of 2021 was $1.85 per share, which was 363% higher than in the same period in 2020, as a result of higher royalty revenues and the decision by IOC to pay a dividend. In the second quarter of 2021, LIORC received a dividend in the amount of $74.4 million from IOC.

In the second quarter of 2021, iron ore prices reached record levels as global steel production increased and seaborne iron ore supply growth was limited. According to the World Steel Association, global crude steel production in the first half of 2021 increased 14% over the first half of 2020. Strong increases in crude steel production were seen in China, which accounts for over 70% of all seaborne iron ore demand, as well as all other regions and major steel producing countries, as these nations continued to recover from the global downturn in 2020. While, in aggregate, the supply of seaborne iron ore from the major producers was generally in line with the prior annual production guidance, it wasn't enough to lessen the tight supply dynamics in the market.

IOC sells CFS based on the Platts index for 65% Fe, CFR China ("65% Fe index"). All references to tonnes and per tonne prices in this report refer to wet metric tonnes, other than references to Platts quoted pricing, which refer to dry metric tonnes. Historically, IOC's wet ore contains approximately 3% less ore per equivalent volume than dry ore. In the second quarter of 2021, the 65% Fe index averaged US$233 per tonne, a 115% increase over the average of US$108 per tonne in the second quarter of 2020, and a 22% increase over the average of US$191 in the first quarter of 2021. The monthly Atlantic Blast Furnace 65% Fe pellet premium index as quoted by Platts (the "pellet premium") averaged US$65 per tonne in the second quarter of 2021, up substantially from an average of US$30 in the same quarter of 2020, which had been negatively impacted by a reduction in demand from European steel producers due to COVID-19.

Story continues

Rio Tinto has disclosed that the average realised price achieved for IOC pellets, FOB Sept-Iles, in the second quarter of 2021 was US$247 per tonne, compared to US$118 per tonne in the same quarter of 2020. Based on sales as reported for the LIORC Royalty, the overall average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB Sept-Iles, was approximately C$275 per tonne in the second quarter of 2021, compared to approximately C$143 per tonne in the second quarter of 2020 and C$226 per tonne in the first quarter of 2021.

Iron Ore Company of Canada Operations

Operations

IOC continues to take measures in order to protect IOC's people and to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks within IOC's operations which could affect IOC's capacity to operate. As a result, IOC has been able to continue to safely operate throughout 2021. The IOC saleable production (CFS plus pellets) of 4.6 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2021 was 2% lower than the same period in 2020, due to labour and equipment availability which reduced the feed rate from the mine. The IOC saleable production in the second quarter of 2021 was 16% higher than the first quarter of 2021, predominantly due to the impacts of weather, loading unit availability on mine feed and reduced concentrator mill availability in the first quarter.

In the second quarter of 2021, CFS production of 2.0 million tonnes was 24% lower than the same quarter last year due to an increased focus on the production of pellets since the end of 2020, resulting in a corresponding reduction in CFS. CFS production in the second quarter of 2021 was 32% higher than the first quarter of 2021, due to lower concentrate production in the first quarter. Pellet production in the second quarter of 2021 of 2.7 million tonnes was 26% higher than the corresponding quarter in 2020 due to the increased focus on the production of pellets, and 6% higher than the first quarter of 2021, as issues related to regrinding reliability and lack of feed from the concentrator were greater in the first quarter.

Sales as Reported for the LIORC Royalty

Total iron ore sales tonnage by IOC (CFS plus pellets) of 4.1 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2021 was 11% lower than the total sales tonnage for the same period in 2020 and consistent with the first quarter of 2021. Sales tonnage in the second quarter of 2021 was negatively impacted by the lack of availability of reclaimers during the quarter, as reclaimer #1 was unavailable for part of April due to unplanned maintenance and reclaimer #2 was the subject of a fire in late March and is not expected to be operational until mid-December. Sales tonnage in the first quarter of 2021 was negatively impacted by lower product availability. Pellet sales tonnage in the second quarter of 2021 was consistent with the same quarter last year and 8% lower than the first quarter of 2021. CFS sales tonnage was 23% lower than the same quarter last year and 9% higher than the first quarter of 2021.

Outlook

Rio Tinto's 2021 guidance for IOC's saleable production (CFS plus pellets) remains at 17.9 million to 20.4 million tonnes. This compares to 17.7 million tonnes of saleable production in 2020 and 8.6 million tonnes in the first half of 2021. The force majeure declared in April following the fire at the port facility in Sept-Iles has been lifted. Reclaimer #2 is scheduled to return to operation in mid-December with mobile tele-stackers being used in the interim to mitigate future impacts. As a result, the sales tonnage shortfalls experienced in the second quarter of 2021 are expected to be made up over the remainder of the year.

IOC is in an excellent financial position. In the first half of 2021, IOC generated net after tax cash from operating activities of US$659 million, had capital expenditures of US$123 million, and paid shareholder dividends of US$500 million. As at June 30, 2021, IOC had no debt, total current assets of US$831 million, and total current liabilities of US$493 million

The price outlook for seaborne iron ore remains robust. Despite China's recently stated aims to curb steel production, iron ore prices have remained firm. Since the end of the second quarter (July 1, 2021 to July 26, 2021), the average price of the 65% Fe index has been US$248 per tonne, or 7% higher than the average of the 65% Fe index for the second quarter of 2021. As well, the outlook for pellet premiums remains positive, as the rest of the world continues to recover from the 2020 economic downturn. The pellet premium for July was US$78 per tonne compared to the average of US$65 per tonne in the second quarter of 2021.

The current record pricing environment continues to generate strong cash flows for LIORC. However, it is unlikely that these iron ore prices will persist in the long run. That said, LIORC is well positioned to profit throughout the pricing cycle given its unique assets. LIORC's equity interest in IOC generates substantial dividends, particularly during strong iron ore pricing environments. Whereas LIORC's royalty provides more consistency and downside protection as it has historically produced cash flow under all iron ore pricing environments.

LIORC has no debt and at June 30, 2021 had positive net working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $28.7 million. After the end of the second quarter LIORC paid a dividend on July 26, 2021 of $1.75 per share or $112.0 million. The net royalty from IOC was received by LIORC on the same date, maintaining the Corporation's strong cash balance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Directors of the Corporation,

John F. Tuer

President and Chief Executive Officer

August 5, 2021

Management's Discussion and Analysis

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation's ("LIORC" or the "Corporation") 2020 Annual Report, and the financial statements and notes contained therein and the June 30, 2021 interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Overview of the Business

The Corporation's revenues are entirely dependent on the operations of IOC as its principal assets relate to the operations of IOC and its principal source of revenue is the 7% royalty it receives on all sales of iron ore products by IOC. In addition to the volume of iron ore sold, the Corporation's royalty revenue is affected by the price of iron ore and the Canadian  U.S. dollar exchange rate. The first quarter sales of IOC are traditionally adversely affected by the general winter operating conditions and are usually 15%  20% of the annual volume, with the balance spread fairly evenly throughout the other three quarters. Because of the size of individual shipments, some quarters may be affected by the timing of the loading of ships that can be delayed from one quarter to the next.

Financial Highlights



Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2021 2020

2021 2020

(unaudited)

($ in millions except per share information)











Revenue 79.2 46.7

144.9 95.0 Equity earnings from IOC 66.2 28.7

123.2 53.4 Net income 110.2 48.9

196.8 95.5 Net income per share $ 1.72 $ 0.76

$ 3.08 $ 1.49 Dividend(s) from IOC 74.4 -

93.4 - Cash flow from operations 115.9 37.6

158.6 48.3 Cash flow from operations per share $ 1.81 $ 0.58

$ 2.48 $ 0.75 Adjusted cash flow1 118.3 25.6

173.7 52.5 Adjusted cash flow per share $ 1.85 $ 0.40

$ 2.71 $ 0.82 Dividends declared per share $ 1.75 $ 0.45

$ 2.75 $ 0.80



















1 This is a non-IFRS financial measure and does not have a standard meaning under IFRS.

Please refer to Standardized Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow section in the MD&A.



The higher revenue, net income and equity earnings achieved in the second quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020 were mainly due to higher iron ore prices, partly offset by lower sales of CFS. The second quarter of 2021 sales tonnage (pellets and CFS) were lower by 11% predominantly due to the lack of availability of reclaimers during the quarter, which limited the loading rate at the port facility in Sept-Iles. CFS sales tonnage was 23% lower and pellet sales tonnage was consistent with the same quarter last year. CFS sales tonnage was lower mainly due to lower CFS production as a result of IOC's refocus on pellet production this year, and despite a 26% increase in pellet production, pellet sales tonnage was constrained due to the loading restrictions caused by the lack of reclaimer availability at the port.

However, the lower sales tonnage was more than offset by an increase in the realized sales price of pellets and CFS, resulting in royalty income of $78.8 million for the quarter as compared to $46.2 million for the same period in 2020. Second quarter 2021 cash flow from operations was $115.9 million or $1.81 per share compared to $37.6 million or $0.58 per share for the same period in 2020. LIORC received an IOC dividend in the second quarter of 2021 in the amount of $74.4 million or $1.16 per share. Equity earnings from IOC amounted to $66.2 million or $1.03 per share in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $28.7 million or $0.45 per share for the same period in 2020.

Operating Highlights











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30, IOC Operations 2021 2020

2021 2020

(in millions of tonnes) Sales 1









Pellets 2.26 2.25

4.70 5.27 Concentrate for sale ("CFS")2 1.83 2.36

3.51 4.04 Total3 4.09 4.61

8.21 9.31











Production









Concentrate produced 4.79 4.84

9.20 9.53











Saleable production









Pellets 2.67 2.11

5.18 4.90 CFS 1.97 2.59

3.45 4.16 Total 4.63 4.70

8.63 9.06











Average index prices per tonne (US$)









65% Fe index4 $ 233 $ 108

$ 212 $ 106 62% Fe index5 $ 200 $ 93

$ 184 $ 91 Pellet premium6 $ 65 $ 30

$ 54 $ 30











(1) For calculating the royalty to LIORC.





(2)Excludes third party ore sales.





(3) Totals may not add up due to rounding.







(4)The Platts index for 65% Fe, CFR China.





(5)The Platts index for 62% Fe, CFR China.





(6)The Platts Atlantic Blast Furnace 65% Fe pellet premium index.



IOC sells CFS based on the 65% Fe index. In the second quarter of 2021, the 65% Fe index averaged US$233 per tonne, a 115% increase over the average of US$108 per tonne in the second quarter of 2020. Iron ore prices increased, as iron ore supply growth failed to match the record growth in global steel production as part of the economic recovery from the downturn in 2020. The monthly pellet premium averaged US$65 per tonne in the second quarter of 2021, up substantially from an average of US$30 in the same quarter of 2020, which had been negatively impacted by a reduction in demand from European steel producers due to COVID-19.

Based on sales as reported for the LIORC Royalty, the overall average price realized by IOC for CFS and pellets, FOB Sept-Iles, was approximately C$275 per tonne in the second quarter of 2021, compared to approximately C$143 per tonne in the second quarter of 2020 and C$226 per tonne in the first quarter of 2021. The increase in the average realized price FOB Sept-Iles in 2021 was a result of higher CFS prices and higher pellet premiums.

Standardized Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow

For the Corporation, standardized cash flow is the same as cash flow from operating activities as recorded in the Corporation's cash flow statements as the Corporation does not incur capital expenditures or have any restrictions on dividends. Standardized cash flow per share was $1.81 for the quarter (2020 - $0.58).

The Corporation also reports "Adjusted cash flow" which is defined as cash flow from operating activities after adjustments for changes in amounts receivable, accounts payable and income taxes recoverable and payable. It is not a recognized measure under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The Directors believe that adjusted cash flow is a useful analytical measure as it better reflects cash available for dividends to shareholders.

The following reconciles standardized cash flow from operating activities to adjusted cash flow (in millions).



3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2021 3 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2020 6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2021 6 Months Ended Jun. 30, 2020

Standardized cash flow from operating activities $115,866 $37,614 $158,552 $48,267



Changes in amounts receivable, accounts

payable and income taxes payable 2,402 (11,975) 15,126 4,198

Adjusted cash flow $118,268 $25,639 $173,678 $52,465

Adjusted cash flow per share $1.85 $0.40 $2.71 $0.82



Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation had $85.4 million in cash as at June 30, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $106.1 million) with total current assets of $168.4 million (December 31, 2020 - $164.4 million). The Corporation had working capital of $28.7 million as at June 30, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $31.0 million). The Corporation's operating cash flow was $115.9 million and the dividend paid during the quarter was $64 million, resulting in cash balances increasing by $51.9 million during the second quarter of 2021. In June the Directors of the Corporation declared the second quarter dividend of $112 million that was paid on July 26, 2021.

Cash balances consist of deposits in Canadian dollars with Canadian chartered banks. Amounts receivable primarily consist of royalty payments from IOC. Royalty payments are received in U.S. dollars and converted to Canadian dollars on receipt, usually 25 days after the quarter end. The Corporation does not normally attempt to hedge this short-term foreign currency exposure.

Operating cash flow of the Corporation is sourced entirely from IOC through the Corporation's 7% royalty, 10 cents commission per tonne and dividends from its 15.10% equity interest in IOC. The Corporation normally pays cash dividends from its net income to the maximum extent possible, subject to the maintenance of appropriate levels of working capital.

The Corporation has a $30 million revolving credit facility with a term ending September 18, 2022 with provision for annual one-year extensions. No amount is currently drawn under this facility (2020  nil) leaving $30.0 million available to provide for any capital required by IOC or requirements of the Corporation.

John F. Tuer

President and Chief Executive Officer

Toronto, Ontario

August 5, 2021

Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain "forward-looking" statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan", "intend", "should", "would", "anticipate" and other similar terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly, including iron ore price and volume volatility, exchange rates, the performance of IOC, market conditions in the steel industry, mining risks and insurance, relationships with indigenous groups, natural disasters, severe weather conditions and public health crises, changes affecting IOC's customers, competition from other iron ore producers, estimates of reserves and resources, government regulation and taxation and cybersecurity. A discussion of these factors is contained in LIORC's annual information form dated March 4, 2021 under the heading, "Risk Factors". Although the forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon what management of LIORC believes are reasonable assumptions, LIORC cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this report and LIORC assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. This report should be viewed in conjunction with LIORC's other publicly available filings, copies of which can be obtained electronically on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Notice:

The following unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared by and are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. The Corporation's independent auditor has not reviewed these interim financial statements.

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION





INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION



























As at



June 30,

December 31, (in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2021

2020



(Unaudited) Assets





Current Assets







Cash and short-term investments $ 85,443

$ 106,091

Amounts receivable 82,963

58,336 Total Current Assets 168,406

164,427









Non-Current Assets







Iron Ore Company of Canada ("IOC")







royalty and commission interests 238,454

241,511

Investment in IOC 450,750

417,284 Total Non-Current Assets 689,204

658,795









Total Assets $ 857,610

$ 823,222



















Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity





Current Liabilities







Accounts payable $ 17,119

$ 12,533

Dividend payable 112,000

115,200

Taxes payable 10,606

5,691 Total Current Liabilities 139,725

133,424









Non-Current Liabilities







Deferred income taxes 127,550

123,430 Total Liabilities 267,275

256,854









Shareholders' Equity







Share capital 317,708

317,708

Retained earnings 282,811

262,000

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10,184)

(13,340)



590,335

566,368









Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 857,610

$ 823,222

Approved by the Directors,













John F. Tuer Patricia M. Volker Director Director

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION





INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME























For the Three Months Ended



June 30, (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share information) 2021

2020





Revenue







IOC royalties $ 78,793

$ 46,213

IOC commissions 402

454

Interest and other income 35

45



79,230

46,712 Expenses







Newfoundland royalty taxes 15,758

9,243

Amortization of royalty and commission interests 1,591

1,642

Administrative expenses 773

816



18,122

11,701









Income before equity earnings and income taxes 61,108

35,011 Equity earnings in IOC 66,215

28,691









Income before income taxes 127,323

63,702









Provision for income taxes







Current 18,857

11,014

Deferred (1,697)

3,830



17,160

14,844









Net income for the period 110,163

48,858









Other comprehensive income (loss)







Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of IOC that will not be







reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of income taxes







of 2021 - $557; 2020 - $40) 3,156

(226)









Comprehensive income for the period $ 113,319

$ 48,632









Net income per share $ 1.72

$ 0.76

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION





INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME























For the Six Months Ended



June 30, (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share information) 2021

2020



(Unaudited) Revenue







IOC royalties $ 144,041

$ 93,828

IOC commissions 808

916

Interest and other income 100

267



144,949

95,011 Expenses







Newfoundland royalty taxes 28,808

18,766

Amortization of royalty and commission interests 3,057

3,267

Administrative expenses 1,544

1,373



33,409

23,406









Income before equity earnings and income taxes 111,540

71,605 Equity earnings in IOC 123,192

53,360









Income before income taxes 234,732

124,965









Provision for income taxes







Current 34,358

22,407

Deferred 3,563

7,050



37,921

29,457









Net income for the period 196,811

95,508









Other comprehensive income (loss)







Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of IOC that will not be







reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of income taxes







of 2021 - $557; 2020 - $80) 3,156

(452)









Comprehensive income for the period $ 199,967

$ 95,056









Net income per share $ 3.08

$ 1.49

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS











































For the Six Months Ended

June 30, (in thousands of Canadian dollars) 2021

2020

(Unaudited) Net inflow (outflow) of cash related







to the following activities













Operating







Net income for the year $ 196,811

$ 95,508

Items not affecting cash:









Equity earnings in IOC (123,192)

(53,360)



Current income taxes 34,358

22,407



Deferred income taxes 3,563

7,050



Amortization of royalty and commission interests 3,057

3,267

Common share dividend from IOC 93,439

-

Change in amounts receivable (24,627)

(10,982)

Change in accounts payable 4,586

2,093

Income taxes paid (29,443)

(17,716)

Cash flow from operating activities 158,552

48,267







Financing







Dividend paid to shareholders (179,200)

(89,600)

Cash flow used in financing activities (179,200)

(89,600)







Decrease in cash, during the period (20,648)

(41,333)







Cash, beginning of period 106,091

77,859







Cash, end of period $ 85,443

$ 36,526

LABRADOR IRON ORE ROYALTY CORPORATION







INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY



















Accumulated







other



Share Retained comprehensive

(in thousands of Canadian dollars) capital earnings loss Total

(Unaudited)









Balance as at December 31, 2019 $ 317,708 $ 230,005 $ (10,376) $ 537,337 Net income for the period - 95,508 - 95,508 Dividends declared to shareholders - (51,200) - (51,200) Share of other comprehensive loss from investment in IOC (net of taxes) - - (452) (452) Balance as at June 30, 2020 $ 317,708 $ 274,313 $ (10,828) $ 581,193









Balance as at December 31, 2020 $ 317,708 $ 262,000 $ (13,340) $ 566,368 Net income for the period - 196,811 - 196,811 Dividends declared to shareholders - (176,000) - (176,000) Share of other comprehensive income from investment in IOC (net of taxes) - - 3,156 3,156 Balance as at June 30, 2021 $ 317,708 $ 282,811 $ (10,184) $ 590,335

The complete consolidated financial statements for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, including the notes thereto, are posted on sedar.com and labradorironore.com.

SOURCE Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation

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Activists face accusations for protesting exploitation by U.S.-based multinational alcohol corporation Constellation Brands

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mexicali Resiste, along with members of alcohol industry watchdog Alcohol Justice, joined the global action against #ConstellationBrands at the company's San Francisco headquarters. They demanded an end to corporate use of public water in Baja, California, and the criminalization of activists for protesting.

Protestors outside Constellation Brand headquarters, San Francisco.

"The people of Baja, California, especially Mexicali, have opposed the looting of water from an overexploited aquifer," stated Leon Fierro, Diana Arangure, Mexicali Resiste. "It is for this reason that a series of activities have been carried out where the population has expressed its rejection with massive marches, meetings, consultations and collective actions."

Beginning in January 2017, Mexicali Resiste has opposed Constellation Brands' plan to build a billion-dollar brewery in the Valley of Mexicali, a region already experiencing severe water scarcity. The factory is expected to annually consume 20 million cubic meters of water (1.4 billion gallons) to make Mexican beer for American consumers. This desert region has an overexploited aquifer fed by the Colorado River with life-threatening water shortages and drought issues already occurring in Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito and Ensenada.

In 2017 Mexicali Resiste's advocacy efforts halted legislative efforts to privatize water in Baja California. Then, in February 2020 the National Human Rights Commission released a report that determined that the process of the approval and installation of the Constellation Brands brewery violated the human right to water, which would lead to the detriment of the population and farmers of the Valley of Mexicali.

In 2020 the Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for a "Consultation" for the people of Mexicali to vote to determine the future of Constellation Brands continued operation which resulted in a NO vote, halting the operation. However, the big alcohol company did not give up. The state's current Governor, Jaime Bonilla, former President of the Otay Water Board in San Diego, CA, supports efforts to allow Constellation Brands to continue operating in Mexicali.

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"The government appears to have placed corporate interests above the public's, so that those of us who are activists and defenders of water are being removed from their path of environmental devastation, said Fierro. On August 10 we have our hearing where they will accuse us of dispossession. It is ironic but it is real, those who want to deprive us are them."

In 2017 the office of the State Attorney of Baja California determined that accusations against activists did not merit criminal proceedings. However, the current Congress of the State of Baja, California has suddenly decided to reopen the case file and a court hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2021. This decision rescinds the previous resolution and once again presents accusations against the water rights activists for protesting against corporate corruption and injustice. This comes as no surprise after Fierro was wrongfully accused in 2018 of "attempted murder" against police for participating in a protest. However, 20 days later he was freed after it was determined that there was no proof.

"Today we stand in strong support of Mexicali Resite's 5+ years of defending water rights in Baja California," stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice. "Today we denounce the criminalization of the Mexicali Resiste activists for choosing to protect the quality of life in their community. Today we stand up and fight for justice that chooses people over profit, not just in California and across the country, but worldwide. And today we join Mexicali Resiste in fighting the influence of Big Alcohol that has negatively impacted generations of historically disenfranchised people of color and low-income communities everywhere. We stand together to refuse to allow this impact on generations yet to come! We are united internationally in this effort and today we denounce Constellation Brands for what they are doing in Mexico."

"We know that organized and united people can overcome any obstacle," added Fierro.

Mexicali Resiste

Alcohol Justice

Red Binacional de Mujeres Que Luchan

La Resistencia

#QueremosAguayLibertad

#MexicaliResiste

#TodosSomosMexicali

#AlcoholJustice

CONTACT: Tsux 6txus9@gmail.com

Michael Scippa 415-548-0492

Christina Mira 510 829-8982

Alcohol Justice logo. (PRNewsFoto/Alcohol Justice)

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SOURCE Alcohol Justice
Forecasts by Type (Network Security, Application Security, Data Security, Identity & Access, Cloud Security, Wireless Security, End-Point Security) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Military Cyber Security Companies AND COVID-19 Recovery Scenarios

New York, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Military Cyber Security Market Report 2021-2031" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06127544/?utm_source=GNW





Military Cyber Security Market- our new study reveals trends, R&D progress, and predicted revenues



Discover how to stay ahead



Our 391-page report provides 489 tables and charts/graphs. Read on to discover the most lucrative areas in the industry and the future market prospects. Our new study lets you assess forecasted sales at overall world market and regional level. See financial results, trends, opportunities, and revenue predictions. Much opportunity remains in this growing Military Cyber Security market. See how to exploit the opportunities.



Forecasts to 2031 and other analyses reveal the commercial prospects

. In addition to revenue forecasting to 2031, our new study provides you with recent results, growth rates, and market shares.

. You find original analyses, with business outlooks and developments.



Discover qualitative analyses (including market dynamics, drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges), product profiles and commercial developments.



Military cybersecurity protects confidential information, employee and organization identity, and access from the cybercriminals. Advancement in the network, wireless, and end-to-end security infrastructure is fueling the military cybersecurity market. In addition, increasing adoption of business strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, partnering with local and regional providers, and expansion of R&D facilities to innovate new solutions for the evolving cyber threats. Moreover, supportive government regulations and evolving policies are luring large number of cybersecurity solution providers to invest in the military sector. Such factors are estimated to drive the product development and enhance the market sales over the projected timeline. However, third party data breaches have resulted in trust issues among the providers and the defense units.



This report includes data analysis and invaluable insight into how COVID-19 will affect your industry. Access this report today.





North America



North America is the highest revenue contributor in the global military cybersecurity market in 2020. It has accounted for US$xx Mn in 2021 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of xx% in the forecast timeline. Increasing investment in the advancement of cybersecurity infrastructure, rising number of market players across the region, rising number of cybersecurity research facilities, and increasing government investment in the enhancement of cybersecurity systems are driving the cybersecurity market in North America. In addition, the government authorities such as the Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Autonomous Cyber Defense, and Autonomous Intelligent Resilient Security are allocating contracts to cybersecurity providers to strengthen the data infrastructure across the region. The public authorities have assigned a USD xx trillion budget for technology modernization, and advancement of research projects, and the enhancement of cybersecurity infrastructure. The government cybersecurity authorities are hiring highly qualified professionals to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce. Furthermore, the military administrations are introducing advanced fighter jets and vehicles equipped with new technologies creating new opportunities for the industry players across the region.



The U.S.



The U.S. is the highest revenue contributing country in the global smart glass and windows market in 2020. The U.S. Military Cybersecurity is valued at US$xx Mn in 2021 and it is expected to reach US$xx Mn by 2031, growing at a CAGR of xx% over the forecast period. The U.S. government has extended its defense budget upgrading its existing defense infrastructure with advanced operating systems for efficient and accurate maneuvers. The development and operation of warfare combat vehicles, fighter jets, and unmanned aerial vehicles require advanced cybersecurity solutions hence the military authorities have deployed quantum computing systems and hired experienced and trained staff to support the combat vehicle controllers during combat. Defense Department collaborated with technology providers to cease the theft of terabytes of data related to patents, vaccines, and combat machines. Such factors are estimated to augment the military cybersecurity in the country in the assessed timeline.



India

India is expected to grow at the highest rate and it is anticipated to create the highest opportunity in the military cybersecurity market. The Indian military is experiencing transformation in the combat and warfare infrastructure. The country is progressing to become a superpower in the upcoming years due to its strong financial systems and increasing military firepower. In addition, growing investment in the security infrastructure to support the intelligence units is creating opportunities for the market players. The region is evolving rapidly due to the deployment of advanced technologies such as cloud, IoT, blockchain, and AI amongst others. The global industry players are expanding their offices in the country to seek profit from increasing possibilities. The introduction of advanced AI-based cyber threats to abolish the attacks on nuclear facilities and air traffic control systems is propelling the Indian military cybersecurity market.



Architectural

In terms of type, the network security segment dominates the global military cybersecurity market. It has accounted for xx% market share in 2021. Network security is the prominent segment among military cybersecurity solutions. The military uses satellite connections and uses specific frequencies for communication. Any breach in network security may lead to leakage of geographical and confidential information to the enemies. These types of security guard the users network from anonymous access or breaches and other network-based coercions. Such activities are carried out to prevent unauthorized cyber intrusion. Moreover, different countries are establishing their satellite in space to strengthen their defense communication. These satellites are highly advanced hence require innovative hardware for the information processing and surveillance activities creating new opportunities for the market players.



Discover sales predictions for the world market and submarkets



By Type

. Network Security

. Application Security

. Data Security

. Identity & Access

. Cloud Security

. Wireless Security

. End-Point Security



In addition to the revenue predictions for the overall world market and segments, you will also find revenue forecasts for 5 regional and 21 leading national markets:

. North America

. U.S.

. Canada

. Europe

. United Kingdom

. Germany

. France

. Italy

. Spain

. Rest of Europe

. Asia Pacific

. China

. Japan

. Australia

. India

. South Korea

. Southeast Asia

. Rest of Asia Pacific

. Latin America

. Brazil

. Mexico

. Rest of Latin America

. Middle East and Africa

. GCC Countries

. South Africa

. Rest of Middle East and Africa



The report also includes profiles and for some of the leading companies in the Military Cyber Security market, with a focus on this segment of these companies operations.



Leading companies and the potential for market growth



Overall world revenue for Military Cybersecurity Market will surpass $xx million in 2021, our work calculates. We predict strong revenue growth through to 2031. Our work identifies which organizations hold the greatest potential. Discover their capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead.



How the Military Cyber Security Market report helps you



In summary, our 390+ page report provides you with the following knowledge:

. Revenue forecasts to 2031 for Military Cyber Security market, with forecasts for Type, each forecasted at a global and regional level- discover the industrys prospects, finding the most lucrative places for investments and revenues

. Revenue forecasts to 2031 for 5 regional and 21 key national markets - See forecasts for the Military Cyber Security market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Rest of the World. Also forecasted is the market in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, GCC Countries among other prominent economies.

. Prospects for established firms and those seeking to enter the market- including company profiles for 15 of the major companies involved in the Military Cyber Security market. Some of the companys profiled in this report include BAE Systems Plc, General Dynamics Corporation, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Airbus Cybersecurity, Leonardo S.p. A., NetCentrics Corporation, Fujitsu Limited, CyberArk Software Ltd, Booz Allen Hamilton, Thales Group, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc, CACI International Inc, and Atos SE.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06127544/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Iterum Therapeutics plc ("Iterum" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ITRM) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, and docketed under 21-cv-04181, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Iterum securities between November 30, 2020 and July 23, 2021, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

Fighting for victims of securities fraud for more than 85 years (PRNewsfoto/Pomerantz LLP)

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Iterum securities during the Class Period, you have until October 4, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Iterum is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that engages in developing anti-infectives for multi-drug resistant pathogens in Ireland and the United States. The Company is developing sulopenem, a novel anti-infective compound with oral and intravenous formulations that is in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of, among other medical issues, uncomplicated urinary tract infections ("uUTIs").

In November 2020, Iterum submitted a New Drug Application ("NDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid (oral sulopenem) for the treatment of uUTIs in patients with a quinolone non-susceptible pathogen (the "sulopenem NDA").

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The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the sulopenem NDA lacked sufficient data to support approval for the treatment of adult women with uUTIs caused by designated susceptible microorganisms proven or strongly suspected to be non-susceptible to a quinolone; (ii) accordingly, it was unlikely that the FDA would approve the sulopenem NDA in its current form; (iii) Defendants downplayed the severity of issues and deficiencies associated with the sulopenem NDA; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 1, 2021, Iterum issued a press release "announc[ing] that the Company received a letter from the [FDA] stating that, as part of their ongoing review of the [sulopenem NDA], the agency has identified deficiencies that preclude the continuation of the discussion of labeling and post marketing requirements/commitments at this time." The press release further stated that "[n]o details with respect to deficiencies were disclosed by the FDA in this notification and the letter further states that the notification does not reflect a final decision on the information under review."

On this news, Iterum's ordinary share price fell $0.87 per share, or 37.99%, to close at $1.42 per share on July 2, 2021.

Then, on July 26, 2021, Iterum issued a press release announcing that it had received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA for the sulopenem NDA, "provid[ing] that the FDA has completed its review of the NDA and has determined that it cannot approve the NDA in its present form." Specifically, "the FDA determined that additional data are necessary to support approval for the treatment of adult women with [uUTIs] caused by designated susceptible microorganisms proven or strongly suspected to be non-susceptible to a quinolone[,]" while "recommend[ing] that Iterum conduct at least one additional adequate and well-controlled clinical trial, potentially using a different comparator drug[,]" and "conduct further nonclinical investigation to determine the optimal dosing regimen . . . ."

On this news, Iterum's ordinary share price fell $0.499 per share, or 44.16%, to close at $0.631 per share on July 26, 2021.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, 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, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz 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.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

Cision

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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
DUBLIN, August 06, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "The Role of Platforms in Developing and Deploying Vendors' Telecoms Solutions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report is based on information gathered from industry bodies such as the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, TM Forum and directly from ISVs.

Platform-based approaches are replacing applications because vendors need to deliver cloud-based solutions, provide an agile development environment and encourage collaboration with customers.

A platform-based approach can enable independent software vendors (ISVs) to respond to operators that want to develop and deploy new solutions, functions or processes. Platforms also support the DevOps needs of ISV development teams as they decompose applications into microservices, add new data sources and incorporate analytics models.

In this report, we define the characteristics of platforms, the drivers for their use in the telecoms industry, and the implications for independent software vendors (ISVs). We assess the maturity of these platforms, their features and capabilities, and the steps that ISVs need to take to implement a cloud and network IT transformation.

We also provide an overview of the technologies that ISVs can use and examples of platforms that ISVs have created.

Data was gathered from:

Internal research and observations from publicly available data, including ISV announcements, information from interviews with operators, industry bodies and standards organisations

interviews with vendors - telecoms ISVs, software technology providers and public cloud providers

survey interviews with operators.

The report answers the following questions:

What is a platform?

How mature are the different platforms?

What components are in a modern platform?

How can ISVs benefit from using a platform?

How are platforms being implemented?

Who Should Read this Report

Software vendors that want to take a platform-based approach to creating new solutions or want to migrate their current applications into a platform.

Product marketing staff who want to position their solutions within the context of a platform-based marketplace.

Operators that are looking to develop and support their own platforms or adopt platforms from ISVs.

Companies mentioned in this report include:

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Amdocs

Netcracker

Nokia

Red Hat

Subex

Key Topics Covered:

Executive summary

Research overview

Definition of platforms

Implications for ISVs

Examples of platforms

About the author

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xpw1lw

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005124/en/

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

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(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabias move to push up the cost of its oil in Asia may backfire as an outbreak of the delta virus variant in China damps demand, while the U.S. and Russia offer more competitively priced alternatives.

Saudi Aramco raised its Arab Medium and Heavy grades by 20 to 30 cents a barrel to the highest in at least four months for September sales to the region. While thats less than the difference in the Dubai structure Aramco references in its pricing, demand for these medium and heavy-sour barrels may suffer as China battles an outbreak of the highly infectious Covid-19 strain.

U.S. varieties such as Mars -- of a comparable medium quality -- are being offered at rates that are lower than last month, while Russias Urals is also becoming cheaper, according to traders who buy and sell those barrels. Brents premium to Dubai oil was at $3.51 a barrel as of Friday, compared with $4.36 a month earlier.

That could lead to Asian refiners seeking to buy lower amounts of contracted volumes from Aramco. Nominations were due Thursday and Aramco will likely notify buyers of their allocations next week. It could also see the spot market stay sluggish after a fairly lackluster July. Cargoes of some Middle Eastern medium and heavy-sour crudes have been falling to discounts against their official selling prices.

The market is also starting to see prompt cargoes offered as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies restore more production.

China National Petroleum Corp. forecast that the latest Covid-19 wave could wipe out 5% of short-term oil demand in the country, the worlds largest crude importer. Local governments rushed to close off some cities and traffic is already thinner in virus-hit locations.

(Updates Brents premium to Dubai in third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
TAICHUNG, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co. Ltd (SURGLASSES), Taiwan, a company striving to bring a difference into the real time surgical procedure after the introduction of the first AR assisted Head Mounted Display Foresee-X, is now coming up with a new product SURGLASSES' SPINE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CADUCEUS S. CADUCEUS S is the SPINE NAVIGATION SYSTEM with the AR/MR Head Mounted Display taking the spine surgeries to a new level. The Navigation Tracking and AR/MR HMD with the superimposition of the 3D model of the spine of the patient gives the surgeons a better understanding of the entry point, the calculation of the depth, and angle of the instrument used for the spinal surgeries being it the drills or the pedicle screws to be implanted. Dr. Chang, Chin Chang, attending physician for the Taipei Veterans General Hospital was the one to perform the cadaver testing for the CADUCEUS S. Dr. Chang said, "It is my pleasure to be the pioneer in utilizing the AR assisted Navigation System for the Spine Surgery. The Mixed Reality technology, provided by Caduceus S from Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co. Ltd, could decrease the learning curve and facilitate the surgical workflow in minimally invasive spine surgery."

SURGLASSES' SPINE NAVIGATION SYSTEM CADUCEUS S  An innovation greatly influencing minimally invasive surgeries

Caduceus S is the world's first smart surgical glasses using "MR mixed reality technology" and calculating the position of the camera image. The X-ray image is displayed in front of the surgeon's eyes in real-time, bringing digitization into the operating room and becoming a key tool for the substantial advancement of surgical procedures. Caduceus S can help the surgeons from setting the spine positioning fixture set to performing the pre-operative planning. Once the pre-operative planning is done, the images are exported to the HMD in front of the surgeons' eyes to find the entry point for the spine, adjusting the angle and measuring the incision depth. The superimposition of the 3D model of the spine onto the patients' bodies facilitates the surgeons to have the X-Ray vision enhancing the efficiency of the surgical procedures. Dr. Chang performed 24 pedicle screw insertions with an accuracy of less than 1.5mm.

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The CEO of SURGLASSES, Dr. Wang, Min Liang, once again seems to bring another medical innovation into the market with the focus on improving the medical-surgical procedure impacting the surgeons and patients altogether. Discussing with Dr. Wang, "SURGLASSES always work hard to keep up with the emerging trend into the surgical procedure and creating a difference into the surgical procedure," he said.

As per Dr. Wang, CADUCEUS S is pending its FDA 510(K) and is in the final review process by the FDA. Keeping an eye on one of leading biotechnology companies in the world with the most innovative products for the medical sector and look forward to CADUCEUS S to impact the surgical theater's environment. Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co. Ltd. started the idea of developing the technology in collaboration and discussion with KOLs worldwide in 2013. Developing the prototypes to the final commercial product has been a journey for SURGLASSES to bring it all together to the surgical procedures. SURGLASSES' CEO, Dr. Wang, "We would like to thank all the KOLs and the strategic partners for helping us inside out. They helped us with the development, growth of the technology, and making it an exceptional tool providing leverage to the professionals into the surgical theaters. We are very grateful for their support."

Media Contact: Min-Liang Wang, miron@surglasses.com, +886-4-25652818

SOURCE Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Recognized as a Leader in Managed Security Services in U.K. and U.S.

NEW DELHI, India, August 06, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering services, today announces that it has been named a leader in Managed Security Services (MSS) for the Midmarket in the 2021 ISG Provider Lens Cybersecurity Solutions & Services Quadrant Report. Tech Mahindra has been recognized in the Leader category in both the U.K. and the United States.

The recognition reiterates Tech Mahindras commitment towards providing a robust security ecosystem to customers globally and delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to suit their unique business needs. The ISG Provider Lens Report in the U.K. named Tech Mahindra as one of five industry leaders for its security operation centre (SOC) operations, established MSS practices and AI-powered platform that supports faster detection and reporting of threats.

The ISG Provider Lens US Report recognized Tech Mahindra as one of eleven leaders for its capability to combine people, process and innovative technology to offer a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions and services. The study further acknowledged Tech Mahindras AI-powered Predictive Cyber Risk Platform and Global Data Privacy ecosystem. The expertise of Tech Mahindras team, along with the companys investment in cloud-based services and leveraging the advanced technology, were accentuated as key strengths in the U.S.

Rajesh Dhuddu, Blockchain and Cybersecurity Practice Leader - APAC and EMEA, Tech Mahindra, said, "Tech Mahindra is committed to providing the most reliable, flexible, and scalable cyber security and enterprise risk management services to our global customers. As part of the TechM NXT.NOW framework, our robust alliance ecosystem and innovative solutions and services, we enable customers to reinforce the resilience of their critical systems and protect their digital assets. Leadership in the 2021 ISG Provider Lens report is a testament to our trusted expertise in this space and further encourages us to keep innovating to bolster our cyber-security portfolio."

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Gowtham Kumar  Principal Analyst, ISG, said, "Tech Mahindras managed security services portfolio is optimally suited for mid-market enterprises with competitive advantage bolstered by a solution and an IP-led approach driving innovation to their cyber risk tactics in identifying, detecting, and responding to advanced threats in real-time."

For the report, ISG classifies vendors as Leaders, Product Challengers, Market Challengers, Contenders, or Rising Stars based on their product and service offerings, as well as their position in the market. The 2021 ISG Provider Lens Quadrant Report is based on data collected through the ISG Research program, interviews with ISG advisors, service provider briefings, and analysis of publicly available market information. As part of the Cyber Security  Solutions & Services report, ISG Provider Lens assessed 98 companies in the U.K. and 85 companies in the U.S. region.

Connect with us on www.techmahindra.com

Our Social Media Channels



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TechMahindra

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005152/en/

Contacts

For more information on Tech Mahindra, please contact:

Abhilasha Gupta, Global Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

Email: Abhilasha.Gupta@TechMahindra.com; media.relations@techmahindra.com
DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Dry Construction Market Research Report by Type, by Application, by System, by Industry Trends, by Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo

The Global Dry Construction Market size was estimated at USD 70.38 Billion in 2020 and expected to reach USD 74.58 Billion in 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 6.30% to reach USD 101.59 Billion by 2026.



Market Statistics:



The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period.



Market Segmentation & Coverage:



This research report categorizes the Dry Construction to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Based on Type, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Boarding and Supporting Framework. The Boarding was further studied across Boarding Market, By Application and Boarding Market, By Region. The Supporting Framework was further studied across Supporting Framework Market, By Application and Supporting Framework Market, By Region.

Based on Material, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Metal, Plasterboard, Plastic, and Wood.

Based on Application, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Non-Residential Application and residential application.

Based on System, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Ceiling System, Flooring System, and Wall System.

Based on Industry Trends, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Industry Trends, Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis, and Value Chain Analysis. The Porter's Five Forces Analysis was further studied across Bargaining Power of Buyers, Bargaining Power of Suppliers, Intensity of Rivalry, Threat of New Entrants, and Threat of Substitutes.

Based on Geography, the Dry Construction Market was examined across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas was further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific was further studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa was further studied across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.

Competitive Strategic Window:



The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:



The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Dry Construction Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



Market Share Analysis:



The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.



Company Usability Profiles:



The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Dry Construction Market, including Arauco SA, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., AWI Licensing LLC, Beijing New Building Material (Group) Co., Ltd., CSR Limited, Etex Building Performance Limited, Fibran S.A., Fletcher Building Limited, Knauf Limited, Kronoplus Limited, Magicrete Building Solutions Pvt Ltd., Masterplast Group, NIPPON STEEL ENGINEERING CO., LTD., PABCO Building Products, LLC, Saint-Gobain Group, USG BORAL, voestalpine Metal Forming GmbH, Winstone Wallboards Limited, Xella Group, and Xella International GmbH.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:



1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets

3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments



The report answers questions such as:



1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Dry Construction Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Dry Construction Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Dry Construction Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Dry Construction Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Dry Construction Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Dry Construction Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Dry Construction Market?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Research Methodology

Story continues

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Overview

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19



5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics

5.1.1. Drivers

5.1.1.1. Rising construction industry and the adoption of lightweight construction materials

5.1.1.2. Increasing demand for dry construction due to the urbanization and industrial growth

5.1.2. Restraints

5.1.2.1. High cost associated with dry construction materials

5.1.3. Opportunities

5.1.3.1. Rising awareness regarding global warming and various environmental issues

5.1.3.2. Increasing investments in the research and development

5.1.4. Challenges

5.1.4.1. Issues related to disposal of synthetic material

5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis

5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants

5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes

5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers

5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.2.5. Industry Rivalry



6. Dry Construction Market, by Type

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Boarding

6.2.1. Boarding Market, By Application

6.2.2. Boarding Market, By Region

6.3. Supporting Framework

6.3.1. Supporting Framework Market, By Application

6.3.2. Supporting Framework Market, By Region



7. Dry Construction Market, by Material

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Metal

7.3. Plasterboard

7.4. Plastic

7.5. Wood



8. Dry Construction Market, by Application

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Non-Residential Application

8.3. residential application



9. Dry Construction Market, by System

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Ceiling System

9.3. Flooring System

9.4. Wall System



10. Dry Construction Market, by Industry Trends

10.1. Introduction

10.2. Industry Trends

10.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

10.3.1. Bargaining Power of Buyers

10.3.2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

10.3.3. Intensity of Rivalry

10.3.4. Threat of New Entrants

10.3.5. Threat of Substitutes

10.4. Supply Chain Analysis

10.5. Value Chain Analysis



11. Americas Dry Construction Market

11.1. Introduction

11.2. Argentina

11.3. Brazil

11.4. Canada

11.5. Mexico

11.6. United States



12. Asia-Pacific Dry Construction Market

12.1. Introduction

12.2. Australia

12.3. China

12.4. India

12.5. Indonesia

12.6. Japan

12.7. Malaysia

12.8. Philippines

12.9. Singapore

12.10. South Korea

12.11. Thailand



13. Europe, Middle East & Africa Dry Construction Market

13.1. Introduction

13.2. France

13.3. Germany

13.4. Italy

13.5. Netherlands

13.6. Qatar

13.7. Russia

13.8. Saudi Arabia

13.9. South Africa

13.10. Spain

13.11. United Arab Emirates

13.12. United Kingdom



14. Competitive Landscape

14.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

14.1.1. Quadrants

14.1.2. Business Strategy

14.1.3. Product Satisfaction

14.2. Market Ranking Analysis

14.3. Market Share Analysis, By Key Player

14.4. Competitive Scenario

14.4.1. Merger & Acquisition

14.4.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

14.4.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

14.4.4. Investment & Funding

14.4.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



15. Company Usability Profiles

15.1. Arauco SA

15.2. Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

15.3. AWI Licensing LLC

15.4. Beijing New Building Material (Group) Co., Ltd.

15.5. CSR Limited

15.6. Etex Building Performance Limited

15.7. Fibran S.A.

15.8. Fletcher Building Limited

15.9. Knauf Limited

15.10. Kronoplus Limited

15.11. Magicrete Building Solutions Pvt Ltd.

15.12. Masterplast Group

15.13. NIPPON STEEL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

15.14. PABCO Building Products, LLC

15.15. Saint-Gobain Group

15.16. USG BORAL

15.17. voestalpine Metal Forming GmbH

15.18. Winstone Wallboards Limited

15.19. Xella Group

15.20. Xella International GmbH



16. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xt2xl4

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worldwide-dry-construction-industry-to-2026---rising-awareness-regarding-global-warming-and-various-environmental-issues-presents-opportunities-301350249.html

SOURCE Research and Markets
How do we stop this disease from once again taking lives or health from us? Gullickson wrote. GET VACCINATED SO THE DISEASE CANT SPREAD!

Germanna serves Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties and the city of Fredericksburg. In recent years, Germanna has been Culpeper County residents preferred college for enrollment, educating more than 1,000 students from Culpeper annually.

In a letter to Virginia Community College System presidents Wednesday, Virginia Community College System Chancellor Glenn Dubois wrote, Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have repeatedly stated our shared commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff and to make safety-related decisions based on the best guidance of healthcare professionals. The rise of the viruss easily transmitted Delta variant is requiring us, once again, to reconsider what is necessary to continue to pursue our academic mission as safely as possible.

To that end, recent CDC guidance calls for: (1) layered prevention strategies at Americas colleges and universities to combat COVID-19, and (2) for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, Dubois wrote.
As a 10-year Navy SEAL, 22-year business owner, father of five, and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I know a leader when I see one. I recognized that leader when Glenn Youngkin joined the race as a political outsider with years of private-sector experience and a proven track record of turning ordinary businesses into powerhouse companies,

Hes also someone who is grounded by his family and faith. Youngkin wants to give Virginia workers more opportunities and bigger paychecks. He wants to empower business owners, not enclose them in line after line of burdensome regulation.

He understands that if we repeal our right-to-work law, businesses will leave our commonwealth, our job market will suffer greatly, and more power will rest with union bosses who are more interested in collecting millions of dollars in dues than they are in advocating for employees.

Thats why I was the first elected official to endorse Glenn. I know that under his leadership, we have an opportunity to turn Virginia around. With leadership like Youngkins and votes for a Republican majority in the House of Delegates, we have a unique opportunity to boost Virginias economy, put more money into the pockets of Virginians, and create more jobs in every corner of our commonwealth.
Big Boy No. 4014, the famed Union Pacific steam locomotive built in the 1940s to conquer mountains while carrying equipment during World War II, has embarked on a 10-state tour with stops planned Sunday in five Nebraska communities, including Kearney.

Big Boy left its home base at the Union Pacific Steam Shop at Cheyenne, Wyoming, Thursday and traveled to North Platte, where it is spending two nights. On Sunday, the locomotive will continue its southeast journey, passing through central and southeastern Nebraska on its way to Kansas City, Missouri.

The four whistle-stops planned on Sunday, with estimated times, include:

9:30 a.m.  Cozad, Highway 30 and Meridian Avenue

11:45 a.m.  Kearney, Central Avenue Crossing

1:30 p.m.  Hastings, 12th Street Crossing

3:45 p.m.  Belvidere, C Street Crossing

Big Boy is expected to arrive in Fairbury at about 5 p.m. and spend the night there, where it can be viewed by the public.
With the Taliban in control of more than half of all districts in Afghanistan, promises made by Taliban political negotiators in Doha appear to be falling by the wayside.



The movements so-called Political Affairs Commission in Doha had vowed in a February 2020 peace deal with the United States that the Taliban would respect human rights and keep foreign fighters out of the territory it controls.



But recent reporting by RFE/RLs Radio Azadi and Tajik Service belies Taliban claims that it has no foreign fighters in Afghanistan, as there are thousands of them -- mostly Pakistanis -- fighting under the Taliban banner.



Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said Taliban militants whove recently advanced in Ghazni, Kandahar, and other Afghan provinces have been detaining and summarily executing soldiers, police, and civilians with suspected ties to the Afghan government.



Such reports raise doubt about how much clout, if any, the political office in Doha has over battlefield commanders and the shadow governors that Taliban military leaders have installed in the territories they control.



The most important question about Taliban command and control is the one we know the least about right now, Afghan security analyst Ted Callahan said. It centers on the Taliban in Doha right now who are negotiating with the Afghan government and to what degree they actually control the fighting on the ground.

Command And Control

Questioned by RFE/RL, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid described a leadership structure in which the Political Affairs Commission in Doha has no direct control over the fighters whove seized vast tracts of territory in recent months.



Mujahid explained in an e-mail to RFE/RL that the Doha political office is just one of nearly two dozen commissions and offices that serve as a kind of cabinet of ministers beneath Taliban Supreme Leader Malawi Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Infographic: How The Taliban's Leadership Is Structured



Mujahid said a separate branch in the Talibans leadership structure -- the Military Affairs Commission -- oversees the movements entire military chain of command down to the provincial and district levels.



He said Akhundzada is the Talibans ultimate authority on religious, political, and military issues -- adding that Akhundzada has three deputies under his command.



Political Affairs Deputy Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar heads the Political Affairs Commission and leads the Taliban negotiating team in Doha.



The deputy leader for southern provinces, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, is the son of the late Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar. He also heads the Talibans military operations.



Akundzadas deputy for eastern provinces, Sirajuddin Haqqani, also is the head of the so-called Haqqani network.



Mujahid noted that the Talibans military chain of command falls under the Military Affairs Commission, which is dominated by Yaqoob and Haqqani.



Going up the chain of command from the district level, each Taliban battlefield commander answers to a provincial command.



Mujahid told RFE/RL there are seven regional circles that are each responsible for at least three provincial commands.



Finally, overseeing those regional circles are two deputy leaders of the Military Affairs Commission. One is in charge of 21 provinces in the Talibans so-called western zone, Mujahid said. The other oversees the command in 13 provinces in the eastern zone.



The Talibans Military Affairs Commission also is responsible for appointing and overseeing all of the provincial and district governors in the Talibans shadow government.



Necessary Evolution



Analysts say the Talibans current leadership structure has evolved out of necessity since 2001 from a loose-knit organization of local militia commanders into a more organized political and military movement.



The key leadership changes came in a response to a dispute that divided the Taliban into rival factions following the death of Taliban founder Mullah Omar in 2013.



In fact, those divisions are an extension of a long-running power struggle based on Pashtun tribal structures.



One side backed Omars son as the Talibans next supreme leader. It has followers in western and southern Afghanistan. It also dominated the Talibans highest advisory and decision-making leadership council -- the Rahbari Shura -- which is better known as the Quetta Shura.



On the other side are Taliban commanders in eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan linked to the Haqqani network. It has strong links to consultative leadership councils known as the Peshawar Shura in northwestern Pakistan and the Miran Shah Shura in Pakistans North Waziristan tribal region.



A 2019 study by the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) described how the Taliban refined its command structure after the death of Mullah Omar to smooth over the factional divisions.



It said that by creating a more unified military and political movement, the Taliban has been able to capture and govern large stretches of territory.



To do so, it created the system of shadow Taliban governance -- a move that allowed military commanders from different factions to appoint shadow government officials in territory under their control.



Still, Taliban shadow governance has been uneven and ad hoc, the USIP study concluded. It produced different rules shaped by individual commanders preferences, local traditions, and the Talibans strength in the community.



Multiple actors -- from the Taliban leadership to local commanders -- have played a key role in creating and shaping the movements policy in Afghanistan, it said. Taliban policymaking has been top-down as much as it has been bottom-up, with the leadership shaping the rules as much as fighters and commanders on the ground.



Callahan said a key question impacting Afghanistans future is whether, going forward, the Taliban will be able to maintain its current command-and-control structure.



Will it strengthen or will it decentralize so that we see Taliban fiefdoms which are much more regionally aligned than they are nationally? asked Callahan.



Today's Taliban



If you had to put a very simple label on it, the Taliban are now basically disgruntled Afghans, Callahan told RFE/RL. There also are thousands of non-Afghan Taliban fighters in the country, he added.



Its no longer a Pashtun ethno-nationalist movement, Callahan explained. Its much more diverse than it was in the 1990s.



Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), doesnt believe the Talibans promises in the 2020 Doha agreement to respect human rights and keep foreign fighters out of the territory it controls.



Roggio, a senior editor of the FDDs Long War Journal, said todays Taliban still appears to be trying to establish an Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and impose their strict version of Islamic law on the Afghan people.



But Roggio also sees important differences between todays Taliban and the Islamist regime that controlled most of Afghanistan during the late 1990s.



The Taliban is largely made up of Afghans, Roggio told RFE/RL. Its dominated by Afghans. But this question is a little tricky because of groups like the Haqqani network that are based in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.



There are a large number of ethnic Uzbeks and Tajiks, even Turkmen and, in some cases, even ethnic Hazara who are Afghans and are part of the Taliban today, Roggio said. The Taliban has made deep inroads into these communities in recent years. Thats a big different between the Taliban today and the Taliban before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States.



The thousands of foreign militants fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan include fighters from the Middle East who are part of Al-Qaeda as well as militants from Pakistan and Central Asia, he said.



Indeed, a recent report by the UN Security Councils Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said that out of an estimated 85,000 active Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, about 10,000 are thought to be foreign militants.



It says about 6,500 of them are Pakistani citizens. It says others come from Central Asia, Chechnya, or the remnants of Al-Qaeda in the Middle East.



The primary component of the Taliban in dealing with [Al-Qaeda] is the Haqqani network, the UN monitoring team concluded. Ties between the two groups remain close, based on ideological alignment, relationships forged through common struggle, and intermarriage.



In northern Afghanistan, an exclusive report by RFE/RLs Tajik Service documented how the Taliban has put the commander of militants from Tajikistan in charge of five districts recently seized by the Taliban along the border with Tajikistan.



The 25-year-old commander, who goes by the alias Mahdi Arsalon, was born in the village of Sherbegiyon in Tajikistans eastern Rasht Valley.



Arsalon and his militants are known in Afghanistan as the Tajik Taliban.



In reality, they are members of Jamaat Ansarullah, a group founded a decade ago by a rogue former Tajik opposition commander with the goal of overthrowing the government in Dushanbe.



Jamaat Ansarullah is banned in Tajikistan as a terrorist group.



RFE/RL correspondents in northwestern Afghanistan recently reported the presence of Uzbek militants affiliated with the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).



Badghis Province Governor Hossamuddin Shams told RFE/RL the Uzbek militants have been managing the Taliban war in parts of the north and west of the country.



Shams said the families of about 80 Uzbek militants arrived in Badghis Province from Pakistan in 2018 and are now stationed in the Bala Murghab district.



He said most of these Uzbek Taliban fighters are the children of IMU militants who fled to Pakistan in late 2001 after they helped the Taliban fight against the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance the previous year in Takhar Province.



Afghanistans northern neighbors say they are concerned that Central Asian Taliban fighters will eventually try to return to their homelands to launch insurgencies.



Callahan, a former adviser to U.S. Special Forces in northern Afghanistan, said the Talibans claim that it does not have foreign fighters in its ranks is demonstrably untrue.



It does seem that they are using these fighters simply because they lack the manpower at the moment to administer all of the areas that theyve taken over, Callahan told RFE/RL. That seems to be a consensus point right now.



In the Taliban blitzkrieg across the north in recent months, there are reports of foreign fighters actually being involved in the fighting because, in many cases, the Afghan and Pakistani fighters were insufficient in numbers, he explained.



Callahan notes that reports of ethnic Uyghur militants from western China being used by the Taliban in the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan have unsettled Beijing.



He said the Taliban will continue to deny the presence of foreign fighters among its ranks.



There is a potential future role in Afghanistan of China, he said. Beijing seems to be hedging its bets on whether the Afghan government or the Taliban will have power in the future. They seem poised to work with either group.



Having foreign fighters who work with the Taliban -- particularly Uyghur militants -- does threaten the Taliban-Chinese relationship in the future, he concluded.



Taliban Vs. Afghan Security Forces



On paper, the Taliban is heavily outnumbered and technologically inferior to Afghanistans National Security Forces.



But analysts warn that, as with many things about Afghanistan, what appears on paper is not as it is on the ground.



Including troops under the command of the Defense Ministry and police in the Interior Ministry, there are at least three times as many Afghan security forces than the estimated number of active Taliban fighters in the country.



The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in its latest report to Congress that the total strength of Afghan National Security Forces -- including the army, special forces, the air force, police, and intelligence officers -- is about 307,000 personnel.



Jonathan Schroden, a security expert at the CNA research organization in Arlington, Virginia, estimates that the Afghan government has about 180,000 available combat troops on any given day.



Afghanistan also has been well supplied by the United States, which has spent some $83 billion to help build, equip, train, and sustain the Afghan security forces since the previous Taliban regime was toppled in late 2001.



Afghanistans military has received armored vehicles, planes, and attack helicopters, artillery, assault rifles, night-vision goggles, and surveillance drones from the United States.



SIGAR said the Afghan military also has a fleet of 167 aircraft, including its attack helicopters.



But the weaponry delivered to Kabul over the past two decades and what is now available for combat are two different things.



Complete details about the current status of the Afghan arsenal are classified.



But anecdotal evidence suggests much of what has been delivered to the Afghan government and pro-government militias over the years is either no longer functioning or has fallen into the hands of the advancing Taliban.



Roggio and Callahan agree that the main source of Taliban weaponry appears be within Afghanistan itself.



They say that includes recently captured Western-made weapons and equipment that was supplied to the Afghan military such as assault rifles, vehicles, and night-vision goggles.



It also includes the small arms and light weapons that flooded the country since the Afghan-Soviet War in the 1980s, such as Soviet-designed AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and mortars.



Taliban expert Antonio Giustozzi said the Taliban have tried to use some antiaircraft and antitank weapons with mixed success.



Small rockets, suicide bombers, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are among the deadliest weapons used by the Taliban.



Experts say the regional black market also is a rich source for Taliban weaponry.



Chemicals for fertilizer brought from Pakistan are known to have been widely used by the Taliban to make IEDs in southern and eastern Afghanistan.



But officials in Pakistan, Iran, and Russia deny accusations by Kabul and the U.S. military that they have covertly supplied Afghanistans Taliban with weapons and other support.



Written and reported by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting by RFE/RL Radio Azadi correspondents in Afghanistan whose names are being withheld for security reasons. Additional reporting by RFE/RLs Tajik Service.
The United Nations Security Council will discuss the security situation in Afghanistan on August 6 as the Taliban continued to make gains on the ground in fighting against government forces.

The meeting comes at the request of the Afghan government, Norway, and Estonia and will be the first time the Security Council has discussed the topic since June.

Fighting in Afghanistan has stepped up significantly since May when the United States and other countries began withdrawing their forces in a pullout that is expected to be completed this month.

Taliban militants now control large portions of the country and are confronting Afghan forces in and near several large cities, including Herat, Lashkar Gah, and Kandahar.

Three Taliban commanders told the Reuters news agency that the militants were changing their strategy from capturing rural areas to focusing on cities.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Bikantov told a press conference in Moscow on August 4 that the Taliban has no resources to capture and hold major cities, including the countrys capital, Kabul.

Their offensive is running out of steam, Bikantov said, adding however that the security situation in the country is degrading.

The Taliban on August 4 warned that it would target senior government officials in retaliation for U.S. and Afghan air strikes against its fighters.

On August 5, the European Union called for an urgent, comprehensive, and permanent cease-fire in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and TASS
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. SSE winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
A Gazette investigation shows an increasing number of soldiers, including wounded combat veterans, are being kicked out of the service for misconduct, often with no benefits, as the Army downsizes after a decade of war.
CISA launches joint cyber defense effort

The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative, a new initiative launched Aug. 5 by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, aims to help the U.S. defend against cyber threats to critical infrastructure. The JCDC plans to unify cyber defense by leading the development of cyber information-sharing and defense operations plans -- starting with efforts to combat ransomware and attacks on cloud services.

JCDC will include federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government partners along with information sharing and analysis organizations, critical infrastructure owners and operators, academic partners and other private entities. A number of high-profile cloud services providers like Amazon, Google and Microsoft have already signed on.

According to the JCDC fact sheet, the new organization will:

Identify unique public and private sector planning requirements and capabilities.

Implement effective coordination mechanisms.

Establish shared risk priorities.

Develop coordinated cyber defense plans.

Support joint exercises and assessments to measure the effectiveness of cyber defense operations.

"The JCDC presents an exciting and important opportunity for this agency and our partners  the creation of a unique planning capability to be proactive versus reactive in our collective approach to dealing with the most serious cyber threats to our nation," CISA Director Jen Easterly said.

Officials from federal partner agencies will work within the JCDC office to spearhead U.S. cyber defense plans while outlining best practices to thwart cyber intrusions and reduce their impact, according to a CISA webpage about the new collaboration.

A major goal for the JCDC is to coordinate public- and private-sector strategies to counter cyberattacks, especially ransomware, while establishing incident response frameworks.

The Department of Defense, the FBI, the National Security Agency and the U.S. Cyber Command are among the government partners. On the private-sector side, the effort launched with help from Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft, FireEye Mandiant, Lumen, Verizon, AT&T, Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike Services President Shawn Henry said in a statement the JCDC "will create an inclusive, collaborative environment to develop proactive cyber defense strategies" and help both sectors "implement coordinated operations to prevent and respond to cyberattacks."

"Continued collaboration between industry and government is critical to thwart today's sophisticated attacks," Henry said, adding: "CISA's initiative to bring the most relevant stakeholders together to defend national security is admirable."

This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include both Wednesday and Thursday developments of the event.

Protests over MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center's recent requirement for employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 broke out on Wednesday night, with around 35 people gathered along Fourth Street Southwest near the hospital to voice their concerns.

"We are standing for freedom of choice," said protester Gina Lovejoy. "Employees and citizens should choose if they want to be vaccinated."

"We just want people to have a choice," said Connie Dianda, a self-described organizer of the protest. "You shouldn't have to choose between losing your job and getting a vaccine we think is not safe."

Protesters returned to the same area Thursday night.

The consensus from the majority of the protesters in attendance both Wednesday and Thursday was that they were there protesting against vaccine mandates for employees as a whole, and MercyOne's vaccine mandate specifically, not that they were protesting the COVID-19 vaccine itself.
He said the administration believes "this provision will strengthen tax compliance in this emerging area of finance and ensure that high income taxpayers are contributing what they owe under the law.

The Senate came to a standstill for nearly two hours as senators privately debated next steps.

The bill's top Democratic negotiator, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, said, While we were unable to agree on additional amendments today, I do also look forward to us reconvening together on Saturday and proceeding under regular order to finish what will be a historic piece of legislation  both in its bipartisan nature and the impact it will have in our country.

Overall, the infrastructure bill calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels for a nearly $1 trillion package, what could be one of the more substantial investments in the nations roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.

A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  A second Malaysian Cabinet minister resigned Friday, dealing another blow to embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who insisted he has majority support in Parliament despite the pullout of some governing alliance members.

Muhyiddin said Thursday he will call for a vote of confidence to prove his legitimacy to govern when Parliament resumes Sept. 6 . But the opposition and some members of the biggest party in his alliance demanded the vote be held now to end the political crisis.

Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad said she has resigned in line with her party's decision to pull support for Muhyiddin's government. She was the second minister from the United Malays National Organization to quit this week.

UMNO is the largest party in the ruling alliance with 38 lawmakers, but it is split with some not backing the prime minister. At least eight UMNO lawmakers have signed declarations withdrawing support for the government, which is enough to cause its collapse because of its razor-thin majority.

But Muhyiddin told Malaysia's king during a meeting Wednesday that he still commanded the confidence of Parliament. He said the king agreed to his proposal to hold a confidence vote next month.
Following step with the Virginia Community College System, Danville Community College now requires face masks for all students and personnel on campus.

The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention walked back guidance that even fully vaccinated people should mask up in areas with high levels of COVID-19 transmission.

As of Friday, Danville was labeled a bright red on the CDCs map  along with most of Southside Virginia  indicating the highest level of the federal agencys risk assessment for coronavirus spread.

Our first priority has always been the safety of our students and personnel when it comes to creating an environment of educational excellence, DCC Interim President Muriel Mickles said in a statement Thursday. In keeping with that priority, and in accordance with guidance provided by the system office of Virginias Community Colleges, all persons on DCCs campus will be required to wear CDC-recommended face coverings in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, effective immediately.

The local college along with the statewide system continues to encourage vaccination as the best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a news release stated.
But his state is now an epicenter of the latest surge. Florida has repeatedly broken records for hospitalized patients this week, and it and Texas accounted for a third of all new cases nationwide last week, according to the White House.

DeSantis has responded by banning mask mandates in schools and arguing that vaccines are the best way to fight the virus while new restrictions amount to impediments on liberty.

Florida is a free state, and we will empower our people," DeSantis said in a fundraising email keying off his hitting back at the president. "We will not allow Joe Biden and his bureaucratic flunkies to come in and commandeer the rights and freedoms of Floridians.

Biden's willingness to call out the Republican governor of Florida  as well as his colleagues in other hot spots like Texas  marks a new confrontational turn for him as well. For months, the White House has tried to minimize the perception of distance between the president and governors in hopes of depoliticizing the vaccination process.
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A&T spokesman Todd Simmons said that the university hadn't been planning on regularly testing students. Now, administrators are considering whether more testing is likely to result in a greater need for space to quarantine those who have tested positive.

Both universities have been encouraging vaccination among students prior to the start of the upcoming school year.

Vaccination data collected by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services shows children and young adults are far less likely than older residents to get vaccinated.

Less than 37% of residents aged 12 to 24 have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot, which is far below the statewide average of 59% of eligible North Carolinians at least partially vaccinated, according to state data. Meanwhile, 87% of residents 65 years of age or older have gotten one or more vaccine doses.

But a recent increase in people getting vaccinated is encouraging news for state officials. More residents came in for an initial dose last week than on any given week over the past two months.
The sheriffs office is currently processing a backlog of 5,902 purchase permit applications and is working on those received the week of March 19-26, according to its website. The office is processing 5,901 concealed handgun applications and is now reviewing those received the week of Jan. 25-29.

Theyre around seven months behind on concealed handgun permits, attorney Ronald Shook, who is representing the gun rights groups, told the Observer.

The lawsuit asks a judge to order McFaddens office to comply with the statutory requirements of state law and immediately issue both permits to qualified applicants.

The suing organizations have heard from members and supporters in Mecklenburg County about their inability to schedule appointments with McFaddens office for the past seven months, with the earliest available times being in late December, according to the lawsuit.

Grass Roots North Carolina will file as many lawsuits as necessary to make sure that permits are issued on a timely basis, Paul Valone, the state gun rights groups president, said at a news conference Thursday.

Unprecedented increase
What I would pray for right now for this board is that we do not lose our ability to challenge assumptions, Folwell said. There are so many things going on in our state right now from all different aspects.

The issue of whether to continue requiring masks be worn in school is one of the most contentious issues in the state. Around 200 people rallied outside Wake Countys school board meeting on Tuesday before a decision was made to continue requiring masks for the start of the 2021-22 school year.

But at least 51 of North Carolinas 115 school districts have opted to make mask wearing optional. More school boards will be making decisions soon before classes start for most students this month.

The timing of the state school boards decision couldnt be more crucial. Coronavirus cases are reaching numbers not seen during the height of the pandemic because of the delta variant, which is highly transmissible. Those who arent vaccinated make easy targets for infection.

Cases reported on Thursday surpassed 4,300 for the first time since Feb. 11. The 1,651 people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 represents a more than four-fold increase over the past month and the highest count since Feb. 20.
The plan also contained a much larger sum, $35 million, to block cell phone signals at state prisons. McNeill said it was intended to stop prisoners from making calls or texts on illicit phones.

Democrats objected, saying the money could be better spent elsewhere  and that the state should be trying to fix the root cause of the problem instead of just reacting to it. Both McNeill and Rep. Garland Pierce, D-Scotland, said prison workers are usually the ones who smuggle the phones in for the inmates. The state should instead use the money to raise their pay, Pierce said, which could make smuggling less appealing. Or at least, he said, institute better security checks of staffers.

This is ridiculous to spend that kind of money, Pierce said. This is going too far. I just hope we can really clean this up. We need to face the real issue.

Education

House members set aside $10.1 billion for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction in its budget proposal, but did not say how much it will propose raising K-12 teacher salaries.

Rep. John Torbett said that number will come out Monday and be presented Tuesday during the full appropriations meeting.

I think that everyone will be happy, Torbett said. I really, really do.
Farm workers are shown using machinery to apply netting to prevent fruit pollination to an orchard between Kingsburg and Hanford. California farmers say its increasingly difficult to hire enough workers despite a number of tactics, according to a California Farm Bureau Federation survey.
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The Montana Highway Patrol said Friday it had closed its Helena headquarters office as it prepares to move to Boulder.

Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new, exciting one as we say goodbye to our Headquarters in Helena, which has been our office since the (1990s), the MHP posted online. This move will more efficiently utilize tax dollars while improving our agency's daily operations, so that we can better serve the citizens of Montana.

MHP officials announced earlier that the headquarters offices would be closed until Aug. 13 for the move. They said the MHP headquarters would move from rented space at 2550 Prospect Ave. in Helena, which is adjacent to Interstate 15, and go 30 miles south to state-owned property in Boulder that once housed the Montana Developmental Center.

There are about 25 employees involved in the first phase of moving.

MHP officials said the department had outgrown its Helena office space. They noted that even though the Boulder campus sat empty, the state was paying $1 million a year for maintenance. They said the move out of a rented facility to a state-owned property also saves money for taxpayers.
Residents of a Helena Valley subdivision struck a blow in their years-long fight over water after the Montana Public Service Commission ordered the subdivision owner to implement several emergency interim measures, including permitting irrigation.

A notice of commission action filed by the PSC Thursday details the measures North Star Development must enact after it has repeatedly shut off water to homes, including at least twice in 2021, because of what North Star is calling over-consumption by the residents.

Subdivision co-owner Joe Scanlon said in an interview Thursday that 20% of the residents are using 80% of the water and not allowing the wells to recharge.

"We cannot get these people to listen," Scanlon said. "They think water comes out of the tap."

North Star must "do all things necessary" to secure two distribution pumps prior to close of business Friday, the PSC notice states.

The subdivision has six wells servicing the nearly 300 residences, and according to testimony before the PSC, only three are operable.
Yes, Chipman supports sensible, proven restrictions regarding firearms to improve public safety, as do I, and many of my fellow Montanans and fellow gun owners. Does this violate our constitutional rights? No. There have and always will be restrictions on Second Amendment rights. I would have to meet stringent requirements to own an M60 machine gun. I am not allowed to have an M203 grenade launcher, an M1 Abrams tank, a LAAW (Light Anti-Tank Assault Weapon), Stinger anti-aircraft missile or a nuclear warhead. Those all seem like reasonable restrictions to me. We all draw the line somewhere.

Recent polls show that anywhere from 65-77% of Americans support further, sensible restrictions on firearms. Presidents as diverse in views and policies as Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton all supported stricter background checks to purchase guns and bans on certain types of weapons. Its time to drop the divisive, inflammatory, erroneous rhetoric and collectively work together to act.

David Chipman is exactly the kind of leader who can help unite us as a nation to rationally, reasonably and collectively decide where to draw the line and enact reasonable and effective restrictions to enhance the safety of us all. He is the most qualified person to lead ATF and the law-enforcement agents working every day to keep the public safe from violent crime.
The biggest surprise of the PRRI report, however, was the decline of white evangelicals and the modest growth of white mainline Protestants.

White mainline Christians now make up 16.4% of the population (up from an all-time low of 12.8% in 2016) compared to 14% for white evangelicals (a dramatic drop from 23% in 2016). This turns conventional wisdom, which holds that evangelical churches are growing and mainline churches are declining, on its head. What began as a trickle around 2007 had become a flood of losses by 2020, with a nine percent drop in Americans who identify as white evangelicals. Many, especially millennials, are walking away from hard-nosed evangelical churches to more welcoming, affirming bodies. Those who are leaving cite white evangelical identification with Donald Trump, the Republican Party, American nationalism, and opposition to racial justice and sexual equality.

EVANGELICAL DECLINE

David P. Gushee, whose latest book is After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity, confirms what PRRI discovered. People, especially millennials, are leaving evangelical churches primarily because they find something objectionable about what has become white evangelicalism. Gushee is a well-respected author who teaches at the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University.
Thumbs up

Two of the most important voices on the Helena Public Schools board of trustees belong to Rylie Schoenfeld and Eliza Lay.

As student representatives on the board, the two high schoolers serve as liaisons between their fellow students and the elected trustees. These two are well-equipped for the job, as both young leaders are involved in numerous school groups and extracurricular activities that give them broad insight into the wants and needs of the student body.

Not every teenager is willing to put in the time necessary for an important position like this, and Helenas public school students are lucky to have such smart and dedicated representatives looking out for their best interests.

We look forward to seeing what great ideas and insights Schoenfeld and Lay will bring to the table this school year.

Thumbs down

While it may seem like the COVID-19 pandemic is coming to an end, some public health officials in Montana believe its only just begun.

After a brief reprieve, new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising once again.
'Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings'

High Flight," by John Gillespie Magee.

DECATUR  When Dr. Stephen Huss wants to slip the surly bonds of earth and dance the sky on laughter-silvered wings, he heads out of his home citys front door: Decatur Airport.

And its a surprisingly big front door, swinging wide over 2,200 acres of space and with runways measuring up to 8,500 feet long, the sixth longest in the Land of Lincoln. This is the airports 75th anniversary year and Huss wishes it many more happy landings. He said the airport, where many keen recreational pilots like him fly in and out of, is a symbol of freedom that is worth cherishing.

General aviation, basically pilots who are not commercial pilots who enjoy renting or owning their own airplanes and helicopters and gyrocopters, is a benefit we enjoy in the United States to a much greater ability than many countries in the world, said Huss, a 73-year-old retired orthopedic surgeon.

We just have so much privilege in this country: I can go out in my airplane and just take off and go somewhere, and only have to talk to the tower to leave the airport. Its a great deal of freedom and that thrill of flight, of going from A to B at almost 200 mph, that never gets old. Never.

For everyone whose ability to slip the surly bonds is more limited, those in the know say there is still plenty of reason to celebrate the airports diamond anniversary. Airport Director Tim Wright (no, he regrets he isn't related to those famous brothers who shocked the seagulls at Kitty Hawk with mans first flight in 1903) said his facility is a humming economic engine.

Were the communitys front door when it comes to aviation, said Wright. And when people do business with companies like Tate & Lyle and Caterpillar, the first impression of our community they get is when they fly into our airport. And we play a very important role with the air traffic associated events like the Farm Progress Show, for example; were very beneficial to our Decatur community. The airport is a gem.

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Hell get no argument from Nicole Bateman, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County. She said if you dont think Decaturs airport is busy, spend a lunchtime out there watching all those private jets and planes ferrying people around.

I think you would be surprised at how much activity the airport sees, she added. One of the main reasons why the Decatur Airport is so important to our business community is the connectivity. Businesses are more and more global these days and so being able to travel efficiently is important to the bottom line; time is money.

But big runways humming with business travel or not, it isnt always easy being a small town airport in a big world where shifting economic winds often make life challenging. Decatur relies on a heavy federal subsidy ($2.9 million, currently) to maintain its commercial passenger service and Wright was suitably over the moon with the arrival of United jets operated by SkyWest Airlines in 2020.

Then, however, COVID-19 taxied into view and grounded a lot of aviation business models in Decatur and nationwide. Such is the unpredictable turbulence of flying an airport business but passenger numbers are now climbing again and Wright, a former airport firefighter who worked his way up to his current job, thrives on high octane optimism.

I love aviation, said Wright, who did this interview by phone while attending the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. And I love what we at this airport represent to the community. There is a bright future here and a lot of rich history worth celebrating.

The airport is certainly going full throttle to host a lavish and free 75th Anniversary Air Show on Aug. 14-15. An impressive flight of military and civilian performers is on the program, including the USAF A-10 Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, along with some heart-stopping aerobatics demonstrations.

Please, come out and see us, said Wright, who notes that Central Illinois folk do have a long history of fascination with magnificent men, and women, and their flying machines. The very first recorded downstate flight in Illinois took place in 1910 in Decatur, just seven years after the Wright boys had first flown their way into history.

By 1932 Decatur was home to a 60-acre airport in the northwest corner of the city that staged aerobatic displays and all kinds of death-defying stunts watched by thousands of spectators. By 1943 the Decatur Park District had taken control of the airport, rumored to have had the worst runways in the country, and todays pristine facility at its present site took wing in 1946 for the then staggering sum of $2 million.

Its still owned and run by the Park District and maintaining that front door to the world costs city taxpayers some $1.5 million a year. Bill Clevenger, the Park Districts executive director, said its money well-spent. Gosh, when you really think about it, that airport is an economic engine, he added. It connects Decatur with the world.

Will the connection be there when the 150th anniversary flies into view, 75 years from now? Clevenger believes it will, although he cant imagine what on earth our laughter-silvered wings will be attached to in the year 2096.

Flying cars? You never know, he said.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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Illinois secretary of state employees including those at driver services facilities must be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Sept. 1 or undergo regular testing, Secretary of State Jesse White said Thursday.

Whites new policy comes a day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered workers in state prisons, veterans homes and other congregate facilities to be vaccinated by Oct. 4. Pritzker called on the unions representing state workers to negotiate over the specifics.

State health officials Thursday reported 3,048 new confirmed and probable cases of the coronavirus, the first time daily cases have topped 3,000 since May 7. As of Wednesday, the seven-day average of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Illinois topped 1,000 for the first time since early June.

Like Pritzker, White cited the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus as the reason for his order.

As the pandemic continues to surge nationally, we must do all we can to maintain the safety of our customers and employees and this is an important step in doing that, White said in a statement.

Employees who dont show proof of vaccination by Sept. 1 will be required to undergo a COVID-19 every other week, White said.

The secretary of states office employs about 3,600 people.

White last week announced that everyone entering driver services facilities, the Illinois Capitol or other buildings under his jurisdiction is required to wear masks. Pritzker followed suit with an order covering all state buildings.

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Driver services facilities, which had been closed during previous surges of the pandemic, remain open, but the secretary of states office is encouraging people to conduct business online, over the phone or by mail whenever possible.

The secretary of states office 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 the next six months, allowing an estimated 1 million additional people to renew remotely. Those eligible will receive notice by mail.

The expiration date for all drivers licenses and state IDs has been extended until Jan. 1.

Over the past week, the state has averaged 2,293 new cases of COVID-19 per day, up from an average of 1,543 daily cases the previous week and 285 cases a month earlier.

There were 1,205 coronavirus patients in hospitals statewide as of Wednesday night, bringing the average number of hospitalizations over the past week to 1,029. Thats the highest level since the week ending June 3, when there were an average of 1,040 COVID-19 patients in the hospital each day.

The state was averaging 796 patients per day a week ago and 407 during the week ending July 5.

Coronavirus deaths were in double digits for the second straight day, with 14 fatalities recorded Thursday after 18 on Wednesday.

The state averaged eight deaths per day over the past week, up from an average of five per day a week earlier. The death toll now stands at 23,490 statewide since the pandemic began.
A Southwest Virginia woman will serve prison time for stealing more than $17,000 from an elderly woman she was supposed to be taking care of, according to Wise County's chief prosecutor.

Rendy Eva Hale, 38, of Dante, previously pleaded guilty to five counts of credit card forgery and five counts of credit card fraud, Wise County Commonwealths Attorney Chuck Slemp said in a news release Thursday. Hale received a five-year sentence, with three years and eight months suspended. As a result, shell serve one year and four months in prison.

Slemp said Hale was hired as a caregiver around Thanksgiving 2019 to aid an older woman who needed help because of some extensive medical issues. Instead of caring for the woman, Hale stole more than $17,000 of her employers retirement funds in just a few short months and hid the theft by intercepting mail from her employers bank.

In Wise County Circuit Court, the judge also ordered Hale to complete probation and pay $17,313 in restitution.

Elder abuse refers to crimes of violence, instances of neglect, and fraud or financial exploitation targeting older adults, Slemp said. Elder abuse is a growing epidemic in our area that deserves our attention.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday reminded public school leaders that a new state law requires them to follow Centers for Disease Control guidance regarding COVID-19 mitigation and not doing so could have consequences.

Northam, who held his first COVID-19 briefing since May because the delta variant is causing cases to rise, said the state is recovering well from effects of the pandemic, but a return to the classrooms is a crucial juncture. The governor left no doubt how important he feels masks are in K-12 institutions.

A new law passed this year says schools will do two things this fall. They will offer in-person instruction five days a week, and they will follow CDC mitigation strategies. The CDC guidance is that people in schools need to be wearing masks, Northam said. That law was passed with [a] strong bipartisan vote of the Legislature, and I expect school divisions to follow it. If they choose not to follow it, they need to have a frank discussion with their legal counsel.
The delta variant impacts children much more than the traditional COVID-19 strain, which is prompting alarm among local health leaders.

Two medical administrators from Niswonger Childrens Hospital this week urged parents to have all children who are 12 and older vaccinated while calling for mask-wearing as schools reopen.

Dr. Patricia Chambers, chief medical officer, said this week the hospital had four pediatric COVID-19 patients. Three are currently hospitalized, and two are on ventilators.

We have hospitalized children younger than 3, and we have hospitalized teenagers, Chambers said. In fact, 22% of positive cases in our region have been patients under the age of 18. This is astounding because this is not what we all hoped and thought for our children.  Across our state, we have had increased numbers of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in pediatric hospitals, and, unfortunately, many of them are critically ill, and weve had numerous deaths across the state.

Chambers urged parents to get vaccinated and get their children ages 12 and up vaccinated immediately.
This event is sponsored by 5th District Republicans, who are already suspect because they nominated one of the nations bizarre congressmen, Bob Good, R-Campbell County. One of his top staff members attended the Stop the Steal rally of conspiracy theorists that preceded the attack on the Capitol. Good himself was one of just 21 House members who voted against awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the Capitol against those rioters. That put him in the same stench-filled category as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Last week, Campbell County Republicans called for an audit of Virginias 2020 results, which were not unusual in any way. Why the 5th District has become a wellspring for this fringe is a mystery. If they want to hold a rally devoted to conspiracy theories, thats their right but were saddened to see decent Republicans such as Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt, and gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin associate themselves with this dangerous nonsense. When asked about the absurd possibility of the courts reinstating Trump as president, Youngkin apparently wont even push back. Is he a conspiracy theorist, too, or simply a political coward?

We said those pushing these theories are so-called conservatives. Heres why we say that: True conservatives believe that government is neither particularly efficient nor competent, one reason why it should be entrusted with as few duties as possible. (Experience shows us theyre not entirely wrong). To believe Trumps big lie, though, you have to believe that the government has pulled off one of the great conspiracies of all time  and further that Democrats have masterminded it. This is a very un-conservative thing to believe because youd have to believe that government in general, and Democrats in particular, are capable of such well-oiled bureaucratic skill. Even more, you have to believe that Democrats are stunningly effective at stealing an election yet thoroughly incompetent in running the government they just usurped. (Were not saying they are incompetent but Republicans often think they are). Ergo, believing Trumps election lie is the exact opposite of conservative thinking and real conservatives ought to call it out. (You also have to believe that Democrats were competent enough to steal the presidency but not steal a majority in the U.S. Senate, yet another logical inconsistency).
Tangela Parker, 50, and Eric Parker, 61, were initially taken to the Hickory Police Department on Thursday evening before going to the Catawba County jail.

Tangela Parker, who is charged with murder in the case, was driven away by officers shortly after 9 p.m.

Her husband Eric, who is charged with accessory after the fact to murder, was taken out of an interview room near the lobby of the police station about an hour after Tangela was transported.

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Neither was issued a bond.

The Parkers began their run from the law on Jan. 13, the day 51-year-old Michelle Marlow was shot and killed at the TCS Designs furniture plant. Marlow and the Parkers all worked at TCS Designs.

Furniture plant employees and Marlows family have said Michelle Marlow and Tangela Parker had a dispute over moving tables that resulted in Parker being sent home from work for a few days. The dispute was approximately one week prior to the shooting.

The Parkers were captured July 13  six months to the day of the killing  by U.S. Marshals in Arizona.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Michelles widower Justin Marlow has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tangela Parker.

Lyndon Helton, the attorney representing the Marlow family, said that while he is confident of Tangela Parkers guilt, there are still many questions that need to be answered.

Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  The State Department said Wednesday it's looking into the apparent disappearance of a nearly $6,000 bottle of whisky given more than two years ago to then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo by the government of Japan. Pompeo knows nothing about the gift or an inquiry, a representative said.

In a notice filed in the Federal Register, the department said that it could find no trace of the bottle's whereabouts and that there is an "ongoing inquiry" into what happened to the booze. The department reported the investigation in its annual accounting of gifts given to senior U.S. officials by foreign governments and leaders.

The department's Office of Protocol is required to record gifts given to U.S. officials and keep track of their disposition. Recipients have the option of turning gifts of a certain value over to the National Archives or another government entity or purchasing them for personal use by reimbursing the Treasury Department for their value.

The Japanese whisky was valued at $5,800 and was presented to Pompeo in June 2019, presumably when he visited the country that month for a Group of 20 summit that was also attended by President Donald Trump. But unlike other gifts, the department said there was no record of what had become of the bottle.
Software programs such as Power Point and Prezi facilitate the creation of engaging multimedia lectures with audio recorded over visual displays of content. Given short attention spans when it comes to viewing and listening to pre-recorded lectures, I challenged myself to create presentations no more than 10 minutes long per topic for students to review. This forced me to think about what was most important to convey and to distill the course material down to essential points. The upshot was greater clarity in presenting the material with the more precise directing of students toward the key points to focus on in the readings.

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When I first taught an online class in the summer of 2005 as a graduate student, Zoom did not exist. And before COVID-19 struck, I had never used video-conferencing software. Zoom certainly has its drawbacks/limitations. As use of the software boomed, so did complaints of Zoom fatigue and other ills associated with online meetings. But Zoom enables college seminar classes to be conducted as they often are in-person with discussion-based interaction around course readings. Students seemed, to my surprise, to be just as willing, if not more so, to participate over Zoom. Having a technological filter between a speaker and the group that one is speaking to perhaps relieves some of the stress often associated with public speaking.
Malalai Joya has been long time critic of US and Nato (Alamy Stock Photo)

There can be no long-term peace in Afghanistan while US troops are present and they should leave as quickly as possible, according to a celebrated activist who made history as a female member of parliament.

Malalai Joya says even though the security situation in the country may get worse in the short term as Taliban forces seize more territory, the American military is the root cause of many problems and act as a cancer to her country.

History shows no nation can donate liberation to another nation  they come to Afghanistan for their own interests, Joya tells The Independent.

Speaking from an undisclosed location in Kabul Joya, who has survived at least four assassination attempts, says she has repeatedly urged US forces to depart with all their lackeys.

Get rid from my country. They are a cancer in the body of my society, in the body of my beloved country, she says. They are like Covid-19.

The comments by Joya come as the last of a once 100,000-strong continent of US forces is leaving Afghanistan. While the US President, Joe Biden, said the troops  other than 650 who will remain to protect the US Embassy  will depart by the end of August, reports suggest the bulk have already left.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build, Biden said last month, as the United States ended a 20-year-old war and occupation that began in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.

The peace deal being pursued by Biden was actually brokered by his predecessor, Donald Trump, who also did not believe US troops should be fighting there.

Some have criticised the move, especially as the Taliban has continued to seize more territory every day, most recently launching attacks on the southern city of Lashkar Gah. It is the capital of Helmand province, which was the focus of the British militarys operations, until the bulk of its combat troops withdrew in 2014. More than 450 British personnel died serving in Afghanistan.

Story continues

Former US president George W Bush, who ordered the invasion of Afghanistan and then Iraq as part of his so-called war on terror, told a German broadcaster he believed the move was a mistake because I think the consequences are going to be unbelievably bad.

In recent days, the leader of the US-backed Afghan government, which did participate in the deal signed with the Taliban, condemned the US militarys hasty withdrawal.

[The process] not only failed to bring peace but created doubt and ambiguity, Afghanistans president, Ashraf Ghani, told parliament.

Joya dismissed Bushs comments, saying he was a warmonger who could not be trusted.

The catastrophic situation of women was a very good excuse for the US and Nato to occupy our country, and replace the barbaric regime of the Taliban with the warlords, she says.

Joya, who is from Afghanistans Farah Province, made headlines in 2003, in a speech at Loya Jirga talks organised by the US to vote on a new constitution. In a speech, she condemned the nations tribal military leaders or warlords, many of whom the US was siding with against the Taliban, despite their appalling record of human rights abuses.

My criticism on all my compatriots is that why are they allowing the legitimacy and legality of this Loya Jirga come under question with the presence of those felons who brought our country to this state, she said, before being thrown out of the meeting.

Two years later she was elected to the national assembly, one of the few elected women politicians in the country, and again created a stir with an attack on the same individuals.

After the swearing in of the parliament  the first in at least 30 years  in the presence of the new Afghan leader, Hamid Karzai, and US vice-president, Dick Cheney, Joya held her own press conference.

I offer my condolences to the people of our country for the presence of warlords, drug lords and criminals [in the parliament], she said

[The people of Afghanistan have recently] escaped the Taliban cage but still they are trapped in the cage of those who are called warlords.

Joya was elected to the Afghan parliament in 2005 (AFP via Getty Images)

Two years later, Joya was expelled for three years after she was accused of breaking a rule that prevented politicians criticising each other. Her expulsion triggered outcry from international human rights groups.

Afghanistan is requesting billions of dollars in assistance from donors next month and presenting itself as an emerging democracy, Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said at the time. If Malalai Joya remains suspended for exercising her right to free expression and has to keep moving around because of threats for which the government does nothing, what does this say about the state of human rights and democracy?

Joya has continued the criticism, throughout the 20 year-occupation by US and Western forces, condemning not only the foreign military, but the Afghan non-governmental groups that take Western money.

Estimates suggest at least 250,000 Afghans lost their lives during that period, with 3 million displaced internally and 2.1 million leaving the country.

Has there been any positive element about the US military presence  for instance, the expansion of education for women and girls?

For [the] justification of the occupation, they did some humanitarian projects, especially in big cities like Herat, Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad they built some schools, some hospitals, some roads. But it was for justification of their occupation, she says. And in rural areas and most part of Afghanistan, they did almost nothing.

She says the US also oversaw the installation of a corrupt puppet system, which resulted in artificial schools that did not exist and where the money set aside for such projects went to the pocket of the corrupt warlords.

Millions of dollars comes under the name of womens rights projects, [the] reconstruction of Afghanistan, [and] education, she says. But most of this money goes to the pockets of corrupt people.

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump vowed to end the USs longest war (Getty Images)

Joya, who in 2010, was included on Time magazines 100 most influential people in the world, says the mood among ordinary Afghans as they watch the US withdrawal is one of anxiety.

She says the population has suffered from decades of angst and war, most recently with the US occupation. Now the US had done a deal with the Taliban, claiming they could be trusted, while it was obvious to Afghan people they had not changed whatsoever.

Its a nightmare in the mind of Afghan people; everybody is worried about the future, she says.

They know that [the Talibans] nature didnt change  that theyre still beheading people, are still beating woman publicly with the lash, are still stoning people in the rural areas where they have power.

Joya says that while she does not think there is a role for foreign players in Afghanistan, including the UN, she felt other activists around the world could still help and offer support. We need more support, especially for educational support projects.

She says she is inspired by civil society movements in Europe and the US, including the Occupy movement. She also praises Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whose organisation exposed many of the worst atrocities of the war on terror.

He is a hero. In my view, he exposed the wrong policies, the disgusting policies of the US government and Nato, she says. Now hes living in the hearts of all the justice-loving people.

She adds: He should not be put in jail. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, all these warmongers, should be in jail, not Julian Assange, not Chelsea Manning They are brave and raise their voices for justice and peace.

George W Bush has said advances on womens education will be lost once US forces leave (Getty Images)

Despite the huge challenges confronting Afghanistan and the perilous threat of an ever-expanding Taliban, Joya insists she does have some hope.

My voice is the small voice of the voiceless, suffering people of Afghanistan, especially the women of my country, who are the victims, she says.

So we have a lot of dreams. I wish in every corner of Afghanistan, in the villages and the districts, there will be schools that have literacy courses, computer courses, [and] we are living in the 21st century. I want my people to be empowered by education.

Imagine if all the population of our country was educated; they do not do self-immolation, they will not be disappointed, they will not allow these extremists to continue their barbarism.

She says it is the actions of ordinary Afghans seeking a better life that inspire her  a woman in Bamyan province, a child on her shoulder, completing the test for university entrance, or an uneducated man in Uruzgan province taking his daughter to another village so she can attend school.

This will take time. This is a prolonged risky struggle. People are fed up of the war, and terrified of the war, she says. We are the ones with the responsibility to be fearless, to be tireless, to be more active, to work for the other people and to lead them in the right direction.

Read More

The Afghan people need our help  many are at risk from the Taliban

Taliban take control of another provincial capital

The Taliban are storming prisons holding thousands of militants
RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured others on Friday during clashes at a protest against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said.

The Israeli military said that 700 Palestinians had gathered in the area, south of the Palestinian city of Nablus, burning tyres and throwing rocks and petrol bombs towards troops and border police.

Israeli forces "responded with riot dispersal means", the military said in a statement. "We are aware of reports that a Palestinian was killed and a number of Palestinians were injured."

The man who died had been rushed to a Nablus hospital, later succumbing to his injuries, the Palestinian health ministry said. He was 38 years old, it said.

The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance service said that 21 other Palestinians had been shot by Israeli troops, most of them with rubber-tipped bullets. Others were treated for tear gas inhalation, it said in a statement.

The West Bank is among territories where Palestinians seek statehood. Violence has simmered there since U.S.-sponsored talks between the Palestinians and Israel broke down in 2014.

Palestinians have staged near-daily protests in Beita, south of Nablus, to voice anger at a nearby Israeli settler outpost, often leading to violent clashes with Israeli troops.

The settlers agreed to leave the outpost in July under an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, following weeks of demonstrations by Palestinians lighting fires that often engulfed the outpost in smoke.

But some of the outpost's buildings remained, locked and under military guard. Palestinians, who claim the land the outpost is on, have vowed to continue their demonstrations.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Rami Ayyub, Editing by William Maclean)
New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Qatar's envoy for conflict resolution Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani on Friday held talks with Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs J P Singh on the evolving situation in Afghanistan Al-Qahtani, the Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister of Qatar for Counter-terrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution, is scheduled to call on Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, sources said.

Al-Qahtani had played a key role in the Afghan peace process and his visit to India comes amid mounting global concerns over escalating violence by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

'Al-Qahtani met Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran) J P Singh and exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan and recent developments in the Afghan peace process,' said a source.

Qatar's capital Doha has been the venue for the intra-Afghan peace talks and the Gulf country has emerged as a crucial player in facilitating the Afghan peace process.

Al-Qahtani's visit to India also comes days ahead of talks among Russia, China, the US and Pakistan on the situation in Afghanistan. The 'extended Troika' convened by Russia is scheduled to be held in Doha on August 11.

In June, Al-Qahtani suggested that Indian officials were engaged in talks with the Taliban.

'I understand that there has been a quiet visit by Indian officials...to speak with the Talibans. Why? Because not everybody is believing that the Taliban will dominate and take over, because Taliban is a key component of, or should be or is going to be a key component of the future of Afghanistan,' Al-Qahtani said.

He made the remarks while replying to a question during a discussion on the theme 'Looking towards peace in Afghanistan after the US-NATO withdrawal.' As the Taliban continues its offensive in Afghanistan, a number of countries stepped up efforts to stop the violence in the war-torn country.

Story continues

The Taliban has been making rapid advances across Afghanistan by resorting to widespread violence since the United States began withdrawing its troops from the country on May 1.

The US has already pulled back the majority of its forces and is looking to complete the drawdown by August 31.

India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

It has also been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in the country, including those from the minority communities, for a prosperous and safe future.

The Qatari envoy also called on Sanjay Bhattacharya, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs division) in the MEA and discussed bilateral issues. PTI MPB ZMN
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  President Joe Biden is nominating two major Democratic donors to serve as ambassadors to Argentina and Switzerland.

The White House announced Friday that Biden has picked LGBT rights activist and philanthropist Scott Miller to serve as his administration's envoy to Bern and trial lawyer Marc Stanley to serve in Buenos Aires. The U.S. ambassador to Switzerland also serves as the chief envoy to Liechtenstein.

Miller, a former account vice president at UBS Wealth Management in Denver, and his husband, Tim Gill, are prominent philanthropists and generous backers of Democratic candidates and causes.

Stanley, a prominent Dallas attorney, was chairman for the Lawyers for Biden arm of the 2020 campaign, recruiting lawyers across the country to donate legal services to the president's run for the White House.

Miller and his husband have donated at least $3.6 million to Democratic candidates and causes since 2010. That includes $365,000 given to Bidens general election fundraising effort, according to federal fundraising disclosures. Though they donated at least $1.1 million to support Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential bid, they also gave $50,000 that election to a group called Draft Biden, which sought to get Biden to run in that years primary, the records show.
In California, vaccine mandates are perilous for Newsom, who is facing a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic. Newsom has angered many parents by continuing to require masks indoors at all public schools, but he has not required all teachers and staff to be vaccinated.

Some California local governments are going beyond the new rule. In Los Angeles County, some 110,000 government workers have until Oct. 1 to be vaccinated under a new order issued by Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis.

She noted that about 4 million of the countys roughly 10 million residents remain unvaccinated. The Los Angeles order doesnt specify penalties for employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

The city of San Jose in Californias Silicon Valley is also requiring an estimated 8,000 workers to be vaccinated or provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 tests. It may eventually mandate vaccination, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons.
The jury trial for a 33-year-old Illinois man charged in the Sept. 15, 2019, shooting death of 23-year-old Keshawn Jenkins has been moved to next year.

Craig E. Russell Jr., of Waukegan, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and a felony count of a felon in possession of a firearm. He will return to Kenosha County (Wisconsin) Circuit Court on Jan. 20, 2022, for a final pre-trial conference.

The jury trial is set to begin Feb. 14. Russell continues to be held in the Kenosha County Jail on a $1 million cash bond.

Court records indicate that Russells attorneys requested the delay for ongoing discovery and investigation. The trial had been set to begin Monday before Judge Bruce E. Schroeder.

The criminal complaint states that police tied Russell to the shooting through security video from the area that showed his car there at the time of the shooting, along with phone and electronic message data and from witness statements.

A witness told police that Jenkins, who reportedly had been involved in an altercation with the defendant earlier that day, was standing by his car on 19th Avenue in Kenosha when a man with a hoodie pulled tight around his face and a white T-shirt pulled up over his nose suddenly ran toward him at full speed.

The man stopped in the middle of the road, the complaint states, fired once toward Jenkins, who turned and ran. Three more shots were fired, and when rescue crews arrived, they found the victim on the ground dead with a gunshot to his lower back.

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Teddy Schuhle, the owner of the company, said that the system works for property owners  They get a majority of the money  and for motorists because Parking Management does not call for tow trucks unless somebody is in a handicapped spot or blocking an exit.

The company, he said, has a grace period for such things as people picking up a to-go dinner order and has an easy to use online appeals process.

Were working with (property owners) and making them better neighbors, he said. Its not that big of a deal and a hell of a lot better than having your car towed.

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But like anything new, there can hiccups and hassles as Lawson found out the hard way.

A deterrent or the price of growth?

Consumers unprepared (or unwarned about) being caught on camera have taken their complaints online in South Florida.

Some 397 complaints have been filed in the last three years with the Fort Lauderdale Better Business Bureau; 267 have been closed in the last 12 months.
WENTWORTH  The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday that a juvenile has been charged in connection with the May 24 shooting deaths of two motorcyclists on the U.S. 29 Bypass in Reidsville.

The minor is also charged in connection with the attempted murder of a third rider. Martin Cox Jr., 41, of Browns Summit, is also charged in connection with the crimes.

The juvenile, who was not named because of laws that protect the privacy of underage offenders, was charged via juvenile petition with two counts of accessory after the fact to first degree murder and one count of accessory after the fact to attempted first degree murder, the sheriffs office announced in a press release.

The suspect was taken into custody by the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, according to the release.

Virginia residents Kwandre Marcell Carey, 24, of Montross, Va., and Haneefa Fitzgerald, 42, of Fredericksburg, Va., were shot and killed May 24 at around 4:45 p.m. as they rode on the US 29 Bypass. The riders, traveling on two motorcycles, were headed northbound along the bypass between Barnes Street and N.C. 14, officials said.
On Thursday, North Carolina's General Assembly approved Republican-sponsored legislation that would require parental consent for 12- to 17-year-olds to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The state House fast-tracked House Bill 96, which passed on a 106-5 vote.

All five members of the Forsyth County House delegation voted for passage  Republicans Donny Lambeth, Lee Zachary and Jeff Zenger, and Democrats Amber Baker and Evelyn Terry.

Senators voted 42-0 Tuesday for HB96, which began as legislation to expand the number of vaccines and medications pharmacists can administer.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, added the parental consent language on July 21, fulfilling a pledge she made in June. Krawiec is a primary sponsor of Republican health care legislation.

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The bill goes to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has 10 days to sign HB96, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

Cooper said on July 22 that the addition of the parental consent requirement concerned him. I will talk with our public-health officials and the legislature about that before we make any decisions, he said.
County health director Joshua Swift said Tuesday that the surge in new cases is concerning since about 38% of adult Forsyth residents are unvaccinated. Around 64% of the countys 12- to 17-year-olds also are unvaccinated.

In the first week of July, we were averaging six to eight new cases a day, so its been a dramatic increase, Swift said. We could see daily case counts back into the range that we saw in January and February, though it may not be that high in Forsyth.

More than 94% of those currently infected are unvaccinated when the vaccine has been readily available for most people since April and May, so thats very frustrating, he said.

Swift expressed confidence that Forsyth could have 70% of its adults partially vaccinated by Labor Day.

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Swift said there have been few cases of vaccinated people getting a breakthrough case of COVID-19 but that 94% of infected patients are those who were not fully vaccinated.

The slower we are at people getting the vaccine, the virus can get ahead and potentially mutate into something even more contagious, Swift said.

Statewide numbers

The statewide daily case count has exceeded 3,000 during seven of the last nine days.
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Lee Enterprises reported total operating revenue reached $196.5 million in April through June, a 7.6% increase from last year.

Net income for this quarter totaled $3.7 million.

Our third quarter results clearly demonstrate that we are on a strong path forward to driving more recurring, sustainable revenue, Kevin Mowbray, president and chief executive officer, said in a release.

The Iowa-based media company publishes 75 daily newspapers, including the Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald.

Total digital revenue grew by 48.3%, the company reported. Revenue from Amplified, the company's agency providing digital marketing services, grew by 90.3%. Digital-only audience revenue grew by 36.4%. Those categories, valued at $65.6 million, represented 33.4% of the quarters total operating revenue.

Digital subscriptions grew 50.5% and now total 337,000 at the end of the quarter as we remain the fastest-growing digital subscription platform in local media, Mowbray said.

Lee saw a 17.2% increase in total marketing and advertising services revenue and reported an expansion in regional and national accounts.

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A rash of fights between teenagers and preteens at the Lancaster County Super Fair is what prompted organizers to close the child drop-off zone Thursday for the remainder of the fair, which ends Saturday.

Staff at the Lancaster Event Center took the unprecedented step of closing the zone  traditionally where teens as young as 13 are allowed to be dropped off and picked up by parents after roaming the fairgrounds unaccompanied  after police responded to at least five assaults in four days.

Now, only teens old enough to drive themselves to the Super Fair will be allowed to enter without a parent, said Amy Dickerson, managing director of the event center. The change comes after organizers found children as young as 9 wandering the fairgrounds without guardians, Dickerson said, as fights between minors broke out with increasing regularity.

"We just really need the parents there to ensure their safety," Dickerson told the Journal Star on Friday. "It's a family event ... but we need to have the parents on the grounds to keep checking in with kids and making sure that they're doing OK.

"It's a safe environment. But to have 9- to 12-year-olds there by themselves is not a good idea."
"This is a difficult decision," LPS Superintendent Steve Joel said. "Its one of those things; everybody is tired of the pandemic. We want this to go away and get back to normal and, unfortunately, were not there, so we have to take this step. And I think that this will help us get there, at least thats our hope of being able to do that."

Joel, who was joined by Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Pat Lopez at a Thursday news conference, said LPS relied on guidance from the Health Department in making the masking changes. That guidance was sent as a letter to all public and private schools in the county.

Just last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its back-to-school guidance as well, calling for masks for all students. The American Academy of Pediatrics made the same recommendation two weeks ago.

LPS originally unveiled its pandemic playbook in July as required of all school systems receiving federal COVID relief dollars. In that guidance  which came at a time when the pandemic seemed to be in retreat  masks were optional for all students, but strongly recommended for unvaccinated students.

After fielding feedback, LPS released a second draft of the plans, which left the student mask guidelines unchanged.
Zach Hammack K-12 education reporter Zach Hammack, a 2018 UNL graduate, has always called Lincoln home. He previously worked as a copy editor at the Journal Star and was a reporting intern in 2017. Now, he covers students, teachers and schools as the newspapers K-12 reporter. Follow Zach Hammack 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

The lessons in Jake Bogus' eighth grade U.S. history class at Schoo Middle School are not always easy to teach.

Scattered among the 400 years of history his class covers  from the 1600s to the 20th century  are painful truths about this country's past, he says.

Lessons on the slave trade and the Middle Passage, the institution of slavery itself and the Civil War, the Jim Crow Era and segregation.

"It hurts to learn that stuff, and it hurts to teach it as well," said Bogus, a five-year veteran of Lincoln Public Schools. "There are a lot of sad blemishes in American history, to put it lightly."

But these lessons are the truth, Bogus says. They are not, he says, part of critical race theory, the academic movement that takes a race-based critical look at America's past and how it relates to law and institutions today.

Bogus defended his work from recent attacks on critical race theory in a five-minute speech in front of the Lincoln Board of Education, decrying the vitriol directed at public school history teachers. And some of that vitriol is coming from local politicians, Bogus said, who are critical of what they see as indoctrination at the expense of taxpayers.
Ahmadzai said those programs have dwindled as international civil and military forces have left the country in recent months. Former President Donald Trump reduced the U.S. presence to a few thousand troops late last year and announced a deal with the Taliban to pull out the rest this year.

President Joe Biden announced in April that he would carry through with those plans and withdraw all U.S. troops by Sept. 11. About 95% of those forces have already left.

The Taliban, which survived 20 years as an insurgent force with support in neighboring Pakistan, have since seized broad swaths of the countryside from the Afghan government.

Many Afghans who worked with U.S. military or civilian organizations are in fear for their lives  including those who worked with UNO.

Our office is among many organizations that are helping Afghan people with funds provided by the American people, Ahmadzai said. Our colleagues in Kabul are always worried about their security.

He said UNOs office always kept a low profile, with no outward signs of its ties to the U.S.
It was a labor of love, Norma Kathman said in an interview. It was wonderful to watch it evolve. It turned out even better than we expected.

Dennis grew up in Superior, while Norma is from Pittsburgh. Both served as missile systems launch officers aboard the Looking Glass from 1979-82 while assigned to SAC at Offutt. The couple had met while attending a training school in Mississippi soon after they were commissioned as Air Force officers in 1971.

The Kathmans job was as critical as it got in the Cold War Air Force: before taking off, they uploaded nuclear launch codes to the planes onboard computer.

If an order to launch the missiles had ever gone out during their alert shift, Dennis or Norma  Air Force captains at the time  would have been the ones to carry it out. Because they held the same job, they never flew together.

"Flying on Looking Glass was probably our favorite time in the Air Force, Norma Kathman said on the podcast. It was special for us to be part of that.

The Looking Glass mission grew out of the post-Sputnik shock over the Soviet Unions new space capabilities, something the U.S. at first could not match after the satellite was launched in 1957.
NEW YORK (AP)  The rider of an unlicensed electric scooter involved in the hit-and-run death of Gone Girl actor Lisa Banes was well aware that he hit her, fleeing to a repair shop afterward seeking to fix a sideview mirror, authorities said Friday.

Brian Boyd was arrested Thursday and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

Boyd, 26, was released under strict supervision following a court appearance on Friday. There was no immediate response to a message left with his attorney.

Police say they built the case on security videotape showing Banes walking in a crosswalk on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in early June when she was struck by the scooter after it ran a red light  a growing hazard in the city.

A police officer who reviewed a video from the scene said in court papers that on it both the pedestrian and the operator of the electric scooter fall to the ground. After that, I further observed the operator stand up, pick up his electric scooter, walk over to the individual lying in the street, and then walk back to his electric scooter and drive away, the papers say.
OMAHA  The body of missing 7-year-old Avi Gurung was retrieved from the Missouri River on Thursday evening, downstream of the spot where he disappeared.

The boy's body was found under the Interstate 680 bridge, according to Officer Phillip Anson, spokesman for the Omaha Police Department. A fisherman saw something that looked like it belonged to a child. He contacted a Douglas County search team that had been wrapping up its search. The search team found the boy's body.

Avi was last seen about 6 p.m. Tuesday on a sandbar upstream of the N.P. Dodge Park marina.

He had been with several family members on the sandbar in a small cove north of the main part of the park. The cove was accessible via a trail through the woods.

Family members took their eyes off him briefly to assist another child, and when they turned back, Avi was gone, according to police.

While the investigation continues, no foul play is suspected.

Bhim Gurung, an uncle, said Thursday that the news is devastating but brings some closure.

We are very glad they found the body, he said. Not everyone is so fortunate.
Banner County issued an emergency declaration Friday as firefighters battle a blaze that has already burned about 4 square miles.

The wildfire, which began at about 7 p.m. Thursday, prompted the deployment of a Nebraska state emergency response team and an incident management team to support fire containment efforts.

No injuries have been reported and no houses are believed to be threatened by the fire, according to the Nebraska State Emergency Response Commission.

The commission said in a news release that a Nebraska air tanker and two air tankers from South Dakota are fighting the fire. Two Nebraska Army National Guard helicopters also headed to Banner County on Friday to provide air support.

As of Thursday night, there were 89 personnel with 18 different departments on scene.

Fire weather watches are expected to remain elevated as dry conditions continue into the weekend.

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A member of the Nebraska State Patrol was found dead in his patrol car in Scottsbluff on Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, a patrol spokesman said.

Trooper Nicholas Goodwin, 37, was a 14-year veteran of the patrol. He served in the Carrier Enforcement Division and was stationed in Scottsbluff.

Our entire Nebraska State Patrol family is grieving today, Col. John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said in the news release.

The Scottsbluff County Sheriff's Office will conduct an investigation.

Reach the writer at lstephens@journalstar.com or 402-473-7241.

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CALEDONIA MEETING

Q&A: Racine County leaders' answers to questions about possibly building juvenile detention facility near airport

RachelKubik / RACHEL KUBIK, rachel.kubik@journaltimes.com A public information meeting at the Caledonia Village Hall on Wednesday drew a crowd of about 150 people including Caledonia residents, officials, trustees, the village president, county officials, county supervisors, the county executive and Caledonia Police leaders.

CALEDONIA  A Wednesday meeting at the Caledonia Village Hall drew a crowd of about 150 people, all interested in hearing about, asking questions about or expressing opinions about one topic: The countys planned Youth Development and Care Center, a juvenile detention facility, that could be built in the village.

Delagrave

The purpose of this meeting tonight is to hear your opinions, hear your concerns, and, of course, answer questions, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave said at the opening of the meeting.

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Racine County has proposed two locations for the $43 million Racine County Youth, Development and Care Center. The first location is a 2-acre spot in the City of Racine, at the former Brannum Lumber property on Taylor Avenue across from the countys Dennis Kornwolf Service Center. The Racine City Council strongly opposes that locations.

The second location proposed is the northeast corner of Batten International Airport, along Three Mile Road in the Village of Caledonia. The facility would rest within a nearly 29-acre parcel with a large pond and wooded area, but that spot has not been well received by nearby residents.

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The proposed mental health-focused center would replace the existing facility on the fourth floor of the Kornwolf Center and would serve a maximum of 48 youths from Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Manitowoc and Washington counties.

Caledonia officials, including trustees, the village president, county officials, including county supervisors, the county executive and Caledonia Police leaders were present alongside residents Wednesday. The meeting lasted approximately 3 1/2 hours and became heated at times.

This, I feel, is a jewel of Racine County, along the lakefront here, said Patricia Hurley, who said she has lived in Caledonia for 18 years. And now you want to put a prison 5 minutes from my house?  My vote is no, not in my neighborhood.

Lanzdorf

Michael Lanzdorf, Racine County corporation counsel, said the well-being of the youths that would be placed in the facility should be placed at the forefront of the discussion, as they are vitally important.

Thats the children of Racine County, its families in crisis, youth in crisis ... too often, the juvenile justice system looks at getting rid of a problem as opposed to truly solving it.

District 10 Supervisor Kelly Kruse, who was at the meeting and whose district includes the land proposed as a site for the facility, said she firmly believes that as a supervisor, she must listen to her constituents.

I am truly grateful for the robust community engagement, comments and questions on Wednesday night, and I will take them all into consideration when I cast my vote.

Following are some of the questions asked or addressed at the meeting, and the officials responses.

Courtesy of Racine County Shown is a digital rendering of Racine County's planned juvenile detention center. The plan for the new facility would be to have it be more of a home environment, Racine County Corporation Counsel Michael Lanzdorf said in November 2020, which would help the kids held there come out in a better position to reacclimate to society" while not treating them as criminals to be punished inside.

Has building on the Caledonia location already been decided?

Lanzdorf: The answer is no. While the County Board has authorized the construction of this facility, has authorized the acceptance of the state grant dollars  we cant just, as a group of us, decide that and move forward because the County Board, the legislative body, needs to weigh in on it. This has not been a few weeks process. This has not been a few months process. This has been a multi-year process where we have left no stone unturned of potential locations throughout every corner of the county, and no site is perfect.

Will this facility affect my property values?

Pete Wicklund / Dobbs

Caledonia Village President Jim Dobbs: I do not envision this $40 million building, which no one will really see, affecting any property values in Caledonia.

How much would it cost the county to update its current facility?

Delagrave: Thats something we did look at, and that $40 million wouldnt be close, though. Were on the Human Services building, its 120 beds, steel, cinderblock facility. Theres no outdoor area, as well, and theres no outdoor space, so wed have to put that outdoor area on the roof of our facility. Its needing elevators. We looked at that, and it wouldnt be close to being able to cover that cost.

How secure is this facility going to be?

Lanzdorf: A lot of us here, when you think of a secure facility, you may think of barbed wire, tall fences, shards of glass, guard towers. None of that will be part of this facility. The outdoor recreational space is located within, so that the exterior walls, that serves as the secure perimeter. Thats what weve seen in some of the other facilities in the Kansas City area, and that we can successfully do here.

Will this facility put my safety at risk?

Dobbs: I do not see safety being an issue with this. For our facility we have, have you ever had any issues of any of the people escaping, doing anything wrong, in the immediate area?

How many children in the facility are going to be from Caledonia?

Delagrave: Most of the children are from the City of Racine, but there are also kids from the Village of Waterford, there are also kids from Mount Pleasant. There are also kids from Caledonia that have utilized our current facility as well.

Quote "My vote is no, not in my neighborhood." Patricia Hurley, who has lived in Caledonia 18 years

Why is the City of Racine against having the facility in the city?

Delagrave: Ive learned a long time ago not to put words in the citys mouth  but one of the biggest issues we have with that project is the environmental cleanup that needs to happen there. Its about a $5 million environmental cleanup. We want to try to use our allotment of funds into the building, not infrastructure, not cost of the land and not environmentally cleaning up a site.

Lanzdorf: When we did the soil borings and the geotechnical testing (in Racine), we learned more about whats underneath that soil. Weve learned that its basically old building rubble that they ground up, left there and covered up. And so it cannot support a facility like this, even just a single story in most areas, or two stories in other areas, it simply would not support that  Weve asked to see if the state would provide additional monies to the county to cover those costs. And the answer is no, $40 million is the maximum amount that the county could recover through this grant program.

RachelKubik / RACHEL KUBIK rachel.kubik@journaltimes.com Michael Lanzdorf, Racine County corporation counsel, speaks at the Public Information Meeting at the Caledonia Village Hall Wednesday. To the left of him is a graphic showing which part of the northeast corner of Batten International Airport could be developed for the countys Youth Development and Care Center.

Racine mayor, 13 aldermen declare opposition to placing new juvenile facility in city No matter how nice this facility looks, it will still be a jail for youth, and we do not want more of our communitys youth and their families to see and internalize a jail for children as normal in their neighborhood, a letter issued Monday, signed by the 13 aldermen and Mason, states.

Does the Village of Caledonia or Racine County decide a final say in the project? What is the process?

Lanzdorf: This is the first step, hearing questions and concerns that will inform what steps, if any, follow. We would anticipate that at (a County Board meeting scheduled for Aug. 24) we would go before our Executive Committee and present this option. Then, at that date, a resolution would be introduced, but no final action would be taken. That at the next County Board, at the very earliest (on Sept. 14), thats the earliest date at which a resolution could be put to a vote for final authorization by the County Board.

Dobbs: If this does come further from the county to us, we would go before the Planning Commission, there would be a public hearing, and everybody would get a chance to speak their opinion about the possible result. Then it would go before the board and the board members would then have a chance to weigh in.

Related
A group of anti-mask mandate parents are walking the hallways of Burlington High School, hunting for the school board that had just abruptly adjourned a meeting, when the crowd is stopped by police.

Two hours prior, Burlington citizens and parents filled the schools auditorium for a school board meeting Monday night to speak out about what they believe the districts mask policy should be for the upcoming school year amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
RACINE  Foxconn is looking to lease the two properties it owns in Racines downtown. One of the other Wisconsin buildings Foxconn had said it would be turning into an "innovation center" is also up for lease.

$1 for 6 months of unlimited local journalism Get the information you need to help keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy and updated on important issues and events.

The Taiwanese tech giants announced plans to set up at least three innovation centers around the state have not progressed since they were announced with much fanfare three years ago. The centers were supposed to be state-of-the-art co-working space(s) and also to serve as a model for smart city pilot programs, Foxconn Director of U.S. Strategic Initiatives Alan Yeung said in Racine in 2018.

The company did not reply to a request for comment when asked if the plans to set up innovation centers were being abandoned entirely.

The listing of these properties for lease is another indicator of how drastically Foxconn's Wisconsin plans have shifted since 2017. Originally, the company's footprint was predicted by state leaders to be transformative for Wisconsin and Racine County. Now  despite how significantly the Village of Mount Pleasants landscape, plans and reputation have been altered in the past four years  Foxconns imprint now has a more typical outlook: It's a foreign manufacturer, with a more modest $80 million incentive package from the State of Wisconsin, trying to find its way in the U.S. as the pandemic wanes.

Regarding the properties being listed for lease, Foxconn Technology Group issued the following statement to The Journal Times: As a result of the amended 2017 WEDC Agreement, Foxconn has the flexibility to pursue business opportunities in response to market demands. Our current focus is to drive business in our Science and Technology Park in Mount Pleasant, WI, with existing and future customers. At this time, Foxconn has decided to lease available space at properties in downtown Racine. Our hope is that this decision will add to the vibrancy of the downtown community.

Properties

Foxconns Racine properties listed for lease are 601 Lake St. and 1 Main St.

The Lake Street building, originally the home of Racines Elks Club constructed around 1912, was purchased by Foxconn from SC Johnson in January 2019 for $1.2 million.

The purchase of 1 Main St., announced prior to the Lake Street purchase, didnt close until February 2019 for $6.25 million. The company originally said it planned to occupy just the second floor of the building.

A 15,000-square-foot riverfront property in Eau Claire that Foxconn bought in 2018 for $2.7 million is also up for lease, according to the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram.

Foxconn owns "The Watermark Building" in Green Bay, and it too was supposed to be an innovation center. By fall 2019, a contractor had been lined up and Foxconn seemed to have developed a plan for turning part of the Watermarks second floor into a work space, but the plan was never executed, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported.

What's up in Mount Pleasant? Foxconn says it remains in active negotiations with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation regarding the prospect of producing electric vehicles for California-based Fisker and/or other automakers. Its unclear what Foxconn is hoping to get out of the ongoing WEDC negotiations. The contract Foxconn currently has with the state has few strings attached regarding what Foxconn can or can't do with its property in Racine County. WEDC has not confirmed the negotiations, citing policy to never confirm whether discussions are (or aren't) ongoing "until a contract is executed."

Much change

As Foxconns publicly known plans in Wisconsin have changed since 2017, so have Foxconns plans with its auxiliary properties.

Back when the plans were much more grandiose, 125 employees were to be stationed in the second floor of the Main Street building  which was to be known as Foxconn Place Racine and Wisconn Valley Innovation Center. At the Eau Claire innovation center, 150 were reportedly going to end up being employed.

But since being announced in summer 2018, the innovation centers have been quietly ignored.

Foxconn reports hiring enough spending, hiring for first $29 million in state tax credits Foxconn's economic performance report must first go through an independent third party audit and then be verified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. before any state funds are approved.

Wisconsin Public Radio reported in January 2020 that Foxconn had still been planning to work on Green Bay and Racine innovation centers sometime in 2020, but nothing was done over the course of the pandemic-dominated year. At the time, the company, which is valued at more than $50 billion, had been referring to its properties around the state as Foxconn Places. But its plans for innovation centers were nebulous, with little-to-no firm plans besides the company saying more than 100 people would be employed at each of them.

In July, Foxconn reported that it had hired enough employees (970) and spent $542 million related to its Wisconsin projects to receive $29 million in state tax dollars, although the state still needs to confirm that.

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How to get rent help

Contact the Racine County Rental Assistance program by calling 262-638-6400 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or emailing HereToHelp@racinecounty.com any time. Visit racinecounty.com/departments/human-services/here-to-help/eviction-prevention-information for more information.

To get access to Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance, call 833-900-9372, email support@wera.help, or learn more at RKCAA.org/wera.

Contact the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency at 262-637-8377 (Racine) or at 262-657-0840 (Kenosha).
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Is it possible? Of course. But is it something that Im concerned about? No, said Hany Farid, a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, who argues that plenty of other programs designed to secure devices from various threats haven't seen this type of mission creep. For example, WhatsApp provides users with end-to-end encryption to protect their privacy, but also employs a system for detecting malware and warning users not to click on harmful links.

Apple was one of the first major companies to embrace end-to-end encryption, in which messages are scrambled so that only their senders and recipients can read them. Law enforcement, however, has long pressured the company for access to that information in order to investigate crimes such as terrorism or child sexual exploitation.

Apple said the latest changes will roll out this year as part of updates to its operating software for iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches.

Apples expanded protection for children is a game changer," John Clark, the president and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said in a statement. "With so many people using Apple products, these new safety measures have lifesaving potential for children.
Former President Barack Obama has dramatically scaled back his planned 60th birthday party on Martha's Vineyard this weekend due to concerns about the highly transmissible Delta variant of Covid-19, according to a spokeswoman.

The birthday bash for the former President was previously planned to be held outside and follow all US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health protocols, with testing for guests and a Covid safety coordinator on site, a source had told CNN earlier this week.

Keep scrolling to see 60 pics of the former president through the years

More than 400 guests, including celebrities and former Obama administration officials, were reportedly expected to attend the affair, along with nearly 200 hired staff working the party.

But now, the celebration for Obama, who turns 60 on Wednesday, will be only be for family and close friends.
Schooff said without a vaccine and other measures, the risk of catching the disease is more significant than it was with the earlier variants.

We would like to see folks choose to be vaccinated, he said. We know that time is important now. The curve is going up again. We are having more people in the hospital. Wed like to protect you and your health now. Wed also like to help you and the rest of us in the future.

Tuesday was the first day of the hotline operation. He said they had received about 115 phone calls, with a number of callers asking where they can get the vaccine. There were also a number of questions about whether people who have received the vaccine need a booster shot or if they come down with the virus after receiving the shot, do they need another shot. Callers also had questions about children under 12 receiving the vaccine now that school is about to resume for the fall semester.

We may not have answers to all of those questions, but we can help them understand their concerns and give them the answers that are available now, Schooff said.

Ward said CHI hospitals have the equipment needed to handle the virus, such as ventilators and the necessary medications, but staffing is a concern, as it is in many communities.
The company has submitted clinical research data to regulators for emergency use approval for new variations of its CoronaVac shot designed for the newer delta and gamma variants, CEO Yin Weidong announced at China's vaccine forum, which was held virtually.

CanSino, another private company whose one-shot vaccine is in use in Pakistan, Mexico and other countries, said it is working on adapting it for the variants. Its founder, Zhu Tao, said at a separate forum Thursday that the vaccine did show declines in effectiveness in lab tests against the delta variant, but that it is still protective.

Zhu said the company's latest research data show that a third booster shot would significantly raise antibody levels.

State-owned Sinopharm has told state media that it is developing vaccines tailored to four major variants, including the delta one.

Globally, vaccine distributions have been starkly unequal, as wealthy countries consider issuing booster shots to their citizens and poorer nations struggle to get enough vaccines for a first dose.

Over 4 billion vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 75% of those have gone to just 10 countries, World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the Chinese vaccine forum.
If theres a treasure you gotta try and find it right? Well, its not as easy as you would think. You see, the Wildcat Mountain Sentinel Ghost guards the gold, but doesnt really guard the treasure; instead its job is to distract humans from the treasure and lure them away. Pretty smart ghost, if I say so myself. The sentinel ghost likes to throw rocks and carries a Bowie knife. Some humans have claimed to see him on horseback, others have seen him standing on the rocks on the mountain with his rifle. Most times the ghost is seen as a large wildcat and some have seen it as something different all together, and sometimes you dont actually see the ghost but the shadow of the ghost, which is just a perfect superpower for a ghost that is trying to distract you from the treasure. Now you see it, now you dont. You see guys?! It all makes sense, lets make that T-shirt!
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday offered profound gratitude to law enforcement officers who responded to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection as he signed legislation to award them Congressional Gold Medals for their service. The president thanked the officers for saving the lives of members of Congress during those tragic hours of the attack seven months ago.
Just in time for yet another weeklong stretch of scorching temperatures, heres an opportunity to beat the heat and experience a wealth of art for free.

First Friday in August provides opportunities not only to experience visual art, but also live music and dance if you structure your schedule right.

With COVID rates steadily coming back on the rise, be sure to check with individual venues for information on masking and distancing.

Altana Art Gallery (26 E. King St.)

The works of numerous local artists will be on display in the new second floor gallery space in Altana, which officially opened in July. 5 to 9 p.m.

c urio. Gallery & Creative Supply (106 W. Chestnut St.)

"Inner Currents," the new show from Kimi Pryor and Matt Allyn Chapman, seeks to "explore spaces which exist between the internal and external, micro and macroscopic, and the psychological as well as observational." 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

First Reformed Church (40 E. Orange St.)

Organic Reflections, a free, 30-minute organ performance by organist Larry Hershey, returns for the first time in nearly two years. Titled Resounding Joy, the performance will feature pieces by Bach, Boehm and other composers. Doors at 7:30 p.m., performance 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Lancaster Galleries (24 N. Water St.)

John David Wissler presents Wisslers Muse, a collection of paintings that showcase the artists love of Maine islands. 4 to 8 p.m.

LancLiving Galler y ( 309 N. Queen St.)



Noted Lancaster artist Keisha Finnie will unveil her first in-person solo gallery show since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by the PA Real Estate Anti-Racism Coalition, Finnie will be displaying works old and new, and have merchandise available. Musicians Terian Mack and Sir Dominique Jordan will perform at 7 p.m. 5 to 8 p.m.

PCA&D (204 N. Prince St.)

Artist and inaugural PCAD Healing Arts Artist in Residence Jennifer Quigley hosts a main gallery exhibition of Art Heals, the outdoor art piece that made its debut in June. 5 to 8 p.m.

The Ware Center (42 N. Prince St.)

For this months edition of We the People, the Ware Center hosts a celebration of Asian culture. First, choreographer Chen-Yu Tsuei of the Chinese Cultural and Arts Institute presents several groups of dancers performing to traditional Chinese music. An art exhibition featuring traditional calligraphy and watercolor paintings by artists Diana Meng, Hong Dong and others will also be on display. 6 to 8 p.m., dance performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
According to a letter from the Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, the church will reinstate the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and holy days beginning Sunday, Aug. 15. The obligation was temporarily excused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with case numbers and a concern for the delta variant once again on a rise, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, which represents the states Catholic bishops  announced in a news release that the obligation does not apply to certain individuals. Those excused include:

 People who are sick, have a serious health risk

 People who are in a household with those at risk

 People who serve as primary caregivers to those at risk

 People who have serious anxiety or concerns about being in a large group setting due to COVID-19

 People who are unable to attend Mass in person.

Anyone who believes they may have COVID-19 should stay home as an act of charity, the news release reads.

Masks are not currently mandated, but the news release asks that parishioners consider the wider good in making decisions about mask use.

While masks are not currently mandated, each parishioner is strongly encouraged to make a responsible decision about the use of masks and vaccinations following in the examples of all Pennsylvania Bishops, Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who have all been vaccinated for the common good, the news release reads.
In the past year, several global pop superstars have partnered with McDonalds to create their own spin on familiar fast-food meals.

Travis Scott has one. J. Balvin and Saweetie have one, too.

So why not Terian Mack?

It started as a joke between friends and musical collaborators  Mack and Dominique Jordan were sitting in Blazin Js on King Street in early July eating lunch, when Js co-founder Jabron Taylor walked in.

"(Terian) had a hidden agenda, like, 'Oh, Jabron is here, I'm gonna ask him about the meal, Jordan says from a table outside of Blazin Js, with Mack looking on. Ironically, it started as a joke, like, 'Oh yeah, I'm gonna get my own meal!' But whenever he says an idea, I'm like, 'Let's go right now. Let's get it!

Taylor, recognizing Mack as a regular patron but not yet as an artist, agreed without much convincing.

"(Jabron) literally texted me as you guys walked out the door and he was like, 'Do you know the guy that comes in here all the time, the rapper?' says Nicole Taylor, co-owner of Blazin Js. As soon as I knew it was (Terian), I said let's do it. Thus, the T Mack Meal was born.

The meal is a $20 spin on a Blazin J's meal that comes complete with a T-shirt featuring a large QR code that leads directly to a private stream of Macks new single Wish Me Hell. The meal itself mimics Macks larger-than-life stature  it's the hot chicken sandwich that the eatery has become known for, complete with extra hot mayo, extra hot sauce and fries on top.

The meal premieres on Friday, Aug. 6, and the current plan is to feature it at the restaurant for a week, or until the first 100 shirts sell out.

Honestly, it's called Blazin' J's so I went with the J's Way, and it was bomb, Mack says, describing how he created his perfect sandwich over time. I'd get the fries and put those on the sandwich, then ask for an extra cup of hot mayo. So, I'd go home, and put the fries and mayo on there. From the first day of open, I was here supporting. I was getting chicken sandwiches from when they opened the doors. My mind was blown with the flavor, the vibe, I love Adam (Serrano's) art as well, so it all makes sense to me.

Of course, not every customer that walks into Blazin Js could walk in and then leave with their own meal, with no contracts or money changing hands. Co-owner Heather Lewis says that the team-up represents more than mutual respect for good chicken and good music.

I think your history, our history, it just meshes, Taylor says, motioning to Mack. Jabron, who founded Blazin' J's, you take his background coming from the streets, and then bringing all of us together from all walks of life, it tells the youth, 'Hey, it doesn't matter where you come from, it doesn't define you  if you bring your community together, you can do anything you need to do, and nobody can tell you otherwise.'"

Not to be overshadowed by the meal, Macks single Wish Me Hell is the first from his upcoming album, Independence Day. Wish Me Hell was cooked up back in May in collaboration with L.A. producer Johan Lenox, who has worked with Kanye West and Lil Nas X.

Wish Me Hell is like my realization of looking at hindsight and that everything that I've been through is part of the journey of becoming who I am now," Mack explains. And who I am now, I'm a father, I'm an artist. Never in my life have I felt fulfilled, but I'm starting to.

When Terian came to us, Jabron was like, 'We've got to do this, Taylor adds. His music is for everyone, not just for a certain generation or demographic. I love that there's no cursing, you just get a positive vibe from his message.

Beyond an easy partnership with members of a mutual admiration society, Jordan says that what his friend is doing represents more to the community than just a creative way to release a single.

"The best part is that you get quality food (at Blazin' J's), Jordan says. And then, we can spend money with people that look like us, that we'll see later. It's just different.

Mack is modest when it comes to explaining his artistic thought process, but once an idea passes through his head, he doesnt stop chewing on it until hes full.

I'm kind of competitive," Mack says. I look and see everyone doing the exact same thing, so I try to push the limits, creatively. I researched guerilla marketing  it's not new, it's just that there's people too lazy to do something different.
Millersville University will require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors when social distancing is not possible, university President Daniel Wubah announced Thursday.

The shift, which goes into effect Monday, comes one day after Penn State University announced its implementing a universal mask requirement immediately with COVID-19 rapidly evolving.

At Millersville, masks will be required in classrooms and other common spaces, such as hallways and meeting areas. They will not be required in residence hall suites or when alone in offices.

Previously, unvaccinated students were encouraged to wear a mask, but there was no requirement.

Millersville also recently announced it is requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test for unvaccinated students prior to moving into campus housing.

This week, with cases on the rise, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, Lancaster County moved into substantial community transmission of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With cases rising steadily in Lancaster County and new CDC guidance recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status, being safe is going to take extra effort, Wubah said in an email to the campus community Thursday evening.

Wubah said, however, that being safe begins with vaccination, and encouraged everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. He also announced a team made of faculty, staff and students tasked with monitoring COVID-19.

These past few weeks have brought many moments of joy as faculty, staff and students have begun to return to campus, he said. I am eager to see that trend continue and know that with a little precaution and care we will have a remarkable and rewarding year.

Millersville spokesperson Janet Kacskos confirmed the move to require masks was a university decision, not one made by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, of which Millersville is a member. However, West Chester University, another PASSHE school, announced a similar mask requirement recently.

Apart from masks and vaccines, Millersville is planning a somewhat normal return in the fall  a normal distribution of in-person and online classes, residence halls at full capacity, most employees back at work and the return of on-campus events.

Other local colleges policies vary

At Franklin & Marshall College, masking depends on students vaccination status as well as the colleges campus alert level. There are four levels  low, moderate, high and very high. The higher the level, the more widespread the virus is and, therefore, the more restrictive mitigation measures in place.

Under the low or moderate level, only unvaccinated students are required to wear a mask indoors and outdoors if social distancing cannot be maintained. If the campus is under the high or very high level, masks will be required for everyone, vaccinated or not, under those same conditions. Information released with the alert levels did not detail exactly what factors would prompt the college to step up or down between the levels.

F&M requires students to get vaccinated prior to living or attending classes on campus. However, students may seek a religious or medical exemption, so there may be unvaccinated students on campus this fall.

Elizabethtown College, meanwhile, strongly encourages mask-wearing for those who are not vaccinated, but there is no requirement in place.
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  An Arkansas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its ban on mask mandates after lawmakers left the prohibition in place despite a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox issued a preliminary injunction against the law that Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in April banning mask requirements by governmental entities. The ban was being challenged by two lawsuits, including one from an east Arkansas school district where more than 900 staff and students are quarantining because of a coronavirus outbreak.

Fox ruled the law violates Arkansas' constitution, saying it discriminates between public and private school students. He said it also infringes on the governor's emergency powers, as well as the authority of county officials and the state Supreme Court.

The law cannot be enforced in any shape, fashion or form" pending further court action, Fox said.

Fox issued the ruling hours after lawmakers adjourned a special session that Hutchinson had called to consider rolling back the ban for some schools. Hutchinson had said the change was needed to protect children under 12 who can't get vaccinated as the state's virus cases and hospitalizations skyrocket.

Hutchinson faced heavy opposition from fellow Republicans, who had been inundated with calls and messages from opponents of masks in schools.

The governor, who has said he regretted signing the ban into law, said he agreed with Fox's decision but didn't plan to reimpose the statewide mask mandate he lifted in March. He also criticized lawmakers who opposed taking action, saying many of them had taken a casual, if not cavalier, attitude toward the state's COVID-19 crisis.

What concerns me is many are simply listening to the loudest voices and not standing up with compassion, common sense and serious action," he told reporters.

Republican Attorney General Leslie Rutledge was talking with the governor and Legislature about the ruling to determine the next steps, her office said. Hutchinson, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the state and legislative leaders, left open the possibility of separately asking the state Supreme Court to uphold Fox's ruling if it's appealed.

There had been growing calls to lift the ban before school starts statewide later this month. The Marion School District, which joined with Little Rock's schools in challenging the ban, on Friday said 949 staff and students have had to quarantine since classes began last week because of a coronavirus outbreak. The district said 54 students and 11 staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

Marion Superintendent Glen Fenter warned lawmakers that his district's experience could be a harbinger of what other schools will face. He said Friday he will consult with attorneys and will begin discussing the possibility of a mandate with the local school board.

This gives us another opportunity again to potentially protect our students," he said.

Pediatricians and health officials have said masks in schools are needed to protect children, as the delta variant and Arkansas low vaccination rate fuels the states spiraling cases. The state on Monday reported its biggest one-day increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations since the pandemic began, and the Department of Health on Friday said only 28 intensive care unit beds were available in the state.

Only 37% of the state's population is fully vaccinated against the virus.

Arkansas ranks second in the country for new cases per capita, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University researchers. The state reported more than 3,000 new virus cases on Friday, bringing its total since the pandemic began to more than 400,000. It also reported 22 new COVID-19 deaths.

Arkansas is among several Republican-led states that banned mask mandates, and GOP figures nationally have been criticizing efforts to require them in schools despite revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Some school districts in Florida and Arizona are defying their state's prohibitions and requiring masks.

Opponents of lifting Arkansas' ban who testified before the Legislature repeatedly cited false and discredited claims about the virus, including a woman who falsely suggested COVID-19 doesn't exist.

That's what's frustrating, is we're not making decisions on data, respected data," Democratic Rep. Denise Garner, who co-sponsored one of two proposals rejected by a House panel that would have allowed some schools to require masks.

The Republican sponsor of the mandate ban criticized the ruling, calling Fox a liberal extremist judge."

He is allowing government to threaten you with penalties if you dont wear a mask," Sen. Trent Garner tweeted. But they made a mistake. They didnt know that we are ready to fight."

The House and Senate on Friday gave final approval to the only other item on the session's agenda, legislation aimed at preventing the state from resuming supplemental unemployment insurance payments to 69,000 people in the state.

A state judge last week ordered Arkansas to resume the payment, ruling that Hutchinson didn't appear to have the authority on his own to cut off the payments. Hutchinson was among more than two dozen GOP governors who ended their states' participation in the federally funded payments, which were scheduled to run through early September.



This story has been corrected to show the ruling was issued Friday
A group falsely claiming that the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania was riven with fraud is preparing to go door to door in Lancaster County so its members can conduct their own audit of last Novembers results.

Mike Miller, an Ephrata-area financial adviser with an office in Manheim Township, leads the Audit the Vote PA Lancaster effort. He refused to answer questions when reached by LNP | LancasterOnline last Friday, but a July 29 post he made on the Free PA of Lancaster Countys Facebook page invited others to help with (a) doorknocking effort.

How are you going to Free PA if you dont stand up to people who steal your vote? Miller wrote in the post.

How Audit the Vote PA Lancaster plans to audit last years election is described with few details. On a channel managed by Miller on the Telegram messaging app, Miller wrote: There are volunteer teams door-knocking specific homes in Lancaster County regarding election integrity  asking about 8 specific questions, recording their response, and submitting the surveys. Teams work in pairs for safety and witness and are assigned specific addresses  .

As of Thursday afternoon, the channel had 49 members. Prospective volunteers are asked by Miller to sign a non-disclosure agreement before any details are shared.

The 6-page NDA posted on the Telegram channel forbids the signer from disclosing any information about Audit the Vote thats not otherwise public. For example, it forbids the sharing of (a)ny planning, plans or plan implementation (collectively Plans) by, of, or for ATVPA related to the activities of ATVPA including, without limitation, such Plans related to vote/voter/voting audits, any media or political activities related thereto and/or any legal Plan(s) or lawsuit(s) in furtherance thereof.

Given Millers affiliation with the statewide Audit the Vote group, its possible that the door-to-door work in Lancaster could mirror what occurred last week in York County. The York Daily Record reported that a group identifying itself as an elections integrity committee knocked on the doors of residents and asked them who they voted for.

York County officials said the effort was not county sanctioned, and President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said the matter had been referred to law enforcement. The head of York Countys Democratic Party, in an interview with the YDR, likened the door-to-door visits to voter intimidation and attempts to suppress voters in the future.

In Lancaster County, Commissioner Ray DAgostino, who heads the board of elections, said Millers group was not affiliated with county government and he had not had contact with its members.

Citizens have the right to exercise their constitutional rights, in this case, free speech and assembly, among others, he said via email. People are accustomed to seeing groups, politically affiliated and non-partisan, going door to door to perform surveys, pass out literature, register people to vote, raise funds, etc., and know that they have the right to either oblige or not.

But DAgostino, who along with Commissioner Josh Parsons comprises the boards 2-1 Republican majority, sidestepped the question of whether or not he believes fraud occurred in the 2020 election that he oversaw. Parsons did not respond to a request for comment.

Commissioner Craig Lehman, the boards sole Democrat, said the 2020 election was free and fair  there was no widespread fraud in Lancaster County.

Kirk Radanovic, chair of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County, said he did not know Miller and was unaware of the audit effort, which he said is not associated with the party.

Diane Topakian, chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee, said Republican politicians were to blame for allowing conspiracies about the election to spread unchallenged.

I think there has been enough audits, the election has been certified at every level, she said. I think that (this group) should be ashamed of themselves and the (state) representatives are the ones who should comment on this because they are focused on this instead of passing COVID recovery bills.

A door-to-door canvassing effort in Lancaster by Miller may be looking to see if people listed in public records as having voted in the 2020 actually live at the addresses listed on their registration forms. They may also be trying to verify whether people listed as voting by mail in the election can confirm they requested and submitted their ballots.

Miller has also shared a document that claims voter registration rolls were somehow manipulated to give Democrats an edge in the county. But no evidence has ever emerged that there was any fraudulent voting in Lancaster County in 2020, and no law enforcement or county official has said otherwise. A handful of fraud cases have been reported in other parts of Pennsylvania and, in more than one case, involved Trump voters submitting ballots for dead relatives.

Miller was a vocal presence at several rallies held in December and early January where supporters of former President Donald Trump sought to pressure state legislators to overturn Joe Bidens victory in the state. Miller was present at a protest outside House Speaker Bryan Cutlers district office in Quarryville on Dec. 30, and later that day outside Cutlers home in Peach Bottom. He told the crowd in Quarryville that the U.S. Constitution gave Pennsylvanias General Assembly the power to strip Bidens electors.

The Republican leaders of the Legislature declined to act unilaterally in January to strip Pennsylvanias electors from Biden. Legislators endorsed multiple lawsuits seeking to overturn the states presidential results, but every case was ultimately rejected by federal courts.

Mastrianos audit

Audit the Vote PA Lancasters effort comes at a time when its parent organization, Audit the Vote PA, is pressuring state lawmakers to embrace an audit effort pushed by state Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Franklin County Republican whos expected to run for governor next year.

On July 7, Mastriano, in his role as chairman of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, sent letters to three of Pennsylvanias 67 counties (Philadelphia, Tioga and York), asking them to participate in a Arizona-style forensic investigation of the 2020 election. The three counties did not comply, prompting Mastriano to promise subpoenas would be issued within weeks. Gov. Tom Wolfs administration, meanwhile, has told counties not to comply and warned that turning over voting machines to outside auditors could result in their decertification for use in future elections.

As for what Mastriano envisions for the audit, he has repeatedly pointed to the months-long review of ballots in Arizonas largest county that was ordered by that states Senate and conducted by outside consultants.

As we go through the ballots, my desire is to recount them, but also forensically analyze with photographic material whether the ballots were copied or filled in by a human, Mastriano told former Trump adviser Steve Bannon last month. As reported by the Associated Press, he went on to say he planned to study what type of paper was used, look for what he called software shenanigans and review the chain of custody for the ballots.
HARRISBURG  Theft charges against a Philadelphia-area Democrat highlight Pennsylvanias lax rules for reimbursing lawmakers with taxpayer and donor money, two state-run systems with little transparency and even less oversight.

Former state Rep. Margo Davidson was charged in July with stealing from taxpayers and misusing campaign funds, helping her pad a legislative salary thats already among the most generous in the country. She has since accepted responsibility and resigned her office.

State House Democrat charged with theft, is resigning seat HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A Democratic state representative from just outside Philadelphia issu

Despite warnings from good-government advocates and even some inside the Capitol building that the states reimbursement systems are ripe for abuse, Republican leadership has failed to move reforms.

Unlike most private and public sector employers, state lawmakers often arent required to provide any proof when seeking reimbursement from taxpayer-funded accounts. On the campaign side, the public cant see thousands of dollars of election expenses lumped together under vague categories and charged to credit cards.

Those expense rules, highlighted in a series of stories by The Caucus and Spotlight PA over the past two years, have created a culture of zero accountability, Khalif Ali, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said during a recent Spotlight PA live event.

They were written by the very lawmakers they are meant to govern, but too often, Ali said, there is a practice of professed change, where lawmakers talk about reform when confronted with problems but dont follow through.

What little documentation the legislature does require from its members and staff doesnt do much good for the bodys internal gatekeepers. The criminal complaint against Davidson stated that personnel from the House comptrollers office have no ability to check whether an expense was actually paid for by the representative or some other entity.

State Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, said he intends to give the systems a hard look.

Grove, who chairs the House State Government Committee, said in late July that he will call a series of hearings to review rules and procedures for how legislators file expenses, as well as state ethics laws and other laws that govern when elected officials must forfeit their pensions.

Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, who will head one of the subcommittees as part of the review, said in an interview that the charges against Davidson were the straw that broke the camels back.

Weve got a system that is open to people committing wrongful acts, he said.

Reporting by The Caucus and Spotlight PA suggests hes looking at a target-rich environment.

No receipts required

Long considered a major piece of a system open to abuse, per diems allow legislators to collect flat-rate payments intended for food and lodging without turning over any receipts. The money is on top of their annual $90,000 salary (legislative leaders make more), one of the highest in the nation.

Lawmakers can request per diems any time they travel 50 miles or more outside their home district, including when they come to the Capitol for voting sessions. Though the payment is flat, it is generous: During the last two years, for instance, it has ranged between $178 and $200 for overnight stays.

But without the need for receipts, it is impossible to know if lawmakers are indeed spending the entire amount they are allotted  or if they are even spending it at all.

In Davidsons case, law enforcement officials said she was personally reimbursed by taxpayers for expenses that had already been paid for by her campaign  and per diems were front and center in the alleged scheme.

Davidson and her lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.

The complaint against her stated that nearly a third of her per diem reimbursements for hotel stays in Harrisburg from 2017 through 2019 were fraudulent. The Office of Attorney General alleged that Davidson either had not stayed overnight in Harrisburg, as she had claimed, or she had already been reimbursed for the stay through her campaign account, effectively engaging in double-dipping.

Both Democrats and Republicans over the years have criticized the per diem system and introduced bills to eliminate the flat-rate payments. At least two such bills this session  from state Sen. Jim Brewster (D., Allegheny) and Rep. Brett Miller, R-Lancaster  would force their colleagues to provide expense documentation when seeking reimbursement.

Modern technology makes the requirement of submitting receipts a minuscule burden  a burden worth the cost of restoring the publics trust in the General Assemblys handling of its financial affairs, Miller wrote in a memo to his colleagues seeking support for the bill.

Even more perks

Grove said his ethics inquiry will also cover a system that allows lawmakers to lease state-paid vehicles, another perk that has captured taxpayers attention over the years.

Davidsons own leases, in particular, raised flags when she crashed her state-paid vehicle twice in 12 days while her license was suspended. The incidents were not part of her recent charges and resignation.

A group of House Republicans targeted the practice again earlier this year, pushing a ban on taxpayer-funded vehicle leases for legislators. The lawmakers argued its far cheaper for their colleagues to use their own vehicles and collect reimbursement for gas. Leases have typically ranged from $419 to $711 per month in recent years, not including state-paid vehicle maintenance, oil changes, car washes, and gas, records show.

In reality, mileage reimbursements can be more expensive depending on how far a lawmaker lives from Harrisburg, The Caucus and Spotlight PA found.

Rep. Brad Roae, the Crawford County Republican who sponsored the ban and lives 240 miles from the Capitol, collected $30,253 for mileage from 2017 through 2020  essentially the same amount of money it cost other legislators to lease vehicles in that time period.

Lawmakers and their staff are also eligible to be reimbursed for mileage, other types of transportation including trains and rental vehicles, and food costs on top of per diems. As of yet, these perks are not part of Groves review.

Campaign spending, personal use

Davidson was charged with failing to report campaign expenses as required to the Department of State and for not spending money through an official campaign treasurer.

Its unclear if the unreported campaign expenses were for her election efforts  like typical fundraising event costs or yard signs  or for her personally. The complaint, for instance, mentions unreported expenses for out-of-state hotels and $400 toward her Nordstrom credit card bill, but it does not specify what the purpose of those expenses was.

But even if they were for personal use, it wouldnt necessarily be a crime in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is among a minority of states that does not have an explicit ban on candidates spending campaign money for their personal use, The Caucus and Spotlight PA found in a 2019 investigation.

Thats allowed legislators to spend donors money on alcohol, lavish dinners, clothes, limos, and travel across the United States and abroad  all while keeping the expenses hidden through various legal methods.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, has repeatedly introduced a campaign finance reform plan, and he updated it last session to include issues highlighted by The Caucus and Spotlight PA. The reforms, which have never received a committee hearing, include defining and banning the personal use of campaign funds, and requiring candidates to submit credit card statements.

Other reforms proposed by lawmakers and advocates include requiring campaign finance reports to be submitted electronically rather than by mail and real-time campaign expense reporting.

Transparency measures

More frequent and complete disclosure of both legislative expense and campaign records could have allowed the public to identify some  but certainly not all  of Davidsons allegedly inappropriate spending habits.

Prominent lawmakers such as Grove have discussed making both kinds of spending more readily available for public viewing.

The tens of thousands of pages of legislative expense records used in The Caucus and Spotlight PAs reporting took months to acquire and required the news organizations to develop a first-of-its-kind database that includes 400,000 individual expenses over four years.

A small minority of lawmakers post their expenses online for their constituents, but the news organizations found that almost all of them were posting incomplete or outdated information.

Grove, for one, did not disclose more than $31,300 in spending over the four years that was attributed to him in House expense records. Most of that was for bulk mail purchases. About $3,200 was for mileage though he publicly insists that he does not accept such reimbursements.

House and Senate leaders said they would support more disclosure online. One lawmaker, Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, previously said she will introduce a bill that would require the chief clerk to post all lawmakers expenses.

Less clear is whether the political will exists to make substantive changes.

The reason legislators make the information difficult to find is self-serving, Tim Potts, a former top-level House staffer, previously told The Caucus and Spotlight PA  to protect themselves.

How one Pennsylvania lawmaker billed taxpayers $1.8 million in expenses Over the next year, The Caucus and Spotlight PA will examine and make public specific areas 

Follow The Caucus on Twitter @CaucusPA, @BEBumsted, @Wrschgn and @SamJanesch.

Spotlight PA is on Twitter @SpotlightPA; Angela Couloumbis is @AngelasInk.
When: Earl supervisor's meeting, Aug. 2.

What happened: Township solicitor Bill Cassidy reported about Gov. Tom Wolf recently signing into law the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act for 5G technology on June 30. These small cell nodes can be attached by cellphone carriers to an existing utility pole or a new one. Cassidy said there should be limitations in height and location. He will provide more information and recommends creating an ordinance to regulate and maintain zoning control.

Quotable: I recommend being proactive with an ordinance to exercise a measure of control and regulation of the wireless facilities, Cassidy said.

Cease and desist notice: Elmer Martin, owner of property at 889 W. Main St., New Holland, was served a notice on July 12 for illegal parking of vehicles on a vacant lot beside his wholesale auto business. To comply with the Earl Township Zoning Ordinance, Martin has 30 days from receipt of the order to stop all commercial business activity on the vacant lot and remove all stored vehicles. Martin can appeal the notice within 30 days before the Earl Township Zoning Hearing Board.

What happened: Randy and Lisa Richardson, who live at 603 Sunflower St., New Holland, expressed concern for the amount of discarded junk outside and the number of people and animals living at a neighboring property. They also asked for action to stop trees growing through their backyard fence from another property. Supervisors will have the township zoning officer look into both issues.

Fire company fundraiser: Martindale Volunteer Fire Company, 542 Gristmill Road, Ephrata, will hold a drive-thru pulled pork barbecue from 10 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, Aug. 21. The meal will include pulled pork on kaiser roll, baked potato, baked lima beans, coleslaw, 16-ounce drink and ice cream cup. Cost is $12. For more information call 717-445-7100.
BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

It was the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs Hezbollah, occasionally play out. But comments by Israeli officials and Hezbollahs actions suggested the two were seeking to avoid a major conflict at this time.

Israel said it fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the country's top defense officials. No casualties were reported.

We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that, said Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel has long considered Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, its most serious and immediate military threat. Friday's exchanges came a day after Israels defense minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on a oil tanker at sea that his country blamed on Tehran.

The tensions come at a politically sensitive time in Israel, where a new eight-party governing coalition is already trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an 11-day war with Hamas militant rulers in Gaza.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit open fields in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The group said it fired 10 rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. Israel said those strikes were in response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon in recent days that was not claimed by any group.

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.

This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire, the force known as UNIFIL said. Force commander, Gen. Stefano Del Col, said the force was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security measures in the area.

Hezbollahs decision to strike open fields in a disputed area rather than Israel proper, appeared calibrated to limit any response.

Shefler, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Friday that three of the 19 rockets fired fell within Lebanese territory. Ten were intercepted by the defense system known as the Iron Dome.

Israel estimates Hezbollah possesses over 130,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the country. In recent years, Israel also has expressed concerns that the group is trying to import or develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Lebanese border villages where it accuses Hezbollah of hiding rockets. An Israeli security official said Friday the military was carrying out airstrikes unlike any in years and was planning for more options. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military policy.

The attack sparked tensions between locals and Hezbollah. Videos on social media after the rocket attack showed two vehicles, including a mobile rocket launcher, being stopped by residents of Shwaya village. The windshield of one vehicle was smashed.

Some of the villagers could be heard saying: Hezbollah is firing rockets from between homes so that Israel hits us back.

The Lebanese army said it arrested four people who were involved in the rocket-firing and confiscated the rocket launcher. It said Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are taking all the measures to restore calm.

Hezbollah issued a statement saying that the rockets were fired from remote areas, adding that the fighters were stopped in Shwaya on their way back.

We lived a similar period in the 1970s, when Palestinian fighters were carrying out guerrilla attacks against Israel. We are now to the same status and this is causing tension, said Ajaj Mousa, a resident of nearby Kfarchouba.

The escalation also comes at a sensitive time in Lebanon, which is mired in multiple crises including a devastating economic and financial meltdown and political deadlock that has left the country without a functional government for a full year.



Kellman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed reporting.
The loud and clear calls from fellow Democrats for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign are absolutely correct, and the Democratic governor to Pennsylvanias north should step down immediately.

The investigative report into Cuomos conduct that was released this week shows a pattern of disgusting and unacceptable behavior.

The nearly five-month, non-criminal investigation, overseen by New Yorks attorney general and led by two outside lawyers, concluded that 11 women from within and outside state government were telling the truth when they said Cuomo had touched them inappropriately, commented on their appearance or made suggestive comments about their sex lives, The Associated Press reported.

The probe, which included interviews with 179 individuals, found varying degrees of corroboration on the womens allegations, including from witnesses and text messages.

These interviews and pieces of evidence revealed a deeply disturbing yet clear picture: Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws, New York Attorney General Letitia James said at a press conference Tuesday.

Washington Post opinion columnist Karen Tumulty termed the report a 165-page catalog of horrors.

Democratic President Joe Biden said of Cuomo: I think he should resign. He was joined in that view by numerous other Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and New York U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

In a jointly issued statement, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and three other Democratic state governors from the Northeast said: We are appalled at the findings of the independent investigation by the New York Attorney General. Governor Cuomo should resign from office.

Cuomo is now on the clock before facing almost certain and justified impeachment by New York state lawmakers this month. He has resisted thus far, resorting to weak and frankly disturbing justifications for his behavior toward women.

He should cease with the excuse-making and save New York lawmakers the trouble of impeaching him by stepping down immediately.

And, in the meantime, we should support the women who have courageously spoken up about these awful actions by one of the most powerful figures in American politics outside of Washington, D.C.

That these women were able to summon the strength to tell their stories ... suggests that the idealism that drew them toward public service has not been crushed entirely, The Washington Posts Tumulty wrote. Because of their determination to make a difference, things may actually be better for those who follow in their footsteps.

We truly hope thats the case.
Afghanistans Neighboring Countries Play Role in Integrating Development

Aug. 5, 2021 (EIRNS)During a Schiller Institute conference July 31, Prof. Pino Arlacchi, the former head of the United Nations Office of Drug Control who negotiated near-elimination of Afghan opium production with the Taliban 20 years ago, observed that immediately neighboring countries should play a primary role in planning Central and South Asian regional development to include Afghanistan, and in stopping drug traffic from that country. One country clearly taking the point for this kind of development is Uzbekistan, under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

A July 31 article in East Asia Forum by Nasriddinov Salokhiddin, an economics student and research assistant at the Institute for International Strategy of Tokyo International University, calls the Feb. 2, 2021 conference with Pakistan and Afghanistan organized by Uzbekistan, the event of the century for Central Asia, because it will connect landlocked Central Asian countries to the Indian Ocean through Afghanistan and Pakistan. The conference attendees decided on a 600-km Mazar e-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railroad and requested $4.8 billion in World Bank funding for it. Apparently the railroad corridor project was planned from the first to include new electricity transmission lines through it.

Citing the criticism that surmounting the Hindu Kush Mountains will make the project very expensive, Nasriddinov wrote:

Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan filed an appeal for investment to international financial institutions, which received support from the United States, China and Russia. Representatives of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank also expressed their willingness to assist the project through technical consulting and financing. Such wide support for the project means that the source of investment is no longer a concern.

He did not give dates or details regarding these other IFIs support. He did say that the route transits Afghanistan through regions and cities which are under relatively secure government control now.

Nasriddinov wrote that freight traffic in Afghanistan was about 4 million tons for 2020 and had risen by 25%. Estimates suggest that if implemented, the trans-Afghan railroad will increase annual volume of rail freight by 20 million tons. Some economists in Uzbekistan have advocated a railroad corridor to Chabahar in Iran instead, as allegedly more secure. But, To achieve its economic objectives, access to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar is Uzbekistans highest priority.
To read the report The Santa Barbara County Agriculture Commissioners Office 2020 Crop Report is available at www.agcommissioner.com. With a few exceptions, crop reports dating back to 1916 are also available on the website by clicking on Crop Reports under the Popular Pages heading.

For the first time since 1995, wine grapes fell out of the top four crops in Santa Barbara County, giving way to cauliflower, broccoli and nursery products in its slide from No. 2 to No. 5, while strawberries remained at the top, according to the 2020 Crop Report released recently.

County Agricultural Commissioner Cathy Fisher said the gross production value of agriculture in 2020 was $1.8 billion, an increase of more than $219 million, or 12%, over the total crop value in 2019.

The 2020 total value eclipsed the previous record of nearly $1.61 billion set in 2017 and is especially impressive considering the increase came amid a global pandemic.

I think, just in general, it was a very challenging year in a lot of ways, said Claire Wineman, president of the Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The impacts of COVID really depended on what you were growing and where you were selling it.

Prices were a little bit stronger last year, she added. We did see a lot of increased costs the last couple of years.

She also noted that figures in the crop report represent the gross value and not the take home value after all those costs are deducted.

Total acreage, yield per acre and gross dollar values for almost all the countys agricultural commodities are outlined in the report using charts and graphs as well as explanatory text.

The report also looks at commercial fishing, exports by countries and crops, organic farming, hemp research, farmers markets, pest interdiction, pesticide control, sustainable agriculture and more.

This report is our yearly opportunity to recognize the growers, shippers, ranchers and other businesses ancillary to and supportive of agriculture, which is the largest driver of Santa Barbara Countys economy, Fisher said.

Strawberries continued their reign as king in the county, contributing more than $727.4 million to the total agricultural value, according to the report.

The value of the strawberry crop increased about $156 million from its 2019 total through a combination of an increased number of acres being harvested and an improved yield per acre.

Cauliflower climbed into the No. 2 seat for the first time by notching a value of just under $109.3 million, or a little more than $18 million more than its 2019 fourth-place value, buoyed by increases in acreage, yield per acre and market price.

Were attributing that to branding of the commodity to gluten-free products, like pizza dough, said Rudy Martel, assistant agriculture commissioner, who noted cauliflower is a prime ingredient in those products, for which there is an increasing demand.

Thats been the trend for the last couple of years, Martel said.

Wineman agreed: Weve seen an increase in [cauliflower] over the last several years. Its part of the nutritious and delicious foods and the rise in popularity of cauliflower rice. Have you tried that? Its really pretty good.

Wine grapes fell to No. 5 in the top crop list by virtue of a decrease in value from almost $106.1 million in 2019 to just over $93.8 million as a result of a 500-acre reduction in acres harvested and a lower yield per acre.

Martel attributed part of the drop to heat waves that hit prior to the 2020 harvest.

They had to harvest early, and that affects the yield, he said. They also had to replace a lot of the vines. They have to do that about every 20 years.

He added, Were looking for a rebound in wine grapes next year. Well see how that plays out.

With the exception of four years, wine grapes have been No. 2 or No. 3 on the list since 1996. The crop was No. 4 in 1997, 2003 and 2008 and claimed the No. 1 spot once  in 2001. In 1995, it ranked seventh.

Cauliflower was followed at No. 3 by broccoli, which stepped up from its 2019 sixth-place slot with a value of more than $104.6 million, an increase of nearly $24.3 million.

Broccoli captured the No. 3 spot from nursery products, which dropped to No. 4 at almost $98.6 million, still an increase of more than $942,000 from the 2019 value.

The countys newest major crop  cannabis  was not included in the total production value, but if it had been, it would easily have claimed the No. 2 position with a total value of nearly $194.6 million.

Right now, its not included as agriculture by the [U.S. Department of Agriculture], Martel said. Its still federally illegal.

Once the federal government changes the status of cannabis, followed by a state change, it could be included in the total crop value, he said.

While the strawberry crop achieved its dominance from 10,503 acres harvested, with cauliflowers total coming from 11,302 acres and broccolis value from 16,365 acres, cannabis reached its total value from just 400.04 acres cultivated under state permits, as reported by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
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Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net
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Cheshire pleads no contest, receives 4-year prison sentence in plea deal

Bobby Cheshire pleaded no contest to the third-degree felony charge levied against him for continuous family violence in return for the dismissal of all other charges he was facing as a part of a plea deal.

Senior District Judge John Delaney sentenced him to four years in prison after accepting the plea deal.

There are a lot of factors that go into a plea offer, and for the sake of Ms. Cheshire and the other victims, its always good if we can keep the kids from testifying, especially against their own father, prosecuting attorney Rob Freyer said.

He said Cheshires children were brave for their willingness to stand up to a very bad individual.

Cheshire served as an Angelina County Commissioner for six years but was removed from office earlier in July. He has spent the last 108 days in the Angelina County Jail while several additional charges were filed against him. This amount of time, and the time served with his initial arrest, will go toward that sentence.

Delaney clarified that Cheshire understood this would serve as grounds for removal from office. Cheshire said he understood that was a part of the consequences for his decision not to contest the action, but also said he believed hed been removed earlier.

He also told the judge that to continue to serve in office would be a disservice to the continuity of county government in Angelina County.

Cheshire was facing several other charges, including assault causing bodily injury/family violence, interfering with an emergency call, criminal trespass, official oppression and the misappropriation of financial property.

He was a rotten human being who hurt a lot of people and he abused the trust of the citizens of Angelina County, Freyer said. That was his personal kingdom, the way he conducted business, the way he talked to people, and were just glad for the familys sake they get to go on with their lives.

For the charge under contest Thursday, Delaney said Cheshire was facing between two and 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Cheshire said he understood.

I think youre all very smart and wise to enter into the agreement made here today, Delaney said. I just want to congratulate you all on being smart and wise to have done that.

He also pointed out Cheshire and his attorney, John Peralta, for their intelligence in accepting the offer.

Cheshire told Delaney hes a student of history and the arts and said only a fool fights battles on the grounds of his enemies.

Delaney was tasked with judging all of Cheshires cases over the last year or so, including the case lodged against him by Dawn Glover and the petition for Cheshires removal filed by Lufkin attorney Bob Flournoy.

Freyer said he was shocked Cheshire accepted the plea; he didnt expect it after the behavior he said Cheshire exhibited in court proceedings.

Everybody was terrified of him, they were scared of him, Freyer said. Everybody agreed that he was capable of committing serious acts of violence. His No. 1 weapon was intimidation.

Freyer submitted some of his findings in the research period to other law enforcement agencies. He said women in Polk County came forward with allegations of sexual abuse from when Cheshire was an officer there. Some of Freyers evidence against Cheshire dates back 30 years.

Those matters were not a part of the plea agreement, Freyer said.

He commended the Angelina County Sheriffs Office, especially Sheriff Greg Sanches, and the Lufkin Police Department for their part in dealing with Cheshire.

They dealt with this defendant on so many occasions, they got to witness the kind of person Bobby Cheshire really is, Freyer said.

He encouraged Angelina County residents to think about who they elect to office, saying elections have consequences.

The people of Angelina County deserved better than an individual who used his public position as a trough to drink from on a daily basis.
Two other educational sectors benefited from the declines: virtual charter schools, which saw enrollment rise 84%, and homeschooling, which increased enrollment by 47%.

The question now for schools is how to project the changes going forward. As WPF notes in its report, the states two largest school districts took strikingly different routes toward predicting that future in creating their 2021-22 budgets.

Milwaukee Public Schools forecasted it would regain most of the students lost the year before, while the Madison Metropolitan School District took a more conservative approach, budgeting as if it would not see the students in grades 1-12 who left the district return.

Because state aid and district revenue caps rely on enrollment numbers, it will be a key piece to watch in coming years for the future of education funding in the state.
We're still tightening up more legal details ... but other than that, we're ready to get rockin and rollin, Fields said, noting that his team is trying to move as quickly as possible to get the money to potential beneficiaries.

The program does not define what it means for a property to be vacant, Rikkers said, except that renewing a lease for an existing location will not qualify. The agencys partners, including local chambers of commerce, will recruit applicants, and Rikkers said WEDC would rely on those partners to determine what counts as vacant in their communities.

The grant program is exactly what Madison needs right now, said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway at the press conference, which was held outside 440 and 444 State St. Those two vacant storefronts will soon house a city-funded pop-up shop initiative designed to help business owners from historically underrepresented groups find a place in one of the citys most popular commercial corridors. Beginning in September, vendors selected through a city-run process will sell their wares there, paying only nominal rent.
This year, the Post authors will be on stage in Shannon Hall in the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which has been home to our biggest sessions since the fests second year.

We plan this years festival as a hybrid  combining in-person sessions that (at least in the case of Shannon Hall sessions) will also be offered as livestreams to ticket holders on Sept. 17 and 18. Virtual-only sessions will be available starting on Monday, Sept. 13. A ticket will be required to attend live or to livestream, though all sessions will later be free on captimesideafest.com or our YouTube channel.

The stop-and-start recovery from the pandemic played a part in that scheduling decision, but we also became aware that presenting four or five simultaneous live and in-person sessions meant that some excellent discussions were lightly attended. So this year we will present two at a time on Saturday, one on the Shannon stage and another elsewhere in the union.
Grannys doesnt have a delivery service of its own yet, but if a barbershop calls and puts in four or five orders, Austin said hes happy to deliver the food.

Austin said hed eventually like to get better signage for Grannys and a second location. In the meantime, he plans to get a tent and provide outdoor seating for the restaurant across the street.

Percell Swiney, 27, who goes by Pat, is the son of Bridges and Sellers, and has worked the register at Grannys since it opened. We started during the heart of COVID, so we didnt know what to expect, but right away, things were pretty busy and theyve remained fairly steady.

Swiney said the work can be hard. This is my family. You just kind of work with the ups and downs, the day in and day out, the grind of it all. But this has been really exciting, and for the most part, it has gone really well. Im really glad that I could be a part of this experience.

Austin said hes been getting a lot of good feedback from customers. Wow, youre cooking something my grandmother used to make, they say, and it makes them have good memories about somebody that they love and care about.
The Dane County Medical Examiner on Friday confirmed that public broadcasting leader Gene Purcell was the motorcyclist killed in a crash late last month that caused power outages along the Beltline.

The crash occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on July 27, Madison police said.

Initial police reports said Purcell pulled out in front of a car, causing the collision. Police later amended that report to say Purcell was hit by the car while riding on the West Beltline Frontage Road. According to police, the car kept driving and crashed into a large utility pole, causing power outages from Todd Drive to Seminole Highway.

Purcell, 61, was found unconscious and was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, according to the Dane County Medical Examiner.

Purcell was executive director of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board for over a decade and in 2018 he became the director of Wisconsin Public Media, the agency that helps oversee Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin.
Prosecutors have filed homicide charges against the brother of a man convicted Thursday in the 2019 murder of another Madison teen.

Paris Parker, 18, was charged Friday in Dane County Circuit Court with first-degree reckless homicide for his role in the fatal shooting of Malik Moss.

According to a criminal complaint, Parker gave a firearm to his uncle, Larence G. Thomas, who was sentenced in December to 25 years in prison for killing Moss.

The complaint states that Parker later hid firearms and lied to detectives.

The conflict started with a fist fight between Moss, 19, and Parker, who was 16 at the time.

Several members of Taylor's family surrounded Moss on Sept. 28 in the parking lot outside the Ridgecrest Apartments on Northpoint Drive. Taylor had a shotgun and Thomas had a handgun.

Medical Examiner Vincent Tranchida recovered five bullets from Moss's body, all five of which came from Thomas' weapon.
Other items subpoenaed include forensic images taken from election management servers, routers, computers and removable media like flash drives or external hard drives and the names and addresses of voters, as well as the dates and times they voted.

Brandtjen could not be reached via phone on Friday.

Federal input

The U.S. Department of Justice on July 28 issued a guidance document warning against election audits that require election officials to turn over materials including ballots or voting machines to third parties or state lawmakers.

In the document, DOJ interprets the Civil Rights Act of 1960  which governs certain federal election records and requires state and local election officials to preserve voting records for at least 22 months after an election  to mean that such records be retained either physically by election officials themselves, or under their direct administrative supervision.

Election audits are exceedingly rare, the document states. But the Department is concerned that some jurisdictions conducting them may be using, or proposing to use, procedures that risk violating the Civil Rights Act.
The bill was drafted by conservatives to prevent communities from reducing the size of police departments, a proposal considered by some to direct more funding to other social services that may not require a law enforcement intervention.

Republican supporters say the bill would keep cities from indiscriminately cutting police and would keep communities safe, while Democratic lawmakers have blasted the proposal as an attempt by the state to interfere with local decision-making.

Theres no other way to spin this, bill co-author Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, said in a statement. At a time when crime is running rampant in our state, Governor Evers wants to defund the police. Otherwise, he would have signed the bill.

The use-of-force bill signed Friday creates a statewide policy allowing officers to use force based on a situations circumstances, whether a suspect is threatening officers or others and whether the suspect is resisting or fleeing. Police would be able to use deadly force only as a last resort. The measure goes into effect on Jan. 1.
As Americans wrestle over how to defeat the delta variant of COVID-19, Chinas government is still refusing to provide the data necessary to determine the origins of the pandemic.

Instead, Beijing  in tandem with Russian state media outlets  is promoting the conspiracy theory that the coronavirus originated in the United States.

Call it the Big COVID Lie.

And it is downright dangerous, both for the world and for China, too.

It would be difficult if not impossible to prepare for the next pandemic if we dont get to the bottom of this one, says Anthony Ruggiero, a former U.S. National Security Council official for biodefense and counterproliferation. That holds true whether the coronavirus originated naturally, jumping from an animal to a human, or leaked accidentally from a lab.

So China, bolstered by an opportunistic Russia, is playing a risky political game.

The March report by the World Health Organization into COVID-19 origins was widely considered inadequate, largely because Beijing waited so long to let the WHO in and refused to provide critical information.
Earlier that morning, Holtz was overheard saying that she had not planned to go on the hike, but reconsidered after she learned that three of her charges were going.

After a mornings hike up the mountain, they reached the dark Wind Caves. They planned to tour the caves, eat lunch and then go to the Ice Caves. Lambert had a flashlight with her so Severson and Holtz, who did not, stayed close by.

When they came out of the cave, it was raining.

Engstrom, always outgoing and the life of any party, exited the cave first with her buddy Malone and they ran off down the mountain to stake out a tree where the group of friends could have lunch.

The last thing Lambert remembers before being carried off the mountain on a stretcher, was coming out of the cave with Severson and Holtz.

Later, people told her she joined the girls under the tree and when Miller came out of the caves after making sure all the hikers were out, he told the girls to get out from under the tree and into the clearing.

Five died from lightning 70 years ago near Darby, Idaho. Heres how to stay safe. BOISE  When Sharon May was 14 years old, she convinced her friend Betty Kearney to come with her to the Darby Girls Camp at the border of Id

Lambert believes she must have stood up at the command  which may have saved her life  as the bolt of lightening struck the tree.
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Five died from lightning 70 years ago near Darby, Idaho. Heres how to stay safe.

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS FILE A lightning storm is seen to the north behind Wills Toyota Thursday, August 13, 2015, in downtown Twin Falls.

BOISE  When Sharon May was 14 years old, she convinced her friend Betty Kearney to come with her to the Darby Girls Camp at the border of Idaho and Wyoming.

After lightning struck, only one of them made it home.

Kearney and four others were killed that day 70 years ago near Darby, in far-eastern Idaho.

Lightning deaths have dropped significantly since then. In 1951, the year May went to camp, 248 people died from lightning strikes in the U.S. In 2020, just 17 died, according to the National Weather Service.

People just didnt understand lightning the way we do now, said John Jensenius, a safety specialist for the National Lightning Safety Council.

People often think of lightning danger as it pertains to wildfires. Since July 28, lightning ignited at least 10 wildfires across the Boise National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The National Weather Service in Boise issued a red flag warning for critical fire conditions starting Thursday afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms and gusty wind in the forecast. Ada County could expect about 200 lightning strikes through Friday, according to the Weather Service.

But Jensenius said he wants the public to know how to stay safe in thunderstorms.

70 years ago, lightning killed five in girls church camp near Darby

As a teenager, May was something of an introvert, she told the Idaho Statesman. Still, she was going to a girls camp run by her church and invited Kearney, another wallflower, to come along.

On Aug. 1, 1951, May set out from the camp with Kearney and more than 30 other girls. She recalled that blisters already covered her feet from her brand-new saddle oxfords by the time they arrived at a wind cave.

At the back was a tunnel, she said, only about 3 feet wide. As they crawled through, flashlights in hand, May helped Ora Lee Holst, one of the leaders, who had lost her flashlight.

Since it was drizzling when May emerged with Holst and Kearney, they sat under a huge pine tree, along with a few others, to eat their sandwiches. It was the tallest tree on that mountainside, we came to understand (later), May said.

Their leader, Fred Miller, was the last to emerge from the cave. He told them, Girls, I have to get you off this mountain.  It attracts lightning, according to May.

70 years ago, five Idahoans were killed in a lightning strike; a Burley woman survived In 2015, a Burley woman who survived a deadly lightning strike returned to the site to honor her friends. I was the only one under that tree that survived, Lambert said. And everyone else on the hike was knocked flat.

In response, one of the young leaders stood up and dramatically put her hand on the trunk of the tree, and she said, Look how long this trees been standing here. Its never been hit by lightning, and it probably wont for another few hundred years.

Then she sat down, May said, and the next thing I remember is that I was lying face down in pine needles.

Later, May learned that Miller had performed artificial respiration on her and the other hikers. Kearney and Holst, who were sitting next to May, were both dead. So were three other girls.

Mays arm and legs were burned. On her hip, next to the pocket carrying her flashlight, she still has a football-shaped scar. It didnt hurt, and it never hurt, because it cauterized all the nerves  it burned clear down to the bone, she said.

Thunderstorm cloud like a big battery, safety specialist says

A typical home electrical socket has a current of 15 or 20 amps. Lightning is around 15,000 to 20,000 amps, Jensenius said  enough to stop someones heart.

A thunderstorm cloud, Jensenius said, is like a big battery in the atmosphere. The top of the cloud develops a positive charge and the middle a negative charge. Hair stands up in a storm because, like the ground, it develops a charge opposite that of the cloud above it.

Since some thunderstorm clouds look like anvils, where the top of the cloud covers a larger area than the bottom, the ground underneath might become charged even in an area where its not raining.

When lightning strikes, it often passes along the ground, neutralizing the built-up charge. Because a person might be a better conductor than the earth, electricity sometimes passes through humans to continue on its way. So someone can be injured from the electricity passing through the ground, even if theyre not directly struck.

Thats one of the reasons its dangerous to be close to a tall tree, even without touching it. If lightning strikes the tree, those on the ground nearby are still in danger. Its also why livestock often die from lightning  since their legs are spaced far apart on the ground, they provide a preferable path for the electricity, according to the National Weather Service.

Run to safe location as fast as you can during lightning

The safest locations are inside an enclosed building or a vehicle with a hard top. Far from an enclosed space, people should run downhill and away from isolated trees or structures. If in water, they should immediately move to shore.

If you have absolutely no other way to avoid lightning and cant move somewhere safe, Jensenius said, you should stand with your feet touching to reduce the likelihood that a lot of electricity would pass through you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends crouching in a ball to reduce height, minimizing contact with the ground, tucking your head, and covering your ears with your hands.

Groups should also spread out, so that someone will be able to get help if others are struck, Jensenius added.

If caught outside at all, Jensensius said the best thing to do is run as fast as you can to get to a safer place, such as a completely enclosed building or car. He doesnt recommend moving under an overhanging cliff or into a soft-topped or open car.

Even relatively safer enclosed spaces can still be dangerous, though. Around one-third of the people injured by lightning are indoors at the time, according to the CDC.

If lightning strikes a building, the electricity will flow through its walls, electrical lines and plumbing. Thats why people should avoid using water, corded phones or electronics connected to the wall with a plug. No one should lean or lie against concrete walls or floors, since they contain metal bars that could conduct electricity.

Residents near fire east of Hailey asked to evacuate Residents who live east of Hailey were asked to voluntarily evacuate Thursday night because of a wildfire in Hangman's Gulch.

Hearing thunder? Lightning strikes are too close

The tallest object isnt always the one lightning hits. Lightning starts moving through the air toward an area that has an opposite charge. However, it can respond to charge differences only about 55 yards around it at a time. Instead of heading in a straight line all the way down, it zigzags and sends out little tendrils as it strikes.

As the electricity passes through the air, theres so much energy that the air can become hotter than the sun, according to the Weather Service. This rapid heating causes thunder.

Since the lightning can travel many miles incredibly fast, and its light travels faster than thunder, there will be a rolling noise when a lightning tendril comes from far away. If the path passes nearby, the thunder will sound just like a single boom.

Because of this difference in traveling speeds between the light and sound, which is about 5 seconds per mile, the seconds that pass between the lightning flash and the thunder, divided by five, indicates how many miles away the lightning struck.

People can hear thunder only about 10 miles away, though, Jensenius said  the same distance lightning can strike from a storm. Thats why the CDC uses the catchphrase, When thunder roars, go indoors, and recommends that people wait 30 minutes after they last hear thunder to go outside.

When there were lightning storms, May said she would always have her children come inside until it was over.

Im not afraid of (lightning). I just have a healthy respect for it, May said. And if theres going to be lightning, then I know what to do.
HAILEY  Residents who live east of Hailey were asked to voluntarily evacuate Thursday night because of a wildfire in Hangmans Gulch.

At 11 p.m., the Blaine County Sheriffs Office issued a Level 2 evacuation alert because of the Red Devil Fire for Old Cutters subdivision and all residents of Quigley Road.

Residents of Deerfield and Lower Cutters were placed on Level 1 alert, meaning they should prepare to evacuate.

Just before 1:30 a.m., Bureau of Land Management crews arrived, Wood River Fire and Rescue said.

Supplemented by local resources, an 11-person team worked throughout the night to open up and begin a line around the 5-acre fire, the department said in a Facebook post.

Crews rotated through in the next few hours and air resources were there to assist with additional containment Friday morning.

By 10 a.m. Friday, the sheriffs office moved the area that was at Level 2 to Level 1 and the area previously in Level 1 was removed from the warning.

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The department asked people to continue to avoid the area while they work.
There are several reasons why candidates like McGeachin, Giddings and the top 15 or so on the Idaho Freedom Foundations freedom Index prevail in primaries. The closed Republican primary often produces the candidate who is able to move farthest to the right on the political spectrum. Generally, the primary does not produce a large turnout, which favors the committed radicals.

Also, the party machinery has been taken over by political zealots, making it difficult for worthy candidates to step forward. A prime example is the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, which recently approved a resolution supporting the wacko John Birch Society. That would never have happened years ago. The Birchers were famous back in the 60s for claiming water fluoridation was a Communist plot. They continue to be wild conspiracy theorists.

Unless the Republicans who are concerned about the direction of their party take action to cleanse their ranks, the legislative dysfunction will continue or even worsen. This next primary election could be a wonderful opportunity to cull the herd. Although I became a committed independent in August of 2002, when it became clear that Cheney and Rumsfeld were going to take the country to a disastrous war in Iraq, I still vote in the Republican primary and will be there to help the reasonable Republicans take back their party.

Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran, who served 8 years as Idaho Attorney General (1983-1991) and 12 years as Idaho Supreme Court Justice (2005-2017). His columns can be found at JJCommonTater.com.

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No ones going to get everything they want," she said this week. "But we Democrats are all rowing in the same direction.

From the opposite end of the party's spectrum, the centrist Manchin said that out of respect for my colleagues he will vote for the budget. Also flashing a green light  for now  is Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, a moderate who helped write the bipartisan infrastructure compromise.

While I support beginning this process, I do not support a bill that costs $3.5 trillion, she said. Her statement suggested she'd back the budget and was leaving herself flexibility to fight later about spending amounts.

This starts the process, said Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, a moderate who helped craft the bipartisan infrastructure bill and is an influential voice on Sanders' Budget Committee. While he said he had no guarantees about how moderates would vote on the budget, Warner said hopes that the U.S. might curb the pandemic make it time for a fresh debate about what the social contract ought to look like in this country."

Even so, signs of a fall clash between moderate and progressive Democrats' priorities are unmistakable.
Northam pushes vaccination efforts in Virginia as COVID cases move in an upward trajectory

Students and employees at Patrick & Henry Community College and all of Virginias community colleges will be required to wear masks while indoors, said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

The VCCS will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DuBois said in a letter to college presidents on Wednesday. That includes layered prevention strategies at colleges and for vaccinated people to wear masks in settings with substantial levels of transmission.

All of the states 23 community colleges serve localities that have shown substantial or high transmission rates in recent days, the chancellor said. There have been more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases at Virginias 4-year universities since the pandemic began, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch survey of college figures.

In a statement released Friday morning, P&HCC President Greg Hodges said: At P&HCC, the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority. If you are sick, someone you love is sick, or you are worried about becoming sick, youre probably not focused on class. As such, doing everything we can to keep our PHamily safe goes hand-in-hand with our core mission.

P&HCC will offer a vaccine clinic on campus at noon-2 p.m. on Sept. 7.
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Smith said she will still be hosting flash and clearance sales online. But now customers can drop in anytime her boutique is open and see them in person before anyone else online does.

I am looking forward to being able to serve you with more inventory, selected items and large group orders for any special event you might need clothing, she said on her Facebook page.

The Fruit of Her Hands Boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, the store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

We seek out options of good quality, she said to The McDowell News. All of it is hand-picked so if I see something I like we offer it.

In addition, Smith is a graduate of the Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) program.
Colorized scanning electron micrograph of a cell (blue) heavily infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (red), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID

The levels of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection, according to a follow-up study in a cohort of healthcare workers coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), in collaboration with the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. The results, published in Nature Communications, also support the idea that pre-existing antibodies against common cold coronaviruses could protect against COVID-19.

In order to predict the pandemic's evolution and develop effective strategies, it is critical to better understand the dynamics and duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 as well as the possible role of pre-existing antibodies against the coronaviruses that cause common colds. With this goal in mind, the team led by ISGlobal researcher Carlota Dobano followed a cohort of healthcare workers at the Hospital Clinic (SEROCOV study) from the beginning of the pandemic, in order to evaluate the levels of antibodies against different SARS-CoV-2 antigens over time. "This is the first study that evaluates antibodies to such a large panel of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over 7 months," says Dobano.

The research team analyzed blood samples from 578 participants, taken at four different timepoints between March and October 2020. They used the Luminex technology to measure, in the same sample, the level and type of IgA, IgM or IgG antibodies to six SARS-CoV-2 antigens as well as the presence of antibodies against the four coronaviruses that cause common colds in humans. They also analyzed the neutralizing activity of antibodies in collaboration with researchers at the University of Barcelona. The study had funding from the European innovation network EIT Health.

The results show that the majority of infections among healthcare workers occurred during the first pandemic wave (the percentage of participants with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies increased only slightly between March and Octoberfrom 13.5% to 16.4%). With the exception of IgM and IgG antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N), the rest of IgG antibodies (including those with neutralizing activity) remained stable over time, confirming results from other recent studies.

"Rather surprisingly, we even saw an increase of IgG anti-Spike antibodies in 75% of the participants from month five onwards, without any evidence of re-exposure to the virus," says Gemma Moncunill, senior co-author of the study. No reinfections were observed in the cohort.

Regarding antibodies against human cold coronaviruses (HCoV), the results suggest that they could confer cross-protection against COVID-19 infection or disease. People who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 had lower levels of HCoV antibodies. Moreover, asymptomatic individuals had higher levels of anti-HCoV IgG and IgA than those with symptomatic infections. "Although cross-protection by pre-existing immunity to common cold coronaviruses remains to be confirmed, this could help explain the big differences in susceptibility to the disease within the population," says Dobano.

More information: Ortega N, Ribes M, Vidal M, et al. Seven-month kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and protective role of pre-existing antibodies to seasonal human coronaviruses on COVID-19. Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24979-9 Journal information: Nature Communications Ortega N, Ribes M, Vidal M, et al. Seven-month kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and protective role of pre-existing antibodies to seasonal human coronaviruses on COVID-19.
Credit: Shutterstock

As we write this article, the Delta strain of COVID-19 is reminding the world the pandemic is far from over, with millions of Australians in lockdown and infection rates outpacing a global vaccination effort.

In the northern hemisphere, record breaking temperatures in the form of heat domes recently caused uncontrollable "firebombs," while unprecedented floods disrupted millions of people. Hundreds of lives have been lost due to heat stress, drownings and fire.

The twin catastrophic threats of climate change and a pandemic have created an "epoch of incredulity". It's not surprising many Australians are struggling to cope.

During the pandemic's first wave in 2020, we collected nationwide data from 5,483 adults across Australia on how climate change affects their mental health. In our new paper, we found that while Australians are concerned about COVID-19, they were almost three times more concerned about climate change.

That Australians are very worried about climate change is not a new finding. But our study goes further, warning of an impending epidemic of mental health related disorders such as eco-anxiety, climate disaster-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and future-orientated despair.

Which Australians are most worried?

We asked Australians to compare their concerns about climate change, COVID, retirement, health, aging and employment, using a four-point scale (responses ranging from "not a problem" to "very much a problem").

A high level of concern about climate change was reported across the whole population regardless of gender, age, or residential location (city or rural, disadvantaged or affluent areas). Women, young adults, the well-off, and those in their middle years (aged 35 to 54) showed the highest levels of concern about climate change.

The latter group (aged 35 to 54) may be particularly worried because they are, or plan to become, parents and may be concerned about the future for their children.

The high level of concern among young Australians (aged 18 to 34) is not surprising, as they're inheriting the greatest existential crisis faced by any generation. This age group have shown their concern through numerous campaigns such as the School Strike 4 Climate, and several successful litigations.

Of the people we surveyed in more affluent groups, 78% reported a high level of worry. But climate change was still very much a problem for those outside this group (42%) when compared to COVID-related worry (27%).

We also found many of those who directly experienced a climate-related disasterbushfires, floods, extreme heat wavesreported symptoms consistent with PTSD. This includes recurrent memories of the trauma event, feeling on guard, easily startled and nightmares.

Others reported significant pre-trauma and eco-anxiety symptoms. These include recurrent nightmares about future trauma, poor concentration, insomnia, tearfulness, despair and relationship and work difficulties.

Overall, we found the inevitability of climate threats limit Australians' ability to feel optimistic about their future, more so than their anxieties about COVID.

How are people managing their climate worry?

Our research also provides insights into what people are doing to manage their mental health in the face of the impending threat of climate change.

Rather than seeking professional mental health support such as counselors or psychologists, many Australians said they were self-prescribing their own remedies, such as being in natural environments (67%) and taking positive climate action (83%), where possible.

Many said they strengthen their resilience through individual action (such as limiting their plastic use), joining community action (such as volunteering), or joining advocacy efforts to influence policy and raise awareness.

Indeed, our research from earlier this year showed environmental volunteering has mental health benefits, such as improving connection to place and learning more about the environment.

It's both ironic and understandable Australians want to be in natural environments to lessen their climate-related anxiety. Events such as the mega fires of 2019 and 2020 may be renewing Australians' understanding and appreciation of nature's value in enhancing the quality of their lives. There is now ample research showing green spaces improve psychological well-being.

An impending epidemic

Our research illuminates the profound, growing mental health burden on Australians.

As the global temperature rises and climate-related disasters escalate in frequency and severity, this mental health burden will likely worsen. More people will suffer symptoms of PTSD, eco-anxiety, and more.

Of great concern is that people are not seeking professional mental health care to cope with climate change concern. Rather, they are finding their own solutions. The lack of effective climate change policy and action from the Australian government is also likely adding to the collective despair.

As Harriet Ingle and Michael Mikulewicza neuropsychologist and a human geographer from the UKwrote in their 2020 paper: "For many, the ominous reality of climate change results in feelings of powerlessness to improve the situation, leaving them with an unresolved sense of loss, helplessness, and frustration."

It is imperative public health responses addressing climate change at the individual, community, and policy levels, are put into place. Governments need to respond to the health sector's calls for effective climate related responses, to prevent a looming mental health crisis.

Explore further Climate change concern unaffected by pandemic, study shows

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
In this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, health care workers receive a COVID-19 vaccination at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, in Pacoima, Calif. California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care and long term care workers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Sept. 30. Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month he would require health care workers to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care workers and long term care workers to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30 as the nation's most populous state is losing ground in the battle against new infections of a more dangerous coronavirus variant.

The order, issued Thursday by the California Department of Public Health, is different than what Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month when he announced health care workers would have the choice of either getting vaccinated or submitting to weekly testing.

Now, the order does not give health care workers a choice. It says all must be fully vaccinated by the end of September, with exceptions for people who decline the vaccine because of a religious belief or workers who cannot be inoculated because of a qualifying medical reason backed up by a note signed by a licensed medical professional.

The change comes as California is seeing the fastest increase in new virus cases since the start of the pandemic, averaging 18.3 new cases per 100,000 people a day. Most of the state's new infections are caused by the delta variant, a more contagious version of the coronavirus that the state says "may cause more severe illness."

"Increasing numbers of health care workers are among the new positive cases, despite vaccinations being prioritized for this group when vaccines initially became available," said Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, California's public health officer. "Recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members."

Gabe Montoya, an EMT at Kaiser Downey Medical Center and a member of the executive committee of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, said "vaccines are an essential tool in fighting this virus," adding that "workers must have a voice at the bargaining table whenever new conditions are placed on our work."

"We've put our lives on the line for the last year and a half doing this on a daily basisat great cost to ourselves and to our families," Montoya said.

The order represents a new hard line in public health leaders' quest to convince the hesitant to receive the vaccine. Several states are focusing on health care workers, since they are around vulnerable patients.

But other states with similar requirements have carved out exceptions, like in Oregon, where health care workers can instead get regular COVID-19 testing. In Maryland, the vaccine mandate only applies to certain state employees, such as those who work in health care facilities under the state health department.

In this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, health care workers line up to receive at a COVID-19 vaccination at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima, Calif. California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care and long term care workers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Sept. 30. Gov. Gavin Newsom said last month he would require health care workers to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. But the new order issued Thursday, Aug. 5 by the California Department of Public Health does not give health care workers a choice. Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

In California, vaccine mandates are perilous for Newsom, who is facing a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic. Newsom has angered many parents by continuing to require masks indoors at all public schools, but he has not required all teachers and staff to be vaccinated.

Some California local governments are going beyond the new rule. In Los Angeles County, some 110,000 government workers have until Oct. 1 to be vaccinated under a new order issued by Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis.

She noted that about 4 million of the county's roughly 10 million residents remain unvaccinated. The Los Angeles order doesn't specify penalties for employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

The city of San Jose in California's Silicon Valley is also requiring an estimated 8,000 workers to be vaccinated or provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 tests. It may eventually mandate vaccination, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

Meanwhile, a letter to the approximately 5,000 staffers of Los Angeles County Superior Courtthe nation's largest trial court systemordered them to be fully vaccinated or be fired. The letter says workers must show proof of vaccination no more than 45 days after the federal Food and Drug Administration gives its final approval to one of the vaccines available in the U.S., the Los Angeles Times reported.

Both of those mandates provide exceptions for people on medical or religious reasons.

California's new vaccine mandate is broad and applies to workers in most health care facilities, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, adult day health care centers, dialysis centers, hospice facilities and clinics and doctor's offices.

Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association, called the vaccine mandate "an important step in the long battle we face against COVID-19 and the multiple variants that have emerged."

"We are once again on a dangerous precipice that demands both our fortitude and our goodwill to protect loved ones and neighbors," Coyle said. "California's health care workers are being called upon  as they have through every step of this pandemicto lead the charge in the battle between vaccine and variant."

In a separate order, the state required hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities to verify all visitors have either been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 at least three days before an indoor visit. The state said it would give its updated guidance for long-term care facilities "in the near future."

Explore further California to require vaccine or testing for state workers

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This summer, the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has continued to gain ground in the United States. States and municipalities now face tough choices about how they can control this latest phase in the pandemic. Adding to those hard decisions, the CDC released new public health guidance last week based on data that were not yet public.

Kristen Bjorkman, COVID scientific director for the BioFrontiers Institute at CU Boulder, and Matthew McQueen, professor of integrative physiology, talked to CU Boulder Today to answer several common questions about the delta variant and vaccines. They include whether you can still depend on the shots to how common breakthrough infections are in the United States.

Let's talk about viral loads. Do unvaccinated people infected with the delta variant show higher loads than we see with other variants?

When it comes to COVID-19, a higher viral load seems to lead to a higher risk of transmitting the disease. Reports suggest that unvaccinated people infected with the delta variant have a roughly 1,000-fold higher viral load than with the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 (which now accounts for a minority of cases in the U.S). The delta variant also seems to generate about a five- to 20-fold higher viral load than alpha, a variant first identified in the United Kingdom.

What about vaccinated people? Do they also have higher viral loads?

There are also multiple sources that support this claim. One estimate indicates that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant have a viral load that's five or six times higher than what we see in breakthrough infections from other variants. This makes sense because the mutations that gave rise to delta lead to higher viral loads in general.

Some news stories have gone beyond thatsuggesting that the viral load in breakthrough cases of delta isn't just high. It's equal to the loads seen in cases among unvaccinated people. What does the evidence show?

This claim has caused a lot of concern in recent weeks because it suggests that the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines is eroding. It's primarily based on a CDC report that described an outbreak in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. In that case, researchers tested infected individuals for a parameter called CT, which indicates the presence of viral RNA and is often taken as a proxy for viral load. However, there are several issues that complicate the interpretation of those data, some of which are acknowledged in the report.

What are some of those issues?

Before vaccines, CT was a reasonable proxy for viral load. But it's unclear if that's the case for vaccinated individuals. When an individual mounts a successful immune response, infectious virus is destroyed, but RNA may remain. That explains why you may continue to test positive for COVID-19 months after you recover and are no longer a risk to others.

We don't yet know whether vaccine breakthrough cases are truly shedding high levels of infectious virus. The Barnstable report clearly states that the test results could be "affected by factors other than viral load" and that "microbiological studies are required."

Additionally, in a yet-to-be published report from Singapore, breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals achieved similar CT values to unvaccinated cases, but only for a brief amount of time. Vaccinated people were able to clear the virus much faster than unvaccinated people. Another study out of Imperial College London in the United Kingdom examined nearly 100,000 people from England between June 24 and July 12, 2021 (when delta was the dominant variant). It found that vaccinated individuals had a lower viral load on average compared to unvaccinated individuals.

So is the jury still out?

We can't rule out that vaccinated people can shed high levels of the delta variant, but the current evidence doesn't allow us to make a firm conclusion.

How common are breakthrough cases among vaccinated people?

It's important to consider vaccination rates when asking this question. Look at Boulder County, for example. Close to 100% of individuals over the age of 75 in Boulder County have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. In this extreme scenario, nearly all cases that occur in people over the age of 75 will be breakthrough infections even though their occurrence is uncommon overall.

Have breakthrough cases become a major driver of the pandemic?

There is no available evidence to support this. We know that risk of infection is lower among vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals. We still see that highly vaccinated communities tend to have low rates of transmission compared to under-vaccinated communities.

We need to do more work before we know how much risk relatively uncommon breakthrough infections pose for spreading the virus.

How long do vaccines work?

While booster shots may ultimately be necessary, data show that vaccines continue to offer excellent protection even six months after being vaccinated. There is some new evidence out of Israel that efficacy may wane over time in certain groups, such as immunocompromised people and the elderly.

Given the evolving science, should people wear masks, even if they're vaccinated?

The effectiveness of universal masking depends on a lot of factors, including the level of immunity in a given community, compliance with mask adoption as well as the quality of masks used. What hasn't changed is that the best protection against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

Remember that exposure mattersboth in duration and intensity of exposure. If you are in a poorly ventilated, crowded indoor environment for a long period of time where the vaccination status of people around you is unknown, wearing a mask offers another layer of protection. Of course, avoiding such environments will eliminate that exposure entirely.
I think I've had COVID-19 already, so do I really need two doses of vaccine?

It's a question millions of people around the world are asking, and now a small, new study finds that people who know they were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past may need only one shot of the Pfizer vaccine to gain strong immunity.

In fact, "we observed higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in previously infected individuals after 1 dose of [the Pfizer vaccine], compared with infection-naive individuals after 2 doses," concluded a team led by Dr. James Moy, of the division of allergy and immunology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

What's more, giving previously infected people a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine did little to boost their antibody levels further, "suggesting that 1 dose may be acceptable in this group," the researchers added.

The bottom line: "Individuals with a documented prior COVID-19 infection may be sufficiently protected from reinfection after a single mRNA vaccine dose, which could free up availability of millions of additional doses," Moy's group reported.

The new study was small29 Chicago-area residents with a prior case of COVID-19 infection based on PCR testing, and another group of 30 people with no such histories.

Participants averaged 42 years of age, and about three-quarters were women.

The study highlighted that prior infection alone is not a robust defense against COVID-19: At baseline, the arbitrary units-per-milliliter (AU/mL) in blood samples for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in people who'd previously encountered the virus was about 621. After one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, that level soared to a much more protective level of 30,000 AU/mL, Moy's team reported.

Adding in a second dose of vaccine only nudged that number up slightly higher, to about 37,000 AU/mL.

For folks who had never encountered SARS-CoV-2 before, two vaccine doses were definitely needed to reach a good level of protective antibodies. After one dose, this group's antibodies averaged just over 1,800 AU/mL in blood samples, but after getting a second dose that number jumped to more than 15,000 AU/mL, the research team said.

So, while two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are essential if you've never had COVID-19, one dose may be enough if you've already had it, the team concluded.

One expert in infectious disease said the findings could be important to vaccine rollouts across the United States and globally.

"Some proportion of the vaccine-hesitant are those who have had prior infection who are confused as to why they would be treated exactly as somebody without any prior immunity," explained Dr. Amesh Adalja, who wasn't involved in the new research.

The new data "should be used by [the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] to update recommendations for those who have had prior infection, allowing them to need just one dose [of the two-dose vaccines] to be considered fully vaccinated," said Adalja, who is senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in Baltimore.

"This could increase the number of people vaccinated and remove a talking point of the anti-vaccine groups, who say that prior natural immunity is being ignored," he added.

The findings were published online Aug. 6 in JAMA Network Open.

Explore further One vaccine dose enough for COVID-19 survivors

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health has found that education and employment experiences in early adulthood contribute to cardiovascular health inequalities in later life, independent of occupation and family income in mid-adulthood.

There are important differences in health between different sectors of our society, with those who are less educated and in lower status jobs shown to be less healthy and have shorter life expectancy on average than the more privileged. While early adulthood is an important time for both the development of adult socioeconomic position and for development of behaviors related to cardiovascular health, until now the degree to which early adulthood socioeconomic trajectories contribute directly to health differences observed in later life has not been clear.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Bristol and UCL Social Research Institute analyzed health and socioeconomic data collected over several decades from over 12,000 members of the 1970 British Birth Cohort, to determine the contribution of early adulthood to differences in cardiovascular health in mid-adulthood. The scientists used a data-driven method to divide the population into different socioeconomic trajectory groups based on their participation in education, different job types, unemployment or economic inactivity across early adulthood (ages 16-24). They studied the association of these groups with cardiovascular risk factors at age 46, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, waist circumference. To determine if the association of early adulthood socioeconomic trajectories with cardiovascular health was mediated by socioeconomic status later in life, they examined how correcting for occupation or family income at age 46 affected the link.

Professor Kate Tilling from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, and senior author on the paper, said: "Measuring socioeconomic position in early adulthood has always been difficult as this is a period of transition when most people's occupations change over time. The method we've developed provides a flexible way to identify early adulthood socioeconomic position, and we hope that it will be used in future to answer other research questions related to this period of life."

The researchers found that those who spent a longer time in education, going on to employment in professional or managerial roles during early adulthood, had better cardiovascular health more than 20 years later (at age 46) than other groups. Importantly this association wasn't entirely because of a higher income or higher level job at age 46, suggesting an independent and long-term association of early adulthood influences with health.

The findings indicate that that material factors in mid-adulthood do not contribute to the pathway through which early adulthood socioeconomic trajectory affects mid-life health, and the authors suggest that the development of health behaviors or psychosocial factors such as stress, depression, and job control in early adulthood may play an important role.

Dr. Eleanor Winpenny from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, and first author on the paper, said:

"We found that an individual's education and employment experiences in early adulthood had a far larger impact on measures of cardiovascular health more than twenty years later than their occupation or income at that time did.

These results suggest that we need to provide more support for young adults to allow healthy development into middle age and prevent disease in later life. Given the added disadvantage to young adults as a result the current coronavirus pandemic, there is an urgent need to understand and mitigate the effect these circumstances may be having on their future health."

Explore further Childhood socioeconomic status associated with arterial stiffness in adulthood

More information: Winpenny, E. et al. Early adulthood socioeconomic trajectories contribute to inequalities in adult cardiovascular health, independently of childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2021; 6 Aug 2021; Journal information: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health Winpenny, E. et al. Early adulthood socioeconomic trajectories contribute to inequalities in adult cardiovascular health, independently of childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position.2021; 6 Aug 2021; DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-216611
Credit: Oliver Chien/UCLA International Institute

At its peak, COVID-19 drastically reduced the average human lifespanby as much as nine years in one U.S. stateaccording to a new longevity metric developed at UCLA.

Sociology professor Patrick Heuveline devised the metric, called the mean unfulfilled lifespan, to assess the impact of temporary "shocks" like the novel coronavirus on average length of life. To date, the pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 4.2 million people worldwide.

The tool allows demographers to conduct fine-grained analyses in specific regions over various periods of time, offering a new and more dynamic way of gauging how different areas of the country and the world experience decreases in lifespans over the course of the pandemic, Heuveline said.

Heuveline's analysis, published online in the open-access journal PLOS One, suggests, for example, that as COVID-19 peaked in New Jersey in mid-April 2020, the average lifespan in the state plummeted by almost nine years, the most dramatic example from the U.S.

Demographers typically calculate lifespan using a metric known as period life expectancy at birth, or PLEB, which is the average number of years a person born at a certain time would be expected to live if future death rates remained at present levels. When researchers factor in the impacts of a given cause of deatha steady increase in heart attacks or car accidents, for instancethey see how these factors can reduce PLEB.

However, calculating changes to life expectancy in this way cannot adequately capture the effect of large, temporary shocks like natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic, in which mortality conditions are rapidly shifting, Heuveline said.

To more clearly illustrate the impact of such phenomena, Heuveline's mean unfulfilled lifespan measures the difference between the average age at death of individuals who died within a given time frame and the average age these people would have been expected to reach had there not been a temporary shock.

"As did a few other demographers, I initially tried to convey the mortality impact of COVID-19 by assessing how much life expectancies would decline during the pandemic," he said. "When mortality conditions are continuously changing, however, life expectancies are hard to interpret, and I wanted to provide a more intuitive indicator of that mortality impact."

Heuveline demonstrated the mean unfulfilled lifespan by applying it to COVID-19 mortality data from regions with similarly sized populations, including New Jersey, Mexico City, Lombardy in Italy, and Lima, Peru. He compared decreases in life expectancy by calendar quarter (from March 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021) and using rolling seven-day windows (from March 15 to June 15, 2020). The latter analysis suggested that the mean unfulfilled lifespan peaked at 8.91 years in New Jersey, 6.24 years in in Mexico City, 6.43 years in Lombardy and 2.67 in Lima.

In addition, his study found that during the month of April 2020, the mean unfulfilled lifespan may have reached 12.7 years in the Guayas province of Ecuador.

Heuveline noted that uncertainties in calculating mean unfulfilled lifespan may arise from potential differences between deaths related to temporary shocks like the pandemic and actual or excess deathsdifferences that, when accounted for, may push the peak unfulfilled lifespan figures seen in the study even higher. His analysis demonstrates how these issues can be factored into calculations.

Heuveline said he hopes the new metric will eventually be applied broadly as researchers seek to better understand the impact of epidemics, natural disasters and even violence on life expectancy.

Explore further Tracking how COVID-19 is changing life expectancy

More information: Patrick Heuveline et al, The Mean Unfulfilled Lifespan (MUL): A new indicator of the impact of mortality shocks on the individual lifespan, with application to mortality reversals induced by COVID-19, PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE Patrick Heuveline et al, The Mean Unfulfilled Lifespan (MUL): A new indicator of the impact of mortality shocks on the individual lifespan, with application to mortality reversals induced by COVID-19,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254925
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have studied how proteins accumulate in the wrong parts of brain cells in motor neuron disease, and have demonstrated how it might be possible, in some cases, to reverse this.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as motor neuron disease, is a progressive fatal disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, with patients become increasingly paralyzed and losing the ability to speak, eat and breathe.

A common occurrence, in 97% of ALS cases, is the abnormal accumulation of proteins involved in the regulation of RNA, called RNA binding proteins, from a motor neuron's nucleus into the surrounding cytoplasm.

In a new study, published in Brain Communications today, the researchers used motor neurons grown in the lab from skin cells donated by patients with ALS and showed it is possible to reverse the incorrect localization of three RNA binding proteins. The patients who donated cells all had mutations in an enzyme called VCP. This mutation is only present in a small proportion of ALS cases.

They found that the abnormal location of these proteins can be caused when the VCP enzyme is mutated, which has been shown to increase its activity.

Importantly, when the researchers blocked the activity of this enzyme in diseased cells, the distribution of proteins between the nucleus and the cytoplasm returned to normal levels. The inhibitor they used is similar to a drug which is currently being tested in phase II cancer trials and also blocks the activity of VCP.

"Demonstrating proof-of-concept for how a chemical can reverse one of the key hallmarks of ALS is incredibly exciting," says Jasmine Harley, author and postdoctoral researcher in the Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory at the Crick. "We showed this worked on three key RNA binding proteins, which is important as it suggests it could work on other disease phenotypes too." "More research is needed to investigate this further. We need to see if this might reverse other pathological hallmarks of ALS and also, in other ALS disease models."

Work to try and understand the disease mechanisms of ALS is ongoing, as seen in a second study the same group recently published in Brain. The scientists investigated intron-retaining transcripts, sections of RNA that are usually cut out of the genetic sequence during a process known as splicing, which also move from the cell nucleus to cytoplasm in ALS. By analyzing RNA in diseased motor neurons, they identified over 100 types of intron-retaining transcripts in the cytoplasm.

Giulia Tyzack, author and project research scientist in the Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, says: "We were quite surprised about the number of different intron-retaining transcripts we found in cells with ALS, which exit the nucleus and enter the cytoplasm. We were not expecting to observe this to this degree."

Jacob Neeves, author and scientist in the Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, adds: "To imagine what's going on here we can consider watching a movie at the cinema. Typically, we don't expect to see adverts throughout the film, but, if something goes wrong these ads might start cropping up at odd and unexpected points. These retained introns are a little bit like these abnormal ad breaks."

The scientists suggest that the collection of intron-retaining transcripts in the cytoplasm may be a factor which attracts RNA binding proteins to move into the cytoplasm, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Rickie Patani, senior author, group leader of the Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory at the Crick, Professor at UCL's Queen Square Institute of Neurology and a consultant neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, says: "Together, our two papers show how laboratory science is furthering our understanding of such a complex and devastating disease and provides some reassurance that the development of effective treatments may be possible in the future."

More information: Jasmine Harley et al, TDP-43 and FUS mislocalization in VCP mutant motor neurons is reversed by pharmacological inhibition of the VCP D2 ATPase domain, Brain Communications (2021). Journal information: Brain , Brain Communications Jasmine Harley et al, TDP-43 and FUS mislocalization in VCP mutant motor neurons is reversed by pharmacological inhibition of the VCP D2 ATPase domain,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab166
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Australia's hope of returning to "COVID zero" suffered a fresh blow Friday, as Sydney reported another record number of new infections and authorities warned residents to brace for worse to come.

For a second straight day, New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian said Australia's most populous state hit a new peak with 291 cases detected.

"At least 50 of those were infectious in the community," Berejiklian said, foreshadowing more cases to come, despite a lockdown that is now in its sixth week.

"I'm expecting higher case numbers in the next few days, and I just want everybody to be prepared for that," she said.

Roughly 60 percent of Australia's 25 million residents are currently in lockdown, as the country tries to curb the spread of a virulent Delta variant outbreak.

Melbourne became the latest major city to shutter late Thursday, after Victoria state premier Dan Andrews issued stay-at-home orders for the sixth time in this pandemic.

"To be really frank, we don't have enough people that have been vaccinated and, therefore, this is the only option available to us," he said.

Barely 20 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated, due to an acute lack of supply and pockets of vaccine hesitancy.

With cases rising and lockdowns seemingly able to slow, but not stop the spread, there are growing questions about whether Australia can return to the "COVID zero" status it enjoyed for much of the last 18 months.

"Given where numbers are, given the experience of Delta overseas, we now have to live with Delta one way or another, and that is pretty obvious," said Berejiklian.

She said returning to zero cases would be "a challenge" but "that has to be our aspiration, we have to try to get down as low as we can."

Meanwhile, there are signs that Australians are tiring of on-again-off-again restrictions that have marked pandemic life, although compliance with lockdown rules is still widespread.

"I'm not saying we're doing super well but we're keeping our heads above water," Melbourne market trader Linda told AFP Friday.

"I'm starting to feel like today it's starting to hit me harder than any other lockdown. Hang on, I haven't seen my family for such a long time."

 2021 AFP
(HealthDay)Tougher steps to compel long-term care facilities, universities and other institutions to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations are being considered by the Biden administration.

It's looking at using federal regulatory powers and the threat of withholding federal funds from institutions to increase vaccination rates, according to people familiar with the early-stage discussions, the Washington Post reported.

The objective of the new measures would be to increase vaccinations among the approximately 90 million Americans who are eligible but have refused or haven't been able to get them.

One option being considered is restricting Medicare dollars or other federal funds from nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities that don't require staff to be vaccinated, one of the sources told the Post.

As the Delta variant of the coronavirus spreads more quickly than predicted by some models, the White House is looking for ways to control it.

Experts applauded the idea.

"I think wisely using the federal spending power is absolutely right," Lawrence Gostin, who directs Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, told the Post. He noted that he has discussed the idea of using federal funds as an incentive with Biden administration officials.

Gostin said he has suggested "starting with high-risk settings with an absolute ethical obligation and legal obligation to keep your workers and your clients safe."

Other experts have publicly floated the idea of using more federal incentives to push for vaccinations.

"If you look through history, there are presidents whoeven in the absence of legal authorityinfluence people, you might say," said Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania who recently organized a joint statement from nearly 60 medical groups urging every health facility to require workers to get vaccinated, told the Post. "We keep referring to this COVID thing like it's an emergency, and then we don't behave like it's a wartime emergency."

About a third of Americans are unvaccinated, and only a quarter of them said they plan to get vaccinated by the end of the year, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation conducted in July, the Post reported.

It also showed that about 3% of unvaccinated Americans would get vaccinated only if it was required for work, school or other activities.

More information: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on COVID vaccines

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
THE PHILIPPINES has extended the travel ban on travelers from India and nine other countries until August 15 to prevent the further spread...
The U.S. is seeing an average of more than 98,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, up from fewer than 12,000 a day in late June  though still well below the peak of 250,000 reached in January. The vast majority of new cases are among people who have not gotten vaccinated.

Over the past week, a growing number of state and local governments and major employers have made masks and vaccinations mandatory in a move that could help beat back the virus and protect the economy.

A failure to contain the surge could lead to more closings and cancellations of various events and prompt schools to roll back plans to reopen, making it difficult for many parents to go back to work.

The next 10 to 14 days are going to be critical to try to get it under control, said Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. We need to get more people vaccinated. Where there are mask mandates in place, we need to follow that."

He added: Its really important that we take this seriously so we dont get into a situation where we have to go into shutting down parts of our country.

Farooqi said she is optimistic the job rebound can continue despite the variant, but she is holding off on her forecast for August because there are a lot of unknowns right now.
For this piece, she felt the application proposal requirements were too demanding of artists working on spec, so she submitted a drawing of an ominous chicken snake with a written statement about her concerns. The critique earned her an interview, and she later developed the finished design.

While the piece is much larger scale than some of her gallery work, it still bears all the delicate lines representing the animals fur, a repetitive and calming thing to paint (or look at) that she enjoyed in the midst of a sometimes anxious project.

When they did end up giving me the job, I felt all this pressure that it had to be like a very good mural since they were accommodating to me, she said.

Its not her first mural in downtown, either. Last fall, she painted one as part of the Zootown Arts Community Centers Feeling Welcome BIPOC project in the alley off of Ryman Street.

It included myriad silhouettes of hands, drawn from community members submissions, and along with them a red hand print, the symbol of the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples movement.
"Conditions may fluctuate with fire behavior over the next couple days, but in general, this is a good opportunity to spend time outside with (hopefully) minimal suffering."

Boulder 2700

The Boulder 2700 fire east of Polson grew to 1,922 acres and remains 0% contained, according to a Friday update.

The fire activity around evacuated homes remains active and crews continue to provide structure protection and extinguish and mop up hot spots to prevent flare ups to reduce the reburn potential within unburned fuels, the update said.

The blaze is expected to continue its move east and upslope through heavy dead forest, which is inaccessible to ground crews.

Crews are looking for opportunities along north-south road systems on both the north and south sides of the fire to build indirect or contingency lines. These would be used if the fire turns around either flank trying to move downslope, the update said.

Under a temporary restriction, no boats are allowed from Boulder Creek on the north to Station Creek on the south and one-half mile out from the shoreline of Flathead Lake. There is also a temporary flight restriction in place over the blaze, which includes the use of drones.
HONOLULU (AP)  A San Francisco investment banker recently sold his Maui mansion to a retired hedge fund CEO and a Hollywood actress for $45 million.

The cash sale of the oceanfront house in Kihei reflects a hot Hawaii real estate market fueled by a pandemic that has made the islands a desirable place to isolate and work remotely. According to property records, it has eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and two half bathrooms and features a pool and jacuzzi.

The median price of a Maui home topped $1.1 million in June. The price of the home  purchased by Adam Weiss and Barret Swatek on July 30  is the second-highest sale in Hawaii history, said their agent, Anne Hogan Perry of real estate company Compass. The most expensive single-family residence was for $46.1 million on Kauai in 2018.

Perry noted that home is on 15.3 acres, while the Maui property is less than an acre.

The pandemic wasn't the main reason the Malibu, California, couple chose the home, Perry said. But a shift toward virtual meetings will allow them to spend more time in Hawaii.

They were not set on a particular island, she said. They wanted to understand the culture and what made each island different.
SEATTLE (AP)  Amazon has pushed back its return-to-office date for tech and corporate workers until January as COVID-19 cases surge nationally due to the more contagious delta variant.

Unlike its Seattle-area rival Microsoft and other tech giants, Amazon will not mandate employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to the office. Instead, the company said Thursday that unvaccinated employees will be required to wear masks in the office.

The surge of the delta variant of the coronavirus has upended many companies plans to bring office workers back this fall, a drive already complicated by efforts to accommodate widespread employee preference for flexible remote work policies, and debates over how to handle vaccine and masking policies.

Other companies that have postponed reopening plans include Microsoft, Google, Twitter and Lyft.
These are serious allegations, Canadian Justice Department lawyer Monika Rahman said. Such allegations require cogent evidence to be proven, evidence of a quality that is not before this court.

Rahman said the U.S. has acted honorably, fairly and reasonably throughout the proceedings She added that the U.S. has a very high standard and discretion on what evidence to put forth when making its case for extradition.

Rahman also took issue with defense allegations the U.S has changed its theory of the case.

There has not been a shift in theory, she said. There is the same theory.

She also disagreed with defenses suggestion the conduct of the U.S. warranted halting the extradition proceedings.

Meng, who attended court wearing a pink facemask and an electronic monitoring device on her ankle, followed the proceedings through a translator.

The judge likely wont make her ruling until later in the year. Whatever her decision, it will likely be appealed.
Valleywise Health, a major hospital system serving Maricopa County, announced it had opened a second COVID-19 unit to accommodate all the new cases. Dr. Michael White, the chief clinical officer, said the 25 patients they are treating are primarily unvaccinated and under the age of 50. Between 1% to 2% of them are pediatric patients.

Wearing masks indoors is crucial because it doesn't just protect "you, but others from you if youre asymptomatically having this virus even though you may have been vaccinated, White said at a virtual briefing.

At least six school districts in Phoenix and Tucson have defied Ducey and the Republican-controlled Legislatures ban on mask mandates. The ban doesnt take effect until late September, but lawmakers declared it retroactive to July 1. A Phoenix Union High School District biology teacher has filed a lawsuit challenging the districts mask mandate under the new law.

It is a simple, easy, cheap way to protect everybody in our community, said Dr. Jacqueline Carter, a pediatrician and internist who signed the letter. We just need to stand up and say this is what we need to do.

The ban on school mask requirements ties the hands of school districts and local governments, but Ducey still has the power to require them.
Since most Arizona students returned to schools this week, eight districts have made wearing masks indoors mandatory, in defiance of the law. All of them except for Tucson Unified are in the Phoenix area. One of the mandates prompted a lawsuit from a Phoenix biology teacher.

Ducey's office has said the mandates are not enforceable and that wearing a mask is a personal choice.

More than 150 Arizona doctors on Thursday criticized the governor's response, sending a letter urging Ducey to mandate masks in public schools.

Over the past week, leaders at some of the state's major hospital systems warned that the state's hospitals could be on the verge of having to deal with another brutal infection surge. The health care leaders also said most new patients were younger, unvaccinated people.

Brophy College Preparatory, a private, all-boys high school in Phoenix, will require everyone regardless of their vaccine status to wear masks indoors when classes start on Monday.

Masks will be optional starting Sept. 13. But that's when students and staff must be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to a letter from the principal.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Richard Trumka, the powerful president of the AFL-CIO who rose from the coal mines of Pennsylvania to preside over one of the largest labor organizations in the world, died Thursday. He was 72.

The federation confirmed Trumkas death in a statement. He had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organizations secretary-treasurer for 14 years. From his perch, he oversaw a federation with more than 12.5 million members and ushered in a more aggressive style of leadership.

The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today," the AFL-CIO said. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of Americas labor movement.

President Joe Biden eulogized Trumka from the White House and said the labor leader had died of a heart attack while on a camping trip with his son and grandkids. He said he spoke with Trumkas widow and son earlier in the day.

He wasnt just a great labor leader. He was a friend, Biden told reporters Thursday. He was someone I could confide in, and you knew, whatever he said he would do, he would do.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  The question of whether lawsuits blaming big oil companies for loss of vulnerable Louisiana coastal wetlands will be tried in state courts, as local parish governments want, or in federal courts, as the oil companies want, has been revived by a federal appeals panel.

Thursday's ruling at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans was a partial victory for the oil companies and a partial reversal of a decision the same court made a year ago. But a lead attorney for parishes suing the oil companies claimed victory, too, saying the decision effectively means at least 15 of the 42 lawsuits still face state trials  and the remainder could, too, pending more federal court review.

The decision is in our favor, lawyer John Carmouche said.

In August 2020, a panel of three 5th Circuit judges upheld federal district judges' rulings keeping the issue in state court, where coastal parishes' attorneys want them tried. But the oil companies pressed for reconsideration. Arguments were heard in October, and Judge James Ho, author of the 2020 opinion, wrote Thursday that the district courts should take another look.
Vaccine maker Novavax announced Thursday it has asked regulators in India, Indonesia and the Philippines to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine -- offering its shot to some low-income countries before rich ones with ample supplies.

U.S.-based Novavax partnered with the Serum Institute of India to apply in the three countries, and plans later this month to also seek the World Health Organization review needed to be part of the COVAX global vaccine program.

Novavax CEO Stanley Erck called the submissions an important step toward access to millions of doses of a safe and effective vaccine for countries with an urgent need to control the pandemic.

The company announced it also plans to submit applications in Britain soon, followed by Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but not in the U.S. until later in the year.

The Novavax two-dose shot is made with lab-grown copies of the spike protein that coats the coronavirus. Thats very different than other widely used vaccines that deliver genetic instructions for the body to make its own spike protein.

The Novavax shots are easier to store and transport than some other options, and have long been expected to play an important role in increasing supplies in poor countries desperate for more vaccine.
The rock will be placed on university-owned land southeast of Madison near Lake Kegonsa. The university plans to erect a plaque in Chamberlin Hall to honor the former university president, school spokeswoman Meredith McGlone said.

The boulder is a rare, large example of a pre-Cambrian era glacial erratic that experts say is likely over 2 billion years old. It was carried by glaciers from as far north as Canada and dumped on Observatory Hill along with billions of tons of other debris when ice receded from the state about 12,000 years ago. It was previously estimated to have weighed up to 70 tons, but an updated measurement shows it weighs 42 tons. It will continue to be used for educational purposes at its new site.

The Black Student Union led the call to remove the rock last summer. Crews began removing it just before 7 a.m. Friday, securing it with straps and lifting it with a crane before moving it to a flatbed truck. It cost an estimated $50,000, covered by private donations, to remove.

Juliana Bennett, a senior and a campus representative on the Madison City Council, said removing the rock signaled a small step toward a more inclusive campus.
Many projects are vying for NRDP settlement money, including restoration of the upper Clark Fork, scarred by historic mining. Leone said the NRDP money is being used appropriately in the Silver Lake agreement.

"I think this is the right source. As part of the Natural Resource Damage Program there is a fund that's dedicated purely to flow. There are funds set aside for this type of project, he said.

He also recognized that Silver Lake water is controversial  some want all of the water to stay in the county, while some in Anaconda-Deer Lodge question Butte Silver Bows ownership of the water altogether, he said.

Industrial users  REC Silicon, NorthWestern Energy and especially Montana Resources  rely on Silver Lake water as well.

Mark Thompson, vice president of environmental affairs at Montana Resources, said there was enough water to go around in this instance, and the company facilitated the release a few days before the county commissioners approved it.
A few minutes later, according to witnesses and Maggie and Cody Monaghan, the man from the bar and a few of his companions attacked them on the boardwalk.

One picks me up like Im a rag doll and throws me into a parked car, Maggie said. Three men are holding my husband and hitting him in the face over and over again.

I tried to jump on the guys back who was hitting my husband. I get socked in the left eye. Im out. I come to and I hear people screaming, she recalled.

My husband was lying in a pool of blood and I thought he was dead, I saw a guy boot him in the head, Maggie said.

By all accounts, the men who were involved with the assault on the Monaghans, or did nothing to stop it, were from a nearby Heroes and Horses treatment ranch. Two of the men were described as employees of Heroes and Horses, a non-profit.

Ironically, Heroes and Horses typically works with veterans suffering symptoms of PTSD.

Maggie and Cody Monaghan now describe some of the same symptoms. He suffered a badly broken nose and numerous facial injuries in the assault. She said she suffered a severe concussion, a fractured elbow and a black eye.
First, let me say that I appreciate and applaud the three challengers running for mayor for wanting to serve, but to be truly effective as mayor they should run for, and serve on, Missoulas City Council first to gain experience and a basic knowledge of how the citys administration actually works.

It never ceases to amaze me how people with no experience  zero, none  want to step into the highest position in an organization as their starting point. Jacob Elder admits he has no political experience. Greg Strandberg also has no political experience. Shawn Knopp is the third contender with  you guessed it  no political experience.

To quote a friend: The position of Missoulas mayor is no place for OJT (on the job training).

It seems from what I read they all think the mayor is the primary decision-maker. Missoula has a strong council-weak mayor form of government where very little is done without the approval from a majority of the 12 council members  most of the time after debate in one committee or another. Changing membership on the council has affected the city in many ways over the years, sometimes without the mayors agreement/approval. The same could happen in the future.
Hopeful huckleberries for the caring communities in Missoula and Mineral counties who continue to search for a missing woman. Rebekah Barsotti, 34, was last seen July 20 at the Town Pump in Superior, and her car was spotted at a rest area near mile marker 71 near the Clark Fork River. Officials from both counties, as well as countless volunteers, have joined Barsottis friends and family to help scour more than 100 miles of the river in the weeks since shes gone missing. Their efforts so far turned up the body of her dog, Cerebus, about 10 miles downstream from the spot where officials believe Barsotti went missing after entering the river. If you have any information that could help locate Barsotti, call the Missoula County Sheriffs Office at 406-258-4810.
Aug. 6 is the 76th anniversary of detonating the "Little Boy" A-bomb over Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. Three days later, the "Fat Man" plutonium bomb detonated over the outskirts of Nagasaki.

A quarter of a million people died, some instantly incinerated, some by a long, agonizing death. This torture and murder of peaceful people who hated their saber-rattling Bushido rulers was totally moronic. The Japanese wanted a conditional surrender with the dignity of retaining Emperor Hirohito, but the U.S. deliberately prolonged the war.

The Soviets were battle-hardened from defeating Hitler's war machine. The Americans knew that if Stalin desired it, the Soviet Army would shove the U.S. forces in Europe into the Atlantic Ocean.

Japanese civilians were murdered to show those "dirty reds" what's in store if they tried it. Why didn't they humanely A-bomb a barren place like Australia's "outback," with Soviet witnesses? The A-bombs on Japan goaded the Soviets to success with their A-bomb, four years later, at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan.

Lee Onishuk,

Missoula

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First, it puts us on track to net-zero by 2050. The carbon-fee-and-dividend policy prescribed in the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 2307) sets a price that starts at $15 a ton of CO2 and increases $10 a ton annually. Resources for the Future calculates that by 2030 this policy will reduce U.S. emissions more than 50% below 2005 levels, which is in line with President Bidens commitment.

Next, its a fast, effective policy across the whole economy. A clean electricity standard would reduce emissions from power plants, but that only accounts for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. An economy-wide price on carbon, however, reaches into every sector  electricity, transportation, industry, commercial/residential real estate, agriculture and land use. Its also quick to set up, leading to meaningful impact in a matter of months.

Finally, it puts money in your pocket. A carbon price becomes affordable for ordinary Americans when the money collected from fossil fuel companies is given as a dividend, or carbon cash back payment, to every American to spend with no restrictions. This protects low- and middle-income Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford the transition. Studies show that the monthly carbon cash-back payments are enough to essentially cover increased costs of 85% of American households, including 95% of the least wealthy 60% of Americans.
No 'breach of security'

On January 6, violent rioters attacked the Capitol building in Washington DC under the guise that voter fraud was the reason the former president lost the 2020 election. Although numerous government agencies and courts investigated the rumors of fraud and found no evidence of any improprieties, the rioters stormed the Capitol with the intention of doing harm to lawmakers and Vice President Pence.

While trying to achieve their goal, the rioters were filmed attacking security personnel with numerous types of weapons including guns, clubs, pepper spray, and large rocks. During the confrontation the rioters were recorded yelling their intent to kill the police, the lawmakers and to hang the vice president. Unfortunately, even with all the evidence showing this was an out-of-control violent mob, our congressman Matt Rosendale and a few other politicians put the blame for the violence on the brave personnel assigned to protect the Capitol and the people inside.

Rosendales statement that it was a breach of security not an armed mob that caused the violence clearly shows that hes delusional and should be voted out of office.

If you want to save Montana from politicians like Rosendale, please vote in 2022.

Keith Blount, Butte

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MUSCATINE  This Thursday, the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine announced that, thanks to funding from the County Endowment Re-granting program as well as several other individual funds, 26 local organizations received over $165,000 in grants. The grants were given through the Impact and Racial Justice Granting programs.
According to the narrative of the incident, Scotton reported that Maynard and Reid had been arguing on the phone right before the crash and that just prior to the crash Maynard had allegedly said he had insurance on the vehicle. Phone records obtained during the investigation confirmed Maynard and Reid had been arguing on the day of and immediately prior to the accident and that Maynard was angry with Reid. The investigation also determined that Maynard intensely disliked Scotton.

The report also said Reids mother and the Fairfield Police Department both reported a tumultuous domestic relationship between Maynard and Reid.

At the time of the collision, Reids vehicle was slowly turning in the roadway perpendicular to the direction the U-Haul was travelling, the report said. It also says data recovered from the U-Hauls ancillary translator module revealed the U-Haul trucks accelerator pedal was fully depressed immediately prior to impact and no manual braking was applied. The U-Haul struck the car broadside in the driver-side door at approximately 30 mph.

If convicted of second-degree murder Maynard could face up to 50 years in prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 16 in the Louisa County Courthouse.

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Looking into the details of this years lunch program, each elementary student will be given a meal card to give to lunchroom staff to verify their choices.

As for the middle and high school students, their ID cards will be scanned at the cashier stations to verify their meals. If they lose their card three times, they will need to pay $3 to replace it a fourth time.

Although complete meals will be free to students, extra milk, juice and food will need be paid for because extra items do not fall under the free lunch program.

For the Muscatine school district, giving free meals to students is not new. Throughout the pandemic the district set up different pickup sites for daily and weekly meals.

This summer, between the daily meal sites and the weekly pickup site at MHS, we will have provided over 50,000 meals to kids, Eggers said. That is double what we served six years ago when we sponsored the summer program prior to the United Ways sponsorship.

Additionally, Eggers confirmed that if in-person classes were to be shut down once again, students would be able to still get bagged meals at pickup sites. But whether students are in-class or online, Eggers repeated that she was excited and happy to know that so many students would get the food they needed.
WAPELLO  When Wapello Mayor Shawn Maine announced the last agenda item  a discussion on the proposal of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors to takke over the Wapello ambulance service  there was no doubting the initial council reaction during its meeting Thursday.

No, a majority, if not all six, of the council members emphatically responded after hearing Maines announcement.

Maine, who together with city clerk Mike Delzell attended an Aug. 2 meeting with supervisor chair Randy Griffin and representatives of the countys two other ambulance services to discuss the idea, urged the council members to keep an open mind.

Everyone sitting here saying no, if you had sat in on the meeting, I dont think you would have said what you said, he told the group.

He said another meeting had been scheduled for Aug. 16 and he wanted Sam Gillip and Jason Griffin, who currently serve on the Wapello Community Ambulance Service (WCAS), to attend and listen to the discussion.

There are pros and cons to both sides and people need to listen and be objective, Main said, adding he had not yet made up his own mind.
UnityPoint Health and Genesis Health System will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. UnityPoint Health employees must be vaccinated by Nov. 1, while Genesis has not yet announced a date.

Both health systems made the announcements Thursday and urged communities to follow suit with vaccinations in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

For UnityPoint Health, the decision affects more than 32,000 employees in three states, regardless of whether they provide direct patient care or not.

"We remain incredibly grateful to our health care providers, who have seen the devastation of COVID-19 up close and personal over the past 18 months, said Clay Holderman, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health in a press release. "After thoughtful consideration, we believe this vaccination requirement will help keep our team members, patients and communities as healthy as possible, so we can focus on what we do best  delivering exceptional care to those we serve."
At the end of his acceptance speech for Top Hot 100 Artist, The Weeknd declared: Id like to thank God I dont have to wear that red suit anymore."

The music star also wore the costume for his Super Bowl halftime performance, the MTV Video Music Awards and the AMAs.

The Weeknd also appeared with bandages and face prosthetics to reflect the absurdity of celebrities who get plastic surgery and manipulate their appearance for validation.

Meanwhile, the 'Blinding Lights' hitmaker has insisted that although he's done some acting and producing lately - he'll never ditch music.

He said: I want to do this forever.

And even if I start getting into different mediums and different types of expressions, music will be right there. Im not going to step away from it.

Abel made his big-screen debut in 2019s Uncut Gems and is set to star in, co-write and executive produce a new HBO series.

The singer is teaming up with the creator of the television network's hit series 'Euphoria', Sam Levinson, on 'The Idol'.

The plot follows a pop star who starts a romance with an enigmatic LA club owner who is the leader of a secret cult."

The 31-year-old star previously starred in and penned lines for the animated comedy 'American Dad'.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Khumbudzo Ntshavheni as the new communication minister.

She replaces Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who has been moved to the small business development ministry.

Ntshavheni has served as the minister of small business development since 29 May 2019.

She also served as acting minister in the presidency: planning, monitoring and evaluation from 27 January 2021.

Ntshavheni holds an MBA degree from Bradford University in the United Kingdom and BA Hons Development Studies and BA Hon Labour Relations degrees from the University of Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa has also appointed a new deputy communications minister  Philly Mapulane  who replaced Pinky Kekana, who is now the deputy minister in the presidency.

Mapulane was the chairperson of Parliaments portfolio committee on higher education, science and technology.

The new appointments form part of a cabinet reshuffle that Ramaphosa said comes when the country is facing several challenges.

These include the Covid-19 vaccination programme, the recent outbreak of violence and destruction, and the need to rebuild the economy.

I am therefore making changes to the National Executive to improve the capacity of government to effectively undertake these tasks, he said.
If you operate from two mobile numbers, be it for business or personal purposes, there are ways on Android and iPhone to run two WhatsApp accounts on the same device.

Several Android manufacturers offer a feature that lets you run two instances of the same app.

In contrast, iPhone users will have to use a workaround available in the WhatsApp Business app to run a second account from their device.

The name of the dual app setting will differ slightly between different Android manufacturers.

On Samsung, its called Dual Messenger; on Huawei, its App Twin; on Xiaomi, its Dual Apps.

Setting the functionality up is simple, and the steps for Samsung and Huawei are outlined below.

Samsung

On your Samsung device, go to settings, then in the search bar, type Advanced Features.

In the Advanced Features menu, there will be a Dual Messenger option:

When you click on the Dual Messenger tab, you will be met by the following screen:

From here, you can choose to activate another version of Whatsapp.

You can also configure it so that your other account has access to a different set of contacts than your primary number. This will be based on your Google accounts.

The second version of Whatsapp will appear next to the original version in your application drawer and will act like its own separate app on which you can set up the account for your other number.

Huawei

On Huawei, the function is found in your settings, within the Apps menu, seen below:

Click on the App Twin menu option, where you will be navigated to the following screen:

Click on the slider to enable App Twin, and navigate to your app page to set up your other account on the duplicated version of Whatsapp:

iPhone

There is no built-in Dual App function on iPhone, but you can use the Whatsapp Business app to operate two accounts simultaneously on the same device.

Your other account doesnt have to be a business number to do this.

During the setup of the WhatsApp Business app on your iPhone, select the option Use a different number to input the number of the additional account you would like to operate from the device.

You will be asked to set up a business profile. Here simply enter your name and select Not a business as your business category.
Smoke from wildfires burning in California's northwest corner pushed into the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday night, and residents woke to hazy skies Friday morning.

The National Weather Service said most the smoke is suspended in the mid-levels of the atmosphere with less near the surface. The sky may look hazy, but the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said the higher elevation smoke isn't causing widespread unhealthy air quality levels.

The smoke is expected to be thickest in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties.

Wildfires have ravaged California in recent months, but the San Francisco Bay Area has been mostly spared from the toxic smoke these blazes have produced.

That changed Thursday with a shift in winds and the sooty air traveling south along the coast, the National Weather Service said.

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Weather service meteorologist Drew Peterson said the smoke will likely be light, with hazy conditions throughout the day Friday.

"We can't rule out that people will occasionally smell smoke and it might look hazy," Peterson said. "It will be nothing like it looked that day when the sky turned orange last year. Today will likely be the haziest day."
Forest officials convene every Monday to talk about trends and potential changes to the rules. By and large, organized campgrounds are not the problem, he said, encouraging people to check the Forest Service's website for the latest information on rules near them.

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"We're very aware that there is a greater fear of wildfire in the state," Flannery said. "We're very aware of that right now. We're very aware that there are mega-fires burning right now on the West Coast.

"But going back to our data into how we address risk, based on our data and what we see as of right now, that was the number one factor behind our decision to have campfires allowed in those hosted sites."

'A POWDER KEG READY TO GO OFF'

While decisions might be rooted in science, the "shotgun approach" to campfire bans no doubt confounds the public, Chris Dicus, a professor of wildland fire and fuels management at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo said Thursday.

Regardless, the ever-changing rules should not distract from what's at stake.

"It's a powder keg ready to go off," Dicus said. "Everything is so explosive right now. It is incredibly frightening, and it doesn't take much."
Armenia territorial administration and infrastructure minister visits Civil Aviation Committee and Zvartnots Airport

Algerians burn man alive after blaming him for causing forest fires in country

More Syrians and Afghans entering EU via Western Balkans

Armenia PM makes new personnel appointment

Armenia ex-deputy minister of finance appointed deputy defense minister

Republican Party of Armenia spokesperson on border protection and document signed by former authorities with Russia

Jadon Sancho to not play with Man United in the beginning of season

Netherlands may have to close Kabul embassy

NATO to coordinate Western embassy staff reduction in Kabul

Lifeguards bring citizens out of Armenia's Lake Sevan

Armenia official's son gets into car accident

168.am: Armenia's Pashinyan to attend wedding in Gyumri tomorrow

Armenia 3rd President visits Amaras Monastery

Iran President picks Hossein Amirabdollahian as new FM

21-year-old by the name of "Potorik" stabbed in Armenia's Etchmiadzin

Turkish defense minister says Kabul International Airport should remain open

30-year-old resident of Armenia's Khachpar stabs fellow villager, is detained

Commander of Armenia Armed Forces' first army corps dismissed

European Championship: Armenia women's national futsal team to leave for Moldova

Armenia defense minister visits Yerablur Military Pantheon, meets with relatives of deceased servicemen (PHOTO)

Armenia acting first deputy finance minister sacked

Armenia PM appoints Chief Protocol Officer

Armenia finance minister receives IMF Resident Representative

Elections to be held in Armenia's Goris, Meghri, Tatev and Tegh on Oct. 17

Armenia parliament to convene special session on Aug. 17

Armenia premier meets with outgoing Ambassador of Georgia

Uruguay FM to pay official visit to Armenia

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Home Alone revival set to premiere on Disney+ on November 12

Liverpool extend deal with Virgil van Dijk

Fire contained at former Yerevan leather factory (PHOTOS)

Democratic Party leader explains which option of unblocking communications is beneficial for Armenia

Death toll from floods in Turkeys Black Sea region rises to 27

Lavrov says Russia will continue its foreign policy after State Duma elections

Armenia national team's Arshak Koryan moves to FC Orenburg

British envoy responds to Iran MFA's allegation about published photo

Germany's Merkel to meet with Putin in Moscow

Armenia party leader: Russia is now bearer of principle of not an inch of land in Artsakh

Armenia police conducting internal investigation in connection with NEWS.am report

Monument to fallen soldiers of 44-day war unveiled at Yerevan school yard (PHOTOS)

Armenia revenue committee: 1,571 grams of gold jewelry hidden from customs control is found

Messi predicts difficult season for FC Barcelona

How royal family reacts to accusations of sexual abuse by Prince Andrew? (PHOTOS)

Firefighters trying to contain fire for over 3 hours at former Yerevan leather factory

About 3 million people instructed to evacuate in Japan due to heavy rains

Gegard Mousasi vs. John Salter staredown held (PHOTOS)

Russia not considering evacuating its embassy in Kabul

Two new cases of coronavirus reported in Karabakh

Artsakh army dismisses statement that its units opened fire on Azerbaijan positions

Young man dies, there are injured after road accident on Armenia motorway

Six people killed in mass shooting in England

Aleksandar Glisic: This goal and win is for all of you, my dear Armenians

Zvartnots International Airport: Lufthansa launches new flight between Yerevan, Frankfurt (PHOTOS)

Unrest in Turkey capital, dozens detained in attack on Syrians

26 people apply to hospital due to drinking water poisoning in Armenias Armavir Province

Researchers find new way to treat diabetes

Torrential rains kill 21 people in China

Blinken discusses Afghanistan with Canada, Germany FMs, NATO Secretary General

397 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Russia peacekeepers in Artsakh donate about 40 liters of blood to patients

European womens chess championship: Armenias Sargsyan wins, equals compatriot Danielian

Taliban take control of Afghanistans Lashkar Gah city

Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnam has always underscored traditional friendship with Armenia

9 residents of Armenias Armavir Province poisoned by drinking water, criminal case opened

One dead, 2 injured after car catches fire on Armenia motorway

Three US brothers die after getting stuck in manure pit

Newspaper: Armenia National Security Service to call Criminal Court of Appeal judges for questioning

Newspaper: What will new Armenia government look like?

Britney Spears' father ready to give up conservatorship of his daughter

Banak.info coordinator: Azerbaijan deliberately fires at Armenias Yeraskh village

Israel and Morocco agree to open their embassies in the near future

Mysterious video of UFO sparks heated discussions

UK researchers warn of new coronavirus outbreak in fall

Lukaku passes Neymar, Ronaldo in total amount of transfers

Nine Armenia village residents with same complaints hospitalized at infectious diseases department

Armenian soldier who lost eyesight during 44-day Karabakh war and his fiance tie the knot (PHOTO)

Armenia defense minister introduces new commander of 2nd military formation to administration and units

Russia bans entry of ex-Ambassador of Azerbaijan into country for 50 years

Russia Defense Ministry reports ceasefire violation committed by Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Karabakh

Armenian court rules to arrest Spain citizen who cruelly murdered a man and injured 2 citizens of Armenia's Etchmiadzin

Attorney says Yerevan travel agency plundered millions from hundreds of citizens through fraud

Mbappe to receive EUR 25,000,000 in Real Madrid

Israel FM opens country's diplomatic representation in Morocco

Russia MOD arrives in China to follow active stage of Russian-Chinese military exercises

PSG to offer Ronaldo a deal

Armlur.am: Armenia PM is in parliament where "Civil Contract" faction is holding a closed session

Karabakh emergency situations service: Searches for servicemen's remains in Mataghis-Talish direction were fruitless

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani troops open fire at Armenian military posts in Yeraskh section starting from 5:20 p.m.

Floods that hit Turkey leave 9 dead, 1 missing

Mbappe cordially welcomes Messi (PHOTO)

Ukrainian businessman's  company selling its coal mines to Armenia citizen Yelena Hovhannisyan

Pavel Manukyan charged for statement about eliminating Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan

Man City offer EUR 150,000,000 for Harry Kane

Leicester City have new captain

Names of chairpersons of Armenia Parliament's 12 standing committees announced after vote

Ebrahim Raisi: Cooperation between Iran and Turkey is necessary for establishment of peace in the region

Armenia Parliament Speaker meets with representative of Assyrian community

Erdogan not ruling out meeting with the Taliban

Hermitage shop of perfumes and cosmetics is now also open at Erebuni Mall (PHOTOS)

David Schwimmers representative denies Jennifer Aniston dating rumors
The servicemen of the Russian peacekeeping contingent have started clearing and demining from explosive objects from the territory of the Gerger settlement, Martuni region in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russian peacekeepers are searching for unexploded ordnance, shells, shots and mines every day near the demarcation line in the Martuni region. The servicemen of the humanitarian demining unit carry out the tasks of cleaning up settlements and nearby territories intended for agricultural land and grazing livestock.

As of today, about two hectares of territories have been covered. The work was carried out in the vicinity of the settlements of the Martuni region. It is planned to traverse about 15 hectares of the territory, said the representative of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, Alexei Afanasyev.

Over the past 2 weeks, Russian peacekeepers have completed clearing 32 hectares of explosives from N of the item.

In total, Russian engineers have checked 1,920 buildings (of which 31 are socially significant objects), cleared more than 668.3 kilometers of roads and over 2,231.5 hectares of territory, found 25,781 and destroyed 25,767 explosives.
The Criminal Court of Appeal of Armenia today rejected the motion filed by the attorney of Mayor of Sisian and deputy of the opposition Armenia faction of the National Assembly Artur Sargsyan against the decision of the Yerevan court of general jurisdiction to choose arrest as a pre-trial measure against him, meaning Sargsyan will remain under arrest. This is what Sargsyans attorney Emin Khachatryan said during a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

We didnt expect anything else from the court. The judge came with a calm look on his face and announced the conclusion, but the decision hasnt been presented yet, the attorney stated, adding that the appeal against Sargsans arrest had also been inscribed by hand. Khachatryan said he had requested evidence from the court to show that it was inscribed in alphabetical order, but there was no response.

Khachatryan said he is preparing to appeal the courts decision to the Court of Cassation. The only problem is time. The court has to send us the decision in the course of three days so that we can appeal it, and the Court of Cassation may accept the decision in the course of two months. In any case, we dont have great expectations from the Court of Cassation either, but we need to appeal to all the courts in Armenia before applying to the European Court of Human Rights, he said.

Artur Sargsyan is charged with abuse of official powers and entry of obviously false information or records into official documents, falsification, making scratches or other numeric inscriptions or modifications by an official for mercenary purposes or other personal or collective interests, as well as drawing up and handover of false documents.
I view the proposal of the I Have Honor and Armenia opposition factions of the National Assembly to set up a standing parliamentary committee on Nagorno-Karabakh as a clear political message addressed to the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as to Diaspora Armenians, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the international community. This is what leader of the opposition I Have Honor faction Artur Vanetsyan said during todays discussion on the creation of standing parliamentary committees held as part of the special session of the National Assembly.

According to him, the message is that Armenia hasnt forgotten about Nagorno-Karabakh and that it hasnt renounced and isnt going to renounce the solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue as such. He also mentioned the importance of the committee as an entity and reminded that there used to be a similar committee in the former Supreme Council of Armenia.

However, after the third war in Nagorno-Karabakh, once again, Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are in a situation where it is necessary to send an appropriate political message and work harder, but within the scope of the parliament, the parliamentarian clarified, adding that If the proposal is rejected, people in Armenia might have substantiated doubts that the political majority and those who are currently in power are either trying to not have anything to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh issue or are consistently doing that. We cant allow this since Nagorno-Karabakh has been and is Armenian land, Vanetsyan said.
Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of Armenia Arkady Balyan today had a meeting with Deputy Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross to Armenia Mariam El Kholin, Communication and Prevention Programs Coordinator Zara Amatuni and Delegate for Activities with Armed Forces Igor Shevtsov. Representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center were also attending the meeting.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the current cooperation programs and consider the areas for future cooperation. The organizing of a seminar devoted to civil defense and disaster risk reduction to be held on August 9 and thematic issues were in focus. The seminar was also considered from the perspective of exchange of international experience. Shevtsov attached importance to the holding of the seminar in terms of ensuring safety of groups carrying out rescue operations on the border.

In his turn, Deputy Minister Arkady Balyan expressed gratitude to the Delegation for holding the seminar jointly with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and for the effective cooperation.
The issue of enclaves will never be solved, if there are no appropriate conditions, that is, delimitation and demarcation. This is what leader of the opposition Armenia faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan told reporters today.

I think the deployment of Russian border guards in Voskepar village is the continuation of the process that the incumbent authorities are carrying out for adjustment of borders within the boundaries of Armenia. Perhaps the areas near Voskepar village are the areas that are part of the enclaves. The Armenia opposition faction has sent a letter to the Ministry of Defense for clarification and, if necessary, send relevant specialists to verify, and, of course, in the sectors that are not confidential. If a peace treaty is signed, Armenia must recognize Azerbaijans territorial integrity, and this will cause great harm to the solution to the Artsakh issue, he said.

Touching upon the assignment of the defense minister to shoot Azerbaijanis who trespass Armenias state border, Ohanyan noted that even though this is performance of the real duties, the question is why the border guards havent performed their functions to this day.

According to Ohanyan, the Azerbaijanis having trespassed Armenias border need to be removed at any price.

If the Armenian government cant do it alone, it needs to cooperate with the countrys strategic ally  the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and if that doesnt work out, Armenia also needs to use force because the presence of the Azerbaijanis is a violation of Armenias sovereignty and is lowering the countrys international reputation, he added.
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan today visited the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and introduced the staff to newly appointed Minister of High-Tech Industry Vahagn Khachaturyan.

The head of government thanked ex-minister Hayk Chobanyan for his work, congratulated Khachaturyan on assuming office and talked about the responses to his appointment in the presses. Mr. Khachaturyan is a representative of the generation of Armenians who directly participated in the industrialization of Armenia during the administration of Karen Demirtchyan, and I would like to emphasize this context, that is, in the Soviet era, Armenia was truly a highly industrialized country based on the standards of the time, he said.

According to Pashinyan, even though the current environment is essentially different from the environment of the Soviet era, one of the goals of establishing the Ministry of High-Tech Industry was to turn Armenia into a highly industrialized country. This is also the reason why we attach importance to and prioritize the agenda for unblocking of communication links in the region. This concerns a railway that will link Armenia to the outside world in all directions, he said.

Chobanyan delivered his remarks and stated that the staff of the ministry has succeeded in formulating the key principles and strategic directions that are hinged on several pillars, adding that the future, success and victory of Armenia are highly conditioned by the sector of high-tech industry.

The newly appointed minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for trusting him and stated the following: I understand that I have a sense of responsibility and that there are expectations from me. We all have the opportunity to take part in Armenias development, and I have always been dedicated to this throughout my career. Now I have a higher sense of responsibility. I was trying to find a sector through which Armenia can present itself in the world. After all, industrialization is the sector through which the country can present itself to the world in a new way. I am certain that we will achieve success.

According to Khachaturyan, all the strategic programs of the government will be ongoing and all the programs carried out by the former administrations will be completed with the governments support.
Recently, I wanted to know how many Armenian soldiers have died in combat and in peaceful conditions since the truce signed in 1994, but there are no exact data, the figures are approximate figures. This is what deputy of the Civil Contract faction of the National Assembly Lena Nazaryan said in parliament today.

Nazaryan addressed one of the opposition deputies and told him that the figure that he had stated  92 was wrong. I will cite the chairman of the parliamentary defense committee of the previous convocation of the National Assembly and present the approximate figures. During the first war, there were 6,400 victims, and in the period between the truce signed in 1994 and the war in April 2016  2,500. If our objective is to find the exact data on soldiers killed in relatively peaceful conditions, its clear that it will take a long time to answer this question after the war, even though the official information on the number of victims is made public, she said.

Nazaryan addressed deputy of the opposition Armenia faction Gegham Nazaryan, whose son fell in the recent war. Dear Mr. Nazaryan, were not living our lives as if the 44-day war didnt take place. Everyones lives have irreversibly changed. Despite the very rude remarks you have made against our political party during your interviews, I definitely want to say from this podium that I respect your family and the precious memory of your son.
The crisis in Armenia is deepening, and the essence of the crisis is that the causes of the war havent been revealed and the consequences of the defeat havent been eliminated. This is what deputy of the opposition Armenia faction of the National Assembly of Armenia Armen Rustamyan said in parliament today.

The National Assembly is obliged to show resistance to this. The issue of Artsakh is one of the key issues here. Armenia faction proposes to neutralize the consequences of defeat and take action, he said.

According to Rustamyan, since the ruling party, which is against the creation of a standing parliamentary committee on the issue of Artsakh, doesnt have arguments for this, this sparks reasonable doubt that the ruling party doesnt want to show the international community that it has a clear-cut position on this, especially in the case when Aliyev constantly declares that the issue of Artsakh is resolved and that the word-combination Nagorno-Karabakh shouldnt be used at all.

We need to restore the undermined positions of Armenia as the guarantor of Artsakhs security and reinstate the strategic relations between Armenia and Artsakh. Im not even talking about the fact that Armenia needs to promote a new process of international recognition of Artsakh. There are tremendous issues related to the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation that need to be discussed, Rustamyan added.

Rustamyan expressed confidence that if the Armenians lose the opportunity to have a pro-Armenian solution to the Artsakh issue, Armenia will be lost. There were three things that made Armenia interesting for the world, including the issue of Artsakh, Syunik Province and the nuclear power plant. We are losing Artsakh, the other is at the risk of loss, and Armenia wont have any winning cards, he said.
Cologne/ Bonn, 6 August 2021. From 6 August, Eurowings will be offering non-stop flights to Armenia: The airline is launching a new direct connection and will fly its passengers from Cologne/Bonn to the Armenian capital Yerevan for the first time. Every Friday, an Airbus A320 takes off for Armenia at 2.20 pm, arriving at 8.40 pm. The return flight departs on the same day at 9.30 p.m. and lands at Cologne/Bonn Airport at 00.20 am the next day. All flight times are local times.

Marcelo Wende, Director of Armenia International Airports CJSC, said: We are happy that Eurowings is entering the Armenian market. We congratulate the airline and wish them successful operation and safe flights. From now on, opportunities to travel directly to Europe will increase.

It a big pleasure for us at Eurowings to serve for the first time the Armenian market and offer the regular Eurowings flights from Zvartnots International Airport of Yerevan to Cologne. Together with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa as of next Friday and now Eurowings, as one of the leading European Low Cost Carriers, we are glad to increase our Lufthansa Group presence in Yerevan and therefore offer more opportunities for travelers from Armenia Rene Koinzack, General Manager Sales Ukraine, South Caucasus, Belarus and Turkmenistan at Lufthansa Group.

Flights can be booked as of now via the Eurowings website eurowings.com, app or travel agents.
As an expert in blockchain technology, personalized health care, and electronic commerce, Yelena Yesha has always been drawn to challenges.

When the teenage math and physics whiz won second place in Ukraines Physics Olympics, she was offered an accelerated path to collegebut only if her parents agreed to stay in the oppressive homeland where they were forced out of their jobs. Instead, the ambitious 17-year-old used her meager English skills to help her family flee what is now Ukraine and settle in Canada.

Within three years, Yesha had completed two bachelors degrees. Not long after, she gained a reputation for ingenuity and collaboration that landed her in leading roles at some of the nations most powerful computing agencies. Often the only woman in the room, and certainly the first to be in charge, she led teams that created one of the federal governments first electronic commerce systems, repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, and mined health care data to forecast illnesses, improve diagnoses, and forge therapeutic outcomes.

Now the renowned data scientist is eager to take on a new venture as the first John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Chair of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Miamis Institute for Data Science and Computing (IDSC).

Yelena has a long career in data scienceeven before you called it thatand has created applications for technology in fields like cybersecurity, remote sensing, and health care, said IDSC founding director Nicholas Tsinoremas, the Universitys vice provost for research, computing, and data. This is precisely what we want to do in IDSC; thus, she is the perfect fit because she also has the expertise in translating data science into computer applications to solve real-world problems.

Yesha will direct the artificial intelligence and machine learning program at IDSC, and continue serving as its innovation officer, a role she began in January 2020, when she joined IDSC as a distinguished visiting professor from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The first woman in UMBCs computer science department, at age 32, Yesha also became one of its youngest full professors. Yesha said she was lured from her academic home of 30 years by IDSCs mission to transform the University into a world-class epicenter of data science through research with international scholars and partnerships with innovative companies.

As Miami becomes a hub for startups, it presents an exciting landscape to train the next generation of our workforce in data science and to help companies take products to the market, Yesha said.

While at UMBC, Yesha founded the Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA), which pairs academics with government and industry partners to extract useful information from massive and moving real-time data sets. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the University of Miami just became one of CARTAs five academic sites and is poised to collaborate with several prominent government and industry leadersa hallmark of Yeshas career.

Though she is renowned in the computing field for harnessing data to solve problems in cybersecurity, remote sensing, health care, and e-commerce, Yesha dreamed of being a physician at a young age. But as she learned more about technology, her career goal evolved into one that utilized computers to improve the delivery of health care for everyone.

For the past decade, she has been working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and using their massive database of clinical information in order to forecast illness. She continues to refine that tool while working on several other health care applicationsto improve diagnosis and therapy for dementia patients, develop household smart sensors to transmit a patients vital signs to their doctors, and utilize machine learning to diagnose COVID-19 from a patients lung CT scans and X-rays.

I am finally realizing my dreams now, 40 years later, Yesha said. My mission is to empower health care providers to take a more patient-centric approach and to take advantage of novel technology at the point of care. We can utilize new technology to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment process.

Yesha remains humble about her success, which did not come without hardship.

When her family arrived in Canada in 1980, they had few belongings and even less money. She could barely afford bus fare while living in Toronto but remained eager to attend college. Ever resourceful, she earned a scholarship to attend York University and within three years, she earned two bachelors degrees in computer science and applied mathematics. During that time, she also met her future husband, Yaacov Yesha, a fellow computer scientist at the University of Toronto.

Shortly after her graduation, the couple moved to Ohio, where Yaacov landed a faculty position at The Ohio State University, while his wife earned her masters and Ph.D. degrees in computer science and cared for their newborn daughter, Rose. Then, in 1989, the couple moved to Baltimore to join the UMBC faculty.

At UMBC, Yesha remained the only female faculty member in the computer science department for many years. At Miami, she is one of just three female faculty members in the Department of Computer Science, something she hopes will change.

Weve never had enough women in computer science. In past decades we have seen more, but we have never reached critical mass, or even close to it, she said. Still, plenty of women have expertise in data science. If women dont participate in the field, the United States will lag far behind the rest of the world.

Yesha was fortunate to glean some high-profile opportunities outside of academia early in her career. After just five years at UMBC, Yesha was called upon by a White House staff member to lead the U.S. Department of Commerces Center for Applied Information Technology (CAIT) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Taking a leave from UMBC, Yesha galvanized a team of computer scientists to create one of the first electronic commerce systems to be used by the federal government. Today, a version of the system is used to process federal transactions in the hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Yesha was also selected to represent the United States at the G7 global marketplace for small and medium enterprises group, and guided small and medium businesses in transitioning to online platforms. The experience led her to write an e-commerce textbook and curriculum. The comprehensive text has been widely used by many North American and European universities.

We dealt with the business aspects of e-commerce, as well as the policy issues such as adding taxes and securing electronic payments, she said. In the beginning, there were many challenges to overcome.

After an invigorating year at CAIT, Yesha was selected to become the director of NASAs Center for Excellence in Space Data and Information Sciences for five years, outshining a few of her male contemporaries. It was there that her team of scientists helped repair the Hubble Space Telescope. She also supervised the development of Beowulf, a computer system that revolutionized high-performance parallel computing and is now used in research labs across the globe. Her team also developed major components of the Linux operating system and created the Global Legal Information Network at the Library of Congress, to provide a secure satellite communication among countries working on international laws or treaties.

Around the same time, she also began consulting for IBMs product development division.

Ive been privileged to work on the release of several commercial products. This experience led me to critically examine the power of translational research and resulted in enriching the curriculum of the classes I taught, she said.

Back at UMBC, in 2003, the chair of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine approached Yesha about creating a virtual operating room, and she was finally able to combine her computing expertise with her interest in health care. The pair worked closely together to design the nations first computer-based surgical simulation rooms for surgery fellows at the University of Maryland.

Soon after, Yesha delved into personalized medicine, helping hospitals across the world combine genetic data with clinical information to craft individualized patient treatment plans. At IDSC, she is eager to continue advancing health care technology, by employing a range of tools, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology.

Yesha, who founded a blockchain startup, Softhread, is widely regarded as an expert in the technology. She sees blockchainwhich is often described as a database shared across a network of computers that keeps chronological order of changes made to itas the key to revolutionizing our everyday lives.

University leaders are glad to have Yeshas insight on campus.

Yelena is a trailblazer in her field and is extremely knowledgeable about the latest technology, but also understands the trajectory of computing today, said Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. This understanding will help guide our students, faculty, staff, and community toward the next technology revolution, and we are elated to have her at the University of Miami.
'Messi deal would put Barca's finances at risk'

A mural featuring Lionel Messi in Barcelona colours adorns a wall outside its Nou Camp stadium. The Argentine star may be a target for Paris St Germain. Photo: AP

Barcelona were forced to let star player Lionel Messi leave the club because his high wages coupled with strict La Liga financial rules could have jeopardised its future, President Joan Laporta said on Friday.



Both the club, which has suffered steep losses recently, and 34-year-old Messi had wanted to sign a new contract. But the Argentine's deal would have taken salaries to 110 percent of the club's earnings, a financially risky move given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Laporta said.



"The club is above everything  even above the best player in the world," Laporta told a news conference.



"We reached agreement but couldn't formalise it, because of the club's economic situation, which means we can't register the player due to salary limits," he said.



Without Messi's wages, salaries would account for 95 percent of Barcelona's income, he said.



Messi had wanted to sign a new contract at Barcelona on reduced terms, reportedly 50 percent below his latest pay, but the club was unable to come up with an arrangement that also complied with the financial rules of Spain's La Liga competition.



Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. Forbes has listed him as the athlete with the world's second-highest earnings in 2021, at US$130 million.



"To suddenly end like this when you thought he was already contracted again... It's really sad, really really sad," said 36-year-old student and Barca fan Jose Rivero earlier, standing on the street in the Catalan capital.



Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday the Premier League champions had no plans to make a move for Messi.



"Right now it's not in our thoughts," the former Barcelona player and manager told reporters, a day after City completed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a Premier League record US$139 million.



However Paris Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday that Messi is an "option" that is being evaluated by the French club. (Reuters)
SheKnows

Divorce is never an easy situation, especially when it comes to friends, because they often have to pick sides. Kelly Clarksons divorce from Brandon Blackstock was extra complicated because her Voice co-star, Blake Shelton, was managed by her ex-husband. How did the duo navigate their friendship throughout this tumultuous time? Well, somebody decided to pick []
The Chicago Cubs latest trip hinted at how tough the final weeks of the season might play out.

They went 2-4 against the Washington Nationals and Colorado Rockies, the teams directly below the Cubs in the overall MLB standings.

Right-hander Jake Arrieta was encouraged after his start in the Cubs 6-5 loss to the Rockies on Thursday. Arrieta surrendered four runs on nine hits in four innings in his second start back from the injured list.

Manager David Ross felt Arrietas outing was better than the numbers indicated and didnt want to judge it too much because of the Coors Field factor. Ross and Arrieta liked how he attacked Rockies hitters and the strike zone. Over the next few weeks, Arrieta needs to replicate that approach over multiple starts and be a helpful clubhouse presence for the pitchers added to the staff following the trade deadline.

With the Cubs opening a three-game set against the White Sox on Friday at Wrigley Field in Round 1 of the City Series, here are three thoughts from the series in Denver.

1. The Cubs could get creative with the rotation when LHP Justin Steele is recalled.

Left-hander Justin Steele produced another good start at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, in which he struck out eight, walked two and allowed one run in five innings. After five Triple-A starts to stretch out, the Cubs are going to map out where to slot him into the rotation. Ross reiterated Thursday that Steele will be back in the majors sooner than later.

Talk to all the starters, figure out exactly where he fits in, but yeah, weve got a plan, Ross said Thursday. Well communicate that to him and the rest of the group really soon.

Ross anticipates they will be creative as possible in how they configure the rotation going forward. He didnt give any specifics of what that might look like, though.

One option the Cubs could employ is a six-man rotation. Starting pitchers are significantly increasing their workload coming off the shortened 2020 season. Adding Steele and going with six starters whether for an extended stretch or the rest of the season could help the Cubs manage that.

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Even Kyle Hendricks could benefit from that setup, having already thrown nearly 50 more innings than last season. Plus the Cubs can better control how many innings they want for a young arm like Adbert Alzolay. In the 26-year-olds first full big-league season, his 98 innings are only 22 shy of the most he has thrown in a professional season (2016 at then-low-A South Bend).

I think there is a willingness for everybody to continue to make starts and well move some things around and make some adjustments as we go, Ross said. Make sure were still keeping guys healthy, I think is a priority for us and making sure guys can continue to compete.

2. If Nico Hoerner can stay healthy, his versatility will be an asset.

At some point before the season ends, the Cubs anticipate Hoerner returning to the lineup.

When that will happen is unclear; there isnt a timetable for when Hoerner (right oblique strain) will come off the injured list. But hes not expected to be ready to be activated when hes eligible Sunday. Hoerner is progressing, though. Before Thursdays game, Ross anticipated him taking dry swings pregame, building off the running and lower-body work Hoerner did Wednesday.

I dont think its a process where were going to see him soon, Ross said. But yeah, hes doing some things.

When Hoerner does rejoin the team, it will be interesting to see where he plays. After the trade-deadline acquisition of second baseman Nick Madrigal, the Cubs could look to play Hoerner at another position in anticipation of next season. Madrigal, who is out for the season after right hamstring surgery, isnt as versatile defensively as Hoerner, even though the latter is a former Gold Glove finalist at second.

Although a small sample size, Hoerner has shown he can handle center field, and his offensive profile and defensive ability could be a good combination. Hoerner indicated Thursday that hes open-minded about playing different positions. In the last two years, Hoerner has logged innings at second, shortstop, third, left field and center field. It could be useful to give Hoerner playing time around the diamond to gain more big-league innings and add to his experience before 2022.

I mean, theres a strong group of players in the big leagues right now that are everyday players and are All-Stars that play multiple positions, so theres definitely no shame in that, Hoerner said Thursday. If anything, its exciting. Its been fun honing in on second base like I have in the last year or two, but I still really believe in my ability to play shortstop and in other places too.

3. Inexperienced bullpen arms will continue to get opportunities to solidify roles.

Now that Ross doesnt have a possible future Hall of Famer to close in the ninth, the next few weeks will provide a glimpse of how he wants to utilize the inexperience but high-upside arms he has in the bullpen.

Philosophically, the strategy might change game to game based on pockets of matchups Ross likes to utilize a certain reliever against a specific stretch of the opposing teams lineup. That was on display in the Cubs win Wednesday when Ross went to Codi Heuer in the eighth based on how that part of the Rockies lineup set up the right-hander for success. Ross then went to hard-throwing righty Manuel Rodriguez for the save in part because of his experience closing in the minor leagues.

Ultimately, Ross wants to put his relievers in positions to succeed. The revamped bullpen will have plenty of opportunities to show which relievers thrive in various situations.

Theyre looking forward to showcasing their stuff and showing that they have the ability to stay at this level, Arrieta said. Its just our job to help build their confidence. You want to help them along the way through these next couple months because the organization needs those guys to step up and help build this team.
TOKYO (AP)  Japanese police said Saturday they arrested a man who stabbed 10 passengers on a commuter train in Tokyo hours earlier, in what Japanese media reported to be a random burst of violence unrelated to the ongoing Olympic Games.

The 36-year-old man told police he wanted to kill women who appeared happy, and chose his targets at random, public broadcaster NHK said. The initial victim, a woman in her 20s, was in serious condition, according to NHK and other Japanese media. Police identified the attacker as Yusuke Tsushima.

The Tokyo Fire Department said nine of the 10 injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, while the 10th was able to walk away. All of the injured were conscious, fire department officials said.

The Japanese capital is currently hosting the Olympics, which end Sunday. The site of the stabbing spree was about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the main National Stadium.

The man dropped his knife after the handle broke and fled, and later walked into a convenience store and identified himself as the suspect on the news, and said he was tired of running away, according to Japanese media. The store manager called police after seeing bloodstains on the mans shirt.

TBS television said Tsushima told police he developed the intent to kill women who looked happy, and stabbed a woman who happened to be seated near him in the carriage. He also told police that he chose to stage the attack inside a train because it offered the chance to kill a large number of people.

The suspect, who boarded the train with the knife, scissors, cooking oil and a lighter, moved to other carriages after stabbing the first woman. In one car, he poured cooking oil on the floor and tried to set it on fire, Kyodo News agency reported, quoting police. He intentionally chose an express train that makes fewer stops, having passengers stay on board longer, the report said.

The man also told police he initially planned to attack a female shop employee who reported him shoplifting to police earlier in the day, but realizing it was past closing time, he decided to carry out attacks on the train, TBS reported.

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A witness at a nearby station where the train stopped said passengers were rushing out of the carriages, shouting that there was a stabbing and asking for first aid. Another witness told NHK that he saw passengers smeared with blood come out of the train, as an announcer asked for doctors and for passengers carrying towels.

The stabbing occurred near Seijogakuen station, according to railway operator Odakyu Electric Railway Co.

While shooting deaths are rare in Japan, the country has had a series of high-profile killings with knives in recent years.

In 2019, a man carrying two knives attacked a group of schoolgirls waiting at a bus stop just outside Tokyo, killing two people and injuring 17 before killing himself. In 2018, a man killed a passenger and injuring two others in a knife attack on a bullet train. In 2016, a former employee at a home for the disabled allegedly killed 19 people and injured more than 20.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi
The Apple logo. Illustrated | iStock

If you care about your privacy, it might be time to start shopping for a good dumb flip phone, or to think about reinstalling that long-abandoned landline in your house.

Apple on Thursday announced plans to help authorities crack down on child pornography with new tools that will scan the photo collections of iPhone users in order to detect known abusive materials. The new tech "will help Apple provide valuable information to law enforcement," the company said.

Cracking down on child pornography is a good thing, of course, but privacy advocates worry that Apple's new tech might also make it easier for governments to snoop on their citizens. "What happens when the Chinese government says, 'Here is a list of files that we want you to scan for?'" one expert told the Associated Press. "Does Apple say no? I hope they say no, but their technology won't say no." At this point in history, it's probably best to assume that new technologies will be used to bad effect sooner or later  and to remember the Chinese government isn't the only powerful institution that likes to go snooping.

Which makes this a good moment to remember that we as individual consumers can say "no."

It may not seem that way. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, and that's almost entirely due to Steve Jobs' introduction of the iPhone back in 2007. At first they were luxuries, something cool to own and be seen using. But they quickly came to seem like necessities, the place we store our photos, stream music, check Twitter, buy movie tickets, and (to a remarkable degree) live our lives. These days it's easy to feel like there is no real option but to opt into smartphone culture  but that's not true. You can even opt out.

Perhaps this seems an overreaction. Smartphones have always been problematic, privacy-wise. What's one more intrusion? And if the devices are overly efficient at grabbing your attention and making you easy to track, they are also tremendously convenient. Apple's latest announcement, though, is a reminder that the tradeoffs between convenience and privacy are a choice, both for the company and for the rest of us. It's a good time to reconsider if the trade is worth it.

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Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said he regrets signing an April law banning mask mandates and is seeking to reverse it as coronavirus infections soar among unvaccinated youth, making him an outlier among some Republican governors who have doubled down on their anti-masking views.

Asked by ABC's "Good Morning America" Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos on Thursday what changed his thinking, Hutchinson said, "The delta variant hit us hard."

Arkansas has seen a 517% increase in the number of virus cases among people under 18 between April and July, according to an Associated Press report.

PHOTO: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appears on ABC's, 'Good Morning America,' Aug. 5, 2021. (ABC)

The state, like other hotspots in the country, is experiencing a frightening surge in COVID-19 with 3,000 new cases on Wednesday and 1,232 currently hospitalized, as the delta variant spreads.

MORE: Arkansas governor 'working hard' to overcome vaccine hesitancy amid COVID-19 surge

So far, 42% of the states eligible population ages 12 and up has received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to state data, and a majority of adults 18 and over are also unvaccinated.

"There's been a lot of distrust and we hope to overcome that because medical sciences, vaccines work, I believe, and we need to get those out -- because that's the way out of this," Hutchinson said.

PHOTO: Health care workers help a COVID-19 patient at a hospital in Mountain Home, Ark., July 8, 2021. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via Redux)

But the Arkansas governor, who is term-limited, is an outlier among Republican governors across the country who are doubling down on their own legislation banning mask mandates as the public policy measure continues to feed debate over personal liberties.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a state that has become the epicenter of the virus, responded to President Joe Biden telling governors on Tuesday to help or "get out of the way" by making his defiance a rallying call -- and a fundraising tool, sending out a letter with the subject line: "I'm Standing In Joe Biden's Way."

"I am standing in your way," DeSantis said at a press conference Wednesday, declaring that Florida will remain a "free state" where children won't be asked to wear masks.

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MORE: Help or 'get out of the way,' Biden says to GOP governors on combatting pandemic

DeSantis' position is shared by Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas, who has said Texans should have the "right to choose," as well as Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Doug Ducey of Arizona and Kristi Noem of South Dakota, who have all ridiculed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest masking recommendation that everyone in areas with substantial or high levels of transmission -- vaccinated or not -- wear a mask in public, indoor settings.

PHOTO: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference in Panama City, Fla., on Aug. 4, 2021. (Mike Fender/News Herald via USA Today Network)

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the front-runner to replace Hutchinson in the 2022 Arkansas governor race, has made clear she opposes all mask and vaccine mandates no matter the circumstances.

"If I am elected governor here in Arkansas we will not have mask mandates, we will not have mandates on the vaccine, we will not shut down churches and schools and other large gatherings, because we believe in personal freedom and responsibility," she told Fox News last month.

MORE: GOP leaders step into Biden's way on COVID: The Note

Hutchinson, instead, after telling the public at a press conference Tuesday he wishes the mask ban wouldn't have become law, called for a special legislative session asking lawmakers to reverse it, only so that public schools can have the flexibility to require masks for students.

But the GOP-led legislature in Arkansas did not go along with Hutchinson's request Thursday and the bill did not make it out of committee..

"I am disappointed by the actions of the House Public Health Committee today," he said in a statement. "It is conservative, reasonable and compassionate to allow local school districts to protect those students who are under 12 and not eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. The cases and quarantines at the Marion School District during the last week illustrate the urgency of action. If we are going to have a successful school year then the local school districts need to have flexibility to protect those that are at risk."

As the legislature met Wednesday, the Little Rock School District Board of Education voted to file a lawsuit against the state because of the anti-mask law. That follows another lawsuit filed Monday by parents also seeking to strike the law down, citing health concerns for their children at school.

PHOTO: Members of the Arkansas House of Representatives gather at the State Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 3, 2021. (Rory Doyle/The New York Times via Redux)

The bill which might stave off those lawsuits, H.B. 1003, failed to advance in public health panel Wednesday after GOP lawmakers pushed back.

But while the legislature continues to meet Thursday to work out the details, at least 730 students and staff from the Marion School District in Arkansas were under quarantine -- just two weeks after classes started.

MORE: COVID-19 live updates: Moderna vaccine 93% effective against symptomatic disease after 6 months

Presented with that number on "Good Morning America" and asked if he's confident that it's safe for kids to go back to school, Hutchinson said there would be challenges but said the state's focus should be on vaccines over masks to prevent outbreaks.

"Our emphasis should be on the vaccines and not get sidetracked, in a minutia debate on masks, even though that is important for the 12 and under, and the flexibility we're talking about," he said.

ABC News' Marlene Lenthang contributed to this report.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson seeks to reverse mask ban he signed, making him a GOP outlier originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ashli Babbitt was the victim of an "ambush," says the Babbitt family attorney preparing a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $10 million in damages against the Capitol Police and the officer who fatally shot the woman during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6.

The flash of violence was caught on video showing the officer off to the side holding a gun and Babbitt making her way through broken glass-paneled doors. At the center of the debate is the question of what was shouted and heard in the moments leading up to Babbitt's death. Terry Roberts, a Maryland personal injury lawyer who specializes in police misconduct cases, disagrees with the assertions by the officer's lawyer that his client issued a verbal warning before discharging his firearm.

Its not debatable, Roberts told RealClearInvestigations. There was no warning.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Trump supporter who served in the Air Force for over a dozen years, was shot as she tried to breach a door leading to the Speaker's Lobby as the Capitol Police evacuated members of Congress during the riot. She was transported to Washington Hospital Center, where she died from her injuries.

The officer, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery despite probing questions by former President Donald Trump and others, shouted warnings leading up to the single shot, according to the officer's legal representation.

"Its a false narrative that he issued no verbal commands or warnings, the officer's lawyer, Mark Schamel, previously told RealClearInvestigations. "He was screaming, 'Stay back! Stay back! Dont come in here!'"

TRUMP CLAIMS HE KNOWS WHO SHOT CAPITOL RIOTER ASHLI BABBITT

Schamel said his client's shouts could not be seen in video footage of the incident because his mouth was covered with a mask meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. He also noted the videos were taken on the other side of the doors, where the rioters were making a lot of noise, and he has witness statements to back that up.

Story continues

But Roberts insists video footage his team has reviewed shows officers did not react as if they heard the shouts on their side of the doors.

Those other officers were within earshot. If hes yelling, they certainly arent showing any reaction to it, he said. If he was giving any kind of warning, why didnt they react?

Driver's license photo showing Ashli Babbitt. (Maryland MVA/Courtesy of the Calvert County Sheriffs Office via AP)

In video footage posted to social media, the Washington Post reports a man can be heard shouting multiple times about a man with a gun on the other side, after which someone hoisted Babbitt up so she could make her way through an opening where glass had been broken. That's when Babbitt was shot and fell back on the floor.

Dr. Francisco Diaz, chief medical examiner in Washington, D.C., determined Babbitt was killed by a gunshot wound to the left anterior shoulder.

The Justice Department declined to charge the officer in connection with the shooting, determining "there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution" following an investigation, according to an announcement in April.

Still, Roberts contends the officer could have easily used less-than-lethal force, such as detaining Babbitt in handcuffs. I would call what he did an ambush, Roberts said. I dont think hes a good officer. I think hes reckless.

READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER BY CLICKING HERE

Schamel said his client acted within his training.

"Lethal force is appropriate if the situation puts you or others in fear of imminent bodily harm. There should be a training video on how he handled that situation. What he did was unbelievable heroism," he said, adding that the officer "stopped a potential massacre" by preventing the advance of the unruly demonstrators.

Separate from the pending $10 million lawsuit against the police, Babbitt's family sued in June in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for access to video footage of the shooting, witness statements, and documents identifying the officer who fatally shot Babbitt.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, U.S. Capitol Police, Law, Law Enforcement, Capitol

Original Author: Daniel Chaitin

Original Location: Ashli Babbitt family lawyer says officer killed her in 'ambush' without warning
Aug. 6PLATTSBURGH  A meeting to form a neighborhood watch in a Beekmantown community in the wake of a reported abduction and rape of one of its residents went as expected Wednesday, its organizer said.

"There was a diversity of groups, a diversity of people and a diversity of ideas," Diego Grinberg-Funes, a retired CVPH urologist and organizer for Wednesday's meeting, said. "Everyone's got their issues. Some people were more comfortable than others."

Grinberg-Funes said about 40 to 50 people went to the Beekmantown Town Hall to discuss the possibility of forming a neighborhood watch Wednesday afternoon. With them was Clinton County Sheriff David Favro, who offered advice to the residents on staying safe.

MULTIPLE VIEWS

"It wasn't easy, and I didn't expect it to be easy," Grinberg-Funes said of the meeting, which was, at times, disjointed, he said.

Grinberg-Funes said among those who attended, some supported forming a watch, while others were against it, saying they didn't see the need for one or had privacy concerns.

But Grinberg-Funes said there's an urgency to form a possible solution to a problem he said could happen again.

"If we don't do something different, we're back where we started at it," he said.

The meeting went on for about an hour and a half and shifted focus from forming a watch to personal accounts to questions about the suspect charged with the abduction, Grinberg-Funes said.

'IT WAS A GOOD START'

Ultimately, nothing concrete was decided on by the end of the meeting, he said. Grinberg-Funes said he hopes an outline for a watch will be decided on soon and noted how the crowd Wednesday included residents from other surrounding Clinton County communities, which he said showed there is still some anxiety linked to the abduction locally.

"There's a huge interest all over the county," he said, "Everyone is concerned that things like this can happen. So what can we do to prevent it? That's what this was all about."

Story continues

Despite not coming to an agreement by the end of the meeting Wednesday, Grinberg-Funes said the community is on the right track to what he sees as a possible solution in preventing a similar incident.

"I think it was a good start. There was a lot of interest," he said. "If we look out for each other, it'll definitely be better than what we've got now."

Email Fernando Alba:

falba@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @byfernandoalba
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarus' border protection agency said on Friday that it tightened control along its border with Lithuania to prevent Lithuanian authorities from sending migrants back to Belarus.

Lithuania, a member of the European Union, has faced an influx of mostly Iraqi migrants in the past few months. It accused the government of Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko of encouraging the migrant flow in retaliation for the EU sanctions against his country following the diversion of a passenger plane to arrest a dissident journalist aboard.

Lukashenko responded on Thursday by ordering defense and security agencies to close every meter of the border in order not to let immigrants Lithuania turns away back into Belarus.

God forbid they start implementing the policy of removing people they invited over there through official border crossing points, Lukashenko said during a meeting with defense and security officials. Starting from today, not a single person should set foot on the territory of Belarus from the opposite side, be it from the south or from the west.

Belarus state TV posted a picture of Belarusian border guards standing in a line to close the border while a migrant with a child sits at their feet.

The border guards used all necessary means to prevent the unlawful crossing of the border in view of the current situation under which the Lithuanian side is taking foreign citizens seeking refuge in the EU to the border, the Belarus State Border Committee said in Friday's statement.

It said it created mobile tactical groups to patrol the entire length of the border to prevent Lithuania from sending migrants back into Belarus.

Authorities in Belarus this week alleged that Iraqi immigrants forcibly expelled from Lithuania and sent back to Belarus had injuries, including dog bites, and had to be hospitalized. Belarus also claimed Wednesday that a non-Slavic person died from injuries at a border town but Lithuania dismissed the report as propaganda from a hostile regime.

Lithuania, a nation of less than 3 million people, has no physical barriers on its 679-kilometer (420-mile) long border with Belarus. More than 4,100 migrants, most of them from Iraq, have crossed this year from Belarus into Lithuania.
Joe Biden wearing a tan suit (REUTERS)

Joe Biden appeared to pay tribute to Barack Obama by wearing a trademark tan suit ahead of his birthday celebrations this weekend.

Mr Obama, who turned 60 on Wednesday, once wore a tan suit during a White House briefing on ISIS in 2014 and set the internet alight.

The episode, which eventually became known as The Obama tan suit controversy, went on for days with Twitter critics and political commentators both praising and criticising the choice in summer fashion.

Following suit on Friday, Mr Biden appeared to pay tribute to his former boss with a tan suit of his own, and the reaction was no less impressive.

Im here in the East Room, Im listening to the president. The subjects are serious  the economy, vaccinations, jobs  but its hard to focus, since I was so distracted by his TAN SUIT, wrote the BBCs White House correspondent, Tara McKelvey.

Tan suit omg, added Voice of Americas Patsy Wildakuswara. THIS IS THE PLAN, Oliver Willis, of The American Independent, added.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Dozens tweeted about Mr Biden trolling Republicans with his outfit, after Mr Obama faced accusations from the right of lacking seriousness, and of being un-presidential in 2014.

Peter King, a former House Republican, said Mr Obama looked like he was on his way to a party at the Hamptons and that there was no way I dont think any of us can excuse what the president did.

Headlines at the time included The audacity of taupe and Yes we Tan!, which was a play on Mr Obamas 2008 campaign slogan Yes we can!.

Donald Trump did not wear a tan suit during his term in office but broke from many other conventions, including not severing ties to his own businesses, failing to release his tax returns, and refusing to accept the transfer of power after an election defeat.

Read More

Senator mocked for demanding Obama cancel his birthday altogether

Governor who?: Ron DeSantis popularity tanks as Biden mocks him and Delta ravages state

Michelle Obama backs Simone Biles: We are proud of you and we are rooting for you
US e-commerce giant Amazon won a major legal victory in India on Friday as the country's top court blocked a $3.4-billion deal struck by domestic rival Reliance.

Amazon, Walmart-backed Flipkart and Reliance, owned by Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, are locked in a titanic battle to dominate online retail in the country of 1.3 billion people.

Reliance struck a deal last year to buy assets belonging to Future Retail, India's second-largest supermarket chain, owned by Future Group.

The acquisition of Future Group, which owns some of India's best-known supermarket brands, such as Big Bazaar, would have strengthened Reliance's presence in the hugely competitive e-commerce sector.

Amazon, which owned a stake in one of Future Group's firms that reportedly included an option to buy into the flagship company, claimed that the Reliance deal amounted to a breach of contract.

The US online titan last year approached the Singapore International Arbitration Centre which put the Reliance deal on hold after finding merit in Amazon's objections.

Amazon said the arbitrator's order was binding, while Future contested its legality. On Friday the Supreme Court ruled that the order was valid.

There was no immediate comment from Reliance or Amazon.

Amazon, owned by the world's richest man Jeff Bezos, has pledged $6.5 billion in investment in India, according to Bloomberg News.

Flipkart, which Walmart bought a majority stake in for $16 billion in 2018, recently garnered $3.6 billion in the country's largest fund raise at a valuation of nearly $38 billion, Bloomberg said.

Future Group founder Kishore Biyani was once known as India's retail king, but he has struggled in recent years as the coronavirus pandemic dealt a heavy blow to his empire.

Reliance's shares fell more than two percent in Mumbai.

str-abh/stu/dva/gle
The realtor was showing a home to a client when they noticed police descending on the property

A Black realtor in Wyoming, Michigan, and his client and that mans son were detained by police Sunday on suspicion that they were breaking into a home that they were actually touring.

Police responded to the house on a report of a break-in and found Eric Brown and his client Roy Thorne, who are now speaking out about being racially profiled.

Brown was showing a home on Sharon Avenue SW to Thorne and his son when they noticed police descending upon the property.

Roy looked outside and noticed there were officers there and were pointing guns toward the property, Brown told Wood.

After Thorne announced themselves to officers through an upstairs window, police ordered them to exit the home with their hands in the air. Brown, Thorne, and Thornes 15-year-old son were put in handcuffs.

They keep their guns drawn on us until all of us were in cuffs, Thorne said. So, that was a little traumatizing I guess because under the current climate of things, you just dont know whats going to happen.

Police responded to the house on a report of a break-in and found Eric Brown and his client Roy Thorne (Credit: screenshot/WOOD)

Once Brown explained that he is a real estate agent, even showing his credentials, the officers immediately removed the handcuffs.

That officer came back and apologized again, but at the same time, the damage is done, Thorne said. My son was a little disturbed, he hasnt seen anything like that  hes not going to forget this.

Capt. Timothy Pols of the Wyoming police said officers followed protocol by placing the individuals in handcuffs

Officers were aware that a previous burglary had occurred at this same address on July 24 and that a suspect was arrested and charged for unlawful entry during that incident, Pols said in a statement. The caller indicated that the previously arrested suspect had returned and again entered the house.

Brown and Thorne believe if they were white men, the officers would have had a different reaction.

The level of the response and the aggressiveness of the response was definitely a take back, it really threw me back, Brown said.

Story continues

A SWAT team is what it felt like, he told The Washington Post.

Pols claimed there wasnt a racial element to it.

Below is the full statement from the Wyoming Police Department:

On August 1, our officers responded to a 911 call from a neighbor reporting that a house was being broken into. Officers were aware that a previous burglary had occurred at this same address on July 24 and that a suspect was arrested and charged for unlawful entry during that incident. The caller indicated that the previously arrested suspect had returned and again entered the house. When the officers arrived, there were people inside of the residence in question. Officers asked the individuals to come out of the house and placed them in handcuffs per department protocol. After listening to the individuals explanation for why they were in the house, officers immediately removed the handcuffs. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety takes emergency calls such as this seriously and officers rely on their training and department policy in their response.

I just felt defeated, Thorne told The Post. Thats something you never want your kid to see.

I was scared, he said. I was scared for my son.

Brown said the one thought that raced through his mind during the encounter with police was: Were going to die today.

The incident lasted about 30 minutes, but Thorne and Brown said the impact will last a lifetime.

I feel pretty anxious, or nervous or maybe even a little bit scared about what do I do to protect myself if Im going to show a home and the authorities just get called on a whim like that, said Brown. Am I just automatically the criminal? Because thats pretty much how we were treated in that situation.

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In a letter to State Department staff, Secretary of State Antony Blinken responded to the "growing concerns" from Department employees about Unexplained Health Incidents  also called "Havana Syndrome"  which are known to have affected roughly two hundred U.S. diplomats, intelligence officers and other U.S. personnel around the world.

"Employees going abroad are anxious about whether they or their families are at risk," Blinken wrote. "That's completely understandable, and I wish we had more answers for you."

Havana Syndrome incidents were first reported by U.S. officers in Cuba in 2016. Symptoms may include vertigo, ear ringing, nausea and intense headaches; some have even been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury, though physical damage to the brain hasn't always been detected.

Some victims were particularly upset that the secretary had not yet met with victims in person to hear their concerns. And they have complained that the department's efforts have been scattered, in part due to inadequate staffing and what they say is a lingering skepticism among its medical staff about the incidents' seriousness.

Blinken told employees the department would "do a better job keeping you informed" of the government's ongoing efforts to identify the origin of the incidents, prevent future cases and provide care to those who have suffered symptoms.

In March, he tasked Pamela Spratlen, a former U.S. ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, to oversee the State Department's response and to engage with employees affected by the health incidents. The department launched a pilot program to collect baseline health information on officers ahead of their overseas deployments and established a partnership with the National Institutes of Health for medical assessments.

Blinken said in the letter that he would "soon" have the opportunity to meet with affected staff and their families.

Story continues

"A lot of talented and experienced people have been assigned to this. We're bringing all our resources to bear," Blinken wrote.

Former Team USA gymnast calls Biles a role model for Tokyo Olympics decisions

Facebook bans researchers looking into its practices, sparking criticism

U.S. added 943,000 jobs in July as unemployment rate drops to 5.4%
The first of more than 170 defendants charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding police officers during the Capitol riot pleaded guilty on Friday after being caught on video punching a helmeted Metropolitan Police Department officer in the head on Jan. 6.

Scott Fairlamb, who has been behind bars for months, appeared by Zoom on Friday to plead guilty to one count of obstruction of an official proceeding and one count of assaulting a police officer after being charged in a 12-count indictment earlier this year.

The plea deal he and his lawyer agreed upon with the Justice Department recommends a minimum sentence of 41 months and a maximum of 51 months.

Fairlamb admitted to the charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and that he did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with an MPD officer dubbed Officer Z.B. while he was engaged in and on account of the performance of official duties, and where the acts in violation of this section involve physical contact with the victim and the intent to commit another felony. He also agreed to pay $2,000 restitution.

DEBUNKED CLAIMS OFFICER SICKNICK DIED FROM CAPITOL RIOT INJURIES REEMERGE AT DAY ONE HEARING

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat said the Justice Department might invoke a sentence enhancement during Fairlambs proceedings, citing the section of the U.S. sentencing guidelines related to if the offense is a felony that involved, or was intended to promote, a federal crime of terrorism.

Video footage showed Fairlamb, dressed in a brown camouflage jacket, shove and punch a Metropolitan Police Department officer in the head on the west front of the Capitol. Before that, video showed Fairlamb cross a breached police skirmish line and pick up a collapsible baton from the ground, carrying it into the Senate side of the Capitol after rioters broke a window and kicked down a door. Fairlamb left the Capitol roughly a half-hour later.

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Fairlamb posted a video on his Facebook carrying the baton and yelling, What patriots do? We f***ing disarm them, and then we storm the f***ing Capitol! F*** you! Roughly half an hour after exiting the Capitol, he came across police officers beginning to move away from a large crowd of rioters, and Fairlamb followed the police, yelling, Are you an American? Act like one!

Fairlamb pushed an officer into other protesters. When the officer swatted Fairlambs hand away, Fairlamb punched him in his face shield, shocking some of the other rioters who tried to calm him down.

Fairlamb's sentencing will occur on Sept. 27.

Fairlamb runs a New Jersey gym and training facility, Fairlamb Fit, which he opened in 2016. Before that, he worked as a security guard. Fairlambs brother works for the U.S. Secret Service. While in prison, Fairlamb was occasionally confined to his cell for 23.5 hours each day.

When unsuccessfully arguing against detention in April, Fairlambs attorney told the court, If my client were truly the predatory wrecking machine as he is portrayed by the government, he would have intended and actually caused something far greater than what is routinely referred to as misdemeanor simple assault.

Prosecutors alleged that as a former MMA fighter, the defendant was well aware of the injury he could have inflicted on Officer Z.B.

My client had literally one mixed martial arts fight," Fairlambs lawyer retorted in April.

Separately, Devlyn Thompson pleaded guilty on Friday to assaulting an MPD sergeant during the Capitol riot.

Criminal information filed against Thompson in July stated he used a "deadly and dangerous weapon"  in this case, a baton  and "did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with, an officer  that is, Sergeant W.B., an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department ... where the acts in violation of this section involve physical contact with the victim.

The Justice Department said Thompson "was part of a group that threw objects and projectiles at the officers, including flag poles, and grabbed and stole the officers riot shields to prevent them from defending themselves against the violence" and that Thompson himself "picked up a metal baton from the floor of the tunnel and swung it overhead and downward against the police line in an apparent effort to knock a can of pepper spray from an officers hand and stop the officer from pepper-spraying the rioters."

Thompsons lawyers told the court he has remained cooperative with the U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI, and will be providing the U.S. Attorneys Office with a letter of apology to Sergeant W.B.

Thompsons lawyer said the Capitol riot was absurd and stupid and said his client was truly remorseful but said he was not a planner and not a co-conspirator so he should not be behind bars. Prosecutors said that this is one of the largest domestic terrorist events in U.S. history and said Thompson should be jailed until sentencing. Thompson's lawyer said he took issue with the domestic terrorism designation. Judge Royce Lamberth denied the defendant's request for release.

Prosecutors say at least 170 defendants have been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees, including over 50 individuals charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. DOJ reports an estimated 140 police officers were assaulted.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Justice Department has filed charges against 565 defendants so far and accepted 31 guilty pleas before Friday, mostly for misdemeanors. Several alleged Capitol rioters have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, including a few alleged members of the right-wing Oath Keepers militia group.

Roughly five dozen Capitol riot defendants are currently being held in pretrial detention.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Donald Trump, U.S. Capitol Building, U.S. Capitol Police, Justice Department, Capitol

Original Author: Jerry Dunleavy

Original Location: Capitol rioter who punched police officer pleads guilty
Female couple

Its time for LGBTQ+ Americans to be counted.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced Thursday that its Household Pulse Survey is now asking respondents their sexual orientation and gender identity in addition to their sex.

The questions are part of Phase 3.2 of the survey, the latest update to an experimental data collection effort to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American households, a Census Bureau blog post explains. This marks the first time the bureau has asked these questions, although the Census has counted same-sex households. The bureau considered adding queries about sexual orientation and gender identity a few years ago but ultimately did not do so. LGBTQ+ activists have long been advocating for inclusion of such questions.

Distribution of the questionnaires began July 21 and is expected to continue through October 11. Some results will be released next week, however, according to the blog post.

Earlier versions of the survey asked respondents if they were male or female. Phase 3.2 instead asks if they were assigned male or female at birth and if they currently describe themselves as male, female, transgender, or none of those choices.

About sexual orientation, the new phase asks, Which of the following best represents how you think of yourself? The answers to choose from are gay or lesbian; straight, that is, not gay or lesbian; bisexual; something else; and dont know.

The survey will also include new questions about currently relevant topics such as COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine hesitancy, and the new child tax credit, while some questions deemed less relevant have been removed, so the new queries wont increase the time it takes to answer.

The survey is sent to about a million households every two weeks. Those selected will receive an email from COVID.survey@census.gov or a text message from 39242. Additional information is available on the HPS respondent website.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas surprise ban on pineapple imports from Taiwan five months ago was widely viewed as an attempt to undermine President Tsai Ing-wens standing with a political constituency. Trade data show the move has produced anything but the desired effect.

First-half numbers collected by Taiwans Council of Agriculture show growers of the fruit on the island have fared better since China blocked imports starting March 1, as sympathetic Japanese shoppers stepped in to provide support. Shipments to Japan surged more than eightfold to 16,556 tons in the four months through June from a year ago. A domestic campaign to drum up demand also helped.

The helping hand from Japanese importers has come as a pleasant surprise for Taiwans rattled farmers who were bracing for a plunge in prices following the move by China, which termed it as a normal precaution to protect biosecurity. The spiky fruit is among a long list of products from Australian wine to coal and lobster China has targeted for sanctions to help gain leverage in trade disputes.

The bleeding was stopped before it even began, said Chen Li-i, an official at the Council of Agriculture in Taipei.

Japan has now replaced China as the major overseas destination for Taiwans pineapples. While its unclear how long the ban will last -- the shift may well reverse once the restrictions are lifted -- the humble tropical fruit has become an unlikely symbol of defiance in the regions geopolitical intrigues. Amid all the sabre-rattling by Beijing, Japan and the island democracy have expressed a broad desire to forge closer ties. Leaders in Tokyo see their own security directly linked to that of Taiwan, which China asserts is its territory.

Pineapples are an important source of income for farmers in central and southern Taiwan. Around 11% of the tropical fruit harvested in Taiwan are sold overseas. Until the ban, they were almost entirely shipped to China.

Export orders are looking unexpectedly good, said Chiao Chun, chief executive officer of Harvest Consultancy Co. in Taipei. This really was a crisis turned into an opportunity.

Story continues

Besides the help from Japan, an increase in domestic demand fueled by a save the farmers campaign on social media rallied local shoppers in support of growers. Even President Tsai pitched in a day after Chinas ban took effect.

Farmers also received passionate backing from local businesses. Restaurants across the island rushed in to add a pineapple-infused sweet twist to all sorts of dishes ranging from shrimp balls, fried rice and even the classic beef noodle soup. Taiwan Railways Administration introduced special edition lunch boxes with pineapples as one of the side dishes.

As a result, domestic prices of the fruit jumped 28% to an average NT$22.1 (80 cents) per kilogram in the March-June period, a three-year high. The total value of the pineapples sold locally rose 17%, according to data provided by the farm councils Chen.

Higher prices driven by strong domestic demand led to more profit for the farmers, Chen said.

One key question is whether the uptick in overseas demand is sustainable. Exporters cite concerns over Japans stringent quality requirements and consumer preferences for smaller, less-sweet varieties than the pineapples typically grown in Taiwan.

But the Chinese ban leaves Taiwan with little choice but to review its export markets for the fruit, according to Young Fu-fan, a grower in the southern county of Tainan.

Farmers cant expect to make easy money from China anymore, he said.

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A Hikvision surveillance camera in downtown Beijing. REUTERS/Jason Lee

The UK Foreign Affairs Committee called for a ban on Hikvision's products being used in the UK.

In a letter recently made public, the company accused the committee of a "knee-jerk reaction."

The independent CCTV watchdog was passed the private letter and has published it.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Hikvision, a Chinese camera manufacturer implicated in human-rights abuses against the Uyghur minority in China, has said a British Parliamentary committee's call for a UK ban on the company is a "knee-jerk reaction".

The Foreign Affairs Committee published a report on July 8 calling on the UK government to ban Hikvision equipment from the UK.

It further asked the government to prohibit UK firms from conducting business with Hikvision and "any companies known to be associated with the Xinjiang atrocities through the sanctions regime".

Xinjiang, a westerly region of China, is the home of the mostly-Muslim Uyghur people.

Human-rights groups and governments have accused authorities there of waging a repressive campaign of imprisonment and re-education, said to involve the imprisonment of more than a million people.

The US government describes the situation there as a genocide, and parliaments in the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands have said the same. Western governments have been moving to punish companies deemed to be helping China.

Hikvision's cameras are used by councils across London and the UK, Reuters reported. The CCTV camera that caught former UK health secretary Matt Hancock having an affair in his office was manufactured by Hikvision, the UK's i newspaper reported.

In June, the Biden administration banned US investment in the firm. This followed an August 2020 ban on the US government buying goods or services from companies that use products from Hikvision.

Following the committee's report, Hikvision wrote to unidentified "valued partners". In their letter, seen by Insider, the company says the committee's report "states cameras made by the Chinese firm Hikvision have been deployed throughout Xinjiang and provide the primary camera technology used in the internment camps."

Story continues

"This is unsubstantiated and not underpinned by evidence," Hikvision says.

Hikvision have won Chinese government tenders to establish facial recognition cameras at the entrances of mosques and install surveillance systems in re-education camps, according to the outlet IPVM, which covers the video-surveillance industry.

Hikvision also said the committee's recommendation of a ban is a "knee-jerk reaction." It said it was "entirely disproportionate, ill-measured, and reinforces the notion that this is motivated by political influences". This, the company says, is a "staggering leap for the Committee to make, and is not based on any concrete evidence".

Hikvision cited a report by US law firm Arent Fox - paid for by the company - which appeared to acknowledge that Hikvision is working in Xinjiang, but with motives it characterized as pure.

It concluded that Hikvision did not "[enter] into the five projects in Xinjiang with the intent to knowingly engage in human rights abuses or find that Hikvision knowingly or intentionally committed human rights abuses itself or that it acted in wilful disregard."

The UK government is due to respond to the committee's report by September 8.

Hikvision say before then it will "work with the Government to provide a well-rounded perspective to policy making and moving away from personal agendas".

Hikvision's letter was published by the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, an independent watchdog linked to the Home Office, after one of Hikvision's "valued partners" passed the letter to the commissioner, Professor Fraser Sampson.

Sampson has written to Hikvision about the letter. He asks the firm if they "accept that basic premise, namely that crimes are being committed against the Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region".

Tom Tugendhat MP, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, told Insider: "I'm pleased to see the Surveillance Camera Commissioner stand by the committee's recommendations.

"Those who helped to build the security state in Xinjiang are complicit in terrible human rights abuses.

"The UK should not be importing technology built on repression."

A spokesperson for the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner told Insider the commissioner had not yet received a formal response to his letter.

The spokesperson said: "He's had contact from Hikvision suggesting a meeting. That will be set up after a substantive response to the letter."

Insider contacted Hikvision for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Aug. 6It was an incredible case of like mother, like daughter for both Katalin and Natalia Clark of Wenham, who each became All-Americans and junior national champions at the AAU Track & Field Club National Championships in Florida last month.

Their mom, Csilla, was a junior national track champion in her native Hungary. Also a six-time national champion in rowing who now coaches crew at the Brooks School in Andover, she's blazed an incredible trail that the younger Clarks have been able to follow.

Kata, 14, just graduated from the Miles River School Middle School at Hamilton-Wenham and won first place in the 3000, 1500 and as part of the 4x800 relay in her age bracket. Natailia, 12, will be a seventh grader at Miles River this year and came in first in the 1500 as well as second in the 800 in her age group.

Though both play multiple sports and enjoy hockey and soccer as well as cross country running, they've been practicing with head coach Peter Crapsey at the New England Elite Track & Field and Cross Country Club for the last year or so. The group practices at Gordon College as well as in Haverhill; Kata joined last fall and fell in love with the team and the sport of track, which made her sister want to join her.

"Coach Pete does an incredible job of creating a competitive environment while emphasizing the important of staying fit and building confidence with the values of responsibility, sportsmanship, commitment and camaraderie," Csilla Clark said.

A few weeks before, Natalia ran in the AAU regional qualifier in New Jersey and clocked a 4:55.87 in the 1500, currently the fastest time in the United States this year by girls aged 11-12. Kata had run at indoor nationals this past winter and was thrilled to see her sister thrive on the big stage as well.

"They were very excited," their mom said. "They push each other at practice, but support each other at the competitions. It was fun to go together as we all share the love for the sport."

With the heat index near 100 degrees and conditions humid in Satellite Beach, Fla. for the junior nationals, Kata clocked a 10:56.64 in the 3000 to win as well as a first place time of 4:57.68 in the 1500. She also ran a 2:21 split in the 4x800 relay, helping her team prevail in 9:56.20.

Natalia, meanwhile, won the 1500 in 5:10.57 and came in second in the 800 with a strong 2:35.39.
At a moments notice, a New Haven nonprofit is poised to prepare homes and warm welcomes for Afghan families who have became refugees of Taliban violence by working alongside U.S. armed forces.

One worker and his family will be arriving in Connecticut from Afghanistan on Aug. 11, and at least one more family will come to the New Haven area after arriving in Fort Lee, Virginia, says Ann OBrien, community engagement director of Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS).

They are among 2,500 people from Afghanistan who have been granted Special Immigrant Visas for having served as translators or doing other work for U.S. troops or diplomats, placing themselves and their extended families at risk in the process. Some have ties to residents of the New Haven and Hartford areas, where IRIS has resettled more than 500 Afghan citizens since 2017, creating tight-knit, supportive communities in both regions.

The families that came in the years or two beforehand, they remember that so clearly and theyre super intuitive as to what the newly arriving families need, and of course they want to ease that entry if in any way they can, OBrien said.

IRIS is also hiring several case managers and an employment specialist to work out of a new Hartford-area office and support the growing community in the capital city. That office will open as early as Oct. 1.

Im thrilled that Connecticut is beginning to welcome Afghans who risked their lives to support our troops, our diplomats and our allies, and Im very grateful to IRIS for working hard to place them here in Connecticut, Mayor Luke Bronin, a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan, said Thursday. Our entire country should welcome these refugees with open arms, not just because we owe it to them, but because theyll be an asset to any community they live in.

OBrien says IRIS doesnt know how many Afghan refugees will ultimately arrive in Connecticut.

The Biden administration also has thousands more pending applications to consider as the crisis in Afghanistan worsens ahead of the U.S. militarys scheduled withdrawal from the country this month.

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When the nonprofit does get a new case, it typically has just a few days or weeks of notice before the family or individual arrives.

The short notice makes the preparation for resettlement a chaotic process, just like the rest of a refugees journey, OBrien said. But the case managers, including former refugees themselves, try to create as stable and welcoming an environment as they can, OBrien said.

IRIS maintains relationships with landlords and furniture stores so it can quickly find and furnish apartments before a refugee arrives.

If the family doesnt speak English, a translator is the first person to greet them. And no matter what, a family from the same ethnic background is the first to feed them, delivering a culturally appropriate hot meal to their apartment when they arrive.

Mohammad Daad Seweri, of West Haven, said that first meal brought a lot of comfort to him and his family when they settled in the New Haven area in 2017 on Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.

From 2004 to 2009, Seweri had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army in Helmand province, a hotbed of the Taliban and opium production. After he received a threat, Seweri took his family to Kabul and worked in a foreign embassy, hoping one day theyd return to a safer Helmand.

Things never got better, he said.

Seweri was able to leave the country with his wife and 6-year-old son, settling in Connecticut because Seweris U.S. tie, his brother, lived in the New Haven area. That first day, his brother brought over a rice dish with meat, called palaw, and helped stock their kitchen with enough groceries for a week.

Seweri still worries for the safety of his parents, siblings and their families in Afghanistan, saying the Taliban would consider them complicit in his decision to work with the U.S. military years ago.

If they find out, which they will, [my family is] not safe at all, Seweri said.

Most refugees from his country, and likely others, feel the same, wishing they could extend their refugee status to the family they had to leave behind.

Seweri, who became a case manager for IRIS, is conscious of all those worries as he works with clients.

Mentally, this is not an easy thing, he said. This is not a choice they make but they are forced and compelled to leave the country of origin and leave all their memory, leave all their relatives, their family behind and come to a new country and start from scratch.

To make the transition smoother, IRIS gives each family a cell phone so they can reach their case manager and shows them how to take a bus from their new home to the closest grocery store. On the way, their case manager tries to find them a store that will have some more traditional ingredients from their culture.

IRIS also helps them apply to social service benefits, connects them with a health care provider, and provides some financial assistance until the clients find jobs.

Seweri is hoping he gets to work with more refugees in the weeks and months ahead.

Those people coming here, they add value to the American society, and American society is getting richer and more diverse. That is one of the biggest assets of the United States, he said. They are very hard-working communities, and they definitely contribute enormously, and not only culturally, socially but economically to this country.

Rebecca Lurye can be reached at rlurye@courant.com.
Attorneys for Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized investigators with the New York attorney general's office on Friday, claiming they ran a shoddy process and failed to interview key witnesses whose testimony could have challenged that Cuomo sexually harassed and intimidated nearly a dozen women.

Cuomo's attorney, Rita Glavin, along with Paul Fishman, who represents Cuomo's office, reflected the posture of Cuomo aides throughout the inquiry's course by saying Attorney General Letitia James's investigation was biased against the governor.

"The governor deserves to be treated fairly, and he must be," Glavin said during a remote press conference. "That did not happen here."

DEMOCRATIC FUNDRAISING SITE DROPS ANDREW CUOMO AFTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT REPORT

"This was one-sided, and he was ambushed," Glavin continued. "There's a rule of law in this country. I believe in it. Give us the opportunity to have the evidence, and we're going to give our response."

Glavin claimed a lawyer for one of the witnesses called her with a warning.

"This lawyer got my telephone number through another lawyer because this lawyer believed that it was very important for me to get some information," Glavin said. "And the information was that the manner of questioning alarmed this lawyer, that I was being warned that minds were made up and that questions pushed back on evidence that was favorable to the governor."

Fishman, who represented numerous individuals interviewed by James's investigators, made similar claims about his clients' experience.

"A number of those individuals left those interviews feeling as if the questions were framed in a way to push them to particular conclusions about people, about the work environment, and so forth," he said.

Fabien Levy, press secretary and senior adviser to James, released a statement in response to the claims by Cuomo's lawyers, defending the inquiry and the 11 women who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment.

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After multiple women made accusations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them, the governor, himself, requested that Attorney General James oversee an independent investigation. The independent investigators selected are widely respected professionals, recognized for their legal and investigatory ability. To attack this investigation and attempt to undermine and politicize this process takes away from the bravery displayed by these women," Levy said.

There will be a rolling production of interview transcripts made available to the state Assembly, which will be redacted as needed," Levy added. There are 11 women whose accounts have been corroborated by a mountain of evidence. Any suggestion that attempts to undermine the credibility of these women or this investigation is unfortunate."

James announced the findings of her report on Tuesday, concluding Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women "and, in doing so, broke the law." Nine of the women are current and former state employees, and one is a New York state trooper.

Cuomo denied the allegations before the findings of the investigation, which Cuomo adviser Richard Azzopardi described as having a "transparent political motivation," were released. James, also a Democrat, is viewed as a contender for governor, although she hasn't announced a campaign yet.

After the report was revealed on Tuesday, Cuomo reiterated his denial, saying the "facts are much different than what has been portrayed."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Numerous national Democrats, including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have urged Cuomo to resign following the report, as well as New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, and other Democratic members of the state's congressional delegation.

Cuomo faces an impeachment investigation by the New York State Assembly, and at least four district attorneys offices in New York have requested from the state inquiry into the sexual misconduct claims.

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Tags: News, Andrew Cuomo, New York, Sexual Harassment, Democrats, Investigation

Original Author: Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: Cuomo was 'ambushed' by sexual harassment investigation, attorney says
Darnell Nurse cashed in with the Edmonton Oilers. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)

Darnell Nurse has set himself up to be a forever Oiler  and a handsomely paid one, at that.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed Darnell Nurse to a maximum-term eight-year extension worth a reported $74 million, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is reporting.

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The agreement reportedly matches the market value for No. 1 defenders signed this offseason at $9.25 million on an annual basis. Both Seth Jones and Zach Werenski have signed maximum-term contracts in this range this offseason with the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets, respectively.

One more year at $5.6 million remains on the two-year bridge deal Nurse signed before last season.

Nurse is coming off superb year with the Oilers, where he earned a seventh-place finish in Norris Trophy voting. His 16 goals were second only to Arizona Coyotes' Jakob Chychrun among blue-liners, and he was one of eight all-situations defenders to average over 25 minutes per game, finishing with the third-most logged minutes throughout the 2020-21 season.

Analytically, Nurse's 2021 season, his seventh, was one of his best as well. His on-ice goal differential and expected goals percentage were the best marks of his career and he managed to produce those strong defensive numbers with a poor defensive defenceman, Tyson Barrie, being his primary partner. It should be noted that so much overlap with Connor McDavid will help those underlying totals, but Nurse was routinely seeing the top competition in the talent-rich North Division, as well.

Still, this seems like a touch of an overspend for the Oilers and looks particularly expensive after Adam Pelech just signed a max-term deal with the New York Islanders worth $5.75 million annually. Nurse's $9.25 million valuation vaults him to the top one percentile in terms of NHL earners on the blue line and he probably belongs in the tier, or two, below that.

It's going to be exceedingly difficult for Nurse to continue to meet the expectations tied to such a hefty price tag when it kicks in next season. And it's going to make life even more difficult for Oilers GM Ken Holland, who continues to grapple with the challenges associated with surrounding McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with talent in the league's tight salary parameters.

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WASHINGTON  A little over a year after she was fired as the manager of Floridas coronavirus dashboard, Rebekah Jones is returning to the state to run for Congress against Rep. Matt Gaetz, one of former President Donald Trumps closest allies in Washington.

Her return could also pose a challenge to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has made his handling of the coronavirus pandemic a centerpiece of his political ascent. Jones alleges that she was fired last year for refusing to manipulate statistics to accommodate the governors desire to quickly reopen the state during the national lockdown. Since then, she and the DeSantis administration have waged a relentless battle over the states narrative about the coronavirus.

The DeSantis version of that narrative  best summed up by the slogan Dont Fauci My Florida, on the merchandise the governor has been selling  has faced intense criticism in recent days. The White House says DeSantis is obstructing the appropriate public health responses to the coronavirus. As hospitals fill up across Florida, the governor has stayed the course, earning plaudits from Fox News and other conservative outlets for battling mask mandates and vaccination requirements.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at a news conference on Tuesday, where he insisted that the COVID-19 surge in his state will be short-lived. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

On the ground, resistance to this approach is rising. Under DeSantiss latest executive order, schools could lose funding if they impose mask mandates, but they are doing so anyway. Some local leaders, too, charge that DeSantis is exacerbating the situation in order to improve his standing with his Republican base. The governor has made it as difficult as possible to make people safe, the Democratic mayor of Miami Beach, Dan Gelber, recently said on CNN, comparing DeSantis to a Pied Piper leading everybody off a cliff right now.

Invincible for much of the spring, DeSantis suddenly seems vulnerable, not only as a presidential aspirant but as a governor who will be seeking reelection next year. A poll shows him slipping behind Rep. Charlie Crist, one of two mainstream Democrats challenging him in the gubernatorial contest. Headlines about Florida  Hospital Hell was recently splashed across the Drudge Report, a must-read for conservatives  do not help.

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Floridas spike bolsters the case that Jones has been making about the governor, even if it doesnt necessarily help her case against Gaetz, whose First Congressional District includes the Florida Panhandle. The region is a Republican redoubt and last sent a Democrat to Washington in 1992; in the 2020 presidential election, Trump won the Panhandle with margins that reached nearly 50 percentage points in places.

Gaetz is the son of a prominent Florida politician; Jones grew up in Louisiana, Mississippi and Maryland, in a working poor family. She calls Gaetz a wholly useless emissary for the Florida Panhandle, describing him as a Trump loyalist with little interest in serving ordinary people. She is planning to run as an independent, which means she wont have the help of local Democrats  although it also means she won't have the ideological baggage that comes with the party affiliation.

His camp calls her campaign a sideshow. She isnt a serious candidate, says Gaetz campaign spokesman Harlan Hill, a former Trump adviser. Rebekah would mask your children, lock down your lives and allow Black Lives Matter to burn your businesses to the ground, he told Yahoo News.

Rebekah Jones and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: courtesy of Rebekah Jones, Patrick Semansky/AP)

Floridians appear likely to side with Gaetz. In 2020, he won reelection by 30 points. He is now facing allegations of sex trafficking, something that may nevertheless not prejudice his chances of winning, given the margins he has enjoyed so far. Jones and a Democratic candidate could also help him by splitting the opposition against him.

Joness candidacy may ultimately pose a bigger threat to DeSantis, who has argued for his freedom-over-fear approach to the pandemic, over that of his more cautious Democratic counterparts. Jones offers a vociferous refutation of DeSantis's position, and her campaign appears to be more focused on keeping the Florida governor out of the White House than on recalling Gaetz from Capitol Hill.

In the month since Jones filed her declaration to seek office, Florida has once again become the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, accounting for a full fifth of all cases in the United States throughout the second half of July. Last week, Florida recorded more new cases per day (16,038 cases on Tuesday) than Germany did (10,735 on the same day), although Germany has four times as many residents.

DeSantis has said he has refused to turn Florida into what he called a Faucian dystopia of masked faces and social distancing rules, without seeming to realize there might be costs to taking this stance. These have become evident in recent days. On Saturday, Florida reported 21,683 new cases, the highest daily tally in the state since the pandemic began.

Deaths, which lag infections, are now also rising. On Aug. 4, Florida reported 140 deaths, more than the total of 116 for New York, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut combined.

Daniel Uhlfelder, a Santa Rosa Beach attorney who is leading an effort to defeat the governor in 2022, has used such statistics against DeSantis, arguing that the governor does things for show, and adding, Theres a cruelty to him. He doesnt care.

The DeSantis administration has claimed it has protected seniors and other vulnerable people while letting others enjoy their freedom. Keeping the schools open, in defiance of teachers' unions, made DeSantis a hero to parents weary of months of Zoom schools.

The line at a COVID-19 testing site in Miami on Tuesday. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)

DeSantis has been happy to play the hero, and Make America Florida has become a rallying cry of his increasingly boisterous and confident camp. The states economic recovery has not been as resounding as the governor would like to suggest, however. A study published in June by economists at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that states that kept their restrictions in force for longer actually bounced back quicker, and that Californias economy did better than Floridas.

DeSantis also showed little interest in launching the kind of unrelenting vaccination effort that the pandemic seemed to require, even as other governors, including more than a few Republicans, looked for incentives or stipulations that would persuade people to take their shots.

Floridas ambitious governor took the opposite approach, in an apparent bid to court favor with the anti-vaccine crowd. He sued cruise ship operators, many of which operate out of Florida ports, in an effort to prevent them from requiring vaccinations. (A poll found that more than three-quarters of Floridians did not approve of DeSantiss ban.)

In late June, Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading epidemiologist at Baylor University, watched as DeSantis and the Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham mocked him as a COVID doomer in a segment of her primetime show, which has an audience of millions. Weeks later, Hotez watched the more transmissible Delta variant pummel the state, just as he predicted would be the case unless vaccination rates drastically increased.

DeSantis appears with the anchor Laura Ingraham on Fox News.

Weve seen a number of these red-state governors put ideology before public health, Hotez told Yahoo News. On Monday, the White House pandemic response coordinator, Jeff Zients, revealed that Texas and Florida accounted for a full third of all new coronavirus cases across the United States last week.

That surge suggests that DeSantis declared victory over the coronavirus far too soon (President Biden has been accused of doing the same). The governor has tried to blame the media for hysteria over the states bleak situation, but with 11,500 people hospitalized, it is not clear how much traction that argument will have. An Orlando Sentinel editorial published Monday morning charged that DeSantis lacks courage to fight the disease.

The new surge has revived the bitter rivalry between the 32-year-old data scientist who wants to be a congresswoman and the 42-year-old governor who, by all accounts, wants to be president.

DeSantis denied the reality of COVID-19 in Florida from the start, Jones says. The people continue to pay the price for his cruel policies.

That could make the race in the Panhandle less a referendum on Gaetz, or even on Jones herself, than on the governor who has had an outsize role in how Floridians have experienced the pandemic. People are going to be drawn to her or drawn away from her based on how they feel about Ron DeSantis, Uhlfelder says. I think that's pretty obvious.

In the unlikely event that her congressional run gains traction, Jones will be campaigning against the Trump-DeSantis-Gaetz triumvirate at exactly the same time as DeSantis is seeking reelection and preparing for his universally expected White House run. That could perturb the prickly governor, who has won the nickname porcupine. He once attacked Jones by name in an appearance with former Vice President Mike Pence, and he has a lot more to lose than Jones, who is unemployed and had been living in self-imposed exile in Maryland and just moved down to the district she wants to represent.

DeSantis, with Vice President Mike Pence, speaks to the media in Orlando in May 2020 as part of an initiative to deliver personal protective equipment to nursing homes. (Chris O'Meara/AP)

A geologist by training, Jones was initially hired to follow hurricanes. When the pandemic arrived, she built the states coronavirus dashboard, winning praise for it, including from Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator at the time.

That didnt last. In May 2020, Jones was fired from the Florida Department of Health. She promptly filed a whistleblower complaint, alleging retaliation for refusing to manipulate statistics to suit DeSantiss attempt to push for a speedy and universal reopening of the state. A year later, in May 2021, Jones was finally granted whistleblower status: a victory, but far from a full validation of the claims in her complaint.

There has been no judgment made on the merits of the accusations, says Taryn Fenske, DeSantis's communications director. Whistleblower status doesnt substantiate any claims.

On Dec. 7 of last year, armed Florida law enforcement agents raided Joness home with guns drawn. They were there to execute a warrant for her computer equipment, believing her to be responsible for improperly accessing a Department of Health emergency alert system and sending a message to employees: Speak up before another 17,000 people are dead.

Jones maintains that she didnt send the message.

Bodycam footage of the state police raid on Rebekah Jones's home on Dec. 7, 2020. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

The raid sharpened her animosity toward DeSantis. There would be something wrong with me as a mother if I didnt hold Ron DeSantis personally responsible for what hes doing to my family, Jones says. Shortly after the raid, she left Florida for Maryland. Now, months later, she is returning to run against Gaetz.

Jones is not alone in thinking the governor has a vendetta against her. He recently hired Christina Pushaw as his press secretary. Pushaw had written an article highly critical of Jones, which she noted when applying for a job with the DeSantis administration.

Jones believes that Pushaw assisted conservative outlets in their efforts to malign her. She has also sued Pushaw for harassment. The case was ultimately dismissed.

I bear no ill will toward Rebekah Jones, Pushaw told Yahoo News. I wish her the best. I have no interest in talking about her anymore. I have moved on, and I hope she has done the same. As the judge said, we are both opinionated women who will never see eye to eye, but we both have the right to free expression.

There have been questions, too, about Joness personal and professional conduct. She faces cyberstalking charges related to a romantic affair and has been suspended from Twitter (permanently, according to a spokeswoman) for trying to highlight favorable coverage of her case in the Miami Herald in what Twitter calls platform manipulation, also known as spam.

Before this suspension, she occasionally launched broadsides that seemed to undermine her standing with onetime supporters like Jake Tapper, the CNN anchor, as well as with Florida-based epidemiologists who did not share her opinions.

Whether or not the recent bad publicity shes received was orchestrated  and Jones believes it was  it has damaged her credibility. It may help her that the incumbent, Gaetz, is the subject of a sex trafficking investigation that could potentially lead to a federal indictment.

But even her own campaign manager, Carollyn Taylor, is not sure the allegations against Gaetz will be the deciding factor in the race. Taylor says the district has made peace with Gaetz. Hes trash, she says of the prevailing view of him. But hes our trash.

____

Read more from Yahoo News:
ActBlue, the Democratic Party's online fundraising platform, has stopped processing donations for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"You have attempted to make a contribution to a fundraising page that has no active recipients: either the page's owner has removed all committees or organizations from the page, or we have concluded processing contributions for these committees or organizations," an ActBlue fundraising page for Cuomo reads.

The fundraising organization confirmed it had made the decision to stop processing donations to the New York governor. Cuomo's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move comes after an investigation by the state attorney general found that Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women, and as the state Assembly's Judiciary Committee said its impeachment investigation of Cuomo is nearly complete.

New York holds its next gubernatorial election in 2022, and Cuomo said in May 2019 that he planned to run for a fourth term. During the pandemic, Cuomo's popularity surged nationwide with his daily COVID-19 briefings which provided information about the coronavirus pandemic. The briefings calmed many Americans and earned him both a television Emmy and a $5 million book deal about his handling of the pandemic.

But earlier this year, he faced accusations of sexual harassment, leading to Attorney General Letitia James to open an investigation into the allegations. James announced earlier this week that the investigation concluded Cuomo had "sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at New York's Yankee Stadium on Monday, July 26, 2021. / Credit: Richard Drew / AP

Since James released the findings of the investigation, local, state and national politicians  including President Biden  have said Cuomo should resign. The state Assembly began an impeachment inquiry in March and said on Thursday that it expects to wrap it up soon.

ActBlue's decision cuts off grassroots, small-dollar donations to Cuomo. Since its founding in 2004, the digital technology organization has provided a vital fundraising tool for Democrats.

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President Joe Biden (AP)

Hundreds of US doctors wrote to leaders of the Democratic Party on Capitol Hill and the White House this week, urging them to lower the eligibility age for Medicare in the upcoming infrastructure bill set to be passed through budget reconciliation measures.

In the letter, released by the Committee to Protect Health Care, more than 800 physicians and other health professionals urged President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to include legislation in the reconciliation package shifting the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 60.

Doing so would make millions more Americans immediately eligible for healthcare through Medicare, and would represent a major legislative achievement for Democrats on the issue of health care after Republicans famously failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act during the Trump administration and promptly ceased any major efforts to pass health care legislation.

Shifting the Medicare eligibility age would also mean that the millions of Americans ages 60-64 would see much more affordable means of obtaining health care should they not have a job, a prospect that could allow some to retire while most would see their health care expenses drop significantly.

[T]he COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored how catastrophic tying health care access to employment can be. Even as many of our patients return to work, those aged 60 to 64 can struggle to secure positions, particularly those that offer insurance, reads the letter.

One in 10 adults, Black and Latino/Hispanic people, sicker and older Americans, and lower-income and uninsured people are delaying care because of unaffordable costs. And the number of people who put off health care because of costs has gone up in recent years, it continued.

The issue is seen as a top priority for congressional progressives such as Sen Bernie Sanders, who has championed the issue along with expanding Medicare to cover dental, vision and hearing care expenses.

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Pharmaceutical companies have launched a major lobbying effort against the issue, and have poured millions into ads urging Congress to keep the program the same.

Rob Davidson, an emergency medical physician in western Michigan and the president of the Committee to Protect Health Care, told The Independent that the upcoming reconciliation package currently valued around $3.5 trillion was a golden opportunity for Democrats to make a serious move to expand Medicare.

Granting [Medicare benefits] to millions of people aged 60-64 would help save lives, reduce overall health care costs, and strengthen families at this critical time for our country, he said.

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We cant allow history to be re-written: Biden signs bill honouring DC police who fought off 6 January riot

Giuliani appears with Trump at GOP fundraiser despite reports of anger at ex-president not helping pay his legal fees

Trump card former president wants his supporters to carry misspells the word official
A prominent Iranian official warned Israel not to conduct a military operation against Iran, as the rival Middle Eastern powers trade threats following an attack on an Israeli-managed oil tanker.

We state this clearly: ANY foolish act against Iran will be met with a DECISIVE response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh tweeted on Thursday. Don't test us.

Khatibzadeh accused the Israeli government of violating international law by threatening military action against Iran. Israeli officials have urged the United Nations Security Council member-states to support diplomatic, economic, and even military deeds in response to an attack last week that killed two civilians on the Mercer Street tanker while it sailed in international waters.

We cant tag Iran as solely an Israeli problem and absolve the rest of the world from this issue, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told Israeli media.

BLINKEN WARNS IRAN: CLOCK IS TICKING ON NUCLEAR TALKS

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid argued that point to a group of ambassadors from the UNSC in a Wednesday meeting focused on Iran.

This is an international crime. So my question to you is, [referring to the ambassadors]: What is the international community going to do about it? Is there still such a thing as international law? And does the world have the ability and willpower to enforce the law? Lapid said. "If the answer is Yes,' the world should act now. If the international community does not respond in this attack, then there is no such thing as an international community. Instead, it will be, Every man for himself.

Gantz, who joined Lapid at the meeting, accused a specific Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander of orchestrating the so-called suicide drone operation that reportedly struck Mercer Street last week.

The UAV command conducted the attack on Mercer Street, Gantz said.

British officials also have demanded the UN Security Council respond to Irans destabilizing actions & lack of respect for international law, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said a collective response is being planned, although the details of that promised response have not been shared.

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"We have been working very, very closely with our partners  with the UK and others on the Security Council  to address this issue," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell in a Thursday interview. "Ive engaged with my Israeli colleague, as well. And we will do the necessary to ensure that there is accountability on this, and that Iran is identified and dealt with in the Security Council. The efforts are continuing as I speak, but I can assure you we are working assiduously on moving this discussion forward."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

We also know how to act alone, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday. The Iranians need to understand that it is impossible to sit peacefully in Tehran and, from there, ignite the entire Middle East. That is over.

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Tags: News, Foreign Policy, National Security, Naftali Bennett, Israel, Iran, UN Security Council

Original Author: Joel Gehrke

Original Location: Dont test us: Iran threatens decisive response to any Israeli strike
While Amsterdam garners the lion's share of attention in the Netherlands tech ecosystem, the not-so-far-away region around Utrecht has its fair share of tech startups and investors, as is evidenced by our latest survey of locals, below.

Area ecosystem wranglers such as StartupUtrecht, UtrechtInc, Holland Startup, Utrecht Community and others bring startups, scaleups, corporates, angels, VCs, local government, banks and universities together to build the local startup ecosystem. They also benefit from the formidable Netherlands tech advocate initiative StartupDelta and The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, which promote the Netherlands more widely.

Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, with 350,000 inhabitants. Its offices and co-working spaces include Dotslash Utrecht, De Stadstuin, MindSpace and Tribes; as well as accelerator programs like Startupbootcamp and Techleap.

Notable startups from the region include Distimo (acquired by AppAnnie), unicorn GitLab, MoneyMonk and StuComm. Plus there are newer ones such as SnappCar, Blendle, Merus, Nibblr, United Wardrobe, Napp, Lalaland, 2DAYSMOOD and Remind2Change.

Our survey respondents think the ecosystem is strong in sustainable energy, medtech, food tech, life sciences, marketplaces, deep tech, gaming and media. However, they seem to think its weaker in design, hardware, fintech, robotics and agritech.

Notable startups named by our respondents include Channable, Pepscope, Goin' Connect, Fundsup, Tover, Faqta, Sensorfact, SODAQ, Picnic, Neurolytics, De Clique, Solease, BikeFlip, Packaly, DiManEx, Trunkrs, DialogueTrainer, EatMyRide, CART-Tech, Prolira, among many, many others. It just goes to show the region has a strong and growing ecosystem.

The investment scene is described variously as focusing on software, clean tech, life sciences, biotech, organoids, 3D bioprinting, AI and VR/AR. One says: In Amsterdam it's ok. Utrecht is a bit lagging. Another said, The investor scene focuses on early-stage, scalable tech in healthcare, sustainability and education. [There are] many local informal investors and nationally operating VCs.

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With the shift to remote working, many respondents think people will preferably move out of the city center toward the villages nearby as there is a lot of nature/space around. That said, Utrecht is a growing hub and many will stay in the city. But fewer people will move in, and remote working is there to stay. Its also easy to work remotely in the Netherlands given its proximity to other big European cities, so it may attract new digital nomads, thanks to the central position of Utrecht in the middle of the country and the attractiveness of the ecosystem.

We surveyed:

Jorg Kop, investment manager, ROM Utrecht Region

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Digital, gaming, e-health, edtech, sustainability.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Channable, Pandora Intelligence, Sensorfact, SnappCar, Faqta, StuComm, DiManEx, Prolira, CART-Tech.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

Many local informal investors and national operating VCs.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Others will be moving in, thanks to the central position of Utrecht in the middle of the country and the attractiveness of the ecosystem.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Sjoerd Mol (Benvalor), Erik Stam (Utrecht University), Robbert-Jan Hanse (Holland Startup), Heerd Jan Hoogeveen (Startup Utrecht), Jorg Kop (UtrechtInc and ROM), Edgard Creemers (ROM).

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Part of the greater Amsterdam region from an international brand perspective, closely working together with all other key startup regions in NL.

Stefan Braam, incubation lead, UtrechtInc

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong: AI, health, sustainability and learning. Weak: robotics, engineering, ag.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Solease, SnappCar, BikeFlip, Packaly, Sensorfact, DiManEx, Napp, Trunkrs, StuComm, Faqta, DialogueTrainer, EatMyRide, CART-Tech, Prolira, MRIguidance, Redgrasp, SyncVR, DigiDok, Learned.io, 2DAYSMOOD, Hooray and Goin' Connect.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

Good access to funding. Investor scene focuses on early-stage, scalable tech in healthcare, sustainability and education.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

We see an increase in startups coming to the city, due to livability in the lovely city and the facilities for flex working.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Jorg Kop (director of UtrechtInc startup incubator), Heerd Jan Hoogeveen (director of StartupUtrecht), Arjan Van Den Born (director, ROM Utrecht).

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Growing fast, in top five in Europe in five years.

Irene Van de Poll, investment manager, ROM Utrecht Region

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

The Utrecht region is strong in life sciences, medtech, software (smart services), gaming and media.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Channable, Faqta, Sensorfact, SODAQ, Picnic, Neurolytics, De Clique.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

A lot of focus is on life sciences, biotech, as there is a lot of research at the Utrecht science park and also spin-offs. At the science park, organoids, 3D bioprinting, organ on a chip, medtech are areas of interest. Also a number of the VCs in the area are health focused. IT/software/data/AI and VR/AR are also important focus areas for investors.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

I think they will stay as Utrecht is very centrally located in the Netherlands and Europe. Its easy to work remotely in the Netherlands, internet speed is no problem.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Jorg Kop, director of UtrechtInc; Bas van Abel, founder De Clique and Fairphone; Michiel Muller, CEO Picnic; Robbert Jan Hanse, founder Holland Startup; and Heerd Jan Hoogeveen, director StartupUtrecht.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

More startups that have evolved into successful scaleups. More money invested in general in innovative new companies. International talent sees Utrecht as the place to be beside Amsterdam. At the forefront of green and sustainable solutions.

Arthur Tolsma, co-founder and CEO, Codean

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong: tech development in general, specifically software, clean tech, marketplace, deep tech. Less in large scale commercialization.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Channable, Tover.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

Focus on software and clean tech.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay in the city. But less people will move in, and remote working is there to stay.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

UtrechtInc.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Improving step by step.

Paul Mignot, founder and CEO, Withthegrid

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Clean tech.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

iwell.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

Clean tech focus. Growing in momentum.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Move in.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Grown significantly. Amsterdam is pricing itself out and becoming too expensive to live in.

Marcel Merkx, founder and CEO, CargoSnap

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong universities in the marketing and medical space. We could do with a bit stronger IT education (developers!).

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

SnappCar.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay and move in. Utrecht is a growing hub.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

StartupUtrecht  the team.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Well  still lagging Amsterdam, but leveraging the central place in the Netherlands (easy to get to), it will be a good runner-up in terms of attracting talent interested in joining this scene.

Jasper Voorendonk, marketer/founder, AgnostiPay

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Health tech/edtech  most exited: the DLT/blockchain/fintech/open-source space in Utrecht. Weak: Hardware-based startups (better in Delft/Eindhoven).

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

GitLab, Channable, Pepscope, Goin' Connect, Fundsup.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

Focus on health tech.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay: a lot of nature/space around.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Jorg Kop, Stefan Braam

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Utrecht, as the Dutch vibrant hub for early-stage, highly scalable tech startups.

Menno Vergeer, co-founder and CEO, Redgrasp

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong in life sciences.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Channable, Redgrasp, Trunkrs.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

People will preferably move out of the city center toward the villages nearby (all within a range of 10-20 km).

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

It will grow at a rate similar to the global tech scene.

Roelof Reineman, entrepreneur

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong: IT, digital, sustainable energy, medical, food. Weaker: design, hardware, fintech.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

KokeRoo.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

A focus on building a better world and a profit, not just the profit.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay. Tt is a lush, green city with plenty of room to live and breathe.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Utrecht Inc (Jasper Voorendonk). Dotslash (Jelle Drijver). StartupUtrecht (Heerd Jan Hoogeveen).

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Thriving and still growing.

Luuk Post, partner, De Contentkalender

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

We're strong in public affairs. We're weak in the for-profit sector.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Moveshelf.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

The city of Utrecht is ever-expanding; people will always move in.

Leon Brunenberg, managing partner, Arches Capital

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

SAAS, software, B2B.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

In Amsterdam it's ok. Utrecht is a bit lagging.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

In Holland, second after Amsterdam.

Erik Stam, co-founder, Stichting Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Observatory

What industry sectors is your tech ecosystem strong in? What are you most excited by? What is it weak in?

Strong: health, edtech, IT.

Which are the most interesting startups in your city?

Channable, Tover, De Clique, Bittiq, Neurolytics.

What are the tech investors like? What is the investment scene like in your city? Whats their focus?

IT, health, edtech, travel.

With the shift to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, will people stay in your city, move out, or will others move in?

Stay.

Who are the key startup people in your city (e.g., investors, founders, lawyers, designers, etc.)?

Jorg Kop, Heerd Jan Hoogeveen, Robbert Jan Hanse.

Where do you see your citys tech scene in five years' time?

Expanding.
Evacuation orders were widened Thursday as California's biggest wildfire raged through the state's tinder-dry landscape, laying waste to hundreds of square miles (kilometers).

The Dixie Fire is already the sixth biggest in the state's history, and was still spreading thanks to gusting winds and record-low humidity.

This week it all-but wiped out the historic mining town of Greenville, a settlement of a few hundred people dating back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush.

"I'd say the majority of downtown Greenville is completely destroyed," tweeted wildfire photographer Stuart Palley, sharing images of the devastation.

"My heart is broken for this beautiful little town."

The Dixie Fire -- just one of a welter of blazes wracking the western United States -- has been raging in the dry forests of northern California since mid-July, part of a global warming climate crisis that has brought sweltering heat and an alarming drought to the region.

It has now engulfed around 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers). Almost a fifth of that area was added overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

The blaze is so big that it has been generating its own weather system.

"We did everything we could," California fire department spokesman Mitch Matlow told reporters. "Sometimes it's just not enough."

Images taken by an AFP photographer in Greenville showed the fire's heat had bent street lights to the ground, with only a few structures still standing.

A gas station, a hotel and a bar were destroyed, as well as many buildings that were more than a century old.

The fire swept through the town on Wednesday afternoon, where the impact was devastating, said Jake Cagle, incident management team operations section chief.

He said firefighters were struggling with those not obeying evacuation orders, leading to their having to divert time and resources to rescue people in the path of the flames, even as they tried to deal with an extraordinary blaze.

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"We have firefighters who are getting guns pulled out on them, because people don't want to evacuate," he said Thursday.

"It was a very tough day for all of our resources -- there's stuff out there that we didn't want to see," said Cagle.

- 'Explosively' -

Almost 5,000 personnel are involved in the battle to tame the blaze.

But very low humidity and a parched landscape were offering ideal conditions for the fire to rage.

Control lines established by firefighters were breached overnight, with the fire growing "explosively" in places, according to incident commanders.

Authorities issued yet more evacuation orders on Thursday, telling residents of the towns of Taylorsville and Westwood that they needed to flee.

By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020 -- itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history.

The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history.

Faulty power lines sparked the inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible.

PG&E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began.

The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires.

Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.

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Aug. 5Students returned to classes in Decatur City Schools this morning, and the new academic year began as planned other than a few minor hiccups.

"Things are running very smooth," Dwight Satterfield, deputy superintendent, said of the system that had about 8,700 students registered a year ago for the first day of classes. This year's enrollment wasn't available this morning.

The only glitches for Decatur schools involved HVAC systems and a few students getting on the wrong buses, Satterfield said.

Jessica Neville walked her son Noah into Julian Harris Elementary, and the 5-year-old appeared excited for his first day in kindergarten.

Jasmin Moody-Thomas and her niece Jamiya Moody walked Jasmin's son Braxton to Julian Harris to start his first day in kindergarten. Moody-Thomas smiled as she talked about Braxton's first day in the Decatur school system.

"It's a little emotional, because he's nervous and I'm nervous," she said, "It's a new school year, so it's exciting and nervous at the same time."

wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.
An appeals court in Texas upheld former Dallas police Officer Amber Guygers 2019 murder conviction on Thursday despite her claims that the charge should be lessened to criminally negligent homicide, according to reports.

Guyger argued she shouldnt have been convicted of murder because she mistook neighbor Botham Jean's apartment for her own when she walked in, saw him on the couch and fatally shot him, the Dallas Morning News reported.

She testified during the trial that she fired at Jean with the intent to kill because she thought he had broken into her third-floor apartment after shed arrived home from work around 10 p.m. She had gone to the fourth floor instead.

EX-MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS CHARGED IN GEORGE FLOYD DEATH REQUEST SEPARATE FEDERAL TRIAL FROM DEREK CHAUVIN

"That she was mistaken as to Jeans status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent," the Fifth District Court of Appeals Justices Lana Myers, Robbie Partida-Kipness and Chief Justice Robert D. Burns III wrote. "We decline to rely on Guygers misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jurys verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill."

Guyger was sentenced to 10 years for shooting her upstairs neighbor while he ate ice cream on his own couch on Sept. 6, 2018. He was unarmed.

She told the appeals court her murder conviction should be replaced with the lesser charge, which carries a maximum two-year sentence. She could have been sentenced to a maximum of 99 years, according to The New York Times.

Prosecutors had asked for her to be sentenced to at least 28 years, the age Jean would have turned during the trial.

Her appeals lawyer argued she shot in self-defense, according to the Morning News.

Both Guyger and another officer testified in the trial that she could have alternatively retreated and called for backup or checked to see if Jean was armed and taken cover, the Morning News reported.

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She can now appeal to the states highest criminal court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Despite her conviction, Jeans brother immediately offered her forgiveness in court.

"I wasnt going to ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I dont even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you," he said before sweeping her into a hug, according to The Times.
The claim: Coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S. came from migrants at the Mexico border

New coronavirus cases in the United States are averaging more than 60,000 per day for the first time in more than three months. Weekly COVID-19 deaths are up, too.

In response, several states have reinstituted restrictions, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended Americans  including those who are fully vaccinated  wear face masks indoors.

The reason for the spike: delta, a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus that public health officials say is now responsible for the bulk of the country's COVID-19 cases.

Delta originated in India before making its way to the U.S. But on Facebook, some people have other ideas about its origins.

"Tell (Dr. Anthony) Fauci, here's where your variants are coming from," reads text in a July 27 post, which shows images of migrants detained along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The image accumulated more than 16,000 shares in just over a week. Similar posts from conservative Facebook pages tap into the notion that the Biden administration's immigration policies are to blame for the spread of coronavirus variants.

Over the past year, there has been a surge of migrants heading to the U.S. from countries in Central America, predominantly Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. The reasons for that surge are complex, but they include worsening economic situations due to COVID-19, cartel violence, natural disasters and corruption.

COVID-19 has spread in immigration detention centers along the border. But migrants aren't thought to be a significant source of the coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S.

Fact check: Genomic sequencing, not PCR testing, detects COVID-19 variants

"There is no evidence whatsoever that this is a true statement," Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

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USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment.

Variants spread in US before Central America

Public health officials are monitoring four notable coronavirus variants in the U.S. None of them circulated in Central America first.

That's according to data from GISAID, a nonprofit organization that tracks the genetic sequencing of viruses. Each of the four variants started circulating in the U.S. before countries like Mexico.

Take delta, for example.

The variant was first detected in India in December before spreading to the U.S. in March, according to the CDC. A data visualization from GISAID shows the variant spread directly to the U.S. from India and the United Kingdom between March and April. In May, Americans brought the variant to Mexico, where some cases from India had already been identified.

The alpha, beta and gamma coronavirus variants also spread to the U.S. before circulating in Central America, according to GISAID's data.

Alpha was initially detected in the U.K. before spreading to the U.S. in December, according to the CDC. Beta (first detected in South Africa) and gamma (first identified in travelers from Brazil) both made their way to the U.S. in January.

More: 7 things that can help you stay safe as the delta variant spreads

In at least two of those cases, CDC reports indicate that international travel  not migration  played a key role in bringing the variants to the U.S.

Fact check: Too soon to say how many dying of COVID-19 in England were vaccinated

"I am sure that there is some transmission at the border, but it is not the only route. People are traveling much more these days," said Franco-Paredes. "There are multiple manners in which this coronavirus reaches U.S. soil."

Migrants face COVID-19 restrictions

Even if the coronavirus variants had started circulating in Central America before the U.S., it's unlikely migrants would have played a significant role in spreading them, experts say.

That's because traffic at the U.S. borders has been curtailed amid the pandemic. The U.S. has limited non-essential travel from Canada and Mexico since March 2020. That same month, the Trump administration also invoked Title 42, a federal public health law.

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley helps migrants with travel and other needs July 13 in McAllen, Texas. The Respite Center sees about 800 migrants a day.

The policy, issued by the CDC, allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expel migrants on the grounds that their entry to the U.S. could worsen the coronavirus pandemic. Except for children and some families, migrants who arrive at the border without permission face apprehension and removal proceedings or immediate expulsion.

The Biden administration was expected to exempt all migrant families from that policy in late July. But so far, it hasn't.

The administration reportedly backed off the plan due to concerns about rising COVID-19 infections and another influx of migrants seeking asylum, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal and other news outlets. On July 21, the Biden administration extended the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border until Aug. 21, citing concerns about the coronavirus.

Fact check: Image claiming to show immigration facility is actually Marine Corps base

Since January, when the first coronavirus variants started circulating in the U.S., Border Patrol has reported more than 625,000 Title 42 expulsions along the southwest border. Over the same time period, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported thousands of COVID-19 cases among detained migrants.

There's no definitive percentage of migrants who have tested positive, but independent fact-checking organizations have debunked the notion that they are a significant source of infections in the U.S.

USA TODAY asked state and local health departments in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to comment on the claim in the Facebook post. Officials who responded said they had no data to indicate migrants were a significant source of local COVID-19 variant infections.

A Guatemalan family waits with fellow immigrants to board a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bus to a processing center after crossing the border from Mexico on April 13 in La Joya, Texas.

For example, in Hidalgo County, Texas  home of the largest migrant processing facility in the country  no migrants have tested positive for a coronavirus variant.

"There have been (34) confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants in Hidalgo County  not a single one involves a migrant," Carlos Sanchez, the county's head of public affairs, said in an email.

USA TODAY reached out to Border Patrol and ICE for comment.

Our rating: False

Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that the coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S. came from migrants at the U.S-Mexico border. Data shows the variants started circulating in the U.S. before many Central American countries and first came to the U.S. from other places. Public health experts, as well as state and local officials, say there's no evidence migrants at the border are a significant source of coronavirus variant infections.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: COVID-19 variants not from migrants at U.S.-Mexico border
Oxygen

Norma Patricia Esparza was a talented college professor, mother and wifebut did a secret from her past reveal a much darker side to her? Years before her successful career, when Esparza was a college student in California, a man she met at a club was found dead along the side of the road with a savage set of injuries. Ive been to a lot of scenes in my career, but this one was a little more gruesome just because of the sheer amount of injury to the body, Larry Montgomery, a detective at the t
Im not a prejudiced person but our clients are 90% white, said affiliated adviser Eileen Cure.

LPL Financial has reportedly fired affiliated adviser Eileen Cure amid allegations of racism after TikTok videos surfaced of her admitting that she does not interview Black job applicants.

Cure, president of Cure and Associates in Nederland, Texas, was exposed after one of her staffers reportedly forwarded screenshots of Skype messages to popular TikToker Denise Bradley, who goes by the handle auntkaren0. Bradley shared the messages in several TikTok videos posted to her more than one million followers.

The messages allegedly show Cure making clear that she wants no Blacks following an interview with a Black job applicant, Sportskeeda reports.

Former LPL employee Eileen Cure (Credit: Facebook)

One of Cures alleged messages read: I specifically said no Blacks. Im not a prejudiced person but our clients are 90% white and I need to cater to them. So that interview was a complete waste of my time, so please dont second guess me or go against what I ask. Listen to me and give me what I ask for please.

Cure called Bradleys videos false and defamatory, InvestmentNews reports and claims she and her staff are now receiving death threats.

The entirety of this situation is based upon a TikTok video published by an unrelated individual without press credentials or affiliations using an unauthenticated photo of an alleged internal office chat without validation or context of any content, said Cure in a statement to InvestmentNews.

This published photo and along with subsequent related false and defamatory materials and statements, which have incited false commentary and threats of violence and bodily harm toward me and my staff and acts which are being investigated as criminal in nature, are being publicized on a social media platform by a third party who is not related or in any way affiliated with me or my office.

Additional third parties who are utilizing these TikTok posts for further publication appear to be doing so without further investigation or validation, Cure continued. In response to this situation, I have taken all necessary action to protect the safety and security of employees, clients, and parties related to my business.

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Bradley also posted alleged Skype messages from Cure threatening to take legal action against her and have Bradleys TikTok account taken down.

Here you have a white woman that has been caught being racist, in my opinion, but would rather look like the victim, up against a Black woman, wrote Bradley in an email about Cures reaction to the viral TikTok clips.

Weve seen this done in history time and time again. She doesnt want to admit fault but would rather try and make a Black woman the guilty party. I welcome any challenge that Eileen has. I will always stand up against racism and this issue is no different.

Cure responded, claiming race does not play a factor in her hiring decisions.

I have taken steps to confirm that race never has and will not be a factor in hiring decisions at my firm, Cure said in the statement. I am committed to continuing to ensure that my firm and other business interests will not tolerate incitement of violence, judgment before due process, or discrimination or harassment of individuals with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or on the basis of any other legally protected status or characteristic.

Once LPL Financial got caught up in the controversy, the company immediately launched an investigation and ultimately fired Cure. LPL Financial is the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States.

We have seen the video alleging discriminatory comments by Ms. Cure and are deeply concerned by the statements attributed to her, said the spokesperson. We immediately launched an internal investigation to review the matter and a decision is forthcoming this week regarding Ms. Cures relationship with the firm. We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our LPL community.

These laws provide the interviewee with the potential for damages that are intended to punish Cures company, he added. I would imagine that the interviewee would name LPL Financial if they brought a claim too, even though Cures relationship with them is on an independent contractor basis, because they have the deep pockets.

According to the report, an LPL spokesperson confirmed that Ms. Cure is no longer a client of the firm.

But if the Skype statements that Bradley posted on TikTok turn out to be fabrications, Cure could have a strong defamation case.

She would have a case against the person who published the initial statement, said Max Schatzow, a partner at Stark & Stark. She might also have claims against TikTok and other news publications that rebroadcasted the statement.

On the flipside, if the statement being presented is true, the interviewee would have legitimate claims for discrimination under federal law, and likely, state law too, based on racial discrimination, Schatzow said of the Black job applicant.

On Twitter, Bradley noted she has been tipped off that Cures husband issued a threat against her.

I news reporter in Houston just confirmed that Eileen Cures husband stated Tell that Tiktoker to come down here to Texas, and Ill put her in a grave. At this point I am concerned for my safety, and will be taking necessary steps to protect myself, she wrote.

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theGrio attempted to contact Eileen Cure for comment but her companys website appears to have gone dark, and theres no trace of her on social media.

Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast, Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Download theGrio today!

The post Financial advisor fired for alleged no Blacks comment exposed in TikTok video appeared first on TheGrio.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A former juvenile court judge in Wisconsin has reached a deal with prosecutors to resolve a host of child pornography charges filed against him earlier this year.

Court records show that former Milwaukee County Children's Court Judge Brett Blomme agreed to plead guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography in federal court in Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

The deal would resolve seven child pornography counts against him in state court. Each of those counts carries a maximum 25-year prison sentence.

According to a criminal complaint, the state Department of Justice began investigating Blomme in February after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he had uploaded child pornography through the Kik messaging application 27 times in October and November.

He was charged in state court in Dane County in March. A federal grand jury indicted him in May.

The state Supreme Court barred Blomme from serving as a judge after he was charged in state court.

Blomme's attorney, Chris Van Wagner, said he's trying to schedule a date in September for Blomme to enter his pleas.

He's ashamed and embarrassed," Van Wagner told The Associated Press by phone. He wants people to forgive him, which isn't easy. He just asks that people remember that nobody is as bad as their worst decision or as good as their greatest victory.
G7 foreign ministers said Friday that Iran was behind the deadly July 29-30 attack on a tanker, while the US military released details of the explosive drone and said it was produced in Iran.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council agreed to discuss the incident off the coast of Oman on Monday as pressure mounted on Tehran.

"All available evidence clearly points to Iran" in the attack on the Israel-linked tanker that killed a former British soldier and a Romanian national, the G7 said in a statement.

"This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law... There is no justification for this attack," the ministers from the seven developed nations said in a statement.

Iran has strongly denied having any link to the attack on the M/T Mercer Street, which came as tensions grow in the region and with talks to revive the 2015 deal on the Iranian nuclear program at a standstill.

The G7 ministers said "vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law," and vowed to "do our utmost to protect all shipping, upon which the global economy depends."

"Iran's behaviour, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security," they said, calling on Tehran to stop all activities inconsistent with UN Security Council resolutions.

European countries and the United States renewed their accusations at a closed-door Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York Friday.

"The UK knows that Iran was responsible for this attack. We know it was deliberate and targeted," said British Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward, who added the evidence was "clear cut."

"The door for diplomacy and dialogue remains open. But if Iran chooses not to take that route, then we would seek to hold Iran to account and apply a cost to that," she told reporters.

The UN Security Council is due to discuss the incident further at an open meeting on maritime security on Monday.

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- 'Produced in Iran' -

Meanwhile, the US Central Command, which operates in the Middle East, released the results of its initial investigation and said the remnants of the drone indicated it was made in Iran.

CentCom said three one-way drones laden with explosives were targeted in the attack, but the first two failed to strike the ship and plunged into the sea.

Remnants of one of those were retrieved by investigators.

The third drone struck the ship, exploding and leaving a six-foot (two-meter) hole on the ceiling of the bridge.

CentCom said the drone had been packed with the explosive RDX, and pieces recovered from it "were nearly identical to previously-collected examples from Iranian one-way attack UAVs," or unmanned aerial vehicles.

"US experts concluded based on the evidence that this UAV was produced in Iran," they said.

CentCom did not say where the drones were launched from, but said: "The distance from the Iranian coast to the locations of the attacks was within the range of documented Iranian one-way attack UAVs."

The Mercer Street is an oil products tanker operated by Israeli-controlled Zodiac Maritime.

The Pentagon said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke Friday with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz about the incident.

Both "expressed concern about Iran's proliferation and employment of one-way attack UAVs across the region and committed to continue cooperating closely on regional security," the Pentagon said in a statement.

sjw-pdh-pmh/to
Astronomical dumpster diving may reveal more than we think  perhaps even the existence of intelligent alien life.

On July 26, Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb launched the Galileo Project, a new scientific research group that will use telescopes and cameras to find interstellar objects and evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations.

The project was spurred by the 2017 observation of 'Oumuamua, a flat interstellar object that did not resemble a comet, as well as this years release of an intelligence report on UFOs. Some believe that Oumuamua was garbage, which would be a "theoretical smoking gun" in Loeb's new approach of "astro-archaeology."

On Earth, garbage has been used by archaeologists to uncover watershed discoveries. Historian Jose Remesal Rodriguez explained that an ancient Roman dumpsite was used to learn more about food policy in the Roman Empire. More recently, in 2019, archaeologist Guy Bar-Oz and his team utilized the end of ancient trash collection to unearth the true cause of an ancient Byzantine citys demise.

So, why does trash yield such insightful findings? Simply put, trash is a proxy for human behavior, as archaeologist Richard Meadow told CNN in 2011. Astro-archaeologists must hope that extraterrestrial explorers are just as wasteful as we are.

Of course, all of this is assuming that Oumuamua was indeed a piece of trash. Some scientists have disputed this, saying that the object may have just been made entirely of nitrogen. For Loeb, however, one can only speculate until there is more information. But if we see more [objects] like [Oumuamua], then we know these can actually form naturally outside the solar system, Loeb told the Jerusalem Post.

Who knows? Perhaps Oumuamua was a natural object. Or maybe weird space garbage will reveal the existence of an even more extravagant civilization than ours.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: UFO, UAP, DNI, Space, Science

Original Author: Samuel Kim

Original Location: Garbage is civilized
Chip Somodevilla/Getty

The U.S. is ramping up its global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During a White House press conference, President Biden noted that the administration had exceeded its commitment to have by now distributed 80 million doses of the vaccine worldwide and had, in fact, already provided 110 million doses, no strings attached, to nations in need worldwide. He also reiterated the U.S. commitment to provide another 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, noting that the U.S. has committed more doses to its global efforts than all the other leading nations of the world combined.

This vaccine diplomacy is a complete reversal from the Trump administrations neglect, with concrete commitments being met, but major challenges remain. Gayle Smith, the administrations coordinator for global COVID-19 response and health security, who is based at the State Department, tells The Daily Beast that there are three key areas where significant work is required: Dealing with the pandemic at hand; building and strengthening mechanism and resources for those to come; and developing new capacities for containing not only outbreaks but also disinformation and politicized responses to them.

As our mothers told us, Smith said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We cant wait until the pandemic is over to build the architecture we need to prevent or deal with the next one.

Smith, who served as administrator of USAID and as a senior director on the National Security Council during the Obama Administration, recalled that during her six and a half years working there, there were six major virus outbreaks worldwideincluding the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africathat rose to the level of White House concern. Her point is that even as we grapple with COVID-19 we must be aware that the next big transnational health challenge is on the way, and that we must have the same sense of urgency in preparing for that as we do in managing the current worldwide crisis.

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There are multiple discussions going on about this now on the multilateral front, she said. Discussions are addressing how we set up global surveillance hubs, how we increase collaboration and global capacity on genomics and sequencing, and how do we anticipate and manage challenges like those we have encountered recently on intellectual property issues associated with vaccines. We have to answer, How do you finance all of this? How can we be prepared to prevent, detect and respond as we must be?

A Doc Who Helped End Smallpox Says COVIDs Here to Stay

This means, as Smith describes it, that we, other nations and multilateral organizations like the World Health Organization need to head down two paths at the same time. The Biden Administration has, she says, put in place significant, multi-faceted efforts to address the current pandemic in its first months in office, grounded in Bidens view that You cant build a wall high enough to keep us safe from COVID in other countries and his commitment to extending a helping hand to the world with no strings attached and at a scale that makes a difference to send a message linked to his broader foreign policy priority of demonstrating that democracies can deliver.

Smith describes three key things the U.S. is already doing to respond to the crisis at hand: First, sharing vaccines that have been producedas in the case of the 110 million doses that have been distributed since the spring. Second, increasing production capacity. Third, setting up locations around the world to augment that through fill and finish, where plants provided raw vaccine materials take the final steps of manufacturing, bottling and distribution the precious doses.

2 Billion COVID Shots in Arms So Quickly Is Truly Incredible

The U.S. is the leading funder of COVAX, the multilateral effort to support vaccine distribution, having committed $2 billion early in the administration as well as providing $2 billion worth of in-kind support through the 500 million Pfizer doses mentioned earlier. Beyond commitments of cash and vaccines, however, an equally essential component of U.S. efforts has been mastering the process of getting vaccines approved for distribution worldwide when each country has different, often complex and cumbersome processes that must be managed. On that front, though, Smith says she is confident the U.S. team has gained the expertise they need: We have built the machine and we now have it down to a science, with multiple shipments per week going out to approximately 60 countries.

Smith notes that the responses to the U.S. efforts have been extraordinarily moving. She cited one such instance in which they delivered a shipment to Indonesia and within two weeks they had vaccinated a million health-care workers.

Smith described the challenge of dealing with disinformation and politicization of pandemics as really, really difficult and very different in character to combating disinformation from, for example, an extremist network. Science and data are being rejected out of hand and public health measures are, as in the U.S., being politicized in ways that exact a high toll in lives and human suffering. As a consequence, she says, We are very thoughtful about our own messaging and communications. USAID and CDC are playing extremely important roles as are our ambassadors. They are trying to counter untruths with facts. But it would be dishonest to say this is an easy battle to win.

None of it is easy. Today, many countries in Africa have vaccination rates in the single digits. In Latin America and Asia, there are numerous countries where less than a third of the population has received one of the available vaccines. A huge disparity exists between the rich and poor nations of the world. This week, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a moratorium in administering booster shots for COVID-19 in wealthy nations as a way to free up more doses for the neediest on the planet. Previously he has expressed real anger at what he has characterized as the greed that has fed the north-south disparities in access to the vaccine.

Smith, who has spent her entire career working on trying to solve the problems bedeviling the worlds least developed nations, said, I dont begrudge him his anger. We havent yet retooled the international system to fully respond to the crises and threats that inevitably emerge. The inequities we see are not only unfair, but dangerous. As we look at how to prepare and prevent going forward we will be unsuccessful until we can produce truly global responses to the challenges we face.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greece's top Jewish community organization on Friday voiced outrage and resentment at the desecration of a tomb in a Jewish cemetery in northwestern Greece.

The Central Board of Jewish Communities said the tomb, in the city of Ioannina, was found on Thursday with the covering slab removed and smashed marble strewn around it.

We strongly condemn this shameful act of sacrilege which indicates that the hatred of the perpetrators leads to villainous manifestations of violence and fanaticism, the Central Board said in an statement.

It added that the Jewish cemetery of Ioannina has been repeatedly vandalized in the past.

We call upon the competent authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice, the statement said. The Jewish cemetery of Ioannina is ... a place of memory and cultural heritage for the city of Ioannina as a whole.

Ioannina once had a thriving Jewish community that was decimated during World War II, when occupying Nazi forces deported Jewish residents to death camps.

Nevertheless, in 2019 the city elected Moses Elisaf as its mayor. He's believed to be the first Jewish person elected as a mayor in Greece.
Greg Abbott. Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott wants everyone to believe he is a champion of personal freedom and public health. To advance the first he has banned mask requirements by local governments and proof of vaccination mandates by local governments and many private businesses. To advance the second he has ordered state troopers to stop private vehicles suspected of transporting duly admitted migrants "who pose a risk of carrying COVID-19 into Texas communities." He issued executive orders to accomplish both ends.

But if his actions prove anything, it is his rather lopsided populism that doesn't respect any limits on his powers.

Abbott initially banned local mask mandates in May, threatening to impose a $1,000 fine on counties, cities, and public schools that violated his order. And now just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidance advising indoor masking even for vaccinated people in the wake of the new Delta variant, Abbott is going the other way. Not only has he doubled down on his mask mandate ban but he has also banned "vaccine passports" in the state. And he is doing so even as Texas has experienced a 200 percent spike in COVID cases over two weeks, more than 70 points above the national average.

One can certainly question the upside of the CDC's new mask guidance given that vaccines are quite effective against the new Delta variant. One can also argue that government agencies shouldn't require proof of vaccination as a condition of providing services to constituents. On the other hand, duly elected local officials experiencing pandemic breakouts should have the leeway to protect public health as they see fit.

Where exactly to draw that balance is debatable. But what's not is whether the government has any business dictating the terms of services for private enterprises that are not violating anyone's constitutionally protected rights. Yet Abbott's edict would not only forbid any business receiving state grants or contracts to require proof of immunization from customers as a condition of service but also potentially make business licenses conditional on foregoing such proof. This will basically kill the cruise industry given that its whole reopening model depends on guaranteeing a COVID-free environment, which is why the industry has been pushing back hard against both Abbott's directive and a similar one issued by Florida's Republican governor. This directive might also force businesses such as hair salons to forego inquiring about the immunization status of customers or risk losing their operating permits.

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Abbott claims that he is taking this action so that individual Texans  rather than local governments or businesses  can "decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks" and "engage in leisure activities." But protecting individual rights doesn't mean stripping these entities of their legitimate powers and rights.

Yet even as Abbott has few compunctions about overriding the public health concerns of local authorities, he is not averse to invoking those same concerns to justify defying the federal government when it comes to asylum seekers.

There is little evidence that migrants are responsible for spreading COVID-19 in Texas, as Abbot claims. One can make a far more plausible case that the state's relatively low vaccination rate  about 6 points below the national average for the fully vaccinated -- is the real culprit here. But if COVID-19 were Abbott's real concern he would not have rebuffed the Biden administration's offer to test the migrants before release.

He insists that the administration should expel every migrant who crosses the border without authorization by invoking Title 42, a Trump-era emergency executive order that used COVID-19 as an excuse to give authorities carte blanche to turn away migrants without the hearing that they are entitled to in normal times.

President Joe Biden should have scrapped this abominable directive as soon as he assumed office. Instead, he just renewed it and, to his eternal shame, has been using it aggressively to turn away asylum seekers. However, he is allowing some who can show they have a "credible fear" of returning to their country to remain in America pending a final hearing.

Border authorities typically contract with private transportation services to give these migrants a ride to bus or train stations so that they can meet up with their friends or families. But in a naked attempt to intimidate these services, Abbott has directed state troopers to stop any vehicle they suspect has migrants on board and even impound it. How precisely he squares his alleged commitment to individual freedom with such a raw assertion of the police state is anyone's guess.

Be that as it may, this directive is a clear affront to the federal government's constitutionally granted supremacy on immigration enforcement. So it's hardly surprising that a federal judge appointed by Republican President George W. Bush has blocked it.

But why is Abbott pushing a measure that has very little chance of prevailing in court? For the same reason that he issued the other directive: Republican voters are upset by immigrants just as they are upset about mask mandates and vaccination passports.

In short, there is no lofty principle  personal freedom, free enterprise, local control, or public health concerns  guiding Abbott. It's all about the base.

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Prosecutors in Idaho on Thursday announced their intention to seek the death penalty against Chad Daybell, who is accused of killing his two stepchildren who went missing and were found dead in Idaho last year.

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, who is the mother of Joshua "JJ" Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17, are charged in the murder of her two children. Chad Daybell is also charged with the murder of his former wife, Tammy Daybell, 49, who died under "suspicious circumstances" in 2019.

Prosecutors Lindsay Blake and Rob Wood said they conferred with immediate family members of the victims, but that the ultimate decision to seek the death penalty rests with the state. They said the decision only applies to Chad Daybell.

"[W]e determined that the nature and magnitude of these crimes warrant the possibility of the highest possible punishment," they said in a statement.

Chad Daybell's attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY on Thursday.

The prosecutors argue in the court filing that Chad Daybell's actions warrant the death penalty because they were "especially heinous, atrocious or cruel," committed for "renumeration" and showed disregard for human life. They also argued that Chad Daybell poses a continued threat to society.

The children's bodies were found in June 2020, on Chad Daybell's property, police said. Lori Vallow Daybell had been arrested in February of that year in connection with their disappearance, and Chad Daybell was arrested in June.

Cult-like beliefs: Vallow thought children were 'zombies'; police used cellphone data to locate remains

'Well do anything for anyone': Residents in Iowa small town have stepped up to find their missing boy. That helps give experts hope  but no answers yet

Authorities grew suspicious of Chad Daybell when he remarried just two weeks after his former wife's death, which was initially deemed due to natural causes. Her body was later exhumed and an autopsy was performed in December 2019.

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Police first announced the children were missing in December 2019, after JJ's grandmother said she hadn't heard from him in months. Lori Vallow Daybell allegedly told police that JJ was in Arizona when they performed a welfare check. The couple fled to Hawaii at the time.

Tylee was last seen Sept. 8 in Yellowstone National Parks as photos show her with JJ, Lori Vallow Daybell and Vallow's brother, Alex Cox.

Lori Vallow Daybell is also facing charges in Arizona, where her brother allegedly killed her former husband, Charles Vallow. Her brother pled self-defense and died in 2019.

A friend of Lori Vallow Daybell told authorities that the couple believed her children had become "zombies," and alleged that they were involved in apocalyptic, cult-like religious beliefs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chad Daybell case: Prosecutors seek the death penalty in kids' deaths
NEW DELHI (AP)  Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from another area along their disputed border as part of moves to lower tensions amid a 15-month standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes, India's army said Friday.

An Indian army statement said the disengagement process was carried out over the past two days in eastern Ladakh's Gogra area and the troops were now in their respective permanent bases.

All temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified. The landform in the area has been restored by both sides to pre-stand off period, the statement said.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side.

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. Last year, 20 Indian troops were killed in a clash with Chinese soldiers involving clubs, stones and fists along the disputed border. China said it lost four soldiers.

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 over the border in 1962.

The pullback from from the Gogra area is the second phase of a negotiated disengagement. In February, both sides pulled back front-line troops and weaponry from the Pangong Tso sector.

Top commanders of the two sides held their 12th round of talks on Saturday with the focus on disengaging troops from Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang areas.

The talks were pushed by a meeting of the foreign ministers of both countries 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.

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.
India and China have pulled back troops from a flashpoint zone on their disputed border where they fought a deadly battle last year, the Indian government said Friday.

The world's two most populous nations had poured tens of thousands of extra troops into the high-altitude Ladakh region in the Himalayas after the clash last year.

But the Indian Army said that following talks, rival troops in the Gogra area had moved back in a "phased, coordinated and verified manner" over the last two days.

"The troops in this area have been in a face-off situation since May last year," the statement said.

"With this, one more sensitive area of face-off has been resolved."

Indian and Chinese troops fought a hand-to-hand battle in the nearby Galwan valley on June 15 last year that left at least 20 Indians and an unspecified number of Chinese forces dead.

The increased tensions caused a nosedive in relations between the countries.

India and China, who fought a full-scale border war in 1962, have long accused each other of trying to take territory along their unofficial border known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

While sending in the huge reinforcements, the two countries have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks. The last talks were held last Saturday.

The Indian Army said all temporary structures set up in the Gogra area by both sides had been "dismantled".

"This agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there is no unilateral change in status quo," the army said.

The two militaries in February also pulled back from another showdown at Pangong Lake.

ash/tw/axn
The Telegraph

Debra Winger, the Oscar-nominated actress who famously quit Hollywood, has a reputation for forthrightness  and she doesnt disappoint. Did she really call Richard Gere, her co-star in An Officer and a Gentleman, a brick wall? I probably could have come up with something nicer, Winger chuckles. [When] I run into him he says, Are you still saying those things about me? It was just the once, she protests, but its lived on in infamy.
The Daily Beast

Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Photos GettyTennessee state Rep. David Byrd was recorded apologizing to one of two former students who accused him of molesting them when he was a girls high school basketball coach in the 1980s.I can promise you one thing, I have been so sorry for that, he says in a recording that surfaced along with the allegations in 2018. Ive lived with that and you dont know how hard it has been for me.A third student charged that he had attempted to molest her.
Aug. 5David "River Dave" Lidstone was released from jail Thursday, the day after the modern-day hermit's Canterbury cabin burned to the ground.

Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Andrew Schulman, the same judge who ordered the 81-year-old jailed for civil contempt on July 15, issued the release order Thursday afternoon.

"The defendant has less of an incentive to make this particular place in the woods his home in violation of the permanent injunction in this case," Schulman wrote.

Lidstone has been held at the Merrimack County jail in Boscawen.

The judge ordered Lidstone to stay away from the property. He can visit to obtain personal property, but only with the consent of landowner Leonard Giles' attorney.

Meanwhile, pledges of financial and contractor support have been pouring in for Lidstone  enough to lease the homestead and rebuild the cabin destroyed by fire on Wednesday afternoon, according to one of his advocates.

Boscawen resident Jodie Gedeon said the offers are coming from all 50 states as national interest grows in Lidstone, who has been jailed since refusing to leave the homestead where he has lived for 27 years.

"I know it could be done from a financial standpoint. The support is amazing," Gedeon said.

Gedeon said she told Lidstone of the fire.

"I don't want to speak for the man, but I can say he's aware of what happened and there have been no changes," said Joseph Costanzo, the jail superintendent. Lidstone has declined all media requests to be interviewed, he said.

On Thursday afternoon, the cabin was destroyed in a fire. Canterbury Fire Chief Michael Gamache called in arson investigators who work for the state fire marshal.

Firefighters had to journey nearly two miles into the woods, first along railroad tracks and then a trail, Gamache said.

It took 15 minutes in off-road vehicles to reach the camp. When firefighters arrived, they found the two-story cabin fully ablaze and collapsing into itself.

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Firefighters from Canterbury, Loudon, Concord and Boscawen worked to keep the fire from spreading into brush. A floating pump drew water from the nearby Merrimack River.

Firefighters did not find the chickens and two cats that have lived with Lidstone.

"They'll run away (during a fire). They'll make their way back when things calm down," Gamache said.

He said investigators are conducting interviews and reviewing any possible surveillance footage.

Pledges of support

Gedeon, who kayaks the river on a nearly daily basis and calls herself a friend of Lidstone, urged any River Dave sympathizers to avoid GoFundMe campaigns, which might not be legitimate. One, for example, has been set up in Tennessee.

If people want to support Lidstone, she said, they can sign an online petition at https://bit.ly/3AkzGGB.

She said contractors have offered to rebuild a cabin and  if necessary  put in a road. But she said some suggestions go too far. A septic system is unnecessary; a state-approved outhouse would be fine, she said.

Gedeon said she has spoken to Lisa Snow Wade, a Concord lawyer who represents landowner Giles.

Wade was willing to discuss the possibility of leasing out the homestead, rebuilding the restructure and refunding Giles' attorney fees, Gedeon said.

But Wade continued to downplay such an idea. She said her client's hands are tied by town regulations.

"I would love to snap my finger and give everyone a happy ending. I just don't see that happening," Wade said. "My 86-year-old client, it's overwhelming for him to jump through hoops just to make a trespasser's life easier."

Wade said some of Lidstone's personal belongings, such as his wallet and important papers, are in the custody of Canterbury police.

At least one shed and some machinery remain on the property. She said the fire does not change the fact that all structures will have to be removed.

mhayward@unionleader.com
(Bloomberg) -- Kuaishou Technology plummeted almost 12% after an influential state-backed newspaper urged tighter regulation of internet video content, the latest in a string of pronouncements from government-controlled media calling for a crackdown on online industries.

The company slid to a low of HK$78.60 in Hong Kong, adding to Thursdays 15% wipeout, after the Communist Party mouthpiece Peoples Daily said in a commentary that Beijing should step up oversight of online platforms, particularly the way that anonymous social media users can band together to promote potentially undesirable content.

Kuaishou fell the most on record Thursday after a post-listing lockup on sales of its shares expired, underscoring the extent of investors fears about a widening Chinese online crackdown. Kuaishou joins rivals like Tencent Holdings Ltd. in a widespread market selloff this week, a wave of exits triggered by mounting uncertainty over the extent, direction and severity of Beijings widening clampdown on a plethora of online sectors.

Beijings campaign to rein in its giant internet industry is entering its 10th month, a roller-coaster ordeal thats prompting nervous investors to ponder the longer-term ramifications of a crackdown on firms from Jack Mas Ant Group Co. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to food delivery giant Meituan and ride-hailing leader Didi Global Inc.

Read more: China TikTok-Rival Kuaishou Craters, Widens China Tech Rout

Those actions demonstrated Beijings resolve to go after private enterprises to address social inequities, seize control of data it deems crucial to the economy and stability, and rein in powerful interests. Almost unnoticed amid a flurry of reports this week about gaming addiction was a Xinhua News Agency report outlining how regulators will soon step up oversight of how online media employ algorithms to promote content -- a key aspect of services operated by Kuaishou and ByteDance Ltd., among others.

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Internet platforms should make efforts to promote a healthy fan culture among youths because insufficient oversight has encouraged improper activities, the Peoples Daily wrote Friday. Some websites use algorithms and big data to create idols, then encourage fans to spend money, the newspaper said without naming any services.

(Updates with latest move from the first paragraph)

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U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb announced his candidacy for Pennsylvanias open U.S. Senate seat Friday, joining a crowded Democratic field in one of the nations most competitive races.

Lamb is seeking the nomination to replace outgoing GOP U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey. Lamb, a former Marine and federal prosecutor, rose to political prominence three years ago when he beat a Donald Trump-backed Republican in a special election that foreshadowed the 2018 Democratic takeover of the House.

The Senate race is wide open on both sides and is expected to be among the most expensive in a 2022 U.S. midterm election that will decide party control of an evenly split Senate. Toomey is retiring after two terms.

Lamb launched his campaign Friday afternoon at a union hall in Pittsburgh, making a heavy economic pitch to working and middle class voters while slamming Republicans who tried to overturn the last presidential election.

If they will take such a big lie and place it at the center of their party, you cannot expect them to tell the truth about anything else. They lie about the election and they lie about your paycheck, too, and your health care, he said.

Pennsylvania Republican Chair Lawrence Tabas panned Lambs entrance into the race, asserting Lamb  considered a Democratic moderate  has a reckless track record of putting liberal interests over Pennsylvanians.

Lamb has to make it through a tough Democratic primary if he hopes to tangle with the eventual Republican nominee next year.

He faces a diverse lineup of Democratic candidates. They include the states lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, who also hails from western Pennsylvania and has a high media profile; Philadelphia state House Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who made history as the first openly gay Black man to be elected to the state General Assembly; and anesthesiologist Val Arkoosh, a woman who chairs the board of commissioners in Montgomery County outside Philadelphia, the state's third-most populous county.

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Lamb, a veteran of three congressional campaigns in as many years, argued he has shown the ability to win on tough political terrain.

As Democrats, we fight for every single vote across our state, on every single square inch of ground. We do not give up on anyone and we leave no one behind." he said Thursday. "Thats what I learned in ... some pretty tough territory for most Democrats.

Lamb, who represents a district in the Pittsburgh suburbs, has walked something of a tightrope between the partys centrist and progressive wings.

Hes in favor of eliminating the Senates filibuster rule, as progressives want and moderate Democrats like Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have opposed.

But he has taken middle-of-the-road positions on guns and has pushed back on calls to defund the police and to ban fracking, the oil and gas extraction technique that environmentalists blame for polluting water. His congressional district is located in the nations most prolific natural gas reservoir.

Lamb has urged Democrats to broaden their appeal to white, working class voters in once solidly Democratic areas who went for Trump in a big way in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

It's unclear how that pitch, or Lambs more moderate positions, will resonate in a Democratic primary in a state where urbanites and swing voters in the fast-growing suburbs propelled Joe Biden to statewide victory last November.

Lambs entry adds a layer of intrigue to the race, said Joe Foster, the Democratic Party chair for Montgomery County. But Foster argued Lambs more conservative profile is not as popular with younger, suburban Democratic voters in the suburbs.

He voted against Nancy Pelosi (for House Speaker), and there are people here who remember that, Foster said. So I just think that in the grand scheme of things hell get some votes here because he bright, articulate and personable, and some people will support him. But I dont think hell rock the vote here in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Lamb is relatively well-funded, reporting $1.8 million in his campaign account as of June 30, trailing Fetterman but ahead of everyone else in the race.

Also running on the Democratic side are John McGuigan, a software executive; Dr. Kevin Baumlin, the chair of emergency medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital; and Eric Orts, a climate change activist and professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. Meanwhile, Philadelphia state Sen. Sharif Street, the son of former Mayor John Street, has said he is considering running.

There is an equally long list of GOP candidates for the seat, some with ties to Trump.

They include conservative commentator Kathy Barnette, running to become the first Black Republican woman in the Senate; Jeff Bartos, a real estate investor who was the partys nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018; Carla Sands, Trumps former ambassador to Denmark; and Sean Parnell, a friend of Donald Trump Jr. who launched a career as an author after writing a memoir of his tour of duty as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan.

Parnell unsuccessfully challenged Lamb in last years close election for Lambs House seat, raising the prospect that the two men could once again face each other on a bigger stage.

Pennsylvanias primary is May 17.

___

Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.
Lawmakers are turning up the heat on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as the sexual harassment scandal swirling around him intensifies.

Lawyers involved in the state Legislature's impeachment probe have given the state's 56th governor one week to provide them with reasons he thinks he should keep his job.

As CBS New York's Marcia Kramer reports, Cuomo isn't going to have much time to make up his mind whether to resign or face an impeachment trial.

Sources told Kramer the Assembly Judiciary Committee is looking to wind up its probe within weeks, and the charges likely won't be limited to sexual harassment.

The governor and his lawyers were told by Assembly impeachment investigators they have until a week from Friday to produce any evidence he intends to use to defend himself.

Lawyers told team Cuomo they want the information because their "investigation is nearing completion and the Assembly will soon consider articles of impeachment."

Sources told CBS New York they want the governor to submit his evidence in writing because having him testify in person would create too much of a dog and pony show.

The impeachment report, sources said, isn't expected to be limited to the findings by Attorney General Letitia James that the governor sexually harassed 11 women. It is also expected to contain findings relating to nursing home deaths and the governor's controversial $5 million book deal.

The committee is also looking into whether the administration covered up potential structural problems on the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge, but that part of the probe was said to be months away from completion.

"This is just a matter of time before he's gone. If he was not such a narcissist, and he actually could think about other human beings, he would say 'Hey, I'm doing a lot of damage at this point. It's time to go,'" New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

If the Assembly does vote for articles of impeachment, the case would go to the state Senate for trial.

Story continues

Many hope it won't come to that, because the Cuomo lawyers would face the possibility they would have to cross-examine some of the 11 women accusers and try to discredit them.

"As a former federal prosecutor looking at the evidence in this case, it's overwhelming. You are always looking for a pattern of behavior  and in this case, all of that was present," Long Island state Senator Todd Kaminsky said.

"Isn't it better to resign on your own volition than get kicked out?" Queens state Senator John Liu remarked.

Liu said it wouldn't take long for the Legislature to give the governor the boot, adding he thinks there are enough votes for impeachment in the Assembly and for conviction in the Senate, CBS New York's Dick Brennan reported.

"It is the legislators who will decide his destiny and he's got, frankly, very few friends here," Liu said.

"Think about those 11 women, and what he put them through. Just out of respect for how he wronged them, and trying to atone for his sins, he should step aside," de Blasio said. "Just get the hell out of the way. And in the end, maybe, he can close off his career with one act of dignity and decency, and just step aside."

Cuomo told state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs he isn't focused on resigning and is intent on telling his side of the story. Legislators, though, say enough already.

"A lot of people gave him the benefit the doubt. The facts now are even more damning than they were a few months ago when all this started, and so I'm not sure what more there is to say on his part," Liu said.

"If he's not thinking about resigning, he's thinking about self-preservation," Democratic strategist Basil Smikle observed.

Smikle said Cuomo has to figure out key points for a possible endgame.

"Number one, 'how long can I stay in office' and, two, 'whether I go out now or next year, what do I do to maintain my legacy?' [That's] assuming that he thinks he needs to leave, because he might not," Smikle said.

Although the Assembly has given the governor more time to mount a defense, Common Cause New York called on the governor to resign by Friday, and for the impeachment proceedings to start Monday.

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Christine Weston Chandler, known as Chris Chan, has been charged with incest. CWCVille Guardian

Christine Chandler's lawyer urged the figure's followers not to believe everything they read online.

He added, "the criminal justice system is a poor vehicle to help people with mental health issues."

Known online as Chris Chan, she was arrested on Sunday on an incest charge.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The lawyer representing Christine Weston Chandler, known online as Chris Chan, criticized Virginia's "critical shortage" of mental health facilities and said that mental health issues have played a role in Chandler's complicated online history.

"Ms. Chandler's frequent and sometimes over the top presence on the internet is partly a product of mental health issues causing misguided attention seeking and often provocative engagement with others," David Heilberg said in a statement provided to Insider on Friday.

Chandler, a popular online figure for over a decade, has been charged with a single count of incest after a leaked audio recording alleged she had sex with her 79-year-old mother.

Chandler is known for creating the comic character "Sonichu," a cross between Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as being the target of trolling campaigns online since 2007. Chandler obsessives then spent years documenting her online history on a forum and Wiki page called CWCiki.

Heilberg referenced the harassment faced by Chandler, who has said she has an autism spectrum disorder, and warned followers against blindly believing information about Chandler shared to online forums.

"Under ordinary circumstances, people should not believe everything they learn on the internet," the statement said. "Everything you find there should always be filtered by skepticism that is not pursued enough. This applies even more to somebody who is legally disabled with mental health issues."

Heilberg also suggested that online trolls who document Chandler's life have reached out to him for information on the case and said that "legitimate inquiries from journalists, supporters and nuisance trollers will be handled the same way."

Story continues

The lawyer added that "the criminal justice system is a poor vehicle to help people with mental health issues" and said that there is a great deal of "misinformation" circulating online about Chandler.

"There are few people with actual personal knowledge about what happened," Heidelberg said in his statement. "Just because you heard or read something does not make it true."

Heilberg asked those with "reliable information or evidence" to contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

Chandler is currently being held in a Virginia jail without bond and her next court date is September 16.

Read more from Insider's Digital Culture desk.

Read the original article on Insider
A look at whats happening around the majors today:

___

NEIGHBORHOOD RIVALRIES

In-state interleague matchups take center stage in several locales as the Chicago White Sox play the Cubs in a Wrigley Field matinee, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Angels, and the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA), with the lowest ERA in the majors, pitches for the AL Central-leading White Sox against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-4, 3.71), who is tied for most wins.

CHANGE AT THE TOP?

First place in the NL East is on the line when Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies welcome the New York Mets for the opener of a pivotal three-game series.

Cant wait, Harper said. I hope that place is rockin all the way to the top.

New York has been atop the division every day since May 8, but the surging Phillies are only a half-game behind and can overtake the scuffling Mets with a victory. Philadelphia is riding a five-game winning streak, the longest current run in the majors, and is three games over .500 for the first time since May 14.

Phillies newcomer Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) pitches against Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80).

POTENTIAL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

New slugger Kris Bryant and the San Francisco Giants are at Milwaukee in a matchup of National League division leaders. Logan Webb (5-3, 3.33 ERA) starts against Brewers All-Star Corbin Burnes (6-4, 2.46).

FLYING HIGH

Bo Bichette and the Toronto Blue Jays (57-49) have won six of seven since returning north of the border last week to move a season-best eight games above .500. Next up, they host AL East rival Boston in a four-game weekend series. Rookie right-hander Alek Manoah (3-1, 2.47 ERA) pitches the opener against Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 3.71) and the Red Sox.

Blue Jays starting pitchers have a 1.25 ERA over 43 1/3 innings through the first seven games of their homestand. At the plate, Bichette has 15 RBIs in 13 games since moving into the cleanup spot.

Story continues

Eovaldi is seeking his first win since July 1. He held the hard-hitting Blue Jays scoreless for 6 2/3 innings on June 14.

Toronto has 164 home runs, tied with San Francisco for the major league lead.

ALL OR NOTHING

Javier Baez has hit two big home runs for the Mets  both in victories  since the NL East leaders acquired the star shortstop in a trade-deadline deal with the Chicago Cubs.

In his other four games, all Mets defeats, Baez is a combined 1 for 16.

Baez reached a new low Thursday by striking out in all five plate appearances during a loss to the Miami Marlins.

Javy is a free swinger. Thats something we know we can probably work on and get better at, Mets manager Luis Rojas said.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Two suspects have been arrested in a months-long crime spree after their love for unicorns led investigators to them, Colorado police said.

Between September and February, 46 locations in Boulder County were hit with crimes ranging from motor vehicle thefts to porch piracy, all adding up to about $115,000 in damages, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

The investigation was dubbed Operation Unicorn because of the [groups] affection for unicorns (drawings, figurines, etc.), which were found throughout the investigation and helped tie the crimes together, the sheriffs office said.

Some of the unicorns were found in stolen cars, KCNC reported. The unicorns helped detectives link the suspects to crimes in 12 jurisdictions around the Denver area, according to the release.

We cant speak to what their intent was, whether they left them as calling cards or whether we just happened to find them, but they didnt intend for us to find them, Carrie Haverfeld, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said, according to the TV station.

Three people have been named as suspects. Shane Phillips, 21, and Marie Roman, 36, are both in custody, officials said.

The third suspect, 44-year-old Adrian Quintana, is still at large, according to the release.

The suspects face 53 different charges, including unlawful distribution and possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, 12 counts of aggravated motor vehicle theft, identity theft, vehicular eluding, 28 counts of first degree motor vehicle trespass, criminal mischief, theft of license plates and second degree criminal trespass of property, officials said.

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The former royal asked for support for her 4040 initiative which some members of the media found contrived

Meghan Markle cant seem to catch a break when it comes to the foreign press.

To that point, this week two Australian television hosts raised brows for mocking the Duchess of Sussexs birthday video, where she appeared to be too smiley.

As theGrio reported Wednesday, Meghan Markle celebrated her 40th birthday with the announcement of her 4040 initiative via a video on the Archewell website.

In the humorous clip which also featured actress Melissa McCarthy, Markle revealed her big birthday plans, while shooting down McCarthys various ideas, including matching tattoos and more photoshoots under a tree.

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She shares, Because I am turning 40, I am asking 40 friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor a woman who is mobilizing back into the workforce.

Over two million women in the U.S. alone and tens of millions around the world have lost their jobs due to COVID. I think if we all do it, and all commit 40 minutes to some kind of act of service, it can create a ripple effect.

McCarthy, of course, agrees to participate, before the video reveals bloopers with the comedian and Markle (and even a surprise cameo from Prince Harry himself).

(Credit: Archewell)

While the whole promo was meant to be a lighthearted way to engage the audience in philanthropy, Karl Stefanovic and Sophie Walsh from the Australian TV show Today found the whole thing cringe-worthy.

I love that shes lecturing people about getting back to the workplace and she quit her job as a royal after less than two years, Walsh said according to a report by Fox News.

Why doesnt she talk normally? Stefanovic asked, to which Walsh added that she thought Markle was too smiley. She also noted that Harrys lost the plot in reference to the end of the video, in which the prince can be seen through the window juggling in the backyard of the couples California home.

Story continues

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While the Aussie broadcasters may have been rolling their eyes at the duo, the public responded warmly to her birthday initiative.

The video was great, funny, mocking the English, and her 4040 initiative is very clever. But I am disgusted by Karl and his antics! And whoever that woman sitting next to him is, it is because of people like her that the Sussexes left the UK. But, they are thriving and happy! one supporter wrote.

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Why put this up when you all clearly with your disdain this morning for her put your knees on her neck! Do better! Just inform on the news we dont need your hateful narrative of her, said another.

Markle, who is no stranger to having her every move be subjected to critique, has become a vocal mental health advocate over the last few years. Last month, just days ahead of her highly-anticipated Netflix documentary, Naomi Osaka even thanked Markle along with former First Lady Michelle Obama in an op-ed on mental health.

I want to thank everyone who supported me, wrote Osaka at the conclusion of the heartfelt essay. There are too many to name, but I want to start with my family and friends, who have been amazing. There is nothing more important than those relationships. I also want to thank those in the public eye who have supported, encouraged, and offered such kind words. Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, Steph Curry, Novak Djokovic, Meghan Markle, to name a few.

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The post Meghan Markle slammed by Australian TV hosts for being too smiley in birthday video appeared first on TheGrio.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The head of Mexico's Supreme Court said on Friday he would conclude his term as planned at the end of next year, despite a decision by the ruling party to extend it by nearly two years that sparked political controversy.

Supreme Court President Arturo Zaldivar told a news conference he would end his term on Dec. 31, 2022, apparently ending a charged discussion over whether he could stay on until Nov. 30, 2024, as the congressional modification foresaw.

"I'm not here to hold office, for posts, nor privileges, I'm in the Supreme Court to uphold values, principles and convictions," said Zaldivar, who had previously indicated he would await the opinion of the court on an extension.

The decision in April to extend his term stirred concern among the opposition and other critics of the government that the move could open the door to allowing other high office holders, including the president, keep their jobs for longer.

Under the constitution, the Mexican president may serve only a single term of six years, and the current office holder, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has repeatedly said he has no intention of trying to prolong his time in power.

Nevertheless, Lopez Obrador, who has been a sharp critic of Mexican courts, had backed the decision to extend Zaldivar's term, arguing he should be kept on to oversee the government's reform of a judiciary the president regards as corrupt and opposed to him.

The prolongation of Zaldivar's term was included belatedly by Congress as part of that package of reforms.

(Reporting by Adriana Barrera; Editing by Dan Grebler)
The Michigan Air National Guard took off and landed multiple planes on a four-lane stretch of State Highway M-32 Thursday, which is the first time that modern combat aircraft have intentionally landed on a U.S. civilian road, the Selfridge base said.

Part of M-32 near Alpena in the northwestern part of the state was closed down for the training exercise, which was dubbed "Thunder Landing Zone (LZ)."

"Thunder LZ gave the pilots the opportunity to land in an austere environment that theyre not used to," U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Wyrzykowski, the mission commander, said after the exercise. "Our adversaries have advanced weapons systems and advanced technology that they can use against us, so we need to be able to operate efficiently in austere situations and gain proficiency in those operations."

US MARINE QUICK REACTION FORCE DEPLOYED TWICE IN 30 DAYS TO DEFEND EMBASSIES

Four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, which is a "simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft" whose "short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines," successfully took off and landed on the highway.

Six crewmembers also took off and landed on a C-146 Wolfhound, which is a "twin-engine, high-wing aircraft" designed to provide "flexible and responsive operational movement of small teams and cargo."

The Michigan Air National Guard coordinated with local residents, utility companies, municipal emergency management agencies, and others to make Thunder LZ a success.

"We actually met with those homeowners directly and the level of support we received from the direct interactions has been, in my mind, unprecedented," Col. Jim Rossi, commander, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, said Thursday. "Theyre such a patriotic group of Americans that are up here, willing to support and are as excited as we are to make this happen."
As COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths rise in Missouri, conflicts continue regarding the strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Eric Schmitt successfully won from a St. Louis County court a temporary restraining order against the county for implementing an indoor mask mandate. The cities of Kansas City and St. Louis recently announced indoor mask mandates. Schmitt posted on social media an intent to take legal action against Kansas City because of the mandate.

The legal actions take place as seven of the 10 largest school districts in Missouri announced indoor mask mandates when the school year begins the week of Aug. 23. Many districts are monitoring public health orders before announcing back-to-school directives.

The district continues to monitor COVID in our community, Michelle Baumstark, chief communications officer for Columbia Public Schools, wrote in an email. We are also monitoring information being released by various education and health authorities, including CDC (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), DESE (Missouri department of elementary and secondary education), comparable school districts across the state, higher education entities and others. We are continuing work on our 2021-22 plan for our return in the fall with regard to procedures, protocols and mitigation strategies based on our full in-person return. Prior to the start of the new school year, families will be provided with information.

Several higher education institutions, including Columbia College, Lincoln University, St. Louis University, Truman State University, the University of Missouri, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University and William Jewell College, are implementing indoor mask requirements this fall.

Three days after six Republican senators wrote Gov. Mike Parson calling for a special session to address employer-mandated vaccinations, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry voiced opposition to banning private-sector requirements.

Story continues

On Aug. 2, state Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, highlighted several concerns with Missouri employers requiring an experimental vaccination as a condition of employment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccines, but not full approval.

Mandating our citizens to inject themselves with an experimental drug flies in the face of these principles and puts Missourians in the position of choosing between their livelihoods and their right to control their own lives, Brattin wrote in a letter signed by Ses. Bill Eigel, R-St. Charles, Bob Onder, R-St. Charles, Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, and Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston.

Its not our job to force it nor is it the job of businesses and employers to force the vaccine, Brattin wrote.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce launched a program last month to recognize businesses and organizations with high levels of vaccinated employees.

The Missouri Chamber stands against attempts to place reckless new restrictions on the states business community, Daniel P. Mehan, president and chief executive officer of the Missouri Chamber, said in a statement on Thursday. Employers have long had the ability to mandate vaccinations and the Missouri Chamber believes all employers should continue to have this right when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. An employers ability to mandate vaccination is supported by state law, federal law and the courts.

Approximately 42% of Missourians completed the vaccination process and 51% received at least one dose, ranking 40th in the nation. Nationally, 58% of the population has received at least one dose.

Vaccination is the key to Missouris economic recovery, Mehan said. Getting vaccinated is good for business, good for public health and its the only way Missouri can begin to put this pandemic behind us. Private employers in Missouri have helped lead the push for COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri  a recent Missouri Chamber survey found that 83% of Missouri employers are encouraging their staff members to get vaccinated. In some cases, businesses have taken the step to mandate vaccination in order to ensure the safety of their workforce and customers.

Several of Missouris largest health systems are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated within the next month. Culver Stockton College, Rockhurst University, William Jewell College, St. Louis University and Washington University also will require COVID-19 vaccinations this school year.

The following are seven-day averages pertaining to COVID-19 recorded on June 1 compared to Aug. 3 in Missouri:

New daily cases: 391 to 2,667

Hospitalizations: 663 to 2,040

Deaths: 10 to 24

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: States, News, Missouri, Coronavirus

Original Author: Joe Mueller, The Center Square

Original Location: Missouri's COVID-19 conflicts continue as virus increases
A woman with a supermarket trolley outside Morrisons

Supermarket chain Morrisons says it has agreed to a revised takeover offer worth 6.7bn, up from 6.3bn, from a private equity consortium led by Fortress Investment Group.

The increased offer, worth 272p a share, comes after some key investors rejected a previous 254p a share offer.

Their approval is also needed for this fresh offer.

Morrisons, the UK's fourth-largest grocer, has almost 500 shops and more than 110,000 staff.

It said in a statement: "Morrisons directors believe that the increased Fortress offer is in the best interests of Morrisons shareholders as a whole, and accordingly unanimously recommend that Morrisons shareholders vote in favour of the resolutions required to implement the increased Fortress offer."

The retailer agreed to the takeover early in July after it turned down an offer worth 5.5bn from another firm, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CDR), saying it significantly undervalued the business.

However, there have been reports CDR was planning its own new higher offer.

Morrisons' shares were at 269p before news of the offer began circulating. They then rose more than 2% to 278p in lunchtime trading, higher than the new Fortress offer and a sign that some investors think the bidding war might not be over.

Morrisons

Under the UK's takeover rules, CDR has until 9 August to table any new offer.

Major Morrisons shareholders include Silchester, which has more than 15%, as well as money managers M&G and JO Hambro.

All shareholders in Morrisons are due to vote on the Fortress bid on 16 August. It needs at least 75% approval to pass.

If shareholders agree, it will be the second major UK supermarket to change ownership this year.

In June, regulators approved the takeover of Leeds-based Asda from US retail giant Walmart for 6.8bn by the billionaire Issa Brothers, who were backed by private equity firm TDR Capital.

Morrisons started life as a market stall in Bradford in 1899, but it was not until 1961 that the first supermarket store opened under the name.

In 2004, the group bought rival grocer Safeway for 3bn, giving it a bigger slice of the market in southern England.
(Reuters) - Hundreds of Myanmar civil society groups on Friday rejected the appointment of a special envoy by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying the regional organisation should have consulted opponents of the ruling junta and other parties.

ASEAN foreign ministers on Wednesday appointed Brunei's second minister for foreign affairs, Erywan Yusof, as a special envoy to Myanmar to try to resolve the crisis in Myanmar by opening dialogue and overseeing humanitarian aid.

"The Myanmar CSOs (civil society organisations) express deep disappointment with ASEAN and their lack of inclusive decision-making process and inaction in the face of some of the most heinous crimes committed in the region," a statement from 413 groups said.

Neither ASEAN's secretariat nor the Brunei foreign ministry made any immediate comment. The military government did not respond to a request for comment.

The Myanmar groups said that a National Unity Government set up by opponents of the junta should also have been consulted about the appointment. It has not yet made any comment on the naming of the envoy itself.

The government headed by army chief and prime minister Min Aung Hlaing has approved the appointment, state-controlled media have reported.

Myanmar has been in political turmoil since the army overthrew the elected civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1.

Hundreds of people have been killed as the military cracked down on opposition protests, and in clashes between soldiers and local people's defence forces which are lightly armed and often hastily assembled.

(Reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Nick Macfie)
This handout photo from local media group Tedim Post taken and released on June 29, 2021, shows health workers carrying a coffin bearing the remains of a Covid-19 coronavirus victim who died at home in Tedim, western Chin state.

This handout photo from local media group Tedim Post taken and released on June 29 shows health workers carrying a coffin bearing the remains of a Covid-19 coronavirus victim who died at home in Tedim, western Chin state. Credit - Handout/Tedim Post/AFP/Getty Images

My village was among the first hit when a third wave of COVID-19 swept across Myanmar starting in May. My mother, father, sister and wife all fell ill. We already lived in terror of the military, which seized power from the civilian government on Feb. 1 and has since killed 946 people. When COVID-19 arrived in my native Tedim township in western Myanmars Chin State, I feared we would all die from the virus but, by the grace of God, we have survived.

Officially, just over 7,500 people have died from COVID-19 since the coupalready enough to make Myanmars per capita death rate the worst in Southeast Asia. But few people are officially tested and even fewer are treated at public hospitals, so the real death toll is unknown. We do know that in recent weeks funeral homes and crematoriums across the country have been overwhelmed.

Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, in an Aug. 1 speech in which he declared himself prime minister, accused protesters who oppose military rule of deliberately spreading COVID-19. But it is the generals who have weaponized COVID-19, turning this deadly pandemic into yet another attempt to control a population that has shown steadfast resistance.

More from TIME

Since the coup, the Tatmadaw, as Myanmars military is called, has targeted medical workers, who have been at the forefront of a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement. More than 150 doctors and nurses have been arrested, and as of July, the Tatmadaw had committed 240 attacks on healthcare workers, according to the World Health Organization; many of those attacked were first responders to military violence.

Health care workers watch protesters demonstrate against Myanmar's military coup in Myanmar's capital of Yangon, Feb. 28. The New York Times

The Tatmadaw has also deliberately obstructed lifesaving care to COVID-19 patients across the country. Soldiers have seized oxygen cylinders and blocked people from refilling them. While the military has issued calls for volunteers to aid its own COVID-19 prevention efforts, it has also raided and looted community-run clinics. On July 16, security forces posed as COVID-19 patients in order to entrap and arrest medical volunteers.

Story continues

Meanwhile, ethnic states and other areas of armed resistance to military rule are facing the double burden of ongoing military attacks, which have displaced 230,000 people since the coup. Amid COVID-19 movement restrictions, regime forces continue to shell civilian areas, burn homes and clash with resistance groups.

In recent weeks in my native Chin State, the military has deployed more troops, fired indiscriminately into villages, raided homes and destroyed food supplies, causing hundreds to flee.

On July 16, Yanghee Lee, the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, warned: The junta is weaponizing COVID-19 for its own political gain by suffocating the democracy movement and seeking to gain the legitimacy and control it craves by deliberately fueling a humanitarian disaster and then co-opting the international response.

As the virus surged in my township, my communitylike many others across the countrytook the COVID-19 response into its own hands.

To fight this crisis, we established emergency response teams made up of local volunteers from all walks of life. On June 4, the military announced a stay-at-home order for several townships in Chin State, including mine, but few paid attention. However, when our local emergency response team announced a full lockdown of its own on June 24 and deployed dozens of volunteer guards to enforce it, the vast majority of people stayed home.

This handout photo from Tedim Post taken and released on July 1 shows volunteers delivering oxygen tanks for Covid-19 coronavirus patients at a hospital in Tedim. Handout/Tedim Post/AFP/Getty Images

Volunteers have also lined up for hours in front of private factories to refill oxygen cylinders for sick people who couldnt access public hospitals, or were boycotting health services under the military. The volunteers only stopped refilling cylinders when the military restricted the private sale of oxygen July 12.

Another task managed by the volunteer teams has been the purchase of food and household goodsallowing only five people per village to go to the market to collect things for their communities

I also volunteered by writing about the local situation for potential donors. Our fundraising has enabled us to order essential medical equipment, although military-imposed roadblocks and checkpoints delayed delivery by several days. When the medical equipment finally reached our village, volunteer doctors and nurses used it to provide home-based care for the most critical patients.

Sadly, this care came too late for my neighbor, who died on July 4 in her home. Before her death, she told her family she was afraid the military would attack and arrest her if she went to a military-run public hospital.

Now the military is trying to obstruct our grassroots efforts to fight COVID-19. In late July, soldiers met with community elders in my township and told them that our volunteer team must cease its activities. The next day, military-appointed administrators were manning the perimeter of Tedim town.

But while our community-led response has the trust of the people, we will never trust the military, which we now fear will use the cover of COVID-19 prevention to increase its surveillance. Around the same time soldiers began manning the COVID-19 checkpoints, they also began going village to village across my state, raiding homes searching for evidence of armed resistance and displacing hundreds.

Even though there has been no armed resistance in my village, I joined many young men and fled, sheltering in a remote area until the soldiers passed. Although we knew our movement put ourselves and others at risk of contracting the virus, we feared even more what soldiers could do to us if we stayed home.

Sometimes, when I think about my countrys situation, I feel depressed and cannot sleep. As a journalist, I also fear for my security and that of my family. I pray we will survive this COVID-19 outbreak and the future violence which the military is sure to inflict.

During this pandemic, it is not just the virus, but the military that is killing us.

As told to Emily Fishbein, a freelance journalist focusing on human rights and social justice in Myanmar
Edmonton native Nathan Fillion is ecstatic to be a part of James Gunn's new film, The Suicide Squad.

The actor, who stars as TDK, revealed that as a comic book fan, starring in this film meant a lot to him. But more so as a Canadian, it brought back memories of his childhood.

"As a Canadian, it's even more special," he said. "You know, because I think about the kid that was frozen to the sidewalk waiting for the bus in Edmonton in third grade."

"I never would have imagined TDK whipping off his arms in an explosions of movie, I couldn't have dreamt that."

The movie, which premieres in theatres on Friday, follows a group of supervillains who are handpicked by government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to go on a dangerous mission to the island of Corto Maltese and destroy a government project known as "Project Starfish." Fillion joins a star-studded list of actors, including Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Idris Elba (Bloodsport), Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag), John Cena (Peacemaker) and Sylvester Stallone (King Shark).

In the movie business, Fillion's reputation precedes him. The Castle and Firefly actor is known as someone who's a joy to work with. More often than not, his fun personality easily translates on screen.

"I think maybe what you're sensing is that even on my worst day, I'm having a great day," Fillion said.

"I love doing this job I been maybe I can't hide that fact. I wear it on my sleeve a little bit."

Nathan Fillion as TDK in The Suicide Squad. Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The role 'meant a lot' to Fillion

The Suicide Squad is a DC superhero film brought to life by Gunn's unique filmmaking style. The film is very different than the poorly received 2016 version. Gunn ensured that his entry would be outrageous, over-the-top and delightfully entertaining. The R-rated flick is packed with action, humour and gore, and offers a fresh spin on the comics. Comic book fans are going to love this version of the film, as does comic book geek Fillion.

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"As a fan of comic books since I was a kid, every time, every year that passes, every new superhero movie that comes out, you say, 'Oh, there's another superhero I'm not going to be,'" he said.

"We're fast running out of superheroes. But there are villains up the wazoo. There are so many villains, there's nothing but just available employment there. So to have a crack at it, to have a little piece of that DC Universe, as a comic book fan, that meant a lot to me."

Fillion's been accused of being a practical joker

Fillion and Gunn have collaborated on several projects, including Gunn's Slither and he Fillion cameo roles in both of the director's Guardians of the Galaxy films.

The two are good friends, so much so that Fillion showed up on set wearing a shirt plastered with Gunn's face on it. Gunn shared the hilarious photo on Fillion's birthday back in March.

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When asked about whether he does this gesture for all of his directors, he chimes: "No. That was a first for me."

"I have been accused in the past of being a practical joker and that's actually not true," Fillion said.

"I will do grand gestures of affection. That's what I call them. They're not practical jokes. No one gets hurt. It's not at anyone's expense. But there is a kind of a grand splash of demonstrative kind of affection, kind of a display. So yes, I had a monstrous face. It wasn't like James's face on the shirt...the whole shirt was his face."

Support for 'Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion'

So is there a Canadian characteristic that Fillion shares with his on-screen character?

"Quiet confidence," he said after taking a few seconds to think it over.

Funny enough, in honour of the Edmontonian actor, a Change.org petition, created by SONiC 102.9 announcer Lauren Hunter, has been going around to try to get a small building built on new green space in downtown Edmonton named the "Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion."

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As revealed in a video by Warner Bros., it seems his co-stars are endorsing it.

I 100 per cent support this idea, completely. I really, really hope you succeed in this mission, Edmonton. I believe in it," Margot Robbie said.

"I'm intrigued, I'm excited and I'm eager to watch how this story plays out," John Cena added.

The Suicide Squad is now playing in theatres across Canada.
A man feeds a child at a community-run soup kitchen in Douglas Village, a township near East London in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, on May 13, 2021. (Joao Silva/The New York Times)

EAST LONDON, South Africa  Even as thousands died and millions lost their jobs when the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed South Africa last year, Thembakazi Stishi, a single mother, was able to feed her family with the steady support of her father, a mechanic at a Mercedes plant.

When another COVID-19 wave hit in January, Stishis father was infected and died within days. She sought work, even going door to door to offer housecleaning for $10  to no avail. For the first time, she and her children are going to bed hungry.

I try to explain our situation is different now, no one is working, but they dont understand, Stishi, 30, said as her 3-year-old daughter tugged at her shirt. Thats the hardest part.

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The economic catastrophe set off by COVID-19, now deep into its second year, has battered millions of people like the Stishi family who had already been living hand-to-mouth. Now, in South Africa and many other countries, far more have been pushed over the edge.

An estimated 270 million people are expected to face potentially life-threatening food shortages this year  compared with 150 million before the pandemic  according to analysis from the World Food Program, the anti-hunger agency of the United Nations. The number of people on the brink of famine, the most severe phase of a hunger crisis, jumped to 41 million people currently from 34 million last year, the analysis showed.

The World Food Program sounded the alarm further last week in a joint report with the U.N.s Food and Agriculture Organization, warning that conflict, the economic repercussions of COVID-19 and the climate crisis are expected to drive higher levels of acute food insecurity in 23 hunger hot spots over the next four months, mostly in Africa but also Central America, Afghanistan and North Korea.

The situation is particularly bleak in Africa, where new infections have surged. In recent months, aid organizations have raised alarms about Ethiopia  where the number of people affected by famine is higher than anywhere in the world  and southern Madagascar, where hundreds of thousands are nearing famine after an extraordinarily severe drought.

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For years, global hunger has been steadily increasing as poor countries confront crises ranging from armed groups to extreme poverty. At the same time, climate-related droughts and floods have intensified, overwhelming the ability of affected countries to respond before the next disaster hits.

But over the past two years, economic shocks from the pandemic have accelerated the crisis, according to humanitarian groups. In rich and poor countries alike, lines of people who have lost their jobs stretch outside food pantries.

As another wave of the virus grips the African continent, the toll has ripped the informal safety net  notably financial help from relatives, friends and neighbors  that often sustains the worlds poor in the absence of government support. Now, hunger has become a defining feature of the growing gulf between wealthy countries returning to normal and poorer nations sinking deeper into crisis.

I have never seen it as bad globally as it is right now, Amer Daoudi, senior director of operations of the World Food Program, said describing the food security situation. Usually you have two, three, four crises  like conflicts, famine  at one time. But now were talking about quite a number of significant of crises happening simultaneously across the globe.

In South Africa, typically one of the most food-secure nations on the continent, hunger has rippled across the country.

Over the past year, three devastating waves of the virus have taken tens of thousands of breadwinners  leaving families unable to buy food. Monthslong school closures eliminated the free lunches that fed around 9 million students. A strict government lockdown last year shuttered informal food vendors in townships, forcing some of the countrys poorest residents to travel farther to buy groceries and shop at more expensive supermarkets.

An estimated 3 million South Africans lost their jobs and pushed the unemployment rate to 32.6%  a record high since the government began collecting quarterly data in 2008. In rural parts of the country, yearslong droughts have killed livestock and crippled farmers incomes.

The South African government has provided some relief, introducing $24 monthly stipends last year and other social grants. Still by years end nearly 40% of all South Africans were affected by hunger, according to an academic study.

In Duncan Village, the sprawling township in Eastern Cape province, the economic lifelines for tens of thousands of families have been destroyed.

Before the pandemic, the orange-and-teal sea of corrugated metal shacks and concrete houses buzzed every morning as workers boarded minibuses bound for the heart of nearby East London. An industrial hub for car assembly plants, textiles and processed food, the city offered stable jobs and steady incomes.

We always had enough  we had plenty, said Anelisa Langeni, 32, sitting at the kitchen table of the two-bedroom home she shared with her father and twin sister in Duncan Village.

For nearly 40 years, her father worked as a machine operator at the Mercedes-Benz plant. By the time he retired, he had saved enough to build two more single-family homes on their plot  rental units he hoped would provide some financial stability for his children.

The pandemic upended those plans. Within weeks of the first lockdown, the tenants lost their jobs and could no longer pay rent. When Langeni was laid off from her waitressing job at a seafood restaurant and her sister lost her job at a popular pizza joint, they leaned on their fathers $120 monthly pension.

Then in July, he collapsed with a cough and fever and died of suspected COVID-19 en route to the hospital.

I couldnt breathe when they told me, Langeni said. My father and everything we had, everything, gone.

Unable to find work, she turned to two older neighbors for help. One shared maize meal and cabbage purchased with her husbands pension. The other neighbor offered food each week after her daughter visited  often carrying enough grocery bags to fill the back of her gray Honda minivan.

But when a new coronavirus variant struck this province in November, the first neighbors husband died  and his pension ended. The others daughter died from the virus a month later.

I never imagined it would be like this, that neighbor, Bukelwa Tshingila, 73, said as she wiped her tear-soaked cheeks. Across from her in the kitchen, a portrait of her daughter hung above an empty cupboard.

Two hundreds miles west, in the Karoo region, the pandemics tolls have been exacerbated by a drought stretching into its eighth year, transforming a landscape once lush with green shrubs into a dull, ashen gray.

Standing on his 2,400-acre farm in the Karoo, Zolile Hanabe, 70, sees more than his income drying up. Since he was around 10 and his father was forced to sell the familys goats by the apartheid government, Hanabe was determined to have a farm of his own.

In 2011, nearly 20 years after apartheid ended, he used savings from working as a school principal to lease a farm, buying five cattle and 10 Boer goats, the same breed his father had raised. They grazed on the shrubs and drank from a river that traversed the property.

I thought, This farm is my legacy, this is what I will pass onto my children, he said.

But by 2019, he was still leasing the farm and as the drought intensified, that river dried, 11 of his cattle died, the shrubs shriveled. He bought feed to keep the others alive, costing $560 a month.

The pandemic compounded his problems, he said. To reduce the risk of infection, he laid off two of his three farm hands. Feed sellers also cut staff and raised prices, squeezing his budget even more.

Maybe one of these crises, I could survive, Hanabe said. But both?

 2021 The New York Times Company
An NYPD cop who fatally shot a mentally ill Harlem man has failed to block the citys police watchdog from investigating the controversial 2012 killing.

Det. Edwin Mateo, who killed Mohamed Bah, had argued that Bahs mother filed a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board too late. Mateos supervisor at the time, Michael Licitra, joined Mateo in the lawsuit. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Love rejected their arguments in a nine-page decision released Thursday.

There is no formal statute of limitations on commencing a CCRB investigation, Love wrote. The judge added that while he was sympathetic to the argument that eight years was a long time after the incident to file a complaint, the CCRB is still allowed to accept and investigate the case.

Bah, a 28-year-old taxi driver, was holding a knife when Emergency Services Unit cops stormed his apartment, responding to a 911 call from his mother that hed been behaving oddly. His mother, Hawa Bah, filed a complaint with the CCRB last year.

Bahs family filed a lawsuit over the killing and was awarded a $1.9 million settlement. Mateo feared for his life and didnt use excessive force when he pulled the trigger, city lawyers have argued.

Its outrageous that [Mateo] forced me back into court for what was nothing more than a last ditch attempt to avoid facing any accountability for murdering my son, Hawa Bah said in a statement. Now that Det. Mateos lawsuit has been dismissed, the CCRB must move quickly to complete its investigation and bring charges against him. Most importantly, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner [Dermot] Shea must fire him for murdering my son.

The CCRB probe follows a plethora of criminal and internal investigations into the shooting  with no charges ever brought against the officers.

The NYPDs Firearms Discharge Review Board found the shooting lawful, the Manhattan district attorney couldnt get a grand jury to return an indictment, and federal prosecutors declined to bring charges.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  A Palestinian man was killed by live Israeli fire on Friday in a town in the occupied West Bank that has seen months of heavy clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces, Palestinian officials said.

Imad Duikat, 38, was shot in the chest in the northern town of Beita and pronounced dead at a hospital, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, another protester was shot in the foot by live ammunition and 20 others wounded by rubber bullets during Fridays clashes.

The Israeli army said hundreds of Palestinian protesters threw rocks and firebombs at Israeli troops, who responded with rubber bullets and live fire.

Palestinian protesters in Beita have held repeated demonstrations against the establishment of an unauthorized Israeli settlement outpost there that they say was built on their land. At least five protesters have been killed in the clashes.

Under a deal in June between the Israeli government and the settlers of the Eviatar outpost, the settlers left the area, but the settlements buildings remain intact and under army guard. The Palestinians reject the deal and say it is a step by Israel toward taking their land.

European representatives from West Bank Protection Consortium  which includes nine European Union member states and five international charities  visited Beita on Thursday, following concerns about the recent rise in violence over the Eviatar outpost.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek the area as the heartland of their future independent state. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace.
The 74

Some parents in Ankeny, Iowa are frustrated after receiving a letter July 28 that the Ankeny Community School District will not require students to quarantine if they have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. At this time, our public health authorities have informed us that the district may not quarantine []
MANILA (Reuters) - Leaders of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's political party have endorsed him to be a vice presidential candidate in next year's elections, paving the way for him to stay in power for six more years after he steps down in 2022.

The move needs to be approved by the party general assembly, which meets next month.

In the Philippines, the president is limited to one six-year term. Duterte's term ends in June next year, but he has said he is seriously thinking about running for vice president, which political observers and critics say could be a backdoor to the presidency.

Next year's polls will be a referendum on Duterte's policies, including his bloody war on drugs, in which thousands of people have been killed, and the handling of the pandemic, many political analysts say.

The backing for Duterte was announced by Melvin Matibag, secretary-general of the ruling PDP-Laban party, who said the endorsement by the key officers will be presented to a national assembly of the party next month for approval.

For its presidential candidate, the party leadership endorsed Duterte's top aide and incumbent senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Matibag said, describing Go and Duterte as a "formidable" team.

"We are hoping the entire membership can carry it. That is the popular and logical choice of PDP-Laban leaders," Matibag told a media briefing.

Duterte, who has portrayed himself as a reluctant president with no desire for power, has on several occasions said he wanted Go to be his successor. His endorsement in 2019 helped Go to become a senator, a job he combines with being Duterte's personal aide.

Go has repeatedly said he was not interested in the presidency, and the only thing that could change his mind was if Duterte agreed to be his running mate.

Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, the mayor of the southern city of Davao, has outshone Go in opinion polls among possible presidential contenders. But Sara and her father have both said they are against the idea of her running.

The filing of candidacy papers for next year's polls will start in October. Until then everything is just speculation and "every noise could just be posturing," said political analyst Victor Manhit.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland and Lithuania on Friday called on European institutions to help them deal with a surge in illegal migration from Belarus over their borders, as tensions between EU countries and Minsk continues to grow.

On Thursday Poland accused Belarus of sending a growing number of migrants over the border in retaliation for Warsaw's decision this week to give refuge to Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a Belarusian athlete who refused to return home from the Tokyo Olympics.

"We condemn the weaponisation of irregular migration by the Lukashenko regime with a goal of exerting political pressure on the EU and its individual Member States," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonytr said in a joint statement.

In the past two days alone 133 illegal migrants were stopped at the Belarusian border with Poland, compared to 122 during the whole of last year, a spokesperson for the Poland Border Guard said.

In recent weeks, Lithuania has also reported a surge in illegal border crossings from Belarus and said Minsk was flying in migrants from abroad and dispatching them into the EU.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday accused Lithuania and Poland of fuelling the migrant issue on the border.

In the statement, Poland and Lithuania appealed to the European Commission, Frontex, EASO, other EU member states, and partners outside the EU for political and practical support and called to strengthen EU migration and asylum policy.

"We firmly believe that the protection of external Schengen borders is not just the duty of individual member states but also the common responsibility of the EU," the statement says.

European Union home affairs ministers and representatives of the EU border agency Frontex and Europol are set to discuss the issue on Aug. 18, a letter by Slovenia to EU diplomats seen by Reuters showed.

(Reporting by Alicja Ptak and Anna Wlodarczak-semczuk; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Raissa Kasolowsky)
A Raleigh snake collector whose escaped zebra cobra caused a frenzy in June pleaded guilty to one charge in court Friday and will pay more than $13,100 in restitution.

Christopher Gifford, 21, pleaded guilty to failing to report the missing snake and was ordered to pay storage fees and overtime costs for law enforcement officers and emergency workers who responded to the incident.

He also agreed to relinquish the snakes  worth about $35,000  which will be used for anti-venom and cancer research, said Anna Smith Felt, Giffords attorney.

The remaining 39 charges related to his escaped cobra and other venomous reptiles were dropped.

The charge he pleaded guilty to will also be dismissed after a year if Gifford successfully completes his probation.

It was a huge mistake, he said after the court hearing. Whatever I can do to fix it, Ive been trying to do.

The snake was reported outside a house in northwest Raleigh, less than a half-mile from Giffords home on June 28. It set off a frenzy of law enforcement and media attention before being captured two days later.

Gifford was charged with failure to report the escaped snake, with his attorney confirming the snake had been missing since November, The News & Observer reported. Most of Giffords charges were for keeping venomous reptiles in improper closures.

A lack of judgment

This gentleman has never been in trouble before and clearly there was a lack of judgment on this day back in November, said Felt. But he has done absolutely everything he can to rectify the situation.

After the snake escape Gifford did try to capture the cobra, which can spit venom several feet, but believed it died due to the colder weather, Felt said.

So when he was not able to find it through his own actions, he presumed this animal to be dead, she said. Like I said, it was bad judgment, but that is the answer as to why it was not reported initially.

He will not be allowed to keep venomous snakes during his probation, according to the terms of the deal.

His social media presence, including a TikTok account with more than 460,000 followers, showed Gifford handling snakes in his home and driveway. In addition to the zebra cobra, the collection included other cobras, rattlesnakes, vipers and a green mamba, which bit him in March.

The city of Raleigh is considering a wild and exotic animal ordinance that would ban the possession of venomous snakes, among other changes.
CHESTER, Calif.  As embers from the Dixie Fire rained down around him in the predawn hours of Thursday morning, Alan Kuhl thought the road to safety was impassable, as was any route of retreat.

In an interview in the parking lot of a shuttered grocery store in the evacuated town of Chester on Thursday, Kuhl described a harrowing escape from the burning woods.

"I barely survived," he said. His voice trailed off.

Help had unexpectedly arrived, but not before the 72-year-old braced for death.

"I'm going to die, but I'm not going to burn to death," he remembered telling himself. Kuhl had a handgun and had resolved to shoot his labrador Slim and himself to prevent a gruesome death.

Alan Kuhl, 72, was prepared to shoot and kill himself and his dog Slim rather than be burned alive in the Dixie Fire.

The Dixie Fire on Friday was California's largest active wildfire as it continued to burn in Plumas, Butte, Lassen and Tehama counties.

The three-week-old blaze was nearly 433,000 acres and the third-largest wildfire in state history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fire was 35% contained as of Friday morning.

Kuhl was born in 1949 in Susanville, the county seat of rural Lassen County just northeast of the fast-moving blaze. He returned to California a month ago from Idaho to work as a fire watcher for A&M Timber in Chester.

He owes his life  and Slim's  to firefighters, including crews from the Palm Springs and Alameda County fire departments.

Kuhl was sleeping in his trailer at the remote Juniper Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Chester on dirt roads. Just after midnight Thursday, he woke up.

"The whole sky was red," he said. "There's so much smoke and embers. I panicked. Started wrapping everything up, trying to hook onto this trailer. I couldn't see it at night," he recounted. "(The fire) came so quick on me, I had no idea where it was. It came so fast; it just exploded."

His escape path was a logging road, but the inferno was too much.

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"The whole road was on fire. I couldn't turn around."

Kuhl said driving through the flames and running off the road twice "tore the hell out of my car."

"I couldn't go any farther. I couldn't see. There was one little bare spot and I stopped, got out my fire extinguisher and started putting fires out around my car," he said. "The embers and sparks were raining on me."

He thought the smoke would kill him if the fire didn't.

"I laid down on the ground (to breathe), got up and here come some headlights  fire boys," Kuhl said. "They got me down to a bare spot and they got me out."

The firefighters led him to a burned, black patch of ground where the Dixie Fire already had burned through at Lassen Meadows. He took refuge there before driving into Chester.

Kuhl said he's had enough of wildfires and plans to get out of California as soon as he can. He'll move to Michigan, he said.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Dixie Fire rages in California: This man prepared to die but survived
Ryan Reynolds pitched a Deadpool and Bambi crossover. 20th Century Fox/RKO Radio Pictures

Ryan Reynolds pitched a crossover where Deadpool confronts the hunter who killed Bambi's mom.

According to Reynolds: "Disney was like, 'Well, I don't think that's ever going to happen.'"

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Crossovers and shared universes are becoming more and more common as franchises ramp up and studios look to retain audiences' interest in their projects.

But some crossover ideas are a little wackier than others, and it's no surprise that it was Ryan Reynolds who came up with the wackiest idea of them all: Deadpool and Bambi.

In an interview with IGN, Reynolds revealed his idea for a dark film about his character Deadpool and the hunter from Disney's 1942 classic.

"I wanted to do a short film of Deadpool interrogating the hunter who killed Bambi's mom. But the whole gist of it is that Deadpool is actually just a huge fan," Reynolds said.

"He's not interrogating - he just wants to know how he could be the most loathed Disney character in the history of Disney. And of course, Disney was like, 'Well, I don't think that's ever going to happen.'"

Ryan Reynolds is Deadpool. Michael Loccisano / Getty

Reynolds, who has played Deadpool on two feature films so far (before 20th Century Fox was taken over by Disney), said he is well aware of Disney's "pretty storied history" with short films.

The studio made its name with short films, with Walt Disney himself winning a whopping total of 21 Academy Awards for various short films. Sadly, Deadpool x Bambi will not be the next short movie, but Reynolds told SiriusXM Radio's Jess Cagle (via People) he still thinks it's a great idea

"The rug pull of it though is that you think that Deadpool's going to kill the hunter, but Deadpool was actually just a huge fan. He wants to know how he too can be as loathed as the hunter is in the Disney universe," Reynolds said. "And they just shut that down immediately. Like; 'There's absolutely no way you're doing [that].'"

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Reynolds has had one short movie as Deadpool already, though. He recently did a four and a half minute short with Taika Waititi as Korg, the rock creature from "Thor: Ragnarok." That was a promotional video for Reynolds' new movie "Free Guys," which also features Waititi.

"Disney was accommodating, but I was shocked that they said yes because Korg is not cheap. Like, that's an expensive character to put on the screen," Reynolds told Cagle. "You know, a lot of, a lot of work goes into making Korg and Taika was game for it."

Read the original article on Insider
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference about climate change outside the U.S. Capitol on July 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Chuck Schumer blamed the GOP for slowing down the passage of the infrastructure bill.

The $1 trillion package would see spending on high-speed internet, new roads, and other projects.

Sen. Bill Haggerty, a Republican who opposes the bill, blocked efforts to fast-track it.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of slowing efforts to pass President Joe Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure bill after a GOP Senator scuppered efforts to speed up the timeline.

Biden's infrastructure bill would see billions of dollars spent on new roads, bridges, highways, high-speed internet, and improvements to drinking water.

He initially proposed a much bigger package, but settled on a smaller one agreed by Senators of both parties hoping to command bipartisan in the 50-50 chamber.

The bill has already cleared two important votes with some Republican support, and lawmakers have so far approved seven amendments. On Thursday, lawmakers tried striking a deal to put up further amendments for a vote and secure final passage for a bill.

Senators met on Thursday for a day of negotiations to try and speed up the passage of the bill, but Schumer said that Republicans were intentionally slowing down the process. Congressional leaders tried getting unanimous consent from every senator to fast-track the bill, but it only takes one to derail it.

"We've worked long, hard, and collaboratively to finish this important, bipartisan bill," Schumer said late on Thursday after the negotiations ended, per the Associated Press.

"The Senate has considered 22 amendments during this process and we've been willing to consider many more.

"In fact, we have been trying to vote on amendments all day but have encountered numerous objections from the other side.

He said the Senate would meet for a vote on Saturday to try again to expedite the process.

The lawmaker resisting efforts to expedite the process was Sen. Bill Haggerty, Punchbowl News reported. He opposes the bill on the grounds that it is too expensive.

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In a statement, Haggerty said: "The CBO [Congressional Budget Office] indicated this bill will increase the deficit by at least $256 billion dollars when it was supposed to break even.

"Despite this news, I was asked to consent to expedite the process and pass it.

"I could not, in good conscience, allow that to happen at this hour-especially when the objective of the majority is to hurry up and pass this bill so that they can move quickly to their $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend spree designed to implement the Green New Deal and increase Americans' dependence on the government so I objected."

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Senate leaders will likely try again on Saturday to get an agreement to speed up the process, Punchbowl News reported. But any senator including Haggerty could once again block the agreement.

There were some signs of trouble on Thursday evening. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the chief Republican vote counter, told reporters earlier in the evening "always bet against the house around here."

"Things just kind of got bogged down a little bit because there were a number of disagreements," he later told reporters. "And when somebody doesn't get their amendment, they put a hold on everything else. And we've seen this before, I mean it's a frequent movie around here."

A late clash on competing amendments outlining cryptocurrency tax reporting requirements also appeared to play a role slowing down the bill. Two dueling bipartisan groups are fighting over which cryptocurrency brokers will be required to file information with the IRS.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Ngouda Dione and Cooper Inveen

DAKAR (Reuters) - At Dalal Jamm hospital in Dakar, only the whooshing sound of a ventilator and beeps from a monitor indicated that the pregnant COVID-19 patient in the intensive care bed was still alive.

A few cubicles down, another woman was on oxygen after giving birth while sick with the coronavirus as a third wave threatened to overwhelm Senegal's hospitals and some of its cemeteries.

"As soon as one leaves intensive care, either discharged or sadly dead, our treatment centre suggests another patient," said Doctor Khady Fall, standing in the ward in full PPE.

"We are emotionally exhausted."

Senegal, which until July had recorded fewer than 44,000 COVID-19 cases and 1,166 deaths, has registered more than 20,000 cases and 250 deaths since the start of July, according to health ministry figures.

The West African nation is not alone. Coronavirus-related deaths in Africa reached a record peak in the week that ended on Aug. 1, partly spurred by the highly transmissible Delta variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

"Africa is still on the crest of the third wave, still recording more cases than in any earlier peak," WHO Africa official Phionah Atuhebwe told a press conference.

A short drive from the hospital in Dakar, grave-diggers at a Catholic cemetery have had to work into the night to keep up with the number of burials.

In the shadow of the capital's massive "African Renaissance" monument, a corner of the cemetery was filled with freshly covered graves, while workers hacked into the earth nearby to create new plots.

The manager of a Muslim cemetery in Yoff district, Ibrahima Diassy, flipped anxiously through a hard-bound register that had logged an average of 30 burials per day compared with 20 before the latest COVID-19 surge.

Before the pandemic, the cemetery hosted just 10 funerals each day. "It's really unbelievable," Diassy said.

(Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been admitted for observation at a hospital near the Estcourt Correctional Center where he is currently serving a 15-month prison sentence, the government announced on Friday.

Zuma is in prison for defying a Constitutional Court order to testify at a state-backed inquiry probing allegations of corruption during his presidential term from 2009 to 2018.

A routine checkup indicated that Zuma should be admitted to a hospital, according to the correctional services department's statement.

As a former president, the healthcare needs of Mr. Zuma require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services. This has been the case since his admission at Estcourt Correctional Center, the statement said.

Zumas jailing last month sparked violent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, which quickly descended into widespread looting of shopping centers and the torching of trucks in KwaZulu-Natal. More than 330 people died in the rioting and more than R20 billion ($1.36 billion) in property was destroyed.

Zuma has filed an application for his prison sentence to be rescinded by the Constitutional Court, and is expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court next week in a separate trial for corruption.
By Sangmi Cha

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea will extend its social distancing curbs by two weeks as the government contends with outbreaks nationwide and more people fall severely ill, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on Friday.

The government tightened restrictions last week across most of the country ahead of the country's peak summer holiday period.

Seoul and surrounding regions have banned private gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m. and any gatherings of more than four people are prohibited in the rest of the country.

Kim said the restrictions were crucial to stamping out cases and ensuring a safe reopening of schools in two weeks.

Health experts had called for tougher social distancing rules as the number of severe COVID-19 cases has doubled in three weeks, driven largely by young, unvaccinated people and a slow vaccination drive.

The mortality rate remains relatively low at 1.02%, while severe cases rose by 7 to 376 as of Thursday.

With the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, a rise in movement of people despite the restrictions, and mobilised health personnel focused on the vaccination drive rather than contact tracing, epidemiological work seems to have struggled to catch up, Lee Soon-young, president of the Korean Society of Epidemiology, told Reuters in an e-mail.

It is true that the momentum for contact tracing is diminishing due to more movement, a surge in infections from new variants and due to overlapping tasks for vaccination adverse reaction checks, which has resulted in an increase in the number of cases of unknown transmission routes, Lee wrote.

The country has administered at least one shot to 40% of its 52 million population, while 14.7% have been fully vaccinated, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) data showed.

It aims to push up that number to 70% by next month.

The KDCA on Friday reported 1,704 cases for Thursday, bringing the total to 207,406 infections, with 2,113 deaths.

(Reporting by Sangmi Cha. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
A customer-service agent tries to calm passengers as they form a line outside Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday morning. Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Spirit Airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights this week in six straight days of disruptions.

We talked to a Spirit customer-service agent about working through the meltdown.

She described dealing with crying customers and stranded crew members.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

When Spirit Airlines employees walked into work on Sunday, airports across the country were in utter chaos. Customers were screaming and crying, demanding to know why hundreds of flights were being canceled. Part of the problem: Most staff had no idea either.

"We were not aware why the flights started canceling," one Spirit employee who works in customer service told Insider. "It was one after the other. I had an anxiety attack, thinking maybe something like 9/11 was happening."

More than 1,000 Spirit Airlines flights were canceled this week in an epic meltdown caused by a poorly timed combination of bad weather, system outages, and staffing issues.

The low-cost carrier canceled 260 flights on Friday and 402 flights on Thursday, marking six straight days of disruptions despite Spirit's reassurance that cancellations would start falling.

The Spirit staffer - one of almost 9,000 Spirit employees - requested anonymity to speak freely about the situation, though her identity is known to Insider. She has worked for the airline for seven years and said she stays at the company for its flight discounts, which allow her to visit her son in the military who's stationed abroad.

"I'm exhausted," she said, adding that some Spirit workers felt as though they couldn't take breaks or time to eat lunch, despite working long hours.

She said customers and workers alike could be seen crying throughout the airport. Stranded crew members and passengers whose flights were canceled slept on the floor and on benches. The international flight zone transformed into a temporary rebooking area, as the terminal overflowed with people waiting in lines for hours on end.

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The customer-service agent said most passengers were extremely frustrated and that some became aggressive. The most difficult part for her, she said, was not being able to help groups with infants or elderly family members. At one point, she spent four hours trying to help a group after the company's rebooking system crashed. When she finally got the information she needed from her supervisor, the family was nowhere to be found.

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"There's definitely some angry people," Spirit CEO Ted Christie said Thursday, according to CNBC. "Right now, all I can say is we're very sorry for what happened."

During the peak of the meltdown, Spirit announced that employee shifts would require "mandatory overtime due to irregular operations," according to the Spirit staffer, who also provided a copy of a company flyer announcing the policy. She said this led her and other employees to work until 3 a.m. one day and that some junior staffers worked shifts as long as 15 hours on Sunday.

She said many employees felt trapped in mandatory overtime and thought that if they left, they might lose their jobs. According to the Spirit staffer, this fear stemmed from the airline's attendance policy regulated by the "Team Member Dependability Program," an 11-point system that keeps track of missed shifts or tardiness.

The policy dings employees with points for planned absences, unplanned absences, no-shows, and late arrivals, according to a copy of the program obtained by Insider. Once a staff member accrues 11 points, they can be fired.

Insider received a copy of Spirit's 11-point attendance policy. Spirit Airlines

A Spirit spokesperson did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Spirit Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis sent the airline's operations team an email about the cancellations roughly 12 hours after they began.

"Our scheduling disruption this weekend stems from weather and ATC delays that added up over the past week, taking a toll on our crew availability. I own this, and we have a plan," the internal email read. "Right now, all hands are on deck working around the clock to solve the network disruption. We will not stop until we are successful."

The Transport Workers Union of America said in a statement on Thursday that Spirit Airlines executives have "shown little concern for the safety and mental well-being of their frontline agents at FLL, who have been attacked and even spat on - just for doing their job."

Do you work for Spirit? Contact the reporter of this piece from a non-work email at htowey@insider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Richard Cowan and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A battle to win a path to citizenship for "Dreamer" immigrants, following two decades of defeat, is underway in the U.S. Senate as Democrats face tough challenges on several fronts, including within their own ranks.

For the millions of immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, crossing the border illegally or overstaying visas, an obscure Senate procedure known as "budget reconciliation https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senates-reconciliation-process-its-not-way-it-sounds-2021-06-16" could determine their future this year.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hopes to use it to bypass the need for Republican support on legislation that would have Dreamers and possibly millions of other immigrants hitch a ride toward citizenship via a $3.5 trillion measure they call "human infrastructure" investments.

The stakes could not be higher. "If we don't have reconciliation, I'm not sure there's a pathway forward," said Democratic Senator Robert Menendez.

Separate efforts to craft bipartisan legislation to protect the immigrants who were shielded from deportation under former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program have collapsed, said a Senate aide who asked not to be identified.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham reflected the opposition from many in his party to any reforms until immigrant arrivals at the southern border slow. "I'm not willing to provide legal status to anybody with a broken porous border because it will create more problems. Everybody will come and want to be the next generation of DACA," he said.

To move ahead, Schumer must keep his 50 Democrats and independents united on reconciliation this autumn. Opposition by any would sink the effort, along with Dreamers' hopes of living normal lives in the United States.

Moderate Democratic Senators Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia already stand out as potential obstacles. But other Democrats facing re-election next year may need convincing, too.

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Complicating matters is the politically difficult task of pursuing reforms when migrant border arrests are at 20-year highs, fueling Republican attacks on President Joe Biden.

Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director for the immigrant-youth group United We Dream was in Washington in 2010 when the Dream Act failed.

"I remember crying with hundreds of young undocumented people," she said.

Besides Dreamers, Democrats might include farmworkers, healthcare and other employees deemed "essential" and those who fled wars and natural disasters -- a potential total of over 6 million people, according to experts.

A July court ruling striking down DACA, which currently protects around 640,000 young immigrants from deportation, has made a legislative remedy all the more pressing. Their status was maintained pending other court proceedings but new enrollments were halted.

Already, there are political cracks in the Democratic effort.

"I'm totally supportive of immigration," Manchin told Reuters when asked about attaching reforms to the massive infrastructure bill.

But he quickly added he supports the Senate's "Byrd rule," allowing "extraneous matter" to be removed from reconciliation bills by the Senate parliamentarian's office.

Early this year, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough barred a minimum wage increase from being included in a COVID-19 aid bill. Attempts to overrule the decision failed.

Many Democrats argue a properly drafted immigration provision can survive parliamentary challenges like an immigrant visa measure did in 2005.

Sinema told the Arizona Republic newspaper she opposes the $3.5 trillion plan because of its high cost. Aides would not say whether she supports including immigrant protections in infrastructure legislation.

THE LURE OF RECONCILIATION

Talks between Senate Democrats and Republicans have failed to produce a bipartisan bill, fueling Democrats' go-it-alone approach through reconciliation.

"I have several (Republicans) who are just determined to stop whatever bill is offered" under conventional legislative procedures, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said in a hallway interview.

That leaves all eyes on the parliamentarian, who in coming months is expected to decide whether to allow such sweeping immigration reforms.While voters largely support helping certain immigrants seeking legal protection from deportation, a July Reuters/Ipsos poll found only about 8% see immigration as a top priority.

Republican Senator John Cornyn, who has opposed some past reform efforts, now wants a stripped-down bill giving permanent legal status to the 640,000 Dreamers protected by DACA, leaving many others behind. Durbin rejected that idea.

"We've been talking about this for the entire time I've been here in the Senate," said Cornyn, who became a senator in 2002. "And there's never any action."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson and Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone and Aurora Ellis)
The leader of Tanzania's main opposition party appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent.

It was the first time Freeman Mbowe was seen in public since his arrest along with other members of his Chadema party on July 21, just hours before they were to hold a public forum on constitutional reform.

Mbowe, 59, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he arrived at the court in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam, transported in a green van from the prison.

Security was tight and police prevented most opposition supporters from entering the court, with Chadema saying on Twitter that 11 members of the party were arrested when they turned up.

Mbowe has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The case against Mbowe and three other co-defendants was adjourned until August 13 as prosecutors want it to be handled by a higher court, prosecutor Pius Hilla said.

Defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said that they had expected initial procedures to be completed at Friday's session.

"I would urge they make it quick to protect rights of the accused and the fact that Mbowe's case is of public interest. I hope we will move a step forward when we come to court next week so that hearing starts at the High Court."

Other opposition parties expressed solidarity with Mbowe, and urged Hassan to have the case dropped.

"Moments like this take Tanzania a step backwards... the president's wisdom is needed so that we move forward," said James Mbatia, leader of the NCCR-Mageuzi opposition party, and one of the few supporters allowed inside the courtroom.

- 'No basis in law' -

Mbowe had initially been due to appear in court via video link from prison on Thursday but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, Kibatala said.

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On Thursday, riot police had broken up a demonstration by his supporters who were waving banners "Mbowe is not a terrorist" and "Free Freeman Mbowe", and Chadema said there were a number of arrests.

Kibatala said Thursday the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law," describing them as "opportunistic and probably politically motivated."

Mbowe's arrest came four months after Hassan took office following the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli.

There had been hopes Hassan would usher in change from the autocratic rule of Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style.

But Chadema leaders say the arrests of Mbowe and his colleagues reflect a deepening slide into "dictatorship."

"Freeman Mbowe, parliamentarian for 15 years, leader of the official opposition in parliament for 10 years and head of the largest legal opposition party for 17 years is not a terrorist," Chadema's deputy chairman Tundu Lissu said on Twitter.

"He's a political prisoner of the Samia dictatorship."

Prosecutors say the terrorism charges against Mbowe do not relate to the constitutional reform forum Chadema had planned to hold in the northwestern port city of Mwanza last month, but to alleged offences last year in another part of Tanzania.

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(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A teacher from Maryland has pleaded guilty and has been imprisoned for a year for soliciting bribes from his students from better grades.

Professor Edward C Ennels, 45, entered the guilty plea to eleven misdemeanour charges at Baltimore County Circuit Court. These counts range from bribery to misconduct in office.

Ennels was a mathematics teacher at Baltimore City Community College for more than 15 years. During his tenure, he sat on the staffs Ethics and Institutional Integrity Committee, according to The New York Times.

According to statement by Brian E Frosh, the Maryland Attorney General, Ennels solicited bribes from 112 students. He eventually ended up with 10 payments from nine students and is believed that Ennels got $2,815 overall. The initial offer began at a C grade for $150, a B grade for $250 and for an A grade would cost $500, according to Mr Froshs statement.

The Attorney General said it was an elaborate criminal scheme to take advantage of his students.

As a part of the process, Ennels adopted fake names and conducted an email exchange between Bertie Benson and Amanda Wilbert in early 2020, according to prosecutors. Authorities cited a series of emails in which Mr Benson offered to do Ms Wilberts assignment and get her an A grade for $300. Ennels, then under the guise of Ms Wilbert, forwarded the email to 112 people enrolled his his maths lessons.

Ennels often haggled with students regarding the amount of the bribe, and set different prices based on the course and grade desired, the statement read.

His tactics did not always prove popular with his students as they mostly appeared uninterested. However, the statement outlined that Ennels often persisted, offering to lower the amount of the bribe or offering payment plans.

One student told Ennels that the prices were too high and according to the statement, they replied to his offer, Oh I dont have that sorry. I will be sure to keep studying and pass my exam. To which, Ennels replied, How much can you afford?

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Prosecutors said this student accepted the offer, however the amount paid to Ennels was not made public.

Another scheme run by Ennels was also described during the proceedings. For a fee, students could purchase codes from him to enable them to see answers to homework and other material. The was believed to cost $90 and he is thought to have sold 694 access rights.

Ennelss lawyer, Benjamin J Herbst said in an interview that he committed the crimes only to keep up with a gambling addiction and not to satisfy a greedy nature.

He did not live a lavish lifestyle or squirrel the money away for later, he said, before calling him a good person and saying he loved his students and his job.

Ennels was given a 10-year sentence, of which nine years were suspended. The remaining year will be carried out in a nearby prison. In addition to this custodial punishment, Ennels is required to pay $60,000 restitution and be on probation for five years following his release.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Heavy rains in northeastern North Korea have destroyed or flooded 1,170 houses and forced 5,000 residents to evacuate to safety, North Koreas state TV reported.

Thursdays TV broadcast said this weeks downpour in South Hamgyong Province inundated or washed away hundreds of hectares (acres) of farmlands and destroyed many bridges. Footage showed houses submerged up to their red-brick roofs, a severed bridge over muddy water and a swollen river.

The broadcast didnt mention any casualties. It said the Norths eastern coastal areas will continue to receive heavy rains in the next few days.

Summer rains in North Korea often cause serious damage to its agricultural and other sectors due to poor drainage, deforestation and dilapidated infrastructure in the impoverished country. The inclement weather comes amid growing concerns about North Koreas food security, though outside monitoring groups havent detected any signs of mass starvation or social unrest.

Leader Kim Jong Un said in June that his countrys food situation was becoming tense. He earlier admitted his country had faced the worse-ever crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S.-led sanctions and last years massive typhoon and flooding.
Hopes for peace in eastern DR Congo, have been dashed three months after President Felix Tshisekedi proclaimed a state of siege in two provinces, as the army grapples with familiar failings, say analysts.

Tshisekedi resorted on May 6 to the strongest measure he could take under the constitution, in a bid to end the endemic insecurity in the east where massacres and clashes involving armed groups have prevailed since the end of the Second Congo War in 2003.

Civilian power in North Kivu and Ituri provinces was turned over to a military governor and a deputy governor drawn from the police, while the duties of provincial governments were transferred to the military authorities.

Despite this drastic move, "nothing has changed," said political scientist Nice Mughanda, a university professor in North Kivu. "There is nothing new that has been done".

"There's the problem of available resources -- the means are limited and logistics are weak," added Promise Matofali Yonama, a representative at the North Kivu provincial assembly.

Since May 6, armed groups have killed 485 civilians in Ituri and North Kivu, according to a tally established on August 5 by experts of the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), an NGO that monitors violence.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which emerged as a rebel movement in neighbouring Uganda in 1996, is responsible for 254 deaths, according to KST figures. The ADF is today presented as the Islamic State's Central Africa Province.

Other militias, including the Rwandan Hutu rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), are held responsible for 231 deaths.

The previous quarter, the KST documented 464 civilian deaths, of which 225 deaths were attributed to the ADF.

In Ituri, the army says 121 militiamen have been killed since the start of the state of siege, including 32 ADF.

- 'Dire failure' -

The National Assembly has just renewed the state of siege for the fifth time but has also called on its Defence and Security Commission to assess the effectiveness of the measure.

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"(This is) a fiasco which should not be renewed indefinitely," said Patrick Mundeke, a representative in North Kivu of the Together for the Republic party of Moise Katumbi, an influential businessman and former governor of Katanga.

"The state of siege is a dire failure," said Masika Salama, a 25-year-old student from Beni, which lies near the border with Ituri.

"People continue to be killed, kidnappers operate in the same old way without getting caught. The situation is becoming more serious than before."

Mughanda said the state of siege should be suspended.

"Before, we were able to get out of Beni and go to Bunia (the capital of Ituri). During the state of siege, it became extremely dangerous to make the trip. The range of killings increased. The attackers are now also active in Ituri, north of Beni."

The goal of the state of siege was to streamline decision-making by placing authority in the hands of the military.

But, said Mughanda, "You can't decree a state of siege with an army that has been infiltrated, an army that is undisciplined, an army with officers who steal the rations and the wages of the soldiers at the front."

- 20 officers prosecuted -

Some 20 officers are being prosecuted by the military judiciary, which accuses them of having embezzled funds intended for the campaign. The Congolese government has disbursed tens of millions of dollars for operations in the two provinces, according to a senior official.

Others fear that the state of siege has removed a crucial layer of civilian oversight of military operations.

"We must contain the state of siege in the territories of Beni (North Kivu) and Irumu (Ituri)" where many atrocities have been committed, said provincial deputy Promesse Matofali Yonama.

Goma, a large city where urban banditry is the daily lot of the citizens, is about the only place where residents express satisfaction with the emergency measures.

"There have been fewer killings, fewer burglaries and shots are no longer heard every night," said Hussein Ally Compani, a motorcycle taxi driver.

"The army is doing a good job," said Augustin Kapila, an official of the Tshisekedi's Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party.

"Groups have been taken neutralised and others are giving themselves up. We hope the army will continue down this path."

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Ethiopia warned Friday it could deploy its "entire defensive capability" after rebels from war-hit Tigray rebuffed calls to pull back from neighbouring regions.

The ramped-up rhetoric from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government played into fears that Ethiopia's widening war could soon become more violent, even as the UN and the US appeal for a ceasefire so glaring humanitarian needs can be met.

The government "is being pushed to mobilise and deploy the entire defensive capability of the state if its humanitarian overtures for a peaceful resolution of the conflict remain unreciprocated," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear what the government had in mind, though troops from various regions have moved towards Tigray in recent weeks to back up the military.

A state media report quoted the Amhara region's security office as saying an offensive would be launched Saturday "to destroy the enemy and reverse the existential threat" posed by rebels.

Northern Ethiopia has been wracked by fighting since November, when Abiy sent troops to topple the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the then-ruling party of Tigray which dominated national politics for nearly three decades until 2018.

The move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps, said Abiy, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Although he promised a swift victory, the war took a stunning turn in June when pro-TPLF forces recaptured Tigray's capital Mekele and the Ethiopian army largely withdrew.

Since then the TPLF has pushed east into the neighbouring Afar region and south into Amhara.

On Thursday, TPLF combatants entered UNESCO heritage site Lalibela in Amhara without a fight, as security forces withdrew ahead of their advance, residents told AFP.

Lalibela is home to 12th-century rock-hewn churches that are a major tourist draw in peacetime, as well as an airport.

Rebel spokesman Getachew Reda told AFP the TPLF would continue to secure roads in northern Amhara in a bid to prevent government forces from regrouping.

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US officials including aid chief Samantha Power, who visited Ethiopia this week, have urged the TPLF to withdraw and called on all sides to cease hostilities and focus instead on addressing the humanitarian "catastrophe" in Tigray.

But Getachew said "nothing of the sort is going to happen unless the blockade is lifted", a reference to restrictions on aid access.

"We are under siege. We are under blockage. Anything that Abiy is going to use to maintain its chokehold on our people, we'll make sure it doesn't pose a serious problem."

- 'Hot pursuit' -

On Friday pro-TPLF forces were in "hot pursuit" of Amhara regional forces who had headed north from Lalibela to the town of Sekota, Getachew said.

He said the TPLF does not intend to hold territory in Amhara and Afar and is instead focused on facilitating aid access.

It remains committed, though, to retaking areas of western and southern Tigray occupied by Amhara forces since the war's early stages, he said.

Amhara leaders have rejected calls by the US and other world powers to exit those territories, claiming they historically fall under Amhara control.

The dispute bodes ill for growing ceasefire calls.

The UN says fighting in Tigray has pushed 400,000 people into famine-like conditions.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths told a press conference Friday the desperate need for food aid in Tigray would persist into 2022.

The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of blocking aid, and top humanitarian officials continue to decry bureaucratic and other hurdles hindering access.

The government says a unilateral ceasefire it declared in late June was intended to allow aid in, and that the TPLF's subsequent offensive undermines that effort.

On Friday Abiy's office reported an additional 63 trucks of food aid had reached Mekele, taking the total to 220 in recent weeks.

But the foreign ministry said TPLF actions were "testing the government's patience and pushing it to change its defensive mood".

- 'Lalibela is our heritage' -

Abiy's spokeswoman Billene Seyoum said Thursday more than 300,000 people had been displaced by recent fighting in Amhara and Afar.

Amhara deputy president Fanta Mandefro told AFP Thursday the rebels were responsible for abuses including killings and sexual assault.

But Getachew dismissed the claims.

"We are in fact working with the people to make sure they go about their lives as normally as they could," he said.

The US has urged the rebels to protect Lalibela, but Getachew said the concerns were misplaced.

"We know what it means to protect heritage sites," he said. "Lalibela is our heritage site as well."

Multiple heritage sites in Tigray have been damaged during the conflict, though Tigrayans have generally blamed pro-government forces for the destruction.

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Twitter is scrambling to reassure India and reclaim its liability protections for user-made content. Bloomberg reports that Twitter has told an Indian court it appointed grievance and nodal officers to honor new rules demanding local full-time staff to handle handle issues like compliance and law enforcement matters. The court previously claimed Twitter was in "total noncompliance" and had stripped the protections, leaving Twitter legally vulnerable if users posed illegal material.

Police have filed cases against Twitter multiple times based on user actions, including child pornography violations or posting controversial political maps.

The social media giant isn't safe yet. The government will have to determine whether or not the executives put India in compliance with the rules. Another hearing is due on August 10th. Companies like Facebook, Google and Telegram have already complied the requirements.

Twitter has had a fractious relationship with the Indian government. The social media giant refused to block critics of the Indian government after officials threatened to arrest employees in early February. Accordingly, India ordered Twitter to pull criticism of its pandemic response after COVID-19 cases surged in April. The alleged rule violations just represented an escalation of already-high tensions in that regard. Not that Twitter has much choice but to comply  leaving the Indian market would deliver a serious blow to its business while having little impact on censorship in the country.
Police officers arrested two Myanmar citizens Friday on charges of plotting to violently attack Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced.

Why it matters: Tun, who was elected to represent Myanmar's now-deposed elected civilian government, is an adamant opponent of the country's military junta, which staged a coup in February and later killed hundreds of protesters during anti-coup demonstrations.

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The Southern District of New York said that suspects Phyo Hein Htut, 28, and Ye Hein Zaw, 20, who are citizens of Myanmar currently residing in New York, allegedly planned to attack Tun to force him to step down from his post.

Htut specifically was contacted by an arms dealer in Thailand who sells weapons to the Myanmar military and was offered money to hire attackers to hurt the ambassador.

If Tun did not step down, Htut agreed to hire people to kill the ambassador.

They were each charged with one count of conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon a foreign official, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

What they're saying: "Sincere appreciations to the host country US Government, Ambassador Linda and her team USUN, all security agencies for your relentless efforts, assistance and support extended to me. Thanks," Kyaw Moe Tun tweeted Friday, referring to the U.S. representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

"These defendants reached across borders and oceans in designing a violent plot against an international leader on United States soil," New York Police Department Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement.

The big picture: Myanmar's military junta has repeatedly tried to remove Tun from the position, but the General Assembly has not accredited the person who the junta selected to replace Tun, according to AP.

Go deeper: Myanmar's military ruler promises to hold multi-party elections

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KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has repatriated $452 million in misappropriated funds from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), it said in a statement on Thursday, bringing the total amount recovered from the corruption scandal to $1.2 billion.

The funds, which were repatriated to Malaysia, had been laundered through major financial institutions worldwide, including in the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, and Luxembourg, the statement said.

"The funds include both funds finally forfeited and funds the Department assisted in recovering and returning. The Department continues to litigate actions against additional assets allegedly linked to this scheme," it said.

1MDB raised billions of dollars in bonds, ostensibly for investment projects and joint ventures, between 2009 and 2013.

More than $4.5 billion in funds belonging to 1MDB were allegedly misappropriated by high-level officials at the firm and their associates through a criminal scheme involving international money laundering and embezzlement.

The scandal implicated high-level officials, banks and financial institutions around the world.In addition to the purchasing of luxury assets, including real estate and a superyacht, the DOJ said some of the embezzlement proceeds were also used to allegedly pay bribes.

(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by James Pearson)
United Airlines will require employees in the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late October, perhaps sooner, joining a rising number of big corporations that are responding to a surge in virus cases.

United was the first major U.S. airline to announce such a move. A smaller carrier, Frontier Airlines, said later Friday that it will require employees to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1 or face regular testing for the virus.

Other airlines have offered extra pay or time off to employees who get vaccinated, but have not required them to get the shots.

United officials called their decision a matter of safety and cited incredibly compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the vaccines.

We know some of you will disagree with this decision to require the vaccine for all United employees, CEO Scott Kirby and President Brett Hart told employees Friday. But, they added, the facts are crystal clear: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated.

United, which has 67,000 employees in the United States, has required new hires to be vaccinated since mid-June. Unvaccinated workers are required to wear face masks at company offices.

The Chicago-based airline estimates that up to 90% of its pilots and close to 80% of its flight attendants are already vaccinated. They get incentives to do so.

A United executive said the airline has no plans to require that passengers be vaccinated, calling that a government decision. And the mandate wont extend to employees at smaller airlines that operate United Express flights.

United told U.S. employees Friday that they will need to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 25 or five weeks after the Food and Drug Administration grants full approval to one of the vaccines  whichever date comes first. The FDA has only granted emergency-use approval of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but the agency is expected to soon give full approval to Pfizer, according to published reports.

Each employee will have to send an image of their vaccine card to the company. Those who don't will be terminated, with exemptions granted only for employees who document religious or health reasons for not getting the shots, officials said.

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Employees who are already vaccinated or do so by Sept. 20 will get an extra day of pay, according to the memo from Kirby and Hart.

The Air Line Pilots Association said in a note to members that a small number of pilots dont agree with this new policy, but the union believes it is legal. The Association of Flight Attendants encouraged members to get vaccinated and said Uniteds announcement is not surprising because Kirby has spoken in favor of a mandate for several months.

United's closest rivals  American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines  have not required vaccinations, company representatives said Friday.

American CEO Doug Parker told The New York Times this week that he favors incentives, but we're not putting mandates in place. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC it would be difficult to require employees or domestic travelers to vaccinate until the vaccines receive full FDA approval.

At Delta, which also requires new hires to be vaccinated, 73% of the workforce has received the shots, according to Bastian.

Airlines and other companies in the travel business have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, which led to sharp travel restrictions.

The United States requires people entering the country, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and the Biden administration plans to require non-U.S. citizens to be vaccinated before entering the country. Some countries require visitors to be vaccinated or test free of the virus to avoid quarantines.

Since the highly contagious delta variant became the leading strain of COVID-19 in the U.S., most airlines have said it hasnt affected ticket sales. However, Frontier Airlines executives on Wednesday blamed the variant for weaker bookings in the past week.

Before the United announcement, Disney and Walmart announced vaccine mandates for white-collar workers, and Microsoft, Google and Facebook said they will require proof of vaccination for employees and visitors to their U.S. offices.

This week, Tyson Foods announced it will require all U.S. employees to get vaccinated by November  notable because unlike the tech companies, Tyson relies on many lower-paid workers who cannot do their jobs remotely.

A few governments are getting involved. California and New York City will require employees to be vaccinated or face weekly testing, and the California mandate extends to workers in public and private hospitals and nursing homes.

Further, some big companies including Amazon have delayed reopening offices, which will likely push back any significant recovery in lucrative business travel. Starting Monday, Amazon will be requiring all of its 900,000 U.S. warehouse workers to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

The new policies come as the U.S. struggles with a surge in infections. The seven-day average of new reported coronavirus cases has jumped to more than 90,000 a day from around 12,000 a month ago, although hospitalizations and deaths have risen more slowly.

___

David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
The United States said Friday it would refuse visas to another 50 Nicaraguans linked to President Daniel Ortega in response to an increasingly harsh crackdown on the opposition ahead of elections.

Hoping to make sanctions bite, the State Department said it would refuse entry to 50 family members of Ortega-linked officials, expanding a July 12 announcement of visa restrictions on more than 100 people including legislators and judges.

The announcement came after Nicaraguan authorities detained Berenice Quezada, a 27-year-old former beauty queen who announced a run as the opposition candidate against Vice President Rosario Murillo, who is Ortega's wife.

"Ortega and Murillo once again demonstrated that they are afraid of running against anyone who they feel might win the support of the Nicaraguan people," said State Department spokesman Ned Price, hailing Quezada as a "brave Nicaraguan."

"The United States will continue to use diplomatic and economic tools to promote accountability for those who enable Ortega and Murillo's repression," he said.

Authorities have already arrested seven presidential hopefuls as Ortega prepares in November to seek his fourth consecutive term since returning to power in 2007.

A former leftist guerrilla, Ortega also governed Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990 when the United States backed armed opposition to his Sandinista movement.

Ortega later rebranded himself as a business-friendly pragmatist but Western nations and the opposition say he is increasingly turning into a dictator as he seeks a stranglehold on power.

sct/dw
HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam's capital Hanoi will extend coronavirus restrictions until Aug. 22, its health ministry said on Friday, after authorities warned of new clusters of infections detected in the city of more than 8 million people.

Hanoi has in the past two weeks ordered people to stay at home and halted all non-essential activities, but a three-fold rise in infections has prompted the city to extend the current curbs, due to end on Saturday.

The city reported 116 new cases on Friday and has recorded 2,184 cases since the pandemic began, official data showed.

While the numbers are still low, authorities are wary after the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus has helped drive up infections across the country to over 193,000 cases.

"The risk is still high with the continuous detections of new clusters of infections, many of which have unidentified sources," the ministry said following Hanoi's announcement of the extended restrictions.

Nationwide, about a third of Vietnam's 63 cities and provinces are under strict coronavirus curbs as the country struggles to get on top of its worst outbreak so far.

The ministry reported 8,324 new infections on Friday, up from 7,244 cases on Thursday. It reported 296 additional coronavirus deaths on the same day, raising the country's death toll to 3,016.

Just 820,000 people have been fully vaccinated in Vietnam, or less than 1% of the country's 98 million population, according to official data.

(Editing by Ed Davies and Steve Orlofsky)
(Bloomberg) -- Firefighters battling a massive blaze in Northern California are catching a break as winds are expected to ease over the next few days.

Four people remain unaccounted for after the Dixie Fire, now the third-largest in state history, tore through the town of Greenville Wednesday night.

Its among more than a dozen major fires burning across the region. The number of acres burned in the state this year has jumped 151% compared to the same months last year, state fire officials say, as the entire U.S. West is gripped by a historic drought. Climate change is fueling extreme weather around the globe, with Turkey battling its worst wildfires in decades and Greece seeing its hottest day on record this week.

Winds that have been driving the Dixie fire will ease and shift direction starting Friday. That will push the blaze back toward areas that have already burned and away from another town that had been threatened, according to Ryan Wilborn, an incident meteorologist for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Its a little bit of good news as we head into the weekend, Wilborn said during a town hall meeting Thursday night. Its gonna be gentler winds as we march forward.

The Dixie Fire, which troubled utility giant PG&E Corp. said may have been sparked by one of its power lines, ripped through the gold-rush-era hamlet of Greenville late Wednesday, leveling buildings, melting street lamp posts and leaving downtown in ruins, according to local news reports.

The fire has swelled to 432,813 acres (175,153 hectares) and is 35% contained. The eight largest wildfires in California history have all come since December 2017, as hotter summers are leaving the West with plenty of fuel thats helping them grow and spread.

The extreme fire behavior were seeing is not like what weve seen in the past, Chris Carlton, forest supervisor for Plumas National Forest, said during a briefing Thursday.

Also See: PG&E Says It May Have Sparked Dixie Fire in Northern California

Story continues

About 60 miles south of Greenville, a second blaze forced residents to flee after erupting Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday night, the River Fire had swelled to 2,600 acres and destroyed 76 buildings.

Destruction from the Dixie Fire could be a blow for PG&E, which emerged from bankruptcy last year after sparking a series of wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that killed more than 100 people. The utility said last month that a worker investigating a power outage near the start of the blaze found a tree leaning against a power line.

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An aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo who accused him of groping her at the Executive Mansion last year has filed a criminal complaint in Albany County, according to the Albany County Sheriffs Office.

The woman, an executive assistant whose name has not been made public, is referred to as Executive Assistant #1 in state Attorney General Letitia James report released Tuesday, which investigated allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo.

Earlier this week, Albany County District Attorney David Soares said he would look into the accusations that occurred within his jurisdiction, and prosecutors in other counties where incidents happened said they would do the same.

Now the aide, according to police, took it a step further by filing a complaint.

Cuomo has denied the incident and said he has never touched anyone inappropriately as he faces growing calls to resign and as the state Assembly works toward an impeachment process.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told the New York Post that the complaint could lead to criminal charges if the claims are substantiated.

The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest, he told the paper, which first reported on the complaint Friday.

Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it, he added.

The woman's lawyer, Brian Premo, said Friday that his client met with a Sheriff's Office investigator Thursday regarding the filing of charges.

Requests for comment from the Governor's Office were not immediately returned.

More: 'He won't take responsibility': Cuomo accusers feel vindicated by AGs findings

What is alleged against Cuomo

This Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 photo shows the governor's mansion in Albany, N.Y. State lawmakers told Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday that their ongoing investigation of his conduct in office is almost done and gave him a deadline of Aug. 13 to provide additional evidence as they moved toward what seemed like an increasingly inevitable impeachment battle.

The woman testified to investigators in the Attorney General's Office that she was subjected to regular sexual harassment and touching by the Democratic governor, culminating with an incident at the governor's mansion last November.

According to the report, Cuomo "reached under her blouse and grabbed her breast."

Story continues

For over three months, the aide said she kept the incident to herself and planned to take it to the grave, the report said, but found herself becoming emotional, which was visible to colleagues, when Cuomo was publicly denying other sexual harassment allegations from other former aides.

The report found to be credible the accounts of 11 women  including previously public accounts of former aides Charlotte Bennett and Lyndsey Boylan  who said Cuomo acted inappropriately toward them while they worked at state agencies, including in the governors office.

Detailed in it were claims that Cuomo touched the breasts, bottoms, stomachs, legs and backs of a number of women working closely with him, including a state trooper on his security detail, and that he asked them intimate questions or made sexually suggestive comments about their appearances and love lives.

More on the AG report against Cuomo: Here are the findings

In violation of law: Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, AG report finds

Cuomo's ongoing denials and staying in office

Cuomo denied nearly all the claims in a recorded statement Tuesday, but conceded that he does kiss and hug people in his circle and may call women honey, darling and sweetheart.

The report reverberated across state government and the general public this week and brought swift condemnation of Cuomo from federal lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden, who said Cuomo should resign.

A Marist College poll Wednesday found 59% of New Yorkers want Cuomo to resign, or be impeached if he doesn't.

Meanwhile, Assembly Democrats are moving quickly to bring an impeachment investigation, launched in the spring by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, to a close, with Speaker Carl Heastie saying Cuomo had lost the confidence of his conference and that he can no longer remain in office.

FILE - This Tuesday Feb. 6, 2018 photo shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, as he listens during a joint legislative budget hearing in Albany, N.Y. New York's legislative leaders have yet to answer key questions about plans to launch an impeachment investigation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Heastie announced the inquiry last week without saying how long it will take, frustrating some lawmakers who have called for his resignation or impeachment.

Assembly Democrats are confident they have the votes to impeach Cuomo if he doesn't resign, and drawing up articles of impeachment could start in days  although it could take weeks for the process to conclude.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee, which would start the impeachment process, meets Monday.

If Cuomo resigns or is impeached, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul would take on the governorship until the next gubernatorial election in 2022.

On Thursday, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said Cuomo's office would cooperate with the Judiciary Committee's work.

"The Assembly has said it is doing a full and thorough review of the complaints and has offered the Governor and his team an opportunity to present facts and their perspective," Azzopardi said in a statement.

"The Governor appreciates the opportunity. We will be cooperating."

More on impeachment: Assembly leader says governor can't remain in office

Who is Kathy Hochul?: She's next in line to be NY's governor amid calls for Cuomo to resign

Includes reporting from USA TODAY Network New York Team editor Joseph Spector.

Sarah Taddeo is an enterprise reporter for USA Today Network's New York State Team. Got a story tip or comment? Contact Sarah at STADDEO@Gannett.com or (585) 258-2774. Follow her on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber.

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: Woman who alleges Cuomo groped her files criminal complaint in Albany
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty

The difficulty with enacting temporary, emergency moratoriums on unpopular but necessary legal processes is not starting them, but ending them. In my long career with New York Citys planning department, the agency continually resisted demands for moratoriums on types of construction some politicians saw as problematic. The bureaucrats knew that once the moratorium went into effect it would be extended, again and again. Only the courts would be able to remove it.

This hard lesson has now been learned by the Biden administration, which inherited from its predecessor a national moratorium on tenant evictions in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control moratorium expired on July 31, after a majority of the Supreme Court justices had expressed doubts about its constitutionality. Under enormous pressure from the Democratic partys left wing, the administration has now issued a new extension of the moratorium to October 3. Its widely thought likely to be overturned in the courts, even by the Biden administration itself.

The eviction moratorium has its origins in good intentions and valid concerns. When it began, in September 2020, the U.S. unemployment rate was still at recessionary levels8.4 percent that Augustand the pandemic was raging. The CDC argued that the moratorium was justified under its public health authority:

Eviction moratoria facilitate self-isolation by people who become ill or who are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to an underlying medical condition. They also allow State and local authorities to more easily implement stay-at-home and social distancing directives to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, housing stability helps protect public health because homelessness increases the likelihood of individuals moving into congregate settings, such as homeless shelters, which then puts individuals at higher risk to COVID-19.

Democrats Take a Vacation as Millions of Americans Face Eviction

Story continues

That was originally intended to expire on Dec. 31, but during that period, the daily trend in U.S. cases skyrocketed. In December, Congress extended the Federal eviction moratorium to the end of January of 2021. The incoming Biden administration, relying again on CDCs public health authority, further extended the moratorium first to March 31, then to June 30 and, finally, to July 31.

Congress understood that an eviction moratorium was a problematic means to deal with the economic fallout from the pandemic. Renters would build up large balances owed that they would find difficult to repay, while landlords would be deprived of income they need to maintain buildings and pay mortgage debt. To forestall mass eviction in a fairer manner, Congress has approved over $46 billion in emergency rental assistance. However, the states have been painfully slow in distributing these funds.

With the eviction moratorium looking increasingly indefinite, landlord interests began an effort to have the moratorium overturned in the courts. On May 5, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ruled that the CDC lacked legal authority under the Public Health Service Act to impose a nationwide eviction moratorium. Judge Friedrich stayed her decision pending appeal by the government. On June 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a motion to vacate the stay, and on June 29, so did the Supreme Court, by a vote of 5 to 4. The four Justices that voted to vacate the stayThomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Barrettissued no opinion, but gave a strong signal that they agree with Judge Friedrich. A fifth Justice, Kavanaugh, concurred with the four Justices that voted to uphold the stay, but gave a clear statement of his support for overturning the moratorium:

I agree with the District Court and the applicants that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention exceeded its existing statutory authority by issuing a nationwide eviction moratorium Because the CDC plans to end the moratorium in only a few weeks, on July 31, and because those few weeks will allow for additional and more orderly distribution of the congressionally appropriated rental assistance funds, I vote at this time to deny the application to vacate the District Courts stay of its order In my view, clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation) would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium past July 31.

Thats where matters stood when the eviction moratorium expired on July 31. The administration first let the moratorium expire, claiming lack of legal authority, while Congress failed to act. Then, the administration reversed its position under pressure from its left-wing allies, to wide skepticism about its legality. To distinguish its new position from the one that failed to convince the district court, the CDC has limited the applicability of the new moratorium to counties that are experiencing substantial or high levels of community transmission. However, as of Aug. 3, the CDCs data tracker indicated that the vast majority of U.S. counties were covered. Moreover, the CDCs public health rationale is undercut by the absence of other measures by state and local governments, such as stay-at-home directives and social distancing, that the original moratorium was ostensibly enacted to support. The economy is improving, and vaccines are widely available. Tenant hardship should be diminishing.

Bidens people arent fools, and the extension of the moratorium can best be seen as a political gambit to keep the left on side for future legislative battles. The left is perhaps happy to chalk up a symbolic win while placing the onus on the Supreme Court to invalidate the eviction ban.

However, this sort of artful scheming is perhaps not without its costs. When I worked for New York City, the citys lawyers several times shot down politicians wish to enact proposals that pleased constituents but flouted the law. Their credibility, they said, was an important asset. Once judges got the idea that the citys legal positions were not well-considered, but merely cynical, even the good cases were endangered. Such arguments seem today like quaint relics of a bygone era.

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So if the governor is going to have a conversation about mandates, he wants to make sure that were talking about the thing that is going to work to put this pandemic behind us once and for all, Yarmosky continued. And thats vaccines.

On Thursday, VDH data showed after weeks of plateauing at less than 12,000 shots administered per day, vaccinations have risen to more than 13,000. But figures remain far lower than the states all-time high of 86,000.

With 54% of the population fully vaccinated, theres also a long way to go before reaching the point where community spread is nearly nonexistent.

I would just hope that Virginians and Americans look at this as a war, and want to win, Northam said before ending Thursdays briefing. The way that were going to win this war is to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated. Thats the way we put this pandemic behind us.

Va. superintendent: Schools face legal pressure if they dont follow mask guidance

Virginias schools could face significant legal pressure if they dont follow federal recommendations that teachers, students and staff should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said Thursday.
A knife-wielding man who rampaged through a Tokyo commuter train was arrested on Saturday. He reportedly told police he wanted to kill a woman who "looked happy" -- but anyone would do.

Ten people were injured in Friday night's attack, which came despite heightened security around major stations and venues for the Olympic Games.

The 36-year-old suspect, Tsushima Yusuke, began brandishing a knife around 8:30 p.m. on the train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway. The incident occurred in the commuter town of Seijogakuenmae, near central Tokyo.

The railway operator says it was alerted and brought the train to an emergency stop.

The Tokyo Fire Department and police say one woman in her 20s sustained serious injuries to her back and elsewhere.

They say all of the injured are conscious. Investigators say the suspect fled the train after jumping onto the tracks.

The man was taken into custody after entering a convenience store about five kilometers from the station. He was arrested on Saturday morning. Police are investigating his motives.
Students in Council Bluffs and Omaha who lack everyday essentials will get a little help, thanks to United Way of the Midlands.

United Way organized a project to send Shine Bright boxes of hygiene products to students in need at Council Bluffs Community Schools and Omaha Public Schools, according to a press release from the organization. The boxes will hold full-size containers of shampoo, toothpaste, soap and other items they need to feel good and succeed in the classroom and in life, the release stated.

Shine Bright is part of United Ways Good on the Go  Care Kits for Kids, a fundraiser in partnership with Omaha and Council Bluffs public schools. With the communitys support, Shine Bright partners will distribute approximately 4,000 Shine Bright boxes to kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students in need in both school districts. Volunteers worked Wednesday and Thursday to assemble the boxes at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.

We worked in close partnership with Omaha and Council Bluffs schools, said Brayton Hagge, communications manager for UWM.

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Ted Carter barely settled in as president of the University of Nebraska before the coronavirus upended higher education across the U.S. in March 2020.

The NU Board of Regents  Carter's boss  will consider the job he's done leading the university system through the pandemic next week at its Aug. 13 meeting.

A performance bonus of more than $140,000 hangs in the balance.

Along with a base salary of $934,600, regents opted to offer Carter a performance bonus equal to 15% of his total salary when they hired the former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019.

The bonus is based on Carter's progress toward each of eight "Core Leadership Pillars" set by the board.

In a July 29 memo to the board reviewing his accomplishments over the previous 18 months, Carter said he was "filled with energy and optimism about the future of the University of Nebraska System."

"We are emerging from a global pandemic in a position of strength  a great credit to your leadership and the incredible efforts of the chancellors, vice presidents, and leaders across our university," Carter wrote.
Thats a dire warning sign that the U.S. wont have the same experience as the U.K., Lawler said.

Im concerned this is going to be the worst phase of the pandemic for much of the United States, he said, particularly states like ours that have low vaccination rates.

At the same time, Lawler said he is encouraged by data showing that more people are getting vaccinated.

If we can build on that momentum and get enough of the community vaccinated, we really would have a very mild experience with this delta wave, he said.

A legitimate vaccination target for the U.S., he said, is at least 70% of the population. Getting to 75% to 80% will start to produce dramatic reductions in transmission. Iowa is at 47.2%, according to Iowa Department of Public Health data last updated on Wednesday.

Some states in the northeastern part of the U.S. are farther ahead in their vaccination campaigns. In Vermont, for example, 84.2% of residents 12 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine by Thursday. Such states, Lawler said, are seeing relatively mild waves of delta.
During the plea, Woodard admitted to having specific intent or to encouraging or directing Dutcher to kidnap and confine Mathes in a break room where the inmates had tried to break out a window to make an escape.

A complaint stated Mathes was grabbed by Dutcher with Woodard present. Mathes was told she would be next if she did not cooperate.

Woodard admitted that Dutcher had a hammer when he confined Mathes. Woodard then said he wanted her to be quiet so the prison alarms wouldnt be activated.

He also admitted to striking another inmate, McKinley Roby, who had tried to help the prison workers, with a hammer when Roby came into the break room.

Woodard said Roby was a pedophile and snitch and admitted he intended to cause his death. He also said he would have hit Roby again.

The inmates had access to hammers and a metal grinder because they had checked them out from the prison maintenance area, investigators said. They were being supervised by McFarland.

At some point, they rushed into the employee break room off the infirmary and used the hammers to break the glass on a window, the DCIs Rahn said. They also used the grinder on the metal bars on the windows but failed to even come close to severing them.
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Securing Sustainable Beefs full financing package, he added, could be at some risk if we (have to) say it wont be this fall but May.

None of the seven council members present Tuesday opposed the project itself, with Councilman Ed Rieker showing the most overt enthusiasm.

I see this as an investment in an opportunity that probably will never come around (again) in my lifetime, Rieker said.

Weve got a poverty problem in our town, and with Sustainable Beef projecting a $50,000 annual salary for its line workers, I think this will go a long way toward fixing that problem.

Unanimity evaded the council, however, in its votes to approve the twin loans.

The division arose over the terms and timing of a letter of credit to be delivered by Sustainable Beefs lenders as soon as it is available under another of the QGF committees loan terms.

Such letters typically say a lender will cover unpaid amounts on a loan or purchase if the buyer or loan recipient cannot do so.

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Ahmadzai said those programs have dwindled as international civil and military forces have left the country in recent months. Former President Donald Trump reduced the U.S. presence to a few thousand troops late last year and announced a deal with the Taliban to pull out the rest this year.

President Joe Biden announced in April that he would carry through with those plans and withdraw all U.S. troops by Sept. 11. About 95% of those forces have already left.

The Taliban, which survived 20 years as an insurgent force with support in neighboring Pakistan, has since seized broad swaths of the countryside from the Afghan government.

Many Afghans who worked with U.S. military or civilian organizations are in fear for their lives  including those who worked with UNO.

Our office is among many organizations that are helping Afghan people with funds provided by the American people, Ahmadzai said. Our colleagues in Kabul are always worried about their security.

He said UNOs office always kept a low profile, with no outward signs of its ties to the U.S.
Brian Houston. Photo: Jeff Gilbert/Shutterstock/Jeff Gilbert/Shutterstock

Brian Houston, who co-founded the global hipster megachurch Hillsong, has been asked to return to Australia to face charges of failing to inform police when he discovered his father was assaulting children.

People working for Hillsong released identical statements to media outlets that described Houstons shock at being charged  this despite a yearslong official inquiry and an affecting public campaign against Houston by a victim of his father. In his own statement, Houston said, I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight.

Houston and his spouse and church co-founder, Bobbie, have been in the United States and Mexico recently. The Australian press were slightly scandalized at their recent departure from Australia, which has instituted strict COVID travel restrictions. Spokespeople for the couple said they qualified to leave the country because they planned to be gone more than three months.

On July 25, they were in Monterrey, Mexico, preaching in a Hillsong outpost. Then Bobbie Houston appeared with Two of my awesome and lovely grand-girls on Instagram last weekend; those young women look to be two of the children of her son Ben and his wife Lucille Houston, who moved to Los Angeles to open Hillsong there a few years back.

Houstons legal plight isnt the only crisis the church is contending with. This week, the Southern California chapter of his family has been grieving the death of Stephen Harmon, an active member of the church in Los Angeles. Harmon came to national attention when he tweeted I got 99 problems, but a vax aint one and then fairly promptly died from complications of the coronavirus.

After this awful death, Brian Houston did not take to the airwaves to endorse vaccinations, but instead told CNN that we recognize this is a personal decision.

Not exactly role-model behavior, but he may not be much of an influencer anyway. Hillsong is still suffering from having to fire its ripped star pastor Carl Lentz for generally being a bad dude last year, plus the ensuing defection of Justin Bieber. The sexual-abuse inquiry cant have helped matters, and Hillsong doesnt appear to have prospered during the pandemic, at least in the U.S. Many locations remain online-only; the churchs YouTube views are not impressive.

Maybe this is less about Hillsong and more about praying over Zoom. Church, like yoga and 12-step programs, can absolutely work online but can also be dreadful. An hour-and-a-half of hipster Bible-banging and trippy-hippie backgrounds goes from inspiring to exhausting when its setting off your laptop motor in bed. The miracle all falls apart when you know the pastor is facing an empty room with a camera guy on a folding chair in a dirty tank top eating a ham sandwich.

But, yes. Where is Brian Houston as he is being charged with covering up his fathers terrible acts? He is believed to be currently residing in the United States with his wife, was the most accurate The New York Times could do on Thursday. According to People, the couple also recently preached in Los Angeles. Hillsong itself looks to be muddying the waters. A new message from Brian Houston was recorded live from the Hills Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia, claims a video dated Jul 31, 2021. Seems unlikely! (The comments are not too kind, as you might imagine.)

Representatives did not quickly respond to a request asking where the Houstons are. The Australian court appearance date is set for October.
Photo: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia announced Monday that two of their officers who responded to the Capitol riot on January 6 died by suicide in July. A department spokesperson identified one officer as Gunther Hashida, a member of the forces emergency-response team within its special-ops division. Hashida, who joined the MDP in 2003, was found in his home on July 29. Hours later, the department also confirmed the death of Kyle DeFreytag, a four-year veteran assigned to the departments fifth district, who was found on July 10.

Hashidas and DeFreytags deaths are the third and fourth suicide among law-enforcement officers who responded to the attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. On January 10, the United States Capitol Police announced that Howard Liebengood had died by suicide. A 16-year veteran of the Capitol Police, he had been assigned to the Senate division of the force. On January 15, a 12-year Metropolitan Police Department veteran, Jeffrey Smith, died by suicide. Another Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died after suffering two strokes in the aftermath of the riot.

We are grieving as a department, and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Hashidas family and friends, an MPD spokesperson told CNN.

As lawmakers investigate the events of January 6, much of the most powerful testimony has come from officers who responded to the violence, which injured over 150 members of law enforcement. Last week, on the first day of the House Select Committee investigation into the attack, Capitol Police Officer Aquilino Gonell compared the hand-to-hand combat to a medieval battle and recalled thinking, This is how Im going to die. Another officer, Michael Fanone, testified that he heard crowd members urging the mob to kill him with his own gun. And Harry Dunn, a 13-year Black veteran of the force, recalled rioters yelling racial slurs at him when he told them that he had voted for Joe Biden.

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, contact the following people who want to help:

Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
DURANGO, Colo. (AP)  The owner of an inactive southwestern Colorado mine that was the source of a disastrous 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three Western states has sued the U.S. government, seeking nearly $3.8 million in compensation for using his land in its cleanup.

Todd Hennis claims the Environmental Protection Agency has occupied part of his property near the Gold King Mine but hasn't compensated him for doing so since the August 2015 spill, The Durango Herald reported. He also contends that the EPA contaminated his land by causing the spill, which sent a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals into rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Hennis argued that the EPA's actions have violated his Fifth Amendment rights to just compensation for public use of private property.

The EPA didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday.

An EPA-led contractor crew was doing excavation work at the entrance to the mine when it inadvertently breached a debris pile that was holding back wastewater inside the mine.
Washington, PA (15301)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
OSHA Initiates Protection Over Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana from Confined Space Dangers

After lives were taken in Texas and Oklahoma less than one year apart, OSHA decided it was time to intervene.

Four lives were lost for those working in the tank cleaning industry in less than one year in Pasadena, Texas and Hugo, Oklahoma as a part of a trend in preventable workplace deaths in the region. A worker was cleaning out the inside of a tank trailer in Pasadena in December 2018 when he/she was exposed to hazards, as well as a co-worker who attempted to rescue the worker. Months after that, in August of 2020, two cleaning workers entered a natural gas tanker on a railcar in Hugo and fell victim to its vapors.

Since 2016, Dallas regions OSHA investigated 36 workers deaths in the transportation and tank cleaning industry. As was the case in the two towns, failing to follow confined space entry permit requirements and take required steps to prevent workers from inhaling harmful substances can lead to fatality. These OSHA offices conducted 136 inspections in the industry since 2016 and established the Regional Emphasis Program. The program will raise awareness among employers in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, in industries that typically engage in tank cleaning activities, including trucking, rail and road transportation, remediation services, material recovery and waste management services.

According to a press release, transportation tanks on trucks, trailers or railcars require cleaning and inspection before they are refilled for transport. Workers who clean these tanks between uses have a high risk to toxic exposure to vapors from chemicals, decaying crops, waste and other substances that could lead to fire and explosions.

Too often, employers allow workers to enter tanks without testing atmospheric conditions, completing confined space entry permits or providing adequate respiratory protection, said OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin in Dallas. Companies with active safety and health programs that train workers to identify hazardous conditions and use required protective measures can prevent serious and fatal injuries.

Following the three-month outreach, the program encourages OSHA to schedule and inspect targeted industries in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Oil market sentiment is decidedly cautious this week as covid cases climb and U.S. crude inventories increase.

Friday, August 6th, 2021

Despite the Friday trading session recovering somewhat from this weeks aggregate declines, the overarching sentiment on the oil markets is still that of caution, seeing China and the United States confronting COVID-19 case surges. Whilst tensions in the Persian Gulf added a new layer of geopolitical upside risk for prices, this was largely counteracted by the week-on-week hike in US crude inventories.

Biden Administration Mandates 50% EV Goal by 2030. The White House put forward a non-binding executive order stipulating that half of cars and trucks sold in the United States by 2030 should be an EV, PHEV or a fuel cell vehicle. Simultaneously, fuel economy standards are expected to be twice as aggressive as they are now.

Petrobras Stock Surges on Surprise Results. Buoyed by rising gas sales and high Brent prices, Brazils national oil company Petrobras (BVMF:PETR4) posted better-than-anticipated Q2 results this week, with $6.15 billion earmarked for extraordinary dividend payments, sending its stocks flying.

TotalEnergies Wants Share of Worlds Largest Wind Farm. In a bid to boost its renewables portfolio, the French major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) wants to take a stake in the 3.6 GW Dogger Bank wind farm, the largest globally, that has been developed by SSE (LON:SSE) and Equinor (NYSE:EQNR). Related: Do Lithium Batteries Pose A Major Fire Hazard?

Mexico Investigates Vitol for Tax Evasion. Mexicos government opened an investigation into alleged irregularities in the documentation of products supplied by top trader firm Vitol, claiming the company was unable to clear up the contentious issues and might face criminal charges for illegal trafficking.

Chinese Domestic Coal Prices Hit 10-Year High. Constrained by crimped domestic production capacity, Chinas benchmark Qinhuangdao 5500kcal coal prices rose to their highest in more than 10 years, edging increasingly closer to the CNY 1100 per tonne mark (twice as high as the upper limit of the so-called green zone).

LNG Prices in Asia Hit 8-Year High. Amidst increasing demand coming from higher-than-average temperatures, spot LNG prices for September delivery have risen to almost $17 per mmBtu, marking an almost $1.50 per mmBtu week-on-week increase.

Venezuela Talks start Next Week amid Tacit Optimism. Negotiations between the Maduro-led government and Venezuelan opposition are set to start August 13, Reuters reports, kindling hopes that a more diplomacy-focused Biden administration might ease PDVSA sanctions.

ADNOC Sells First-Ever Blue Ammonia Cargo to Japan. The Emirati national oil company sold its first-ever cargo of blue ammonia produced from hydrogen to Japans Itochu (TYO:8001), making ADNOC a first mover in low-carbon ammonia fertilizers in the Middle East.

New Zealand Approves Refinery Closure. New Zealand will close its 135kbpd Marsden Point refinery as shareholders of the operator Refining NZ (NZE:NZR) voted in favor of converting it into a products import terminal. BP and ExxonMobil are assumed to supply the country beyond 2022.

Nord Stream 2 Likely to Start Later This Year. Russian gas giant Gazprom (MCX:GAZP) is finishing works on the feeder lines of Nord Stream 2, aiming to commission the final six compressor stations along the route later this year, making a 2021 launch of the entire pipeline even more realistic.

Indias IOC Plans Refinery Expansion. Indias state-owned refiner IOC (NSE:IOC) is seeking to expand its throughput capacity by some 350kbpd over the next four years amid prospective demand increases, to be carried out through a series of refinery expansions. Indias aggregate refining capacity is expected to grow 1mbpd by 2025, reaching 6mbpd. Related: Top U.S. Negotiator: Iran Nuclear Deal May Be Impossible

South Korea Doubles Rare Metals Stockpiles. The government of South Korea seeks to double its strategic stocks of cobalt, nickel, and other rare metals (to cover 100 days of consumption), in a sign that supply of these key feedstocks for electric vehicle batteries might become contentious in the future.

Oman Aims for Zero Upstream Emissions by 2050. Omans latest ambition is to reach zero emissions in its upstream sector, building on the Sultanates previous commitment to achieve zero routine flaring by 2030. A large part of the emissions-cutting drive should come from renewables supplanting crude burning (currently 65% of electricity generation).

Russia Might Ban Gasoline Exports. Confronted with a double whammy of increasing domestic demand and lower refinery production due to prolonged maintenance, Russia is mulling a three-month export ban on gasoline.

China ETS Fails to Impress. Ever since the launch of China's emissions trading scheme, weekly traded volumes have been falling, dropping to a mere 187 thousand of CO2 equivalent this week, a 75% decline week-on-week.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
China started this week construction work on a new US$17-billion nuclear power plant project, for which it will install Russian nuclear reactors at the Xudabao project in northeastern China, World Nuclear News reports.

The Xudabao 3 unit is the first of four units at the plant to see the beginning of construction. Russias Rosatom will design the nuclear island and will provide equipment. The Russian firm will also provide commissioning services for the equipment it will have supplied. The Russians will also provide the construction and equipment for the Xudabao 4 unit, whose construction is expected to begin in 2022.

The two units are currently expected to be commissioned in 2027 or 2028.

Construction for the Xudabao units 1 and 2 has yet to begin, according to World Nuclear News.

Last month, China had to close down a nuclear power plant in the province of Guangdong in the south because it was damaged. The operator, however, insisted that the Taishan nuclear plant does not have any major safety issue.

A month before that, French company Framatome, a subsidiary of French energy giant EDF, issued a statement related to Taishans reactor number 1, saying that it is supporting resolution of a performance issue with the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant.

The Taishan nuclear plant could turn into an imminent radiological threat, the part owner of the facility, the French company has told the United States, CNN reported in the middle of June, citing U.S. officials and a letter of the French firm it had obtained.

A week before the Chinese operator of the plant announced it would shut down for maintenance, Frances EDF, which holds 30 percent in the TNPJVC joint venture operating Taishan, had said in a statement that it would have shut the plant if it were in France.

EDF's operating procedures for the French nuclear fleet would lead EDF, in France, to shut down the reactor in order to accurately assess the situation in progress and stop its development. In Taishan, the corresponding decisions belong to TNPJVC, the French company said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Israel is prepared to attack Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was quoted as saying on Thursday, a week after an Israeli-linked oil tanker was attacked in the Gulf of Oman by what Israel, the U.S., and the UK said was Iran.

Yes, Gantz said when asked in an interview broadcast by an Israeli media website if Israel was ready to attack Iran, Bloomberg reported.

The tensions in the Middle East, and especially between Israel and Iran, have escalated in the past week after the drone attack on the oil tanker Mercer Street, which killed two crew members. Israel, the United States, and the UK blamed Iran for the attack.

Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Sunday.

The Middle East tensions further escalated earlier this week, when a tanker carrying bitumen was the target of a hijacking attempt in the Gulf of Oman in which it was ordered to travel to Iran.

In response to Israeli defense ministers words that Israel was prepared to attack Iran, the spokesman of Irans Foreign Ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, tweeted on Thursday:

In another brazen violation of Int'l law, Israeli regime now blatantly threatens #Iran with military action. Such malign behavior stems from blind Western support. We state this clearly: ANY foolish act against Iran will be met with a DECISIVE response. Don't test us.

The flare-up of tensions in the Middle East comes just hardline President Ebrahim Raisi was sworn in, with the oil market still wondering when the nuclear talks could resume.

The rising tensions in the Middle East have lent some support to oil prices toward the end of this week, but market participants were much more focused on potential demand loss in view of surging COVID cases in major economies and renewed travel restrictions in the worlds top oil importer, China.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Livewellnebraska

UNMC expert explains why delta variant of COVID is so infectious

KENT SIEVERS, UNMC Dr. James Lawler of UNMC stands in front of a giant image of the inside of a cell on Thursday and explains how the delta variant of the coronavirus invades and transforms a cell into a virus-making machine.

Seeing is believing, the saying goes, so the folks at the University of Nebraska Medical Center decided that displaying giant images of the coronavirus might be even more believable.

On Thursday, UNMCs iEXCEL team debuted color video animations of the delta variant of COVID-19 entering a human cell, hijacking it and making thousands more virus particles. The animations  created with Peter Angeletti of UNL's Nebraska Center for Virology serving as subject matter expert  also showed vaccine-generated antibodies blocking the virus from entering cells in the first place.

Much of the process is the same with the delta variant as with earlier versions of the virus.

James Lawler

Dr. James Lawler, co-executive director of UNMCs Global Center for Health Security, stood in front of a 10-by-25-foot computer-aided-design wall to explain how delta is different. He also addressed why its causing such a surge in cases in areas with low vaccination rates and why its important for more people to get vaccinated.

Many experts, he said, were hopeful several weeks ago that the delta wave in the U.S. would be similar to what has been happening in the United Kingdom, which saw a dramatic spike in cases but lower hospitalization rates than what was seen in previous waves.

But in states such as Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi, hospital and intensive care unit admissions are going up at the same rate or higher than they were last fall. Already busy hospitals could become overwhelmed.

Thats a dire warning sign that the U.S. wont have the same experience as the U.K., Lawler said.

Im concerned this is going to be the worst phase of the pandemic for much of the United States, he said, particularly states like ours that have low vaccination rates.

Omahans finally decide it's time to get COVID vaccine; incentives sweeten the deal Omahans who had been putting off getting the COVID vaccine come to drive-thru clinic and pick up a doughnut and a bag containing $100 worth of gifts.

At the same time, Lawler said he is encouraged by data showing that more people are getting vaccinated.

If we can build on that momentum and get enough of the community vaccinated, we really would have a very mild experience with this delta wave, he said.

A legitimate vaccination target for the U.S., he said, is at least 70% of the population. Getting to 75% to 80% will start to produce dramatic reductions in transmission. Some states in the northeastern part of the U.S. are farther ahead in their vaccination campaigns. In Vermont, for example, 84.2% of residents 12 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine by Thursday. Such states, Lawler said, are seeing relatively mild waves of delta.

Nebraska, he said, is probably a month behind states that had early delta surges. Most of those states could see continued increases in case numbers for at least the next three to four weeks.

CHI offers free COVID vaccine information line With cases of COVID increasing and school fast approaching, CHI Health has launched a free vaccine information line.

Another concern: Schools are about to open. In the U.K., kids and schools significantly drove transmission of the delta wave.

Opening schools without masks and other measures that reduce transmission, such as spacing kids out and providing good ventilation, he said, would be throwing gasoline on the fire.

In the Omaha metro area and beyond, the Westside Community Schools, the Ralston Public Schools and the Lincoln Public Schools have announced plans to require masks for elementary students, staff and visitors. Other area districts have said they will review health guidance as the school year approaches. Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended that all students, teachers and staff mask in schools, regardless of their vaccination status.

KENT SIEVERS, UNMC Dr. James Lawler of UNMC stands in front of an image of a coronavirus particle studded with spike proteins that allow it to attach to and enter cells.

Following the viruss trajectory requires an understanding of how it works.

The outside of the coronavirus is studded with bumps known as spike proteins, which the virus uses to attach to receptors on cells in peoples airways and gain entry.

With the delta variant, Lawler said, scientists are seeing changes in the spike that allow it to bind more tightly to cell receptors and gain entry to cells more readily.

Douglas County health director recommends masks in all schools Currently, a majority of metro Omaha districts plan to start the school year with masks optional. But health officials are concerned that COVID cases are rising among school-age children.

Delta is also better at turning our cells into virus factories, he said, producing more daughter virus particles than previous versions of the virus. Scientists now know that people with the delta virus can shed 1,000 times or more of the virus than those with previous versions. The variant appears to be twice as transmissible as the original.

Its also becoming more clear, Lawler said, that delta can cause more severe disease than the previous version of the virus. Studies in Canada and Europe indicate that the risk of hospitalization from delta is two to three times that of the old virus.

So it not only spreads more easily; it causes more severe disease, he said. And I think thats why were seeing so many more ICU admissions from this wave of delta variant.

But he noted that serious infections and hospitalizations are still occurring primarily in the unvaccinated. The vaccines remain effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death, even against delta.

The vaccines cause the body to produce antibodies, which target the spike protein and block it from binding to and entering cells. The vaccines, Lawler said, produce much higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than natural infections with the virus.

And thats why its so important that we get as many of our community vaccinated as possible, he said.

Get your COVID vaccine and a cup of coffee. VNA offers drive-thru clinic Wednesday The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants can choose the Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer vaccine.

And, with more than 300 million doses in Americans arms, and rare instances of side effects, its clear that the vaccines are safe.

I have extreme confidence in the safety of these vaccines, and certainly the efficacy data of these vaccines is quite clear, he said.

Whether boosters will be required or tweaks made to the vaccines remains unclear, he said.

What is clear is that the longer the pandemic goes on, the more opportunity the virus has to produce new variants that may eventually do a better job of circumventing the vaccines.

We hope we can vaccinate enough of the worlds population that we can prevent that from happening, Lawler said, and then we just have to worry about (providing) booster vaccines for people going forward.

Delta variant helping fuel rise in COVID cases in Nebraska Fueled by the highly contagious delta variant, COVID cases continued to escalate in Nebraska last week, marking a sixth straight week of increases.

5 key COVID-19 questions answered What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? What should you know about the delta variant? Get answers to questions here.
Thats a dire warning sign that the U.S. wont have the same experience as the U.K., Lawler said.

Im concerned this is going to be the worst phase of the pandemic for much of the United States, he said, particularly states like ours that have low vaccination rates.

At the same time, Lawler said he is encouraged by data showing that more people are getting vaccinated.

If we can build on that momentum and get enough of the community vaccinated, we really would have a very mild experience with this delta wave, he said.

A legitimate vaccination target for the U.S., he said, is at least 70% of the population. Getting to 75% to 80% will start to produce dramatic reductions in transmission. Some states in the northeastern part of the U.S. are farther ahead in their vaccination campaigns. In Vermont, for example, 84.2% of residents 12 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine by Thursday. Such states, Lawler said, are seeing relatively mild waves of delta.

Nebraska, he said, is probably a month behind states that had early delta surges. Most of those states could see continued increases in case numbers for at least the next three to four weeks.
Justice Jonathan Papik wrote in the opinion: While we do not minimize or condone the acts LeClair admitted to, much less those he was accused of, all that we are empowered to do is determine whether one of the narrow grounds on which courts may vacate arbitration awards applies.

John Corrigan, LeClairs attorney, said Fridays ruling will make whole a wound that has been festering for nearly three years, as LeClair has been off the job.

This fight is over  Steves going back to work, said Corrigan, who said it could be a month before his client is back to work.

Bernard in den Bosch, a deputy city attorney, said the $418,000 the city has paid in legal fees through Friday covered the arbitration, district court and Supreme Court proceedings. More fees are likely to be assessed as attorneys review Fridays order.

The Professional Fire Fighters Association contended in a statement Friday that the city will be responsible for nearly $1 million after legal expenses as well as back wages, health care costs and retirement obligations owed to LeClair.

The city and the union each will pay its own legal fees, per the Supreme Courts ruling.
If the board approves the new mask requirement, it would likely take effect Tuesday. All schools would have face coverings available for students and staff, OPS said.

In addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended that students and staff wear masks in school, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Douglas County Health Department on Tuesday recommended to school superintendents that everyone in local schools wear masks. Health Director Lindsay Huse expressed concern about COVID-19 cases rising among school-age children in Douglas County, especially elementary students.

The letter from the OEA, which is the union representing OPS teachers and staff, said teachers want to continue to be in classrooms for in-person instruction because we know that is whats best for students. It went on to say that we all need to do our part to ensure teens and their families can make an educated decision to get vaccinated, especially because some COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children 12 and older.
Diaz said the Everetts' presence there was unacceptable: More than a hundred officers sustained serious injuries  some career-ending  through outright assault,

He added: Hundreds more, across all agencies called to respond, bear the physical and emotional scars of that day. The participation of these two officers in that crowd is a stain on our department, and on the men and women who work every day to protect our community, serve those in need, and do so with compassion and dignity.

Both officers came to Seattle after working with police departments in Texas.

The officers worked together at the Dallas Police Department as patrol officers before they were married, according to police reports released through a public records request.

Alexander Everett graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice in 2008 and worked in Dallas for four years before taking a job as an officer in Round Rock, Texas. He also worked for the U.S. Air Marshals for more than 22 years, the records said.

Caitlin Everett worked for the Dallas police for four years under her maiden name Caitlin Rochelle, the records said.
Earlier Thursday, the administration announced there would be new mileage and anti-pollution standards from the Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department, part of Biden's goal to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. It said the auto industry had agreed to a target that 40% to 50% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.

Both the regulatory standards and the automakers' voluntary target were included in an executive order that Biden signed as a gathering of auto industry leaders and lawmakers applauded.

The standards, which must go through the regulatory process, would reverse fuel economy and anti-pollution rollbacks done under President Donald Trump. At that time, the mileage increases were reduced to 1.5% annually through model year 2026.

The new standards would cut greenhouse gas emissions and raise fuel economy by 10% over the Trump rules in car model year 2023. They would get 5% stronger in each model year through 2026, according to an EPA statement. Thats about a 25% increase over four years.

The EPA said that by 2026, the proposed standards would be the toughest greenhouse emissions rules in U.S. history.
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Shelton Douthit and his team at the Feather River Land Trust in Northern California have been working to restore the lush natural habitat and protect Indigenous artifacts around Lake Almanor. Now, after a ferocious wildfire tore through the area, he knows nothing's safe."

Driven by fierce winds and bone-dry vegetation, the Dixie Fire destroyed most of downtown and dozens of homes in the gold rush-era community of Greenville, growing to become the third-largest in California history. The museum, medical offices, fire equipment and structures significant to a Native American tribe were lost in the town of about 1,000.

This fire is so intense that I think were learning as a community, as a region, that this is not a normal fire. Its a beast, said Douthit, who is the trust's executive director.

The Dixie Fire, named for the road where it started, was still raging Friday and now spans an area of 676 square miles (1,751 square kilometers), greater than the size of New York City. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but the fire continued to threaten more than 10,000 homes Friday. It is just 35% contained.

Fire officials said the gusts were so strong on Thursday they uprooted a tree and knocked it over a garage.
Morgan Lovejoy was about 10 years old when, on a cold winter night in the late 1920s, he hatched an escape plan.

He and a few other boys were homesick for families they hadnt seen in more than a year. They snuck out of their beds and headed for Columbus, Nebraska, a few miles away, hoping to hop a train that they ended up missing.

Tired and cold, they returned to the Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School. As punishment for their desertion, they were locked in a dormitory attic for two weeks.

At 81 years old in 2000, Lovejoy told a World-Herald reporter that the loss of his native Omaha language to future generations "filled him with sadness."

"Our language is forgotten," he said. "Our tradition is forgotten."

That loss was by design.

Lovejoy was among thousands  the exact number remains unknown  of Native American children brought from around the country to the Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School in Nebraska.

The students were stripped of their language and culture. Some were severely beaten and taken out of school to work on the superintendent's farm, according to congressional testimony of former employees at the school.

Nebraska researchers believe that all who attended the Genoa school are now deceased. But a local and national push to understand the full scope of the U.S. Indian Boarding Schools that were built across the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries may soon bring new attention to their stories.

The institutions served as a blueprint for Canadas Indigenous residential schools, where the recent discovery of hundreds of Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves brought renewed attention to practices that have been described by historians as cultural genocide.

Shortly after the human remains were discovered in Canada, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the Federal Indian Boarding School Truth Initiative.

The initiative is meant to review the U.S. Indian Boarding Schools histories and a legacy of physical abuse and isolation. It also will provide resources to investigate known and suspected burial sites, including the Genoa schools cemetery. The cemetery's exact location and the number of children buried there are unknown.

As the federal government moves forward in unveiling the untold history of federal boarding schools, researchers and community leaders in Nebraska are hopeful it brings a reckoning and healing not yet seen in the United States.

* * *

The fourth federal boarding school to be built in the U.S., the Genoa Indian Industrial School operated from 1884 to 1934. It was one of the largest in a system of 25 federal Indian boarding schools. At its peak in 1932, the schools 640-acre campus housed 599 students, who ranged in age from 4 to 22 years old.

The Genoa school's location was chosen because the federal government already owned the land, having built a Pawnee day school in that location years before.

Genoa, which is about 22 miles west of Columbus, also was chosen because its location was several days' ride from any large reservations. That made it difficult for children to run away and return home, according to the Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation.

Descendants of those who attended the school are today processing the school's legacy and its impact on their loved ones.

"I always sensed when she did speak about it there was a sadness, and I felt that she was somewhat haunted by what happened at the school," said Judi gaiashkibos, whose mother, Eleanor Josephine Knudsen, attended the Genoa school.

Knudsen didnt share many details with her 10 children about her time at the school, gaiashkibos said. Two aunts also attended the institution.

They could have died, and I wouldnt be here, said gaiashkibos, a citizen of the Ponca Tribe. I have two daughters who never met my mother, and I have five grandchildren."

What Knudsen did share was her baking skills, the vocational trade she learned there. For most of her life, Knudsen worked as a cook to provide for her children.

"Im more and more amazed at my mothers endurance, her strength, her ability to not become bitter, her ability to put love into her food," gaiashkibos said.

Its time, gaiashkibos added, for the United States to face the reality of what occurred at U.S. Indian boarding schools.

As people reflect on the history, they may want to whitewash it and pretend it didnt happen. Im tired of playing that game and being invisible, gaiashkibos said. Were gonna get through this, and when we come out on the other side, there will be some healing.

As executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, gaiashkibos hopes the federal initiative will provide answers to long-unresolved questions, including the location of the Genoa school's cemetery.

A historical map and recollections of former students prior to their deaths indicate that there was a cemetery on the school grounds where students were buried. But its exact location hasnt been confirmed.

These children who died before they found a true purpose in life, before they got to have a life, they should get to go home, gaiashkibos said of the children buried there.

Records show that diseases such as tuberculosis spread quickly through the school, leading to an unknown number of deaths.

Also unknown are the number of those buried and whether any remains were disposed of in unmarked graves like the ones discovered in Canada. There's hope that the federal initiative will provide answers.

The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs is committed to supporting Haalands initiative, gaiashkibos said.

The initiative will provide extensive federal resources for the investigation into the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of residential Indian boarding schools.

The primary goal will be to identify boarding school facilities and sites; the location of known and possible student burial sites; and the identities and tribal affiliations of children buried on the former school grounds.

Its going to take all of us to undo the harm, the tragic history, the sadness, the legacy, gaiashkibos said.

In Nebraska, an examination of that legacy has already begun.

Nearly 90 years after the Genoa school closed its doors, a Nebraska-based project is filling in the gaps of a largely unknown story and bringing a broader understanding of the scars that the school left on generations of Native American people.

* * *

(The schools) were never really about education, said Margaret Jacobs, a professor of history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

If the federal government wanted to educate children, she said, they could have used day schools within the students' communities.

It was about severing the childrens ties to their communities, Jacobs said.

Jacobs idea for an online archive of Genoa Indian School records began to take form in 2015 as she witnessed the final ceremonies of a massive, multi-year reconciliation effort in Canada.

A short time later, Jacobs met colleagues who were working to gather records on the Carlisle Industrial Indian School, an infamous U.S. Indian Boarding School based in Pennsylvania.

I went Aha, heres a way I can do something as a scholar to make these records more accessible to families and tribes,' " Jacobs said.

In 2017, the Genoa Indian School Digital Reconciliation Project started gathering records.

Today, the project is a collaboration among UNL, the Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation, community advisers from the Omaha, Pawnee, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago Tribes of Nebraska; and descendants of those who attended the Genoa school.

Thousands of records have been collected so far and can be viewed on the project's website.

In the early days of the project, many of those records were gathered by Susana Grajales Geliga.

A graduate student when she joined the project in 2018, Grajales Geliga is now a co-director of the project and a professor of history and Native American studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

As a member of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe and a historian, Grajales Geliga occasionally came across her own ancestral names in the Genoa documents.

As a historian, my reconciliation with this history is helping people find it, Grajales Geliga said. Because to me, those are voices and those are stories that somebody is looking for, and stories that need to be heard.

There are no known former students still alive to share their stories. So, researchers rely on records to fill in the gaps. In the future, the Digital Reconciliation Project team hopes to interview descendants of former Genoa students.

When the school closed in 1934, documents were scattered across the United States. Locating them has proved challenging for both the Genoa project and others working to gather information on the government boarding schools.

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has identified 367 assimilative Indian Boarding Schools, including many that were operated by churches belonging to different Christian denominations, in the United States. But the coalition has been able to locate only 38% of the boarding school records, according to a resolution from the National Congress of American Indians. Coalition officials think the remaining records are being held in private collections.

Its important to understand, Jacobs said, that Genoa school records don't provide a complete picture of what life was like for students at Genoa.

Many of the documents found through the Genoa Digital Reconciliation Projects research are student applications written by school faculty, or correspondence among school and reservation authorities.

A lot of the government records just dont reflect the childrens point of view, Jacobs said.

What they do show is the power imbalance between school and government officials and the students' families.

On Oct. 27, 1922, the Genoa schools superintendent, Samuel Davis, wrote a letter to the father of a student. He called the fathers request that his son be returned home a big mistake and childish.

The student had run away, a common occurrence at the school, and was "returned and punished," Davis wrote.

In another letter sent by Davis on Nov. 1, 1922, to the Rosebud Indian Agency, which oversaw the reservation where the boys family lived, Davis asked that if the agency chose to take the student out of the Genoa Indian School, he be sent to a different school and not back to his reservation.

In a final letter, he mentioned two other boys who ran away with the student, and wrote, Its almost impossible to do anything with such boys  when their parents are continually writing them silly sympathetic letters. All these letters seem to encourage the boys to desert and return home.

The school offered rewards to nearby farmers and townspeople who turned in "deserters."

Runaways brought back to the school often were punished by being subjected to what was essentially solitary confinement, Jacobs said.

Physical abuse was recorded as well.

On Feb. 1, 1928, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution authorizing the Committee on Indian Affairs to survey conditions of Native Americans across the country, as well as to evaluate any abuse that should be corrected.

The mandate brought two former employees of the Genoa Indian School to Washington, D.C., in 1929 to testify before a subcommittee of U.S. senators on conditions at the school.

The former employees testified that Superintendent Davis took boys out of school to work on his private farm, and that they had each witnessed Davis hitting students.

Julie Carroll, who was employed at the school from April to August of 1923, told the subcommittee, Some of the children were beaten up like dogs until blood flew out of their noses. I saw little children beaten up there until, honestly, it is a surprising thing that they have such an institution anywhere conducted by white men over Indian children.

Ina Livermore was employed as a matron at the school from February 1922 to July 1923.

She testified that some students were taken out of the boarding school on Monday mornings and returned Saturday evenings after working all week on Davis farm.

Livermore also recounted a time Davis hit a student named Helen Parker.

(Helens) face was all bruised and swollen; her dress was all covered with blood, Livermore told the committee. They had tried to remove traces of the blood. She came to me, and I got her clean clothing. She told me Mr. Davis told her there would be no need for her to write to her people because she would not be allowed to send out any letters.

When the committee asked why she hadnt filed a complaint to the Indian Bureau, Livermore said, I was informed that if I sent a complaint to the Indian Bureau my complaint would come back to Mr. Davis desk and he would proceed to get rid of me in some way.

The practice of loaning students out to local farms and households for wages wasnt uncommon. Many of the students were promised compensation for their work but never received the money they had earned, Jacobs said.

Sidney Byrd was the last known living former student of the Genoa school. Shortly before his death in 2016, he spoke at a school reunion, telling of a time when the schools superintendent beat him and other kids with a switch off a cherry tree because they were playing in a trash pile, according to the Columbus Telegram.

Byrd said he was one of the last children in the group to be beaten. By the time Davis got to him, he said, the smaller branches had come off and Byrd was essentially hit with a club.

I'd been beaten so (badly) I could hardly lie down. I had to lie down on my stomach, Byrd said.

Byrd's grandparents chose to send him to the school when he was 6 years old. They saw it as his best chance in an increasingly "westernized" nation.

Reflecting on his time there, Byrd said, "However harsh it was for me, I also had friends, he said. And it served as a steppingstone to even greater accomplishments.

Through the Reconciliation Project's research, Jacobs found that, in the beginning, many of the U.S. Indian Boarding Schools worked to convince parents that the schools were good for their children.

"They tried to convince communities that their children could learn English to learn how to negotiate for their tribe," Jacobs said.

The school also boasted that the children would learn a trade.

"They put it into these positive terms," she said.

Conditions at the schools quickly exacerbated the spread of disease. As children became fatally ill miles from home, tribal leaders began to voice opposition to the schools.

"A lot of them wanted day schools in their communities," Jacobs said. "They werent opposed to education; they just didnt want to lose their children."

As opposition grew, the government began using heavy-handed methods.

Genoa records show that government agents on reservations kept strict census records of communities, including how many children were born each year, their ages and any illnesses or disabilities children had.

"Sometimes they brought in the military, sometimes they brought in police to bring children," Jacobs said. "This is especially true in the Southwest. It came to the point that some parents were hiding their children, preventing them from being counted in the census."

Authorities also withheld government rations from families that resisted.

As U.S. boarding schools became more common, some of the opposition declined over time, Jacobs said. Simultaneously, Indian Nations were deeply impoverished.

"At times, I think families thought, 'Well, at least at the boarding school, my child will get meals and theyll be clothed,' " Jacobs said.

* * *

Pieces of the school can still be found scattered throughout the modern-day town of Genoa.

A sign that reads U.S. Indian-School hangs on an archway above brick steps that marks the entrance to the schools campus. A smokestack stands at the end of a street. The school's old dairy barn can be seen in the distance.

The most historically accurate and intentionally preserved of the remaining structures is the Indian Industrial Schools manual training building.

The preservation effort was led up by the Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 1990 with the intent to collect and preserve the history of the Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School and promote the heritage of the school.

The foundation purchased the schools manual training building from the City of Genoa in 1999 and worked to restore it. The building now houses the Genoa Indian School Interpretive Center, a space meant to educate and facilitate healing and remembrance.

Today, flags from every one of the more than 40 tribes whose children attended the school hang in the interpretive center. Artifacts from tribes and from the school are on display.

Photos of former students who returned years later to the interpretive center for an annual reunion and remembrance can be seen on a worn brick wall.

The Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation said it is dedicated to working with Secretary Haaland on the Federal Indian Boarding School Truth Initiative.

We are waiting for the federal government to provide expertise and guidelines on this matter, the foundation said in a statement.

As the foundation and tribal communities across the country await federal guidance, gaiashkibos looks to the future. She hopes to see the establishment of a federal commission, similar to Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission, something the National Congress of American Indians is pushing for. She also will continue to advocate for Nebraskas Native peoples.

The Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation is planning for its 31st recognition and remembrance gathering, set to take place in Genoa on Aug. 14.

And the Digital Reconciliation Project team is working to uncover more of the history of the Genoa school. The hope is to provide a deeper understanding of the legacy of trauma left by the school.

Its an understanding Grajales Geliga is eager to give to the descendants of those who lived through it.

This is a painful history, but there are also stories of resilience, Grajales Geliga said. Everyone has a right to know where their family is buried, and every person has a right to know their history.

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Nebraska could receive over $2.5 billion for roads, bridges, public transportation and broadband under the Senates infrastructure plan, according to the White House.

More state-specific data is expected soon, according to the White House, to show the potential effect of the package on drinking water infrastructure, power infrastructure, airports, resiliency and more. The current documents will be updated if and when the Senate passes the bill, according to the release.

A procedural vote on the bipartisan proposal is set for Saturday. It initially appeared on track for eventual final passage, though senators have struggled to agree on amendments. President Joe Biden offered words of encouragement Friday after a late night filled with various amendments and objections.

The package calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels for a nearly $1 trillion expenditure, in what could be one of the more substantial investments in the nations roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Google co-founder Larry Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

Immigration New Zealand said Page first applied for residency in November under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million New Zealand dollars ($7 million) to invest.

As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said in a statement. Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.

Gaining New Zealand residency would not necessarily affect Page's residency status in the U.S. or any other nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the family filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.

The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand," Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament.
BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group said it fired a barrage of rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border on Friday, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier.

Israel said it was firing back after at least 10 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the country's top defense officials.

The rising tensions were the latest friction and a significant escalation between Israel's new government and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The U.N. peacekeeping force deployed along the border said it has detected rocket launches from Lebanon, and return artillery fire by Israel.

This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire, the force known as UNIFIL said.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit open fields near Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa farms area, with dozens of rockets. No casualties were reported.
Second, require that donors to shadowy political PACs identify themselves.

These actions, although no panacea, can help Nebraska lessen the harm from a set of troubling political dynamics for the 2022 state legislative elections. Term limits are pushing out a ton of key state senators, and partisan and ideological forces are mobilizing to spend big on candidates they support, to exert as much post-election influence as possible. Gubernatorial candidates, looking to influence the Legislature, will likely spread donations among legislative contenders. Shadowy political groups, whose donors can cloak themselves in anonymity, already funnel major sums into Nebraska elections and are certain to do so next year.

Campaigning for the Legislature has become an increasingly costly endeavor, and its likely the hard-fought 2022 campaigns will push the average cost even higher. The average spent to win a seat in the Legislature in 2020 was $144,000, The World-Heralds Martha Stoddard reports. That was an increase of 29% from 2018 to 2020  which was on top of the 28% increase from 2016 to 2018.
The Ashanti Region has as at July 31, this year, recorded a total of 304 COVID-19 deaths, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has disclosed.



Eighty-eight of the cases were recorded in the last three months of this year, REGSEC Chairman and Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, told the media in Kumasi.



The Region, he said, had also recorded 1, 253 active cases of the pandemic from April to July, the second-highest of such cases to be documented in the country.



Mr. Osei-Mensah indicated that the emergence of the new Delta variant of the pandemic was responsible for the upsurge in mortalities and active cases in the Region.



The Council is warning the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to enforce strictly the existing safety protocols for the safety of the public, the Minister stated.



According to him, it was mandatory for the Assemblies to work with the security agencies to enforce the safety protocols, especially at public places.



They should adhere to the governments directive of ensuring limited people at public gatherings, including funerals, weddings, churches, amongst others.



He cautioned commercial drivers not to allow passengers without nose masks to get on board their vehicles.



Any driver who fails to comply with this directive will be in trouble, he noted, saying, the REGSEC had given authority to the police to arrest offenders and deal with them in accordance with the law.



Mr. Osei-Mensah observed that the emergence of the new Delta variant had increased the risk factors associated with the pandemic, therefore, it was expected of all and sundry to abide by the existing safety protocols.











Source: GNA









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Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance has said Ghana is unlikely to hit a herd immunity of 60% or 70% by December 2021 in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.



Although COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Africa are rapidly ramping up from multiple sources after a near-halt to deliveries in recent months, Ofori-Atta believes the government might not be able to achieve its target of vaccinating the populace to achieve a certain percentage of herd immunity.



The minister was speaking in an interview on Asaase FM Thursday (5 August).



He said, I get confused with questions like this when you know that the supply element now has changed considerably and it is evident that the way in which the world dealt with this ensured that Africa was not going to get the supply. It is only now that we seem to have resolved it.



 It is unlikely that we will get to head immunity of 60% or 70% by December but we certainly will have a road map which ensures that doses would be coming in regularly so that our people are protected.



Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected  not just those who are immune.



COVAX facility

The COVAX facility aims to ship 520 million doses to Africa by the end of 2021. COVID-19 vaccine deliveries from the African Unions Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) are picking up, with a projected rise to 10 million each month from September. Around 45 million doses are expected from AVAT by the end of the year.



So far, almost 79 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in Africa and 21 million people, or just 1.6% of Africas population, are fully vaccinated. High-income countries have given 61 times more doses per person than low-income countries. To fully vaccinate 30% of Africas population by the end of 2021, the continent needs up to 820 million doses, considering a two-dose schedule.



Vaccination Record



Ghana on Wednesday 24th February 2021 became the first country in Africa to receive Astra Zeneca vaccines from the United Nations-backed COVAX programme, a global scheme to procure free coronavirus jabs for poorer countries. A total of 600,000 vaccines were received.



On 1 March 2021, President Nana Akufo-Addo, became the worlds first recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine from COVAX.



It is important that I set the example that this vaccine is safe by being the first to have it so that everybody in Ghana can feel comfortable about taking this vaccine, the president said before receiving a shot of the Oxford- Astra Zeneca vaccine in a live broadcast.



Ghana has so far vaccinated about one million, two hundred and seventy thousand of its citizens. The target as set out by President Akufo-Addo is to vaccinate the entire adult population of Ghana which is about 20 million, by the end of 2021.



Vaccinations in Ghana has largely halted due to the unavailability of vaccines on the international market. Health experts indicate that the surest way to beat the COVID-19 pandemic is for all countries to vaccinate their populations.



Ghanas active cases now

At least 490 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) pushing the countrys active cases to 6,766.



The death toll has hit 854 after ten additional fatalities were recorded across the country, an update on the GHS COVID-19 dashboard reveals.



As of 1 August 2021, Ghanas total confirmed cases stand at 106, 434. Currently, health officials have recorded 98, 814 recoveries.



According to the Ghana Health Service, the month of July recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases among international arrivals since the airport opened on 1 September 2020.



The GHS says the Volta Region, Bono, and Bono East are becoming emerging hotspots.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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The Gomoa East District Assembly in the Central Region has given residents of the Buduburam Refugees Camp up to September 30, 2021, to vacate the place as it gives full effect to its resolve to demolish the structures in the area.

That, it said, is to pave the way for the redevelopment of the area.



The Gomoa East District Security Council (DISEC), at its second meeting on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Gomoa Potsin, has resolved and further directs that individuals and groups living in the defunct Liberia Camp at Buduburam should vacate the area latest Thursday, September 30, 2021, to pave way for the demolition of the area, an eviction notice dated August 3, 2021, issued by the assembly, said.



The notice, signed by the Chief Executive of the Gomoa East District, Mr. Solomon Darko-Quarm, said the demolition of structures in the area was in furtherance of the governments approval of a request by chiefs, opinion leaders and the general public for it in view of the rising security challenges emanating from the area.



The notice said beginning yesterday, officers of the assembly and security personnel would be deployed to clearly mark the boundaries of the 141-acre land, including Zone 12.





All are entreated to treat this notice with all seriousness to avoid any complications. The Gomoa East DISEC apologises for any inconvenience this may cause to the affected persons, it added.



Decommissioning



The camp, which was decommissioned as a refugee base by the Untied Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in June 2010, has become a settlement and now bears the infamous credential as a hideout for social deviants, including alleged robbery gangs.



Mr. Darko-Quarm had told the Daily Graphic that the demolition of the camp was in response to a request by the Gomoa Fetteh chiefs over the increasing criminal acts in the Gomoa area, with the camp being turned into an abode for suspected criminals.





The Buduburam Camp has become an albatross around the neck of the nation as it has become a den for many suspected criminals engaged in many criminal activities across the country, he had earlier noted.



Camp profile



The camp is sited in the Gomoa East District and shares a boundary with Kasoa.



It was set up by the UNHCR in 1990 to serve as a safe abode for more than 12,000 refugees from Liberia who fled the country during the two Liberian civil wars (19891996 and 19992003).





It also housed refugees from Sierra Leone who escaped from their countrys civil war between 1991 and 2002.



Although the camp was decommissioned following the return of peace to the two countries, most of the refugees resettled in the neighbourhood.



On May 18, 2021, the chiefs of Gomoa Fetteh, at a news conference, expressed concern about the increasing crime rate at the Buduburam Camp and issued a three-month ultimatum to the government to pull down all makeshift structures  said to be the abode of suspected criminals  in the area.

Source: graphiconline.com









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A Chinese scientist, popularly called batwoman, has issued a stark warning that more deadly Covid variants are coming.



Wuhan-based virologist Shi Zhengli is one of the world's top researchers on coronaviruses and has discovered dozens of deadly SARS-like viruses in bat caves.



She studied samples taken from some of the first people to become infected with the new and then-mysterious respiratory illness in China in December and found it was similar to SARS.



Now, in a new interview, she has warned that more deadly variants of Covid could sweep the globe amid fears of a catastrophic fresh mutation.



Speaking to People's Daily the scientist said: "As the number of infected cases has just become too big, this allowed the novel coronavirus more opportunities to mutate and select.



"New variants will continue to emerge."



It comes after claims that a new Covid mutant could emerge which could kill more than a third of the people it infects.



Documents published by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said that future strains of the novel coronavirus could be as deadly as MERS.



In such a scenario, the virus could kill 35 per cent of those it infects.



The panel, which advises the government on its pandemic response, warned that such mutations are most likely to occur when the virus is widely spread.













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Samuel Atta Akyea is the only former Works and Housing Minister who consulted Greater Accra Council of State Member and former sector Minister, Enoch Teye Mensah, since the latter left office in 2012.



The former minister popularly referred to as E. T. Mensah was speaking on the August 5, 2021 edition of Metro TVs Good Evening Ghana program as he continued clarifications on his role in the Saglemi Housing project which is currently the subject of litigation.



ET Mensah told Paul Adom-Otchere that he also did not see the need to go about offering advice to persons who had not come to seek his assistance on any issue.



I was available to be consulted to explain anything that he (Collins Dauda) propably didnt understand but when I left that Ministry, out of the four ministers who came after me, the only person who had the humility to come and consult me was Atta Akyea.



He was the person, at any point in time that he needed something to be explained, he came to me. I dont have to walk into anybodys office and tell you somewhere that you have left that, do this, do that, unless the person consults you.



And anytime that he consulted, I took him through, gave him all the information, the figures that needed to be watched., he added.



He disclosed that the contract sum of 200 milion dollars was for the entire project from the drawings till the handing over of the project.



ET Mensah stressed that everything that the successive minister, Collins Dauda, needed on the project and other critical matters in the ministry was contained in a 68-paged handing over note that was exchanged when the latter took over from him.



Collins Dauda, incumbent MP for Asutifi North is facing charges of causing financial loss to the state along with four others over their handling of the Saglemi Housing project. An Accra High Court granted them bail after first appearance on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Source: ghanaweb.con









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Former South Africa President, Jacob Zuma, jailed for contempt of court last month, was hospitalized on Friday, August 6, less than a week before he is due in court for a separate graft trial.



The Department of Correctional Services "can confirm that former president Jacob Zuma has today, 6 August 2021, been admitted to an outside hospital for medical observation," it said in a statement.



Zuma, 79, is scheduled to attend the resumption of a long-running corruption trial on Aug. 10.



The hearing will include a plea to drop 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering against him related to the 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and equipment from five European arms firms when he was deputy president.



He is accused of taking bribes from one of the firms, French defense giant Thales, which has been charged with corruption and money laundering.



Proceedings have been repeatedly postponed for more than a decade, sparking accusations of delaying tactics.



In a separate case, Zuma was handed a 15-month jail sentence in late June for snubbing a commission probing state corruption under his 2009-19 presidency.



Zuma began his sentence on July 8 at Estcourt prison.













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National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, is set to continue in his role as chairman of the seven member board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).



Freddie Blay served in the same role during the first term administration of President Akufo-Addo, between 2017 and 2021.



Kwabena Kwakye, who also served on the seven member GNPC board through the first term government of President Akufo-Addo, is expected to remain on the board.



Noted absentee



Noted absentee on the GNPC board this time round would be Nana Adjoa Hackman, Managing Partner of Africa Legal Associates (ALA), and a Director at Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited (owners of Asaase Radio). She served as the chairperson of the legal & governance sub-committee on the GNPC board.



As a result of her outstanding performance, she received high praises from the CEO and head of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), Stephen Asamoah Boateng, for her dedication to the course of GNPC.



Recent GNPC Achievement



The state-owned oil company in the areas of transparency and accountability was recently ranked the best governed national oil company (NOC) in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the fifth (5th) best governed NOC globally.



Furthermore, GNPC according to the 2017 Resource Governance Index (RGI) of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is adjudged the 8th best state-owned enterprise globally out of 74 state-owned enterprises assessed by the RGI.



GNPC, Aker Energy, AGM partnership



Government through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has initiated the process expected to lead to the acquisition 37% interest in the Deep Water Tano Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) operated by Aker Energy Ghana Limited and 70% stake in the South Deepwater Tano (SDWT) operated by AGM Petroleum Ghana Limited which will ultimately result in the establishment of a joint operating company between Aker Energy, AGM and GNPC Explorco.



GNPC acknowledges that it will need some capacity building in order to become an operator on its own. The process requires a major oil company willing to travel on this learning route with GNPC. Partnership with AKER Energy and AGM, with proven deep water capabilities, provides such opportunity for the national oil company to develop operator capabilities.



GNPC proposes to partner with Aker Energy/AGM to jointly develop the DWT/CTP and SDWT blocks. The two companies, with a wealth of deep water experience and the requisite technology, are keen to entering into this arrangement with GNPC.



The existing discoveries by Aker Energy and AGM (the Pecan and Nyankom fields) are by far the largest discoveries in Ghana, and the only ones that can be developed as stand-alone developments. This partnership has the potential to add more than 200,000 barrels of crude oil to Ghanas current production within the next 4 to 5 years.



The mission ahead



The Freddie Blay board is expected to support the management of GNPC, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr K.k. Sarpong, to ensure that the mandate of the GNPC which is to undertake the exploration, development, production and disposal of petroleum and their objectives which are to promote the exploration and the orderly and planned development of the petroleum resources of Ghana, to ensure that Ghana obtains the greatest possible benefits from the development of its petroleum resources, to obtain the effective transfer to Ghana of appropriate technology relating to petroleum operations, to ensure the training of citizens of Ghana and the development of national capabilities in all aspects of petroleum operations and to ensure that petroleum operations are conducted in such a manner as to prevent adverse effects on the environment, resources and people of Ghana, are achieved.



GNPC



The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is Ghanas National Oil Company (NOC), established in 1983 by PNDC Law 64, to support the governments objective of providing adequate and reliable supply of petroleum products and reducing the countrys dependence on crude oil imports, through the development of the countrys own petroleum resources.



The Petroleum [Exploration and Production] Law, 1984, PNDC Law 84, was subsequently enacted to provide the regulatory framework for the exploitation of the countrys hydrocarbon resources. PNDC Law 84, establishes the contractual relationship among the state, GNPC and prospective investors in upstream petroleum operations.



This law also grants GNPC the right of entry into any open acreage to undertake exploration activities. The corporation, which started operations in 1985, is partner in all petroleum agreements in Ghana. GNPC is also the national gas sector aggregator in Ghana, and aims to supply efficient fuel to meet Ghanas increasing energy needs.



After the inception of GNPC in 1983, technical assistance was sought from Braspetro, the international subsidiary of the Brazilian National Petroleum Corporation (Petrobras) under UNDP sponsorship in 1985 for the preparation of a strategic organizational plan and recommendations for institutional capacity building.



The organizational plan approved by the Board of Directors involved five main functional divisions and four staff departments. Reviews of the structure have since taken place and currently incorporate a wider scope of activities consistent with our current strategy.



The current staff strength is 300. GNPC has a seven-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Ghana Government, which exercises oversight responsibility over the corporation, giving it policy direction.



Frederick Blay



Frederick Armah Blay, popularly called Freddie Blay, is a Ghanaian lawyer and a politician. He was a Member of Parliament for the Ellembele constituency in the Western Region for years, and served as the First Deputy Speaker in the Fourth Parliament of Ghana.



He lost his seat in the general elections held on 7 December 2008 to Armah Kofi Buah of the NDC. He was a member of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), but resigned to join the New Patriotic Party after being criticized by some CPP stalwarts for not campaigning for the CPP flagbearer Paa Kwesi Nduom, instead endorsing the NPPs presidential candidate then, Nana Akufo-Addo. Between 2017 and January 2021, he served as the board chair of GNPC even though issues were raised over a party chairman chairing the national oil company.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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On Wednesday, August 4, scores of aggrieved Ghanaians hit the streets of the Capital City in protest against the governance of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The protesters have been complaining bitterly about how the citizens' living conditions have been aggravating day by day, particularly under the President's second term.



They embarked on a demonstration dubbed '#FixtheCountry' to petition the President to up his performance with regard to improving the lives of Ghanaians and developing Ghana's economy.



Some of the placards that the protesters held during their street protest were inscribed, 'Ghana is the most religious yet most corrupt', If Ghana was your personal property, would you run it like this?, 'No to Nepotism, Family and Friends Government', 'Fix Dumsor' among others.



Touching on the '#Fixthecountry' campaign during a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, the former Acting General Secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh lauded the conveners and participators for not rioting on the streets.



He applauded them for the peaceful protest saying, "you can't control all the voices but largely you want to applaud the demonstrators for comporting themselves".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Figure 1. Lamellipodia and WAVE2 localization in Swiss 3T3 cells. (A) Schematic illustration of the configuration of actin filaments and WAVE2 localization at lamellipodia. Upon Rac1 activation, the WAVE2 in the protein complex is activated, leading to the activation of the Arp2/3 complex for branched actin filament formation. IRSp53 cooperates with WAVE2 for its activation by Rac1 at the plasma membrane. (B) Input image of actin filaments in Swiss 3T3 cells expressing the active form of Rac1. Actin filaments were stained by Rhodaminephalloidin. Lamellipodia are fan-shaped structures formed at cell edges. (C) Actual WAVE2 image co-immunostained with panel (B), showing accumulation at the edges of lamellipodia. (D) Progress of the WAVE2 image generation. Images are shown at every 2,500 iterations (1 epoch). The iteration number is shown in the images. Image generation starts with a gray image without any features. Scale bars, 10 m. Credit: DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635231

Facial recognition software can be used to spot a face in a crowd; but what if it could also predict where someone else was in the same crowd? While this may sound like science fiction, researchers from Japan have now shown that artificial intelligence can accomplish something very similar on a cellular level.

In a study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) have revealed that a machine learning program can accurately predict the location of proteins related to actin, an important part of the cellular skeleton, based on the location of actin itself.

Actin plays a key role in providing shape and structure to cells, and during cell movement helps form lamellipodia, which are fan-shaped structures that cells use to "walk" forwards. Lamellipodia also contain a host of other proteins that bind to actin to help maintain the fan-like structure and keep the cells moving.

"While artificial intelligence has been used previously to predict the direction of cell migration based on a sequence of images, so far it has not been used to predict protein localization," says lead author of the study, Shiro Suetsugu. This idea came in during the discussion with Yoshinobu Sato at the Data Science Center in NAIST. "We therefore sought to design a machine learning algorithm that can determine where proteins will appear in the cell based on their relationship with other proteins."

To do this, the researchers trained an artificial intelligence system to predict where actin-associated proteins would be in the cell by showing it pictures of cells in which the proteins were labeled with fluorescent markers to show where they were located. Then, they gave the program pictures in which only actin was labeled and asked it to tell them where the associated proteins were.

"When we compared the predicted images to the actual images, there was a considerable degree of similarity," states Suetsugu. "Our program accurately predicted the localization of three actin-associated proteins within lamellipodia; and, in the case of one of these proteins, in other structures within the cell."

On the other hand, when the researchers asked the program to predict where tubulin, which is not directly related to actin, would be in the cell, the program did not perform nearly as well.

"Our findings suggest that machine learning can be used to accurately predict the location of functionally related proteins and describe the physical relationships between them," says Suetsugu.

Given that lamellipodia are not always easy for non-experts to spot, the program developed in this study could be used to quickly and accurately identify these structures from cell images in the future. In addition, this approach could potentially be used as a sort of artificial cell staining method to avoid the limitations of current cell-staining methods.

More information: Kei Shigene et al, Translation of Cellular Protein Localization Using Convolutional Networks, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2021). Kei Shigene et al, Translation of Cellular Protein Localization Using Convolutional Networks,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635231

Provided by Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Spatial distribution of the minting remains in the foundry's excavation area: red dots: deposit with clay molds; green dots: deposits with fragments of finished spade coins (drone photograph by Z. Qu; figure by H. Zhao). Credit: DOI:10.15184/aqy.2021.94

A team of researchers from Zhengzhou University, the Modern Analysis and Computer Center of Zhengzhou University and Peking University, all in China, has found evidence of what appears to be the oldest coin-minting operation ever uncovered. In their paper published on the Cambridge University site Antiquity, the group describes their discovery and study of coins and minting molds found at a dig site in Henan Province, China, and what they have learned about it.

Up until now, researchers have believed that the use of coins as a form of currency was first developed in Greece or Turkey. Coins dug up in what is now modern Turkey, created and used by people of the Lydian Empire, have been dated as far back as 630 B.C. But there is still debate as to their true age due to the dating techniques used. In this new effort, the researchers found coins in China in the same location as a minting facility, which left behind ashes that could be used for carbon datinga very accurate means of dating the minting operation.

The coins and molds were found at a site identified as the ancient city of Guanzhuang, which was founded around 800 B.C. Items found by the researchers included multiple bronze, spade-shaped coins and the clay molds that were used to make them. Testing of the ashes left by the fires used to melt the metal showed them to be approximately 2,600 years old, which would mean the facility was used to make coins as recently as 550 B.C. and as long ago as 640 B.C., making it the oldest known coin-making facility ever discovered.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.94

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.94

The researchers suggest the facility was first used to make tools, weapons and other objects as early as 770 B.C. It took another century for the people there to start using their technology to create coins. They also note that historians have still not agreed on the reason for the creation of currency in the form of coins; some suggest it made buying and selling things easier, while others believe it came about as a way for governments to collect taxes.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.94

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.94

Explore further Hoard of Roman coins turns out to be offering for safe crossing

More information: Hao Zhao et al, Radiocarbon-dating an early minting site: the emergence of standardised coinage in China, Antiquity (2021). Journal information: Antiquity Hao Zhao et al, Radiocarbon-dating an early minting site: the emergence of standardised coinage in China,(2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.94

 2021 Science X Network
Prepping Europa Clipper's propulsion tanks. Credit: NASA/GSFC Denny

Take a closer look at the complex choreography involved in building NASA's Europa Clipper as the mission to explore Jupiter's moon Europa approaches its 2024 launch date.

The hardware that makes up NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft is rapidly taking shape, as engineering components and instruments are prepared for delivery to the main clean room at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. In workshops and labs across the country and in Europe, teams are crafting the complex pieces that make up the whole as mission leaders direct the elaborate choreography of building a flagship mission.

The massive 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) propulsion module recently moved from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, where engineers will install electronics, radios, antennas, and cabling. The spacecraft's thick aluminum vault, which will protect Europa Clipper's electronics from Jupiter's intense radiation, is nearing completion at JPL. The building and testing of the science instruments at universities and partner institutions across the country continue as well.

The mission is also gearing up for its System Integration Review in late 2021, when NASA will review plans for assembling and testing Europa Clipper, and its instruments are inspected in detail.

"It's really exciting to see the progression of flight hardware moving forward this year as the various elements are put together bit by bit and tested," said Europa Clipper Project Manager Jan Chodas of JPL. "The project team is energized and more focused than ever on delivering a spacecraft with an exquisite instrument suite that promises to revolutionize our knowledge of Europa."

Jupiter's icy moon Europa, which harbors an internal ocean with twice the amount of water in Earth's oceans combined, may currently have conditions suitable for supporting life. Europa Clipper will carry a broad suite of science instruments into orbit around Jupiter and conduct multiple close flybys of Europa to gather data on its atmosphere, surface, and interior.

Engineers and technicians in a clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California stand between the thick-walled aluminum vault and its duplicate (at rear) that they helped build for the agency's Europa Clipper spacecraft. As Europa Clipper orbits Jupiter, conducting flybys of its moon Europa to gather science data, the vault will protect the spacecraft's electronics from Jupiter's intense radiation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Hardware in the Works

Delivery of the towering propulsion module from Goddard to APL marked a milestone for that major piece of hardware. APL built the twin cylinders that make up the module and shipped them to JPL, where technicians added thermal tubing that will carry coolant to keep the spacecraft from getting too hot or too cold in deep space. From there, the cylinders went to Goddard, where propellant tanks were installed inside of them and 16 rocket engines were attached to the outside.

Another large piece of hardware nearing completion is the spacecraft's radiator, which connects to the thermal tubing. The width and length of a twin-size bed, the radiator's 3-inch-thick (7.5-centimeter-thick) panel has the crucial job of radiating heat out into space to keep the spacecraft within its operating temperature range. It is covered with louvers that open and close automatically as the spacecraft disperses more or less heat to regulate its temperature.

Meanwhile, work at APL begins to integrate the propulsion module and the telecommunications hardware (electronics, radios, antennas, and cabling). And construction of a high-gain antennaa dish nearly 10 feet (3 meters) wideis underway at vendor Applied Aerospace Structures Corporation in Stockton, California. It will be delivered to APL this year, where it will be integrated before the entire module comes back to JPL a final time. By the spring of 2022, the huge element will join other Europa Clipper hardware streaming into JPL's main high bay for assembly, test, and launch operations (ATLO).

One of the first elements in place for ATLO will be the spacecraft's vault, now entering its final stage of fabrication at JPL. Eventually, the vault will be bolted to the top of the propulsion module and affixed with miles of cabling so that the power box and computer inside can communicate with the other subsystems.

Attached to the vault will be a deck, also completing assembly at JPL, that will support many of the instrument sensors. Called the nadir deck, it stabilizes the spacecraft's sensors and helps ensure they are oriented correctly.

NASAs Europa Clipper. Credit: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Science Instruments Nearing Completion

At the same time that the spacecraft body, electronics, and engineering subsystems come together, nine science instruments are being assembled and tested across a network of clean rooms at NASA centers, partner institutions, and private industry vendors. The suite of instruments will investigate everything from the depth of the internal ocean and its salinity to the thickness of the ice crust and potential plumes that may be venting subsurface water into space.

Slated to be delivered to ATLO from late 2021 through mid-2022, the instruments, which include cameras to capture surface geology in detail, are undergoing extensive testing. Engineers want to be sure the instruments can communicate correctly with the flight computer, spacecraft software, and the power subsystem, to be able to respond to commands and transmit data back to Earth.

Mission leaders acknowledge that COVID-19 challenges have stretched the project and instrument teams as they find ways to meet deadlines when parts are delayed or staffing is short. Engineers, technicians, and scientists continue to power through.

"What we've seen, even in the midst of the pandemic, is that the engineering and instrument teams are responding very well. The pandemic has affected mission schedule, but the teams are tackling the challenges, communicating openly, and displaying tremendous flexibility to keep the hardware on track for our October 2024 launch," said Europa Clipper Deputy Project Manager Jordan Evans. "We see it day in and day out, across the team, and it's fantastic."

Missions such as Europa Clipper contribute to the field of astrobiology, the interdisciplinary research on the variables and conditions of distant worlds that could harbor life as we know it. While Europa Clipper is not a life-detection mission, it will conduct detailed reconnaissance of Europa and investigate whether the icy moon, with its subsurface ocean, has the capability to support life. Understanding Europa's habitability will help scientists better understand how life developed on Earth and the potential for finding life beyond our planet.
Birds fly over a man taking photos of the exposed riverbed of the Old Parana River, a tributary of the Parana River during a drought in Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Parana River Basin and its related aquifers provide potable water to close to 40 million people in South America, and according to environmentalists the falling water levels of the river are due to climate change, diminishing rainfall, deforestation and the advance of agriculture. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

The Parana River, one of the main commercial waterways in South America, has reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years due to a prolonged drought in Brazil that scientists attribute to climate change.

At peril is a vast ecosystem that includes potable water for 40 million people, the livelihood of fishing communities and farmers, and the navigability of a major grain export hub.

The National Water Institute of Argentina has defined the low water level of the Parana River, which goes through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, as "the worst since 1944."

"This natural asset is clearly giving us signs that it's not infinite," said environmentalist Jorge Bartoli, coordinator of the organization "El Parana No Se Toca" (Parana Should Remain Untouched).

The low water level is due to a record drought in Brazil, where the river begins.

The midwestern and southern regions of Brazil are in a big water crisis. Water reservoirs, including the giant Itaipu dam, are at their lowest levels in 91 years and Brazilian authorities have issued an emergency alert for five states: Minas Gerais, Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul, Sao Paulo and Parana.

Reduced water levels are part of a natural cycle, but specialists warn that the scenario is more extreme because of climate change.

Children play on the exposed shores of the Parana River, in a fishing village on Espinillo Island, on the other side of the river from Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Argentinas National Water Institute has defined the rivers falling water levels as the worst since 1994, saying that in September, the water levels in several provinces will reach their lowest ever. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

A section of the Rosario River bank is eroded right in front of a high school, triggered by a drought in Rosario, Argentina, Friday, July 30, 2021. The Parana River Basin and its related aquifers provide potable water to close to 40 million people in South America, and according to environmentalists the falling water levels of the river are due to climate change, diminishing rainfall, deforestation and the advance of agricultural frontier. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

Piers are exposed on the dry riverbed of the Old Parana River, a tributary of the Parana River during a drought in Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Argentinas National Water Institute has defined the rivers falling water levels as the worst since 1994, saying that in September, the water levels in several provinces will reach their lowest ever. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

Marcelino Carrizo, 50, rests outside his home in a fishing village on Espinillo Island, a Parana River island in front of Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. The falling water levels of the Parana River have affected cattle ranching near its shores, commercial fishing, transportation and the supply of potable water for the region. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

A fishing net hangs to dry in a fishing village on Espinillo Island, on the other side of the Parana River from Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. The falling water levels of the Parana River have affected cattle ranching nears its shores, commercial fishing, transportation and the supply of potable water for the region. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

Fisherman Alberto Albil, 60, nets a "sabalo" fish in the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021, amid an ongoing drought. The falling water levels of the Parana River have affected cattle ranching nears its shores, commercial fishing, transportation and the supply of potable water for the region. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

A boats sit stranded on a dry creek bed in a fishing village on Espinillo Island, a Parana River island in front of Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. The falling water levels of the Parana River worry environmentalists and authorities alike because it impedes river traffic, creates a shortage of drinking water, and effects productivity in the northeast of the country through which the river flows. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

People who live in the fishing village of Espinillo Island walk their goods across the Old Parana River delta now that boats can't reach their community and others, amid a drought that turned the river into a sand bank, across the river from Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. The falling water levels of the Parana River worry environmentalists and authorities alike because it impedes river traffic, creates a shortage of drinking water, and effects productivity in the northeast of the country through which the river flows. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

A grain ship sits anchored in the middle of the Parana River as it waits its turn to enter the port of Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Ports along the Parana River are the largest exporters of grain in the world and ships have had to reduce their cargo capacity to be able to navigate the rivers falling water levels. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

The massive Rosario-Victoria Bridge crosses the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021, amid a drought. Argentinas National Water Institute has defined the rivers falling water levels as the worst since 1994, saying that in September, the water levels in several provinces will reach their lowest ever. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

The pillars of the massive Rosario-Victoria Bridge are exposed during a drought affecting the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. At the port city of Santa Fe the river registered a level of 22 centimeters, the lowest in 50 years. Credit: AP Photo/Victor Caivano

"These climate changes that were less frequent before are becoming more frequent," said Brazilian climatologist Jose Marengo.

Environmentalists say deforestation is contributing to the problem.

The Parana waterway and its aquifers supply fresh water to some 40 million people in countries including Brazil and Argentina.

In turn, it receives water from the Paraguay River, which has among its main sources the Pantanal area, a huge wetland located in the Mato Grosso region of southern Brazil.

The drought of the river is impacting the transport of goods.

Guillermo Miguel, president of the port of the city of Rosario, said vessels had to reduce their tonnage by approximately 20% to continue moving. He said transport costs are increasing.

In 2019, 79 million tons of grain, flour and oil were exported from Rosario, according to the city's stock exchange, making it one of the biggest agricultural export hubs in the world.

Explore further South America ravaged by unprecedented drought and fires

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Not all jobs are 'good jobs', and new research from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA) and Birmingham finds such work can have a negative impact on wellbeing.

The team examined how employment status and job attributes are linked to the wellbeing of young people in India, Ethiopia, Peru and Vietnam. The analysis also examined how childhood experiences and family circumstances impact on adult outcomes, and the association between wellbeing and access to wealth, specifically in the form of consumer durables such as phones, televisions, bicycles or cars.

The research, 'Is work enough? Well-being and employment of young people in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam', is published today in the journal Development Policy Review.

Particularly in countries where jobs in the formal sector are in short supply, and people are often employed in jobs for which they are over-educated, employment does not have an unqualified positive effect on wellbeing. Job attributes matter, specifically, who employs the individual, their pay, the work environment and the pride they take in their work.

Previous studies have mainly focused on developed countries, where labour market conditions are very different and social protections are more widely available.

In low- and middle-income countries, large informal sectors are still responsible for generating a significant share of employment; but work is often precarious and can be risky, poorly rewarded and undertaken in poor conditions. Such work limits potential and may not contribute to overall wellbeing associated with health and longevity.

With finite 'good jobs'  those that are secure, well-paid and provide social protectionpeople need to create their own employment or accept jobs that offer limited satisfaction and financial insecurity, which can lead to worry, depression and lower overall life-satisfaction.

Unemployment insurance is also largely absent and individuals with limited access to resources cannot afford to remain unemployed while looking for a better job.

In the context of the four countries in the study, type of employment is relevant. Working for oneself or another individual or a household is associated with lower wellbeing than working for a private company, a cooperative or a public sector/government organisation. 'Irregular' employment with low pay often equates to misery, said one of the study's authors.

Dr. Nicholas Vasilakos, Associate Professor in Sustainable Business Economics and Public Policy in UEA's Norwich Business School, said investing in youth employment is central to development agendas, and would help countries meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal of decent work for all by 2030.

Dr. Vasilakos said: "Policy directed towards increasing employment rates among young people needs to consider the wellbeing implications of the different kinds of jobs they are able to access.

"Our research shows policy in less-developed countries must target inequalities in earlier life as well as labour market barriers and imperfections that restrict youth access to good jobs.

Prof Fiona Carmichael, Professor of Labour Economics at the University of Birmingham, said: "Employment policies aimed at young people need to target those who are marginalised by labour market structures that tend to reinforce the advantages of the more educated and those from wealthier backgrounds. Targeted employment and training programmes can help to provide young people with skills and experience that enhance their productivity and employability."

Dr. Christian Darko, a Lecturer in Applied Business and Labour Economics at the University of Birmingham, said: "Having a good job is fundamental to improving living standards and quality of life. Good jobs provide greater wellbeing to those that hold them and their value to society is higher. A good job can provide a sense of belonging that enhances social inclusion.

"In contrast, poor working conditions can lead to frustration, lowering wellbeing and potentially fuelling a sense of social injustice that weakens social cohesion."

Pride in work is positively and strongly significantly associated with wellbeing. A poorer quality physical working environment is significantly associated with lower wellbeing.

Perhaps not surprisingly, wellbeing is also higher in jobs with higher earnings, and where the physical working environment is more conducive to health and safety.

The study data came from the Young Lives project, a longitudinal cohort study of childhood poverty following the lives of 12,000 children from India, Ethiopia, Peru and Vietnam.

Young people in Peru scored highest on the wellbeing scale and those in India scored the lowest.

In total, 78 per cent of the young people were in employment when surveyed at age 22 (86 per cent of males and 71 per cent of females), with the highest employment participation in Vietnam and the lowest in India. The index of household wealth was higher for females, and highest in Vietnam.

Of the four countries, inequality was highest in India and Peru and lowest in Vietnam and Ethiopia. World Bank estimates also indicated that distribution of income is most unequal in Peru and India, and more equal in Vietnam. The figures showed the distribution of income in Peru and India is more unequal than in the United States, by far the most unequal country in the global north.

Wellbeing is also predicted by current and childhood health and household wealth, with ownership of consumer durables associated more strongly with wellbeing than housing quality or access to services. Greater exposure to shocks  such as the death of a close relative, famine and conflict  from age eight is found to have lasting effects on wellbeing into young adulthood.

'Is work enough? Well-being and employment of young people in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam', is published 6 August 2021 in the journal Development Policy Review.

Explore further Governments and health leaders call for action on adolescent wellbeing

More information: Is work enough? Well-being and employment of young people in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam, Development Policy Review, 2021.
Buildings burn as the Dixie Fire tears through downtown Greenville, California on August 4, 2021.

Evacuation orders were widened Thursday as California's biggest wildfire raged through the state's tinder-dry landscape, laying waste to hundreds of square miles (kilometers).

The Dixie Fire is already the sixth biggest in the state's history, and was still spreading thanks to gusting winds and record-low humidity.

This week it all-but wiped out the historic mining town of Greenville, a settlement of a few hundred people dating back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush.

"I'd say the majority of downtown Greenville is completely destroyed," tweeted wildfire photographer Stuart Palley, sharing images of the devastation.

"My heart is broken for this beautiful little town."

The Dixie Firejust one of a welter of blazes wracking the western United Stateshas been raging in the dry forests of northern California since mid-July, part of a global warming climate crisis that has brought sweltering heat and an alarming drought to the region.

It has now engulfed around 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers). Almost a fifth of that area was added overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

The blaze is so big that it has been generating its own weather system.

"We did everything we could," California fire department spokesman Mitch Matlow told reporters. "Sometimes it's just not enough."

A gas station, a hotel and a bar were destroyed in Greenville, California, as well as many buildings that were more than a century old.

Images taken by an AFP photographer in Greenville showed the fire's heat had bent street lights to the ground, with only a few structures still standing.

A gas station, a hotel and a bar were destroyed, as well as many buildings that were more than a century old.

The fire swept through the town on Wednesday afternoon, where the impact was devastating, said Jake Cagle, incident management team operations section chief.

He said firefighters were struggling with those not obeying evacuation orders, leading to their having to divert time and resources to rescue people in the path of the flames, even as they tried to deal with an extraordinary blaze.

"We have firefighters who are getting guns pulled out on them, because people don't want to evacuate," he said Thursday.

"It was a very tough day for all of our resourcesthere's stuff out there that we didn't want to see," said Cagle.

Fire Battalion Chief Sergio Mora looks on as the Dixie Fire burns through downtown Greenville, California.

'Explosively'

Almost 5,000 personnel are involved in the battle to tame the blaze.

But very low humidity and a parched landscape were offering ideal conditions for the fire to rage.

Control lines established by firefighters were breached overnight, with the fire growing "explosively" in places, according to incident commanders.

Authorities issued yet more evacuation orders on Thursday, telling residents of the towns of Taylorsville and Westwood that they needed to flee.

By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history.

The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history.

Faulty power lines sparked the inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible.

The heat from the Dixie Fire bent street lights to the ground, as the blaze tore through Greenville, California.

PG&E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began.

The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires.

Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.

Explore further Wildfire levels historic California town as residents flee blaze

 2021 AFP
Rice University's Matteo Pasquali is a chemical engineer, chemist, materials scientist and director of the Carbon Hub research initiative. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Rice University carbon materials expert Matteo Pasquali is available to discuss ways to slash carbon dioxide emissions and rapidly decarbonize the global economy.

Instead of burning oil and gas, Pasquali says, hydrocarbon molecules could be split into hydrogen and solid carbon. The hydrogen could then be used as a clean-burning fuel that produces no carbon dioxide, while the solid carbon could become a cheap and plentiful source of high-performance materials used by a wide range of industries.

"Each year, we pull more than 10 billion tons of carbon from the ground in the form of oil, coal and natural gas," said Pasquali, a chemical engineer, chemist and materials scientist who directs the Carbon Hub. "That activity accounts for 7% of the global economy, and we need all possible sources of hydrogen. We can keep producing those hydrocarbons as long as we don't burn them."

The Carbon Hub is an ambitious climate change research initiative based at Rice. It's aimed at using hydrocarbons as feedstock to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon products that can be used in place of materials with large carbon footprints.

In an opinion paper published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Pasquali and Carl Mesters, retired chief scientist for chemistry and catalysis at Shell, discuss how to transition from burning hydrocarbons to splitting them.

Pasquali said the technology already exists to both split hydrocarbons and make solid carbon materials for broad industry adoption. He has studied carbon nanotubes for almost two decades and pioneered methods for spinning the nanomaterials into sewable, threadlike fibers that conduct electricity as well as copper.

"The know-how is there," Pasquali said. "We can make nanotube fibers and composites that outperform metals, but we need to scale manufacturing processes efficiently so these materials can compete with metals on price. If high-performance carbon materials were plentiful enough to compete with metals in terms of price, market forces would take over and we could eliminate metals that today require 12% of our annual global energy budget to mine, process and refine."

In the PNAS paper, Pasquali and Mesters say the transition to a world where hydrocarbons are split rather than burned "will generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs, most of which will stay at the local level where oil and gas are already established." They say no single government or coalition of governments can bring about the transition. Instead, they argue corporate leaders, philanthropists, government officials, scientists and others have incentives to bring about the transition and should work together to make it happen.

"We're in a position similar to solar energy a few decades ago: We know we can deliver performance, but manufacturing and scale have to improve to drive costs down," Pasquali said. "We must get there faster than solar did."

The Carbon Hub launched in December 2019 with a $10 million commitment from Shell and support from the Prysmian Group and Mitsubishi Corp. (Americas). It works with industry partners to fund and direct basic science and engineering for technologies that split hydrocarbons to make both clean hydrogen energy and valuable carbon materials.

Explore further Carbon nanospike catalyst splits water, carbon dioxide and recombines atoms into heavier nanocarbons

More information: Matteo Pasquali et al, Opinion: We can use carbon to decarbonizeand get hydrogen for free, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Matteo Pasquali et al, Opinion: We can use carbon to decarbonizeand get hydrogen for free,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112089118
Listeria, shown here in Martin Wiedmanns laboratory, will be easier to trace in food recalls, thanks to a new genomic and geological mapping tool developed by a group led by Jingqiu Liao, Ph.D. 20. Credit: Cornell University

Among the deadliest of foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes soon may become easier to track down in food recalls and other investigations, thanks to a new genomic and geological mapping tool created by Cornell food scientists.

The national atlas will tell scientists where listeria and other related species reside within the contiguous United States, which could help them trace and pinpoint sources of listeria found in ingredients, food processing facilities and finished products, according to research published July 15 in Nature Microbiology.

"As we're trying to figure out the risk of getting listeria from soil and different locations, our group created a more systematic way of assessing how frequently different listeria are found in different locations," said senior author Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D. '97, the Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety and Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "We've studied listeria in places as diverse as New York, Colorado and California, but before this atlas, [it] was difficult to make comparisons and assess listeria diversity in different locations."

Listeria mononcytogenes in foods can make people extremely sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year 1,600 people in the U.S. get listeriosis; of those, about 260 die.

Knowing that listeria occurs naturally in soil, the Cornell group asked hundreds of other scientists across the country to scoop up soil samples from generally undisturbed places in the natural world, such as the off-trail areas of state and national parks.

From these samples, the group developed a nationwide atlas of 1,854 listeria isolates, representing 594 strains and 12 families of the bacteria called phylogroups.

Lead author Jingqiu Liao, Ph.D. '20, who worked in Wiedmann's laboratory as a graduate student, is now a post-doctoral researcher at Columbia University. She had supplemented the research by acquiring soil samples in her own travels and found listeria present across a wide range of environmental circumstances. This bacterium is controlled mainly by soil moisture, salinity concentrations and molybdenuma trace mineral found in milk, cheese, grains, legumes, leafy vegetables and organ meats.

"The goal of this work was to systematically collect soil samples across the United States," said Liao, "and to capture the true large-scale spatial distribution, genomic diversity and population structure of listeria species in the natural environment.

"With whole genome sequencing and comprehensive population genomics analyses," Liao said, "we provided answers to the ecological and evolutionary drivers of bacterial genome flexibilityan important open question in the field of microbiology."

Liao explained that this work can serve as a reference for future population genomics studies and will likely benefit the food industry by locating listeria contaminations that may have a natural origin.

If listeria is found in a processing facility in the western U.S., for example, and that facility had used ingredients from a distant state, Wiedmann said, "knowing the genomic information of listeria isolates and their possible locations across the U.S., we can better narrow the origins to a specific region. You can use this information almost like a traceback. It's not always proof, but it leads you to evidence."

Explore further Scientists discover five new species of listeria, improving food safety

More information: Jingqiu Liao et al, Nationwide genomic atlas of soil-dwelling Listeria reveals effects of selection and population ecology on pangenome evolution, Nature Microbiology (2021). Journal information: Nature Microbiology Jingqiu Liao et al, Nationwide genomic atlas of soil-dwelling Listeria reveals effects of selection and population ecology on pangenome evolution,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00935-7
Flames near houses as a fire spreads in the village of Afidnes, some 30 kilometres north of Athens.

Greece's raging fires claimed their first victim on Friday after a punishing week-long heatwave, while neighbouring Turkey came under rising pressure over its handling of its own devastating wildfires.

Greece and Turkey have been fighting blaze upon blaze over the past week, hit by the region's worst heatwave in decades, a disaster that officials and experts have linked to increasingly frequent and intense weather events caused by climate change.

A UN draft report seen by AFP has warned that the Mediterranean region, which it called a "climate change hotspot," will be hit by fiercer heatwaves, droughts and fires supercharged by rising temperatures.

On Friday, a 38-year-old man from Ippokrateio, a town north of Athens hit by giant flames, died in hospital after being hit by a falling electric pole as he was riding a moped, the health ministry said, the first victim of the fires in Greece.

In Turkey, some eight people have been killed and dozens more hospitalised.

'Powder keg'

"Our country is facing an extremely critical situation," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said late Thursday, putting six out of 13 regions in the country under high alert.

"We're facing unprecedented conditions after several days of heatwave have turned the country into a powder keg."

A person watches a fire fighter dousing flames from the top of a truck as a fire spreads around the village of Afidnes, some 30 kilometres north of Athens.

North of Athens, a fierce blaze ate through vast areas of pine forest, forcing yet more evacuations of villages overnight and blowing thick, choking smoke all over the Greek capital.

In the small town of Afidnes, 30 kilometres north of the capital (12 miles), firefighters were seen standing on their truck in the dead of night, dousing flames that leapt high above them.

In the morning, the fires had made way for desolationburnt cars, trees, and houses destroyed.

In nearby Krioneri, the fire scorched homes, businesses and factories.

"The fire in uncontrollable," said resident Vassiliki Papapanagiotis. "I don't want to leave, my whole life is here."

Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country has been shut down as a precaution.

Foreign help

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said that out of 99 fires reported on Thursday, 56 were still active.

Techniques for fighting wildfires.

At least 450 Greek firefighters were fighting the blaze.

Around 82 French firefightersboth military and civilianarrived on Thursday evening, a French official said.

France was also due to send two water-bombing planes, as was Sweden, while Romania was to dispatch 112 firefighters and 23 vehicles and Switzerland three helicopters, a spokesman for the Greek firefighters told AFP.

Israel, too, is planning to send back-up.

In neighbouring Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has come under withering criticism for being slow or unwilling to accept some offers of foreign assistance after revealing that Turkey had no functioning firefighting planes.

According to the presidency, 208 fires have flared up since July 28, and 12 were still ablaze on Friday.

More evacuations took place on Friday in five Turkish provinces, including tourist hotspots Antalya and Mugla, according to NTV.

Smoke hovers above a railway as a fire spreads in the village of Afidnes, some 30 kilometres north of Athens.

'Treachery'

The Turkish government is also facing pressure after the opposition referred to a report which showed only a fraction of the budget for forest fire prevention had been spent.

The General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) spent only 1.75 percent of nearly 200 million Turkish lira ($23 million) allocated for forest fires in the first six months of 2021, main opposition party MP Murat Emir said, referring to numbers apparently from the state agency's own report, which he submitted in a parliamentary question.

"This is a situation that one could go as far as to describe as treachery," he told AFP.

Events like these will become even worse, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in a draft report due out next year seen by AFP.

The draft predicts that temperatures across the Mediterranean are likely to rise faster than the global average in the decades to come.

A dead animal lies amongst burnt trees on a hillside on Evia Island.

Villagers were evacuated by sea by Turkish coastguards after a deadly wildfire engulfed the outer edges of the 35-year-old Kemerkoy thermal power plant storing thousands of tonnes of coal.

A man pushes a bike along a road in the vicinity of a forest fire close to the Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant in northen Turkey.

"Every heatwave occurring today is made more likely and more intense by human-caused climate change," Friederike Otto, associate director at the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute, told AFP.

Extreme heat is the most pressing threat facing the Mediterranean region as heatwaves "are by far the deadliest extreme events in Europe," he said.

"Climate change is forcing Mediterranean landscapes into a flammable state more regularly by drying out vegetation and priming it to burn," said Matthew Jones, research fellow at the University of East Anglia's Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Explore further Thick smoke over Athens as suburbs battle wildfires

 2021 AFP
Credit: Tinnakorn jorruang / shutterstock

There is a national incarceration crisis impacting First Nations women in Australia.

First Nations women are the fastest-growing prison population, constituting 37% of the female prison population, despite making up only 2% of Australia's total population. The daily average number of women in full-time custody in the 2021 March quarter was 3,302, of whom 1,247 were First Nations women.

First Nations women in Australia are also imprisoned at more than 20 times the rate of non-Indigenous women.

The incarceration of First Nations women is interwoven with the experience of domestic, family, sexual and other forms of violence against women. A high number of First Nations women spend time in custody unsentenced for domestic violence incidents that would never result in a custodial sentence.

Thirty years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Report, prominent cases continue to draw attention to the wrongful imprisonment of First Nations women:

the case of Jody Gore, who after experiencing decades of abuse, killed her former partner and was found guilty in 2016 and sentenced to life behind bars.

Ms Dhu, who was detained after calling for help during a domestic violence incident in 2014, only to be detained for unpaid fines. She subsequently died in police custody from septicaemia caused by a previous domestic violence injury.

Ava, who called police because she feared for her safety after a fight with her son in 2020. She was misidentified by police as the primary aggressor and spent five weeks in custody.

These cases draw attention to the connection between the multiple forms of violence First Nations women experience, and incarceration.

Links with domestic violence

Up to 90% of women in prison have experienced domestic and family violence. Most First Nations women in prison report experiencing multiple forms of violence at different times in their life.

Some had witnessed and experienced family violence as children and gone on to experience sexual assault, social isolation and physical intimate partner violence as young people and adults.

Trauma from these experiences contributes to other risk factors for incarceration, such as poor mental health, substance misuse, unemployment and low education. These factors disproportionately affect First Nations women and are linked to their own offending.

Twenty years ago, a report by the NSW Aboriginal Justice Council found that at least 80% of First Nations women linked previous abuse to their offending. This report revealed sexual abuse was "a central feature of pathways into offending."

Domestic and family violence is also driving the incarceration of First Nations women through misidentification by police and other authorities.

Often, women who have experienced long-term abuse from an intimate partner are misidentified as the primary abuser and/or are named as the respondent in domestic violence orders. A domestic violence order sets out rules that must be obeyed by the respondentthe person who committed domestic violenceto protect the person listed as the aggrieved.

Women who have used retaliatory or pre-emptive violence in response to abuse or to protect themselves also come into contact with the criminal legal system. First Nations women are also more likely to encounter structural racism in their interactions with the criminal legal system.

First Nations women misidentified as perpetrators of violence

Misidentification can have disastrous and devastating consequences for women. Research has found that almost half of the women murdered by an intimate partner in Queensland had formerly been misidentified by police as a domestic violence perpetrator.

Alarmingly, in nearly all of the domestic and family violence-related deaths of Aboriginal people, the deceased person had been recorded as both a respondent and an aggrieved party in domestic violence orders.

Not only is the misidentification of First Nations women as the primary domestic violence abuser driving incarceration rates, it is costing women their lives. Not only are they not protected, they are being killed, and when they try to protect themselves, they are jailed.

Behind the increasing incarceration rates lies a serious crisis with many Indigenous policy considerations, such as the experiences of trauma, sexual and emotional abuse, and family and intimate partner violence.

We haven't even addressed mental health issues, homelessness and entrenched social and economic disadvantage among incarcerated First Nations women. Or how, ten years ago, Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed 67% of all First Nations women in prison had been incarcerated before, compared with fewer than half of non-Indigenous women.

The data also showed more than 80% of First Nations women in prison were mothers.

What needs to happen

Community-led, trauma-informed preventative support programs for First Nations women are desperately needed. This would include significant investment in community-based services and housing for vulnerable First Nations women at risk of becoming involved in the criminal legal system.

Systemic change is needed to divert women from entering prison by addressing the way the police and criminal legal system identify primary domestic violence abusers and respond to domestic, family, and sexual violence.

Ultimately, addressing violence against women requires long-term commitment to create social and cultural change through the promotion of gender and racial equality.

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: Photo by Pedro Szekely. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike CC BY-SA 2.0

Machu Picchu, the famous 15th-century Inca site in southern Peru, is up to several decades older than previously thought, according to a new study led by Yale archaeologist Richard Burger.

Burger and researchers from several U.S. institutions used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS)an advanced form of radiocarbon datingto date human remains recovered during the early 20th century at the monumental complex and onetime country estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti located on the eastern face of the Andes Mountains.

Their findings, published in the journal Antiquity, reveal that Machu Picchu was in use from about A.D. 1420 to A.D. 1530ending around the time of the Spanish conquestmaking the site at least 20 years older than the accepted historical record suggests and raising questions about our understanding of Inca chronology.

Historical sources dating from the Spanish invasion of the Inca Empire indicate that Pachacuti seized power in A.D. 1438 and subsequently conquered the lower Urubamba Valley where Machu Picchu is located. Based on those records, scholars have estimated that the site was built after A.D. 1440, and perhaps as late as A.D. 1450, depending on how long it took Pachacuti to subdue the region and construct the stone palace.

The AMS testing indicates that the historical timeline is inaccurate.

"Until now, estimates of Machu Picchu's antiquity and the length of its occupation were based on contradictory historical accounts written by Spaniards in the period following the Spanish conquest," said Burger, the Charles J. MacCurdy Professor of Anthropology in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "This is the first study based on scientific evidence to provide an estimate for the founding of Machu Picchu and the length of its occupation, giving us a clearer picture of the site's origins and history."

The finding suggests that Pachacuti, whose reign set the Inca on the path to becoming pre-Columbian America's largest and most powerful empire, gained power and began his conquests decades earlier than textual sources indicate. As such, it has implications for people's wider understanding of Inca history, Burger said.

"The results suggest that the discussion of the development of the Inca empire based primarily on colonial records needs revision," he said. "Modern radiocarbon methods provide a better foundation than the historical records for understanding Inca chronology."

The AMS technique can date bones and teeth that contain even small amounts of organic material, expanding the pool of remains suitable for scientific analysis. For this study, the researchers used it to analyze human samples from 26 individuals that were recovered from four cemeteries at Machu Picchu in 1912 during excavations led by Yale professor Hiram Bingham III, who had "rediscovered" the site the previous year.

The bones and teeth used in the analysis likely belonged to retainers, or attendants, who were assigned to the royal estate, the study states. The remains show little evidence of involvement in heavy physical labor, such as construction, meaning that they likely were from the period when the site functioned as a country palace, not when it was being built, the researchers said.

Explore further Using ancient DNA, researchers unravel the mystery of Machu Picchu

More information: Richard L. Burger et al, New AMS dates for Machu Picchu: results and implications, Antiquity (2021). Journal information: Antiquity Richard L. Burger et al, New AMS dates for Machu Picchu: results and implications,(2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.99
1,3-butadiene produced from bacteria. Credit: Yokohama Rubber

The future environmental footprint of the tire industry could be substantially shrunk thanks to a new ecofriendly way found by four RIKEN researchers that harnesses bacteria to make a chemical used in synthetic rubber.

Each year, factories around the world churn out more than 12 million metric tons of the organic chemical 1,3-butadiene, which is used in tires, adhesives, sealants and other plastic and rubber products. They produce it by an energy-intensive process that relies on petroleum, which contributes to climate change.

Scientists have tried for many years to create 1,3-butadiene from more environmentally friendly starting materials by using specially designed microbes. But no one had previously succeeded in transforming a simple sugar such as glucose into the chemical in one easy step.

Now, by engineering bacteria to convert glucose into 1,3-butadiene, Yutaro Mori and his three co-workers, all at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, have devised a sustainable approach to rubber and plastic production.

"We constructed a novel artificial metabolic pathway and produced 1,3-butadiene directly from a renewable sourceglucose," says Mori.

The RIKEN team succeeded in this long-sought goal by focusing on two parts of the biomanufacturing process. They first engineered a bacterial enzyme that could convert a biological compound that can be developed from glucose into 1,3-butadiene (Fig. 1). The researchers then modified a strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli to use this enzyme and produce the chemical. Since 1,3-butadiene is a gas at room temperature, it can be easily captured as the bacteria continue to divide and grow.

Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science have engineered microbes to convert sugar into a chemical found in synthetic rubber. Credit: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science

The technique still has a little way to go before it is ready for industrial primetime. The RIKEN team managed to synthesize only about 2 grams of 1,3-butadiene per liter of microbial brew. Much larger amounts will be needed for the method to be cost competitive with petroleum-based production.

But with some additional engineering and optimization, Mori believes his team will get there. They are now further tweaking the bacterium's metabolic pathways and enhancing the enzyme's efficiency. In collaboration with the companies Yokohama Rubber and Zeon Corporation, the RIKEN team is also scaling up the protocol to work with larger volumes of microbes.

The researchers are also exploring ways of harnessing the power of microbes to produce other chemicals from renewable resources. "After doing additional research into enzyme engineering and metabolic engineering, I hope we will be able to make a substantial contribution to realizing a low-carbon society and a sustainable bioeconomy in the not-so-distant future," says Mori.

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More information: Yutaro Mori et al, Direct 1,3-butadiene biosynthesis in Escherichia coli via a tailored ferulic acid decarboxylase mutant, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Yutaro Mori et al, Direct 1,3-butadiene biosynthesis in Escherichia coli via a tailored ferulic acid decarboxylase mutant,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22504-6
Infrared view of Jupiters icy moon Ganymede was obtained by the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument aboard NASAs Juno spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/ASI/INAF/JIRAM

The spacecraft used its infrared instrument during recent flybys of Jupiter's mammoth moon to create this latest map, which comes out a decade after Juno's launch.

The science team for NASA's Juno spacecraft has produced a new infrared map of the mammoth Jovian moon Ganymede, combining data from three flybys, including its latest approach on July 20. These observations by the spacecraft's Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument, which "sees" in infrared light not visible to the human eye, provide new information on Ganymede's icy shell and the composition of the ocean of liquid water beneath.

JIRAM was designed to capture the infrared light emerging from deep inside Jupiter, probing the weather layer down to 30 to 45 miles (50 to 70 kilometers) below Jupiter's cloud tops. But the instrument can also be used to study the moons Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto (known collectively as the Galilean moons in honor of their discoverer, Galileo).

"Ganymede is larger than the planet Mercury, but just about everything we explore on this mission to Jupiter is on a monumental scale," said Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. "The infrared and other data collected by Juno during the flyby contain fundamental clues for understanding the evolution of Jupiter's 79 moons from the time of their formation to today."

Juno came within 31,136 miles (50,109 kilometers) of Ganymede, the solar system's largest moon, on July 20, 2021. During earlier flybys on June 7, 2021, and Dec. 26, 2019, the solar-powered orbiter came within 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) and 62,000 miles (100,000 kilometers), respectively. The three observational geometries provided an opportunity for JIRAM to see the moon's north polar region for the first time, as well as compare the diversity in composition between the low and high latitudes.

Ganymede is also the only moon in the solar system with its own magnetic field. On Earth, the magnetic field provides a pathway for plasma (charged particles) from the Sun to enter our atmosphere and create auroras. Because Ganymede has no atmosphere to impede their progress, the surface at its poles is constantly being bombarded by plasma from Jupiter's gigantic magnetosphere. The bombardment has a dramatic effect on Ganymede's ice.

Annotated map of Ganymede. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/ASI/INAF/JIRAM/USGS

"We found Ganymede's high latitudes dominated by water ice, with fine grain size, which is the result of the intense bombardment of charged particles," said Alessandro Mura, a Juno co-investigator from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome. "Conversely, low latitudes are shielded by the moon's magnetic field and contain more of its original chemical composition, most notably of non-water-ice constituents such as salts and organics. It is extremely important to characterize the unique properties of these icy regions to better understand the space-weathering processes that the surface undergoes."

Juno's unique polar views and closeups of Ganymede build on observations by NASA's previous explorers, among them Voyager, Galileo, New Horizons, and Cassini. Future missions with Ganymede in their travel plans include the ESA (European Space Agency) JUICE mission, which will explore the icy Galilean moons with an emphasis on Ganymede, and NASA's Europa Clipper, which will focus on Ganymede's neighboring ocean world Europa.

10 years an explorer

Juno lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Aug. 5, 2011, at 9:25 a.m. PDT (12:25 p.m. EDT). After a five-year, 1,740-million-mile (2,800-million-kilometer) journey, it arrived at Jupiter on July 4, 2016.

"Since launch, Juno has executed over 2 million commands, orbited Jupiter 35 times, and collected about three terabits of science data," said Project Manager Ed Hirst of JPL. "We are thrilled by our ongoing exploration of Jupiter, and there is much more to come. We have started our extended mission and look forward to 42 additional orbits to explore the Jovian system."

Juno's extended mission, which tasks the spacecraft with continuing its investigations through September 2025, includes close passes of Jupiter's north polar cyclones, flybys of the moons Europa and Io (along with Ganymede), as well as the first exploration of the faint rings encircling the planet. It will also expand on discoveries Juno has already made about Jupiter's interior structure, internal magnetic field, atmosphere (including polar cyclones, deep atmosphere, and aurora), and magnetosphere.

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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

New analysis of two recently translated papers, first published in the 1850s, assesses the early methods used by Alfred Clebsch to describe the flow of incompressible fluids, and explores their impact on active areas of cutting-edge research

Alfred Clebsch is widely considered to be one of the fathers of algebraic geometry. Born in Prussia in 1833, he completed his Ph.D. at just 21, and went on to publish two important papers soon afterwards, in 1857 and 1859. In these studies, he introduced mathematical constructs that are now called 'Clebsch variables,' which describe the velocity field of a fluid, and which are widely cited. Now, a team of researchers in France, Germany, the US and Brazil present the first English translations of Clebsch's two early papers after more than 160 years. In an accompanying study published in EPJ H, important new explanations are provided for the difficult language of the papers.

When translating any scientific work, it is often difficult to decide whether the author's original language should be recreated as faithfully as possible, or whether the translation should be made as accessible as possible to readers in the new language. This challenge was especially pronounced in the case of Clebsch's two early papers: his 1857 paper was twice as long as the 1859 study, and extremely difficult to understand. With expert guidance from Wolf Beiglbock of Heidelberg University, founder and former chief editor of EPJ H, these challenges have now been addressed by Uriel Frisch at the Cote d'Azur Observatory in Nice; David Delphenich, an independent researcher in Spring Valley, Ohio; and Gerard Grimberg at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

The comments on the translations were written by Gerard Grimberg and Emanuele Tassi at the Cote d'Azur Observatory, after consultation with Uriel Frisch. On the one hand, it was essential for the authors of the translations to understand Clebsch's exceptionally novel goals. These included N-dimensional formulations, which he used long before the mathematics of N-dimensional vector spaces were introduced; as well as a variational formulation similar to those used in modern research.

On the other hand, it was crucial for the authors to understand the historical context of Clebsch's work. In fact, this started in the first half of the nineteenth century with the work of the German mathematician Carl Jacobi, which had a great influence on the early phase of Clebsch's scientific activity. Through his calculations, Jacobi made vital contributions to the mathematics of differential equationswhich relate functions representing physical quantities to their rate of change.

It is important to realize that the hydrodynamical work of Clebsch is only starting to become well-known outside of Germany. In Clebsch's time, other German scientists such as Hermann von Helmholtz were far more well known in Britain, and so his work was never prioritized for translation into English at the time. A renewed interest emerged over a century later in the 1960s, where several studies connected his mathematics with the latest theories of fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and magnetohydrodynamicswhich studies the magnetic behaviors of electrically conducting fluids.

Since the 1980s, countless related studies have based their mathematical techniques on the variables first introduced by Clebsch. These two translations and the comments now provide fresh new insights into work which continues to influence many ongoing areas of research relating to fluid dynamics. Altogether, the team's efforts culminated in four years of work, making it a substantial project in the 11-year history of EPJ H. The results of their work provide a modern perspective on Clebsch's early papers, which despite their clear relevance to modern fluid dynamics research, have been widely overlooked so far.

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More information: Grimberg, G. et al, Comment on Clebsch's 1857 and 1859 papers on using Hamiltonian methods in hydrodynamics. EPJ H (2021). Grimberg, G. et al, Comment on Clebsch's 1857 and 1859 papers on using Hamiltonian methods in hydrodynamics.(2021). DOI: 10.1140/epjh/s13129-021-00014-9 Clebsch, A., On a general transformation of the hydrodynamical equations. EPJ H (2021). DOI: 10.1140/epjh/s13129-021-00015-8 Clebsch, A., On the integration of the hydrodynamical equations.EPJ H (2021). DOI: 10.1140/epjh/s13129-021-00016-7
In the battle to save moose from winter ticks, fungi on small grains of millet could be the ultimate weapon. Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the University of Vermont recently produced granular formulations of insect-killing fungi and successfully tested their efficacy against winter tick larvae under laboratory conditions. The team reported their findings in Biocontrol Science and Technology.

"There is a critical need to develop effective, high-quality, fungal-based biopesticides for use against ticks," said Dr. Margaret Skinner, Research Professor at the University of Vermont's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Winter ticks kill too many moose, our icon of the north woods. But right now, the only management strategy we have to lessen the tick burden is through host reductionkilling moose to decrease ticks' food source."

Winter ticks have a one-year life cycle. After they hatch from their eggs over the summer, they cluster on the ground, waiting for the fall to attach to hosts. This is when the ticks are most vulnerable to threats, including insect-killing fungi that occur in the soil of moose habitats. The fungi do not naturally occur in high enough concentrations to eliminate large numbers of ticks.

A commercially available, fungal-based biopesticide was available for ticks, using the fungus Metarhizium brunneum. Skinner's team theorized that a product with smaller particles would have a better chance of filtering down into leaf litter in higher amounts, increasing the chances that ticks would come in contact with its infective spores.

The researchers formulated their own prototype products using M. brunneum, as well as three similar fungi from California, South Korea and Vermont, all grown on millet grains.

The team tested the formulations' efficacy on roughly 1,000 winter tick larvae hatched from wild-collected females. The larvae were divided into five groups, one for each formulation and an unexposed control group. The ticks lived in cups full of sand to replicate their natural habitat and researchers sprinkled the granules in them at two different rates.

The team found that 53%-98% of the ticks were killed by the formulations after nine weeks, with no significant difference between the two application rates.

"These results are really significant because they provide proof of concept for a management strategy that could be both safe and effective," said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. "Ticks have plagued moose for well over a century and are a burden for many other species. We need to do what we can to protect them."

Skinner said her team's next steps are to identify specific areas of moose habitats with high winter tick concentrations. Then her team can conduct field trials of their products.

Winter ticks are causing significant moose population declines in North America. In Vermont, on average, 47,000 ticks can be found on a single moose. A recent Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department study of collared moose concluded that winter ticks were the main cause in 74% of all mortalities and 91% of winter calf mortalities. While the Department believes the state's moose population is "relatively stable at around 3,000 animals," this is down from an estimated 4,800 animals in 2005.

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More information: Cheryl Frank Sullivan et al, Effectiveness of granular formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on off-host larvae of Dermacentor albipictus (Acari: Ixodidae), Biocontrol Science and Technology (2021). Cheryl Frank Sullivan et al, Effectiveness of granular formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on off-host larvae of Dermacentor albipictus (Acari: Ixodidae),(2021). DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2021.1926428

Provided by Morris Animal Foundation
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, HEC Montreal, and University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that performs a meta-analysis of extant research on social norms to establish several new empirical generalizations.

The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "The Influence of Social Norms on Consumer Behavior: A Meta-Analysis" and is authored by Vladimir Melnyk, Francois A. Carrillat, and Valentyna Melnyk.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in several new behaviors that health experts want to discourage, such as reusing the same mask, because they are detrimental to society. The good news is that social norms, which consists in communicating what others do (e.g., "2/3 of people avoid reusing the same mask") or what one should do (e.g., "not reusing the same mask is essential"), are most useful to prevent people from adopting these behaviors. Defined by researchers as "rules and standards that are understood by members of a group, and that guide and/or constrain social behavior without the force of laws," social norms influence various forms of everyday consumption, including food choices, responses to new products, and loyalty.

For example, signs in a hotel stating that other hotel guests reuse their towels increase towel reuse. Social norms are often leveraged by marketers and policy makers to encourage various socially approved behaviors, such as conserving energy, complying with product recalls, and making tax payments. They are also used to discourage socially disapproved behaviors, such as polluting the environment, smoking, and excessive alcohol or drug use. In this study, the researchers specify the effects of social norms for a broad spectrum of consumer behaviors and detail how practitioners and government officials can utilize actionable moderators, such as using appropriate communication elements for certain behaviors, countries, and consumers. This should improve the success of such policies and recommendations, which has been mixed to date. They also uncover how cultural differences can determine the effects of social norms on both socially approved and disapproved behaviors.

Communication strategies for marketers

The content of communications should feature descriptive rather than injunctive forms of social norms, (i.e., describe what (most) people actually do rather than what they should do). Vladimir Melnyk adds that "We also recommend that marketers avoid specifying explicit sanctions and rewards associated with social norms. Instead, strategies that highlight benefits to others or to consumer freedom, for example a communication with a postscript that says "it's your decision," may mitigate resistance and thus be more effective at inducing the target behavior."

Practitioners might worry about highlighting a specific organization when communicating about social norms, but the results suggest that referring to a specific firm, governmental body, or NGO can make communications about social norms more influential. Social norms are also more powerful when they cite people who are perceived as close to the target consumers. In contrast, the results indicate that references to authority figures does not enhance the influence of social norms on consumer behavior.

When communicating norms, marketers can acknowledge the monetary costs associated with the targeted behaviors. Francois Carrillat explains that "Although a financial barrier, monetary costs seem to also increase the desirability of the behavior, so social norms can be particularly effective for promoting costly behaviors like donations or buying (more expensive) organic food. Furthermore, social norms are equally effective irrespective of required effort and the time investment in complying."

Cultural differences between countries

The impact of social norms on socially disapproved behaviors varies significantly depending on the country of implementation, but it is stable across countries for socially approved behaviors. Social norms have weaker influences on socially disapproved behaviors in countries where religion is less important, that value variety and self-expression, and where people are freer to make choices for themselves (i.e., most Western countries).

These findings have important public health implications when group behavior is essential. To encourage mask wearing in most Western countries, for example, public officials should communicate that wearing a mask is a socially approved behavior that others close to them adopt. In most developing countries, the communications should highlight that not wearing a mask is socially disapproved.

"These findings offer insights for marketers and public policy makers by identifying effective, and some commonly used but ineffective, strategies for enhancing the impact of social norms on consumer behavior," says Valentyna Melnyk. The results also suggest that the influence of social norms can prompt private acceptance. Thus, this research can assist marketers and policymakers to leverage social norms to encourage both private and public behaviors.

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More information: Vladimir Melnyk et al, EXPRESS: The Influence of Social Norms on Consumer Behavior: A Meta-Analysis, Journal of Marketing (2021). Journal information: Journal of Marketing Vladimir Melnyk et al, EXPRESS: The Influence of Social Norms on Consumer Behavior: A Meta-Analysis,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/00222429211029199
Peridotite is one of the most common rocks found in undersea fault zones. This image shows, at top, fresh peridotite along with a microscopic view of the mineral; and, at bottom, peridotite that has been altered from seawater that infiltrated deep within the fault. Credit: University of Delaware

Earthquakes shake and rattle the world every day. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated the number of earthquakes at some half a million a year, with some 100,000 that can be felt, and about 100 that cause damage. Some of these powerful temblors have devastated nations, cutting short thousands of lives and costing billions of dollars for economic recovery.

When will the next big earthquake occur? Answering that question has teams of scientists monitoring areas such as California's San Andreas Fault and Turkey's North Anatolian Fault. But these seismically active areas on land, at the boundaries of tectonic plates, are not the only places of intense study. Jessica Warren, associate professor of geological sciences at the University of Delaware, is exploring the middle of the ocean where earthquakes with a magnitude 6 on the Richter scale routinely occur, and what she is finding may help scientists predict earthquakes on land.

UDaily connected with Warren to learn more about her most recent study, which published in Nature Geoscience on Aug. 5, 2021.

How did you get started on this research?

Warren: This work grew out of a previous study with seafloor rocks and involved my colleagues Arjun Kohli, who is now a research scientist at Stanford University, Monica Wolfson-Schwehr, who is now a research assistant professor at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, and Cecile Prigent, a former postdoc in my group who is now a professor at the University of Paris. This interesting group of people had all different areas of expertise to bring to the project. The National Science Foundation provided funding support.

What kinds of rocks did you study and how did you get them?

Warren: The rocks came from big fault structures underwater that are on par with the San Andreas Fault. It's costly to get them because they are so far out at sea and it takes specialized equipment. At the end of 2019, we were in a research vessel in the Pacific Ocean above one of these faults on the East Pacific Rise, pulling buckets along the seafloor to collect samples. Most of the samples, however, had been sitting around in various collectionssome were collected over 40 years ago from the seafloor.

Could you describe the rocks a bit?

Warren: Underwater ocean ridges are areas of volcanic activity where magma from deep within Earth's crust erupts and then cools and solidifies. The faults that we look at cut across these ocean ridges, creating steps in the ridge system. The top layer of rock on these ridges is basalt, a black, fine-grained rock rich in magnesium and iron, which is underlain by coarser-grained gabbro, and below it is peridotite, which is often dark green due to the quantity of the mineral olivineanother name for the gemstone peridotthat it contains.

As you go deeper, rocks in the crust actually flow, like glaciers flow. This occurs at 4 miles deep in the Pacific Ocean floor, and 10 miles deep in the seafloor of the Atlantic Ocean, which is colder. The rocks you see in the fault at that point are mylonitesthey are dark gray, stretched-out, deformed rockssome call them Silly Putty. They can flow much faster than the normal rocks because they are super fine-grained (atoms in the rock move around faster when the grains are smaller). They are absolutely beautiful rocks!

Jessica Warren aboard the research vessel Atlantis in the Pacific Ocean. Credit: University of Delaware

What do the rocks tell you about earthquakes?

Warren: The big finding we have made is that these faults, or cracks, have a lot of seawater going down into them very deepmore than 10 miles below the seafloor, which is very deep. When water gets into the rock, it reacts with it. This seawater infiltration is a weakening force, so the rock can flow almost as fast as it can slip.

Earthquakes are run-away slip events that occur as rocks slide past each other. We found that seawater infiltration causes the crystallization of tiny grains of minerals and these allow the rock to creep along instead of having a run-away slip event.

Could you draw on this finding to stop an earthquake from happening on land?

Warren: There's no way to stop large earthquakes from occurring. But it would improve our ability to predictby understanding the propertieswhat gives us rock creep vs. a sharp slip. There is also a creeping segment of the San Andreas fault. We can't make the rest of the fault like that. But we could better predict how and when these various fault systems are going to fail.

What will happen to the information you've developed, and what's up next?

Warren: You have to know the rock properties to understand what happens in fault zones and earthquakes. We have done modeling work that is more a way to test and extrapolate how rocks deform against each other. We have done a lot of straightforward calculations validating the strength of the rocks. We now need more direct observations of the faults on the seafloor itself. The submersible Alvin would be one of the ideal vehicles for doing this. That would contribute to our understanding of the seismicity of certain patches versus other patches that sort of stop it.

What led you into this work?

Warren: I fell in love with geology through field work in college, and then I fell in love with going to sea to do field work in graduate school. I also love looking at samples in the lab, seeing the textures and uncovering the history of the rock and what it's telling us about the Earth.

Explore further Rock crystals from the deep give microscopic clues to earthquake ground movements

More information: Arjun Kohli et al, Oceanic transform fault seismicity and slip mode influenced by seawater infiltration, Nature Geoscience (2021). Journal information: Nature Geoscience Arjun Kohli et al, Oceanic transform fault seismicity and slip mode influenced by seawater infiltration,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-021-00778-1
The blight of industrial-scale old-growth logging in Alaska is about to end. And it couldnt have happened soon enough. And, in fact, it didnt happen soon enough.

The Biden administration recently announced sweeping protections for Alaskas Tongass National Forest that include the cessation of large-scale old-growth logging. Also, road development will be barred in 9 million acres of the 16.7 million-acre forest.

The protections for this forestland signals a shift for a region that has been felling massive trees for decades. The new rules constitute a reversal of one of former President Donald Trumps biggest public land decisions.

The changes will halt a big source of future carbon emissions and will protect one of the worlds last fairly intact temperate rainforests. In fact, the Tongass is the only national forest where old-growth logging has been undertaken on an industrial scale.

The wood culled from this ancient forest has been used for everything from musical instruments to elegant shingles. The current scale-back of logging goes further than any previous presidents efforts.
Warren County reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, marking the fourth consecutive day the county has recorded new cases in the double digits.

The county recorded one additional recovery, bringing the number of active cases in the county to 86, according to Warren County Health Services.

The county has recorded 55 cases since Sunday.

Three people were hospitalized Thursday, including one person in critical condition. Two others have a moderate illness.

The remaining 83 cases are all suffering from a mild illness, Health Services said.

Three of Thursdays cases involve children too young to be vaccinated. The county has now seen 16 children under the age of 12 test positive for the virus in the last eight days. Most of the cases involve exposures at day care or day camp facilities, Health Services said.

If you or your child experience any symptoms of illness, please do not go to work or elsewhere in public, and please seek a COVID test as soon as possible, the agency said in a statement.

Health officials continue to urge residents to wear face masks when in public regardless of vaccination status, as the highly transmissible delta variant continues to spread.
Plans also call for a separate 2,500-square-foot pharmacy.

The project would replace the nonprofit health networks primary care center located at 100 Broad St. That facility, which also houses an urgent care center, serves around 50,000 patients a year.

A spokeswoman for Hudson Headwaters said the organizations new complex would help meet a growing demand for health care services in the city, and that the organization works tirelessly to be good neighbors.

We take our responsibility of being a good neighbor very seriously. Whether it be building design and landscaping or ongoing property care and upkeep, we take great pride in ensuring that our locations are aesthetically pleasing and that nearby organizations and residents are proud to call Hudson Headwaters their neighbor, Jane Hooper, the spokeswoman, said in an emailed statement.

The Planning Boards unfavorable opinion on the zoning change does not mean the project is off the table.

The Common Council can still approve the request, or Hudson Headwaters can seek the zoning variances needed for the project to advance.
Andrew Cuomo earlier this week signed legislation that replaces the word inmate or inmates with incarcerated individual or incarcerated individuals. The bill passed the state Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support in June.

State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, who sponsored the bill in his chamber, recalled meeting with formerly incarcerated individuals when he was the ranking member on the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee. He said they told him, Im a person. Im not an inmate. Im not a convict. Im not a prisoner.

That education actually led to this moment, Rivera said before the Senate passed the bill in June. I want to thank each and every one of them for educating me on that subject.

On the Vera Institute of Justices Think Justice blog, Erica Bryant wrote in March that convict, felon and inmate are outdated words and harmful to incarcerated individuals. She quotes Jerome Wright, a formerly incarcerated individual who is now an organizer for the #HALTSolitary Campaign in New York. Wright said that after being arrested, the language begins to be totally derogatory, debasing and dehumanizing.
Matt Witten, the novelist featured in a story in Thursdays paper, is is holding a series of talks and readings in the area over the next few weeks.

Witten has written a novel, The Necklace, that was originally inspired by a story he read years ago in The Post-Star, about a woman from Lake Luzerne, Tina Curl, who was raising money so she could drive to South Dakota for the execution of the man who had murdered her daughter.

Following is the information on Wittens local appearances:

* Long Lake, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 10  Authors Night, Hosss Country Store on Main Street, featuring authors who live in the Adirondacks or write about the Adirondacks.

* Lake Luzerne, 7-8 p.m. Aug. 11  Reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Rockwell Falls Public Library on Main Street.

* Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. Aug. 12 virtual event  Book talk with Matt Witten and the Los Angeles Times bestselling author Patricia Smiley at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 7:00 p.m. Virtual event. Find the link on the library website.

* Ballston Spa, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 14  Reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Ballston Spa Public Library on Milton Avenue.
South Glens Falls Superintendent Kristine Orr said her district also has been meeting weekly to discuss plans for the fall.

The goal is to have all students attending classes full-time in person, Orr said.

If we have to do some mitigating strategies to make sure that happens, thats what well do, she said.

Another complication is that Saratoga County  and Warren County as well  are in the substantial transmission zone for the virus.

State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa asked Zucker in a letter to consider his agencys responsibilities to protect the public and provide guidance.

She noted that Public Health Law states that the Department of Health is charged with exercising control over and supervising the abatement of nuisances affecting or likely to affect public health.

Currently, there is no greater nuisance affecting public health and safety than COVID-19. There is an urgent need for timely advice and supervision flowing from the state Department of Health to local and school officials as they navigate these uncertain times, she said in a news release.

The Health Department should not be prevented from carrying out its responsibilities by the circumstances enveloping the Executive Chamber this week, she said, referring to the report that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and calls for his resignation.

Michael Goot covers politics, crime and courts, Warren County, education and business. Reach him at 518-742-3320 or mgoot@poststar.com.

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As far as Im concerned, there are a lot of things that are on table, and what would happen is wed have to see what the committee thinks the articles of impeachment should include, said Judiciary Committee member Phil Steck, a Democrat. It gets complicated and I dont see how were going to do this in a couple of hours.

Lawmakers have yet to agree on key questions, like whether there will be public hearings.

Are the witnesses willing to testify? Judiciary Committee member Tom Abinanti, also a Democrat, said. Do the written documents support what were going to allege? Were almost in the role of a grand jury and the prosecutor. Weve got to decide: is the evidence sufficient and does it in fact constitute an impeachable offense? Its not so easy.

In the meantime, many elected officials in New York are hoping that Cuomo will save the legislature the trouble and resign.

So far, Cuomo has insisted he isn't going anywhere, saying Tuesday he would focus on doing more for New Yorkers, even as other leaders called for his ouster.

I will not be distracted from that job. We have a lot to do, Cuomo said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
We must ask ourselves: Is this the world we want to live in? We need immediate actions for nature before its too late.

The EU bolstered assistance from member states and partners to Greece, sending firefighters, water-dropping planes and helicopters from Cyprus, France, Sweden, Romania and Switzerland. Help from the Netherlands and other EU members was also heading to fire-stricken countries in the region.

In an emergency measure, public access to Greek forests at risk of fire will be limited through Aug. 9.

Greeces Civil Protection Agency said the fire threat across southern Greece would increase further Friday, with windy weather forecast for parts of the country despite an expected slight dip in temperatures that reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) earlier this week. The heat wave was described as Greeces worst since 1987.

Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos said the armed forces would expand their role in fire prevention, with ground patrols, drones, and aircraft over areas vulnerable to wildfires.

Outside Athens, a forest fire that broke out on the northern fringes of the capital Tuesday and damaged or destroyed scores of homes rekindled, triggering fresh evacuations, threatening homes and sending thick smoke over the capital.
Hes going to all the wrong places.

DeSantis needs to summon enough courage to visit hospitals filled with sick patients, not restaurants planted with adoring supporters. He needs to be talking with nurses, doctors and administrators about the crush of COVID patients theyre facing.

He needs to line health-care professionals up behind a podium and invite them to tell stories about treating critically ill patients who wish they had gotten the vaccine that probably would have spared their suffering. About families losing loved ones for no good reason. About the exhaustion health-care workers are feeling.

He needs to publicly and forcefully counter what seems like a bottomless well of ignorance about these miraculous vaccines that so many of his fellow Floridians refuse to take.

This is what we urged him to do  begged him to do  in an editorial two weeks ago.

The governor was having none of it.

After the weeks whirlwind tour of local restaurants, DeSantis took the weekend off, according to his daily schedules. Maybe to watch Olympic athletes set records as Florida was setting its own pandemic records for COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
"Governor Phil Murphy has done it again. His decision to require masks for K-12 students is a bewildering reversal of his position of just a few weeks ago. Let me be clear, I oppose Governor Murphy's mask mandate for students," Ciattarelli said. "The science is clear: nearly all children who contract COVID-19 are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and wearing masks for children is terrible for their social and emotional development. Bottom line, whether a child wears a mask should be decided by parents, not government. If someone wants to have their child wear a mask, they should feel free to do so, but it's not something that should be forced on children, nor should their learning be inhibited in any way. Finally, this feels like the first step towards another Murphy lockdown, which is something our children, businesses, and taxpayers cannot afford or are willing to accept."
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics both released revised recommendations on COVID-19 prevention in school that all students and staff be masked regardless of vaccination status.

"Here in New Jersey we have seen a concerning rise in viral spread, Dr. Jeanne Craft, president of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said Friday during the news conference. The conditions have changed, the risk is higher, especially for children. We need to move forward with an abundance of caution. We have come so far, but we need to continue to rely on scientific evidence and expert advice to keep children, teachers, school staff and communities as safe as possible.

Murphy said he wanted to be clear that this new requirement does not change his previous announcement that schools are to open full time, in person in the fall.

"We remain steadfast in the recognition that our children learn better in a classroom setting tailored for their educations," Murphy said. "There are issues that are and must always remain above politics, and this is one of them. Anyone telling you that we can safely reopen our schools without requiring everyone inside of them to wear a mask is quite simply lying to you. Because we can't."

NJ mandates vaccine at some state, private health facilities TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  Workers at New Jersey's state-run and some private health care faciliti
He had an efficiency apartment. He would invite so many people that he would put tables and chairs in the hallway. He was a character, Mauney said.

Al Thomas, 64, said he and Harvey knew each other for 40 years.

Thomas newspapers were the West Philly Journal and the South Jersey Journal while Harvey published The Atlantic City Times.

He became the president of the National Alliance of Marketing Developers, Thomas said about the Philadelphia chapter.

The late H. Naylor Fitzhugh, who is credited with creating the concept of target marketing, was a mentor to both Thomas and Harvey.

Thomas said he talked to Harvey on Oct. 11, the night before he died. He said he cried for three hours after finding out that Harvey died.

Earl never said anything bad about anybody, Thomas said, adding Harvey used to travel from Philadelphia to Atlantic City to take care of his mother. We are talking about starting a newspaper to continue his legacy.

R&B singer Angela Burton, of Atlantic City, has said Harris knew her since she was a young girl and called her goddaughter. She said Harris never missed one of her singing gigs at Club Harlem or at Historic Gardners Basin.

She said, You stick to singing. Ill stick to dancing, Burton said as she mentioned she helped take care of Harris in her later years. She has been a mother to me all my life. She was my idol. ... When it came to her career, she remembered everything. I love her so much.

Contact Vincent Jackson: 609-272-7202 vjackson@pressofac.com Twitter@ACPressJackson

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I will always love you, baby, said the caption. Im sorry.

Those words, which some found puzzling at the time, in retrospect seem haunting, friends said.

Lichtfuss, 49, was arrested minutes later and charged in the death of his wife, Stefani Carraway, who police say was strangled in the home the couple shared in Voorhees.

Camden County authorities have said little about the crime since announcing murder charges against Lichtfuss.

Efforts to reach relatives of the couple were unsuccessful. But friends and coworkers described Carraway, 38, as caring and kind, a confidant, a cheerleader and a sounding board for those close to her when life seemed most uncertain.

For 17 years, Carraway worked at PetValu, a chain of pet-supply stores that shuttered last year, most recently as a regional manager. Her coworkers coped with the loss by sharing memories of her amid their disbelief she was gone.
The pair of plea deals with federal prosecutors could be a benchmark for dozens of other cases in which Capitol rioters are charged with attacking police.

An attorney for Scott Kevin Fairlamb, a former mixed martial arts fighter who owned Fairlamb Fit gym in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, said prosecutors are seeking a sentencing guideline range of about 3 to 4 years in prison. But the judge isnt bound by that recommendation.

Later on Friday, the same judge in Washington, D.C., ordered Devlyn Thompson to be jailed in Seattle after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer with a baton. Thompson, 28, of Puyallup, Washington, had been free since his participation in the Capitol riot.

The pleas come less than two weeks after a group of police officers testified at a congressional hearing about their harrowing confrontations with the mob of insurrectionists. Five officers who were at the Capitol that day have died, four of them by suicide. The Justice Department has said rioters assaulted about 140 police officers Jan. 6. About 80 of them were U.S. Capitol Police officers, and about 60 were from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Belarus' border protection agency said Friday that it tightened control along its border with Lithuania to prevent Lithuanian authorities from sending migrants back to Belarus.

Lithuania, a member of the European Union, has faced an influx of mostly Iraqi migrants in the past few months. It accused the government of Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko of encouraging the migrant flow in retaliation for the EU sanctions against his country following the diversion of a passenger plane to arrest a dissident journalist aboard.

Meanwhile, another EU member, Poland, also said it was seeing a rising number of Iraqi and Afghan migrants trying to enter from Belarus, in what a government official calls an element in a hybrid war.

In an emotional Facebook post, Lithuanian parliaments human rights ombudsman Vytautas Valentinavicius described Lithuanian border police blocking dozens of migrants from crossing into the country and urging them to get back to Belarus early Friday while the Belarusian border guards fired warning shots into the air to deter them in a tense standoff.

As the situation escalates, Lukashenko ordered defense and security agencies on Thursday to close every meter of the border to keep out immigrants Lithuania sends back into Belarus.
Moreover, any country that gives a damn about the welfare of its people wouldn't force people who wanted out to cross a small ocean in a small boat. If Cuba was a free country, like Marxist Bernie and "the Squad" contend, it would allow its dissatisfied citizens to emigrate to the U.S. or elsewhere via safe ocean-going ships, or by airplane.

And if Mayorkas really fears the dangers of the trip across 90 miles of open-water, why doesn't he, assuming that he is a reasonable man, have a similar fear for the safety of families, women and children making the trek from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Or is a 90-mile voyage across open-water really that much more dangerous than a 1,323 mile trip from Guatemala City to the Texas border? Are women and children really safer traversing deserts in the hands of drug cartels and across Covid-infested lands than they'd be in open boats? At least women and girls traveling in small boats with their families don't get raped.

Now, re-read President Biden's executive order. Is their any exception for "Cubans who show up in small boats?"

Bottom line. You're welcome if you risk your life and pay the drug cartels to bring you 1,500 miles to the U.S. You are not welcome if you risk your life in a small boat to come 90 miles without enriching the drug cartels.

So why are our shores closed to Cubans? I am just cynical enough to believe it is because Cuban refugees have the effrontery to vote Republican. Their experiences in the affairs of life have taught them never again to vote for socialists, Marxists or totalitarians.

John Donald O'Shea, of Moline, is a retired circuit judge and a regular columnist.

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Why would Scott County officials propose more than doubling the size of the 18-bed juvenile detention facility when Iowa already has reached its cap of allowed beds in the state? In a Quad-City Times article, it stated that Iowa code puts a cap on the number of beds at 272, which we've already reached. And six beds in Eldora sit unlicensed because of the state cap. Scott County Supervisor Ken Croken has stood up against building a facility with more beds. Is he the only supervisor that can do math and figure out these beds are not needed?

Three years ago, there was a meeting when this was originally proposed that brought in a panel of speakers pro and con on the matter.

This meeting had a few speakers who cited programs in other areas that had been successful in intervening with a juvenile that was identified as having problems by a teacher or other person, and getting the juvenile and the family counseling and help. This type of program would help the juvenile before he got into the justice system and got a record. This could potentially help the family and the community.

If this program would have been started awhile ago, I cant help but think the area may not have the magnitude of problems that we have now, such as shootings and car thefts.
According to information available through the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, local long-term care vaccination numbers look good for residents.

Over 70% of residents at 17 of a combined 19 reporting facilities are fully vaccinated. Generations of Rock Island reports 53.85% of its residents are vaccinated, while ManorCare on Locust Street in Davenport checked in with 68.8% of residents.

The same is not true for the people entrusted with their care.

Many of the staffs at local facilities aren't vaccinated at rates anywhere near the 70% goal set by the Biden Administration.

While earlier this month Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said "about 60%" of staff in long-term care facilities throughout Iowa are fully vaccinated, data showed staffs at seven of 10 reporting facilities in Scott County have vaccination rates under 60%.

The lowest staff vaccination rates in Scott County were found at Aspire of Pleasant Valley, where 28.1% of the staff has taken the shot, and at Davenport Lutheran Home, which checked in with a 43.9% staff vaccination rate.
A Davenport man was sentenced to three years of supervised probation after pleading guilty to his part in a healthcare insurance fraud scheme, according to a press release from the Iowa insurance division.

Jonathan Adam Schlue used various schemes related to the sale of primary and supplementary health insurance to increase his commission compensation. A Clinton woman, Michelle Roth, was also part of the schemes and has also been sentenced to three years probation. The investigation of Schlue and Roth began in 2019.

Supplemental health insurance policies can be a great product for consumers to fit their needs but they shouldnt be added on without the consumers knowledge, Iowa Insurance Division spokesman Chance McElhaney said in the press release. Its important for consumers to understand what they are purchasing and if Iowans have questions or concerns about products being sold by an insurance agent they can contact the Iowa Insurance Division for assistance.

Both Schlue and Roth are required to pay a civil penalty of $750, and Schlue is also required to pay $2,250 in restitution. They were both originally charged with several insurance fraud related crimes, and both pleaded guilty to fewer charges than they were originally given.
A Virginia man was arrested in connection with a robbery Thursday in Moline.

Shortly after 4 p.m., Moline Police responded to Hy-Vee, 4218 Avenue of the Cities, after a report of a robbery, according to a news release.

A suspect, who was later identified as Mark Robledo, a 23-year-old from Sterling, Virginia, walked into Hy-Vee and demanded an employee give him cash. The suspect fled from the business with a yet to be determined amount of cash in a blue 1997 BMW Z3, the release says.

A few minutes later, a Silvis Police Officer spotted the BMW heading east toward Colona and notified Colona Police, who found the BMW headed eastbound, and tried to stop the car.

The BMW continued and Colona Police pursued it on Route 6, along with the Henry County Sheriffs Office. Coal Valley Police assisted in the pursuit as it passed through their jurisdiction.

The BMW entered Interstate 74 northbound from Route 6, then westbound on Interstate 280. Illinois State Police assisted in the pursuit, which continued onto Route 92 northbound from I-280.

Rock Island Police and the Rock Island County deputies assisted in chasing the BMW on Route 92, where it eventually went north onto Arsenal Island.
She accused Israel of trying to divert world opinion from its crimes and inhumane practices in the region, claiming it has attacked over 10 commercial vessels in less than two years, threatening maritime security and disrupting freedom of navigation.

Israels defense minister threatened on Thursday to use force against Iran, and Ershadi responded Friday saying: "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests.

Central Command said the ship had been targeted by three drones but that the first two were unsuccessful. The investigative team determined that the extensive damage to the Mercer Street ... was the result of a third UAV attack.

It said the drone attack had caused an approximately 6-foot-diameter hole in the pilot house of the vessel and had badly damaged the interior. It said an analysis of the explosive concluded that the drone had been rigged to cause injury and destruction.

Left unsaid in the Central Command report was that the triangle-shaped Delta wing drones used in the Mercer Street attack were also used in 2019 strikes on the heart of the Saudi oil industry, which temporarily halved the kingdoms production and sent markets spiking.
Rabines campaign initially walked back his comments about vaccine-caused deaths, saying the candidate meant to say that more study was needed about the vaccines. But only days later, citing the same reporting system, Rabine said more than 50 people in Illinois had died directly from taking the vaccines.

Rabine also said the FDA had not approved the vaccines and that the deaths they caused would force them to be removed from the market. But he made no distinction that the FDA had given the vaccines emergency use authorization and The New York Times said formal overall approval was expected in the next few weeks.

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Rabine, a millionaire paving company executive, has refused to promote vaccinations and has said he has refused vaccination because he previously had COVID-19, although federal health guidelines say the vaccine is necessary because the duration of resistance to the virus among those who have been previously infected is not yet known.
In the wake of the deaths of five young children in an apartment fire on Friday, Mayor Robert Eastern III summed up the grief felt across the city. "It is very, very devastating," he said.
The appeals court did toss the counts related to his allegedly selling the Senate seat because the jury instructions did not separate legal activity, such as his offer to trade the Senate appointment for a Cabinet seat, from illegal activity, such as Blagojevichs efforts to personally enrich himself through a private payment for the appointment.

In addressing reporters, Blagojevich pointed to larger reasons to push his lawsuit. A supporter of Trump, who was twice impeached by the House but never convicted in the Senate, he has contended that there has been a political weaponizing of prosecutors and the impeachment process.

It also gave him a chance to offer some political payback to his chief nemesis, former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who resigned his governmental post and role as state Democratic chairman after being implicated in a federal bribery investigation involving Commonwealth Edison. Madigan has not been charged with any wrongdoing and has denied knowledge of ComEds scheme to curry his favor.

Blagojevich has always blamed Madigan for his removal from office, going so far as to contend that the former House speaker and the FBI conspired against him. The filing of the suit gave Blagojevich a chance to air his largely disregarded grievances while pointing out that Madigan now finds himself under the lights of the federal government.
Some festival attendees also described crowded trains heading to the event; media reports and photos showed many maskless riders taking public transportation to and from the festival.

Leading up to Lollapalooza, many health experts feared the festival was a setup for a spike in cases, said Dr. Marc Sala, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Northwestern Medicine.

Young people  who have an overall lower vaccination rate  were coming from multiple states, standing shoulder to shoulder, often unmasked, he said.

He added that the highly infectious delta variant of the virus is of particular concern, since data indicates vaccination might not prevent significant viral shedding.

Therefore, I can see the rationale of testing yourself if you went to Lollapalooza, especially if you live or work around people who are not vaccinated or are likely not as well-protected, Sala said. From my perspective, if you were at Lollapalooza, you should be masking and self-quarantining to keep other people safe, vaccinated or not. My take is that if you were at Lollapalooza, you have to assume you were exposed to (the virus) and should behave as such to protect those around you.
Asked Thursday about the matter, Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett said, Anyone can still wear a mask to school. Its just not required. The governor is proud of the laws she signed, and trusts Iowans to do the right thing on behalf of themselves and their family.

The mask debate comes as the COVID-19 delta variant is spreading rapidly in Iowa with more than 3,500 new cases reported in the past week as of Wednesday. That is more than double the number of new cases reported a week ago.

An additional 10 deaths were reported for a total of 6,193 deaths overall. Hospitalizations are rising as are the number of people in intensive care units.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data indicated that 91 of Iowa's 99 counties have either a high or substantial rate of virus spread, a level at which the federal agency recommends masks be worn inside public spaces, even by vaccinated people.

Scientists have concluded that even vaccinated people can carry enough virus to infect others and since children under 12 cannot yet be vaccinated, they are vulnerable to infection in crowded schools.

A spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Education did not immediately respond to a message seeking a comment on behalf of the board.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Still, in certain regions or places where large groups gather, such as a trading floor, you might have to explore something like that, he said.

JPMorgan Chase is one of several large banks that have been eager to get employees back to work in person.

The company said most office employees are back on a part-time basis, and employees who show proof of vaccination are not required to wear a mask. The company has 160,000 employees in the U.S. and about 14,000 in the Chicago area.

In the April letter to shareholders, Dimon said the company expected many employees will work on site full time, some will work in a hybrid model and a small percentage in specific roles may work full time from home. Remote work isnt as effective when employees dont already know each other, and it virtually eliminates spontaneous learning and creativity by limiting interactions with co-workers, clients, customers and employees, he wrote.

Dimon said he isnt worried about having to compete for talent with companies that may be more open to long-term remote work.

I think the chance of it hurting our company is virtually zero, he said.
Gas prices have climbed around 25 cents per gallon in the past week in Rapid City as thousands of bikers and visitors descend upon the Black Hills.

The skyrocketing cost of gasoline, however, didn't seem to phase Tom Fecteau of New Hampshire.

"It's typical of what I'd expect during summer travel season," he said Thursday while pumping gas at a Big D station in Rapid City. "I'm not surprised, not surprised at all."

The average price per gallon in Rapid City is now $3.54 a gallon, according to AAA's website. The average price in South Dakota is $3.16.

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In July, Gov. Kristi Noem issued an executive order to address concerns about looming fuel shortages in western South Dakota.

We are at the height of our tourism season, as well as a busy time for our agriculture industry. Maintaining the supply of fuel is crucial to preventing a disruption of service to two of our states major industries, Noem said in a press release at the time. This 30-day order is meant to ensure a steady supply of fuel is available to our visitors, businesses, farmers, and ranchers in the western part of the state.
It is good for everybodys safety. It is positive for the economy, too,'' French tourist Alexine Prentignac said.

While many find it convenient to flash their Green Pass on a phone, paper certification is acceptable in Italy. The Vatican Museums website cautioned visitors to have an identity document handy so staff could verify actual ownership of the Green Pass. For anyone unwilling or unable to comply, the website offered instructions on how to request a ticket refund.

At Pompeii, one of Italy's most-visited tourist sites, officials teamed up with the city of Naples to offer coronavirus tests during the opening hours of the sprawling park featuring the ancient Roman city's ruins. For now, the tests are being given on an experimental basis, free-of-charge.

During a global emergency like the pandemic, "its the task of those who manage a culture site to reconcile as best as possible the needs of health and public safety with our mission to be an inclusive place, accessible to all, said Pompeii's director general, Gabriel Zuchtriege.

Business owners quickly wove the change into their customer routines. Fabrizio De Falco, the owner of a cafe near St. Peters Basilica with both an outdoor terrace and indoor tables, also regarded it a necessary adjustment during the pandemic.
Moving into operations, Id already been writing grants and that type of thing, and to get an opportunity to engross myself in all the programs of the YMCA was wonderful, she said. Four months later when we went into COVID-19, it was a great opportunity to encourage my team to really dig deep and look for community needs and adapt.

Larson said that while COVID-19 forced some YMCAs throughout the nation to close permanently, she is proud of how the YMCA of Rapid City has met the challenges of the pandemic.

I think the YMCA did an incredibly good job of that, and its because of a great team. When you go to work for the Y, your heart and your passion is making the community better or filling needs the community might have, she said. Ive been very blessed.

Before joining the staff of YMCA of Rapid City, Larson was in private school education for more than 20 years. She has worked as the K-12 curriculum director for St. Thomas More, the St. Thomas More middle school principal, and as a high school math teacher.

Candidates nationwide applied for the YMCA of Rapid Citys CEO position. Larson said she feels very honored and blessed that the board of directors has trusted her to step into the role Gallimore filled for 32 years.
It is time for Palin/Noem

It would appear that you Democrats have given up on the BIDEN/HARRIS administration. I would suppose that the letters 7/21/21 paper have agreed that the present administration has no clue what is happening in the world and thus will be ceremoniously removed from office in 2024. I would suggest that a dictatorship exists when you have two people, (president and vice president) only say what they are told (or read the teleprompter) because they are only puppets of a radical wing of a political party. The Biden/Harris administration has failed even the most rabid letter writers for the Dems in the RC Journal. Their letters today were hilarious. If you can't see the fear of these guys that the Repubs will win in 2024 (and 2022), you're just dreaming. Any team this far removed from reality doesn't stand a chance. So let's stand up and be counted: a Sarah Palin/Kristi Noem ticket would blow them out of the water!

Issues need to be cleared up

I love my country even if I see issues that need to be addressed, and most Americans would likely agree with me. However, some of these issues need to be seen clearly. First, the January 6 attack on the Capital building in D.C. was an attempted coup and those who directed and participated in this violence are not patriots but terrorists. This was an attack against our country, elections, and democracy. Second, Biden won the 2020 presidential election in a fair and almost entirely fraud-free election. Trump speaks the Big Lie. Third, many states have passed new legislation about their elections; this is fine but if these new laws actually reduce voter access or restrict voting rights unfairly then these laws, these actions, work against our democracy. Fourth, Covid is not a hoax. And while people have the right to refuse the vaccine, they do not have the right to then get sick and pass the Covid virus to other people or to give the virus time to mutate. Would we feel the same about sharing the plague, smallpox, or polio? If we want to get past the virus and live normal lives again, most Americans should take the vaccine.
The unique, beautiful terrain of the Black Hills has kept Jerry Allred coming back to South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the last 30 years.

Allred, 80, and his wife, Sandy Backus, 76, who are from Las Vegas, came a week early for the rally and plan to stay for the duration. Allred brought along his son for the first time, who said he will keep coming back the year after that, then the year after that, and the year after that.

We brought him along to see what its all about, Backus said of her husbands son. The rally is a time to enjoy yourself [and] have fun. And everybody is a sweetheart, in Sturgis and Rapid City, [Deadwood], everywhere we go, everybodys nice. Its the hospitality they have for us that keeps them coming back, she added.

Allreds first rally was the 50th anniversary in 1990. He doesnt drink or come to party; he and his wife put the kickstands up after dinner and steer clear of the roads, but during the day, they ride through the Black Hills.
There are also special prizes - a Grandma and Grandpa Award of $10 for a 5-8-year-old and RJ Montana is sponsoring the Home Art Department this year and is giving away two Montana pendant necklaces made by David Rutledge for the grand champion and reserve grand champion. This is in addition to the prize money that comes with winning ribbons.

Stahlecker said people often dont enter because they doubt themselves.

People think my stuff isnt good enough but Ive put stuff in with major mistakes and I still won a prize, she said. I like to put stuff in the fair whether I win or not. It lets people know what kind of handwork is out there. Some of these techniques are lost arts that we want to keep going.

She enjoys seeing every entry, whether or not it wins a prize, because it gives her ideas for creativity.

It is kind of like shopping except youre not buying, Stahlecker said. When you enter, and we have open judging, you learn so much and improve for next time to get a better ribbon. Some people wont enter unless they can win a prize but just do the best you can. I think it is about more than a prize.
I have been occasionally writing letters to the editors. I have deliberately signed them as Col USAF (ret). Some folks say I shouldn't use rank or service. They are wrong! When we leave active duty we regain the right to speak of political issues. We all kept our mouths shut while we served. It was and is proper. But now, no longer in uniform, let's sound off. For example, how do you mustered out Master Sergeants,Warrant Officers and Petty Officers feel about what is going on? You and I , each of us, can be politically partisan as hell and proud of it.

Let me offer and example for your consideration. Senator Tester has done many things to improve the lot of veterans. On the other hand he was a 90% plus supporter of Obama when they destroyed our military capability. They used the national defense budget as a piggy bank. Remember? It was called sequestration. Those 8 years allowed our unfriendly peers like Russia and China to catch up with our capability. We may never regain that lost edge which was the key to deterrence. Now he is part of the current administration which holds national defense as the lowest budget priority. I ask, did he buy your vote?
Virginias rules requiring employers to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace technically still remain in place, though many businesses continue to urge a full repeal.

And Gov. Ralph Northam has proposed that businesses in compliance with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards should be considered compliant with the state rules.

Virginias Safety and Health Codes Board, which adopted the permanent workplace standards in January, is considering amending or repealing the rules.

The board held a public hearing on Thursday about proposed changes but did not take any action. Another meeting is being planned for later this month, though no date has been set.

Several major business and trade groups urged the board to eliminate or change the rules, while two worker advocacy organizations urged keeping them in place or at least ensuring that the rules remain stronger than CDC recommendations. The rules also run counter to the guidance from the CDC and Northams rescission of the emergency order.
Weeks before students are slated to return to in-person learning, the Virginia Department of Health announced Thursday that another person under age 20 has died from the coronavirus. The death is the first in the Eastern Region among children.

The VDH said the agency will not disclose further information out of respect for the patients family, but Thursdays COVID data on statewide deaths showed there were two deaths reported in the Eastern Region, one each in Accomack County and Norfolk. Both were classified as female, but specifics on age group hadnt been updated by time of publication.

The Virginian-Pilot identified the patient as a Norfolk high school student.

Eight people under the age of 20 in Virginia have died since the start of the pandemic. Six were in the 10-to-19 age group. Two of those six resided in Henrico and Chesterfield counties.
After a Goochland County sewer line burst, causing 300,000 gallons of raw sewage to plunge in the water, RVA Paddlesports canceled its trips for a week. The business, which operates whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences on the James River, lost more than $30,000 in revenue, said Patrick Griffin, the companys founder.

Even worse, the sewage leak is scaring customers. One group canceled its trip in the Varina portion of the James River, 35 miles from the leak and nowhere near the portion of the river under a safety advisory. Another family called off its outing a week in advance, deciding not to wait for the all-clear from the Virginia Department of Health, which came Wednesday.

River advocates are concerned about the health of the James, too. In the span of 10 days, sewage entered the river five times. Residents have expressed concern that visitors arent properly notified of when water conditions are poor and that testing performed by the state is slow and intermittent. And these concerns come at a time when Richmond is trying to figure out how to replace an outdated sewer system that frequently overflows in storms, dumping sewage in the water.

There are serious concerns for the public who are trying to go down and enjoy the river, said Jamie Brunkow, James Riverkeeper for the James River Association.
Virginias schools could face significant legal pressure if they dont follow federal recommendations that teachers, students and staff should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said Thursday.

Last weeks change in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  prompted by the delta variants increased coronavirus risk to children younger than 12, who are ineligible to get a vaccine  arrived barely three months after the agency announced that fully vaccinated people wouldnt need to cover their faces at schools or summer camps.

The states school systems are now scrambling in the weeks before students return to in-person learning. But Lane and Gov. Ralph Northam said Thursday that the law is clear: If children are in class learning five days a week, schools must follow the CDCs guidelines.

I dont know that it can be any simpler than that, Northam said. Its the law of the commonwealth of Virginia, and I expect our school districts to follow the law.

The governor and superintendent were referring to a bill passed during the General Assemblys spring session that required in-person learning to be offered, had bipartisan support and is in effect until Aug. 1, 2022.
Erected in 1908, the building is the second-oldest on the campus in Ettrick and has served as a residential facility and now is an academic one. Charles Vawter was rector at VSU and a state legislator after serving in the Confederate army.

VSU renamed Eggleston Hall, a dormitory whose eponym, Joseph Eggleston, was a member of the board of visitors in the early 20th century, for Lucretia Campbell, the first Black female member of the VSU faculty. She lived in Petersburg and graduated from VSU in 1896. After returning to the university, she trained future teachers.

The former Trinkle Hall was renamed for Johnella Jackson, who wrote the music for VSUs alma mater in the 1920s and taught piano at the school. Elbert Lee Trinkle was governor of Virginia from 1922 to 1926 and signed the Racial Integrity Act, which prohibited interracial marriage, and the Virginia Sterilization Act, which forced state hospitals to sterilize people considered mental defectives. The facility that bears Jacksons name is an office building and houses the IT department.

Byrd Hall, a dorm named for Harry F. Byrd Sr., is now Otelia Howard Hall, honoring a Petersburg native who taught English at VSU in the 1920s and 30s. Her father, James Shields, was a member of the colleges first graduating class in 1886.
A water recovery is ongoing at Dutch Gap Boat Landing in Chesterfield County after a man fell into the James River on Friday morning.

Two people were fishing when one man, identified as being in his 70s, fell into the river, said Paige Pearson, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The other person was not hurt.

Chesterfield and Henrico County fire crews were assisting the recovery after receiving a call at 8:39 a.m. Officials said it was unclear what caused the man to fall into the river.

A Henrico diving team used sonar technology to search the James.

At about 8 p.m., the search was suspended for the night, Pearson said. The search will resume Saturday morning and will continue until the man is found.

The Coast Guard and a helicopter were on the scene Friday to assist the rescue, Pearson said. The boat was retrieved and taken back into a Department of Wildlife Resources regional office for investigation.

Officials also said a canine would take part in the search effort on the shoreline and in the water.

The divers were taking precautions due to the condition of the river, wearing hazmat suits and disinfecting themselves after going into the water.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  Dave Severance, the Marine company commander whose troops planted the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, a moment captured in one of the most iconic war photographs in history, has died. He was 102.

Severance died Monday at his home in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Severance's company came ashore in the 10th wave of what eventually would be about 70,000 Marines invading the island, about 660 miles (about 1,000 kilometers) south of Tokyo. They were met by some 20,000 Japanese.

On Feb. 23, 1945, the fifth day of fighting, about 40 members of Severances company were sent up Mount Suribachi with orders to plant the flag. When Navy Secretary James Forrestal, arrived on the island, he asked for it to be kept as a memento.

After it was removed, Severance ordered a second group of Marines to replace the flag with a bigger one. The second raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi was captured in a dramatic photo by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal who won a Pulitzer Prize.
If the legislature is in recess, it merely takes a timeout. This means lawmakers are still on the clock. That ensures their prerogatives remain theirs alone. Among them: choosing judges. The former GOP majority often went into recess during the McAuliffe years to block him from making interim selections for the courts.

This round of judicial elections is expected to begin in earnest when the General Assembly returns from its weekend break. It could continue beyond Labor Day because, at a minimum, the legislature will have to reconvene to accept or reject Northams amendments to, and vetoes of, measures passed during the special session.

Which spotlights the fine print in the evolving plan for spending more than $3 billion of the $4.3 billion Richmond is receiving from Washington under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Some of those little words and bigger numbers will give you a good idea which Democratic House incumbents could be in trouble this fall.

Theres $1 million to help finance in Virginia Beach the Virginia African American Cultural Center. It could be a base-motivating talking point for Nancy Guy, a barely elected first-termer, and other targeted Democrats in the resort city roiled by racial tension.
The caucus is working on legislation proposals based on the feedback it received, said Del. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun. He said he is supportive of legislation that would push for incorporating more Asian American history into Virginias K-12 curriculum.

This is so critical to building empathy and understanding for different backgrounds and cultures, Subramanyam said. And as someone who is Asian American, growing up I felt that my background and culture was not accurately or fairly portrayed or represented in textbooks.

Kim embarked on an independent project during her junior year of high school where she dug deeper into the history and contributions of Asian Americans. She said she was surprised at the number of Asian female advocates and politicians, such as Patsy Takemoto Mink and Helen Zia, who previously had been unknown to her.

That discovery sparked her passion for advocacy. It led Kim and other students to create a series of student-led anti-racism workshops at their high school where students discuss various topics centering on racism.

Kim hopes her petition can spark conversation about diversifying curricula. She said she was inspired by Zyahna Bryants petition to remove the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville in 2016. The statue came down last month.
I believe these 11 women, Attorney General Letitia James, a former ally of Cuomo, said as she released the report of 165 pages and 1,371 footnotes.

Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women, the report said, adding that the behavior extended beyond his staff to other state employees and members of the public.

Cuomo is resisting calls to resign by President Joe Biden, once an ally, several Democratic governors and members of Congress. If he stays, he likely faces impeachment and removal from office. Plus, four county district attorneys are weighing criminal charges.

Cuomo thus becomes the latest powerful politician to believe the rules dont apply to them. They never learn.

Cuomo himself seems confused. He apologized in March for making anyone uncomfortable but denies harassing anyone.
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Less than a month after a Covington man charged in the U.S. Capitol riot was placed on house arrest, he faces new charges of assaulting a member of his household.

Prosecutors cited the charges Friday in asking that bond for Joshua Dillon Haynes be revoked while he awaits trial in Washington, D.C.s federal court.

Later in the day, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Harvey wrote that he had already ordered Haynes arrest on July 30, based on an earlier report that he had violated the conditions of his bond. A hearing will be held later on whether his bond should be revoked.

Haynes, 39, currently is being held in the Allegheny Regional Jail on charges of malicious wounding, strangulation and multiple misdemeanor charges of assaulting a family member.

Should Harvey revoke a federal bond that required Haynes to stay out of trouble while on home arrest, he would remain in jail on the insurrection charges even if he was released on the state charges.

According to a motion filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Hayes was arrested July 27 at his Covington home on the domestic violence charges and one count of property destruction.
With the fall semester just weeks away, Virginia colleges are adapting their plans to ensure people are safe from the coronavirus, with Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia announcing Friday that they would require people  regardless of it they are vaccinated against COVID-19  to wear masks indoors in certain areas on campus.

Colleges are trying to return to normal this fall, but the highly contagious delta variant is disrupting those plans. Institutions are still adopting a variety of measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus, including requiring students to get vaccinated to live and learn on campus.

Virginia Tech said the mask mandate aligns with the recently updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As a part of this mandate, the university has instituted an interim requirement for face coverings in instructional spaces at the start of the fall semester. Both instructors and students will be required to wear face coverings in all classrooms and laboratories when classes begin Aug. 23, according to the release.

Tech officials will reevaluate the interim requirement later in September after a thorough review of both campus and regional data related to the overall status of public health, according to the release.
Among the amendments by the Senate was a provision to raise a $1,000 bonus proposed in Northam's bill for sheriff's deputies and regional jail officers to $5,000, the same amount state police will receive under the Democratic plan. Hanger said the conference committee decided on a compromise that, if approved, would give sheriffs' deputies and jail officers $3,000 bonuses and maintain the $5,000 bonuses pledged to state police.

Another Senate-proposed amendment approved by the committee would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to resume walk-in service at its customer service centers throughout the state. Because of the pandemic, the DMV has instituted an appointment-only system for in-person services.

In a win for Northam, the conference committee also decided to leave in the budget a provision that would allow student athletes  including students at four-year universities and community colleges  to receive compensation from outside parties for use of their name, image and likeness in sponsorships, paid partnerships and advertisements. The Senate had stripped that language from the bill, arguing that the measure should not be considered during a special legislative session called to focus on how to spend federal coronavirus relief funds.
Consolvo said its clear that people sought out where Chandler was staying at a hotel in Henrico and videotaped her arrest. Chandler interrupted the proceedings, loudly saying Im famous on the internet, before Heilberg told her not to speak until spoken to by the court.

Chandler was sworn in to summarize a plan she had for bond, but didnt appear to address that and instead asked the court to allow her to go pick up personal possessions and said she would be willing to proceed with everything if I can get that done.

Barredo told Chandler that there are two things to consider when deciding bond: whether a defendant is likely to appear at trial and if the defendant constitutes an unreasonable danger to himself, his family or his community. Chandler again interrupted the judge saying she. The judge said he was reading from the state statute itself.
If were about representing our community, this is something that is sorely missing, he recalled saying for a Times-Dispatch story after winning the Pulitzer. I told them, I know I can do this job, you know I can do this job, and Ive earned at least a shot at doing this job. But if you dont let me do this job, you need to find someone who will because we need a commentator of color at this newspaper.

He got the job and began writing columns. He has written more than 2,700, noted the House resolution, while contributing to the evolution of the paper over the past half-century.

Williams accompanied the legislators to the Senate, where Clerk Susan Schaar read a resolution adopted in his honor.

McClellan extolled his work in a personal way, saying she and Williams are two people of color with a long history of struggle against racial injustice.

Over the years, Michael and I have had several conversations  in the wake of the Unite the Right rally, in the wake of the scandals of 2019, in the wake of George Floyds murder, she said. And he was always able to articulate the raging emotions many of us felt much better than we ever could  very eloquently. And sometimes, wed have to give each other hope.
Students and employees at Virginias community colleges will be required to wear masks while indoors, said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

The VCCS will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DuBois said in a letter to college presidents on Wednesday. That includes layered prevention strategies at colleges and for vaccinated people to wear masks in settings with substantial levels of transmission.

All of the states 23 community colleges serve localities that have shown substantial or high transmission rates in recent days, the chancellor said. There have been more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases at Virginias four-year universities since the pandemic began, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch survey of college figures.

Colleges have the flexibility to decide when to implement the rule. The VCCS will allow them to apply the mandate in a manner that best suits each college. For example, professors can remove their masks when standing at a safe distance or behind a plexiglass barrier.
If we get back to a situation where there are new mask mandates, new restrictions, new lockdowns, that will be entirely the fault of those who likely will most object to those things. Irony is too weak of a word.

Only in the United States has the virus  and the vaccine to combat it  become so politicized along left-right lines.

Great Britain has a conservative government, and its far more vaccinated than the United States  70% of the population with at least one dose, versus 58% in the U.S.

Canada has a left-of-center government, but the main criticism from the Conservative Party leader has been that the government of Justin Trudeau hasnt moved fast enough on vaccines. The provincial leader in Canada who has imposed the strictest lockdowns is also one of the most conservative  Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has often been called the Donald Trump of Canada.

In fact, there are lots of countries with conservative governments that have better vaccination rates than the United States  Singapore is at 76% of the total population, Chile is at 73%, Norway is at 67%, Israel is at 64%.

Its worth asking why American conservatives  more precisely, only some American conservatives  are so out of step.
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Extreme heatwaves and raging wildfires have been overtaking cities around the world this week, bringing the effects of climate change to the doorsteps of thousands of people. These images show it all.

An Athens suburb is engulfed in flames during a wildfire. (Photo: Milos Bicanski via Getty Images)

Greece

The country faced a fourth day of wildfires on Friday with strong winds and soaring temperatures literally adding fuel to the fire.

Greece is facing its worst heatwave in 30 years with temperatures rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving some suburbs grappling with power outages.

Thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes on the outskirts of Athens and the nearby island of Evia.

Health officials say at least nine people have been taken to hospital with injuries, including two volunteer firefighters.

The remains of a van sits among burned trees and rubble as Greece swelters in a record-breaking heatwave. (Photo: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI via AFP via Getty Images)

California

California has been battling more than 12 wildfires across the state, one of them being the Dixie Fire which swept through the town of Greenville.

The wildfires have been raging in the area for three weeks, burning 322,000 acres of land.

The largest wildfire in California destroyed buildings. (Photo: JOSH EDELSON via AFP via Getty Images)

Fire crews are still assessing the damage but buildings, homes, and vehicles have been destroyed.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R) who represents the area said, We lost Greenville tonight.

Theres just no words, he mentioned in an emotional Facebook video.

Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer from the area, says she is in shock that the fires have taken her whole town.

Around 16,000 people have been evacuated from several different fires burning across the area. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

Firefighters extinguish a hot spot during the Dixie Fire in Chester, California. (Photo: San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Turkey

Turkey is facing the worst wildfires the country has ever seen as recent flames sweep across coastal regions in the south.

At least eight people have been killed by the fires and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the areas affected.

Heartbreaking photos show people battling the blazes alone.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government has faced criticism that its response has been slow and inadequate. Questions have also been raised on whether the government kept aside sufficient funds to prevent forest fires from happening.

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Erdogan has said the criticisms are lies and that his government has handled natural disasters professionally.

Huge wildfire rages in Aegean town of Koycegiz, Turkey. (Photo: UMIT BEKTAS via REUTERS)

Its clear to see that the wildfires are affecting peoples lives from the United States to the Mediterranean.

The images right now are of devastation and disaster but firefighters, volunteers and locals are hoping theyll soon be of recovery.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
As the hypercontagious Delta variant propels COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations toward record highs in Southern hot spots such as Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama  and as infection rates rise in every single U.S. state  a rare consensus seems to be uniting many politicians and pundits across the ideological spectrum.

Sure, Delta is bad, they say. But not bad enough to bring back indoor mask mandates.

That, they insist, would be overkill.

The only problem? Experts say that right now is precisely the wrong time to discourage universal masking.

We know that vaccinated, asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic people who are infected can spread the infection because of Delta, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said Sunday. So a persons individual decision to not wear a mask not only impacts them.  You very well may infect another person who may be vulnerable, who may get seriously ill.

A sign inside the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Tuesday. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

And even if vax mandates (plus upcoming formal FDA approval) turn the tide, itll be months before we get to high enough vaccine rates to tamp down the virus, Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, added Tuesday on Twitter. Until then, anything other than universal indoor masking is simply bonkers.

Despite the fact that mask mandates have been associated with a decrease in daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates within 20 days of implementation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Republican officials have long been eager to leave masks behind  so eager, in fact, that the GOP leaders of Texas, Florida, Missouri, Arizona and Iowa, among other red states, have actually prohibited local authorities from requiring them in public.

Predictably, those same leaders balked last week when the CDC recommended that even vaccinated Americans in high-transmission areas resume covering their faces indoors to slow Deltas rapid spread. Republican House members revolted. Republican senators refused to cover their faces. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis thundered that his state would say no to lockdowns, no to school closures, no to restrictions and no to mandates. Within days, DeSantis had blocked local schools from requiring masks as well, forcing the states largest K-12 district to reverse its own mask mandate so it wouldnt lose funding.

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But lately attitudes have shifted, and its no longer just Republicans who are resisting. While cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta and St. Louis now require masks indoors, New Yorks left-wing Mayor Bill de Blasio declined to mandate indoor masking earlier this week, claiming it would detract from his focus on vaccination, vaccination, vaccination. Instead, de Blasio decided to require proof of inoculation for indoor activities such as drinking, dining and exercising.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio introduces the City Cleanup Corps on Tuesday. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Masks can be helpful, the mayor told CNN. But they dont change the basic reality. Vaccination does.

Meanwhile, influential, libertarian-leaning columnists such as Andrew Sullivan and Josh Barro have been pushing a similar message: vaccination, good; masks for vaccinated people, irrelevant.

The vaccines work very well against Delta, so stop badgering the vaccinated to wear masks, read the headline of Barros latest column.

Take the rational precautions  a solid vaccine  and go about your business as you always did, added Sullivan. Yes, Ill wear a mask indoors if Im legally required or politely asked. But I dont really see why anyone should. In a free society, once everyone has access to a vaccine that overwhelmingly prevents serious sickness and death, there is no reason to enforce lockdowns again, or mask mandates, or social distancing any longer. In fact, theres every reason not to.

The root argument here  right, left and center  is simple and at least superficially appealing. The vaccines work. Americans have had ample opportunity to get vaccinated. The people who have refused to avail themselves of that opportunity are now overwhelmingly the same people who are getting sick and spreading the virus. So why should we force all the responsible people to go back to constraining their everyday lives for the sake of the vaccine-averse, as Sullivan put it? Critics of masking also say such constraints send a counterproductive message to unvaccinated people that even if they do act responsibly and inoculate themselves, their own lives wont really get any better because of it.

An anti-mask rally in Costa Mesa, Calif., in May. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Unfortunately, the reality of Delta right now is a lot more complicated than mask critics acknowledge  and because of that, they end up dramatically overstating the costs of indoor masking while drastically downplaying its benefits, according to experts.

Six months ago, I felt like I understood all of the key variables when it came to the virus and vaccines. And when I learned that a variable had changed with Delta, I assumed nothing else had, Wachter confessed Tuesday. But now I see that its best to assume that nearly every parameter is different  usually for the worse.

Wachter went on to list a few of these changes. The fact that Delta is two to three times more contagious than the original virus. The fact that just five minutes of exposure can trigger transmission, as opposed to 15. The fact that Delta cases may be more serious on average. The fact that scientists are starting to think that immunity against Delta  from either the vaccines or the virus itself  partially wanes in ~6 months. And the fact that vaxxed people probably can spread Delta to others.

So yes, if youre vaccinated and concerned only about your own health, then masks  an inconvenience that many Americans dislike because they inhibit our social interactions and deprive us of the ability to see each others faces, as Barro argued  might not be worth it. The existing vaccines remain effective and highly protective against serious illness, hospitalization and death from Delta.

Brock Willis receives a COVID vaccine at a clinic in Springfield, Mo., on Thursday. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

But thats rather shortsighted in light of how Delta actually seems to operate. As Wachter pointed out, the vaccines remain very effective against hospitalization and death, but they are less effective at blocking Delta from infecting you than previous variants  and once a vaccinated person is infected with Delta, they too can transmit the virus. This, of course, is precisely why the CDC now recommends that even vaccinated Americans mask up in public indoor settings.

We dont know yet exactly how much less protection the vaccines provide against infections from Delta, or how much they affect transmission. But recent data is suggestive. A brand-new survey of 98,000 volunteers by researchers at Imperial College, London  the most extensive real-world study so far  found that fully vaccinated people were 49 percent less likely than unvaccinated people to test positive for COVID-19 during the recent U.K. Delta spike, and 60 percent less likely to experience symptoms. An earlier Israeli study came to a similar conclusion about the Pfizer vaccine.

Sixty percent is still a significant degree of protection. But its far less than Pfizers original, pre-Delta effectiveness of 95 percent. A striking 25 percent of Americans now say they personally know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 during the last month, according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll  and nearly half of that group says the infected person was either partially or fully vaccinated. With preliminary research showing that vaccinated people can carry similar amounts of virus in their noses as unvaccinated people, it stands to reason that breakthrough infections and transmission are probably not as rare as experts had hoped.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is prepared at a vaccine clinic in Ferguson, Mo. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Overall, these findings certainly are concordant w/ increased Delta breakthrough symptomatic infections were seeing and a major decline in protection (~95% w/ mRNA) compared with previous strains, tweeted Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, Calif. All of this reflects Deltas immune evasiveness. Were very lucky its holding up for reduction of hospitalizations/deaths but this [variant] is far more formidable for both transmission and our immune response.

Again, if a vaccinated person is infected with Delta, they will almost certainly survive and most likely stay out of the hospital (although they may get sick enough to miss a few days of work). The bigger issue is who else they infect, how sick those people get, and how this continued spread exacerbates and extends the ongoing surge of the Delta variant.

Right now, about 140 million Americans are still unvaccinated. The United States top priority should be fully inoculating as many of these people as possible  a point on which voices across the political spectrum agree. But the vaccination process takes five or six weeks from start to finish, which isnt fast enough to turn the tide on Delta. In addition, about 40 million unvaccinated Americans arent even eligible for vaccination yet, because theyre under 12, and they probably wont be eligible until late fall or early winter.

So in the meantime, what collective responsibility do Americans have to keep unvaccinated people as safe as possible from Delta?

The Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians holds a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Arleta, Calif., on Monday. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Barro, for one, argued that the vaccinated have no moral obligation to save the unvaccinated from themselves. Sullivan characterized unvaccinated people as delusional and deranged and said society should just let it  meaning the Delta variant  rip. The obviously correct public policy is to let mounting sickness and rising deaths concentrate the minds of the recalcitrant, he added.

But that doesnt quite capture the complexity or the humanity of the situation. Polls show that only half of unvaccinated adults  about 40 million people  have completely ruled out vaccination. Any one of the other 100 million unvaccinated Americans could theoretically be vaccinated someday soon.

Tens of thousands of vaccine holdouts in hot spots like Florida and Louisiana have already changed their minds because of Delta. Others might change their minds in the coming weeks, as additional employers and businesses require vaccination  and as local hospitals continue to fill because of COVID.

Fewer and fewer of these hospitalized individuals are seniors, who have largely been vaccinated. Instead, doctors say Delta has created a new category of patient: younger and sicker, quicker. In places where spread is sky-high, pediatric wards are starting to overflow. School is right around the corner. Kids under 12 stand a much lower chance of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID, but the more COVID theyre exposed to, the more of them will get sick or die, or suffer long-term complications. And not a single one of them has even had a chance to get vaccinated yet.

So while vaccination (with a likely boost from the growing number of vaccine requirements) is the best long-term solution for COVID, the best short-term way to slow the spread of Delta and immediately protect as many Americans as possible is for everybody, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear a mask indoors until cases inevitably plummet, as they did in other Delta-ravaged countries such as India and the U.K.

People at a vaccination site in Arlington, Texas, in February. (Cooper Neill/Reuters)

Will unvaccinated people hold up their (much heavier) end of the masking bargain in the days ahead? Probably not: According to the latest Yahoo News/YouGov poll, twice as many vaccinated U.S. adults (71 percent) as unvaccinated U.S. adults (37 percent) say Delta makes them more likely to wear a mask  while twice as many unvaccinated adults (53 percent) as vaccinated adults (25 percent) say it makes no difference.

Is this unfair? Almost certainly. But just because irresponsible people wont behave responsibly doesnt mean responsible people shouldnt, either. It also doesnt mean that leaders should make responsible behavior even less likely by declining to demand it from everyone. (Not incidentally, most Americans once again favor public mask mandates after opposing them in June and July.)

As Wachter explained, reaching the kind of population-wide levels of vaccination and immunity that could keep dangerous variants like Delta at bay in the future will take months, at best. No matter what we do, many thousands of Americans will fall ill and get hospitalized and die before then. And yet minimizing that toll is as easy as slipping on a mask indoors. No lockdowns, no school closures, no draconian restrictions  just a mask. For more than a year, that wasnt too much to ask. Is it too much to ask now?

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Read more from Yahoo News:
- Is there anything I should do whenever loan repayments resume?

Your servicer should contact you before the forbearance is over to confirm when you need to start making payments again. However, if you don't receive any communication, contact your servicer to make sure you know your due date.

A lot of people moved during the pandemic. You may have moved in with your parents or a family member, or relocated to save money.

It's important that you contact your loan servicer and update your address. Don't assume that because you haven't been contacted you aren't responsible for resuming your payments. You risk accumulating late fees and perhaps even defaulting on your loan if you fail to restart making your monthly payments.

It is your responsibility to pay your loans on time, even if the lender doesn't know how to find you.

The Education Department also says to update your contact information in your profile at studentaid.gov.

Keep in mind, if you had set up automatic payments, they may resume on your first due date when the forbearance period ends.

- What should I do if I can't afford my payment?
SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man who a jury acquitted of attempted murder was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for three less-serious charges in the case and two unrelated thefts.

Tracy Smith, 25, had been found guilty of carrying a dangerous weapon and reckless use of a firearm. Prior to his June trial in Woodbury County District Court, Smith pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser.

District Judge Jeffrey Poulson sentenced Smith to five years in prison for the gun charges and another five years for two counts of second-degree theft in the two separate cases. Smith was ordered to pay restitution of $3,616 to Menards and $2,553 to Fleet Farm, both in Sioux City.

Smith was accused of firing several shots with a 9mm handgun at the driver of a vehicle while stopped at Third and Myrtle streets on May 11, 2020. At least three shots struck the vehicle, but the driver was not injured.

At the conclusion of a three-day trial, jurors found Smith not guilty of attempted murder and three other charges.
SIOUX CITY -- A third suspect charged in connection with a Jan. 1 fatal shooting admitted Friday he fired several shots into a Morningside house in which two dozen people were gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Carlos Morales told District Judge Jeffrey Neary that he had arrived at the party with two other people and fired shots from a long rifle at the house with full knowledge that people were inside.

"Shots started firing. I shot a gun myself, and then I left the scene," Morales said before pleading guilty in Woodbury County District Court to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and three counts of reckless use of a firearm.

In exchange for Morales' guilty plea, Woodbury County Attorney Patrick Jennings reduced the original charge of first-degree murder to second degree, thus allowing Morales, 18, of Sioux City, to avoid a potential sentence of life in prison had he been found guilty at trial. A charge of going armed with intent will be dismissed.

The plea agreement calls for a total prison sentence of 50 years. Because Morales was a juvenile when he committed the crime, how much of that time he will be required to spend in prison has yet to be determined.

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PONCA, Neb. -- A man who admitted to investigators that he has a foot fetish is charged with sucking on the toes of at least nine children and rubbing his penis on another child's feet.

Jose Fregoso, 27, of Wakefield, Nebraska, is charged in Dixon County Court with three counts of possession of child pornography, 10 counts of felony child abuse and one count of sexual abuse of a child.

Fregoso was arrested July 29 after a Nebraska State Patrol investigator observed three photos of naked children on Fregoso's phone. Fregoso was booked on charges of possession of child pornography. He posted 10% of a $100,000 bond and was released from the Dixon County Jail.

The Nebraska State Patrol arrested Fregoso Thursday at his home, where authorities interviewed him in connection with a Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services child welfare visit related to the ongoing investigation into Fregoso's actions. His bond has been set at $500,000. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Tuesday.

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According to an affidavit filed in Dixon County Court, Fregoso told investigators about sexually explicit photos contained on a social media platform on his phone, but said he did not deliberately acquire them.
SIOUX CITY -- The city of Sioux City will host a public meeting at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday in response to community members asking for new solutions for the treatment of the city's homeless population.

Various individuals spoke during the citizen comment portion of the City Council meeting Monday regarding a situation that took place last week.

On July 30, a group of homeless were forced to leave a bridge at 4th and Wesley Parkway by city workers and two city police officers, said Will Meier with Native Youth Standing Strong. He said most of the individuals were Native American and they were only given 10 minutes to clean up and leave. Some had to leave behind their belongings.

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More than a dozen people spoke to the council about that particular issue, as well as the overall treatment of Native and Indigenous individuals in the area. They asked for change and provided the council with ways to help the Native and homeless population in the area including new policies and more shelters.

At Tuesday's meeting, which will be held in the council chambers on the 5th floor of City Hall, the public will be invited to share information and gather suggestions on services provided to the homeless population.
SIOUX CITY -- UnityPoint Health will require all its team members to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The three-state health system also continues to urge all eligible individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

UnityPoint Health will require all employed team members, regardless of whether they provide direct patient care or not, to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1, according to a news release.

We remain incredibly grateful to our health care providers, who have seen the devastation of COVID-19 up close and personal over the past 18 months, said Clay Holderman, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health. After thoughtful consideration, we believe this vaccination requirement will help keep our team members, patients and communities as healthy as possible, so we can focus on what we do bestdelivering exceptional care to those we serve.

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The three-state health system has more than 33,000 employees in locations across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, including UnityPoint Health -- Sioux City.

Team members who choose not to become vaccinated will be subject to voluntary resignation or termination, according to the release.
New York City, Microsoft, Tyson Foods and the U.S. auto industry joined a cascading number of state and local governments and major employers Tuesday that are taking a hard line against both the surging delta variant and the holdouts who have yet to get vaccinated.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  A former online celebrity who became known for allegedly using a hatchet to fend off an attack on a highway worker failed in his attempt to have his conviction in a 2013 murder overturned.

Caleb McGillvary was convicted two years ago of the 2013 murder of attorney Joseph Galfy at Galfys New Jersey home. The two had met in New Yorks Times Square, and McGillvary claimed he killed the older man while fending off a sexual assault. He is serving a 57-year sentence.

Among many arguments in his appeal, the Alberta, Canada, native claimed the jurys verdict wasnt justified by the evidence presented and that prosecutors committed misconduct by mischaracterizing the evidence and McGillvary's defense. He also accused the trial judge of improperly allowing highly prejudicial expert testimony.

In rejecting all of McGillvary's arguments in its opinion Wednesday, the appeals court noted that the medical examiner's testimony showed Galfy's injuries were so severe that they were the result of far more than than just an effort to thwart a sexual advance," in the opinion of the trial judge.

The record does not suggest a miscarriage of justice occurred, the two-judge panel wrote.
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Shelton Douthit and his team at the Feather River Land Trust in Northern California have been working to restore the lush natural habitat and protect Indigenous artifacts around Lake Almanor. Now, after a ferocious wildfire tore through the area, he knows nothing's safe."
As an example, he cited a requirement in New York City that people show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter a restaurant or gym.

Bennett asked elected leaders and residents to stand with him to take cities, towns and counties back.

Oklahomas federal delegation is Republican. The GOP holds supermajorities in both legislative chambers. All statewide office holders are Republican.

The video ends with a written request to donate to the Oklahoma GOP.

Former Gov. Frank Keating, a Republican, called Bennetts comparison of the unvaccinated to the Jews during the Holocaust beyond the pale.

To kill 6 million Jews, which the Nazis did, is horror beyond horror, evil beyond evil, Keating said. You may agree or disagree with mask mandates.

But mask mandates arent evil and cant be compared to the treatment of Jews during World War II, Keating said.

Gary Jones served seven years as Republican Party chairman before being elected State Auditor and Inspector, serving from 2011 to 2019.

He said Bennetts comparison hurts the party brand.
A United executive said the airline has no plans to require that passengers be vaccinated, calling that a government decision. And the mandate wont extend to employees at smaller airlines that operate United Express flights.

United told U.S. employees Friday that they will need to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 25 or five weeks after the Food and Drug Administration grants full approval to one of the vaccines  whichever date comes first. The FDA has only granted emergency-use approval of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but the agency is expected to soon give full approval to Pfizer, according to published reports.

Each employee will have to send an image of their vaccine card to the company. Those who don't will be terminated, with exemptions granted only for employees who document religious or health reasons for not getting the shots, officials said.

Employees who are already vaccinated or do so by Sept. 20 will get an extra day of pay, according to the memo from Kirby and Hart.
ANAMOSA, Iowa (AP)  One of two inmates accused of killing a prison nurse and correctional officer during an escape attempt pleaded guilty Friday to murder and other counts and confessed in court to fatally beating both with a hammer.

Thomas Woodard Jr., 38, pleaded guilty in Jones County to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of attempted murder. Woodard and his co-defendant, 29-year-old Michael Dutcher, had each pleaded not guilty in April to the counts in the March 23 deaths of nurse Lorena Schulte, 50, and correctional officer Robert McFarland, 46.

Investigators have said the pair used hammers to beat Schulte and McFarland to death and to seriously injure an inmate who tried to stop the attack at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. The inmates also are accused of briefly holding another female employee as a hostage.
Last year's rally transformed Sturgis, usually a quiet community of under 7,000 residents, into a travel hub comparable to a major U.S. city. One analysis of anonymous cellphone data found that well over half of counties in the country were visited by someone who attended Sturgis. Hundreds of rallygoers were infected, and a team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control concluded the event ended up looking like a superspreader event.

This year, the rally is expected to be even bigger. The city was holding an opening ceremony Friday for the 81st iteration of the event  something it skipped last year in an attempt to tamp down the crowds.

The biggest step city officials took this year to mitigate the risk of infections was allowing rallygoers to drink on public property; the idea is to spread the crowds into the open air. Bars and food stalls that stretch for blocks also offer open-air seating.

Were out in the wide open, said Williamson, who also attended last years gathering. If you want to wear a mask, thats your business. If you dont, thats your business.
Megan Thee Stallion says studying at college while being a Grammy-winning rap megastar has kept her "head straight".

The 'Hot Girl Summer' hitmaker is due to graduate with a degree in health administration from Texas Southern University later this year, and being a student has ensured she hasn't gotten too big for her boots.

Megan, 26, told People: School has kept me grounded.

I might have an amazing night but knowing I have to finish a paper, project or my homework to graduate, keeps my head on straight."

In February, Meghan reassured her social media followers that she's committed to her studies despite her chart success after one Twitter user cast doubt on her ambition.

The 'WAP' star, who eventually hopes to open an assisted living facility in Houston, wrote: "Mam Im abt to Graduate in the fall and still gone open my facility.. hope you get them retweets doe (sic)"

Megan is thrilled that she's managing to prove her doubters wrong by balancing her studies with her music career.

She added: "They swore I wasnt gone get that degree [laughing emojis] SIKE (sic)"
This fall, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Dobbs v. Mississippi, a challenge to Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. The court appears likely to uphold the restrictive law, overturning a near half-century of precedents prohibiting abortion bans before viability. As Steven Mazie and Melissa Murray pointed out in the Washington Post, however, the conservative supermajority may diminish Roe v. Wade without formally reversing it. On Thursday, John K. Bush, a Donald Trump nominee who serves on the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, offered a new workaround that would allow SCOTUS to end the constitutional right to abortion access without admitting it. And it seems designed to persuade the one justice, Brett Kavanaugh, whose vote matters most in Dobbs.

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Before Trump elevated him to the bench, Bush decried abortion as one of the two greatest tragedies in our country, alongside slavery; he also compared Roe to Dred Scott, the decision that denied American citizenship to Black people. Bush joined the 6th Circuits 97 decision in Bristol Regional Womens Center v. Slatery upholding Tennessees mandatory 48-hour waiting period for abortion patients. The majority opinion in Bristol, authored by culture warrior and Trump nominee Amul Thapar, was predictable. His cursory analysis rested on the Supreme Courts declaration in Planned Parenthood v. Casey that an abortion restriction violates the Constitution if it imposes an undue burden on a large fraction of women. Most women who wanted an abortion continued to access abortion services in Tennessee, Thapar wrote. Abortions declined about nine percent after the law took effect, and even if that decline can be attributed to the new waiting period, it does not qualify as a large fraction. As a result, the law passes constitutional muster.

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Thapars approach does not, in fact, adhere to Supreme Court precedent. In cases like Casey, Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt and June Medical Services v. Russo, the justices explained that courts must ask whether a restriction affects a large fraction of those women for whom the provision is an actual rather than an irrelevant restriction. Here, that means women who are certain they want an abortion but are forced to wait at least 48 extra hours and make multiple trips to the clinic. The trial judge found that the law imposed an undue burden on a large fraction of these women, the relevant class of patients for constitutional purposes. Thapar simply rewrote precedent to reject this finding.

But he did not go far enough for Bush. In a concurring opinion joined by Judge Richard Allen Griffin, Bush proposed an even more radical route around pro-choice precedent. (These two judges recently teamed up to accuse abortion patients of engaging in eugenics.) After scorning the very concept of a constitutional right to abortion access, Bush attempted to revise the large fraction test to make it impossible to pass. When a state passes a new abortion restriction, then sees a decline in its abortion rate, Bush wrote, courts cannot assume that the restriction caused the decline. Rather, plaintiffs must show a causal connection between the law and the resulting drop in abortions. Somehow, they must differentiate between those women who wanted to get an abortion but were stymied by the requirements of the law and those who decided to carry the child to term because of the law. Even if an abortion restriction results in a hundred percent decrease in total abortions, that fact alone would be insufficient to satisfy the large fraction test. According to Bush, the 100 percent decrease might merely be evidence that the state succeeded in persuading patients not to terminate.

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Kavanaughs approach, like Bushs, would obligate abortion providers to prove the impossible.

There are a few problems with this standard. First, it is totally detached from binding Supreme Court precedent. As Judge Karen Nelson Moore noted in dissent, SCOTUS typically looks at generalized evidence to measure burdens. And when it does use statistics, the court presumes that a dropping abortion rate can be attributed to recently enacted abortion restrictions. In Whole Womans Health, for instance, the majority held that the closure of roughly half of Texas abortion providersand the resulting decline in abortionswas attributable to the abortion law at issue. It did not require the complex statistical analysis that Bush demanded.

Second, as Nelson wrote, the only way to satisfy Bushs test would be to survey every woman who considered but ultimately did not follow through on an abortion. This is a plainly impossible task, and it would doom every challenge to virtually every abortion limitation. Even an outright abortion ban might pass muster under Bushs standard, since no one could prove that most women who forewent abortions did so because the procedure was criminalized. But, of course, thats the whole point. By denying common sense, Bush would compel courts to uphold the most extreme abortion lawsincluding those that result in a 100 percent decline in abortionswhile purporting to uphold Roe and its progeny.

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This sleight of hand is reminiscent of Brett Kavanaughs ploy in June Medical. That 2020 decision involved a Louisiana law that targeted abortion clinics for onerous regulations designed to shut them down. The plaintiffs argued that this measure would force most clinics to shut down, leaving just one doctor in the entire state who was able to perform abortions legally. Kavanaugh, though, did not believe that cause (a TRAP law) equaled effect (shuttered clinics). Instead, he repeatedly argued that the Supreme Court should let the Louisiana law take effect and see what happened next. If the doctors could not satisfy the regulations after good-faith efforts, they could bring a new, narrower challenge seeking, in effect, an exemption from the law.

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Kavanaughs approach, like Bushs, would obligate abortion providers to prove the impossible. These doctors already tried to obtain approval under Louisianas regulations, but they could not, because approval was designed to be unobtainable. Kavanaugh would force them to try again and again and again, condemning them to a Sisyphean task. In the meantime, Louisiana would shutter their clinics, preventing patients from accessing abortion. If the clinics came back to court, Kavanaugh could insist that they hadnt really made good-faith efforts, and needed to keep trying. Clinics might argue that they closed their doors because of the law. But Kavanaugh could deny this causal link, asserting that, in reality, clinics hadnt tried hard enough to comply with it.

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Its easy to see how the Supreme Court could use a variation on this game to uphold Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. As Mazie and Murray noted, the states lone abortion clinic only provides the procedure until 16 weeks of pregnancy. SCOTUS might let the law take effectthen claim that clinics could sue again if a large fraction of patients sought an abortion between 15 and 16 weeks but were denied due to the law. In practice, it will be impossible for providers to prove that a substantial number of people would fall into this category: Most likely, those who want an abortion after 15 weeks will just give up, aware that the law criminalizes their choice. And because providers cant demonstrate a causal link between the 15-week ban and the decline in abortions after 15 weeks, they could not block the law.

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Perhaps the Supreme Court will take the more straightforward path of reversing Roe altogether, freeing abortion providers, patients, and lower courts from a statistical booby trap. Then again, the arch-conservative justices need Kavanaughs vote, and the justice has already signaled his desire to uphold precedent on paper while hollowing out abortion rights in practice. If he decides to feign moderation, Kavanaugh can take Bushs cue and pretend as though theres no connection between abortion restrictions and their intended consequences. This oblique assault on Roe might be craven and dishonest, but it will get the job done.
Despite President Joe Bidens public optimism on Afghanistans stability in the aftermath of the full U.S. troop withdrawalhe somewhat bafflingly stated that its leaders clearly have the capacity to sustain the government in place in a recent briefingmost well-informed observers and the United States own intelligence services are in agreement that the real question isnt if but how long the countrys internationally backed government will endure before it is crushed by a Taliban advance. The prognosis isnt looking great; Kabul might hold for longer, but in other cities, the delta could be a few months or even weeks. For the first time since the withdrawal, last week, the Taliban overran a provincial capitalZaranj, the capital of Nimruz.

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The question of what will happen to anyone viewed as even tangentially tied to the coalition troop presence or disloyal to the Talibans greater governing vision and philosophy is no big mystery; already, the United Nations has reported a staggering uptick in civilian deaths, flying past 5,000 in the first six months of 2021, an almost 50 percent increase over the same period last year. While a wide swath of Afghan society is at risk, the first to suffer are likely to be the translators and military personnel who directly assisted foreign troops, a population that became a domestic political flashpoint as the administration waffled on the issue of their evacuation, at times seeming to teeter toward leaving them to the wolves.

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In July, after weeks of acrimonious back and forth, with Afghan refugee supporters and many applicants themselves accusing the administration of having turned its back on long-standing commitments to the very group of people that actively prevented more Americans from returning inside flag-draped boxes, Bidens team relented and began prioritizing their evacuation. It was mostly framed as a national security decision, driven by a desire to signal that the U.S. will ensure the safety of the local population in whatever our next forever war occupation target happens to be.

The mechanism at play is the Special Immigrant Visa, or SIV, a custom-made immigration program designed to process U.S. military helpers in Iraq and Afghanistan for refugee resettlement. The administration has announced that around 18,000 such SIVs are currently in progress, and around 2,500 of those closest to completion will be flown out to the Fort Lee military base in Virginia, while the rest might be temporarily relocated to third countries. Congress recently approved an additional 8,000 SIVs for this year, and this week, the State Department announced that it was opening up a refugee resettlement program known as Priority 2 to Afghans who had U.S. affiliations as government contractors, employees of certain U.S.-funded programs, or through work with nongovernmental organizations and media but didnt meet the full eligibility criteria for SIV. Its unclear how many people would qualify for the new program, but it is again limited to populations at risk specifically due to their direct association with the U.S. occupation.

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Halting as theyve been, these efforts could be a potential lifesaver to tens of thousands of Afghansboth direct applicants and their familieswho are facing the near certainty of a gruesome death at the hands of the Taliban. Yet, while they might be first on the hit list, they are far from the only Afghans who will be in danger. Hundreds of thousands will be left facing the prospect of a violent theocratic government which will roll back the meager gains for women, ethnic and religious minorities, the LGBTQ population, and others.

As the generals and policymakers carry on about different approaches perceived benefits to national security, there has been precious little dialogue on what an unashamedly humanitarian refugee approach to the Afghan withdrawal might look like. What if policymakers viewed the prospect of resettlement not as a calculus around how discretely beneficial or risky each potential applicant might be to the always-under-threat homeland, but as an opportunity to give refuge to the thousands of people who will otherwise be left behind in the wreckage of a disastrous forever war?

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Its an approach with some real history behind it, as the U.S. spent well over a decade on an unprecedented project of resettlement in the aftermath of the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. Beginning with the passage of the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act in 1975, the U.S. government undertook a concerted and bipartisan effort utilizing an array of legal and procedural tools to ultimately move hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese (and to lesser extents Cambodian and Laotian) refugees to the United States, the vast majority of them permanently. We were resettling Vietnamese until the 1990s, said Yael Schacher, an immigration historian and senior U.S. advocate at Refugees International. In retrospect, its actually quite amazing that the U.S. did this for so long because this wasnt an issue of national security anymore.

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The initial effort focused on those who had direct ties to the U.S. war effort and were at the greatest risk but quickly pivoted to anyone under threat of persecution and, eventually, to would-be Vietnamese immigrants not in any immediate peril. At the forefront of these initiatives was James Purcell, who helped create the State Departments Bureau of Refugee Programs and served as its director from 1983 to 1986. Our job was to help save what we thought would be millions after the war, Purcell told me. We didnt have time to look at individual cases.

Instead, for the first waves of people, the government made liberal use of humanitarian parole, a discretionary executive designation that allowed the State Department to quickly bring tens of thousands of people to the U.S. without undergoing full, onerous refugee processes. You didnt have to establish bona fides. In each case, you just had to prove that you were a Vietnamese person who was forced out by the arrival of enemy forces, said Purcell. Estimates vary, but experts agree that U.S. authorities managed to bring over 120,000 Vietnamese immigrants to the country like this in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. The methodology was significant because a standard refugee program admission can take years of applications, background and medical checks, and general bureaucratic minutiae.

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In response to a growing crisis of so-called Vietnamese boat peoplemigrants who were leaving by sea in often dangerous journeys to other Southeast Asian countriesthe U.S. in 1979 established the Orderly Departure Program, an initiative to streamline both standard immigration petitions, such as through family or employment, and refugee admissions of people both in Vietnam and third countries. More than 450,000 Vietnamese immigrants would eventually arrive in the U.S. via ODP, with the presence of strong regional partners proving determinative. I set up, in the Philippines, the Bataan refugee processing center, where we provided six months of English language training, vocational training, and medical care. Every refugee who came to the U.S. had been through a regional preparation camp, said Purcell.

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The Vietnam experience highlights one of the main logistical hurdles for a potential wide-ranging Afghan refugee program, which is that theres a pretty narrow window of time to process refugees on the ground there before that becomes largely untenable, and there isnt a wealth of obvious regional allies to lean on. Turkey already is home to many, many Afghans who they dont treat very well at all, said Schacher, adding that there are millions of Afghans who have been living in Pakistan and Iran mostly since the 1980s, when they fled the Soviet occupation. Relations with both Turkey and Pakistan are complex and often strained, and Iran is obviously off the table as far as bilateral planning is concerned. Any such program would also have to deal with the question of these refugees from an earlier era, and whether they would qualify for U.S. resettlement or not.

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None of it is impossible but would require laying some serious groundwork that so far just doesnt seem to be a priority. It took many, many years, 10 years or so, for [ODP] really to take root, said Purcell. Somebodys got to be working on that right now, and if theres anybody [in the Biden administration] working on that kind of thing, I certainly dont know about it. As you know, the refugee program in the State Department was virtually decimated during the Trump years. So far, Biden has displayed an ambivalent attitude toward the refugee program, reneging on a campaign promise to expand the fiscal year 2021 refugee cap before being pressured by advocates into reversing course, too late in the year for it to really matter much.

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Schacher and other advocates believe the unused refugee visas should be used to offer protections to Afghan civil servants, journalists, women, ethnic and religious minorities, and others who would be at general risk under a Taliban regime. That would entail an extremely sped up approval timeline to be effective before the fiscal year ends and takes the currently available visas with it on Sept. 30. Purcell is skeptical that the U.S. public would have much of an appetite for a sudden surge in Afghan resettlements perceived as rushed or unvetted. We have overlapping reviews, three or four different sets of reviews to look and make sure were not bringing in bad elements, he said.

In a press briefing about the Priority 2 program this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken all but said that that would be it, and other would-be refugees would just have to go through the standard, long-winded refugee program, starting with a referral from the United Nations. Some Afghans who are notdont fit into any of those categories but may feel particularly at risk, we also have the principal refugee program available for them, he said, before dodging a question about how Afghans were supposed to get to third countries to apply: Its hard to get yourself to a place where you can take advantage of what opportunities exist to seek to apply for refugee status. And we recognize that. This is, alas, the case for millions of people around the world who find themselves in very difficult situations.

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Ultimately, the administration seems hesitant to even consider something of similar ambition to the Vietnam resettlement for the same reason that its gone all in on a root causes strategy of preventing humanitarian migration from Central Americait sees its preeminent responsibility as helping from afar and the calamities the U.S. set in motion as fundamentally other peoples problem now.

I doubt that there would be as great an interest in a large-scale program for Afghans as there was for Indochina. America had lost the war in Indochina, in Vietnam, and we had a quite special responsibility to see to its end, said Purcell. Were arguably leaving Afghanistan even worse off and less stable than Vietnam, but its the sense of duty thats changed.
The summer of 2011 was an unpleasant time in Washington.

Congress, as it had routinely done many, many, many times before, needed to raise the debt limit, the law placing a cap on how much the government can borrow to meet its obligations. To raise the debt ceiling is not complicated legislation; it requires changing one number to a higher number in a one-sentence bill. But the House Republican majority, swept in the year before in the Tea Party wave, decided to apply conditions to raising the debt limit this timeand President Obama engaged with them.

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Had no deal been reached, that would have caused the Treasury to default on its obligations and sent the global economy into havoc. In the end, though, the two sides came to an agreement to cut spending over ten years. (Most of those cuts never materialized.) Everyone involved lost years on their lives due to the stress of negotiations and brinkmanship, and everyone involved came out worse politically. It sucked.

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So whos ready to do it again?

The debt limit has, in fact, already been reached. Since July 31, Treasury has been using its array of extraordinary measures to pay the bills, which it can do until sometime this fall. Which is soon.

Republicans cared very little about the debt limit when they ran the government under President Trump and were burning through cash. It was routinely raised or suspended as part of broader deals around government funding bills. Since the last suspension in 2019, the government has racked up trillions in debt as a result of its COVID relief programs. With the notable exception of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan passed earlier this year, all of the others were negotiated and passed on a bipartisan basis. They all agreed to this.

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But now that theyre out of power, Republicans are telling Democrats that they wont agree to it anymore. They are refusing to help Democrats raise the debt limit at all, especially as Democrats tee up a new $3.5 trillion spending bill.

Let me make something perfectly clear, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said this week. If [Democrats] dont need or want our input, they wont get our help. They wont get our help with the debt limit increase that these reckless plans will require.

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Could he be more clear?

I could not be more clear, McConnell emphasized. They have the ability. They control the White House, they control the House, they control the Senate. They can raise the debt limit, and if its raised, they will do it.

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McConnell is correct that Democrats have the ability to raise the debt limit on their own. Debt limit increases are allowed under reconciliation, the filibuster-free process by which Democrats plan to pass their $3.5 trillion spending bill. McConnell and other Republicans, even those who are occasionally helpful to the process of good-faith governing, are telling Democrats they should just tack the debt limit increase onto that package.

Theyre the ones that are wanting to spend $3.5 trillion, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters this week. Theyre the ones massively adding to the debt. Raise the debt limit, if thats what theyre going to do, but they can do it on their own. Saying that we have to do it is threatening our economy and simply irresponsible.

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You may wonder: Why is Mitch McConnell giving Democrats all of this advice? Just put it in your reconciliation bill, and get it over with? Its not typically in McConnells nature to share useful tips with the Democratic Party. But McConnell wants Democrats to own a multi-trillion dollar increase in the debt limit, so that Republicans can then use it in attack ads during the 2022 campaign.

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Theres a whole separate debate to be had about whether voters still care about the debt. Members seem to believe they do. And so Democrats, according to Politicos reporting this week, were leaning against raising the debt limit on their own as they prepare their reconciliation bill. Instead, they prefer to yoke it to the next government funding bill, due at the end of September. Democrats feel that they held Republicans hands in lifting the debt limit under Trump, so its only fair that Republicans hold theirs in lifting it under Biden, rather than plunging the country into the financial abyss.

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The rules that existed under Donald Trump, that we werent going to mess with the full faith and credit of the United States of America, was the appropriate, prudent thing, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner told reporters this week. To create a fake crisis  at this moment with so much going on in the world, this much going on in this country, coming out of COVID and dealing with the variant, would be the epitome of irresponsibility.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, was blunt that Democrats wouldnt engage with Republican demands as they had in that 2011 summer of hell.

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Mitch McConnell is not going to be able to do to President Biden what, in effect, Republicans did to President Obama, Wyden told reporters.

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Democrats think that Republicans will cave, as they would face blame for the twin crises of a debt default and a government shutdown by throwing a wrench in regular government business. Republicans, meanwhile, think they have the leverage, as Democrats are the party in control of government and hold ultimate responsibility.

So who is right? Unclear. Maybe its all a bunch of huffing and puffing on both sides, and some face-saving arrangement will be made at the last minute. But betting that Mitch McConnell, who doesnt typically make big decisions on the fly, has chosen to bluff on one of the most consequential items of business there isthat would be pretty risky for Democrats when they have another option available to them.
As the COVID crisis sickened or killed millions of Americans, it also pushed many of the most vulnerable citizens out of work and into economic desperation. Renters who saw their jobs disappear or hours cut have faced eviction and the health consequences of becoming homeless during a pandemic. After much debate, and what some activists see as foot dragging, the Biden administration finally extended the eviction moratorium this week, meaning that more Americans will be able to stay in their homes. One of the people responsible for turning up the heat on the eviction issue is Julian Castro. Hes the former mayor of San Antonio, the former housing and urban development secretary, and a 2020 presidential candidate. Hes now the host of the Our America podcast. On Fridays episode of A Word, I spoke with Castro about the eviction crisis and why progressives are demanding stronger presidential action on issues like housing and voting rights. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Jason Johnson: What are your thoughts about the extension of the eviction moratorium? Does the language include everything you hoped for? Do you think its too late? What do you think of the decision that came down from the administration this week?

Julian Castro: Well, its definitely a positive step. What the Biden administration has done is basically say, OK, look, were not going to extend a nationwide eviction moratorium through the CDC. Instead, what were going to do is say where you have COVID hot spots, places where the delta variant especially is surging, now the eviction moratorium will apply there. They say that that covers about 90 percent of Americans. Look, thats a very positive step. Do I wish that it covered everybody? Yeah, I do, because there are a lot of people those other 10 percent of Americans, in places where COVID is not necessarily surging but where we could see a quick uptick within a matter of days or a week or so. But either way, still a lot of people that are facing eviction, no matter where they are, in a time when a lot of people are still recovering economically because of the pandemic, quite separate and apart from the situation on the ground with COVID right now. Ninety percent of Americans is a lot of Americans. I wish we could get to all of the Americans, so there is some still unfinished business.

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One of the things that is probably strange to a lot of observers is it seemed like for a long time, there was almost this circular firing squad. The Biden administration said, Yeah, Congress needs to do it, and Congress is like, Well, actually the Biden administration needs to do it, and then someones like, Well, actually its the CDCs job. Were you frustrated seeing for weeks, and at some levels months, multiple federal agencies all claiming that they couldnt do anything about this problem?

Yeah, it was crazy. I mean, you had, as you say, the administration pointing their finger at Congress, them pointing their finger back. Within the administration, the word was, well, its really the CDCs decision, but the president is asking them to go back and rethink what theyre doing. There was a lot of back and forth. In the meantime, you know that what were talking about is a policy that affects a lot of the most vulnerable Americans out there, people that are already living on the edge, people that in fact are more likely to have experienced COVID or have a family member that does, more vulnerable in general in our health care system, our education system, our employment system, and so the stakes were very high. This was a rare, for this administration I think, dropping of the ball early on.

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Now, to their credit, they have come back, and as I said, its a very, very positive thing theyve done, the amended moratorium, but it shouldnt have taken all the way until the day before or two days before the eviction moratorium was going to expire for them to make a push with Congress to say, Hey, look, this really should be extended, and in the meantime, really to extend it themselves the way they have. It never should have lapsed in the first place.

What exactly does the eviction moratorium do? Does it just mean, Hey, if I havent paid my rent, I have a couple more months to do it? Do I just have to pay a percentage of my rent? What does it do if you are a property owner? If youre a property owner and your tenants arent paying rent, is there any sort of protection for you? What are the actual mechanics of how an eviction moratorium works?

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The CDC put an eviction moratorium in place under the auspices of public health, that because of these unique circumstances with that COVID-19 pandemic, in order to protect the public health, it made sense not to have people thrown out into the street, basically evicted. The moratorium itself, you can think of it like cover. It basically provides cover and says, Look, youre not going to be kicked out of your home, your apartment.

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It addresses renters. Homeowners are a different story. If they have a mortgage, there were protections that were put in place through the FHA and FHFA and through people working with their banks that essentially allowed for forbearance for people that have a mortgage. Here, with the eviction moratorium, were talking specifically about renters. It provided cover. It provided a blanket and said you cannot actually evict somebody from this point in time until this point in time. The CDC had extended that eviction moratorium three times previously based on the conditions in our country with COVID-19, the fact that we still werent over this pandemic completely, and now theres a fourth extension, although it looks different from the other ones because its not a fully nationwide extension.

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Its important that the other side of the equation is, in the meantime, that Congress allocated $47 billion of rental assistance for renters to be able to avail themselves of funds, people who were behind on rent. And by one count, we had about $23 billion of back rent, with the average renter owing $3,800 in back rent, just to give you a sense of how dire the circumstance is for a lot of people. $3,800 for most people, I mean, they do not have it. You might as well ask them for a million dollars.

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These funds that were granted out to the states and from the states into localities were meant to provide a bridge so that people would have the resources they need. The problem has been that only about 7 percent of those funds have actually been allocated. In many ways, its been government living up to the worst reputation. Look, Im somebody who believes in the power of government to do good, to help people, to make things better. But we have to acknowledge that sometimes you do have examples where theres too much red tape. They make the application too difficult, too cumbersome. Theres not enough outreach, especially in vulnerable communities that can be hard to reach anyway. For those reasons and others, Im sure, the system has been a subpar by far. So a lot of the pressure for extending this moratorium has come from both the fact that weve seen a surge in the coronavirus, but then also, hey, these funds are still out there and theyre not getting to the people that actually need them.

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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.

Weve talked about the politics of this, but this is something that I think a lot of people may not understand when it comes to evictions. If you get evicted one time, certainly earlier in your life, it can have long-term consequences, because every other place that you try to rent is going to ask you, Have you been evicted? Can you talk a little bit about what the long-term implications are of millions of Americans being evicted in mass if we dont make sure that programs like this last all the way throughout this crisis?

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I think the most important thing is we know from social science research that housing is foundational. It is the key to stability in peoples lives. If you have a safe, decent, affordable place to live, a child is more likely to be able to get a decent education, focus on their schooling, somebody is more likely to be able to hold onto a job or get a job in the first place. Your health is better if you have a safe, decent, affordable place to live, which makes sense and its true. Its foundational; its the key to a better quality of life across the board.

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Youre also right that theres a domino effect here, a domino effect to potentially personal ruin. If somebody gets evicted, their credit is ruined. Theyre not going to be able to get an apartment because that next apartment manager or leasing manager thats looking at their application sees on their credit record that they were evicted and thats a huge red flag in a market that is often hot, where they have multiple applicants and they dont need to take this kind of risk, in their eyes. It also makes it harder to access credit in the future if somebody is trying to build up to be able to buy a home, for instance. Access to credit for vulnerable communities is already a huge problem. It becomes even harder if you have an eviction on your record.

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Not to mention the question of where people go once they are evicted. If theyre lucky, they end up being able to find a place, but the fact is that we had a rental affordability crisis well before this pandemic. Rents were spiking everywhere, just about, and it was difficult to find a place in the first place. People end up doubling up with relatives or at a friends apartment, or some people sleep in their vehicles.

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It has this cascading effect toward personal ruin. We need to remember thatespecially during this pandemic, but any time in our countryconsequences of our policy decisions like this are bigger than just where somebody sleeps from one night to the next. They often have yearslong negative effects, or positive effects if we get it right, on peoples lives.

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You were part of the Obama administration, which established a Democratic practice of building a new coalition to win presidential elections. And most analysts say, Now look, in order to win for a Democrat, you got to get young people, brown people, Black people  you got to get all these different kinds of people involved to get elected. And yet when it comes to issues like housing, $15 minimum wage, health care, in a lot of instances, critics say that, Well, this coalition came together to get Biden into office, but he has been slow in addressing the issues of the community that got him in. What do you think about that criticism?

Well, yeah, I would compliment him on getting the American Rescue Plan done. I would compliment the work that theyve done to get this infrastructure deal done. And an important part of that is a reconciliation package thatll come along with it. Theres no question that those will be big wins for even the most vulnerable communities and for communities of color.

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Id also say that theres a political reckoning that is coming in his administration very soon. Because I feel like whether its the issue of climate or reimagining policing or immigration, that there were expectations in this coalition that we would also see progress on these issues. And what it feels like is that the administration has embraced this notion that previous administrations have that you can only get one thing done at a time. And I just didnt see it that way. I think that were in a very different time right now. And especially after Trump, people almost expect that youre going to go full throated for your agenda. Because especially thats what folks saw Trump do.

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Now, I didnt like his agenda and waslike a lot of other peopleraising my voice to do what I could to say, Were going in the wrong direction. But Biden has the opportunity to not only get big things done in infrastructure, but big things done in raising that minimum wage and fighting climate change and doing justice for immigrants in our country and making sure that what happened to George Floyd doesnt happen again.

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So the question is, okay, when are you going to get it done? And the problem for the Biden administration is time is running out. I mean, somebody thats just looking at it says, Oh, well, look, this is just the first year of his administration. Yeah. But politics being politics, the closer you get to these midterms, politicians start to get more and more cautious. Congress is going to be more and more difficult to get anything to move in and it gets less and less likely that youre going to be able to make the big kind of change that was promised on the campaign trail. Thats what hes facing.

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Now, I also know that its not just up to the president, right? Its up to congressional leaders. Its up to the movement that got them there to keep pushing and to make these things happen, to not take no for an answer. I mean, what Cori Bush did recently, her activism out there sleeping on the steps, along with some of her colleagues to keep pushing the White House to extend this eviction moratorium. I think thats the spirit that we all have to have. Now, I think pushing Congress is probably a lot harder than pushing the administration, but we need to be pushing on things like that: on setting aside the filibuster, getting voting rights done, addressing these other issues that are important to the everyday lives of so many people that are a part of that coalition, and just Americans in general, whatever their stripe.

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I want to follow up on that. You live in a state that as much as people talk about Georgia being ground zero for voting rights, the entire Democratic caucus had to flee your state in order to go plead to Congress, Can you please do something about voting rights? Are you frustrated with individuals in the House and Senate? Are you frustrated with the administration because Texas itself would be significantly more competitive electorally if this administration got something done with voting rights.

Well, this is a five-alarm fire. The fact that these Texas legislators had to flee the state, had to leave the state to break quorum. And I feel like theres not that same sense of urgency in important places. After the infrastructure deal was tentatively put together, it was written up that the Biden administration had had something like 300 meetings with Congress working on pushing for advocating for ironing out the deal. Id like to see 300 meetings pushing and advocating for and getting the deal done on voting rights.

And on the other side of it, because I know that it takes at least two to tango on the Senate side  I respect Sen. Manchin a lot, but were in a new political reality. The Republican Party of Donald Trump is not the old Republican Party. Theyre not going to magically agree to give up their scheme to suppress the votes of people that they dont believe are supportive of them, especially Black and brown communities. Theyre not going to have a come to Jesus moment where they suddenly think that its good to expand voting rights and protect access to the ballot box, at least no time soon. And so, I see it as naive to believe that youre going to get up to 60 votes. You need to set aside the filibuster and thats just staring at him plain as day. And unless his willingness to set aside the filibuster changes, the hopes of getting something significant done are dim.

Having said that, I mean, theyre going to keep working and being creative. And if theres anybody who understands the legislative process and being creative with it and shepherding it, its Joe Biden.
Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina is one of three Republican lawmakers who filed a lawsuit last week against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over the mask mandate in the House of Representatives. He has now tested positive for COVID-19. After experiencing minor symptoms this morning, I sought a COVID-19 test and was just informed the test results were positive, Norman tweeted. Thankfully, I have been fully vaccinated and my symptoms remain mild.

The announcement came a bit more than a week after Norman, along with fellow Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed their lawsuit after they were all fined $500 for not wearing masks on the floor of the House of Representatives. The lawsuit came after the House Ethics Committee upheld the fines against the lawmakers for protesting the requirement by not wearing masks during a May vote. The Republicans argued at the time the rules were not in line with guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The House mask mandate was lifted June 11 but reinstated again last week amid a rise in cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant. Norman complained about it on Twitter, saying mandates imposed by the government represent a harmful combination of virtue signaling and unjustified fear. Less than 41 percent of South Carolinas population is fully vaccinated.

Norman is the latest Republican lawmaker to test positive for COVID-19 recently. Reps. Vern Buchanan of Florida and Clay Higgins of Louisiana tested positive in July. And more recently, Sen. Lindsey Graham became the first known senator to contract COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated. The three marked the first known COVID-19 infections among members of Congress since February.
Its been relatively quiet for the Trump-loyal right-wing fringe since Jan. 6. Groups like the Proud Boys and Patriot Front used to make headlines more regularly with large marches through city centers and violent brawls with counterprotesters that they often instigated. Many of them who attended the Capitol riot may have fantasized that that was the start of their revolution. But now, the FBI is using it as license to finally crack down on serious offenders. For now, many of these groups have retreated back underground, using aliases on messaging platforms like Telegram and Discord to communicate and stay connected to their cause.

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Thats where counterextremist experts like Colin P. Clarke can monitor them. Clarke is the director of policy and research at the Soufan Group, a security consultancy, and like many other extremism experts, hes not convinced this quiet will last. We talked about what hes been seeing from these groups since the Capitol riot, how the Biden administration has succeeded and fallen short on dealing with them, and what he expects will happen if Trump runs for president again in 2024.

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Aymann Ismail: The last time we spoke, you told me that if Trump didnt get impeached and removed from office, we were doomed to see the Capitol riot repeated. Do you still believe that?

Colin Clarke: I dont know if Id say now that we could repeat that same exact incident, but I certainly think that that president retains a hardcore group of supporters and loyalists, and they may become further emboldened if he runs in 2024. One of the major things that has changed my mind is the vigor with which federal law enforcement has pursued, identified, arrested, and prosecuted people involved in the Capitol insurrection. Theres a real sense of accountability finally. A lot of the people that took part in that event realized that the double standard seems to be wearing down. White people cant just commit acts of terrorism and have it called mental illness. Theyre being prosecuted now for crimes that they committed the same way that anyone else would be. Thats a rude awakening for a lot of these people.

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Are you still monitoring extremist message boards? Can you share some of the chatter youve seen since the crackdown on rioters began?

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Im still on there probably more than Id like to be. Its still a lot of the same stuff. Stop the Steal. Not a whole lot has changed in that regard. It depends where you arewe tend to look at the more hardcore white supremacist channels and, yeah, theyre still super racist. Some of the QAnon channels that we used to monitor have migrated elsewhere. What we see is almost a grab bag of motivators, but now were seeing that blended with anti-vaccination stuff. A lot of it has turned into attacking Biden, spreading conspiracies that hes a tool for Chinese communists.

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Do you worry these threats will actually manifest?

I mean, its always alarming because its so difficult to separate a shitposter from a Dylann Roof. One day youre a shitposter, the next day youre springing into action. The way that these people egg each other on, theyre constantly browbeating each other to do more than talk. Its almost like what you do with your buddies, youre daring them. Dont be a chickenjust do it. Or openly lamenting the fact that they are all armchair warriors, and celebrating the people that have committed attacks like Dylann Roof. I mean, his stupid-ass bowl cut has become a meme thats become a symbol for encouraging people to do things in real life. These people are lauded. People like Patrick Crusius, Robert Bowers, Elliot Rodger, or Anders Breivik, especially the more hardcore ones.*

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We talk all the time about lone wolves, or lone actors, and that tends to be a misnomer. Even to the extent where you do have individuals truly acting alone, they still come from this broader ecosystem. Which has only become more prominent with the constant stream of ideological messaging that these groups put out. During Trump, it had its heyday. All his rhetoric provided comfort for people to come out of the woodwork.

Do you have the sense any of these groups are organized and ready to pull off large-scale violence since Jan. 6?

I think that leaves the door open for this stuff to happen. Its not going to happen on that scale again because I think were going to prepare for that. But local acts could happen again at the state Capitol. Every public policy issue is now weaved through this hyperpartisan lens. And in many cases, especially now with Democrats in power, its through an anti-government lens.

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Im not really hearing much about the Three Percenters or the Proud Boys beyond sporadic news of members getting arrested by the FBI for rioting at the Capitol. There was that recent video of Patriot Front getting run out of Philadelphia. Is there a reason for that? Is there a counterterrorism strategy behind the scenes thats working? Are these groups on the retreat?

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I think about this a lot. The smart ones are going underground and not necessarily advertising their groups or their thoughts at the moment. To be an Oath Keeper, you dont need to show up to the Capitol. Theres nothing fundamentally illegal about owning a shitload of weapons and saying you hate the government. Those are both protected by the Second and First amendments. But at the same time, these people now realize how much scrutiny theyre under. Maybe we broadly talked about anti-government groups, but now we know the names of all these groups. People are in their business, and they dont like that.

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Theyre highly concerned about infiltration from federal law enforcement, and they should be. That is something the FBI is really good at. We werent really that great at infiltrating groups like al-Qaida, or other transnational groups where, for the majority of Americans, theres a cultural and language difference. But we have no shortage of white guys and black ops that can go and infiltrate these extremist groups.

Do you have any thoughts on the sedition hunters online who are outing Capital rioters?

Without having given it a thought, Id say leave it to the professionals. Because if you end up in a situation where you I.D. the wrong person, you can ruin their life. Leave this to the people who are doing this for a living. Theyve got the tools and the resources they need. Theyll get the job done.

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At the first hearing for the congressional Jan. 6 commission, Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn said hes worried about what happens next, because the rioters still think they were in the right. Do you see it that way too?

Its hard to generalize the feelings of a group. A lot of people probably feel regret after they realized what they did. And then I think many people would probably double down. What percentage of them? Its hard to say. But I think enough people believe that they havent done anything wrong, and that theyre just determined to keep going. It is a problem.

A poll from Monmouth University found that 47 percent of Republicans saw the Capitol riot as a legitimate protest. What does that tell you?

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The extreme has become mainstream. Thats clear evidence of it right there. Half these people think that what happened was a peaceful protest, and the other half think it was antifa. Which they know its not, because then they would want it investigated.

Trump is off Twitter, but still planning his comeback. What can we expect from right-wing extremists if he does run in 2024?

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I expect to see a lot of the same circus, like rallies and atmospheres. People, especially if theyre confident that he can win, being really brazen with their racism again. Either way its bad. If he wins, it will embolden his base. If he loses, theres no way these people are going to accept it. Weve crossed the Rubicon in American politics. People are convinced that the election was stolen with literally no evidence. We had weird characters in Congress before, but the people that are on stage right now, its like a circus. Its totally embarrassing.

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A lot of what theyre saying is truly a problem of education. Three Percenters is based on a myth that 3 percent of the country fought in the American revolution. These people have learned history in memes, and thats driving a lot of the ignorance that we see. In their minds, I think they truly believe theyre doing the right thing.

Do you have any thoughts about the Biden administrations approach to extremist groups?

There was a lot that they got right. And I think there are some areas that are really, to no fault of the administration, just impossible to address. What can you do about a group of people that stockpiles weapons and ammo and says they hate the government, other than saying were going to keep an eye on them? You cant do anything. If you read the intelligence communities unclassified reporting, you may think that quote-unquote militia, violent extremists pose among the most significant threat and theyre the most capable. And theyre right. And theyre also the groups that you can least deal with because theyre a part of the fabric of our societies. Thats the way that weve set up our country.

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And then you read stuff like Mike Giglios piece where he embedded with a right-wing militia. One of the questions I always had was whats the relationship between these militias and local law enforcement. And it seemed to be, from this piece, pretty chummy. These guys are out doing shooting drills and the cops drive by and wave. They look at them as a second line of defense, and you can see this when cops show up to protests. Theyre not looked at as threats. Theyre looked at like concerned citizens. But theyre people with no training, basically LARPing. Half these guys have no military or law enforcement experience. They go out there looking like GI Joe, and then if shit goes sideways.

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What do you tell people to do when their family members start to flirt with one of these groups?

I can give advice. Its not advice that I follow myself, because I dont have the patience. Experts say to just be empathetic and not argue with these folks. Find another way to connect with and to do things that you would normally do. My theory is we just had a total erosion of local institutions. People dont do stuff together anymore. They dont feel like theyre part of a community or society. I think theyre lonely. And with conspiracy theories, they feel like theyre in control of something. Theres power in getting information that other people arent privy to. And it brings them into a close bond with other people, and I think thats because of the erosion of our social fabric. Its every man for themselves. That was exacerbated during the pandemic, where people retreated to their laptops and cellphones.

Its a moving target. Im thankful that we havent seen more violence, and I think thats because law enforcement has been really proactive. Will that change when lockdowns start getting lifted and there is more opportunities for soft targets? Concerts, or street carnivals, or whatever, farmers markets? One of the unknowns is the intersection of extremism and mental health. We experienced such a degradation of mental health over the last two years. We may not be able to see or feel the consequences until two years from now. But we live in a country where people are armed, theyre anxious and theyre angry. And thats not a good combination.
Coronavirus Diaries is a series of dispatches exploring how the coronavirus is affecting peoples lives. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with psychiatrist Nicole Christian Brathwaite, who treats health care workers in Boston. It has been transcribed, condensed, and edited for clarity by Julia Craven.

I didnt have as many physician patients prior to COVID. That number has increased. Ive been practicing psychiatry since 2008. Im board certified to treat both children and adults so I see the lifespan. Ive always had a large number of calls, both from adults seeking care and adults seeking care for their children, but that number has increased exponentially since the start of the pandemicalong with the number of healthcare workers looking for care for both themselves and their family members.

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At the start of the pandemic, there was significant dismay from healthcare workers around the lack of PPE, having to take pay cuts while having your hours increased, running out of ICU beds, running out of ventilators, and just a general sense of helplessness. I remember talking to a lot of my patients and they were basically dealing with their own mortality. They were creating a will and talking to their families about what to do if they die. That was heartbreaking. And to think that everyday that someone went to work, there was a real fear that this could be the day that their life ends simply because of a lack of PPE, constant exposure, or the onslaught of very, very ill patients.

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That was initially one of the most heartbreaking things. Being in Massachusetts, we have a higher rate of vaccination, so then there was a lull. We had a number of months where we even had a day of no deaths from COVID and certainly a much smaller number of people hospitalized. Its scary that many of those fears are returning.

I practice tele-psychiatry, so I see patients in various states throughout the country. There certainly is a difference between the physicians I work with in Massachusetts and the physicians I work with in Illinois or Idaho. The numbers of hospitalizations are much higher in those Midwestern states, and those physicians are now literally experiencing trauma-like symptoms. Theyre beginning to suffer from sleep deprivation, theyre noticing increased irritability. Theyre beginning to be more reactive at work because theyre starting to see a lot of the same things that they were dealing with in January. Its starting to come back to them now.

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Right now, I am concerned about the sustainability of healthcare workers and their ability to withstand another surge. Theres always been high burnout among nurses and physicians. The rates of suicide has always been twice the rate of the general population. My concern is that those numbers are going to drastically increase.

Many physicians and healthcare workers tend to be type A personalities. We work very hard. We want to do things well, and we set a standard for ourselves. We go into medicine because we believe in it. We believe in the ability to treat people and hear people. So to turn around and be in a situation where, day after day, youre faced with patients who, despite every effort, despite being up all night, despite using every resource available, still end up passing away? Thats completely demoralizing, and a part of trauma is the sense of helplessness and powerlessness. People should recognize these experiences are absolutely traumatic, and many of my physician patients are meeting the criteria for PTSDand that number has gone up.

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I am not clear that anything was learned [from the last wave]. Physicians are still being overworked, still feel helpless, and there hasnt necessarily been an increase in mental health support on the ground at hospitals to address it. For some physicians, burnout has taught them that they dont feel as valued in the healthcare system, that their lives arent as important. Hospitals need to ensure that there is immediate and sustained access to mental health support for all healthcare workers and destigmatize mental health treatment. Often physicians or healthcare workers are afraid to admit feeling depressed or afraid to seek treatment because they fear that it will impact their job. We really need to normalize healthcare workers seeking and receiving mental healthcare treatment and that not impacting their career.

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I currently have multiple jobs. I am the medical director of a tele-psychiatry company, and I also have a small private practice and consulting company. Prior to that, I was a medical director in a community mental health clinic, and I absolutely experienced burnout. I was exhausted. I was working all the time. I wasnt able to devote the time and attention my family needed. The line between work and my personal life was very blurred. There wasnt even a line. I ended up transitioning into tele-psychiatry because I felt completely burned out and I began to lose my excitement and passion for mental health and for psychiatry.

In terms of what Im doing now, I mean, Im trying to honestly practice the same thing that I recommend to my patientsand even the physicians that I supervise. Part of burnout is individual, but also a large part of burnout is institutional. Im careful to not just recommend individual changes, because if youre working in a toxic institution, you can get as much sleep as you need, but youre still going to experience burnout because youre not in a place that supports you.
In 1997, SixDegrees.com was the first real attempt at social networking, creating a space where users could upload their information and list their friends. The site peaked at approximately 3.5 million users before it shut down in 1999.

Since then, a series of social networking business models have emerged, each time offering more advanced tools for user interaction. LiveJournal, a site for keeping up with school friends, combined blogging and social networking features inspired by the WELL; Friendster was a social network that allowed for increased interaction and control by users; Myspace had open membership and gave users the freedom to customize their pages. In 2005, itand its 25 million user basewas sold to News Corp. But within three years, Myspace had been surpassed by Facebook, which launched in 2004 for college students and opened to everyone in 2006.

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As that history shows, in the early days of the internet, disruption was profound and constant: New companies emerged in music, video, e-commerce, publishing, and telephony on an almost yearly basis. The internet appeared to be a space where competition could thrive.

Not anymore.

Today, disruption happens in much smaller ways. The examples are getting fewer because economies of scale have concentrated innovation in the hands of a few players.

More often, disruption comes from regulationfor better or, often, for worse. Current regulation attempts focus on the actions and behavior of some actorschiefly Facebookwhile creating unintended consequences for the internet, particularly fragmentation, or the splintering of the global internet into one that more closely hews territorial borders.

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Its understandable that both the public and regulators might think that regulating the internet means focusing on the biggest players. Much of it has to do with the fact that users are often exposed to various types of illegal behavior and content through some of the most popular services that exist on the internet. Fix misinformation, or extremism, or ideological silos, or security on Facebook, the thinking goes, and youve fixed it on the internet as a whole.

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But this is an unhelpful and misguided narrative. First, the internet is not a monolith, so treating it as if it is simply will not work. Second, many of the issues regulators are trying to address are not internet problems; they are societal. Terrorism, child abuse, and mis- and disinformation are not an offspring of the internet; they existed before the internet, and they will continue to exist after it as they are ingrained in human societies. Yet, they are treated as if they are exclusively internet problems. Third, and most importantly, regulators should stop thinking of the internet as Facebook and treating it as such. In the internet regulatory landscape, there is a mixed bag of different issues, and Facebooks involvement in all of them, direct or indirect, adds to the current complexity. Content moderation, privacy, intermediary liability, competition, encryptionthese are all broader issues related to the internet, not just Facebook. Yet, the pattern that has emerged is to treat them as Facebook issues. What this means is that, instead of focusing on trying to address them in ways appropriate for the entire internet ecosystem, they are addressed through the Facebook lens. This has been quite accurately characterized as the Facebook Derangement Syndrome.

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The global regulatory agenda is replete with such examples. In the United Kingdom, the Online Safety legislation wants to ban end-to-end encryption because of Facebooks plan to introduce it as a default setting in its Messenger service. On the other side of the Commonwealth, Australia recently introduced a media bargaining code mainly targeting Facebook. Facebook famously left the country before renegotiating a new agreement. Similarly, in what seems to be a coordinated effort, Canada has vowed to work with Australia in an attempt to impose regulatory restrictions on Facebook.

And this trend is not limited to the Commonwealth.

Indias new intermediary guidelines aim at tightening a regulatory grip on Facebook and its partner company WhatsApp while Brazils fake news bill, which got approved by the Senate, is focusing on content moderation on Facebook and traceability on WhatsApp. In France, there have been conversations about the introduction of new rules for Facebook, while Germanys Network Enforcement LawNetzDGwas drafted with the primary focus of taming Facebook. Finally, in the United States, the Trump administration issued an unsuccessful executive order that aimed to regulate Facebook for bias.

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This approach of limiting regulation to Facebook is not entirely unusual. It reflects the principal-agent conundrum that, over the years, has allowed companies like Facebook to propose policies and deploy tools that can have an impact on the way regulation gets to be enforced. The principal-agent problem is predominantly characterized by conflict of interest and moral hazards. Due to information asymmetries, the agent holds the bargaining power, and this creates a few unknowns: The principal is in no position to know the information the agent holds. Even when she does, she cannot be certain that the agent is acting to her best interest. So, the principal ends up focusing squarely on the agent, disregarding any peripheral issues that might be significant.

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The principal-agent problem may help explain why governments appear ready to introduce regulation targeting Facebook; however, it does not help explain why, in the process of doing so, the main loser is the internet and its users.

Over the past couple of years, Facebook has said, We support regulation, and we want updated internet regulations to set clear guidelines for addressing todays toughest challenges. This statement would be significant if it did not come across as self-serving. At this stage, regulation is inescapable and Facebook knows itas does the rest of big tech. In an effort to adapt to this new reality, companies often take advantage of their dominant position to drive regulatory processes, often at the expense of regulation itself.

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In this context, the question we should be asking is not whether regulation is appropriate, but what are the real implications of regulating in such a manner? There is already an argument that focusing on a few, big players has an impact on the health of innovation and the ability of newcomers to compete. And, then, there is the internet. The internets global reach is one of its main strengths. It is a feature, not a bug. Among other things, it allows the maintenance of supply chains all over the world; it allows people to communicate; it lowers costs; and it makes information sharing easier, all the while helping to address societal issues like poverty or climate change.

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To this end, the attempt to regulate based on oneor a handfulof companies can jeopardize this very important goal of the internet. It can create fragmentation, in the sense of not allowing data to flow across borders or networks to interconnect, and this can be very real and have a very big impact. It can impose limits on the way information and data gets to be shared and the way networks may interoperate. These are significant trade-offs, and they must be part of any regulations process.

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So where do we go from here?

For sure, the answer cannot be to stop regulating. We must accept, however, that the current approach often generates unintended consequences that only superficially affect those who must be regulated.

In this light, a possible way forward is to experiment with regulation. Experimental regulation is a relatively underused approach, yet it is flexible enough to accommodate dynamic markets, like the internet. Originally associated with the work of John Dewey, this idea is premised on the fact that, in policymaking, the way we approach theories and strategies of justice depends on the experience of their pursuit; it is these changes that then allow us to consider how best to achieve our objectives. The advantage of this thinking is that it considers unintended consequences as an opportunity to better define appropriate regulatory frameworks and how to achieve the desired goals.

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Internet regulation does not experiment enough, and when it does, it appears to have the wrong focus. In Australia, for instance, the effort to ensure robust journalism in an age of disinformation in social media platforms led to a link tax that undermines the architecture, history, and economics of the internet. This is partly due to the role big tech companies play in the regulatory process. One of the immediate things one can observe with internet regulation is the process some actors deploy: In the beginning, they operate in favor of sustaining existing policies and bureaucracies. The thinking is that longevity brings legitimacy, and as a result, the policy becomes its own cause. Once this strategy is embedded in process, these powerful forces move toward pushing their own regulatory agenda.

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It is for this reason that there is a certain appeal toward flexible regulatory systems that allow different units to experiment with different approaches and make room for assessments that separate the relevant from the nonrelevant and preexisting rules. Although experimentation neither offers a drastic approach nor aims to replace traditional routes of regulation, it can limit the risks of politicization, as politics become more context focused.

One of the first things we need is an internet impact assessment that looks at the different parts of the internets infrastructure and the effect that regulation may have. It is no longer just about regulating a few actors. It is about protecting the global infrastructure that we all depend on daily.

The internet has a Facebook problem, but the internet is not Facebook.

This article represents the views of the author and not those of his employer, the Internet Society. Facebook is an organization member of the Internet Society.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Part of the reason that misinformation about vaccines is so intractable is that it can be very lucrative. For years anti-vaccine figures have made money publishing books and giving speeches, and only in the past couple of years have major sites like YouTube started preventing anti-vaxxers from directly earning revenue from advertising. During the pandemic, as the coronavirus created new markets for health hoaxes, conspiracy theorists have been able to make money online by using the misinformation that they publicize on major sites like Facebook to sell supplements and books to followers via e-commerce shops. Now, vaccine skeptics with large followings are turning to crowdfunding platformsboth the relatively obscure GiveSendGo and the decidedly mainstream GoFundMeto monetize their activities, often to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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Vaccine hesitancy may be the most potent force choking off the countrys attempts to escape the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. finally hit the Biden administrations goal of getting at least the first dose to 70 percent of Americans on Monday, a little less than a month after its July 4 target date, but this milestone still isnt enough for the country to fend off the highly contagious Delta variant thats now bowling over the populationand the vast majority of people now dying from COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

On GiveSendGo and GoFundMe, vaccine truthers often portray themselves as little guys in a fight against the pro-vaccine tyranny of big pharma, big tech, and big government, and in doing so rake in money from thousands of sympathetic donors. Theyre able to do it in part because of lax standards and moderation blind spots, and in part by operating in gray areas.

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Start with GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding platform that launched in 2015 as a site that was mainly intended to raise money for missionary trips and children needing medical treatment. Theres plenty of that on GiveSendGo, but its also become the preferred tool for far-right figures to raise cash for fringe causes, and not entirely by accident. By 2017, the site was casting itself as a safe haven for people who werent welcome on its much larger competitor. Gofundme has taken a stance against Christians and has been taking down campaigns that they did not agree with, a GiveSendGo blog post from around that time read. As mainstream crowdfunding sites became stricter about banning people spreading misinformation and hate, and explicitly far-right alternatives like Hatreon proved to be poorly designed, GiveSendGo emerged as an attractive option for extremists. It became notorious this January when members of the Proud Boys and other extremist groups used the site to fund travel and supplies for the Capitol riot, and then to raise money to cover legal fees after many of them were arrested. PayPal cut ties with GiveSendGo a few days after Jan. 6. GiveSendGo claimed that it did not want to take sides on the issue. (The site now says it uses a variety of payment processing companies but does not identify them by name.)

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Over the past few months, GiveSendGo has been hosting fundraisers for causes casting doubt on vaccines that have racked up huge sums.

A crowdfunding campaign for independent journalist Ivory Hecker, for instance, has raised nearly $200,000 to support her true journalism. Its not entirely clear what the money is being spent on, but Hecker achieved infamy in June when she was working as a local reporter for Fox 26 Houston and interrupted a weather report to allege that the network was muzzling her. She then announced on-air that she was providing behind-the-scenes recordings from Fox to conservative gotcha artist James OKeefe and his group Project Veritas. Hecker had a number of grievances with the network, but chief among them was its coverage of COVID-19 and the vaccines. She alleged that Fox 26 didnt want to give the vaccines negative press and that it was suppressing her coverage of hydroxychloroquine, a discredited cure for COVID-19. Hecker also accused the network of stifling her reporting promoting Stella Immanuel, a prominent anti-vax doctor whos claimed that some medical treatments secretly use DNA from reptilians. Since Fox 26 fired her, Hecker has struck out on her own, trumpeting other phony cures like Ivermectin and amplifying fears about the vaccines on social media.

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Former Facebook employee and self-styled whistleblower Morgan Kahmann has enjoyed even more success on GiveSendGo, raising more than $508,000. Kahmann became something of a martyr in conservative circles after he also went to Project Veritas with internal documents detailing how Facebook demotes vaccine hesitancy content. His leaks didnt really amount to a bombshell since Facebook has aggressively publicized its efforts to suppress vaccine misinformation, which includes reducing the visibility of misleading COVID-19 content; the documents Kahmann released more or less go into the minutiae of how the platform is implementing its policy. However, hes now done interviews with Tucker Carlson on Fox News and Alex Jones on Infowars purporting that Facebook is running a shadow operation to hide the truth about the vaccines, which lends itself to anti-vax narratives. Infowars and Project Veritas have both promoted links to Kahmanns GiveSendGo page.

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Other vaccine-related campaigns on GiveSendGo have more to do with projects than particular people. A recent fundraiser for a documentary about the benefits of not vaccinating kids has raised nearly $30,000, while another to put up a Times Square billboard about vaccine injuries has raised about $2,300.

But it isnt just GiveSendGo, though, thats facilitating donations for efforts to resist coronavirus vaccines. GoFundMe is also providing services to these causes. There, however, skeptics have a workaround: Theyre not raising money to oppose vaccines, per se, but to oppose vaccine mandates.

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Indeed, GoFundMe has a host of similar campaigns. One fundraiser that has raised nearly $170,000 is financing a lawsuit against the Houston Methodist Hospital, which is requiring that its medical staff get a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the hospital, 99 percent of the staff ended up getting vaccinated. However, a former Houston Methodist nurse named Jennifer Bridges and more than 100 other employees are trying to take her case against the hospital to the Supreme Court. A district judge has already dismissed the suit. On her GoFundMe page, she posted about a protest that the group held against Houston Methodist in June and highlighted the fact that three people from Americas Frontline Doctors, a right-wing medical organization that has a long track record of spreading anti-vaccine disinformation, gave speeches. Stella Immanuel also spoke to the crowd.

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GoFundMe is also hosting another fundraiser aimed at tearing down similar vaccine mandates for students at Virginia universities, which has raised more than $23,000. The campaign claims to be representing parents who want to mount a legal challenge against the state out of concern that the vaccines will cause long-term, possibly permanent, harm to their children attending these schools. (Its long been standard practice for universities to require immunizations for diseases like measles and meningitis.) Part of the proceeds have gone to paying attorneys who have sent letters to schools such as the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary urging them to revoke the mandates before your students are harmed or killed by these dangerous experimental inoculations. Besides the fundraisers to fight the Virginia and Houston Methodist mandates, there are numerous other GoFundMe campaigns to support people who are choosing to leave their jobs instead of getting the vaccine. GoFundMe does, however, appear to be placing banners with links to information from the CDC and WHO on fundraising pages that promote vaccine hesitancy, unlike GiveSendGo.

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Fundraisers raising money to promote misinformation about vaccines violate GoFundMes terms of service and will be removed from the platform, GoFundMes senior communication manager Monica Corbett wrote in an email. Over the last several years, we have removed over 250 fundraisers attempting to promote misinformation related to vaccines. Fundraisers for legal challenges do not violate our terms of service. With that said, we will continue to monitor the platform 24/7 and remove any fundraiser attempting to spread misinformation about vaccines. GiveSendGo, which did not respond to my request for comment, does not appear to have any such vaccine misinformation policies or monitoring practices, which is largely in step with the sites previous inaction when it comes to extremist groups and election conspiracy theorists.

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Whats tricky about these fundraisers, especially on GoFundMe, is that many of them couch their anti-vaccine goals in broader, lofty languagewhether its about personal medical choices or battling a censorious tech industry or about practicing true journalism and telling the real truth. As the Daily Beast reported, users have in the past found ways to get around GoFundMes ban on vaccine misinformation by crafting their campaigns in the name of anti-vax dog whistles like medical freedom and informed consent. Since GoFundMe does explicitly encourage users to use its services to raise money for legal fees, these users often take pains to specify that their fundraisers are for legal battles. The anti-mandate fundraisers I highlighted to GoFundMe, which specify that the donations are for legal fees, are still up on the site. Their fundraising appeals, though, often contain fear-mongering language about the vaccines. At the same time, the platform has tried to crack down on vaccine misinformation, finding itself walking the content-moderation tightrope that other large social media platforms are familiar with, which inevitably leaves loopholes in place that purveyors of misinformation try to exploit. And GiveSendGo, which positions itself as a free speech alternative, has proven more than happy to take in people kicked off of GoFundme.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

In July, Alina and her girlfriend, Ksyusha ,wanted to show that, like any other family, they have favorite dishes and cooking habits. Joined by Alinas mom and sister, they appeared in an advertisement for Russian grocery store chain VkusVill (translates like TasteVille). They expected people to see them as family members who love one another, practice veganism, and support fair trade, but instead, their sexuality became the main focus. The public reaction was so intense that this week the heroes of the advertisement shared that they were forced to flee to Spain.

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Vkusvill is a well-known brand with more than 1,200 stores in about 50 cities. Its been building a reputation as a progressive and socially responsible brand, selling healthy organic food from small Russian producers for affordable prices. Its a bit like Trader Joes. Recently, the store ran a campaign on its website and social media under the slogan Recipes for family happiness, the goal of which was to tell about regular supermarket customers. As Vkusvill content manager Roman Polyakov told MBKh Media, the company wanted to contribute to diversity. So, the promotion involved stories and pictures of several families, including a queer family.

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Their story was published under the headline Total matriarchy. Alinas mom, Yuma, whom the article called a matriarch, is a lesbian and works as a psychologist. Yuma`s older daughter Alina, who is engaged to Ksyusha, works with children with autism spectrum disorders. Alina has an 8-year-old daughter (who, like Yumas girlfriend, Zhenya, did not appear in the photoshoot). Mila, Yumas younger daughter, works in online education. In their advertisement, the family shared that they visit the store every day. They also said they especially enjoy Vkusvills hummus and condensed coconut milk, love to cook vegan borscht, and recycle everything, even receipts. The ad went live on July 1, and Russian media called it the first major LGBTQ commercial in the country. It is important to mention that along with the article, Vkusvill placed 18+ warning because Russian law forbids exposing minors to gay propaganda.

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When the ad was released, we received hundreds of positive comments, Yuma told me. We celebrated. Followers wrote to us that they couldnt believe that this is happening in Russia.

That happiness didnt last long, though. Somebody reposted the ad in a Telegram community called Male State, which has more than 35,000 followers and is known for promoting nationalist, patriarchal ideas and bullying feminist and LGBTQ activists. After that, the family and Vkusvill were attacked with hateful comments from internet trolls and conservative customers, as well as public figures. Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of RT, the international TV network controlled by the Russian government, wrote that she would not buy Vkusvill groceries anymore. I remember very well how it started in the West. These couples exist, this is our values, we are for diversity. It ended up with parent #1 and parent #2 and human milk, claimed Simonyan on her Twitter.

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Whether because Vkusvill was afraid to lose customers, was pressured by authorities, or both, the chain pulled the advertisement on July 4. Moreover, the retailer apologized for hurting the feelings of a large number of customers. The statement, which was signed by 12 top managers, including the founder, said, We regret that this happened and consider this publication to be a mistake, which is the result of the unprofessionalism of certain employees.

This step disappointed Vkusvills liberal customers, who were initially so proud of the stores decision to represent LGBTQ clients. There are 40,000 comments under Vkusvills apology on Instagram, and the most popular say: Shame on you, You only made the situation worse, and Are you serious?

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Many people wrote they would boycott Vkusvill after the store embarrassed itself, but it is hard to believe that the scandal will affect sales. My liberal friends joke that they still buy groceries there, hiding behind the shelves, so nobody sees them shopping (and I cant blame them, as the stores items are really exceptionalI especially enjoy the borscht, almond croissants, and salted caramel ice cream).

Meanwhile, the family is reeling from the experienceespecially Vkusvills suggestion that they were a mistake. Yuma told me that she and her daughter Mila have been LGBTQ activists for many years, and it was not the first time her family dealt with haters. As a psychologist, Yuma worked with gay people who were allegedly tortured by police in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya in 2017-2018. (The regions leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, denied it and claimed that there are no gay people in Chechnya.) Her family also volunteers at the only LGBTQ film festival in Russia, Side by Side. Yuma told me that her family has been splashed with liquids, hit with thrown objects, insulted, and chased. But she says the aggression after the Vkusvill advertisement was on a completely different level. People figured out our address and posted it online, calling for violence against us. They printed out our pictures and placed them at the stores` entrances. They threatened to kill us. But, most of all, Yuma was concerned about the safety of her 8-year-old granddaughter. The harassers threatened to file a report to the police about us spreading gay propaganda to minors, Yuma said.

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The gay propaganda law, which passed in 2013, makes it illegal to tell or show children that a homosexual relationship is as normal as a heterosexual one. Apart from being discriminatory (as the European Court of Human Rights called it), it has pretty vague wording that leaves room for a different interpretation. Punishment includes a fine for individuals and a temporary shut down for businesses. But in practice, there are other penalties not explicitly mentioned in the law. In 2019, authorities realized that a couple of gay men managed to adopt two children in Russia, and they opened a criminal case against the social workers who allowed them to raise boys. The parents were accused of breaking the gay propaganda law by simply letting their kids know that they are in a relationship. So the family chose to run away to the U.S.

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Yumas family also got afraid that Alinas child would be taken away from them. We quickly packed our bags and fled Russia. We left everything: our home and our jobs, she said. Politicians in Russia support homophobia. There are no chances that the situation with gay rights will get better.

President Vladimir Putin has claimed multiple times that gay people are not discriminated against in Russia. In 2017, Oliver Stone asked him whether he would shower next to a gay man, and Putin answered that he prefers not to: Why provoke him? He continued, But you know, Im a judo master. Another time, in June 2020, when was asked about the rainbow pride flag at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Putin suggested that it says something about the sexual orientation of the diplomats. It reveals something about the people that work there, told Putin.

No joke is starting a new life in a foreign country because you don`t feel safe at home. In Spain, Yuma and Alina both plan to get married to their girlfriends (under recent constitutional amendments, marriage in Russia is defined only as a union between man and woman) and have more babies, whom they can be open with about their sexual orientation without being persecuted or prosecuted.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
This story was originally published by Atlas Obscura and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

TRENTINO, ItalyAt the edge of the road there is a heap of about 200 spruce logs, each approximately 30 feet long, all felled by a recent, severe winter storm. Its late spring, but the wood is still covered with a dusting of snow. A middle-aged man on his knees, wearing hiking boots, jeans, and a waterproof jacket, is examining a section of one of the trunks, looking for mold or knots. He calls out to the operator of a crane and asks him to turn the log so he can have a better look. If it meets his needs, he will take a can of black spray paint and mark the end of the log with the letter C, and then ask the operator to load it onto a flat-bed trailer. The rest go into another pile.

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Though all the logs look identicalsame length, straight and heartyfor Fabio Ognibeni, not all the spruce trees of Val di Fiemme, localed in the Alpine region of Trentino Alto Adige in Italy, are the same. Ognibeni estimates that just 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 trees will make beautiful musicand he can recognize them by sight. He can see how this wood will resonate in prestigious auditoriums and concert halls, in schools and homes around the world, in the form of grand pianos, violins, harpsichords, and harps. Ognibeni is the owner of Ciresa, a company that supplies resonance wood to luthiers and piano makers, including globally known brands such as Fazioli, C. Bechstein, and Bluthner.

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Sound is produced by a piano when the vibrations of the strings are transmitted, via a bridge, to the soundboard. The music you hear is the vibration of wood transmitted to the airthis wood. Ognibenis wood. If you want to see the soundboard of a piano you have to lie down with your head up. Ninety-nine percent of people dont even know its there, says Ognibeni. Many pianists are really convinced that it is the keys or at most the hammers that make their instrument sound. Many dont know where the soundboard is. I know its hard to believe, but thats the way it is.

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It works similarly for the violin, but not in secret. The body of the instrumentbelly, ribs, and backis the soundboard. This is Ognibenis wood as well, sold to luthiers who then carve it to create the tone theyre looking for. The most famous luthier in history, Antonio Stradivari, who lived between the 17th and 18th centuries, used spruce from the Val di Fiemme. Today, his famed violins still sound very good and can command millions of dollars.

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Spruce is all over the Italian Alps, but it is only the ones that grow in this specific valley that are so coveted for their musical qualities. There are two reasons, Ognibeni says: One is orographic, the second is cultural. The slopes of the Lagorai mountain chain, one of the two that delimit the valley, are exposed to the north-northwest, so they receive less sun and this allows trees to grow slowly. In addition, there is a lot of rock and it is not very calcareous, so the roots absorb less minerals and the wood is lighter than the forests dominated by the Dolomites. This is an essential quality: The heavier the wood, the less it vibrates. Of course, there are woods that are even lighter than spruce, but they dont possess the same fiber quality.

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Spruce is all over the Italian Alps, but it is only the ones that grow in this specific valley that are so coveted for their musical qualities.

The cultural reason is that since the late Middle Ages, the woods of Val di Fiemme have been managed by a local authority, Magnifica Comunita, that has always looked after and managed its forests with care and competence. Here the forest has always been cultivated by selecting the plants, making them grow evenly, at the same height, so that little light can filter through. Thats why the trees are tall, straight, and with very few low branches, which, without direct light, dry up immediately, Ognibeni says.

It only takes Ognibeni a few seconds to know how the trunk will sound. The only tool he uses are his glasses. First he looks at the growth rings on the outermost layers of the trunk, the only part that is used for soundboards. The fiber has to be tight and equidistant, he says. Even just two or three wider rings are enough for the trunk to be discarded. A wider ring means that the tree has grown more, often because it received more water than usual. (Ognibeni fears that climate change will mean less wood for musical instruments, as both drought and storms become more frequent.) Ognibeni also looks for knots, the circular or elliptical scars left by old branches. A knot means a difference in density in the wood, as if it were a brake on the rush of music, he says. And then there are mold stains: If they are very large, the trunk must be discarded. This pursuit of only the most perfect logs is why resonance wood costs $195 per cubic meter, compared with $85 or under for logsstill of high qualityused for furniture.

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The wood Ognibenis company, Ciresa, selects is then dried and seasoned for a year, and then examined again before processing. By that stage, it is more or less perfect. Any flawsalready feware eliminated by company craftsmen who make up the soundboards of the pianos by piecing together wood unitsfrom different trunks but with very similar fiberslike a puzzle. The lines of the rings are equidistant from one another and regular, as if drawn with a ruler. Imperfections are not allowed, but at the same time we are talking about an organic material, not plastic. And thats why it cant be mechanical work, says Ognibeni as he looks out over an empty factory, ready to come back to life the next morning.

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In addition to climate change, there is a more pressing threat: Ips typographus, the small, dark, pill-shaped European spruce bark beetle. These insects penetrate the bark, reproduce, and suck the sap until the tree dries up and dies. Under normal circumstances, healthy trees have defenses against the beetles, which keep their population in check. But at the end of October 2018, the most powerful wind storm ever recorded here, known as Vaia, destroyed almost 100,000 acres of woods in northern and northeastern Italy. Gusts of over 120 miles per hour felled millions of trees. These carcasses, still rich in sap but defenseless, fed a beetle explosion, despite efforts to remove the logs as quickly as possible. Now, with a full-blown outbreak of spruce bark beetles, even the healthy trees are at risk.

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Red-brown patches can already be seen on the slopes of valleys in the regionstanding trees, desiccated and dead. The bark beetle can equal and even overcome the damage caused by a wind storm, says Andrea Battisti, an entomologist at the University of Padua and one of the leading experts on bark beetles in Italy. The beetle proliferates when the temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and when this happens, technicians, forest service officers, and experts place hundreds of pheromone-based traps and baits throughout the Alps.

In the Gares Valley, east of Val di Fiemme, in Veneto, Battisti explains the traps to a group of students. The traps are 3-foot-tall plastic houses that resemble apartment mailboxes. They have drawers at the bottom where the trapped insects end up. Every 10 days the traps are emptied and the victims tallied. In mid-May in Veneto, the average was 4,700 insects per trap. At lower altitudes it can reach 25,000, three times the critical threshold. And that was just in the spring, before summers warmer temperatures.

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Another method for containing the outbreak is a baitforesters fell five or six trees and then decorate them with the pheromones. The insect is attracted and begins to reproduce under the bark, says Valerio Finozzi, a technician in Veneto. After a few days, if we see that the infestation is at its peak, we remove the bark so that the larvae are killed by the sun or by the rain. The principle, Finozzi says, is to sacrifice a few trees to save hundreds.

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But it is an uphill battle. We can monitor and work to keep it under control, but we cannot hope to eliminate the bark beetle, says Renzo Motta, a professor of forest ecology and forestry at the University of Turin. We have to take into account a share of damage, which is inevitable.

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Ognibeni remembers the days after the fateful 2018 storm well. Val di Fiemme was hit hard. The idea that among those felled trees there were hundreds that could have played music made me sick, he says. So we worked like crazy to save everything that could be saved, before it rotted, and we discovered we had many friends.  In those days Ciresa launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the purchase of thousands of cubic feet of timber. The idea was that all that can become music, it must become music, not wardrobes or skirting boards, Ognibeni says. He was aiming for 40,000 euros. He received 230,000 euros, from all over Italy and abroad.

The solidarity of those weeks gave us the push not to give up, he says. And today we are already starting to pay the money back to the first donors. Because for us, that was just a loan. Had it not been for that feverish recovery operation, he says, the company would have been out of work for some timebecause, after the damage of Vaia, logging has been suspended in Val di Fiemme and many other areas in the Alpine arc, leaving additional storms as the only source of fresh wood. But rather than making boards with a poorer wood, he says, I would have preferred to grit my teeth and close the business for a while.
Third pandemic wave has already arrived in Slovakia

All of Slovakias districts will remain in the green tier from next Monday, though.

The third pandemic wave has already started in Slovakia, according to the Health Ministry.

Our paywall policy: The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope.

For the third week in a row, the reproduction number for the coronavirus exceeded 1, which is considered the critical level.

We can thus openly say that the third wave has started in Slovakia, said Martin Pavelka of the Institute of Health Analyses, running under the Health Ministry, as quoted by the TASR newswire. This wave is characterised by the Delta variant, first detected in India, which is more infectious than the previous strains. Everybody will encounter it.

Yet, no district will switch to a different tier from next Monday, August 2. All of them remain in the green tier of the Covid automat alert system, meaning that the measures will only be mild.

Map of districts from Monday, August 2, 2021. (Source: Health Ministry)

Unvaccinated hit the hardest

The seven-day average of new daily cases is 42, up from 38 from the previous week.

Out of all those who tested positive for Covid in the past two weeks, 76 percent were not vaccinated against Covid.

More people reject vaccination against Covid Read more

This implies that the third pandemic wave will target particularly this group of people, the Health Ministry said.

Yet, the vaccination rate in districts is quite different. On the national level, more than 2.2 million people have received at least the first vaccine dose (41 percent), while more than 1.9 million have been fully vaccinated (36 percent).

Martin Suster of the National Bank of Slovakia, the countrys central bank, said in an interview with the Dennik E economic newspaper that in the case of the Delta variant, about 90 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

Delta is more dangerous

The course of the disease is usually more serious with the Delta variant of the coronavirus, even in younger age groups.

Hospitals are ready, ministry says following opposition criticism Read more

Compared with the previous Alpha variant, which was first detected in the UK, the risk of a serious case of the disease and related hospitalisation is about twice as high, Pavelka said, as quoted by TASR.

He added that several epidemiological studies have confirmed that the most efficient protection against the Delta variant is vaccination, and it is important not to miss the second dose.

Read more about the coronavirus developments in Slovakia:

28. Jul 2021 at 17:21 | Compiled by Spectator staff
The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer trials are just around the corner, and a field laden with prospective contenders will face off in the Saturday (August 7) preferred pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The city track will host a 13-dash card on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., with perhaps the toughest $3,400 race in the history of Canadian harness racing lining up in the Race 12 feature.

Truro track record holder Time To Dance will look for his sixth straight win in that preferred class. Adam Merner picks up the catch driving assignment for trainer and regular driver Marc Campbell, who will be in Cape Breton for stakes action on Saturday, and owners Brent Campbell and Matt McDonald. The defending Gold Cup and Saucer champion will leave from Post 7 on Saturday against an incredibly talented group of foes.

Hitman Hill joins the Kenny Arsenault stable with Post 5 on Saturday with the trainer in the bike for the American Ideal pacers first Atlantic start since relocating from Yonkers Raceway. A winner of $516,000 lifetime, Hitman Hill was a winner his last start at Yonkers in 1:54.1.

Outkast Blue Chip has Post 4 with Ken Murphy in the bike for trainer Trevor Hicken. The $300,000 winner was victorious his last start at Harrahs Philadelphia in 1:53.1.

The richest Atlantic bred pacer of all-time, The Rev, has Post 3 for his 2021 Atlantic debut for trainer-driver Gilles Barrieau as he looks to add to his 46 lifetime wins and $635,582 in prize money.

Peter MacPhee thinks the win streak will continue for Time To Dance as he places him in the win position of the Post Time Picks. Time To Dance has been on top of his game in 2021 and the last time we saw him was setting a track record over Truro in 1:51.3. He draws post seven and gets a new pilot, but we think they make it six in a row.

Also in the power packed field are Racemup (Walter Cheverie), Rose Run Quest (Mark Bradley), Rock Lights (Jason Hughes) and Moonwriter (David Dowling).

Go to Redshores.ca for race programs, race dates, live video and more or watch online on the Red Shores Youtube channel. Onsite wagering is available starting at 12 p.m. on race day at Red Shores locations.

To view the entries for Saturday's card, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Red Shores Charlottetown.

(Red Shores)
The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association (OHHA) will continue its coverage of the 2021 Ohio County Fair racing season with live streaming coverage from the Athens County Fair in Athens, Ohio on Friday (August 6) and Saturday (August 7).

Fridays coverage from Athens will be hosted by OHHA Brand Ambassador Roger Huston and OHHA Outreach and Public Relations Coordinator Frank Fraas. First race post time is 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays coverage will be hosted by OHHA Project Coordinator Susan Schroeder and Outreach Assistant Ashley Dailey. First race post time is 12:00 p.m.

The live stream and programs will be available at OHHA.com/livestream.

Replays of the races from Athens will be available on the Trot and Pace Marketing website, trotandpaceracing.com, following the completion of racing.

The OHHA is scheduled to live stream over 125 race cards from 65 county and independent fairs this summer.

A complete Ohio county fair racing schedule is available at HarnessRacingOhio.com.

(OHHA)
The fastest trotting mare in the history of Atlantic Canadian harness racing will make her way to Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway on Sunday afternoon for the first leg of the Island Oceans Trot Classic, presented by JD Marine and Diving Inc.

Carded as Race 9 of the 13-dash afternoon card starting off at 1:00 p.m., the trot mare division will see five entrants vying for the top prize.

Atlantic record holder Cheeky Little Minx has rail control in the $4,800 class with Kenny Arsenault in the bike for trainer Gilles Barrieau and owners Wayne MacRae and Howmac Farms Ltd.

Post 2 belongs to Daisy River (Paul Lanigan) for owner-trainer William Lanigan of Montague. The former Charlottetown track record holder was second to Cheeky Little Minx in the first leg of the series on July 24.

Sailor Blue has Post 3 with Ken Murphy aboard for trainer Cindy MacDonald, while Windemere Ally leaves from Post 4 for trainer-driver Brian MacPhee.

Maritime Breeders Champion Go With Her lands on Post 5 for trainer Kuri White with Walter Cheverie getting the catch driving call on Sunday.

The Backstretch Beat in Sundays card likes Cheeky Little Minx to deliver off the rail. Cheeky Little Minxs flawless July 24 performance in Charlottetown was something else to see. With her back in with the girls and drawing the rail she has to be treated as the one to beat.

The featured $2,800 pace lines up in the 12th race with Bugsy Maguire pegged as the one to beat. He leaves from Post 5, with Norris Rogers up on the Wade Sorrie trainee for owner Walter Simmons of Summerside. The pacer was a winner in 1:54.1 his last start in Charlottetown. His main contenders are Pictonian Storm (Murphy) and Flash In The Pang (Cheverie).

Go to Redshores.ca for race programs, race dates, live video and more or watch online on the Red Shores Youtube channel. Onsite wagering is available starting at 12 p.m. on race day at Red Shores locations.

To view the entries for Sunday's card, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Red Shores Summerside.

(Red Shores)
A Scottsbluff liquor store owner will serve four months in jail and has been ordered to pay more than $6,000 in costs after being convicted on liquor law violations.

Scotts Bluff County Court Judge Kris Mickey sentenced Kuldip Cheema Singh on Wednesday on eight counts connected to an Oct. 7, 2020, search of Singhs store, Cheemas Gas & Liquor. A Scotts Bluff County Court jury convicted Singh of four counts of evasion of liquor tax, a Class II misdemeanor, and four counts of acquiring liquor from someone other than a licensed dealer, in May.

On each of the evasion charges, Mickey sentenced Singh to 30 days jail and fined him $1,000. On each of the acquiring liquor charges, Mickey fined Singh $500. According to online court records, Singhs jail sentence began immediately on Wednesday. However, records showed Singh had indicated he planned to appeal the case, so a due date had not yet been assigned for Singh to pay fines.

During trial 17 boxes of liquor, such as Jack Daniels and Crown Royal, were among the evidence introduced as investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol and officials with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission testified about a 16-month investigation that led to charges against Singh.
We just did it as a precaution last night, Newman said of moving the staging area. Last night, we couldnt see very well. There was a fire creeping towards us and back into the wind and it kept looking closer, so we went ahead and moved the staging area just as a precaution.

By afternoon Friday, that staging area had to be moved. No injuries have been reported or homes are believed to be in danger as of Friday.

According to a release from NEMA, the Wildland Incident Response Team (WIRAT) has been requested and two strike teams from the North and Southwest regions have been called to provide support. A third strike team from northeast Colorado has been put on standby.

Red Flag Warnings and fire weather watches are in effect Friday for portions of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska due to low humidity values and scattered thunderstorms. Winds today could reach as high as 30 to 40 miles per hour. The National Weather Service reports that thunderstorms are forecast to develop after 11 a.m. Fires could start and rapidly spread under these conditions, the NWS reports. NEMA reports that those conditions are expected to remain elevated into the weekend.

Newman said the fire has already crossed containment lines at least a couple of times.
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Iranian media reports that Iran is establishing explicitly Iran-backed Shia militias in western Afghanistan. Iran wants to protect the Shia minority (about 20 percent of Afghans) from the expanding reach of the Taliban. In the late 1990s the Taliban went after Afghan Shia in a big way and the victims have not forgotten. The new militias are composed of combat experienced Afghan Shia who served as Iranian mercenaries and survived combat in Syria. Oddly enough the name of these militias, Hashd Al ShiI, does not use one of the local languages (Pushtun or Dari), but a language the Syrian veterans learned a little of in Syria. Hashd Al ShiI is Arabic for Shia Mobilization.

Over 50,000 Afghan Shia served in Syria and, as they returned to Afghanistan, often took the initiative in protecting fellow Shia from increasing violence by Islamic terror groups, including the Taliban. The former mercs asked Iran for help but until now all Iran was willing to do was back anti-Pakistan Taliban factions that, in return for weapons and other aid from Iran, promised to leave Afghan Shia alone. Moving on to explicitly Iran-backed Shia militias is not considered a big surprise.

In 2019 Iran sent most of the Afghan mercenaries in Syria home because the revived American economic sanctions had greatly reduced the amount of money that could be spent on the war in Syria. Iran began building a new mercenary force by hiring Syrians. The best of the Iranian foreign Shia were the Afghans but there was a limited supply of Afghan Shia willing to serve as Iranian mercs in faraway Syria. To entice the Afghans to volunteer they were paid more than other foreign Shia in Syria. While the Afghans were the best fighters, a growing number would not renew their contracts and returned to Afghanistan or Iran, where mercenary service also earned an Iran residency permit. While the Syrian Arab mercs are cheaper, they are adequate. The low cost is largely because of the bad shape the Syrian economy is in and the dire poverty many Syrians live with.

By 2020 there were over 10,000 Syrian mercs in service for Iran. Most were based on or near the Israeli or Jordanian borders. Many Syrians see the Iranians and their Syrian mercs as another foreign occupation force. Syrians are tired of war while the Iranians want more of it, mainly against Israel.

Iran appreciated the efforts of the Afghan Shia in Syria. In early 2018 Iranian media reported that Afghan mercenaries working for Iran in Syria suffered over 10,000 casualties since 2013. Over 20 percent of the casualties were fatal. It was also reported that over 3,000 Afghan Shia mercenaries died fighting against Iraq in the 1980s.

The Iranian mercenary force in Syria was a decisive factor in keeping the Syrian security forces from being completely destroyed. Many of the Afghan mercs who earned residency permits in Iran did not use them because of declining economic conditions in Iran and better prospects back in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan the Syrian vets were highly respected and the Afghan government feared that those former mercs would turn into another warlord army, like the ones that tore Afghanistan apart in the 1990s. That was half right, but the commander of this new Afghan Shia force is Iranian, not Afghan. Iranian IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) personnel, also veterans of Syrian service and often the same men who trained and led the Afghan mercs in Syria, are back with their Afghan Shia fighters once more fighting Sunni Islamic terrorists.
Russia has problems in Syria because they developed a complex network of alliances to make it all work. In the Middle East complex means endless headaches and the constant risk of catastrophic failure. Russia sent forces to Syria in 2015 to help preserve its old Cold War era ally the Assads. This was done for the benefit of Russia, not Syria. Russia was the second foreign power to come to the aid of the Assads, Iran had already been helping keep their old Shia ally, the Assads, in power. Iran had more ambitious goals, as in increasing its threat against Israel. A year after the Russians showed up, the Turks sent in troops, but actually depended on Syrian mercenaries.

The Russians hoped to rebuild the Syria military. That proved impossible and the only alternative was hiring local or foreign mercenaries, which the Iranians, Turks, Americans and Syrians all relied on. By 2015 the pre-2011 Syrian military was gone for good and improving the equipment and air support for the Syrian forces merely made it easier for the Assad troops to play defense, which is all they really wanted to do after several years of civil war. Eventually Russia began hiring some Syrian mercenaries as well, if only to help eliminate the last remnant of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in eastern Syria. Russia was content to let the Israelis keep the Iranian forces busy and taking heavy damage trying to destroy Israel.

For centuries Turkey, Iran and Russia were all antagonists, not allies and their seeming alliance in Syria was all a mirage. All three of these allies are scheming against their allies. Russia notes that Turkey is selling weapons to Ukraine, where Russian forces are still at war with Ukraine. Turkey is also trying to repair its damaged relationship with NATO, and that means reneging on weapons purchases from Russia and other forms of anti-Russian behavior. Russia is sticking it to Iran by backing Israel and the efforts of Arab states to replace Iran as the protector of the Assad government.

The only real war still going on in Syria is about the remaining Islamic terrorist groups. Most of the remaining Islamic terrorists are trapped in northern Syria (Idlib province) where the terrorists, and many civilian supporters, ended up because of a tactic the Assads successfully used to regain territory where the Islamic terrorists and their supporters were surrounded with no hope of escape, but willing to fight to the death. As much as the Assads wanted these Sunni diehards dead, they did not want to suffer more losses for their own forces as well as the destruction of more property. The Russians agreed with this approach while the Iranians did not, but not enough to fight the Assads or Russians over it. The Russians helped by providing Russian military police battalions composed of Russian Moslems to assure the rebels that the Assads would not renege on the safe-passage-to-Idlib deal. The Syrian Kurds, with American help, crushed ISIL political power in eastern Syria, thereby destroying ISIL ability to control any territory. The Russians and Iranians provided some help with this. Not so much the Turks who considered the Syrian Kurds their enemy.

Which brings us back to Idlib and over 30,000 armed rebels belonging to various Islamic terrorist groups, none of them affiliated with ISIL. There are also nearly a million civilians. These rebels have nowhere to go and will fight to the death rather than surrender. The Turks play defense, adding layers of protection to their border to prevent any of the Idlib residents from getting into Turkey. Iran doesnt care and is content to let the Turks deal with Idlib while Iranian resources concentrate on Israel. The Assads dont want any fight to death battle in Idlib and the Russians unofficially propose a more traditional tactic for this siege situation; starve them out. While an ancient and often successful tactic, this approach is currently considered a war crime by most, but not all, nations. Without any publicity, Russia, the Turks and Assads are seeking to apply the ancient siege tactic quietly and unofficially. Its not been easy, with the most troublesome opponent being the foreign aid groups who provide aid for a living but dont want to go to war with Russia, Turkey and the Assad government.

As long as the Islamic terrorists remain in Idlib, ISIL in the east and Iranians near the Israeli border, the Syria Civil War will not be over. The only ones who cannot walk away from this are the Assads, Turkey and Israel. Russia depicts itself as the good buy interested only in peace and prosperity. That leaves Iran as the real interloper and troublemaker. Dealing with Iran has been a headache for Turkey and Russia for centuries while the Arabs have several thousand years of bad experiences with the Iranian threat. In other words, Iran is difficult to deal with, something everyone can agree on.

August 2, 2021: In Libya Russia resumed oil production at facilities it manages with its German partner. This facility had been closed for ten months because of the chaos following Turkish intervention in the Libyan civil war.

July 29, 2021: Some 400 kilometers above earth the new Russian made Nauka (Science) module arrived at the ISS (International Space Station) and three hours after it was attached to the rest of the ISS some maneuvering rockets on Nauka malfunctioned and activated, slowly spinning the ISS. Ground control noticed it first and activated maneuvering rockets on other modules to halt the movement while the ISS crew was alerted and the malfunctioning rocket was shut down. The ISS was never in any danger and the unwanted spin lasted about 45 minutes. Until the source of the problem is found and fixed some other planned missions to the station (like the new American Starlighter capsule) will be delayed. The problem appeared to be in the software.

Russia needs a win for its space program because the last decade, and especially the last decade, have been a disaster. In late 2019 it became a very public disaster when a senior government official openly complained about the corruption and incompetence that was crippling the Russian Space program. This was in reference to the 2018 investigation by auditors and prosecutors found a billion dollars worth of corruption. Nearly as bad as the corruption has been the losses due to launch failures. Even with insurance the Space Agency suffered nearly $200 million in losses from uninsured launch failures since 2010. Insurance took care of commercial launch failures but these also required the Space Program to refund over $300 million to customers who had lost satellites. The Russian Space has a harder time finding customers and is paying more for launch insurance. Meanwhile the American SpaceX technology (with first stage rockets and that return and land for reuse) is going to cost the Russians even more business. The long delayed Nauka module was supposed to be a clear win. Not yet and now everyone involved with the ISS is carefully monitoring Nauka, just in case.

July 28, 2021: In northeast Syria (Hasaka province) a Russian patrol was seen blocked by an American patrol with the soldiers from both sides getting physical with shoving, pushing and some punches thrown. This soon ended and the Russians turned around and left. Many of these disputes are about preventing Turkish and Russian forces from moving east of the Euphrates River into Kurdish dominated territory. Some of these clashes are also about control of the M4 highway. At the start of 2021 Russia announced it had negotiated the reopening of the M4 highway for commercial traffic after being closed for a month while Turkish forces cleared some Islamic terrorist rebels who were periodically attacking traffic. The M4 is the main east-west highway from Aleppo to the Assad stronghold Latakia province and its Mediterranean ports.

July 26, 2021: In eastern Ukraine (Donbas) the Russian-backed rebels escalated their violations of the July 2020 ceasefire agreement. Since March these violations were relatively minor, using machine-guns, automatic grenade launchers and mortars at Ukrainian troops. Today the Russian forces used heavy artillery and OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) monitors noted that more artillery and armored vehicles were being brought close to the ceasefire line, as if it were preparation for a major offensive. Russia has also brought in more new weapons and systems, apparently to continue their practice of testing this stuff under combat conditions against the Ukrainians.

In the last year, since the 2020 ceasefire began, Ukraine has had 46 troops killed and 150 wounded by the escalating ceasefire violations. Until March 2021 violations had left 16 Ukrainian soldiers dead and many more wounded. Since 2014 over 13,000 soldiers, rebels and civilians have died in the Donbas.

In mid-2020 OSCE brokered a new ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Germany and France have always taken the lead in these negotiations because they represent the largest economies in Europe. Russia wants the sanctions lifted but first it has to convince France and Germany that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is over. OSCE observer teams have been operating in eastern Ukraine since 2014 and keep reporting violations (of ceasefire and other agreements). There are often thousands of violations a week. Russia simply denies it, calling the photos and witness accounts contrived. The OSCE personnel are still targets for rebel fire. The 600 OSCE staff (most of them roving monitors) in eastern Ukraine and Donbas, whose job is to oversee the 0riginal 2015 Minsk (where it was negotiated and signed) Ceasefire have seen that ceasefire agreement renegotiated several times since 2015. OSCE staff have been complaining since 2015 that they are being restricted by Russian-backed rebels and, less frequently Ukrainian forces from carrying out inspections. There are satellite photos available as a backup as well as local sources on the ground. Russia believes that because the front lines have not moved much since late 2014, they can do what they want with no consequences. Despite that attitude the Russian operation in Donbas is falling apart. Morale among the Ukrainians who agreed to keep the rebellion going is bad and getting worse. More and more of the rebel activity in Donbas is carried out by Russians pretending to be Ukrainian rebels. The Russian government apparently believes it will ultimately win but does not have a clear idea of when or how. Threats to invade all of Ukraine are not practical because the current Russian military is tiny compared to that of the Soviet Union. That force disappeared with the Soviet Union and Russia cannot replace it. Currently Russia does not have enough ground and air forces to invade Ukraine and win. Ukraine has a lot of problems but lack of determination to fight the Russians is not one of them. Ukraine can muster more defensive forces that Russia can overcome.

July 25, 2021: Russia is accused of interfering with the operation of the European Space Agencys Sentinel radar satellite when it passes over certain areas of Russia.

July 24, 2021: An LNA (Libyan National Army) delegation completed a five-day visit to Russia to discuss the future of Libya and the Russian role in that. No details of exactly what was covered during those five days but the LNA founder and commander Khalifa Haftar is now calling in all Libyans to participate in the December elections. The Russians also have economic deals in Libya that depend on who leads the unified government. Russia has been promised billions of dollars worth of oil research and development contracts. Even more than the Turks, the Russians need the money. Haftar has promised to resume his offensive against the weaker GNA faction, despite the Turkish presence, if the December elections are not held and the results respected.

July 23, 2021: Poland has ordered 250 American M1A2SEP3 tanks for $6 million each. These are currently the most advanced version of the M1. The Poles consider this tank the best option to deal with any new Russian tank developments. Like the new and untested in combat 48-ton T-14, a radical new design that appears quite impressive but has so far proved too complex and too expensive for Russia to mass produce. Mass production was supposed to have started in 2015 but technical problems and shrinking defense budgets halted that until when covid19 restrictions again delayed production until 2022. Russia has fewer than a hundred development and pre-production T-14s which have been undergoing field tests with a Russian tank unit since 2016. The T-14 has a three-man crew and a fully automated turret with the three crew all in an armored capsule under the turret. Division. The T-14 relies on a lot of new tech, some more advanced than any other Western tank has installed. Getting all that tech to work reliably has been a major problem. Getting all these problems fixed has made the T-14 more expensive, at about $4 each. Thats twice what the reliable T-72B3 costs and Russian combat commanders and crews will have to be convinced that the T-14 works and is as reliable as the T-72B3. Mass production to build less than two hundred more T-14s is supposed to begin in 2022. At the moment it looks like the Polish M1A2s will be the first American tanks to meet the T-14 in combat if Russia ever tries to make a move on Poland.

July 22, 2021: In eastern Syria (Homs province) Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against Iranian military targets again, as it had done yesterday. A Russian source claimed that four of the Israeli air-to-ground missiles, launched from Lebanese air space, did not reach their targets. If true this meant that Russia had, for the first time, used the S-400 air defense system to spot and track Israeli missiles and intercept them. Syria had long been asking for Russia to use its more advanced air defense systems to counter the hundreds of Israeli air strikes. The Russians refused to confirm the media report the media report and Israel ignored it. Both intercepted air strikes destroyed their intended targets and it is unclear what the purpose of the false report that Russia would neither confirm or deny. If true it would have meant Israel finally had their long-sought opportunity to scrutinize the S-400 in action and upgrade their countermeasures. Israel has been using standoff weapons (fired from Lebanese, Israeli or Jordanian air space) to avoid exposing its manned aircraft to the S-400 if the Russians should finally decide to actually use them. Tracking missiles is a start because Israel has a wide variety of air launched missiles, some better equipped to deal with the S-400 than others. This unusual rumor appeared to be a Russian effort to improve the reputation of their new systems without actually using them against the Israelis.

July 21, 2021: In Russia, the MAKS 2021 aviation show featured a Russian aircraft manufacturer showing off a mockup of the new single-engine Checkmate stealth fighter, which is apparently the Russian answer to the similar American F-35. Checkmate is being developed by Sukhoi, the same firm that designed the Su-57, the Russian answer to the American F-22. The Su-57 proved to be a failure as an F-22 clone and few are being built, only for the Russian Air Force, because export customers cancelled orders and accused Sukhoi and the Russian government of fraud and trying to sell an aircraft that does not work. Checkmate appears to be a desperate move to salvage something from all the money spent on developing the Su-57.

July 17, 2021: Russia and Turkey are supposed to have secretly agreed to withdraw their forces from Libya in return for some kind of mutual economic benefits. This is unlikely but rumors like this are believed by many factions in Libya and are a reason why the civil war has been going on for a decade. Meanwhile the Turkey backed GNU faction prime minister insists that the December 24 national elections will take place despite a growing list of obstacles.

July 15, 2021: In eastern Syria (Raqqa province) Russian efforts to keep the vital M4 highway open are being undone by fighting between the Turks and Syrian Kurds. The Turks have also been fighting the Kurdish led SDF coalition and now that fighting has moved close enough to the M4 that the artillery and machine-gun fire exchanged by Turkish and Kurd forces causes civilian traffic to be halted.

July 14, 2021: In the Far East, nearly a thousand North Korea workers have not been able to return home at the end of their work contracts because of North Korean fears that some of them may have been infected by covid19 and are not showing any symptoms. North Korea is considered paranoid and irrational in the way it deals with covid19, but North Korea still controls its borders and can close them whenever they want for whatever reason they choose to disclose, or no reason at all.

July 8, 2021: In mid-2021 there were more incidents involving manipulation of shipboard location devices, which no one is taking credit for. This time it was in the Black Sea, where NATO warships from several countries had assembled for joint training exercises with Ukrainian naval forces. Ukraine is not yet a NATO member but would like to be and joint training like this makes it easier to get in, especially when Russia violently opposes it.
Wythe and Bland county school boards have not yet decided on return-to-school policies for the coming school year. Those decisions will be made at their next school board meetings on Aug. 12 in Wythe County and on Aug. 17 in Bland County.

While the health district has seen some breakthrough cases in those who have been vaccinated, Shelton said less than 1% of vaccinated people are testing positive. Those cases are predominantly delta variant cases, she said, noting that people with those breakthrough cases are not getting as sick and rarely go to the hospital.

Ballad Health, which runs several hospitals in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee, has said 95% of its COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized are unvaccinated.

Last weekend, Ballad reported its COVID-19 patients had quadrupled since July 4. Due to a national nurse shortage and the resources needed to care for COVID-19 patients, Ballad CEO Alan Levine said the public can likely expect to see extended wait times in Ballad emergency rooms

In a message to the public, Levine said the hospital system had also seen some kids in their hospitals, including some in the pediatric intensive care unit. Levine said hes asked Niswonger Childrens Hospital to prepare a surge plan in case they see an increase in the number of children with severe illness.
KALAMA  After court action over the bidding process, Bergerson Construction was awarded the bid for the Port of Kalamas small cruise ship dock.

The Port of Kalama plans to build a $3.5 million cruise ship dock on the riverfront near Marine Park as part of an agreement with American Cruise Lines. Work is set to start in September and continue through spring 2022.

American Cruise Lines, which operates river cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers, is the only river cruise that currently docks in Kalama. Ships park at the beach at Ahles Point, about half a mile from Marine Park. The port has been working with American Cruise Lines since 2019 to develop a dock as an alternative to beach access.

Bids opened June 24, with Advanced American Construction, Bergerson Construction and HME Construction all filing. Representatives from the three companies could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The court proceedings started after the port issued its first notice of intent to award the bid to HME. Bergerson lodged a protest that HME, the apparent low bidder, was actually not a valid bid.

The argument hinged on the requirement of a 10-foot excavation needed to install some water utilities, according to court documents.
During the initial contact, the suspect exited the home and refused to comply with commands. Bean-bag munitions could have been deployed at this point to take the suspect into custody, the press release said. Prior to this legislation, bean bag rounds were also used to breach windows in a safe manner. During this incident, SWAT members had to fill buckets with rocks, which were thrown by hand to breach windows.

Law enforcement is now prohibited from using the vascular neck restraint technique as well, which the press release said could have been used to quickly and safely stop the suspect from attempting to slash SWAT members.

Officers couldnt reach the mans location with a gas canister without the launcher with a 40mm barrel which was used in these situations before the new law took affect July 25, Brightbill said.

House Bill 1054 prevents police from using military-style weapons, such as machine guns and grenades, but also prevents using firearms and ammunition of .50-caliber or greater, which local law enforcement and many agencies across the state believe take large-barreled nonlethal weapons off the table.
The artists began the project Monday, first painting the wall blue before adding clouds and trees. Ostapenko said they treat the mural as a large canvas and work in layers rather than just filling in the lines.

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The painters work mostly in the morning, often starting at 6 a.m., because the afternoon sun glares off the wall and makes it difficult to see, Ostapenko said.

While planning a mural, painters have to account for windows and other building elements, Ostapenko said. Mural painting poses more physical challenges, including climbing up and down ladders, she said.

Its a workout, Villasenor added.

Ostapenko expects to finish the mural around Aug. 15, but it could be done sooner or later depending on the weather, she said.

Envision Kalama worked for more than a year to develop a mural project to enhance the town, said founding member Mary Putka. The group originally sought to paint the Burlington Northern Santa Fe crash wall near the pedestrian overpass, but hadnt heard back from the railroad company for months after asking for approval, she said.
Microsoft has added a new feature that is going to improve its search functionality better. Called Top Hits, this new feature is coming to Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has published a new entry to the Microsoft 365 Cloud PC service roadmap and according to this, Top Hits is going to be added to automatically generate the most relevant search results.

The Top Hits feature is still under development and is expected to roll out by the end of August. According to Microsoft, this Top Hits section will autosuggest the most relevant results across chats, files, people, and other content stored or shared in the app. With this feature, you can find what you searched for faster since this feature adds another layer of the search algorithm to what already exists on Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft has been trying to make Teams popular by adding a whole bunch of features to it ever since the pandemic began, including video calls, file sharing, etc. The company has also made it possible for Microsoft Teams users to merge works and personal accounts in the same app, at the same time. This feature rolled out just about a month ago, allows people to use both their personal and and work accounts on the same app on the Windows PC and has removed the need to toggle between two different types of accounts.

Microsoft has also added new video conferencing features to the platform, like Reporter mode, Standout mode, and Side-by-side modes over the pandemic. In all these modes the background of the presenter on Microsoft Teams is removed from the presentation and is replaced with either the content that is going to be shown or the picture of the person presenting that particular chunk of content, or both depending on their preference.
Huawei is at the centre of an intense US-China trade and tech rivalry.

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's second-quarter revenue plunged 38 percent, according to figures released Friday, with smartphone sales suffering from US sanctions and the offloading of its budget brand Honor.

Huawei is at the centre of an intense US-China trade and tech rivalry after the government of former president Donald Trump voiced concern the company could be used for espionage.

The United States has provided no evidence of spying but has barred Huawei from acquiring technologies crucial to its operations such as microchips and cut it off from using Google's Android operating system.

For the first half of the year, Huawei's overall revenues were 320.4 billion yuan ($49.6 billion), down 29 percent year on year, the Shenzhen-based firm said.

Its net profit margin was 9.8 percent, up slightly from the same period last year.

Huawei's consumer products division, which includes smartphones, achieved first-half sales of 135.7 billion yuan, down 47 percent from a year earlier.

A company spokesperson said the decline was due in part to the loss of Honor, which was sold by Huawei late last year to help it maintain access to components and survive.

Huawei's travails have forced it to quickly pivot into new business lines including enterprise computing, technology for intelligent vehicles, and software.

In an accompanying statement, rotating chairman Eric Xu said "our aim is to survive".

"These have been challenging times, and all of our employees have been pushing forward with extraordinary determination and strength," he said.

Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecoms network gear and was once a top-three smartphone producer along with Apple and Samsung.

But it has fallen well down the smartphone ranks amid the US pressure, according to industry trackers.

Its networking gear has also been removed or delayed in a succession of Western countries on national security concerns.

Revenue for that segment of the business in the first half of 2021 was 136.9 billion, down 14.2 percent year on year.

A company spokesperson said Huawei had no plans for layoffs or sell-offs.

Another headache for the firm is the case of chief financial officer Meng Wanzhoudaughter of CEO and founder Ren Zhengfeiwho is currently in Canada battling extradition to the United States.

Meng is accused of defrauding HSBC by falsely misrepresenting its links to a subsidiary that sold telecoms equipment to Iran, putting the banking giant at risk of violating US sanctions against Tehran.

Just days after Meng's arrest, China imprisoned two Canadians on espionage charges which was seen by Ottawa as retaliation for Meng's detention.

Both Canadians have been tried, but their verdicts are still unknown.

The US campaign against Huawei was launched under Trump but the current administration of Joe Biden has indicated there will be no let-up.

 2021 AFP
Microsoft's main campus in Redmond, Washington is seen in May 2017.

Microsoft on Thursday joined the ranks of tech companies requiring returning workers to be vaccinated, as Amazon delayed its plan to reopen offices until next year.

The earliest date for fully reopening Microsoft's US facilities will be October 4, according to the computing giant based near Amazon in the state of Washington.

"Starting in September, we'll also require proof of vaccination for all employees, vendors and any guests entering Microsoft buildings in the United States," Microsoft said in response to an AFP inquiry.

Microsoft and other tech firms said they are closely tracking the pandemic and adapting plans as the situation evolves, keeping employee health as a top priority.

E-commerce colossus Amazon confirmed that it is delaying return of employees to its corporate offices until January of next year instead of having them come back in September as originally hoped.

"We require employees to wear masks in our offices, with the exception of those who have verified full vaccination," Amazon told AFP.

Google and Facebook last week said workers returning to offices will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19, in the latest move by firms and US government agencies.

Spikes in infections due to a Delta variant of the virus have ramped up concerns in the United States, where more than 600,000 people have died in the pandemic.

Google last week made campuses off-limits to unvaccinated employees and extend its global work-from-home option through October 18.

"Anyone coming to work on our campuses will need to be vaccinated," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in a blog post.

Google and Facebook were among companies worldwide that abandoned campuses early last year, letting people work remotely rather than risk exposure to Covid-19 in offices.

"We will be requiring anyone coming to work at any of our US campuses to be vaccinated," Facebook vice president of people Lori Goler said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"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."

Many unions and critics of mandates have spoken out against required vaccinations, citing personal freedom arguments.

Microsoft said that employees who are not vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons will be accommodated.

Rising pandemic concerns are also slowing the return to offices in the financial sector, with investment management giant Black Rock telling US workers it extended its "re-acclimating period" a month to the start of October.

Wells Fargo and US Bank have also delayed having employees return to offices, according to a CNN report.

Explore further Amazon pushes back return to office to January due to COVID

 2021 AFP
The source of a massive oil spill last week from a section of the shipwrecked Golden Ray was apparently an open fuel pipe, the sealing of which Sunday has so far stanched further environmental degradation along the southern shores of St. Simons Island, according to Unified Command.
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Of the 578 staffed hospital beds in the region, 55 were available Friday, according to state figures.

Across the state, 8,522 people were being treated in hospitals for virus-related symptoms on Friday, according to DSHS.

Brazos Countys positivity rate  the percent of positive cases to tests  was 8.58% on Friday.

Health officials said 290,082 tests for COVID-19 had been administered by Brazos County health care providers since the pandemic began.

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There were 12 new probable COVID-19 cases reported in Brazos County on Friday. To date, health officials have reported 4,258 total probable cases. Of those, 88 were considered active and 4,170 were recovered. A probable COVID-19 case is determined by a positive antigen, or rapid, test. Confirmed COVID-19 cases are determined by a positive PCR test.

To date, 265 Brazos County residents have died after testing positive for COVID-19, according to health department figures.

Brazos Valley

The DSHS reported 2,115 cases in Burleson County on Friday, an increase of one from the day before. Of those, 73 were active; 48 Burleson County residents have died since the pandemic began, according to state figures.
Democrats and Republicans remain at a stalemate over the elections bill, which would restrict local voting options and place new statewide rules on early voting and mail-in ballots. GOP leaders have suggested they are not in the mood to further tweak the bill, while House Democrats have abandoned hope for meaningful negotiations while using their time in the nation's capital to advocate for federal voting rights legislation.

The start of the second special session is approaching amid continued uncertainty over the fate of paychecks for over 2,100 legislative staffers. Abbott vetoed their pay after House Democrats staged a walkout over the elections bill in the regular session that ended in May, and the funding was set to start Sept. 1.

The reinstatement of that funding remains on the agenda for the second special session.

The new items on the call also include legislation to protect Texans from radioactive waste and to change the timeline for the 2022 primary elections. The latter item is likely a nod to the fact that the primaries will have to be pushed back due to delays in the redistricting process.
At the same time, Abbott has shown intense interest in stopping the spread of COVID-19 among migrants coming into the state via the Mexican border, part of a ramped-up crusade against illegal immigration since President Joe Biden took office. Abbott has issued an executive order telling state troopers to pull over drivers transporting migrants who pose a risk of carrying COVID-19. A federal judge blocked the order Tuesday.

That is all despite increasingly alarming coronavirus numbers in places like Texas. New daily cases and hospitalizations have been on a sharp upward swing, reaching levels not seen since the last surge in the winter. The states positivity rate  the percent of virus tests coming back positive  was 17.7% on Tuesday, well above the 10% threshold that Abbott has previously identified as a danger zone.

Even more, several of the states hospital regions have seen the percentage of COVID-19 patients comprising their capacity rise above 15%. That was the threshold that was once used to let local officials roll back business reopenings in a region  until Abbott effectively gutted it with his latest executive order.
Some hospital administrators say that even federal money cant always cover the costs of staffing during a bidding war, and that sustaining that level of pay for the long term is not an option even for the systems with more resources.

The 25-bed Goodall-Witcher Healthcare hospital in Clifton cant find anyone to even apply for their open nursing positions  much less accept jobs at the rate the hospital can afford to pay, said CEO Adam Willmann.

People are just not looking at us, he said. I guess the only way Im going to be able to get staff again is to let them get really tired at these big hospitals, and then maybe theyll come back our way. Im at a point where I cant keep up with the Joneses if I want to keep my lights on.

Willmann said the hospitals nurses regularly receive postcards and texts from other hospitals and travel nurse agencies dangling signing bonuses of $15,000 to $60,000 to become nurses elsewhere, either temporarily or as full-time hires. Some of them move 30 miles away to Waco for pay that is several times the standard rate, he said.

How is that sustainable, even in these large systems? he said.
In 2008 it was my privilege to tour ancient sites in Egypt. Before departing a friend asked me to speak, upon my return, to his fraternal club on the broad subject of Egypt.

A Cairo tour took me into a papyrus-making shop. I was amazed at the intricate decorative craft painting on newly made papyrus scrolls. Some depicted iconic interior scenes I had seen within the Pharaohs tombs. The scene that caught my attention is titled The Final Judgment.

The Egyptians definitely believed in an afterlife. No one was guaranteed entrance into bliss. Those ancients had created detailed books of the dead, wherein magic spells and 14 judges first would serve as witnesses to the departed persons judgment before their Egyptian gods.

Next the deceased persons heart was weighed against the Feather of Truth. The heart represented a persons good or bad motives and deeds. If the heart weighed more the feather it showed that the person had lived a sinful life unworthy of reward in paradise. Then the crocodile-headed god would devour the persons heart who had not lived by Egyptian religious legalistic standards; he would then be entirely annihilated, unconscious forever.
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Further north, DWR is still recommending people discontinue bird feeding in affected areas.

When we use bird feeders it can actually have a negative impact by not allowing certain birds to learn to forage for food naturally, Leonard said. That being said, the best way to care for and feed our local birds is to plant native perennials.

Now is an opportunity for transitioning to native plants as bird food sources, Leonard said. Native plants provide more habitat and nutrition for birds, especially babies, and are not as likely to transfer disease from bird to bird, better supporting bird populations for the long-term.

If you do elect to keep them up, please clean them frequently  at least once a week  to ensure bird health, Leonard said. Hopefully cases will continue to decline, we will get definitive answers, and by autumn we can use feeders without worry.

Its uncertain how long it might take for scientists to definitively determine what illness caused the bird deaths. There are countless tests to conduct, as researchers seek causes that could be pesticide-inflicted, herbicidal, viral, bacterial, parasitic, or perhaps something else entirely.
We can now offer some national context that underscores our point  that the vaccine divide isnt a purely urban and rural divide, and its not purely partisan, either.

The good news is that Southwest and Southside Virginia, however laggard they be compared to other Virginia localities, arent the worst in the country. There are rural parts of the South and Midwest that are far worse.

In Slope County, North Dakota, only 11% of all adults are vaccinated. In Miller County, Arkansas, only 12% are. In Cameron Parish, Louisiana, only 16% are. There are lots of other counties where the rates are in the teens or twenties. If we have another lockdown, it will be because of places like that.

But then there are some rural counties that are quite different. Presidio County, Texas, is along the Rio Grande in west Texas. Its adult vaccination rate is somewhere in the 80% range  were not entirely sure where because Texas only reports statistics for those 12 and up, not 18 and up, but 89% of those in that age range have been fully vaccinated. Thats higher than any any place in Virginia, and one of the highest in the country.

Now, perhaps Presidio County doesnt fully prove our point because its the rare rural county that votes Democratic, casting nearly 66% of its votes for Biden.
Koo, India's homegrown Twitter clone, recently patched a serious security vulnerability that could have been exploited to execute arbitrary JavaScript code against hundreds of thousands of its users, spreading the attack across the platform.

The vulnerability involves a stored cross-site scripting flaw (also known as persistent XSS) in Koo's web application that allows malicious scripts to be embedded directly into the affected web application.

To carry out the attack, all a malicious actor had to do was log into the service via the web application and post an XSS-encoded payload to its timeline, which automatically gets executed on behalf of all users who saw the post.

The issue was discovered by security researcher Rahul Kankrale in July, following which a fix was rolled out by Koo on July 3.

Using cross-site scripting, an attacker can perform actions on behalf of users with the same privileges as the user and steal web browser's secrets, such as authentication cookies.

Due to the fact that malicious JavaScript has access to all objects that the website can access, it could allow adversaries to sneak into sensitive data such as private messages, or spread misinformation, or display spam using users' profiles.

The end result of this vulnerability in Koo, also known as XSS worm, is more worrisome because it automatically propagates malicious code among a website's visitors to infect other userswithout any user interaction, like a chain reaction.

Koo, which launched in November 2019, bills itself as an Indian alternative to Twitter and boasts of 6 million active users on its platform. The Bengaluru-based company has also emerged as the social media service of choice in Nigeria after the country indefinitely banned Twitter for deleting a tweet by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Aprameya Radhakrishna, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Koo, announced the entry of the app into the Nigerian market earlier this week.

Also patched was a reflected XSS vulnerability associated with the hashtag feature, thus allowing an adversary to pass malicious JavaScript code in the endpoint used for searching for a specific hashtag ("https://www[.]kooapp[.]com/tag/[hashtag]").

The fixes follow another critical vulnerability in the Koo app was patched earlier this February that could have allowed attackers to gain access to any user account on the platform without requiring a password or user interaction.

It was discovered by Prasoon Gupta, an independent security researcher. In an interview with The Hacker News, Prasoon explained that the vulnerability arises due to the way the app validates access tokens when a user is authenticated with a phone number and an one-time password (OTP) sent to it.

The disclosure comes a little over a month after similar XSS-related vulnerabilities were uncovered in Microsoft's Edge browser, which can be exploited to trigger an attack simply by adding a comment to a YouTube video or sending a Facebook friend request from an account that contains non-English language content accompanied by an XSS payload.
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The roundabout is being planned for the intersection of State Street, Broadwell Avenue and Eddy Street.

The NDOT-led project is expected to cost $3.6 million with a 20% local match contribution.

The roundabout at Five Points is needed, Collins said.

With a roundabout, city officials estimate there would be a 37% reduction in accidents and 80% reduction in serious accidents.

From what we can see in the city, it should get rid of a lot of our problems, he said. This increases pedestrian safety quite a bit and it will allow anyone to turn left from any of the legs. If you go out there today, there are some prohibited turning movements.

Collins reported to the RPC that work will begin to acquire public rights of way for the project, and that the final design currently is being finished.

We had some things like moving the drive access from that little school on the northwest quadrant to a different street, which works out better for our project. Just a few little design tweaks for stuff like that, he said. It should fix the drainage in that area, as well.

The project is one that has been a long time in the planning, Collins said.

Its one of the first projects they gave me to do when I came to Grand Island 10 years ago, he said. It just took a while to figure out how to do it.

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YORK  The York City Council has unanimously approved a zoning amendment that will allow for horse racing and similar types of events/venues in the agricultural district by special use permit.

Dan Aude, asset manager for the city, said the ordinance committee met on the matter. He also noted the planning commission was recommending approval and public works has no issues with the ordinance.

Mayor Barry Redfern also reminded the council that this particular ordinance does not pertain to any specific project.

Jane Jensen, whose non-profit corporation has applied with the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to allow that corporation to establish a horse racing venue in York, spoke to the council.

We have had conversations with Mayor Redfern and Sue (Administrator Crawford) about our future development project, Jensen said. If allowed, it would be east of the Holthus Convention Center. In the future, that area would also have to be annexed. We are waiting for an answer from the commission. We have an option-to-buy contract for the land. If our application is approved, we will buy the land and apply for a special use permit.
While the actors have been learning the show over a course of a month, the lighting crew had to learn it in a week, he said. Thats why I love investing time in the light board operators and the spotlight operators. They have to be just as much in tune with the show as the actors. And they have such a short amount of time to learn it.

When it comes to creating the lighting for a show, Olson remembers that he wants to be an attraction and not a detraction.

If his design attracts someone toward the show and makes a positive impact, he sees that as a win.

If it is distracting or too flashy or it overpowers the story, then thats a distraction and its too much, Olson noted. Thats a loss. Yes, its lovely to have someone notice your big moments and say, that was stunning. But if they walk away from the show and say, Thats the only thing I saw, thats a loss, because its not my show, its ours. Its a collaborative process.

Steve Barth, executive artistic director of Crane River Theater, appreciates that process.

We could not be more happy with the light design that Jacob has created for Mamma Mia, he said. It has enhanced the drama, elevated the aesthetics and complemented the vision of the director.
A: If anyone does this type of work, they can contact the Wonderline and leave a message and we will pass the information along in the next Wonderline.

Q: When will COVID vaccines be available for kids under 12?

A: According to many sources, Pfizer and Moderna launched their COVID-19 vaccine trials and are expected to share their results as soon as September, likely October.

Johnson & Johnson has been collecting data about their vaccine in ages 12-17 and hope to starting studying 2-11 soon.

Q: Is it really true that 4-H started in York County, Nebraska? Can you tell us about the history of 4-H here and how it started/evolved here? I just got to thinking about it, with the York County Fair getting underway.

A: The 4-H program in York County has played a very important part in the lives of young people of this area. One of the reasons for this is probably the fact that 4-H in Nebraska did indeed start in York County, according to the history book, Yesterday and Today. There is a Nebraska State Historical plaque in front of the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds, noting this historical fact.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 98F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 73F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
CHICAGO  Former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell, who pleaded guilty in 2012 to what authorities then called the largest municipal fraud in the countrys history, was released from prison Wednesday  with about eight years left on her 19-year sentence.

Crundwell, 68, was originally scheduled to be released Oct. 20, 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. But she was released early from the Federal Corrections Institution in Pekin, Illinois, to a Chicago residential reentry management field office, also known as a halfway house.

Crundwell pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2012, admitting that she stole $53 million from the city since 1990 and used the money to finance her quarter horse business and lavish lifestyle, according to the FBI. In February 2013, a federal judge ordered her to immediately begin serving the sentence of 19 years and 7 months.

The town released a statement that Crundwell was to serve 85% of the sentence. But after hearing rumors of an early release, the City Manager Danny Langloss contacted the Federal Correctional Institution. A prison official confirmed to him that Crundwell had been released but did not know why.

In April 22, 2020, Crundwell had petitioned a federal judge for early compassionate release based on her poor health and the COVID-19 pandemic.
MS: Rendleman Orchards has practiced land conservation for generations. Weve used cover crops on our farm for generations due to highly erodible land. And all of our vegetables have been no-till, including our pumpkin fields and U-pick patch.

The use of crop protectants is something we also take very seriously. We select products that are as ecofriendly as possible and we are very conscientious about when we apply protectants to impact pollinators as little as possible.

As good stewards of the land and business owners, we are always looking at new options that are both good for the business and good for the environment. Right now we are especially interested in the potential of using solar power on the farm and the emerging carbon credit market.

MB: Obviously pollinators are important to the business of producing fruits and vegetables, what else are you doing to help the butterflies and the bees?
CHICAGO (AP)  A Chicago police officer who shot an unarmed man in the back as he tried to escape capture by running up an escalator in a busy subway station has been charged with felony aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, prosecutors said Thursday.

The Cook County State's Attorney's office said in a news release that Melvina Bogard, 32, turned herself in to investigators on Thursday morning and at an afternoon bond hearing, Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz ordered that she be released on her written promise to appear in court. Her next court hearing was scheduled for Aug. 18.

The shooting happened in February 2020 at a downtown station. Bogard and another officer were pursuing Ariel Roman, a short-order cook who was suspected of violating a city ordinance by walking from one train car to another.

Cellphone video shot by a bystander that was made public almost immediately received national attention, as did footage from police body cameras and Chicago Transit Authority surveillance cameras released two months later. The footage shows officers chasing Roman and Bogard shooting him at the foot of the escalator and then shooting him the back from about 10 feet away.
Suddenly, wherever you look across American big cities run by progressives, there is a movement to restore money to police departments, and in some cases calls for the hiring of more cops. For example, after high-profile shootings near Nationals Park and another in broad daylight at a prominent restaurant row in downtown Washington D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser proposes hiring 170 additional officers. Last year the city slashed $15 million from the citys police budget, and instead of bringing on 250 new officers as they usually do, they were only able to hire 42.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, who last summer when commenting on the takeover of part of downtown Seattle by radical protesters that this action might result in a summer of love, recently called for a restoration of the police budget that had been slashed in 2020. She is not running for re-election, but The Seattle Times reports none of the six mayoral candidates running to replace her want to defund the police. In fact, a number of candidates proposed what Seattle needs right now is more cops. They report candidate Lance Randall, who is African- American, resented the fact that the City Council assumed people of color do not want police officers in their neighborhood to protect them. Randall said, We need police officers.
Asked Thursday if President Joe Biden planned to highlight pro-vaccine comments from Republicans like Graham, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said vaccination is not political to us but added, We think its great that hes out there talking about the impact of the vaccine.

Graham is a longtime ally of Trump, who received the vaccine earlier this year. This week, former Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times that he wished that Trump had gotten the shot publicly, so that his supporters could see how much trust and confidence he has in the vaccines.

In March, Trump said on Fox News that he would recommend vaccination to a lot of people that dont want to get it, and a lot of those people voted for me.

But last month at a rally in Phoenix, Trump told supporters that he felt some people were not taking the vaccine because they dont trust President Joe Biden and stressed peoples freedoms 100 percent to do what they felt best.

On Thursday, Graham said he had just gotten off the phone with Trump, who had been checking on him every day during his illness. He applauded Trump's work to develop the vaccine and said he saw vaccinations as necessary for the country to regain its footing.
In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is asked: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" He answers: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." But the second admonition, Jesus adds, "is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Think about that. "All the law," Jesus says. All his teachings flow from two simple ideals: Loving your Lord and loving your neighbor.

That is why the current battle over getting vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus is so critical -- and so confounding. If you really love Jesus, if you really live by his laws, then your choice is clear. Get the shot, not just for yourself, but out of love for others -- your family, your friends, your neighbors.

And yet the reddest areas of the country, which also tend to be the most religious, lag far behind the bluer and more secular regions in terms of vaccination rates. Have all those churchgoers stopped reading their Bibles lately? Did they miss the "love thy neighbor" part? Or have they let politics and partisanship overshadow their religious values?
The suicide rate increased from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2007 to 10.7 in 2018. The report compared three-year averages of suicide rates for 2007-09 and 2016-18 and found:

 The 2016-18 suicide rate among persons aged 10-24 was highest for Alaska (31.4 per 100,000).

 States with the highest suicide rates for that period include South Dakota (23.6), Montana (23.2), Wyoming (20.5) and New Mexico (19.6).

 States in the Northeast were among those with the lowest suicide rates: New Jersey (5.7), Rhode Island (5.9), New York (5.9), Connecticut (6.3) and Massachusetts (6.4).

 Even states with the lowest rates experienced significant increases: New Jersey had an increase of 39%, New York about 44% and Massachusetts about 64%.

In addition to connecting students with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, each school in South Carolina is to add the social media platform, telephone number or text number for at least one other resource that best fits the needs of their school or community. Options include, but are not limited to, the Crisis Text Line, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, a local suicide prevention hotline, campus police or local law enforcement.
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Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

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Madzey didnt intend to become a teacher. He graduated with film and directing degrees from Columbia College in Chicago and went on to work at Caspers KTWO-TV.

But after a year and a half, Madzey landed a job at NCHS, where he promised to create the best film and TV school program in the state. Still, he didnt realize that he would develop a love for teaching.

After his third year teaching, his classes were at capacity and the students were having fun, one of Madzeys friends said to him Lance, this is a career, man. You can do this for life.

Oh my god, Madzey said. I pretty much told myself that Im in it for the long haul ... and it was.

Teaching, however, was no coincidence. Both of Madzeys parents were educators, so working with young people came naturally.

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Maybe 70 to 80% of teaching is parenting, he said. I learned a lot from them, and still do daily.

In 2018, several of Madzeys students gave testimonials  that credited him with pushing them in the right direction in life  that were composed to a YouTube video. They talked of Madzeys infectious positive attitude, his appetite for life and how theyve applied those lessons and experiences to the real world.
The governor has not made himself available to reporters since the report's release Tuesday and hasn't appeared in public. Photos published by the New York Post showed him working Thursday from a lounge chair by the pool at the Executive Mansion in Albany.

His office continued to churn out press releases about various administration initiatives, as if to project a sense that Cuomo was continuing to govern as usual, but his political isolation was clear.

At least 97 of the Assemblys 150 members said they would impeach Cuomo if he doesnt resign, according to a tally by The Associated Press based on interviews and public statements. Only a simple majority is needed to begin an impeachment trial.

Asked whether Cuomo could try to horse-trade his way out of impeachment or call in favors, Sen. Brad Hoylman, a New York City Democrat, said there wasnt a pathway for that.

I know the political animal he is. Im sure if he could do that, he would, but I dont think anybodys even talking to him, he said. "This is someone whos cornered politically with nowhere to go but out the door. The sooner he comes to that realization, the better.
We have no reason to believe in our data that weve reached the peak or that were coming down, the Democratic governor said.

He urged people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus illness and to follow the states mask mandate, saying thats the only way to lessen the surge.

I know were going to get through this, Edwards said. But he added: How many people die between now and then is largely going to be up to us.

Still, the governor offered some signs of hopefulness in the continued increases in people newly seeking the vaccine. Edwards chief public health officer, Dr. Joe Kanter, said vaccinations have increased more than 500% over the last month.

But Kanter also offered a list of grim statistics as well, saying 15% of emergency room visits in the state are now related to COVID-19. He said 50 hospitals have asked the state for staffing assistance, warning they can no longer adequately provide care to the community. And he noted that over the past two weeks about 1% of the states entire population has become infected with COVID-19.



TOPEKA, Kan.  A small but growing number of places in Kansas are requiring people to wear masks indoors.
Article II, section of the Constitution provides that the president shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of Senate, shall appoint Judges of the supreme court. The appointment power is a shared power, jointly exercised by the president and the Senate, and thus a vital cornerstone of the doctrine of checks and balances.

At the outset of the founding, it was assumed by political actors and commentators that the Senate would likely defer to the presidents judgment unless there were clear reasons why a nominee should be defeated. In Federalist No. 76, Alexander Hamilton explained the Senates likely deference: As their dissent might cast a kind of stigma upon the individual rejected, and might have the appearance of a reflection upon the judgment of the Chief magistrate, it is not likely that their sanction would often be refused, where there were not special and strong reasons for the refusal. Justice Joseph Story, one of the greatest scholars ever to hold a seat on the Supreme Court, observed in his magisterial three volume commentary on the Constitution: The more common error (if there shall be any) will be too great a facility to yield to the executive wishes, as a means of personal, or popular failure.
In 2003, Lamm gave his most widely known speech, I Have a Plan to Destroy America. At the time of Lamms speech, Congress had passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration Act of 1990. Republican presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush had signed the two legislative acts that opened the borders to more illegal immigration, and created more employment-based visas that, over the last three decades, helped displace millions of American low- and high-skilled workers.

Presciently, Lamm foresaw immigrations growing, detrimental effect on the U.S., as well as the amassed power that its advocates had on Congress and the media. Lamms eight-point program, which he subtitled and many parts of it are underway, include making America a bilingual, bicultural country and encouraging immigrants to maintain their own language and culture instead of, as previous immigrant waves did, assimilating.

Lamms most compelling point noted that all his observations must be treated as off limitstaboo. Make sure that opposition is squelched on unfounded xenophobe and racist charges that end debate. Because immigration was once good, Lamm predicted that its advocates would insist that it must always be good. Lamm anticipated that the immigration-related problems he identified in 2003 would grow worse over the years to come.
What about the rights of American citizens and their property along the border? Texas rancher Brent Smith, who is also an attorney for Kinney County, told Fox News he sustained thousands of dollars in damages to his property from trespassing migrants. The administration has money to help the migrants. Who will help Smith and other property owners who suffer damages?

Gov. Abbott has ordered state police to arrest migrants as trespassers, but they are likely to have only minimal success due to the overwhelming numbers. He also has ordered a chain-link fence to be erected along some of the most porous sections of the border, but experience shows those can be easily traversed.

The problem as well as the solution begins at the top with the Biden administration. Despite Bidens claims that entire families who seek to cross the border illegally are being turned back, most are not.

Its no accident. By now it can only be called administration policy. The Biden administration appears to want to flood America with people from other countries  Central America, Mexico, even Africa. Isnt Vice President Harris supposed to be in charge of resolving the problem? Where is she?
Since it has no data of its own to quantify the impact of Covid-19 on the retail sector, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is hardly in a position to challenge any figures from any source.
Each trip would last two to three hours, and the driver has control over which ZIP codes they will pick up from. For the seniors safety, everyone in the car is asked to wear a mask, and the driver should also wipe down the seat before each trip.

For longtime volunteer Jerry Kroninger, 86, his near-decade of service at ICS during his retirement have proved a rewarding experience.

Since moving to Tucson nine years ago, every Tuesday he and his wife have been delivering food to senior citizens through ICS mobile meals program, another service the organization provides. And for eight years, Kroninger has volunteered as a driver.

Kroninger said one instance he particularly found fun was regularly helping a woman with a wheelchair go grocery shopping up until she passed away at 98.

Ive known a lot of people, 90-year-old people, that have continued to live in their own places, in their own homes or apartments, because of the assistance they get from either repairing things in their home or bringing them meals or helping them in one way or another, Kroninger said. So Im strongly in support of that.

Kroninger said the most impactful part of the experience was the different people hes been able to meet through volunteering.
Arizonas Constitution says that for elections, District boundaries shall respect communities of interest to the extent practicable.

Nows your chance to say what that means to you.

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is in the middle of a listening tour around the state that finally arrives in Tucson this weekend.

The first meeting is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Westin La Paloma, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive.

The second meeting is at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel, 5151 E. Grant Road.

You can also find links to follow the meetings online at the commissions website, irc.az.gov.

The commissions 15-stop tour is focused on finding out how voters define their communities of interest. You can also fill out a survey online at irc.az.gov/survey.

The survey says, A Community of Interest is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included for consideration for purposes of its effective and fair representation.
Telling tales of life in the Wild West was all in a days work for the folks behind the Mescal Movie Set east of Tucson.

The filming location, a lot of 27 structures that, until recently, served as an extension of Old Tucson, played host to more than 80 Western movies and television shows over the course of five decades.

Actors like Lee Marvin in Monte Walsh, Mel Gibson in Maverick and Steve McQueen in Tom Horn brought gunfights, poker games and cattle rustling to the silver screen on the 70-acre lot, about 4 miles north of Interstate 10.

Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp faced off against red-sashed cowboys with his brothers Virgil, played by Sam Elliott, and Morgan, played by Bill Paxton, in the 1993 classic Tombstone.

In the modern Western, The Quick and the Dead, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio, went toe-to-toe in Mescal, participating in a quick-draw contest to determine the fastest gun in the West.

Mark Sankey, spokesman for the set, can tell you where any movie star who played cowboy on the property took their last breath.

Leonardo died right on that spot, said Sankey, pointing to a patch of dirt amid the saloons, brothels and trade shops, where DiCaprio, as The Kid caught a slug during a duel with Hackman.

As an alternate film set to Old Tucson, Mescal produced a long list of iconic films about the West.

Now, thanks to a local ranching family, that tradition will continue.

In February, Kartchner Ventures, owned and operated by the Kartchners, a fifth-generation ranching family in Cochise County for which Kartchner Caverns is named, acquired the property in an effort to keep the set from being torn down.

The owners of Old Tucson and the Mescal set shuttered Old Tucson in September of 2020, citing the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown as the culprit.

Mescal, which had fallen into disrepair and in recent years had only been used in smaller productions, was slated to be demolished if a buyer did not materialize.

Sankey said the Kartchners werent looking to get into the movie business, but felt preserving the set was important.

The Western genre has always appealed to broad audiences and will for generations to come, J.J. Kartchner, speaking for the family, said in an email statement. At its base, the Western stories are about good guys against bad guys, overcoming struggles and living by a code. As ranchers, we felt the need to keep the West alive and share it with the world.

The Kartchners plan to revitalize the set to make it appealing to film productions, both great and small. They also plan to open the lot up for guided tours by reservation as early as Labor Day, Sankey said.

To do any of that, a lot of work still needs to be done.

Some of the buildings, like the saloon erected during the making of The Quick and the Dead, are still in relatively good shape.

We call it the saloon that Sharon Stone built, Sankey said. She was a producer on that movie.

Others, like the building that was used as the courthouse in the Paul Newman classic, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, are near collapse.

At one point, the Mescal Movie Set had 45 structures, many of which were built to be moved around to change the towns look.

Of the structures that remain  including the buildings along the main thoroughfare, an out-of-town ranch house to the west, and a nearby cavalry fort, built for the 1997 television movie, Buffalo Soldiers,  every one of the roofs leak, Sankey said. Our biggest concern right now is safety, stabilizing the buildings, the flooring, getting the roofing done.

For that, the movie set has recruited a small army of volunteers who have been working nonstop since early April to get the property back up to snuff.

Cindy Kuhn, office manager for the operation, said she has a running list of about 300 volunteers who have expressed a willingness to help.

Right now, while the summer heat is on and the monsoon is still active, organizers are only tapping the talents of their skilled volunteers, people with backgrounds in fields like carpentry and architecture, to come out.

Our volunteers have been amazing, Kuhn said. They come from all walks of life, all ages, with different skill sets, but with the same passion.

Sankey said, in addition to rehabilitating the aging structures that exist, the goal is to eventually create more, constructing buildings that have fallen down or were never there to begin with, like a blacksmith shop, a stage depot, a cafe and a church.

We are going to put in a couple more houses, Sankey said. We are investigating what other movie sets have and dont have. Our advisers have strongly urged us to put in more homes.

Sankey said when the renovations are complete, they hope to draw, at first, midlevel film productions and smaller projects, such as commercials and music videos.

The set will also be available for weddings, reunions and corporate events.

Sankey said the goal is to complement, not compete against places like the real Tombstone, located about 40 minutes southeast of Mescal.

We see this as a stopover on the way to Tombstone from Tucson, he said. Stop here for a tour, enjoy it, and then head down the road for lunch and a beer. We are networking with the local towns and cities to show that we arent competing for their tourism dollars.

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LOS ANGELES (AP)  The next test for Republican candidates who hope to oust Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a September recall election comes this weekend with a fight over a coveted endorsement by the California Republican Party.

The competition for the partys prized imprimatur already has set off infighting and finger-pointing within the state GOP, and there is no clear favorite among four candidates who qualified to compete for the nod. The voting Saturday follows a kickoff debate Wednesday that appeared to do little to reorder the Republican contest.

Parrying over the endorsement comes as Newsom's once-steady hold on his job appears to be slipping. Recent polling points to a tightening race as coronavirus cases climb, mandatory masking orders return in many parts of the state and gas prices keep rising.

The urgency can be witnessed in a fundraising pitch from Newsoms campaign, which is working to energize Democrats who either are tuned out from politics or shrugging at the unusual late-summer election.

This recall is close  close enough to start thinking about what it (would) be like if we had a Republican governor in California, the Newsom campaign appeal said, seeking small-dollar donations. Sorry to put the thought in your head, but its true.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  A man was brutally beaten by corrections officers and denied medical treatment at a county jail in a small New Mexico community after guards mistook dentures in the inmate's mouth for contraband, according to a civil rights lawsuit.

The New Mexico Prison and Jail Project, a watchdog group for improving prison conditions, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court this week on behalf of former inmate Marvin Silva.

The group said Silva was left naked in a holding cell at the Valencia County Adult Detention Center with no security cameras after a medical checkup, when a guard insisted that the inmate was hiding contraband in his mouth.

The lawsuit said several other corrections officers arrived and beat Silva at the lockup in the community of Los Lunas, about 30 minutes from Albuquerque.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary compensation for Silva for injuries and emotional harm plus punitive damages against the jail and health care employees and attorneys fees.

Administrators at the Valencia County detention center did not immediately respond Friday, and an attorney for the county said there would be no comment on pending litigation.
In Arizona, at least three school districts are defying the state's prohibition on masks, despite a recently enacted law barring face covering requirements.

It's unclear whether any of New Jersey's roughly 600 school districts will be permitted to depart from Murphy's expected order on Friday.

Unlike other places in the country, though, New Jersey's vaccination rate is among the highest in the nation. Nationwide, the percentage of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 stands at nearly 61%. In New Jersey, the rate is 71%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Jersey was an early hotspot in March 2020, and the state's positive cases and hospitalizations haven't reached the high levels they did early on in the outbreak, but they're higher than they were a few months ago as vaccinations became more widely available.

The mandate from Murphy, a Democrat seeking reelection this year, comes amid pushback against masks in schools, particularly among some Republicans and parents who worry about the effects masks could have on their children's psychological and physical health.

Earlier this week, Murphy argued back with protesters skeptical about vaccinations at a public event. Youve lost your minds, Murphy said, You are the ultimate knuckleheads.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Karamargin won't say.

There is Attorney General Mark Brnovich. But it appears that nothing in Arizona law gives him the authority to intercede, particularly as the state is not a party to any current lawsuit.

The governor should be aware of that: He filed a legal brief just five months ago in an unrelated case telling the Arizona Supreme Court that the attorney general has the power to litigate only when specifically authorized in statute to enforce a particular law. And Ryan Anderson, a top aide to Brnovich, confirmed there is no such language in the just-approved mask mandate ban.

In fact, Anderson said, Ducey in his first year in office vetoed legislation that would have expanded the attorney general's right to sue.

There is an exception to that. It does permit the attorney general to bring any action or defend any proceeding in state court "at the direction of the governor.'' But, at least at this point, Ducey has not provided such authority to Brnovich.

But there is some legal guidance on the question.

The Arizona Constitution specifically empowers the governor to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed'' once they are approved by the Legislature.
I would say once every two weeks, we get a call referencing a Silver Alert, either for older individuals or those with a disability, McClimans said. Sometimes, prior to activating the Silver Alert, the individual will be found, but  probably 50% of the time  it may take 12 to 24 hours before that individual is located.

Macluskie, of the Autism Society, said the system is vital for local police departments because it provides access to state and federal resources and a lot of technology thats not normally available for someone whos missing.

For instance, if you have a Silver Alert, you can use Reverse 911 to the neighborhood where the childs missing, she said. Thats been crucial.

Reverse 911s allow police or fire departments to send voice messages about an emergency to phones in a particular geographic location.

Despite the successes with the system, Macluskie said she worries that some families and police departments still may not know that a Silver Alert can be issued for those with disabilities.

There are rural areas where they may not know about this additional resource.

Improving police interactions

Meyers said autism groups in Arizona are working to educate individuals, their families and law enforcement officials about encounters with police, including situations where officers find a missing person from a Silver Alert.

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities often have difficulty understanding social cues, interacting with strangers.  They are, in many, many cases, very uncomfortable with things that are not familiar to them, he said.

First responders have to be aware that when they come into contact with these individuals, theyre likely to get a response of fear, a response that may include them striking out or acting in ways that can be perceived as threatening.

About 1 in 5 adolescents on the autism spectrum will be stopped and questioned by police before age 21, according to the
Rakhmon said that more than 2,000 Afghan army soldiers have fled to Tajikistan following the Taliban offensive. It's quite surprising that they retreated and abandoned their positions without offering any resistance to the Taliban, he added.

He also expressed concern about the concentration of terrorist groups in Afghanistan along the border with Tajikistan that together number more than 3,000 militants from the ex-Soviet states and China.

These are extremists who are well-trained in sabotage, terrorism and propaganda activities and have far-reaching plans concerning our region, Rakhmon said, noting that Tajikistan has moved to strengthen the protection of its border with Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also emphasized that stability in Central Asia hinges on the situation in Afghanistan.

Russia, which has a security pact with Central Asian nations and military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, has pledged to provide military assistance in order to fend off any potential threats coming from Afghanistan.
NEW DELHI (AP)  Indian and Chinese soldiers have pulled back from another area along their disputed border as part of moves to lower tensions amid a 15-month standoff that has sometimes led to deadly clashes, India's army said Friday.

An Indian army statement said the disengagement process was carried out over the past two days in eastern Ladakh's Gogra area and the troops were now in their respective permanent bases.

All temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified. The landform in the area has been restored by both sides to pre-stand off period, the statement said.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side.

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. Last year, 20 Indian troops were killed in a clash with Chinese soldiers involving clubs, stones and fists along the disputed border. China said it lost four soldiers.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Moldovas parliament on Friday approved the pro-Western president's government after her party won an early election this summer on promises to improve ties with the European union and fight corruption.

Parliament approved the government nominated by President Maia Sandu with 61 votes in Moldovas 101-seat legislature. The government will be led by new Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, an economist.

The new government was confirmed after the Party of Action and Solidarity, a pro-Western and center-right party founded by Sandu, won a snap election in July.

The party, known as PAS, promised closer ties with the European Union instead of Russia and to clean up corruption in Moldova, a country of 3.5 million, Europes poorest, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine.

The current government has an extremely important mission, 43-year-old Gavrilita, who served a brief period as finance minister in 2019, said Friday. To show people that the Republic of Moldova can be governed by honest people, well-intentioned people.

The election on July 11 saw PAS take almost 53% of all votes, compared to the Russia-friendly electoral bloc of Communists and Socialists, which took 27%  giving PAS a clear parliamentary majority.
LISBON, Portugal (AP)  A protracted legal battle over the extradition from Cape Verde to the United States of a businessman close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro comes to a head next week when the West African countrys Constitutional Court is due to rule on the case.

Alex Saab was arrested when his jet made a refueling stop on the small island chain, formerly a Portuguese colony, on a June 2020 flight to Iran.

U.S. officials believe Saab holds numerous secrets about how Maduro, the president's family and his top aides allegedly siphoned off millions of dollars in government contracts amid widespread hunger in oil-rich Venezuela.

Saab is fighting extradition. His lawyers argue that he has diplomatic immunity because he was acting as a special envoy for Venezuela when he was detained in Cape Verde.

Jose Pinto Monteiro, Saabs lead counsel in Cape Verde, said Friday there are two possible outcomes when the Constitutional Court sits on Aug. 13.

Either the judges throw out Saabs appeal and the extradition goes ahead, or they accept that there are unconstitutional elements in the case and send it back to a lower court to correct them, Pinto Monteiro told a press conference via video link.
OPINION: "Legislators in Arizona and Texas saw value in using CRT  much like bans on transgender athletes or allegations of voter fraud - as a cudgel to attack opponents and rally their base, even though few if any public schools actually taught it," writes University of Arizona history professor emeritus Michael Schaller.
While the pandemic has changed the lives of pretty much everyone over the course of the last year, perhaps no group of women have been more affected than moms.
July 13th marked the birthday of the late May Todd Aaron, circa 1879  1967, a distinguished Osage County artist. Aaron, the daughter of a doctor who was hired to care for the Osage tribal members, moved to the Osage Indian village  Grayhorse  at the age of 11. As a young adult Aaron attended the Chicago Institute of Art before marrying a physician in 1904, moving to Pawhuska and raising two sons.

Once her sons were raised, Aaron began her art career in earnest, distinguishing herself along the way through exhibits, awards and recognition too numerous to fully recount. At the age of 49, Aarons oil painting Our Alley depicting what she saw out her alley in Pawhuska was accepted into the Kansas City Arts Institutes Midwestern Exhibition. Then, in 1930 her work Watermelon Time depicting an African American boy was included in the Chicago Art Institutes annual exhibition. This painting later won best painting on a southern subject in 1931 at the Southern States Art League at the Telfair Academy in Savannah, Ga.

Aaron also illustrated the John Joseph Matthews book Wahkon-Tah, the Osage and the White Mans Road published in 1932.
Sreeja Ponnam, a 17-year-old senior at Jenks High School, said shes not exactly looking forward to another pandemic school year. But she had no hesitation whatsoever when it came to taking the COVID vaccine.

Both my parents got it, and they were fine, she said.

Ponnam is interested in finding out how many of her friends return to school vaccinated.

Last year was a lot different. Now I guess Im more used to it, but still, she said. At least Im taking a lot of TCC (Tulsa Community College) classes, which are all online, so I dont have to be in-person a lot.

Her father said that while he and his wife were both vaccinated as soon as possible, they took a wait-and-see approach with Sreeja.

We wanted to wait and see how children did with it. We dont see any issues, said Kiran Ponnam. With everything going on, we want to be in the vaccinated group.

Oliver Chiwawana drove his 13-year-old daughter Darlie-Lynn, a student at Jenks Middle School, in for her vaccination after he and his wife had a change of heart.
A Kansas, Oklahoma, man pleaded guilty Thursday in Tulsa federal court to his involvement in a fatal shootout with law enforcement officers in a plea deal that calls for him to serve seven years in prison.

Joseph Alfred Hansen, 33, admitted to helping a man reload his pistol after the latter shot at law enforcement officers as the pair were being pursued in a vehicle Nov. 1, 2020, in Delaware County.

Trifton Wacoche, 26, who was with Hansen and fired the shots at officers, according to prosecutors, died during the shootout near Kenwood.

Hansen initially faced a first-degree murder charge in Delaware County District Court in connection with the fatal shooting.

The state charges were later dismissed based on the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision after Hansen challenged the states jurisdiction to prosecute him since Wacoche was an American Indian and the death occurred in Indian Country, in this case the Cherokee Nation reservation.

A federal grand jury named Hansen on March 22 in a three-count indictment that alleged second-degree murder in Indian Country; assault with intent to commit murder; and carrying, using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The Greenwood Rising museum held a sort of preview opening in late spring to coincide with centennial activities, but Wednesday was the history center's grand debut.

Spellbinding, said John Winters, a college professor from Muskogee, after becoming one of the first people to tour the museum. It just takes your breath away.

Winters grew up in Enid and said he had little knowledge of what happened in Tulsa or Black history in general until he was an adult.

I guess Im disappointed, being a student of history, that the state of Oklahoma simply failed me as a student growing up in the 60s and 70s, he said.

The museum exhibits acquaint visitors with the entire history of the historic Greenwood neighborhood, from its origins in the early 1900s to the present day.

I wish we had this when I was learning Oklahoma history, said John Thompson of Tulsa.

The official opening of the history center had been pushed back more than two weeks as the pandemic and even weather slowed down the work.
While the court believed that compromise or congressional action could limit the disruption from its decision, it is now clear that neither is forthcoming, the petition says.

The tribes do not agree among themselves, much less with the State, on the proper path forward and Congress is unlikely to adopt any proposal not supported by all the parties involved. Only the Court can remedy the problems it has created, and this case provides it with an opportunity to do so before the damage becomes irreversible.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said OConnor and Gov. Kevin Stitt chose not to join the efforts of others and are attempting to undermine that cooperation. He said the state is advancing an anti-Indian political agenda.

The governor has never attempted to cooperate with the tribes to protect all Oklahomans, Hoskin said. It is perfectly clear that it has always been his intent to destroy Oklahomas reservations and the sovereignty of Oklahoma tribes, no matter what the cost might be.

We look forward to the Supreme Court again affirming the law and our reservations and hope the governor and attorney general can put aside their political posturing to do what is right for all the people of Oklahoma.
Vietnam has demanded that China stop carrying out a military exercise in the former's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago as the action violates the Southeast Asian countrys sovereignty.

Vietnam has sufficient historical evidence and legal grounds to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in accordance with international law, Le Thi Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated during a regular press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Chinas military drill in Hoang Sa has violated Vietnams sovereignty over the islands and gone against the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the [East Vietnam Sea] (DOC), Hang said.

The action complicated the situation, hampered current negotiations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Code of Conduct for the East Vietnam Sea (COC), as well as affected the maintenance of peace, stability, and cooperation in the maritime area.

Vietnam required China to respect its sovereignty over Hoang Sa, stop and not repeat similar violations that further complicate the situation in the waterway.

China on Wednesday announced that its military drill would take place from Friday to Tuesday in an over-100,000-square-kilometer area in the northern section of the East Vietnam Sea.

The area includes large parts of the Hoang Sa islands, which belong to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday claimed during the ASEAN-China session, part of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and related meetings, that the situation in the East Vietnam Sea has been stable thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN.

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A shipment of 592,100 COVID-19 vaccine doses as part of a purchase deal with AstraZeneca arrived in Vietnam on Friday morning.

The batch is part of the 30 million shots that Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) had bought from AstraZeneca with the assistance from the Ministry of Health.

Nearly 4.4 million out of the 30 million doses have been delivered in seven shipments to Vietnam so far.

The previous six batches were sent on February 24, May 25, July 9, July 15, July 23, and July 29.

To date, Vietnam has received approximately 12 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses through purchase, the COVAX Facility, and support from other countries, five million Moderna shots provided by the U.S. via COVAX, over 400,000 Pfizer shots through purchase, 12,000 Sputnik V doses gifted by the Russian government, and 1.5 million Sinopharm jabs via purchase and donations from China.

A total of 8,061,116 doses have been administered since the country rolled out inoculation on March 8, with 820,023 people fully vaccinated.

Vietnam had documented 189,066 COVID-19 cases as of Friday afternoon, with 58,040 recoveries and 2,720 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has recorded 185,162 local infections in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth wave began on April 27.

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Around 50,000 vials of Remdesivir, used in treating coronavirus patients, have been delivered from India to Vietnam as the first shipment of a deal between Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup and an Indian supplier.

The drug batch, part of the donation that Vingroup has promised the Health Ministry, reached Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Thursday evening.

Remdesivir has to be sent to Vietnam in small shipments because of unfavorable transport conditions, said Vingroup, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam.

This antiviral drug was manufactured by Cipla Limited, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, under a licensing agreement with U.S.-based Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Remdesivir has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COVID-19 patients since October 2020.

With the ability to shorten treatment time and speed up recovery in critical patients, the drug has been included in the COVID-19 treatment regimens of 50 countries including the U.S., Australia, Japan, Singapore, and India.

Around 100,000 more vials are slated to arrive in Vietnam next week.

On August 2, Vingroup announced it would donate 500,000 vials of Remdesivir to the health ministry for treating COVID-19 patients.

All these vials will be delivered to Vietnam within this month, the conglomerate added.

At an online meeting held the same day, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said the drug will be allocated for COVID-19 treatment facilities as soon as it arrives in Vietnam.

The drug is intended for moderate and severe patients under the ministrys treatment protocol.

With 500,000 Remdesivir vials, the ministry can treat about 80,000 to 100,000 COVID-19 cases.

The country has previously used Remdesivir, which came from donations, at some COVID-19 treatment facilities and the preliminary results showed that this drug can quickly decrease virus counts in patients, the health ministry reported.

The ministry warns that people should not search for, hoard or arbitrarily use Remdesivir, as indications and dosages of this drug must be prescribed only by COVID-19 treating doctors.

Vietnam has documented 189,066 coronavirus infections, including 58,040 recoveries and 2,720 deaths, since early 2020, when the pandemic kicked off in the country, the ministry reported on Friday morning.

Out of the total count, as many as 185,162 domestic cases have been recorded since April 27, when the fourth COVID-19 wave erupted in Vietnam.

By Friday, the numbers of people getting the first and second vaccine doses have topped 7.24 million and 820,000, respectively, according to the health ministry's data.

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Hanoi will prolong its coronavirus social distancing measures until August 22, following the recent detection of new infections in the Vietnamese capital city.

The municipal Party Committee has come to unanimity on this extension, Nguyen Thi Tuyen, permanent deputy secretary of the committee, said on Friday.

Hanoi will apply 15 more days of restrictions under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 to ensure the best prevention and control of the pandemic, the Party official said.

The city has been applying 15-day social distancing measures since July 24 under a decision of local authorities and such restrictions were scheduled to end on Sunday.

As many cases have recently been found in the community, the local Party Committee has reached consensus on extending the current social distancing period until August 22.

Directive No. 16 includes the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings larger than two people, a minimum two-meter distance between people, and the suspension of public transport.

Residents are completely prohibited from going out, except for seeking medical treatment and buying food at designated points.

As one of the efforts to contain the coronavirus spread, Hanoi has conducted its fifth coronavirus vaccination drive since July 27 with a target of around 200,000 injections per day.

The numbers of people receiving the first and second vaccine doses in Hanoi, which has over eight million residents, have reached around 1.1 million and 73,800, respectively, the Ministry of Health reported on Friday.

The municipal Center for Disease Control recorded 21 new COVID-19 cases the same day, including seven in the community and 14 in quarantine facilities.

The latest figure has taken the capital citys tally to 2,069, including 25 deaths, as recorded since early 2020, when the pandemic hit the country.

Nationwide, the number of COVID-19 cases has amounted to 189,066, including 58,040 recoveries and 2,720 deaths, the ministrys data shows.

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The Ministry of Health confirmed over 8,300 domestic COVID-19 cases in Vietnam on Friday, together with almost 4,300 recoveries and 300 deaths.

Forty-two provinces and cities documented 8,320 local infections, up by 1,081 cases from Thursday, while another four cases were imported from abroad, the health ministry said.

A total of 1,486 transmissions were found in the community whereas the rest were detected in isolated areas or centralized quarantine facilities.

Ho Chi Minh City logged 4,060 of the new local infections, up by 174 patients from yesterday, Binh Duong Province 1,169, Long An Province 859, Dong Nai Province 554, Khanh Hoa Province 269, Tien Giang Province 253, Dong Thap Province 141, Da Nang 138, Hanoi 116, and Tay Ninh Province 102.

Since the fourth COVID-19 wave began in Vietnam on April 27, the country has documented 189,473 community transmissions in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities.

Ho Chi Minh City is on top of the table with 113,976 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 23,547, Long An Province with 9,024, Dong Nai Province with 6,596, Bac Ninh Province with 5,739, Dong Thap Province with 3,816, Khanh Hoa Province with 2,998, Tien Giang Province 2,721, and Tay Ninh Province 2,288.

By comparison, Vietnam confirmed 106 community cases in the first wave from January 23 to April 16, 2020, 554 in the second from July 25 to December 1, 2020, and 910 in the third from January 28 to March 25, 2021.

The health ministry recorded 4,292 recoveries on Friday, bringing the total to 62,332 recovered patients.

The death toll has risen to 3,016 after the ministry reported 296 fatalities in 17 provinces and cities the same day, including 219 registered in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday and today.

The Southeast Asian country has detected an accumulation of 191,043 domestic and 2,338 imported cases since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it on January 23, 2020.

Health workers gave a record 442,422 vaccine doses today.

Over eight million COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered in Vietnam since the country rolled out vaccination on March 8, with above 820,000 people having been fully vaccinated.

The Vietnamese government expects to obtain 175 million shots of various vaccines, including 51 million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs, by early 2022.

It set a target of immunizing two-thirds of a population of nearly 98 million people against COVID-19 by the first quarter of next year.

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Hometown musician returns to Tyler to achieve dream of performing at Stanley's

Courtesy Ronnie Rowe, a 2015 Robert E. Lee High School alumnus, performs with his bandmates on stage. His band, Ronnie and the Redwoods, will be opening for the Vandoliers at 8 p.m. Friday at Stanleys Famous Pit Barbecue in Tyler. Courtesy {span}Ronnie and the Redwoods will be opening for the {span}{span}Vandoliers Friday at 8 p.m. at Stanleys Famous Pit Barbecue in Tyler. From left to right, {/span}{/span}{/span}Robbie Coleman, Casey Heckman, Ronnie Rowe, Jacob Nalle, Sam Choate perform on stage. Courtesy Ronnie and the Redwoods will be opening for the Vandoliers at 8 p.m. Friday at Stanleys Famous Pit Barbecue in Tyler. From left, Jacob Nalle, Casey Heckman and Ronnie Rowe perform on stage at Blue Light, a local Lubbock staple.

A Tyler ISD alumnus and musician is returning to his hometown on Friday to play at the restaurant he had always wanted to perform at since he was 12 years old.

Ronnie Rowe, a 2015 Robert E. Lee High School graduate, and his band, Ronnie and the Redwoods, will be performing at Stanleys Famous Pit Barbecue in Tyler to open for the Vandoliers at 8 p.m.

Since starting his band in Lubbock, where he attended Texas Tech University, Rowe hadnt had the chance to return to Tyler for a performance. Members of the band mostly met in Lubbock.

Robbie Coleman, Casey Heckman, Jacob Nalle, Sam Choate and Rowe began to follow their musical passion through open mics in Lubbock. Rowe said together, they have found success by never giving up and just facing and overcoming each trial and adversity.

Ive always wanted to come back to Tyler; it just hasnt worked out with (the COVID-19 pandemic). And the first year as you know, it takes a while to build up a band. When we were at the stage when we could travel to yall, corona messed it up. Weve kind of just had to stay out in West Texas, Rowe said. Its still hard to get into bars that dont really know you, even though its Tyler, not everyone from Tyler knows me, especially the venues.

The opportunity to open for the Vandoliers was a chance Rowe created. In an act of faith, after watching them perform, Rowe reached out to the Americano rock and roll band out of Dallas. He asked if his band could open for them at a show in Lubbock. The band agreed and the rest was history.

When Rowe found the Vandoliers were set to perform in his hometown of Tyler, he once again pitched the opportunity, adding hed always wanted to perform at Stanleys.

Stanleys is a Tyler staple. They have famous barbecue there and when you go, there are great musicians. Especially being a kid whos 12 and likes to play and gets to see people do it professionally, you get starry-eyed, and I definitely remember seeing that at Stanleys, Rowe said.

He also added the atmosphere at the restaurant is authentic.

The low ceiling, the low stage, everyone is on the same level as the artist and its just a good feeling when youre that close to the crowd and the crowd is that close to you. I just have a lot of good memories there, even in high school and out of high school, coming back to eat at Stanleys, he said, adding he has friends who work at Stanleys now.

Friday will finally not only be the big day of Rowe achieving his childhood dream, but it will also be a big day for the band as a whole. The band will be unveiling their second EP that will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, every streaming platform, Rowe said.

The EP will be available online to stream after the performance at midnight Saturday.

Listeners can expect two songs in the EP, called Killer. Killer is a rock and roll song, and the second song, Thats The Dream, is an Americano-style rock and roll song.

There are two sides of us in the EP, Rowe said.

The band has been working on the EP for about six months now, when they recorded the songs at the Blue Light in Lubbock. The band recorded live in the studio, using the venue like they would a studio.

Rowe added a local Tyler artist, Tyler Shelton, designed the bands EPs cover artwork.

Ronnie and the Redwoods have been preparing for Fridays performance by getting plenty of sleep, rehearsing and taking the last two years into account to prepare them for Friday.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
An investigation by the US Department of Defense has found the drone used to attack the MV Mercer Street ship was made in Iran.

The Pentagons Central Command released the findings of its investigation into the 30 July attack on the commercial vessel which blasted a hole in the vessels bridge, killing two crewmen including a British citizen.

A Romanian crew member was also killed in the attack off the coast of Oman.

The statement said that an investigative team was sent to inspect the vessel from the USS Ronald Reagan supercarrier.

It found the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that hit the Mercer Street was loaded with a military-grade explosive that had been built in Iran.

The use of Iranian designed and produced one way attack kamikaze UAVs is a growing trend in the region, the reports executive summary said.

They are actively used by Iran and their proxies against coalition forces in the region, to include targets in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

An executive summary of the US Central Command investigation into the MV Mercer Street (US CentCom)

The Pentagon investigation found that the ship had been targeted by two UAV attacks the day before 30 July.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday it was highly likely that Iran was responsible for the fatal attack, the first after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal.

We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran, Mr Raab said, adding his thoughts were with the family of the British victim.

Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law.

The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.

The British national who died was an employee of maritime security firm Ambrey.

The G7 Foreign Ministers also released a statement condemning the attack, and blamed it on Iran.

As part of the US investigation, material from the Mercer Street was taken to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain and on to a US national laboratory for further testing and verification.

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The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group, and owned by Taihei Kaiun, which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group.

British officials said that Iran was also almost certainly responsible for attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman in the summer of 2019.

Last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied responsibility for the attack.

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Mark Drakeford has criticised the UK Government over its handling of the latest changes to international travel restrictions, describing it as shambolic.

Waless First Minister told a press conference on Friday that his Government has a different view of the risks around the easing of travel rules.

He said this is due to the increase in coronavirus cases witnessed last autumn, which was partly down to large numbers of people returning from other countries and bringing the virus with them.

Wales had delayed following Englands lead in relaxing travel restrictions, but confirmed on Thursday it too will bring in the major changes from 4am on Sunday, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The changes include no longer requiring fully vaccinated passengers returning from France to quarantine.

India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will be moved out of the red list, while Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia join the green list.

Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are being added to the red tier.

Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan has accused the UK Government of not consulting the devolved governments on the changes beforehand.

Mr Drakeford said: I did think that the last week was pretty shambolic at the UK level  trying to get a sensible answer to a sensible question about the extent to which people were going to have to self-isolate, which countries were affected, how the system was to run in the future, was pretty hard to do and it seemed to change on a daily basis.

We would have had a different, a simpler system, one that was easier for people to understand.

One of the things that I think we have learnt, and certainly being advised from early on in the pandemic, is that you have to try to make what you are asking of people as simple and as easy to understand as it can be, because the more easily it can be understood, the more likely it will be the people will be able to follow it.

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I dont honestly think you could say that the traffic light system measures up to those sort of criteria.

Travel companies have said the changes are a positive step forward but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being urged to open up travel, particularly in Europe, faster and to do away with expensive testing regimes.

While UK Transport Secretary Minister Grant Shapps has said there is a need for continued caution, Mr Johnson told broadcasters he wants people to go on holiday.

The PM said: We want people to be able to travel, we want the travel industry to get going again, we want to see tourists coming back to our country  a very, very important part of our economy  but youve got to balance that against the need to protect ourselves against the pandemic.
Globally, there is a movement to remove the residues of Western imperialism from all quarters of society. Throughout the world, monuments dedicated to Western explorers and statesmen are being toppled. Activists in the developing world and their allies in the West assert that developing countries must be permitted to chart a new course without the cultural interference of the West.

Yet the West continues a form of colonialism in Africa: eco-imperialism. Because the Wests progressives like this kind of imperialism, we rarely hear anything about it. Reasonable people do believe that developing countries have a right to self-determination, yet the eco-imperialist agenda of the West has failed to invite equal venom. In other words, the West has shown it has every intention of meddling in the internal affairs of developing nations in the name of environmentalism, Mises Institute writes. Western countries, on the other hand, were afforded the luxury of exploiting their resources and energy sources without encountering grim lectures about climate change, and African countries ought to be given the same privilege. African countries, for example, are routinely lectured by the West about the need to cut back emissions and use more expensive, less productive energy sources. This is costly to these countries and it limits local self-determination.

Moreover, contrary to reports, climate change is an old problem and history records our ability to adapt to an unpredictable climate. Neither is there consensus that CO2 is a pollutant. Therefore, it is only apt for us to renounce the emotionalism of those who would prefer African countries to risk their financial health based on inconclusive data.

This problem extends beyond climate change issues, of course. In Kenya, for example, DDT was deployed to curtail the spread of malaria, until the demise of this policy in 1990 at the behest of a government inspired by Western propaganda. Fortunately, for Kenya, the insights of some bureaucrats resulted in the resumption of DDT use in 2010. As the then head of Kenyas malaria control unit, Willis Akhwale, reported in 2009: New studies have shown earlier accusations of DDT to be largely incorrect. The pesticide is safe for use in malaria control, if like other chemicals it is used responsibly.

The truth is that DDT was never given an impartial hearing before the decision to terminate its use. Economist Roger Bates states the issues bluntly: Despite the fact that many of the fears surrounding DDT were based on inadequate and, unscientific studies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned DDT in 1972. The EPA administrator William Ruckelshaus overturned scientific reports and evidence from numerous expert witnesses that firmly opposed a ban on DDT.

In fact, a 2011 study found that the impact of DDT on lakes in Africa was not only moderate, but also that low contamination levels explain the abundance of the lesser flamingo population in these aquatic environments. For political reasons, poor countries are coaxed into implementing expensive programs to caress the egos of affluent environmentalists, whose living standards remain unaffected by their bad ideas. Accordingly, Paul Driessen paints a dreary picture of the consequences of environmental activism on Africa: Now, even as locusts wipe out staple food crops, rabid NGOs are pressuring Kenyas parliament to ban over 200 pesticides that have been approved as safe for crops, wildlife and people by Kenyas authorities and by regulators in the USA, Canada, and other nations.

As Driessen rightly argues, instead of promoting modern farming techniques for Africa, they advertise the insidious program of agroecology with a fixation on perceived indigenous practices to the exclusion of knowledge, technologies, and equipment that could reduce poverty and other social ills in Africa. It is even more disturbing that the eco-imperialism of the West is insufficiently challenged by African leaders. Fossil fuels power renewables and are responsible for the higher living standards in the developed world by facilitating efficient production, yet as Samuel Ayokunle Oyo notes, policymakers are unwisely considering a ban on fossil fuels: In Nigeria, for example, proposed policies exploring an outright ban on independent fossil fuel systems could erode the progress in extending electrification across the country. These fossil fuel systems form part of hybrid renewable energy networks that play a large part in sustainably electrifying under-served communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

African leaders are so distracted by the empty rhetoric of environmentalists that they may impoverish their people to signal commonalities with misguided Western elites. Moreover, despite the proclivity of African politicians to decry neocolonialism, it appears that in the arena of environmental management they are willing to make concessions to the West. However, the truth is that though Western civilization is frequently derided, most regions take their cues from the West. So, even if the climate policies of the Western world are dubious, due to the West's cultural capital, they will be exported elsewhere.

But to truly exercise sovereignty Africans must extricate themselves from the allure of Western leftism. It is illogical to oppose Western imperialism yet accept eco-policies crafted by the West that are antithetical to Africas progress. Essentially, adopting the rhetoric of environmentalists may esteem African leaders in the eyes of their Western counterparts, but unfortunately, their constituents will be rewarded with poverty.
Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday on increasing Middle East tensions, but fresh movement restrictions imposed by countries to counter a surge in COVID-19 cases threatened the demand recovery. Brent crude oil futures rose 78 cents, or 1.1%, to $71.16 a barrel, after earlier dipping below $70 for the first time since July 21. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures traded 80 cents, or 1.2%, higher at $68.95 a barrel, Reuters writes.

Israeli jets struck what its military said were rocket launch sites in Lebanon early on Thursday in response to two rockets fired towards Israel from Lebanese territory, in an escalation of cross-border hostilities amid heightened tensions with Iran. The exchange came after an attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman last Thursday, which Israel blamed on Iran. Two crew members, a Briton and a Romanian, were killed. Iran denied any involvement. Asked if Israel was prepared to strike Iran, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz told YNet news on Thursday "yes."

The growing tensions come as nuclear talks between Iran and Western powers that would ease sanctions on Tehran's oil exports appear to have stalled. "With tensions brewing amongst Iran and world powers over last week's drone attack, it seems nuclear deal talks will be lengthy and unlikely to provide imminent sanction relief for Iran," said Edward Moya, senior analyst at OANDA.

Offsetting the geopolitical tensions, concerns over the recovery of global oil demand grew amid a surge in coronavirus cases. Both benchmarks fell for a third day in a row to a two-week low on Wednesday, partly due to the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant.

Japan is poised to expand emergency restrictions to more prefectures while China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, has imposed curbs in some cities and cancelled flights, threatening fuel demand.

"China is now facing its most challenging COVID-19 crisis since the initial outbreak was brought under control," analysts at consultancy FGE said in a note on Thursday.

In the United States, the world's biggest oil consumer, COVID-19 cases hit a six-month high with more than 100,000 infections reported on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally. Analysts at investment bank UBS, however, said they expect oil prices to resume their upward trend despite pandemic concerns, projecting Brent crude will trade between $75 and $80 per barrel in the second half of 2021.
Climate change can be blamed for some of the troubles facing Kyrgyz farmers, but the immediate problem is money, Eurasianet writes. Barat Matanov, a 70-year-old farmer from the southern Kyrgyzstan village of Kara-Dobo, recalls that when he was a child, his family drew irrigation water from the naturally formed Mashrabsai canal, which was fed only by rainwater and snowmelt. That was why in Soviet times they decided to build an alternative canal, the Otuz-Adyr. The water collects from the Kurshab River, he told Eurasianet. I remember how they used all their strength to build it and get it working by 1955.

Otuz-Adyr, which extends 40 kilometers, was once used to irrigate cotton and tobacco fields. When the Soviet Union and its centralized planning system collapsed, farmers switched to wheat, barley, and other types of grain. These crops do not require a lot of water and therefore there was always enough to go around, Matanov told Eurasianet. The farming business has continued to evolve, however, and not always in ways the irrigation resources can support. Over the past few years, most farmers have begun to grow root crops, vegetables and melons. This is very profitable, but it requires more water, Matanov said.

The consequences were laid out in stark terms by Agriculture Minister Askarbek Djanibekov at a press conference this week. Kyrgyzstan is set this year to fall around 30-35 percent short of its grain harvest targets. Cereal harvesting is now underway. Maize will be the least affected by the drought. The decrease in harvests for [that crop] are forecast at 10-15 percent, he said. Climate change may be to blame for some of these issues, but the immediate problem is money. Matanov says officials running his district have dismally mismanaged the Otuz-Adyr canal. That is what is causing the lack of moisture, he said.

A fellow villager, 48-year-old farmer Suyorkul Kalmatayev, lamented how his costs include the rent for the six hectares on which he grows barley. The money he makes from the crop does not even cover the cost of running a combine harvester. Constraints in irrigation water are forcing many to change priorities. Investing in agriculture is becoming unprofitable because the risks are high due to drought, poor harvests, equipment rental and higher prices for fuel and lubricants, Kalmatayev said.

Minister Djanibekov said on August 4, for example, that the government has implemented decrees halting the export of animal feed and scrapping sales tax for imports of the same. The intent here is to avoid a spike in the price of meat at the bazaars. And early last month, the government lifted a temporary ban on the export of livestock to neighboring countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which should have eased the local demand on grain. He thereby demurred in addressing how water shortages have become a recurrent and predictable reality.

The Turkish model

Solutions were kicked around on July 8 at a national forum in Bishkek, where farmers, businesspeople and other experts discussed how Kyrgyzstans agriculture sector could innovate and better adapt to climate change. Meder Jeyenbayev, an agronomist from the same southern district where Matanov and Kalmatayev live, said the thoughts of farmers are increasingly turning to drip irrigation and greenhouses, where lighting and temperate alike can be adjusted. We are trying to implement the Turkish model, which implies economy and a rational use of resources when growing crops, he told Eurasianet.

Solar panels would provide for other needs and create financial capacity. Farmers are experiencing not just a shortage of irrigation water, but also drinking water, which they extract from artesian wells with electric pumps. These unnecessary costs eat up profits, he said. There would be a public order dividend to all this, said Jeyenbayev, since farmers are now regularly coming to blows over access to water.

Another idea would be to convert to crops better adapted to local climactic conditions. Jeyenbayev mentioned almonds and pistachios, whose trees lay down deep roots. All this costs time and money, though. Making it happen will require the state or other actors to extend concessional loans or provide incentives for farmers to work more on making their products suitable for export. On that last point, the ultimate clincher is in processing, of which too little is done, according to experts.

Because of the lack of production capacity, only 20 percent of what is grown is processed locally at present. The rest is exported, economist Erkin Abdyrazakov told Eurasianet. As a result, the country remains highly dependent on imports. Almost all foodstuffs are imported from abroad, including flour, oil, sugar and other things.
The 10th Agile Spirit multinational exercise hosted by Georgia, involving 2,500 troops from 15 NATO allied and partner countries, came to an end earlier today.

Agile Spirit 2021: multinational military exercise to host 2,500 NATO allied, partner troops in Georgia

Agile Spirit, which is a Georgian Defence Forces and US Army Europe and Africa cooperatively-led, joint multinational brigade-level exercise, was held between July 26 and August 6.

It covered a simulated command post exercise, field training, and joint multinational, battalion-level combined arms live-fire exercises.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated at a closing ceremony that the successful holding of Agile Spirit or Noble Partner exercise indicates that US-Georgia strategic relations are at an all-time high.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has stated that the way Georgia has chosen, the way towards NATO, leads to stability and security.

"Georgia is devoted and is working in a tireless manner to achieve the final goal, the membership of NATO, Zurabishvili said.

For the first time Special Operation Forces from Georgia, United States, United Kingdom, Romania and Poland have performed combined operations at Sorta Training area in Georgia, Agenda.ge reported.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan today.

The Azerbaijani leader once again expressed his condolences to Erdogan over the deaths of people as a result of heavy forest fires in various parts of fraternal Turkey. President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan stood by Turkey in extinguishing the fires and preventing their consequences, and expressed solidarity.

Erdogan expressed his gratitude for the condolences and for Azerbaijans supporting Turkey in extinguishing the forest fires in accordance with Aliyev's instructions from the first days. He stressed that firefighters from Azerbaijan participated in the firefighting operations with high professionalism and love.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that an additional 40 fire engines had already departed from Azerbaijan and would reach the fire zone tomorrow, adding that the number of fire engines and equipment serving the area would reach 93. The head of state noted that one helicopter, one amphibious firefighting aircraft and 510 firefighters, including 150 additional personnel, were operating in the fire zone.

The President of Azerbaijan suggested sending an additional 200 specially trained firefighters, thus increasing the number of firefighters from Azerbaijan to 710 people.

The Turkish President thanked for this additional support and noted that this support was a clear manifestation of the brotherhood and friendship between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

During the conversation, Ilham Aliyev briefed Erdogan on the provocations committed by Armenia on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and stressed that the Azerbaijani Army was giving an adequate response to Armenian provocations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey always stood by brotherly Azerbaijan.

During the conversation, the heads of state exchanged views on regional processes in the post-conflict period.
The number of people inoculated against coronavirus in Russia grew by four million in the past week, amounting to 38.9 million, Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko told a government session on Thursday.

"Taking into account all agencies, 38.9 million people have been vaccinated in the regions. The number of vaccinated people grew by four million alone in the past week," the minister stressed.

According to him, over 6,000 stationary vaccination centers have been deployed across Russia along with over 2,500 mobile points. "Over 6,500 mobile vaccination teams have been engaged," he added.

This years graduates from medical institutes have already joined the battle against the pandemic. "We are very grateful to them for joining efforts of the medical service even while on holidays," Murashko stressed.

To date, 6,379,904 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 5,700,212 patients having recovered from the disease. Russias latest data indicates 162,509 fatalities nationwide. The Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
On August 6, starting from 12:45 (GMT +4), the Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the Arazdeyen settlement of the Vedi region using small arms subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of the Sadarak region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

There are no losses or wounded among the military personnel of the Azerbaijan Army.

The opposing side was suppressed by retaliation fire.The Azerbaijan Army Units control the operational situation.
Brazils northeastern states suspended plans to import Russias Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine due to the conditions set by the countrys health regulator Anvisa, Piaui states governor, Wellington Dias, said on Thursday.

Dias met with representatives of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) that is marketing the vaccine developed by Moscows Gamaleya Institute, and said he was told that the 37 million doses originally destined for Brazil would be supplied to Mexico, Argentina and Bolivia.

Anvisa has withheld Sputnik emergency use authorization in Brazil, but last month allowed northeastern states to import 2 million doses under strict conditions that included testing the vaccine to detect adenovirus replication before using it, as well as testing and monitoring people receiving the shots, Reuters reported.

RDIF said the northeastern states consortium was still committed to buying the Russian vaccine and denied that doses reserved for Brazil would be destined for other countries.

The Russian fund said a shipment scheduled for Friday had been suspended due to new requirements imposed by Anvisa in recent days.
Leaders of five Central Asian countries sounded the alarm over the spiral of war in neighbouring Afghanistan at a regional summit Friday, as U.S.-led forces withdraw from the country and the Taliban advances.

The talks in the Caspian Sea town of Avaza in Turkmenistan come as the militant group challenges Afghan government forces in several large cities after weeks of gains in the countryside, including in provinces next to the three former Soviet 'stans' that border the country - Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The Taliban has established official contacts with both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as Russia and China, two important players in the region.

That differs markedly from the last time it was in power, when countries in the region - neutral Turkmenistan aside-- had offered support to the local and international forces trying to unseat the militant group.

But analysts argue that a growing security vacuum in the country can pose its own threat to the region and its growing economic cooperation with Kabul, The AFP reported.

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon on Friday noted that the Taliban now controlled the entirety of Afghanistan's border with his mountainous country of 9.5 million people. "A number of terrorist organisations are actively strengthening their positions in these areas," Rakhmon claimed in his address to the summit.

Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for a full ceasefire and "mutually acceptable negotiated compromises" at talks.

Tajikistan is one of the few neighbours of Afghanistan that has not hosted a delegation from the Taliban as it presents itself as a government-in-waiting.
Four Russian tourists injured in a road accident in Turkey remain in hospital, one of them is in an intensive care unit, Russias Rosturizm (Federal Agency for Tourism) reported on Thursday.

"Four Russian tourists remain in hospital. One of them is in an intensive care unit, and two have been transferred from an intensive care unit to a general ward. One more injured tourist is also in a general ward. The others have been discharged," the agency reported.

The accident occurred on August 2, when a bus was carrying 22 tourists to the airport from the settlement of Konakli, Antalya Province. There were nine children on the bus, all tourists were from the Samara Region. Thirteen tourists have returned to Russia, and two more are expected to fly back shortly.

Rosturizm controls the situation, it said.

According to preliminary reports, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle and the bus crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, and overturned. Three people died.

The insurance company and the tour operator will defray all medical costs and other costs related to the tourists stay in Turkey and the flight to Russia. Samara Region Governor Dmitry Azarov has issued an order to provide pecuniary aid to the families of those killed or injured in the road traffic accident.
Head of the ruling Georgian Dream party Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that no elections will take place until the one scheduled in 2024.

According to the EU-mediated agreement which was signed by the ruling party and the majority of opposition parties back in April 2021, the ruling party accepted the holding of repeat parliamentary elections if it received less than 43 per cent of votes in the upcoming October 2 municipal elections.

However, last month the ruling party withdrew from the agreement due to the main opposition partys refusal to join the agreement and said that the issue of holding repeat parliamentary elections will be dependent on the partys goodwill.

The opposition parties which won seats in the 2020 parliamentary elections accused the Georgian Dream of fabricating the election results and have been demanding repeat elections since December 2020.

The several-month political crisis in the country was resolved by the EU-mediated agreement proposed by European Council President Charles Michel.

Along with the election issues, the document obliged the signatories to secure large-scale reforms, including in the judiciary field, Agenda.ge reported.

The United National Movement opposition party, which won 34 of 60 opposition seats in the 150-member parliament, refused to join the EU-mediated agreement because of a single stipulation in it on the amnesty of June 2019 protest convicts.

Following the Georgian Dreams decision to leave the agreement, which was described as the betrayal of the countrys western course by the opposition, the opposition parties still believe that the ruling party will have to accept holding of repeat elections if they receive less than 43 per cent of votes in the upcoming municipal race.
The carbon tax, which the EU countries plan to introduce for exporters from 2025, will negatively affect the oil and gas sector of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Vice Minister of Energy Zhumabay Karagaev said.

"The first issue is whether there are alternative routes, to consider alternative export routes - this is China or the countries of Southeast Asia, Karagaev said.

Earlier, the European Union reached a tentative climate deal that should make the 27-nation bloc climate-neutral by 2050.

Under the provisional deal reached after officials negotiated through the night, the EU also commits itself on an intermediate target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Up to now, the 2030 target had been 40% but under the pressure of increasing evidence of climate change and a more environmentally-conscious electorate that target was pushed up, even if the EU legislature had wanted a 60% target.

That transitional period will have a duration of three years, from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025, as established in Article 32. Declarants will report on a quarterly basis the embedded emissions corresponding to their imports of the previous quarter, detailing direct and indirect emissions and reporting any carbon price paid abroad.
Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona despite both parties having reached an agreement over a new contract, the La Liga club said on Thursday, citing economic and structural obstacles to the renewal of the deal.

Messi, who joined Barca's youth set-up aged 13, is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions.

The Argentina forward was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club.

Messi, who has spent his whole career at Barcelona, had been expected to sign a new five-year deal with the Catalan club, which would have included a salary reduction of 50%.

Barcelona needed to financially restructure in order to get the deal over the line, which proved impossible in the end as they failed to reduce their wage bill in order and stay within La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

"Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish La Liga regulations)," Barca said in a statement.

"As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

"FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."

Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo.

Messi had tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020, making a formal request for an exit after a break down in his relationship with then president Josep Maria Bartomeu but successor Joan Laporta, who presided over the Argentine's rise to greatness, convinced him to stay, Reuters reported.
Russias coronavirus situation is stabilizing, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said at President Vladimir Putins meeting with cabinet members on Thursday.

"The situation is stabilizing, the number of patients under medical observation is not growing as fast as it used to," TASS cited him as saying.

According to the health minister, the slowdown trend is clear in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Moscow region. "However, we can see that the situation remains tense and infections are rising in other regions," Murashko noted.
The Israeli army says sirens in northern Israel are warning of new attacks from over the border with Lebanon on Friday. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

In a statement they said sirens sounded before noon in the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanese border, Associated Press reported.

A Lebanese army official said the military had no confirmation yet of rockets fired from south Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah group has stockpiled thousands of rockets.

The report comes after several days of fire over the border, including rare Israeli airstrikes on what the army said are launch sites.
Six people were killed and 37 others were injured on Friday after a passenger bus crashed into a truck on the highway between Istanbul and Izmir.

The accident occurred in the early hours near the district of Soma in the western province of Manisa, when the passenger bus rear-ended a stationary truck on the highway.

Initial local reports said six people died in the immediate aftermath of the accident with three more later succumbing to their injuries at the hospital. But the death toll was later on revised as six by the office of Manisa Governorate, Sabah Daily reported.

"We have seen the media falsely reporting the death toll in the accident that occurred near Soma. As of now, six people were killed and 37 others were injured, with six of the injured receiving their treatments in various hospitals in Balkesir while the remaining are in Manisa hospitals," a statement by the governorate read.

The bus was carrying 50 passengers and three crew members, the authorities said.
At least 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel on Friday, the majority of which were intercepted by the Israeli army, with the remaining landing in open and deserted areas.

The Israeli army in a statement said the air defense system intercepted most of the missiles, while the rest landed in open and uninhabited areas.

In a brief statement, the Lebanese Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing the rockets.

The Israeli army radio said rockets were fired at northern Israel from the Shebaa Farms area in southern Lebanon, with "10 missiles were detected," adding that sirens sounded in the occupied Golan Heights.

The rockets landed in "open areas," the army said, reporting no injuries. Residents in northern Israel were not given any specific instructions, according to the radio.

"Sirens were activated in several towns in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights," Israeli army spokeswoman Avichay Adraee said earlier on Friday.

The details of the incident are "under investigation, without disclosing further information.

According to preliminary information, shots were fired from southern Lebanon," the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said, adding that residents in the area heard explosions.

On August 4, three rockets were fired from Lebanon to Israel. In response to the rockets, the Israeli army targeted some areas in southern Lebanon with artillery and airstrikes.
Retail systems and businesses producing essential goods, despite difficulties in transporting goods and a labor shortage, are striving to maintain operations and stabilize selling prices to meet consumer demand.

Currently, the supply of essential goods in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and some southern provinces is very tense due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic. As most of the markets are closed, people often go to supermarkets and convenience stores to purchase food and personal belongings.

Supermarkets and convenience stores are shouldering an additional 70% of the market's shopping demand. At the same time, manufacturing enterprises are spending trillions of VND on epidemic prevention, applying the "3 on-the-site" model, working day and night to meet consumer demand.

With job-related characteristics such as frequent travel and contact with many people, retail employees and workers in industrial zones and clusters face a high risk of infection.

Recently, Thanh Nga - a meat supplier to many hospitals, hotels and supermarkets in Hanoi - had to suspend operations when its employees were diagnosed with Covid-19. Many "3-on-the-spot" enterprises in Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces have become new outbreak clusters after many workers tested positive for Covid-19.

Delivery and production activities had to stop immediately, and all employees and partners were under quarantine on the spot. They not only face a high risk of getting infected, but also worry that they will be a direct source of infection for their family and society.

Chu Tien Dung, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association, said both businesses and workers have to exert great efforts to maintain production under the three on-the-site model or one road - two destinations. But when only one worker is positive with covid, production must be stopped immediately.

To maintain the supply chain of essential goods, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked the People's Committees of provinces and cities to direct the local health sector and related agencies to prioritize vaccinations against Covid-19 for workers in enterprises in the supply chain of essential commodities such as food, foodstuffs, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and anti-epidemic goods.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade also asked the People's Committees of provinces and cities to receive registrations for vaccinations from corporations, companies, and cooperatives that participate in the supply of essential goods and services.

Vinh Phu
Many businesses dont want to invest in farm produce processing because it requires huge capital and brings low profits. Meanwhile, farmers face high risks and take losses during bountiful crops as they are not organized in a coordinated way.

Pham Van Tu, director of Thuan Phong Agricultural and Aquatic Product Production and Processing, has a factory in Tien Giang, which makes banh trang (girdle cake), banh hoi (steamed rolls made of rice flour) and banh pho (rice noodle) for export, worth trillions of dong a year.

He has opened one more factory in Ben Tre province to process corn, chili, sweet potato, banh tet (cylindric glutinous rice cake), banh it (three-cornered patty), banana leaf and boiled corn for export. He also makes products from coconut to compete with two rivals  Thailand and Bangladesh.

Treating guests with boiled corn and traditional cakes he made for export, Tu said the corncobs can be preserved for three years and just need steaming before eating.

But Tu admitted that there are not many large-scale farm produce processing plants in Ben Tre and Tien Giang, farm produce centers. Businesses are reluctant to invest in such plants, because of huge capital required and modest profit, while the encouragement policies are not attractive enough.

Workers at the factory still remember that the factory yard earlier last year was full of dragon fruit, collected from farmers to help ease the oversupply when the pandemic broke out. However, as the storage capacity is limited, the company had to throw the dragon fruit away.

They found that uncoordinated cultivation is an important factor which puts farmers at risks. Farmers aren't happy when they have bountiful crops, because oversupply will force prices down. And when China, a big importer, changes its cross-border trade policies, farm exports get stuck and farmers once again have to call for farm produce rescue.

A high-ranking official of a province previously told VietNamNet that large businesses only invest in fields and projects which can bring high profits, and they are reluctant to invest in farm produce processing which can bring modest profit.

Meanwhile, small businesses cannot make investment in the field because of the lack of capital. One hectare of land alone would cost more than VND10 billion in rent. And they need to have at least VND40-50 billion to open a processing factory.

Support not attractive enough

Many businesses dont want to invest in farm produce processing because it requires huge capital and brings low profits. Meanwhile, farmers face high risks and take losses during bountiful crops as they are not organized in a coordinated way.

In 2018, the Government promulgated Decree 57 on encouraging businesses to invest in agriculture and rural development.

But now Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is planning to replace it with another decree, because it believes that Decree 57 is not clear enough and causes confusion during implementation.

It is difficult to policies on agriculture and land to lure investments because the current legal framework remains inadequate.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been assigned by the Government to draft a decree on encouraging land accumulation for agricultural production.

Many localities want to add conditions for getting capital allocation from the central budget, and have asked the State to give direct support in an effort to encourage businesses to invest in agriculture and rural development.

The lack of capital from the central budget to support localities to implement the decree is a problem. Some localities say the policies are not feasible due to the lack of resources.

Over VND113 billion has been allocated from the central budget to 15 localities to implement 31 projects, or just VND3.7 billion for each project. Meanwhile, localities cannot allocate capital, or have been allocated little capital for agriculture projects.

According to a former province leader, Decree 57 says local authorities have to give support to enterprises in providing sites for factories. However, localities, with scanty budgets, cannot do this.

He said the policies on supporting enterprises to invest in agriculture need to be more substantial.

MPI, which is drafting the new decree, said the total capital that localities expect from the central budget for agriculture projects in 2021-2025 is estimated at VND8.6 trillion. The capital would be used to implement 800 projects with total capital of VND107 trillion.

However, experts have pointed out that in order to develop agriculture, farmers need to change their cultivation ways. A lot of farm produce cannot be exported because of high antibiotic levels and plant protection chemical residues. And many domestic processing plants only collect safe and clean produce.

Only when Vietnam can attract investments into farm produce processing, with support from the State, and farmers can put out clean and high-quality produce will the need for rescuing farm produce end.

MPI said Covid-19 has had a serious impact on farm production and processing, so it is necessary to help enterprises restore and develop production.

It is expected that if financial support from the central budget is VND10 billion for each agriculture project, 100 projects would be formed each year.

If each project has investment capital, the 100 medium-scale agriculture projects to be set up each year would create 10,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs.

Ha Duy

Ministry to help farming households sell goods on e-commerce Postmart and Vo So e-commerce sites have been assigned to place farm produce on sale, thus promoting the digital economy in agriculture and rural development.
The Government has asked the Ministry of Health to consider giving vaccinations to drivers and those involved in transporting goods.

Chinh phu giao Y te nghien cuu tiem vac xin cho lai xe

According to Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dams instructions on the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic in transport activities, the Ministry of Health has been assigned to consider the proposal from the Ministry of Transport on prioritizing Covid-19 vaccination for drivers and people involved in transporting goods.

The Ministry of Transport will coordinate with the Ministries of Health, Industry and Trade, Public Security, Agriculture and Rural Development and relevant agencies to continue implementing the Prime Minister's directions in organizing and managing cargo transport activities to ensure smooth operations and safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health will consider the Ministry of Transports proposal and guide localities to implement it according to regulations.

The People's Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities shall direct agencies to uniformly follow the guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport on epidemic prevention and control in transport activities; and coordinate with the Ministry of Transport to urgently deploy the green channel system in waterway transport.

Vu Diep
Felton, however, said postponing a purchase gives the county time to fine-tune its decision, continue negotiations with providers and avail itself of the latest in voting machine technology. He said the county also faces space problems, and finding room to store more than 600 voting machines could prove daunting. The new ones would have a smaller footprint than existing ones but would weigh about the same, Goldsmith said.

Plus, we didnt want to be training people on new machines leading up to the very important midterm elections next year, Felton said.

On Nov. 8, 2022, all seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested. This is the first election affected by redistricting following the 2020 census.

Goldsmith said the county will need about 660 new voting machines to replace the 16-year-old models now in use. The $3.5 million commissioners were prepared to spend in the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 is in the ballpark of the price they may carry in the near future, Goldsmith said.

But Holland said there is no guarantee the county will have that amount to spend on new computers when preparing a 2022-23 budget.
MUGLA, Turkey (AP)  A wildfire that reached the compound of a coal-fueled power plant in southwest Turkey and forced nearby residents to flee in boats and cars was contained on Thursday after raging for some 11 hours, officials and media reports said.

Strong winds drove the fire toward the Kemerkoy power plant in Mugla province late Wednesday, prompting evacuations from the nearby seaside resort of Oren. Navy vessels were deployed to help ferry away residents, while cars formed long convoys on roads leading away from the area, Haberturk television reported.

Turkey's worst wildfires in decades have raged for nine days amid scorching heat, low humidity and constantly shifting strong winds. The fires have so far killed eight people and countless animals.

In coastal Mugla province, where tourist hot spot Bodrum is located, fires continued to burn in five areas on Thursday, officials said. Fires also raged in five districts of Antalya province, another tourism destination, where two neighborhoods were evacuated on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the situation in Antalya was improving.
Most of the courses hurdles are decorated with a distinctly Japanese feel  geisha kimonos, a miniature Japanese palace, taiko drums.

None caught the eye quite like the sumo wrestler.

Among the horses alarmed by the setup was France's Penelope Leprevost  a team jumping gold medalist in 2016. She wasn't sure if the wrestler specifically threw off her 12-year-old stallion, Vancouver de Lanlore.

Maybe," she said. "We tried to relax our horses in the turn, and maybe theyre surprised to see a vertical so close. I dont know.

Vlock went 34th in the 73-horse field. After seeing others have issues, he and trainer Ireland's Darragh Kenny  also a competitor in Tuesday's field  made a point of trotting their horses to the 10th jump before beginning their runs so the animals could look it over.

The hope was that familiarity would breed bravery.

It is very realistic, Vlock said. "It does look like a person, and thats a little spooky. You know, horses dont want to see a guy, like, looking intense next to a jump, looking like hes ready to fight you.
COMMENTARY

Why ITES-SW2 is the key to selling software to the Army

If you currently sell (or want to sell) to the Army and your products are not on the Information Technology Enterprise Solutions - Software 2 contract, you may be missing an important part of the process.

It is estimated that nearly 3% of DOD IT contract spending in fiscal 2020 flowed through an ITES contract. While this may sound like a small percentage, when youre talking about $54.7 billion of DODs IT spending, 3% translates to approximately $1.64 billion. The Army anticipates that this spending will continue to increase over the next couple of years.

The ITES-SW2 contract is part of the Armys Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) program. This program was established by the Armys Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems. It is a mandatory source for commercial IT hardware and software purchases. To understand the ITES-SW2 contract, its important to first understand more about CHESS.

Why CHESS matters

To guarantee Army readiness as well as network and data security and accessibility, the CHESS program was created to provide flexible contracts that enable government customers to meet their critical requirements. It also allows industry partners to offer cutting edge technology to the Army.

The CHESS programs mission is to be the primary source to support the Warfighters Information Dominance Objectives by developing, implementing and managing commercial IT contracts that provide enterprise-wide net-centric hardware, software and supporting services to the Army.

CHESS contracts provide IT products and services that comply with U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, Army and DOD policy and standards. According to the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, Army purchasers of commercial hardware and software must satisfy their IT requirements by utilizing CHESS contracts first, regardless of dollar value or financial appropriation (See AFARS 5139.101-90).

In addition, purchasers of IT requirements for the Army through a third party  such as a system integrator  must also ensure that solicitations and contract vehicles include the requirement to purchase through the CHESS select agreements. To purchase outside of the CHESS program, the Army customer must seek an exception to the AFARS regulation by being granted special permission, and by going through both a formal request and waiver process. This creates more work for your Army customer, inserting additional cycles into the acquisition and procurement processes and introducing risk and delay into your Army opportunity.

With all that background, why is the ITES-SW2 contract so important?

ITES-SW2: Improving software for a better acquisition process

ITES-SW2 is a firm fixed price ID/IQ contract vehicle for software products and maintenance (with related incidental hardware and services). It is a follow-on to the original ITES-SW contract awarded in 2015.

With a $13 billion contract ceiling, the new ITES-SW2 contract was awarded in August 2020 with a five-year base and an option for an additional five-year period. The contract comes out of Armys PEO EIS under its Enterprise Services Mission Area. It is focused on improving software development to speed up the acquisition process by utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf products and agile approaches to software development.

Despite being used mostly by the Army, the ITES-SW2 contract is in fact open to all DOD and federal agencies. Given that there is no fee to use this contract, ordering is decentralized. The ordering contracting officer is responsible for requesting, obtaining and evaluating proposals/quotes and for obligating funds for delivery orders issued, utilizing the CHESS e-commerce portal, IT E-mart. This satisfies the Army customers competition requirements making this contract a straightforward and efficient vehicle option for Army customers.

Through the ITES-SW2 contract, software categories increased from four in the previous contract to 14 today  providing manufacturers, resellers and partners more opportunities to offer their products to their government customers.

In addition to providing a no-fee, flexible procurement option for your government customers, the ITES-SW2 contract also allows for quick turnaround times to add new products to the contract. That is because product groups (rather than individual products) are approved, and pricing is set at the opportunity (rather than the catalog) level.

This means your government customers can have access to your newest technology in a matter of days, instead of the month-long wait times we see with other contract vehicles.

If you sell to the Army, the ITES-SW2 mandatory source contract checks all the boxes for a no-fee vehicle with quick product additions that satisfy agency competition requirements, helping you minimize risk, shorten your sales cycle, and bring your opportunity to closure.
WATERLOO  As Derrius Hollis struggled to stay alive in the hospital with a massive head injury, the man who allegedly put him there simultaneously denied any involvement and tried to find out if Hollis was going to survive.

Authorities allege 25-year-old Michael Thomas Heggebo of Waterloo punched Hollis, then picked him up and slammed him headfirst onto a concrete driveway and repeatedly kicked him in the head while he was down in May.

Hollis, 23, had to have part of his skull removed to control swelling, is paralyzed on his left side and remains hospitalized with impaired cognitive abilities.

On Thursday, prosecutors rested their case after calling to the stand police officers who had phone contact with Heggebo shortly after Hollis arrived at the emergency room around 8 p.m. May 3.

Standing outside MeryOne Waterloo Medical Center, Officer Jesse Aitchison had phoned Heggebo in an attempt to get him to come to the police station for an interview.

Ive been out of town all day  I wasnt there. I didnt do nothing, Heggebo told the officer, saying he had left town around noon and was in Dunkerton.
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Williams-Rankin began tending to the injury, helped her into the kitchen and eventually called 911, telling dispatchers that he thought his girlfriend had been cut by glass.

Officer Jesse Aitchison, who arrived at the home, said he was suspicious about the account because of the amount of blood at the scene and questioned how the glass would have traveled to Groves face. He also noticed that the kitchen had been mopped clean.

At the hospital, Groves initially told police she accidentally had shot herself.

The effects of the injury still linger months after the shooting, and will be with her the rest of her life.

Groves said she has 60% vision in her left eye, with which she can only see shadows, and needs a cornea transplant. She will likely need such a transplant every 15 to 20 years, she said.

They could not get all of the bullet fragments, she said. Bits of metal still work their way towards the surface of her skin, and she is constantly digging them out.

The bullet broke bone and left her with permanent nerve damage. Groves said she cant smile like she used to, and she will have to have plastic surgery.
But an attorney for the student questioned the messages origins, saying the screenshot had been seen by at least three other people before reaching the police chief. The student has denied sending the message, claiming that he was blacked out drunk when it would have been sent, according to the document.

Its hard to determine where the message even came from, said attorney Nina Forcier, who joined the board meeting by video conference. There wasnt any phone number, location, date and time of the message. Theres no context of the message, no indication of who the recipient was.

Steve Weidner, Hudson Community Schools attorney, pushed back against those assertions.

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The proposed decision thats before you lays out facts that are supported by the only credible evidence before you, said Weidner, who also joined by video conference. The credible evidence in the record only points to him.
The plazas elements, still in early design stages, would revolve around the theme together, and feature not only the story of George, Francis, Joseph, Madison and Albert Sullivan, but the names of the nearly 700 other sailors who died aboard the Juneau on paving stones. Other types of community service jobs, such as first responders, health care workers, volunteers and teachers, might also be honored.

Former Mayor John Rooff said the plaza, as well as remembrances along Fourth Street, could become a destination, much like when he visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and touches the names of five friends who were killed in the Vietnam War.

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It becomes emotional. You remember them, said Rooff, an Army veteran. Its about all of our service, and we must honor that.

Mayor Quentin Hart said the project, which will include lighting and other enhancements to the Fourth Street bridge and U.S. Highway 218 overpass, will likely be done in stages and paid for primarily with private funding.

We have this veterans story here, Hart said. Why not brand ourselves?
Members also will show examples of Irish crochet, bobbin lace, flax, Aran knit and Irish linen. Examples of woven pieces made at previous Iowa Irish Fests will be displayed.

Historically, Irish textiles were economically vital to the country, Kruger said. The earliest woven material found in Ireland dates to about 1600 B.C. in pottery that shows signs of woven material in which clay was placed before firing, according to the Irish Guild of Weaving. Another fragment of cloth unearthed in a bog dates from at least 700 B.C.

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The Irish became known as successful wool producers and exporters, but in the Tudor era (1485-1603), English wool merchants began complaining and Irish wool could no longer be exported. They didnt have anywhere to market their product, so they switched to flax and began weaving flax into Irish linen, Kruger said, which is still highly prized today.

Irish lace, too, is famous. Lace was made by nuns in convents and used for church vestments until the potato famine (1845-1852). People were eating grass to survive, to have something in their bellies. The nuns brought their lace out of the convents and began to sell it and brought schools into the convents to teach Irish women to make lace so they could be breadwinners for their families, she explained.
Taylor and Dusty Button categorically deny these baseless claims, and they look forward to the opportunity to disprove all of the plaintiffs allegations through court proceedings, Ken Swartz said in a statement.

An attorney for the dancers said her clients are trying to protect other young dancers.

This is a pair of perpetrators who are highly sophisticated, highly manipulative, and are continuing, which is exactly what my clients were concerned about, Sigrid McCawley said.

The Boston Ballet in a statement said it supported Humphries.

Boston Ballet supports Sage Humphries who is bravely coming forward, sharing her experience to protect others, and seeking accountability and justice, the statement said. The Ballet will continue to do everything in its power to create and promote a safe and supportive culture for its students, dancers, staff, and community.



This story has been corrected to show that the husband of a former principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, not the dancer, is accused of sexual assault. The dancer is accused of aiding the assault.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Boston Globe.

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School districts across the country dealt with disputes last year as they tried to balance safety with student learning. But the controversy in Des Moines stood out because the districts stance contrasted so markedly from the Republican governors demand that students have the option of returning to the classroom before vaccines were available, including to teachers. The dispute happened at the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year as Iowa faced some of the nations highest rates of coronavirus infections.

Reynolds ordered that schools provide students with in-person learning at least half the time, arguing that the risks of being infected with the coronavirus were outweighed by the need to give parents and students the choice to go to school. Throughout the pandemic, the governor has repeatedly pushed to reduce or end restrictions, saying she needed to balance public health measures with efforts to invigorate the states economy and ensure personal freedoms.

The virus has killed more than 6,100 Iowans.

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For the first two weeks of the school year, the Des Moines district violated the order until it gave students the options of hybrid or all virtual learning. Board members were concerned that the districts aging schools didnt offer enough space or air-filtering capabilities to make in-classroom learning safe for students and teachers.
As expected, Rep. Conor Lamb (PA-17) is launching his 2022 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate campaign Friday.

Lamb rose to prominence by narrowing winning a special election to flip a long-held Republican congressional seat in 2018. He joins a field of prominent Democrats hoping to win the nomination. This includes the state's Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and County Commissioner Val Arkoosh.

The general election race is seen as a toss-up, as incumbent GOP Sen. Pat Toomey is not seeking a 3rd term. It will be a key race in determining who controls the Senate, currently split at 50-50, after the 2022 midterms.

Lamb is the 15th current House member to announce they are retiring or seeking another office in 2022.
Try a wall-assisted workout. You can do push-ups or squats against the wall or use it for stability while you march in place or kick a leg out to the side. If you know the wall is there, it gives you security and allows you to brace yourself, so youre not placing the full load on your upper or lower body, says Len Glassman, a certified personal trainer in Garwood, New Jersey, who works frequently with older clients.



Three exercises to try if youve got achy knees



Straight-leg raises. These help strengthen the muscles around your knee area to support the joint itself, explains Pamela Peeke, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Maryland and author of Fit to Live. Lie flat with one knee bent, one leg straight, and raise your straightened leg off the floor. Slowly lift your leg, keeping your knee straight. Lower it; repeat several times with each leg.

Pelvic lift. This is traditionally considered an abdominal exercise, but it requires you to bend your knees, which can help increase the joints range of motion, Glassman says. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Flatten your back against the floor and bend your pelvis up slightly. Hold for up to 10 seconds; repeat.



Downward-Facing Dog. This classic yoga move strengthens your whole body without putting too much strain on your knees, Peeke says. Place your hands and knees on the floor. Raise your hips high and keep your arms straight, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your head down and look at the floor. Hold for as long as it seems comfortable.



Three things to try if youre walking but skipping weights



Lift your arms during your walk. Raising your arms overhead or extending them to your side or front immediately elevates your heart rate and engages your core, Glassman says. If you feel too self-conscious to do that while you walk around the neighborhood, then grip a towel while walking. If you pull it, youll encounter some resistance, which is a great way to ramp up walking.

Take side steps. You can also boost your walking workout by adding variation. Take three steps to your left, then three to your right, for instance. This helps increase your agility. To make it harder, use a resistance band with your side steps.



Walk with weights. Research shows that people who use 1- to 3-pound hand or wrist weights during aerobic activities like walking burn up to 15 percent more calories than those who dont. But keep them light, since walking with heavier weights can put stress on your arm and shoulder muscles as well as your wrist and elbow joints. Ideally, try to set your own little workout trail, where you stop at specific points  say, a tree stump  to work in things like box squats, Peeke advises.



Three classes to mix things up



Latin dancing. Breaking out your salsa moves can boost both your heart and brain. It makes you think quickly on your feet, and its fun and exciting, Glassman says. To wit: Older adults who took an hourlong Latin-dance class twice a week for four months were able to move about 30 seconds faster on a 400-meter walk than those who just enrolled in a health education program, according to a 2016 study published by the American Heart Association.

Physio ball training classes. You know those big bouncy balls you see at your gym? Theyre fun, and theyre actually great for older adults. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that older adults could significantly improve muscle activity in their back, stomach and thighs by working with a stability ball for 20 minutes five times a week for eight weeks. The ball forces your body to use both fast and slow twitch muscles, which are both important for balance and strength, Glassman explains.

Aqua classes. People underestimate how challenging these classes can be, but they focus on strength and conditioning, with little to no impact, Joyner says. A 2018 study published in the medical journal PLOS One, for example, found that seniors who performed water aerobics twice a week for 12 weeks showed gains in upper-body strength, lost fat mass and lowered their blood pressure.


Appointment of Chief Operating Officer and Technical Team

Sydney, Aug 6, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Tamboran Resources Limited ( ASX:TBN ) Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, said: "We are excited to announce the appointment of Mr Faron Thibodeaux as the Chief Operating Officer of Tamboran Resources Limited ("Tamboran" or the "Company"). Mr Thibodeaux will be responsible for the delivery of Tamboran's safety, technical and operational performance in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, including working with Santos QNT Pty Ltd ("Santos"), our joint venture partner in EP 161, and executing our operated strategy in EP 136."Faron brings more than 40 years of knowledge and considerable experience in unconventional energy development to the Company. His experience in both the Permian Basin in the United States and Australian energy sector will be invaluable in the accelerated development of our Beetaloo assets."Faron will be supported by five new highly experienced technical and operational professionals, who collectively have drilled more than 5,000 unconventional horizontal shale wells in the US. We are delighted to have attracted a team of such a high calibre to Tamboran."Faron Thibodeaux ExperienceMr Thibodeaux recently served as the Senior Vice President for Global Drilling, Completions and Production Engineering of APA Corporation, formerly Apache Corporation ("APA"). His previous assignment was Senior Region Vice President of APA's operations in the Permian Basin, the leading and most competitive basin in North America for unconventional drilling and technologies.When Mr Thibodeaux was based in Midland, Texas, he oversaw the operational performance of up to 46 rigs in the Permian Basin. He served on the Boards of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association ("PBPA") and the Midland Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the Senior Region Vice President for several of APA's most successful assets, including the North West Shelf of Australia where he was based in Perth.In addition, Mr Thibodeaux previously held senior technical and operational roles with Unocal Corporation and Chevron Corporation.Mr Thibodeaux will report to Managing Director and CEO Joel Riddle. Subject to the lifting of travel restrictions, he will be based in Darwin, Northern Territory. As part of his role, Mr Thibodeaux will oversee, on behalf of Tamboran, the ongoing horizontal well drilling operations being conducted as part of the Tanumbirini appraisal campaign.The 2021 Tanumbirini appraisal campaign comprises the drilling of two wells, Tanumbirini 2H ("T2H") and Tanumbirini 3H ("T3H"), located in the EP 161 permit within the 'Core' area of the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory. Santos is the operator of EP 161 with a 75% working interest and Tamboran holds a 25% working interest.Mr Thibodeaux will also have responsibility for Tamboran's safety, technical and operational performance in Tamboran's 100% interest in the EP 136 permit, where the Company is planning the acquisition of 2D seismic and drilling of the Maverick #1/1H horizontal well within the next 12 months.Experienced Technical TeamMr Thibodeaux will be supported by five experienced technical and operational professionals that recently joined Tamboran from Pioneer Natural Resources, the largest producer in the Permian Basin. These professionals served Pioneer for a combined total of 40 years where they applied industry best-practices and leading-edge technology in unconventional shale development in what is today considered the premier basin in the United States.Collectively, the Tamboran executive and operational team has more than 200 years of direct experience in the energy industry and has a strong track record of safely drilling and supervising over 5,000 shale horizontal wells in their careers.Mr Thibodeaux commented on his appointment and the team: "The new team and I have studied closely the geology and drilling results associated with Tamboran's assets in the Core Beetaloo Sub-basin. We all recognise the substantial resource potential and the significant opportunities for accelerated early development and cannot be more excited to join the Company. This is one of those rare situations in our careers where our knowledge from decades of experience in the unconventional sector in the US can have an immediate impact on the Beetaloo Subbasin and the overall Australian energy market.""Our goal at Tamboran is to bring this low CO2 gas to market as soon as possible. Our ability to execute begins with the superior geology that exists in the Core Beetaloo and the application of next generation proven technology, and know-how to getting this low emission energy into the market."To view tables and figures, please visit:About Tamboran Resources Limited

Tamboran Resources Ltd (ASX:TBN) is a natural gas company that intends to play a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future by developing low CO2 unconventional natural gas resources in the Beetaloo Sub-basin within the Greater McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory of Australia. Tamboran's key assets are a 25% working interest in EP 161 and a 100% working interest in EP 136, EP 143 and EP(A) 197 which are located in the Beetaloo Sub-basin.



The Company is focused on developing early-stage, unconventional gas resources within its portfolio which are located in the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory. Tamboran Resources Limited is headquartered in Sydney, Australia with a global management team leveraging a significant depth of experience in the successful commercialisation of unconventional hydrocarbons throughout North America. The team brings a wealth of knowledge, including modern shale reservoir assessment, as well as cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology.


East Pogo Drilling Update - 64North Project

Adelaide, Aug 6, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd ( ASX:RML ) ( FRA:NC3 ) is pleased to announce drilling assays results on the recently completed RC drilling program on the East Pogo Gold Prospect at the 64North Project in Alaska.- Shallow RC drilling completed at East Pogo - 64North Project in Alaska- Gold pathfinder elements intersected by drillhole 21EP008 indicates the potential of gold at depth, with a 2000m x 1600m target zone identified for follow up drilling- The East Pogo Prospect is located on the "Pogo Trend" at Resolution's flagship 64North Project - Alaska, adjacent to the operating world-class high-grade Pogo Gold Mine- An exploration activity update on the entire 64North Project will be released shortlyEast Pogo is on the Pogo Trend positioned between the 11M oz Pogo Gold Mine and the Tibbs Discovery. The compelling shallow drill targets are the culmination of 20 months' preparation including field work, desktop review, CSAMT and ZTEM geophysics surveys and logistics planning. Historic drilling at the East Pogo prospect had returned significant intercepts including 0.5m at 24.3g/t gold and 0.1m at 35g/t gold (Figure 1). The recent drilling utilised shallow, low cost, RC drilling as a first pass test of the targets to define follow up deeper drilling targets.Managing Director, Duncan Chessell commentsThe beauty of the RC drilling program was the low cost at which we were able to complete 12 holes, testing multiple hydrothermal fluid pathways defined by geophysics over a very large area. We identified dilation zones critical for gold mineralisation to form and multiple quartz veins bearing minor sulphides were intersected. While we did not receive near-surface gold results, the valuable data collected means we can now focus our efforts on a deeper target zone of 2000m x 1600m.In particular, hole 21EP008 encountered strong proximal Au-Bi-W-(Te) geochemical signature increasing towards the base of hole, indicating we were likely getting close to a gold mineralised system. However, the hole had to be abandoned prior to reaching target depth due to ground conditions and for this reason we are contemplating returning with a core drilling rig to effectively test this target for potential high-grade Pogo-style mineralisation.12 RC drill holes totalling 1,663m were designed to test gold targets of between 50m to 190m depth, were completed. The drillholes encouragingly intersected intensely altered basement gneisses (target rock unit) cross-cut by up to 4.6m thick intersections of abundant quartz-sulphide veining. The quartz veins intersected did not contain significant gold assay values but the increasingly strong pathfinder geochemistry towards the end-of-hole (Hole ID: 21EP008) has provided compelling vectors for highly prospective gold zones beneath our drillholes. With diamond drilling to test these deeper zones under consideration.Pathfinder elements and targetingImportant information can be obtained from pathfinder elements analysis which can determine proximity to a gold mineralised system. Typically, a Pogo-Style gold system has particular elements such as Au-Bi-Te-S (+/- As) present when close to a mineralised zone (see below section "About the Pogo Gold Mine and Pogo style mineral systems"). By analysing this data, we have identified an area of 2000m x 1600m most likely to host gold mineralisation (Figure 1). Within this zone, the final sample on RC drill hole 21EP008 intersected sericite and biotite alteration including minor quartz veining and a strong proximal geochemical pathfinder spike despite not reaching target depth. The hole had a trend of increasing Au and alteration intensity over the last 50m with sericite alteration present in the last few meters. This signifies the high potential of gold mineralisation further down.Hole 21EP008 could be followed up with diamond drilling via an adjacent valley as an effective test of the potential Au system. This will result in significantly less metres than a ridgeline drill hole such as Hole ID: 21EP008. The Company is assessing logistical and technical considerations for further drilling programs, noting that drilling approvals are in place within the 2000m x 1600m zone of interest identified by the RC drilling program and results. A diamond core drilling rig is likely to become available in a few weeks from an adjacent project and may provide the Company with an opportunity to drill test further targets in the near term.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Resolution Minerals Ltd

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as gold, copper, cobalt, and vanadium.

The company is led by Managing Director Duncan Chessell and an experienced team with proven success in corporate finance, marketing, metallurgy and geoscience. This equips Resolution Minerals with the tools to meet the changing demands of the mining markets.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 with a focus on the exploration of the Wollogorang Copper Cobalt Project. It has since aquired the Snettisham Vanadium Project and more entered into a binding agreement witth Millrock Resources to earn up to 80% of the highly prospective 64North Gold Project.
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One little article separates James Gunns The Suicide Squad from David Ayers Suicide Squad. But, oh, what a difference a word makes.

Just five years after the train wreck that prompted Warner Bros. to retool its DC Comics universe, James Gunns nearly wholesale redo exists in an entirely different movie galaxy. The Suicide Squad may go down as one of the greatest, and quickest, do-overs in blockbusterdom.

Like Gunns two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, The Suicide Squad is a chaotic, freewheeling inversion of much of whats expected in a comic book movie. Here, heroes die (a lot of them). Most arent really heroes, either. Some arent even human. But theyve been sprung from prison for a kamikaze mission on behalf of the U.S. government. In this motliest of crews, no one has anything like a sleek shield or a clean caped suit.

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Gunn came to The Suicide Squad (which opens Aug. 5 in theaters and on HBO Max) in a brief window opened by social-media scandal. Disney fired him from Marvel for some old, dug-up tweets, only to, after the protests of his Guardians cast, be rehired to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. But in the interim, Warner and D.C. poached the writer-director, one of the few filmmakers in the genre with the nerve and talent to not exactly buck the system but deconstruct it, and turn superhero myth into slapstick farce.

Gunn has said he was initially offered the chance to direct a Superman movie, but its telling that he turned down the crown jewel of DC for the likes of Polka-Dot Man, Ratcatcher 2 (who communicates with rodents) and Nanaue, a cartoonish walking shark in jams.

But if most mainline superhero movies ultimately exalt American ideals like justice, individualism and might, Gunn goes exactly the other way. The Suicide Squad is the anti-Superman, a madcap rejoinder to Captain America. In Gunns hands, the America superhero is grotesque, brutal and ridiculous. Like Gunns previous movies, The Suicide Squad boasts wall-to-wall needle drops (the Pixies Hey, Louis Armstrongs I Aint Got Nobody), yet leaves out maybe the most fitting song, Childish Gambinos This Is America.

Early on in The Suicide Squad we get a sense that the mission is dubious. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) summons a bunch of prisoners for Task Force X program. Exactly who are to be our main characters and whos head is about to sliced like a melon takes some sorting out. But in a clown-car of a superhero movie the most central protagonist is Idris Elbas Bloodsport, a mercenary coaxed into joining the team only when Waller threatens prison time or worse for his teenage daughter (Storm Reid, very good).

With him are Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior, a standout), a laconic, warm-hearted Millennial with a very polite pet rat named Sebastian on her shoulder. The skills of Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian) are initially hard to decipher, but the shy, stunted Abner proves surprisingly capable, even if he, himself, sheepishly apologizes for having such a flamboyant power.

There is also John Cenas Peacemaker, easily the most jingoist of the bunch, a kind of Captain America knockoff. Just what each squad member feels about their home country and its role in international backwaters is prominently in play in The Suicide Squad. The gang is sent to a dictator-controlled South American island in the midst of a populist uprising to keep safe a secret, locked-away alien species housed in a concrete tower. This is the sinister unseen side to American glory; a monstrous extraterrestrial starfish picked up on a seemingly triumphant space mission. Unclear is whether the task force is there to prevent an apocalyptic threat or shroud a dubious offshore U.S. experiment.

But there are others, too. Nanaue (voiced with monosyllabic perfection by Sylvester Stallone) is a worthy heir to Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy and a man-eating reminder to how very close to cartoon Gunns movie is. The groups more serious, highly trained field leader, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, is a kind of straight man to the antic gang.

Also in the mix is Margot Robbies Harley Quinn. Its her third film in that character but the best yet in capturing Quinns chipper mania.

Does The Suicide Squad overdo it? Of course

But as over-the-top and thoroughly R-rated as The Suicide Squad is, its not nihilistic. Thats maybe a questionable argument to make for a film that includes an inside-the-body close-up of a dagger piercing a beating heart. But as much as Gunn steers his movies into chaos, they have a surprising amount of heart and thoughtfulness to them.

The Suicide Squad

3 stars

RATED: R (for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity)

WHEN: Now showing

WHERE: AMC 12, Century 14 Downtown, Century Rio 24, Cottonwood, High Ridge, Icon Cinema, Winrock 16 or HBO Max
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexicos newest wave of COVID-19 infections continued to swell Thursday, with virus-related hospitalizations surging to more than three times higher than they were one month ago.

Driven in large part by the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the virus, New Mexico hospitalizations have increased from 62 people on July 6 to 207 hospitalized statewide as of Thursday, according to Department of Health data.

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In addition, New Mexico has recorded nearly as many new COVID-19 cases in the last three days  1,758 cases  as it did during a monthlong period in late June and early July.

My concern level is very high, state Human Services Secretary David Scrase said Thursday.

He said many hospitals in New Mexico are already full, though not just with patients battling COVID-19, and said the statewide test positivity rate for the virus has increased to 7% over the last week.

We already know were going to lose control of this pandemic if the test positivity rate goes up (even more), said Scrase, who is also acting secretary of the Department of Health.

However, Scrase expressed optimism the states elevated COVID-19 vaccine administration rate could help prevent virus growth from reaching peak levels from last year.

An overwhelming majority of the states virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths since February have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, according to DOH data. And Scrase said vaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19 often display mild or no symptoms.

But he urged residents feeling viruslike symptoms to get tested for COVID-19 and said the state is ready to perform large-scale testing events at schools statewide.

Meanwhile, New Mexico passed another COVID-19 vaccine milestone Thursday, as health officials announced more than half of the states children between the ages of 12 and 17 have received at least one vaccine dose.

Statewide, a total of 73.6% of New Mexicans age 18 and older had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 65.2% had gotten all shots necessary to be fully vaccinated, according to state Department of Health data.

Among those between the ages of 12 and 17, who were not eligible to get the vaccine until May, 51% had gotten at least one dose and 39.6% had completed their vaccine series as of Thursday.

Children younger than 12 are still not able to get vaccinated, though some health officials have said they expect federal approval for such a vaccine expansion to be granted by the end of this year.

There is no question: vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19, state Health Deputy Secretary Laura Parajon said in a statement.

The vaccine progress  and increased virus infection rates  come as most New Mexico students are set to return to school for a new academic year.

Its also renewed debate about vaccine and face mask mandates, as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has imposed a requirement that all state workers get vaccinated or undergo biweekly testing for COVID-19.

Such mandates have prompted criticism from some Republican lawmakers like Sen. Gregg Schmedes, R-Tijeras, a physician, who has argued natural immunity from recovering from COVID-19 is a better defense than being vaccinated, a claim that many public health experts dispute.

But American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, during a Thursday visit to New Mexico, said she thinks face coverings are among the precautions school districts can take to ensure students can safely return to in-person learning, according to the Associated Press.

Despite the recent spike in cases, New Mexicos death rate from COVID-19 remains far lower than the mid-December peak.

State health officials reported three additional virus-related deaths Thursday, including two men in their 30s who both had underlying health conditions.

The three deaths brought the states death toll to 4,419 since the pandemic arrived in New Mexico in March 2020.
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LAS CRUCES  Mandatory masking is being reinstated at Dona Ana County buildings, including for the fully vaccinated, following concerns about the local spread of the delta variant, which has shown to be highly transmissible and resistant to some monoclonal antibody treatments.

The mandate comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases in New Mexico and nationwide has grown over the past month, fueled by the infectious variant.

In light of the evolving concerns related to the spread of COVID-19 and any variants, all visitors inside Dona Ana County buildings and facilities are required to wear a face covering, County Manager Fernando Macias said in a news release.

The new directive went into effect Thursday, and applies to both county employees and members of the public.

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According to New Mexico Department of Health data, the countys first three sequenced cases of the delta variant were identified between reports on variants of concern on July 12 and July 26.

Dona Ana is one of at least 25 New Mexico counties where delta had been identified as of Monday.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals alike wear masks indoors in areas with substantial or high transmission.

In New Mexico, that applied to 24 of 33 counties as of Tuesday, including Dona Ana County. New Mexico officials, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, have recommended residents mask up indoors, even in counties with lower transmission, out of caution.

The CDC emphasizes vaccines remain an effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19, though the delta variant has shown more resilience against vaccines.

But the CDC also says so-called breakthrough infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the delta variant.

Moreover, when these infections occur among vaccinated people, they tend to be mild. Though early evidence has suggested fully vaccinated people who do become infected with delta can spread it to others.
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RIO RANCHO  The head of a national teachers union visited New Mexico on Thursday as part of a nationwide campaign to convince parents that its safe to send their kids back to public school.

The effort comes as more parents voice concerns over mask mandates, saying they arent being given a choice as school boards adopt state and federal guidance on the matter.

American Federation of Teacher President Randi Weingarten said she believes masks are among the precautions that school districts can take to ensure students can safely return to in-person learning.

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In her talks with parents around the country, she said they want to know details of plans by officials to keep their kids safe, plans for masks and whether school ventilation systems have been improved.

Were on a full-court press this month to build trust among parents and educators that schools are safe and to get shots in the arms of people who have been resistant, Weingarten said in an interview.

Weingarten was criticized in recent weeks after some said she wavered on school reopenings following the reversal of federal officials on mask-wearing rules for vaccinated people. But Weingarten stressed that her unions goal is to get students back into the classroom and do it safely.

We are reopening our schools full-time because we know our kids need it but we also know they need to be safe, she said.

Weingartens meeting Thursday with school officials in Rio Rancho followed visits to Albany, New York, on Monday, where she knocked on parents doors and a trip to Florida over the weekend, where concerns are high due to a surge of COVID-19 cases.

I think the last three weeks of the delta surge has given people pause again  not a pause about reopening schools, but that the safety issues are front and center again, she said.

Weingarten will travel to seven more states this week as part of the unions campaign to support vaccination clinics and encourage parents through billboards, advertisements, town halls and door-to-door visits that schools are safe. The work is funded by $5 million in grants.

She said the Rio Rancho district has been building on efforts that were started earlier this year to ensure student and staff safety. The school board voted 3-2 this week to allow vaccinated secondary students the option of not wearing masks after they show proof of immunization.

New Mexicos largest district  Albuquerque Public Schools  is requiring all students, employees and visitors to wear masks while inside, whether they are vaccinated or not. Santa Fe schools are requiring masks inside school buildings and on buses.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

An Albuquerque Public Schools Board meeting to review and refine COVID safety guidelines came to an abrupt end Wednesday night when some community members became disruptive and nasty in their opposition to an indoor face mask mandate that is being imposed at all APS properties and on school buses.

At one point, a protester produced preprinted letters of resignation and asked board members to sign the forms, said board Vice President Lorenzo Garcia, who was running the meeting.

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Garcia repeatedly warned those who came to speak in person at the meeting that if they didnt restrain themselves and present their positions within the framework established for comment he would end the meeting.

He did just that at about 6:30 p.m., 90 minutes after the meeting started. Board meetings generally last until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

There was a group of people that came and they were very much anti-mask and anti-vaccine, Garcia said. It just got progressively more disruptive and nasty.

It was the first APS board meeting that allowed in-person comments since COVID safety measures were put in place, although many of the people who signed up to offer comment did so remotely via an online connection.

While some of them made reference to having children in APS, others did not and it was unclear if they had students enrolled in the district.

It looked to me from what they were saying that they were mostly coming in with a particular agenda  to try and convince us that the science (behind wearing a mask) was not valid, Garcia said.

One woman said, APS board members do not have authority over my body nor my childrens bodies.

A man commented, What youre doing is harming our kids. It is wrong.

As Garcia gaveled for quiet, a woman repeatedly shouted, We will not stop putting pressure on you.

Those who spoke in support of the mask mandate were heckled, including Monique Vallabhan, an Albuquerque physician. She pointed out that even though the majority of children and adolescents with COVID infections produce only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, they can still spread the disease to those who they come in contact with.

Oral comments from those opposing masks seemed tame compared to some of the comments emailed to APS in the days leading up to the board meeting:

 This is beyond ridiculous, and we are sick and tired of your (expletive). We wont be wearing masks, and there isnt a thing youre going to do about it either.

 Youre a bunch of idiots.

 I moved out of your screwup State were (sic) Communist Liberals are in charge.

 You can stick the mask up your (expletive). We parents will not tolerate your (expletive). And we will start speaking up. The fights (sic) just began (sic).

 The whole point of the vaccine was to get kids out of masks, and now you want to mask vaccinated kids too? Are you out of your (expletive) minds???

Garcia said the board might take up mask-wearing at a meeting Wednesday.

In the wake of a surge of COVID infections, APS decided to follow the revised recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that everyone older than the age of 2 wear masks.

And New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, citing CDC guidance, recommended that New Mexicans wear a mask indoors out of an abundance of caution.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Janeth Nunez del Prado, a social worker in Albuquerque, said her father had booked a flight from Bolivia to the United States to try to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which he didnt have access to in his home country.

But he fell ill shortly before the trip. And on May 27, Hugo Nunez del Prado, a 62-year-old father of five, died of COVID at a Bolivian hospital.

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He wanted to come get it. He got plane tickets, Janeth Nunez del Prado said. Its extra heartbreaking because he almost made it.

Still grieving her fathers death, Nunez del Prado became the New Mexico leader of Marked by COVID, an organization that has been lobbying Congress to set aside a day to remember all those who have died of the disease. More than 4 million people across the globe, including more than 600,000 Americans, have died of the disease.

The lobbying effort reached a milestone this week, when Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and the two Democratic senators from Massachusetts introduced a Senate resolution to memorialize those lost to the COVID19 virus.

The resolution calls for the first Monday in March to become COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.

New Mexicans have lost 4,415 family members and friends to COVID-19 already, and the loss grows each day, Heinrich said in a statement. We need this official memorial day to honor the memory of those weve lost, acknowledge the continuing grief felt by their loved ones, and recognize those still coping with the long-term effects of the virus. Im proud to be a part of the effort to make this happen.

Massachusetts Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren  whose older brother died of COVID early in the pandemic  introduced the resolution with Heinrich.

Nunez del Prado, who met with officials in Heinrichs office as the resolution was being crafted, said those who lost loved ones to COVID carry added layers of grief.

I dont feel like my dad died, she said. I feel like he vanished.

As the country reopens and people celebrate a return to normalcy, Nunez del Prado said she feels left behind. She is overwhelmed by the debate about the vaccine, the need to wear masks and how politicized people have become about the virus.

It adds to the complexity of our pain that people here arent getting the vaccine because theyre victims of misinformation, she said.

Nunez del Prado is organizing a march to remember COVID-19 victims at 10 a.m. Aug. 14, at Tiguex Park in Old Town.
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TUBA CITY, Ariz.  Hopi law enforcement officials are investigating the death of a man who was swept away by floodwaters.

Two other people were rescued after floodwaters washed away a truck on the reservation in Arizona last week, authorities said.

Hopi officials received a call that a vehicle was stuck on the Dinnebito Wash, a remote area on the southwestern edge of the reservation, authorities said. Officers arrived and found the bridge completely submerged.

A man and a woman were rescued and sent to the Tuba City Heath Care Center. Coconino County Search and Rescue crews pulled another man from the submerged truck, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The mans name has not been released.

The death investigation has been turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Criminal Investigations-Hopi Agency, officials said.

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PHOENIX  Arizona is experiencing another significant leap in new COVID-19 infections, with more than 2,800 reported on Friday. The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations also continued to climb, and stood at 1,309 patients.

The state Department of Health Services dashboard showed 2,826 new confirmed cases and 42 deaths. The latest figures bring Arizonas pandemic totals to 940,762 cases and 18,342 deaths.

J.O. Combs Unified School District in the San Tan Valley near the Phoenix suburb of Chandler announced that fifth and sixth-graders at one school will learn remotely next week because of multiple positive cases. According to the districts dashboard, Ellsworth Elementary has 53 active coronavirus cases.

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Public health experts have said that the highly transmissible delta variant is primarily driving case surges across the U.S.

The increase in infections is fueling intense debate over Republican Gov. Doug Duceys ban on mask mandates in schools.

Ducey this summer signed legislation that bans schools from requiring children to wear masks. The ban does not take effect until late September, but lawmakers declared it retroactive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended that everyone wear masks to schools in communities with substantial or high transmission of the virus.

Since most Arizona students returned to schools this week, eight districts have made wearing masks indoors mandatory, in defiance of the law. All of them except for Tucson Unified are in the Phoenix area. One of the mandates prompted a lawsuit from a Phoenix biology teacher.

Duceys office has said the mandates are not enforceable and that wearing a mask is a personal choice.

More than 150 Arizona doctors on Thursday criticized the governors response, sending a letter urging Ducey to mandate masks in public schools.

Over the past week, leaders at some of the states major hospital systems warned that the states hospitals could be on the verge of having to deal with another brutal infection surge. The health care leaders also said most new patients were younger, unvaccinated people.

Brophy College Preparatory, a private, all-boys high school in Phoenix, will require everyone regardless of their vaccine status to wear masks indoors when classes start on Monday.

Masks will be optional starting Sept. 13. But thats when students and staff must be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to a letter from the principal.

Any students who want to participate in overnight retreats or school-related travel must show proof of vaccination. The Catholic, Jesuit high school, which counts Duceys two sons as alumni, is not required to follow the state law.

Nationwide the thinking has been split, with some states banning mask mandates in public schools and others requiring it. Some state officials are simply allowing many local school district officials to make the decisions, but many of them are exhausted by months of conflict over the matter.

More than 6.9 million vaccine doses have now been administered in Arizona.

Over 3.8 million people  or 53% of the eligible population  have received at least one dose. More than 3.3 million are fully vaccinated.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  In response to the recent surge in the coronavirus infection rate, Central New Mexico Community College announced it is requiring that all 20,000 full- and part-time students be vaccinated no later than Oct. 1, even if theyve already had COVID.

The vaccination policy also extends to all of CNMs nearly 2,000 faculty and staff.

According to the directive, posted on the CNM website, documentation of the individuals COVID-19 vaccination must be provided.

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Exemptions will be made for medical reasons or religious beliefs.

Students, faculty and staff who are not vaccinated by Oct. 1, are subject to twice-a-week COVID testing at their own cost.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for students attending online classes.

In addition, all vaccinated students, faculty and staff, and those exempt from vaccination, must wear a mask while indoors at all times.

This requirement is subject to change based on updated guidance from the New Mexico Department of Health and the CDC, the policy reads.

The University of New Mexico recently issued a similar mandate, requiring that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated no later than Sept. 30 in order to gain access to UNM facilities.

Likewise, New Mexico State University said in a news release Friday that it is giving all students and employees at NMSU system campuses and facilities statewide until the end of September to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show proof of vaccination.

Those who do not will have to undergo weekly testing, for which the university will not reimburse people. NMSU has, however, provided information to students and employees about free testing that is available throughout the community.

In addition, all students and employees will be required to wear masks when indoors at all NMSU system properties. Student exemptions can be made for medical and religious reasons by contacting the office of the dean of students; requests for employee exemptions can be made through the Office of Institutional Equity.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Hugo was a war dog, an Air Force working canine who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and assisted in several U.S. Secret Service missions.

The 80-pound German Shepherd was a specialist in bomb detection. Most of his life was defined by four words of command  stay, sit, down, heel.

But in retirement the last few years, the big veteran with the intense gaze learned a new word  cookie.

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He knew that meant a treat, said Gracey Fajardo, who, with her husband Frank, cared for Hugo in his final years. He was always ready for a treat, and he never needed an excuse for a nap.

Hugo went to his final rest on Sunday, Aug. 1. The Fajardos intend to honor him as war veterans should be.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Chester T. French Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. Albuquerques American Legion Post 13 will provide an honor guard.

Hugo served his country, Gracey said. I felt he was just as deserving as any military veteran. Military working dogs retire without any benefits. They get adopted if they are lucky. At the very least, they should be given respect and dignity with military honors when they pass away.

Sweet personality

Records show that Hugo was born on Aug. 4, 2007, and was recruited, for a price, by the Air Force from an Indiana kennel on March 29, 2010. He was assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming, and served as a patrol and bomb-detection dog until hip dysplasia and arthritis compelled his retirement in April 2016.

Hugo was adopted by the Fajardos son, Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Lopez. Lopez is a dog handler with Air Force Security Forces but he and Hugo had never worked together.

When Lopez was deployed about five years ago, Gracey and Frank took Hugo into their home in the Mariposa Community northwest of Albuquerque.

We had no clue how to care for a retired military working dog, Gracey said.

She said the nonprofit United States War Dogs Association Inc. helped by providing Hugos medication and prescription foods. Gracey, Frank and Hugo worked the rest of it out themselves.

It did not take us long to fall in love with him, Gracey said. He had a very sweet personality. He was not a barking dog. He was quiet as a mouse.

Adjusting to civilian life took a little time for Hugo.

Everything was unfamiliar to him because his home on base was in a kennel, Gracey said. He had never heard a doorbell. But once he knew what it was, he was always the first one to the door. He had never heard a piano. One thing I loved about Hugo is that I dont play the piano very well, but he never complained.

Lets go, boy

Frank Fajardo added two more words to Hugos vocabulary vamonos, muchacho, which translates into lets go, boy.

Hugo would go for walks at 6:30 in the morning, a short walk at 10 in the morning, a lunch walk at 12:30 and an evening walk between 6 and 7, Gracey said. But he was slowing down and getting to the point where he was having a hard time getting up, walking really slowly. He was hungry in the evening, but his morning appetite was starting to diminish.

And then this past Sunday, three days before his 14th birthday, Hugo died.

The saddest thing was Monday morning when Frank got up to do his walk without Hugo, Gracey said.

Hugo was cremated. The Fajardos will keep the ashes for their son, who is stationed now at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

But Hugos memory and his service to his country will be honored at Sunset Memorial Park today.

Friends and neighbors will join the Fajardos in the service, which will include a prayer, a Scripture reading, a eulogy, music, a video and the reading of the poem Guardians of the Night, which pays tribute to working dogs like Hugo.

Remember me with kind thoughts and tales,

For a time we were unbeatable,

Nothing passed among us undetected.
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A legal battle is brewing in New Mexico over what power state education officials have over local school boards and what limits there are to that authority.

The fight stems from the Public Education Departments suspension this week of a rural school board that voted to make masks optional for students when they return to class. The agency also has filed a complaint in state district court seeking the permanent removal of the board.

Robert Aragon, one of the attorneys representing the Floyd school board, said the Education Department is overstepping its authority and that the case highlights one of the basic tenants of education governance  that local officials know best about the needs of the local community.

This is not a partisan issue, Aragon said. Its an issue that goes to the core of governance.  Schools have locally been governed by locally elected individuals, and now we have a state secretary and governor who are trying to centralize one-size-fits-all policies contrary to state statute.

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He pointed to a previous court ruling that found the state education secretary does have some authority but its not without limits and that state statutes provide for those limits by granting school boards the authority of self-governance.

In its court filing, the state argued that all schools in New Mexico are required to follow guidelines issued by the Public Education Department concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Those guidelines mandate that all unvaccinated people wear a mask while in a school building, during school-sponsored activities and on buses. There also are testing requirements, and social distancing is required for unvaccinated students and staff.

The New Mexico Department of Health on July 30 issued an updated public health order confirming the education departments authority to issue guidelines for public schools. The order also authorized the department to enforce the guidelines on private schools.

The department warned in its complaint of irreparable injury if the court doesnt permanently remove the board, saying the school year begins next week and there could be an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.

While infections have been increasing nationwide, state data shows the uptick among school-age children in New Mexico has been lower than other age groups. As of Monday, the state reported that about 16% of the infections over the last seven days were pediatric cases and that no hospitalizations had been reported for that group.

More parents have been coming forward with concerns about the mandates, saying they arent being given a choice as school boards adopt state and federal guidance.

Republican lawmakers also have criticized the states approach.

The dismissed school board members said they planned to file their own complaint in state district court Friday, asking that the court deny the states request for their permanent removal.

There are concerns about how the Public Education Department crafted the COVID-19 guidelines, Aragon said, noting that rules are usually proposed, the public has an opportunity to comment and the agency considers the input before adopting a final version. That didnt happen in this case, he said.

There is a law that allows school boards to act independent, to be a separate governing entity, to create policies for their local districts, he said. This fight is important to every family in the state of New Mexico.

Floyd is a tiny eastern New Mexico town of about 100 residents but serving nearby farms and ranches about 11 miles just west of Portales.
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A New Jersey gym owner and a Washington state man on Friday became the first people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol to plead guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer during the deadly siege.

The pair of plea deals with federal prosecutors could be a benchmark for dozens of other cases in which Capitol rioters are charged with attacking police as part of an effort to halt the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory. Both defendants face more than three years in prison if a judge adheres to estimated sentencing guidelines spelled out in the plea agreements.

The estimated sentencing guidelines for Scott Kevin Fairlamb range from about 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 years in prison. But the judge isnt bound by that recommendation when he sentences Fairlamb, a 44-year-old former mixed martial arts fighter who owned Fairlamb Fit gym in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Fairlambs lawyer and prosecutors can seek a sentence above or below those guidelines.

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The sentencing guidelines in Devlyn Thompsons plea deal recommend a slightly higher sentence than Fairlamb, ranging from less than four years to 4 3/4 years in prison. After Fairlambs hearing, Thompson, 28, of Puyallup, Washington, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon, a baton.

The same judge who accepted Fairlambs guilty plea ordered Thompson to be jailed in Seattle. Thompson had been free since his participation in the Capitol riot.

The pleas come less than two weeks after a group of police officers testified at a congressional hearing about their harrowing confrontations with the mob of insurrectionists. Five officers who were at the Capitol that day have died, four of them by suicide. The Justice Department has said that rioters assaulted approximately 140 police officers on Jan. 6. About 80 of them were U.S. Capitol Police officers and about 60 were from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.

Fairlamb, whose brother is a U.S. Secret Service agent, was one of the first people to breach the Capitol after other rioters smashed windows using riot shields and kicked out a locked door, according to federal prosecutors. After leaving the building, Fairlamb harassed a line of police officers, shouting in their faces and blocking their progress through the mob, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

A video showed him holding a collapsible baton and shouting, What (do) patriots do? We f disarm them and then we storm the f Capitol!

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla said Thompson was on the front lines of the most violent clashes that day, in a tunnel at the Capitol.

This is one of the largest domestic terrorism events in U.S. history, where a group of individuals attacked the citadel of our constitutional democracy in an effort to overthrow the valid election results of the president of the United States, Chawla said.

Thomas Durkin, one of Thompsons attorneys, said Jan. 6 was a horrible, horrible event but disputed the prosecutors characterization of the attack.

I think its dangerous to start throwing around domestic terrorism in circumstances like this, he said.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth set a sentencing date of Sept. 27 for both Thompson and Fairlamb, who has been jailed since his Jan. 22 arrest at his home in Stockholm, New Jersey.

Thompson wasnt arrested after he was charged last month with one count of assaulting a Metropolitan Police officer. His attorneys said in a court filing that he has autism spectrum disorder.

Fairlambs lawyer, Harley Breite, said he will ask the judge for a sentence below the governments recommended guidelines.

Fairlambs involvement in the riot has eviscerated large parts of his life, his attorney said.

He has lost his business. The mortgage on his home where he lives with his wife is in peril. And he has been publicly disgraced, Breite said during an interview after Fridays remote hearing.

Breite said his client wanted to pay the price for what he had done and then move on with his life.

It wasnt so much about the deal. It was about his desire to own up to what he had done, make himself a better person for the future and move on, the lawyer added.

Fairlamb pleaded guilty to two counts, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. The counts carry a maximum of more than 20 years in prison.

Another video captured Fairlamb shoving and punching a police officer in the head after he left the Capitol, according to an FBI agents affidavit.

As a former MMA fighter, the defendant was well aware of the injury he could have inflicted on (the officer), prosecutors wrote. His actions and words on that day all indicate a specific intent to obstruct a congressional proceeding through fear, intimidation, and violence, including violence against uniformed police officers.

Fairlambs brother was one of the Secret Service agents assigned to protect former first lady Michelle Obama, Breite said.

Fairlambs social media accounts indicated that he subscribed to the QAnon conspiracy theory and promoted a bogus claim that former President Donald Trump would become the first president of the new Republic on March 4, prosecutors wrote. QAnon has centered on the baseless belief that Trump was fighting against a cabal of Satan-worshipping, child sex trafficking cannibals, including deep state enemies, prominent Democrats and Hollywood elites.

The rioters believed Trumps lies that he was robbed of a second term because of massive voter fraud nationwide. In fact, claims of massive fraud have been refuted by numerous judges, state election officials and even Trumps own administration.

On July 27, a House panel investigating the deadly riot heard emotional testimony from four police officers who tried to defend the Capitol when the mob of Trump supporters stormed the building.

At least nine people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 died during or after the rioting, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed after he was sprayed by rioters with a chemical irritant. Four other police officers have died by suicide, including two Metropolitan Police officers who were found dead within the past month.

Police shot and killed a woman, Ashli Babbitt, who was part of a group of people trying to beat down the doors of the House chamber. Three other Trump supporters who died had suffered medical emergencies.

More than 560 people have been charged with federal crimes, and authorities are still searching for hundreds more. At least 165 defendants have been charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers or Capitol employees, including more than 50 people charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer, the Justice Department said in July.

Fairlamb and Thompson are at least the 32nd and 33rd defendants to plead guilty. Most of the others have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, including parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  A host of New Mexicos top elected officials asked business leaders Friday to consider vaccine requirements as a way to protect economic growth.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan were among 28 elected officials who signed the open letter to the business community.

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They said businesses are within their rights to require vaccination of their workforce.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Mexico, meanwhile, reached their highest level Friday since February  216 patients in state hospitals, three times as many as a month ago. The state also announced six more virus-related deaths.

About 93% of the people hospitalized since February  and 98% of the fatalities  have been individuals who werent fully vaccinated.

In the letter to business leaders, Lujan Grisham and others noted that New Mexico this week began requiring state employees to either get vaccinated or face regular COVID-19 testing  a policy they suggest will become more common among employers. The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University also announced vaccination policies this week.

A willingness on the part of private sector leaders to take the initiative here in New Mexico will keep your workforce safer, boost consumer confidence and help guarantee that our steady economic progress is not needlessly endangered or reversed, Lujan Grisham and others said in the letter.

Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, said some employers have legitimate liability concerns about mandating the vaccines without a state order to do so.

The concern might be lessened, she noted, if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration moved beyond emergency-use authorization and granted full approval to the vaccines.

As a business community, Cole said, we obviously believe that the way out of this pandemic is to get workers and residents vaccinated. We cant say that strongly enough.

Employers and employees alike need certainty going forward, after more than a year of chaos. Vaccinations will keep our families safe, keep our economy open, and keep the uncertainty that accompanies COVID case spikes at bay.

Among those signing the letter to business leaders were Democratic Congresswomen Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez, in addition to state legislators, county commissioners and a handful of mayors.

Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell was the only member of the states congressional delegation who did not sign. She is co-sponsoring a bill that would strip federal funding from schools that require COVID-19 vaccines, arguing the decision is better left to individuals.

About 65.3% of New Mexicans 18 and older have completed their vaccine series, according to state data. The state is offering $100 this month to people who get a vaccine shot.

The Department of Health reported 569 new COVID-19 cases Friday. With six more deaths, the official virus-related death toll rose to 4,425.
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According to her new lawyer Mathew Rosengart, Britney Spears wants to moves up the hearing date for her conservatorship battle as she's anxiously waiting for her day in court.

Aug 6, 2021

AceShowbiz - Britney Spears is so tired of waiting for her day in court she has asked her new lawyer to request a conservatorship hearing this month (Aug21).

The pop star is set to face off with her father Jamie, who has been in control of her life since 2008, next month, but Mathew Rosengart has filed new legal documents, asking the judge overseeing the case to move up the hearing date.

He explains that every day Jamie continues to act as the conservator of Britney's estate, she loses sleep, and he quotes his client's personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, in his documents, stating, "Mr. Spears's removal as Conservator is critical to her (Britney's) emotional health and well-being and in the best interests of the conservatee."

Rosengart adds, "Every day that passes is another day of avoidable harm and prejudice to Ms. Spears and the Estate."

He also claims the ongoing conservatorship agreement, which he is keen to terminate, is a threat to Britney's financial health. "There has been an evident dissipation of assets of Ms. Spears Estate, and that dissipation is ongoing," he states.

In the documents, obtained by TMZ, Rosengart says Jamie's litigation counsel alone is asking for more than $1.3 million (930,000) in attorney's fees for services performed between October, 2020 and June, 2021. He also claims Britney's dad has submitted $541,000 (388,400) for "media matters."

The lawyer urges the court to immediately suspend Jamie from his duties if the lawmakers can't agree to change the date of his client's hearing.
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Condolences are sent to the 'Whiplash' star after reports surface that his 21-year-old son was one of the three passengers involved in the fatal collision possibly caused by street racing.

Aug 6, 2021

AceShowbiz - Prayers are pouring in for Tony Baker after it's reported that his son has died in a car crash. The comedian's son Cerain Anthony Raekwon Baker was identified as one of the three victims killed in a fiery three-vehicle collision that apparently involved street racing in Burbank, California.

The accident occurred around 11:50 P.M. local time on Tuesday, August 4, on North Glenoaks Boulevard at Andover Drive, according to a press release by the Burbank Police Department. Two other people dead in the accident have been identified as 20-year-old Jaiden Johnson and 19-year-old Natalee Moghaddam.

All three were unconscious and not breathing when paramedics and police officers found them, and were declared dead at the scene. They were ejected from a silver Volkswagen they were traveling in. The car was split in half. A fourth occupant of the Volkswagen sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local trauma center for medical treatment.

Officers located a second vehicle involved, a gray Kia, which was only occupied by a driver. The driver of the Kia sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local trauma center for medical treatment.

A third car, a black Mercedes Benz, was occupied by two individuals, but neither reported any injuries. They were interviewed by investigators and released at the scene.

According to a preliminary report, the Kia and Mercedes Benz were traveling northbound on Glenoaks Boulevard at a high rate of speed for several blocks and appeared to be racing. The Volkswagen was attempting to negotiate a left turn from southbound Glenoaks Boulevard to eastbound Andover Drive, when the traffic collision occurred.

Footage believed to be taken after the incident shows a car in flames and another car completely wrecked. An eyewitness who took the video solemnly said to a local news station, "The whole thing was hard to see. It's rough."

Several parked vehicles also were damaged. Sgt. Emil Brimway of the Burbank Police Department said, "I've been doing this for 20 years, and I haven't seen anything like this before." The accident is currently under investigation and criminal charges may be filed.

Tony has not addressed his son's passing, but people took to social media to expressed their condolences to the comedian. "If you've ever belly laughed at an animal voiceover video, it's probably thanks to Tony Baker. There's a report that his son died in a tragic car accident last night. Tony kept a lot of people laughing last year when we needed it most. My prayers are for him and his son," one fan tweeted. Another added, "Please send some prayers up for comedian Tony Baker. I can't even imagine what hes feeling right now."
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Amid claims that executive producer Mike Richards will be taking on the role as the show's permanent host, the 'Roots' star gushes that he is 'truly blessed beyond measure.'

Aug 6, 2021

AceShowbiz - "Roots" star LeVar Burton has graciously accepted defeat after learning he won't be the new host of U.S. game show "Jeopardy!".

The actor was a fan favorite to replace the late Alex Trebek on the show and he recently served as a guest host, calling it a dream come true.

But reports suggest the show's executive producer, Mike Richards, will be taking on the role as permanent host, and LeVar has responded to the news on Twitter.

"I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I've won," he wrote. "The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible! If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure."

LeVar Burton reacts to reports that he won't be the new 'Jeopardy!' host.

A little over one month earlier, LeVar explained why he should be picked as Alex's replacement. "It's difficult to explain, but there's something inside me that says this makes sense. I feel like this is what I'm supposed to do," the 64-year-old told The New York Times. " 'Jeopardy!' is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant."

"I have had a career for the [expletive] ages," he went on reasoning. " 'Roots', 'Star Trek', 'Reading Rainbow'. Won a Grammy. Got a shelf full of Emmys. I'm a storyteller, and game shows are tremendous stories. There's a contest, there's comedy, there's drama. If you don't know your [expletive] on 'Jeopardy!' you're sunk in full view of the entire nation. The stakes are high. I love that."
WENN/Joseph Marzullo Celebrity

Words on the street are, the 'Uptown Funk' hitmaker's intimate wedding to Meryl Streep's actress daughter will be attended by their famous parents and their siblings.

Aug 6, 2021

AceShowbiz - Hitmaker Mark Ronson and Meryl Streep's actress daughter, Grace Gummer, will wed in New York over the weekend (August 7 to 8), according to reports.

Sources tell Page Six the ceremony will be a much more intimate affair than the couple initially planned, due to the latest COVID outbreak, but it is expected to include the pair's famous parents and the bride's actress sister, Mamie Gummer.

Mark is the son of jewellery designer Ann Dexter-Jones and the stepson to Foreigner leader Mick Jones. His sisters, Samantha Ronson and Charlotte Ronson, are also expected to be among the wedding party.

Ronson and Gummer reportedly became engaged in May after dating for a year and "Uptown Funk" star Ronson confirmed the news in June during an appearance on the "Fader Uncovered" podcast. "I got engaged last weekend," he revealed. "And I remember our first kiss... [Tame Impala album] 'InnerSpeaker' was playing in the background. We go home, we went to dinner..."

Ronson split from his girlfriend Genevieve Gaunt last year (2020), while Grace divorced her husband, Tay Strathairn, in April 2020, just 42 days after they tied the knot. Mark was previously married to French actress Josephine De La Baum from 2011 to 2017.

When looking back at his love life before Gummer, Ronson pondered on Rich Kleiman's "Boardroom: Out of Office" podcast, "Did the relationships not work because I was so driven, or was I so driven because I had a hole in my soul or psyche from something else? What was even driving me that much?"

"Those workaholic tendencies became my best friend and my worst enemy at the same time. I was having success. So that's positive reinforcement for being a workaholic too, but I was also using it to run from s**t," he elaborated. "I was definitely using it because it was a crutch at times."
WENN/Avalon Celebrity

During the outing in New York City, the 'Umbrella' hitmaker reportedly buys an accessory for her rapper boyfriend and leaves with five bags of vintage toys from a toy store.

Aug 6, 2021

AceShowbiz - Rihanna appears to have spent a tiny of her vast fortune for her significant one. After Forbes declared her as a billionaire, the "Diamonds" hitmaker was spotted shopping in New York City with her boyfriend A$AP Rocky.

On Wednesday, August 4, the 33-year-old pop star first made a stop at a hat shop named Hat Club in North Hollywood with A$AP. A source informed Page Six that she picked up an accessory for her beau.

After leaving the hat store, the pair hit up a shop that sells cult sci-fi books, comics, collectibles, action figures and toys called Forbidden Planet. Her security guards were said to have walked out with five bags of vintage toys from the store.

For the outing, Rihanna opted to go with a white Dior tube top and ripped denim shorts. To complete her look, the "Umbrella" songstress paired her outfit with white strappy heels and a pink furry hat. In the meantime, A$AP could be seen wearing an all-black outfit with a matching cap and stark-white sneakers.

During their day out, the lovebirds took a break from their shopping trip to eat dinner at a Chinese restaurant called Wo Hop in Chinatown. However, it appeared the owner of the restaurant didn't recognize both Rihanna and A$AP. A source spilled that the power couple was asked to "eat outside" because the restaurant's downstairs area was "full."

After recharging their energy, Rihanna and A$AP went over to the Maria Tash luxury jewelry store. An insider claimed that the twosome got some new piercings. They then concluded their night in New York City with a show at the Roxy in Tribeca.

When asked by a paparazzo how it felt to be the "richest female musician," Rihanna replied, "God is good." According to Forbes, her net worth is estimated to be at $1.7 billion, thanks to her companies Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty.

Rihanna and A$AP were first rumored to be dating in 2013. In a May interview with GQ, the A$AP Mob member declared that the Grammy-winning songstress is "the love of [his] life" and even called her "my lady."
WENN/Sean Thorton/Lia Toby Music

In an interview with Glamour, the 'Price Tag' hitmaker insinuates that the Anaconda' femcee asked to contribute to the 2014 hit song after hearing the track.

Aug 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and Ariana Grande must take pride in their hit collaborative song "Bang Bang". While discussing the track in an a new interview Jessie revealed how the rapper joined the project but Nicki felt that the remarks were inaccurate.

In an interview with Glamour, which was published on Thursday, August 5, Jessie insinuated that the "Anaconda" femcee asked to contribute to their 2014 single "Bang Bang". Catching wind of that, Nicki quickly set the record straight on her social media account.

"Babe @JessieJ I didn't hear the song & ask 2get on it," Nicki wrote on Twitter. "The label asked me2get on it & paid me. How would I have heard the song? [weary face emoji] chiiille what am I the damn song monitor? Snoopin around for songs chile? [tears of joy emoji]."

The mom of one continued, "This was said by another artist recently as well. Yallgotta stop [balloon emoji] LoveU [blowing kiss emoji]."

A fan backed Nicki's claim, tweeting, "Back in the day @jessiej did a interview with a radio show, it concludes that THE LABEL DID ASK @nickiminaj to be on the song. NOT BICKI BEGGING!" To the post, the Trinidadian rapper wrote back, "Chi but the worst part about this is no1EVER asked me2get on 'like a dude' & I have been obsessed w|that song since the min I heard it. I was doing promo in the UK & heard it on the radio. My artist Parker co wrote it. I would've gotten on that 1 for some pickle juice."

Jessie, meanwhile, has yet to react to Nicki's tweet.

During the Glamour interview, the British songstress recalled, "Max Martin wrote 'Bang Bang,' and Ariana had been played it, I'd been played it, and we both loved it. We just said, 'Why don't we both do it?' So Ariana stayed on the second verse, I recorded the first verse, and then Nicki was played it in the studio and was like, 'I've got to jump on this.' We didn't go to her and ask; she wanted to do it."

Of Nicki's bars, the "Price Tag" hitmaker said, "I'll never forget: I was in my bedroom in my flat in London, and I got sent the version with Nicki on it. I just sat at the end of my bed holding my phone, staring at the floor, going, 'How the f**k did I land this?' I literally felt like I'd won a competition."
Just over half of Americans who remain unvaccinated against Covid-19 still believe the vaccine is more dangerous than the coronavirus -- despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, according to a new survey published Wednesday.

Unvaccinated adults still also largely believe the news media have exaggerated the severity of the pandemic, and are less likely than vaccinated adults to wear a mask in public, according to the ongoing Kaiser Family Foundation survey.

The health-focused nonprofit group surveyed 1,500 US adults between July 15 and 27 for this chapter of its survey, and found little change among those with the most hardened attitudes about vaccination. About 14% of those surveyed say they will "definitely not" get vaccinated -- the same proportion as in December.

"Among those who say they will 'definitely not' get a vaccine, 75% say the news is exaggerated. The sharply different views of the vaccinated and unvaccinated help to explain the contentiousness of ongoing policy debates about vaccine mandates," KFF said in its report.

Only 23% of adults who have yet to get vaccinated say they believe vaccines are very or extremely effective at preventing death -- despite strong evidence that they are.

"A narrow majority (53%) of unvaccinated adults believe the vaccine poses a bigger risk to their health than COVID-19 itself," Kaiser said. "In contrast, an overwhelming majority (88%) of vaccinated adults say that getting infected with COVID-19 is a bigger risk to their health than the vaccine."

"The increase in COVID-19 cases and news of the Delta variant spreading in the U.S. has made some people say they are more likely to wear a mask in public or avoid large gatherings, though this is mainly driven by vaccinated adults," KFF said.

"Seeing their friends get sick and local hospitals fill up again with COVID patients may speed them along and add to their ranks," KFF President and CEO Drew Altman said in a statement.

The survey found 57% unvaccinated people said news media have "generally exaggerated" the pandemic's impact, while three-fourths of vaccinated adults say media have been "generally correct" (53%) or even "underestimated" its severity (24%).

Among vaccinated adults, 53% say they wear masks in grocery stores and other indoor places, compared to 44% of unvaccinated adults.

"These differences are to a large degree driven by unvaccinated Republicans. Majorities of Republicans say they 'never' wear a mask outdoors in crowded outdoor places, at work, or in a grocery store," KFF said.

A quarter of unvaccinated people -- 8% of all adults -- say they are likely to get vaccinated by the end of the year.

But 10% of adults who remain unvaccinated say they want to "wait and see" how the vaccine works for other people before getting vaccinated. Another 3% say they will be immunized "only if required." But that's down from 6% in June.

The survey found people divided on whether the federal government should recommend employers require vaccines among their employees. Half said the federal government should recommend employers require staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical exception.

Three quarters of Democrats support a mandate for federal employees, while two-thirds of Republicans oppose the idea.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CHICO, Calif. - The destruction of Greenville is leaving many in the surrounding areas of Chester and Lake Almanor worried about what could burn next.

How close the Dixie Fire is to these communities has owners on edge.

Homes and businesses were destroyed in Greenville, flattened by the fire that is now over 361,000 acres as of Thursday.

RELATED: Latest Dixie Fire Information

Neighbors have seen the flames cause this destruction that's so close by.

"It is right around the corner and a lot of people thought we were in the clear last night including me," said Anthony Watts.

He owns a cabin in Lake Almanor, a place he's spent a great amount of time turning into a home.

"I've put three solid years of work into a fixer-upper, and it may go away," he said. "Winds can change at any time and we can end up with an even worse catastrophe."

Watts used his background in meteorology to determine when it was right for him to pack up and leave.

"I actually knew about it before they issued an evacuation warning because I understand the meteorology, so I left Monday."

The sun red from all the smoke put out by the Dixie Fire, and Watts isn't alone in his worries.

As smoke continues to build from this fire in Plumas County, in Chester, where the fire threat there is imminent, families are scared to lose what they worked so hard for.

"There's not a lot of hotels in Chester. Obviously, we're concerned," said Berton Bertagna in an interview over the phone.

Berton & Carol Bertagna own the Lake Almanor Lodge and Timber Lodge in Chester with their business partners, Robert & Toni Vanella, and they're helping in the firefight too.

"Right now we're fortunate that we're standing because we've been housing firefighters for the past three weeks," said Berton.

They're hopeful the hotels will be standing when they return.

"Like anything at this point, it's in the hands of mother nature," he said.

"It's just stuff, it's replaceable. I'm not going to lose my life or any family members," said Watts.

Fire officials encourage everyone to follow all evacuation orders and warnings from the Dixie Fire.
A New Jersey gym owner has become the first person to plead guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Federal prosecutors say Scott Kevin Fairlamb was one of the very first rioters to breach the Capitol after other rioters smashed windows using riot shields and kicked out a locked door.

After leaving the building, Fairlamb harassed a line of police officers, shouting in their faces and blocking their progress through the mob.

Fairlamb is a former mixed martial arts fighter whose brother is a Secret Service agent. He pleaded guilty on Friday.
DocuBay, the premium international documentary membership VOD service by IN10 Media Network, has announced the acquisition of multiple premium documentary titles from the Germany-based independent international distribution company, Albatross World Sales.

The deal includes documentaries on Nature, Science, History, and many more genres. The 20+ titles will be available for global streaming on DocuBay in more than 170 countries, with the app available on platforms such as the Apple store, Google Play, Fire TV, Apple TV, among others.

With the launch of new titles, the fans of documentaries will be able to easily access the world of nature and science. For instance, in Giants with Mud Feet they will discover how a group of American and European scientists struggle to save the proud, towering elm tree from its tiny yet terrible enemy. Canary Islands - In the Shadows of the Volcanoes takes nature enthusiasts to the unique, futuristic geography of the archipelago built by steep volcanic mountains.

Commenting on the content-partnership, Adita Jain, Sr AVP  Acquisition & Syndication  Network at IN10 Media Network said, We are pleased to partner with Albatross World Sales, whose library includes a range of unique documentaries and factual, which are in line with DocuBays diverse line-up. Our strategy has always been to provide the audience with premium content, in various genres, from across the world.

"Working on this deal with the DocuBay team has been a pleasure and we're very excited that our high-quality documentaries will be available to viewers around the world! It's also a promising start to a fruitful collaboration, added Eleytheria Heine, sales manager for the Asian territories at Albatross World Sales.
DC today announced the release of the ultimate Batman mobile experience for kids ages 6-12, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app, a one-of-a-kind free mobile app available on the Apple and Google Play stores in 13 different languages around the world.

Immersing kids in narrative-driven, technology-inspired activities, the new app lets kids join Batmans crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch and experience the world of Batman, learning how to use his Bat-Tech to fight crime and help defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries. The DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is COPPA compliant and free to download and play.

Developed in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the new DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) technology to engage kids and immerse them in the world of the iconic DC Super Hero who uses crimefighting tech to help him foil the evil deeds of the Joker, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler and other DC Super-Villains.

In addition to learning about Batmans technology through the apps AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, read exclusive digital comics, watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batmans tech secrets are stored.

Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero, said Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe  theres no other app like it available today.

The Batman mobile app showcases Batmans innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batmans crime-fighting gadgets, said Kevin Morris, Vice President, Franchise Management and Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Kids can now experience being a DC Super-Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.

At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features:

Augmented reality(AR) missions: Through the new apps AR features, kids become a member of Batmans new Knightwatch team and immerse themselves in original Batman crime-fighting missions. The amazing AR provides a realistic 3D experience that draws upon engineering and design concepts to make Batmans Bat-Tech come to life.

Mini games : Users can play a Batman-themed mobile driving game where players test their skills at driving the Batmobile; Batarang Practice where players face off against the clock and find out how many targets they can knock down; and the Grapnel Launcher game where players must run and jump while utilizing Batmans abilities to overcome obstacles.

: Users can play a Batman-themed mobile driving game where players test their skills at driving the Batmobile; Batarang Practice where players face off against the clock and find out how many targets they can knock down; and the Grapnel Launcher game where players must run and jump while utilizing Batmans abilities to overcome obstacles. AR face filters : Kids can transform into Batman, the Joker, Batgirl and more of Gotham Citys most iconic characters using these fun filters and can save photos and share them with friends and family.

: Kids can transform into Batman, the Joker, Batgirl and more of Gotham Citys most iconic characters using these fun filters and can save photos and share them with friends and family. Sticker packs : Users can decorate photos with a variety of Batman-themed stickers, turning an ordinary shot into a cool Batman story.

: Users can decorate photos with a variety of Batman-themed stickers, turning an ordinary shot into a cool Batman story. Batman Bat-Tech video content: The app connects to the extremely popular DCKids YouTube A new series, entitled Batman Science Lab will launch this fall exploring the real-world applications of Batmans technology.

The app connects to the extremely popular DCKids YouTube A new series, entitled Batman Science Lab will launch this fall exploring the real-world applications of Batmans technology. New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis to keep the app experience fresh and fun for kids.

Additionally, launching exclusively on the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app is a digital comic series, Batman  Knightwatch, where kids can explore how the Knightwatch program was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gothams Citys Super-Villains following a massive breakout at Arkham Asylum. Additional digital comics will be added to the app on a regular basis.

Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City. Available for free on the Apple Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages, including Korean, Japanese and Simplified Chinese.
On 5th August, 2019, India abrogated Article 370. Two years hence, News18 Indias Bhaiyaji, Prateek Trivedi travels to Srinagar to bring viewers a glimpse of the changes on the anniversary of the historic move through several special shows.

Several special episodes of Bhaiyaji Kahin are being produced to give a unique and unparalleled ground-level view of the region and the views of local citizens. With his people-oriented approach, senior journalist Prateek Trivedi will gauge the mood of people, providing a unique platform to the citizens to share their experiences post the abrogation. The second show Desh Ko Jawab Do will host special discussions between key stakeholders to highlight issues and concerns of Jammu & Kashmir. With candid face-offs, the show will as always aim to disrupt the standard weekend programming on the Hindi news television.

Through these unique interactive formats, News18 India will bring citizens and political leaders on a common platform encouraging open and meaningful dialogues.

Keep watching Bhaiyaji Kahin and Desh Ko Jawab Do at 5.45 PM on weekdays and Saturdays respectively only on News18 India
Travel Union, Indias first rural B2B travel tech platform, was launched today. Travel Union, a Sonu Sood initiative, will democratize travel services by providing a platform to travel agents towards serving the travel needs of rural customers at every district, block and gram panchayat level.

Travel Union provides the best inventory, competitive prices, and state-of-the-art technology directly from airlines, railways, hotels, wholesalers and aggregators making it the first super-aggregator platform to meet the travel needs of the rural citizens. Travel Union has been named with the intent of creating a union of all travel services, aimed to onboard maximum number of travel agents thereby building the largest union of Travel Union Members in rural India, serving the 1 billion Bharat population.

Travel Unions first brand campaign Khulenge Naye Raaste with Sonu Sood was also launched today. It reflects Travel Unions vision to open new doors of opportunities for small business owners as well as individuals in rural India who tend to rely on assisted booking formats.

Travel Unions proposition of becoming the one-stop platform for all travel services is depicted in its maiden TVC featuring Sonu Sood, bringing alive the brand ethos of Khulenge Naye Raaste. Sonu Sood dons six different avatars, for the first time in his career, in order to connect with the target rural audience of existing travel agents, small business owners and enterprises. The different avatars represent the different product verticals of Train, Bus, Flight and Hotel booking available on the Travel Union platform.

The TVC also addresses the major hurdles that travel agents face and how Travel Union Membership will provide a solution to that. It highlights the primary USPs of the platform such as zero investment onboarding, online cancellation and instant refund, one 24*7 customer service for all travel queries and most importantly, low prices and high margins.

On the launch of the campaign, Khulenge Naye Raaste, Sonu Sood said, During the lockdowns, I had first-hand experience of the challenges that rural Indians face when it comes to travel as well as the struggles of small business owners. The rural travel sector has been unorganised for a long time, with hardly any players focusing solely on Bharat. Travel Union aims to create a close-knit community of travel agents as Travel Union Members, and pave new paths of self-employment and self-reliance opportunities for those joining the network. Travel Union will allow rural travel agents to cater to all their customers travel needs easily and empower them with high margins. Travel Union holds the power to revolutionize travel in rural India offering the rural customers different ways to plan their travel, which are currently unavailable to them.

The campaign was launched through a virtual event today. The brand film will be promoted on digital and social media platforms, followed by activations across travel agents, pan India.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 05.08.2021 - Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis met the vice president, prime minister, foreign minister and three other members of the Vietnamese government. In the talks, Mr Cassis called for a speedy conclusion to negotiations on the free trade agreement between EFTA and Vietnam. He also stressed the importance of SwitzerlandVietnam diplomatic relations which go back 50 years. Vietnam is Mr Cassis' last stop on a 6-day tour of South East Asia which also included visits to Thailand and Laos.

Mr Cassis paid a courtesy visit to the new Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and met Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to review the good relations between Switzerland and Vietnam that have been built up over 50 years. . Trade matters also topped the agenda of talks between Mr Cassis and the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Minister of Industry and Trade, and the Minister of Planning and Investment.

Supporting Vietnam in the fight against the pandemic

The Covid 19 pandemic is also hitting Vietnam hard. Federal Councillor Cassis announced at the meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart that Switzerland will send CHF 5 million in aid to Vietnam next week. The delivery of Swiss Humanitarian Aid is to include 13 tonnes of medical material, including respirators, as well as antigen tests and protective masks.

Objective: concluding negotiations on the free trade agreement

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, has been negotiating a free trade agreement with Vietnam since 2012. EFTA member states are seeking a comprehensive modern agreement and Mr Cassis affirmed Switzerland's willingness to work with Vietnam on concluding the negotiations. "Having entered into free trade agreements with the EU and the UK, an agreement with EFTA would present an opportunity for Vietnam to cement its trade relations in Europe," he said. Provided market access is granted, Vietnam offers big potential to Swiss companies. Roughly a hundred Swiss companies are currently operating in Vietnam.

Swiss economic development cooperation

Switzerland has provided CHF 600 million in funding over the past 30 years and thus made a significant contribution to Vietnam's economic development. Vietnam was one of the SDC's priority countries for a number of years. SECO has actively supported development programmes in Vietnam since 2016 and recently reaffirmed its commitment to providing a further CHF million for the 202124 period. Vietnam has achieved significant advances in the past few years. "We wish to help Vietnam in its efforts towards sustainable development," noted Mr Cassis following his meeting with the Vietnamese ministers.

Sharing experiences relating to the UN Security Council

Vietnam has been stepping up its multilateral engagement over a number of years and is serving for the second time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 202021 period. In 2022 Switzerland is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council for the first time for the 202324 period under the banner 'A Plus For Peace'. Mr Cassis took the opportunity to discuss Switzerland's candidacy and Vietnam's recent experiences with Mr Bui Thanh Son.

Vietnam is Mr Cassis' last stop on a 6-day tour of South East Asia which also included visits to Thailand and Laos. Mr Cassis was accompanied on his trip by Celine Vara, who is a member of the Council of States and its Foreign Affairs Committee, and by Laurent Wehrli, who is a member of the National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee and of the board of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.

Address for enquiries

For further information SECO Cooperation Programm in Vietnam:

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Economic Cooperation and Development

Lorenz Jakob

Tel. +41 58 468 60 56

Email: lorenz.jakob@seco.admin.ch



***

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html



State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

http://www.seco.admin.ch




Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 06.08.2021 - Wildfires are currently raging across several regions of Greece. Responding to a call for assistance by the Greek authorities, Switzerland is dispatching three helicopters and firefighting crews to help contain the fires.

The heatwave in Greece continues unabated. With several parts of the country still battling raging wildfires, the Greek authorities have appealed for international assistance. With no improvement of the situation in sight, Switzerland has decided to send assistance in response to Greece's request.

On Saturday morning, three Super Puma army helicopters will take off for Athens, with a total crew of around 30 army personnel. The helicopters and crew will commence firefighting operations north of the capital on Sunday.

In addition, a Swiss Humanitarian Aid detachment has already set off for Greece this afternoon. The rapid response team, consisting of four members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit and fire protection experts, will support the Swiss Armed Forces on the ground and ensure coordination with the Greek authorities.

Address for enquiries

Armed Forces Communication DDPS

Stefan Hofer, spokesperson

Tel. +41 58 463 37 41

Stefan.hofer@vtg.admin.ch

**********************



FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html



Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS

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Defence

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Alton, IL (62002)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Resources are not endlessly available for populations that dont earn.

Its a model, but its not the flesh and blood of the real world and the interplay of markets and institutions and resources.

You talk to Toby Rogers. Toby and I and Cindy talk about that.

Theres a whole dynamic: the provision of dollars and the demand for dollars. We basically modeled the demand for dollars, but the provision of dollars will not be infinite. It cant rise forever. There will be pushback, and the system might just break.

Well have ghettos of autistic adults because all of a sudden state legislators wont provide funding, or itll break the bank.

Will there be constraints? What will happen? Will we hit some brick wall that we cant afford?

Where does the money come from?

But when you add all that up together and you project it forward, what is left out of that is the budget.

And then we applied cost per individual by age. There are numbers on that. You can find that. Theres a literature.

So we did arrange some scenarios, because we dont know that.

Mark: One thing about our models, Anne, was that they were all arithmetic. They were programmed.  We had to make assumptions about birth cohorts in children who have not yet come into the world. So we had to assume what the rate of autism was going forward.

Question 5 : How will we manage to provide for more and more children with developmental disorders in our schools at the same time huge numbers of autistic young people are aging out of school and looking for adult services?

Its clear that the people in charge of public health will never really care about autism, even as it buries us.

Ten years ago we learned that one in 38 children in South Korea had autism. Weve seen one in 27 in Hong Kong, one in 22 school children in Northern Ireland, and most recently, one in every 14 kids in Toms River , NJ, including one in every eight boys.

No reporter has ever inquired about worsening numbers, and officials are never worried.

(It should be noted, since I follow this news religiously, that no U.S. health official has ever called autism a crisis . The C word is never to be used in the same sentence with the word autism. Im sure thats directive sent out to all staffers when talking about autism.)

Part 5 HOW BAD DO THINGS HAVE TO GET?

By Ann e Dachel Every couple of years when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gets around to updating the autism numbers, which are always increasing and never at a plateau, Im left wondering one thing: WHAT IF THINGS GET EVEN WORSE?

Were going to have those problems. Were going to have the adult problem and the childhood.

We dont even know what the peak of the childhood problem will be. We havent seen the peak.

We went through some very abstract mathematical thinking to produce some curves, but the differences between the curves are extraordinary.

We keep projecting the rate of severe autism up to three percent, and then to get the total autism spectrum, you got to multiply that by two.

Youre getting five to 10 percent of the childhood population has an autism diagnosis.

Thats enormous. We cant function. The school systems wont function.

Were now at three percent. Were talking a tripling under some scenarios. I hope we dont get there.

The schools will break if we keep seeing the increases that were looking at.

We took some more moderate scenarios. We said maybe those California numbers are going up faster more recently, what if some of that is the change to the DSM5? Well put the peak lower.

Even then, thats our low scenario in the paper, even then youre talking about trillions of dollars because the numbers already so high.

You take three or four percent of the population and you apply that across the whole population, including adults, thats 10 million people or more.

We dont know what will happen. We know well have both problems. We might have a worse problem by a couple of multiples in the school system. We start running into real resource constraints really soon.

And then when the safety nets go away, when the parents die, were in for a world of hurt. I dont know how well manage to provide for all these people.

Im really, really worried about it.

I want to be shouting to the heavens: this paper is a very scientific, evidence based modeling of very real numbers that have been accepted broadly all over the world.

If you do the simple arithmetic, the system runs into some real problems. Trillions and trillions of dollars and it might not function.

N OTE: This is part 4 of a 5 part series running all week. Parts 1, 2 and 3 are below. At the end of the series, we'll reorganize to run it in order. Thank you.



By Anne Dachel

What is autism going to cost?

One of the convenient results of the lie that autism is nothing new in the human population is that it seems weve somehow been able to handle things. If autistic people have always been around, weve provided for them, even if we didnt call their disability autism.

Thats a delusion, yet its still going strong, no matter how bad the numbers get.

The one thing no official has ever called for is a study on the autism rate among adults. Telling us something but never having to show proof is pretty much the history of the federal government when it comes to autism.

My often repeated question has never been talked about: Why cant young autistic adults go where autistic adults have always gone? We must have done something with them, even if we didnt call them autistic.

The fact that were desperately short of services for these disabled young adults is more proof of lie weve been told.

Meanwhile there are endless stories from across the country over the last two decades about training people to deal with autistic children: fire fighters, ER personnel, police, teachers, airport staff, librarians, doctors and lots of other groups.

Weve made other adjustments like sensitive Santas in stores at Christmas, autism-friendly movie showings, sensory/calming rooms in schools, to name only a few.

And as this population of autistic children ages out of school and into the adult population, many more adjustments will have to be made, and well all be paying for them. Autism awareness will be everywhere.

Incredibly all this seems to be happening with no questions being asked. Somehow its insensitive to talk about where all these kids are coming from.





Mark Blaxill Autism Tsunami Part 4

Question 4: Where will we see the biggest drain on resources and funding: federal, state, or local levels?

Mark: The question of who pays is going to be a big one, and what we know is that we will see a massive shift in who pays.

Right now most of the autistic population is children, and so what that means is parents pay. Either they pay directly out of their pocket or they lose the ability to work. So there is lost parental productivity.

Weve all felt that. Autism and fighting for your autistic child is not a good career move.

Theres lost productivity. Its more often women than men, but there are subtle effects. Peoples lives change, and they have fewer children.

There are just so many effects of autism on the parents. Theres a large burden that is borne by the parents.

And to the extent that there are additional burdens is going to be the special education program in the local school system. Theyre largely paid for out of local taxes, to some extent state funds.

There will be early intervention programs which can be very expensive, which are often funded by Medicaid or private insurance sometime.

So theres a mix of funding, but the large majority is local, either the parents or the school system. Theres no single constituency standing up and shouting, weve got to do something.

One thing that has happened is that the schools have by and large soaked it up. Its been a huge burden. Its been a drain on school budgets, but whether its through rationing of service or taking funds from other programs or raising taxes or whatever it is, school systems have largely absorbed the autism childhood population.

Its become politically incorrect to complain about that. So that has happened.

As children age out, parents are going to have to findand I just know my own experience. My daughter has now entered the state services funding program.

Theyve just set up an autistic division to deal with their new constituency of autistic adults.

My daughter now has a day program that is funded by the state. Its not funded by the school system. Shes in a residential program because her aggression became tough for her mother to handle, and that is also paid for by the state.

Her mothers involvement, my involvement, were active, were taking care of the services, and the state still has money. They havent seen the tsunami yet. Theyre seeing a meaningful increase in 20 somethings.

We can look at that. Its in the paper, Anne. I dont know if youve read every word, but the Social Security Administration audits the number of adults that receive funding by diagnostic category. They added a number for people with autistic disorder in 2010, and that number has exploded in just seven or eight years. Fifteen percent a year increase. Of course thats mostly going to be young adults.

We will see some federal funding, social security and social security disability payments.

The states are going to start asking for money. Were going to see this shift from a highly distributed and responsive network of payers, parents and schools, and its going to go to state and federal governments without parents as advocates.

When my daughter is fifty, I wont be here. Shes 25 now, so whenever I leave and her mother leaves, all of a sudden theres a binary shift and shes a ward of the state.

The state is not generally a great caretaker. Theyll try, but things fall through the cracks. People arent observed well. Theres turnover in the service providers. People dont remember what happened 10 years ago. They start making mistakes. They compound. Theres negligence. Theres boredom.

This is a difficult population to handle. Most of them are men, and most of them can get violent on occasion. Theyll be restrained, and they may even be mistreated and abused.

So its a very, very bleak future that were looking at with big government taking care of troubled autistic adults without the parents to support them, and I worry about that shift.



Part 3



By Anne Dachel



For years Ive written about something I call the really big lie about autism. That is the continual and baseless claim that all the autism everywhere among our children is merely the result of better diagnosing/greater awareness/expanded definition of a disorder thats always been around.

Each and every time an official increase in the autism has been announced, there was always some federal official assuring the public that they werent sure IF THIS INCREASE represented a true increase in the number of children with autism.

Their real meaning was FROM THE LAST OFFICIAL INCREASE, but they knew that the media lackeys would spin the message to read, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A REAL INCREASE IN AUTISM.



As long as that lie works, they can all relax. Autism only requires recognition and services. Allocate more funds and life goes on.

Back in 2006 I was in Washington with two doctors visiting congressional offices. We had an appointment with the chief of staff of my representative, Dave Obey of Wisconsin. During our meeting we laid out the evidence on the increases in autism and the cost predictions.

Obeys chief of states response was this: So whats the solution? Congressmen dont like problems without solutions.

The three of responded together, We have to stop it.

That pretty much ended our conversation. She wasnt interested in what that would involve.

Mark Blaxill autism tsunami Part 3

Question 3: Why arent health officials focused on this? Why do they continue to tell us with each new rate increase that they are still not sure if more children actually have autism?

Mark: Thats a really interesting question. I think there are multiple answers.

At one level, most of the people in these jobs have relatively short career time horizons, so theyre looking for their next job. Theyre in for not very long.

If they can defer dealing with tough questions for two, five, 10 years, they dont have to worry about it anymore.

Autism parents have a much longer time horizon. Our time horizon is longer than our own lives. Our time horizon goes decades long

Were worried about the lives of our children when were gone, so we are the ones carrying the message.

At some level its just short term, long term thinking. .

Its a tough question to answer.

Another reason they dont answer is they dont have a good answer that they like. If these increases are real, its an enormous problem. Its an enormous cost to society, its an enormous drain on families and services.

If youre a public health official or bureaucrat, you like to get on top of problems that create opportunities, that serve your interests, that allow you to mount a program and to be a hero and say, look at all were doing.

If they knew what was going on in a way that led them to a solution that they liked, theyd have it for us.

They dont.

And because of the size of the problem, the only possible response for an official like that is to say, Well, Im not sure. I dont know.

Plead ignorance because as soon as you acknowledge that its real and its serious, that its monumental even in terms of the social costs, youre obligated to address it. And they dont have an answer that they like.

The obvious answers must be environmental causes, and there s no one in the scientific community that wants to take on the plausible culprits because they involve corporations, they involve the medical institution, the failures of medical policies and practices.

I try to avoid, Anne, the vaccine question because that becomes a red flag.

I have my own beliefs, but for this purpose, scientifically, I put those beliefs aside.

I think the most important thing is that we focus on the cost and the problem. This problem could have many causes, multiple causes.

All we have to do is to acknowledge that these are environmental causes and we must address them.

We must, almost urgently, immediately figure out whats going on so we can pause it, so we can reverse it, so we can change the trend.

The act of saying we think this is a crisis and the numbers are real, and the costs are real requires you, obligates you, mandates that a leading public health official takes on that policy question.

You know, theyre all cowards or worse, and they have not chosen to stand.

Part 2



By Anne Dachel



A few years ago, the parent of a daughter with severe autism talked with me about the last IEP meeting he attended during her final year in high school.

The father asked the staff about what was next for his child. What adult programs would there be for her?

Her teachers had to admit that they didnt know of any specific programs in the area at the same time they assured him that they were sure there would be something.

It was no big surprise for him to learn that no one is prepare for young adults with autism. His daughter was moved from one program for developmentally disabled adults to another, with none of them equipped to deal with her behavioral needs. Today social services pays a relative to babysit her all day.

This is but one tiny example of the future that Mark Blaxill talks about here.

Mark Blaxill Autism Tsunami Part 2

Question 2: How bad will things get if the autism rate increases continue at the rate they have in the past?

Mark: Itll get really bad. We know that. I like to say that before 1930, the rate of autism in the world was effectively zero.

Then Leo Kanner discovered it in a handful of children who were born in the 1930s. He wrote his paper in 1943 after seeing a bunch of children who were unlike any other group hed ever seen before.

He was the worlds leading expert in child psychiatry. For many years thereafter, in the U.S. at least, the rates were really low, one in 10,000.

Then they began to tick up a little bit in the 70s and 80s, but in the late 90s they went vertical. We havent seen the plateau in that curve.

The latest numbers we have are something like three percent in American children. There are numbers that are even higher than that in some places.

What that means is, if you were born in 1930, youd be 90 today.  So there are people who are alive today who were around when there was no autism. The first cases of autism, some of them are still alive. I have met a couple of them, but they are vanishingly rare.

So we have no system for elderly adults with autism whose parents are no longer with us.

We have been struggling all over the world in special education programs to deal with the onslaught of children.

What we have not dealt with is the tsunami of autistic adults who are now starting to age out of the school system, who will flood into an unprepared services infrastructure.

There is no infrastructure for autistic adults without parents. Theyll require residential services; theyll require day programming services. We will lose their productivity in the population. In some cases, a few of the higher functioning adults will do productive work, so I dont want to minimize that, but in large measure, these will be unemployed human beings who will be a weight on the economy.

Those costs have not yet ever been seen, theyve not ever been paid for, and we are nowhere close to equipped to deal with it.

We are just now dealing with autistic young people in their 20s. My daughter is 25 years old. She was born in 1995 just as the rates were being to increase, and there are no services for her. There are no programs for young autistic adults.

Im involved in an autism center. We have just started. Im the chief financial officer. Weve just initiated a program for autistic adults, because there are none.

There are programs for intellectually disabled people, but not [for] the unique problems of people with autism. Were not prepared.

Even then, most of the young people, if theyre young adults, their parents are in their 60s, 70s. Theyre still going. Theyre still taking care of their children.

One of my working titles for this paper was Autism Will Cost a Trillion Dollars When I Die. Were looking at numbers in the hundreds of billions. Theyre not small.

Were going to see this tsunami hit. Most of the cost will be in young adults, and there will be no safety net because the parents are by and large, the safety net.

Well be gone. There may be siblings, there may be relatives, but this is going to be a bleak scenario when we have literally millions of adults who are not for whom were not currently prepared to provide services. They will be increasing in large numbers.

PART 1





Mark Blaxill Autism Tsunami Part 1



Question 1: Tell us about your study, Autism Tsunami: the Impact of Rising Prevalence on the Societal Cost of Autism in the United States. What motivated you and the other authors to look into the future impact of autism?



Mark: My motivation has been 20 years long. (Inaudible)and it was pretty obvious for too long, the numbers were exploding.

California and everywhere you looked, the numbers were going up, and that invalidated the orthodox story line.

(Inaudible) Mark dismissed the official claims of better diagnosing/diagnostic substitution.

And weve known that for a long time, Anne.

I first started writing about that in 2001, 2003, in that area. I started writing in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders when they started trying to blame it on diagnostic substitution.

It was obvious that the work that they were doing (inaudible)

I wrote to them. I got some colleagues to write. 

The authors that argued that it was diagnostic substitution had to retract their findings because it was obvious that they were arithmetically wrong.

The rate of autism was going up, and the rate of intellectual disability was not declining.

Then I wrote a paper that was published in 2004, Whats going on? The question of time trends in autism.

I argued that the rates were going up and it was real, all over the world, particularly in the United States and the UK.

I know you focus very heavily on the United States and the UK both of which have rates that are going up.

And then I kept writing about it.

I wrote a book called The Age of Autism.

I wrote another book called Denial, both with Dan Olmsted.

One in 2010 and another in 2017.

Youre kind of screaming at the universe, please pay attention. This is a crisis.

Anne, you do this every day. I do this in longer cycle projects. Were doing much of the same work.

One thing that happened is that Cindy Nevison, whom Ive gotten to know pretty well, and shes doing very good work. on the environmental causes of autism.

She and I got together with a guy named Walter Zahorodny, who is the CDCs man in New Jersey. And New Jersey has been reporting some of the highest rates of autism.

Walter, in his own way, is saying the same thing.

So we started writing a paper that was published in 2018. The three of us were co-authors.

I had been looking at the California numbers way back since 2001, some of the early days. Cindy had started looking at more recent numbers. We compiled our databases.

We got this article published that said, you know these rates are exploding and theyre real.

By the time were doing that in 2018, thats 20 years after I first started looking. The numbers are scarily higher, and to your point, the increases have not slowed, if anything they look like theyre growing more rapidly. 

Cynthia and I wrote another paper called Diagnostic Substitution, again showing that theres no case that the increases are due to substitutes of intellectual disability.

When they published the California paper in 2018, which surprised me honestly, I was surprised because it goes against the orthodox narrative.

Good for the journal. Theyve been a pleasure to deal with because theyre interested in good evidence and good science, and weve tried to write it very rigorously.

As soon as that paper in 2018, I wrote the idea to Cindy and some othershey, lets do a cost of disease paper, because there is a literature on the cost of disease.

Most and almost all of it, until very recently, almost all it has assumed that the rates of autism prevalence are constant, which is a spectacular error.

First of all, they tend the latest numbers so they underestimate the cost of autism in children, and then they assume that whatever rates were observing in children, were observing in the elderly. So they will assign all those costs, and theyll put a model together thatll say, this is the cost of autism in elderly.

And theyll add all that up, and theyll come up with a number thats too high for the total cost, but that underestimates the cost in children and dramatically overstatesmakes up fansome numbers for cost in the elderly that dont exist.

So thats an error, foundational error in most cost of disease study, and we sought to correct that. That was the idea.



Part 2 follows tomorrow.


Probably the most censored article I have written as a professor is one I wrote last summer entitled: America is structurally anti-racist. If you Google that title, the article does not appear. You will see dozens of Google-recommended articles about how America is structurally racist. A Bing search of the same title provides my article as the first hit. The brief essay helped provide pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial indicators of how the United States is missionally opposed to racism. I told my critics that I was confident I could write a ten-volume work on the thesis without great effort. One of the foremost intellectual and academic swindles of our day is the indoctrination of young people under the age of 25 that they live in the most racist white-supremacist society ever conceived. Undoing this misunderstanding is not some prideful defense of American patriotism. It is actually vital to the larger humane project of anti-racism to which American sovereignty is the beating international heart.

One of the most important contemporaneous reasons that America is structurally anti-racist is an essential holding of argumentation theory. Noted argumentation theorist Stephen Toulmin established the important parameters about how modern argument works in his seminal work Uses of Argument. Toulmin discerned that when people argue they must rely upon commonly held beliefs to move their audiences on additional topics. Those commonly held beliefs within a society or culture are designated as warrants within his academically famous Toulmin Model of argumentation. Racism is wrong is a social warrant. Making the claim that someone is a racist and backing it with some data is a powerful argument. Toulmins theory establishes that the reason arguments work is the subtle art of employing proper warrants. Naming someone as racist remains in the United States a persuasive argument. Calling individuals racist is arguably the most common argument in contemporary society. Because the idea of racism is viewed with negative ethical valence, the argument works. It could not work in a society that was structurally racist because the society would inherently enjoy and celebrate such a designation.

But critical race theorists do not much care for these evident rhetorical features and take a deeper psychological view that structures replicate racism at an unconscious level. This is the strategic blue privilege move that makes their work one of the most profitable enterprises in America as they diagnose everyone else with this psychoanalytic problem of racism. It is, therefore, necessary to examine structures as they exist within the historical political body. The Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens, in his "Cornerstone Speech" on March 21, 1861, explains the essence of American structural anti-racism in reference to the Constitution:

Jefferson in his forecast, had anticipated this, as the "rock upon which the old Union would split." He was right. What was conjecture with him, is now a realized fact. But whether he fully comprehended the great truth upon which that rock stood and stands, may be doubted. The prevailing ideas entertained by him and most of the leading statesmen at the time of the formation of the old constitution, were that the enslavement of the African was in violation of the laws of nature; that it was wrong in principle, socially, morally, and politically. It was an evil they knew not well how to deal with, but the general opinion of the men of that day was that, somehow or other in the order of Providence, the institution would be evanescent and pass away Those ideas, however, were fundamentally wrong. They rested upon the assumption of the equality of races. This was an error. It was a sandy foundation, and the government built upon it fell when the "storm came and the wind blew.

This point by Stephens should not escape the most ardent devotee of CRT. The traitorous leaders of the Confederacy recognized that the nations founding governance -- the Constitution -- was predicated upon the error of equality of the races. Therefore, war was the essential necessity of the new politics they sought. It was not a reform, but a revolution. They sought the overthrow and annihilation of the Constitution and it was an inescapable reality of the Confederacy arising from the rhetorical exigence of the Constitutions predicate of racial equality dooming the enterprise of slavery.

The subtle matter was not lost on the first state to join the 13 Colonies after the initial Constitution. Vermont was the 14th U.S. state and in 1777 they joined while banning slavery within their boundaries. This was well before the abolition of slavery in Britain and was also ardently held by New England states before powerful advocates like William Wilberforce could muster the votes to such ends in the British Parliament. The hardened rhetorical arguments of abolition were founded within the founding of America herself.

The failure to acknowledge this obvious and historically overwhelming fact is not simply a mistake. The 1619 project in setting such an absurd predicate, cast itself in league with the founders of the Confederacy. The United States was inescapably co-equal with the Confederacy according to the 1619 project. This ridiculous premise allows contemporary racial supremacists -- small in number today -- to rationalize that they are the true patriots. Essential rhetorical cornerstones of American thinking rest reliably upon this solid foundation that America is anti-racist. The practical ramifications of this were recently illustrated by 1619 architect Hannah Jones incorrectly asserting that contemporary communist Cuba is the most equal society for blacks in the Western Hemisphere. Cuban scholar Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat corrected Jones and highlighted that blacks have not served in significant roles of political leadership since the revolution in 1959 or in comparison to Cuba prior to the communist revolution.

Abhorred as a cliche by some CRT thinkers, Martin Luther Kings speech, I have a dream rhetorically employs historical allusions that require audience knowledge of Americas guiding premise pointing toward the abolition of racist structures such as slavery. King engrained into both civic granite and American minds the telos of the American political trajectory with words rolling down like justice:

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.

Undoubtedly King believed as he had already stated that America was failing to render equality under the law by race. But the structures of America were designed and contained the telos to deliver the check. Conversely, Malcolm X derided the event as the Farce on Washington, because he did not believe in that telos. Accepting the premises of CRT requires dismissing some of the most essential observations of American life and reifying failed doctrines like those cited by Malcolm X. Malcolm X would ultimately be murdered by his former colleagues in the Nation of Islam. Men like Thomas Hagan who pulled those violent triggers in 1965 today urge us not to reject the peaceful trajectory outlined by MLK that does in fact tear down the human tendency toward racism seen in so many human sectors.

Accepting the premise that America is structurally anti-racist is not to say that racism is not real or present. Accepting Americas idealistic premises and results is not denying cruel events like the Tulsa massacre, the killing of Emmitt Till or Medgar Evers, or instances of police brutality. Failing to confirm these realistic and empirical idealistic premises award the enemies of human goodwill a divisive inroad to increasing racism. The deconstruction of American idealism is leading to more segregation, more racial violence, and unbridled separatism. Trusting the American premises of anti-racism should come with ease because we can see many instances where it not only worked but ignited parallel positive passions in the global public sphere. We do a grave injustice to the cause of anti-racism when we pretend that America is predicated on incitements to racial annihilation.

Dr. Ben Voth is an associate professor of rhetoric and Director of Speech and Debate at Southern Methodist University within Dedman College. He is the Calvin Coolidge Debate Fellow and author of four academic books detailing the American political trajectory with regard to political debate. His latest book, Rwanda Rising (Lexington, 2021) explains how argumentation can overcome global injustice seen in actions of genocide.

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Just about everyone in America is aware that California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election. But California has a lot more recall news than simply the recall of its governor. In fact, the state is in the midst of a genuine recallapalooza. The state has recall challenges underway for not just the governor, but also two district attorneys and over 48 assorted mayors, city councilmen, and school board members. And that recall count is only as of July. It seems that its not all love and harmony in the Golden State.

Governor Newsom is facing recall because hes totally botched everything hes touched. Crime is up and liberty is down. The forests are burning and the electricity has to be turned off occasionally to prevent more fires. As long as theyre trying to be the Central America of the north, they might as well have a power grid to go with it. They wouldnt want their new guests to feel homesick.

Newsom even managed to mess up the COVID lockdowns. Churches were closed but movie studios were allowed to keep operating. Small businesses and restaurants were crushed by the lockdowns, except if they happened to be hosting Governor Hair-Gel and his friends.

The MSM is predicting that hell survive the recall, but I remember the last time California recalled its governor. It was for power outages -- and were moving into the annual blackout season in the richest state of the republic.

The district attorneys of both San Francisco (Chesa Boudin) and Los Angeles (George Gascon) are also facing recall. It seems both are more interested in social justice than criminal justice. Both of these gentlemen are rare politicians who actually keep their word. They ran on platforms of righting societal wrongs by rethinking how we charge and prosecute criminals -- who are really victims of systemic something or other. And theyre actually doing it. George Gascon is even being sued by his own prosecutors for constraining them from prosecuting criminals. Maybe the voters should have paid more attention to what these two SJWs promised to do if elected.

A number of mayors and city councilmen are being recalled because they made no attempt to resist the states oppressive COVID lockdowns. It turns out that people elected them to actually represent their constituents, not the state government leviathan. Apparently, these politicians didnt realize that the freest people in the world would like to keep their -- you know -- freedom. If the local politicians cant stand up for that, then the local population would like to fire them and get someone who will.

A whole plethora of school board members is also being recalled. The common complaint seems to be that they were spending more time renaming schools than actually getting them back open. Why cant the local rubes understand that we cant have schools be symbols of oppression to the students that arent there?

This all begs the question -- Why did Californians elect all of these clowns? Theyre all doing exactly what they said theyd do. Werent Californians paying attention to their campaign speeches? Apparently, life in California is so wonderful that nobody has time for boring politics.

Its unfortunate that Californians even have the option to recall politicians. Voters should live with the consequences of their choice for at least one political term. Electing politicians is not buying a product from a satisfaction-guaranteed infomercial. There is no risk-free 30-day trial and voters shouldnt be allowed to return them for a full refund if dissatisfied.

Voting is an important decision -- perhaps the most important we make as members of our republic. The outcomes affect the welfare of our citizens and the future of our country. Our choices should only be made after carefully vetting the candidates and their policies. As every parent knows, when children escape consequences, they repeat their mistakes. When voters escape the consequences of bad decisions, bad decisions become their pattern. Just look at the California voters choices since their last recall to see how this plays out.

In 2003 California recalled Governor Gray Davis. While Davis had many shortcomings, the fact that the state couldnt keep the electricity on was the last straw (sound familiar?). The recall was successful, the horrible Davis was out, and California was on a new political trajectory -- right? Wrong! The state elected a body-builder action-hero who was decidedly more heroic in his movies than in office. Governor Ahnold was then followed by Governor Moonbeam. This was actually Californias second dance with Jerry Brown. He had previously been the governor from 1975-1983. He didnt impress anyone with his first time in office, but maybe age would make him better. While it works with wine, it didnt in his case. When Governor Moonbeam left office, Californians turned to Governor Hair-Gel Newsom -- the current recall target. The voters have traveled this road before and didnt learn a darn thing.

Put simply, recalls make it too easy to avoid the consequences of bad decisions. Voters need to live through at least one term of the leadership that they select. And the rest of us are entitled to at least one full term to ridicule them for their choices. Seriously, did San Francisco elect someone raised by terrorists to be their top law enforcement officer? And now they act surprised that crime is skyrocketing?

I used to live in Minnesota. We had to survive one full term of Jesse The Body Ventura, to atone for losing our collective minds -- so its not just a California thing.

John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Star, Idaho. He is a retired engineer with 40 years of experience in the areas of product development, quality assurance, organizational development, and corporate strategic planning. He currently writes at the American Free News Network. He can be followed on Facebook or reached at greenjeg@gmail.com.

Image: Thomas Hawk

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I might have a slight advantage over most of the brilliant people who write for American Thinker. I am significantly older and from the ex-USSR, so I have lived through and experienced first-hand all the charms of the regime that is now -- slowly, but steadily  being installed in America (and, subsequently, in the whole civilized world).

What I am referring to comes under different names and in different clothes, whether its todays American Democratic Party, neo-Marxists, Soviet and international communists, Hitlers Nazis, Islamists, the Black Lives Matter gang, white supremacists, woke adherents, etc. But the name does not matter; what unites all the people marching under those banners are convinced of three things:

A minority has the right to impose its will on any majority by force and in violation of natural and social laws.

Contrary and/or dissenting opinions must be quashed and crushed (together, of course, with their holders).

To achieve the above state of affairs, power in the respective country must be seized and retained at any price.

A savvy reader will easily recognize here Lenins well-known theses. Nothing has changed since 1918.

The people standing for such views  let me call them for short the Left, no matter whether they identify themselves as Left or Right -- want to destroy our world. And they have raised their ugly heads and are winning one battle after the other.

We must remember that, while one of the strongest and most successful leftist entities-- Hitlers National-Socialist Party -- was officially liquidated and buried, all the other branches of this poisonous tree flourish. Why? In my opinion, one of the reasons, if not the main reason, is the 1945-1946 Nuremberg Trial.

The famous First Nuremberg Trial of 1945-1946, and the subsequent trials of the top-level Nazi war criminals -- that is, Nuremberg-1 -- firmly established for all time that the Nazi ideology is an absolute evil and taboo for the civilized world. Today, in all probability, most people on the planet do not clearly understand what exactly the Nazi ideology was, but they abhor it anyway and are trying -- very legitimately -- to eradicate even the smallest manifestations of it.

But one of the four world powers that had organized the Nuremberg trials was the communist Soviet Union. The fact that the communists sat there as judges rather than as accused criminals gave the communists ideas and methods international legitimacy.

Joachim Ribbentrop, hanged in October 1946, may have had somewhat of a point when he exclaimed indignantly at the trial: Why me and not Molotov? After all, he was the first to sign the MolotovRibbentrop pact! That is why I believe that a renewed intellectual attack on communism and the left in general, both in the scholarly literature and the popular culture is badly needed to unravel the confusion created by Nuremberg-1.

People must be brought to understand that Soviet and international Communism is -- ideologically, economically, politically, culturally -- absolutely the same in its essence as Nazi ideology. The obvious and visible differences are superficial. What matters is how they operated (and, with communist and leftist governments, still operate).

The marching songs in both countries, Hitlers Germany and Stalins Soviet Union, were almost the same. Even the methods of mass killing -- the notorious Genickschuss (the shot in the nape), let alone the concentration camps -- were, in general, the same. But Nuremberg-1 managed to engrave in the human common psyche the false beliefs that the Nazis were right wing, while the Communists and other people of their ilk are left wing. Right wing is an absolute evil; left wing is a perennial good. This is a gigantic lie that must be destroyed now.

Given the longer existence of Soviet communism and the much larger scale of the Soviet communist terror, the communists beat by far all Nazi records for antihuman monstrosities. Yes, the Nazis were pure evil, but they did not kill tens of millions of Germans, while the Soviet Communists did exactly that to the Russians and other Soviet peoples -- killing the best, one million after another, destroying the gene pool of the nation, for centuries to come. Chinese, North Korean, and Cambodian Communists turned out to be quite worthy competitors.

Today, we see an incredible surge of the Leftist-Nazi-Communist-Islamist-Globalist-Transgender-Antisemite-Woke... ideas all over the world. For the time being, only statues get decapitated, dissidents are still fired rather than shot, and books are shelved rather than being publicly burnt.

But the furies of terror are easily unleashed, and they are next to impossible to be put back into the storerooms. If the Left continues its course, we will have Cambodias killing fields on our Main streets. It may be time to shout, as Romans are said to have shouted at the end of the 3rd century BC (when the Carthaginian army was approaching the Eternal City): Sinistra ante portas! The Left is at [our] gates! (The Left in Latin is sinister, and this is not accidental: the left side was (and still is) considered by many as something dangerous, evil, malevolent, and toxic.)

I am neither a politician nor a social philosopher, and I am not in a position to discuss the actions to recommend for stopping the modern Nazis, but I have a deep-rooted idea that I am ready to share:

The world needs a Nuremberg-2, not one in which people are tried for their ideas (God forbid, for a show trial itself would be the worst of leftism), but one in which the ideas themselves are exposed. The whole salad of Leftist-Nazi-Marxist-Communist-Islamist-Globalist-Woke ideas, slogans, and the problems resulting from the ideas implementations would be in the dock.

In this expose, the prosecutors would:

Demonstrate the perfect unity of so-called Leftists/Rightists/Marxist/Black-Lives-Matter-ists/Democrats/Progressists/Woke, you name it.

Convincingly show the danger of the anti-human Woke (Marxist) ideology for the existence and the evolution of humanity.

Internationally condemn and delegitimize these ideas and policies.

Let me reiterate: Nuremberg-2 would try ideology, rhetoric, and the acts of the collective left, not people. It must be 100% transparent, i.e. open to a large public, and meticulously logical. At the end, the Left and the Right would finally be accurately defined!

I am not sure how to prepare for such an event and make it happen. However, the more people that share these considerations, the higher the probability that somebody will come up with an idea.

There are no chances that governments could support or organize Nuremberg-2. No, this must be a general-public action guided by non-governmental bodies and financed by some reasonable millionairesor by public subscription. And, of course, it is crucial that it take place in Nuremberg.

It will have no physical force -- nobody will be arrested or sent to jail -- but it could morally destroy and bury the so-called Left, along with its lethal ideology.

Igor Melcuk is a scientist, ex-Soviet ex-dissident, Professor Emeritus at the University of Montreal, and Member of the Royal Society of Canada.

IMAGE: Political prisoners in a Soviet gulag. Picture from the Kaunas 9th Fort Museum. CC BY 4.0.

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On July 29, District Court Judge Peter Cahill, the presiding judge in the trials of the four Minneapolis police officers indicted for the death of George Floyd, ordered the release of an exhibit memorandum that reveals a miscarriage of justice and criminal coercion of a witness.

Dr. Roger Mitchell, the former deputy mayor and medical examiner of the District of Columbia and now the Chief of Pathology at Howard University Medical School, a traditional Black medical school, boldly intimidated and coerced Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker into changing critical conclusory language in his autopsy report on the death of George Floyd.

The exhibit is a written summary of Mitchells commentary and some admissions of coercion that he volunteered to Minnesota Attorney General Office prosecutors in November 2020. Mitchells perfidious conduct is discussed in this excellent article by Jack Cashill.

Dr. Andrew Baker, an experienced and well-regarded Chief Medical Examiner for Hennepin County, conducted an autopsy on Mr. Floyd on May 26, 2020, the day after his death, and reported later that day, The autopsy revealed no physical evidence suggesting that Mr. Floyd died of asphyxiation or that excessive force was used in the restraint performed by the officers led by Officer Chauvin.

Three days later, on Friday, May 29, prosecutors elaborated on the cause of death in posting their initial complaint against Derek Chauvin. According to the complaint, The full report of the [medical examiner] is pending but the [medical examiner] has made the following preliminary findings. The autopsy revealed no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.

The autopsy did show, however, that Floyd had severe heart disease, coronary artery disease, and an enlarged heart from high blood pressure. These conditions put Mr. Floyd at risk for sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia -- an abnormal ineffective lethal heartbeat.

Before you proceed, think about that: Bakers initial clean impression, without corrupting pressures, was that Derek Chauvin and his fellow officers were in no way responsible for George Floyds death.

Without a diagnosis of asphyxia, the State could not prosecute the officers for murder. That is why Dr. Roger Mitchell was so critical in this tale of intimidation -- and why this exhibit memorandum is so important. It reveals a naked attempt by Roger Mitchell to bully Dr. Baker into a conclusion that would enable a second-degree murder prosecution of the police officers.

Dont take my word for it. Here is how the Minnesota prosecutors summarized their meeting with Dr. Mitchell in the memorandum:

When the preliminary result came out via the criminal complaint, Mitchell found the statement was bizarre. Mitchell was reading and said this is not right. So Mitchell called Baker and said first of all Baker should fire his public information officer. Then Mitchell asked what happened, because Mitchell didnt think it sounded like Bakers words. Baker said that he didnt think the neck compression played a part and that he didnt find petechiae. Mitchell said but you know you cannot have petechiae and still have asphyxia and can still have neck compression.

This phone call likely took place on Friday, May 29. Mitchell had a restless weekend as he drafted an op-ed for the Washington Post. His next step was pure intimidation:

Mitchell was expecting to send the op-ed to the Washington Post on Monday afternoon so Mitchell called Baker first to let him know that he was going to be critical of Bakers findings. In this conversation, Mitchell said, you dont want to be the medical examiner who tells everyone they didnt see what they saw. You dont want to be the smartest person in the room and be wrong.

The Cashill article cited above explains how Baker appears to have yielded to the pressure. In his second call to Baker, Mitchell insisted neck compression has to be in the diagnosis, and Baker ultimately added neck compression. Without that addition, Chauvin could not have been charged with murder.

Not being a physician, Cashill asked me to assess Mitchell's conduct and his review of Bakers work. I answered Mr. Cashills questions because I can. I am an attorney admitted to the bar in Nebraska, Louisiana, and Texas by examination and I have a career-long interest in studying causes of death, especially sudden causes of death. I have been an emergency physician since 1974, an attorney since 1979, and have co-authored with a pathologist a chapter on forensics for a textbook published by the American College of Legal Medicine: Legal Medicine: Legal Dynamics of Medical Encounters (Mosby, 1988 and 1991).

What follows is a bit long and technical. I am hoping that those involved with the defense of the four officers, close to the show trials will find my answers and commentary helpful. My analysis of the Mitchell interview memorandum is in italics.

Mitchell

Autopsy pretty complete but noted Baker did not perform a layered posterior neck dissection

Dunn response

Of course, Baker dissected the neck. He could not have reached the following conclusions without it. These come from what I considered a fine and careful autopsy by Baker:

No life-threatening injuries identified

No facial, oral mucosal, or conjunctival petechiae

No injuries of anterior muscles of neck or laryngeal structures

No scalp soft tissue, skull, or brain injuries

No chest wall soft tissue injuries, rib fractures (other than a single rib fracture from CPR), vertebral column injuries, or visceral injuries

Incision and subcutaneous dissection of posterior and lateral neck, shoulders, back, flanks, and buttocks negative for occult trauma

Here are some further findings by Baker regarding Floyds neck:

Layer by layer dissection of the anterior strap muscles of the neck discloses no areas of contusion or hemorrhage within the musculature.

 The thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone are intact. The larynx is lined by intact mucosa.

The thyroid is symmetric and red-brown, without cystic or nodular change.

 The tongue is free of bite marks, hemorrhage, or other injuries.

The cervical spinal column is palpably stable and free of hemorrhage.

Mitchell

Reviewed photos 122 and 123 pointed to a dark spot that could be a hemorrhage but was hard to tell without a layer posterior neck dissection.

Dunn response

This is nothing more than another bruise that showed up on the pictures of the bodymultiple abrasions and bruises of a superficial nature present were the product of the resisting arrest scenario, and Mitchell knew that. Mitchell ignored the dissection of the neck, shoulders, back, flanks and buttocks by Baker that showed no evidence of trauma.

It appears that Dr. Mitchell didnt even read the draft version of the autopsy.

Mitchell

The lack of a hemorrhage in the deep tissue doesnt necessarily add value but the presents (sic) of a hemorrhage can be helpful to understand the amount of pressure

Dunn response

No sign of injury exonerates the officers and works against Mitchells agenda of police abuse and asphyxiationhe wants to cherry-pick his evidence.

Mitchell

George Floyd had an open airway but goes into cardiac arrest while the knee is on his neck. Mitchell agrees with Baker that the neck compression is a component of the mechanism of death.

Mitchell evaluated the various potential impacts of the compression of the neck and noted they include possibly causing an arrhythmia (sic), he also said it can imped (sic) blood flow to the brain, vaso vagal response

Mitchell discussed struggle and impact on heart

The sooner he gets care the higher likelihood he will live

At no point are they issuing life support care

You can feel yourself dying, you have to move. He was in crisis  physical crisis

The actions of law enforcement were preceded (sic) cardiac arrest

Regarding the cause of the cardiac event, Mitchell believed the effect on circulation was potentially more significant than the impeded ventilation. However, Mitchell was somewhat unsure because he also believed the neck

compression played a significant part in Floyds death

Dunn response

Here Mitchell goes in circles. He admits that the manner of death was more likely cardiac and circulatory, but he then reasserts his opinion that neck compression impeded ventilation, but then he also speculates that it may have impacted circulation.

All the while he knew that the neck showed no signs of injury at autopsy.

Moreover, Mitchell ignores the critical information on the brain tissue exam that shows no evidence of lack of oxygen (hypoxia):

Autopsy

Sections of hippocampus, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and midbrain show the expected microscopic architecture, without hypoxic ischemic, reactive, neoplastic, or inflammatory changes.

Mitchell

With respect to the term Asphyxia (sic), there are typical indicators of asphyxia that are not present but also believes the neck compression played a significant part in Floyds death.

Neck compression can comprise (sic) blood delivery into the brain and can cause hypoxia.

Bakers lack of use of the term asphyxia is a style issue.

Dunn response

Stop the presses! Style issue? No, it isnt a style issueit has to do with a proper cause of death analysis and conclusions. Baker found no evidence of petechiae which is the most common diagnostic change caused by asphyxiation, the autopsy found no crushing injury of the neck and no hypoxic brain injury

Mitchell

Did not die from overdoes (sic)

Fentanyl is an opioid, which does compromise respiratory drive. But Floyd, when the officers first encounter him, is not having trouble breathing.

Mitchell does not believe that the Fentanyl or any of the drugs in his system are playing a part in Floyds death

In order for these drugs to cause death, the user would be in a stupor, brainstem no longer functioning properly and dying from the fact that brainstem is suggesting you have enough oxygen and you are holding on to carbon dioxide

Dunn response

Yes indeed, this was not a Fentanyl overdosewhich causes lethargy, stupor, and respiratory failure/arrest. However, Mitchell ignores the cardiac arrhythmia risks created by heart disease, agitation, and methamphetamine.

Mitchell

Lungs = normal

Heart = not normal

High blood pressure

Dilated heart

Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease puts Floyd at risk for fatal arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia was a risk because of Mr. Floyds bad heart disease

Dunn response

Mitchell makes the case for cardiac arrhythmia, so why is he pushing Baker on neck compression? Simple, he had a political anti-police agenda. Mitchell read what he wanted to read and ignored the evidence that was right in front of him. He had a racially motivated tunnel vision. Police misconduct killed Mr. Floydnow lets figure out how.

Mitchell ignored the evidence that showed the most likely cause was a bad heart, the physical exertion of resistance, and agitated intoxication combined with methamphetamine that caused fatal cardiac arrhythmia, just what forensic pathologists see all the time, cardiac arrest during exertion.

In June, I wrote an article explaining how the prone position is not lethal or harmful. I backed up my assertion with an experiment/demonstration on video of the prone position restraint applied for 10 minutes just as Chauvin did to George Floyd. The individual on top applying the restraint weighed 170 pounds, and the individual playing the role of Floyd weighed 230 pounds. The individual being restrained suffered no compromise of breathing or oxygen level and certainly no risk to health.

The futures, perhaps even the lives, of police officers are at stake. Fraud or deception by a witness or coercion of fraudulent evidence or testimony under oath is criminally actionable and certainly can be grounds for a mistrial. Allowing critically important evidence and testimony to be silenced enables a miscarriage of justice. Officer Chauvin did not murder Mr. Floyd.

YouTube screengrab

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On December 6, 2017, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who at the time was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an Inspector General for the Judicial Branch and for other purposes. The short title of the "Act" was to be cited as the Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2017. The bill was designed to correct some very seriously evident dysfunction in how federal judges are monitored and dealt with in the context of judicial malfeasance issues.

Senator Grassley's bill called for an inspector general to perform an independent investigation of alleged misconduct within the Judicial Branch; to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse; and to recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch. The bill called for the inspector general to be appointed by the chief justice of the United States after consultation with the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and the House speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives. The bill appeared to be a no-brainer for enactment into law, but it wasn't to be.

It didn't take long for obstructive forces to come into play in order to protect the status quo process, which we all know really isn't fair, doesn't work, and is designed to conceal judicial malfeasance.

I have known about judicial malfeasance for a long time and have called for creation of an independent inspector general to investigate allegations of misconduct against federal judges.

Judge Richard A. Posner, a highly distinguished retired judge from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, has publicly stated that America has a "very bad" judicial system, and even further stated, "We have a very crappy judicial system ... that contaminates much of government."

While the federal Judiciary would like to portray a facade that its judges are beyond reproach and that everything is on the up and up, the evidence overwhelmingly dispels that false notion, and we as a society need to wake up and smell the coffee. Indeed, case-fixing is alive and well in the American courts.

With all of the well-documented historical evidence of judicial malfeasance issues in the Judiciary, one would reasonably wonder  why, then, wasn't the Grassley bill enacted into law? To answer this question, one need only turn to the letter written by James C. Duff, who at the time was director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley on January 22, 2018, with outmoded gratuitous statements about how the so-called Judicial Conference's Judicial Conduct and Disability Committee functions "efficiently and effectively" and that the "structure provides for an investigatory process" as to the alleged wrong-doing, and a diatribe about how the current process plays out and should remain intact. Duff went on to state that the imposition of an inspector general's investigatory powers and procedures is "unnecessary."

The statements by James C. Duff were utter poppycock at best. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that there are many corrupt federal judges who go undisciplined and remain on the bench. Duff's letter neglected to mention that most complaints against federal judges are dismissed outright. In 2015, there were 1,214 complaints filed against federal judges. Only four were referred to a special investigative committee, and not a single one of them resulted in remedial action against the judge. The problem is so rampant that even the attorney general of the United States, Merrick Garland, is believed to protect corrupt activities by federal judges.

We cannot as a society have a "very bad" judicial system" that "contaminates much of government," as was publicly stated by Judge Posner, and we cannot have thousands of U.S. judges who break laws or oaths and yet remain on the bench, as reported by Reuters. The fact that the director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, James C. Duff, pushed so hard to prevent the enactment of Senator Grassley's bill for the creation of a much-needed inspector general for the judicial branch is cause for alarm.

Senator Grassley obviously was on to something when he introduced his bill for an inspector general. Unfortunately, the forces of corruption came into play, and won the day, at that time. It is now time for the forces of righteousness to come into play and win the day, by putting into place an inspector general who will actually perform independent investigations of alleged misconduct within the Judicial Branch in a legitimate fashion rather than the illegitimate process that has been going on as embraced by James C. Duff in the derailment of Senator Grassley's bill. For until that happens, Lady Justice will be weeping under her blindfold.

Photo credit: J.-H. Janen GNU Free Documentation License.

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I live in a purple area (the suburbs, outside Chicago), so it's a good barometer of the mood of the country at large. And from what I can tell, people are waking up to the authoritative nature of today's Democrat party.

It's so easy to stick one's head in the sand about what's going on in this country when it doesn't affect your everyday life. Many of my friends don't read the news at all. Ever. But these COVID mandates are hard to ignore, especially when they're aimed at our kids. Now, at summer parties, all people seem to talk about is if their children will be forced to wear masks again at school or if the schools will continue to make our kids quarantine for ten days if they get exposed. Parents have speculated about if their kids will be forced to get the jab to be in extracurricular activities or even to go to school at all. If our government can force our military to get the jab, why not students in public schools?

Although parents in school districts in my area have voted by a strong majority to have masks be optional, parents' opinions are being ignored. Illinois's Gov. J.B. Pritzker (locally known as King Jelly Belly) announced that all students, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks this fall as well as all other COVID mandates from last school year.

We are just across the border in Indiana, and I can tell you my children heard the news with dread. Our county follows everything Chicago/Illinois does, so it's likely our school district will fall in line with the Democratic machine. My kids, and almost every child I know, hated the masks last year. They complained that they couldn't breathe, that the masks gave them headaches and caused them to have to yell to be heard by friends and teachers.

Last fall, when there were no vaccines and few studies, most parents were understanding of the masks. Although we already knew that the risk to kids was virtually zero, no one wanted teachers getting COVID-19 from their students. I told my kids, "It's only temporary," about every other day last year when they would complain. I should have known better.

This year, after several studies informed us that children are not spreaders of the disease, and every adult in the country has had the opportunity to get the vaccine, things should go back to normal. Right? Yet the Democrat party and their media just won't stop trying to inject us with our daily dose of fear.

Although the president has falsely claimed that the delta variant is more contagious and deadly, the evidence says otherwise. In an article at TheBlaze, Daniel Horowitz examined data from England and found that "the Delta variant has a 0.1% case fatality rate (CFR) out of 31,132 Delta sequence infections confirmed by investigators. That is the same rate as the flu and is much lower than the CFR for the ancestral strain or any of the other variants."

So we have herd immunity from the original COVID variant; the delta variant is not any deadlier than the flu; and we still have masks, social distancing, contact tracing, and the nonstop sanitizing. Why? Like many parents, I feel as though I'm locked in a game of Simon Says where the goal is to train us into obedience. At what point do we pull our kids out and homeschool? Will homeschooling even be an option in the future? It's not in many European countries already. People who don't follow the news might have voted against "the mean tweeter" in this election, but these draconian mandates enforced on their children will have them voting red come 2022.

Danielle Johnson is a new author of Surviving Utopia, a series that follows the collapse of the Soviet Union through the eyes of four dissident teenagers.

Image via Pexels.

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As thousands of Cubans rose up on July 11 in spontaneous demonstrations throughout the island nation, protesting against their communist government tormenters, carrying placards denouncing food shortages, demanding freedom, and proclaiming that they no longer fear their oppressors, the U.S. State Department's top official overseeing Cuba issued this inane statement:

Peaceful protests are growing in Cuba as the Cuban people exercise their right to peaceful assembly to express concern about rising COVID cases/deaths & medicine shortages. We commend the numerous efforts of the Cuban people mobilizing donations to help neighbors in need.



YouTube screen grab.

No, the Cuban people do not enjoy any "right to peaceful assembly" and what the Cuban people were "expressing concern" about is living under a cruel, corrupt communist regime that is as incompetent as it is brutal. Yeah, they also do not like COVID.

Responding to mounting pressure, President Biden then belatedly issued this statement:

We stand with the Cuban people and their clarion call for freedom and relief from the tragic grip of the pandemic and from the decades of repression and economic suffering to which they have been subjected by Cuba's authoritarian regime. The Cuban people are bravely asserting fundamental and universal rights. Those rights, including the right of peaceful protest and the right to freely determine their own future, must be respected. The United States calls on the Cuban regime to hear their people and serve their needs at this vital moment rather than enriching themselves.

While President Biden's words  condemning the "decades of repression" and "suffering" to which these protesters had been "subjected by Cuba's authoritarian regime"  were better than his State Department's, his judgment was just as absurd: "The United States calls on the Cuban regime to hear their people and serve their needs."

Huh? We have been doing this for the past 62 years! Problem is, they don't listen. Does Joe Biden really expect a totalitarian regime to voluntarily relinquish its power to the people everyone knows it would rather repress?

And just like his State Department, he wrongly indicated that the most important reason for the uprising is that Cubans are demanding "relief from the tragic grip of the pandemic."

A Cuban exile living in Spain sees the situation more accurately: "It is not that Cuba has exploded because the pandemic is rampant," she said. "Our pandemic is Castroism. The only vaccine is military intervention by the United States or anyone else."

That is not going to happen  not the way she and most other people think. But the United States does need to make this choice: seize this opportunity to liberate the Cuban people from communist domination or once again abandon them and doom them to still more misery. To free or not to free  that is the question.

We can liberate Cuba without invading it. Some actions are obvious and easy:

* Counter the regime's shutting down the internet in an attempt to keep Cubans from communicating with one another and prevent the outside world from seeing and hearing the Cuban people denouncing their oppressors. We have the capability to circumvent their shutdown.

* Boost radio communications to Cuba to encourage its people to keep up the resistance.

* Step up diplomatic pressures, such as intensifying our raising of the regime's human rights violations.

* Make sure Cuba remains a designated state sponsor of terrorism.

* No lifting of sanctions.

Such measures could be effective for a slow-motion liberation of Cuba if we  and, more important, the Cuban people, accept that a who-knows-how-long continuation of their pain and suffering is unavoidable.

But only lack of resolve would make indefinitely prolonging the misery of the Cuban people unavoidable. We could  and should  also take bolder steps. Such as:

* It is within our power to take control of the air space over Cuba. We should do so now to facilitate humanitarian operations and demonstrate American resolve as we serve notice on the regime that they dare not gun down their own citizens.

* Recognize that many Cubans are starving and get food to them, even if we have to parachute it and use armed drones to keep regime thugs from stealing food.

* Conduct cyber-attacks and other measures to constantly harass and disrupt functions of the communist regime, including command and control operations of its military and police.

* Quietly slip small groups of U.S. special forces into different areas of Cuba to link up with Cuban resistance members to help organize and arm and train them so they can conduct vigorous guerrilla warfare against their government, just as Fidel Castro did decades ago.

On July 11, the world witnessed a wave of unprecedented mass demonstrations throughout Cuba. It wasn't about COVID, no matter who might say so or wish it were  and it was a new beginning, not an ending.

Those thousands upon thousands of Cubans all over their beautiful island homeland were demonstrating against communist tyranny and pleading for food and freedom. The United States has the capability to grant them both wishes. If we truly resolve to.

Zachary D. Warner is a third-year political science major at the University of Wisconsin.

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There are a few things that truly are best left to government: maintaining a standing army, negotiating foreign treaties, overseeing interstate commerce, and a few other things. Big governments are not only dangerous, because the people within them, both politicians and bureaucrats, endlessly seek more power, but they are also incredibly inefficient. Because they're unconstrained by market competition and the people in charge are not putting their own money on the line...well, you end up with Denver, which has been spending the equivalent of a median Denver income on every homeless person in the city.

Starting when they're seven or eight years old, if you want to teach your children why government should be responsible for as little as possible, ask them to name their favorite store. Then ask them to imagine what would happen if that store was the only store. First, their eyes will light up. Then suggest to them that the store, once it knows you must go there because you've got nowhere else to go, might stop being so nice. It might start limiting its hours, lessen both the amount and quality of its stock and ignore rude and lazy employees.

Then ask them how they would feel if they were forced to spend half or more of their allowance at the store once it had fallen into such disrepair. Once they've finished with their horrified "no ways," tell them that you've just described how the government works: it has no competition and, therefore, no incentive to be efficient or pleasant. Moreover, it gets an endless supply of your money, whether you like it or not.

Those profound inefficiencies may help explain how it is that Denver, which has built campsites for its homeless, is investing a great deal more in its homeless than it spends on its students or veterans:

The city of Denver spends at least twice as much on homelessness per person as it does on K12 public school students  and the spending crushes the veterans affairs budget in the state, a new study released Thursday found, according to a report. For comparison, the city reportedly spends between $41,679 and $104,201 on each person experiencing homelessness in a year while only $19,202 on each K-12 public school student over the same period of time. The amount spent on each homeless person in the area is comparable to the average income of area residents. The average rent for a person living in the area is $21,156 per year and the median per capita income is $45,000, FOX 31 of Denver reported. The Denver metro area spends $481 million on health care, housing and other services for the homeless, according to a report from FOX 31. That amount is also nearly four times more than the budget for the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and significantly more than the public safety, labor or employment departments, the station reported.

Something is deeply out of whack when a city's priorities see it milk the taxpayers to support the homeless. These homeless, by the way, aren't in shelters or group homes. Instead, in Denver, as in most Democrat-run cities, the homeless are camped on the streets, miring the cities in crime and offal.

The consequences from these tent cities are very real. In Los Angeles, a woman is suing the city because she suffered a brain injury when she was hit by a car after she stepped into the street to walk around a sidewalk homeless encampment. Ironically enough, she was in the area only because she was trying to deliver food and water to the homeless:

Todd's lawsuit states that the encampments at the 101 overpass on Gower Street create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers, and accuses the city of allowing the encampments to remain for a 'substantial amount of time.' Her attorney, Alan Turlington, told the L.A Times his client suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, that could potentially leave her with a permanent disability and require future medical treatment.

It's widely known that the homeless problem is exacerbated by drug abuse and mental illness. These problems, in turn, are almost certainly made worse by the availability of drugs today, whether illegal drugs from China that come through Biden's open southern border or the marijuana that is now freely available in Colorado. The one thing that's certain is that you don't solve the problem by turning your streets over to drug-addled and mentally ill people, who make the city both unpleasant and unsafe for the residents who pay the taxes that keep the city going.

Americans have shown that when it comes to the homeless, they are a compassionate and patient people. However, as their cities degrade, their health is put at risk, and their children are in danger, all while their taxes go up to fund their city's inefficient and costly "fixes," something's got to break and change. This is an unsustainable situation.

Image: Denvers tent village. YouTube screen grab.

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It probably doesn't get more comical than to learn that a group of former Hillary Clinton operatives formed in a quest to make Kamala Harris more... likable.

According to Axios:

Details: The host was Kiki McLean, a Democratic public affairs expert and former adviser to both Clintons. Her guests included Harris confidant Minyon Moore; two former DNC officials, Donna Brazile and Leah Daughtry; Biden adviser and leader of his outside group, Stephanie Cutter; former Hillary Clinton spokeswomen and Democratic strategists Adrienne Elrod and Karen Finney; and former Obama White House communications director Jennifer Palmieri.

Nobody from the vice president's office was at the dinner, but Harris is attuned to her outside network of supporters. Harris' office declined to comment on the dinner. Behind the scenes: These were old friends getting together for the first time since the pandemic began, and celebrating a Democratic president after the Trump years. But the dinner had an urgent purpose. Harris had been hit with a series of damaging press accounts, with leaks from administration officials questioning her political judgment and describing rampant dysfunction in her office.

The operatives spent the dinner discussing how to fight back against negative perceptions, and how to help Harris boost her national media footing.

Was that a hyena laugh we heard in the background? The idea of making Harris more "likable" is laughable, given that the big objections from voters are about her abysmal performance as vice president on the tasks attached to her name, such as controlling the migrant surge at the border. That, and the fact that she's Instagram and Vogue photoshootobsessed, slept her way to the top, and comes off as a phony. Voters don't like phonies.

The team that was in charge of making Hillary Clinton "likable" to voters is sure it can turn this one around, too. Ummm...

Axios went to great ends to report that this wasn't Team Kamala itself that was working on this makeover for Kamala. That's a bit of a stretch.

According to this piece, by Peter Nichols, which ran in The Atlantic on the exact same day as the Axios report:

She consults a "kitchen cabinet" of people who offer her a perspective from outside the vice-presidential bubble: Minyon Moore, who oversaw her transition; Donna Brazile, who managed Gore's 2000 campaign; and Karen Finney, a former spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. She may soon hire some additional Washington veterans to bolster her staff.

See any matching names? Too bad I can't give everyone reading this a highlighter pen to draw lines linking the matching names of these so-called Kamala advisers from one article to the other  Brazile, Moore, Finney, they're all the same people, and they all run the Kamala show for her. Making Kamala likable has got to resemble one of the labors that Hercules was asked to perform. Or maybe Sisyphus.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, between nanny-goat laughs, perhaps, would like you to know she's deep. In the Atlantic piece, there's this:

"Part of my frustration is the way that this system rewards sound bites" as opposed to "depth and thought," Harris told me. She really did seem fed up with the media portrayal of her  particularly when it comes to those clips that drive headlines. But Harris also has a keen appreciation for the political power of the sound bite. When she challenged Biden over busing at the first debate, she spoke of a California schoolgirl who was part of a newly integrated class. "And that little girl was me," she said. Soon afterward, her campaign started selling $29.99 T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase.

After decades of practicing sound-bite politics herself, she's angry that the media are throwing it at her, given that she's such a deep thinker and all. The hyena laughs were...oh, forget about those giggles and laughs. Just accept that she's a woman of depth.

Back to the old phony, it seems. The Hillary-linked likeability crew has got its work cut out for it.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with use of cropped image by Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0; a YouTube screen shot; and a public domain image.

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Jill Biden and Kamala Harris are said to be rivals in the quest for power, given Joe Biden's dotage.

And sure enough, they run the same kinds of staff offices: hellscapes.

In a story about Anthony Bernal, Jill Biden's chief of staff  the guy who poses Jill for photos like these  Politico reports:

Bernal's allies and enemies alike say that his loyalty to the First Lady is absolute. Even many of his detractors concede that his creative talents and attention to detail have benefitted Dr. Biden. But many of these same officials argue that Bernal's pursuit of perfection on behalf of the First Lady does not excuse the way he treats some other staffers. Many described him as "berating" and "toxic" because of his unfiltered criticism of others and tendency to trash talk his colleagues behind their backs. Some compare him to MERYL STREEP's character in "Devil Wears Prada" while another equated him to the ever-conspiring Littlefinger in "Game of Thrones."

Politico reports that the little feller has a "mean streak" and is constantly "berating staff" if not declaring them "stupid" on the phone and in staff meetings. He badmouths them behind their backs even if he plays "friend" to them to their faces. He's made a lot of them cry. He has so disgusted these people that they've taken to surreptitiously recording his abuses and tirades, apparently providing Politico with its material.

He sounds like a stereotypical court eunuch from the imperial court of China  attaining a position of great power through intense loyalty to the emperor, effectively ruling the empire with the emperor distracted, using that power to the detriment of the empire, and acting horribly to those around them.

The court flatterers for Bernal, though, are out there, releasing their flowery words in his defense:

"Anthony's loyalty to our team and the First Family is unrivaled, and he holds himself, and all of us, to the highest standards," Chief of Staff Julissa Reynosos told Politico. "There is no one at the White House with a bigger heart than Anthony, which is one of several reasons why so many in the First Lady's office have worked with him for years. He cares deeply about the personal and professional growth of his colleagues."

Eeew. Anybody believe that?

It sounds very similar to the kind of staff office Kamala Harris runs, which we've described here.

Like Jill, Kamala has also hired extremely appalling people to her top staff positions. To start, back in her Sacramento days, one of her top staffers, Larry Wallace, reportedly made young staffers crawl under his computer to "fix his printer" so he could ogle their underwear, forcing the state to make a $400,000 sexual harassment payout. Harris claimed to know nothing about it, any more than Jill supposedly knows nothing about Bernal's reported depredations. Wallace landed on his feet with another political staff gig elsewhere, apparently helped by someone, no idea whom, with no consequences to him.

Harris's current top staffers, such as Tina Flournoy, are also reportedly horrible to work for, too:

A large part of the blame, sources said, goes to Harris's chief of staff, Tina Flournoy, whom aides described as an overbearing woman who doesn't tolerate dissenting ideas, who blames everybody else but herself when things go badly, and who tries to keep the VP sheltered from reality.

BizPac Review, citing Politico, said that with her around, Harris's office was like this:

"People are thrown under the bus from the very top, there are short fuses and it's an abusive environment. It's not a healthy environment, and people often feel mistreated. It's not a place where people feel supported but a place where people feel treated like s---," one source said. This treatment has left staffers and aides "experiencing low morale, porous lines of communication and diminished trust," according to Politico.

This is nasty stuff, suggesting that perhaps more than realized, Kamala and Jill are the flip sides of the same bad penny.

Why do women like that hire creeps of that sort  gushy toward the boss, ultra-loyal, and monsters to anyone below them? Well, one place to look is in the similarities of Jill and Kamala, two ambitious women who attained their own power not through their charisma or powers of persuasion, or impressive track records on anything, but through the offices of powerful men, Kamala serving as "mistress" to California power broker Willie Brown, and Jill apparently cheating with Joe well before Joe's first wife was killed in a car crash, according to Jill's ex-husband Bill Stevenson. That's kind of disgusting, and apparently sets the stage for the hiring of horrible top staffers and the court intrigue that follows. This isn't about merit anymore; it's about wiles and guile.

The question of whether either of them knows about how horrible their staff is is a moot point. Of course they do. Here was my argument from a few years ago that Kamala certainly knew exactly what kind of person she was employing.

As for Jill, recall that she's a pretty touchy, egotistic person, too, demanding to be called "doctor" despite her gut-level educational "doctorate," which has nothing in common with the kind of brains it takes to achieve an M.D.

She's also played Edith Wilson in Joe's low moments.

She's had suspiciously gushy profiles written about her by court flatterers anxious to please the empress, calling her a goddess with vomit-inducing passages like this:

You generally hear her before you see her because she is often laughing. She is, quite simply, a joy multiplier.

If Jill Biden were a normal person, she'd be as revolted at that passage as all normal people. But she wasn't. It's very likely she demands that kind of absurd flattery, being a person who's absolutely the opposite of it. I suspect she's mean, at least as mean as Kamala, and probably an even dirtier player.

Well, now she's got these reports coming out, same as Kamala did. Did anything like this ever come out of the Trump administration? Yes, Trump was an erratic, mercurial boss, probably not the easiest guy to work for, but he never engaged in any of this icky court intrigue characteristic of people who are vicious but need to pretend to be Lady Merciful in public. What a vile administration this Fraudster Joe presidency has become.

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Rs 10,000 Cr yearly burden on Telangana due to Dalit Bandhu:- The government of Telangana took a daring step and announced Rs 10 lakhs for each family of Dalits in the state and this would benefit close to 13 lakh families. Though the scheme was planned for a grand launch from August 16th, Telangana Chief Minister KCR preponed it and started it already during his recent visit. Telangana government is said to have sanctioned Rs 85,913 crores for the Scheduled Castes Development Department to stand as a support for the Dalits in the last seven years. Rs 57,100 crores are released out of the promised amount. KCR is keen to extend his support through Dalit Bandhu. The Telangana government traced all the 13 lakh families that are eligible for the scheme.

KCR said 1-2 lakh families among the eligible Dalits will be covered year through this scheme. The state government has to spend Rs 10,000 crores every year for Dalit Bandhu and at this rate, the government will take 13 years to cover all the eligible families. For this year, the Telangana government sanctioned Rs 20,000 crores for the SC development. The schemes also include Kalyana Laxmi 2 BHK scheme, Asara pensions, fee reimbursement, ration, free power Arogyasri and others. The opposition parties slammed KCR calling it a trick to attract Dalits before the Huzurabad bypolls. But KCR is pretty serious on the scheme when the state is struggling because of the pandemic crisis.
Lenovo is one of the very few OEMs that make high-end Android tablets. The company now seems to be preparing to further bolster its portfolio with a new model. An unannounced Lenovo Tab P12 Pro recently appeared on Google Play Console and Google Play Supported device list with model number TB-Q706F. The former listing revealed some of the key specs of the device and they suggest we are in for quite a powerful Android tablet from the Chinese brand.

First up, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. It isnt the best SoC Qualcomm has to offer but is still capable enough to put the new tablet among the best Android tablets available currently. Last years Tab P11 Pro, for instance, featured the Snapdragon 730G mid-range processor. So its quite an upgrade from Lenovo.

The company is also offering 8GB of RAM with the new tablet, at least with one of the variants. Thats another major upgrade from a maximum of 6GB RAM that the Tab P11 Pro got.

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The display seemingly remains unchanged though. The Google Play Console listing suggests the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro screen will have a resolution of 16002560 pixels, the same as its predecessor. Its unclear though whether it keeps the same 11.5-inch display or Lenovo will make some changes on that front. The upcoming tablet will run Android 11 out of the box, which would be disappointing if it doesnt arrive within the next couple of months. Android 12 is just around the corner.

Thats pretty much it when it comes to Lenovo Tab P12 Pro specs known so far. We could hear more about it in the coming weeks as the company prepares for its market introduction.

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The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro could rival Samsungs Galaxy Tab S8 series

Customers who want a high-end Android tablet today dont have much choice. There simply arent many devices up for grabs. If you want the very best, you have to go for Samsungs latest Galaxy Tab S series. Hands down, they are the best Android tablets money can buy right now. No wonder the Korean firm is the biggest Android tablet vendor in the world.

But Lenovo is emerging to be a worthy competitor lately. The Tab P11 Pro isnt quite a pro-grade tablet but it helped the company boost its market share. The Chinese brand was the fastest-growing tablet vendor in Q2 2021, a recent Strategy Analytics report showed. It registered a 67 percent YoY growth, compared to Samsungs 19 percent. The upcoming Tab P12 Pro seems to be a more powerful offering from the company, something that could actually give some competition to Samsungs Tab S series.

That said, you can bet on Samsung to up the ante in this regard as well. The Galaxy Tab S8 series, which could arrive early next year, will likely use Qualcomms latest and greatest Snapdragon 895/898 processor. The premium model, i.e. Tab S8 Ultra, is said to sport a 14.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It could also get a massive 12,000mAh battery. You can expect notable upgrades in other areas as well.

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This should only encourage Lenovo to further up its game though, which ultimately benefits consumers. It now remains to be seen if the company can come any closer to Samsung in the flagship Android tablet market.

NOTE: the featured image shows the Lenovo Tab P11, not Tab P12.
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A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds light and variable..

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(by Hossam Rabie) (ANSAmed) - TUTUN (EGYPT), AUGUST 6 - In August last year, Khalid, 23, finally fulfilled his dream to go to Italy. For three years, starting in 2017, this young man from the village of Tutun (or Taton), 25 km west of the city of al-Fayyum, in central Egypt, had carefully prepared. "My friends in Italy asked me to prepare by learning how to be a construction worker, before going", he told ANSAmed.



Tutun is known as "Little Italy" because, although it has only about 54,000 residents, it boasts a community of over 15,000 expats living in the peninsula, according to estimates made by Hussein Mohamed, a city councilor.



"About one-third of the town's inhabitants are currently in Italy. Each family has at least one or two people on the other side of the Mediterranean", the councilor estimated in statements made to ANSAmed.



Although Fayyum is considered a poor governorate, a visit to Tutun gives the opposite impression, at least under the standards of the Egyptian province. Buildings are in better condition than elsewhere, there are "luxury" cafes, pizza places with Italian names, youths who speak in Italian when you meet them in the street. It is unusual for an Egyptian village.



Residents have traditionally worked as farmers: but this sector's crisis starting in the early 2000s, sparked by the gradual elimination of State subsidies to small farmers, together with the ambition of new generations not to work like their fathers, has driven youths to leave their native land. The quick well-being achieved by the first emigrants at the end of the 1990s further encouraged this exodus.



Khalid (not his real name to protect his identity) arrived in Italy through neighboring Libya in the hands of human traffickers. He landed on Lampedusa. His journey was a nightmarish odyssey which he confronted knowing that he would have easily found help once he arrived, thanks to the numerous community from his village residing in Naples, Rome and Milan.



In fact, in just two weeks, he found work in construction and obtained documents in Naples. "If I worked like my father, I would never find the money to get married, to get a life and a home", says the farmer's son. Aware of the situation, Khalid's father encouraged him and helped him go to Italy, selling part of his land to pay for the trip.



"My family lived in a small old home", said a 27-year-old which ANSAmed prefers to identify only as Mustafa. "Our two neighbors - he added - instead built two large luxury homes by using the money sent by their children who are in Italy. It was sad to look at our neighbors' homes and at our old" home, said the youth. He emigrated illegally to Italy in 2015, using money his father had obtained by selling part of his land to finance the trip.



After five years of working in construction in Naples, another youth from Tutun returned to his village. He bought a large piece of land and built a new home for his family and to get married. But he intends to return to Italy. "I can't stay here, there are no services or work that can help me make a living. There isn't even a sewer system in the village", he denounced.



However, the search for wealth is expensive and in bars it is possible to listen to stories, some of them incredible, of youths who risked or lost their lives to take the trip. "I have a friend who looked death in the face", said a 19-year-old. "He was on board a vessel in 2019 in the Mediterranean, travelling to Italy. An unidentified helicopter threw a large rock on the boat with the migrants on board to sink it. My friend made it but he returned to the city traumatized. However, after a few months, I learned that he had left again".



The allegation is questionable or, at least, cannot be easily verified, but it is certain that in September 2016 three youths from Tutun died in a shipwreck in which over 3000 people lost their lives. And in 2019 five others were killed by traffickers in Libya while they were attempting to reach Italy. Such stories, however, do not discourage others who want to leave.



(ANSAmed)
(ANSAmed) - ATHENS, AUGUST 6 - A 38-year-old man died in the village of Ippokratios Politia, near Athens, after he was hit by a light pole uprooted by one of the violent fires that are devastating areas north of Greece's capital, the Greek health ministry announced. He is the first victim of this wave of fires that have been raging in Greece, fueled by scorching temperatures.



Across the country, 16 people who reported minor burns and respiratory distress were hospitalized on Thursday and Friday following violent fires raging in various areas for days, getting closer to Athens. "A dozen people were hospitalized with respiratory problems near the health center of Istiea on the island of Euboea, including two firefighters", said Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Another firefighter and five residents were also hospitalized on Thursday night after reporting light burns in fires that hit some villages north of Athens.



"Our country is dealing with an extremely critical situation", said last night Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis.



Fires have been raging for a week in Greece, also due to the extreme heat registered over the past few days. Along with the wood areas and the villages on the island of Euboea, some 200 km east of Athens, it is mostly the village of Afidnes that was hit last night by the most violent fires, near Mount Parnitha just 30 km from Athens, AFP reported from the area. (ANSAmed).


Hezbollah claims rockets from Lebanon, Israel responds Iron Dome neutralizes most launches

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, AUGUST 6 - At least 10 rockets were fired on Friday morning from southern Lebanon, in the area of the Shebaa Farms, at Israel, near Mount Harmon, in the direction of Israel, military radio reported. According to the broadcaster, the Iron Dome defense system intercepted the majority of rockets. Some of them instead fell on open areas. No victims have been reported so far, the broadcaster said.



Lebanese pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a statement issued by the Shiite group. The statement said 122 mm Katyusha rockets were fired. The statement added that the attack was a "response to Israeli air raids on Thursday night", which had been carried out after several rockets were fired from Lebanon at Israeli territory from May until the beginning of August.



After the attack, Israeli artillery went into action, firing at the 'Shebaa Farms'. Defense Minister Benny Gantz meanwhile has gone to the ministry of defense in Tel Aviv to coordinate Israel's response. (ANSAmed)
(ANSAmed) - MADRID, AUGUST 6 - Caminando Fronteras, an organization specialized in migrations on the Africa-Canary Islands route, has denounced a new tragedy of the sea: a shipwreck with dozens of dead and missing that occurred on Tuesday near the coast of Dakhla, in western Sahara. According to the NGO, 42 people are missing - including 30 women and eight minors - while some fishermen, as reported by local news site Dakhlanews.com, rescued 10 people before the Moroccan Navy intervened.



Dakhlanews reported that yesterday 12 bodies were found, possibly of migrants who died in the shipwreck. Helena Maleno, a well-known activist in Spain and a spokeswoman of Caminado Fronteras, told ANSA that her organization found the survivors: through their accounts - in particular that of a woman who lost two children - it was possible to understand the dynamic of the shipwreck and how many people were missing, she added. The boat on which they were travelling allegedly capsized due to a wave.



Moroccan and Spanish authorities at the moment have not officially confirmed the reports. "It is a conflict zone, many of the shipwrecks that occur there are not reported", said Maleno.



The Spanish maritime rescue service has activated a search operation for an another migrant boat which, according to reports, left the same area of western Sahara on Monday.



(ANSAmed)
Pegasus: journalists file complaint against Israeli firm NSO Reporters sans frontieres formally appeals to UN

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, AUGUST 6 - Seventeen journalists from seven countries targeted by the Pegasus spyware have filed a complaint, together with the NGO Reporters sans frontiers, against the Israeli company that makes Pegasus, NsSO Group.



Reports that Pegasus has been used to spy journalists has made international headlines. These journalists, potential or confirmed victims of the surveillance software, have "formally joined the complaint filed by Reporters sans frontieres (RSF)" together with two French-Moroccan reporters, Maati Monjib and Omar Brouksy, on July 20 with prosecutors in Paris, the organization said. Originally from Azerbaijan, Mexico, India, Spain, Hungary, Morocco and Togo, they "know or have serious reason to fear that they were spied by their government". RSF also said it has formally appealed to the United Nations to "obtain an explanation by the States suspected of having used Pegasus to spy on these journalists".



According to an investigation published on July 18 by a consortium of 17 international media outlets, Pegasus allowed to spy on at least 180 journalists, 600 politicians, 85 human rights activists and 65 entrepreneurs from various countries.



The journalistic investigation is based on a list of 50,000 phone numbers selected by clients of NSO since 2016, obtained by the organizations Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International.



(ANSAmed).




Tunisia: ex-premier Mechichi reappears in public Presents tax returns to anti-corruption authorities

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, AUGUST 6 - Former Tunisian premier, Hichem Mechichi, on Thursday reappeared in public for the first time, after being forced out of office last July 25 by President Kais Saied, to present his tax returns to the Tunisian authority for the fight against corruption (Inlucc). Inlucc gave the news by publishing several photos of Mechichi preparing the documentation provided for by the law that makes it mandatory for high Tunisian officials to present to the institution their financial situation. In the photos, Mechichi appears to be in good health, denying allegations that he had been the victim of violence right after he was fired from his post. Mechichi had announced on social media, on July 26, that he accepted the decisions taken by the head of State "wishing success to the new government team". (ANSAmed)
Tunisia, president Saied urges citizens to get vaccinated 'Virus losing ground thanks to doctors, aid from countries'

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, AUGUST 6 - Tunisian president, Kais Saied, in a video published by his office, has urged citizens to get vaccinated, in particular during an "open day" event organized on Sunday, August 8. "The coronavirus is losing ground thanks to efforts by doctors and medical professionals and foreign countries that helped Tunisia during the epidemic", said the president. "Today, thanks to the efforts made and with the help of countries that are friends, there are vaccines and also oxygen", said Saied, also denouncing that "some have transformed this crisis into a business". Meanwhile, over the past few days the vaccination campaign against Covid has accelerated, after the aid received from several countries worldwide, including Italy with 1.5 million doses sent to Tunis. According to the health ministry, 1,343,678 people have completed the vaccination cycle.



Over 3 million have received at least one dose and more than 4 million have registered on the vaccination platform Evax. The numbers are still relatively low for a country of nearly 12 million inhabitants. (ANSAmed)


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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has returned to Scotlands capital after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However the Fringe has a smaller number of shows in 2021, around a third of which will be online.

Running until August 30, it will feature around 700 in-person and online shows, compared with more than 3,800 shows in 2019.

Edinburghs art, book, film and international festivals are also all going ahead this year.

The Fringe was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus (Jane Barlow/PA)

Scotland moves beyond the Level 0 Covid restrictions on Monday, so a one-metre distancing requirement will remain in place for the first weekend of the Fringe.

However festival-goers are still being encouraged to wear masks, wash hands and give each other space throughout the event.

There will also be a scaled-back schedule of street performances around the city.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said it had worked with the city council and Scottish Government to develop rules for a safe festival.

Chief executive Shona McCarthy said: The Fringe is always a remarkable feat, but this year its nothing short of extraordinary.

In the face of complex restrictions and enormous challenges, the Fringe community has created a diverse and engaging programme of over 700 shows to entertain us, bring us joy, and ultimately do what culture does best: tell stories that help us understand where we are, what weve been through, and where we need to go.

Im enormously proud of the artists, venues, creatives and workers that have made this festival not only possible, but safe, engaging and entertaining.

Its so good to be celebrating the Fringe again this August, and Id like to thank every artist, producer, worker, audience member, funder, sponsor and supporter that has got us here today.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to support the return of these globally significant cultural events and the benefits they bring to Scotland in terms of tourism, trade and our place on the world stage.

Edinburghs festivals were sorely missed last summer and their return is another step in the right direction and testament to the determination of festival organisers, along with the artists, venues and businesses involved.

Im delighted that the Fringe will be able to welcome back audiences and give festival-goers something to cheer this year.
An uncaring mother and her boyfriend have been jailed for killing her three-year-old daughter after the girls cries interrupted their love-making.

Kaylee-Jayde Priest was found dead at the flat where she lived with her mother, Nicola Priest, on August 9 last year, days after Priest sent a text threatening to kill the child.

Jailing Priest at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday for 15 years for her daughters manslaughter, the sentencing judge described how Kaylees injuries had been inflicted in a ferocious assault.

Experts likened her wounds to those of a child hit by a car at 40mph, or from falling three floors on to a concrete floor.

The childs mother rang 999 but a jury convicted Priest after hearing the youngster had been dead before the call was made.

Priests then boyfriend, Callum Redfern, was also convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 14 years.

Kaylee-Jayde Priest was described as a happy child by others (family handout/West Midlands Police/PA)

Priest, of Poplar Avenue, Edgbaston, Birmingham, and Redfern, of Temple Street, Dudley, West Midlands, were cleared of a separate charge of murder.

The youngster, described in court as a lively and happy child, died from serious chest and abdominal injuries inflicted at Priests flat in Solihull.

Medical examinations later showed Kaylee had also suffered historical injuries including broken ribs, lower leg fractures and a broken sternum.

Her mother, who had no previous convictions and whom experts found had a very low level of intelligence, was also found guilty of cruelty to a child, relating to the youngsters previous injuries, though Redfern was cleared of that charge.

At their trial, infatuated Priest, 23, and her 22-year-old lover Redfern, who the judge said was the dominant partner in the relationship, each blamed the other.

Jailing the pair on Friday, Mr Justice Foxton QC said: Kaylee was put to bed some time around 7pm, while the two of you went to have sex in Nicola Priests bedroom.

But like many children her age, Kaylee did not want to go to bed, but to stay up and play.

He said there was no direct evidence as to what happened next, but that Kaylee subsequently vomited repeatedly, later dying of her injuries overnight.

Kaylee-Jade gazes up at her disinterested mother in the lift where they lived, hours before she was killed (West Midlands Police/PA)

The judge said: The vomiting was the result of the severe beating you were both responsible for inflicting on her.

No doubt irritated by Kaylee crying, asking to be let out, it interrupted the two of you when you wanted to have sex.

You lost your tempers and were parties to the assault which cost Kaylee her life.

A prompt call for medical assistance by one or the other of you would have saved Kaylees life.

The judge also told Redfern, who had previous convictions for driving and cannabis possession: You and Nicola Priest shared an uncaring and cruel attitude to Kaylee.

In his police interview, asked how Kaylees death had affected him, Redfern replied: Its not my child its not really affected me.

Priest, wearing a yellow sweater, wept, placing her wrist to her face, as she was jailed. Redfern, in a grey T-shirt and wearing a mask, showed no emotion.

CCTV footage of a disinterested Nicola Priest with her daughter, hours before she killed the youngster (West Midlands Police/PA)

Jurors had heard how Priest would hit Kaylee around the head and refer to her as a f****** brat.

In a text message exchange on July 24 2020, days before Kaylees death, Priest told Redfern: Im gonna kill her because she keeps leaving the living room or going in the kitchen, so Ive paled (hit) her one and smacked her for shitting in her nappy.

Redfern said: Good  give her one from me.

Priest replied: I will, babe.

In CCTV played to court, Kaylee and her mother were seen together for the last time in footage recorded hours before she was fatally injured, with the video showing Priests total disinterest in her daughter.

In a victim impact statement by Kaylees maternal grandmother Debbie Windmill, read out by the Crowns QC Andrew Smith, she said: I want the whole world to know and understand you were truly loved and will be forever missed.

Priest, who was also jailed for three years to be served concurrently for the child cruelty offence, and Redfern must both serve two-thirds of their jail terms before they can be considered for release.
Plastic debris found in thousands of nests across the north west of Europe poses a serious threat to seabirds in the region, researchers have warned.

A four-year study was led by scientists at the North Highland Colleges Environmental Research Institute, part of the University of the Highland and Islands.

Observers visiting seabird colonies for other monitoring activities were asked to help gather data as a cost effective and environmentally friendly way to conduct the study.

Researchers examined 10,274 nests across the UK, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands  with 12% of them found to contain plastic debris.

Information was collected from 14 seabird species in 84 colonies between 2016 and 2020.

Atlantic puffins were found to be the most affected species, with 67% of their nests found to contain plastic.

Data was collected from 84 seabird colonies as part of the research (Danny Lawson/PA)

Dr Neil James, a post-doctoral research associate at the Environmental Research Institute, was one of the scientists involved in the project.

He said: Marine plastic pollution is an increasing global environmental issue which poses a threat to marine biodiversity.

Seabirds are particularly affected because of the risk of entanglement or ingestion.

Our study found that a significant number of nests included plastic debris, with some species more likely to incorporate it than others.

As well as providing important information about our seabird populations, this type of study can also reveal valuable insights into the prevalence of plastic in the marine environment.

The results of the study are published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin and can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112706.
The senior police officer leading the investigation into Streatham terrorist Sudesh Amman has denied suggestions from his familys lawyer that the undercover operation was a failure.

The officer, known only as HA6 to protect his identity, stated there was a lack of evidence against 20-year-old Amman in the days before he struck on February 2 2020, stabbing and injuring two members of the public in broad daylight before being shot dead by armed police.

He said police actions that day prevented further tragedy.

Giving evidence at the inquest into Ammans death on Friday, at the Royal Courts of Justice, the senior officer said: This is a view held by my peers.

CCTV footage of Sudesh Amman running along Streatham High Road as he stabbed passers-by (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The professionalism and the bravery of those officers and what they prevented  it could have been far, far worse.

For those of us in the investigations team, we are grateful for their actions on that day.

The inquest previously heard how Amman was deemed to be one of the most dangerous individuals that police and MI5 teams had investigated, and that police feared an attack would be when, not if during discussions a fortnight ahead of his release.

He was automatically released from Belmarsh prison on January 23 2020, part-way through a 40-month sentence for obtaining and disseminating terrorist materials.

This was despite police pleas to the Belmarsh governor to detain Amman for longer after intelligence suggested he maintained an extremist mindset, wanted to carry out a knife attack in the future, and pledged allegiance to the leader of so-called Islamic State.

Sudesh Amman at the till in Poundland in Streatham on January 31 2020 where he bought items including four bottles of Irn-Bru, parcel tape and kitchen foil, two days before the attack (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Amman, who is originally from Coventry and of Sri Lankan descent, but was previously of Harrow in north-west London, spent 10 days living in a bail hostel in Streatham, south London, during which time undercover police teams monitoring him remarked at his concerning behaviour.

Amman was seen by covert police buying four bottles of Irn-Bru, kitchen foil and parcel tape from a local Poundland on January 31, items which were used to fashion a fake suicide belt he wore during his rampage on Streatham High Road two days later.

But they said there was not enough evidence to arrest him and feared searching his room would blow their cover.

Rajiv Menon QC, for Ammans family, accused police of making the wrong call not to intervene at the time.

HA6 replied: Given the threat he posed, the methodology of the attack, I would counter that by saying the police stopped an attack that could have been far, far worse.

He added: If he (Amman) had been arrested, he would have been back out in the community and would have had an operational advantage.

It would have made our response harder.

The inquest continues.
A trial date has been set for three people charged following the death of a five-year-old boy whose body was discovered in a river in South Wales.

Logan Mwangi was found dead in the Ogmore River near Pandy Park in Bridgend after police were called to a report of a missing child at 5.45am on Saturday.

He was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in the town, where it was confirmed that he had died.

John Cole, 39, of Sarn, Bridgend, appeared before Newport Crown Court on Friday afternoon charged with Logans murder and perverting the course of justice.

Angharad Williamson, 30, of Sarn, and a youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also appeared before the court charged with perverting the course of justice.

Cole and the youth were present in court for the hearing, while Williamson appeared by video link.

Judge Michael Fitton told Cole and Williamson: You are remanded in custody and you will be produced at court for the plea and trial preparation hearing.

In terms of a trial date, what we are proposing to do is to list the case for trial on January 31 next year.

He listed the case for a plea and trial preparation hearing, which will take place in front of Mrs Justice Jefford, on November 12.

The judge remanded both Cole and Williamson into custody and the youth into the care of the local authority.

Charges allege that Cole murdered Logan between July 28 and August 1.

Cole, Williamson and the youth are alleged to have perverted the course of justice on the same dates.

No pleas were entered to the charges during the hearing on Friday.

After news of his death emerged, family friends paid tribute to Logan as a kind, funny, polite, handsome & clever boy.

People  many who did not know Logan  have left flowers, tributes, toys and teddies in front of the police cordon by the river.

South Wales Police announced that Cole, Williamson and the youth had been charged shortly before 1am on Thursday.

A hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon heard Logan had suffered injuries before his death.

These allegedly included a torn liver, internal injury to the back of his head, and a broken collarbone.

The three defendants will next appear before Newport Crown Court on November 12.
An urgent intervention is needed to secure Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffes release from prison, her husband and lawyers have said.

Richard Ratcliffe also warned it was inevitable his wife would face an autumn in court unless the UK and other countries called out hostage-taking as a crime.

The warning comes as Mr Ratcliffe and a legal team for his wife have filed a special request to the UN, asking for it to work with both the UK and Iran to see Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe freed.

Mr Ratcliffe said: We have been relatively quiet these past months, waiting and hoping that the Governments negotiations with Iran would finally deliver.

But these weeks events  Irans announcements that hostage negotiations are again on hold, and the attacks on shipping that resulted in two lost lives  were a signal that things have again turned for the worse with the change of government in Iran.

He added: I met the Foreign Secretary this week to get his sense of things. He insisted the negotiations had come close, hoped they could be picked up again under the new regime, and that he was determined not to leave any Brits behind.

I told him I feared the tide had turned, and that a summer of drift would become an autumn in court. I see that now as inevitable, unless the UK and the international community takes a much firmer stand against state hostage taking, and calls it out as a crime.

An urgent action request and individual complaint has been filed on Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffes behalf by non-profit organisation REDRESS and two barristers at Doughty Street Chambers.

This requests that the UNs Working Group on Arbitrary Detention should engage with the UK and Iranian governments to free Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, following her prosecution for a second time.

The request comes in anticipation of an appeal for her second conviction and sentence being scheduled by Irans Revolutionary Court.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to five years in prison in Iran in 2016, spending four years in Evin Prison.

She spent the final year of her sentence under house arrest in Tehran, but after her release this year was convicted of spreading propaganda against the regime.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family have reportedly been told by Iranian authorities that she is being detained because of the UKs failure to pay an outstanding 400 million debt to Iran.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Iran was at a crossroads with the inauguration of new president, Ebrahim Raisi.

Mr Raab condemned the continued detention of Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe and the attack on the Mercer Street oil tanker in the gulf of Oman on July 29, which the UK Government believes Iran is responsible for.

A Government spokesperson said: Irans continued arbitrary detention of our dual nationals is unacceptable. We urge the Iranian authorities to release the detainees without any further delay.
Nightclubs are set to reopen and all restrictions on meeting others are to be removed in Wales, in the biggest easing of coronavirus measures since the pandemic began.

First Minister Mark Drakeford stressed that the change does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all when he confirmed that Wales will move to alert Level 0 on Saturday.

Face masks will continue to be required in most indoor public places, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings, but will no longer be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served.

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The Welsh Government has also announced that the country will replicate changes to restrictions on international travel being made in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged for patience from the travel industry and holidaymakers, after he was told to open up travel more quickly to protect jobs.

Mr Johnson told broadcasters: We want people to get away if they possibly can, we are just saying that obviously this year is going to be a bit trickier, we just ask for a bit of patience but weve got to balance the two objectives.

Elsewhere, it has been announced that live events are set to be covered by a Government-backed 750 million insurance scheme in a bid to stop a second summer of mass cancellations due to the pandemic.

(PA Graphics)

Industry figures have been calling for such a scheme to help them recover from the pandemic and be able to plan events without the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak leaving them out of pocket.

The Government has announced it has partnered with Lloyds to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme as part of the Treasurys Plan for Jobs.

The Government will act as a reinsurer and offer a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer products to cover organisers if state restrictions shut events down.

But Labours shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens called it the bare minimum, adding: Anything less than lockdown, like the reintroduction of social distancing or artists or crew having to self-isolate, isnt covered.

Yet again the Government has dithered, delayed and come up with a solution that doesnt address the problem.

Meanwhile, in a bid to drive up the number of young people getting the vaccine, its benefits will be broadcast to partygoers in nightclubs.

(PA Graphics)

Veteran venues including Ministry of Sound and Heaven will help push messaging surrounding the jab at their venues, while Heaven will also host a vaccine event on Sunday.

The Department of Health and Social Care said more than two-thirds of young adults aged 18 to 29 have received one dose of the vaccine but there have been concerns over the uptake of the jab among younger people.

Latest Government figures show a further 86 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Thursday, taking the UK total to 130,086.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 155,000 deaths registered in the UK where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate.

As of 9am on Thursday, there had been a further 30,215 lab-confirmed cases in the UK.
Two North Carolina men who have already been charged with the rape of a 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman who overdosed and died while visiting Miami Beach on spring break have now been charged with first-degree murder.

A Miami-Dade County grand jury indicted the men on Wednesday and subsequently tacked on the additional first-degree charge against one of the defendants who is accused of killing a man three days after the death of Christine Englehardt.

Prosecutors argued that the two tourists died from an overdose of fentanyl and the grand jury agreed, finding Evoire Collier and Dorian Taylor culpable as they supplied the opioid to both Englehardt. Taylor was also charged with providing the drug to Walter Riley, 21, of Chicago.

Christine Englehardt was 24 when she died.





Christine Englehardt was 24 when she died.

In the grand jurys report, it was found that the suspects killed Englehardt while raping and robbing her, stemming from the unlawful distribution of fentanyl. The report added that Collier and Taylor unlawfully entered Englehardts hotel room and then proceeded to sexually assault her.

Prosecutors also presented evidence that showed both men used the credit cards stolen from Englehardt to buy products from a liquor store and the Sugar Factory.

The attorney representing Collier, Phil Reizenstein, came out swinging against the grand jurys decision, saying that he was stunned by the indictment. He added that the medical examiner was unable to pinpoint the drug that led to her death due to the multitude of substances found in her system, according to the Miami Herald.

I think theyre going to regret doing this, Reizenstein said. I think by the time Im finished with them, theyre never going to be able to say she died of this.

North Carolinians Evoire Collier, left, and Dorian Taylor are suspected of providing a green pill that led to the death of a Pennsylvania woman in her Miami Beach hotel room on Thursday, March 18.





North Carolinians Evoire Collier, left, and Dorian Taylor are suspected of providing a green pill that led to the death of a Pennsylvania woman in her Miami Beach hotel room on Thursday, March 18.

Due to the nature of the charges and in conjunction with Florida law, the two men are being held at a correctional center and were denied bond.

Both men were initially arrested on March 23, five days after Englehardt was found dead in her hotel room. They were charged with sexual battery, burglary with battery, credit card fraud and petty theft.

The two pleaded not guilty to those charges, despite Collier saying that he had given to Englehardt a green pill and raped her unconscious body before escaping with her belongings, according to the arrest report.

Last month the medical examiner said that the pills that Englehardt ingested were done so in a rapidly fatal manner. Findings also showed that her blood alcohol level was near .20, nearly three times the legal limit. The medical examiner added that asphyxia may have potentially lead to her death.
WASHINGTON  Top public health officials are warning about an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths, figures that represent a bitter setback in the fight to end the pandemic.

Across the board, we are seeing increases in cases and hospitalizations in all age groups, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said during a Thursday briefing by the White House pandemic response team. She noted that as of Monday, a full 83 percent of all counties in the U.S. were experiencing substantial or high transmission of the coronavirus, a trend driven almost entirely by the viruss Delta variant.

The discouraging news is a refutation to earlier, rosier predictions. From the beginning, we have known that this virus is unpredictable, White House pandemic response coordinator Jeff Zients said on Thursday, though he argued that the administrations relentless vaccination push was showing fresh signs of progress.

The coronavirus has shown a frustrating resilience. New variants of the pathogen could extend the pandemic into 2022.

It was supposed to be over by now.

Well Have Herd Immunity by April, went the headline of a Wall Street Journal op-ed published on Feb. 18, 2021. Vaccines were just becoming widely available, and the winter surge appeared to be subsiding. There is reason to think the country is racing toward an extremely low level of infection, predicted the articles author, Dr. Marty Makary, a cancer surgeon at Johns Hopkins.

Like most other predictions about the pandemic, this one turned out to be incorrect. It is now August, and while things are not nearly as bleak as they were throughout most of 2020, the more transmissible Delta variant has prolonged the pandemic, scuttling visions of a nationwide summer reopening.

We are backsliding, says Dr. Leana Wen, the former health commissioner of Baltimore, when we could be putting the pandemic behind us through vaccination.

There are, to be sure, reasons for optimism, including when it comes to inoculation rates that had been stagnant for weeks. On Thursday, Zients revealed that 864,000 people had been vaccinated on Wednesday, the highest number since July 3. Notably, he said that vaccinations had increased in Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee, where infections have recently soared.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky at a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., on July 20. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool/Reuters)

Clearly, Americans are seeing the impact of being unvaccinated and unprotected, Zients said at the press briefing. The vaccines continue to be exceptionally effective in protecting against severe disease and death. On the rare occasions when the coronavirus does break through the protections the vaccines offer, the resulting bout of COVID-19 tends to be mild.

Overall, only 49.9 percent of all Americans are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. That figure doesnt account for those who have natural immunity from having fought off COVID-19, developing antibodies in the process. Nor is the vaccine approved yet for children under 12, though they tend to become ill much more rarely than do adults.

That means the reprieve that began in spring is just about over. During the Thursday briefing, Walensky said that the seven-day average of cases had risen sharply to 89,463 new cases per day, an increase of 43.3 percent over the previous reporting period. Only two months ago, the nation finally saw a day with fewer than 10,000 new cases  and a weekly average of fewer than 15,000 new cases.

There couldnt be a clearer sign that things were improving. But what should have been a turning point turned out to be a brief spell of calm. Soon after that dip, cases started rising again, just as some epidemiologists predicted they would if more people did not become vaccinated and communities cast off all restrictions.

Even more worrying than rising case rates are a 41.1 percent increase in the seven-day average of new hospitalizations last week, as compared to the week ending on June 26, and a 39.3 percent rise in deaths during roughly the same period. There is now an average of 381 coronavirus deaths per day. Deaths fell below 300 per day in June, but, like infection rates, have risen since then.

Rachel Steury receives a COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday at a clinic in Springfield, Mo. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

For much of the summer, the nation appeared to be in a post-pandemic mindset, even as Delta was already spreading. President Biden absolutely declared a victory too soon, Wen recently told Yahoo News, referring to his July 4 address on our independence from a deadly virus.

Those remarks came after a spring that saw more than 100 million Americans vaccinated. As vaccination rates continued to climb, the public and many elected leaders appeared to exhale and relax.

That looks to have been a mistake.

In mid-May, the CDC announced that vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks. Right around that time, the most cautious regions of the United States announced that they would be lifting the last restrictions on activities like indoor dining and concerts.

The pandemic appeared to be over. It is time to resume normal life, wrote social critic Yascha Mounk.

Already, though, a new variant of the coronavirus was on its way. Delta had first been identified in India and had spent much of the spring proliferating through the United Kingdom, where it delayed reopening plans.

Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill on July 20. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

We cannot let that happen in the United States, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the presidents top science adviser, said on June 8, referring to the rapid spread of Delta in the U.K.

Early studies indicated that the Delta variant had features that made it more transmissible than other variants of the coronavirus. Still, vaccines were highly effective  and continue to be. Public health officials have said over and over that vaccinations are the only effective endgame against the virus.

Of course, for vaccines to be effective, they have to be injected into arms. Despite a bevy of incentives from federal, state and local officials, Americans lost interest in the vaccination drive with the arrival of warmer weather. A flood of misinformation about the vaccines also appears to have hurt the effort. Even offers of free booze and guns failed to persuade the recalcitrant.

The last time more than a million people were vaccinated on a single day was June 11, according to the CDC. By then, vaccination rates had been in a steady decline since early April, when more than 3 million people were being vaccinated daily. Doses were coveted, sending some people hunting for shots.

Health care workers treat a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Mo., on Tuesday. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Now that the Delta variant has made landfall, people are eager to get vaccinated again. But it takes as long as two weeks for a fully immunized person to develop antibodies against the coronavirus, and people now receiving their first shot of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna will need to wait several weeks before receiving a second shot, without which there is little protection against Delta.

Nothing can be done about these waiting periods, meaning that the coronavirus will continue to spread for much of August, even as governors like Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas have resisted mask mandates that would offer an added layer of protection.

Earlier this week  about a month later than hoped  the nation reached President Bidens goal of immunizing 70 percent of American adults. Yet experts now believe that about 80 percent of the population has to be vaccinated (or retain natural immunity from a previous COVID-19 illness) to achieve herd immunity.

The picture today is notably more bleak than it was a month ago, when the end of the pandemic seemed to be near. Were closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus, Biden said during a White House event on July 4.

Now, suddenly, independence feels more distant. There are fears of new lockdowns, of schools reverting to Zoom, of weddings and vacations canceled. There are debates over eviction moratoriums and travel restrictions. Masks are back. So are worries about just how long this pandemic will last. For at least a little while longer, it seems.

____

Read more from Yahoo News:
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IDBank and Idram summed up the results of the next program of the Power of One Dram initiative: the entire amount collected during June and July, AMD 6.925.000 was transferred to the Military Insurance Fund.

This is our next support to the 1000+ fund, as we realize the importance of the care of our society for people who have not spared their lives and health. Therefore, we try to be useful to our heroes in all possible ways, said Gor Amiryan, the head of marketing department of Idram company.

I would like to thank you for the implementation of the initiative. It seems that one dram is a small amount, but in fact, the power of numbers is at work here, and the more transactions, the more they grow, which is the ideology of our military insurance system. There are similarities in philosophies, said Varuzhan Avetikyan, director of the Insurance Foundation for Servicemen.

As Tatevik Vardevanyan, the head of Communications unit of the Bank mentioned, the main focus of the Power of One Dram initiative was education. However, as a result of the war, companies keep the servicemen and their families in the spotlight. The next beneficiary of the program is the Vahe Meliksetyan Foundation. Vahe died in the third Artsakh war, providing medical assistance to a wounded soldier. He was a clinical pharmacist by profession and did everything to popularize his profession. Today the foundation continues its mission. For this reason, we decided to support the educational initiatives of the foundation, said Tatevik Vardevanyan.

According to Vahe Meliksetyan's brother, Sargis Meliksetyan, who is the executive director of the foundation, the educational-medical foundation was created to implement Vahe's professional ideas and goals. Starting from September we are going to provide named scholarships to the residents of YSMU after Heratsi, who chose the profession of a clinical pharmacist, we are also going to come up with a legislative initiative. Vahe believed that as in the developed countries, in Armenia each hospital should have clinical pharmacists as well, which would significantly reduce the huge costs of inappropriate drug treatment, as well as reduce the damage to the health of patients as a result of inappropriate drug intake. I learned about the Power of One Dram initiative almost a year ago, and I really liked the idea. I could not even imagine that one day we will become the beneficiaries of this wonderful initiative. I am very grateful to IDBank and Idram for their trust, support and for becoming the first major partner.

Until July 31, the Bank and Idram have transferred almost 34 million AMD to various programs and initiatives.

The companies remind that everyone can contribute so that a larger amount is transferred to the beneficiaries of the "Power of One Dram initiative, just by making all payments through the Idram&IDBank application, the IDBanking.am online platform or through the terminals of the companies. It all starts with one dram.

Through the Idram&IDBank application, you can make payments at more than 5500 points of sale and in more than 400 online stores. You can find the list of partners here.

COMPANIES ARE CONTROLLED BY CBA
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian positions in Yeraskh near the border with Azerbaijan came under Azerbaijani gunfire around 12:10, August 6. The Azerbaijani military used various caliber firearms in the attack. As a result, the grass area in the neutral zone caught fire, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said in a news release.

The Armenian side is carrying out actions of countering and suppressing the enemy fire. There are no casualties from the Armenian side, the defense ministry said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military servicemen are deliberately setting fires to lands privately owned by people and to lands in their immediate vicinity with intentional criminal acts of arson near the Ararat provinces Yeraskh village of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page.

Today, the Office of the Human Rights Defender received alarming-calls that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces started shootings in the immediate vicinity of, and in the direction of the Ararat provinces Yeraskh village of Armenia using small and large caliber weapons. The village is located at a distance of around 1 km from Azerbaijani positions.

The shootings by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces grossly violate the rights of residents in Yeraskh and neighboring villages.

As a direct consequence of the fires, the residents of Yeraskh and neighboring villages are not able to conduct agricultural work. Moreover, the shootings and the fires set have destroyed the peace and normal life of people in Yeraskh especially'', he wrote.
ASHLAND  The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center distributed more food in 2020 than it has in any year since its inception.

In all, 479,090 pounds of food went to Ashland County residents in 2020 through the Kroc Centers food pantry, commodity supplemental food program, and hot meal programs, according to data collected by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Above and beyond these figures, the Ashland Kroc also distributed 7,488 emergency boxes of produce, dairy, and meat provided through the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) Farmers-to-Families program, as well as shelf-stable boxes provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

With support from the State of Ohio, the Kroc Center also served 4,328 Summer Food Service Program lunches and 4,328 Summer Food Service Program snacks to children in Ashland County.

The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center continues to serve Ashland County in 2021 as the economic consequences of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic continue to unwind. To learn more, volunteer, or support the Ashland Kroc Center, please visit www.ashlandkroc.org or call 419-281-8001.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services.

By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country.

In the first-ever listing of Americas Favorite Charities by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the countrys largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @AshlandKroc and #DoingTheMostGood.
kWh

SUV

EV

Originally envisioned on the FCA Small Wide 4x4 vehicle architecture that Jeep uses for the Compass, the all-new model could very well feature a platform developed by Groupe PSA. The problem is, we dont know for certain because Alfa Romeo has been suspiciously quiet in this regard. The only thing we know for certain is that Jean-Philippe Imparato, the chief executive officer at Stellantis, wasnt pleased with the plug-in hybrid powertrain If the all-new Tonale does get Compass underpinnings, then look forward to a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a torque-converter automatic transmission, a rear-mounted electric motor for all-electric and hybrid propulsion, as well as an 11.4-battery. The 4xe twins from Jeep deliver just around 50 kilometers (31 miles) of zero-emissions driving range, which is pretty alright for a vehicle of this footprint and curb weight.Spied in Bella Italia with loads of camouflage on every single panel - including the wheels - the smaller brother of the Stelvio features placeholder taillights and series-production headlights. The LED turn signals are particularly nice, and the overall design is different enough from the Compass. The carparazzi have also caught a glimpse of the interior, which features a piece of dashboard-like padded trim where the multimedia touchscreen should be. Just like the rear-driven Giulia sedan and Stelvio, the sexy-looking steering wheel shows an engine start button on the left-hand side.The Alfa Romeo Tonale replaces the Giulietta compact hatchback in the Italian automakers lineup, and sooner rather than later, a B-segment crossover by the name of Brennero will be welcomed as the sister model to the Jeep Renegade. The Brennero, however, will employ the CMP/e-CMP vehicle architecture from Groupe PSA because itll also be offered as an
If youre not familiar with OPS-SAT, its a satellite thats only 11.8-inch (30 cm) high, which was designed exclusively as a flying laboratory for testing a brand-new, highly advanced mission control system, since it would have been too much of a risk to test it on any current mission.One thing is for sure, and that is the fact that more space missions are being launched today , than ever before. Its not just a numbers game, but also a much wider variety of tasks. Satellites, for example, have evolved so much that they can monitor with precision landmasses, oceans, climate changes, as well as helping to clean up space debris. All of this requires a powerful brain  to quickly receive commands, perform tasks and send back vital information.This powerful software would have to be able to operate bigger missions simultaneously. Basically, several operators, in different countries and control centers, could collaborate and share expertise, which is important especially during critical missions Called the European Ground System - Common Core (EGS-CC), this next-generation mission control system has been developed by ESA together with other European space agencies and industry partners. After years of hard work, now it was time to test the EGS-CC on the OPS-SAT. During the test, teams at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC) used the control system to monitor and guide the 11.8-inch satellite.This was an important milestone that opens the way for future use of the new spaceflight brain. ESA has already taken the next step and is now selecting which of the current missions can switch over to the new software. Starting form 2025, all future missions will be operated using the EGS-CC control system, for a new era of multi-mission control.
SUV

The American designer first made a name for himself by penning the double-decker spoiler of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Over at BMW, Stephenson gave us the first-ever X5and the modern MINI Hatch. Frank is also responsible for the Ferrari F430, Maserati MC12, Maserati GranTurismo, Fiat 500, and pretty much every McLaren from the MP4-12C to the 720S.With that kind of resume, its obvious that Stephenson knows a thing or two about whats beautiful and whats not in terms of automotive design. The 2 Series Coupe falls in the latter category, and the worst offender is the rear.Frank also criticizes how many angles and surfaces have zero functions to them, fussing up the design without any purpose whatsoever. On the upside, the 61-year-old Stephenson gives the Bavarian automaker the stamp of approval for giving the G42 a right-sized front grille instead of a pig snout.The cartoonish side profile isnt exactly pleasant either, but Frank does like the greenhouse a lot. Stephenson further highlights the super-talented gentlemen who sketched the 2 Series Coupe in the first place, Jose Alberto Casas, but the original sketch has somehow morphed into the overstyled atrocity that debuted last month at the '21 Goodwood Festival of Speed.Frank ends his stylistic review with a little story. More to the point, the stand where the 2 Series Coupe was parked at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was the loneliest place Ive ever seen in such a context. No viewers looking at the car, nobody stopping and looking at the car from afar, it was on its own. It was the loneliest sight that Ive ever seen, signed off Frank.
SUV

Fans of the reinvented sixth-generation Broncohad to wait no less than a year from the moment of its official introduction back in July 2020 to the happy times when the vehicles started churning out the Ford MAP (Michigan Assembly Plant) factory gates. So, its only logical they had enough time to imagine all sorts of personalization options.Since we are dealing with a legendary off-road nameplate, its only logical that many owners will seek to enhance the native abilities of the Bronco even further. And chief among the possible modifications would be a lift kit for the suspension , or so reckon the good folks over at the Town and Country TV channel on YouTube.Blue Oval fans probably know this Ford dealership in Birmingham, Alabama a little bit better by now thanks to their constant social media presence with instructive tidbits on both the Bronco and other hot stuff, such as the 2022 Maverick bite-sized pickup truck . After all, these are the same folks that were crazy/confident enough to help The Bronco Nation fit 37-inch tires on a non-Sasquatch 4-Door just to see if the SUV will cope.Yes, all the advice helps them with their business. After all, the company has a dealership but also includes an aftermarket presence through their TCcustoms subsidiary. But we feel its a win-win situation because the host, Mitchell S. Watts (who is going to trade in a lifted 2017 Raptor for a new Bronco soon), has a way of touching some of the most important points for the aficionados.On this occasion, he also enlisted the help of a colleague to discuss the ten things to know before starting a lift kit project on the 2021 Bronco. And we feel they strike gold again because most of the instructions (save for the specific parts that are built specifically for the Broncos) can be used for lifting just about any SUV or pickup truck out there.
CAS

No speeding citations were issued during the exercise. pic.twitter.com/isAoy05FoV  @MSPNorthernMI (@mspnorthernmi) August 5, 2021

Fortunately though, it was a deliberate action, all part of an exercise carried out by the Michigan Air National Guard.The Northern Strike is a multinational exercise meant to test the capabilities of the National Guard in case of an attack. Its been part of Michigans National Guard training since 2012, but this particular one was a first.Simulating an attack at the base they took off from, several A-10 Thunderbolt II  Warthogs  had to safely land on highway M-32, pretend theyre rearming and refueling, and then fly back into combat.Four Warthogs were used for this exercise, along with two C-146, engaging in Agile Combat Employment (ACE), as explained by Col. Matt Robins, commander of the Michigan Air National Guards 127th Operations Group, quoted by Military Times This wasnt even the first time a military aircraft uses a civilian roadway for these purposes, as Robins explained theyve done it before, but overseas. However, it was a first in the United States, with the whole purpose of the demonstration being for them to build confidence in what they already knew they are capable of.The A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog is a single-seat jet aircraft designed for(close air support). Developed by Fairchild Republic (now part of the Northrop Grumman), for the U.S. Air Force , it entered service in 1976. With a bold, aggressive look, this straight-wing animal is equipped with a GAU-8 Avenger gun on its nose.It can fly at altitudes of 45,000 ft (approximately 13,600 meters), reaching speeds of 420 mph (676 kph) and being able to cover ranges of up to 800 miles (1,287 km) on a single outing. A titanium armor protects both the pilots as well as some parts of the flight-control system.
Wait, back that up a second. What do the Diesel Brothers have in common with a school bus recovery mission? And how in the world did a school bus end up stuck on the Bonneville Salt Flats? All of these are good questions, and luckily, we have the answers for them.So, its actually just half of the friendly duo (theyre not actual brothers, just very close amigos), namely David Heavy D Sparks that gets involved with the mission. No worries, hes got an entire team to back him up, as well as a very trusty sidekick . Its the one and only Freedom monster bus. And were not using the term loosely since its riddled with monster truck parts.Check out that rear-wheel steering system in action during the town driving part at the 2:25 mark. No worries, theyre not taking the humongous former school bus directly to the salt flats. Instead, it gets strapped on the trailer of a Kenworth tow truck  even though its almost too much for the platform.So, the setup is quite interesting, as we find out from the 6:45 mark, as theres a storm approaching  if rain catches them on site, then its goodbye any chances of rescue and they could end up sending a distress call. So, after the drive to location (9:05), its time for some gorgeous footage with the Freedom Bus on the dried lakebed. Dont skip it at 13:53, its well worth the time.Then, from the 16:25 mark, its the moment of truth. As in, the explanation behind his friends decision to take a yellow school bus on the freakin Bonneville Salt Flats. Wait, it gets even better, as it turns out this Huner dude is out of his mind. Literally. He attempted to ghost-ride his school bus and climb the front bumper to do something for the cameras...And of course, he failed, fell to the ground (injuries did occur, though light ones), and the school bus continued alone until it dug itself into the ground. So, this epic rescue mission is for somebody with less sense than... you can put your own imagination to work.Anyways, the first attempts start at the 18:55 mark and they are equally astounding fails, complete with ripped cable hooks and all. But the drone shots are just marvelous, well give them that. And, from the 26-minute mark, theres a flawless victory ...
Located in San Vigilio di Marebbe, a small village in the heart of the Dolomites mountains in Italy, Hotel Al Plan offers plenty of suites with incredible views for those looking to get away from the city and relax in the middle of nature. And, if you're a motorcycle fan, a petrolhead, or an aviation lover, this might be the perfect place for you.The hotel has a selection of rooms to satisfy anyone's taste. Harlistas can book a special spot decked in the brand's well-known orange accents. The first thing you're gonna notice (after you get your H-D-themed key to enter the room) is the big Bar and Shield logo placed above the bed. In a classy white-black-orange color scheme, the suite features chairs composed of a saddle and floorboards, a table with fenders inside, and motorcycle tank sections integrated into the nightstands.If you're more of a Ducati fan, you'll enter the Ducati Corse room stylishly finished in the iconic brand's red color. Next to the bed, there is an illuminated stand with miniature motorcycles, and, to the left, you'll see a mannequin suited up in Ducati Corse branding.The Vespa room repurposes components such as rear-wheel covers, engines, frames as ornamental elements for devoted scooter lovers. The company's green color wraps up the whole room. One wall is covered with a big portrait of Vespa racers, while the other is illuminated by a miniature Vespa model display. Helmets can be found on chairs and tables and, on the balcony, you'll even get a glimpse of a wheel attached to the ceiling.For classic car lovers, the Fiat room is an excellent choice. Everything is purposefully arranged and decored to give it a vintage vibe. On the wall, there's a Fiat Balilla hood on display, and a Fiat Campagnola hood serves as sink support. Next to the bed, repurposed as nightstands are some Balilla fenders. Of course, there's also a collection of vintage miniature Fiat cars to complete the whole package.For those that are more into aircraft, the Aeronautica room is for you. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in aviation and the myth of the Frecce tricolori, Italy's national acrobatic air patrol. Right when you enter the suite, there is an Italian Air Force pilot suit waiting for you to admire. However, the piece de resistance is on the balcony, where once you step in, you're greeted by a real Frecce tricolori cockpit pointed towards the Dolomites.
EV

Customers in that country seem to be used to buying used cars from the U.S., even those that were never officially sold in Ukraine. That was the case with Laguta Valeriy , the man who imported a Chevrolet Boltto Kyiv and saw it burn down on September 30, 2019. It was probably the first to present the fire issue that will now make GM spend about $800 million replacing defective battery packs.As an independent importer, Valeriy will not have any coverage from GM even if the defect is now proven. The same thing will happen to whoever bought Rodriguezs lemon. He sold it back to Tesla precisely because the company could not (or did not want to) fix the water leak. What happened later is a mystery. Well soon see videos from a poor soul in Ukraine complaining about the same weird problem.It is not clear why Ukrainians buy these vehicles from the U.S. They may do it because they are not sold in their country. Another possibility is that they are much cheaper than the ones which they can find in dealerships there. Now they know why.Some American automakers do lemon laundering by selling defective cars from certain states in other ones, with lax consumer regulation. If they can sell them to other countries, that is even better.For customers interested in these bargains, what if they are lemons like the one Rodriguez managed to sell back to Tesla? What if they have an issue that will make them burn to the ground, like Valeriys Bolt EV Ukrainian customers seem to be more exposed to this, but this may be a valid lesson to buyers all over the world: do not buy a vehicle without access to its previous issues. Ponder about the lack of legal backup to return a chronically defective machine. You may end up seeing live what you could watch only on Rodriguezs YouTube channel . While he got rid of it, you may end up with an expensive  and worldwide known  lemon.
ICE

AMG

I still cant believe the twin-turbo V12 land missile came out in January 2011, but on the other hand, Pagani has always been a low-volume company with little in the way of disposable cash. Most of the automakers moolah goes into perfecting existing models, and yes, that would be the plural form.Remember the 760 Venti Roadster from 2019? Thats a one-off Zonda that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Zonda. The Modena-based automaker switched from a free-breathing V12 to forced induction for the Huayra, and the M 158 engine is featured in the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta as well.Italian for Storm Package, this fellow follows in the footsteps of the Huayra Imola with 815 horsepower (827 PS) and 811 pound-feet (1,100 Nm) of torque. Presented at the Monterey Car Week, the aero-crazy machine makes itself heard through six tailpipes instead of the typical quad-tailpipe layout.The go-faster makeover further includes a new splitter up front, a dedicated intake, an integrated central fin for the ginormous wing out back, and a re-tuned suspension that boasts a Soft Driving setting. Pagani also makes a case for striking interior details although no pictures of the cabin have been published by the Italian automaker at the moment of writing this piece.Incredible though it may be, the Huayra in Benny Caiola Pacchetto Tempesta configuration is a little underwhelming compared to modern hypercars. A successor is coming next year according to big kahuna Horacio Pagani, and there are two details we know for certain about the newcomer.Internally known as the C10, the yet-to-be-named model will feature an-only powertrain in the guise of a new-generation V12 twin-turbo mill. The founder and chief executive officer didnt say too much about it, but he did point out that Mercedes-s engine will be homologated until 2026.
Salon Prive Week, now in its 16th year, will once again highlight the best of the automotive and motorcycle worlds. Any car enthusiast and motorcycle aficionado will drool at the most incredible supercars and classics and alongside the rarest motorcycles.

11 photos
Surprisingly, Kimball Musk, Elon Musks brother and a Tesla board member, was the first one to do that. In February, he sold $25.56 million worth of stock , but he still had 599,740 shares.In March, Zachary Kirkhorn sold 1,250 Tesla shares for $819,762. Hes the companys CFO (Chief Financial Officer), or  as Musk prefers to call him  Master of Coin.Panasonic followed suit. The Japanese battery makers ties with Tesla are old, and it still runs Giga Nevada with the American automaker, but that did not stop it from selling all of its Tesla stocks in the last fiscal year.It bought 1.4 million shares at a unitary price of $21.15 when Tesla made its IPO in June 2010. Panasonic started selling them in 2020 got rid of the remaining stake in March. It corresponded to 81 billion yen, or $730 million. We only learned about the deal on June 25, 2021. In total, Panasonic made $3.9 billion in profits.On June 3, Tesla informed that Jerome Guillen was no longer with the company. On June 10, the most important executive Tesla had, apart from Elon Musk, started selling all the shares he had in the company, pocketing around $274 million.On July 8, Vaibhav Taneja sold 4,459 Tesla shares . The companys CAO (Chief Accounting Officer) raised $2,950,029.81 with the deal. Denholm was just the most recent top executive to do the same.Apart from Guillen, all other people and companies mentioned here are still involved with Tesla. Of course, you may face a financial emergency and need to raise $800,000, $2 million, $22 million, or $25 million However, that may have affected other investors.In March, the billionaire Ron Baron got rid of 1.8 million Tesla shares allegedly because they would be representing a large percentage of some portfolios. In May, the Scottish fund Baillie Gifford & Co. sold 11.1 million shares, representing 1.2% of Teslas total shares. In the same month, Michael Burry revealed he had a short position of $534 million against the company . You know Burry thanks to "The Big Short" movie.With this landscape, any movement may call the attention of investors. When significant executives in the company sell their shares, that may cause an impact, regardless of their personal reasons to do so.
kWh

WLTP

The German marque's latest model is based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform, also known as the MEB platform, and it comes with all-wheel drive through its configuration that involves two electric motors, one for each axle.Along with the fact that this is the first electric SUV-coupe from Volkswagen, this model also comes with Car2X communication technology, which will allow the vehicle to communicate with infrastructure or other similarly equipped cars. Naturally, over-the-air updates are also available, so Tesla did several things right in the automotive industry.The ID.5 GTX shares its underpinnings with the ID.4 GTX, which means we can expect the top-of-the-line model to come with a 77-battery. The ID.4 GTX comes with 295 hp, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds. While not world-beating quick, it is still quick, and it can reach a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).We must note that the ID.4 GTX's top speed is electronically limited, as is the top speed of the ID.4 and ID.3. Both are limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) to preserve range, but the GTX variant gets to go faster just because to go faster so the customers have more bragging rights. Except for unlimited parts of the German Autobahn, both top speeds are more than enough to land you a fine in any country in the world.While Volkswagen has refrained from providing too many details about the performance of the ID.5 GTX, the German company projects arange of up to 497 km (308 miles) in the WLTP cycle. In comparison, the VW ID.4 GTX can drive up to 298 miles (480 km) in the WLTP driving cycle. The ID.4 with the same battery can drive up to 500 km (323 miles) in the WLTP cycle due to its smaller weight and reduced power. We will learn more about this model this fall, as it is launched at the 2021 IAA Show
When (and if) the 4680 cells are ready, Tesla intends to put them in a tailor-made casting that will work as the Model Y cabin underbody. The company already developed massive castings for the front and the rear structures of the car. The latter is already in use since the Model Y was introduced.Tesla is talking about a structural battery pack since Battery Day, which happened on September 23, 2020. Almost one year later, it was beaten to it at least by BYD and Ford. The Han and the Mustang Mach-E already present that sort of battery pack.According to MyDrivers.com, Tesla would have chosen the Blade Battery because it is cheaper and more resistant to thermal runaway. A recent crash test in China brought doubts about that. Understanding the Car Test Ground  crashed the BYD Han against an ArcFox S, and it caught fire 48 hours after the test. BYD claims that it was using a red coolant  which is conductive  instead of the purple one it should have. Owners of the BYD Han checked the coolant color in their cars, and it was also red. We asked BYD for more clarifications and have received no answers so far.Cost and the fact that the Blade Battery is structural make a lot more sense. If the idea works, Tesla could start producing the Model Y in Giga Austin and Giga Grunheide with BYDs solution instead of waiting for the 4680 cells to be ready. What a difference a decade makes, right? MyDrivers.com and CNEVPost
After a long wait, the all-new Honda Civic has finally made its way to the ASEAN region. Honda launched the 11th generation Civic in Thailand today. With that, the compact sedan will soon be making its local debut in countries around the region, including the Philippines. But what does the Thai-spec Civic have to offer?

The design of the Thailand-spec Civic looks identical to that introduced in North America. But there is a difference in the trim level. In Thailand, the Civic is available in only three variants: EL, EL+, and RS. The model shown here is the RS, the sportiest of the bunch. It features black trim, 17-inch black wheels, full LED headlights and taillights, RS emblems, and a trunk spoiler. Customers in Thailand will also have more colors to choose from including, the new Morning Mist Blue Metallic.

Keen-eyed readers will also notice the twin-exit exhaust at the back, which should give you an idea of whats under the hood. However, thats not exclusive to the RS anymore. Both the EL and EL+ also get the twin-pipe setup.

Why so? Thats because the 11th generation Civic for the Thailand market is available with one engine option only. Similar to the previous-generation model, the 2022 Civic is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 178 PS and 240 Nm torque. The lone transmission option available for the sedan is a CVT. What about the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine? Thats been dropped for the lineup. Theres no word yet on what other engine options will be available for the Thai-spec Civic.

Inside, the Civic adopts Hondas new Simplicity and Something design. Its effectively the same as what we saw in the North American model but with the steering wheel on the right side. Front and center is a large 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice command, navigation, Honda Connect, and an 8-speaker system. Meanwhile, the aircon vents are neatly hidden along the middle of the dash, while the physical buttons are tucked below the center vents.

Other key features available on the new Civic include 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charging system, 4 USB ports, and selectable driving modes (Sport, Normal, Econ).

For the first time, the Thailand-spec Civic now comes with Honda Sensing safety suite system. These include auto high-beam headlight, lane keep assist, collision warning, and even adaptive cruise control. Hopefully, these safety features also make their way into the Philippine-spec model.

Given that we source our Civic from Thailand, its likely that the Philippine-bound units will also be powered exclusively by a 1.5-liter turbo mill. It wouldnt make sense for the Thailand plant to build and fit the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter mill for export models alone. Hopefully, well find out more once Honda Cars Philippines launches the new Civic later this year.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Friday nominated Mike Herzog as Israel's next ambassador to Washington. Herzog, who is one of Israels most experienced and respected strategic thinkers, is the brother of Israels President Issac Herzog.

Why it matters: Herzog will be a key player in building the relationship between the new Israeli government and the Biden administration  navigating the differences on thorny issues like the Iran nuclear deal and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The big picture: The Israeli government grew much closer to the Republican Party during Benjamin Netanyahus 12 years as prime minister, mainly under the Trump administration.

Netanyahu had a very tense relationship with President Obama, and over this period of time Israel lost its status as a bipartisan foreign policy issue in America.

Between the lines: Herzog is very different from Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer, who served as Israel ambassador to Washington for eight years and was perceived by Democrats as a Republican political operative.

Herzog, who worked in recent years as a research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, is very well known and respected in U.S. foreign policy and national security circles. He has close relationships with both Democrats and Republicans.

Herzog has personal and professional relationships with many senior officials in the Biden administration, including Secretary of State Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and many other senior White House, State Department, Pentagon and CIA officials.

Herzog is a centrist and a moderate. He supports a two-state solution and opposed Netanyahus public confrontation with Obama over the Iran deal  including his speech to Congress in March 2015.

Flashback: Herzog, 69, is a reserve lieutenant general and served for 40 years in Israels military intelligence and ministry of defense. He was chief of staff and military adviser to four Israeli ministers of defense.

Herzog was involved in numerous rounds of talks between Israel and the Palestinians  most recently between 2009-2014 under the Obama administration  and worked very closely with both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.

He served as Prime Minister Netanyahus envoy to the secret talks with Palestinian President Abbas' confidant Hussein Agha between 2013 and 2014.

Whats next: Herzog is expected to be confirmed by the government soon and could take part in Bennetts trip to Washington later this August.
Armenias constitution reserves the position for a representative of the 107-seat parliaments opposition minority.

Saghatelian was nominated for it by Hayastan and backed by the Pativ Unem bloc, the other opposition force represented in the recently elected National Assembly.

The outspoken opposition leader on Thursday twice failed to get at least 54 votes needed for his election in secret ballots held during a heated parliament debate on his candidacy. The parliaments pro-government speaker, Alen Simonian, spoke of a parliamentary crisis after the second vote.

Opposition lawmakers accused the parliamentary majority representing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians Civil Contract party of torpedoing Saghatelians appointment.

If somebody from the ruling faction thinks that by constantly not electing me they can force us to haggle or strike any deals I must say that this is not going to happen, Saghatelian said on Thursday.

Majority leaders blamed the opposition blocs, which control 36 seats between them, for the outcome of the first two votes.

Saghatelian was elected on third attempt by 64 votes to 37. He pointedly thanked Armenians who voted for Hayastan, rather than pro-government parliamentarians, for his election.

You gave us a mandate and we are obliged to fully represent you in the National Assembly, he said, adding that he will continue not to come to terms with the existing situation in Armenia.

Saghatelian, 39, is a leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) party, a key component of the opposition alliance headed by former President Robert Kocharian. He was the coordinator of a coalition of more than a dozen opposition groups that staged street protests following Armenias defeat in the autumn war with Azerbaijan in a bid to topple Pashinian.

The parliaments two other deputy speakers, Ruben Rubinian and Hakob Arshakian, are senior members of Civil Contract. They were elected earlier this week in votes boycotted by opposition lawmakers.

Armenian law also entitles opposition lawmakers to heading three of the parliaments standing committees.

Simonian complained on Thursday that the opposition factions are refusing to discuss with the pro-government majority the distribution of the 12 posts of committee chairperson. Saghatelian made clear that there will no such talks as long as two deputies affiliated with Hayastan remain under arrest on what the opposition calls trumped-up charges.

The opposition blocs officially proposed on Friday the parliament set up a new committee tasked with dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Pativ Unem leader Artur Vanetsian said that would send Azerbaijan and the international community a message that Armenia has not forgotten about Artsakh (Karabakh) and the people living there.

Civil Contracts parliamentary group objected to the proposal.
The State Protection Service (SPS), an agency providing bodyguards to Armenias top state officials, deployed scores of its uniformed officers on Monday at the start of the inaugural session of the new National Assembly elected in June.

They set up checkpoints and placed metal detectors at the entrances to the main parliament auditorium. They also made sure that parliamentary correspondents can no longer interview deputies coming out of the chamber or approach the offices of lawmakers representing the ruling Civil Contract party.

Lilian Galstian, a photojournalist with Panorama.am, photographed on Wednesday some of those SPS officers as they clustered around one place. A senior parliament staffer informed Galstians news service the next day that she has been banned from entering the building until this fall for violating new rules for press coverage of parliament sessions.

It emerged that speaker Alen Simonian introduced the hitherto unknown rules immediately after being elected by the parliaments pro-government majority on Monday. They bar journalists from photographing, filming or recording the security personnel.

I have taken pictures at the National Assembly for more than ten years and never had such a problem, Galstian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Friday. I have always photographed what I have seen. When you see extraordinary scenes you must definitely photograph them.

Shushan Doydoyan of the Yerevan-based Center for Freedom of Information deplored the new rules, saying that the parliaments leadership should have informed media outlets and even consulted with them beforehand.

They were imposed and enforced on the same day, she said. How could journalists have been aware of the new rules and acted accordingly?

Doydoyans organization was among a dozen media associations that issued on Thursday a joint statement strongly condemning the ban and demanding the restoration of Galstians accreditation.

They also reiterated their strong condemnation of the unfounded restrictions on journalists freedom of movement inside the parliament building. They said the restrictions are part of recent months torrent of government actions which they believe threaten the freedom of speech in the country.

Opposition lawmakers and Armenias human rights ombudsman, Arman Tatoyan, have also criticized the restrictions and the resulting scrapping of the photojournalists accreditation.

But Karen Andreasian, one of Tatoyans predecessors appointed as justice minister earlier this week, sought to justify the measures.

We need to understand that journalism and freedom of speech are not absolute values, and if security bodies found some security risks we must respect that, he told reporters.

Andreasian noted in that regard that an armed group that launched a deadly attack on the Armenian parliament in October 1999 was led by a former journalist, Nairi Hunanian.

Hunanian, who is serving a life sentence in a Yerevan jail, had stopped working as a journalist years before the attack that left then Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, parliament speaker Karen Demirchian and six other officials dead.
CHANDLER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Growing stress, frustration and confusion as some Arizona schools implement mask mandates, some say no way, and no idea who is enforcing what or how. It's left kids and parents in the middle.

You have some schools breaking the law requiring masks. You have others with COVID-19 outbreaks with no mask mandates. You have teachers now suing school districts and government agencies finger pointing at each other as to who will enforce the law. Parents said this is putting the kids in a terrible position as the school year starts.

The numbers speak for themselves. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there have been about 4,000 COVID-19 cases in Arizona in people ages 19 and under in just the past two weeks.

One of those is April's freshman daughter at Hamilton High School in Chandler. She asked we blur her face on video and just use her first name.

"You do all the protocols. You do the vaccine. You're doing everything right. Then you still get sick, and your whole family gets sick," she said.

April said she and her daughter are vaccinated, but both of them are sick. Her daughter tested positive, and April is waiting on her own test results.

April said despite the Hamilton and Chandler schools COVID-19 outbreak, they still don't require masks or quarantining, and she's irritated by the governor's law as kids continue to get sick. "It's incredibly reckless. I feel it's incredibly reckless," April said.

On the flip side, Bridgette Blazek is OK with the law and thinks it should be up to parents and kids whether they want their kids to wear masks, but now she worries with other school districts making mandates what will happen with her twin daughter's elementary school.

"Are they going to do that in our district? Are parents going to be pushing for that? Are we going to have more contentious board meetings that last for four hours just to discuss this, when we could be discussing how we're going to get these kids their education they missed for a year and a half back?" Blazek said.

Arizona's Family asked the Governor's Office if they plan to sue the districts breaking the law. They said they don't have the power to sue but "expect the school districts to follow the law and the intent of the legislature passing it is clear."

Arizona's Family then asked the Attorney General's Office if it plans to sue the districts with the mandates and were told, "we cannot provide legal advice and analysis to the public. You will need to reach out to the Governor's Office to see how he plans to enforce the law."

Phoenix Union High School District to require masks for start of the school year The district cited the spread of the Delta variant as the reason for its decision. As of Friday, the district says all 32 of the ZIP codes in its area have high/substantial spread of the virus.

That's exactly what has everyone frustrated. It appears to be finger-pointing and these government agencies are putting the onus on each other to actually enforce the law.

So far, it's Phoenix Union High School District, Phoenix Elementary School District, and Osborn School District that have the mask mandates, but other districts have it on their board meeting agendas to discuss this week.
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Three Fatal Wrecks Along Hwy 6: Oregon Coast Leaders Urge Caution

Published 08/04/21 at 4:22 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Tillamook, Oregon)  One of the more white-knuckled drives to and from the Oregon coast just got even more dangerous. Oregon Highway 6, between Banks in Washington County and the north Oregon coast town of Tillamook, has regional leaders concerned after three accidents in one week caused four fatalities. (Graphic courtesy Google Earth)

The route is a designated state scenic byway, said Nan Devlin, director of Tillamook Coast. However, she said in the last week, the scene has changed from one of beautiful views to one of three car accidents, resulting in four deaths.

Most of the incidents involved were the result of attempting to pass in restricted zones, causing head-on collisions that caused deaths and major injuries.

Much of Highway 6 is a two-lane road with narrow lanes, limited shoulders and blind curves, and is used by semi-trucks, buses, RVs, campers, cars, motorcycles and bikes, said Josh Brown, Tillamook County Sheriff. Drivers don't realize that a decision to speed or pass another car without waiting for a designated passing lane can lead to a very dangerous, often fatal, situation.

Now, various agencies on the north Oregon coast's Tillamook County  including public safety, emergency management, government and tourism  are asking motorists to drive more cautiously. Roads to the beach will be packed all summer so be patient, they urge; stash cell phones away, and take your time reaching your destination, whether heading east or west on Highway 6.

Highway 6 is known as the Trees to Sea Scenic Byway, and is meant to be enjoyed at a safe pace, said Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar. We are saddened by the deaths of so many people whose lives were cut short by reckless driving. Please, slow down. It saves lives.

Highway 6 saw the following incidents in the last week:



July 31. A two-vehicle collision on Hwy 6 occurred about 1 p.m., near milepost 30. A Ford pickup driven by a 50-year-old man from Provo, Utah was eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane towards the Oregon coast and struck a GMC Sierra pickup driven by 43-year-old Jason Pierce, of Fairview, Oregon.

Pierce and a juvenile passenger died in the accident. Two others in that vehicle were transported to the hospital for their injuries.

The driver of the pickup and two youths were not injured, however a fourth juvenile was taken to the hospital.

July 29. At around 2 a.m., a two-vehicle crash occurred near milepost 5, according to Oregon State Police. 41-year-old Richard Rose of Portland crossed into the other lane and struck a semi-truck. Rose was transported to a Portland hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the semi sustained no injuries.

July 26. A two-vehicle crash happened about 7 a.m. near milepost 33, when a Honda CRV was negotiating a curve and crossed into the other lane, striking a Dodge pickup. The passenger of the CRV died at the scene while the driver of the pickup was uninjured.

Each of these crashes closed Highway 6 for a time, delaying traffic to and from the Oregon coast.

A fourth accident back on June 24 resulted in one person being taken to the hospital after one vehicle pulled out of a road in front of another.

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Anderson Homes will celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year with an unwavering commitment to continue to provide customers quality, custom-built homes.

The longtime home builders roots run deep within Southeast Texas.

For three generations, Ronnie Andersons family has served the community. The Anderson family founded Anderson Construction in 1946. Starting in 1960, Anderson worked summers with his father and grandfather.

Anderson has been actively working since 1969, when he left school to run the business full-time, and is getting closer to retiring. He has also served as the President of Anderson Construction for the past 30 years and as Vice President for 15 years prior.

Owner and Manager Stoney Petit told The Enterprise that the team has spent the last 20 years establishing systems, protocols, and procedures with Andersons tutelage to be able to ensure the business carries on its high standards for its customers.

We have honed our craft, Owner and Manager Stoney Petit said. Weve made it more efficient, more productive. Were bigger and better because of him and we plan on keeping it that way.

Anderson has been involved with numerous organizations, including the local Home Builders Association, the Texas Association of Builders Board of Directors, the National Association of Homes Builders Board of Directors, the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Jefferson County Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors.

Spearheading the Anderson Homes Team, Ronnie lends all these years of wisdom and experience to every aspect of the home building process, his biography stated on the companys website.

The company has been with the Better Business Bureau since 1983 and has earned an A-plus rating over the years. Its services include high-end luxury projects whether it is an exterior renovation or a multimillion-dollar house.

We consider ourselves Southeast Texas most well-established luxury builder, Petit said.

Petit grew up calling Anderson, who is his fathers childhood best friend, Uncle Ronnie. Now, he said, it feels more like a fourth-generation business. Petit began working for the company at the age of 24 in 2001 and became a partner in 2008. Production Manager and Owner Adam Farnie then joined the company in 2010.

Even though we dont have the same last name, we still consider each other family, Petit said.

The company has constructed hundreds of homes over the year. When Petit started, the company built about two to three substantial projects over the year. Now it works about six to eight substantial projects a year. In addition to doubling its new construction projects, the company works on renovation projects and provides other types of services for its customers.

Every home is a custom homewe dont build the same home twice, Petit said.

Anderson Homes has the experience, capabilities, and resources to build a home of any style, including high-end and sophisticated designs with small details that can make an overall difference. The company works with various architects, such as in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

We have the ability to build houses that not everybody else in the area can build, Petit said. We have the resources to get materials, we have the knowledge on how to achieve certain finishes, and we have the skilled craftsman to fabricate those custom details.

All the houses are extremely energy efficient with a 97 percent or greater sealed envelope that gives houses less than 3 percent leakage when tested at the end of construction, Petit said. He added that Anderson Homes is the only builder in the area with an independent, third-party energy consultant that serves as an advisor on every home.

The technique may prevent latent issues that people have with their houses 10-20 years after they move in. A house with more leakage hits outside air with pollutants, allergens and contaminants that get into the house where people breathe. Anderson Homes eliminates that by about 99% and brings in fresh air through a large filter in the air conditioning system, which requires the house to be sealed, Petit said.

He said the sealing process also makes the home more comfortable by removing and controlling the humidity out of the air, which means 74 degrees in an Anderson Home is cold.

Along with working with the third-party Houston-based Energy company, Toner Homes, Petit is a member with the Builder 20 Group with the National Association of Home Builder. He meets with the builders from across the country twice a year. Through the experience he has learned various techniques to build high-end custom homes.

Typically, in this area, he said that houses have about 8-10% leakage, but the company only sees about 2-3% leakage with its sealed, custom homes. As a result, Petit said the house is healthier, more comfortable, and more efficientwhich costs less to operate and maintain.

The longer you live in one of our houses the more money you are going to save, Petit said. Youll spend a little bit more on the front end, but we like to call it an Anderson Forever Home.

If it is the house you want to live in for the rest of your life, then you will end up saving tons of money living in one of our houses verses a house built by somebody else that is less expensive on the front end, but you pay more to operate and maintain it down the road, he continued. Not to mention risks for those latent defects, those problems that may pop up because the house wasnt built as well.

During Hurricane Harvey, so much water inundated houses in the area that Petit said the mortar started to break down. While Anderson Homes does not do anything specifically different from other companies, as they are all required to meet the Texas Windstorm Code, he said the homes are built with hurricanes in consideration.

He said the seal can make the home tighter, which can help prevent moisture intrusion. And, if a house is built with more care and more supervision, then there is less of a chance of it failing, he said.

We try to treat each project like we are doing it for ourselves, Petit said.  We dont settle for minimum code compliance, we dont settle for the lowest price, we approach the project with an attitude that if this was my house or if it was my parents house or if it was my grandparents househow would I want to do it for them and that is how we treat our customers.

The company mainly builds new homes on customers lots and has had past, current, and future projects in locations such as in Barrington Heights, Montclaire, Crescent, Walden, Pine Island Estates, and Diamond D Ranch in Beaumont. It also has properties in Lumberton, Fannett, and Crystal Beach.

The company developed a subdivision in Lumberton called Anderson Pines, where it has lots available to build on. There are also lots available to build on in Barrington Heights, Montclaire, Ridgecrest and LaBelle. The company has historically not done speculative houses as much as custom homes due to customer demand, Petit said.

Over the years, the company has evolved with the demand. About 20 years ago, the company one person in the office and subcontracted 100% of the work. Since then, Anderson Homes has grown to about 10 employees and an intern.

Two years ago, it started a sister company, Anderson Artisans, which has eight employees, including experienced carpenters and craftsman who are skilled in woodworking, to train the younger generation and keep craftsmanship alive in custom home building in this area. The sister company works on every home-build, Petit said.

We want to expand on that idea and keep mentoring the younger generation into maintaining the craftsmanship that has been around for years and is not widely performed anymore, Petit said. Other than that, we want to keep growing with the community.

We are all from here, we are all raising our families here, and we all have a vested interest in making southeast Texas reflective of our values, he said.

Anderson Homes provides services within about an hours distance of its office, which is located at 7770 Gladys Avenue in Beaumont, including the Lake Sam Rayburn and Crystal Beach areas. For more information, call (409) 860-3133 or visit the website.

meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/megzmagpie
Locals in Port Arthur and Beaumont likely have noticed increased flares in the sky  the tell-tale sign of emissions being burned at local pants  and they might persist through the end of the week.

Multiple refineries and chemical plants across Jefferson County over the past two days alerted residents to flaring and air emissions, some of which amounted to thousands of pounds of released compounds.

Most of the flaring activities started on Tuesday and Wednesday, when Motiva Chemicals and a new facility  Bayport Polymer  reported flaring at their Port Arthur sites.

Related: Democrats seek $500B in damages from big polluters

Motivas event was caused by a process upset on the light olefins unit, which is a generic term used in the industry to describe a group of issues that can happen during a production process that could create more hydrocarbons than the system can safely handle.

Flaring is supposed to safely destroy these compounds and prevent them from causing damage or impacting health and safety, but it also results in unexpected emissions into the air.

In Motivas case, the Wednesday upset over about three hours released nearly 9,000 pounds of compounds, consisting mostly of carbon monoxide and ethylene.

Engineers with the company said that operations conducted process adjustments, ending the upset event, according to a report submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Related: Entergy plans new, greener plant in Orange County

The company sent out an alert Thursday afternoon saying that flaring activities would continue into the night.

The Bayport Polymer event was particularly notable because it was the result of a start-up of the facilitys recently-built ethane cracker, which eventually will produce the massive quantity of ethane that Baystar will need to feed a polyethylene unit being built in Pasadena.

The units start was expected sometime in the first quarter of this year but, like with most things during the pandemic, it was slightly delayed.

Start-ups and shut-downs of industrial units often cause extra emissions that fall outside of a facilitys permit, even if they might be expected, which is why companies have to file air emission reports when they happen.

This particular event will last until at least Aug. 10 and create a relatively large amount of emissions during that period.

Related: Butadiene releases from TPC haven't stopped

Around 3.5 million pounds of emissions are expected to be released during the start-up  mostly consisting of greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide.

The company has promised that its state-of-the-art flares and equipment will be effective in destroying the extra hydrocarbons, but it won't have a final report on what was released until after the process is complete.

NOx and CO emissions were based upon TCEQ-approved emission factors, engineers wrote in a report. The emission calculations presented in this initial report will be replaced with data from the continuous flare monitoring system in the final report.

This event would have been within the top 10 largest unauthorized emission events in 2019, according to the latest annual report from Environment Texas.

Bayport Polymer and the ethane cracker are a part of Baystar  a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Borealis, a chemical company based in Austria.

ExxonMobil on Thursday also announced that it would be flaring, but it hadnt submitted a report to TCEQ with estimates for how long the event might last.

The company also announced that repair work at the Beaumont facility would require the company to flare while workers completed the job.

Spokesperson Nakisha Burns clarified to the Enterprise that the piping was within the companys fence line and wasnt expected to cause any impacts for the surrounding community, but county and state environmental authorities had already been notified.

We continue to meet all contractual commitments, representatives for ExxonMobil wrote in a statement. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our neighbors.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Thursday the results of the Social Equity Justice Involved Lottery for 55 conditional adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses from a pool of 589 unique applicants who scored 85 percent or greater in their applications.

To qualify for the lottery, applicants had to be eligible for social equity status under either criteria one (residency in a disproportionately impacted area) or two (eligible conviction) of the definition of Social Equity Applicant.

In the Metro East region, there were three winners, including Tatich 3 LLC, Blounts & Moore and Americanna Dream LLC. In Springfield, Bolden Investments III LLC was the lone winner. Family Roots, LLC won the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan license and Navada Labs, LLC won the South Illinois nonmetropolitan license.

Before Conditional Licenses are issued, the department will initiate a review process to ensure applicants selected meet all statutorily required rules that must be fulfilled before a conditional license can be issued.

Social equity and justice are the heart and soul of the Adult-Use Cannabis Program in Illinois, said Toi Hutchinson, senior advisor to the governor for cannabis. Todays results open the door to increasing the diversity of the industry and continue building on our successes in expunging convictions and investing in communities disproportionately harmed by the failed war on drugs.

Additionally, an applicant may not have a principal officer who is also a principal officer in more than 10 other licenses. Should a principal officer find themselves in that situation, the principal officer must choose which license(s) to abandon by notifying IDFPR in writing. If the principal officer and/or applicant does not notify IDFPR, the department will not issue the applicant all available conditional licenses drawn in this lottery.

IDFPR may also deny issuance of Conditional Licenses to any applicant who has a principal officer, board member, or person having a financial or voting interest of 5% or greater who is delinquent in filing any required tax return or paying any amount owed to the State of Illinois.

Those selected in this lottery who receive a Conditional License shall have 180 days to identify a physical location for the dispensing organizations retail storefront. Groups unable to find a physical location within 180 days may receive an extension of an additional 180 days from IDFPR or be allowed to transfer their Conditional License to another BLS Region specified by the department. If no extension is granted, the conditional adult-use dispensing organization license shall be rescinded and awarded in accordance to the rules of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

"Todays Social Equity Justice Involved Lottery marks a paramount accomplishment for Illinois' cannabis industry, making it more inclusive for applicants from diverse backgrounds, said Mario Treto, Jr., aacting secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The announcement of todays lottery selections is a milestone on Illinois's path as a national leader in the advancement of cannabis equity and I look forward to taking the next steps together for the future of the cannabis industry in Illinois."

No individual principal officer or applicant can receive more than two conditional licenses in this lottery. In the event a principal officer or applicant group has an application selected more than two times, the principal officer or the applicant group must complete the Departments Abandonment Form to notify the Department of the BLS Region in which the applicant will be declining a Conditional License. Failure to submit the Abandonment Form within five business days after the department posts the results of the Social Equity Justice Involved Applicant Lottery will result in the denial of all conditional licenses from this lottery to all applicants associated with the principal officer or applicant group that is over the limit.

The lottery results may change as a result of court orders or administrative review.

Another lottery for 75 conditional licenses will be conducted by the Illinois Lottery on Thursday, Aug. 19.
Kim Brent / The Enterprise

Port Arthur ISD has changed its in-person convocation planned to take place this week to an all-virtual format.

Superintendent Mark Porterie will deliver the traditional opening remarks to kick-off the school year with a live stream on Wednesday.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Mario Poceski, University of Florida

(THE CONVERSATION) The Chinese Communist Party is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1921. For most of those decades, the party sought to restrict or obliterate traditional religious practices, which it considered part of Chinas feudal past.

But since the late 1970s, the party has slowly permitted a multifaceted and far-reaching revival of religion in China to take place. More recently, current Chinese president and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping has endorsed continued party tolerance for religion as filling a moral void that has developed amid Chinas fast-paced economic growth.

This support does come with caveats and restrictions, however, including the demand that religious leaders support the Communist Party.

As a scholar of Chinese religions, these considerable changes are of special interest to me.

A revival of religion

Atheism remains the official party ideology, with members banned from professing religious faith. The partys aggressive efforts to obliterate all religious beliefs and practices reached a high point during the tumultuous decade of the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976. All temples and churches were shut down or destroyed. Any form of religious activity was prohibited, even as there was forceful promotion of the cult of Mao (Zedong), which assumed the role of an officially sanctioned religion.

As part of major reforms and a loosening of social controls, initiated in the late 1970s, the party has slowly accepted a range of behaviors and traditions that fulfill religious needs or provide spiritual outlets. Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Islam and Protestantism  the five officially recognized religions  have staged comebacks, albeit with varying success.

There are increasing numbers of local temples, associations, pilgrimages and festivals, and growing numbers of Buddhist, Christian and Taoist clergy. Many religious sites are open for private worship and communal service and frequented by people from all walks of life.

Local governments are often keen to restore and promote religious establishments, largely to stimulate tourism and local economic development.

Consequently, a major metropolis such as Shanghai has become home to religious establishments large and small, official and underground. They range from local shrines to Buddhist and Taoist temples, churches and mosques. There are also new entrants to the religious scene, exemplified by the yoga centers that have sprung up in many Chinese cities.

It seems that people have welcomed these policy shifts. A 2020 study by the Pew Research Center found that 48.2% of Chinas population had some form of religious affiliation.

The exact data is debatable, and it is difficult to conduct reliable research in China. But these results suggest that many Chinese participate in various activities that can be labeled religious.

A mix of religious practices

Traditionally, most Chinese people dont subscribe to a single faith or construct a narrow religious identity. They engage with varied beliefs and practices, a pattern of religious piety dating back centuries to ancient imperial China.

That encompasses aspects of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, as well as many practices termed popular religion. These range from visiting temples, attending pilgrimages and festivals, praying and offering incense, ancestor worship, and veneration of various celestial divinities. There are also the popular practices of geomancy or feng shui, an ancient art of harmonizing humans with their surroundings, and divination or fortunetelling.

These rich traditions often have regional variations, such as the veneration of Mazu, a sea goddess, which is especially prevalent in southeast China and Taiwan. Originally a patron goddess of seafarers, Mazu is widely worshiped by people from all walks of life and promoted as an important symbol of local culture.

Confucian rapprochement

The Communist Party has also stopped criticizing the teachings of Confucius, the famous philosopher and educator of the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. For much of the 20th century, Confucian teachings were rejected as discredited relics of an imperial past. But that changed over recent decades, as the party sought to reposition itself as the guardian of Chinese traditions.

This contributed to a significant revival of Confucianism.

Confucianisms time-honored ethical framework offers guideposts to navigating the often-harsh realities of life in a highly competitive society. But the party has also found it useful to harness aspects of Confucianism that resonate with its core interests, such as obedience to authority and respect for the leader.

Accordingly, the government has supported reestablishment of Confucian temples and institutes. It has also sponsored conferences on Confucianism and even organized lectures on Confucian teachings for party officials.

Control and curation of religion

Adopting attitudes and methods with long-established precedents in the dynastic history of imperial China, the communist government positions itself as the ultimate arbiter of orthodoxy and heterodoxy, or proper and improper religious practices. Religious leaders must support the party and follow its directives.

Authorities keep firm administrative control over all forms of religious expressions and organizations, by whatever means they deem prudent or necessary. As we know from the reports of Western scholars and journalists, that control ranges from subtle forms of domination and co-option of religious groups to outright bans or repressions.

In 2015, the government removed 1,200 crosses from church buildings across Zhejiang province. In 2016, a Zhejiang court sentenced a Protestant pastor to 14 years in prison for resisting a government order to take down his churchs cross. In 2018, the government demolished the Golden Lampstand Church in Shanxi province.

In response, most religious groups tread carefully and engage in self-censorship, as I and others have observed during research trips in China.

China tends to treat religions perceived as potentially threatening to the established order harshly, especially if suspected of foreign ties or secessionist tendencies. For instance, for decades China has strictly regulated Buddhism in Tibet, as it has pursued policies aimed at suppressing the cultural and national identities of the Tibetans. That contrasts with more relaxed attitudes towards the form of Buddhism practiced by the Han majority.

The party has explained its recent, ruthless campaign to repress the Uighurs, a Muslim minority in Xinjiang  a nominally autonomous region in Northwest China  as intended to counteract terrorism and separatism. According to leaked documents, since 2014 up to a million Uighurs have been interned in re-education camps. Its part of a hardline policy of secularization and Sinicization, which implies assimilating the Uighurs into the majority Han culture, at a loss of their religious and ethnic identities.

Balancing act

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Chinese Communist Party seeks to project the image of a unified nation returning to global political and economic dominance.

But at home it faces manifold problems and is engaged in a balancing act: affirming its dual role as a guardian and curator of traditional Chinese culture and religion, but in a manner that enhances rather than undermines its power and authority.

[Explore the intersection of faith, politics, arts and culture. Sign up for This Week in Religion.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/theres-a-religious-revival-going-on-in-china-under-the-constant-watch-of-the-communist-party-164211.
The return of Southeast Texas' economic drivers and continuing industrial expansion also means that networking is more essential than ever as the area's industry and business landscape continues to evolve.

That's why the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce brought back its annual industry show for the fourth year on Wednesday at the Bob Bowers Civic Center, which wasn't hard to miss with giant cranes outside waving the American flag.

Inside, more than 100 companies across almost every possible industry sector were represented in the Civic Center - making connections and showing off services available in the Golden Triangle.

Pat Avery, president and CEO of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, said it was essential to give the area's businesses a chance to come back together to partner for the projects ahead after pausing during 2020, and they responded enthusiastically.

"The number of businesses signing up was overwhelming, and we're expecting it to be even bigger next year," Avery said.

The region saw a banner year in 2019 as leaders announced billions in projects and growing interest from new sectors looking to cash-in on the logistical and geographic advantages Southeast Texas had to offer.

Then, the pandemic stopped work during the earlier months of 2020 and continues to halt some projects that didn't have committed investors. But other work has continued over the past 18 months, and companies are now even more desperate for skilled workers and reliable contractors.

That's why the industry show was a key opportunity for the Pipe Fitters Local 211, who are making connections to fill the growing demand for skilled labor while also recruiting the next generation of craftsmen into its apprenticeship program.

Jeff Broussard, an organizer with Local 211, said that the growing gap between needed and available skilled labor continued to grow through the pandemic, especially on the HVAC side, as older workers headed for early retirement,. But the union has stayed committed training.

"We need people, and we really need them right now," Broussard said. "I could use 20 to 30 HVAC technicians by tomorrow, but that's why we're expanding our training facilities to meet the needs."

New workforce dynamics means the union also has seen more requests from union and non-union shops - opening up its range of partnerships.

One local company, also with recently-opened expanded services, was happy to meet new clients at the show.

Coastal Welding Supply, founded in Beaumont 50 years ago by Al Nelson, recently celebrated the opening of its 250,000 square-foot specialty gas facility.

The company already has been supplying local businesses with welding supplies, gases for medical purposes and even industrial quantities of dried ice. But it also distributes unique and specific gases that industrial clients need to calibrate sensitive equipment used to make sure their products are at the right consistency.

Craig Heimler, the specialty gas sales representative for Coastal, said that the expansion was a direct result of growing demand in the area and the need for companies to find a reliable distributor close to home.

The company kept working through the pandemic without layoffs after being designated as an essential business. And it even saw spikes in demand from medical clients, but it is still seeing its share of issues as labor shortages continue.

Specifically, Coastal has had to be on the lookout for more hazmat-certified drivers as the national shortage of professional truck drivers grows.

The industry show also was an important event for Indorama Ventures, one of the event's sponsors, which hasn't had many opportunities for public outreach during the pandemic since it completed its acquisition of the former Hunstman assets in Port Neches last year.

Indorama's acquisition of some of the largest basic chemical production facilities in the U.S. centered around Texas' Gulf Coast is an example of how Southeast Texas has become increasingly a part of an international chain of changing dynamics.

Kim Hoyt, a veteran with the Port Neches complex and new site manager with Indorama, said events like the industry show are going to be key for Southeast Texas as new players and industries continue to grow in the region, requiring more cooperation and community.

"Our world here has been changing and new ideas are more important than ever, especially after what happened during the last 18 months," Hoyt said. "Our business has changed in ways since the pandemic began that I don't think will revert anytime soon, or maybe ever."

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
With the political differences in Austin about as stark as they have been in years, the last thing either party needs is another provocation to make things worse. A proposal by some Republican lawmakers for a highly selective audit of 2020 election results would fit that definition well.

There is just no reason to believe that any organized wrongdoing occurred in last years elections  in which Republicans did quite well, it must be noted. An election audit of mostly Democratic counties is not needed this long after the election, at a time when both parties are starting to make plans for next years spring primaries.

Unfortunately, that hasnt stopped nearly three dozen Republicans from proposing a bill that would audit 13 counties with populations of more than 415,000 people, most of which coincidentally voted Democratic. The bill has been in limbo, along with other GOP priorities, since House Democrats went to Washington, D.C., to block new voting laws.

Election audits have become a rallying cry for some Republicans nationwide, with the worst example occurring in Arizona.

Despite not one but two official audits that found no significant problems, Arizona Republicans pushed for a third audit by an outside firm. They chose a company with little experience run by people who have been zealous supporters of former President Trump.

The auditors actually studied some of the returns to consider absurd accusations that fake ballots had been shipped in from Asia and could be detected by bamboo fibers in the paper. The circus-like exercise has become a national embarrassment, with no chance of anyone having confidence in its findings.

Texas doesnt need to come anywhere close to something like that. Routine post-election have shown only the minor statistical deviation that occurs almost anytime large numbers of ballots are counted.

One analysis by researchers from the University of Florida of the voting in 37 counties showed that Donald Trump may have received 223 more votes than the 5,890,347 he was officially credited with, while Joe Biden apparently got 155 more votes than his official total of 5,259,126 votes.

Again, its not clear why some Republican lawmakers are seeking an election audit when Trump clearly won the state and the GOP held on to its majorities in the state House and Senate despite hopes by some Democrats that a blue wave would inundate Texas. It didnt.

The House Democrats who went to Washington will probably return to Texas as early as this weekend, and Gov. Greg Abbott will probably call another special session to begin soon after the current one ends. It appears that Democratic lawmakers have run out of options to stop the bill that they believe will restrict voting by Democrats in future elections. That bill will then probably be passed despite Democratic opposition. This scenario is what happened after previous Democratic walkouts.

There doesnt appear to be any good ending to this standoff. Republicans have made a few changes to the bill, removing two particularly controversial provisions, but they probably wont want any more revisions. Democrats may have to watch it get approved and signed into law anyway. But if this proposed election audit goes through, the flames of controversy would be fanned again and theres no telling what might happen.

Texas residents are worried about rising Covid numbers and thinking about the imminent return to school for their children. Another needless political battle in Austin would accomplish nothing. Both parties should move on from the last election and show voters why they deserve their support in the next one.
Bedford, PA (15522)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
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Budding business shares healing and beauty

Hillary Gavan/Beloit Daily News Jessica Pfarr and her little son Theodore Pfarr are shown at Arngibbon, a farm offering cut flowers, houseplants, succulents, and even hanging flower baskets. Hillary Gavan/Beloit Daily News Jessica Pfarr grows cut flowers on the farm she shares with her husband Brendon. She has found making bouquets to be a healing experience. Hillary Gavan/Beloit Daily News Jessica Pfarr said she loves selling hanging baskets at Arngibbon. She said for years she didnt have luck growing plants, but has finally learned the art of it.

JANESVILLE  After finding healing at a 1895 farmhouse and its fertile fields, Jessica Pfarr is sharing it through her business.

She started Arngibbon LLC to offer houseplants, succulents, cut flowers, hanging flower baskets, produce and vitamins and supplements.

Its the ultimate farmers market, Pfarr said.

Pfarr, a homeschooling stay-at-home mom of five, hadnt planned out her new and growing business, but it slowly seemed to find her. She loved rural life after growing up on a farm west of Beloit.

She and her husband, Brendon Pfarr, purchased the farm at 8234 E. County Road MM in 2013, after it sat vacant for 10 years. In 2014 they moved in after extensive renovations to restore the 1895 home. It had a rich history in the area as its original owners, the McLay family, were the first people in the United States to breed Clydesdale horses. They had imported them from their native homeland of Scotland and named their new stateside farm Arngibbon in honor of their Scottish farm.

Its Scottish for low level place, Pfarr said.

They were top quality show horses, Pfarr said. All of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales have a direct bloodline.

In the 1930s, she said the McLays transitioned to longhorn cattle and they sold it in the 1970s to the Venable family. It switched hands over several years and was in disrepair by 2012.

Pfarr recalled her husband, a plumber, working on the septic system next door when he spotted it.

He said you have got to see this abandoned house, she said. We both just knew we wanted to restore and bring back life to this house.

In between the farm buying and restoring Pfarr had some challenges with her busy life. Two of her children have special needs. She found that growing flowers felt healing to her.

I love flower farming. Ive gifted bouquets for people and made bouquets for special events and been out there in the field on a long day. It didnt feel like work. They are very special, and Ive just seen how happy they make people, Pfarr said. It feels good to grow them. There is an art to putting a bouquet together. Each one is different.

She filed her LLC last March and began selling flower baskets from her home and cut flowers such as dahlias, sunflowers and zinnias.

We sold every basket we grew, she said.

Building upon her passion for health and healing, she opened Arngibbon Health Store, 2569 Milton Ave., last fall inside of Nutrition Shack.

After COVID-19 hit, she started selling more succulents and houseplants at the Janesville Winter Farmers Market as the business continued to grow.

By mid-August she will be selling house plants, cut flowers and succulents at Basics Cooperative Natural Foods, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville. She has an arrangement with Basics where plants that start to wither will return to Arngibbon to be revived and sold later.

At her farm, Pfarr continues to attract visitors who can get products as well as scope out the historic site.

People love the fall baskets we have, and the history of the farm. Its just like going back in time, she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Pfarr is motivated by the flowers.

I feel there is a ministry to it. It helps other people. Ive seen people light up, she said.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein (far right) listens in Kuala Lumpur as foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and top diplomats of the blocs partner countries attend the virtual ASEAN Regional Forum, Aug. 6, 2021.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed grave concern Friday about what he described as Chinas growing nuclear arsenal and told an annual regional security conference that the Asian superpower should also cease provocative behavior in the South China Sea.

Americas top diplomat raised these concerns during his first appearance in that role before the ASEAN Regional Forum, a virtual meeting that drew his counterparts from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and 10 of the blocs dialogue partners, including China, Russia, Japan and other world powers.

The Secretary  noted deep concern with the rapid growth of the PRCs [Peoples Republic of Chinas] nuclear arsenal which highlights how Beijing has sharply deviated from its decades-old nuclear strategy based on minimum deterrence, the State Department said in a statement about Blinkens participation at the meeting.

Blinken was referring to recent think-tank reports that said China was building more than 100 silos for nuclear missiles in its Gansu province and in eastern Xinjiang.

In June, however, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing kept its nuclear capabilities at a minimum level needed for national security. China does not compete with any other country in the size or scale of nuclear force, he told the Conference on Disarmament then.

South China Sea

Still, the findings of Chinas increasing nuclear missile silos are especially worrisome for Southeast Asian nations with overlapping claims to Beijings in the South China Sea, analysts have said.

Beijing claims almost the entire waterway, large parts of which it has militarized. In addition, other claimants to the sea say China has stepped up the presence of its coastguard and huge fishing fleet in their exclusive economic zones, or EEZs.

Chinas expansive claims include waters within the EEZs of Taiwan and ASEAN member-states Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. While Indonesia does not regard itself as party to the South China Sea dispute, Beijing claims historic rights to parts of that sea overlapping Indonesias EEZ as well.

Secretary Blinken told the ASEAN Regional Forum that China needed to adhere to international laws  in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague dismissed Beijings expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Secretary Blinken called on the PRC to abide by its obligations under the international law of the sea and cease its provocative behavior in the South China Sea, State Department Ned Price said.

Secretary Blinken also underscored the importance of democracy, transparency, and accountability in the Indo-Pacific.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang, however, separately told ASEANs top diplomats and the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting earlier this week that countries outside the region were undermining stability in the South China Sea.

China insists on the peaceful settlement of disputes through consultations by the countries directly involved, he told ASEAN foreign ministers on Tuesday.

Mahendra Siregar, Indonesias deputy foreign minister, told the ASEAN Regional Forum that a pandemic was not the right time for anything that increases regional tensions.

[Re]frain from power projections and provocative actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea, especially amid a pandemic, he said.

The international community, he said, must support ASEANs role and the resolution of all forms of disputes in the South China Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vaccine diplomacy

Wang and Blinken both engaged with foreign ministers from ASEAN during various meetings this week, with the American diplomat marking his presence during all five days.

Both China and Washington are looking for Southeast Asian support on the South China Sea, and both touted their COVID-19 vaccine donations to the region.

Blinken said the U.S. has provided more than 23 million vaccine doses and over $158 million in health and humanitarian assistance to ASEAN members so far in response to the global pandemic.

We will also be there to support the region to build back better from the economic damage wrought by the pandemic by helping drive a green recovery and ensure readiness for future outbreaks, he said.

Wang said China had provided over 190 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Southeast Asia, the state-run China Daily newspaper reported. On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged that Beijing this year would supply 2 billion doses of vaccine to other countries.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen, who also attended the ASEAN Regional Forum, said the South Asian nation could initiate and adhere to a form of vaccine diplomacy which ensures diversified sources of vaccines.

Due to the sudden sweep over of COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries, it is imperative that South Asian and Southeast Asian nations should receive their share of the vaccine without any strings attached, he said.

Ika Inggas in Washington and Jesmin Papri in Dhaka contributed to this report.
Women soldiers march during a parade marking the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces in Jakarta, Oct. 5, 2019.

The rule that requires female recruits of the Indonesian Armed Forces to undergo a virginity test has not changed, a military spokesman said Friday, after the army chief of staff indicated last month that the practice must end.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Andika Perkasa told regional military commanders in a video conference on July 18 that women who wished to join the army must be tested only for their ability to follow basic military training, just like their male counterparts.

The comments were welcomed this week by activists, including from Human Rights Watch (HRW), which first highlighted the discriminatory and invasive practice in 2014.

Asked whether so-called virginity tests were still required for new recruits, Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) spokesman Col. Djawara Whimbo told BenarNews on Friday, so far, the rule has not changed.

A comprehensive medical examination of female TNI candidates includes a hymen examination, he said.

Women are different from men, he added, without elaborating.

He said that the fiancees of military officers were also subjected to a similar test.

But Whimbo said those who failed the hymen test would not be automatically disqualified.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), so-called virginity testing has no scientific merit or clinical indication.

The appearance of a hymen is not a reliable indication of intercourse, and there is no known examination that can prove a history of vaginal intercourse, WHO has said.

Whimbo dismissed WHOs finding.

WHO has nothing to do with us. We adhere to our eastern values, Whimbo said, an apparent reference to moral attitudes that frown upon sex before marriage.

Irrelevant

Andika, in a mid-July briefing to regional commanders posted on YouTube, said tests that were irrelevant to the purpose of recruitment must no longer be carried out.

Tests for women must be the same as those for men, in this case [to test] their ability to follow basic military training, he said.

He also said that prospective wives of army officers would no longer be required to undergo medical tests.

They are adults, and when they have decided to get married, we trust that our soldiers are mature enough to decide what to do and what not to do, he said.

New York-based HRW first published a report on virginity testing carried out by the Indonesian police in 2014. A year later, it published a report on the practice in the Indonesian military.

In 2015, the national police abolished the practice, which typically includes the invasive two-finger test to determine whether female applicants hymens are intact, according to Andreas Harsono, the HRW researcher in Indonesia.

Andreas welcomed Andikas apparent order to eliminate the virginity test at the army, which he described as abusive, unscientific and discriminatory.

Thats good and should have been done five decades ago, he said, calling on the Navy and Air Force to take similar steps.

If they want to become a civilized organization, it must be stopped.

In its 2015 report, HRW cited a military doctor in Jakarta who said that the test was part of mandatory physical exams and was given early in the recruitment process.

The doctor, who requested anonymity to the rights group, said the tests occurred in military hospitals across the country, with female military applicants examined in large halls divided into curtain-separated rooms.

Women make up about 15 percent of the Indonesian military.

Traumatic

The chair of the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), Andy Yetriyani, said the army chiefs directive was a positive step, but it should be formalized.

We appreciate Andikas statement, but things like that should be put in writing, to show the seriousness of the Army and the military as a whole, Andy told BenarNews.

Andreas said the virginity test has left deep trauma for those subjected to it.

All 20 women who were interviewed by HRW between 2014 and 2015 cried while recounting their experiences.

They were afraid to talk about it because it was a traumatic experience, said Andreas.

Andy concurred.

Most of the women we talked to were traumatized and said the experience was not pleasant, she said.

They remember feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable when their bodies were seen by other people.
Members of the Philippine National Police conduct morning exercises in their office in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Jan. 25 2021.

The police chief of Sulu province in the southern Philippines was shot and killed by a subordinate officer Friday after the boss reprimanded him about his haircut, according to officials.

Col. Michael Bawayan Jr., 49, the Sulu Provincial Police Office director, died while being taken to a hospital after being shot at a COVID-19 checkpoint in Jolo town, a police report said.

Bawayans men then shot dead his alleged assailant, who was identified as Staff Sergeant Imran Jilah, 43, a member of the 3rd Maneuver Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), the report said.

The security of the [provincial director] retaliated  [which] resulted in the killing of the suspect, the police said.

Tension between both men had been building since last week, when Bawayan publicly reprimanded the suspect for a non-regulation haircut, according to police.

On Friday, the police chief saw Jilah manning the checkpoint and decided to cut his hair himself. The police colonel scolded the sergeant, left the post and returned with a pair of scissors, according to a report by Associated Press.

However, as he approached the suspect he was instantly shot, a police source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak about the incident publicly, told BenarNews.

Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the chief of Philippine National Police, directed the police Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to investigate the killings of both Bawayan and Jilah.

We do not want to make hasty conclusions at this point. Wed rather await the result of the investigation, Eleazar said in a statement.

I am not inclined to give a deadline for the SITG to finish its investigation, to avoid undue pressure that may lead to haphazard results.

Militant suspects detonate bomb

This was the second violent incident involving police in Sulu, a chain of islands located in the far-southern Philippines and a hotbed of Islamic militant activity.

In June last year, four army intelligence operatives were allegedly slain by police in Jolo, the provincial capital, while on a mission to hunt down an Abu Sayyaf operative identified as a key planner of a twin suicide bombing that killed 23 people at a local church in January 2019.

The cops gunned down the military intelligence men although an initial investigation revealed that the soldiers had identified themselves to the police who flagged down their vehicle.

In January, the Philippine National Police released nine police officers who had been in custody after dismissing them, but authorities ordered that they be re-arrested.

Fridays incident in Jolo occurred days after local police arrested a civilian police employee who, it turned out, was wanted on terrorism charges.

Meanwhile, in another part of the southern Philippines, suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters detonated a homemade bomb, leaving one soldier dead and seven others wounded earlier this week, the military said on Friday.

The soldiers were aboard a military truck in a remote village in Maguindanao province when they were attacked late Wednesday night, regional military spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar said. He did not say why the incident was made public two days later.

BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a former separatist group that signed a peace deal with Manila and now controls an autonomous Muslim region in the south.

Like the Abu Sayyaf Group, BIFF is a militant group that has also pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State extremist group.

Jeoffrey Maitem contributed to this report from reporting from Cotabato City, southern Philippines.
Thai journalists try to get pictures and videos of musician Chaiamorn Ammy Kaewwiboonpan as he leaves the Bangkok Remand Prison after being granted bail on charges related to the burning of a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, May 11, 2021.

In a rare move, a Thai court on Friday blocked a new order by the prime minister to crack down on alleged fake news which, he had said, causes public fears or undermines the states security during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Civil Court in Bangkok filed the injunction in response to a petition filed on Monday by 12 Thai media portals who asked that it revoke Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-chas decree, which went into force last week. No date has been set to consider the revocation request.

In its ruling, the court noted that the government decree would allow the deprivation of rights and freedom of the plaintiffs and people as protected by the constitution.

[T]he phrase information having a risk of frightening people as indicated in such [an] article is of an ambiguous character and opens a possibility to a broad interpretation, the courts injunction said.

This would render the plaintiffs, people and those working in media field unconfident about expressing their opinion and communicating in accordance with the freedom protected by  the constitution, the court declared.

It also said that the decree did not authorize Prayuth, as prime minister, to suspend internet services.

The importance of the internet access is recognized throughout the society, particularly, in the current situation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and of the enforcement of lockdown measures, the court said, adding the government was capable of educating people during the pandemic.

[T]he suspension of the enforcement of such regulation does not pose any obstacle to public administration in emergency situations and public interest, the court said.

Emergency state

Prayuth, a former army chief and junta leader, signed the order which took effect on July 30 to prevent people from presenting news, selling or disseminating papers or printing other materials which cause public fears, or distorted information to cause public confusion during the emergency state and undermine the states security or public morality in areas under the emergency decree.

The prime minister signed the emergency decree  a separate decree  in March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic in Thailand.

Through the newly signed decree, Prayuth empowered the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) to gather details about people or groups allegedly spreading distorted information and terminate their online connections.

The decree calls on the commission to promptly file its information to national police to begin legal action.

Should any ISPs [internet security providers] refuse to comply, the NBTC shall take against action against them, it said.

In a Facebook post on July 27, Prayuth said there had been widespread dissemination of false information or distortions of officials quotes by traditional and social-media users, leading to public misunderstanding.

The Digital Economy and Society Ministry, the polices Technology Crime Suppression Division and the national police bureau must take measures to promptly and attentively prosecute major disseminators  be [they] the media, celebs or Facebook page administrators  not small users, Prayuth said in his post at the time.

Thapanee Eadsrichai, a co-founder of Reporter Production Co. Ltd., whose group is one of the 12 plaintiffs, thanked the court for its action.

We media responsibly exercise rights and liberty.  Most importantly we wouldnt make fake news because it is illegal, she said.

Look at the bright side, the court protects rights and freedom of the media and people, and freedom of expression and free flow of information especially amid multi-faceted disputes. Speaking truth shouldnt cause a backfire as long as the media work responsibly, Werayuth Theerakamol, a doctoral candidate in communication and media studies at Loughborough University in England, told BenarNews.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, meanwhile, had little to say about the injunction.

The governments legal team is considering this matter  before any response could be made, Anucha Burapachaisri told BenarNews.

Last week after Prayuth signed order, Anucha said it was meant to curb fake news about COVID-19 and was not to be forced against professional media.

Latest attack on freedom

Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said 16 international human rights organizations had joined it to denounce Prayuths order, calling it the governments latest attack on the right to freedom of expression and information in Thailand.

The terms fear, security, public order and good morals used in the regulation are vague and overbroad. They are featured without a clear delineation of their scope, limit or definition, in contravention of the principle of legality, as required by the ICCPR [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights], the New York-based rights watchdog said in a statement.

The signers noted there is a need to combat the spread of COVID-19 disinformation during the pandemic, but proportionate, constitutional measures should be taken against violators.

Arbitrary and intrusive means that rely on criminal sanctions, onerous fines and suspension of IP addresses do not meet this threshold, the statement said.

In another instance involving free-speech concerns, Amnesty International spoke out against Thai police fining one of its staff members for participating in a panel discussion last month. The discussion focused on the enforced disappearances of Thai activists, including Wanchalearm Satsaksit, who was abducted in Cambodia last year.

Our member of staff was simply doing her job to raise awareness in Thailand of international human rights law, Yamini Mishra, AIs director for the Asia-Pacific, said in a statement without naming the staffer.

The Thai authorities should not be fining her, the organizers or other panelists for simply speaking about the Thai authorities human rights obligations and the long history of enforced disappearances in this region, Yamini said.

The Thai authorities must stop issuing fines to people for peacefully exercising their human rights, and stop using the pandemic as an excuse to ramp up their repression.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
The Senate has voted to award Congressional Gold Medals to the Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department for protecting Congress during the Jan. 6 insurrection, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature
Reporter

Greta Jochem, a Report for America Corps member, joined the Eagle in 2021. Previously, she was a reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette. She is also a member of the investigations team.
Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise.
Reporter

Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S.
Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks Tuesday outside the Capitol in Washington, celebrating President Joe Bidens new, 60-day federal eviction moratorium covering areas overrun with the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Refusing to move from the Capitol steps, the first-term congresswoman from St. Louis intensified pressure on the Biden administration and showed her tactics could yield results.
A white woman known as Central Park Karen who went viral on cellphone video for calling the police on a Black bird-watcher in New Yorks Central Park last year, has broken her silence and is claiming she had no choice but to do what she did.

During an episode of the podcast Honestly, the woman, Amy Cooper, said she felt backed into a corner after the bird-watcher, Christian Cooper, offered her dog a treat and asked her to keep the animal on a leash.

"He's holding these dog treats in one hand and a bike helmet in his other hand, and I'm thinking, 'Oh, my God, is this guy going to lure my dog over and try to hit him with his bike helmet?'" she told podcaster Kmele Foster. "And if I end up over there, am I going to get hit by this bike helmet?"

RELATED: White Woman Who Called The Police On Black Man In Central Park Gets Dog Back

The interview, posted on Tuesday, runs contrary to Amys May remarks about the incident, in which she said she had overreacted and was sorry.

"When I think about the police, I'm such a blessed person. I've come to realize, especially today, that I think of [the police] as a protection agency, and unfortunately, this has caused me to realize that there are so many people in this country that don't have that luxury," she told NBC New York.

On the podcast, she contradicted her prior apology, saying, "I don't know that as a woman alone in a park that I had another option" but to call the police.

Christian Cooper had previously said he approached Amy to ask her to put her dog on a leash, which is the policy for the Ramble area of Central Park. The reason being is to preserve the areas environment and wildlife.

In the viral video shared on social media, Amy Cooper could be heard saying, "I'm taking a picture and calling the cops. I'm going to tell them there's an African American man threatening my life."

Subsequently, Amy Cooper was fired by the investment management company Franklin Templeton and charged with falsely reporting an accident in the third degree. That charge was dropped in February after Cooper completed five "psychoeducation and therapy" sessions, according to Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi.
After years of battling in court, a settlement has finally been reached with the estate of Korryn Gaines, the 23-year-old Baltimore mother who was killed by police in front of her then 5-year-old son.

CBS Baltimore reports, the family received a settlement of $3 million but the legal claims for Gaines son, Kodi, remains unresolved. The child was injured in the shooting.

The family lawyer, J. Wyndal Gordon, said in a statement, The family finally got a chance to begin the healing process.

He also added, This case is about accountability. Its about reform.

The estate was originally awarded $38 million via a wrongful death verdict, but that award was overturned by a Baltimore County Judge.

RELATED: Police Brutality Caught On Camera: 22 Videos That Explain Why Black Lives Matter

Gaines was shot and killed after a six-hour standoff with Baltimore County Police. She allegedly pointed a shotgun at officers who were trying to serve her an arrest warrant.

Gaines family filed a wrongful death suit claiming officers used excessive force against the 23-year-old and her 5-year-old son, Kodi, who was injured during the tragic incident.

Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Mickey Norman moved to dismiss any civil claims made against the officers, particularly Corporal Royce Ruby Jr., who fatally shot the young mother. According to CBS Baltimore, the judge cited qualified immunity, which shields law enforcement and government officials from civil liability when carrying out their duties.

Even though prosecutors declined to indict the officers in September of 2016, the Gaines estate is still pushing for criminal charges.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams are commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on Aug. 6, with a special PSA video calling for a pushback against voter suppression.



The two women say voting rights are under attack in the US. At least 400 bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states this year alone. To help raise public awareness, Abrams the 2018 Democractic Georgia gubernatorial candidate and Obama have are sharing a message asking that Americans demand that their members of Congresspass federal voting legislation.



Right now, dangerous legislation is being proposed across the country that limits the freedom to vote, cast our ballots and have our votes counted, Obama explains.

Many of these proposals would disproportionately impact Black, Brown, young, and working-class voters, and voters with disabilities, Abrams followed.

RELATED: Michelle Obama Honors Stacey Abrams With NAACP Social Justice Impact Award



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The pair teamed up together after both working on voting rights independently. Abrams founded Fair Fight Action, after she was denied her bid for governor of Georgia. Obama created When We All Vote back in 2018.

Their partnership comes as political activists and academics alike are sounding the alarm about the restrictive voting laws legislatures around the country are passing.

Abrams and Obama have each been working since the 2020 presidential election to encourage voters to the polls. Now theyre pointing out that federal action is necessary to prevent laws from making it harder for people who are not white and living in affluent areas to vote, and they want the Senate to act before its scheduled recess this month.
FILE - In this Thursday July 29, 2021 file photo, House Committee on Oversight and Reform committee Ranking Member Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., speaks during a hearing on voting rights in Texas in Washington. On Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, Comer said he currently has no plans to run for Kentucky governor in 2023, saying his sights are on another prize  the chairmanship of a key congressional committee.
It seems like everywhere we look, there are deep divisions based on political beliefs, perceived offenses, actual offenses and personal opinion. The flames of these divisions have been stoked almost daily by the news and social media feeds, so much so that it might seem impossible to heal the hatred and anger that has been created. But I have not lost hope!

We the Church are the answer! And it is our assignment in this hour to shed biblical truth on the current dark evil of division and prejudice. Truth be told, the Church has a rather weak history in this area. In fact, Sunday morning is sometimes called the most segregated hour of the week in our society. I believe this grieves the heart of God, who made all people, of all races, cultures, and ethnicities. Jesus simply loves the people of the world.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).

Hate and prejudice toward any group of people is motivated by the master manipulator  Satan himself. But God is still on the throne, and if we look to Him, no division is impossible to reconcile. Indeed, we are called to a ministry of reconciliation, aren't we? (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). In the Scripture, the parable of the Good Samaritan provides three clear steps we can follow to help us to be a beacon of truth in this critical conversation of our time.

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have. Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise (Luke 10:30-37).

1. We Must See People as "Faceless" (Luke 10:30)

That is, they must be human beings, first, before any group identifier. Jesus does not want us to see people as black people, or white people, or brown people, or rich people, or poor people, or Christian people or Muslim people, or Democratic people or Republican people. He wants us first and foremost to see everyone as a person made in the image and likeness of Almighty God.

And in the parable, the first thing Jesus mentions is that the man has been beaten and stripped of his clothing, his identity, and he is simply a faceless figure whose occupation, nationality, religion and race are not given to the listeners.

If the priest or the Levite had been able to tell if the wounded man was a Jew, maybe they would have stopped. But Jesus makes it clear that neither his clothing, nor his accent could be used to prejudge what kind of person he was. When you see the actual person instead of the preconceived notion or stereotype of the person's social group, then hate can be healed. And with so many group identifiers that are out there these days that divide us, we absolutely must see people as faceless human beings, first and foremost!

2. We Must Make Helping Others Our Highest Priority, Even at Personal Sacrifice

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was a very well-known road to Jesus' listeners. It was about 17 miles long and descended 3300 feet. It was such a steep, rocky and narrow road, that it had become a great spot for robbers and thieves to ambush passers-by. In fact, it is still known today as the way of blood!

Only a fool would travel that road alone, but that's exactly what happened here. The man got mugged, stripped and left for dead. To the crowd, it would seem like the man should have known better, so it was his fault he became a victim. They likely felt the priest and Levite were justified to pass by him.

It's easy to focus on apparent fault in other people. But if you play the blame game and point fingers, hate will never be healed. Its just going to be fueled.

Scripture teaches that we, as children of God, ought to be willing to suffer wrong and accept it (Matthew 5:38-40), so that peace and healing can take place. We must sometimes give up our right to be right, and instead accept wrong for the sake of healing and reconciliation.

Instead, our focus must be on cultivating a heart attitude that says, how can I help you? Helping people often requires great personal sacrifice, but empathy, compassion, and real action is highly effective in healing divisions between people.





Photo credit: Getty Images/kieferpix

Now, there are reasons why in Jesus story the priest and the Levite dont stop to help, mainly they couldn't risk touching a dead body. If they did, they would become ceremonially unclean and be forbidden under the Law to serve in the Temple. The ritual cleansing that it would take for a priest to be reinstated to his duties would take a full week, and a lot of money. He would have to find, buy and reduce a red heifer cow into ashes.

It would also take some humiliation. The priest would have to stand with the sinners outside the Eastern Gate for purification rituals. He would have to become one of the regular people! And then there is the issue of... what if he really needs help, thats an inconvenience, thats an interruption in the schedule, thats going to cost a lot of money to care for a complete stranger. The priest and Levite didnt want to take that chance; it was just too great a sacrifice.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have (Luke 10:33-35).

This Samaritan was willing to sacrifice his safety, his time, his reputation and his money. Why?

Thats what it takes to heal hate. Thats what we are called to as followers of Christ. It takes people who are willing to sacrifice. It takes being selfless and putting others first. But this kind of healing requires a sacrifice from all of us. Anger and mistrust wont be healed with stubbornness, but it can be healed through sacrifice.

3. We Must Learn to Empathize with Others

Even though the parable makes it clear that the man is "faceless" and cannot be identified, he was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho, which means it is likely that he was Jewish. What makes this so clever is that traditionally, Jews hated the Samaritans. Jesus made it clear that the one who was in need of help, received it from one he hated most.

Jews thought Samaritans were half-breeds of people. They went through great lengths to avoid contact with them. They refused to have any dealing with them. But ironically, in the story the man who hates received help from the man whom he hates!

When youre in need, you will take it any way you can get it. If youre bleeding, you dont care what the doctors race, religion, morality, or political views are. If youre bleeding, all you care about is can this person stop the bleeding? And so youll take help from a black doctor, a white doctor, an Asian doctor, a doctor from Timbuktu, and even an atheist doctor! When youre bleeding, you just want someone to reach out and be kind. You dont care about the color of their skin, religious beliefs or political affiliation. You just want help. And all of Jesus' listeners, including the lawyer, understood that.

Jesus was saying to the crowd Can you empathize with this wounded man? What if it were you? How would you want to be treated? What would you want from someone else  anyone else? His point was profound and yet simple: if we are going to heal hate and division, we must be able to empathize.

We empathize with others by learning more, and perhaps walking a minute in their shoes. We empathize by thinking compassionately  what if that was me?

Ultimately, we must seek to understand how Christ loved us and healed us when we were His enemies. If we can receive that love in the fullness of what it means, we will be able to pass it on to our neighbor and heal the hate that rages in our world.

Related articles

7 Traits of a Gospel-Centered Good Samaritan

5 Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With

The Samaritans: Hope from the History of a Hated People



Photo credit: Getty Images/Rawpixel

Frank Santora is Lead Pastor of Faith Church, a multi-site church with locations in Connecticut and New York. Pastor Frank hosts a weekly television show, Destined to Win, which airs weekly on the Hillsong Channel and TBN. He has authored thirteen books, including the most recent, Modern Day Psalms and Finding Christ in Crisis: Lessons We Learned From Covid. To learn more about Pastor Frank and this ministry, please visit www.franksantora.cc. Photo by Michele Roman.
MERIDIAN - The insurance producer license of Daniel Van Patten, the host of Safe Money Radio Show and President of Assure Financial Service, was revoked effective July 27, 2021, after committing several violations including making financial advisements without obtaining proper licensing, according to the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Licensed insurance producers, often referred to as insurance agents, are permitted to sell fixed annuities, but not variable annuities. Unlike fixed annuities, which offer specified and definite benefits, variable annuity payments vary based on the performance of its investment policy. Because of this, variable annuities are classified as securities, the sale of which require demonstrating knowledge through passing certain exams, and then obtaining proper licensing through the DOI and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Van Patten never received the required licensing to become an investment or financial advisor.

Though Van Patten was licensed as an insurance producer, Van Patten referred to himself as an advisor. In a letter dated March 8, 2017, the Idaho Department of Finance informed Van Patten that it is unlawful for a person to transact business in Idaho as an investment adviser unless the person is properly licensed. In spite of the warning, Van Patten continued to advise his clients on variable annuities and other investments which he was not licensed to sell.

In one circumstance, Van Pattens unlicensed advisement caused a client significant financial harm. After investigating a complaint from the client, the DOI found that Van Patten had sold the client an annuity that was unsuitable, which potentially lost the client tens of thousands in benefits.

Van Patten also committed several other violations, including failing to inform the DOI after he was charged with unlawful entry in Canyon County.

As a result of the violations, Van Pattens Idaho Resident Producer License has been revoked, and the lapsed license of his company, Assure Financial, has also been revoked. As part of a stipulated agreement Van Patten agreed to pay administrative penalties totaling $3,000.

When agents dont play by the rules, no one wins, said DOI Director Dean Cameron. The DOI is always working hard to make sure Idahoans are protected.
Techade REDEFINING FUTURE OF life sciences industry

Digital transformation is the topmost priority for global corporations and in a highly connected world that will remain largely contactless for an extended period, there are shifts in business models, customer experience, operations, and employee experience. With technology adoption accelerating across sectors, 2021 is likely to put the spotlight on the emergence of growth verticals in the life sciences sector namely healthcare, pharma, medical devices, diagnostics etc. India is now standing at the cusp of a re-imagined decade of technology, commonly being referred to as Techade. While we anticipate a significantly better global economic growth this year as compared to 2020, we are also very much looking forward to the enhancement being brought to the Indian life sciences industry as it continues its transformation journey in this redefined techade.
The company appeals to other state governments to initiate similar interventions

French MNC and emerging pathology start-up PathStore France welcomes the landmark intervention by Delhi Government for initiating a price correction COVID-19 RT-PCR testing in the state.

The Delhi government has issued revised rates of RT-PCR test and Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RAT) for COVID-19. The RT-PCR test for Covid-19 will now cost 300 in the national capital when the samples are collected by government teams, according to an order issued by Delhis health and family welfare department and Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) will also cost 300. Furthermore, charges for collection of samples for RT-PCR test through home visits (including all charges-visit, samples collection and testing) have been capped at 700.

Sharing his viewpoint on this revolutionary move, Anubhav Anusha, Global CEO and Founder of GeneStore and PathStore France, said, We at PathStore congratulate the Delhi Government for making RT-PCR testing accessible to people. For the first time in the history of diagnostic testing the pricing of a RT-PCR test is equally matched to that of Rapid Antigen Testing. This unique situation now allows patients, especially those from economically weaker sections, to afford and choose gold-standard RT-PCR testing over the less sensitive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Furthermore, the revised pricing strategy is a revolutionary move and will save the Delhi government and the citizens of Delhi approximately Rs 1000 crores annually based on current testing volumes. This move by the Delhi Government will bring about a much-needed price correction in the market and will be a trendsetter in the nation."

Anusha added, "Having launched PathStore RT-PCR testing at the same price last month, we as a brand are completely aligned with the government policy and look forward to extending our support to the state administration. We hope other state governments will appreciate the precedent set and would introduce similar interventions in their respective states.
The research plan has been developed considering the strengths of international collaborators

Indian scientists, in partnership with scientists from China, Russia and Brazil, will carry out genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and studies on the epidemiology and mathematical modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will help trace genetic mutations, recombinations as well as distribution of the virus and also make projections about the future of its spread.

Whole-genome sequencing is required for the identification of genetic mutations and recombinations of the virus, while epidemiological studies can help assess its distribution. Mathematical modelling is required to assess its future spread.

A research plan has been made by including the expertise of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds.

Under this research supported by the Department of Science and Technology, India and Brazil sides will assess the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples through metagenome analysis for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) surveillance.

Chinese and Russian scientists will carry out the Real-Time PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 in biological material (nasopharyngeal swabs) from patients with symptoms of respiratory diseases and investigate the genomic variability, comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis.

The genomic, metagenomic and epidemiological data from India, China, Russia and Brazil will be integrated to develop mathematical models for mutations analysis, population genetics, phylogenetic relationship, recombination analysis and risk evaluation to reveal the spreading network and dynamics of the virus.
NHFB will help improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of heart failure

National Heart Failure Biobank (NHFB) that would collect blood, biopsies, and clinical data as a guide to future therapies was recently inaugurated at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Thiruvananthapuram.

Prof Balram Bhargava, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and DG, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) virtually inaugurated the NHFB.

According to Bhargava, the biobank will provide insights into heart diseases and heart failure among Indian children and adults, which are different from that seen in the West.

Dr VK Saraswat, President of SCTIMST and Member, NITI Aayog, in his message, hoped that the NHFB would prove helpful in understanding molecular pathways and would improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of heart failure.

The storage facilities include -20, -80-degree mechanical freezers and a liquid nitrogen storage system which can store bio-samples at  140 degrees perpetually for years. Currently, there are facilities to store nearly 25000 biosamples.

The biosamples include the blood, serum, tissue samples obtained during open-heart surgery and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and genomic DNA collected from heart failure patients. The biobank activity is supervised by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) with a member from ICMR.

The Biobank at SCTIMST has already signed an MOU with InStem Bangalore for collaborative research in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which runs in families with thickening heart muscles.
Lisbon Awards Group has announced that the submissions of works for the 5th edition of the Lisbon International Advertising Festival are now open.

Changes

The Festival, which first took place in 2016, has been working towards making Lisbon one of the International Centers for Advertising awards and festivals with the goal of rewarding the worlds best when it comes to creativity, as well as the best works in every region.To fulfil said goal, throughout the years, the festival has had the presence of several remarkable names of this field. Some of the award-winning agencies of the festival include Jung Von Matt, BETC Paris, Anomaly, CP+B and R/GA. Amongst the winners of the Agency of the Year, names like Ogilvy Singapura, 180LA and Rothco deserve a particular emphasis.This 5th Edition brings some changes to the way the festival works.The first one is related to the merge of the different festivals of the Lisbon International Advertising Group: previously, the group was composed of Lisbon International Advertising Festival, Lisbon Health International Advertising Festival, Lisbon Effectiveness International Advertising Festival, Lisbon Tech Festival and the Lisbon PR Awards.In this new edition, both the Effectiveness and Tech Festivals were converted into categories of the Lisbon AD Festival, while the Lisbon PR Awards and Lisbon Health remain independent awards. Despite this fact, all of these festivals will be celebrated together, in a major event that intends to reward the best works in Creativity.The second big change is the creation of a new element in the voting process: the Curators. In this edition that, due to the current state of affairs, will remain mostly online, the figure of the Curator will bring some sense of normalcy to the Festival. In a small and restricted face-to-face event, the curator will continue the work done by the jurors and will do the curation of the Awards, choosing the best among the best.For more, go to : https://www.lisbonawardsgroup.com/
The SABC should look beyond revenue regulation for its security. Covid-19 is a global socio-economic issue, they should leave the competition alone.

The Covid-19 pandemic, besides the obvious disruption across all sectors, has also brought a great scramble for advertising budgets, in particular the big traditional broadcasters. The proposal from the SABC (South Africas public broadcaster) to have the distribution of advertising revenue regulated in television advertising is one of the current woes - Business Live By Bekezela Phakathi. What the SABC is not grasping is that their difficulties can easily be solved through better measurement, evaluation, and innovation to unlock more advertising budgets, instead of regulating revenue distribution.Customer journeys have vastly been disrupted across all industries as consumers across the globe settle in the new normal. As depicted in The SA Social Media Landscape Report 2021 , South Africa alone has seen a 1.7 million increase in internet adoption, bringing internet users up to 38.2 million. The demand for internet and over-the-top streaming services at the consumer level, the media level, and the enterprise level will continue to accelerate.The lockdowns we experienced throughout the pandemic has clearly shown how people turned more towards digital channels to be entertained, stay connected, and shop. This change in consumer trends and behaviour has required a strategic shift in the marketing resource allocation and led CMOs across different industries to evaluate the relative value of their channel investments. Brands want to communicate with the users of their products or services and will prioritise marketing channels that cater to their audience. Creating laws that limit advertising revenue received by pay-television services can lead to a further decrease in above-the-line advertising and force brands to focus on performance marketing channels such as Social and Search advertising.Arguably, we can never entirely disregard traditional advertising, it plays a significant role in building a good brand presence, but more ingenuity is required from broadcasters to maintain production and buying of quality content suited for their audience. To do this requires going back to the basics. Firstly, researching your audience to keep up to date with their needs and adapting to their changing preferences. Secondly, monitoring and tracking competitor activity to keep abreast of change and maintain competitive advantage. Doing so will help retain your audience and enable you to identify new opportunities to grow them.Additionally, the broadcasters should apply for a rigorous sales programme. Educate their sales teams and ensure a good understanding of the content and the audience that consumes it to find the right advertising clients. Even more so, remember the brands ultimately decide which broadcaster they believe is most suited for their brand based on the content, target audience and size of the viewership or listenership of the broadcaster.The promotion of digital transformation that has come with the pandemic has created newfound pressure on the recurring list of traditional advertisers concerns around effective operating models, strategies and resourceful use of technology. The pressure will continue to increase if broadcasters fail to ride the digital wave or innovate to recapture the populations' audience as customer trends suggest.We have faith in the SABC, they are a great brand but have been decimated through maladministration. Through the years, they have documented and captured the evolution of South Africa through news and well-loved homegrown content. They need to maintain the standard and innovate to recapture the audience. If they serve the needs of their audience and clients, then the money will follow suit. They should just do their thing and allow the competition to do theirs.Ornico provides reputation, media, advertising and brand research with a suite of products that includes Brand Intelligence across the African continent. It does this to help marketers and brand owners make sense of the flood of information that occupies traditional and social media.By collecting and analysing media data across many channels, Ornico informs brand owners and marketing decision makers about the most important strategic decisions they'll ever make regarding their brands.From editorial and advertising monitoring services, social media analytics to advanced brand research, Ornico provides a holistic and independent view of brand performance as reflected by television, radio, print media as well as social and digital media.
This Women's Month, Eva-Last is celebrating women in the building materials industry for whom passion is purpose and outdated perceptions will not stand in their way.

Shelley Galliver, marketing director, Eva-Last

Reinforcing perceptions about the gender divide

Nikita Norman, Durban branch manager, Eva-Last

Forefront of technical developments

Caitlynne Collender, research and design product manager, Eva-Last

Potential opportunity for women lies in artisan skills shortage In South Africa, women are 9% more likely to be unemployed than their male counterparts. Yet, there are still roles and skills for which employers struggle to hire...

Fewer women being pigeon-holed

Shelley Galliver, Eva-Lasts marketing director, has more than two decades' experience in the building materials industry and says the relatively specialised nature of the industry has worked in her favour. Building materials is a niche market, so if you can grow your profile and credentials in the industry, there are opportunities out there.Galliver obtained a degree in marketing and started her career in various positions at PG Bison before becoming a brand manager. That was where I found my lane  I just loved my job because it required a deep understanding of all aspects of the product, including technical and production, to better market the offering. I was soon overseeing most of the companys brand portfolio.Moving to Alpha Cement, as a marketing manager, she expanded her responsibilities from brand management to full marketing management; first in a division and ultimately across the whole business; and then to the Dawn Group  as marketing director for brands such as Cobra taps and mixers and other strategic marketing director roles in the group. Galliver then took a brief sidestep into explosives with Maxam. By that stage I had developed a real love and passion for building materials, so when Eva-Last came calling I was ready to move back into the industry.Throughout her career Galliver has worked in male-dominated workplaces, and she believes some companies can make the mistake of reinforcing perceptions about the gender divide even when they set out to address workplace equality. By hiring men for technical positions and women for less hands-on work, barriers can remain in place. Its really about what you can do in the role. I can honestly say that, given the opportunities I was given, if you are competent, confident and can demonstrate that youre there to add value, you are treated equally.Working in marketing has provided a double barrier to being taken seriously. A lot of people dont understand the strategic role of marketing. Once they see that you understand all aspects of the business and can help drive strategy, you quickly gain their respect. Anyone in a technical field  even in marketing  has to understand the various routes to market and the different requirements of the channels to be able to market their products or brands effectively. This is what I find exciting about the industry  it is so diversified, you are marketing your brand to people who are often not your direct customers, but whose needs must be understood for your brand to be the product of choice, says Galliver.Nikita Norman, Eva-Lasts Durban branch manager, says from high school to her familys technical leanings  even including completing a welding course during her studies  made her aspire to study engineering or architecture. A qualification in architectural draughting got her into the company in its early days. I was one of the first women here and we all had to fill many roles at once. I was draughting for project installations while also working up new decking board profiles and clips, while also being involved in sales. Id also pick up phones and handle walk-in customers, which made me work on parts of my personality to become better at sales.Like Galliver, Norman loved being at the centre of the business. From architecture to sales is quite a move, but it meant I had to understand the business and our products intimately. I needed to be able to answer any questions a customer might have. Many people think women are not technically inclined, but my sister is an engineer and I believe women should not allow themselves to be steered by the attitudes of others. It can be challenging to work in this industry, but we have an all-female team of three here in Durban and, for the most part, our contractors and customers simply want someone who is technically minded and can solve their problems.Norman says a passion for the products she works with goes a long way. The company is vibrant and has a lot of momentum and innovative sparkle. The industry in general is also evolving very quickly in terms of the products being developed and how architects are putting them to use. To be at the forefront of technical developments in the industry is exciting and I would hate to have missed that opportunity by taking a safer route in my career.Caitlynne Collender, a research and design product manager at Eva-Last, also took the draughting route into the industry and has remained on the technical development side rather than sales. I started helping to draw up new products, which became my main focus rather than project designs. I worked directly with the research and development team, bringing in new technologies, and we have been changing the industry with our patents, which is very exciting.Intimately involved in the development of Eva-Lasts Hulk fasteners range, Collender says she also benefited from a family used to designing and building things. My dad is very hands-on. I grew up around yachts and boats, fixing and building things. I was also friends with many people who worked in technical trades, and draughting is one of my core passions. The company lets me do just that and provides the tools for me to do it, so Ive been very fortunate. Ive also worked with many men who have daughters, so theyve always been comfortable around women.It hasnt always been that way. When I showed up to register for a technical college course, the man who would go on to be my teacher asked me if I was there to register my husband. That stank. Then I was also overlooked at graduation where all my male peers who received fewer distinctions than I did were celebrated. I think the industry is catching up and making things right, and we are seeing fewer women pigeon-holed into roles. The women at Eva-Last are raring to take opportunities and run with them, Collender says.Advice from the Eva-Last team is to not take a backseat. Be willing to get involved and understand all the technical aspects of the business and product. Thats the baseline for being able to work with highly technical people in engineering teams. You need to speak their language, says Galliver.Never give up. If you have a passion for a technical field, just forge ahead. You need to take chances because this is a rewarding and interesting field, says Norman.Dont listen to anyone else  if you get a gap, take it and do what you need to do. You can learn many things online and upskill yourself without depending on others who might slow you down. Im very grateful for the opportunities I have been given, but remember to speak up for yourself, Collender adds.
After steadily building her career in social media and digital strategy, Nomacala Mpeta has earned her place as a pioneer in digital marketing education in Africa.

Nomacala Mpeta, head of learning at Digify Africa

Tell us a bit more about your role as head of learning and the work you do.

Tell us a bit more about your career path before your current role.

#WomensMonth: Tendaiishe Chitima shares her passion for the creative arts Popularly known as Anesu on Netflix's Zimbabwean Cook Off film, Tendaiishe Chitima is a multitalented star who looks to take the world by storm...

What do you love most about your work?

You were recently selected to be part of the IAB SA Transformation council, how are you feeling about that?

What are you hoping to achieve through your position on the council?

#WomensMonth: It'll take more than 60 years to bridge the gender gap When I started, I was one of very few women in leadership roles in our company. It was extremely difficult to think about role modelling when there were no women to look up to...

Why is an education in digital marketing important right now?

How can digital marketing be used to empower youth, and women specifically, in their careers?

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

What advice would you give to young people trying to enter the digital marketing industry?

We spoke with her to find out more about her job as head of learning at Digify Africa, the place of women in digital marketing, and why digital marketing education is importantMy job is to create and oversee Digify Africas learning strategy, learning theory of change, learning programme design, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation, and the training of trainers in the ecosystem throughout all Digify Africas programmes across the continent.Before taking on a learning-focused path, I was steadily building my career in social media and digital strategy. I started my career in digital marketing in 2011 as a social media coordinator who quickly grew to manage key social media accounts for brands such as BMW South Africa, Celltone Skincare South Africa, and Zimbabwe as well as the famous Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City Malls until February 2016.With that knowledge and two years as an entrepreneur, I began not only consulting but creating and implementing integrated communications strategies with a focus on digital for brands such as Save The Children and ABinBev South Africa (formerly known as South African Breweries) kickstart programme between 2017-2018 before making the switch.Seeing young people across the continent who did not have any other opportunities graduate and start working in the digital industry. Being part of closing that knowledge gap and helping them gain a better understanding of how these digital skills can help them create a livelihood is unmatched.PROUD. Finally, a seat at the table.As a member of the IAB Transformation council - womens subcommittee our work and mandate are doing actual work and achieving our objectives around driving gender equity and addressing issues/challenges we have as an industry. These issues include a lack of women representation in executive leadership positions, lack of representation of women in the digital marketing and media sector, and even lack of skills development.Redressing these issues can and will move the digital marketing industry forward, and that is incredibly important for my day-to-day work.The need to close the digital divide is growing with a digitised world. Developing learning and giving people education that addresses these particular skills gaps is crucial in them being able to participate in the economy and create their own opportunities where there previously werent any.Most of the jobs we have today did not exist when I started working in the industry 10 years ago. Digital marketing is ever-evolving, and so are the jobs and opportunities that can come from it. Staying up to date with the changes, sparking that personal curiosity, and ensuring your ear is on the ground and youre up to date will go a long way in empowering themselves.The best advice I have been given was Function over Title, which basically means to be more concerned with being effective in my work, delivery, and impact vs chasing after titles and influence.I would tell young people trying to enter the industry to be courageous, have the audacity to pursue their dreams even when it doesnt make sense to anybody else - and dare greatly in ALL that they do. This expert from Brene Browns book, Daring greatly sums it up perfectly:Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. Its about courage. In a world where never enough dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. Its even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means theres a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena - whether its a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.
Women's Day is around the corner, and brands have doubtless prepared campaigns and content to celebrate the day. But how many will hit the right note and how many will suffer a backlash? We looked at striking purpose-driven campaigns to glean some insights on how to join significant conversations in ways that are helpful and progressive.

The history

1. Consider a clever twist that doesnt make light of the message

Source: Apartheid Museum

2. When it comes to statistics, presentation is everything

Apparently business is none of womens business. Only 1 in 20 CEOs in the UK is a woman. #IWD2021 pic.twitter.com/3msIN2pV3Q  Interflora (@InterfloraUK) March 8, 2021

3. Tell authentic stories

4. Remember: its not about you

The Womens March on 9 August 1956 remains one of the most iconic moments in South African history.On that day, an estimated 20,000 women marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against pass laws for Black women. The prime minister at the time, J.G. Strijdom, refused to meet with the protesters or accept their petition, and in an iconic moment, they stood in silence before breaking into a song written for the occasion.Wathint abafazi, wathint imbokodo! (You strike the women, you strike a rock.)Take a walk down memory lane and learn more about that day on Google Arts and Culture page It was a powerful moment in our nations history, and every Womens Day, brands and organisations (perhaps cynically, in some cases) try to celebrate the spirit of that progressive, outspoken protest by women that helped shape South Africas destiny.And every year there are brands that suffer a backlash for particularly clumsy attempts at doing this.Perhaps the most memorable slip-up in recent history was when pen-maker BIC decided to share a message on Womens Day that was anything but empowering, the message read: Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a boss.BIC apologised for this but it is certainly not the only brand in South Africa, or globally, that has fumbled when trying to capture the women empowerment zeitgeist.But lets not focus on campaigns that get it wrong  lets look at creative ways that organisations and brands are getting it right and extrapolate some insights if you decide you want to be part of a contemporary conversation on a social issue.Perhaps the best take on Womens Day messaging Ive ever seen is this poster by the Apartheid Museum. Its an image steeped in history, from the evocative raised Black fist next to the White hand wielding the pass document, to the reference to rock in the copy, which harkens back to the slogan used during the 1956 Womens March.But the true genius is in the copy  which is playful without making light of the significance of the day.This series by global flower delivery service Interflora was for International Womens Day, which is celebrated in March. Issues such as the gender pay gap and the glass ceiling are best explained through facts and figures  but if these arent presented well, youll lose your audience entirely.Interfloras solution here is striking and also manages to remind us what it does without making it a hard sell.Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Gauteng, decided to commemorate Womens Day last year with a campaign that celebrated the many women involved in exploring and sharing humanitys origin story  from scientists to tour guides.By focusing on individual stories, the collective effect of the campaign was to provide a layered, nuanced look at the experiences of women in the field. This approach also saw readers being drawn in by the story and leaving with a message, rather than having the message blared at them.When it comes to messaging around issues such as social justice or empowerment, give your platform to more authentic figures and voices in the space.Big brands such as Nike and Dove have been doing this particularly well over the past few years, combining high production values with prominent voices. We may not particularly care what the CEO of Nike has to say about women in sport, but we will listen to Serena Williams (for instance).This approach puts the focus on a broad message that is relatable to and evocative for a large audience, with the brand appearing almost subliminally in the advertising.

Dove Project ShowUs Shattering Beauty Stereotypes from Aidan McDermott on Vimeo.

This trend of brands jumping onto purpose-driven messages is in large part due to social media, where for the first time, audiences are no longer just passive recipients of brand messaging.Theyre having their own, loud conversations that companies have to contend with in order to make their voices heard. For brands, this means joining conversations in ways that are relevant and relatable.There are cynical ways to look at this dynamic, but in that cynicism its worth noting that for perhaps the first time in human history, conversations around diversity and inclusion have gone mainstream. If we can convert conversation into concrete action, imagine the possibilities ...
With the dust now apparently settled on the most widespread and violent period of intense unrest in South Africa's post-democratic history, businesses are looking to rebuild and investors are assessing their options. As they do so, one thing that should be abundantly clear is that a 'business as usual' approach won't work.

Bryan Turner, partner at Spear Capital | Image supplied

Cutting government red tape is a good start

Private sector must accelerate efforts on sustainability The sustainability issues facing societies are threatening the well-being of people across the globe...

Fix the electricity crisis, education system

Beyond extraction

The real impact of the unrest on SA's economy As calm steadily returns after the recent social unrest, analysts are hard at work tallying the cost of the looting and disruption to economic activity...

Job creation key to changing the status quo

Forget the motives of those who instigated the violence and looting for a moment. Instead, remember that they were able to tap into the deep-seated anger of the countrys poorest people. While opportunistic middle-class looters make for great headlines, there is little doubt that they were in the minority.Fueled by the economic devastation of Covid-19, South Africas unemployment rate is at an all-time high of 32.60% and the country also remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, a situation which has long been described as a ticking time bomb. As such, any rebuilding efforts should not look to entrench the status quo.Policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors alike should all look for new ways of doing things that benefit the majority of South Africans.For lawmakers, a good place to start would be to make life easier for entrepreneurs. According to the World Bank, South Africa ranks 84th in ease of doing business. That puts it behind countries such as Albania, Mongolia and the Kyrgyz Republic. With due respect to these countries, it is not the kind of company Africas most industrialised economy should be keeping. It also takes an average of 40 days to start a business in South Africa. By comparison, it takes a single day in New Zealand, which unsurprisingly ranks first in the ease of doing business index.While theres no doubt that the excesses of big corporations need to be curbed through regulation, there is clearly a lot of red tape that South Africa needs to cut in order to foster entrepreneurship. The country has shown that it is capable of producing startups that can scale and compete internationally. Imagine how many more it could produce if conditions were made a little easier.We also know that new jobs are created by SMEs and not big corporations. Government support for SMEs and the implementation of conducive policies for businesses must, therefore, be a priority.It is not just regulations directly related to entrepreneurship that need to be reformed either. For example, the power outages caused by years of mismanagement at Eskom have not only hampered the ability of existing businesses to operate, but have harmed the countrys investment potential. While the increase of the embedded generation threshold to 100MW is a positive step, it is just one of many small steps that the government could take to make economic growth and job creation easier.Another important step is to fix education. We need to think differently about how we get the youth into the workforce and provide them with the skills they need to compete in the contemporary global economy. Fixing education will take time but it is well worth the effort in the long run.At the same time, businesses and investors have to reconsider how they operate in South Africa. Over the past year or so, the country has experienced trade surpluses, thanks to bumper crops in the agricultural sector and a commodities boom. But these sectors can only create so many jobs. Most of the money from these sectors also comes from the export of raw products and materials. If South Africa was to refine its natural resources, it would create products with higher value and bring more jobs into the country.Those businesses that do exist in the secondary and tertiary sectors should also ensure that they do everything they can to ensure their businesses operate sustainably and support the communities around them. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a good place to start on this front. Adopted in 2015, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.When it comes to achieving those goals, the UN calls on businesses to play their part too. While there are those in the business world who will argue that taking an SDG-focused approach presents unnecessary obstacles, we believe that it can provide stronger businesses, economies and societies. Businesses can only gain by better serving and supporting the communities they operate in and by taking a long-term view informed by sustainability.Investors, meanwhile, should look beyond opportunities for short-term gain and focus on companies with long-term viability that operate sustainably. While they may be cautious for the moment, it is important to realise that there are major opportunities to be found, especially among the companies that service the communities most adversely impacted by the looting.With or without the support of the government, there can be no doubt that South Africas recent unrest represents an imperative for change. By embracing that change, it is possible to build back better and more inclusively.Without it, some may just try to maintain the status quo and put a lid on some of the factors that led to the violence in the first place. At best, that is a temporary fix and that is true even in developed economies. In 2011, parts of London were rocked by riots that caused hundreds of millions of pounds worth of damage. Today, people are warning that conditions are again ripe for rioting. In South Africa, it is highly unlikely that it will take that long.Ultimately, the only way to change the status quo is through jobs. That does not just result in the upliftment of those who are employed, but also those they support and the money velocity added to the economy that becomes the fuel for growth. We must act now and act decisively.
After being disrupted by the civil unrest that affected parts of South Africa, Africa's premier film industry event, the Durban FilmMart, is back on track to host its virtual event this August.

DFM Conversations  In-depth conversations with prominent film industry professionals



 In-depth conversations with prominent film industry professionals Durban Does Docs  Unpacking the world of documentary filmmaking



 Unpacking the world of documentary filmmaking Talents Filmmaker Talks  Interrogating stories, messaging and filmmaking processes



 Interrogating stories, messaging and filmmaking processes Engage  Highlighting Lusophone African voices in the traveling think-tank programme



 Highlighting Lusophone African voices in the traveling think-tank programme Animation @ DFM  Explore animation as a dynamic driving force within the continents creative industries



 Explore animation as a dynamic driving force within the continents creative industries Content Shop: New Pathways  How digital opportunities in the areas of training, sales, distribution and festival strategy facilitate inclusivity and access.

The 12th edition of the Durban FilmMart which was initially meant to take place between 16-25 July will now take place from 13-22 August 2021.We are glad that we were able to overcome the challenges that the riots in parts of KwaZulu-Natal presented us to get the Durban FilmMart back on track so that we can once again showcase the best of African filmmaking, says Magdalene Reddy, acting general manager of the Durban FilmMart Institute.Despite the disruption we faced, our programme for the virtual event remains largely unchanged and we look forward to providing African filmmakers the platform to network with an international market, Reddy said.Under the theme, 'Disrupt! The shape of stories to come', the Durban FilmMart will highlight the best the continent has to offer while interrogating the challenges and opportunities the film industry faces.This year the DFM has a programme comprising 100 speakers over 40 sessions. Highlighted streams in the Industry programme include:The Pitch and Finance Forum offers financiers, funders, investors and programmers an opportunity to fully explore African projects in development. The 2021 programme will present 30 projects as the official DFM selection and 45 projects in the Story Junction selection. Story Junction is the presentation of projects from partner programmes  Talents Durban, Hot Docs Blue Ice Docs Fund Fellows and a spotlight on selected Lusophone African projects.Delegate registration is now open at http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/Delegate-Registration.aspx
HOMEMAKERS has for the past two decades developed a unique bouquet of media opportunities enabling advertisers and exhibitors to communicate to discerning homeowners in the major urban areas of South Africa. Products include South Africa's dominant direct response magazines, HOMEMAKERSfair and RENOVATE. HOMEMAKERS Expo, the original and largest home lifestyle show also forms part of this dynamic company.-
Imagine a country where theres no separation between the government, the military, and the media. A lot of Americans would think of China, Russia or North Korea, but its a perfect description of the United States today. And here in Washington, the think tank inside this nondescript building  Center For A New American Security (CNAS)  is the clearest example of just that.

CNAS is a premier militarist think tank in the nations capital, especially for Democratic Party administrations. It is funded by the State Department and Pentagon and has taken more money from weapons companies over the last several years than any other think tank. On top of that, its funded by oil companies, big banks, and right wing governments  basically the most destructive forces on the planet.

For President Joe Biden, CNAS serves as a farm, from which key positions in his administration are cultivated. In fact, at least 16 CNAS alumni are now in key positions in the Biden Pentagon and State Department.

But whats most shocking is that several national security and foreign policy reporters from elite U.S. media outlets are affiliated with CNAS  and therefore indirectly affiliated with, and likely paid by, the U.S. government and corporations  the very forces that they should be holding accountable.

For more than twenty years, New York Times Washington correspondent David Sanger has relentlessly pushed deceptions to con the public into supporting U.S. aggression and war.

From the George W. Bush administrations lies about WMDs in Iraq to lies about Iran attempting to create nuclear weapons and evidence-free claims from intelligence agencies about Russian cyberattacks  these incendiary allegations were taken at face value with a clear goal to pressure then-President Donald Trump to ramp up aggression against Moscow while conveniently filling the pockets of Sangers weapons-industry benefactors.

Sangers neocon cyberwar fantasy was even turned into a movie by HBO. Today, David Sanger is onto the COVID-19 lab leak theory. Hes been at the forefront of every propaganda campaign that not only provides justification for aggression and war but also helps generate huge profits for CNAS funders.

Sanger is just one of several New York Times, Washington Post and Foreign Policy reporters who have residencies at CNAS. Presumably, that comes with a sizable financial component. I emailed CNAS to ask whether it pays these reporters but they didnt respond.

Sangers colleague Eric Schmitt, senior correspondent covering national security for The New York Times, is also in residence at CNAS.

Back in 2020, Schmitt was promoting the obviously false Russian bounties story, which was later retracted after it had served its political purpose to force Trump to take a harder anti-Russia stance.

Of course, Schmitt was a reliable promoter of intelligence claims about Russian hacking  never displaying a scintilla of skepticism.

And he dutifully portrayed the Trump administrations aggression against Iran as defensive.

The Washington Post, at one point, found this kind of blatant media corruption at least questionable. In 2011, Time magazine launched a series in collaboration with CNAS to promote war propaganda; the Post published an article questioning the ethics of that partnership.

Fast-forward to 2013: billionaire Jeff Bezos buys the Post, and its correspondent, David Finkel, becomes a writer in residence at CNAS. During that time, Finkel wrote two books on the U.S. war in Iraq: The Good Soldiers and Thank You For Your Service. Just the kind of whitewash of the war that CNASs funders would want the public to consume.

Michael Gordon is another. He spent three decades at the Times. Among his greatest accomplishments was, alongside Judith Miller, promoting the Bush administrations Iraqi WMD deception. Gordon wrote that Iraq has stepped up its quest for nuclear weapons and has embarked on a worldwide hunt for materials to make an atomic bomb  citing anonymous U.S. officials.

Now at The Wall Street Journal, Gordon has spent months pumping out Wuhan lab-leak propaganda  once again promoting claims of intelligence officials without any skepticism.

Greg Jaffe is a Washington Post national security reporter and another writer in residence at CNAS. His article on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan quotes Eliot Cohen  a former Bush administration official who is now a fellow at CNAS. Jaffe and Cohens shared affiliation is never disclosed in the article  an obvious breach of the most basic journalistic ethics.

Thom Shanker used to be part of the CNAS writer-in-residence program when he was at the Times writing on U.S. wars. In 2012, Shanker wrote this blog post promoting a CNAS study without revealing his affiliation. Once again, a major conflict of interest and ethics out the window.

Theres also Rajiv Chandrasekaran, who spent two decades doing public relations for U.S. wars at the Post and is now doing PR for Starbucks.

And Thomas Ricks, whose career has spanned posts at The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and Foreign Policy magazine. Ricks is a cold-warrior who has publicly stated that Putin is attacking the United States just like Osama Bin Laden did and that Americans defending Putin are no different from those defending Bin Laden.

Some of this information isnt new. It was reported in The Nation more than a decade ago, but the issue has only gotten worse as U.S. politics have shifted right, spy agencies have gained more power in the media, and the new cold war has accelerated.

Theres no real separation between the myriad of revolving doors and cash flow between the weapons manufacturers, think tanks, the U.S. government and media. Its an incestuous, bloviating blob capable of producing one thing and one thing only: war.

So when you think of the military industrial complex and the permanent war state, dont forget about what might be the most important component of all: the media.

Feature photo | Graphic by James Russo

Dan Cohen is the Washington DC correspondent for Behind The Headlines. He has produced widely distributed video reports and print dispatches from across Israel-Palestine. He tweets at @DanCohen3000.
The Biden regime's rapidly-intensifying war on the free press has forced world-renowned health maverick Dr Joseph Mercola to mass delete "over 15,000 articles" from his 25-year-old natural health website.



The FDA recently threatened Mercola by claiming he was marketing basic vitamins (Vitamin C and D) as a "coronavirus treatment" and a foreign lobby named the "Center for Countering Digital Hate" labeled him #1 on their "disinformation dozen" list for his reporting on the risks of Big Pharma's covid vaccines.



It appears Mercola decided to make a strategic retreat in a bid to keep from losing his entire business and be hit with massive fines and potential jail time. So-called advocates for the free press who whined incessantly about Trump's "fascism" and accused him of "attacks on the press" by making fun of fake news outlets are currently either silent or outright cheering the Biden regime's crackdown on independent media.



Jeff Zucker's disinformation propaganda network harassed Mercola at his home, doxed his home address and then stalked him in the street as part of a smear piece.





.@RandiKayeCNN attempts to track down Dr. Joseph Mercola to find out why the Florida doctor continues to spread misinformation about Covid-19 and the vaccine.



Get the facts on Covid-19: https://t.co/81K5g65sbN pic.twitter.com/Mv6Iy46iep  CNN (@CNN) August 5, 2021



DHS head Alejandro Mayorkas is probably looking at putting him on the No Fly List next!



This is what real authoritarianism looks like! Mercola is being viciously persecuted purely for going against the globalist agenda of our ruling oligarchs!







From Mercola, "Why I Am Deleting All Content After 48 Hours":

Today, I have the most important announcement in the quarter of a century history of this newsletter. My goal and passion has always been about supporting you and helping you take control of your health. I am beyond thrilled that there are tens of millions of people who have benefited from what I have shared over the years.



I am filled with joy and gratitude every time I travel and lecture as invariably many people tell me how I've changed their lives by providing vital information they couldn't find anywhere else and even better that was completely free.



These were the times when many of the views I presented were criticized, but that's to be expected. That was one of the great freedoms we enjoyed. We could have different views and we could speak openly about these views without fear of retribution.



But we are now in a different time. A much darker time. The silence of free speech is now deafening.



Not only is blatant censorship tolerated, it is being encouraged by the very people who were to be entrusted with protecting our freedom of speech.



We are not living from the lessons we've learned before. Never in my life, would I believe the sitting President of the United States call out 12 Americans in a McCarthyism like attack in the United States. As you are aware, I was placed at the top of this list.



The last week has brought a tremendous amount of reflections to me, and a lot of unacceptable threats to a company full of amazing people that have helped me support you in this journey.



By now I am sure you know that there was a recent NY Times article attacking me and it was one of the most widely distributed stories in the world. The article was loaded with false statements made about me and my organization.



The report would be laughed at if it were to be submitted for peer review, the groups that created it are funded by dark money and operated by an illegal foreign agent. The press never questioned it, but ran with their orders from above.



I can deal with the CNN crews that chase me by car while I bicycle from my home. I feel sorry for the people in media that have to follow the orders they are given.



It is easy to dismiss the media pawns, but the most powerful individual on the planet has targeted me as his primary obstacle that must be removed. Every three letter agency is at his disposal, and the executive powers have grown beyond what an individual American's rights can protect against.



A dissenter of medical mandates is now a target and obstacle to be removed. I know  that's 25 years' worth of blood, sweat and tears coming down.



I can hardly believe these words are coming out of my mouth. It's a testament of just how radical things have degenerated in the recent past. However, I will continue to publish new articles, BUT going forward, each article I publish will be available for only 48 hours and will then be removed from the website.



We are at the crossroad where change is unavoidable. We all must make choices that determine our future. To many, this looks like a war ... but what we need to find is peace. I am going to find peace through this sacrifice.



Just to be clear, ALL my content will be removed. This includes articles on:



Great Reset

General nutrition

The coronavirus

My interviews with experts



These will be removed to appease the individuals in power who have an arsenal of overwhelming tools at their disposal, and are actively engaged in using them. COVID-19 has activated and authorized emergency powers that have weakened our constitutional rights. Sadly, cyberwarfare and authoritarian forces are beyond our abilities to withstand, and this is now our only way forward.



Over 15,000 articles full of vital information that has helped tens of millions across the world take control of their health, will be removed. There was a time when people could debate and respect each other freely. That time is now gone. I believe laws are best applied like medicine  locally and specifically.



Local food, local democracy  our local community strength is the best way to achieve peace moving forward, and to stop authoritarian technocracy. I also believe we are at our strongest when we can care and maintain respect for each other. This is how we can make our most important decisions in life.



Again I will still be writing my daily articles that I started 25 years ago BUT they will only be available for 48 hours before they are removed. In this way I hope to continue my mission to help you take control of your health  but it's up to you to download, share and repost this content. I will not be enforcing my copyright on this information so that you may freely share it.



Please also encourage others to read "The Truth About COVID-19," where you will find much of the information from the past two years that people need to read to wake up and open their eyes. I am donating all earnings to the National Vaccine Information Center.



I want to thank all of you that have supported me over the years. I hope you can understand why I have decided to make this dramatic decision and hope the remaining ephemeral articles will be useful for those who wish to read them.



We will continue through these challenging times together, and remember this:



Your body was designed to stay healthy.



You hold in your hands the power to take control of your health.



Never let anyone take your right to health away from you.



Science can flourish only in an atmosphere of free speech. ~ Albert Einstein

Facebook told the New York Slimes they're going to keep censoring him and people who share his content and Twitter deleted a bunch of his posts and is apparently even blocking links to his website in private messages!





Cannot even send the message regarding the article. #Censorship by Twitter for @mercola

 pic.twitter.com/VEQXjlcJcF  Gary Fettke (@FructoseNo) August 5, 2021



DHS head Alejandro Mayorkas is probably looking at putting him on the No Fly List next!



This is what real authoritarianism looks like! Mercola is being viciously persecuted purely for going against the globalist agenda of our ruling oligarchs!







From Mercola, "Why I Am Deleting All Content After 48 Hours":

Today, I have the most important announcement in the quarter of a century history of this newsletter. My goal and passion has always been about supporting you and helping you take control of your health. I am beyond thrilled that there are tens of millions of people who have benefited from what I have shared over the years.



I am filled with joy and gratitude every time I travel and lecture as invariably many people tell me how I've changed their lives by providing vital information they couldn't find anywhere else and even better that was completely free.



These were the times when many of the views I presented were criticized, but that's to be expected. That was one of the great freedoms we enjoyed. We could have different views and we could speak openly about these views without fear of retribution.



But we are now in a different time. A much darker time. The silence of free speech is now deafening.



Not only is blatant censorship tolerated, it is being encouraged by the very people who were to be entrusted with protecting our freedom of speech.



We are not living from the lessons we've learned before. Never in my life, would I believe the sitting President of the United States call out 12 Americans in a McCarthyism like attack in the United States. As you are aware, I was placed at the top of this list.



The last week has brought a tremendous amount of reflections to me, and a lot of unacceptable threats to a company full of amazing people that have helped me support you in this journey.



By now I am sure you know that there was a recent NY Times article attacking me and it was one of the most widely distributed stories in the world. The article was loaded with false statements made about me and my organization.



The report would be laughed at if it were to be submitted for peer review, the groups that created it are funded by dark money and operated by an illegal foreign agent. The press never questioned it, but ran with their orders from above.



I can deal with the CNN crews that chase me by car while I bicycle from my home. I feel sorry for the people in media that have to follow the orders they are given.



It is easy to dismiss the media pawns, but the most powerful individual on the planet has targeted me as his primary obstacle that must be removed. Every three letter agency is at his disposal, and the executive powers have grown beyond what an individual American's rights can protect against.



A dissenter of medical mandates is now a target and obstacle to be removed. I know  that's 25 years' worth of blood, sweat and tears coming down.



I can hardly believe these words are coming out of my mouth. It's a testament of just how radical things have degenerated in the recent past. However, I will continue to publish new articles, BUT going forward, each article I publish will be available for only 48 hours and will then be removed from the website.



We are at the crossroad where change is unavoidable. We all must make choices that determine our future. To many, this looks like a war ... but what we need to find is peace. I am going to find peace through this sacrifice.



Just to be clear, ALL my content will be removed. This includes articles on:



Great Reset

General nutrition

The coronavirus

My interviews with experts



These will be removed to appease the individuals in power who have an arsenal of overwhelming tools at their disposal, and are actively engaged in using them. COVID-19 has activated and authorized emergency powers that have weakened our constitutional rights. Sadly, cyberwarfare and authoritarian forces are beyond our abilities to withstand, and this is now our only way forward.



Over 15,000 articles full of vital information that has helped tens of millions across the world take control of their health, will be removed. There was a time when people could debate and respect each other freely. That time is now gone. I believe laws are best applied like medicine  locally and specifically.



Local food, local democracy  our local community strength is the best way to achieve peace moving forward, and to stop authoritarian technocracy. I also believe we are at our strongest when we can care and maintain respect for each other. This is how we can make our most important decisions in life.



Again I will still be writing my daily articles that I started 25 years ago BUT they will only be available for 48 hours before they are removed. In this way I hope to continue my mission to help you take control of your health  but it's up to you to download, share and repost this content. I will not be enforcing my copyright on this information so that you may freely share it.



Please also encourage others to read "The Truth About COVID-19," where you will find much of the information from the past two years that people need to read to wake up and open their eyes. I am donating all earnings to the National Vaccine Information Center.



I want to thank all of you that have supported me over the years. I hope you can understand why I have decided to make this dramatic decision and hope the remaining ephemeral articles will be useful for those who wish to read them.



We will continue through these challenging times together, and remember this:



Your body was designed to stay healthy.



You hold in your hands the power to take control of your health.



Never let anyone take your right to health away from you.



Science can flourish only in an atmosphere of free speech. ~ Albert Einstein

Facebook told the New York Slimes they're going to keep censoring him and people who share his content and Twitter deleted a bunch of his posts and is apparently even blocking links to his website in private messages!











This crack down on the free press comes just two months after the Biden regime decided to seize the web domains of Iranian and Middle East news sites en masse in response to Israel soundly losing their propaganda war over their bombing of Palestinian women and children in Gaza.







Are they going to seize Mercola's domain name next?



The White House has directly called for Big Tech to censor the internet of all content which threatens their hold on power and Big Tech is now merging with the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center to spy on their opposition and subject them to vicious political persecution!





Welcome to life under neo-Bolshevism!



Big Tech Forms Terror Database For Right-Wing 'Extremists'; PayPal And ADL Team Up To 'Fight Hate' https://t.co/kBGkgnEuyH  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) July 27, 2021



America has been hijacked by neo-Bolsheviks!



Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds, Parler and Telegram.
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A former city councillor who represented Brandons downtown has died.

Corey Roberts, who represented the Rosser ward from 2010 to 2014 and owned the former Clancys Eatery and Drinkery on Princess Avenue, passed away from complications due to diabetes on Aug. 1 at the age of 51.

A lifelong Brandonite, Roberts leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Betina, and their five children, Bryce, Robin, Connery, Hennesey and Kinsey.

Speaking with the Sun on Thursday, Betina said they met through an online dating service that her friend had signed her up for.

"She set me up a free account without me really knowing," Betina said. "One day Corey said hi and I thought where the hell is Brandon? I didnt know what that was. He was persistent in saying hi and we probably talked for a couple of months before we actually met."

Roberts and wife Betina welcome 2010 with a kiss during New Years Eve celebrations at Clancy's Pub in Brandon. (File)

They met up for the first time in Toronto, with Betina insisting they needed to meet for the first time on her turf. That was in November. By the next May, they were getting married.

Corey had two boys from a previous marriage, and over the years the couple had three more kids together. Not wanting to be away from their grandchildren, Betinas parents moved to Brandon as well.

When Clancys opened in 2007 in the building The Dock on Princess currently inhabits, it was a family affair. The name of the establishment came from Betinas maiden name, and their kids both grew up and spent time working at the restaurant until circumstances forced the family to sell it.

It was a perfect storm of unfortunate events that led to that decision. The century-old plumbing sometimes flooded, and when it did, it sent water everywhere. A walk-in freezer built by the previous owners collapsed in on itself and cost $20,000 to repair the damage and replace the equipment. On top of all that, Corey struggled with health problems for years.

He was a type-one diabetic but wasnt diagnosed until he was 25. Betina said that theres a common belief that complications relating to the disease are the result of people not taking care of themselves, but there are frequently factors beyond the control of those who are diagnosed.

While operating Clancys, Corey was elected to Brandon City Council to fill the vacant seat left behind by the previous incumbent, Vince Barletta, who had decided to retire from municipal politics.

Corey Roberts is seen from around the time he ran for re-election in the Rosser Ward in 2014. (File)

"He really could envision a quaintness and community in Brandon that he wanted to see back that you see in the old photos of people out on the streets," Betina said. "I think he wanted to take away peoples ideas or stigmas around downtown and the core."

While on council, Corey struck a lasting friendship with former University ward councillor Jeff Harwood, who retired in 2018 after 18 years on council.

"His interest and concern and care of downtown and about that ward in particular never diminished," Harwood told the Sun. "Everything that he did was to improve the Rosser ward as much as he could and by extension, the city as a whole. He was professional, he was a hard worker. He made a solid contribution to council and was a really great individual to get to know."

His mother, Bev, told the Sun that it seemed like destiny her son would one day enter politics. She remembers dropping him off to watch city council meetings as a teen.

"He was an awesome son," she said. "We never had any problems with him. We were very proud of him."

After selling the restaurant and losing his seat to Kris Desjarlais in the 2014 election, Corey became the executive director of Sokol House and Sokol Supportive Housing, a position he held until having to step away earlier this year.

Candidates for city council, including Rosser Ward candidates Corey Roberts, Darlene Paquette and T. Keith Edmunds, take part in a 2010 debate. (File)

One of his passion projects was trying to get the Eighth Street Bridge replaced with a structure that could carry vehicle traffic and improve access to downtown for people living in the north end. However, the original bridge was torn down and to this day has yet to be replaced.

Betina said her husband was well liked by the residents at Sokol, and the organization will be holding a memorial service in his honour in the near future.

At the end of his life, he spent four days in the palliative ward at Brandon Regional Health Centre.

The work of the staff in the ward impressed the family so much that in lieu of flowers, theyre asking those who want to commemorate Coreys life by making a donation to a fund set up at Fusion Credit Union that will be used to make a purchase for the ward.

What the money will be used to buy hasnt been settled yet, but Betina is planning to meet with representatives from the ward to see what theyre in need of. Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit a branch of the credit union and ask to make a deposit to the Corey Roberts Memorial Fund for Palliative Care at Brandon Regional Health Centre.

The family plans on having a private memorial service in his honour.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
A woman who was caught in possession of a stolen licence plate and helped steal a backpack was sentenced to time served in jail and fines on Thursday morning.

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A woman who was caught in possession of a stolen licence plate and helped steal a backpack was sentenced to time served in jail and fines on Thursday morning.

Roberta Menow, 27, pleaded guilty to a wide variety of charges, which her defence lawyer said stem from alcohol addiction.

The first incident was on May 12, 2020. Police were called to a Willowdale Crescent address for a report of a disturbance, Crown attorney Caroline Lacey said.

When police arrived, they found Menow beside a Ford F-150, which had a stolen licence plate on it. Lacey said the plate was registered to a red Buick Lancer.

Then, on June 11, 2020, police received a report at approximately 8 p.m. of someone seen drinking from a bottle of vodka while driving around the block, the Crown said.

Police found the vehicle in a back lane, and Lacey said Menow was the only person inside. Officers saw a partially consumed bottle of Smirnoff Ice in the back seat.

Lacey said Menow gave a breath sample, which showed a blood-alcohol concentration of between 120 and 100 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit in Manitoba is 80 milligrams.

Menow was involved in another incident on July 6, 2020, when Brandon police received a call about three women stealing a backpack near the intersection of 11th Street and Princess Avenue, Lacey said.

The victim told police could still see the woman in a nearby parking lot. She said the women approached her a few minutes earlier while she was alone and asked her if she wanted to go to 7-Eleven.

"She said no, one of (the attackers) said, Well, we could drag you there," Lacey said.

One of the three took her bag and fled, Lacey said.

The two co-accused in the incident have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Menow also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a weapon in an incident earlier this year, after she was found in a washroom with what the Crown desired as a "hunting knife."

"I think the reason she was behaving in such a way was given her intoxication at the time ... this kind of spiralling of events that has transpired over the last year has everything to do with addiction," Lacey told the court.

Defence lawyer Bob Harrison said alcohol played an issue in each of the charges, but she wants to get help to deal with it. Menow also has Gladue factors, he said, and life was not easy for her growing up.

Harrison said she is looking forward in life and has already made applications to addiction treatment programs.

Speaking to the court, Menow said she wants to work hard to move her life forward and get help.

Judge John Combs said he was glad to hear Menow is prepared to make changes in her life and get help.

"The difficult time is going to be when you do get out of custody. Youre going to have the same temptations you had before you got into custody and youre going to have to resist those temptations or youll find yourself back where you are right now," Combs said to Menow, who appeared in court via video.

Combs sentenced her to the equivalent of 44 days time served in jail, a $1,200 fine and one-year ban from driving. He also sentenced her to another $50 in fines for possessing stolen property and a $50 fine for breaching court orders, along with a year of probation.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
WASHINGTON - Long lines of semi-trailer trucks snaked away from the Canada-U.S. frontier Friday as a work-to-rule campaign by border agents slowed traffic to a crawl and marathon negotiations stretched through the day, with plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions now just a weekend away.

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) patch is seen on an officer in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. The union representing 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers says some job actions began Friday as bargaining with the government continued.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

WASHINGTON - Long lines of semi-trailer trucks snaked away from the Canada-U.S. frontier Friday as a work-to-rule campaign by border agents slowed traffic to a crawl and marathon negotiations stretched through the day, with plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions now just a weekend away.

Commercial wait times for truckers at the Pacific Bridge in Surrey, B.C., reached three hours and 45 minutes as the afternoon wore on, while regular travellers looking to get into Saskatchewan faced delays of up to two and a half hours at the North Dakota entry point in the town of Portal.

At the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, Ont., trucks were being held up for more than two hours, much as they were at the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ont., and the city of Buffalo. Non-commercial vehicles faced only marginal delays at both.

Guards who work for the Canada Border Services Agency spent the day following procedures to the letter, part of a job action that began early Friday amid contract talks between the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada's Customs and Immigration Union.

"We ask travellers to be patient," said Denis Vinette, vice-president of the agency's travellers branch.

"Our officers are administering a very different border than the one that we had (before) some of these restrictions, and at the same time they are still going through a legal bargaining process, which we all hope will conclude at some point."

Talks between CBSA, the federal government and the union, which represents some 9,000 agency employees, continued through Thursday night, well past the union's initial 6 a.m. deadline and throughout the day Friday, which passed without news.

The union's planned 10 a.m. news conference was initially postponed, then cancelled entirely as the talks continued.

"Our bargaining team has continued to bargain through the night and all of (Friday) to try to reach a deal, but we don't have a firm timeline for when we may have more information to share," spokesman Michael Aubry said in an email.

Work-to-rule can entail a wide range of actions that slow down operations, like refusing to work overtime, asking each traveller or trucker every single question in the manual, and demanding to see documentation for purchases made while outside of the country.

The campaign comes just days before Canada plans to begin easing its COVID-19 restrictions at the border; as of midnight Sunday night, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be allowed back into the country for the first time since March 2020.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, whose members are still reeling from the lingering economic impact of the pandemic, urged the two sides to come to an agreement soon.

"A strike at the border would have a negative impact on the movement of people and goods at a time when many businesses are already dealing with major supply chain challenges, growing labour shortages and reduced sales," said national affairs vice-president Corinne Pohlmann.

"They cannot afford to lose any more business because of delays at the border, and Canadas economic recovery cannot take another setback."

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters also issued a similar plea.

"We have seen the damage caused by disruptions to our rail and port systems over the past year," said president and CEO Dennis Darby. "A country-wide slowdown at the border will inflict more damage and hinder Canada's economic recovery."

Vinette said the agency is fully prepared for the possibility of the job action continuing into Monday, and warned that further delays would be likely if that happened.

"We do expect to see some delays as part of this labour action," he said. "We're just asking folks to be patient."

The union, which has been without a long-term contract for CBSA employees since 2018, served notice Tuesday of its planned work-to-rule campaign. Some 90 per cent of front-line border workers are deemed essential, a designation that prevents them from walking off the job.

The Treasury Board of Canada, which oversees government spending and the management of public-sector employees, acknowledged Friday that mediated talks were still ongoing.

"The government is still at the table and will not walk away," it said in a statement.

The union had said members would begin a "sweeping" series of actions at Canadian airports, land borders, commercial shipping ports, postal facilities and headquarters locations if a contract hadn't been reached by early Friday morning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2021.

 With files from Holly McKenzie-Sutter in Toronto
VANCOUVER - The actions of the United States in the extradition case against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be "questioned lightly", says a lawyer representing Canada's attorney general.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, returns to B.C. Supreme Court after a break from her extradition hearing in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER - The actions of the United States in the extradition case against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be "questioned lightly", says a lawyer representing Canada's attorney general.

Monika Rahman responded Thursday in British Columbia Supreme Court to arguments made by Meng's lawyers who say the United States mischaracterized and omitted evidence to establish a case of fraud.

The United States has a "very high" standard and "discretion" on what evidence to put forth when making its case for extradition, Rahman said.

The court "cannot possibly grant a stay of proceedings," she said, noting there is "no evidence of anything other than what is presumed in extradition hearings."

Lawyers for the attorney general have told Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes in previous arguments that the threshold for an abuse of process claim set out by the Supreme Court of Canada says there must be prejudice to the accused's right to a fair trial or to the integrity of the justice system.

Meng was arrested while passing through Vancouver's airport in December 2018. She remains free on bail while the hearing is underway.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves home to attend her extradition hearing at B.C. Supreme Court, in Vancouver, on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Her lawyers have argued in court that the United States has misused the extradition process and the case against her should be stayed.

She is accused of misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with technologies firm Skycom during a 2013 meeting with HSBC, putting the bank at risk of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Both Meng and Huawei deny the charges.

The argument is expected to be the final arguments from Meng's lawyers on alleged misconduct before the actual committal or extradition hearing that is scheduled for next week.

Thursday's arguments centred around a PowerPoint presentation Meng showed to HSBC executives that said Huawei was conscious of the sanctions and was complying. The attorney general contends that the presentation was designed to falsely distance Huawei from Skycom.

Meng's lawyers said the United States cherry-picked information from the PowerPoint and omitted slides in the presentation where she described Huawei as having a "normal and controllable'' relationship with Skycom.

Rahman told the court that the word "controllable" was open to interpretation.

In written submissions to the court, the attorney general says any meaning from the ambiguous word "controllable" must be made in the context of the entire presentation and there is no basis to conclude that the United States misled the court.

"There is no evidentiary foundation for a finding of misconduct or other abusive circumstances in relation to the requesting states summary of the PowerPoint presentation," it says.

There is no evidence that the records of the case were "prepared in such a careless and cavalier manner" and the summary is "designed to meet a requesting states limited burden on committal," it says.

"A summary, by its nature, is a selection," says the document.

"The mere absence of certain evidence from the summary does not establish misconduct. Omission of irrelevant evidence cannot establish misconduct, much less justify a stay of proceedings."

In July, Holmes ruled against allowing documents obtained by Meng's legal team from HSBC through a court agreement in Hong Kong that include internal email chains and spreadsheets.

Documents presented to the court by Meng's lawyers and released to the media on Wednesday say the United States is a "repeat misleader," that it mischaracterized evidence and omitted other information in an effort to establish a case of fraud.

Rahman told the court the United States acted honourably and while there is a duty of "candour" there is no obligation to include all the evidence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2021.
VANCOUVER - A lawyer for Meng Wanzhou told a British Columbia Supreme Court that the Huawei executive is asking the United States to be honest and diligent in its request for extradition.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves B.C. Supreme Court during a break from her extradition hearing in Vancouver on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER - A lawyer for Meng Wanzhou told a British Columbia Supreme Court that the Huawei executive is asking the United States to be honest and diligent in its request for extradition.

In response to arguments made by Canada's attorney general this week, lawyer Frank Addario told the court that Meng's legal team is well beyond lightly questioning the actions of the U.S.

Addario says Meng was subjected to an abuse of process when the U.S. government summarized evidence and omitted other information in an effort to establish a case of fraud.

The attorney general has told the court that the U.S. has a "very high" standard and uses "discretion" on what evidence to give to Canada when making its case for extradition.

Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes adjourned court early Friday, with arguments expected to continue Monday.

These are expected to be the final arguments from Meng's lawyers on alleged misconduct, before the actual committal or extradition hearing scheduled for later this month.

Both Meng and Huawei deny fraud and other charges against them centred on allegations she misrepresented Huawei's relationship with another company, putting HSBC at risk of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Meng was arrested at Vancouver's airport in December 2018 and remains out on bail, living in one of her Vancouver homes.

The attorney general, which represents the U.S. government in the case, has said a PowerPoint presentation Meng showed to HSBC executives said Huawei was conscious of the sanctions and was complying. They said the presentation was designed to falsely distance Huawei from the technology firm Skycom.

Meng's lawyers have said the U.S. cherry-picked information from the PowerPoint and omitted slides in the presentation where she described Huawei as having a "normal and controllable'' relationship with Skycom.

In July, Holmes ruled against allowing documents obtained by Meng's legal team from HSBC through a court agreement in Hong Kong that include internal email chains and spreadsheets.

Documents presented to the court by Meng's lawyers and released to the media this week say the U.S. is a "repeat misleader," that it mischaracterized evidence and omitted other information in an effort to establish a case of fraud.

Meng's lawyers have asked for a stay of proceedings and that she been freed. The attorney general has said there is no justification for a stay.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2021.
Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values of 100 to 104 expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and western Maryland, northwest and western Virginia and eastern West Virginia. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
Novavax is yet to confirm when it expects to complete applications to get its coronavirus vaccine approved in Australia, but the biotech is already planning new local research into a combined influenza and COVID-19 shot.

The vaccine developer has again pushed out timelines for the approval of its vaccines in the US. It told investors on an earnings call overnight it now expects to file for emergency use approval with the Food and Drug Administration during the last three months of this year.

Novavax won a $US1.75 billion contract to develop its vaccine for the US market but its quarterly report revealed on Thursday the federal government may withhold funding until the company can resolve concerns about its processes.

Australia has 51 million doses of Novavaxs COVID-19 vaccine on order.

The US government has recently instructed the company to prioritise alignment with the US Food and Drug Administration on the companys analytic methods before conducting additional US manufacturing and further indicated that the US government will not fund additional US manufacturing until such agreement has been made, Novavax said.
Move over Jeff Bezos. Luxury goods owner Bernard Arnault is now the richest person in the world, based on the current stock price of Louis Vuitton.

Mr Arnault, who has been chairman of Louis Vuitton since he acquired a 44 per cent stake in the brand conglomerate in the late 1980s, is worth $US196 billion ($265 billion) as of Thursday. Thats slightly more than Jeff Bezos net worth of about $US186 billion, according to Forbes.

LVMH chief Bernard Arnault is now the richest person in the world. Credit:Bloomberg

Combined with a family holdings company, Mr Arnault now owns 47 per cent of Louis Vuitton, which had a total market value of $US416 billion as of Thursday. The stock price of the company, which owns brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Tag Heuer, Sephora, and Hennessy, has soared more than 30 per cent in the year so far.

Louis Vuitton has had a resurgence since the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of its brands set record sales and profits in the first half of this year. The companys second quarter revenue hit $US17.4 billion, up 14 per cent from pre-pandemic levels.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Everyone  certainly everyone who reads this newspaper  knows who Paul McCartney is. More than half a century since John Lennon said flippantly that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, it is almost impossible to imagine what it must be like to be so famous. To be so famous is to be known and yet not known, not even recognised as a real person, because who screams  as girls used to do in the 60s wherever the Beatles appeared  at the sight of a real person? When the Beatles toured Melbourne in 1964, the screamers gathered outside the Southern Cross Hotel after the concert to weep and rend their clothing. Beatlemania was, in fact, a kind of religious ecstasy. McCartney says he used to joke that he ruined his wife Lindas career. When they met, Linda Eastman was already a star in the nascent field of rock photography. She was the unofficial resident photographer at the legendary New York venue Fillmore East, the first woman to have a photograph on the cover of Rolling Stone (a portrait of Eric Clapton in 1968), and a familiar who moved in the circles she chronicled. Linda McCartney, Self Portrait with Paul and Mary, London, 1969. Credit:Linda McCartney They married in 1969, after which, as he later told The Guardian, she became known as Pauls wife. There was some professional recognition  her work was shown in 50 galleries, including the Victoria and Albert Museum  but by the middle of the 70s, the only rock star she photographed was her husband. When she died in 1998, aged only 56, she was better known for getting vegetarian sausages into mainstream supermarkets than she was as a photographer. In fact, she never stopped taking photographs, as will become obvious at the retrospective of her work that will form the centrepiece of this years Ballarat International Foto Biennale. I think she always had a camera in her hand, says Fiona Sweet, the biennales artistic director. The exhibition comprises 200 photos, including a room of pictures taken when Wings, the band she and Paul fronted together in the 70s, toured Australia. Wherever she was, so was her Nikon  or perhaps, when she was seized with an urge to experiment, a snappy Polaroid camera or a large plate camera of the kind used in the 19th century. There are photographs taken from cars, from the back of a horse, through windows, around the house. As their daughter Mary said later, she was always interested in photographing ordinary things, like the kids brushing their teeth. And here is the impossibly famous star as a real person: Paul McCartney sitting at an outdoor table with a cup of tea, Mary and Stella clambering on the dry-stone wall in their jim-jams, the Mull of Kintyre just seen as a wedge of blue beyond moorland. In her pictures, Linda reclaimed him from the unreality of stardom.

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Sir Paul McCartney rings me to talk about them. The archive runs to half a million pictures; pulled together as part of a tour sponsorship deal with Hewlett-Packard about 15 years ago. It took the HP boffins two years to get them into the sort of order that allows instant retrieval. Its like an enhanced scrapbook, he says. Its a family photo album really, even though everything isnt of the family. Some of his favourites date from before he and Linda met. There is a beautiful one of Jimi Hendrix on stage where the background is black, hes in a white suit and hes just played this great chord and hes got his arms in the air; thats fabulous, he says. Then she took a great picture of us, the Beatles, where were kind of joking, shaking hands and laughing, me and John. Which captures the thing. Linda McCartney said she shot on instinct, ready to seize what Henri Cartier-Bresson famously called the decisive moment. There was no fiddling with a light meter. She would just see something that caught her eye, lift the camera and click and then put the camera down again, Sir Paul says. All the photographers Id been used to would have taken the whole roll of that one thing, but she was very confident; she just knew what lighting situation she was in, so she was prepared for it. She realised her true self was more artistic, so she didnt do what was expected of her. And Im lucky because of that. Paul McCartney Nor did she crop the images, Fiona Sweet points out. What she shot was what she produced; its quite different from contemporary digital photography, where there is so much manipulation. She would just give things a shot, quite literally. I prefer to work by trial and error, she once said. Some of my best pictures have come precisely because I didnt know enough. Coming from her background, that made her a rebel spirit. Linda Eastman was born in 1941. Her father was a prominent lawyer in wealthy Scarsdale who was also an art collector; he even had some eminent Abstract Expressionists as clients. Unlike the rest of her family, she wasnt academic; she went to Arizona to study fine art. Jimi Hendrix, London, 1967. Credit:Linda McCartney She was brought up in a very conventional world, Sir Paul says. She was destined to follow that route, to marry a lawyer or an accountant and do all the things that come with that. But her love of music was so passionate  the early doo-wop groups and then all the rocknroll groups and then the blues  that led to her being rebellious. She realised her true self was more artistic, so she didnt do what was expected of her. And Im lucky because of that.

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Her only photographic training was an encounter at a local art class in Arizona with a notable nature photographer, Hazel Archer. Basically Hazel just said get hold of a camera, take a lot of photographs, come back in a week and Ill look at them, Sir Paul says. And so thats what she did. Her father thought she should apprentice herself to a professional photographer and master technique. She said she didnt have the patience. Loading We had both come from backgrounds where, to be good at something, you would have to be formally trained, he continues. But with the rocknroll revolution that happened, some of us became musicians and just picked it up and made it up as we went along. And other than that little encounter with Hazel Archer in Tucson, Linda had never been formally trained either. It was the spirit of the times. None of the groups I knew could read or write music. I think that still applies. Its a very instinctive art were involved in. She certainly had an instinctive understanding of how to deal with fractious rock stars. According to David Dalton, a former boyfriend who was an established photographer when she was starting out, the lovely Linda would bring order to chaos in no time. I think she was a very comfortable person to be around, Sir Paul says. She didnt come in demanding things. Shed just go in and chat generally to her subject and they would get to like her. A key asset was her nerd-level knowledge of current music. You know, theyd think oh gosh, she knows about my music, she knows about other peoples music!  so they could talk music for a little while, and then she would just say OK, just sit over there, then snap a couple of pictures and put the camera down again. You didnt feel like you were at a very important photographic session. You felt like you were just with a friend. Stella, Amsterdam, 1989. Credit:Linda McCartney They met in a London club. She had come to England to do photographs for a book called Rock and Other Four-Letter Words, which was quite a nice title. She had been photographing the Animals and had been invited by them to go and see some music  Georgie Fame and the Blue Notes, actually. As she was leaving, I rather cheekily introduced myself and we basically took it from there. As they crossed the Atlantic, meeting up casually at first, media bile started to flow about this upstart American who had supposedly vowed to come to Britain and nab a Beatle or find a well-heeled father for her daughter: whatever fitted at the time. A groping groupie was one description.

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But it wasnt the hostility of strangers that finally turned her off rock photography, but a change in the tone of the industry. Somehow it wasnt as fun or as loose, she said in 1976, remembering a shoot she had done in 1969 with Crosby, Stills and Nash. Perhaps it just wasnt the beginning of things any more. And so she turned to nature, her beloved animals and family. McCartney adopted Heather, her daughter from a youthful marriage to an academic called Melville See. They then had three children together: Mary, who became her mothers assistant and then a photographer in her own right; fashion designer Stella and son James, now also a musician. She created a sense of comfort there too, Sir Paul says. She was a great cook, another thing where Mary has followed in her footsteps, so a lot of stuff centred around the kitchen. She would cook a meal and again, it was very casual and comfortable. She was just that kind of woman, very easy to get on with and the kids grew up in that atmosphere. This photograph shows the real Lennon-McCartney, which was a very loving and successful relationship ... Every time I see it, it just draws me in. Paul McCartney She had loved riding as a child; Paul bought her a horse and learnt to ride too. He was inspired by one of her proof sheets  portrait shots of the Grateful Deads Bob Weir  to make a short film. They would sing together around the house and when he was stuck on a line, he would ask her advice. So we ended up actually writing songs together to some extent. Their worlds had elided. The demise of the Beatles left him depressed, directionless and frequently drunk, according to biographers. I had a decision to make, he says. What do I do now? Do I give music up and think of something else to do? And the answer to that was no, I love it too much. He thought about starting something new, from the ground up, with unknowns. One evening  we were in bed watching Johnny Cash and his band and I thought well, theres Johnny, hes getting back out there with a band, I kind of like that idea! And I turned to Linda and said do you fancy being in a band? And we just looked at each other incredulously and said why not? Lets do it! Loading They first collaborated on his solo album McCartney, then on Ram, before forming the band Wings. The critics hated Wings, but they had a string of hits. We started from the ground up, did little tours and gradually built it up. By 75 or 76, we were getting pretty good! Actually, their blue-ribbon year was 1973; Band on the Run was a huge hit and they wrote the theme for that years Bond movie, Live and Let Die. In the end we did a massive tour of America and she was a very big part of that. She also recorded her own songs, collected as a solo album, Wide Prairie, after she died. But at the same time, he adds, the photography was always there.

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Constantine Cavafy takes a boat across the Mediterranean. The Greek-Egyptian poet longs to visit his birth city of Alexandria, specifically the room that once played home to Eros. In his mind he sees a sunstruck apartment where a youthful romance had raged. Yet now ashore, the man finds the building has changed.

Its now an office block, a maze of work stations, though the poet can still see where his younger self had lain, nestled against his lovers form, despite the subsequent blanketing of commerce. Near the door here was the couch, his poem (The Afternoon Sun) recalls. In front of it, a Turkish carpet, nearby a shelf that held two yellow vases. To the right, no, opposite, a closet with a mirror.

Poets arent the only ones to view the world this way. We all do. In lockdown especially, we are busy roaming our retrieved past or speculating our future. Drawing hope, fondling loss, relishing and reflecting. Linguists know this inbuilt tension as the irrealis moods, where all grammatical tenses interplay, enriching the moment.

In lockdown,we are drawing hope, fondling loss, relishing and reflecting. Credit:Jo Gay

Andre Aciman, another Alexandrian writer, has delved this eeriness in Homo Irrealis (Faber, 2021), a series of essays I already crave to revisit. From boyhood memoir to meditative travel, the book fossicks the literary giants  Freud, Joyce, Austen, Proust  plus painters and auteurs, all the while seeking samples of this weird grammatical state of being.
The Shut Ins is Katherine Brabons first novel since her Vogel-winning debut, The Memory Artist, which used the legacy of Soviet realism and depicted a former son of Brezhnevs freeze coming to terms with the transition to democracy.

The Shut Ins employs the same lyricism and command of a memorable interior narrative with three young Japanese characters on a different kind of precipice  the one between conformity and what the Japanese call achiragawa, or the other side, the surreal dimension.

Katherine Brabons writing has echoes of the work of Haruki Murakami. Credit:Marcin Wojcik

This other side is a mainstay in Haruki Murakamis novels, with his sometimes dream-like quality: the deep sleep of a woman, the skull of a unicorn, the talking cat who wont let on what it knows. But Underground, Murakamis account of the Tokyo subway Sarin gas attack in 1995, shows hes also a skilled realist. The other side of Underground is the hidden world of the subconscious, and the strange drives that compel young people to reject the pressures of life in contemporary Japan.

The Shut Ins emulates this realism in a compelling novel about youthful alienation in a world where the path to success seems ridden with pitfalls: a perilous underground full of false dreams and the horrors of the subconscious.
This week, reviewers Kish Lal, John Shand, Banaby Smith and Barney Zwartz tuned in to new music from across the musical spectrum: from Billie Eilishs Happier Than Ever to Dot Allisons psychedelic folk and beyond. Here are their reviews.

Billie Eilish experiments musically, while sounding as sombre as ever. Credit:Kelia Anne MacCluskey.

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Billie Eilish, HAPPIER THAN EVER (Interscope) 

In the lead up to this release Billie Eilish seemed to be falling victim to the sophomore slump. Singles floundered on the charts, while changes like her new blonde locks and revealing clothing clogged headlines and angered fans. Eilish is also experimenting musically, with electro-pop aesthetics, juddering synths and inspiration drawn from jazz. Yet her output (recorded by her brother/producer Finneas) sounds more sombre than ever.

Opener Getting Older grapples with her career, the weight of voyeuristic strangers (whove become stalkers) and the abuse shes suffered, and this continues on closer Male Fantasy, a delicate acoustic manifesto on her complicated relationship with her public image. Sandwiched between are sultry songs and cheeky winks to the listener (I Didnt Change My Number, Not My Responsibility and Overheated), where Eilishs whispery lilt scalds her naysayers.
Kanye West is in heaven now. That was Yeezy himself, if we can believe our Apple Music livestreams, levitating up, up and away into the blue smoke of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta like a speck of dust drifting into the eye of God.

Let the rap historians note the prophets last (pre-recorded) words  unless he changes them again, of course  intoned over the gathering ecstasy of a (pre-recorded) celestial choir. Always count on God hes done miracles on me.

Kanye keeps a tidy bedroom. Credit:Instagram: @Kanyewest

The final stunt was by far the most spectacular moment in what had been a 12-hour online vigil for fans, mostly spent gazing at a stream of a cinder brick cell where the hip-hop messiah had holed up to complete Donda, his long-awaited 10th studio album. Actually, make that a two-week vigil, if youre counting from the originally promised release date.

A couple of hours before the (new) Appointed Time of 11.30am Friday (AEST), the camera shifted to show Wests spartan stage in the middle of the 70,000-seat venue: a single white mattress; a rumpled black quilt and a sheaf of yellow pages strewn carelessly. A tidy array of black bedside accoutrements completed a random still life.
Best known as the charismatic, tattooed MasterChef judge with the smooth Scottish brogue  and for his heavy use of Indigenous ingredients in fine dining  Jock Zonfrillo has taken the world of Australian food by storm.

His persona is like him: super-confident, self-assured and composed, but competent, says Good Weekend senior writer Tim Elliott. Hes very much a performer. He has a fantastical personal history, too, with a growing public presence as someone who lived through it all  excess, addiction, ambition  whilst working his guts out in some of the hardest kitchens in the world, as detailed in his new memoir, Last Shot.

Hes a classic self-mythologiser, who has a great back story to build a profile off right now as this wild man, says Elliott, who recently shadowed Zonfrillo on the set of MasterChef. Everybody does that to a degree, I guess, but hes particularly convincing. His book is full of incident and danger and outlandish twists. Its kind of like a mix between Trainspotting and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. But its hard to tell where memory serves him well. Its such a long time ago, a lot of these incidents.
INXS keyboard player, solo artist and farmer Andrew Farriss, 62, met US dancewear retailer Marlina Neeley, 46, in Canada in 2006. Four months after their wedding in 2013, Marlina was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Marlina Neeley and Andrew Farriss: Someone once said to me, You guys are very codependent. But isnt that what a marriage is?

MARLINA: I met Andrew in Toronto in 2006, when INXS was playing a show. I didnt own an INXS album, I wasnt into them in that sense, but I had this new appreciation for them through Rock Star: INXS [the 2005 reality series about the bands search for a new frontman]. After my girlfriends and I had checked into the hotel, we went to the bar and the band was there. I was telling my friends a joke and Andrew laughed at me. I said, What are you laughing at? and he said, I dont know. Youre cute. The next night, I ran into him again and we started chatting.

As a business owner, I travelled all over the US. If I happened to be somewhere and INXS was in town, Id go say hi. I dont think there was ever an aha moment when I thought, This is the person for me. We just kept in touch and formed a really good friendship. We had a lot of things in common, including our faith. We both open our Bibles quite a bit.

Andrews intelligent, kind  and normal. When he came to meet my family in Ohio, he was sitting on my front porch having a glass of wine and he said, In all the years Ive been in the US, Ive never sat on a porch and enjoyed the sunset. I found that really endearing.
The board of megachurch Hillsong has written to followers after founder Brian Houston was charged by police, offering comfort and criticising media reporting of the pastors handling of his late fathers sexual abuse of children.

Mr Houston, whose father Frank Houston was accused of abusing nine boys while he was a Pentecostal preacher, was charged on Thursday for allegedly concealing the abuse of a child in the 1970s. He says he will return to Australia to attend court in October and fight the charge.

Hillsong pastor Brian Houston has been charged by NSW Police. Credit:Getty

In an email sent to Hillsong members on Friday, the Australian board of the church said the charges relate to many years ago when Pastor Brian found out about his fathers actions in 1999.

We have always been open and transparent with the church about his father Frank, and Pastor Brian has shared his pain with you many times over the past twenty years, the email said.
The number of electric cars, buses and bikes on Queensland roads has almost doubled in the past 12 months and increased by more than 1100 per cent since 2017.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, 5266 registered full-battery vehicles are on Queensland roads.

That is an 86 per cent increase in the last 12 months and a boost of 1163 per cent since 2017, a departmental spokeswoman said.

The electric Nissan Leaf makes up 11 per cent of all electric cars registered in Queensland.

In 2016, Queensland had fewer than 300 fully electric cars registered. With hybrids included, that figure was about 700.
For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size To an unschooled eye, the growing list of exposure sites in Queenslands child-driven outbreak of COVID-19 Delta might seem like a random collection of schools, shops and bus stops. Not so for those who spend each day studying how Brisbane school-aged children move and interact, such as Queensland University of Technology sociologist Naomi Barnes, who admits that on outings to shopping centres she cannot help but make notes of which uniforms sit with each other and where. COVID testing at Indooroopilly State High School. Credit:Getty Images Unlike lockdowns past that trace lines from a seemingly indiscriminate Bunnings here through cafes and kebab joints there, Dr Barnes says the nations first major Delta outbreak supercharged by children has moved along broadly predictable lines of inter-school friendship, family and transport networks. At least 10 Brisbane schools or their facilities appear as exposure sites: most of them on the same train and bus lines stretching west of the city, and five of them within three kilometres of the popular Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. What began in Brisbane on July 30 with news a female student from Indooroopilly State High School was COVID-positive had by Friday, just one week later, grown into a cluster of 89. Of these, 57 were aged 19 or younger. Dr Barnes believes the rapid spread through the kids of Brisbane can be instructive for communicating the dangers of school-based Delta outbreaks to Victorians chafing at the haste of yet another lockdown.

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Queenslands exposure list may also contain lessons about proactive ring-fencing  thinking beyond how the virus gets into schools in the first instance and considering how it moves out of schools once it is hooked in, she says. If you can tell these stories systematically and factually, people might be scared, but they will know how its moving and they will know why its important to keep their kids at home, Dr Barnes says. Genome sequencing can trace each case of the Indooroopilly cluster to two passengers who arrived in Brisbane from Singapore on June 29 and later tested positive in hotel quarantine. One of the passengers was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where they may have infected another person, whose identity remains a mystery. How the virus got to the first 17-year-old student, who lives in the Brisbane suburb of Taringa, is also unknown. It may have arrived via her tutor, a medical student. Everything is but a theory. In any case  and Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says it may never be solved  the students tutor, parents and two siblings were announced as positive cases on the morning of July 31. By 4pm, south-east Queensland was in its strictest lockdown of the entire pandemic.

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One of the COVID-positive Taringa siblings attends Ironside State School. It is a feeder primary school for many of the secondary colleges with infected students or listed as exposure sites. Why is this important? Dr Barnes says it is common for households in this corner of Brisbane to have a boy and girl each attending a single-sex high school and a younger sibling at Ironside. Ironside State School became a close contact site thanks to normal student movements. Credit:Getty Images One positive case at such a dinner table not only infects the parents and siblings but puts everyone at three schools in the COVID firing line, and this does not even begin to include friends and parents at after-school activities. Accordingly, almost 9000 people, mostly from Brisbanes western suburb school community, were in home quarantine as of Friday afternoon.

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The childhood connections formed at Ironside mean the after-school teenage cliques drinking juice and window shopping at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre weave through several state and independent high schools. They all would have gone to primary school together, Dr Barnes says. Kids who went to Ironside may have gone to Indooroopilly, but their friends may have gone off to St Peters [Lutheran College], [Brisbane] Grammar, St Aidans [Anglican Girls School] and they all congregate at Westfield after school. Grammar kids play sport against St Peters kids. Brisbane Girls Grammar plays St Aidans. And so on. All these schools, along with public transport stops, dozens of stores inside the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre and other places in the western corridor for teenagers to see and be seen appear on Queensland Healths list of exposure sites. What kids do after school involves way more people than what adults do after work, Dr Barnes says. On day three of the Indooroopilly cluster, the Queensland government announced nine new cases: four of them at a karate school a stones throw from Indooroopilly High and attended by one of original child cases, who was asymptomatic at the time.

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Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Brisbanes south-west. The instructor, who is also an immunologist at the University of Queensland, is one of those cases and is recovering at the Gold Coast University Hospital. A frightening number of the Tuesday and Thursday classes have since tested positive, he says through a persistent cough. He unwittingly infected his 10-year-old son and five-year-old daughter after he picked them up for the weekend about 5pm on July 30, just hours before Queensland Health informed him he was a close contact of the positive case. The three of them were tested at 9am the next morning. I would say [the childrens infections] almost 100 per cent came from me. If so, my kids went from getting infected to shedding the virus such that they were positive on the PCR tests and infectious  without any symptoms  in 14 hours. Its scary, he says. Just take a look at what its done in Brisbane over a weekend.

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The elderly couple were moving to New Zealand and didnt like the idea of their puppy travelling in the hold of a commercial airliner.

They ended up paying $30,000 to hire a business jet with two crew, and the lucky dog travelled in style from Sydney to Auckland in the cabin alongside its humans. Everyone was happy.

Mike Falls, left, and his son, Mike Falls jnr, owners of Shortstop Jet Charter in the cockpit of their DC-3 Gooney Bird airliner that dates from 1945. Credit:Jason South

It was one of the many jobs executed by Shortstop Jet Charter, which, at 40 years old, is one of the oldest tenants of Essendon Fields Airport, formerly Essendon Airport.

Co-owners and pilots, Mike Falls, 83, and his son Mike Falls jnr, 56, have ferried around everyone from rock superstars (they cant name any) to mining executives and couples getting married mid-air.
On Friday, two federal government sources with knowledge of the vaccine rollout told The Age 150,000 extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine would be brought forward for Victoria in response to a request from Premier Daniel Andrews. Loading It follows the federal government on Thursday bringing forward the delivery of nearly 185,000 jabs for NSW and 112,300 for Qld, which has also locked down to suppress the virus. Modelling by the Doherty Institute commissioned by the federal government suggests lockdowns are needed about 40 per cent of the time while less than half the Australian population is vaccinated. By Thursday only 21.38 per cent of Australians aged over 16 had received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

This model assumes light restrictions are in place at all times and there are low levels of circulating virus when emerging from lockdown. Importantly, it does not account for periods when the virus is eliminated and could therefore overestimate the amount of time spent in lockdown. University of Melbourne modelling published in JAMA Health Forum last week suggested Melbourne could expect to spend about a quarter of the year in lockdown. That modelling could underestimate the extent of disruption as it was conducted with data from the coronavirus strain that first emerged from the Chinese city of Wuhan, not the Delta variant circulating in Australia. Delta is about 60 per cent more infectious than the Alpha variant of the virus, which in turn was perhaps 50 per cent more contagious than the strain of the virus that emerged in Wuhan. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a media conference, on a day that she announced a record high number of Covid-19 cases during Sydneys extended lockdown back on July 29. Credit:Janie Barrett

Victorias fifth and previous lockdown was triggered by three Sydney-based removalists who spread the virus. One theory behind Victorias latest outbreak is that it stems from a family who spent a week in hotel quarantine in NSW. The University of Melbourne modelling assumed there was a one in 100 chance per day of a new case being seeded in Victoria, but with Sydneys worsening case numbers that threat has increased. When youve got it more like one in every two or three weeks, that totally changes the equation, said Dr Jason Thompson of the University of Melbourne, who worked on the Victorian governments epidemic modelling. If your strategy is go hard, go early, but you cant control the incursions, youre going to be doing it a lot. So you have to control quarantine, and the border, and the incursions. Thats it, really because otherwise you are in permanent lockdown, Dr Thompson said.

At Fridays national cabinet meeting, state and federal governments signed off on a plan to phase out lockdowns once 70 per cent of the population was vaccinated. Vaccination levels above 70 per cent would also allow increased freedom of interstate and international movement. Health Minister Martin Foley said on Friday lockdowns would continue to be part of the states pandemic playbook. No one likes lockdowns. As weve now established, they work. They are one of our major tools in our public health response, and until such time as we have the levels of 70 or 80 per cent vaccination, they are ging to continue to be a part of that, Mr Foley said. Doherty Institute modelling suggests Australia will vaccinate 70 per cent of the eligible population by the start of November, with 80 per cent coverage reached closer to the end of the month. The vaccine centre at the Al-Taqwa College on Friday. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Much of that is driven by a sharp uptick of Pfizer supplies expected in September. Burnet Institute head of modelling and biostatistics Nick Scott said that as more people were vaccinated, the chance of a single case turning into an outbreak should fall. But even with more chance of a dead end, it is still a roll of the dice each time and some will lead to an outbreak that requires a lockdown, he said. We will be transitioning in and out of lockdowns for a while. Victorias seven-day lockdown means people are expected to stay in their homes at all times and not allow any visitors. There are only five reasons for leaving: food, work, education, caregiving and to get vaccinated.

Three of Victorias new infections on Friday were in a household linked to a teacher at the Al-Taqwa College in Truganina. Two cases are linked to the City of Maribyrnong outbreak, including one person who attends the Warringa Park School in Hoppers Crossing. Loading The new infections also included a cleaner at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne. In a statement, Epworth Hospital chief executive Lachlan Henderson said the contractor works after business hours cleaning parts of the centre, not including patient areas.
A range of federal and state payments are available to Victorians who are unable to work due to lockdowns or who are experiencing hardship. Heres a rundown of the various kinds of support available during the pandemic.

Federal payments

COVID-19 disaster payment

Anybody who has lost one or more days of work in a hotspot or lockdown zone is eligible for the disaster payment. Individuals qualify for $375 a week if they lose less than 20 hours of work a week and $600 if more than 20 hours. Members of a couple can claim it separately. The payment is administered by Services Australia.

Pandemic leave disaster payment
A nurse recruitment campaign trumpeted by the West Australian government as the solution to the states hospital woes is yet to begin, despite major hospitals operating up to 60 nurses short.

WA Australian Nursing Federation secretary Mark Olson said it was concerning the states $10 million plan to address worker shortages announced this week did not include hiring nurses and midwives.

Mark Olson (right) says the governments plan will not relieve pressure off WA hospitals until 2022.

It took less than a week to devise six or seven practical responses and pour in the millions for the Skills Summit while nurses ... amid record ambulance ramping hours, and dangerous delays in our EDs, break at the frontlines, and children die, he said.

Mr Olson said he had received hundreds of emails from nurses reporting staff shortages so severe they had to resort to nursing assistants from employment agencies to do the job.
November 25, 2020  SafeWA app is launched to help contact tracers get in touch with people who are possibly exposed to the COVID-19 virus when there are community outbreaks.

December 5, 2020  Checking in at businesses and venues using physical contact registers or SafeWA is made mandatory. WA Premier Mark McGowan says the app will only be used for contact tracing.

December 12, 2020  Rebels bikie Nick Martin shot dead at the Perth Motorplex in Kwinana.

December 14, 2020  WA Police served the Department of Health with an order to produce SafeWA data related to Martins death in terms of potential witnesses at the event.

December 23, 2020  WA Police receives data related to 1639 SafeWA check-ins from the Department of Health.

December 24, 2020  WA Police served the Department of Health with a second order to produce to access SafeWA data related to Martins death.

December 27, 2020  WA Police receives data related to 800 SafeWA check-ins from the Department of Health.

January 8, 2021  The first document exchange about the requests between Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson and a Department of Health assistant director general is recorded.

January 31, 2021  WA goes into a five-day lockdown.

February, 2021  A man is stabbed three times in Victoria Park.

February 22, 2021  Department of Health assistant director general James Williamson sends an email to director general David Russell-Weisz saying he had verbally raised the issue of a breach of public trust repeatedly and with people who attended meetings with the Premier.

February 25, 2021  Police make a request for SafeWA data from the Department of Health, in relation to an unknown case, but the information was older than 28 days and had already been destroyed.

Late February, 2021  A policy is put in place by WA Police where an officer has to go to an independent superintendent in order to try and gain access to SafeWA data.

March 2, 2021  Mr McGowan backtracks on comments he was in talks with Police Commissioner Chris Dawson to explore the legality of extending controlled border measures like the G2G entry pass system post-pandemic.

March 10, 2021  Police serve the Department of Health for the second time to access SafeWA data related to the stabbing offence and potential witnesses.

March 12, 2021  Dr Russell-Weisz writes a letter to Mr Dawson about the data requests.

March 13, 2021  The state election is held.

March 19, 2021  Mr Dawson replies to Dr Russell-Weiszs letter.

March 31, 2021  Health Minister Roger Cook is made aware requests for SafeWA data have been made by WA Police which is the same day the department provides information about the stabbing to police.

April 1, 2021  Police make a fifth request which was still pending as of Thursday.

April, 2021  Sometime in early April the Premier is made aware by a staff member in his office that police are accessing SafeWA data.

April 14, 2021  Mr McGowan meets with the Police Commissioner and asks they stop seeking the data.

April 23, 2021  WA goes into a three-day lockdown after a community outbreak of COVID-19.

May 7, 2021  A sixth request for SafeWA data is made by police.

May 20, 2021  The Parliamentary Counsels Office, which prepares bills for ministers, is told to draft a law to stop police from being able to access SafeWA data.

May 21, 2021  The first draft of a law to protect the data of SafeWA users is finished.

May 27  A seventh request for SafeWA data is made by police but was knocked back because of a technical deficiency.

June 15, 2021  The WA government announces it is introducing a new bill to stop police from being able to access SafeWA data.

June 17, 2021  The new law is passed in both houses of Parliament.
Addis Ababa: Forces from Ethiopias Tigray region have taken control of the town of Lalibela, whose famed rock-hewn churches are a United Nations World Heritage site, and witnesses report the residents were fleeing.

Lalibela, also a holy site for millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, is in the North Wollo Zone of the Amhara region in Ethiopias north, where bitter fighting has dislodged an estimated 2500 people.

Senior officials from the United Nations and the United States government who visited Ethiopia this week raised alarm at the widening of the war in Tigray to other parts of northern Ethiopia.

Christian Pilgrims At Bete Abba Libanos Church, Lalibela, a holy site that is now under the control of Tigrayan forces. Credit:Alamy

Seyfu, a resident of Lalibela who spoke to Reuters by phone, said he saw hundreds of armed men speaking Tigrinya, the language of ethnic Tigrayans, walking through the town on Thursday. He said they were not speaking Amharic, the language of the people of Lalibela, and were wearing different uniforms from those of the federal military.
Singapore: Regional vaccine leader Singapore is preparing to re-open its economy and establish quarantine-free travel corridors for fully inoculated passengers as it nears coverage of 80 per cent of its population.

The city states multi-ministry pandemic taskforce has announced that it would begin the transition to becoming a COVID-19 resilient nation next month, loosening curbs and travel restrictions in a bid to treat the virus as endemic.

A deserted street in the Chinatown area of Singapore, on Tuesday. Credit:Bloomberg

Singapores re-opening will occur gradually in a cautious and calibrated way and renewed freedoms are being linked to vaccination.

From next week only fully vaccinated adults will be able to visit indoor venues such as restaurants and gyms and expanded caps on events such as weddings, religious services and sport will be contingent on attendees having had both shots. The only way for unvaccinated people to get around those protocols is by having a test in advance.
Kabul: The Taliban ambushed and killed the director of Afghanistans government media centre on Friday in the capital, Kabul, the latest killing of a government official just days after an assassination attempt on the countrys acting defence minister.

The slaying comes amid significant Taliban advances. In a major but symbolic victory, the Taliban appeared to have taken their first provincial capital  the city of Zaranj in southern Nimroz province. The government, however, claimed there was still fierce fighting around key infrastructure in the city and that Zaranj had not fallen.

Afghan security personnel arrive at the scene of the fatal shooting of media chief Dawa Khan Menapal. Credit:AP

But the Taliban posted images on social media showing insurgents inside the local airport and posing for photographs at the entrance to the city. Nimroz is sparsely populated in a region thats mainly desert and Zaranj, the provincial capital, has about 50,000 residents. The provinces governor, Abdul Karim Barahawi, fled Zaranj for refuge in the peaceful Chahar Burjak district, where the local ethnic Baluch population has given him protection.

The Taliban have been surging for months in Afghanistan, taking swathes of land as US and NATO forces complete their final pullout from the country by the end of the month. The battles intensified lately as the Taliban laid siege to provincial capitals in southern and western Afghanistan, after capturing district after district and even seizing several key border crossings.
Looking for something a little different? read a job listing that went viral recently. Want to live in a rural community away from the nonsense and the stress?

The listing, on journalismjobs.com, was for a reporter to join a small independent newspaper in rural West Virginia, a state thats already very rural. In addition to the core responsibilities of capturing the goings-on of a country town and its council meetings, the ad outlined some unusual additional duties.

This job sounds very much like the premise of a film: part rom-com, part thriller, because no one stays at a small Victorian hotel thinking they wont see a ghost. Credit:Getty Images

Applicant will also be scheduled to man (or woman) the front desk of a small Victorian hotel for two or three shifts a week, it said, before suggesting the position would be ideal for someone who simply wants to hide from their ex or people who they have really pissed off. Compensation would come in the form of money, albeit not very much, a small fully furnished suite at the inn and all the coffee you can drink.

The newspapers name? The INNformer. You can probably see why this listing sparked such delight online. First of all, it was a topic of conversation which did not contain the word variant, a blessed and rare occurrence these days. Second, journalism jobs  of any description  are worth celebrating. But the most compelling reason of all, I think, is that it sounds very much like the premise of a film: part rom-com, part thriller, because no one stays at a small Victorian hotel thinking they wont see a ghost.
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning mostly clear after midnight. Low 57F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning mostly clear after midnight. Low 57F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
(CIFC), Murugappa groups vehicle financier, is planning to aggressively enter the electric three-wheeler and commercial vehicle segment and is already in talks with manufacturers for tie-ups.

We are starting in a small way and will keep moving up in Our focus is on the three-wheeler segment of the electric-vehicles. We are more focussed on vehicle financing for commercial vehicles. So, we will look into electric commercial vehicles that are first coming to the market, said Arulselvan D, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CIFC. Arulselvan said the company is already in talks with three-wheeler manufacturers for tie-ups.

The companys aggressive foray comes at a time when Indias electric three-wheelers are expected to contribute around 30 per cent of new vehicle sales in the country by 2025, according to ratings agency Icra. Moreover, despite Covid, EVs posted a growth of 40 per cent in India during 2020.

When asked about the possible boom on electric two-wheeler segment with the aggressive foray of Ola, Arulselvan said, Two-wheelers are more a consumptive growth than productive growth. We will look into vehicles that are on the productive side of it, vehicles which are more used from a business perspective.

The major business segments of the company include vehicle financing, property loans or housing loans and SME loans. When asked about further diversification plans, he said, We are looking at leveraging relationships with fintech. At this juncture, it is early stage.

CIFCs net profit for the first quarter of the financial year dipped by 24 per cent to Rs 327 crore, as against Rs 431 crore during the same period last fiscal. On the other hand, aggregate disbursements saw a marginal growth of 1 per cent during the quarter under review. Collections also suffered, resulting in increase in Stage 3 assets from 3.96 per cent to 6.79 per cent.

Majority of the sectors opened up. Except in some states like Kerala and some in the North East, the majority of the country is back to a normal level. In July we are seeing good traction in disbursements also. I believe things will be better this fiscal, though a lot will depend on the effect of the third wave, he said. Last year, the company reported a better disbursement during the first quarter despite the lockdown, because of better demand on tractors.

The company said that it is seeing a lot of good demand from the SME segment, despite the Covid situation. Compared to last year, there is not much stress from the SME sector. This is mainly because factories are still running. The company said that the restructuring option with asset classification benefit extended by RBI under Restructuring 2.0 was used to the extent of 3.86 per cent of the book as of June 2021 and its total restructuring stood at 5.44 per cent of the book.
chairman Kishore Biyani is facing his biggest challenge ever as he tries to salvage the Future groups merger transaction with Ltd after the Supreme Court ruled against the today.

Though said it would look at all legal remedies and exercise its options, its sagging financial performance is making it an unattractive target for acquisition for any acquirer. For the fiscal ended 2021, the group has made a loss of Rs 5,943 crore on sales of Rs 11,723 crore, a drop of 66 per cent over fiscal 2020. The groups total debt was up by 7 per cent to Rs 20,742 crore (see chart).

The group started slowing down just before the Covid lockdown announced in March 2020 and lost significant business in the rest of the fiscal 2021. Biyani, 59, set up Future group from a single store in Mumbai and went on to become India's largest offline retail company. But intense competition from online players and high debt made him sell his business to Ltd in August last year. Amazon, which had the Right of First Refusal agreement with Future Coupons, a Future group company, moved the courts to stall the deal. "With the SC agreeing with Amazon today, Biyani will have to use all his negotiating skills to save the Reliance transaction," analysts said.

Analysts said the Indian lenders, who have significant exposure in Future group companies, will be left holding the can as the company has already defaulted on its loans and transaction was its last hope. While Bank of India has an exposure of Rs 5,750 crore to Future group companies, Axis Bank has an exposure of Rs 1,250 crore, and Bank of Baroda has an exposure of Rs 750 crore.





Future groups flagship, Future Retail applied for the one-time restructuring (OTR) of its debt in September last year under the RBI guidelines issued on August 6, 2020. It did not make debt repayments that were due since then the OTR process was initiated. The Reliance deal was the biggest lifeline for the Future group. If Reliance backs out due to litigation, it may lead to further financial haemorrhage of the group In the worst case scenario, the banks may take the group to bankruptcy courts to recover their dues, said an analyst.

Analysts said FRL has a low collection period which is inherent in the industry. But the inventory days are higher on account of bought out stock arrangement which leads to higher working capital requirement. Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the company has not settled its creditors, especially the group companies on account of which trade payables increased.

Besides, analysts said due to sagging sales, the creditors have been further stretched in FY21. Increased competition from both brick and mortar and online players has further impacted overall sales of Future group companies while competition from e-commerce players remains its key threat. Besides, with the Indian government planning to liberalise rules relating to multibrand retail, this will open up foreign investments which may pose a threat to FRL and other group companies.
Global telecom gear makers are keeping a close watch on how things evolve for Vodafone Idea, which is in the grip of an existential crisis, but maintain that it is business-as-usual when it comes to on-ground network-related work.

A senior official of one of the European vendors said that things are not as yet "alarming" at this stage, while another player said it is too early to draw specific conclusions on outcomes, since the overall situation remains "fluid".

The telecom equipment makers are closely monitoring the situation to see the next move by cash-strapped Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL). The next course of action will be determined by how the situation evolves, they said.

An official with a large telecom equipment company said VIL has been investing in its network, based on balance sheet and added that it had also moderated the capex based on the balance-sheet position.

A senior official of a Chinese telecom gear maker said that all players have been cautious since the last one-and-a-half year and the exposure is not high with VIL.

Many vendors are waiting to see whether or not relief measures will be offered by the government to the industry.

Industry watchers say any decision from the government on rationalisation of levies, or moratorium on spectrum dues could benefit the ailing VIL, which is struggling to stay afloat.

When contacted, a Nokia spokesperson said, "We continue to pursue business discussions and engagements as usual, while monitoring the situation. Our aim is to support our telco partner through this crucial phase."



Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson did not comment on an email by PTI on the issue.

Billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla on Wednesday stepped down as chairman of Vodafone Idea Ltd, within two months of offering to hand over Aditya Birla Group's stake in the debt-laden telco over to the government, in a bid to keep the telecom company afloat.

Birla will be replaced by Himanshu Kapania (who was earlier managing director and CEO of Birla's Idea Cellular) as the new chairman of Vodafone Idea Ltd.

Subsequently, Vodafone Idea CEO Ravinder Takkar had reached out to employees urging the staff to continue focusing on providing quality services to customers and sustain intensity in the market.

Takkar had also sought to reassure employees that although Birla is stepping down from the board, he and the Aditya Birla Group "will continue to provide support and guidance to the company, in line with the stated position of the Group".

The Supreme Court, last month, had rejected petitions by telecom companies, including Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, for rectification of alleged errors in calculation of adjusted gross revenue (AGR)-related dues, payable by them.

According to official data, VIL had an AGR liability of Rs 58,254 crore out of which the company has paid Rs 7,854.37 crore and Rs 50,399.63 crore is outstanding.

Birla had, in June this year, offered to hand over the group's stake in debt-laden VIL to the government or any other entity that the government may consider worthy to ensure that the company remains a going concern.

In a letter to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on June 7, Birla had said investors are not willing to invest in the company in the absence of clarity on AGR (statutory dues) liability, adequate moratorium on spectrum payments and "most importantly floor pricing regime above the cost of service".

Without immediate active support from the government on the three issues by July, the financial situation of VIL will come to an "irretrievable point of collapse", Birla had said.

"It is with a sense of duty towards the 27 crore Indians connected by VIL, I am more than willing to hand over my stake in the company to any entity- public sector/government /domestic financial entity or any other that the government may consider worthy of keeping the company as a going concern," Birla had said in the letter.

In September 2020, VIL had received an approval from its board to raise up to Rs 25,000 crore. However, the company has not been able to raise the funds so far.

According to Birla's letter, VIL has not yet approached any Chinese investors. Foreign investors, mostly non-Chinese, are hesitating in making investment in the company for understandable reasons, he wrote.

VIL's gross debt, excluding lease liabilities, stood at Rs 1,80,310 crore as of March 31, 2021. The amount included deferred spectrum payment obligations of Rs 96,270 crore and debt from banks and financial institutions of Rs 23,080 crore, apart from the AGR liability.

Earlier, Vodafone Idea had also approached the government to seek one-year moratorium on payment of spectrum instalment of over Rs 8,200 crore, due in April 2022.

VIL, in a letter to the telecom secretary on June 25, 2021, had said it will be "unable to pay the instalment of Rs 8,292 crore due on April 9, 2022" due to "cash being used for payment of AGR (adjusted gross revenue) dues and the inability of the operations to generate the required cash in a predatory pricing situation".

(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.)
has made permanent appointments for the roles of chief compliance officer resident grievance officer and a nodal contact person, as part of the requirements of the new Rules, the company told the Delhi High Court on Friday.

The matter has been adjourned to August 10.

The lawyer appearing for told the Court that the company has notarised the affidavit on August 5, in the US.

The new appointees are employees of Inc and not the India entity of the microblogging platform, a person familiar with the details said.

Content regulation comes under ambit of Twitter Inc while Twitter India provides support services for promoting and marketing Twitter in India.

The nodal contact person, as per reports, is an ex-Bytedance employee Shahin Kamath.

Twitter earlier named Vinay Prakash as its resident grievance officer in India, who will be based in Bengaluru.

Twitter India also published its transparency report in accordance with the (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules (or IT Rules) 2021, on July 11.

The Delhi High Court told Twitter earlier that it would not protect the platform against legal proceedings if it does not comply with the rules introduced by the Centre.

The non-compliance had led to Twitter India head being named in many police complaints related to content and at least one court case.

The government told the high court in an affidavit earlier that the microblogging platform did not comply with IT Rules and has therefore lost its safe harbour protection provided to intermediaries under Section 79(1) of the IT Act, 2000.
The is working on measuring the social impact the group creates as part of its commitments, Anand G Mahindra, Chairman

On the 75th anniversary of the Mahindra Group, we proudly commit that we will measure our social impact as rigorously as we measure our financials. We will compute our social impact, quantify it in financial terms and target its increase, Mahindra informed its shareholders at the company's Annual General Meeting on Friday.

ESG, which stands for environmental, social and governance criteria, is of increasing interest to companies, their investors and other stakeholders. With growing concern about the ethical status of listed companies, these standards are the central factors that measure the ethical impact and sustainability of investment in a company.

and Reliance Industries are two Indian that joined 61 other global firms to commit to the core Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics released by the International Business Council (IBC) at the World Economic Forum in January 2021.

The metrics offer a set of universal, comparable disclosures focused on people, planet, prosperity and governance that can report on, regardless of industry or region. They strengthen the ability of and investors to benchmark progress on sustainability matters, thereby improving decision-making and enhancing transparency and accountability regarding the shared and sustainable value companies create

Mahindra said the Group has already started working towards it and outlined ten very specific commitments. In October this year, at a senior executives conference this year, Mahindras top officials will put their heads together and chart out a path to increase Groups social goals manifold over the next 25 years, he said.

The days when business of business was only business are over, said Mahindra who transitions into the role of a non-executive chairman in November this year, that Groups new leadership team Anish Shah (MD & CEO, Mahindra Group) and Rajesh Jejurikar (Executive Director  Auto and Farm Sectors) are firmly in the saddle. They have shown their business acumen during a very difficult period. They are going to take the company to greater heights as the sailing becomes smoother, he said.

In his new role will have a strong oversight of the companys financials and governance will be a major area of focus for him. I will be deeply involved in monitoring the routine governance functions that show transparency. The internal audit, a major tool of governance, will report directly to me, he told the shareholders.
platform Vedantu on Friday termed reports of its discussions with Byju's for a potential buyout as "false" and said it is not "remotely considering anything of this sort".

Reports earlier in the day suggested that talks are underway between the two for the past few weeks and have reached an advanced stage, where Byju's is offering a USD 700-800 million deal to Vedantu.

In an e-mailed statement, Vedantu said: "This information is completely false and no such discussions have taken place with Byju's and we are not considering anything like this".

Vedantu co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Vamsi Krishna took to social media platforms, LinkedIn, and Twitter to clarify on the reports.

"I normally don't react to these, as by the frequency of them, if these were true, we would have been sold over 4-5 times by now. This information is 100 per cent absolutely false and V are not doing or even remotely considering anything of this sort," he wrote.

Krishna said he, along with Pulkit Jain and Anand Prakash, and Vedantu employees aim is to create one of the world's largest Impact

"Having a significant purpose and meaning is one of the most precious things in life, Vedantu is that meaning for us. This is not only our dream but a dream every Vedan lives by. It's way too precious to be sold or given away," he further wrote.

In June, the online live tutoring platform Vedantu had said it expects its revenue run rate to more than double to USD 200 million and hit profitability by June next year.

Vedantu has seen month-on-month revenue growth of 50 per cent in April and May this year. Its revenue grew 4x in May 2021 over last year and its current revenue run rate is at about USD 60 million, it had said.

The platform has over 30 million registered users.

In July last year, Vedantu had announced a USD 100 million (about Rs 752 crore) fundraise, led by US-based investment firm Coatue. The Series D round, which had seen participation from existing investors as well, had pushed Vedantu's valuation to USD 600 million.

The space has seen strong growth globally, including in India, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as an inflection point.

A number of offline classes went online to ensure continuity of education while adhering to social distancing norms.

A number of players have raised fresh funding from investors, along with consolidation.

Byju's has been on an acquisition spree with the buyout of Aakash Educational Services for about a billion dollars, Singapore-headquartered Great Learning for USD 600 million (about Rs 4,466 crore), and US-based digital reading platform Epic for USD 500 million (around Rs 3,729.8 crore). The major is estimated to have raised USD 1.5 billion in funding in multiple tranches since April last year.

Byju's (Think & Learn Pvt Ltd) is backed by marquee investors, including General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, Naspers, Silver Lake, and Tiger Global.

(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.)
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood on Friday launched Union, a rural business to business (B2B) tech platform to democratise services.

Travel Union members (travel agents) will work towards serving the travel needs of rural customers at every district, block and gram panchayat level. With a mission to support, digitally empower and build a leading travel agent business community in rural India at zero investment, Travel Union aims to be the largest rural digital travel services platform.

At the rural level, the travel sector has been largely unorganised with no player focusing on the needs of Indians in tier-2 cities, towns and villages. Travel Union addresses multiple unfulfilled needs of rural travel agents, small business owners and enterprises, called Travel Union Members, the primary one being the absence of travel-tech platforms designed for rural travel at the core.

The platform aggregates all available price options for a particular offering and shows Travel Union members the lowest prices they can offer their customers. It provides inventory, competitive prices, and state-of-the-art technology directly from airlines, railways, hotels, trips, wholesalers and aggregators.

It also allows for online cancellations and refunds, eliminating the long wait customers usually have to endure. Members enjoy the benefit of earning high margins due to direct booking options available with multiple travel service partners.

During the lockdowns, I had first-hand experience of the challenges that rural Indians face when it comes to travel as well as the struggles of small business owners. The lack of tailored offerings catering to the needs of Bharat and addressing digital needs of rural citizens stayed with me. In fact, currently rural consumers have no option to pre-plan their travel and have to run to multiple operators for different kinds of travel needs. I envisioned Travel Union so that we can remove all barriers to travel and give an entrepreneurial opportunity to anyone in the nation who wants to start a career in travel industry," said Sood at the launch.

The platform is designed as a one-stop shop for travel agents across Indias hinterlands offered through an app and web portal, making it the first super-aggregator platform to meet the needs of the rural customer. The platform will give access to all trains operating in India through IRCTC, over 500 domestic and international flights, over 10,000 bus operators and more than 10 lakh hotels to its members and consumers.

Travel Union will augment the income and growth opportunities for the existing travel agents, offer an additional and steady stream of income for small business owners, provide new business opportunities for the aspirational entrepreneur and create a network of reliable Travel Union Members (travel agents) to assist the rural consumers.

The onboarding of Travel Union Members will require zero investment from them and there is no recurring cost post onboarding either, lowering the barrier of entry. Also, it offers the lowest IRCTC agent ID purchase cost. Moreover, this cost gets refunded over a period of time upon successful transactions making this ID effectively free, which is an industry-first opportunity available only to Travel Union members.

This super aggregator app is the future of travel management, eliminating the need for multiple platforms, thus, offering 360 travel solutions in one place. It is the first and only Indian platform designed to help rural travel agents launch a profitable and successful business venture, Sood added.

Travel Union is presently available in English and Hindi, and will be launched in 11 more Indian languages. New and upcoming offerings on the platform also include domestic and international holiday packages, visa services, forex services as well as travel/ luggage accessories.

Travel Union App is available to download on Google Play store.
The Supreme on Friday ruled that Future Retail's $3.4-billion deal to sell its retail assets was bound by an arbitrator's order that put the transaction on hold. This is a big boost to partner Amazon, which had sought to block the deal.

and Future had been locked in legal battles over the deal, with the US firm accusing the Indian group of violating pre-existing contracts when it sold its assets to rival Future has denied any wrongdoing.

The said that an order by Singapore's Emergency Arbitrator (EA) in October to put the deal on hold was valid in India, PTI reported.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman held that an award of an EA of a foreign country is enforceable under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act despite the fact that the term EA is not used in arbitration laws here.

had argued that the order was binding, while Future had argued it was not.

On July 29, the had reserved its judgment in Amazons appeal against a Delhi High Court order staying a previous order directing the attachment of properties of and Kishore Biyani in relation to the Future-Reliance deal.

Earlier, the had on February 22 barred a final ruling by a tribunal reviewing Future Groups $3.4-billion sale of retail assets until the Court heard objections from
In a major breakthrough, India and China have withdrawn troops from the friction Patrolling Point (PP) 17A in Gogra along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army said on Friday.

The Indian Army said that both the countries have ceased forward deployments in this area in a phased, coordinated and verified manner.

"The disengagement process was carried out over two days, i.e., August 4 and 5. The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases," the Indian Army said in a statement.

The force said that the 12th round of talks between the Corps Commanders of India and China were held on July 31 at the Chushul Moldo Meeting Point in Eastern Ladakh.

The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the resolution of the remaining areas related to disengagement along the LAC in the Western Sector of India-China border areas.

"As an outcome of the meeting, both sides agreed on disengagement in the area of Gogra," the Indian Army said.

The troops in this area were in a face-off situation since May last year.

The force said that all the temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified.

"The landform in the area has been restored by both sides to the pre-stand off period," the Indian Army stated.

This agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there is no unilateral change in status quo.

With this, one more sensitive area of face-off has been resolved.

"Both sides have expressed their commitment to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector," the force added.

The Indian Army also pointed out that along with the ITBP, it is totally committed to ensure the sovereignty of the nation and maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector.

In a joint statement after the 12th Round of India-China Corps Commander-level talks geld earlier this week, it was stated that the two sides have also agreed that in the interim, they will continue their effective efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace and tranquility.

The talks between the two countries took place after a gap of three months.

With the latest disengagement reached between both the countries in Gogra, India will now take up the other remaining friction areas like the Hot Springs and the 900 sq km Depsang plains.

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-level meetings to resolve all the issues across the LAC.

Till now, apart from 12 round of Corps Commander-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major General-level and 55 Brigadier-level talks, apart from 1,450 calls over hotlines.

Earlier, the troops of the two Himalayan giants had disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.

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General M M Naravane started his two-day visit of the Indian Army's southern command on Friday as he visited the production facilities of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Tata Motors in Pune, Maharashtra, the stated.

The Army Chief will be visiting the Indian Navy's airbase INS Hansa in Goa on Saturday, the second day of the visit, the ministry's statement noted.

"During his Pune visit, the COAS (Chief of Army Staff) visited Tata Motors at Pimpri where he observed the operations of the assembly lines of passenger and commercial vehicles and engineering research centre," it stated.

"A range of Tata vehicles including Xenon, AWD (4x4) Troop Carrier, light bullet proof vehicle and combat support vehicles, namely Mine Protected Vehicles and Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform AWD (8x8) configuration were on display," it mentioned.

Naravane also visited the Strategic Systems Complex (SSC) of L&T at Talegaon near Pune city to witness their production facilities and developmental efforts towards modernising the Indian armed forces, it stated.

He was briefed about various defence-related programmes and engagements of L&T with the Indian Army, it noted.

"The COAS complimented the efforts of both the indigenous manufacturers in promoting Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing," it stated.

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Shiv Sena leader on Friday accused the Modi government of weakening the four pillars of democracy through alleged snooping using Israeli spyware Pegasus.

Talking to reporters in Delhi, Raut expressed surprise that the central government was not even paying heed to the Supreme Court's observation that the Pegasus case, if true, was a serious matter.

On Thursday, the apex court had said that allegations of Pegasus-related snooping are "serious in nature" if reports on them are correct. It also asked the petitioners seeking probe into the Israeli spyware matter whether they have made any efforts to file a criminal complaint on this.

"The is weakening the four pillars of democracy with Pegasus spyware. The opposition's demand for a debate on Pegasus is being rejected by the government. The doesn't want to discuss this issue as well as that of the farmers' agitation, he said.

An international media consortium had earlier reported that several verified mobile phone numbers, including of two serving ministers, various journalists, some opposition leaders and a sitting judge besides scores of business persons and activists in India could have been targeted for hacking through the Israeli spyware sold only to government agencies. The government, however, dismissed allegations of any kind of surveillance on its part on specific people.

When asked about the Maratha reservation issue, Raut said, "Unless the 50 per cent cap on quota is relaxed, reservation to this community cannot be restored."



In May this year, the Supreme Court had struck down the Maharashtra law granting quota to Marathas in admissions and government jobs, terming it as "unconstitutional", and held there were no exceptional circumstances to breach the 50 per cent reservation cap set by the 1992 Mandal verdict.

Replying to another question, the Rajya Sabha member criticised Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for not clearing the state cabinet's recommendation of appointing 12 members from his quota to the state Legislative Council.

"By not approving the names, he is not adhering to the Constitution. It is an insult of the state legislature and the people of Maharashtra," Raut said.

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Chinese President pledged 2 billion doses of Chinese vaccines would be supplied to the world through this year, an increase that would add to country's efforts as the largest global exporter of COVID-19 vaccines.

Xi's announcement was delivered at the International Forum on COVID-19 Cooperation, state media reported Wednesday, which hosted virtually.

That figure likely includes the 770 million doses has already donated or exported already since September last year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most of the Chinese shots have been exported under bilateral deals. It is unclear if the figure also includes the agreements with the COVAX mechanism where two Chinese manufacturers will provide up to 550 million doses.

Xi also promised to donate $100 million to the UN-backed COVAX program, which aims to distribute vaccines to low- and middle-income countries, the official Xinhua News Agency said Wednesday night.

distributions have been starkly unequal, as wealthy countries now consider issuing booster shots to their citizens and poorer nations struggle to get enough vaccines for a first dose.

Over 4 billion vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 75% of those have gone to just 10 countries, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director General, at the vaccine forum.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese shots, the vast majority of which are from Sinopharm and Sinovac, have already been administered to people in many countries across the world, as many were desperate for access to any vaccine.

However the vaccines have been followed with questions and concerns, especially as the highly transmissible delta variant spread and caused the number of COVID-19 deaths to climb again.

In Indonesia, which has relied heavily on Sinovac's shot, the government said it was planning boosters for health workers, using some of the newly delivered Moderna doses, after reports that some of the health workers who had died since June had been fully vaccinated with the Chinese shot.

Access to vaccines have not only been plagued by inequality, but also been dominated by geopolitics.

has been accused of using vaccines as leverage in diplomatic dealings. In June, diplomats told The Associated Press that China threatened to withhold vaccines to pressure Ukraine into withdrawing from a statement calling for more scrutiny about how China was treating ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang region.

President Joe Biden had made a point to say vaccine donations would come without pressure for favors or potential concessions" when announcing U.S. donation plans in June.

The White House said Tuesday the U.S. had donated 110 million doses, most of which was through COVAX coordinated by Gavi, a vaccine alliance.

Japan has also stepped up its donations in the region, pledging 30 million doses of vaccine through COVAX and other channels. It has already donated several million vaccines through bilateral deals.

Taiwan was one such beneficiary of Japan's aid, after the island faced an outbreak which stressed its health system in May and June. Taiwan had accused China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory, of interfering in deals to buy the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

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A Delhi court on Friday took cognizance of the charge sheet filed against Olympic medallist wrestler and 12 others in Sagar Dhankar case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Satvir Singh Lamba took cognizance and posted the matter to August 20 for supply of copies of the final report to all the accused.

Kumar and others had allegedly assaulted Dhankar and his friend at the stadium on the intervening night of May 4 and 5 over an alleged property dispute. Sagar succumbed to the injuries later.

On August 3, the Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in the case, in which it named the Olympic wrestler as the main accused.

The police said that the brawl at the stadium was the result of a conspiracy hatched by Kumar, who wanted to re-establish his supremacy among younger wrestlers.

In the charge sheet, the police relied on the oral dying declaration of the deceased, scientific evidence including locations of the accused, CCTV footage, weapons, and vehicles recovered from the spot.

From the material collected during the investigation so far precisely mentioned above, there is sufficient material against the accused persons, it stated, seeking their prosecution under 22 offences, including murder, of the Indian Penal Code.

The charge sheet mentions the names of 155 prosecution witnesses, including four persons who were injured during the brawl.

The Delhi Police had filed an FIR against the accused for offences such as murder, attempt to murder, culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, robbery, rioting among others.

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Delhi Lieutenant Governor on Friday directed officials to set up an expert committee to chalk out a detailed plan for reopening of schools in the national capital, according to sources.

The committee will work on finalising a detailed SOPs, assess preparedness of schools, vaccination of teaching and non teaching staff and addressing concerns of parents, they said.

The direction was issued at the meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chaired by Baijal.

"The issue of reopening of schools and educational institutions was deliberated upon in detail at the DDMA meeting on Friday.

"In accordance with the advise given by experts, it was directed to set up a committee of experts along with officials of the education and health departments to evaluate and finalize a detailed plan comprising SOPs, preparedness of the schools to adhere to and implement such SOPs, vaccination of teachers and staff of the schools, addressing concerns of parents of the students and the involvement of all stake holders in this decision," a source said.

"A decision in this regard will be taken thereafter. The authority also reiterated the need for continuing the test, treat and track strategy, constant vigil and strict enforcement of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour," the source, who was present at the meeting, added.

The Delhi government had last week sought feedback from students, teachers and parents about the reopening of schools and has received nearly 35,000 suggestions so far.

Delhi was hit by a brutal second wave of which claimed a large number of lives daily with shortage of beds and oxygen worsening the situation.

Schools in the national capital were ordered shut last year in March ahead of a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of

While several states started partial reopening of schools in October last year, the Delhi government allowed physical classes only for grades 9-12 in January this year, which were again suspended following the exponential rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Delhi government, however, allowed auditoriums and assembly halls in schools to be used for training and meeting purposes, but physical teaching and learning remains suspended.

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CEO Adar Poonawalla on Friday said he is hopeful that Covovax, another COVID-19 vaccine being manufactured by his company in India, will be launched in October for adults and for children by the first quarter of 2022.

He also thanked the government for all the support provided to Serum Institute and said the company is always trying to expand its Covishield production capacity to meet the demand.

Poonawalla met Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament and the meeting between the two lasted for 30 minutes.

"The government is helping us and we are facing no financial crunch. We are thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all the cooperation and support," Poonawala told PTI after his meeting.

When asked about vaccines for kids, he said, "The Covovax vaccine for kids will be launched in the first quarter of the next year most likely in January-February."



Poonawala said he is hopeful that for adults Covovax will be launched in October, depending on DCGI approvals.

It will be a two-dose vaccine and the price will be decided at the time of launch, he added.

On production capacity of Covishield, the vaccine being manufactured and supplied by Serum in India under a licensing agreement with Oxford and AstraZeneca, he said the present capacity is 130 million doses per month and always try to increase it further.

Earlier in the day, Poonawalla also met Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The minister tweeted that he had a productive discussion on the supply of the Covishield vaccine with Poonawalla.

"I appreciated their role in mitigating #COVID19 & assured continued Government support in ramping up vaccine production," Mandaviya said.

Last month, an expert panel of India's Central Drug Authority recommended granting permission to (SII) for conducting phase 2/3 trials of Covovax on children aged 2 to 17 years with certain conditions, official sources had earlier said.

The trials would cover 920 children, 460 each in the age group of 12-17 and 2-11 across 10 sites.

The Pune-based pharmaceutical company had submitted a revised protocol for inclusion of pediatric cohort in the ongoing Covovax phase 2 and 3 observer-blind, randomised, controlled study in Indian adults aged 18 years and above to determine the safety and immunogenicity of the jab.

In the revised application, SII director (government and regulatory affairs) Prakash Kumar Singh and director Dr Prasad Kulkarni had stated that globally, all adults aged 18 and above are being vaccinated and after this population is protected against COVID-l9, children will remain the most susceptible group.

Currently, only those who are 18 or above are eligible for vaccination against the

The SII is learnt to have informed that their collaborator, Novavax, Inc, US has already generated a large amount of data in adults in different countries and that the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity data on the Novavax COVID-I9 vaccine are very robust which includes a safety database of more than 50000 adults with data from Australia, South Africa, UK and USA and preliminary safety data in 2248 children.

"Further in the ongoing Phase 2/3 study in India, more than 1400 participants have received at least first dose of the vaccine with no safety concerns reported so far," the application stated.

"This will ensure that a life-saving vaccine can be brought at the earliest for our pediatric population also in addition to the adult population immediately after the grant of Emergency Use Authorisation.

The SEC on June 30 had recommended against granting permission to SII for conducting phase 2 and 3 trials of Covovax on children aged 2 to 17 years following which the company had submitted a revised study protocol last week.

In August 2020, US-based vaccine maker Novavax, Inc had announced a licence agreement with SII for the development and commercialisation of NVX-CoV2373, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in low and middle-income countries and India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Five days after the 12th round of talks between Indian and Chinese senior military commanders in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian government announced on Friday that troops from both sides have pulled back in the Gogra area from the face-off situation that they have been in since May last year.

Both sides have ceased forward deployments in this area (Gogra) in a phased, coordinated and verified manner. The disengagement process was carried out over two days i.e. 04 and 05 August 2021. The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases, said the official statement from New Delhi.

After the recent senior military commanders talks on July 31, a joint statement was issued, terming the talks constructive, and stating that they enhanced mutual understanding. However, there is no statement from Beijing relating to the troop disengagement.

All temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified, said the Indian statement. This agreement ensures that the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there is no unilateral change in status quo.

In May 2020, troops of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had crossed the LAC in Ladakh and occupied Indian territory in five sectors: Depsang, Galwan River valley, Gogra-Hot Spring and Pangong Lake north bank.

PLA and Indian troops clashed in the Galwan valley on June 15, leading to the deaths of 20 Indian and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers. On June 30, senior military commanders from the two sides negotiated a disengagement plan, that involved creating a three-kilometre buffer zone on either side of the agreed border.

Business Standard reported at the time (July 9, 2020, Withdrawal from Galwan Valley puts Indian troops further from LAC) that the mutual pull-back agreement effectively shifted the LAC in Galwan by one kilometre in favour of the Chinese.

A second synchronized and organized disengagement was negotiated by senior military commanders in their 9th round of talks in February. This involved pulling back troops from the Pangong Lake north and south banks and creating a demilitarised zone to separate a large build-up that had taken place in that sector, including tanks from both sides.

The senior commanders agreed in February that the Pangong disengagement would be followed up within 48 hours by negotiations for troop pull backs in the remaining sectors as well. However, that never took place.

Now, after the Gogra disengagement, there remains the thorny issue of negotiating a troop disengagement at Depsang, where the Chinese are 15 kilometres inside Indian territory and have shown no inclination to discuss withdrawal.

Furthermore, disengagement has taken place only of the troops in contact on the front lines in Ladakh. Agreement has still to be reached about the withdrawal of an assessed 100,000 troops from both sides that remain deployed in the rear areas in case fighting broke out. These are unlikely to be withdrawn before the troops in contact, or in close proximity to the LAC, are pulled back.

New Delhi, however, is optimistic about negotiating a full PLA withdrawal. With this one more sensitive area of face-off has been resolved. Both sides have expressed commitment to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector, it stated.

Putting a brave face on the tensions that still simmer, New Delhi stated on Friday: The along with the Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) is totally committed to ensure the sovereignty of the nation and maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the Western Sector.

Since the PLA intrusions into Ladakh were detected in May 2020, there have been no formal government briefings about the situation on the LAC. The quantum of Chinese forces, the extent of the intrusions and the details of the operations carried out have never been put in public domain. The media has not been given access to the operational areas.

The 15 months of confrontation with the PLA, and the Galwan clash on June 15 have catalysed major organisational and operational changes within the Indian military. In what experts have termed a pivot to the North, the is changing its operational posture to cater for the realisation that China, not Pakistan, constitutes the main threat to India. An entire Indian strike corps, along with at least two infantry divisions, have been redeployed to the LAC as a deterrent to China.
Over 44,500 fresh cases reported

India reported 44,643 fresh infections on Friday, taking the cumulative caseload to 31.8 million, according to central health ministry data. The country saw 464 more deaths due to the pandemic, taking the death toll to 426,754. The active caseload is at 414,159, while the total recoveries have surged to 31 million. As many as 495 million vaccine shots have been administered since the nationwide inoculation programme kicked off on January 16. Of these, 5.7 million were given on Thursday. Read more

Experts say its high time we send kids back to schools

Over a year after schools turned virtual to check the spread of Covid, experts say there are many adverse effects from keeping children at home, which include health problems, a report in ThePrint said. Dr Prabhat Maheshwari, chief, neonatal & paediatric critical care, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told ThePrint that they were already seeing the effects  obesity, psychological trauma and loss of confidence. Children anyway have natural immunity against several diseases  the serosurvey too shows that almost 60 per cent of children have antibodies against Covid and if we have opened everything from malls, tourism and offices, then why deprive children of classroom learning? he said. Read more

Tamil Nadus training thousands of nurses to handle kids with Covid as it preps for 3rd wave

While experts may have said there is no solid evidence to suggest a potential third wave could affect children more, is preparing for it regardless, a report in ThePrint said. The state has already started training thousands of nurses in resuscitating infants and administering them IV injections, and more importantly, what not to do. The training is being conducted on Zoom sessions and offline with dummies. We dont want any child to die at your hands, said Dr Poovazhagi, from Chennais Institute of Child Health during one such training session, the report said. Read more

Flu shot may protect against severe effects of Covid, finds study

A new US study has found that the annual influenza vaccine may reduce the risk of stroke, sepsis, blood clots and several other severe effects in patients with Covid, PTI reported. The researchers also found that patients with Covid who had been vaccinated against the flu were significantly less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, the report said. Read more

Long-lasting Covid symptoms rare in children, finds Lancet study

A large UK study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal has found that most children who develop Covid symptoms recover after six days, and the number who experience symptoms beyond four weeks is low, PTI reported. The study provides the first detailed description of Covid illness in symptomatic school-aged children. It is reassuring that the number of children experiencing long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19 symptoms is low. Nevertheless, a small number of children do experience long illness with COVID-19, and our study validates the experiences of these children and their families, said the lead author of the study. Read more
(J&J) has sought approval for its single shot Covid-19 from the Indian regulator this week. It is not clear whether, like and Moderna, it is seeking indemnity against legal action that may arise from any side-effects.

The company did not comment on the matter but a government official indicated that, unlike and Moderna, had an Indian partner which would make the indemnity issue less complicated.

This will be the fourth foreign to enter India after Russias Sputnik V, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Sputnik V is already approved in India and Hyderabad-based firm Dr Reddys Laboratories markets it.

and Moderna are in discussions with India on legal indemnity but N K Arora, head of the governments panel has said that India is unlikely to grant indemnity because the order books of Pfizer and Moderna are full and they can only offer India very small quantities of vaccines.

A India spokesperson confirmed the development: On August 5 applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) of its single-dose Covid-19 vaccine to the Government of India. The company said it looks forward to concluding its discussions to accelerate the availability of its vaccine.

Earlier, the company had been talking to India about conducting clinical trials here. In April, the company had indicated that it was discussing a bridging clinical study for the vaccine.

But India has now done away with its earlier provision requiring clinical trials of vaccines that have already been approved by foreign regulators.

The Emergency Use Authorisation submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 ENSEMBLE clinical trial, which demonstrated our single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against Covid-19 related hospitalization and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, said.

Terming it an important milestone, the J&J spokesperson the vaccine would come to India through its collaboration with Indian drug firm Biological E in Hyderabad which will produce it.

Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the Covax Facility, the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ: World Coronavirus Dispatch: Rare nerve complication with J&J vaccine

Earlier, Mahima Datla, MD and CEO of Biological E, had told Business Standard that J&J was looking to produce 500-600 million doses at its plant but did not specify whether this is a per annum figure or the total doses specified in the contract.

While exact details have not been revealed, the J&J vaccine is likely to be made in India under the Quad Vaccine Partnership, an alliance between India, the US, Japan and Australia. Biological E has not revealed its manufacturing or stock-piling plans, nor whether production will be scaled up from the initial quantity.

J&J has said its vaccine can remain stable at 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to three months and the company will ship the vaccine using the same cold chain technologies it uses today to transport treatments for cancer, immunological disorders and other medicines.

The vaccine - Ad26. COV2. S - developed by J&Js pharmaceutical arm Janssen, received emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Regulator in February based on data from the phase 3 Ensemble study. J&J conducted clinical trials on 43,783 participants across countries, including the US.

The US regulator noted that the vaccine was approximately 77 per cent effective in preventing severe/critical Covid-19 occurring at least 14 days after vaccination and 85 per cent effective in preventing severe/critical Covid-19 occurring at least 28 days after vaccination.

The European Medical Agency authorised the vaccine in March.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national public health agency of the US, has said that the vaccine has high efficacy in preventing hospitalization and death.

It also noted that the vaccine was 66.3 per cent effective in clinical trials at preventing laboratory confirmed Covid-19 illness in people who had no evidence of prior infection two weeks after receiving the vaccine.

Early evidence suggests that the J&J/Janssen vaccine might provide protection against asymptomatic infection, which is when a person is infected by the virus that causes Covid-19 but does not get sick, the CDC noted.
The on Friday moved a plea before a special court here seeking a production warrant of for custodial interrogation in connection with its case related to group of companies.

Kapoor, who is currently in judicial custody after being arrested in March, 2019 in connection with the Yes Bank fraud case, has opposed the probe agency's plea through his lawyer Parnav Badheka.

Special judge S U Wadgaonkar said these prayers need consideration, including the maintainability of objection on behalf of accused to the application of production warrant made by the investigating officer in cited crime, and posted the matter for hearing on Saturday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation's move comes two days after the arrest of Gautam Thapar, promoter of Group, by the Enforcement Directorate, which is also probing the case.

Thapar (60) was held under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday night in Delhi after the agency carried out raids in Delhi and Mumbai.

The CBI, in its FIR, has claimed Kapoor, then MD and CEO of Yes Bank Limited, obtained illegal gratification in the form of a property, belonging to Realty Limited, in a prime location in Delhi at much less than the realizable market for sanctioning a loan to ARL, extending concessions, relaxations and waivers in existing credit facilities provided to Avantha Group and for advancing new and additional loans.

The had, last year, booked Kapoor and his wife Bindu for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 307 crore, by way of purchase of a bungalow in a posh Delhi area from a realty firm at half the market price and facilitating around Rs 1,900 crore bank loans to it in return.

The has claimed that the discounted transaction for the 1.2-acre bungalow on Amrita Shergill Marg in Delhi was gratification to Kapoor through a company called Bliss Abode Pvt Ltd in return for non-realization of over Rs 1,900 crore in loans from Yes Bank to Avantha Realty and group companies.

(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 on Friday said the share of EVs in new vehicle sales of the capital has increased by three times in the last one year.

The numbers were revealed at the 'Delhi EV Forum', organised by the to mark one year of the implementation of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy.

A statement by the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) noted that the share of EVs increased from 1.2 per cent between August 2019 to July 2020 to 3.3 per cent during August 2020-July 2021.

"In the same period, the number of electric two-wheelers have doubled from 1,013 to 2,243 and the adoption of e-cars have grown by 20 per cent, from 813 to 1,002, in Delhi," said.

The forum was attended by over 140 participants from auto, charging and fleet sectors.

Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the city now has over 1,12,321

"This is primarily due to the execution of the policy which has been systematic, including the rollout of financial incentives for EVs and a city-wide campaign on spreading awareness Switch Delhi. We are committed to our vision of making Delhi a global EV capital," Gahlot said.

He added that the will soon sign an MoU with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) to set up public charging infrastructure on all DTC properties.

(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.)
Facility augmentation of and three public sector enterprises is being supported for enhancing production of COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, Parliament was informed on Friday.

The Department of Biotechnology has informed that the facility augmentation of and 3 public sector enterprises (PSEs) Haffkine Biopharmaceutical Corporation Ltd, Indian Immunologicals Ltd; and Bharat Immunologicals Biologicals Corporation Ltd is being supported for augmented production of Covaxin, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

This is being done under the 'Mission COVID Suraksha the Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission', he added.

Further, technology transfer of Covaxin production to Gujarat COVID Vaccine Consortium comprising Hester Biosciences, OmniBRx Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd and Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre is being facilitated by the Department of Biotechnology, with a view to enhance the production of Covaxin in the coming months, Mandaviya said.

"Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided 100 per cent advance to domestic vaccine manufacturers in respect of procurement order placed with them. These funds can be used by such manufacturers for their capacity augmentation," he added.

The government has also provided financial assistance to one of the vaccine manufacturer, Biological E, for 'At-risk manufacturing' of COVID-19 vaccine, the minister said.

Further, the Central Drug Standards and Control Organisation (CDSCO) has put in place a system for fast track processing of applications for clinical trial and approval for COVID-19 vaccines, he added.

The government is also providing 15-day advance visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs with an advice to prepare and publicise in advance district-wise and COVID-19 vaccination centres wise (CVCs) plan, Mandaviya said.

It is expected that adequate quantities of COVID-19 vaccine will be available between January 2021 and December 2021, to vaccinate eligible beneficiaries aged 18 years and above, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Union Finance Minister on Friday moved the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 for consideration, it was passed in the Lok Sabha without debate amid sloganeering and protests by the Opposition members of Parliament.

The bill seeks to do away with the contentious provision.

Moving the bill for consideration and passing, Sitharaman while addressing the Lower House of Parliament said, "On the reason why we are coming up with this bill, I would like to say a few words. On the issue of levying income tax on income derived from the issue of Indian assets through the transfer of shares of a foreign company was the subject matter for prolonged litigation. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that such income tax, such income is not taxable under the provisions of the Income Tax Act.

"Consequently, the Finance Act of 2012, amended the Income Tax Act, 1961 with retrospective effect to clarify that such income is taxable. The Finance Act 2012 also provided that the demand raised for this income shall be valid even if the said demand has been struck off by the courts. So what has happened is, this was brought in as a clarificatory amendment. However, there has been quite a lot of disagreement for this measure and even as we were in opposition, we had very clearly raised this objection that this is bad in law and also bad for investors' sentiments," said the Union Minister.

She further told the Lok Sabha, "After coming into power in 2014, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in 2014, clearly made a commitment here in the House, that we do not believe in applying the law in retrospect and we would certainly form a high-level committee which will look into all such cases and I am happy to say that between 2014 and till today, the high-level committee has dealt with this matter and we have not had one claim based on the amendment made in 2012."

"However, for the cases prior to 2012, for which it was retrospectively applied, 17 such cases are there. Out of these, two went to the court which were stayed. The claims couldn't be pursued further. As promised by the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in principle we do not believe in this. However, we couldn't act on this even in 2014 because there were two cases going on," said Sitharaman in the Lower House.

Stating that the then Union Finance Minister Jaitley had then said that the government shall wait for them to reach a logical conclusion, Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha that the logical conclusion was reached in September 2020 in one case and in December 2020 in another case.

She further stated, "These cases were studied by the government, consultations were held with the Law Ministry and because the budget session was contracted the government could not take up many activities then."

"We have come to the next available session which is the monsoon session, which is now, to keep up the word given by former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi keeping up the commitment of BJP, that we don't believe in a retrospective collection of tax. We are fulfilling that word. So, I request the House to discuss the bill and let it be passed," added the Union Finance Minister.

The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill proposes to amend the Income Tax Act, 1961 to provide that no tax demand shall be raised in the future on the basis of the retrospective amendment for any indirect transfer of Indian assets if the transaction was undertaken before May 28, 2012.

The Finance Bill, 2012 had received the assent of the President on this day.The new bill proposes that the demand raised for indirect transfer of Indian assets made before May 28, 2012, shall be nullified on fulfillment of specified conditions such as withdrawal or furnishing of undertaking for withdrawal of pending litigation and furnishing of an undertaking to the effect that no claim for cost, damages, interest shall be filed.

British oil and gas company Cairn Energy is seeking to recover USD 1.2 billion from India after winning an arbitration against retro tax. An appeal against the order was filed in the Hague Court of Appeal on March 22, 2021 by the Indian Government.

The Finance Act, 2012 provided for validation of demand under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for cases relating to indirect transfer of Indian assets.In its pursuance, income tax demand had been raised in seventeen cases.

In two cases, assessments are pending due to stay granted by High Court.

Arbitration under Bilateral Investment Protection Treaty with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands had been invoked in four cases. In two cases, the Arbitration Tribunal ruled in favour of taxpayers and against the Income Tax Department.

The statement of objects and reasons of the new bill states that clarificatory amendments made by the Finance Act, 2012 invited criticism from stakeholders mainly with respect to the retrospective effect given to the amendments.

"It is argued that such retrospective amendments militate against the principle of tax certainty and damage India's reputation as an attractive destination. In the past few years, major reforms have been initiated in the financial and infrastructure sector which has created a positive environment for investment in the country," it said.

"However, this retrospective clarificatory amendment and consequent demand created in a few cases continue to be a sore point with potential investors," it added.

The statement said that the country today stands at a juncture when quick recovery of the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic is the need of the hour and foreign investment has an important role to play in promoting faster economic growth and employment.

(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 has released Rs 2,400 crore grant-in-aid to against an allocation of Rs 10,870 crore for the financial year 2021-22 under the Jal Jeevan Mission, it said in a statement on Friday.

An official said this is the first tranche of the Rs 10,870 crore, the highest allocation to any state under the (JJM).

"The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released Rs 2,400 crore grantinaid to against the allocation of Rs 10,870 crore for the financial year 2021-22," the statement said.

In 2019-20, the central government had allocated Rs 1,206 crore to for implementation of the JJM, which was increased to Rs 2,571 crore in 2020-21.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while approving this four-fold increase in allocation, assured full assistance to the state for making provision of tap water supply in every rural home by 2024.

In Uttar Pradesh, there are 2.63 crore rural households in over 97,000 villages, out of which now 32 lakh (12.16 per cent) households have tap water supply in their homes, the statement said.

During the launch of the JJM, only 5.16 lakh (two per cent) households had tap water supply. In the last 23 months, despite disruptions faced during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the state has provided tap water connection to 26.86 lakh (10.2 per cent) households.

The state aims to make five districts 'Har Ghar Jal' in the current financial year.

Over 3,600 villages of Uttar Pradesh have become 'Har Ghar Jal' so far that is every family has started getting tap water supply in these villages, the statement said.

This increased central allocation will help the state in speedy provision of tap water supply to the remaining 2.31 crore rural households in Uttar Pradesh, it said.

In his recent meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held on July 3, Shekhawat has assured full assistance to the state to make provision of tap water supply to every rural home under the JJM.

During the meeting, the chief minister also assured that the Uttar Pradesh government would ensure tap water connection to every rural home by 2024.

To accelerate the pace of JJM implementation, the National has urged the state to take necessary measures to provide tap water supply to 78 lakh rural households in Uttar Pradesh this year, the statement said.

It is also suggested to start water supply works in more than 60,000 villages by December 2021, it said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Communist party-ruled will not cut down on at a time when the state is facing the worst crisis in a century, Finance Minister K N Balagopal has said.

The statement from the minister assumes significance as Kerala, the only communist-ruled state in the country now, is known for its sweeping public welfare measures that almost match the best-in-class models in the Scandinavian countries.

However, the southern state has been facing one of the worst fiscal crises for the past many years, which is reflected in its stagnating revenues, galloping expenditure and the resultant massive spike in public debt, which is over 36 per cent of the state GDP now. And the pandemic has further worsened the fiscal situation.

"This is not the right time to think of fiscal corrections, and there is no question of us cutting down on spending. Rather, this is the time to think out-of-the-box, because as a democratic government we've to ensure the livelihoods are protected, which demands that we continued to spent so that economic activity doesn't get stalled further and shrink an already-ravaged economy," Balagopal told PTI in a recent interview.

He also warned that "we're in a time that's worse than the Great Depression, and my fear is that we may face more difficulties going forward".

Between FY15 and FY19, Kerala's revenue plunged from 61 per cent to 55 per cent, according to the CAG report release in January.

According to the minister, the revenue decline accelerated after the roll out of GST as the state's overall tax collection dropped by a third since then. Non-tax revenue halved to Rs 6,000 crore and tax component of the state budget is down from Rs 95,000 crore to Rs 87,000-88,000 crore now.

As a result, public debt crossed 36 per cent of GSDP in FY21 but nothing can be done now to correct it as the times are so bad, the minister said.

The state's total debt burden increased to 70.21 per cent in the five years to FY19 -- from Rs 1,41,947 crore in FY15 to Rs 2,41,615 crore in FY19, the CAG report showed. As a result, per capita debt has also jumped from Rs 42,499 in FY15 to Rs 66,561 in FY19.

"When you are discussing fiscal corrections in the present scenario, you have to accept that the government has to ensure that social welfare measures are run properly which means paying for public good and services; ensure economic growth, and protecting the livelihoods among others, all at a time when your revenue is shrinking.

"So, the only way out is to think out-of-box," the minister said, adding that only a loose fiscal regime can help.

While admitting that there has been a constant stagnation in government revenues, Balagopal claimed that the situation is "not the state's own making as we have since 2018 been ravaged by one natural calamity after another and now the pandemic too".

Calling for some radical changes to the basic structure and design of GST as there are rampant tax leakages, the minister said since its roll out in July 2017, the state has lost a third of its revenue and it is time to undo "some of the damages to state's finances".

Also, the centre is not fully clearing the state's GST dues. While last month, the centre said it would pay Rs 4,523 crore of the GST dues, only less than Rs 4,200 crore has been paid. It's also to clear past dues of over Rs 3,600 crore.

"Given all these, our priorities are clear: we're in a public health emergency and are now preparing for a third wave, too. We've to make sure that every person is freely treated, fed and taken care of.

"Then, we must protect the livelihoods of all, especially the poor. Since the pandemic, the state has been supplying free food kits to as many as 85 lakh families/ration cardholders, irrespective of their income designated-card category because in times of the pandemic, having just cash will not help. In short, we've ensured that nobody goes to bed hungry since the pandemic began," he said.

is a home to a large number of public pensioners, totalling over 54 lakh apart from more than 10.5 lakh government pensioners, the minister said pointing out the last salary increase alone needs Rs 14,500 crore of additional budgetary allocation.

"Given this, there's no question of shrinking the by cutting down investment or borrowings as that will only further aggravate the problem. Tell me which expenditure can be cut? This is not the time for any such measures. We can't tide over this crisis by shrinking the but only by increasing economic activities.

"In fact, we've increased our capex on health and education--the human capital. I wonder why most economists do not consider investing in human capital as productive investment. I for one consider the biggest investment that Kerala has made all these years is in human capital," Balagopal said.

He has also demanded that the centre allow the states to continue to borrow 5 per cent of GSDP, as it did last year, without any conditions. "I cannot draw up a fiscal road map now because this is not the right time to contain debt. What is needed is for the centre to devise some special and innovative measures to allow the states to spend/ borrow more, so that more jobs are created in times like this and the needy is taken care of," he concluded.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Bill to end all retrospective taxation imposed on indirect transfer of Indian assets was passed by the Lok Sabha on Friday even as the Opposition continued protests against the alleged snooping through the Pegasus spyware and other issues. The governments move to scrap the tax law, however, found support from an unlikely corner  the

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the 2012 legislation as bad in law and bad for the investors sentiments and said there were 17 litigations due to the law and even the Supreme Court had said in 2012 that the tax could not be levied for indirect transfer of shares of foreign companies.

The Bill has been brought as a clarification, she said.

Rajendra Agrawal, who was in the chair, declared the Bill passed after clause-wise discussions of the Bill and a brief statement by Sitharaman.

Sitharaman said in 2014 the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made a commitment to set up a high-powered committee to look into the provisions of the 2012 law as the NDA government did not believe in retrospective taxes.

Backing the governments move, former Union Finance Minister tweeted, I am glad that we have put an end to an issue that has been troubling us for eight years, underlining that the party was turning its back on a tax provision that it had introduced. The BJP has been in power for seven years.

On Friday, the Lok Sabha witnessed continuous protests by the Opposition and if it had been business as usual in Parliament, the might have been forced to side with the government in rejecting a Budget provision introduced by its own Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee.

Mukherjee acknowledged freely that when he made the proposal in the 2012 Budget, his entire party was opposed to it.

Mukherjee wrote in his memoirs that Manmohan Singh was convinced that the proposed (retrospective tax) amendment in the IT Act would impact FDI inflows into the country. I explained to him that India was not a no-tax or low-tax country. Here all taxpayers, whether resident or non-resident, are treated equally. I insisted that as per our countrys tax laws, if you pay tax in one country, you need not pay tax in the other country of your business operation which is covered by the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). But it cannot be a case that you pay no tax at all. I clarified that some entities had done their tax planning in such a way that they didnt have to pay tax at all. My intention was clear: where assets are created in one country, it will have to be taxed by that country unless it is covered by the DTAA.



He added party president Sonia Gandhi, and ministers Kapil Sibal and also expressed the apprehension that the retrospective amendments would create a negative sentiment for FDI.

With inputs from PTI


Construction of the Dhansiri Irrigation Project, billed to be the largest in Assam, which could not be completed in last 46 years, will be completed by the end of this fiscal year, the Assembly was informed on Friday.

However, the government has decided that an interlinked 20 MW Dhansiri Hydroelectric Power Project, work on which was suspended in 1996, will not be revived.

The initial expenditure of the construction work which was estimated at Rs 15.83 crore has escalated to Rs 567.05 crore, Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal said in reply to a question by UPPL MLA Gobinda Chandra Basumatary.

So far, Rs 444.18 crore has been spent on the project, the minister said.

Construction of the project had started in 1975 to create an irrigation potential of 77,230 hectares annually out of 38,615 hectares in Udalguri district, Singhal said.

"However, due to various reasons, the project has not been completed yet. We have finally decided to complete the project by March 2022 and we are taking all necessary steps for this, the minister said.

The physical progress of the project is at present 94 per cent, Singhal said.

Explaining the project, he informed the House that the project was inter-linked with the Dhansiri Hydroelectric Power Project, where five chute falls were constructed by the Irrigation Department.

"The hydel project is not in a state of revival. The old machinery has almost become junk with occasional repair works. It is a never-ending process of construction and repair at the Dhansiri hydro project," Singhal said.

The infrastructure for power generation was taken up by the erstwhile State Electricity Board in November 1986 but could not achieve satisfactory progress, resulting in suspension of work in 1996.

"The revival of the project was later taken up by Power Project Development Company Ltd in 2013. The ASEB had made a capital investment of Rs 37.72 crore in the small hydropower project," he told the legislators.

The minister said that the state government has decided to bring a reputed consultant from outside to discuss the hydel project and start a new one, if possible.

The minister said there are various reasons for the delay of the irrigation project such as delay in design and model test in the initial period, several legal hurdles leading to cases at the Calcutta High Court, delay in permissions from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan, and changing of contractor due to failure in meeting targets.

"The Assam Agitation from 1979 to 1985 (also) immensely hampered the project work. Thereafter the Bodo Agitation till 1993 also retarded the progress of work. Also, it is to be mentioned that insurgency problem prevailed in the area at that time that caused hardship in carrying out fieldwork," he added.

Frequent bandh calls given by various organisations in the region also added to the inordinate delay despite the government revising the completion target several times, Singhal said.

"The progress of work received a further setback due to ethnic violence of August 2008 and October 2008 ... A major section of labourers expressed their reluctance to work at the project site," he added.

Singhal said that the limited working season due to the onset of early monsoon in the region also delayed the timely construction of the project.

He said the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) had sanctioned a loan of Rs 116.01 crore for completion of the project in July 2020 and released Rs 109.10 crore to the Assam government in March 2021.

T



he Opposition Bodoland People's Front (BPF), and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) -- both alliance partners of the ruling BJP-led government -- criticised the earlier dispensations for the huge delay in completion of the project, and sought punishment for the guilty.

Singhal said, "The Irrigation Department cannot punish anyone. We can take action against our engineers. But since 1975, many people involved in it have died.

(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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said it may come out with a model of central bank (CBDC) as early as the end of this year.

Speaking at the post monetary policy press meet, deputy governor, T Rabi Sankar said, We are internally evaluating issues such as the scope, technology, distribution mechanism, and validation mechanism, etc."

These are extremely involving technology and business choices that one has to make. So, it will be difficult to pin a date on it (central bank digital currency) but we should be able to come out with a model in the near future, probably by the end of this year," he said.

Earlier, the deputy governor had said that the will introduce its own version of CBDC in a phased manner after carefully weighing its impact on various issues, including how it could hamper the deposit mobilisation abilities of banks, and its potential effect on the conduct of the monetary policy. However, he had mentioned that conducting pilots in wholesale and retail segments may be a possibility in near future.

Many central banks of the major economies are also exploring the possibility of introducing a central bank A CBDC is essentially a virtual currency but it is issued by the central bank and has a sovereign backing, unlike other virtual currencies.

The issue of CBDC has crept up in the last few years with the advent of private virtual currencies, such as bitcoins. While these private currencies have their own benefits, they are not backed by any government and therefore do not follow any proper jurisdiction. The wide adoption of these currencies threatens to upend the established model of fiat currencies issued by countries within a border.





ALSO READ: RBI to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency in phases: deputy governor

In an interview with Business Standard, governor, Shaktikanta Das, had said that CBDC is something that has implications on monetary and overall savings.

In the speech he gave last month, Sankar had said if the virtual currencies gain recognition national currencies with limited convertibility are likely to come under threat".

While the is working towards bringing out a CBDC, they have serious apprehensions when it comes to private virtual currencies. The RBI has made its stance clear on cryptocurrencies, saying it has major concerns around such assets, reiterating its long-standing position on the use of virtual currencies. On Friday again, the governor of RBI reiterated the central banks' stance on such assets. He said the RBI has conveyed its position on such assets to the government.

The central bank, in its circular on April 6, 2018, had prohibited banks from dealing in cryptocurrencies or offering any service to customers on them. The circular was challenged in the Supreme Court, which set aside the rules on March 4, 2020.
worth Rs 70,000 crore restructured under the Covid-19 regulatory package last year will get a lease of life from RBI's move to grant them an extra six months, till October 1, 2022, to meet operational parameters like Debt Service Ratio.

said this move comes as a support to stressed firms from sectors like tourism, real estate, hospitality and other hit badly by the second wave. It is expected to reduce risks of slippage in tandem with economic recovery in the second half of the current financial year, said.

Dinesh Khara, chairman, State Bank of India said the deferral of deadline for meeting the operational parameters for stressed entities will help corporates navigate through the pandemic with a degree of certainty.

Dwelling on Reserve Bank of India's steps, its governor Shaktikanta Das said it recognises the adverse impact of the second wave of Covid-19 and the resultant difficulties on revival of businesses and in meeting the operational parameters. Hence, it has been decided to defer the target date for meeting the specified thresholds in respect of the above four parameters to October 1, 2022. Originally, companies and firms who availed restructuring were required to meet ratios by March 31, 2022.

The resolution plans implemented under the Resolution Framework for COVID-19 related stress (announced on August 6, 2020) require sector specific thresholds to be met in respect of certain financial parameters. Of these parameters, four parameters for entities are total debt to EBIDTA ratio, current ratio, debt service coverage ratio and average debt service coverage ratio.

S S Mallikarjuna Rao, managing director and chief executive, Punjab National Bank said deferral for achievement of financial parameters under Resolution framework 2.0 will address the revival difficulties faced by the businesses in meeting the operational parameters.

Anil Gupta, Vice President & Sector Head - Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA said as the earnings of the companies have been impacted due to the second wave, achieving financial parameters related to profitability could be a challenge in FY22. As per Icras estimates, the corporate loan restructuring implemented by is estimated to be Rs 700 billion, he added.

Ashish Chhawchharia, Resolution Professional and Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat, the extended time period will allow lending institutions to study how mass coverage of vaccinations and opening of services are to affect aggregate demand-supply. They would also be in position to assess how it would lead to private spending, tourism and other activities of relevance.

Auto, power, tourism, real estate, and hospitality are seeing positive consumer sentiments, but the Yera-on-Year growth rate still leaves much to be desired, he added.

RBI's relief on deferral of deadline for achievement of financial parameters will help companies with more time to prepare for the new framework, even as the threat of the third wave looms large. While certain aspects of the economy are witnessing an uptick, quite a few sectors are still reeling from the after effects of the pandemic, i.e. low demand, high cost of inputs, export limitations, global uncertainties.
plans to levy a roughly $1-billion fine on Meituan for abusing its market position as antitrust regulators wrap up a four-month-old investigation into the food delivery giant, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The State Administration for Market Regulation could announce the penalty in coming weeks and the figure could still change ahead of the final decision, the person said, asking not to be identified discussing private deliberations. The company will be required to revamp its operations and end its exclusivity arrangements with merchants known as pick one from two, the person added. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported the potential fine. Meituan representatives didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. The antitrust watchdog had announced an investigation into the company in April, weeks after slapping a record $2.8-billion fine on fellow internet giant Group Holding for abusing its market dominance.

Since then, the tech crackdown has extended to other aspects of the industry, including the launch of a cybersecurity investigation into fellow giant Global Inc. days after the firms blockbuster US listing. In July, authorities posted regulations ordering Chinas online food platforms  of which Meituan is the largest  to ensure workers earn at least the local minimum wage while the internet industry regulator announced a six-month campaign to root out illegal online behavior, further exacerbating a sell-off in tech shares that began with a wide-ranging crackdown on online education. warns of higher taxes Group Holding has warned investors that years-long government tax breaks for the internet industry will start to dwindle, adding billions of dollars in costs for Chinas largest corporations. The company told some investors during post-earnings calls this week that the government stopped treating some of its businesses as so-called Key Software Enterprises.

weighs giving up data control to Beijing Chinese ride-hailing firm Global is in talks with state-owned information security firm Westone to handle its data management and monitoring activities, sources said, as part of its efforts to placate domestic regulators. The sources declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media. The largest Chinese ride-hailing group became the target of an investigation by regulators in the country just days after it raised $4.4 billion in an initial public offering in the United States. The powerful Cyberspace Administration of (CAC) last month launched a data-related cybersecurity investigation into Didi, citing the need to protect national security and the public interest. (Reuters)
The community will not accept a military takeover of or a return of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate, the US said on Friday as a top UN official warned that descending into a situation of catastrophe would have consequences far beyond the borders of the war-torn nation.

The alarming rise in violence and civilian casualties caused by the ongoing military offensive further erodes the advances the Afghan people made in democracy and the rule of law over the last 20 years," said Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Senior Advisor for Special Political Affairs, US Mission to the UN.

"The must hear from the community that we will not accept a military takeover of or a return of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate, he said.

Speaking at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan convened under India's current presidency of the 15-nation UN body, DeLaurentis said, " will be isolated and an pariah if they choose that path, which would most certainly push the country to further violence and destruction.

He asserted that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and a negotiated, inclusive political settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process is the only way forward for lasting peace and stability in the country.

DeLaurentis reiterated Washington's full support for an inclusive Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process with full and meaningful participation of women that leads to a just and durable political settlement.

He outlined that a just and durable political settlement must be based on inclusive governance; the right of Afghans to elect political leaders; protections for human rights, including rights of women, youth, and minorities; committing to counter terrorism, including to ensure that Afghanistan does not again serve as a safe haven for international terrorists and adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law.

It is in the interest of all of Afghanistan's neighbours to renew support for a negotiated settlement that brings the Afghan people the peace that they so urgently deserve, and creates a stable region. We welcome the role of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, is playing in support of this objective, the American diplomat said.

The UNSC Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Deborah Lyons, said there is an opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of the UN Security Council and the international community to prevent Afghanistan from descending into a situation of catastrophe so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels this century".

And let me assure you, such a catastrophe would have consequences far beyond the borders of Afghanistan. I do believe that the Security Council and the international community more broadly can help prevent the most dire scenarios. But it will require acting in unity and acting quickly. It will require acting, Lyons said.

Afghanistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ghulam M Isaczai, told the Security Council that it is our collective responsibility to stop the Taliban from destroying Afghanistan and threatening the world community.

The scale, scope and timing of their military offensive is akin to an invasion unprecedented in the last 30 years of our conflict, he said, adding that since mid-April the Taliban and their affiliate foreign terrorist groups have launched more than 5,500 attacks in 31 of 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

These attacks have been launched with direct support of more than 10,000 foreign fighters representing 20 groups, including Al Qaeda, LeT, TTP, IMU, ETIM and ISIL who entered our country, and are fighting alongside Taliban against our population and security forces, he said.

The Afghan envoy said the implication of allowing this network to continue to grow inside the country carries great security risk, not only for Afghanistan but also for the wider region and even the world.

This is a shared risk and concern to all of us as they are not the Taliban of the 21st century coming from the isolated madrassas but the manifestation of the nexus between transnational terrorist networks and transnational criminal organisations. Their links to drugs to smuggling and robbing of our natural resources is unprecedented, he said.

"And those who encourage and participate with them of course are the beneficiaries. Therefore, this is not a civil war, but a war of criminalised and terrorist networks fought on the back of Afghans, Isaczai said.

He stressed that against this grim and disturbing situation unfolding in his country, it is high time for the Security Council to use "every means at its disposal to compel the Taliban to end their campaign of violence and terror against the Afghans, to prevent further bloodshed and urge them to return to return to talks.

We ask the Council to use existing tools, including the effective implementation of the sanction regime under resolution 1988 and UN Security Council resolution 2513 to pressure the Taliban to engage in meaningful peace talks with the government negotiating team, Isaczai said.

Through resolution 2513, the 15-member Council called upon the Afghanistan government and the Taliban to pursue additional confidence-building measures including by reducing violence and releasing prisoners in good faith, thereby creating the conditions for a swift start to intra-Afghan negotiations leading to a durable peace.

(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.)
Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif's application for extension has been turned down by the Home Office with the right to appeal, according to media reports on Friday.

Sharif, 71, convicted in two corruption cases in Pakistan, has been living in London, UK, since November 2019 after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to go abroad for four weeks for medical treatment.

"The Home Office has excused itself from further extending Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's visa," Dawn News quoted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb as saying.

Aurangzeb said the Home Office decision could be appealed against and that till such time the PML-N supremo will continue to live in the

The former three-time prime minister's son, Hussain confirmed to Geo News that the Home Office's decision has been appealed against at the Immigration Tribunal, UK.

A foreign citizen cannot stay in the UK for more than six months at a time, pending extension. It is believed Sharif was applying and receiving these extensions till now.

It is unclear when Sharif's current UK will be valid till, the report said.

While the UK Home Office directive is a blow to the politically powerful Sharif family, legal experts believe he has a strong case to remain in the UK, citing his health condition -- a view which has been clearly stated by the PML-N leadership.

Sharif's spokesperson Mohammad Zubair said the party would "exhaust" all judicial options to keep Sharif's treatment in the UK uninterrupted.

Speaking to Geo News, UK-based immigration lawyer Hateem Ali said: "If the previous visit visa extensions were on the basis of medical grounds (which seems to be the case here) then typically you can keep extending for a total of 18 months. In this particular case it would appear that the Home Office was no longer willing to keep extending on that basis."



He said the entire process could be appealed against which could take over 12 months to determine.

"So although Mr has been refused it is not necessarily the end of the process," he was quoted in the report.

Similarly, legal experts say the pandemic has caused a huge backlog of cases at the immigration tribunal and that Sharif's case may take a year or more to get a verdict. Till such time, he is expected to stay in the UK.

Sharif, convicted in two corruption cases -- Avenfield properties and Al-Azizia Steel Mills -- was declared a proclaimed offender in December 2019 by the Islamabad High Court after he failed to appear before it with regard to other cases against him.

An accountability court in Pakistan in 2018 had sentenced Sharif to 10 years in prison for owning assets beyond his known sources of income and one year for not cooperating with in the investigation of the Avenfield case.

In the same year, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case, where illegal investments were detected. All sentences were to run concurrently.

(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.)
co-founder has gained residency, officials confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

Immigration said Page first applied for residency in November under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million dollars ($7 million) to invest.

As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said in a statement. Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.

Gaining New Zealand residency would not necessarily affect Page's residency status in the US or any other nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the family filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.

The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand," Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament.

Little was responding to questions about how Page had managed to enter the country at a time when New Zealand had shut its borders to non-residents in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Little told lawmakers the family had abided by applicable virus protocols when they arrived.

Page's residency application was approved about three weeks later.

Immigration New Zealand noted that while Page had become a resident, he didn't have permanent residency status and remained subject to certain restrictions.

Still, the agency on its website touts the Investor Plus visa as offering a New Zealand lifestyle, adding that you may be able to bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand, free of customs charges.

Some local news organizations reported that Page had since left New Zealand.

did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Forbes on Friday ranked Page as the world's sixth-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $117 billion. Forbes noted that Page stepped down as chief executive of Google's parent company Alphabet in 2019 but remained a board member and controlling shareholder.

Opposition lawmakers said the episode raised questions about why Page was approved so quickly at a time when many skilled workers or separated family members who were desperate to enter New Zealand were being turned away.

The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers and families who are separated from their children," ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

In 2017, it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had been able to gain New Zealand citizenship six years earlier, despite never having lived in the country. Thiel was approved after a top lawmaker decided his entrepreneurial skills and philanthropy were valuable to the nation.

Thiel didn't even have to leave California for the ceremony he was granted citizenship during a private ceremony held at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.

(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.)
External Affairs Minister on Friday called on newly-elected Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the second meeting between the two leaders in a month, and discussed bilateral and regional issues.

Jaishankar met Raisi a day after the Iranian leader was sworn-in as the country's president.

Jaishankar met Raisi, then president-elect, on July 7 during a stopover at the Iranian capital on his way to Russia.

"A warm meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi after his assumption of office. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi," Jaishankar tweeted.

Jaishankar represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Raisi.

Raisi, the former judiciary chief who is believed to be close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was sworn in during a ceremony in Parliament, which was attended by representatives from over 70 countries.

Raisi, a hardliner, won a landslide victory in Iran's presidential election in June.

"His commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship was manifest. So too was the convergence in our regional interests," he said, adding that he was "looking forward to working with his team."



In June, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Raisi and said he looked forward to working with him to further strengthen the warm ties between India and

The meeting with Raisi assumes significance against the backdrop of the situation in Afghanistan deteriorating amid pitched battles between the Taliban and Afghan forces.

Along with Russia, has been playing a major role in the Afghan peace process that has witnessed a renewed momentum in the wake of the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan by September 11.

(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 economic catastrophe set off by Covid-19, now deep into its second year, has battered millions of people. In and many other countries, far more have been pushed over the edge. An estimated 270 million people are expected to face potentially life-threatening food shortages this year  compared to 150 million before the pandemic  according to analysis from the World Food Program, the anti-hunger agency of the United Nations. The number of people on the brink of famine, the most severe phase of a hunger crisis, jumped to 41 million people currently from 34 million last year, the analysis showed. The World Food Program sounded the alarm further last week in a joint report with the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization, warning that conflict, the economic repercussions of Covid-19 and the climate crisis are expected to drive higher levels of acute food insecurity in 23 hunger hot spots over the next four months, mostly in Africa but also Central America, Afghanistan and North Korea. The situation is particularly bleak in Africa, where new infections have surged.

In recent months, aid organizations have raised alarms about Ethiopia  where the number of people affected by famine is higher than anywhere in the world  and southern Madagascar, where hundreds of thousands are nearing famine after an extraordinarily severe drought. As another wave of the virus grips the African continent, the toll has ripped the informal safety net  notably financial help from relatives, friends and neighbors  that often sustains the worlds poor in the absence of government support. Now, hunger has become a defining feature of the growing gulf between wealthy countries returning to normal and poorer nations sinking deeper into crisis. I have never seen it as bad globally as it is right now, Amer Daoudi, senior director of operations of the World Food Program, said describing the food security situation. Usually you have two, three, four crises  like conflicts, famine  at one time. But now were talking about quite a number of significant of crises happening simultaneously across the globe.
The price of 10 gm of 22-carat gold gained Rs 20 on Friday to trade at Rs 46,970. Silver was selling at Rs 67,600 per kg: a fall of Rs 400 compared to yesterday, according to the website Good Returns.

Gold price varies across India, the second-largest consumer of the metal, due to excise duty, state taxes, and making charges.

In New Delhi, the price stands at Rs 46,950 per 10 gm. For Mumbai, the yellow metal is selling at Rs 46,970, while, in Chennai, it is at Rs 45,260, according to the website.

The rate of 24-carat gold remains unchanged compared to yesterday at Rs 47,950 per 10 gm.

In the global market, on Thursday, gold eased after a US Federal Reserve official's hawkish comments reinforced bets for early tapering of the central bank's asset purchases ahead of a key jobs report.

Spot gold slipped 0.4% to $1,804.46 per ounce by 1:42 p.m. EDT (1742 GMT), and US gold futures settled 0.3% lower at $1,808.90.
The markets four-day winning streak came to an end on Friday after index heavyweight Reliance Industries shares declined 2.1 per cent after the ruled against the merger of Future Retail with its arm Reliance Retail.

The Sensex fell 215 points, or 0.4 per cent, to end at 54,278. The index gained 3.2 per cent during the week---its biggest weekly advance since May 21. The Nifty 50 index fell 56.4 points, or 0.35 per cent, to end at 16,238, with 27 of its components ending with losses.

This weeks gains come on the back of aggressive buying for overseas investors and hopes of economic revival following improvement in key high-frequency indicators. The weakening of the US dollar and drop in the US bond yields also are seen as the driving factor behind the surge in risk appetite among investors.

IndusInd Bank rose 3.1 per cent, most among Sensex and Nifty components. Market players said the gain was on account of inflows from passive funds due to Bank Nifty rebalancing.
Nifty futures on Singapore Exchange traded 12 points higher at 16,322, indicating a flat-to-positive start for the benchmark indices on Friday. Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in focus today:

Results Today: Over 100 companies are slated to post their numbers on Friday including M&M, Voltas, Ujjivan SFB, Tata Power, Torrent Power, SAIL, Hindalco, Indigo Paints, BEML and BEL.

Further, on Saturday Divis Labs, Bank of Baroda, Dodla Dairy, Indiabulls Real Estate and VRL Logistics will release quarterly earnings.

Glenmark Life Sciences: Shares of Glenmark Life Sciences will list on the bourses today. The IPO which was subscribed 44 times could list at a 10-15 per cent premium over issue price of Rs 720 per share.

Cipla: The company posted a 24 per cent growth in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 715 crore for the June quarter riding on strong revenue growth in the India business as well as in the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) business.

Indiabulls Housing Finance: The company reported a marginal 3.3 per cent growth in its profit after tax at Rs 282 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, helped by a lower cost of funds.

Rate sensitive stocks: Stocks from banking, real estate and auto sectors will be in focus amid the RBI policy outcome later today.

Adani Power: The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 278.22 crore in the June 2021 quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. It had reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 682.46 crore in the quarter ended on June 30. Total income rose to Rs 7,213.21 crore in the quarter from Rs 5,356.19 crore in the same period a year ago.

Adani Transmission: The company posted nearly 22 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit at Rs 433.24 crore in the June quarter this year, mainly on the back of higher revenues. The consolidated net profit of the firm was at Rs 355.40 crore in the quarter ended on June 30, 2020.

Thermax: The company returned to the black, posting a consolidated net profit of Rs 42.40 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. It had posted a Rs 15.27-crore net loss during the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Its total income April-June 2021 rose to Rs 1,077.75 crore, compared with Rs 685.86 crore in the year-ago period.

Tata Chemicals: The company reported a multi-fold jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 342.33 crore for the June quarter, helped by a rebound in soda ash volumes in the US and India. The company's consolidated net profit stood at Rs 74.15 crore during the corresponding quarter of 2020-21.

Maruti Suzuki: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday said its total production in July increased by 58 per cent on a yearly basis to 1,70,719 units.

Aditya Birla Capital: The company reported its highest ever consolidated net profit of Rs 302 crore, a 52 per cent jump, for the first quarter ended June 30. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 198 crore in the year-ago period. The company's consolidated revenues grew by 8 per cent to Rs 4,632 crore in Q1FY22, from Rs 4,292 crore in Q1FY21.

PVR: Leading multiplex chain operator PVR Ltd expects its business to return to pre-pandemic level by the end of the ongoing fiscal year, hoping there is a consistent supply of good films and no third wave and further lockdowns in the country, its chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli has said.

Reliance Industries: Reliance Strategic Business Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary RIL, has invested Rs 20 crore in Neolync Solutions Pvt. Ltd. RIL will invest Rs 40 crore more on Neolync achieving agreed milestones. The deal is expected to be complete by March 2023. Neolync manufactures electronic products such as mobile phones, telecom products and computing devices. Reliance said that the investment is part of groups overall 5G initiatives.

Minda Industries: The company approved closure of QIP on August 5 and issue price of Rs 720 per share. The issue price is at discount of 2.02 per cent to the floor price of Rs 734.84 per share.

BL Kashyap & Sons: The company has been awarded new projects worth Rs 189.85 crore, taking the total order inflow in FY22 to Rs 694.02 crore.

Quess Corp: The company reported 22.44 per cent rise in consolidated profit at Rs 44.63 crore in Q1FY22 as against Rs 36.45 crore in Q1FY21. The Q1FY22 revenue increased to Rs 298.69 crore from Rs 240.94 crore YoY.

Bhagiradha Chemicals & Industries: The Patent Office has granted patent for 'Process For Preparation of Azoxystrobin in High Yields' to the company for a term of 20 years from September 27, 2016.

Bank Nifty stocks: Several banking stocks are expected to see a churn on Friday on account of the rebalancing exercise in the Bank Nifty index. According to analysts, HDFC Bank (inflows of $51 million), IndusInd Bank ($25 million) and AU Small Finance Bank ($11.2 million) will see the highest inflows on account of an increase in their weightage.
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The issue received bids for 1,313.44 crore shares as against 11.25 crore shares on offer.

The initial public offer of quick-service restaurant chain (QSR) operator Devyani International received bids for 1,313.44 crore shares as against 11.25 crore shares on offer on Friday (6 August 2021), according to stock exchange data at 17:20 IST. The issue was subscribed 116.68 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Wednesday (4 August 2021) and it will close Friday (6 August 2021). The price band of the IPO is fixed at Rs 86-90 per share. An investor can bid for a minimum of 165 equity shares and in multiples thereof.

The IPO comprises of fresh issue of equity shares aggregating upto Rs 440 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 15,53,33,330 crore equity shares by Dunearn and RJ Corp, the investor shareholders.

Promoters of the company are Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Varun Jaipuria and RJ Corp. The promoters holds an aggregate of 87,43,39,464 equity shares, aggregating to 75.79% of the pre-offer issued and paid-up equity share capital. Post issue, the selling shareholders will have about 67.99% of the share capital.

The objectives for the fresh issue are repayment/ prepayment of Rs 324 crore of borrowings and remaining amount to be used for general corporate purposes.

Ahead of the IPO, Devyani International on 3 August 2021 finalized allocation of 9,16,52,499 equity shares to anchor investors, at Rs 90 per equity share, aggregating to Rs 824.87 crore.

Devyani International is the largest franchisee of Yum Brands in India and is among the largest operators of chain quick service restaurants (QSR) in India on a non-exclusive basis. Yum Brands Inc. operates brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and has presence globally with more than 50,000 restaurants in over 150 countries, as of 31 December 2020.

As of 31 June 2021, Devyani International operate 696 stores across 166 cities in India. The company is a franchisee for the Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut and KFC brands and stores in India. Other than Pizza Hut, KFC, and Costa Coffee company operates brands such as Vaango, Taco Bell, coffee chain Costa Coffee, Food Street, Masala Twist, Ile Bar, Amreli, and Ckrussh Juice Bar.

The business is broadly classified into three verticals: core brands (includes stores of KFC, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee operated in India) which contributed 81.95% of total revenue in FY 2021, International business (stores operated outside India primarily comprising KFC and Pizza Hut stores operated in Nepal and Nigeria) contributing 12.23% of total revenue and other business contributing 5.81% of total revenue (includes certain other operations in the F&B industry, including stores of its own brands such as Vaango and Food Street).

The core brands and international segment together accounted for 94.19% of total revenue in FY 2021. Out of this, 70.20% is said to be earned due to delivery sales, a jump of 19% in delivery sales compared to 51.15% in FY 2020.

The company reported a net loss of Rs 55.21 crore and sales of Rs 1,134.84 crore in the twelve months ended 31 March 2021.

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Shares of RIL and Future Group companies tumbled on Friday after the Supreme Court reportedly upheld the Singapore-based emergency arbitrator's award which stalled the proposed deal between Future Retail and Reliance Group.

Future Enterprises (down 10%), Future Lifestyle Fashions (down 10%), Future Retail (down 10%), Future Supply Chain Solutions (down 10%), Future Consumer (down 8.82%) and Future Market Networks (down 5%) declined.

Meanwhile, shares of Reliance Industries slipped 1.98% to Rs 2091 on BSE.

According to media reports, the Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed the appeal filed by the firm against a Delhi High Court order staying attachment of properties of Future Group companies and Kishore Biyani in relation to the Rs 24,713-crore Future-Reliance deal.

The Bench of Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman and BR Gavai reportedly held that the order of an emergency arbitrator is enforceable in India, under Section 17(2) of the Arbitration Act.

As per media reports, a division bench of the Delhi High Court had stayed an order passed by the single judge. They had reportedly directed the attachment of properties of Future Group companies and Kishore Biyani in relation to the Future-Reliance deal.

The single judge order of the high court had upheld the award of an emergency arbitrator, directed attachment of the properties and restrained Future Retail Limited from going ahead with the Rs 24,713 crore merger with Reliance Retail, media reports said.

As per reports, this order was subsequently stayed by a Division Bench, prompting the appeal by Amazon.

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre's (SIAC), on 25 October 2020, had passed an interim order in favour of Amazon, restraining Future Group from proceeding on the deal with Reliance Retail.

In August 2020, RIL announced the acquisition of retail & wholesale business and logistics & warehousing business from the Future Group as going concerns on a slump sale basis for Rs 24,713 crore through its subsidiary Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL).

In August 2019, Amazon had bought 49% stake in Future Coupons for Rs 1,500 crore. The US-based e-commerce giant said that the 2019 deal blocks Future Group from selling shares of Future Retail to rival RIL as it indirectly owned about 3.5% stake in Future Retail.

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Strides Pharma Science slumped 7.42% to Rs 723.95 after the company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 205.2 crore in Q1 FY22 as against a net profit of Rs 103.56 crore in Q1 FY21.

Revenue from operations declined by 12% YoY to Rs 688.36 crore during the quarter.

Total expenses increased by 17.1% to Rs 834.93 crore in Q1 FY22 over Q1 FY21, due to higher raw material costs (up 14.5% YoY) and higher other expenses (up 17.4% YoY).

The company posted a pre-tax loss of Rs 244.10 crore in Q1 FY22 as compared with a pre-tax profit of Rs 105.12 crore in Q1 FY21.

Dr R Ananthanarayanan, managing director & CEO, remarked, Q1FY22 has been an unprecedented quarter for Strides amidst multiple macro headwinds from the recent wave of COVID19. This has led to significant disruptions both on the demand and supply side.

The above headwinds have resulted in the company reporting an operating loss for the first time ever. While we are witnessing near term challenges due to price erosions, we are taking a number of actions to adapt to the new market realities.

We are excited to announce signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Endo's basket of ANDA's having limited competition including controlled substances, hormones, nasal sprays, liquids, modified release, gels and oral solids along with the US manufacturing site at Chestnut Ridge, New York. The acquired portfolio will help us significantly ramp up our new product launches.

We are also undertaking various cost measures to improve our operating leverage. We are consolidating our West Palm Beach operations with site at Chestnut Ridge to deliver operational synergies. Size of the combined portfolio will help optimize R&D spends which will now be targeted towards building specialty products.

While the other regulated markets delivered a weak quarter led by significant drop in prescriptions, price challenges in key markets and supply spills owing to COVID19 impact at our manufacturing sites, our order book continues to remain robust and we expect a bounce back in Q2FY22.

With all the above actions we expect to see full recovery in H2FY22 driven by growth across all our businesses. We expect to end the year with a 1015% revenue growth over US$ 215m reported in the US for FY21.

Strides Pharma Science is a global pharmaceutical company. The company mainly operates in the regulated markets and has an 'in Africa for Africa' strategy along with an institutional business to service donorfunded markets. The company focusses on difficult to manufacture products that are sold in over 100 countries.

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The offer received bids for 13.74 crore shares as against 61.36 lakh shares on offer.

The initial public offer of Windlas Biotech received bids for 13.74 crore shares as against 61.36 lakh shares on offer on Friday (6 August 2021), according to stock exchange data at 18:15 IST. The issue was subscribed 22.41 times.

The issue opened for bidding on Wednesday (4 August 2021) and it will close today (6 August 2021). The price band of the IPO was fixed at Rs 448-460 per share.

The IPO comprised of fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 165 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 51,42,067 equity shares by existing shareholders Vimla Windlass and Tano India Private Equity Fund II.

Ashok Kumar Windlass, Hitesh Windlass, Manoj Kumar Windlass, and the Promoter Trust are the promoters of the company.

Promoters and promoter group holds an aggregate of 14,201,352 equity shares, aggregating to 78% of the pre-offer issued and paid-up equity share capital. The post IPO shareholding for the same is expected to be around 65.16%.

While the company will not get any proceeds from the OFS, Rs 50 crore out of the proceeds from fresh issue will be used for purchase of equipment required for capacity expansion of existing facility at Dehradun Plant - IV and addition of injectables dosage capability at existing facility at Dehradun Plant - II; Rs 47.5 crore will be spent on funding incremental working capital requirements; Rs 20 crore will be spent on repayment/prepayment of certain borrowings; and remaining amount will be spent on general corporate purposes.

Ahead of the IPO, Windlas Biotech on 3 August 2021 finalized allocation of 26,18,706 equity shares to anchor investors, at Rs 460 per equity share, aggregating to Rs 120.46 crore.

Windlas Biotech is amongst the top five players in the domestic pharmaceutical formulations, contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) industry in India, in terms of revenues. The company operates three distinct strategic business verticals (SBVs): CDMO Services and Products (contributing 84.66% of total FY2021 revenues), domestic trade generics and over the counter (OTC) brands (10.22 % of total) and, lastly, exports (5.12 % of total).

The company provides comprehensive range of CDMO services ranging from product discovery, product development, licensing, and commercial manufacturing of generic products (including complex generics) with a focus on improved safety, efficacy and cost.

The company reported a net profit of Rs 15.83 crore and sales of Rs 427.60 crore in the twelve months ended on 31 March 2021.

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Chief Minister on Friday asked workers to be active on social media to take on those who are allegedly painting a negative picture of the central and state governments.

Addressing a workshop of the IT and social media department of the Bharatiya Janata Party's unit, Adityanath asked them to highlight the achievements of the BJP-led governments.

"We do not try to bring the truth in front of people and this is our shortcoming. The opposition takes advantage of it, he said.

We will have to move forward positively in a professional manner and with a strategy that will force the opposition to go on the back foot, he added.

The chief minister said if anyone discusses the issue of farmers on social media, workers should highlight that more than Rs 1.40 lakh crore has been paid to 45 lakh sugarcane farmers.

We must tell the people about the achievements of the governments, he said.

Being active on social media should be part of everyone's daily routine, he told the gathering.

The media industry has undergone vast changes in the last two decades and today, we cannot separate ourselves from it. Hence, it must be used in an effective way to influence lives positively, he 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.)
president J P Nadda will be on a two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh, which will go to the polls early next year, from Saturday to hold a series of orgenisational meetings, including with Union ministers, MPs and MLAs from the state.

A party statement said Nadda will address a meeting of "corona warriors", a reference to health personnel and other key workers engaged in fighting the pandemic, in Agra on August 8.

With the COVID-19 being a major public issue, opposition parties have accused the Yogi Adityanath-led state government of failing to mount adequate response to the pandemic during the second wave in April-May.

The state government has insisted that it met the challenge strongly, and that is one of the best states in dealing with the health crisis.

Nadda will address a meeting of block and zila panchayat heads in Lucknow on Saturday.

He will also hold meetings with party MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Union ministers and state office-bearers of and also interact with its core committee members, the party 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.)
Inc Friday informed the that it has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer, Resident Grievance Officer and Nodal Contact Person on permanent basis in compliance of the new Information Technology (IT) Rules.

The court, however, said the affidavit filed by the microblogging platform in this regard is not on record and asked to ensure that it is brought on record.

Justice Rekha Palli noted that the copies of the affidavit have been served to other parties, including the Centre's counsel who shall come back with instructions on August 10.

Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter, said the company has appointed permanent officials for the posts of CCO, RGO and Nodal Contact Person on August 4 in compliance of the new IT Rules and has also filed an affidavit in compliance of the court's earlier order.

During the hearing, the court said, so they are in compliance now?



To this Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, said, Seemingly so but we need to verify.

The high court had earlier expressed displeasure over Inc for appointing a contingent worker as CCO and had said the microblogging platform was non-compliant with the new IT Rules.

It had noted that while the rules mandated appointment of a key managerial person or a senior employee as CCO, Twitter had disclosed in its affidavit that it had appointed a contingent worker through a third party contractor.

It had directed Twitter to not only disclose all the details pertaining to the appointment of the CCO as well as the Resident Grievance Officer (RGO) but also clarify as to why a Nodal Contact Person had not been appointed yet and by when the position will be filled.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 seek to regulate dissemination and publication of content in cyber space, including social media platforms, and were notified in February by the central government.

Petitioner-lawyer Amit Acharya, represented by senior advocate G Tushar Rao, has claimed that he came to know about the alleged non-compliance of IT Rules by Twitter when he tried to lodge a complaint against a couple of tweets.

The court had earlier granted time to Twitter to file an affidavit to show compliance with the IT Rules.

The Centre had said in its affidavit that Twitter failed to comply with India's new IT Rules, which could lead to its losing immunity conferred under the IT Act.

(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.)
PRI ESPL INT .SYDNEY FES20 ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-CAREER How AI can help choose your next career and stay ahead of By Nik Dawson, University of Technology Sydney, Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, University of Technology Sydney and Mary-Anne Williams, The University of New South Wales Sydney, Aug 6 (The Conversation) The typical Australian will change careers five to seven times during their professional lifetime, by some estimates. And this is likely to increase as new technologies automate labour, production is moved abroad, and economic crises unfold. Jobs disappearing is not a new phenomenon have you seen an elevator operator recently? but the pace of change is picking up, threatening to leave large numbers of workers unemployed and unemployable. New technologies also create new jobs, but the skills they require do not always match the old jobs. Successfully moving between jobs requires making the most of your current skills and acquiring new ones, but these transitions can falter if the gap between old and new skills is too large. We have built a system to recommend career transitions, using machine learning to analyse more than 8 million online job ads to see what moves are likely to be successful. The details are published in PLOS ONE. Our system starts by measuring similarities between the skills required by each occupation. For example, an accountant could become a financial analyst because the required skills are similar, but a speech therapist might find it harder to become a financial analyst as the skill sets are quite different. Next, we looked at a large set of real-world career transitions to see which way around these transitions usually go: accountants are more likely to become financial analysts than vice versa. Finally, our system can recommend a career change that's likely to succeed and tell you what skills you may need to make it work. Measure the similarity of occupations Our system uses a measure economists call revealed comparative advantage (RCA) to identify how important an individual skill is to a job, using online job ads from 2018. The map below visualises the similarity of the top 500 skills. Each marker represents an individual skill, coloured according to one of 13 clusters of highly similar skills. Once we know how similar different skills are, we can estimate how similar different professions are based on the skills required. The figure below visualises the similarity between Australian occupations in 2018. Each marker shows an individual occupation, and the colours depict the risk each occupation faces from over the next two decades (blue shows low risk and red shows high risk). Visibly similar occupations are grouped closely together, with medical and highly skilled occupations facing the lowest risk. Mapping transitions We then took our measure of similarity between occupations and combined it with a range of other labour market variables, such as employment levels and education requirements, to build our job transition recommender system. Our system uses machine learning techniques to learn from real job transitions in the past and predict job movements in the future. Not only does it achieve high levels of accuracy (76%), but it also accounts for asymmetries between job transitions. Performance is measured by how accurately the system predicts whether a transition occurred, when applied to historic job transitions. The full transitions map is big and complicated, but you can see how it works below in a small version that only includes transitions between 20 occupations. In the map, the source occupation is shown on the horizontal axis and the target occupation on the vertical axis. If you look at a given occupation at the bottom of the map, the column of squares shows the probability of moving from that occupation to the one listed at the right-hand side. The darker the square, the higher the probability of making the transition. Artificial intelligence-powered job recommendations Sometimes a new career requires developing new skills, but which skills? Our system can help identify those. Let's take a look at how it works for domestic cleaners, an occupation where employment has shrunk severely during COVID-19 in Australia. First, we use the transitions map to see which occupations it is easiest for a domestic cleaner to transition to. The colours split occupations by their status during the COVID-19 crisis blue occupations are essential jobs that can continue to operate during lockdown, and red are non-essential. We identify top recommended occupations, as seen on the right side of the flow diagram (bottom half of the image), sorted in descending order by transition probability. The width of each band in the diagram shows the number of openings available for each occupation. The segment colours represent whether the demand has increased or decreased compared with the same period of 2019 (pre-COVID). The first six transition recommendations for are all non-essential services, which have unsurprisingly experienced decreased demand. However, the seventh is aged and disabled carers, which is classified as essential and grew significantly in demand during the beginning of the COVID-19 period. Since your prospects of finding work are better if you transition to an occupation in high demand, we select aged and disabled carers as the target occupation for this example. What skills to develop for new occupations Our system can also recommend skills that workers need to develop to increase their chances of a successful transition. We argue that a worker should invest in developing the skills most important to their new profession and which are most different from the skills they currently have. For a domestic cleaner, the top-recommended skills needed to transition to aged and disabled carer are specialised patient care skills, such as patient hygiene assistance. On the other hand, there's less need to develop unimportant skills or ones that are highly similar to skills from your current occupation. Skills such as business analysis and finance are of low importance for an aged and disabled carer, so they should not be prioritised. Similarly, skills such as ironing and laundry are required for the new job but it is likely that a domestic cleaner already possesses these skills (or can easily acquire them). The benefit of smoother job transitions While the future of work remains unclear, change is inevitable. New technologies, economic crises and other factors will continue to shift labour demands, causing workers to move between jobs. If labour transitions occur efficiently, there are significant productivity and equity benefits for everyone. If transitions are slow, or fail, it will have significant costs for both individuals and the state and the individual. The methods and systems we put forward here could significantly improve the achievement of these goals. (The Conversation) AMS 08061107 NNNN

(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.)
South Korean electronics maker on Friday announced that its customers in India can now pre-reserve the upcoming Galaxy flagship device by paying a taken amount of Rs 2,000 on India online store or through Shop App.

According to Samsung, customers making the pre-reservation will get the Next Galaxy VIP Pass, which entitles customers to get a Smart Tag worth Rs 2,699 for free when they pre-book the device. While the company did not confirm the device details and India launch plans, it stated that customers can pre-book the device later, and the token amount will be adjusted against the device price.

On August 11, Samsung is hosting its Galaxy Unpacked event where the company is expected to unveil the successor of its Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip foldable devices. The event will be live streamed on Samsung Newsroom India and Samsung Global web portal starting at 7:30 pm (IST).

In July, Samsung published a note by Dr TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, stating there will be no Galaxy Note device this time around. Instead, the company will bring the Note features to more Galaxy devices, including the upcoming foldable device. In the note, Dr Roh also stated that the upcoming foldable devices will support the companys productivity-centric SPen.

According to news reports, Samsung is expected to unveil the latest foldable with lower price tags compared with its predecessors. The company is also expected to unveil a Galaxy FE phone, two Galaxy Watches and a set of new Galaxy Buds.

The South Korean tech giant is expected to start sales of the Galaxy Z Fold3 at around 1.99 million won ($1,744), which is 17 per cent lower than the 2.39 million won set for the previous model, according to the news reports.

The price of the Galaxy Z Flip3 is also expected to be around 22 per cent lower than the predecessor.

A recent report said that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will feature an under-display camera. Its next clamshell foldable Galaxy Z Flip3 is expected to have a bigger outer display.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is expected to feature a larger external display of 1.83 inches. It has a dual-camera system, which reportedly includes a 12MP main snapper and a 12MP ultrawide snapper.
for the first time has surpassed and to become the number one smartphone brand in the world in June, a Counterpoint Research showed on Thursday.

Xiaomi's sales grew 26 per cent (month-on-month) in June, making it the fastest-growing brand for the month.

was also the number two brand globally for Q2 2021 in terms of sales, and cumulatively, has sold close to 800 million smartphones since its inception in 2011, according to Counterpoint Research's Monthly Market Pulse Service.

"Ever since the decline of Huawei commenced, has been making consistent and aggressive efforts to fill the gap created by this decline. The OEM has been expanding in Huawei's and HONOR's legacy markets like China, Europe, Middle East and Africa," said Research Director Tarun Pathak.

"In June, Xiaomi was further helped by China, Europe and India's recovery and Samsung's decline due to supply constraints," he added.

China's market grew 16 per cent (MoM) in June driven by the 618 festival.

"Xiaomi was the fastest growing OEM, riding on its aggressive offline expansion in lower-tier cities and solid performance of its Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9 and the Redmi K series," said Senior Analyst Varun Mishra, commenting on the China market and supply constraints.

At the same time, due to a fresh wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam, Samsung's production was disrupted in June, which resulted in the brand's devices facing shortages across channels.

"Xiaomi, with its strong mid-range portfolio and wide market coverage, was the biggest beneficiary from the short-term gap left by Samsung's A series," Mishra added.

--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.)
ETHOS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC USA Announces First Deal in the United Kingdom; New Partnership With GALLANT BUILDING SERVICES LTD, UK
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St. Johnsbury, VT (05819)

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Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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FILE - In this March 20, 2021 file photo, Lindsey Boylan, a former state economic development adviser for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, speaks at a rally calling for his impeachment at Washington Square Park in New York. Boylan is one of eleven women who described to investigators hired by the New York attorney general's office how Cuomo's sexual harassment of them made them feel. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)
President Joe Biden smiles after driving a Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, during an event on clean cars and trucks. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer vaccine dose at a large-scale vaccination site at UNC's Friday Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tuesday, Jan. 19 2021. Major hospital systems across North Carolina will soon require workers to get a COVID-19 shot if they want to keep working at the facilities. The decision comes as state health officials warn of a rise in cases fueled by the delta variant. Communities with large unvaccinated populations have been particularly hard hit. The state Healthcare Association said on Thursday, July 22, 2021 that Duke Health, Atrium Health and many UNC Health hospitals will soon compel workers to get vaccinated. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP)
Glen, NH (03838)

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Photo: The Canadian Press

Warning the province appears to be entering a fourth wave of the novel coronavirus, Premier Francois Legault announced Thursday his government is imposing a vaccine passport system to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Health Minister Christian Dube will announce details about the system over the coming days, including when it will begin, Legault told reporters in Montreal.

When it first launched the idea for vaccine passports in early July, the government had said it planned to introduce the system in September. The plan was to require Quebecers to show proof of vaccination in order to access non-essential services in parts of the province where COVID-19 transmission is high.

And just Wednesday, a spokesperson for Dube's office said the state was still preparing to roll out the passport system in September to give Quebecers 12 and older more time to get fully vaccinated.

But on Thursday, Legault said the province appears to be entering a fourth wave, adding that health officials are warning that infections will likely continue to rise in the coming weeks.

"It's still less than what we're seeing in the United States or other European countries, but we can already talk about the beginning of a fourth wave," Legault said. "We must be prudent and take decisions."

Quebec reported 305 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, including 72 in Montreal that are under investigation and could be removed from the official infection count.

Health officials, however, say there hasn't been a death attributed to the virus since July 22. Hospitalizations rose by two, to 60, and 16 people were in intensive care, a drop of one. About 84.3 per cent of Quebecers aged 12 and older have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 69.7 per cent are considered adequately vaccinated.

Dube said Thursday in a tweet that 62 per cent of new COVID-19 cases involve people who are unvaccinated or less than two weeks removed from a first dose. He warned the fourth wave will hit those without adequate protection the hardest.

Legault said the province doesn't plan to return to lockdowns that marked the first three waves of the coronavirus.

"We'll put in place the passport (so that) people who made an effort to be vaccinated, that they are able to come back to a normal life," Legault said. "It means some non-essential services will be available only to vaccinated people."

The move to introduce the passport has the full support of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who joined Legault on Thursday for an unrelated announcement on child care.

"Canadians have understood that to get through this pandemic, they need to be vaccinated," Trudeau said. "It's not just a question of individual choice, it's a question of protecting the community and our children who haven't had the opportunity to be vaccinated."

Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge tweeted Thursday that an updated back-to-school plan will be unveiled next week. The government had said primary and secondary school students would be returning to classes in the fall without masks or class bubbles.
Photo: The Canadian Press Minister of Health Patty Hajdu.

Alberta's top doctor is defending the province's plan to lift all its COVID-19 public health restrictions despite mounting concerns from physicians and political leaders across Canada, including federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

In a letter to Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro, Hajdu said she agrees with the Canadian Paediatric Society's description of the province's move as an "unnecessary and risky gamble."

Hajdu said recent modelling for Alberta forecasts a more serious resurgence in cases fuelled by the Delta variant, and all governments need to take reasonable steps to protect Canadians.

"The vaccination campaign in Canada, one of the best in the world, has significantly changed the overall context of COVID-19 here," wrote Hajdu. "However, it is still too early to declare victory.

"Many remain unvaccinated, creating the potential for outbreaks, and we need to increase first and second dose coverage in order to protect against a Delta-driven resurgence that could seriously impact our citizens and our health system capacity."

Hajdu said she wants to better understand the rationale and science behind Alberta's decision.

Last week, the province ended contract tracing and said close contacts of people who test positive for COVID-19 are not required to isolate. And starting Aug. 16, those infected will no longer need to quarantine.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, told The Canadian Press on Thursday that the decision was made after her team reviewed data on age-specific outcomes related to COVID-19, vaccine effectiveness and modelling on transmission of the Delta variant and related health outcomes.

Hinshaw said they also studied other jurisdictions, like the United Kingdom, which saw an uptick in the Delta variant before Alberta, to determine risks related to eliminating restrictions.

"We expect that we'll see a rise in cases and they will continue to rise for about a month. But the impact on severe outcomes and on acute care will be greatly mitigated by vaccines," said Hinshaw.

Her comments came as Alberta recorded 397 new cases of COVID-19  the largest single-day spike since June 1. Active cases now total 2,526.

While Hinshaw acknowledged concerns from Albertans about the "hard and rapid shift," she said timing is the most important question.

"What I think has not been a part of the conversation is the risk of maintaining the status quo," she said.

If Alberta continues to treat COVID-19 as its biggest risk and focuses all of its resources on it, the province will accumulate a backlog of other problems, Hinshaw explained.

Dropping isolation, testing and contact tracing measures before the fall will help Alberta prepare for an expected spike in other respiratory illnesses, she said, and it will free up acute care and public health resources.

Hinshaw stressed, however, that people who get sick with COVID-19 or any other transmissible illnesses should isolate despite not being legally required to.

If Alberta's acute care system is again overwhelmed or a new variant poses a significant threat, Hinshaw said the province will reconsider reinstating public health measures.

Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, said vaccines are slowing the spread and severity of the virus but there remains "vulnerable pockets where COVID-19 can transmit."

He said this includes children who aren't eligible to get vaccinated, immunocompromised people and segments of the population with lower vaccine uptake.

There are pockets of unvaccinated and they can overwhelm a health-care system," said Chagla. "Using easy mitigation tools, like contact tracing, like masking is probably not unreasonable until we get to the highest percentage we can vaccinated.

Just over 66 per cent of eligible Albertans are fully vaccinated.

Shandro declined to comment on Hajdu's letter Thursday but criticized the federal minister on social media.

"Minister Hajdu noticeably neglected to write a letter to Saskatchewan despite (us) having similar approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Ms. Hajdu chose to target Alberta  the Trudeau Liberals' favourite punching bag," he wrote, before condemning the federal government's track record on addressing COVID-19.

Shandro said Hinshaw and her team's recommendations to lift health measures are "in line with the science."
Photo: The Canadian Press

UPDATE: 9:35 a.m.

Long lines of semi-trailer trucks snaked away from the Canada-U.S. frontier Friday as a work-to-rule campaign by border agents slowed traffic to a crawl and marathon negotiations stretched into the afternoon just days before COVID-19 restrictions were scheduled to ease.

Land-border crossings like the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., and the Blue Water Bridge in nearby Sarnia were reporting commercial delays of more than 90 minutes, while regular travellers at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge near Niagara Falls were waiting in line for more than an hour.

Guards who work for the Canada Border Services Agency were following procedures to the letter, part of a job action that began early Friday amid contract talks between the federal government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada's Customs and Immigration Union.

"We ask travellers to be patient," said Denis Vinette, vice-president of the agency's travellers branch.

"Our officers are administering a very different border than the one that we had (before) some of these restrictions, and at the same time they are still going through a legal bargaining process, which we all hope will conclude at some point."

Talks between CBSA, the federal government and the union, which represents some 9,000 agency employees, continued through the night and well past the union's initial 6 a.m. deadline, which is when the job action was scheduled to begin.

A union news conference that had been scheduled for 10 a.m. was also postponed as the talks dragged on well past the 24-hour mark, fuelling speculation that the two sides could be close to reaching an agreement.

ORIGINAL: 6:40 a.m.

The union representing 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency workers says some job actions began Friday as bargaining with the government continued.

"Our bargaining team representing CBSA employees has been in mediation with CBSA and Treasury all night and through to this morning, and were giving them a bit more time to negotiate at the table," the Public Service Alliance of Canada and its Customs and Immigration Union said in a Friday morning statement.

"In the meantime, work-to-rule actions are underway at border crossings and airports across the country."

It didn't immediately specify what that entails.

The union said it had been bargaining with the government since 2018 and it served a strike notice on Tuesday.

The dispute comes as Canada is preparing to allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit without having to quarantine starting Aug. 9.

Borders will open to travellers from other countries with the required doses of a COVID-19 shot on Sept. 7.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat confirmed mediation continued through Thursday night.

"The Government is still at the table and will not walk away," it said in a Friday statement.

Ninety per cent of front-line border workers have been identified as essential so they will continue to offer services if there is a strike, the CBSA says.

The union had said members would begin a "sweeping" series of actions at Canadian airports, land borders, commercial shipping ports, postal facilities and headquarters locations if a contract hadn't been reached by early this morning

The Treasury Board of Canada said a mediator was appointed by the federal relations body and mediations had been ongoing since Wednesday evening.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in on the issue Thursday, touting the government's record on resolving labour negotiations.
Photo: The Canadian Press

British Columbia's privacy watchdog is launching an investigation into the federal Liberal party's use of facial recognition technology to pick candidates for the next election.

B.C. information and privacy commissioner Michael McEvoy's office confirmed the investigation today following a complaint from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

The Liberals have been using the technology to verify the identity of those eligible to vote in meetings to nominate candidates who will run for the party in the next federal campaign.

Those nomination meetings are normally held in person, but have moved online this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The civil liberties association says while it supports the need to identify participants in nomination meetings, facial recognition technology comes with privacy and reliability concerns.

The Liberals have said they consulted the guidance issued by the federal privacy commissioner on the appropriate use of the technology before adopting the software.
Photo: Larry Pynn BC Ferries had to cancel two sailings of the Queen of New Westminster on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, because of a shortage of crew members.

BC Ferries is on the hunt for more than 100 new employees amid a global shortage of qualified mariners, says the organizations president and chief executive.

The corporation had to cancel two sailings of the Queen of New Westminster on Wednesday because of a shortage of crew members. On Friday, a round-trip sailing between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen on the same ferry was also cancelled because of a staffing problem. In that case, the Coastal Celebration was used to replace the Queen of New Westminster.

BC Ferries president Mark Collins said in a statement Thursday that the two sailings were cancelled Wednesday evening due to unavailability of three ships officers because of non-COVID related illness. All passengers were accommodated on alternate sailings, he said.

Typically, BC Ferries has extra crew members on hand to fill in for absent crew members so service levels can be maintained, he said.

BC Ferries moves crew to different locations as required from this pool of spare staff onshore, he said.

But on Wednesday, the three individuals were at the same location, making it challenging to find enough replacements on short notice.

The organization is affected by a world-wide shortage of mariners, said Collins, adding the corporation is actively recruiting for about 60 officer positions and 50 other key positions to ensure it has enough crew members in the event of illness or other absences.

Unfortunately, the global shortage means qualified mariners are very difficult to find.

Traffic on BC Ferries has ramped up in recent weeks as pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. Vessels are now allowed to operate at full capacity after being limited for months to allow for social distancing.

Vancouver Island is extra-busy as a tourist destination because some visitors are heading to the Island to escape wildfires and smoke in the Interior.
To help build confidence in and increase demand for COVID-19 vaccination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and several other organizations on an innovative community initiative leveraging local artists as trusted vaccine messengers.

The COVID-19 Georgia Arts pilotexternal icon is a unique collaboration between CDC, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, DPH, Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) Georgia, and two local arts organizations  Dashboardexternal icon and Living Wallsexternal icon  to increase vaccine uptake through public art. A series of recently launched art installations and events will continue throughout August in select neighborhoods in cities including Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens. Some of the events  which focus on communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19  will feature pop-up vaccination sites, providing convenient opportunities to access COVID-19 vaccines.

There is a long history in the U.S. of partnering with arts and media organizations to promote health education, said Peggy Honein, Deputy Incident Manager for CDCs COVID-19 Response. Local artists can play an important role in delivering fact-based information and serving as trusted messengers within their communities to increase confidence in vaccines. This is a truly unique opportunity to work together to demonstrate the power and potential of the arts as a public health strategy to protect communities.

Vaccine-focused Living Walls Signs of Solidarity canvases have been installed in nine neighborhoods throughout Atlanta. Living Walls is also planning two events  one on Aug. 7th at My Abuelas Foodexternal icon from noon to 5 pm, and the other from noon to 6 pm on Aug. 14th at the Latin American Associationexternal icon  that will feature free onsite vaccine clinics to increase access for people in the community. In addition, Dashboard will present a large-scale public art projection on Aug. 18th in Atlantas Castleberry Hill neighborhood in conjunction with the Atlanta United game at nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. CORE Georgia will be on-hand to provide COVID-19 vaccination and testing to interested people.

This pilot is part of DPHs broader Say Yes to COVID-19 vaccines campaignexternal icon, and the lessons learned can be applied to communities nationwide. The Georgia pilot project will serve as a case study for other states interested in using arts and culture to empower vaccine confidence.

In addition to  and in support of these efforts  CDCs collaboration with the University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine has resulted in the development of a set of informational field guides, a comprehensive program repositoryexternal icon to drive public health partnerships with arts and culture programming in communities, and an Aug. 24th webinarexternal icon for health and arts professionals on vaccine confidence collaborative efforts.

Engaging the arts community is just one of many creative strategies being used by public health to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence and increase uptake. Strong confidence in COVID-19 vaccines within communities leads to more people getting vaccinated, which will ultimately help stop this unprecedented pandemic.
Discussion

This study found that among Kentucky residents who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19 had significantly higher likelihood of reinfection during May and June 2021. This finding supports the CDC recommendation that all eligible persons be offered COVID-19 vaccination, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status.

Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 has been documented, but the scientific understanding of natural infection-derived immunity is still emerging (5). The duration of immunity resulting from natural infection, although not well understood, is suspected to persist for 90 days in most persons.** The emergence of new variants might affect the duration of infection-acquired immunity, and laboratory studies have shown that sera from previously infected persons might offer weak or inconsistent responses against several variants of concern (2,6). For example, a recent laboratory study found that sera collected from previously infected persons before they were vaccinated provided a relatively weaker, and in some cases absent, neutralization response to the B.1.351 (Beta) variant when compared with the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (1). Sera from the same persons after vaccination showed a heightened neutralization response to the Beta variant, suggesting that vaccination enhances the immune response even to a variant to which the infected person had not been previously exposed. Although such laboratory evidence continues to suggest that vaccination provides improved neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants, limited evidence in real-world settings to date corroborates the findings that vaccination can provide improved protection for previously infected persons. The findings from this study suggest that among previously infected persons, full vaccination is associated with reduced likelihood of reinfection, and, conversely, being unvaccinated is associated with higher likelihood of being reinfected.

The lack of a significant association with partial versus full vaccination should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of partially vaccinated persons included in the analysis (6.9% of case-patients and 7.9% of controls), which limited statistical power. The lower odds of reinfection among the partially vaccinated group compared with the unvaccinated group is suggestive of a protective effect and consistent with findings from previous studies indicating higher titers after the first mRNA vaccine dose in persons who were previously infected (7,8).

The findings in this report are subject to at least five limitations. First, reinfection was not confirmed through whole genome sequencing, which would be necessary to definitively prove that the reinfection was caused from a distinct virus relative to the first infection. Although in some cases the repeat positive test could be indicative of prolonged viral shedding or failure to clear the initial viral infection (9), given the time between initial and subsequent positive molecular tests among participants in this study, reinfection is the most likely explanation. Second, persons who have been vaccinated are possibly less likely to get tested. Therefore, the association of reinfection and lack of vaccination might be overestimated. Third, vaccine doses administered at federal or out-of-state sites are not typically entered in KYIR, so vaccination data are possibly missing for some persons in these analyses. In addition, inconsistencies in name and date of birth between KYIR and NEDSS might limit ability to match the two databases. Because case investigations include questions regarding vaccination, and KYIR might be updated during the case investigation process, vaccination data might be more likely to be missing for controls. Thus, the OR might be even more favorable for vaccination. Fourth, although case-patients and controls were matched based on age, sex, and date of initial infection, other unknown confounders might be present. Finally, this is a retrospective study design using data from a single state during a 2-month period; therefore, these findings cannot be used to infer causation. Additional prospective studies with larger populations are warranted to support these findings.

These findings suggest that among persons with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, full vaccination provides additional protection against reinfection. Among previously infected Kentucky residents, those who were not vaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected compared with those with full vaccination. All eligible persons should be offered vaccination, including those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, to reduce their risk for future infection.
On August 6, 2021, this report was posted online as an MMWR Early Release.

Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use in the United States (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) indicate that these vaccines have high efficacy against symptomatic disease, including moderate to severe illness (13). In addition to clinical trials, real-world assessments of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are critical in guiding vaccine policy and building vaccine confidence, particularly among populations at higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults. To determine the real-world effectiveness of the three currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines among persons aged 65 years during February 1April 30, 2021, data on 7,280 patients from the COVID-19Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) were analyzed with vaccination coverage data from state immunization information systems (IISs) for the COVID-NET catchment area (approximately 4.8 million persons). Among adults aged 6574 years, effectiveness of full vaccination in preventing COVID-19associated hospitalization was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 94%98%) for Pfizer-BioNTech, 96% (95% CI = 95%98%) for Moderna, and 84% (95% CI = 64%93%) for Janssen vaccine products. Effectiveness of full vaccination in preventing COVID-19associated hospitalization among adults aged 75 years was 91% (95% CI = 87%94%) for Pfizer-BioNTech, 96% (95% CI = 93%98%) for Moderna, and 85% (95% CI = 72%92%) for Janssen vaccine products. COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States are highly effective in preventing COVID-19associated hospitalizations in older adults. In light of real-world data demonstrating high effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among older adults, efforts to increase vaccination coverage in this age group are critical to reducing the risk for COVID-19related hospitalization.

COVID-NET includes data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19associated hospitalizations in 99 U.S. counties in 14 states, representing approximately 10% of the U.S. population. COVID-NET cases were hospitalizations that occurred in residents of a designated COVID-NET catchment area who were admitted within 14 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. COVID-NET program personnel collected information on COVID-19 vaccination status (vaccine product received, number of doses, and administration dates) from state IISs for all sampled COVID-NET cases. Some sites expanded collection of information on vaccination status to all reported COVID-NET cases, not only sampled cases, which were included for analysis if all cases in a single month had vaccination status available. Data from 13 sites were included for analysis; one site (Iowa) does not have access to the state IIS and cannot collect vaccination data. Population-level vaccination coverage was determined using deidentified person-level COVID-19 vaccination data reported to CDC by jurisdictions, pharmacies, and federal entities through the IISs,** Vaccine Administration Management System, or direct data submission.

The study was restricted to adults aged 65 years and included the period February 1April 30, 2021. The Janssen vaccine was authorized for use during the study period beginning March 15, 2021. Patients were classified as 1) unvaccinated (no IIS record of vaccination), 2) partially vaccinated (1 dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech received 14 days before hospitalization or 2 doses, with the second dose received <14 days before hospitalization), or 3) fully vaccinated (receipt of both doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech with second dose received 14 days before hospitalization or receipt of a single dose of Janssen 14 days before hospitalization). Patients with only 1 dose of any COVID-19 vaccine received <14 days before hospitalization were excluded. Daily county-level coverage data for adults aged 6574 and 75 years in the COVID-NET catchment area were estimated using population denominators from the U.S. Census Bureau; vaccination status was classified as described for hospitalized cases.*** For vaccine records missing county of residence, county of vaccine administration was used.

To estimate vaccine effectiveness and corresponding 95% CIs, methods were adapted based on previously published literature (4). Poisson regression was used to compare case counts by vaccination status (outcome) and the proportion of the population vaccinated and unvaccinated (offset). Data were stratified by age group because of the potential for confounding by age, and adjusted for COVID-NET site, time (number of weeks since the start of the study period as a categorical covariate), and monthly site-specific sampling frequency. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as one minus the exponent of the estimated coefficient of the exposure (vaccination status) variable. For estimating effectiveness of full vaccination, partially vaccinated persons were excluded; for estimating effectiveness of partial vaccination, fully vaccinated persons were excluded. Vaccine productspecific estimates excluded persons who had received other COVID-19 vaccines. To account for the interval between infection and hospitalization, sensitivity analyses were conducted using a reference date 1 week and 2 weeks before admission, rather than admission date, for classification of vaccination status for cases (i.e., adding 7 and 14 days, respectively between last vaccine dose and hospital admission date); the same adjustment was included for population vaccination coverage. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS software (version 9.4; SAS Institute). This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.

During February 1April 30, 2021, among 7,280 eligible COVID-NET patients, 5,451 (75%) were unvaccinated, 867 (12%) were partially vaccinated, and 394 (5%) were fully vaccinated; 568 (8%) who received a single vaccine dose <14 days before hospitalization were excluded from the analysis (Table). Vaccination coverage in the population increased rapidly during this period among persons aged 65 years and varied by age and vaccine product (Figure 1). Among adults aged 65 years in the COVID-NET catchment area, full vaccination coverage from any of the three authorized vaccines ranged from 0.7% on February 1, 2021, to 72% on April 30, 2021.

Effectiveness of full vaccination in preventing hospitalization among adults aged 6574 years was estimated at 96% (95% CI = 94%98%) for Pfizer-BioNTech, 96% (95% CI = 95%98%) for Moderna, and 84% (95% CI = 64%93%) for Janssen vaccine products. Among adults aged 75 years, effectiveness of full vaccination was 91% (95% CI = 87%94%) for Pfizer-BioNTech, 96% (95% CI = 93%98%) for Moderna, and 85% (95% CI = 72%92%) for Janssen vaccine products (Figure 2). Effectiveness of partial vaccination among adults aged 6574 years was 84% (95% CI = 76%89%) for Pfizer-BioNTech and 91% (95% CI = 87%93%) for Moderna vaccine products. Among those aged 75 years, effectiveness of partial vaccination was 66% (95% CI = 48%77%) for Pfizer-BioNTech and 82% (95% CI = 76%86%) for Moderna vaccine products. Sensitivity analyses accounting for interval between infection and hospitalization did not yield notably different vaccine effectiveness estimates, with point estimates varying by <1% for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine models. Point estimates for Janssen COVID-19 vaccine models varied by <10%, with few cases eligible for inclusion and wide CIs.
Cemex to expand capacity at its Rockfort plant by 30%

06 August 2021

Cemex plans to upgrade and increase the production capacity by 30 per cent of its Rockfort cement plant in Jamaica. This planned increase would strengthen the self-sufficiency of the national cement industry, reduce dependency on cement imports and reinforce CCCLs ability to serve the growth of the construction sector in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Cemex anticipates that once this planned expansion is finished, CCCL will increase its existing cement production capacity by approximately 300,000tpa, through the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies. The expansion will introduce novel grinding additives to the manufacturing process and further enhance the production of low clinker products in the region. In addition, by optimising the heat consumption in the cement production process, this project would minimise CCCL's carbon footprint in Jamaica.

Jesus Gonzalez, president of Cemex South, Central America and the Caribbean, said, "The current estimate of the total value of the investment is approximately US$30m."

This planned major upgrade is currently scheduled for the second half of 2022.

Published under
Chatham, VA (24531)

Today

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Chatham, VA (24531)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
A woman told police that she had loaned her vehicle to her son and that upon speaking with him, he told her the vehicle was parked at Buffalo Wild Wings,120 Market St. She told police she had checked all around that location and did not find it. She said she also called in to Hamilton County Dispatch to see if her vehicle had been towed. She said she had spoken with her son, but he informed her he was unsure where her vehicle was if it was not at Buffalo Wild Wings. Police informed her what to do if she found her vehicle. She was also asked about prosecution and was adamant about pressing charges. She informed police that if her son was observed with the vehicle that she would still press charges. Police entered the vehicle into NCIC. The next day the woman called in and said she was driving around downtown when she located her vehicle at the intersection of E. 8th Street and Georgia Avenue. She said she believes her son had misplaced it on a night out with friends. Officers removed the vehicle as stolen from NCIC and the woman proceeded to take her vehicle home.

* * *

A man on Shannon Avenue told police there was an intoxicated man kicking on his door demanding to let him in. The drunk man left before police arrived and could not be located.

* * *

Police were called by Eastgate Security to 5600 Brainerd Road in regards to two individuals panhandling on the property. Police found the couple sitting in the shade near a bus stop. Police did not observe or see any signs that they were panhandling and asked them to stay off the property per Eastgate Security. Neither showed any extradition warrants.

* * *

Police responded to property damage at Public Storage, 2212 Polymer Dr. An employee told police that a woman hit the keypad with a U-haul truck on accident. She said the cost to fix the damage would be between $1,500-$3,000. She said she just needed a damaged property report.

* * *

A man and woman were in a verbal argument on N. Chamberlain Avenue. Police spoke with the couple and they both agreed to go separate ways, which they did before police left the scene.

* * *

A woman on Oakland Avenue told police that her ex-boyfriend keeps coming to her house, knocking on the door. She said she wants him to stop coming over to her house. The ex-boyfriend was not on scene when police arrived.

* * *

A man on Ellyn Lane told police that he and his girlfriend had been arguing. He said that while they were fussing, she went inside his home and somehow broke the glass door. Police spoke with the girlfriend and she said that they were arguing and she was going inside to get her stuff. She said she unintentionally closed the door too hard behind her and it shattered the glass. The man did not want police to enter his residence or even respond to the residence initially. He told police that he just wanted her to leave. The girlfriend got her belongings and left.

* * *

A woman on Williams Street told police that her cell phone (a One Plus Nord N100 worth $180) was stolen from her at the homeless camp behind 2500 Market. She said she tracked the phone to the Williams Street address. Police checked the area where Google said the phone was located, but were unable to find it. The woman said she will call back in if she gets any further information.

* * *

An employee at Drake's Chattanooga, 7338 McCutcheon Road, told police that a man who was dinning at the restaurant started to get loud. The employee said he told the man to calm down or he would have to leave. He said the man got in his face and started to curse at him; that is when he called 9-1-1. He said the man then left the scene.

* * *

A man on Silverdale Road told police that his neighbors were playing loud music and he asked them to stop, but they did not. Police spoke with his neighbors and they said that they would keep it down. The man said this was an ongoing issue.

* * *

The manager at Petco, 2288 Gunbarrel Road, told police that a pistol was located in the women's restroom. She said the gun was put in the money safe of the business until someone claimed the gun, but no one ever showed up, so she called police. Before police were able take the pistol to Property, the owner of the gun called to get her gun back.

* * *

A woman told police someone stole her temp tag (GA) from her vehicle while she was at work at Volkswagen, 8001 Volkswagen Dr.

* * *

A man on Shannon Avenue told police there was an intoxicated man kicking on his door demanding to let him in. The drunk man left before police arrived and could not be located.
I get a huge kick when others share their opinions with me and, as you can see in a letter to me that shares these opinion notes today, Franklin McCallie is very special. He shares my urgent plea that we all get vaccinated, and mirrors my wince when people take advantage of my rights. As I read his letter and, yes, I share many more values with my liberal friend than he would ever suspect, I beamed because I too have watched the films of our boys landing at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Viet Nam with a deep sense of pride.



Yet as I survey todays landscape I am not as appalled by mankinds greed that demands, Me first! or the selfishness that unfairly discounts all others, my biggest regret is that somewhere along the way what is called our duty has been allowed to fade. In high school my older brother made a conscience decision to join the Marines out of high school when most of our pals were scrambling to avoid the draft board. I told him at the time I thought he was nuts  by then wed both been to the first funerals of our generation, those who gave all for our country in a very dishonest and meaningless war.



But one particular night after he had already signed on with the Marines, the two of us were drinking the last of our underage longnecks and the timing seemed about right for me to pry. Little did I know the timing was right for me to accept his answer. I have thought long and hard about it; you know I aint cut out for college, Kinch told me, But the truth is I feel its my duty. Life isnt free  weve all got to take a measure of who we are and nows the time for me to do what I feel needs to be done. Its my duty to do it.



His was about the best explanation I ever heard. So let me twist it around another way. At the start I wore a facemask so I would not get this hellish pandemic none of us could understand at first. I was among the first to get the vaccine but what drove me was not that it would lessen my chances, but that maybe it would lessen the chance I might pass the germs to somebody else. Look, Ive been through some bad diseases  one where I actually lost my leg  and I can man up with my back to the wall with the best of the strugglers. But what about the young mother with two children under the age of three? As a human being, I have a duty to honor others.



I doubt I could bear for one of Becky Barnes heroes at the health department to call and say, You kissed Lillian and it turns out shes COVID positive. Now, sir, who have you been kissing because you with your wanton ways have since kissed seven other women and, great goodness, youve put more innocents at risk than live in all of Whitwell! Lord, Id die. But maybe the reason I still masked long after I got my second dose was because it was, in a good sort of way, my duty to still wash my hands and social distance. I wanted to do my part when now, as I look back, to seek our duty is one of many God-given duties that too often we each take for granted.



No, there are no mask police who will jump you if you go to Walmart without a mask. We are asked to wear them and doing your duty is doing what is expected of you. A critical care nurse knows what her duties are, just like a veteran fireman doesnt need anybody to remind him what his duties encompass. Your duty is what is expected by others, not just what is required. No, it isnt written down or premeditated  it is your honor to exceed the silent expectations of those who you most adore.



In his letter, Franklin mentioned the soldiers heavy backpacks, yet in World War II, when able-bodied men scrambled to the recruiting depots to do their duty, they would have said their rights assured them of the opportunity to defend the United States. Today there are skeptics who look for reasons to disrupt worship services  honest!  and were it not for Constitutional rights the Legion of the Miserable might well succeed.



Believe it or not, I am increasingly convinced that there is a strong wave of Americans who are fed up with the woke push into our lives. Whether it be politically proper, or the badly-abused race card, or the progressives looking down realitys long barrel of disillusion and disappointment, the sure sway of lifes pendulum will return duty, honor and service to others with a shine when Americas values are one day renewed.



To do ones duty is not a goal, it is a yearning that beats in the heart of every man and every woman in America. The lucky ones feed it and nurture it until they realize, quite simply, that it is ones grasp of duty that defines who we really are. Celebrate it.



Selah.



royexum@aol.com






Jurors on Thursday afternoon at Winchester found Robert Joe Whittenburg, 47, guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the 2017 killings of his girlfriend Dedra Lawrence and her mother Deanna Lawrence. Whittenburg was found to have hacked the two women to death with an axe.

Whittenburg was sentenced to life in prison.



To the members of the family, theres no way anybody can replace your loss, Judge Thomas Graham said. But I believe the jury has done all they can do as far as putting importance upon their lives. Thats what the system is here for. 



On Nov. 30 in 2017, Pikeville police found Whittenburg covered in blood and unconscious, while Deanna Lawrence and her daughter Dedra were both found deceased because of multiple axe wounds. Throughout the three-day trial, Whittenburg was heard saying he was the only person who could have done the act, but did not admit to killing the two women.



Earlier on Thursday, a prosecutor told the jury that Whittenburg "had to make a conscious decision" to kill his girlfriend and her mother at a Pikeville residence in 2017.



Prosecutor David Shinn said during closing arguments, This man had to go into the kitchen and pick up the axe. You dont do that without making a choice.

The prosecutor also drew the jurys attention to several statements Whittenburg made during both a recorded 2017 interview and in his statement on the witness stand on Wednesday. Whittenburg concluded, It must have had to be me but did not say that he knew he did it.



Shes running for that kitchen door and trying to get out, and shes hacked from behind, prosecutor Shinn told the jury, calling the attack obviously premeditated.



Defense attorney Sam Hudson cited previous testimony that framed Dedra and Whittenburgs relationship as troubled. He pitched the idea that the night the murders occurred, Whittenburg was possibly provoked into killing both women after they began to fight. He asked for the jury to find him guilty of voluntary manslaughter if they did not acquit, calling his actions an act of passion.



If you think he did that, it is evidence of someone who has lost his mind, attorney Hudson said.



Prosecutor Strain said this is not a who-done-it and that the evidence pointed to Whittenburg murdering both women, and there was no justification for his actions. The prosecutor was also skeptical of Whittenburgs statements claiming to not remember anything that happened during the murders.



What provocation could justify or provoke him to pick up the axe and hack them? There is nothing he can say to justify hacking those women to death, prosecutor Strain said. Thats why he claims to not remember it, because he remembers everything else.



There is no way to spin it, the prosecutor said before asking the jury to find Whittenburg guilty of both counts of first-degree murder.



After closing arguments, the jury received their instructions and began to deliberate at 11:30 a.m.

The trial was moved from Bledsoe County to Franklin County after a change of venue motion was filed.

The trial started on Tuesday morning and there were a total of 10 witnesses, which included Deana Lawrences boyfriend, TBI agents, and others.
A body has been found in a field on a farm at Charleston, Tn.

At approximately 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, the Bradley County 911 Center received a call regarding the discovery of a body found near the 2000 block of Lower River Road in Charleston.

The investigation is in the early stages; however, the discovered remains appear to be that of a decomposed human body.

The Bradley County Sheriffs Office Crime Scene Unit was on the scene and will be working with the Bradley County Medical Examiner along with the 10th Judicial District Attorney Generals Office to identify the remains.
A man on Boynton Drive told police when he was in bed he heard an unknown person attempting to turn the door knob on his front door. He said he got out of bed, checked the peephole and did not observe anyone. He said when he went to go back to bed, he again heard someone trying to enter his front door. He said that is when he called the police. Police were unable to locate any suspicious individuals in the area.

* * *

A silver Nissan Altima (GA) was reported to have been parked at the 2500 block of Wilson Street for two to three days. The vehicle did not return stolen, but did appear abandoned. The vehicle was stickered and will be towed accordingly.

* * *

Police spoke with the manager of Stay Apt Suites, 6046 Relocation Way, who said she was in a verbal disorder prior to police arrival in reference to a couple of males that were former residents, and she needed them off of the property. Police found the men in question and identified them. Both were finishing packing up their belongings and left the area without further incident.

* * *

Police were dispatched to Athens Distributing Co., 2735 Kanasita Dr., for an alarm. Upon arrival, three doors were discovered to be unsecured. The warehouse was cleared and all doors secured. This alarm has been recurring several times a week.

* * *

A woman on Roanoke Avenue told police that a neighbor continued to cause issues with her, as well as other occupants in the residence. She said she has had continuous problems with the neighbor parking directly in front of her home, as well as the mailbox, simply to cause a disturbance. At that time, police saw the neighbor pulling back in front of the woman's residence, only to leave once she saw police. The woman said that she is soon moving, but that her sister will be living at this address and she wants the issues with the neighbor to stop before it goes any further.

* * *

A woman on Mountain Creek Road told police that her step-mother has been texting her and she has asked her to stop and has blocked her from all forms of contact. She said she just wants to let us know because the step-mother keeps trying to contact her. She said at this time she does not want warrants taken out on her for harassment, but wanted to let us know what is going on.

* * *

A woman on E. 11th Street told police she wanted a man to leave her house. Police escorted the man off the property and he left the area.

* * *

A man on E. 5th Street told police he was unable to locate his phone and believed it was stolen by his friend. Police spoke with the friend, who said he did not take the phone and was unaware of where it was. Later, the man called back and said that his phone was located and no further action was needed.

* * *

Police responded to a disorder at the Kankus gas station, 3612 Brainerd Road. Police spoke to a woman who was very upset and demanded police needed to report her rental vehicle stolen. She told police her cousin came and picked her up in the rental vehicle and, while driving near the McDonald's on E. 3rd Street, they had gotten into an argument and her cousin got out of the vehicle. She said he had driven to pick her up and they traded seats so she could drive before the argument happened. She told police after her cousin got out and left on foot, she drove to the Kankus gas station to get gas and, when she turned off her vehicle to get gas, she was unable to start the vehicle and could not find the key fob. She claims her cousin had the key fob, but refused to give police his name. After speaking with police, she had someone picked her up and drive her to her residence to look for the key fob. She said she left the rental vehicle in the parking lot at the gas station, locked.

* * *

Security at Alan Golds, 1100 McCallie Ave., reported there was a male who was being disorderly and refusing to leave. Police identified the man. A warrant check was conducted showing no active warrants for him. Per security, police informed the man he had been trespassed and cannot return. The man left the area via taxi cab without incident.

* * *

A woman on Grove Street called police to report suspicious activity. She said she overheard an unknown male and female talking about her vehicle and how they would break into her apartment. She did not observe these individuals, however she said she can hear them through the walls. Police patrolled the location and did not observe any suspicious activity.

* * *

A woman on N. Kelley Street told police her Chrysler van (TN) had been stolen by her granddaughter. She said she was just reporting her vehicle was stolen and she did not wish to press charges. A city-wide BOLO for this vehicle was issued and it was not entered into NCIC. The woman later called back to report her vehicle had been returned to her and she still did not wish to press charges. Police confirmed the vehicle had been returned to her address on N. Kelley St.

* * *

A man on E. 8th Street told police that shortly after midnight he had a backpack, 2016 Macbook Air and three school textbooks stolen from inside his unlocked truck. He said the stolen items totaled up to approximately $930. Police observed two people entering his vehicle, via surveillance footage, but were unable to gather any suspect information.

* * *

A shoplifting was reported a the Shell gas station, 1905 Gunbarrel Road. An employee told police that a black male had entered the store and got a case of beer and some chips and then left the scene in a blue sedan. She said they would call back later if they found anything else was stolen.

* * *

Police responded to a theft from semi-trailer at Rooms to Go, 2277 Gunbarrel Road. A man told police he is a semi delivery driver for Rooms to Go. He said he came to work this morning to get his semi-trailer to make deliveries and found that someone had broken into two separate trailers by breaking off the security tabs on both trailers. The unknown suspect was observed on camera driving a white Idealease and stole at least $20,000 worth of assorted furniture. No further suspect information is available.
Discussion at the last Wrecker Board meeting brought owners of several wrecker companies to a meeting Thursday morning. The city is attempting to streamline the process and make it easier for people trying to find their vehicles and retrieve them after they have been towed.

Currently the city has about 30 towing business participating in the citys rotation list. Each of them has their own storage lots. When a car is towed, it is often daunting for an owner to track down his or her car and get it back.

And about 25 percent of the buildings and lots are in locations or in a condition that warrants being classified as worrisome, said Board Chairman Bill Glascock, who is heading the study. The wrecker boards goal is to make the process better, not to take money away from the wrecker companies, he said.All major cities in Tennessee have fewer storage lots or just one, said Officer John Collins.Owners of the towing businesses at the meeting cited their large costs to operate, including the high costs of the tow trucks, equipment and insurance. And 20-30 percent of their business comes from storage, the board was told. They also make money from second tows, such as moving a vehicle from their lot to a body shop. If those sources of revenue are taken away, smaller companies will leave their districts and operate strictly in Hamilton County, the board was told.Tow truck owners want to be part of the conversation for making it easier for people to get their cars. The owners were urged to participate and will be contacted by Mr. Glascock. A compromise will be sought that can make it better for all, he said.
When the Hamilton County public schools return to a daily schedule next Thursday (Aug. 12) there is one dilemma that every parent will face with each child; should we demand the dreadful face masks or not. The Nashville school board voted Thursday to make them mandatory, this with the delta variant strengthening its COVID siege of the state, but I agree with veteran Hamilton County schools leader Rhonda Thurman: Let the parents decide. Its no secret that any child grades K-12 hates the things and, up until now, there have been precious few coronavirus cases among our 18-and-under population.

After last years catastrophic efforts to teach our young, the far greater picture sees an aching need for our children to return to as near normal an education experience as the school district can provide.

The high-wire feat of gaining ground on lousy test scores is enough of a miracle for our teachers to chase and the vaccines availability for children ages 12 and up is another decision parents should make with their pediatricians. I am a biased one to ask since I am such a strong advocate of the vaccine and, yessir, if I had school-age children they would understand the glorious gifts of modern-day medicine.

Cat Rakowski, a writer for MSNBC News, has a five-year-old son and she just wrote a story about kids and the COVID delta variant on NBC.com. (Cat Rakowski is an Emmy-winning journalist and a booking producer for MSNBC's Morning Joe and Way Too Early." She lives in Queens with her son, Lincoln.) She talked to some of the top MDs in the country and here is an excerpt:

* * *

WHAT ARE WE SEEING IN TERMS OF THE DELTA VARIANT AND PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS?

Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine development: While theres no evidence the delta variant is targeting children any more than previous strains, pediatric hospitals and intensive care units are seeing upticks, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.

As for the death rates for children, No question, theyre really low, he said. But its the more subtle and chronic morbidities that I worry about. Children younger than 12 are not currently eligible for the vaccine.

Dr. Hotez said he was also concerned about kids who might experience long COVID, which is when symptoms drag out for six months or more rather than for a couple weeks. A recent study found that 26 percent of adults who get the disease get long COVID. Dr. Hotez noted, We dont know how far that extends down in terms of age.

* * *

WHEN WILL THE VACCINES BE AVAILABLE FOR KIDS YOUNGER THAN 12?

"The most bullish estimates are that we could be moving toward vaccinating kids within weeks, not months. In a CNN Town Hall on July 21, President Joe Biden said the vaccine would be available for children under 12 soon, suggesting that a vaccine might be eligible for emergency use authorization by the end of August, beginning September, October.

Shortly before that, Pfizer told NBC News in a statement that the company expects to have clinical trial results for children ages 5 to 11 by sometime in September, and that results for children between the ages of 2 to 4 were expected soon after that.

One more hopeful data point: The COVID vaccines have all been given so far under an Emergency Use Authorization, which has given some people pause because they want the vaccine to get final signoff before they take it. NBC News has learned that the Pfizer vaccine is expected to be granted final FDA approval by Labor Day.

* * *

WHAT THE BEST WAY FOR USE TO PROTECT KIDS FROM THE DELTA VARIANT?

Get (yourself)vaccinated, said the doctors. If you havent gotten your shot yet, why not today? Vaccination rates in the U.S. for adults 18 and older have finally surpassed the 70 percent mark, largely because people in southern states (where residents are seeing a surge in cases) found reason to get the jab.

The more adults and older kiddos who get vaccinated, the more protected the entire community will be  including younger children.

Dr. Paul Offit, pediatrician, infectious disease expert, and member of the FDA COVID Vaccine Advisory Panel, told me something weve heard many times by now. Had we continued to give three million doses [of the vaccines] a day, which we did a few months ago, we would be at about 80 percent population immunity from vaccination, and we wouldnt have to talk about any of this.

* * *

SHOULD I BE MASKING INDOORS, EVEN THOUGH I AM FULLY VACCINATED?

"Putting aside the political controversies over mask mandates (or bans therein), all three doctors I spoke with recommend wearing masks indoors in group settings, regardless of your vaccination status.

Masks may not just help with COVID, but with the flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases, said Dr. Hotez. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and other common respiratory illnesses are spiking across the country, months ahead of their usual winter surge, which concerns doctors across the country. And unlike COVID, RSV is known to regularly hit kids hard.

* * *

OH, AND THEN THERE IS THIS 

In an earlier piece I wrote on mask guidance, Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and NBC News and MSNBC medical contributor, compared Covid-19 to chickenpox, because it was a disease he expected most parents would understand from personal experience.

I got chickenpox when I was a kid in the late 80s, so I was surprised to receive reader feedback that chickenpox wasnt something everyone knew about. I wondered why for a minute before slapping my palm on my forehead. The chickenpox vaccine hit the market in 1995, and today its required in 43 states for entry into public school. And guess what? That one works great, too.

(-- Written by Cat Rakowski, MSNBC)

----

royexum@aol.com
Two public hearings have been set next Thursday for the new millage rate in Walker County.

They are at 8 a.m. at the Walker County Civic Center, 10052 Hwy. 27, Rock Spring, and at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex III, 201 S. Main Street in LaFayette.

There will be a landfill expansion public hearing at 7 p.m., then a Walker County Commission meeting to vote on the tax rate and the landfill expansion.

streamed live on the county's Facebook page. C omplete agenda packets for each meeting are available online at: https://walkercountyga. gov/government/meetings- agendas/ All meetings will be

Concerning the tax rate, Mr. Legge said, "The new millage rate is going down from 9.287 to 8.313 in the unincorporated area and 13.275 to 11.963 in the incorporated areas.

"However, the state mandates that we advertise a small 'tax increase' because the new rate will be higher than their 'rollback' rate. The state's 'rollback' rate is a highly complicated calculation, that does not allow for local governing authorities to capture sales tax growth or new housing growth without saying they are raising taxes.

"We will actually take in $196 less in property taxes this year, even though the new rate will be a little bit higher than the 'rollback' rate."

Mr. Legge also said, "Because of the spike in home sales this past year, the appraisals for many did increase. But yes, much of the roll back is due to the higher value appraisals, new housing and growth in the local sales tax base, which takes pressure off of property taxes."

The county plans to obtain a solid waste handling permit for a solid waste handling operation known as the Marble Top Road Site 2 Construction and Demolition Landfill at 5120 Marble Top Road, Chickamauga.

The new section of the landfill would be to the west of the current landfill that is closed.

All household garbage taken to the landfill is trucked to another landfill in Alabama.
A group of 26 rising sophomores, juniors and seniors were selected to join the 2021 Youth Leadership class, which will participate in a number of activities designed to help the students learn more about their city and county while practicing a variety of leadership skills.

Students attended a one day retreat sponsored by Dunkin, receiving free breakfast, visors and sunglasses for the day ahead. The Retreat took place at both the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and Johnston Woods Retreat Center.

During the retreat, students listened to guest speaker Chad Fromm, discussed required reading, and worked together to complete thought-provoking and leadership-based challenges. Over the next few months, students will attend six daylong sessions that will involve travel to a variety of sites in the county and a trip to Nashville to learn about state government.

Director of Workforce Development, Larissa Coleman said, "This year, we have 26 students that are participating in the Youth Leadership program. The one-day Retreat is a way to bring them together for the first time as a group so they can get to know each other in a fun, active way. Students played games, communicated ideas about what they think it means to be a leader, did a book discussion and listened to a former Youth Leadership graduate, Chad Fromm. Chad, an alumnus of the program and graduate of Walker Valley, spoke on what it means to have a vision in order to be successful.
Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley, a new senior living campus under construction in northwest Knoxville offering assisted living and Alzheimers memory care, is 60% complete with an expected opening date of January 2022. This campus will be Morning Pointes seventh building in the greater Knoxville area, complementing locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Powell, and Clinton, and the thirty-sixth Morning Pointe Senior Living community overall.

Founded in 1996 by Tennessee healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living, personal care, and Alzheimers memory care communities in five southeastern states.

The initial phase of the 20-acre campus located at 2449 Reagan Road will feature a single-story

assisted living and memory care community with 80 spacious apartments, including a secure

wing specially designed for residents with Alzheimers disease and other memory care needs.

Morning Pointes patented Meaningful Day programming features a strong focus on clinical

care with physical and occupational therapies, life enrichment and wellness offerings, including

the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care and Best Friends Approach. Farm-to-Table fresh

dining and intergenerational activities help residents live their best.

As the need for healthcare for aging seniors continues to rise, Morning Pointe is pleased to be

expanding in the Knoxville market with our campus in Hardin Valley, said Mr. Vital. Between the economic impact of Oak Ridge, access to healthcare resources, and the continued growth of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee has certainly been a wonderful place to expand our footprint of providing the highest level of senior resident care for generations to come.

Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley will ultimately create 250 permanent healthcare positions with

a positive economic impact of more than $30 million annually, considering payroll, property

taxes, and local purchase of goods and services.
Grammy award-winning New Zealand celebrity Lorde became famous with her song Royals in the states and won best pop solo performance and song of the year categories at the Grammys thanks to the song. She was only 15 when she recorded Royals, and has continued to create hit after hit. Lorde grew up in New Zealand and has said that she misses life on the island. Here are a few things the pop artist has mentioned missing about her homeland.

Heres why Lorde says she misses New Zealand

Lorde attends the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Festival. | Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Known by her birth name Ella Marija Lani Yelich-OConnor, Lorde was born Nov. 7, 1996, in Takapuna, New Zealand. Her mother was a poet, a trait that was not lost on the young girl. At the age of 12, Lorde was signed to a development contract with Universal Music Group after an agent saw footage of her performing at a talent show.

Her hit single Royals was quickly picked up in the states and she became the first female solo artist to top the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 17 years.

Despite being an international success, Lorde says that she misses New Zealand, mostly the beaches and the food. Lorde revealed that one of her favorite foods from New Zealand is a sheeps milk cheese called Devotion, which is unfortunately out of season at the moment. The cheesemaker is based in Upper Moutere, a town located in New Zealand. She also used to have an Instagram account dedicated to onion rings.

New Zealand has influenced Lordes music

Lorde dearly loves her home country of New Zealand, and she uses it whenever she can in her work. She stated that she has recorded cicadas in New Zealand because she said they remind her of her summers there. Additionally, she is an avid environmentalist thanks to her upbringing in the beauty of nature that is New Zealand; Lorde will no longer be releasing her albums on CD because of the environmental impact they have.

She has often used New Zealand in her music, too. The secret beach location where she filmed the music video for Solar Power has never been verified, although its rumored to be Cactus Bay on Waiheke Island, which is also used in the cover for the album of the same name.

Whats next for Lorde?

Solar Power will be Lordes third album and it is releasing on Aug. 20, 2021. As an alternative to being released on CD, Solar Power will be sold as an eco-conscious Music Box, which has visual content, handwritten notes, photos, and a download card. She states, I decided early on in the process of making this album that I also wanted to create an environmentally kind, forward-thinking alternative to the CD. I wanted this Music Box product to be similar in size, shape, and price to a CD, to live alongside it in a retail environment, but be something which stands apart and thats committed to the evolving nature of a modern album.

Lordes talent and environmentally conscious decisions make her a strong force not only in the music industry but also as an ally for environmental change. Being raised on the rugged island of New Zealand has influenced not only her work but the way she lives her life. It seems that Lorde is using her platform to make music and help the environment.

RELATED: Taylor Swift Celebrates Her Song August and Some Fans Think New Music Is Coming
NCIS: Hawaii is coming soon to CBS as the newest Navy police procedural in the networks top-rated franchise. The series will star Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the first female lead in the NCIS universe.

Executive Producer Larry Teng is directing the first few episodes. The team from the now-canceled NCIS: New Orleans has also moved to the Aloha State as the spinoffs executive producers. The cast and crew started filming last month, and Teng has just offered up a major update on the first two episodes.

Kahu (Officiant) Ramsey Taum presides over the blessing ceremony of NCIS: Hawaii, Vanessa Lachey, Executive Producer / Director Larry Teng, and Director of Photography Yasu Tanida | Karen Neal/CBS via Getty Images

The new team on NCIS: Hawaii is based at Pearl Harbor

According to Express, Lacheys Jane Tennant will be in charge of the NCIS team that is located at Pearl Harbor on the Island of Oahu, known as NCIS: Pearl. CBS describes Lacheys character as diplomatic as she is hard-charging.

She is also a master juggler of balancing her professional and family life.

Lachey will star alongside Yasmine Al-Bustami and Jason Antoon as her fellow agents Lucy and Ernie. Noah Mills, Tori Anderson, Kian Talan, and Alex Tarrant also have main roles. Enver Gjokaj has also been cast in the recurring role of Joe Milius, a high-ranking Navy Captain, and commander of the Pacific fleet.

Mills stars as Jesse Boon, a former Washington DC homicide detective who joins the NCIS: Pearl team as a special agent. He will reportedly be Janes second in command on the teams missions, as well as her close confidant.

The series location will also be an important character

Anderson stars as agent Kate Whistler, a defense intelligence specialist who becomes an NCIS special agent. While Tarrant plays Kai, another new agent who has returned home to Hawaii to care for his father. Talan will play Janes oldest child, Alex.

According to showrunner Christopher Silber  who comes from the NOLA spinoff  the Hawaii location will also be a major character on the series. This was something he learned from fellow EP Jan Nash during their time in the Big Easy.

What I took away and learned from working with Jan the last couple of years, in New Orleans, is really getting to know the place that youre shooting and making it a character in the show, Silber said.

The cast and crew started filming the first episodes of NCIS: Hawaii in early July. Teng gave an update on their progress in an Instagram post. He revealed that the first two episodes are officially in the can.

After 22 days of filming, I can officially say that the pilot and episode 102 for @ncishawaiicbs is wrapped Teng wrote. I feel so lucky to collaborate with this amazing cast, this amazing group of producers, and more than anything, this amazing crew. They have held me up, worked long hours, and devoted their time, sweat and talents for this maiden voyage. Its been an unforgettable experience. Mahalo for allowing me to be a part of this incredible ohana.

Teng has been keeping his 15k followers up-to-date on all things NCIS: Hawaii on his Instagram. Hes given sneak peaks of filming locations, and also gave fans a look at the filming of a tense underwater scene.

In the caption of a photo of Lachey, Tennant thanked the Navy and Airforce for allowing them to film at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. In another post, Teng shared a video of the unveiling of the million dollar set of NCIS: Hawaii headquarters.

NCIS: Hawaii premieres in September

In a third post, Teng shared a photo of Lachey and Tarrant from a recent shoot. Hes also given fans a peek at the shows fabulous stunt team.

Teng shared a scene of a police raid and a scene that features a massive crash.

Fans wont have to wait too much longer to see the first episodes of the new series. CBS has announced that NCIS: Hawaii will premiere on Monday, September 20. It will take the 9:00 pm EST time slot NCIS. CBS decided to move the flagship series out of the Tuesday night time slot it held for 18 seasons.

RELATED: NCIS: Hawaii Drops First Look Photos as Executive Producers Spill On the Series Premiere
Elizabeth Mitchell is 51-years-old. But her role as Carla Limbrey in Outer Banks Season 2 appears much older. Thats primarily due to the mysterious disease that plagues her character.

But how did Mitchell and the Outer Banks team transform her behind the scenes? During a phone conversation with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Mitchell reveals how she became the frail Carla Limbrey in Outer Banks Season 2.

[SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers ahead for Outer Banks Season 2].

ELIZABETH MITCHELL as LIMBREY | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX  2021

Carla Limbrey has an unknown disease in Outer Banks Season 2

In season 2, Pope Heyward (Jonathan Daviss) receives a mysterious letter signed C. Limbrey requesting he visit Charleston. As Kiara Carrera (Madison Bailey) explains, the Limbrey family has run Charleston for like 300 years.

Upon meeting with Carla Limbrey, Pope learns shes on the hunt for Denmark Tanneys key. Ironically, Limbrey also has a long and tortured history with Ward Cameron (Charles Esten).

In the past, they were partners in search of the Royal Merchant treasure. Now, Limbrey seeks the Cross of Santo Domingo and the healing Shroud of Turin presumed to be inside because she thinks it will cure her disease.

ELIZABETH MITCHELL | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX  2021

Limbrey is a gorgeous older woman, but its clear her health is in peril. The monsters who walk among us are not necessarily evil to look at, Mitchell explains.

What ails Carla Limbrey remains unknown. As Mitchell explains to us, her characters disease is meant to be a mystery.

I think its better to not talk about that, Mitchell tells Showbiz. I think they wanted it to be deliberately vague.

Elizabeth Mitchell says weight loss, lighting, and makeup helped her transform into Carla Limbrey for Outer Banks Season 2

During our chat with Mitchell, Showbiz asked about the ways she achieved Limbreys not virile appearance for the show. I lost a lot of weight quickly for her because I wanted her to look old and drawn, Mitchell tells us. I wanted her to look a little wasted, like faded lace.

While Mitchell achieved what she set out to do  if you dont know what we mean, tune in to the Homecoming episode of Outer Banks  she admits she struggled a bit to get there. I am such a huge worker outer, and [I] love to be healthy, says the Lost actor. But for [Limbrey], I wanted her to look like she was about to die.

ELIZABETH MITCHELL | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX  2021

RELATED: Outer Banks: Would John B. Really Get Sentenced to the Death Penalty in North Carolina?

Of course, makeup and lighting helped bring Limbrey to life, too. I had such a fun time going down that road, Mitchell adds. Shes currently working on a role she describes as a healthy, strong woman.

Ironically, Mitchell enjoyed playing Limbrey more! But theres a good reason for that.

I have to say that Limbrey was a lot more fun, Mitchell laughs. Even though I didnt really get to eat, I didnt have to work out.

Elizabeth Mitchell found all of her scenes challenging because Carla Limbrey is a challenge

Its clear Mitchell enjoyed playing Limbrey in Outer Banks Season 2  so much so that she hopes to be invited back for another season if Netflix signs off on one. But at the same time, Limbrey came with a set of unique challenges. a

I found all the scenes challenging because shes a challenge, Mitchell explains to Showbiz. But overall, Mitchell loved playing Limbrey and hopes to do it again.
Valentina is known for her love of red roses. For season 9, she showcased her love of fashion. For some of RuPauls Drag Race: All-Stars 4, she lived in her French Vanilla Fantasy.

This drag performers zodiac sign may offer some explanation for her diva with a heart personality. Heres what we know about the RuPauls Drag Race season 9 fan-favorite named Valentina.

Valentina attends RuPauls Drag Race All-Stars Meet The Queens | Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Valentina was a contestant on RuPauls Drag Race season 9

When in doubt, smile! This drag performer was a contestant on RuPauls Drag Race season 9 with Shea Coulee, Sasha Velour, Peppermint, and Alexis Michelle. She appeared in the Snatch Game as Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo (Miss Colombia).

Valentina had her first win with the cheerleading challenge in episode 2, titled She Done Already Done Brought It On. She placed high for several challenges and made her mark with several iconic runways.

She was Miss Fan Favorite with the matching Miss Congeniality crown. However, Valentina did not win her season of RuPauls Drag Race. This performer was infamously eliminated after wearing a mask during her lip sync to Greedy by Ariana Grande.

RELATED: RuPauls Drag Race: Why the Miss Congeniality of Season 9 Was so Controversial

Things work in the oddest and most mysterious ways, Valentina said during an interview with Vulture. Its true: I didnt know all my words. But I had planned to wear that mask with the matching pair of gloves for my club-kid look all along.

What is Valentinas zodiac sign?

Since appearing on this reality competition show, Valentina earned her reputation as a diva with a heart. Born on May 14, 1991, Valentina is a Taurus sun sign. People with this zodiac sign are known for being stubborn, which makes sense with Valentinas French Vanilla Fantasy.

This sign is also known for being ambitious and hard-working, which makes sense for any queen trying to snatch the title of Americas Next Drag Superstar. Other Taurus RuPauls Drag Race alumni include Katya Zamolodchikova (season 7), Gia Gumm (season 6), Miz Cracker (season 10), and Blair St. Clair (season 10),

RELATED: Shea Coulee Told the Full Story of Valentinas Elimination From RuPauls Drag Race

Valentina returned for the RuPauls Drag Race spinoff series, RuPauls Drag Race: All-Stars 4

Taurus are known for their perseverance. According to Cosmopolitan, there is no task or challenge that will beat [a Taurus]. They have endless reserves of tenacity, patience, and resilience.

Thats also true of Valentina, who returned to the Werk Room for RuPauls Drag Race: All-Stars 4. There, this drag performer had her lip-syncing redemption, performing an Ariana Grande song and winning over the judges.

She showcased several runway looks, and although she didnt snatch the crown. Additionally, she earned several opportunities following her appearance on the spinoff. That includes her starring role in FOXs Rent Live as the character named Angel.

Some seasons of RuPauls Drag Race, some featuring Valentina, are available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Paramount+. To learn more about this subscription service, visit their website.
The Suicide Squad assembles a ragtag team of DC Comics supervillains for a covert mission. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) selects each member for their unique skill set in the hopes they come together as a team. Savant (Michael Rooker) is one of many team members with expert aim, as he demonstrates in his Belle Reve prison cell. Rookers real life skill, however, is swimming.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for the pre-title sequence in The Suicide Squad.]

Michael Rooker | Eric Charbonneau

Rooker spoke with Showbiz Cheat Sheet by Zoom on July 18 about The Suicide Squad. Since his big action scene involves swimming in the ocean, Rooker shared his history as a lifeguard that gave him the skills he needed for the movie. The Suicide Squad is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max.

Michael Rooker swims in The Suicide Squad like his life depends on it

Waller sends the new squad to a beach to infiltrate Corto Maltese. It doesnt go as planned. Savant tries to swim for his life when the Suicide Squad gets ambushed. Fortunately, Rooker was ready to swim.

I was a lifeguard for about 3 years back in Chicago on Lake Michigan, Rooker said. So Im an OK swimmer. Although I was a lifeguard, I was the worst swimmer on the beach. I gotta tell you though, I was the best guard. I was always alert, Im always on high alert, even in my normal everyday life it seems. At least thats what my doctor tells me so Im trying to calm down a little bit.

Swimming in The Suicide Squad was harder than on Lake Michigan

In his lifeguard days, Rooker could wear a bathing suit. Hed be unencumbered in the water in the event of an emergency. In The Suicide Squad, his Savant costume and wig were soaking with water.

Michael Rooker (center) | Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics

RELATED: The Suicide Squad Star Flula Borg Knows Why Harley Quinn Is Attracted to Javelin

But, it was tough in the suit and it was tough, there was another apparatus, part of a helicopter wing that I had to use, Rooker said. It was interesting. That physicality was really the biggest kind of physicality thing that was the most challenging for me in this movie.

The beach was inside

At least Rooker didnt have to swim in the real ocean. The Suicide Squad constructed the entire beach in a studio for director James Gunn to stage the scene.

L-R: Sean Gunn, Pete Davidson, Mayling Ng, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Nathan Fillion, James Gunn, Margot Robbie, Flula Borg, and Michael Rooker | Jessica Miglio/DC Comics

RELATED: The Suicide Squad Star Margot Robbie Says Harley Quinn Is Finally Single and Ready to Mingle

Im swimming in a massive, massive tank, one of the largest sets built, Rooker said. It has a full on beach, a full on oceanfront with waves. They can develop waves. They can get up to one foot, two foot waves. Then we have a forest behind that with mountains. Its a massive set and it was really super impressive. Its honestly just like storming the beach at Guadalcanal, man. Without all the death and mayhem of course. It was really super amazing.
The late Cherokee linguist Durbin Feeling is credited as being the tribes single-largest contributor to the Cherokee language since Sequoyah. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Aug. 4 passed a Native American language act named after him.
Chickasha, OK (73018)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Ive known Kenyatta for more than twenty years, since we were seminary classmates. He has always been faithful and thoughtfulwhich leads him to interact with Scripture in a way that connects with the real world in ways I find challenging and comforting, insightful and inspiring, as youll see in this conversation we had about his most recent book. Kent

KENT: In your recent book, Just Living: Meditations for Engaging Our Life and Times, you write: No wonder the prophet [Amos] refuses the designation nabi (prophet) and says, I am no prophet, nor a prophets son; but I am a herdsman, and dresser of sycamore trees (Amos 7:14). To which God says, Not so fast, sir! I have an assignment for you, Amos... That Not so fast...I have an assignment for you of Gods calling can feel both heavy and light. Why is it essential to spend time in Scripture, prayer, and reflection when were seeking to be faithful in our calling to love and serve our neighbors (a theme of The Better Samaritan)?

KENYATTA: Part of my aim in writing a book of meditations is to help individualswhether practicing Christians or religiously disaffected personsto see the great value of having reflective theological conversations with God and their neighbors that meet at the intersection of Scripture, contemporary culture, and religious faith. More specific to your question, I believe such conversations are essential because, as with Amoss case, the God who calls is the same God who draws us into spaces that resist our speech and oppose our work. This is not only the prophet Amoss testimony but that of Jeremiah Jonah, Ezekiel, Daniel and several others whom God commissioned to assume truth-bearing tasks. The Hebrew prophet had two principal tasks: to hear from God and disseminate what is heard.

Of all the times Ive prayed, read about, and heard sermons or reflections on the Lords Prayer, Id never thought of it through the lens of nearness. You wrote: Lukes record contains no appeals for divine favor. What we have here in Lukes record are five requests for God to act. Every petition in the Lords Prayer is a request for nearness: Teach us to pray so we can know we are not alone in this world; give us food daily for our bodies; embrace us so we might know we have been forgiven; and let your kingdom come, let it come as near as it is out of our reach. These are all requests for real presence... What personal devotional practices have you found can help us experience the grace of Gods nearness to us?

I am a firm believer that God desires to reward our conscious efforts of desiring God and to participate in what God is doing in the world. The petitionary work itself is a sort of throwing oneself upon the mercy of God, acknowledging that in our feeble acts of devotion and service what is often revealed is that we are more feckless than faithful. Thus, assigning some spiritual value to all that I do and am doing helps me to decompartmentalize things to pursue a more integrated way of obtaining devotional enrichment, and this decompartmentalization is an intentional blurring of the sacred/secular duality that suggests that God can only be accessed and grace experienced in well-defined spaces because of our serial practices and ritualized behavior. My best personal devotional practice is stillness. Sitting with myself and attending to the very breath I breathe is quite revolutionary in these times.

We were in a small group together in our dorm hall in seminary that sometimes prayed and read Scripture together. Id learned about lectio divina in class there and first used it in that group. Its become a deeply influential practice in my spiritual practice and in my work for the past twenty-plus years. What have been group practices around prayer and devotions that have been most fruitful for you as a community seeks to live justly?

I teach a first-year spiritual formation course at Howard University once a year, and I have exposed learners to lectio divina, which, in my estimation, has prompt rich and meaningful religious experiences, as students are awakened to Gods presence having been guided as a group through a more deliberate approach to Bible reading. Before Just Livings publication, my spiritual formation course served as an informal focus group. Each class session I opened with a centering moment using a selected meditation. I would assign 4-5 readers to read accompanying biblical passages and then invite participants to join me in praying the corresponding prayer. And as a finishing task, open up the group to dialogue, using question prompts. By the close of the semester, each student composes their own meditation using the same writing template.

This prayer you wrote resonated with me and I imagine will with lots of people in this emerging-from-Covid moment: Satisfy my weary soul this day, dear God. Make my life brand new; deliver me from shame; purge me from the guilt that weighs heavily on me; and help me to understand the depth of your steadfast love, salvation, and forgiveness. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Can you recommend a Scripture passage that could be good for those who are weary of life and might feel weary doing justice right now?

Several scriptural passages come to mind. Ill share some of them (and their relevant themes) drawn from a broad counsel of scripture--from the Torah, prophetic literature, the Gospels, the Epistles, and apocalyptic literature. Consider the movement from human predicament to promise fulfillment in the following: Genesis 21:9-21, the Hagar and Ishmael - Abraham and Sarah saga (abandonment helplessness, and promise); Isaiah 40:25-31; 55:1-9 (exhaustion, power, strength, and renewal); Matthew 5:1-11, The Beatitudes (poverty, mourning, spiritual satiation, and promised reward); Romans 8:18-28, Future Hope (spiritual slavery, communal suffering, bondage, freedom, and goodness); and Revelation 7:9-17, Gods Righteous Reign and Eschatalogical Vision (hunger, thirst, death, power, blessings, comfort).

Your father was the first African American graduate of Baylor University and a religion department scholarship was recently named at Baylor. In the text about the scholarship, youre quoted saying, he was not caught up in being the first Black student at Baylor. He was more concerned with not being the last. As we seek to follow Jesus faithfully and do justice for our neighbors, how can it help us to look back to the generations before us and look forward to the generations coming after us?

Subscribe to email digests from the Better Samaritan.

The Akan of West Africa created the image of the Sankofa bird, which I think captures well what might speak to your question. The mythical Sankofa bird carries an egg in its mouth and its feet are planted forward, while its head is turned in the opposite direction to symbolize that the past informs the future, and it's never taboo to go and fetch from the past. Though he was gone too soon, my fathers witness has been compass-setting for me. His profound religious convictions and civic engagement despite battling chronic illnesses most of his adult life inspire me as I journey on my own distinctive ministry path. Whether pushing his wheelchair through hospital corridors or lifting his frail body upon a stool from where hed preach each Sunday, witnessing his dogged determination to serve God and humankind in the way that he did provokes me to likewise live into my particular calling as a clergy practitioner, research scholar, and theological educator. As new knowledge is acquired and new theories emerge on how to grow effective ministries, I find myself drawn to the elders and ancestors who walked and talked with God until they obtained the sustainable resource which God alone provides: wisdom.

The Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert  professor of homiletics at Howard University School of Divinity  is a nationally recognized expert on African American preaching. A prolific writer and oft-featured expert on Black preaching, civil rights, and social justice, Dr. Gilbert has authored countless sermons and classroom lectures, as well as four books: Exodus Preaching: Crafting Sermons about Justice and Hope; A Pursued Justice: Black Preaching from the Great Migration to Civil Rights; The Journey and Promise of African American Preaching; and Just Living: Meditations for Engaging our Life and Times. His writing has also been featured by such outlets as PBS NewsHour, Sojourners, Word & Way, and The Conversation. In 2011, he launched The Preaching Project, a ministry aimed at equipping ministers to better serve African American churches and communities.
Long before K-pop swept the world, South Korean missionaries traversed it.

More than 20,000 missionaries belong to the Korean World Missionary Fellowship (KWMF), which last month held its first convocation hosted in Korea after decades of convening in the United States.

Despite the pandemic postponing the quadrennial event, the hybrid gathering cohosted by evangelical Handong Global University in the port city of Pohang drew 300 missionaries in-person and 400 virtually from 75 nations.

There was a tone of urgency among senior missionaries at the decline of a Korean missions movement that once sent the second-highest number of missionaries in the world. We need to view our mission with a new perspective and engage in our work with more diverse approaches, KWMF Chairman Choi Keun-bong, who has worked as a missionary in Kyrgyzstan for 28 years, told CTS News. If we do not do so, we may enter a time when it would be hard for missions to survive.

The three-day convocation, served by 300 mostly student volunteers, featured numerous panels and workshops on Korean missions as well as opportunities for fellowship. The days were long, kicking off with revival prayer meetings at 6:30 a.m. and wrapping up with worship services at 10 p.m.

Among the key themes of the convocation were North Korea, generational transition, and educational ministry. On the last day, the three came together in the Pohang Statement, translated from Korean into English, Spanish, and Chinese [further explained here].

For the first time in its history, the KWMF published a code of ethics for missionaries and a public call to emancipate from North Korea six South Korean Christians currently held captive from four to eight years [see sidebar below].

We declare, as Korean missionaries, that we have the special duty and calling to bring forth reconciliation and evangelization in the Korean Peninsula, the group stated. We call for the protection and release of the unduly detained Christian workers in North Korea.

Although Pyongyangonce called the Jerusalem of the Eastseems impervious to foreigners today, Handong awarded an honorary doctorate to an Egyptian Coptic Christian businessman during the convocation partly to help liberate the detained Christians.

Orascom CEO Naguib Sawiris lifts up Romans 8:31 (If God is for us, who can be against us) as his favorite Bible verse, and the billionaire has invested $250 million in North Korea to provide telecommunications services to its six million citizens. It is my faith in God that is the source of my courage, he told the Handong community in an interview, and he committed to strive for the release of the six detained Christians.

The other recipient of a Handong honorary doctorate at the KWMF event was Reuben Torrey IV, who was recognized for his American familys four generations of missionary service in East Asia.

The patriarch, R. A. Torrey, was a superintendent of Moody Bible Institute who led revivals in China and Japan in the first decade of the 1900s. His son, R. A. Torrey II, became a missionary in China, where R. A. Torrey III was born. Torrey III grew up in Pyongyang, helped re-establish Anglican Sungkonghoe University in Korea, and founded Jesus Abbey in the eastern mountains of Korea in 1965.

Torrey IV continues to serve at Jesus Abbey, which has become a vibrant ecumenical community visited by some 10,000 Christians every year.

We awarded the Torrey family with the hope that Korean missionary families would also serve multiple generations, said Won Jae-chun, professor of law at Handong and an organizer of the convocation. Most Korean missionaries are in their 50s and 60s now, and the number of missionaries under 40 are shrinking. They are praying for not only their children, but the next generation of missionaries.

South Korea has long sent the most number of missionaries after the USan impressive feat for a young nation of 52 million whose Christians numbered less than 1 percent of the population in 1900. But during the past decade, its number of missionaries has been surpassed by larger nations such as Brazil and China. The KWMF convocation regularly discussed this inflection point in Korean mission history.

Handong has a thousand children of missionaries as students, university president Chang Soon-heung told CTS News. We hope that young people would gain a new heart for mission after this convocation.

The gathering provided an opportunity not only for Handong students and other volunteers to learn from the participating missionaries, all of whom had served for at least five years, but also for the missionaries to replenish themselves and receive the support they sometimes lack in their mission fields.

During the last evenings worship, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and sensed that sovereign God would use this convocation as an inflection point for a new era of mission, said Jang Ho-jin, a graduating student at Handong International Law School who volunteered as a vocalist with the law schools praise band. Children danced to our songs on stage, and missionaries of all age sang and danced together which made us feel united as one.

For four months leading up to the convocation, Handong surveyed Korean missionaries to explore the myriad challenges they face. About 60 percent of the 300 respondents stated they are in need of psychotherapy or counseling; 70 percent had encountered legal problems in their mission field; and 90 percent did not have a retirement plan. In response, Handong offered counseling and legal support booths throughout the convocation, and announced a plan to build a residential community for retired missionaries next to its campus.

The last KWMF convocation, which gathered 971 missionaries and 4,500 clergy and lay participants, was hosted in 2016 at Azusa Pacific University in California after the first seven convocations took place at Wheaton College in Illinois, beginning in 1988. The location of the next convocation is still undecided.

If I were the president of Wheaton or Azusa, Id want to host the next KWMF convocation as it was such a gem and a blessing, said Won. This convocation will be relevant not only for Korean mission, but also for world mission as we innovate on what we have learned from Western missionaries to move from West to the rest evangelism to [global] South-to-South cooperation.

The KWMF convocation was welcomed by leading pastors and seminary presidents in Korea. Leaders at Yoido Full Gospel Church, the worlds largest congregation, and at Soongsil University and Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, founded by American missionaries more than a century ago, were among the two dozen Christian leaders who sent congratulatory videos.

In the past century, the Korean church has been indebted to the Western churches for the gospel, said Sarang Community Church senior pastor Oh Jung-hyun. During the next century, the Korean church should pay back the debt of gospel to the world churches.

I believe that the mission work will not diminish after the pandemic, said Onnuri Church senior pastor Lee Jae-hoon, whose church came to the rescue of Handong when the university founded in 1994 faced financial challenges during its early years. With Gods wisdom beyond our imagination, we will be better equipped for the commission to witness the gospel.

Profiles of the six South Korean Christians detained in North Korea and advocated for by KWMF (provided by HGU):



Three South Korean missionaries:



1) Kim Kook-kie: Pastor detained since October 2014 for carrying out a ministry helping North Koreans, kotjebi (North Korean street children), and Korean-Chinese with various medical supplies, clothes, and farm machinery since 2003.



2) Choi Chun-kil: Pastor arrested and detained since December 2014 and sentenced to indefinite compulsory labor in June 2015. Official reason for his detainment is anti-DPRK espionage activities under the manipulation of the US and puppet South Korea.



3) Kim, Jung-wook: Pastor arrested and detained since October 2013 and sentenced for life in 2014, for establishing a noodle company which ran humanitarian aid projects and a North Korean ministry in Dandung, China, that offered food, medicine, and shelter.



The official reason for the detainment of each is anti-DPRK espionage activities under the manipulation of the US and puppet South Korea.



Three South Korean Christian workers who are all former North Korean refugees:



4) Ko Hyon-chol: Arrested in May 2016 while crossing the Amnok River to help orphan girls escape from North Korea to an island located near the river. Current status unknown.



5) Kim Won-ho: Abducted on the Chinese side of the border in March 2016. Current status unknown.



6) Ham Jin-woo: A reporter abducted in May 2017 while reporting on the Chinese side of the China-North Korea border between Sanhe and Longjin. Before he fled North Korea, he worked in its General Bureau of Reconnaissance managing intelligence operations targeting South Korea and Japan. He obtained South Korean citizenship in 2011 and worked as a reporter at Daily NK, a South Korean media outlet which specializes in North Korean news. He also helped missionaries that helped North Korean people. Current status unknown.

Correction: An earlier version of this article inaccurately stated Jesus Abbey is located in the western mountains of South Korea. The abbey is located in the eastern mountains.
I knew things were changing several years ago when our church began the second phase of our construction and were ready to build a gym. Everything was going according to plan until the student ministers asked us not to build a gym. A gymnasium, they told us, wouldn't support the kind of ministry our student leaders envisioned for this current generation of students. (Have you ever tried to balance sound levels for a band in a gym?)

Of course, when we made the announcement, we had a firestorm of blowback -- not from the students, but from their parents. Why wouldn't we build a gym? All of them had grown up playing basketball at the church. Their children should have the same opportunity.

There was just one problem. Their children didn't play basketball after school. They all went to Starbucks and texted each other with the latest gossip and homework assignments. If we wanted to reach students in this generation, we needed to build a facility that supported the way students did life. We needed a facility that supported multiple worship experiences, workshops, conferences, and a cafe that served really good coffee.

I'm a boomer. My generation moved through the system like the last meal swallowed by a python. I was always in the largest class of every school I attended. Every city I lived in was growing. My tribe went to big high schools and shopped at malls as large as small cities. The malls had everything. Every kind of store, every kind of restaurant -- and some even had amusement parks in them. As a teenager, you went to the mall just to walk around in circles to see who else had come to the mall. You could shop, eat, see a movie, and have a late-night snack before you went home. And you could do it all under the same roof.

We built our churches the same way. Mega-churches became Jesus malls. Families could drop off their children, meet friends for lunch, take music lessons and learn about interesting places around the world in the missions center. The family pulled into the color guided parking lot and once the family entered their facility, everyone went their own way. Adults went to the adult areas. Children went to the children's area, students went to the student areas, and everyone met back at the car after church was over. The parents would talk about the worship service. The children would show off their crafts and the students would sulk in the back of the car until the family began to argue about where eat for lunch.

Now, the boomers are senior adults. We've sold our homes and moved closer to our children. The large churches we built struggle to fill the sanctuaries on Sunday mornings and many have started renting out part of their facilities as offices for non-profits.

What happened? Simple. People changed. Millennials wanted something else. They don't go to chain restaurants. They go to local places. They want to know the chef and know what farm the lettuce came from. They shop in boutiques or online. They don't go to malls.

They want their churches to be in the communities where they live and where their children go to school. They would prefer to walk to church. They're not concerned if the pastor is a great orator. They want to know their pastor is genuine; a human being thats on the journey just like they are, trying to figure it all out. They're not looking for an expert. This generation knows there are no experts. From the economy to COVID, this generation knows every expert is just guessing. Instead of listening to one person, they prefer to listen to several colleagues. They find truth in the combination of opinions, facts and experts. They're looking for a church where they can engage. A community where they are needed.

And preferably, they want a church they see everyday. They want their church to be part of the neighborhood. The church has to be seen as a service center to the neighborhood and world. Sacred structures which open only once a week won't be funded by millennials and Gen Xers. The facility has to be designed to support the mission of serving the world in the love of Christ.

Across the nation, corporations are realizing they don't need the same amount of square footage to accomplish their work. People are working from home, sharing workspaces and offices. Churches are in the same boat. We no longer need as much square footage to accomplish our mission. We can build multifunctional facilities that serve several purposes during the week in order to better serve our communities. In the future, the churches will be smaller and closer together which will allow them to share the opportunities and burdens of loving a local community. You won't see denominations in the future. You'll see neighborhood clusters joining together for the good of their communities.

The days of building a church with a prefabricated formula never worked really well. Now, they don't work at all. These days, each facility is going to have to be designed uniquely for every ministry setting depending upon community needs. Our communities have become little worlds unto themselves. Churches are going to have to view their neighborhoods as the mission fields they are.

And each one of them will take a unique approach to best reach the people who live in these communities. One size, one way, one method, won't ever succeed in our post-pandemic world. Then again, it never has.
'Let us worship': Church, Muslim sue Ugandan govt over draconian COVID-19 worship ban

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A congregation and a representative of an Islamic community have filed a lawsuit against the Republic of Uganda over pandemic lockdown restrictions that have halted in-person worship.

ADF International, a partner organization to the United States-based Alliance Defending Freedom, announced their litigation against the Ugandan government on Thursday.

At issue are lockdown measures enacted last week that, while allowing secular entities to remain open and public transportation to be at 50% capacity, nevertheless banned houses of worship from meeting in-person.

Agnes Namaganda, a member of the Christian fellowship supporting the legal challenge, said in a statement included in the announcement that the measures were draconian.

As a woman of faith, its been difficult to see my community deprived of access to public worship at a time when we need it most, Namaganda said.

At this hard moment for our country, the government must remember that we dont only have physical needs, but spiritual needs too. Im glad to stand with my church, with support from ADF International, in challenging this disproportionate, unnecessary, and draconian restriction on freedom of worship.

Imaam Bbaale Muhammed, who is part of the litigation, said in comments included in the announcement that he believed participating in public worship is as essential as taking food and water.

Why are people of faith being treated as more contagious than others? Muhammed asked. Of course, it is vitally important to keep our communities safe at this time. This can and must be done while also upholding the right to gather for worship.

In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases, long-serving Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni enacted strict lockdown measures.

Considered one of the African continents tightest limits, the initial lockdown included closing businesses and schools, as well as prohibiting the use of private and public vehicles.

Last Friday, Museveni announced an easing of the restrictions, allowing for the opening of businesses and other entities, as well as vehicle transportation albeit with limits on passengers.

In his televised address, the Ugandan president explained that the easing of restrictions came after he considered the economic considerations for the country and a decline in cases.

During the period of the lockdown data generated by the ministry of health has shown a consistent reduction in daily confirmed cases, said Museveni, as reported by Reuters.

Around 1.1 million Ugandans have had at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Reuters, while as of July 28 there were more than 93,000 recorded cases of coronavirus and over 2,600 deaths.
How should Christians respond to Americas identity crisis? (pt 1)

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It should be clear to all those not too blind to see or too deaf to hear that America is facing a profound identity crisis in terms of who we are and what it is we stand for as a people and as a nation.

In significant ways, this culture war can be boiled down to two large groups of Americans, each deeply committed to their cause.

One group, while acknowledging Americas faults and imperfections, wants to restore traditional American values (inextricably intertwined with the Judeo-Christian values embedded in our founding documents) while continuing to address the imperfections and inequalities that remain.

For a quarter century (1988-2013) I was privileged to lead a Christian organization that was deeply committed to this vision of religiously driven reformation of American culture and society (The Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission).

The Commissions Vision and Mission statement spells this out with admirable clarity:

Our Vision: An American society that affirms and practices Judeo-Christian values rooted in biblical authority.

Our Mission statement clarified how this vision was to be achieved. To awaken, inform, energize, equip, and mobilize Christians to be the catalysts for the Biblically-based transformation of their families, churches, communities, and the nation.

The other side is composed of the various groups of Americans who make up the progressive left, whose collective goal and purpose is to profoundly change an American society they believe to be hopelessly compromised by its racist and sexist past. Racism and sexism must be overthrown and abolished and a new and different society erected on the rubble of the existing order.

In a country as committed to democratic self-government as America is, such culture wars are conducted in the public square through political debate and elections. Students of such conflicts have observed, Politics is downstream from culture and culture is downstream from religion. This is true whether your religion is monotheistic, polytheistic, agnostic, or atheistic.

Consequently, before we can begin to address the question of how Christians should address our nations profound identity crisis, we must attempt to answer the question: What does it mean to be a Christian?

As an orthodox (with a small o) Christian of traditional Protestant convictions (of the Baptist persuasion), my attempt to answer that question will always commence by addressing it to the New Testament as my manual for faith and practice.

The New Testament informs one that a Christian is a follower and disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ who has placed his or her personal faith and trust in Christs death on the cross as atonement for their sins. As the Apostle Paul informs us, For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9).

While Jesus was still in the midst of His earthly ministry, He taught His disciples that they were to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Matt. 5:13-16) The context of this teaching is both fascinating and instructive.

Jesus, having seen the multitudes, withdrew and beckoned His disciples to join Him. Jesus, being the Incarnate Son of God, really saw the multitudes. He saw them as they really were. Reading the fine print of their souls, Jesus saw them in their darkness and despair. He could see the vast, cavernous difference between what they were and the person God had created each of them to be.

He turned to His disciples and charged them to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, ministering to the lost worlds darkness, decay, and despair. Salt is a preservative, stopping decay and putrefaction. Salt is a disinfectant, cleansing wounds of infection. Jesus is calling Christians to be a moral disinfectant and preservative in a decayed, infected world. Salt cant bring life, but it can stop the decay. Light penetrates the darkness, dispels the gloom and illuminates the truth.

Jesus has commanded each Christian to be salt and light because we are to be living and breathing examples of having been salted and lit by the Holy Spirit.

The New Testament tells us that every Christian is a new kind of man that never existed before and as such, we are to carry that transformative light to a lost and dying world.

In Pauls letter to the Ephesians, he proclaims that Jesus Christ has broken down the wall between Jews and Gentiles and He has created a new man (Eph. 2:14-15).

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul uses the Greek term kainos for new of a different and unique kind and the Greek tizo, to create, not merely make. In other words, after Pentecost, with the coming of the Holy Spirit in a new and mighty way, God has created a new kind of human being, a post-Pentecost, Spirit-born being unlike all others that have gone before. As John Chrysostom, (347 AD-407 AD), an early church father reportedly put it, It was as if God melted down a statue of silver (the Jews) and a statue of lead (the Gentiles) and produced a new statue of gold!

This is why the Apostle Paul declared that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).

Since Christians are indeed a new kind of human being, we are called to a ministry of reconciliation. The Apostle Paul declares, Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:17-18).

Next week we will explore some of the implications of the ministry of reconciliation which have been assigned to and entrusted to Christians today.
Abortion survivors unite for healing at first-ever retreat: 'You belong'

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The Abortion Survivors Network hosted the first-ever retreat for survivors of failed abortions last weekend. Over a dozen united under the mantra, You Belong," to show they are not alone.

The 17 participants attending the event in Schulenburg, Texas, wore T-shirts that said, You belong, written on top of the outline of a heart.

The attendees ranged from age 41 to 76 and were survivors of failed abortions before and after the practice was legalized nationwide in 1973, according to the network's founder, Melissa Ohden, who herself is a survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion.

The attendees included survivors of saline abortions, surgical abortions (dilation & curettage), vacuum aspiration abortions, pre-term induction and abortions attempted at home and in medical facilities.

Sitting in a room full of people I just met, I have never felt more like I belonged. I am not alone in my struggles. There was a whole room that echoed, me too. That was healing for me, abortion survivor Denisha said of the retreat, according to pro-life advocacy group Live Action.

The survivors prayed for the end of abortion and for other abortion survivors throughout the world. They also wrote letters to other abortion survivors.

Some attendees completed speaker training to join the Abortion Survivors Network Speakers Bureau, and 10 others completed the Abortion Survivor Networks healing curriculum.

Karen, a 76-year-old survivor, told LiveAction it was a safe place to share our stories for healing to take place and she is thankful for the camaraderie, mutual love and connection the retreat provided.

The retreat focused on the topics of forgiveness, identity and coping with trauma skills. The survivors shared adverse effects from abortion, including feelings of rejection and isolation, trauma-induced mental health issues, medical conditions like chronic pain, fatigue or physical scars from abortion instruments.

Most of these women have never shared their story publicly or shown the world their face. Why? Theres a million reasons why, but what matters is that they found a place where they belong," the Abortion Survivors Network shared on Instagram.

Ohden, who survived an abortion at 31 weeks gestation in 1977, founded the Abortion Survivors Network in 2002 to humanize the unborn, survivors of abortion and all impacted by abortion.

The group bills itself as the "only advocacy and support group for survivors of abortion and their families."

Ohden spent the final five days in the womb soaking in a toxic saline solution meant to end her life but was born alive. Upon her birth, she was stuffed into a closet to die until a nurse intervened to save her life, according to Live Action.

"My medical records reflect that the doctors initially suspected I had a fatal heart defect due to high levels of fetal distress. My grandmother demanded that I be left to die, but I am grateful for the NICU nurse working that day who was unwilling to do as she was told, and rushed me to the NICU," Ohden testified before U.S. Congress in June.

"Before you vilify my grandmother for that demand, know that Ive learned from two nurses that it was common practice at that same hospital to leave born alive infants like me to die in the utility closet there. This is not an isolated practice. It was not the exception. It was the rule."

Ohden has a masters degree in social work with an emphasis on forgiveness, identity and coping skills with trauma, which equips her in her work advocating for other survivors of abortion.

Though numbers are not explicitly reported, Human Life International estimates there are 431 survivors of abortion each year based on available data.

Ohden seeks to connect survivors of abortion with information, education, healing support for both the parent and child and advocacy after dealing with trauma from before birth.

The network offers an annual retreat, one-on-one peer support, regular Zoom meetings, a workbook and a private community for survivors of abortion.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali says critical race theory is 'worst philosophy,' teaches kids to 'hate' each other Somali-born activist urges Americans not to be divided by the 'crazy people'

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A Somali-born human rights activist and bestselling author condemned critical race theory (CRT) as divisive and the worst philosophy she has ever come across as some media and public school systems continue to endorse it.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Muslim survivor of female genital mutilation and former member of the Dutch Parliament, warned in a recent interview with Fox News that critical race theory will teach children to hate" each other.

"It divides us into people of different races, and it says that these racial differences are irreconcilable," the womens activist and Hoover Institution fellow stated, adding that the ideology seeks to divide along the lines of race, immigration, gender identity and gender.

It sees no reconciliation, no coming together unless the people that they describe as eternal victims, black people, people of color, women, transgender people, unless they unite to destroy and dismantle our existing institutions, she continued. It's a very nihilistic, zero-sum game. It's the worst philosophy I've ever come across.

Ali has stood against various political oppressive political philosophies across the globe. She has garnered international attention over the years as a critic of Islam. She has advocated for the rights of Muslim women and has openly criticized forced marriages, honor killings, female genital mutilation and child marriage.

The solution to the advancement of CRT in America, Ali said, is to come together, not be driven apart by these crazy people.

Ali said CRT teaches young children to relate to one another based on skin color and gender, which she believes will lead to them hate one another. She believes white children will grow to hate America because "they will feel that its the legacy of America that has saddled them, burdened them with this terrible history."

Both sets of children will look at America and America's legacies and institutions and all that they have either with contempt or with hatred and anger or a combination of all, she said.

Ali contends mainstream media have promoted CRT because they "decided that what sells is divisiveness." She warned that the way to counter CRT is to expose it.

In another interview with Fox News Dana Perino, Ali addressed the comments of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who said the American system must be dismantled.

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com

We cant stop at criminal justice reform or policing reform, Omar said during a press conference last year. We are not merely fighting to tear down the systems of oppression in the criminal justice system. We are fighting to tear down systems of oppression that exist in housing, in education, in health care, in employment, [and] in the air we breathe.

Ali, however, believes the American system is not perfect but is made to self-correct and address these problems on its own.

I dont think we need a revolution, she said. I think what we have the American Declaration, the American Constitution, the American values, our system, gives us the tools to address social injustice, to address inequality, to address all the issues that we face.  I think we need to resist and say, you have come to America in search of freedom, youve come to America in search of equality. We find it here. Our system is not perfect. We can fix it, and we do it through conversations.

Ali said that even though loud minority seek to dismantle the American system, it must be preserved. Despite its young age as a nation, she said the United States has accomplished so much in its short history.

[America] is the one nation that has abolished slavery," she said. "It is the one nation that has stood up for civil rights and has passed laws and has allocated huge resources to achieving or aspiring to achieve free equality. I do not believe in guaranteeing equality of outcomes. I believe in equality of opportunity.

I think we should reject and stand up to crazy people who say that our system, the United States of America, our America, is made up of systemic racism, she said.

Ali said the system helps Americans strive to make things better and is unlike any other countrys system.

So, the Ilhan Omars of this world, the Ocasio-Cortezs of this world, I think they need to take time out to travel in the real world, other countries where you dont have that, where there are really bad systems, she said.

Critical race theory is defined by Encyclopedia Britannica as an intellectual movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour.

The reference source reports that critical race theorists hold that the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans.

Proponents of CRT criticize the U.S. and Western nations as being oppressive and promoting institutional systemic racism or white supremacy, teaching that systemic racism is ingrained in many aspects of American life.

Critics contend that proponents of CRT use Marxist tactics of class struggle to divide people among race, gender and ethnicity. Components from the theoretical framework are being taught in some public schools, government agencies and business training programs.

CRT has been a source of controversy in school board meetings across the country.
Hillsongs Brian Houston says sex abuse concealment charges are a shock to me

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Pastor Brian Houston, the lead pastor of the global multisite Hillsong Church, has expressed his surprise at being charged with concealing sex abuse at his influential congregation.

On Thursday, police officials announced that the 67-year-old leader of the Sydney-based megachurch was being charged with concealing child sex offenses, The Associated Press reported.

Police will allege in court [that Houston] knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police, stated Australian authorities, as quoted by the AP.

In a statement to The Christian Post through Hillsong, Houston expressed shock at the charges.

These charges have come as a shock to me given how transparent Ive always been about this matter, Houston said. I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight.

The church also provided a statement to CP, explaining that they were disappointed that Pastor Brian has been charged, and asked that he be afforded the presumption of innocence and due process as is his right.

He has advised us that he will defend this and looks forward to clearing his name. Given that this matter is now before the court, neither Pastor Brian or Hillsong Church will be making further statements, Hillsong added.

Years ago, Australia issued a royal commission probe into whether Houston tried to cover-up an incident in which his late father, Frank Houston, sexually abused a minor in the 1970s.

In 2014, in response to the probe, Brian Houston denied knowing anything about the $10,000 compensation payment made to a man who his father sexually abused as a child.

Houston said he was totally devastated to learn about his fathers abuse and he had to come to terms with the fact that the person I looked up to was not who I thought he was.

The charges come not long after revelations surfaced of serious leadership problems at the United States-based Hillsong East Coast, especially regarding the financial and sexual scandals surrounding Carl Lentz, including an affair.

Other Hillsong resignations that followed Lentz included Darnell Barrett, creative director of Hillsong Church Montclair in New Jersey, and Reed and Jess Bogard from Hillsong Dallas, which has since closed.

In March, Houston apologized for scandals occurring at Hillsong East Coast, vowing to enact sweeping changes aimed at correcting the issues and misalignment of the culture and practices of the U.S. branch.

We know that Hillsong East Coast has failed to be the kind of church it should be. On behalf of the Global Board and as Global Senior Pastor, I accept responsibility for these failings and apologize unreservedly, said Houston earlier this year.

As the events of last year unfolded, there was a lot we didnt know. Now, thanks to the courage and honesty of many of you, we have a much clearer understanding of the state of Hillsong East Coast. Thank you to all of you who have enabled us to reach this place.
Indiana law requiring clinics to report abortion complications upheld by 7th Circuit

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Pro-life groups and conservative politicians are cheering after a federal court of appeals upholding part of an Indiana law requiring abortion facilities to report any complications from abortions taking place at their clinics to the state.

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Chicago, ruled in favor of the state of Indiana Monday, rejecting Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentuckys argument that the Complications Statute of Senate Enrolled Act No. 340, signed into law in 2018, was unconstitutionally vague.

Judge Amy St. Eve, appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, crafted the majority opinion while a Democrat-appointed judge authored a dissent. Indianas pro-life community quickly rejoiced.

Were thrilled to see the Seventh Circuit rule in favor of this common-sense abortion Complications Statute and against abortion-rights extremists, said Indiana Right to Life President Mike Fletcher in a statement. Abortionists and hospitals should have to report complications related to abortion, as women have a right to know the serious harm an abortion could do to them, both physically and mentally.

Indianas Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita said on Twitter that decision is a huge win for the safety of women. According to Rokita, Complications from abortion have been notoriously difficult to track, resulting in a skewed understanding of the danger abortion poses to women.

After characterizing the enforcement of this reporting law as a big step in the direction of collecting accurate data on the harms abortion causes, he vowed to continue to fight tirelessly for the rights of the unborn.

This decision by the Seventh Circuit is a huge win for the safety of women. Complications from abortion have been notoriously difficult to track, resulting in a skewed understanding of the danger abortion poses to women. https://t.co/FPLPNDUo4Q  Todd Rokita (@AGToddRokita) August 5, 2021

Following Mondays decision, the case will head back to the district court level, where a judge will address other concerns about the law that the three-judge appellate court panel did not weigh.

The local affiliate of Planned Parenthood first filed a lawsuit against the law in 2018, about a month after it was signed by Indianas Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb. The abortion provider took issue with both the complications statute and the inspection statute of the law.

The complications statute mandated that physicians report any adverse physical or psychological condition arising from the induction or performance of an abortion." The inspection statute required abortion facilities to submit to annual inspections conducted by the state.

A lower court judge rejected Planned Parenthoods request to nullify the inspection statute but agreed with the organization that the complications statute was unconstitutionally vague.

The complications statute outlined a list of adverse events that necessitated reporting, including uterine perforation, infection, cardiac arrest, renal failure, coma, an allergic reaction to abortion-inducing drugs and death. Failure to report adverse events constituted a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison and $1,000 in fines.

Initially, the list of adverse events was painted as illustrative, meaning it did not include a list of every possible complication that could constitute an adverse effect. However, in 2019, the statute was revised so that the list of adverse events became exhaustive, meaning that only the complications highlighted on the list would qualify as adverse events.

While Mondays ruling reversed the lower court decision finding the complications statute unconstitutionally vague, it left some of Planned Parenthoods other complaints about the law for the lower court to decide. Specifically, the abortion provider alleged that the Complications Statute is both irrational and violates due process.

Noting that the lower court did not take up those arguments after finding that the Statute was unconstitutionally vague, the appeals court judges took no position on those arguments and remanded them to the district court.

Mondays decision comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, billed as a significant opportunity to chip away at the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. That case centers around Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban, and a decision is expected next spring.
John Piper to write book about the Second Coming: Whatever the Lord impresses on me

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Desiring God teacher and author John Piper has announced that he will be writing a book about the Second Coming. He asked supporters for prayers as he seeks to write a modest book about the provocative topic.

In a message recorded on July 26 and posted on the Desiring God Twitter handle on Tuesday, Piper, chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, explained that he had desired for several years now to write  a modest book that people would read and be helped by concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

What Ill do, Lord-willing, said Piper, is take my file which I have assembled over the last months of every text in the New Testament relating to the Second Coming and Ill just prayerfully, thoughtfully begin to read through them.

Taking notes about whatever the Lord impresses on me as a dimension of this reality that needs explaining and application and celebration.

Piper described the book as a team project, as he had Desiring God personnel help him find past articles he had written about regarding the End Times, the rapture and similar issues.

According to Piper, the team had found and emailed him 42 items that included sermons, articles and other works that he had created regarding the topic since 1980.

What will emerge, I dont know, continued Piper. I dont have any big outline for this book yet, but I will give you one more tip as to where its going.

The Future Grace author quoted 2nd Timothy 4:6-8, which reads: The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

How many Christians do you know who not only think about but love the appearing of the Lord? They manifestly give evidence that they love the prospect of the Lord splitting the sky, lightning from horizon to horizon, the last trumpet, the cry of the command of God, the raising of all dead believers? Piper asked.

How many people you know think about that, love that, and long for that to come?

In January, the Colorado Springs, Colorado-based publisher WaterBrook published a book based off of a sermon series by the late preacher and author Eugene Peterson about the Book of Revelation.

Titled The Hallelujah Banquet: How the End of What We Were Reveals Who We Can Be, the book featured several edited sermons from Peterson from 1984.

In one of the sermons, Peterson argued that the last book of the Bible was not a disclosure of future events but the revelation of their inner meaning.

It does not tell us what events are going to take place and the dates of their occurrence; it tells us what the meaning of those events is, stated Peterson, as recorded in the book.

The text gives us a summary of what lies behind the veil, behind the newspaper headlines, behind the expressionless mask of a new calendar.
Catholic charity has sent nearly $50M to aid Syrians since start of civil war

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To provide spiritual, financial and physical support to Syrians amid the ongoing economic crisis in Syria, the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need has sent close to $50 million in aid to conduct various projects since the start of the civil war in the Middle East country.

In partnership with numerous churches in Syria, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has provided ongoing support, including food, rent, medical aid and psychological support to thousands of Christian families in the country, which has endured nearly a decade of war and terrorism.

A representative from Aid to the Church in Need confirms that the charity has provided rent for hundreds of families in Aleppo for a year. The charity also runs a summer holiday program for disabled children who have suffered injuries from the war or were born disabled.

Since September 2020, the organization has also provided over 1,000 families with affordable bread. In recent years, the charity pledged over 1 million ($1.3 million) for projects in Syria. Since 2011, the start of the Syrian civil war, the charity has sent close to $50 million to provide pastoral and humanitarian aid to Syrias Christian population.

There are so many Syrians who went from supporting themselves to waiting in lines for help, and this has created a real sense of loss of dignity because many have become completely reliant on aid from our charity to survive, said Edward Clancy, the director of outreach for Aid to the Church in Need, told CP. We have to make sure that Christians in Syria are supported. We dont want the churches in Syria to become just a bunch of museums or empty buildings that are only open to people who are visitors simply because the Syrian residents stop finding hope in their churches.

Conflict erupted in Syria in 2011. Since then, the United Nations reports that over 5 million Syrians have fled the country, while 6 million are internally displaced. The international agency estimates that about 13 million people are in need of assistance. In addition to the civil conflict, Syrians have also been terrorized by Islamic extremists groups, such as the Islamic State.

Clancy told CP that since 2011, Aid to the Church in Need has provided about $35 million toward humanitarian aid (food, healthcare and housing), just under $7 million to support education and nearly $5.5 million for the reconstruction of homes, churches, schools and community centers. More than $1 million in general pastoral and community support.

Clancy, who has worked for ACN Charity for over 20 years and has been a director of the charity for 13 years, said he has been passionate about helping others in need for over a decade.

As Christians, we are called to live and express faith to others, and evangelization happens in the way you serve others, Clancy said. Jesus came to serve and not to be served. Jesus died serving, and I think its our duty to do as Jesus did by living to serve. There are so many people in Syria that are in desperate need right now, and they dont want to flee their country because that is the home they know.  There is a dire need.

Many residents in Syria are without electricity, Clancy said. And without the ability to power a refrigerator, milk and food will spoil. Aid to the Church in Need has helped provide non-perishable items like flour, rice, dry beans, oil, sugar and powdered milk for many families in need.

The charity has built a soup kitchen and a social market in Syria while also building two COVID-19 testing centers, as well as providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizers to many families, according to Clancy.

Many children in Syria do not have access to nutritional items that they need, such as milk, so we have worked to provide non-perishable items and powdered milk to as many families as we can so that their children can get the nutrition they need to be healthy and grow, he said. Theres no simple answer for these Syrian people because there are many diplomatic, civil, religious and economic issues coming together in one place. ... Christians had a life, and now it has gotten much worse.

Clancy has not visited Syria in person in several years. However, his organization continues to be run by one staff member working on the ground in Syria alongside many priests and nuns from various Syrian church communities to help run the charity's efforts.

The testimonies that Ive seen on video from many of the Syrian people has told me and many others working to support the charity that we are helping in big ways, Clancy said. I think the biggest fear that many of these Syrians have is to be forgotten. Our biggest goal is to give hope, light and faith to people in difficult situations because faith moves us beyond darkness.

Clancy encourages people everywhere to pray for peace and hope in Syria.

My prayer is that God would give the leadership in Syria wisdom to lead and that they will have a lasting impact on the Christian community in Syria, he said. I hope that the communities that were most harshly affected will have healing and recovery and for the community to go back to the ability to grow.
Security and reconciliation: How Canadian dioceses are responding to wave of church arsons

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Dioceses in Canada are responding in various ways to the wave of church arsons and attacks following the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at multiple religious, residential schools that once aimed to reeducate indigenous children.

As several Canadian churches have been physically attacked over the summer, The Christian Post reached out to dioceses in Canada for their perspectives on what is happening and what measures they are taking in response.

Many churches are taking action to increase security for their buildings while some are working to foster reconciliation.

Security

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, based in British Columbia, has seen four mission churches burned down that were located in First Nations Reserves and two other churches vandalized with paint.

Bishop Gregory Bittman told The Christian Post via email that the regional body has suggested to its parishes consider having extra security for our churches, either professional or volunteer.

It is regrettable that more suffering and harm is being inflicted on people, especially the indigenous people by these acts of violence," the bishop stated. "It is no solution, and only perpetuates the cycle of violence."

Bittman said he believes government officials should take a more active part in stopping the apparent uptick in church violence, stating that they could do more as they have done with other churches or institutions.

In May, the remains of 215 children were found buried at a property on which the Kamloops Indian Residential School stood in British Columbia, which closed its doors in 1978.

The school was affiliated with the Catholic Church and was part of a national system overseen by government and religious authorities to assimilate indigenous communities.

Soon after, an additional 751 unmarked graves were found near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, which had also been under Catholic Church administration.

Following these revelations, dozens of churches have suffered from arson or vandalism, especially those in western indigenous territories.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, located in the southern part of Saskatchewan, has yet to experience any arson or vandalism during the summer.

Nevertheless, Regina Archdiocese spokesperson Lisa Polk told CP that the parishes are making preparations to double-check or expand upon their security measures.

All parishes have completed an Arson Risk Assessment and Church Safety Checklist and have taken steps to reduce the risk of arson and vandalism, she explained.

Some have initiated or increased security patrols of their property during the overnight period. A couple of parishes have added video surveillance cameras to their security systems.

Although largely impacting Catholic church buildings, Anglican and Orthodox congregations have also been targets during the summer.

Truth and Reconciliation

Although many churches and dioceses are concerned about the apparent uptick in arson attacks since the residential schools report, many want to focus on racial reconciliation labors.

Catherine Pate, director of communication for the British Columbia-based Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets, told CP that churches in her diocese are more focused on doing the work of reconciliation and decolonization.

We, in this diocese, are not focused on the spate of vandalisms, but are instead focusing our time and energy on the reconciliatory work we need to do and are doing as a church, said Pate.

Pate viewed this as the true Gospel work we are called to and directed CP to a 2015 report created by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the University of Manitoba.

Among the reports 94 calls to action, some spoke of what churches, namely those tied to the residential schools, should do in response to the abuses of indigenous Canadians.

These include calling on Pope Francis to issue an apology for the Roman Catholic Churchs role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children in Catholic-run residential schools." The report calls for churches to dialogue with indigenous religious leaders and help fund projects to benefit native populations.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Regina directed CP to a statement by Archbishop Donald Bolen released in June. He spoke about the church regional bodys own Diocesan Committee for Truth and Reconciliation.

Formed under Archbishop Bolen, the committee comprised both indigenous and non-members, which took up the Calls to Action addressed to churches.

We tried many things. Some worked and some did not, stated Bolen. But the Committee for Truth and Reconciliation proved an effective way to listen to many different Indigenous voices, and to learn to walk together.

We do not want to suppress or hide from the suffering of the past, nor to overlook or dismiss the many ways that Indigenous people in the present continue to carry the heavy burdens of the legacy of residential schools.  We desire to turn our apologies into concrete plans of action oriented to justice, healing and reconciliation.

Despite the apparent wave of anti-church violence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had no plans as of late July to form a national task force to address the issue, according to the Jesuit news publication America Magazine.

While we are certainly sensitive to recent events, we will allow the evidence to guide us in each of the investigations and will not speculate as to possible motives, stated Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the RCMP in British Columbia, as reported by America Magazine.

Our officers have been working closely with indigenous leaders and local church administration to discuss possible options with respect to crime prevention.
India: Christian persecution watchdog fears police orders to surveil Christians activities will increase attacks on believers

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As Christian persecution continues to rise in India, all police stations in one district have been ordered to keep surveillance on Christians and report on any "conversion activities. A U.S.-based persecution watchdog group now fears that attacks on Christians might intensify.

The Superintendent of Police of the Sukma District in Chhattisgarh state has issued a circular to all police stations directing officers to surveil the districts Christian community and be on the lookout for fraudulent religious conversions and to act against Christians where these activities are found, International Christian Concern reports.

Several incidents of intimidation, threats and assaults against the Christians of Sukma have been reported since the circular was sent, ICC reports.

Four policemen came to our village while we were having a prayer gathering on July 23, Bhima, a Christian from Sukma, was quoted as saying. They enquired about conversions. They did not do anything to us, but after the police left the Hindu radicals in the village started using abusive words against all Christians. They threatened that they would chase us away from the village.

Another local pastor was quoted as saying that all churches in the villages had been forced to stop all the worship gatherings.

Christians make up about 2.5% of Indias population, while Hindus comprise 79.5%.

India ranks as the 10th worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the U.S. State Department to label India as a country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

The Evangelical Fellowship of India says in a report that it documented 145 cases of atrocities against Christians  three murders, 22 attacks on churches and 20 cases of ostracization or social boycott in rural areas  in the first half of 2021.

The violence, detailed in the report, itself was vicious, widespread and ranged from murder to attacks on churches, false cases, police immunity and connivance, and the now normalized social exclusion or boycott which is becoming viral, the report says.

Since the current ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party) took power in 2014, incidents against Christians have increased, and Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences, noted Open Doors World Watch List last year.

The view of the Hindu nationalists is that to be Indian is to be Hindu, so any other faith  including Christianity  is viewed as non-Indian. Also, converts to Christianity from Hindu backgrounds or tribal religions are often extremely persecuted by their family members and communities, Open Doors said at the time.

Several Indian states have anti-conversion laws, which presume that Christian workers force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

In July, at least 30 Christians were falsely accused of engaging in forced religious conversions and arrested in Indias most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, according to ICC.

Like we have seen in other states, Uttar Pradeshs anti-conversion law provides a legal cover for radical Hindu nationalists seeking to persecute Christians, ICCs Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, said. If the government of Uttar Pradesh allows this to continue, radical Hindu nationalists will know they have absolute impunity to harass Christians and close down their places of worship.

While the anti-conversion laws have been in place for decades in some states, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

Some of these laws state that no one is allowed to use the threat of divine displeasure, meaning Christians cannot talk about Heaven or Hell, as that would be seen as forcing someone to convert. And if snacks or meals are served to Hindus after an evangelistic meeting, that could be seen as inducement.
As part of Mattel's annual Role Models initiative, this year honors six women scientists who stood out during the pandemic. They have become heroines and will now be represented in Barbies dolls made in their likeness. Among them the British co-creator of the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19.

In the list of women highlighted by Barbie are, from actresses and singers, to activists, astronauts, politicians, painters, athletes, writers and scientists, such as Marilyn Monroe, Beyonce, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margot Robbie , Maya Angelou, Hellen Keller, Frida Kahlo, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, among others. This with the purpose of breaking paradigms and making effective its slogan of 'be what you want to be', for the new generations. "Seeing and hearing real and inspiring stories from people who have excelled in some field makes a difference," explains the toy brand.

Barbie is proud to honor 6 frontline workers from around the world with #OneOfAKind dolls in their likeness. From an ER nurse to a biomedical researcher and more, these heroes continue to serve their communities, and inspire generations to follow their lead. #ThankYouHeroes pic.twitter.com/x6pdOlJNDZ - Barbie (@Barbie) August 4, 2021

However, this year they opted for characters a little less known but vital for the difficult times that we are going through. Real life heroines! As a recognition to all those who fought in the pandemic (and continue to do so), the brand decided to immortalize as dolls these women who made a difference in the lives of people within their communities and the world.

Barbie heroines

Doctor Jaqueline Goes - Brazil

Brazilian doctor Jaqueline Goes led the team that sequenced the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome in just 48 hours , in the South American country. A record time compared to other nations. The doctor faced many challenges, had to break down barriers and is now an inspiration.

Image: Courtesy Barbie

Professor Sarah Gilbert - UK

The 59-year-old academic from Oxford University is the co-creator of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine . "I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls to research careers and I hope that children who see my Barbie realize how vital science careers are in helping the world around us," the British scientist told the outlet. The Telegraph . In addition to having a Barbie in her honor, the professor was also ennobled in June by Queen Elizabeth II for her service to public health and medical research.

Image: Youtube Capture

Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz - United States

Dr. Cruz, who worked on the front lines of the battle in Las Vegas during the pandemic, joined forces with other Asian-American doctors to fight against racial prejudice and discrimination .

Image: Courtesy Barbie

Chika Stacy Oriuwa - Canada

She is a psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto. Dr. Oriuwa has advocated against systematic racism in healthcare , which grew stronger during the pandemic.

Image: Courtesy Barbie

Nurse Amy O'Sullivan - United States

ER Nurse Amy treated the first Covid patient in Brooklyn at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. Not ostentatious, she became ill and was intubated, but a few weeks later she returned to work to continue caring for her patients.

Image: Courtesy Barbie

Kirby White - Australia

Dr White is a general practitioner in Australia and co-founded the Gowns for Doctors initiative, developing a surgical gown that could be washed and reused , allowing frontline workers to continue to care for patients. during the pandemic.

Image: Courtesy Barbie

"Barbie recognizes that all healthcare professionals have made great sacrifices in dealing with the pandemic and the challenges it has brought," said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and Global Director of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel, in a statement.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration will relieve Americans from paying their federal student loans through the end of January, extending the pause for what it says is the last time as the government seeks to keep the economic recovery rolling.

The move continues the suspension of payments for all loans owned by the Education Department, maintaining a 0% interest rate and keeping in place a freeze on the collection of defaulted debt. Payments will begin coming due again on Feb. 1.

All of the loan measures, first adopted in March 2020, were to expire at the end of September. The administration intends for this to be the final extension of the protections and announced the move Friday to give certainty to borrowers and loan servicers, a person familiar with the matter said on the condition of anonymity to preview the plan.

The announcement gives servicing companies that process payments for the Education Department more time to prepare for the influx from borrowers. In all, 41 million borrowers benefited from the measures, including several million current students.

The payment pause has been a lifeline that allowed millions of Americans to focus on their families, health, and finances instead of student loans during the national emergency, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. As our nations economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a smooth pathway back to repayment.

Schumer, Warren Pressure

President Joe Biden and Cardona faced pressure from congressional Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who said last month that restoring payments could bring millions of borrowers to the edge of financial crisis. Schumer and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren have been among the most vocal in urging the administration to extend the protections.

The temporary extension deflects some tension from Schumer and Warrens push to persuade Biden to cancel as much as $50,000 of student debt per borrower. The two senators see the pandemic protections as an interim step toward their goal, even though Biden has said he doubts he has the authority to cancel so much student debt.

The president has said he believes he could cancel as much as $10,000 in debt per borrower. The departments of Education and Justice have been engaged in a months-long review of the issue.

While this temporary relief is welcome, it doesnt go far enough, Schumer, Warren and Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley said in a statement. We continue to call on the administration to use its existing executive authority to cancel $50,000 of student debt. Student debt cancellation is one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity.

Representative Jamaal Bowman, a New York Democrat, said on Twitter: Sounds like January 31, 2022 is the deadline to cancel student debt. No more extensions required.

But Senator Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, said the extension actively works against the interests of students, borrowers, and taxpayers. Based on the cost of prior loan pauses, this extension will cost an estimated $20 billion to subsidize over the next four months, on top of the $76 billion already spent on the loan pauses over the last year and a half.

He urged the administration to instead use needs-based repayment programs to assist borrowers and called for Congress to pass his legislation simplifying the system.

A poll conducted in May and June for the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 67% of student loan borrowers said it would be difficult for them to afford payments if they were to resume the following month. Though the Sept. 30 end of forbearance had already been announced, 52% of those affected by the pause said they did not know when they would be required to resume payments, suggesting that they will need help from the Education Department and loan servicers in transitioning back to repayment.

Stimulus Erasures

Some colleges have also tried to ease the burden of their students by using stimulus money to erase unpaid balances owed to colleges, which is separate from federal loan relief.

The concern over borrowers who cannot pay stems from the repercussions of default: scarred credit ratings, which can lead to difficulty renting an apartment or securing a mortgage or even credit check for a job. Loan servicers also need time to staff up again, a person familiar with the plan said.

In a June letter, Warren, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith and Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey warned the chief executives of all the federal student loan servicers about restoring payments without supporting borrowers.

If struggling borrowers are dropped back into repayment on their student loans with no adjustments or support, then they could find themselves in default or distress, facing disastrous long-term economic consequences that will echo across generations, the lawmakers said.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
It is not news that digital currencies are in full swing and it is not surprising that many want to join the trend by creating their own 'crypto'. This time, the novelty is the launch of a cryptocurrency inspired by the 'Lord of the Rings' saga and its author, JRR Tolkien , which they have christened with the word game JRR Token .

Under the slogan "The only token that governs them all" , the new digital currency is based on Binance Smartchain . On their website , the creators of JRR Token claim that the cryptocurrency is "accessible and fully transparent" with its community, with "generous" benefits for those who invest and for charitable donations.

The starting price is quite attractive: 1,070 per unit, of which they promise a supply of 19 trillion tokens. In addition, their launch offer is very tempting, as they will give away 300 million JRR to the first users who sign up for their application.

It may interest you: Get to know Xoycoin, the Mexican cryptocurrency linked to Ethereum in which you can invest from 20 pesos

The JRR Token already has the support of actor Billy Boyd , who played the hobbit Peregrin 'Pippin' Took in the 'Lord of the Rings' movies. Frodo's ex-adventure partner Sam and Merry posted a video on Twitter in which, while not expressly inviting to buy the cryptocurrency, he did predict that its value will skyrocket "all the way to the moon and back ."

"JRR Token has been created with the aim of having a stable and sustainable cryptocurrency that can be embraced by all the adventurous spirits of the world," said 'Pippin'.

JRR Token was created with a mind to have a stable and sustainable cryptocurrency that could be embraced by adventurous spirits around the World. Don't believe us? Well here is what Peregrin "Pippin" Took thinks. #crypto #JrrToken #tothemoon #cryptocurrency #BSCGems #Binance #bnb pic.twitter.com/kyotWgfjpJ - JRR Token (@TheTokenOfPower) August 2, 2021

The occurrence has not gone unnoticed by fans of 'The Lord of the Rings' , who immediately started a heated debate on social networks.

This is absolutely embarrassing. It is the opposite of all the themes in his [Tolkien's] work. Cryptocurrencies is Feanorian arrogance in a big way. It's what Saruman would do , "said an outraged tweeter.

To which the @TheTokenOfPower account replied: Saruman was trying to unify Middle-earth under a centralized government where the fellowship wanted decentralization. The cryptocurrency is literally a decentralized network  .

Saruman was trying to unify Middle Earth under centralized rule where as the fellowship wanted decentralization. Cryptocurrency is literally a decentralized network. - JRR Token (@TheTokenOfPower) August 4, 2021

Tolkien's anti-materialist vision, by which he glorified the wonders of living things and the ordinary  'stone, wood, and iron; trees and grass; homes and fire; bread and wine ', as he would write in' On Fairy Tales', his 1947 essay - they fit in with the values of the counterculture,  wrote another user.

The creators responded to the above tweet arguing that "[Tolkien] also believed in decentralization and abhorred centralized power. Cryptocurrencies are a decentralized platform that hands over power to the people ."

He also believed in decentralization and appalled centralized rule. Cryptocurrency is a decentralized platform which gives the people the power. - JRR Token (@TheTokenOfPower) August 4, 2021

The new cryptocurrency JRR Token may be a highly debatable idea for devotees of the 'Lord of the Rings' saga and JRR Tolkien , but there is no doubt that in marketing terms it served its goal: to go viral and generate conversation.

As for investing in this digital currency , it can be as good or bad idea as it was to buy Dogecoin in its early days, when it seemed just a joke inspired by the Doge puppy meme and no one suspected that it would become Elon Musk's favorite, who would make it rise like foam.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
HARTFORD, Conn.  Connecticut has become the latest state to mandate that workers in nursing homes be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday directed an executive order that requires all employees of long-term care facilities to receive at least the first dose of a vaccine by Sept. 7.

In a statement, he said it would absolutely irresponsible for staffers not to be vaccinated, given the vulnerability of the people in their care.

According to Lamonts release, more than half of all nursing homes in Connecticut have a staff vaccination rate lower than 75%. Connecticut joins at least five other states that have issued similar mandates.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Study: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors big immune boost

 Vaccination form for federal workers adds penalties for lies

 Some US schools reopen with mix of masks in classrooms

 United Airlines will require US employees to be vaccinated

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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:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California has announced another round of coronavirus vaccine incentives.

The California Department of Health Care Services on Friday said it would spend $350 million to vaccinate more people on the states Medicaid program. Medicaid is the joint state and federal health insurance program for people who are disabled or have low incomes.

About 76% of California residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. But only 45% of the states Medicaid population has been vaccinated.

The new incentives include up to $50 grocery store gift cards. About 13.8 million people are enrolled in Californias Medicaid program.

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LANSING, Michigan  Hundreds of people gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol on Friday to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Carrying signs with slogans such as Jab or Job? Wrong! and Let me call my shots, the demonstrators heard speakers criticize government officials and and urge their audience to contact elected representatives to express their opposition.

Ron Armstrong, president for Stand Up Michigan, one of the organizers of the rally, said they were fighting for individuals rights to choose  thats all  in the employment area, in the student area, in the schools, in the universities . . . or wherever else it is mandated.

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JACKSON, Miss.  The Mississippi State Medical Association on Friday urged all school districts to require masks for students and employees as COVID-19 cases continue to proliferate with the highly contagious delta variant.

At MSMA, we love to follow the science. We digested it, and we believe in mask mandates for the schools, the associations president, Dr. Mark Horne said during an online briefing about the pandemic.

The state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, said during the briefing that he applauds school administrators and school board members who stand firm for mask mandates, even as some face pushback from angry parents.

Its tough to be a good leader, but its good for the kids, Dobbs said. Its going to save lives.

Many districts are leaving decisions about face coverings up to students and parents, saying they dont want to set a requirement if Republican Gov. Tate Reeves is not issuing a statewide mask mandate for schools.

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LIBERTY, Mo.  Thirty ambulances and more than 60 medical personnel will be stationed across the state of Missouri to help transport COVID-19 patients to other regions if nearby hospitals are too full to admit them, Gov. Mike Parson announced Friday.

Parson said the mutual aid ambulances will begin arriving Friday in five districts from across the state and will operate anywhere they are needed through Sept. 5.

The state sent ambulances from Arkansas to Springfield in mid-July when that region began straining under new COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant.

These 30 new ambulance teams triple our transport capacity and expand it to the entire state, as needed, Parson said in a statement. Our health care professionals are performing heroically to save lives as the delta variant dramatically increases hospital admissions. We will continue to support our health care heroes across the state.

The move comes as Missouri reported a seven-day average of 2,069 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, which is the highest number since Jan. 12 when the the seven-day average was 2,348, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

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NAMPA, Idaho -- A popular Idaho ski destination had one of the highest per-capita rates of coronavirus in the country at the start of the pandemic last year. Now the Sun Valley region is leading the state  and most of the country  in vaccinating its citizens.

The Idaho Press reports numbers from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare show that more than 87% of Blaine County residents ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to healthdata.gov, 80% of the countys residents are fully vaccinated, which puts the county in the top 10 among more than 3,000 counties nationwide.

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HOUSTON  Houston area officials say the latest wave of COVID-19 cases is pushing the local health care system to nearly a breaking point, resulting in some patients having to be transferred out of the city to get medical care, including one who had to be taken to North Dakota.

Dr. David Persse, who is health authority for the Houston Health Department and EMS medical director, said some ambulances were waiting hours to offload patients at Houston area hospitals because no beds were available. Persse said he feared this would lead to prolonged respond times to 911 medical calls.

The health care system right now is nearly at a breaking point ... For the next three weeks or so, I see no relief on whats happening in emergency departments, Persse said Thursday.

Last weekend, a patient in Houston had to be transferred to North Dakota to get medical care. An 11-month-old girl with COVID-19 and who was having seizures had to be transported on Thursday from Houston to a hospital 170 miles away in Temple.

The rising hospitalization and positivity rate in the Houston area prompted Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II on Thursday to announce that he plans to ask the school board during its meeting next week to approve a mandate requiring all students, teachers and staff to wear masks. Classes in the Houston school district, the states largest, begin Aug. 23.

We know that were going to get pushback for this, House said. If approved, the mask mandate would go against an executive order Gov. Greg Abbott repeated last month banning such mandates by any state, county or local government entity.

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BATON ROUGE, La.  Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards warned residents that their states place at the epicenter of the latest coronavirus surge isnt lessening.

He noted that Louisianas COVID-19 case growth and hospitalizations continue to worsen, and he said the percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive continues to go up, reaching more than 15% Friday.

We have no reason to believe in our data that weve reached the peak or that were coming down, the Democratic governor said.

He urged people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus illness and to follow the states mask mandate, saying thats the only way to lessen the surge.

I know were going to get through this, Edwards said. But he added: How many people die between now and then is largely going to be up to us.

Still, the governor offered some signs of hopefulness in the continued increases in people newly seeking the vaccine. Edwards chief public health officer, Dr. Joe Kanter, said vaccinations have increased more than 500% over the last month.

But Kanter also offered a list of grim statistics as well, saying 15% of emergency room visits in the state are now related to COVID-19. He said 50 hospitals have asked the state for staffing assistance, warning they can no longer adequately provide care to the community. And he noted that over the past two weeks about 1% of the states entire population has become infected with COVID-19.

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TOPEKA, Kan.  A small but growing number of places in Kansas are requiring people to wear masks indoors.

The spread of the more contagious delta variant across the state prompted the University of Kansas on Friday to reverse course and impose a mask mandate on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in Johnson County in the Kansas City area. The mandate takes effect Monday and applies whether someone is vaccinated or not.

Washburn University in Topeka also announced an indoor mask mandate, and Wyandotte County has one in place for most residents.

Meanwhile, Gov. Laura Kelly released a new public-service announcement urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

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WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Jennifer Psaki said Friday that there are early discussions about a range of options for new vaccine mandates or penalties for certain situations, such as domestic travelers and nursing home workers. She added that the administration has concern about anti-mask, anti-vaccine mandate restrictions in some states.

If you dont want to abide by public health guidelines, dont want to use your role as leaders, Psaki said, then you should get out of the way.

She also applauded United Airlines announcement that it would require workers to get vaccinated, saying support these vaccination requirements to protect workers, communities and our country and we hope to see even more action from the public and private sector over the coming weeks.

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TOPEKA, Kan.  Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids has tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated against it and is in isolation.

Davids said Friday in a statement that she has had only mild symptoms from her breakthrough case. She said she was tested after undergoing outpatient surgery involving the parathyroid glands in the neck that regulate calcium levels in the blood.

The two-term Democratic congresswoman for the states portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area said shes been following precautions recommended by health officials, including wearing masks indoors.

She said shes grateful for COVID-19 vaccines and urged people to get inoculated. Her statement did not say how she contracted COVID-19.

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LAS VEGAS  More than 6,000 people in Nevada have died of COVID-19, a grim milestone the state surpassed Friday as officials struggle to respond to another surge of the coronavirus.

Gov. Steve Sisolak called it another significant and heartbreaking milestone for the state and issued another plea for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Nevada reported 26 new deaths Friday and 1,299 new cases of COVID-19.

Since the pandemic began, the state has reported 363,574 COVID-19 cases and 6,005 deaths.

Sisolak and state health officials have been struggling to mitigate another resurgence of the virus in Nevada driven by the highly contagious delta variant and a still-lagging rate of vaccinations.

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PHOENIX  Arizona is seeing another significant leap in new COVID-19 infections, with more than 2,800 reported Friday.

The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations also continued to climb, with 1,309 patients. The state Department of Health Services dashboard showed 2,826 new confirmed cases and 42 deaths. The latest figures bring Arizonas pandemic totals to 940,762 cases and 18,342 deaths.

Since most Arizona schools returned this week, eight districts have now made indoor masking mandatory in defiance of the law. All except for Tucson Unified are in the Phoenix area. It has prompted a lawsuit from a Phoenix biology teacher.

Brophy College Preparatory, a private, all-boys high school in Phoenix, will require everyone regardless of vaccine status to wear masks indoors when classes start Monday. Masks will then be optional starting Sept. 13. But thats when students and staff must be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to a letter from the principal.

Any student who wants to participate in overnight retreats or school-related travel will have to show proof of vaccination. The Catholic, Jesuit high school, which counts Duceys two sons as alumni, is not obligated to follow the state law.

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MINNEAPOLIS  Target said Friday that it will not require its downtown Minneapolis headquarters employees to return to the office for the rest of the year, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the delta variant.

Target has about 8,500 workers at its headquarters offices, making it the largest employer in downtown Minneapolis.

In an email sent to employees Friday, Target said it is still planning a gradual transition back to the office starting Sept. 20, but only common areas such as cafeterias or conference rooms will initially be open.

Plans to reopen other floors and personal workspaces in September have been put on hold, the Star Tribune reported.

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NEW YORK  Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice had twice the risk of getting reinfected.

The report Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention comes as scientists urge people to get vaccinated because of the highly contagious delta variant. That includes people who had a prior infection.

The report out of Kentucky adds to growing laboratory evidence that vaccines offer an important boost to natural immunity, including broader protection against new variants.

If you have had COVID-19 before, please still get vaccinated, said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads around the country.

Theres little information yet on reinfections with the newer delta variant. But U.S. health officials point to early data from Britain that the reinfection risk appears greater with delta than with the common alpha variant, once people are six months past their prior infection.

Theres no doubt that vaccinating a COVID-19 survivor enhances both the amount and breadth of immunity so that you cover not only the original (virus) but the variants, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert, said at a recent White House briefing.

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WASHINGTON -- Federal employees who need to certify their vaccination status under a new policy instituted by President Joe Biden intended to encourage COVID-19 shots will face disciplinary action and potentially criminal prosecution if they lie on the form.

The Biden administration on Friday unveiled the attestation form that employees will need to fill out about whether they have been fully vaccinated against the virus, adding legal teeth to the presidents mandate.

Federal employees wont be following the honor system but will instead be required to acknowledge that making a knowing and willful false statement on this form can be punished by fine or imprisonment or both.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the form, which was distributed Friday to agency leadership.

 By Zeke Miller
SOPA Images/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett

Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

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A longtime favorite restaurant for beach-goers from Houston and locals from Surfside met its final demise this week.

Kitty's Purple Cow, which survived hurricanes and years of economic ups and downs, is now a pile of rubble along Ocean Avenue.

The restaurant served up home-style meals with pizzazz among the most memorable and eclectic decor for nearly four decades before shuttering in October 2020.

Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Kitty Smith started the restaurant at 323 Ocean Ave. in the early 1980s and quickly became a local icon, as her daughter Carla Dowell told reporter Maddy McCarty of The Facts. When Smith died in 2017, Dowell was left to fill big shoes and did so for a few years.

But by the middle of 2020, Dowell said she started to feel it was time to let it go.

Warren, Karen/courtesy of Kitty Smith

"Its just not the same without my mom," Dowell told McCarty.

The eatery closed then, and the property has been vacant ever since. That was until demolition crews started tearing down the well-known purple building that housed the restaurant earlier this week, according to several social media posts and witnesses.

The fate of the site remains unclear. Property records show Dowell sold the land to Grey Creek Construction company based in Houston back in October.

A lawyer representing the company did not immediately divulge what might be built.

Your trip to Surfside Beach will still be as fun as ever, with waves, sun and a getaway from the city. But there will definitely be a piece of scenery missing now that Kitty's Purple Cow is officially no longer.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles returned home to Spring from the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday to the cheers and adoration of her neighbors and friends.

Community members and fans gathered along Rayford Road and Birnham Woods Drive in the Benders Landing neighborhood of Spring with handmade signs celebrating the seven-time Olympic medalist. Signs with photos of Biles dotted the parade route, letting passersby know that the famous Spring resident was returning.

Scherica Dominguez wanted to bring her daughters to the welcome-home parade that was held following the 2016 Olympics but felt they were a little too young to really understand and value the experience. Now, five years later, she and her three daughters were all lines up with handmade signs.

They really like Simone so I wanted them to see her in person and support her and let her know that Houston is standing behind her, Dominguez said.

For her daughters, Kahliya and Kennedy, being able to have a woman like Simone Biles to look up to made them feel good. Both girls wanted to congratulate their local Olympian and tell her shes an amazing gymnast.

While competing in Tokyo, Biles had to withdraw from four events and part of a fifth that she had qualified for, when she started experiencing Twisties, a mixture of physical and mental stresses that made it impossible for her to judge her position in the air in relation to the ground. On Tuesday night, Biles was able to compete in beam, taking home a bronze medal.

Theres a lot of relief, Biles said after accepting her bronze medal. To do beam, which I didnt think I was going to be able to do, just meant the world to be back out there.

Along with her medal in womens balance beam, Biles also took home silver in womens artistic team all-around at this years Olympic games.

Amber Pulvino came out Thursday night with her daughter, Brooklyn  who used to train at Biles gym, World Champions Center in Spring  to celebrate Biles not only as a gymnast but as a pillar of the local community.

We love you and we are so glad that youre back, and were proud of you no matter what, is the message Pulvino wanted to give Biles.

Amaya Wright isnt a gymnast, shes a dancer, but she and her family came out to stand along Birnham Woods Drive to be a part of the welcoming committee.

I really just want to celebrate her and know that were very grateful to have her on the team, Wright said. I love her.

Michael Carmichael is 8-years-old and a gymnast at World Champions Center, Simone Biles own gym. He and his whole family came to the Thursday parade to welcome her home.

She does very good at gymnastics, Carmichael said. Shes a very good person and she loves to do gymnastics.

They screamed and cheered as Biles arrived in an aqua blue convertible. Welcome home to a hometown girl, world champion, and Olympic star.

jamie.swinnerton@chron.com
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Bart Johnson, University of Oregon and David Hulse, University of Florida

(THE CONVERSATION) A wildfire burning in hot, dry mountain forest swept through the Gold Rush town of Greenville, California, on Aug. 4, reducing neighborhoods and the historic downtown to charred rubble. Hours earlier, the sheriff had warned Greenvilles remaining residents to get out immediately as strong, gusty winds drove the Dixie Fire toward town. At the same time, firefighters were also trying to protect two other communities  all not far from where the deadly Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018.

This kind of trauma is becoming familiar, from loss of homes to the obliteration of entire towns. Fear of what the future holds in a changing climate lends uncertainty to peoples daily lives. They want to know how to protect their homes, their families, their communities. But they also want to protect core values they cherish  good places to raise their children, freedom to choose their lifestyle, a sense of place in nature and belonging.

How can people prepare for a future thats unlike anything their communities have ever experienced?

The emergence of extreme fires in recent years and the resulting devastation shows that communities need better means to anticipate mounting dangers, and underscores how settlement patterns, land management and lifestyles will have to change to prevent even larger catastrophes. Our research team of landscapearchitects, ecologists, social scientists and computer scientists has been exploring and testing strategies to help.

What might the future hold?

Because climate change is contributing to unprecedented extreme fire weather, we used simulation modeling to explore and test how forest management and rural development could reduce or amplify wildfire risks in coming decades.

To do this, we created a computer version of the rural landscape around Eugene-Springfield, a midsize metropolitan area in Oregons Willamette Valley with a rapidly expanding population. Our simulations played out in carefully mapped representations of that landscape beginning in 2007, including its vegetation, property boundaries and the type of landowner managing each parcel, such as farmers, foresters or rural residents who moved to the countryside from the city.

For each of 50 simulated years, as climate models generated fire weather and altered the vegetation, each landowner chose actions such as removing hazardous fuels like small trees and underbrush, restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, growing crops, building homes or protecting homes with landscaping and building materials recommended by the National Fire Protection Associations Firewise program.

Over time, the simulated landowners could respond to emerging threats while protecting valued crops, amenities, lifestyles and ecosystems.

We tested different strategies under two climate models in 600 simulated futures. Under one climate model, wildfire behavior remained much the same as in the recent past while the number of fires grew because of increased human ignitions as the population increased. Under the other, more extreme climate model, wildfires larger than any experienced in the Willamette Valleys recent past could erupt without warning, threatening homes even as landowners vegetation management reduced the fires spread.

It turned out that those worst-case projections were dwarfed by the wildfires in 2020 just outside our study area.

Three lessons for surviving the future

Here are three key lessons were learning from our research on how people might reliably reduce their losses in a future that could bring more fires, unpredictable larger fires, or both.

1) Prepare for uncertainty: In a simulated world with extreme, unpredictable wildfires, 10 times more homes were threatened in our study area than in identical rural development and forest management scenarios under less extreme climate impacts. In our worst-case scenario  in which rural development expands without constraint and the forests arent thinned by people or allowed to burn naturally  over 30 times more homes were threatened than under conditions with less rural population growth and more management.

The good news was that when 30% of the burnable landscape was actively managed to reduce fire risk with forest-thinning techniques and grassland restoration, the threat to homes fell by nearly half in the world of extreme wildfires.

2) Choose treatments wisely: Reducing forest density by thinning out smaller trees and underbrush effectively reduced the spread and severity of fires in extreme fire weather. In fact, our results suggest these tactics become increasingly effective as fires grow larger and more intense.

In our study area, restoring imperiled native grasslands with scattered trees could do the best job of reducing risk to individual homes by creating safe places, where the fire isnt in the tree canopy and firefighters can battle it, under even extreme wildfire conditions. One such fire exploded out of nowhere under the less-extreme climate model, threatening over 900 homes. Two-thirds of homes in restored grasslands were protected by Firewise practices. Density thinning was only half as effective because of the difficulties of protecting homes in a forest. But the biggest challenge was that the high costs of thinning kept most forest landowners from maintaining treatments over time. As a result, high-severity fire consumed unmanaged forests, threatening 85% of homes there.

Grasslands pose a two-edged sword if not carefully managed  under extreme fire weather they could foster fast-spreading fire corridors that leave homes in nearby forests exposed to greater risk.

3) Manage rural development. Dealing with the often-divisive issue of where and how people build new homes is crucial when it comes to wildfire risk. Oregon is renowned for statewide policies that constrain urban sprawl.

When we tested scenarios with more relaxed rules, we found that adding many new rural homes increased the average risk per home. Under these relaxed policies, sites in less risky areas were quickly developed and housing shifted to steeper, forested terrain at greater risk of severe fires. That can compound risk by putting more homes in harms way and increasing the potential for vehicles and power lines to ignite fires.

An advantage of simulation modeling is that it allows scientists, policymakers and citizens to investigate things we cant easily test in the real world. We can explore prospective solutions, identify new problems they create and address them and run the simulations again.

In the real world, there is only one chance to get it right. People need to be able to identify reliable, adaptive approaches that can be implemented in sufficient time and in the right places before catastrophes happen. As carpenters say, Measure twice, cut once.

So what should people in fire-prone areas do?

Western wildfires are getting more extreme, but in many cases landowners and communities may be able to dramatically reduce the damage.

Our worst-case scenario  high climate impacts, large numbers of new rural homes and no fuels management  led to an order of magnitude greater risk to homes in our study area over the next 50 years. But by consolidating new development in cities and clustered rural housing, the risk dropped by half. And combining compact development with management of burnable vegetation reduced it by nearly 75%.

On a smaller scale, everyone can take basic steps to help protect their homes. Here are a few tips:

-

Keep roofs and gutters repaired and clear of dead leaves and conifer needles that a flying ember could ignite.

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Keep burnable material, including flammable plants and leaves, away from houses and especially from under porches.

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Keep tree canopies at least 10 feet from the home and prune branches up 6-10 feet from the ground within 30 feet of the house.

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Thin trees as much as 100-200 feet from the house to allow space between them so its harder for fire to move from one tree to the next.

The results of our simulations emphasize the power and consequences of todays decisions on tomorrows risk.

This article was updated Aug. 11, 2021, with an additional chart showing affects of grasslands and forests on fire threat to homes.

[Get our best science, health and technology stories. Sign up for The Conversations science newsletter.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/3-wildfire-lessons-for-forest-towns-as-dixie-fire-destroys-historic-greenville-california-165718.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Some 42 migrants, including 30 women and eight children, are believed to have died when their boat capsized in rough seas shortly after setting sail from the coastal town of Dakhla, in Western Sahara, a Spanish migrants rights activist said.

Helena Maleno, founder of the NGO Walking Borders, tweeted late Thursday that she had spoken to one of 10 survivors who claimed to have lost two children in the accident that occurred as the group was trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands in the Atlantic.

Moroccan officials in Dakhla could not be immediately reached for official confirmation. However, local media reported that 12 bodies had washed ashore on Thursday while 10 people were rescued by fishermen off the Dakhla coast.

Morocco claims the disputed Western Sahara territory, annexed in 1975, and its navy operates there. The Polisario Front seeks the territory's independence.

Further north along the Western Sahara coast, the official MAP news agency reported on Thursday that the Moroccan Navy had rescued 30 migrants just south of Laayoune. Naval vessels were still looking for 59 others, including 14 women and four children, in a nearby stretch of water hundreds of miles from Dakhla.

Separately, the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service said on Friday that it had rescued 63 people near the Canary Islands.

Migrant deaths are not uncommon in an area of the Atlantic that separates the West Coast of Africa and Spains Canary Islands. But this most recent boat accident included an unusually high number of women and children who have apparently perished.

Shipwrecks on the West African route to the Canaries are often hard to verify and most victims bodies are never recovered. The UNs Migration Agency has reported at least 250 migrants died on the route to the Canary Islands in the first six months of 2021 while Walking Borders reported many more victims on the same route for the same time period, counting almost 2,000.

In the first half of 2021, arrivals increased by 156% compared to the same period last year, according to IOM.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
FLORENCE, S.C. (AP)  Seven people were arrested following allegations that a resident was abused at a state assisted living facility, police said Thursday.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said two people were charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult following an incident that occurred May 3 at Pee Dee Regional Center, operated by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs in Florence County. Five others were charged with failing to report abuse, the agency said.
CAIRO (AP)  A global human rights watchdog has urged Egyptian judicial authorities to investigate what appeared to be extra-judicial killings of militants by the military in the country's restive northern Sinai Peninsula.

Amnesty International released a statement on Thursday commenting on a video released earlier this week by Egypt's armed forces, where troops appeared to be hunting down and killing alleged militants in Sinai's desert.

The Egyptian public prosecution must immediately launch effective, impartial and independent investigations into these apparent extrajudicial executions, with the view to bringing those responsible to justice in fair trials before civilian courts," said the London-based group's statement.

Egypt has been battling militants in northern Sinai for years. Violence and instability there intensified after the 2013 military ouster of Mohammed Morsi, an elected but divisive Islamist president, amid nationwide protests against his brief rule.

The militants have carried out numerous attacks, mainly targeting Egyptian security forces, minority Christians and those who they accuse of collaborating with the military and police. The fight against militants in Sinai has largely taken place hidden from the public eye, with journalists, non-residents and outside observers barred from the area. The conflict has also been kept at a distance from tourist resorts at the southern end of the peninsula.

An Egyptian government press officer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Sunday, the spokesman of Egypt's armed forces, Lt. Col. Gharib Abdel Hafez Gharib, posted a video on his official Facebook page showing troops firing at alleged militants living in tents in the Sinai desert. The video also included aerial shots in which the air force appears to be targeting men and vehicles, and still images of lifeless bodies of suspected militants, their faced blurred out.

In the video, the narrator says the footage was taken during recent operations by the Egyptian army in Sinai, where 89 highly dangerous militants and eight troops were killed.

The deeply disturbing footage in this Egyptian military propaganda video, which celebrates the armed forces' deliberate cold-blooded killings of two unarmed people clearly not posing a threat to life, offers a glimpse of the shocking crimes committed in the name of countering terrorism in Egypt, said Philip Luther, Amnesty's research and advocacy chief for the region.

Last week, Islamic Sate group militants ambushed a checkpoint in the town of Sheikh Zuweid. killing at least five troops and wounding six, according to officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

The pace of IS attacks in Sinai and elsewhere in Egypt has slowed to a trickle since February 2018, when the military launched a massive operation in Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the desert along the countrys western border with Libya.
July 30-Aug. 5, 2021

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.
SAO PAULO (AP)  The Brazilian Supreme Court's chief justice said Thursday he cancelled a meeting that had been intended to mollify President Jair Bolsonaro and avert institutional crisis after the far-right leader continued railing against the court's justices.

Analysts said justice's decision to scrap the sit-down between himself, Bolsonaro and the leaders of both congressional chambers ratchets up the temperature and brings the nation a step closer to full-blown institutional crisis.

The president has repeated insults and attacks on members of this court, Chief Justice Luiz Fux said from the bench. His Excellency insists on mistaken interpretations of this courts rulings, and on sowing doubt about the health of Brazil's electoral process.

The precondition of dialogue between branches of government is mutual respect between institutions and its members, Fux continued. Unfortunately, we have not seen that.

Fux spoke hours after Bolsonaro said Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been "playing outside the four edges of the Constitution for a long time. De Moraes on Wednesday night made Bolsonaro a target of the court's investigation into the dissemination of allegedly fake news at the request of the nation's electoral court.

Bolsonaro, who polls say is trailing ahead of his 2022 reelection bid, has embarked on a crusade to discredit the nation's electronic voting system and authorities who defend it as reliable.

The electoral court has rebuffed his assertions as baseless, saying the system is trustworthy and there are several means of checking results. It also approved opening its own investigation of Bolsonaro, who has failed to present proof of his claim that past votes were wracked with fraud.

This week, Bolsonaro repeatedly insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, who is both a Supreme Court justice and the electoral court's president. Following the chief justice's comments, which were televised, Bolsonaro escalated his complaints, charging on a live social media broadcast that Barroso doesn't want clean elections next year and is working to benefit the expected election run by former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who leads in early polling.

We know about (Barroso's) love for Lula. It is his right. But he is using his powers to influence, Bolsonaro said. There is no attack on the Supreme Court here.

Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo, said Fux made it clear in his comments that "there is no use talking to the president.

Bolsonaro is applying pressure, so this is a moment of great tension, Melo said. "We have to see what happens over the next few days, how the political system reacts. But this moment is very bad.

One prominent conservative pundit and Bolsonaro backer, Rodrigo Constantino, wrote on Twitter that Fux had effectively declared war.

The verbal vitriol comes after more than a year of friction between the top court and the president, who fervently opposed governors' and mayors' restrictions on activity aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. At one point, he led a group of business leaders on an impromptu march to the Supreme Court to air his grievances face-to-face, and he also attended a demonstration where many were protesting the court.

As his government came under fire for its pandemic response, Bolsonaro has frequently repeated the false claim that the top court prohibited him from adopting measures to limit the virus' spread. In fact, the court ruling ensured mayors and governors also had jurisdiction to act.

Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society/Council of Americas, said the chief justices statements on Thursday are definitely an escalation of an institutional crisis that has been building throughout 2021.

Everybody in Brasilia knows where this is headed, Winter added. "Bolsonaro is laying the groundwork to question, or perhaps try to reverse, the election result in 2022 at a time when polls show him losing badly.
CHICAGO (AP)  A 4-year-old Chicago girl was fatally shot after another child found a gun inside a house and the weapon apparently accidentally discharged, police said.

Makalah McKay was pronounced dead Thursday at Comer Childrens Hospital after being shot in a house in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Chicago police said Makalah was struck in the chest in an apparent accidental shooting about 6 p.m. Thursday after another child found the weapon. Police said a man was taken in for questioning, though no charges have been filed.

Makalah's mother and other relatives gathered outside the hospital and embraced each other as they struggled for answers in the child's death.

After speaking with the family, Pastor Donavan Price said Makalah was at the home with her mother and other children, who he said were taken to the hospital for observation.

Its so heart-wrenching. This mom here, her guts are ripped out right now, he told the Chicago Sun-Times.

The newspaper reported that according to its data, 234 minors have been shot, 37 fatally, so far this year in Chicago, and Makalah McKay is the youngest child to die in 2021 from a shooting in Chicago.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP)  Coca-Cola has announced plans to shutter a Massachusetts bottling plant in summer 2023, leaving its 319 employees to find new jobs.

The beverage giant announced plans Wednesday to close the Northampton plant ,as well as sell facilities in Michigan, Missouri and Texas to Refresco, which the company says are unrelated, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported.

After careful consideration, The Coca-Cola Company has decided to close our production facility in Northampton, Massachusetts, the company said in a statement. We did not make this decision lightly and are grateful to have had the opportunity to have been a part of the Northampton community.

Mayor David Narkewicz said Thursday that this will be a major economic loss for the city. Narkewicz said the plant is the citys largest manufacturer, water customer and taxpayer.

The property is assessed at $17.7 million, according to city tax records, and the company pays about $306,000 in annual property taxes.

The company has benefited from a 13-year tax increment financing agreement with the city that lowered taxes by 50% for the first seven years and by 25% for the remainder. The agreement expires in summer 2023.

Narkewicz said that representatives informed him that the closure is tied to a restructuring plan that will also close a facility in California.

There were significant investments by the state and the city to keep them here and help them expand, he said. However, Northampton is caught up in a larger model of corporate restructuring.

State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, said that the announcement is both surprising and disappointing, particularly at a time when there has been so much focus on getting people back to work.

I will be curious to hear why a company whose revenue grew 42% last year is closing a location that has long been an important part of the community, a community that has worked hard to accommodate their needs, Sabadosa said.
A Laredo man was sentenced to prison this week for his role in a human smuggling conspiracy that led to the death of a migrant he was transporting during a vehicle pursuit.

David Valadez pleaded guilty on March 11 to conspiracy to transport an immigrant within the United States resulting in death, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The 28-year-old man was ordered Monday to serve a 97-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised released, according to U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo.

Valadez originally faced up to life in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Valadez remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined, said authorities.

Homeland Securities Investigations conducted the investigation along with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Brown and April Ayers-Perez served as prosecutors.

Background

On Nov. 5, 2010 at approximately 11:09 a.m., a Texas DPS trooper near U.S. 83 and Prada Machin Drive observed a black Chevrolet Malibu with an expired registration.

The driver, which DPS identified as Valadez, sped off when the trooper tried to pull him over for a traffic violation.

Valadez crashed his vehicle into the metal gate of Remolinos Snack & Grill No. 2 on 1017 S. Zapata Highway. DPS said that Valadez then fled the vehicle before being apprehended behind a residence of the business while a trooper rendered aid to injured passengers.

Valdez was found with three Mexican nationals in the vehicle: Marco Antonio Martinez Torres, Antonio Olivo Hernandez and Israel Olivo Sanchez. All of them were in the country illegally.

Martinez Torres, 27, was riding in the trunk when the accident happened. Paramedics took him to Laredo Medical Center where he later died. Another of the passengers was also seriously injured resulting in elbow surgery, the USAO stated.

Valadez told HSI in a post-arrest interview he was to be paid $360 to transport the immigrants to a location near the Guadalupe flea market.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  A legal memo from the Washington Attorney General's office says that the state's new police use-of-force law does not prevent officers from responding to non-criminal calls like mental health and other community welfare calls.

Several Washington police agencies had signaled their intent to stop responding to calls for service involving non-criminal activities because of a measure that instructs officers to, among other things, exhaust de-escalation tactics and (leave) the area if there is no threat of imminent harm and no crime has been committed. The bill was one of several police reform bills that the Legislature passed this year, and which took effect July 25.

Northwest News Network reported Thursday that in the memo to state lawmakers this week, Deputy Solicitor General Alicia Young and Assistant Attorney General Shelley Williams wrote that the law neither alters nor limits (the) authority of police to respond to non-criminal calls for assistance.

The attorneys said that Washington courts and law recognize something called the community caretaking doctrine and cited a 2019 Washington Supreme Court opinion that called police officers jacks of all trades who frequently engage in community caretaking functions that are unrelated to the detection and investigation of crime.

The memo is not considered a formal legal opinion from the attorney general's office, but was just a carefully considered legal opinion of the authors.

Rep. Jesse Johnson, the vice chair of the Public Safety committee and the prime sponsor of the measure in question, said he plans to request a formal opinion from the attorney general's office, which could take several months.

We hope this robust guidance from the Attorney Generals Office is clarifying," Johnson said. "We have been working with law enforcement agencies and organizations to ensure they have the clarity to do their jobs.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs sent a letter to its members in July that said legislative action would be the best way to address unintended consequences of the new laws, but also said an opinion from the attorney general's office would be helpful.

What an officer is allowed to do while on scene is now substantially different, but we see nothing that prohibits or otherwise limits the ability for an officer to respond to any call for service, wrote Steve Strachan, the association's executive director.

Strachan also warned agencies that adopting a policy of not-responding to certain calls could run afoul of the public duty doctrine.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A Maine county jail guard has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged assault on an incarcerated man.

Cumberland County Jail guard Vinal Thompson faced felony charges for reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor charges of assault and reckless conduct, the Portland Press Herald reported.
Carissa Moore wore a white and yellow plumeria pinned next to her ear for her victory-lap interviews after making history as the first Olympic gold medalist at surfings historic debut.

Her mother  crowned the Honolulu Lei Queen in 2016  had given her the flower hair clip before she left for Tokyo to remind the only Native Hawaiian Olympic surfer of where she came from.

At this pinnacle point, Moore is still in disbelief when she's compared to Duke Kahanamoku, the godfather of modern surfing who is memorialized in Hawaii with a cherished monument.

I dont think Ill have a statue, Moore said, grinning from ear to ear while her body bobbed into a quiet giggle at the suggestion. Gosh, theres only a few people in Hawaii that I think deserve that.

As celebrated at home as she is loved by fans and peers around the world, it was a characteristically modest statement from one of the worlds greatest surfers after she took home gold in the sports inaugural Olympic competition.

The methodical Moore found her rhythm with the ocean to deliver the kind of standout, power-surfing performance that has defined her career. The picture-perfect ending even included a rainbow that popped into the sky as she shredded waves in the final against South African rival Bianca Buitendag.

Moore has now become a realization of Kahanamokus dream, at once the symbol of the sports very best and a validating force for an Indigenous community that still struggles with its complex history.

Its a reclaiming of that sport for our native community, said Kuhio Lewis, president of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, which convenes the largest annual gathering of Native Hawaiians.

Lewis said all the locals he knew were texting each other during the competition, glued to the TV and elated, even relieved, by Moore's surreal win. He called it a come to home moment" for a community that may never reconcile its dispossession.

After centuries of colonization by various European settlers, Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898 after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy by U.S.-backed forces in 1893.

At times, were an invisible people. Were lumped in to other ethnic groups. Our sport is being defined by other groups. This puts it into perspective, Lewis said. It feels like an emerging of a people, of a native community that has been invisible to many."

All eyes were on Moore when the Tokyo Games began, not only because she was the medal favorite as the reigning world champion but also because she was competing for the United States. Until then, Moore had always surfed for Hawaii in the professional World Surf League, which recognizes it as a sovereign surfing nation.

Moore is biracial and grew up in the only majority Asian American and Pacific Islander state in the United States. Her white father, of Irish and German ancestry, taught her how to surf. Her mother is ethnically Native Hawaiian and Filipino and was adopted and raised in a Chinese-American family.

Im proud to be representing the USA, but specifically the islands of Hawaii because there are just so many different kinds of people there, and I feel like such a connection to all of them," Moore said. And I wouldnt be where I am today without the community of people that have really raised me.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii this week honored both Moore and Kahanamoku on the Senate floor.

Theres a saying that the best surfer is the person having the most fun and thats unquestionably the case with Carissa, Schatz said. Shes an intense competitor who wants to win every event she enters, but also one who wants to see her opponents  and more importantly the sport of surfing itself  succeed.

Kahanamoku was among the first athletes to break sports color barrier as an Olympic swimmer who medaled five times. It was at the 1912 Summer Games in Stockholm that he first pushed the International Olympic Committee to include surfing, though it was virtually unknown outside of his native Hawaii back then.

Hawaiis most famous son then dedicated his life to promoting surfing and his homeland, famously introducing the sport via exhibitions in places from California to New Jersey, Australia and Europe. Kahanamoku was the ultimate waterman: His legacy includes popularizing flutter swimming kicks and spreading the concept of lifeguarding and water rescue to the masses. On top of that, he dabbled in Hollywood movies and served as Honolulus sheriff.

A century later, Moore was plenty accomplished in the sport before her Olympic Games. She became the youngest ever champion at age 18, and today has four world titles in addition to being the first Olympic gold medalist in her sport. Shes also recruiting young girls to take up a sport that once very much prioritized men, and has spoken publicly about her struggles with body image and disordered eating as a teenager.

With this new global platform, Moore says she is proud of what she represents and wants to spread positivity as her idol did.

This was his dream to have surfing in the Olympics, Moore said. I hope I made him and my people proud.

___

Seattle-based AP journalist Sally Ho is on assignment at the Tokyo Olympics, covering surfing. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/_sallyho. More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2020-tokyo-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
ELKO, Nev. (AP)  Lawmakers in a rural northeast Nevada county have voted not to comply with a mask mandate that the governor reimposed to stem the spread of an aggressive coronavirus variant.

A crowded audience applauded the Elko County Commission vote on Wednesday to resist face coverings, the Elko Daily Free Press reported. The move applies to unincorporated areas and not to the cities of Elko, Carlin, Wells and West Wendover.

Businesses and the emotional and physical well-being of residents depend on refusing to wear masks, Commissioner Rex Steninger said as he sponsored the measure to direct county offices and agents to refuse to enforce the mandate.

The commission also directed staff to prepare an ordinance for a public hearing that would ban door-to-door efforts to encourage vaccinations.

Commission Chairman Jon Karr told the audience that commissioners werent for or against vaccines but opposed the door-to-door efforts.

Elko County has about 55,000 residents and votes solidly Republican. About 76% of the nearly 22,000 ballots cast in the county in the 2020 election went for former President Donald Trump. Democrat Joe Biden won Nevada and the presidency.

Steninger accused Democrats of pretending the pandemic is worsening ... to reinstate mask mandates and businesses closing and noted the commission voted in June to join an anti-federal government group that believes sheriffs have the final say on the constitutionality of a law.

But he said people who want to wear masks should feel comfortable doing so.

Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak last week reimposed a mask mandate for everyone, vaccinated or not, in indoor public places in Nevada cities.

He followed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aimed at stemming a surge in infections and hospitalizations blamed on the delta variant of the virus that have not been seen since before the arrival of vaccines.

Sisolak's chief of staff, Michelle White, called the Elko County commissioners' move unfortunate" but said Friday that the state is still encouraging everyone in that community to get vaccinated and wear a mask.

No one wants to have these requirements in place. No one wants to have kids returning to schools in masks. No one wants to have their gatherings with masks and all these different requirements," she said. But we're doing it because we have the information available and are trying to make the best decisions to protect the people of this state.

Sisolak had lifted mask rules statewide in mid-May, following CDC guidelines at the time that vaccinated people didnt need to wear face coverings.

The delta variant has gripped Nevada since then.

Sixty people in Elko County have died since COVID-19 first emerged in Nevada in March 2020. The state surpassed 6,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Friday.

As of Tuesday, there were 108 active COVID-19 cases and nine hospitalizations in Elko County, where fewer than one in three residents 12 and older has received at least one dose of vaccine, according to state health data.

Test positivity, a benchmark measure of community spread of the virus, has more than quadrupled in Nevada from a low of 3.4% in mid-May to 15.7% on Wednesday. The World Health Organization goal is 5% or less to relax restrictions.

In Elko County, the rate Wednesday was 18.8%.
MOSCOW (AP)  A court in Moscow convicted a prominent U.S. investor on charges of embezzlement and handed him a suspended sentence on Friday, a verdict he deplored as deeply unfair.

Michael Calvey was accused of embezzlement from the Russian bank Vostochny, in which his investment firm Baring Vostok had a controlling stake. He denied any wrongdoing.

The Meshchansky District Court in Moscow gave Calvey a 5 1/2-year suspended sentence. Prosecutors have asked for a six-year suspended sentence.

I view the verdict as unfortunate and deeply unfair, he said after the verdict, adding that he would meet with his lawyers to decide on his next steps over the following week.

The prosecution alleged that Calvey took a loan of 2.5 billion rubles ($37 million at the time) from the bank and that in turn he transferred to the bank his shares in a company called IFTG that he said were worth the amount of the loan, but were actually worth far less.

Calvey rejected the accusations.

The court, unfortunately, didnt or couldnt understand the substance of the case, with no victim, no damage, and no beneficiary, Calvey said after the verdict. The judge simply repeated  word for word  the text from the prosecutors case. There were literally hundreds of pieces of evidence submitted in court proving that my colleagues and I acted entirely legally and in the interests of Vostochny Bank."

Calvey spent about two months in jail after his arrest in February 2019 before being placed under house arrest and then released last fall.

Calveys company was one of the largest foreign investment firms in Russia and his arrest dented investors confidence in the country.

During the trial, Calvey told the court that his acquittal could help draw new foreign investors to Russia.

Speaking after the verdict, he said that given the tendency of Russian courts to side with the prosecution, compared to most cases, receiving a suspended sentence is already almost a victory.

But on the other hand, it is simply outrageous to be convicted of a crime that never happened, Calvey noted. And the specific conviction on the charge of embezzlement obviously is deeply offensive to me, as a professional in the investment industry with an honest reputation built over 25 years.

The court also ruled to unfreeze Calvey's assets.

It also handed a suspended sentence of 4 1/2 years to Philippe Delpal, a French partner at Baring Vostok. Several other executives were also given suspended sentences.

___

Associated Press journalist Anna Frants in Moscow contributed to this report.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was hospitalized after a demonstrator threw a rock at his head during an anti-vaccine protest led by nurses and other workers in the eastern Caribbean island, officials said late Thursday.

Gonsalves was bleeding profusely but is expected to recover, according to a statement from his office.

However, the prime minister will be flown to Barbados for further medical treatment including an MRI scan, Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves told Parliament on Thursday, according to local media.

Authorities said Gonsalves was injured when he stepped out of his car and tried to walk into Parliament amid a crowd of some 200 people that had blocked the entrance as they set roadblocks on fire.

Such an act is to be unequivocally condemned, his office said.

The attack was criticized by others including Ronald Sanders, ambassador to the Organization of American States.

This development in Caribbean politics is reprehensible, he said.

Local media quoted Senator Julian Francis saying that an unidentified woman had been arrested. No further details were immediately available.

The protest was organized by unions representing nurses, police and other workers who claimed that the government planned to mandate vaccines for certain employees. Gonsalves clarified that he would not make vaccines mandatory.
United Airlines will require employees in the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late October, perhaps sooner, joining a rising number of big corporations that are responding to a surge in virus cases.

United was the first major U.S. airline to announce such a move. A smaller carrier, Frontier Airlines, said later Friday that it will require employees to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1 or face regular testing for the virus.

Other airlines have offered extra pay or time off to employees who get vaccinated, but have not required them to get the shots.

United officials called their decision a matter of safety and cited incredibly compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the vaccines.

We know some of you will disagree with this decision to require the vaccine for all United employees, CEO Scott Kirby and President Brett Hart told employees Friday. But, they added, the facts are crystal clear: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated.

United, which has 67,000 employees in the United States, has required new hires to be vaccinated since mid-June. Unvaccinated workers are required to wear face masks at company offices.

The Chicago-based airline estimates that up to 90% of its pilots and close to 80% of its flight attendants are already vaccinated. They get incentives to do so.

A United executive said the airline has no plans to require that passengers be vaccinated, calling that a government decision. And the mandate wont extend to employees at smaller airlines that operate United Express flights.

United told U.S. employees Friday that they will need to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 25 or five weeks after the Food and Drug Administration grants full approval to one of the vaccines  whichever date comes first. The FDA has only granted emergency-use approval of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but the agency is expected to soon give full approval to Pfizer, according to published reports.

Each employee will have to send an image of their vaccine card to the company. Those who don't will be terminated, with exemptions granted only for employees who document religious or health reasons for not getting the shots, officials said.

Employees who are already vaccinated or do so by Sept. 20 will get an extra day of pay, according to the memo from Kirby and Hart.

The Air Line Pilots Association said in a note to members that a small number of pilots dont agree with this new policy, but the union believes it is legal. The Association of Flight Attendants encouraged members to get vaccinated and said Uniteds announcement is not surprising because Kirby has spoken in favor of a mandate for several months.

United's closest rivals  American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines  have not required vaccinations, company representatives said Friday.

American CEO Doug Parker told The New York Times this week that he favors incentives, but we're not putting mandates in place. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC it would be difficult to require employees or domestic travelers to vaccinate until the vaccines receive full FDA approval.

At Delta, which also requires new hires to be vaccinated, 73% of the workforce has received the shots, according to Bastian.

Airlines and other companies in the travel business have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, which led to sharp travel restrictions.

The United States requires people entering the country, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and the Biden administration plans to require non-U.S. citizens to be vaccinated before entering the country. Some countries require visitors to be vaccinated or test free of the virus to avoid quarantines.

Since the highly contagious delta variant became the leading strain of COVID-19 in the U.S., most airlines have said it hasnt affected ticket sales. However, Frontier Airlines executives on Wednesday blamed the variant for weaker bookings in the past week.

Before the United announcement, Disney and Walmart announced vaccine mandates for white-collar workers, and Microsoft, Google and Facebook said they will require proof of vaccination for employees and visitors to their U.S. offices.

This week, Tyson Foods announced it will require all U.S. employees to get vaccinated by November  notable because unlike the tech companies, Tyson relies on many lower-paid workers who cannot do their jobs remotely.

A few governments are getting involved. California and New York City will require employees to be vaccinated or face weekly testing, and the California mandate extends to workers in public and private hospitals and nursing homes.

Further, some big companies including Amazon have delayed reopening offices, which will likely push back any significant recovery in lucrative business travel. Starting Monday, Amazon will be requiring all of its 900,000 U.S. warehouse workers to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

The new policies come as the U.S. struggles with a surge in infections. The seven-day average of new reported coronavirus cases has jumped to more than 90,000 a day from around 12,000 a month ago, although hospitalizations and deaths have risen more slowly.

___

David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
LISBON, Portugal (AP)  A protracted legal battle over the extradition from Cape Verde to the United States of a businessman close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro comes to a head next week when the West African countrys Constitutional Court is due to rule on the case.

Alex Saab was arrested when his jet made a refueling stop on the small island chain, formerly a Portuguese colony, on a June 2020 flight to Iran.

U.S. officials believe Saab holds numerous secrets about how Maduro, the president's family and his top aides allegedly siphoned off millions of dollars in government contracts amid widespread hunger in oil-rich Venezuela.

Saab is fighting extradition. His lawyers argue that he has diplomatic immunity because he was acting as a special envoy for Venezuela when he was detained in Cape Verde.

Jose Pinto Monteiro, Saabs lead counsel in Cape Verde, said Friday there are two possible outcomes when the Constitutional Court sits on Aug. 13.

Either the judges throw out Saabs appeal and the extradition goes ahead, or they accept that there are unconstitutional elements in the case and send it back to a lower court to correct them, Pinto Monteiro told a press conference via video link.

Cape Verdes Supreme Court ruled last March that the extradition could proceed, and the Constitutional Court appeal is Saab's last hope.

Saabs international legal team argues that the extradition has a political motive.

Federal prosecutors in Miami indicted Saab in 2019 on money-laundering charges connected to an alleged bribery scheme that pocketed more than $350 million from a low-income housing project for the Venezuelan government that was never built.
On July 22-24, I visited our nation's southern border in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to meet with law enforcement officials there and see firsthand what is happening on the border. The sad truth is the Biden Administration's policies are not working, and there is a crisis currently occurring as thousands of immigrants illegally cross the border each day. The whole situation is unsustainable and threatens our nation's public safety, while also being unfair to hardworking people who legally come to the United States.

In Michigan, it can be difficult to understand how the situation on the southern border affects our state, but law enforcement members I spoke with said the crisis on the southern border has forced Customs and Border Patrol to relocate agents away from the northern border and move them there. Additionally, law enforcement has said that fentanyl and other deadly drugs cross the U.S./Mexico border and then spread throughout the country including Michigan. This worsens the opioid epidemic in our communities and we should do more to prevent this flow of deadly drugs from Mexico.
Take 95 north and keep that heading as the highway swings to the east, and youll soon come to the rarest and loveliest of spots: the Delaware River Town. Specifically, to New Hope, Pennsylvania, and its sister city across the bridge, Lambertville. Do you like antiques, tubing, historically minded hikes and chi-chi art pedigrees? Or possibly you would like to visit the same waffle shop as Bella Hadid  recently papd while visiting her mom (and newish local resident) Yolanda, whose 2017 farm purchase was promoted by the local chamber of commerce? We got you covered.

New Hope is the home of Pennsylvania Impressionism, the late 19th-century collective that memorialized sun-dappled river landscapes. Many of the movements preeminent works are on view at the nearby Michener Art Museum (1). While youre in Doylestown, consider a stop at the Mercer Museum (2), featuring a seven-story concrete castle (really) filled to the brim by its namesake archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian (add: high-end hoarder). Tinkerers will love it.

More recently, George Nakashima  an iconic furniture designer with an incredible personal history, including a career that took him to Paris, Tokyo and Pondicherry  first established his workshop (3) in a garage in a New Hope cottage; his daughter Mira still runs it, offering appointments for furniture consultation and tours of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace (4), two miles outside New Hope  call ahead; these book super-fast.

Now lets get outside: The Delaware is beautiful and broad but surprisingly shallow, which makes it an excellent spot for tubing. From the Big Bear Gear River Tube Center (5) up Route 29, you can float down to Lambertville; the trip will take somewhere between 90 minutes and four hours, depending on the current. The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (6) winds up alongside the Delaware from Trenton to Frenchtown (another, inland path, paralleling the Raritan, goes to New Brunswick). Go north and youll pass lovely little swimming holes popular with locals as well as the Prallsville Mills (7) complex of historic buildings  highly Instagrammable, but theyre mostly used for events and weddings.

Ringing Rocks Park Visit Buck County

Go south and before you hit Trenton, youll come to Washingtons Crossing Historic Park (8). On Christmas night, 1776, Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware eastward, departing nearish McConkeys Ferry Inn (9); a marker on the New Jersey side marks (roughly) where Washingtons 2,400 soldiers landed en route to a brief and successful battle with the Hessians in Trenton. From the canal path, most of the park is inland, across Route 29; take the bridge over the (two-lane but fast-moving) highway to explore its historic buildings and paths through the surrounding meadows and woods. The classic hike on this side of the river is the stroll around Goat Hill Overlook (10), which is superb as the trees change color. For a more intensive hike-hike, head to Ringing Rocks State Park (11). Every second-grader within 40 miles brings their family hammer here on their school field trip: strike one of the rocks, and as the name suggests, itll ring like a bell.

Of course, if you just came to shop, theres plenty  including one of the best flea markets in the country, at the Golden Nugget (12), just south of Lambertville on Route 29. Theres a hot dogs-and-doughnuts kind of place on site for early snacking  get there early (7ish), or the best stuff will be gone. Lambertville has arguably the better collection of antique shops: start at Bridge Street  maybe at the Lambertville Trading Company (13), which has excellent hot chocolate  and just go north, for a wander. Its small enough, and hemmed in by the Delaware to the west and Main Street to the east, that its hard to get lost. If you do better with a destination, set your Maps app for The Peoples Store (14), on Union Street.



Finally: Sleep at the Carriage House (15) and join every single local kid who did something right (graduate, etc.) and have dinner at Lambertville Station (16), with its enviable porch right on the riverbank  unless you really do want to follow in Bella Hadids footsteps, in which case youll be dining at Ninas Waffles (17), right on Main Street in New Hope.

For more travel news, tips and inspo, sign up for InsideHook's weekly travel newsletter, The Journey.

The post 17 Reasons New Hope, PA, Is One of the Mid-Atlantics Best-Kept Summer Secrets appeared first on InsideHook.
Florida, FL (34429)

Today

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The world of payments is changing dramatically. Today, stores such as Amazon Go and Jack & Jones require no checkout process because intelligent systems automatically detect the customer and the items carried out of the store. Payments occur in a frictionless and invisible manner. To learn more, we talked with Rakesh Kumar, head of banking and financial services at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Amit Sharma CIO of Western Union.

Q. How are customer expectations changing regarding payments?

Kumar: Digital payments are here to stay. The payments ecosystem is accelerating quickly toward a cashless society, where transactions are fast, invisible, and frictionless. To succeed, companies need to become part of this ecosystem.

The future of money itself will be digital and cashless. National banks and carrier networks will play a central role, and the internet of things will be a key enabling technology.

Q. What are the imperatives for success as organizations transform their business capabilities and infrastructures to address the challenges around invisible, frictionless payments?

Kumar: Purpose-led growth is going to be the key and the ecosystem is king. If a customer is on vacation at a resort, every aspect of their experience will need to be considered holistically, and payments must take place in the background.

In truth, payment companies are becoming tech companies that are increasingly focused on investing in next-generation technologies. Its important to pay attention to tech startups and financial technologies that are disrupting the larger, more established payment companies by being nimble and innovating rapidly. For successful customer journeys, a number of companies will need to come together.

To prepare, first build the digital core. Youll need a scalable infrastructure that makes it easy to make use of microservices and cloud. Second, innovate the business model so that it conforms to this new ecosystem and follows the customer journey. Finally, transform and grow.

Q. What role does TCS play in the digital transformation of the payments industry?

Kumar: TCS is the leader in the payments industry. We work with a broad range of payments ecosystem players covering the entire value chain on both the consumer and enterprise sides of payments. That includes working with fintechs and setting up and running regional payments infrastructure. The payments industry is fast becoming a technology play, and we are the largest technology provider in this area. We offer TCS product and platform solutions, advisory services, IT and operations services, and third-party product integrations with a continued focus on payment innovations.

TCS plays a major role in the digital payments landscape in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. We partner with leading payment ecosystem providers to transform digital payment experiences and define standards along with services such as BIAN, IFX, and payment task forces. TCS has built and continues to run some of the largest and most complex payment systems for global banks and country payment infrastructures. For example, more than 90% of Indias payment transactions pass through systems built and managed by TCS.

Q. How do you envision the future of payments will evolve in the coming years?

Sharma: Digital-only financial services that have been popular with millennials are being increasingly adopted by all segments of society. Also, after communications, money is the next easiest thing to digitize. While new products and services in payments are trending towards digital, as a company we continue to provide choices to our customers to use both digital and cash options.

The biggest challenge is to create a truly interoperable payments system across ecosystem partners that is reliable, secure, real-time in nature, and can be operated at a reasonable price point across a wide range of participants. The challenges include industry-specific obstacles, the economics and profitability of payments, trust, security, compliance, and payment integrity.

A truly interoperable, standards-based, sustainable network ecosystem of money and value transfer will evolve over time. While standards like ISO 20022 are evolving and increasingly being adopted, closed versus open ecosystem challenges, country-level data specifications, legislation, consent  and ultimately digital identity and trust  will take center stage in the future of payment transaction processing, enabled by technologies such as cloud, mobile, and AI.

Q. How does cloud fit into Western Unions plans?

Sharma: Western Union is embracing and adopting cloud platform capabilities to cater to key strategic business demands, such as greater business agility, intelligence, automated data capabilities, and better customer/user experiences. We never have to worry about purchasing, deploying, and managing infrastructure-related services, so our people can focus all their time on innovation, developing new products and services for our customers.

Another benefit is resilience. Before the cloud, we had to overprovision our infrastructure in the data center to be redundant, which creates a tremendous upfront capital expenditure. With the cloud, we spin workloads up and down on demand, and easily build applications with very high availability.

Finally, although cloud was initially criticized for appearing to be weak on security, that situation has changed dramatically. The big hyperscalers have invested a lot of money and resources into securing their infrastructures. Also, capabilities such as authentication and encryption are readily available to customers as services. I dont have to buy and deploy a lot of security point solutions in my own facility.

Q. What considerations did Western Union take into account when choosing a partner to help with its payments transformation?

Sharma: We had several considerations when we started our cloud journey. We wanted to make sure our partner had a proven track record in digital transformation  at a large scale in financial services, with expertise in legacy modernization and cloud. Also, we had to know their leadership was committed to our success with a must-win mindset.

TCS has managed our legacy environment for several years and has a good grasp on our applications. We have direct access to their executive team, who are also committed to our success. We are partnering with TCS to drive holistic transformation, and they continue to demonstrate that they are a great partner.

For more information on TCS Banking solutions and services, please visit https://www.tcs.com/banking-financial-services.

Western Union solutions and services, please visit www.westernunion.com.

Rakesh Kumar, VP and Business Unit Head, Banking,

Financial Services and Insurance, Tata Consultancy Services

tcs

Amit Sharma, Chief Information Officer, Western Union

Western Union
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This summer, the commentariat revisited a favorite debate: Is Donald Trump going to prison?

The speculation heated up in the weeks before prosecutors in the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance indicted Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, along with the company itself, for alleged tax fraud. In late May, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office had converted its civil investigation into a criminal one. Her office, it was also reported, had begun working jointly with Vances office, which, for its part, convened a special grand jury to gather evidence in the investigation.

Taken as a whole, the news suggested some progress in the investigations. But it was hard for me, as a former federal prosecutor who specialized in financial fraud, to say much more than that.

There is no formula that determines when to convert a civil investigation into a criminal one, and it was not clear at the time what had triggered James decision. As for Vance, special grand juries are not unprecedented in significant cases. The rules around grand juries in New York mean that quick indictments for complex or large cases are more difficult than in the federal system. And although joint investigations between the two offices are rare, there may have been banal pragmatic considerations at play.

The news coverage generally missed these nuances. The Washington Post, for instance, reported that Jamess investigation posed a threat to Trumps liberty. And the New York Times noted that the offices decisions to work together increased the investigative muscle looking into the former president and his family business.

These were defensible claims, in isolation. But they floated on a palpable desire to extract as much drama as possible, and to grasp for some kind of final reckoning. Politico reported that Vance could be considering a criminal charge that former President Donald Trumps business empire was a corrupt enterprise. The basis for this claim, as cited in the story at least, was answers to questions that the reporters had themselves posed searchingly to lawyers with no connection to the ongoing investigations. Insider jumped a few steps in its coverage. It ran a story with the headline Secret Service protection would follow Donald Trump if he goes to prison, former agents say.

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Analyzing it all were legal commentatorsoften former prosecutors themselves who, for the most part, are ready to tell readers and audiences that whatever news is at hand is bad for Trump. Politicos legal affairs columnist posited that James confidence is likely based on some very compelling evidence and that Trump in some respects has already lost the criminal investigation of the Trump Organization. A former prosecutor from the Manhattan district attorneys office told Bloomberg that James announcement means were closer to the completion of the investigation. A legal commentator at The Atlantic wrote that Donald Trump, those around him, and the country as a whole are inch[ing] closer to the prospect that a former president could face criminal charges, and possibly even prison time. And although she later acknowledged that whether any of this will lead to indictments is unknowable, she then proceeded to devote two paragraphs to the process of extraditing Trump from Florida to New York to appear in criminal court.



I am part of the problem. As a former federal prosecutor, I have advocated at length for federal criminal investigations into Trumps conduct on several frontsfocused, in particular, on Trumps finances and his election-meddling, as well as his conduct around the siege of the US Capitol in January.

At the same time, I have tried to remain cautious in reacting to every twist and turn in the New York investigationsto avoid premature predictions, or perhaps even wishful thinking, about Trumps demise. Last August, for instance, the New York Times reported that Deutsche Bank had provided Vances office with detailed information that Trump had given to the bank. Several former-prosecutors-turned-commentators suggested that comparing those numbers to potential documents from Trumps accountant would, if they were different, be enough to support criminal charges. One prominent legal pundit suggested that Trump might even be charged before the November election. At the time, I felt that this was insane, but some legal pundits persisted in suggesting that such a case, as one put it, would be easy.

The tenor of the coverage remained the same in the run-up to the Weisselberg indictment, which failed to produce the charges against Trump (at least for the time being) that many seemed to expect. For those who remain optimistic on that score, the question has now become whether Trump might be charged as part of the Weisselberg case or in connection with separate criminal misconduct, but some key points are still worth keeping in mind.

Much of the coverage to date has suggested that New York investigators are focused on various accusations of fraudtax, bank, real estate, or insurance fraudbut generally speaking, fraud charges require intentional and material misrepresentations to obtain money or property. That means that investigators have to determine that the relevant figures are materially false or misleadingan assessment that can be complicated by factors including industry- and context-specific reporting and valuation conventions, as well as measures that may differ over reporting periods (for instance, a fiscal year that does not track the calendar year). Investigators would also need to closely evaluate accompanying disclosures, in written documents or verbal conversations, to ensure that the potential inaccuracies were not adequately identified.

These are among the reasons that accounting and legal experts told the Washington Post in early 2019 that they were skeptical that Trump might face serious legal liability based on their review of a selection of Trumps financial statements that the Post had obtained. Good prosecutors are mindful of these nuancesparticularly in large and complex data sets.

The other crucial thing to consider is that documents do not commit fraud; people do. Even assuming that investigators identify misstatements that could support a fraud case, they would also need to identify culpable individuals with criminal intent. That means ascertaining the involvement of anyone who had a hand in preparing the relevant informationincluding accountants, lawyers, and auditorswhich can be yet another labor- and time-intensive undertaking. The involvement of different parties can provide people with plausible deniability about whether and to what extent they knew that someone else was engaged in wrongdoing. For Trump, these people may also provide distinct layers of legal insulation that could impede investigators ability to establish whether and to what extent Trumpwho notoriously does not use emailmay have been directly involved in any questionable dealings. The charges against Weisselberg reflect these legal and practical considerations: the indictment and news reports suggest that prosecutors relied on documentary evidence as well as testimony from an insider.

For this reason, the best legal observers have underscored the imperative in complex financial fraud investigations to secure a knowledgeable and credible insider who can serve as a cooperating witness. Earlier this year, Andrew Weissmannone of Muellers deputies during the Trump-Russia investigation and someone who is better than most at putting Trump-related legal developments in their proper contexttold me that he thought it would be critical for prosecutors to flip Weisselberg, and whether that will happen, even in the wake of Weisselbergs indictment, remains to be seen. (Disclosure: Weissmann hired me at the Justice Department.)



And then, of course, there is always the human factorstories about people involved in these matters. There are some relatively harmless, if not outright humorous, quasi-messianic headlines about senior prosecutors working with Vance (Perfect Guy for the Job) and James (Known for Aggressive Pursuit of Evidence).

But there is also a more questionable indulgence of people with attractive stories whose knowledge, importance, or credibility are far from clear and who one suspects, along with their lawyers, can use the media to exaggerate their own importance, promote a particular narrative, or deflect blame. Trumps onetime lawyer Michael Cohen fits this bill. But I have been particularly intrigued by Jennifer Weisselberg, who, until 2018, was married to Allen Weisselbergs son, Barry.

Last year, she provided documents to Bloomberg suggesting that Trump may have given her and her ex-husband a rent-free apartment in a manner that ran afoul of the tax codethereby creating the possibility, in theory at least, of leverage over Barry Weisselberg that prosecutors could use to incentivize his father to cooperate. She later gave an interview in which she acknowledged that she came forward because she is trying to gain custody of her children, but the interviewer failed to question how well she actually knows her ex-father-in-law or Trump, or about whether she has ever had a conversation with either of them about her old apartment. In May, she casually claimed that Vances office had told her that she is in danger, and that she had been set up by her ex-husband and ex-father-in-law and had to exonerate myself on some joint taxeswhatever that means. She has continued to provide interviews with vague but scintillating suggestions that Trump has engaged in criminal misconduct.

Jennifer Weisselberg would hardly be the first witness in a large investigation with ulterior motivesa standard argument that the government uses at trial in such cases is that it is the defendant who selected these witnesses, not the governmentbut her reception by the media has been far too credulous. And, like Cohen, every interview that she gives to the media reduces her value as a cooperator, since these appearances provide a future defense lawyer with further ammunition to undermine or cross-examine her. Of course, it is not the medias responsibility to manage that problem for the government, but generally speaking, a cooperating witness that is of particular value to the government would not be on television constantly.



The media ought to do its best to integrate these sorts of considerations into its coverage of the ongoing investigations in New Yorkwhich may not end anytime soonand to be skeptical of anyone with easy or predictable answers. For good lawyers, assessing someones criminal exposure is far more an art than a science. Our lack of insight into the full range of facts being gathered by investigators hampers our ability to confidently make predictions about what (if any) additional prosecutions may result, and criminal investigations are not always linearthey zig and zag, they go in unpredictable directions, and the odds that anyone (much less one specific person) will be charged go up and down over time.

The considerable anti-climax of the Mueller investigation should be a cautionary tale. The public deserves our best effort to convey and evaluate the full range of possibilities as facts continue to unfold, and to acknowledge the many uncertainties that remain.

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Ankush Khardori is an attorney and former federal prosecutor who specialized in financial fraud. His work has been published by The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, The New York Review of Books, The New Republic, and Slate, among other outlets.
In July, a coalition of news organizations and press groupsincluding the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Committee to Protect Journalistswrote to the Biden administration and Congressional leaders with an urgent request. They sought humanitarian relief and a special visa program for journalists and support staff who contributed to US media coverage of the war in Afghanistan; many fear reprisals as American troops withdraw and Taliban militants advance. The organizations pointed to a precedentthe Bush administrations move, in 2008, to offer immigration help to Iraqis who helped US outletsand estimated that only a modest number of Afghans would need similar assistance, given the small US media footprint in Afghanistan. We are doing what we can as private organizations to assist our former and current Afghan colleagues but our capacity to provide relief is limited, the request stated. Without the assistance of the US Government, many of these Afghans face grievous harm and death for having done nothing more than lent their labor and skills to making certain the world knew what was going on in their country while US troops were there for the past twenty years.

On Monday, two weeks after the request was sent, the State Department acted on it, announcing a refugee program for Afghans who have worked for US news organizations, NGOs, or other projects, and plugging holes in an existing plan for Afghans who have worked for the US military. It was a welcome development; still, details were scarce, and the requirements we know about seem onerous. Media referrals to the program must come from a news outlets most senior leader. (That person must be a US citizen.) And even though the US has arranged transport out of Afghanistan for many of those who served the military, people eligible for the news-related program will have to make their own way to a third country, apply to the US government from there, and wait months for a decision. The State Department has pledged to support Afghanistans neighbors in dealing with refugee flows, and said that its process will further evolvebut for many Afghans, just getting to the border is dangerous and expensive. This is incredibly hard, Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, acknowledged. This is, alas, the case for millions of people around the world who find themselves in very difficult situations, and particularly in Afghanistan now.

ICYMI: The Visual Failings of the Heat Dome Coverage

The situation for journalists in Afghanistan at the moment is indeed very difficult, whether they work for international or domestic media. In February, a report from the United Nations found that at least six media workers had been killed in the country since September, when the Afghan government and the Taliban opened peace talks. The danger to journalists wasnt new, but the report concluded that their murders had become more targeted and premeditated. Since then, there have been more deaths. In March, gunmen shot and killed Mursal Wahidi, Sadia Sadat, and Shahnaz Roafi, three staffers at Enikass Radio and TV, in separate yet simultaneous attacks in Jalalabad. In June, attackers in Kabul blew up a van carrying Mina Khairi, an anchor at Ariana News TV, along with other passengers. Khairis mother was also killed; the circumstances of the bombing were murky, but Khairis colleague said that he suspected it was intended to sow panic among journalists. Last month, Danish Siddiquia Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist with Reuters who was embedded with Afghan security forceswas killed during combat with Taliban militants in Spin Boldak, on the border with Pakistan. A Taliban spokesman said the fighters didnt know that a journalist was present, but according to news reports and images, they brutally mutilated Siddiquis body before turning him over to the Red Cross.

Despite persistent danger, press freedombolstered, in no small part, by US aid moneyhas blossomed in Afghanistan since 2001, when the Taliban regime fell. The groups recent resurgence is threatening to reverse that. As Taliban fighters have gained territory, many journalists in the affected areas have fled to Kabul; some have buried their broadcasting equipment to prevent it from falling into Taliban hands. In the past four months, at least fifty Afghan news organizations have shuttered; others have been forced to broadcast Taliban propaganda. Militants have used radio stations to promote jihad and violence, Najib Sharifi, the head of the Afhan Journalists Safety Committee, told NPR. They dont allow the voices of women to be aired through those radio stations. They dont want any form of music to be broadcast through those stations. Some reporters have received death threats. According to Sharifi, many reporters are censoring themselves. Hundreds have left journalism altogether.

The threats to press freedom do not stop with the Taliban. As the Afghan government struggles to secure the country, it seeks to control the narrative, laying down restrictive edicts (news organizations have been told to call fallen soldiers martyrs) and threatening to criminalize news that, in their view, is inimical to the national interest. Last week, authorities in Kandahar arrested four journalistsMohib Obaidi, Qudrat Sultani, and Bismillah Watandost, who work for a local radio station, as well as Sanaullah Siam, a cameraman who has worked for Xinhua, a Chinese state news agencyafter they traveled to Spin Boldak to interview Taliban commanders. Officials have accused the journalists of spreading terrorist propaganda. As of the weekend, it was unclear whether they had been formally charged, or what their fate would be.

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As US forces leave the country, the Pentagon, too, has been a problemimposing a de-facto press blackout around its withdrawal and denying media requests for embeds and interviews with troops, as Megan K. Stack wrote recently for The New Yorker. A military thats withdrawing from battle, whether its an organized withdrawal or a retreat, doesnt want any media nearby, John Moore, a combat photographer with Getty Images, told Stack. The military wants to show itself in a victorious way. When youre leaving a field of battle, it never looks victorious. John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesperson, attributed the lack of media access to the threat of Taliban attacks and a precious few military-press liasons on the ground; he also suggested that until the withdrawal announcement, many US news organizations seemed to have lost interest in reporting on Afghanistan. If its true that the military kept the war shrouded when it was convenient, Stack wrote, its also true that very few Americans went looking for it.

Many Afghans who helped American journalists with their stories over the years now face the prospect of a violent future, unless they can make it to a third country. Afghan journalists without foreign-media ties may try and get out, too, even without the prospect of a US visa. Others are planning to stay put, including Sharifi. If we lose all our journalists, that will be a big loss for Afghanistan, he told Stars and Stripes. I want to stay. I want to fight. Bushra Seddique, a female reporter who recently graduated from Kabul Universitys journalism school, told Al Jazeera that she is also planning to move forward with her career. By choosing to pursue journalism, I already accepted the barriers and difficulties of working in this field in this country, she said. Seddique hopes to report stories that portray Afghanistan as more than a warzone. I believe that journalism is not just a job or subject, she said. Pursuing journalism is a desire for change and to help.

Below, more on Afghanistan:

A similar request: After the Biden administration granted US news outlets request for a visa program for media workers, a coalition of news organizations in the UKincluding The Guardian, The Times of London, and the Financial Timeswrote to their countrys government with a similar plea. Britain has recognised the vital role of Afghans who served as translators for our armed forces, and the unique dangers they face because of their service, through the creation of a visa programme for them, their letter states. The Afghans who worked for UK media outlets have also been critical to our national understanding of what British men and women fought for Afghanistan, and the conduct of our allies in the Afghan government. The opposition Labour Party backed the effort.

After the Biden administration granted US news outlets request for a visa program for media workers, a coalition of news organizations in the UKincluding The Guardian, The Times of London, and the Financial Timeswrote to their countrys government with a similar plea. Britain has recognised the vital role of Afghans who served as translators for our armed forces, and the unique dangers they face because of their service, through the creation of a visa programme for them, their letter states. The Afghans who worked for UK media outlets have also been critical to our national understanding of what British men and women fought for Afghanistan, and the conduct of our allies in the Afghan government. The opposition Labour Party backed the effort. A murder: Last week, Taliban fighters in Kandahar killed Nazar Mohammad, a comedian who gained renown by posting routines to TikTok. He was known for crude jokes, funny songs, poking fun at himself, and often making fun of topics thrown at him from fans, Al Jazeera reports. The brutality of the killing heightened fears of revenge attacks. It also undermined the Talibans assurances that no harm would come to people who worked for the government, with the US military or with US organizations. The Taliban alleged that Mohammad worked for the Afghan National Police.

Last week, Taliban fighters in Kandahar killed Nazar Mohammad, a comedian who gained renown by posting routines to TikTok. He was known for crude jokes, funny songs, poking fun at himself, and often making fun of topics thrown at him from fans, Al Jazeera reports. The brutality of the killing heightened fears of revenge attacks. It also undermined the Talibans assurances that no harm would come to people who worked for the government, with the US military or with US organizations. The Taliban alleged that Mohammad worked for the Afghan National Police. A deadly day: In April 2018, ten Afghan journalists were killed on the same day: nine of them ran to cover a bombing in Kabul and were killed in a second blast; the tenth was shot in Khost Province. All told, it was the deadliest day for the press in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, in 2001. Working with Aliya Iftikhar and Mehdi Rahmati, of the Committee to Protect Journalists, I spoke with relatives, friends, and colleagues of the murdered reporters for an oral history published by CJR. You can read it here.

In April 2018, ten Afghan journalists were killed on the same day: nine of them ran to cover a bombing in Kabul and were killed in a second blast; the tenth was shot in Khost Province. All told, it was the deadliest day for the press in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, in 2001. Working with Aliya Iftikhar and Mehdi Rahmati, of the Committee to Protect Journalists, I spoke with relatives, friends, and colleagues of the murdered reporters for an oral history published by CJR. You can read it here. An edit: This week, the Times published a review of a new book on Osama bin Laden under a headline that referred to him as a fanatical terrorist and devoted family man. The headline met with complaints on social media, particularly from politicians on the right. On Wednesday, the Times changed it; it now reads, A Fuller Picture of Osama bin Ladens Life. Mediaite has more details.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Facebook shuts down research, blames user privacy rules

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
MARMARIS, Turkey (AP)  A coal-fueled power plant in southwest Turkey and nearby residential areas were being evacuated Wednesday evening as flames from a wildfire reached the plant, a mayor and local reporters said as sirens from the plant could be heard blaring.

Milas Mayor Muhammet Tokat, from Turkeys main opposition party, has been warning of the fire risks for the past two days for the Kemerkoy power plant in Mugla province. He said late Wednesday that the plant was being evacuated. Local reporters said the wildfires had also prompted the evacuation of the nearby seaside area of Oren.

Turkeys defense ministry said it was evacuating people by sea as the fires neared the plant. The state broadcaster TRT said the flames had jumped to the plant. Strong winds were making the fires unpredictable.

Authorities have said safety precautions had been taken at the Kemerkoy power plant and its hydrogen tanks were emptied. TRT said flammable and explosive substances had been removed. The privately run plant uses lignite to generate electricity, according to its website.

Videos from the area showed bright orange, burning hills with power towers and lines crisscrossing the foreground. Pro-government news channel A Hbr broadcasting live from near the evacuated power plant late Wednesday said firefighters were working inside the compound cooling equipment and dousing sparks in an effort to keep the fire away. The channels crew showed an incinerated police water cannon.

As the mayor announced the evacuation on Twitter, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was speaking live on A Hbr and said the power plant was at risk of burning. Three ministers were there to oversee developments, he said, and added planes and helicopters had been there all day to fight the fires.

But the mayor said air support came infrequently and only focused on the closer flames around the plant rather than addressing the wider fires in the area that were being fanned by shifting winds. At night, air support was not possible at all and videos showed flames in the plants vicinity.

The wildfires have turned into yet another partisan issue in Turkey. Erdogan accused opposition party members of a terror of lies for criticizing Turkeys lack of adequate aerial firefighting capabilities and inadequate preparedness for large-scale wildfires. The president said the municipalities were also responsible for protecting towns from fires and that responsibility did not fall on the central government alone but the mayors say they werent even invited to crisis coordination.

Firefighters have been trying to protect the power plant for the past two days. Along with police water cannons, they fought back the flames Tuesday night while other rescuers dug ditches around the Kemerkoy plant. Videos from an adjacent neighborhood in Milas showed charred, decimated trees.

Scorching heat, low humidity and strong winds have fed the fires, which so far have killed eight people and countless animals and destroyed forests in the past eight days. Villagers have had to evacuate their homes and livestock, while tourists have fled in boats and cars. In the seaside province of Mugla, where tourist hot spot Bodrum is located, seven fires continued Wednesday. In Antalya, at least two fires raged on and two neighborhoods had to be evacuated.

Officials say 167 fires had been brought under control and 16 continued in five provinces. Thousands of firefighters and civilians were working to douse the flames.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said another firefighting plane and its staff would come from Azerbaijan on Thursday morning and 40 firetrucks would drive to Turkey to help with the fires. He announced four rented firefighting planes had landed and two from Israel would come Thursday.

Environmental groups and opposition lawmakers in Turkey have also been voicing fears that fire-damaged forests could lose their protected status.

Turkeys parliament passed a law in July that gives the tourism ministry power to manage all aspects of new tourism centers, approved by the president, including in forests and on treasury lands for public good, taking away responsibilities from the ministries of environment and forestry. The law says these locations would be identified according to their tourism potential, considering the countrys natural, historic and cultural values.

Turkish officials, including Erdogan, have firmly rejected the speculation that the forests were in danger of construction and said the burned forests were protected by the constitution and would be reforested. While the exact acreage burned in the past week remains unclear, officials have promised the affected areas would not be transformed for other purposes.

Environmentalists were already protesting mining licenses issued for parts of some forests and trying to stop companies from cutting down trees. They have staged sit-ins across Turkey.

A 2020 report by the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion showed that 58% of Turkeys forests have been licensed to mines. About 59% of Mugla, where the fires have been raging, has been designated for mines, it said.

I wont be able to see the forests that will be replanted. Maybe my kids wont even see them, said Resit Yavuz, a resident in Marmaris, in Mugla province. There are no trees left. Theres nowhere left for fires to erupt.

A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including in Italy and Greece. Temperatures in Marmaris reached an all-time high of 45.5 C (114 F) on Tuesday.

The heatwave is forecast to continue in Turkey and Greece until the end of the week.

About the photo: The Kemerkoy Power Plant, a coal-fueled power plant, in Milas, Mugla in southwest Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. A wildfire that reached the compound of a coal-fueled power plant in southwest Turkey and forced evacuations by boats and cars, was contained on Thursday after raging for some 11 hours, officials and media reports said. (AP Photo/Emre Tazegul)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ATHENS, Greece  Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

As additional support arrived from Greeces military and European Union countries, water-dropping planes and helicopters swooped over blazes near the capital, on the island of Evia and near Ancient Olympia to the south.

The country is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, with multiple large fires, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after visiting the site where the Olympics were held in antiquity every four years from 776 B.C. for more than a millennium. More than a dozen villages were evacuated in the area.

A heat wave baking southeast Europe for a second week has also triggered deadly fires in Turkey and Albania and blazes across the region.

North Macedonias government on Thursday declared the country in a state of crisis for the next 30 days due to wildfires.

The EU Commissioner for the environment, Virginijus Sinkevicius, said the fires and extreme weather globally over the summer were a clear signal for the need to address climate change.

We are fighting some of the worst wildfires weve seen in decades. But this summers floods, heatwaves and forest fires can become our new normality, he wrote in a tweet.

We must ask ourselves: Is this the world we want to live in? We need immediate actions for nature before its too late.

The EU bolstered assistance to fire-stricken countries, sending 40 French firefighters and eight tons of material to help Greece.

Greeces Civil Protection Agency said the risk of fires across southern Greece would increase further Friday, with windy weather forecast for parts of the country, despite an expected slight dip in temperatures that reached 45 C (113 F) earlier this week. The heat wave was described as Greeces worst since 1987.

Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos said the armed forces would expand their role in fire prevention, with ground patrols, drones, and aircraft over areas vulnerable to wildfires.

Outside Athens, a forest fire that broke out on the northern fringes of the capital Tuesday and damaged or destroyed scores of homes rekindled, triggering fresh evacuations, threatening homes and sending thick smoke over the capital.

The EU Atmosphere Monitoring Service said smoke plumes from the regions wildfires were clearly visible in satellite images, adding that the estimated intensity of the wildfires in Turkey was at the highest level since records started in 2003.

On the island of Evia, a major fire that broke out Tuesday was ravaging forests, leading to the evacuation of villages and a camping site, sending people fleeing in cars and by sea. More than 160 firefighters, three planes and three helicopters, as well as five ground teams and 57 vehicles, were deployed.

The fires have not caused any deaths or serious injuries. But Greek scientists said the total destruction in just three days this month in Greece exceeded 50% of the average area burned in the country in previous years. An Athens Observatory report said an estimated 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres) went up in smoke between Sunday and Wednesday, compared to 10,400 hectares in the whole of last year.

The causes of the Greek wildfires were unclear, but authorities say human error and carelessness are most frequently to blame.

However, arson was suspected in the blaze near ancient Olympia, with officials noting that seven fires broke out in quick succession in the region on Wednesday.

The mayor of the local town of Pyrgos, Panagiotis Antonakopoulos, told Open TV that one person had been spotted moving suspiciously in nearby woodland on a motorbike, stopping every so often and a fire breaking out shortly after his stops. The person, he said, had not yet been arrested.

Becatoros reported from Argostoli, Greece. Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, contributed.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Insurance and benefits broker Arthur J. Gallagher is the target of a proposed class action lawsuit over a ransomware attack it suffered in 2020.

The plaintiffs allege that Gallagher failed to follow federal and state government and industry standards to protect their personal information from hackers and failed to adequately notify or help individuals whose information was stolen.

The plaintiffs claim that they, customers and other employees of Gallagher have suffered injuries, incurred costs and face the prospect of present and imminent lifetime risk of identity theft. The plaintiffs claim that criminals have already used the stolen personal data to attempt to steal certain identities.

The lead plaintiffs are two former employees of Gallagher: Jason Myers of California and John Parsons of Louisiana.

They seek unspecified damages and implementation by Gallagher of a host of compensatory and security measures.

Arthur J. Gallagher, a large Illinois-based insurance and benefits broker, declined to comment on the lawsuit. The suit also names Gallagher third party administrator, Gallagher Bassett Services.

The suit claims that hackers obtained personally identifiable information of thousands of Gallaghers customers, potential customers, employees and other consumers, including Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, drivers licenses, passports, dates of birth, usernames and passwords, employee identification numbers, financial account information, credit card information, electronic signatures and medical records.

The alleged injuries include out- of-pocket expenses associated with the identity theft, tax fraud, or unauthorized use of their information and increased risk because their information remains available on the dark web for individuals to access and abuse.

Gallagher detected the ransomware attack on or about Sept. 26, 2020. It took its global systems offline and launched an investigation.

According to the complaint, Gallagher informed certain media outlets of the ransomware attack as early as Sept. 29, 2020 but did not take any measures to notify affected individuals until on or about June 30, 2021.

The plaintiffs contend that those who saw the September 2020 media reports on the subject but who did not receive any notice of a data breach likely concluded that their data was not impacted and therefore would not have known of the need to take action to protect themselves. 

According to the suit, Gallagher has offered 24 months of identity monitoring services, which the plaintiffs claim is wholly inadequate.

In addition to seeking compensatory, statutory, nominal and punitive damages, legal costs and credit monitoring, the suit asks the court to order Gallagher to have regular third-party tests of its network security, improve training of its security personnel, and purchase or provide funds for credit monitoring services for its customers.

The suit is Myers v. Arthur J. Gallagher. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Preservation of evidence is critical to understanding why a Florida oceanfront condominium collapsed and to protect the legal rights of victims and others, a judge said Wednesday.

Miami-Dade County is expected later this month to hand over control of the Champlain Towers South site to a court-appointed receiver. That receiver, attorney Michael Goldberg, said discussions are ongoing regarding how experts such as engineers will gain access to the property and the buildings steel-and-concrete remains, some of which are stored in a local warehouse.

We are not going to be delaying this, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said at a hearing. Everyone will have the opportunity to do the investigations they need. We dont want to be in the position of being accused of spoiling evidence.

The 12-story condominium building in Surfside collapsed for unknown reasons June 24, killing 98 people and leaving dozens more homeless. The cause of the collapse, one of the deadliest of its kind in U.S. history, is still under investigation.

The hearing conducted remotely Wednesday concerned lawsuits filed by family members of victims, unit owners, mortgage holders and others seeking damages for their losses.

Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said access to evidence by experts could help officials avert similar building disasters by understanding what happened at Champlain Towers South.

It has to be done a lot sooner than later. There are lives at stake, Burkett said.

One survivor, Sharon Schechter, said she barely escaped from her unit on the 11th floor but raised concerns at the hearing that renters such as herself might be left with little or nothing despite losing their possessions.

I dont know where I stand. I lost everything I had, Schechter told the judge. Everything was working great and then my life was turned upside down.

Hanzman said Schechter and other tenants will have a claim for their losses as the lawsuits move forward. They are likely to be consolidated into a single class action affecting all of the collapse claims that will be filed in mid-August.

But Hanzman said even with the proposed sale of the Champlain Towers property and insurance payouts, there probably wont be enough money to go around.

There will likely not be enough to compensate everyone for what their claims may be, the judge said. But he cautioned attorneys to make sure their cases are ironclad. Im not interested in `hail Mary claims.

Another hearing was scheduled for next Wednesday.

About the photo: Search and rescue personnel work atop the rubble at the Champlain Towers South condo building, where scores of people remain missing almost a week after it partially collapsed, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Surfside, Fla. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
The unmistakeable aroma of grilled meat will fill the air as Hillel and Chabad hold opening barbecues for returning students to Northeast Ohio campuses.

The hope, according to the rabbi and co-director at Chabad at Kent State University and executive directors of Hillel at Kent State and Cleveland Hillel, is to have as much in-person interaction as is safely possible within medical guidelines.

Jared Isaacson, executive director of Cleveland Hillel, said the schedule is still evolving.

Were really excited to (be) welcoming students back in the building at events, Isaacson said.

Cleveland Hillel is the umbrella organization for several colleges in Greater Cleveland, including Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College at multiple campuses, John Carroll University in University Heights, Lakeland Community College in Kirtland and Ursuline College in Pepper Pike.

Were still monitoring obviously all the news, said Isaacson, referring to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Ohio Department of Health guidelines regarding masking and social distancing. Were really excited to welcome back students in person, to have them in person, to have them see each other and be together in person, obviously with whatever guidelines and protocols we have.

During the quarantine starting in March 2020 and continuing through the 2020-21 academic year, the large-scale events for which Hillel is known  such as its Shabbat dinner  didnt translate well in an online environment.

Isaacson said large groups were very anonymous, with multiple screens of people. It was very easy to forget who was there.

By contrast, smaller regular groupings of about five to 20 students, while requiring sustained commitment on the part of students, were effective at creating what he called micro-communities during the pandemic.

By having that smaller number that would connect with each other on a regular basis, they were able to really see each other on the screen and actually be able to connect and engage with each other, create a relationship with each other, said Isaacson, adding Cleveland Hillel will continue to foster those small group meetings and activities moving forward.

Immediately, in concert with Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland, Cleveland Hillel is planning a COVID-19 vaccination at Case Western Reserve University for newly arriving freshmen and local residents at the Cleveland Hillel building.

Registration will take place Aug. 15 at Cleveland Hillels building and will dovetail with Cleveland Hillels barbecue for first-year students that day.

Cleveland Hillel will hold its first Shabbat dinner for first-year students Aug. 20 and its first all-campus Shabbat dinner Aug. 27.

Isaacson said Cleveland Hillel is hoping to rent canopies to be placed in the courtyard outside its building for High Holy Days so that services can be held safely outside, but it has flexible space in its building if weather forces services inside.

Cleveland Hillel is at 11303 Euclid Ave. and at Oberlin College at 134 W. Lorain St. For a full lineup of events at both venues, visit clevelandhillel.org.

Rabbi Berel Sasonkin, co-director of Chabad at Kent, said safety is at the forefront of his programming.

Our ideal goal and our interest is to engage as many students as possible in a very caring way that can give them the excitement, assurance and beauty of Judaism in a way that they can celebrate safely, Sasonkin said. Really the main interest is connecting students, making them feel at home, thats the most important thing for us, that we can be there for them to be a listening ear, whenever they need us, for some good kosher food, for the festivals and all their Jewish needs.

Students are welcome to join the Akron Jewish Family Festival at Anshe Sfard parking lot, 646 N. Revere Road in Bath from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 8. There will be a dedication of a Torah in memory of Rabbi Mendy Sasonkin, Berel Sasonkins father, at that event.

The first event at Chabad at Kent will be the ChaBBQ from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26. That will be followed with Chabad at Kents first Shabbat services at 7 p.m. Aug. 27.

Chabad at Kent is also planning a brisket dinner and service Rosh Hashanah at 7 p.m. Sept. 6, a pre-Yom Kippur fast meal and Kol Nidre service at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. A Yom Kippur break-fast is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Sept. 16.

There will be chicken soup in the sukkah at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, music and shwarma in the sukkah at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and Simchat Torah services at 7 p.m. Sept. 28.

Chabad at Kent will also hold weekly Kosher BLT, which stands for bagels, lox and tefillin Sundays, a weekly girls night Mondays at 7 p.m., and weekly brunch with the parsha Wednesdays at noon.

Shabbat dinners will generally alternate with Hillel at Kent, and will include both communal meals and the option for takeout kits with food and ritual items for Shabbat.

As of now, we plan to do mostly indoor events and partially outdoors to accommodate bigger crowds, said Sasonkin, adding guidelines may change and that Chabad at Kent will adjust accordingly.

At Chabad, everyones family, a warm Jewish home away from home, Sasonkin said.

To reach Sasonkin, email rabbib@kentchabad.com

Adam Hirsh, executive director of Hillel at Kent State, said Hillel will open with an ice cream social. A sundae bar, outdoor games, kosher marshmallow roasting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 for all students.

The whole week long, we have events to really build community for students, and, you know, kick off an exciting year, Hirsh said.

Hillel at Kent is taking students on a FreshFest Tour de Kent of downtown Kent from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

All the restaurants will be offering free samples of different cuisines, Hirsh said.

With nine Jewish student groups registered at Kent State University, the Welcome Back Cookout taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 24 will allow students to meet with leaders and representatives from those student groups. Kosher food, music and games will be available.

Classes start Aug. 26 and Hillel at Kent will offer a bagel brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day.

Students are encouraged to stop by, you know, bring their friends during the first day of class, bagels, lox, coffee, well have it all, Hirsh said.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27, Hillel at Kent is planning to host its first in-person Shabbat dinner.

We did Shabbat to go with a virtual option for services, Hirsh said. This will be our first in-person experience, which is going to be fully outdoors. There will be socializing, candlelighting, services, a delicious meal  and everyones encouraged to come.

Takeout meals, known as Shabbat in a Box, will also be an option.

Hillel at Kent also intends to hold in-person services for High Holy Days as well as meals.

Everything is completely free to students and the community, Hirsh said. Everyone is welcome.

Services will be led by Rabbi Rachel Brown, who led services in 2018 and 2019.

Were very fortunate that we have very lovely outdoor spaces, said Hirsh, which Hillel at Kent, adding masking indoors will be required. Its very new information, were being very flexible on this.

Hillel a Kent is at 613 E. Summit St.

For a full lineup of events, visit Kenthillel.org.

Services and events are subject to change based on CDC, state, local and institutional guidelines.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
CORALVILLE [mdash] Anthony W. "Tony" Geltz, age 28 of Coralville, formerly of Clinton, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2pm to 3pm Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Pape Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 3pm. Burial will be
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  The Commission on Elections Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) stands by its decision to include Smartmatic in the bidding for the supply and delivery of ballot paper and marking pens for the 2022 elections.

The approved budget for the contract is 204.9 million, which includes 132.1 million for the ballot paper and 72.8 million for the marking pens.

The deal requires 2,680 rolls of ballot paper and 1,946,900 pieces of marking pens to be used during next year's polls.

Smartmatic's total bid amounted to 198 million. The poll technology provider's quotation showed 146.6 million for the paper, and 51.3 million for the marking pens.

The company has been maintaining and operating voting machines since the country's first automated elections in 2010.

Voting 15-1, the SBAC Technical Working Group recommended Smartmatic's bid be considered eligible.

However, Juliet Villena of rival bidder Advance Computer Forms, Inc. pointed out that Smartmatic's bid for ballot paper was above the ceiling price.

She cited previous deals with the poll body wherein bidders with proposals higher than the approved amount were disqualified.

Smartmatic's representative Filipinas Ordono said the assumption was the total lot price.

The SBAC also ruled in favor of Smartmatic after their deliberation. Chairman Allen Francis Abaya said, "The procurement of the two items, the ballot paper and the marking pens, are grouped into one lot and will be awarded as one contract."

Abaya cited NPM No. 130-2015, a bid award contract, as basis for their decision. It states, "The procuring entity may group several items into a single lot and award the same as one contract. In such case, the sum of the respective budgets or ABCs [approved budget for the contract] for the items aggregated into one lot becomes the ABC for such lot."

Villena said they will review the document and file a motion for reconsideration if necessary.

COMELEC declares Triplex Enterprises, Inc. as 'lowest calculated bid'

The SBAC declared Triplex Enterprises, Inc. as the lowest calculated bid for the ballot paper and markers for the 2022 polls.

It bested Smartmatic and Advance Computer Forms, Inc., other eligible bidders in the process.

The paper manufacturer's bid for the contract is 154.91 million.

The post-qualification process will start immediately, where bidders will undergo verification and validation of the requirements specified by Comelec.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has advised those who went to the overcrowded vaccination centers on Thursday to self-isolate after being part of potential superspreader events.

He said they should stay at home and constantly monitor if they start to show flu-like symptoms.

If they start exhibiting symptoms linked to COVID-19, they should immediately coordinate with their barangay health officials, the secretary added.

"Ako ay nakikiusap sa ating kababayan na lumahok sa potential superspreading events na obserbahan ang sarili at mag-quarantine tayo," Duque told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: I am appealing to those who joined the potential superspreader events to observe themselves and go on quarantine.]

Thousands of people hoping to get vaccinated against COVID-19 rushed to various inoculation sites on the eve of the hard lockdown in Metro Manila, after false information spread that there would be more restrictions for unvaccinated persons.

In one vaccination center in the City of Manila, the crowd swelled to over 10,000 when it normally accommodates a maximum of 2,000 people per day. Several other malls in the city experienced a surge of people who wanted to get vaccinated. This also happened in other cities.

"I was so upset, I was so worried sick, para akong lalagnatin dahil sa nakita ko na posibleng maging kaganapan ng hawaan [I thought I'd be sick after I saw the possible transmission happening there]," Duque said.

A probe led by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation is underway to find the people involved in disrupting the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Metro Manila.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya claimed someone "sabotaged" the government's vaccination program.

CNN Philippines correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  Long lines of vehicles in some major thruways welcomed motorists on Friday as authorities set up more checkpoints on the first day of hard lockdown in Metro Manila.

There were traffic jams in the borders connecting Laguna and Cavite to the National Capital Region. Motorists, commuters, and cyclists were stopped by the police to check if they are on essential trips since only authorized persons of residence or APORs are allowed to travel during the two-week enhanced community quarantine period.

Some commuters from Laguna opted to walk due to the long line of traffic and shortage of available public transport.

"Nahirapan akong sumakay ngayon. Walang jeep, kita niyo naman walang dumadaan," Weng Rosales told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: It's hard to find rides. There are no jeepneys passing.]

Motorcycle drivers also weathered long lines in the border of Las Pinas and Cavite just to undergo police inspection.

Jun Concepcion said he might be late for work due to the number of checkpoints he had to go through.

PLt. Arnel Datul, the station commander of Alabang-Zapote Viaduct, appealed to the public to be more patient because they want to ensure that the virus will not spread because of the unessential trips of some motorists and commuters.

Some travelers have been turned away after authorities found that their trips were not for essential work or vaccination.

"Matagal na itong guidelines natin, one week before na-announce na natin. So hindi po considered essential movement po 'yun kaya hindi natin pinapasok," he said.

[Translation: Our guidelines were announced a week ago. Some trips are not considered essential so we did not allow them to push through.]

At least 89 quarantine control points were established and over 1,200 police personnel were deployed across Metro Manila during the ECQ period that will last until Aug. 20.

The situation in the border of Quezon City and San Mateo in Rizal was better, with authorities lamenting that the public seems to be more used to the restrictions since this is the third time the region was placed under the strictest ECQ.

Personnel said motorists and passengers now know that their identification cards should be prepared ahead of the checkpoint, lessening the traffic jam.

CNN Philippines' Rex Remitio and David Santos contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) The COVID-19 vaccination registration website of Manila City encountered a "hacking incident" earlier this week, the local government revealed on Friday.

In a report, the city government said its security team on Wednesday evening "detected an unusual activity" in the system of the ManilaCovax website, which particularly targeted the homepage of the registration portal.

The online platform received around 1.02 million registration requests that night.

"The objective is very obvious: to have the website reach its threshold in order to create downtime error 502. This will result in difficulty for registrants to register into our system/program," read the LGU's report.

Authorities suspected that the attack was "clearly bot triggered."

"Based on our experience, we highly suspect that whoever is doing this has a troll farm generating machinery," the LGU said, adding that officials have taken the necessary measures to resolve the matter.

The revelation comes on top of other issues hounding the city's inoculation drive.

On Thursday, some of Manila's vaccination centers saw an alarming number of people lining up early and eventually crowding the areas  adding to fears of coronavirus transmission.

The chaos was triggered by rumors unvaccinated people cannot go out for essential trips or receive cash assistance amid the hard lockdown.

The government has since launched an investigation on the matter, with officials expected to crack down on peddlers of the false information.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6)  State health insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation said it is "working double time to process" the pending hospital claims for COVID-19 cases.

"The Corporation is working double time to process the remaining 12% amounting to 25.6 billion, which are in varying levels of processing in its offices," the agency said in a statement.

PhilHealth issued the statement after several hospitals said the unpaid claims may affect their operations amid preparations for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the more transmissible Delta variant.

READ: Hospital group: Only 15% settled in PhilHealth's unpaid COVID-19 claims

READ: PhilHealth still owes St. Luke's hospital close to 2B, says exec

Citing its records, PhilHealth said it already paid 166 billion for 13.6 million claims, or 76.4% of the almost 18 million claims it received from its accredited government and private hospitals across the country from last year until June 30, 2021. During this period, 10 million claims came from private facilities and almost P96 billion were already paid to their 8.2 million claims, while the payment of P14.4 billion to 892,000 claims is under process.

About 8% of the claims had deficiencies and were returned to hospitals for compliance, while 3% were denied due to non-compliance and other violations, PhilHealth said.

The state health insurer also clarified that the P6.3 billion paid to 206 hospitals, as claimed by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, are partial payments the agency made under the Debit-Credit Payment Method for hospitals with COVID-19 cases. It said discrepancies may be due to differences in accounting methods.

"During the claims data reconciliation meetings with a number of hospitals, it was noted that hospitals have been including denied and returned-to-hospital claims in their accounts receivables while PhilHealth recognizes only good claims as its payables pursuant to prevailing government accounting rules and regulations. This accounting practice was earlier validated during the House Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle hearing with hospitals and PhilHealth in June of this year," it explained.

The state health insurer also assured that it is making efforts to fast-track the processing of the claims and is conducting dialogues with hospitals in all parts of the country.

"The allegations of huge payables of the Corporation were dispelled after these reconciliation meetings," it added.
The Red Mountain Boys recently won second place in the RockyGrass Band Contest at the annual RockyGrass Festival in Lyons.
This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong!
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Danville, IL (61832)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Apple has announced plans to scan iPhones for images of child abuse, raising immediate concerns regarding user privacy and surveillance with the move.

Has Apple's iPhone become an iSpy?

Apple says its system is automated, doesnt scan the actual images themselves, uses some form of hash data system to identify known instances of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and says it has some fail-safes in place to protect privacy.

Privacy advocates warn that now it has created such a system, Apple is on a rocky road to an inexorable extension of on-device content scanning and reporting that could  and likely, will  be abused by some nations.

What Apples system is doing

There are three main elements to the system, which will lurk inside iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey when they ship later this year.

Scanning your images

Apples system scans all images stored in iCloud Photos to see whether they match the CSAM database held by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Images are scanned on the device using a database of known CSAM image hashes provided by NCMEC and other child safety organizations. Apple further transforms this database into an unreadable set of hashes that is securely stored on users devices.

When an image is stored on iCloud Photos a matching process takes place. In the event an account crosses a threshold of multiple instances of known CSAM content Apple is alerted. If alerted, the data is manually reviewed, the account is disabled and NCMEC is informed.

The system isnt perfect, however. The company says theres a less than one-in-one-trillion chance of incorrectly flagging an account. Apple has more than a billion users, so that means theres better than a 1/1,000 chance of someone being incorrectly identified each year. Users who feel they have been mistakenly flagged can appeal.

Images are scanned on the device.

Scanning your messages

Apples system uses on-device machine learning to scan images in Message sent or received by minors for sexually explicit material, warning parents if such images are identified. Parents can enable or disable the system, and any such content received by a child will be blurred.

If a child attempts to send sexually explicit content, they will be warned and the parents can be told. Apple says it does not get access to the images, which are scanned on the device.

Watching what you search for

The third part consists of updates to Siri and Search. Apple says these will now provide parents and children expanded information and help if they encounter unsafe situations. Siri and Search will also intervene when people make what are deemed to be CSAM-related search queries, explaining that interest in this topic is problematic.

Apple helpfully informs us that its program is ambitious and the efforts will evolve and expand over time.

A little technical data

The company has published an extensive technical white paper that explains a bit more concerning its system. In the paper, it takes pains to reassure users that it does not learn anything about images that dont match the database,

Apples technology, called NeuralHash, analyzes known CSAM images and converts them to a unique number specific to each image. Only another image that appears nearly identical can produce the same number; for example, images that differ in size or transcoded quality will still have the same NeuralHash value.

As images are added to iCloud Photos they are compared to that database to identify a match.

If a match is found, a cryptographic safety voucher is created, which, as I understand it, will also allow an Apple reviewer to decrypt and access the offending image in the event the threshold of such content is reached and action is required.

Apple is able to learn the relevant image information only once the account has more than a threshold number of CSAM matches, and even then, only for the matching images, the paper concludes.

Apple is not unique, but on-device analysis may be

Apple isnt alone in being required to share images of CSAM with the authorities. By law, any US company that finds such material on its servers must work with law enforcement to investigate it. Facebook, Microsoft, and Google already have technologies that scan such materials being shared over email or messaging platforms.

The difference between those systems and this one is that analysis takes place on the device, not on the company servers.

Apple has always claimed its messaging platforms are end-to-end encrypted, but this becomes a little semantic claim if the contents of a persons device are scanned before encryption even takes place.

Child protection is, of course, something most rational people support. But what concerns privacy advocates is that some governments may now attempt to force Apple to search for other materials on peoples devices.

A government that outlaws homosexuality might demand such content is also monitored, for example. What happens if a teenage child in a nation that outlaws non-binary sexual activity asks Siri for help in coming out? And what about discreet ambient listening devices, such as HomePods? It isnt clear the search-related component of this system is being deployed there, but conceivably it is.

And it isn't yet clear how Apple will be able to protect against any such mission-creep.

Privacy advocates are extremely alarmed

Most privacy advocates feel there is a significant chance for mission creep inherent to this plan, which does nothing to maintain belief in Apples commitment to user privacy.

How can any user feel that privacy is protected if the device itself is spying on them, and they have no control as to how?

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warns this plan effectively creates security backdoor.

All it would take to widen the narrow backdoor that Apple is building is an expansion of the machine learning parameters to look for additional types of content, or a tweak of the configuration flags to scan, not just childrens, but anyones accounts. Thats not a slippery slope; thats a fully built system just waiting for external pressure to make the slightest change.

When Apple develops a technology thats capable of scanning encrypted content, you cant just say, 'Well, I wonder what the Chinese government would do with that technology.' It isnt theoretical, warned John Hopkins professor Matthew Green.

Alternative arguments

There are other arguments. One of the most compelling of these is that servers at ISPs and email providers are already scanned for such content, and that Apple has built a system that minimizes human involvement and only flags a problem in the event it identifies multiple matches between the CSAM database and content on the device.

There is no doubt that children are at risk.

Of the nearly 26,500 runaways reported to NCMEC in 2020, one in six were likely victims of child sex trafficking. The organizations CyberTipline, (which I imagine Apple is connected to in this case) received more than 21.7 million reports related to some form of CSAM in 2020.

John Clark, the president and CEO of NCMEC, said: With so many people using Apple products, these new safety measures have lifesaving potential for children who are being enticed online and whose horrific images are being circulated in CSAM. At the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children we know this crime can only be combated if we are steadfast in our dedication to protecting children. We can only do this because technology partners, like Apple, step up and make their dedication known.

Others say that by creating a system to protect children against such egregious crimes, Apple is removing an argument some might use to justify device backdoors in a wider sense.

Most of us agree that children should be protected, and by doing so Apple has eroded that argument some repressive governments might use to force matters. Now it must stand against any mission creep on the part of such governments.

That last challenge is the biggest problem, given that Apple when pushed will always follow the laws of governments in nations it does business in.

No matter how well-intentioned, Apple is rolling out mass surveillance to the entire world with this, warned noted privacy advocate Edward Snowden. If they can scan for CSAM today, they can scan for anything tomorrow."

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
UK eases travel restrictions for travellers from India, moves it to 'amber' list

According to an update on the United Kingdom government website, it will move India from the 'red' to 'amber' list from August 8.

In April, the United Kingdom had added India to its travel "red list" following the emergence of a new COVID strain that led to a second wave. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Other countries which have been moved to the amber list include UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

"UAE, Qatar, India and Bahrain will be moved from the Red List to the Amber List.All changes come into effect Sun 8th August at 4am," the UK Transport Secretary tweeted.

The decision has come as a relief for the Indian diaspora in the UK, who had been demanding the easing of travel norms between India and Britain.

The new designation means that people travelling from India to the UK will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine at home.

They must take a COVID test three days before departure and book in advance for two COVID tests to be taken upon arrival in England on or before day two and on or after day eight as well as complete a passenger locator form on arrival.

Travellers under 18 and those fully vaccinated in the UK are exempt from the home quarantine, as well as those who have received two doses of COVID vaccine in the EU and US.

In April, the United Kingdom had added India to its travel "red list" following the emergence of a new COVID strain that led to a second wave.

India yesterday reported 42,625 new COVID-19 cases, 36,668 recoveries and 562 deaths in 24 hours, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Richard Cline Knight was born on December 29, 1942, to Iris Erlene and A.J. Knight in Corsicana, Tx. He went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 6, 2021. Richard served in the United States Navy for 4 years and was a Vietnam Veteran. He retired from telecommunications after 30 year
Editor's note: "Words from Wiechers" is a series considering the lessons our industry can learn from the late Johann Wiechers, Ph.D. He was an industry adviser, colleague and thinker until his passing in 2011. Presenting Wiechers's insights is Tony O'Lenick.

In Chapter 45 of his book, Memories of a Cosmetically Disturbed Mind, Wiechers asks: 'How can a 35-day-old pig skin mimic the skin of menopausal ladies suffering from cellulite?'



My colleague and I could measure testosterone and estrogen in your skin and link it to skin moisturization," Wiechers wrote. "Using the same technique, we were able to show that the skin of people that smoke is on average about 15 years older than that of their non-smoking counterparts. Tout ce qui est bon est mauvais (all that is good is bad)...

"People love to do all that God has forbidden. At least, that is what they like to do in the Netherlands, but considering the number of tourists coming to Amsterdam every year, they like it just as much anywhere else. We all love meat, fat, sugar, alcohol and sun, sex and the beach. Meat has cholesterol and fat, which is not good for you. Most fat is saturated and certainly not the good conjugated linoleic acid that we put in our cosmetic products. Sugar can act as a skin moisturizer but is normally adding more carbohydrates than water.

"Sun is so bad that we need to protect ourselves from its UV radiation with large SPFs. Sex, I already discussed [in a previous article], when I said that our industry is all about sex. And all these oh-so-joyful but horrible things take place on the beach, so our preferences are not only a Sodom and Gomorra for our health, as Paris-Londres says, but also for our beauty. After all, beauty is the ultimate outcome of good health, also in evolutionary biology. 

The fact is, our products are designed to make us look younger and not to set back the age clock in skin.

Several comments are appropriate here. Firstly, I (Tony O'Lenick) believe that in the period of time since this since this column was written (2008), we have made progress in minimizing doing the good things that are bad. Johann always amazed me with his use of language, as he did here with the alternate meanings of good and bad. In one case, good clearly means beneficial to your health. In another, it relates to how we feel when we do something. As in, I feel good when I do bad.

The fact that humans do things that are unhealthy because we get pleasure from these activities cannot be denied. Additionally, we love numbers generated from testing that allow us to claim we have younger skin; and if we can assign this youth, even better. The fact is, our products are designed to make us look younger and not to set back the age clock in skin.

See related: Words from Wiechers; What You Say is What You Get

Going from the test method Wiechers mentions to generating a number is only the first step. Say the levels of certain markers in the skin of subjects who smoke are comparable to levels of subjects 15 years older. This does not equate to their skin being 15 years older.

We need to keep in mind that we may be able to maintain an appearance of youth and even measure the difference in a chemical marker in two people; but we need to avoid the Dorian Gray effect1i.e., where internal factors of the personality or self-perception influence physicality.

If the intent is to look healthy, cosmetic products are wonderful but to use them to justify doing unhealthy activities simply leaves us open to surprises like the picture Dorian Gray kept in his closet in the Oscar Wild work.2

Modified from the previous: Is All That is Bad Really Good for Skin?

References

1. MedicineNet (2021, Mar 29). Medical definition of Dorian Gray effect. Available at https://www.medicinenet.com/dorian_gray_effect/definition.htm

2. Wikipedia (accessed 2021, Aug 6). Dorian Gray (character). Available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Gray_%28character%29
In the winter of 1911, a group of high-ranking Russian priests gathered in secret to lay a well-planned trap. Their target was none other than the notorious Siberian mystic Grigori Rasputin, who seemed to have established a mysterious hold over the Tsar. Rasputin had been lured to the meeting by his former friend, the Archimandrite Iliodor. But as soon as he breezed into the room, he was rushed by Iliodor and the holy fool Mitka Kolyaba, a one-armed epileptic who had been a previous favorite of the royal family. They grabbed hold of Rasputins penis and squeezed it, demanding that he confess his sins, while a hysterical bishop began beating him around the head with a huge crucifix, screaming Devil! with each blow. After all, its like the old saying goes: Problems with a mad monk? Try crushing his junk!

Presque Isle County Historical Museum Given what weve heard about Rasputin, squeezing his penis probably required some kind of mechanized steam claw.

With his dick being mangled like a tube of toothpaste, Rasputin was in a tough spot, and he lacked the penile jiu-jitsu skills to throw off his attackers. Instead, he agreed to leave Saint Petersburg and never contact the Tsar again. But once released, he simply scurried out of the room, jammed a chair under the doorknob, and escaped into the streets. From the safety of the palace, he had his enemies exiled. But perhaps he should have listened to them, or at least learned some lessons about attending mysterious meetings alone. Because five years to the day after the priests attack, Rasputin agreed to pay a late-night visit to Prince Felix Yusupov, the richest man in Russia. His body was pulled from a frozen river the next day.

Its generally agreed that Rasputin was killed at Yusupov's palace, but despite his notoriety, nobody seems to agree on exactly how and why he was killed. Youve probably heard the conventional version of the story, where he survived being poisoned, shot, beaten, stabbed and castrated, before finally drowning clawing at the ice of the frozen river Neva. That story actually has more problems than that math textbook Jay-Z wrote, but dont worry! Everyone at Cracked is dressed in the full Lara Croft outfit, archaeology shorts included, and were ready to solve this historical mystery.

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Crossville, TN (38555)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Dr. Jeffrey Moody says his generation needs to be more open to discussing the reality of burnout.
Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

New Haven County has now been designated an area of high community COVID-19 transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Thursday, the CDC elevated the county from substantial to high spread of the virus when it updated its database to show New Haven County now has more than 100 cases of COVID per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Prosecutors in Idaho say they will seek the death penalty against a man in the killing of his wifes two youngest children and the husbands previous wife in a convoluted case involving doomsday religious beliefs and another suspicious death in Arizona.

The prosecutors made the announcement in court filings on Thursday, saying that all three murders were especially heinous and cruel, that they were done for financial gain and that Chad Daybell exhibited such a propensity for killing that he is likely to be a continuing threat to society if he is allowed to live.

In Idaho, Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell are each charged with conspiracy, murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan. The children were missing for several months, during which police said the couple lied about the children's whereabouts, before their bodies were found buried on Chad Daybell's property in rural Idaho.

They face similar charges in the death of Chad Daybell's previous wife, Tammy Daybell, who died just two weeks before Lori and Chad married.

Chad Daybell will face the death penalty in Idaho; prosecutors have not declared any intent to seek the death penalty for Lori Daybell.

And in Arizona, Lori Daybell is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of her previous husband. Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Lori Daybells brother, Alex Cox, who claimed it was self-defense. Cox later died of what police said was natural causes.

Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and his attorney John Prior declined to comment on the matter. Lori Daybell has not yet entered a plea in the Idaho or Arizona cases, and was ordered to undergo treatment at a mental health facility in Idaho in hopes of making her competent to stand trial. Her attorney Mark Means didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the Idaho indictments, prosecutors said the Daybells promoted their apocalyptical religious beliefs in order to justify the killings.

A friend of Lori Daybell told investigators that the pair believed people could be taken over by dark spirits that turned them into zombies and that the only way to free that persons soul was by killing them. Chad Daybell also ran a publishing company and wrote books that were focused on the biblical end times and loosely based on the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Idaho law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty if they can show certain aggravating factors for crimes like murder or conspiracy to commit murder.

The Fremont and Madison county prosecutors said that in addition to the killings being especially heinous and cruel, Chad Daybell showed utter disregard for human life and demonstrated a propensity for murder. They also said the killings were done for financial gain, likely because the pair collected the children's Social Security survivor benefits and Tammy Daybell's life insurance money.

Death penalty cases are infrequent but not rare in Idaho. There are currently seven men and one woman on Idaho's death row.

___

This story has been updated to correct that prosecutors are only seeking the death penalty for Chad Daybell.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi's top health official said the delta coronavirus variant is sweeping across Mississippi like a tsunami as the state reported more than 3,000 new cases of the highly transmittable virus in a single day Thursday.

If we look at our trajectory, we see that its continuing to increase without any real demonstration of leveling off or decreasing, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said during a virtual briefing with news media.

The state reported 3,164 new cases of coronavirus Thursday, marking 356,055 since the start of the pandemic. More than 7,600 people have died of coronavirus complications in the state of about 3 million.

Dobbs said 90% of new coronavirus cases in Mississippi are now the delta variant. The state's major hospital systems are overwhelmed  178 new patients were hospitalized in a single day Wednesday  with almost no ICU beds available for patients, he said.

Public institutions such as Jackson State University, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State and the University of Southern Mississippi announced Wednesday and Thursday that they will require students and staff to wear masks indoors, citing the surge in delta variant cases. The institutions said the decisions were made based on the Department of Health guidance.

Like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Mississippi Department of Health has advised that people learning and working in school settings wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus. Many K-12 public school districts have opted to create their own policies requiring masks before the start of the year, but some have resisted.

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he wont put a blanket mask requirement in place. Dobbs said Thursday they aren't seeing a lot of motivation for statewide mandates right now," but urged schools to think carefully about what is the safest policy for their communities.

You cant fill a classroom with non-immune kids without a mask on with the most contagious coronavirus weve ever seen circulating and expect for it not to spread  its just biology," Dobbs said. "Our will and desire to abandon safety measures does not trump the reality of the biology of the delta virus.

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Leah Willingham 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.
Insurance companies that sell plans on and off Connecticuts Affordable Care Act exchange, Access Health CT, are again seeking increases in the cost of premiums  this time for policies that begin in 2022.

The proposed average rate increase for individual health plans next year is 8.6 percent, compared to a request of 6.3 percent in 2021. The suggested rate hikes range from 5.1 percent to 12.3 percent, depending on the policy.

For small group plans, the proposed average rate increase is 12.9 percent, compared to 11.3 percent in 2021. The recommended rate hikes range from 7.4 percent to 15.8 percent.

I shouldnt be surprised, but I am disappointed that its the same story this year, said Lynn Ide, director of program and policy for the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, an advocacy organization. We are focused every year on the impact to the consumer, and we were watching to see if they would take into account the fact that many families and small businesses who buy on the individual and small group markets are still struggling. And weve been watching reports of banner profits for insurance companies over the past year and wondering  what will they do? Well, they gave us the same old answer: Were going to ask you for more money.

State Comptroller Kevin Lembo also criticized the proposed increases. Lembo was a staunch supporter of legislation creating a public option health plan in Connecticut, though the effort failed this year after pushback from the insurance sector.

After an elaborate lobbying and advertising campaign to successfully kill reforms aimed at making health care more affordable, it only took six weeks for the industry to come back and ask for more money from Connecticut residents and small businesses, Lembo said.

The current health care options available to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits are not intended to keep people healthy. Theyre intended to make a handful of corporations an unlimited amount of money.  I would encourage the public to issue comments opposing these rate increases and demand action from those whose job it is to represent their best interests.

Residents will have a chance to weigh in on the requested increases, both online and in person.

Here are some key things to know about the proposed rate hikes:

Whats being requested?

Anthem Health Plans and ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., which sell individual and small group policies on the exchange, are both asking for increases.

Anthem is seeking an average hike of 12.3 percent for its individual plans that cover 28,701 people. ConnectiCare Benefits is requesting an average increase of 7.4 percent for individual policies that cover 81,852 residents.

Both are also seeking rate hikes for small group plans. Anthem has asked for an average increase of 11.5 percent for policies that cover 25,529 people, while ConnectiCare sought an average hike of 13.6 percent for plans that cover 1,786 residents.

The exact increases vary by plan. Ten insurers are also selling policies off the exchange. A complete list of insurers and requested rate hikes is available here.

Why are insurers seeking higher rates?

Carriers have attributed the proposed increases to rising demand for medical services and the swelling cost of prescription drugs, among other trends. They also pointed to an increase in morbidity and expected severity of claims because of delays in care during the pandemic.

There is an expectation of pent-up demand experienced throughout 2021 and an increase in behavioral health disease anticipated in 2022, the insurance department, which is reviewing the requests, said in a statement.

Additionally, the carriers cited recent legislation, including a bill adopted last year that caps a 30-day supply of insulin at $25, as a reason for the recommended hikes.

We remain extremely mindful of the impact that rate increases have on our members and strive to keep our plans as fairly priced as possible within the reality of todays health care environment, Kimberly Kann, a spokeswoman for ConnectiCare, said in a statement. Our proposed rates are based on several factors, including medical and pharmacy cost trends and use of medical services higher than historical norms.

As we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are experiencing increased disease burden, which is expected to continue to drive higher demand for medical services and anticipate ongoing costs of vaccinations and treatment.

Alessandra Simkin, a spokeswoman for Anthem, added in a statement: Were committed to ensuring consumers have a choice of health plans that offer affordability, access to quality care, and benefits that meet their needs. Our filing reflects market conditions, and we look forward to working with the state as we continue the regulatory process.

What happens now?

Actuaries with the insurance department will review the requests for increases. As part of the review, they will look at trends in unit cost (total expenditure incurred by the company), utilization of services, and expected severity of claims. The department will issue questions to the insurers and seek clarification if needed. It will also hold a public hearing to get input from the carriers, health care advocates and the public.

After the review, the department can approve the full requested increase, reject it or amend it to a different number it deems appropriate. The final changes will be published in September.

Are the proposed rate hikes always approved as requested?

No. Last year, for example, Anthem Health Plans had asked for a 9.9 percent average increase in its individual plans, which served 22,071 people through Access Health CT. The insurance department approved an increase of 1.9 percent.

ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. asked for an average hike of 5.5 percent in its individual plans on the exchange, which at the time covered 75,174 customers. The insurance department signed off on a decrease of 0.1 percent.

In 2019, Anthem asked for a 15.2 percent average increase on individual plans. The insurance department approved a 6.5 percent hike for those policies.

The same year, ConnectiCare requested a 4.9 percent increase on individual plans. The insurance department instead signed off on a 2 percent average increase.

How do I provide input?

The state will hold an informational hearing on Aug. 31. Insurers will talk about why they are seeking the increases, and the public is invited to comment.

The hearing will run from 9 a.m. to noon at 153 Market St. (7thfloor) in Hartford. Public parking is available at the nearby Morgan Street Garage.

The hearing will also be broadcast via the insurance departments YouTube channel. Residents can submit written testimony by emailing cid.RateFIlings@ct.gov.

There is also an option to submit comments on the departments website. Click the select button on any rate filing listed here and a comment box will appear.

When does open enrollment begin?

Open enrollment for 2022 health plans will begin Nov. 1.
Gov. Ned Lamont is empowering municipal leaders to establish their own universal mask mandates as COVID infections continue to climb amid the spread of the delta variant.

Lamont has stopped short of requiring all people to wear masks indoors, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, but is now offering municipal officials the power to decide for themselves.

Through an executive order issued Thursday evening, Lamont enabled local municipal leaders to establish their own universal mask requirements for businesses and organizations in their communities.

The order also requires unvaccinated workers in nursing homes to submit to weekly testing for COVID-19.

Lamont said he does not believe universal masking is needed statewide, pointing to the high vaccination rates in some communities. However, the governor said he issued the order as some communities lag behind in vaccinations and municipal leaders were seeking universal mask mandates as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Some leaders in those areas have requested the option of requiring everyone to wear masks until they can get their vaccination rates higher, Lamont said. While I continue to strongly advise that everyone wear masks while inside of public locations as recommended by the CDC, I urge everyone to get vaccinated because its the best thing you can do to protect yourself from this ongoing virus.

Lamont said the order does not pertain to schools. He said more guidance on whether masks will be required in schools will be released before classes resume.

The move comes amid sizable gaps in the overall number of people vaccinated from one town to the next. While many smaller, suburban municipalities have reached high levels of vaccinations among residents, cities and some rural towns are still lagging behind.

More than 70 percent of residents statewide have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A little under 64 percent are fully vaccinated, the data shows.

In Sterling, Thompson, Hartford and New Britain, meanwhile, less than half of residents have received at least a first dose of vaccine, state data shows. And for a vast swath of the states eastern rural area, first-dose vaccination rates hover below 60 percent. Meanwhile, a handful of smaller towns report 80 percent or more of their residents have started vaccination.

Many municipal leaders said Thursday they were not yet ready to enact broad mask mandates. Though Lamont has not issued a new mandate, the state Department of Public Health now strongly recommends that people across Connecticut wear masks indoors.

The new guidance came last week in response to the CDC reporting substantial community transmission of the virus throughout Connecticut. On Thursday, the CDC elevated New Haven County to high community spread.

Lamont has said he does not plan to issue a mandate similar to New York City that would require proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and venues. He also has said he does not think a general vaccine mandate is necessary at this time.

In late spring and early summer, Connecticut was experiencing pandemic lows for infection rates and COVID hospitalizations, but the delta variants spread has driven up cases in July and early August.

On Thursday, the state reported a daily positivity rate of 2.72 percent for new COVID tests. Hospitalizations fell by a net of eight patients for a total of 155. There were three additional COVID-related deaths reported in the last week.

Delta comprised more than 88 percent of cases sequenced within the past three weeks, according to the latest report from the Yale School of Public Health. Alpha, a highly infectious strain that was previously dominant in the state and around the U.S., now makes up less than 1 percent of cases sequenced. Gamma, the variant first found in Brazil, comprised a little more than 3 percent of cases, while the remaining roughly 8 percent of cases sequenced were not considered variants of concern or interest.

The delta variant is believed to be about twice as infectious as the original strain of the novel coronavirus first detected in Wuhan.

The CDC now also believes vaccinated people who become infected with delta can have as much of the virus in their nose and throat as unvaccinated people. That means vaccinated people may be able to spread the strain to unvaccinated people or medically vulnerable people, experts said.

That conclusion, drawn from examining data from large outbreaks connected with gatherings in Cape Cod, is part of what led the CDC to revise its guidance and recommend vaccinated people wear masks inside where the virus is spreading rapidly. A handful of Connecticut cases have also been connected with the outbreaks in Massachusetts.

Facing repeated questions over how the state will act to stop the spread of this highly transmissible variant, Lamont has said he does not think sweeping mandates are needed given the high percentage of people vaccinated and the still relatively low infection rate.

He appears poised to adopt more focused mandates, including giving municipalities the power to enact specific requirements.

Thursdays order will also require nursing home workers to be tested weekly for the virus if they have not been vaccinated. The order moves up the effective date of a new law enacted over the summer, which allows the state Department of Public Health to require regular testing of an infectious disease during an outbreak. The governors office said Acting Commissioner Deidre Gifford plans to require weekly testing of unvaccinated staff.

Its really important because you know what happened to nursing homes 16 months ago, Lamont said earlier in the day. We look around the country, we see that in some rare cases there is some breakthrough. We know that many of the nurses still arent vaccinated and theyre going into these vulnerable communities.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities quickly became hotspots for the spread of the virus early in the pandemic. Through July 21, there have been more than 8,700 confirmed cases at nursing homes and roughly 2,800 deaths, state data shows.

Acting DPH Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford was also meeting teacher representatives on Thursday to discuss how to get as many educators vaccinated as possible.

But Lamont does not think a requirement for teachers was going to be announced in the near future.

I dont think were there yet, Lamont said. Its controversial.

Correction: This story has been updated to clarify the governors executive order allows municipal leaders to establish their own mask mandates.

Staff writer Ken Dixon contributed to this story.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  State lawmakers told Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday that their ongoing investigation of his conduct in office is almost done and gave him a deadline of Aug. 13 to provide additional evidence as they moved toward what seemed like an increasingly inevitable impeachment battle.

Since March, the Assembly's judiciary committee has been investigating whether there are grounds to impeach the Democratic governor over sexual harassment allegations, misleading the public about COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing homes and using state resources and staff for his $5 million book deal.

In a letter sent Thursday, the law firm leading the investigation, Davis Polk & Wardwell, reminded Cuomo's legal team that it has subpoenaed certain documents and expects full compliance from the governor," but that his time to respond was almost up.

We write to inform you that the Committees investigation is nearing completion and the Assembly will soon consider potential articles of impeachment against your client," they wrote. Accordingly, we invite you to provide any additional evidence or written submissions that you would like the Committee to consider before its work concludes.

The letter was released publicly by Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine, a Long Island Democrat.

Cuomo's spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, said in a statement that the governor would cooperate.

The Assembly has said it is doing a full and thorough review of the complaints and has offered the Governor and his team an opportunity to present facts and their perspective," he wrote. "The Governor appreciates the opportunity."

The Judiciary Committee has scheduled its next meeting on the matter for Monday.

Findings from an independent investigation overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James released earlier this week said Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women, and that his administration retaliated against at least one of them for going public with her allegations.

Cuomo has denied making any inappropriate sexual advances and insists the findings dont reflect the facts. He's resisted numerous calls for his resignation from most of New York's top Democrats and from national figures like President Joe Biden.

The governor has not made himself available to reporters since the report's release Tuesday and hasn't appeared in public. Photos published by the New York Post showed him working Thursday from a lounge chair by the pool at the Executive Mansion in Albany.

His office continued to churn out press releases about various administration initiatives, as if to project a sense that Cuomo was continuing to govern as usual, but his political isolation was clear.

At least 97 of the Assemblys 150 members said they would impeach Cuomo if he doesnt resign, according to a tally by The Associated Press based on interviews and public statements. Only a simple majority is needed to begin an impeachment trial.

Asked whether Cuomo could try to horse-trade his way out of impeachment or call in favors, Sen. Brad Hoylman, a New York City Democrat, said there wasnt a pathway for that.

I know the political animal he is. Im sure if he could do that, he would, but I dont think anybodys even talking to him, he said. "This is someone whos cornered politically with nowhere to go but out the door. The sooner he comes to that realization, the better.

Dozens of lawmakers told The Associated Press in recent days that theyre worried that Cuomo is too distracted to lead.

Thursday afternoon, the state's education commissioner, Betty Rosa, sent a letter to the state health commissioner suggesting the administration had let the scandal get in the way of important policy decisions about reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Commissioner Howard Zucker had announced earlier in the day that the state would not release long-promised reopening guidance and would instead leave the matter to local school districts. Rosa asked him to reconsider.

The circumstances enveloping the Executive Chamber this week should not prevent the Department of Health from the execution of its responsibilities to the public, as has been promised by the Governors office for months," her department said in a press release.

District attorneys in Manhattan, suburban Westchester, and Nassau counties and the state capital of Albany said they asked for investigative materials from the inquiry to see if any of the allegations could result in criminal charges.

Oswego County District Attorney Greg Oakes added himself to the list of interested prosecutors Thursday, telling WSYR-TV that he will begin investigating an incident involving a woman who testified that Cuomo ran two fingers across her chest and grazed the area between her shoulder and breasts at an upstate conservation event in May 2017.

One of Cuomos accusers said he groped her breast. Others have said he gave them unwanted kisses or touched parts of their bodies in ways that made them uncomfortable.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the Assembly's judiciary committee will first wrap up its probe as quickly as possible before the chamber votes on articles of impeachment.

But its far from clear how long that will take: Several judiciary committee members estimate weeks or even a month.

Clark has asked legislative leaders whether the Assembly could submit articles of impeachment on harassment first and add more findings later. But committee member Tom Abinanti, a Democrat, said he supports waiting to end the probe and drawing up comprehensive articles that could hold up to legal scrutiny.

Cuomo also faces scrutiny from the state ethics commission, which can impose civil penalties for violations of state ethics law or refer criminal matters to prosecutors.

The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics is looking into sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, his administrations handling of COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing home, his use of state resources and staff for his $5 million pandemic book deal and his administrations efforts to rush COVID-19 tests for members of Cuomos circle during spring 2020 when testing was scarce, according to agency spokesperson Walt McClure.

McClure couldnt confirm whether JCOPE has opened a formal investigation, but said that investigative matters concerning the governor are pending before the agency.

___

Associated Press writers David Klepper in Providence, Rhode Island, and Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey, contributed to this report.
SEATTLE (AP)  Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz on Friday fired two police officers who authorities have said violated the law while attending events in Washington D.C. during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Married officers Caitlin and Alexander Everett were fired because they crossed the outdoor barriers established by the Capitol Police and were directly next to the Capitol Building, Diaz said in a statement.

It is beyond absurd to suggest that they did not know they were in an area where they should not be, amidst what was already a violent, criminal riot," he said.

Diaz also called the officers' presence at the Capitol that day as "an attack on our profession and on every officer across the country.

Mike Solan, president of the Seattle Police union that represents officers, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment about the decision to fire them.

The officers, in a report released by Seattle's Office of Police Accountability, said they stayed on grass 30 to 50 yards (27 to 45 meters) away from the capitol building and never saw any signs of a disturbance.

Its not known if the officers are under criminal investigation by federal authorities for their actions.

The Everetts were among six Seattle officers in the nations capital for President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally.

The couple's trip became public after Caitlin Everett posted a photo on Facebook of her and Alexander Everett at the demonstration. Four other officers later admitted they were also there but said they were not involved in the riot.

Friday marked the first time that the Everetts have been named. The police department has not named the other four officers.

The Washington Supreme Court announced Thursday that it would hear a lawsuit filed by the officers against people who filed public records requests seeking to disclose their identities.

Last month's investigation by Seattle's Office of Police Accountability found that the Everetts violated the law by trespassing at the U.S. Capitol while rioters stormed the building. The police discipline report stated that they also lied about their activities.

Despite the Everetts' claim that they didn't see a disturbance, FBI photographs showed them directly next to the Capitol building at about 2:30 p.m.  about 30 minutes after the demonstration had been declared a riot, the police accountability report said.

The officers told investigators that they had no idea that the event had turned violent, the report said.

But nearby, and within your line of vision, numerous people were scaling a stone wall to the Capital steps, climbing the scaffolding, and crowds were surrounding the building, the report added.

Diaz said the Everetts' presence there was unacceptable: More than a hundred officers sustained serious injuries  some career-ending  through outright assault,

He added: Hundreds more, across all agencies called to respond, bear the physical and emotional scars of that day. The participation of these two officers in that crowd is a stain on our department, and on the men and women who work every day to protect our community, serve those in need, and do so with compassion and dignity.

Both officers came to Seattle after working with police departments in Texas.

The officers worked together at the Dallas Police Department as patrol officers before they were married, according to police reports released through a public records request.

Alexander Everett graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice in 2008 and worked in Dallas for four years before taking a job as an officer in Round Rock, Texas. He also worked for the U.S. Air Marshals for more than 22 years, the records said.

Caitlin Everett worked for the Dallas police for four years under her maiden name Caitlin Rochelle, the records said.

It was not immediately know if the Everetts have a lawyer. The attorneys representing them and the four other Seattle officers in the public records case withdrew from the case after the accountability office investigation was completed last month.

_____

Associated Press writer Jake Bleiberg in Dallas contributed to this report.

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Follow Martha Bellisle on Twitter @marthabellisle
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  It didn't take much for the White House to set Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis off. As coronavirus cases rise across the Sun Belt, President Joe Biden asked GOP governors to get out of the way of efforts to contain the virus.

DeSantis fired back that he did not want to hear a blip about COVID from you, thank you, adding, Why don't you do your job?

The exchange was unusually direct and bitter, particularly for politicians dealing with a crisis that is killing Americans in rising numbers. But it was a sign that the now-familiar cudgels of virus politics  debates pitting freedoms against masks and restrictions  remain potent weapons. And DeSantis, in particular, appears eager to carry that fight into next years midterms election, and beyond.

He has become, I would argue, the leading voice of opposition to the Biden administration, said Rob Bradley, a Republican who recently left the Florida Senate because of term limits. Its not a surprise to see Biden and DeSantis going at it.

The strategy comes with risks. DeSantis is up for reelection next year and is frequently mentioned as a 2024 presidential contender. His national profile has risen in large part because he spent the early part of the pandemic pushing a message that prioritized his states economy over sweeping restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

But his state is now an epicenter of the latest surge. Florida has repeatedly broken records for hospitalized patients this week, and it and Texas accounted for a third of all new cases nationwide last week, according to the White House.

DeSantis has responded by banning mask mandates in schools and arguing that vaccines are the best way to fight the virus while new restrictions amount to impediments on liberty.

Florida is a free state, and we will empower our people," DeSantis said in a fundraising email keying off his hitting back at the president. "We will not allow Joe Biden and his bureaucratic flunkies to come in and commandeer the rights and freedoms of Floridians.

Biden's willingness to call out the Republican governor of Florida  as well as his colleagues in other hot spots like Texas  marks a new confrontational turn for him as well. For months, the White House has tried to minimize the perception of distance between the president and governors in hopes of depoliticizing the vaccination process.

It had sought to prevent a nationwide panic over the spread of the delta variant and to make good on the promise that the nation was ready to move past the pandemic. But with new cases averaging more than 70,000 a day  above the peak last summer before vaccines were available  the messaging has shifted.

The White House is now casting whats occurring as a more localized concern primarily affecting areas of the country that have lagging vaccination rates and that have not followed federal guidance recommending face masks in areas with high case rates. But the hardest-hit areas tend to be run by Republicans like DeSantis.

Biden is proving more reticent than DeSantis to continue the feud. When asked Thursday about DeSantis' response to his comments, Biden simply asked, Governor who? and grinned.

Still, that didn't stop White House press secretary Jen Psaki from turning up the administrations criticism, saying it was a fact that DeSantis has taken steps that are counter to public health recommendations.

Frankly, this is too serious, deadly serious, to be doing partisan name calling, Psaki said.

She added that administration officials remained in touch with Floridas public health officials, despite DeSantis posture. Psaki also said the White House was focused on ensuring Floridians know what steps they should be taking to safeguard their health, even if those are not steps taken at the top of the leadership in that state.

Republican governors attacking Democratic presidents and vice versa is nothing new, meanwhile. And even heated partisan back-and-forth as the coronavirus rages has happened before.

During the early months of the pandemic last year, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos daily press briefings were carried live on national television and cheered by Democrats across the country as a science-based antidote to then-President Donald Trumps own daily sessions with the media.

One day when Cuomo was holding his briefing, Trump tweeted that the New York governor was doing too much complaining and should get out there and get the job done. Stop talking. Cuomo was asked about that and shot back, If hes sitting home watching TV, maybe he should get up and go to work.

Cuomo is now under intense pressure to resign after an investigation found he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers. But his state is no longer the virus hot spot that Florida is.

Biden also rarely channels his predecessor's combative tactics, underscoring how strange the political dynamics of the latest virus surge are becoming.

Another indication that the back-and-forth between Biden and DeSantis could foreshadow similar future clashes as the midterms loom is that the governor and president recently put aside their differences and appeared together after the deadly collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Florida. Thats a far cry from whats happening now.

Hes only telling us what hes against, Bernard Ashby, a Miami cardiologist who leads the Florida chapter of the Committee to Protect Health Care, said of DeSantis. I think its up to him, as leader of our state, to actually do something to decrease the amount of people that we see getting infected, hospitalized, ending up in the ICU and ultimately dying.

DeSantis is nonetheless doubling down. His harsh words for Biden have already caused a stir in conservative online circles, and the governor has since appeared on Fox News to reiterate them.

Thats been his strategy his entire existence ... whatever plays on Fox News is where hes going, said Kevin Cate, a Florida-based Democratic strategist and veteran of Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign.

Cate, a campaign consultant for Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is running for governor and has been an outspoken DeSantis critic, said if the Florida loss of life now occurring because of the coronavirus had been a hurricane, the governor would have suited up for disaster response without worrying about the political optics.

If Ron DeSantis had one-tenth of the vitriol against the virus that he spews about Joe Biden, he said, people would not be dying in Florida.

___

Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  A Georgia man who created websites to sell memorabilia bearing fake autographs was sentenced to more than three years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to federal charges in Alabama, prosecutors said.

Douglas Duren, 38, of Atlanta pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft in March and was sentenced to 40 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke.
A New Jersey gym owner and a Washington state man on Friday became the first people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol to plead guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer during the deadly siege.

The pair of plea deals with federal prosecutors could be a benchmark for dozens of other cases in which Capitol rioters are charged with attacking police as part of an effort to halt the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory. Both defendants face more than three years in prison if a judge adheres to estimated sentencing guidelines spelled out in the plea agreements.

The estimated sentencing guidelines for Scott Kevin Fairlamb range from about 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 years in prison. But the judge isn't bound by that recommendation when he sentences Fairlamb, a 44-year-old former mixed martial arts fighter who owned Fairlamb Fit gym in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Fairlamb's lawyer and prosecutors can seek a sentence above or below those guidelines.

The sentencing guidelines in Devlyn Thompson's plea deal recommend a slightly higher sentence than Fairlamb, ranging from less than four years to 4 3/4 years in prison. After Fairlamb's hearing, Thompson, 28, of Puyallup, Washington, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon, a baton.

The same judge who accepted Fairlamb's guilty plea ordered Thompson to be jailed in Seattle. Thompson had been free since his participation in the Capitol riot.

The pleas come less than two weeks after a group of police officers testified at a congressional hearing about their harrowing confrontations with the mob of insurrectionists. Five officers who were at the Capitol that day have died, four of them by suicide. The Justice Department has said that rioters assaulted approximately 140 police officers on Jan. 6. About 80 of them were U.S. Capitol Police officers and about 60 were from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department.

Fairlamb, whose brother is a U.S. Secret Service agent, was one of the first people to breach the Capitol after other rioters smashed windows using riot shields and kicked out a locked door, according to federal prosecutors. After leaving the building, Fairlamb harassed a line of police officers, shouting in their faces and blocking their progress through the mob, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

A video showed him holding a collapsible baton and shouting, What (do) patriots do? We f disarm them and then we storm the f Capitol!

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla said Thompson was on the front lines of the most violent clashes that day, in a tunnel at the Capitol.

This is one of the largest domestic terrorism events in U.S. history, where a group of individuals attacked the citadel of our constitutional democracy in an effort to overthrow the valid election results of the president of the United States, Chawla said.

Thomas Durkin, one of Thompson's attorneys, said Jan. 6 was a horrible, horrible event but disputed the prosecutor's characterization of the attack.

I think it's dangerous to start throwing around domestic terrorism in circumstances like this, he said.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth set a sentencing date of Sept. 27 for both Thompson and Fairlamb, who has been jailed since his Jan. 22 arrest at his home in Stockholm, New Jersey.

Thompson wasnt arrested after he was charged last month with one count of assaulting a Metropolitan Police officer. His attorneys said in a court filing that he has autism spectrum disorder.

Fairlamb's lawyer, Harley Breite, said he will ask the judge for a sentence below the government's recommended guidelines.

Fairlambs involvement in the riot has eviscerated large parts of his life, his attorney said.

He has lost his business. The mortgage on his home where he lives with his wife is in peril. And he has been publicly disgraced, Breite said during an interview after Fridays remote hearing.

Breite said his client wanted to pay the price for what he had done and then move on with his life.

It wasnt so much about the deal. It was about his desire to own up to what he had done, make himself a better person for the future and move on, the lawyer added.

Fairlamb pleaded guilty to two counts, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. The counts carry a maximum of more than 20 years in prison.

Another video captured Fairlamb shoving and punching a police officer in the head after he left the Capitol, according to an FBI agents affidavit.

As a former MMA fighter, the defendant was well aware of the injury he could have inflicted on (the officer), prosecutors wrote. His actions and words on that day all indicate a specific intent to obstruct a congressional proceeding through fear, intimidation, and violence, including violence against uniformed police officers.

Fairlambs brother was one of the Secret Service agents assigned to protect former first lady Michelle Obama, Breite said.

Fairlambs social media accounts indicated that he subscribed to the QAnon conspiracy theory and promoted a bogus claim that former President Donald Trump would become the first president of the new Republic on March 4, prosecutors wrote. QAnon has centered on the baseless belief that Trump was fighting against a cabal of Satan-worshipping, child sex trafficking cannibals, including deep state enemies, prominent Democrats and Hollywood elites.

The rioters believed Trump's lies that he was robbed of a second term because of massive voter fraud nationwide. In fact, claims of massive fraud have been refuted by numerous judges, state election officials and even Trumps own administration.

On July 27, a House panel investigating the deadly riot heard emotional testimony from four police officers who tried to defend the Capitol when the mob of Trump supporters stormed the building.

At least nine people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 died during or after the rioting, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed after he was sprayed by rioters with a chemical irritant. Four other police officers have died by suicide, including two Metropolitan Police officers who were found dead within the past month.

Police shot and killed a woman, Ashli Babbitt, who was part of a group of people trying to beat down the doors of the House chamber. Three other Trump supporters who died had suffered medical emergencies.

More than 560 people have been charged with federal crimes, and authorities are still searching for hundreds more. At least 165 defendants have been charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers or Capitol employees, including more than 50 people charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer, the Justice Department said in July.

Fairlamb and Thompson are at least the 32nd and 33rd defendants to plead guilty. Most of the others have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, including parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
WASHINGTON  Richard Trumka, the powerful president of the AFL-CIO who rose from the coal mines of Pennsylvania to preside over one of the largest labor organizations in the world, died Thursday. He was 72.

The federation confirmed Trumkas death in a statement. He had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organizations secretary-treasurer for 14 years. From his perch, he oversaw a federation with more than 12.5 million members and ushered in a more aggressive style of leadership.

The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today, the AFL-CIO said. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of Americas labor movement.

President Joe Biden eulogized Trumka from the White House and said the labor leader had died of a heart attack while on a camping trip with his son and grandkids. He said he spoke with Trumkas widow and son earlier in the day.

He wasnt just a great labor leader. He was a friend, Biden told reporters Thursday. He was someone I could confide in, and you knew, whatever he said he would do, he would do.

In Connecticut, the state Democrats posted a remembrance on Twitter, with a comment from John W. Olsen, a member of the Democratic National Committee and former 25-year state AFL-CIO president and state party chairman. Rich Trumka was a brother and his passing is a tremendous loss. He fought for and protected workers rights every day, with everything he had. Ive lost a friend and workers in America & around the world have lost a champion.

A burly man with thick eyebrows and a bushy mustache, Trumka was the son and grandson of coal miners. He was born in 1949 in the small southwest Pennsylvania town of Nemacolin and worked for seven years in the mines before earning an accounting degree from Penn State and then a law degree from Villanova University.

Trumka was tough and combative, a throwback to an old guard of union leaders from the labor movements heyday. But he rose in a distinctly different era, as union membership declined and labor struggled to retain political power. He often focused on making the case for unions to the white, blue collar workers who had turned away from Democrats -- and speaking bluntly to them.

Trumka met with President Donald Trump on trade and health care issues, but their relationship remained contentious. He called Trump a fraud who had deceived the working class. Trump shot back by criticizing Trumka as ineffectual. No wonder unions are losing so much, Trump tweeted in 2019.

At times, Trumka challenged blue-collar workers to confront their own prejudices, including a forceful denunciation of racism in the union ranks during Barack Obamas first winning campaign for the White House.

We cant tap dance around the fact that theres a lot of white folks out there  and a lot of them are good union people, they just cant get past this idea that theres something wrong with voting for a Black man, he said during an impassioned 2008 speech. Theres only one really, really bad reason to vote against Barack Obama. And thats because hes not white.

Until his death, he used his power to push for health care legislation, expanded workers rights and infrastructure spending.
DROSOPIGI, Greece (AP)  Wildfires raged uncontrolled through Greece and Turkey for yet another day Friday, forcing thousands to flee by land and sea, and killing a volunteer firefighter on the fringes of Athens in a huge forest blaze that threatened the Greek capital's most important national park.

Eight people have died in Turkey's blazes, described as the worst in decades, that swept through swaths of the southern coast for the past 10 days.

In Greece, which had suffered a record heat wave, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said firefighters faced exceptionally dangerous, unprecedented conditions as they battled 154 wildfires Friday, with 64 still burning into the night.

Over the past few days we have been facing a situation without precedent in our country, in the intensity and wide distribution of the wildfires, and the new outbreaks all over (Greece), he said in an evening briefing. I want to assure you that all forces available are taking part in the fight.

Evacuation orders were issued for dozens of villages on the mainland and the nearby island of Evia, as well as outlying settlements on the forested fringes of Athens. Scores of homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged, although authorities have been unable yet to provide detailed figures.

Shifting winds and new flashpoints Friday afternoon caused the blazes outside Athens and Evia to repeatedly change direction, in some cases returning to threaten areas that had narrowly escaped destruction earlier this week.

After burning through forests and houses towards Lake Marathon, the capitals main water reservoir, a branch of the fire headed off into the Mount Parnitha national park  one of the last remaining substantial forests near Athens, which already bore deep scars from wildfires in 2007.

A 38-year-old volunteer firefighter died after a falling utility pole struck his head in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said. At least 20 people have required treatment nationwide.

The causes of the fires are under investigation. Hardalias said three people were arrested Friday  in the greater Athens area, central and southern Greece  on suspicion of starting blazes, in two cases intentionally. Police said the suspect detained north of Athens had allegedly lit fires at three separate spots in the area ravaged by the large blaze, which first broke out Tuesday.

In the village of Limni on Evia, residents and vacationers were urged to hasten to the harbor and await embarkation after flames cut off all other means of escape. Two ferry boats picked up about 1,000 people, and one more would remain at Limni to take on later arrivals, the coast guard said.

Earlier in the day and late Thursday the coast guard evacuated nearly 700 people from other parts of the island, using patrol vessels, fishing boats and other private vessels.

We're talking about the apocalypse, I don't know how to describe it, Sotiris Danikas, head of the coast guard in the town of Aidipsos on Evia, told state broadcaster ERT, describing the earlier sea evacuation.

A coast guard vessel also rescued 10 people trapped on a beach by another fire near the town of Gythio in the southern Peloponnese region.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed deep gratitude to all involved in the firefighting effort during a visit to the Fire Service headquarters Friday. She added: We are all vulnerable to fire. There is much that needs to be done, both on a large and a small scale. But now we must display self-restraint and unity.

Greek and European officials have blamed climate change for the multiple fires burning through southern Europe, from southern Italy to the Balkans, Greece and Turkey.

In Italy, firefighters battling a wildfire in the province of Reggio Calabria found the bodies of a man and a woman in an olive grove. LaPresse news agency said they died of smoke inhalation.

Massive fires have been burning across Siberia in Russia's north for weeks, while hot, bone-dry, gusty weather has also fueled devastating wildfires in California.

Greece has been baked by its most protracted heat wave in three decades, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), although it was cooler Friday.

At least 20 people have been treated for injuries from the fires. Two firefighters were in intensive care in Athens, while another two were hospitalized with light burns.

More than 1,000 firefighters and nearly 20 aircraft are now battling major fires across Greece, while extra firefighters, planes, helicopters and vehicles were arriving from France, Switzerland, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, Israel, Sweden and the U.S. Some 80 French and 40 Cypriot firefighters joined in efforts to fight the blazes north of Athens.

In Turkey, authorities on Friday evacuated six more neighborhoods near the Mugla province town of Milas as a wildfire fanned by winds burned some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from a power plant. Two other neighborhoods were also evacuated as a precaution later in the day, as another fire spread from the region of Yatagan, in Mugla, toward the edge of the neighboring province of Aydin, further north.

At least 36,000 people were evacuated to safety in Mugla province alone, officials said.

Excavators formed firebreaks to keep flames from the Yenikoy power plant, the second such facility to be threatened in the region.

Wildfires near the tourism resort of Marmaris, also in Mugla, were largely contained by late Thursday, while by Friday afternoon the two main fires in neighboring Antalya province were brought under control.

In Greece, the Athens fire halted traffic on the main highway connecting the capital to the north of the country and damaged electricity installations. The power distribution company announced rolling cuts in the wider capital region to protect the electrical grid.

In the Drosopigi area, resident Giorgos Hatzispiros surveyed the damage to his house Friday morning, the first time he was seeing it after being ordered to evacuate the previous afternoon. Only the charred walls of the single-story home remained, along with his children's bicycles, somehow unscathed in a storeroom. Inside, smoke rose from a still-smoldering bookcase.

Nothing is left, Hatzispiros said.

In the southern Peloponnese region dozens of villages and settlements were evacuated, and a blaze was stopped before reaching monuments at Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

The fires also disrupted COVID-19 vaccinations. The Health Ministry announced the suspension of vaccinations at centers in fire-affected areas.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address Thursday that the wildfires display the reality of climate change.

In 2018, more than 100 people died when a fast-moving forest fire engulfed a seaside settlement east of Athens.

____

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey, and Paphitis from Lemnos, Greece. Elena Becatoros in Argostoli, Greece, Mehmet Guzel in Mugla, Turkey, and Frances D'Emilio in Rome contributed.

___

Read stories on climate issues by The Associated Press at https://apnews.com/hub/climate
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (AP)  A woman shot by a northern Virginia police officer after allegedly approaching officers with a kitchen knife has been charged with assault on a law enforcement officer.

Jiyoung Lee, 30, of Springfield, was treated at the hospital and is still recovering, police said.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Worried parents with children too young to be vaccinated called on the the Iowa State Board of Education on Thursday to implore Gov. Kim Reynolds to reverse a state law that bans school mask mandates.

The parents and some teachers sought to change the ban on mask mandates during an online meeting of the board, arguing that with coronavirus infections rising it doesn't make sense to stop school districts from taking actions to protect children.

Republican lawmakers in May rushed through in the final hours of the legislative session a measure that prohibited counties, cities or school boards from imposing face-covering requirements more strict than those ordered by the state. Reynolds immediately signed the bill into law at a festive news conference where she posed with activists who held signs with anti-mask slogans.

Please set politics aside and help protect our children's safety, their learning and their families, said Jesse Richardson-Jones, a Des Moines mother of two school-age children who asked the board to demand that the governor rescind the mask ban.

Sara Willette of Ames said she's at high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to an immune system condition and worries about catching the virus from her school-age child.

The fact that state government stepped in and said we cant mandate that other students and other teachers are protecting each other and protecting high risk people most importantly, its legalized homicide, Willette said.

Jean Schilling, a member of the Manly-based Central Springs Community School District board, said she was placed in the impossible position last spring of deciding whether to vote to violate the state law and impose a mask requirement in her district or defy local public health officials who were suggesting a mask requirement to stop virus spread in schools. Schilling said she abstained because she could not reconcile the risk of defying local public health directives and could not allow the school district to break the law by defying the governors order.

Please help your local school districts make these proper decisions to keep kids safe, she pleaded. Please encourage the governor to allow local school districts to follow local public health recommendations to keep kids safe.

Even if Iowa State Board of Education members, who are appointed by the governor, recommended changes to Iowa's mask ban, it's unlikely Reynolds would support the move. The governor and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly rejected calls for mask mandates, saying face coverings are a personal choice.

Asked Thursday about the matter, Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett said, Anyone can still wear a mask to school. Its just not required. The governor is proud of the laws she signed, and trusts Iowans to do the right thing on behalf of themselves and their family.

The mask debate comes as the COVID-19 delta variant is spreading rapidly in Iowa with more than 3,500 new cases reported in the past week as of Wednesday. That is more than double the number of new cases reported a week ago.

An additional 10 deaths were reported for a total of 6,193 deaths overall. Hospitalizations are rising as are the number of people in intensive care units.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data indicated that 91 of Iowa's 99 counties have either a high or substantial rate of virus spread, a level at which the federal agency recommends masks be worn inside public spaces, even by vaccinated people.

Scientists have concluded that even vaccinated people can carry enough virus to infect others and since children under 12 cannot yet be vaccinated, they are vulnerable to infection in crowded schools.

A spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Education did not immediately respond to a message seeking a comment on behalf of the board.
Where were you when the Durbin Amendment was snuck onto the Senate version of the Dodd-Frank Act in May 2010? Whether or not you remember exactly what you were doing when Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois added an amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act to regulate interchange fees on debit card transactions, the painful reminder of this onerous piece of legislation remains.

The Durbin Amendmentwhile famous for its interchange fees on debit card transactionsalso requires card issuers to (1) provide at least two unaffiliated payment card networks to process electronic debit transactions, preventing network exclusivity and (2) prohibits card issuers from inhibiting merchants from directing the routing of an electronic debit transaction over any network that may process that transaction.

And if Sen. Durbin and others have their way, we may soon feel a similar pain when it comes to credit card transactions. Lawmakers have recently shown interest in expanding the Durbin Amendment to affect credit card transactions, too, which would predictably result in a massive disruption to the U.S. payments ecosystem and prove detrimental to consumers.

Lets be clear. This continuing, heavy-handed interchange regulation is nothing short of government intervention in free-market commerce that produces no measurable benefit for consumers. Supporters of the amendment claimed that consumers would see lower prices, but there is no evidence that has happened since the Durbin Amendment was passed.

Instead, it detracts from financial institutions ability to serve their customers. Credit unions will no longer be able to provide the best products and services to their members because they will need to save money at every turn to offset the lost interchange fee revenue not only on debit cards but possibly credit cards, too.

More Fees, Less Options

The amendment authorized the Federal Reserve to ensure that the amount of any interchange fee received by a large debit card issuer (with at least $10 billion in assets) is reasonable and proportional to the cost incurred by the issuer.

The provision was supposed to cut costs for customers and merchants by cutting the interchange fees charged by large banks roughly in half. While the amendment did in fact cut the average debit card interchange fee in halfprimarily benefiting larger retailersfinancial institutions were forced to recoup losses by eliminating free checking, raising minimum balance requirements, and charging higher maintenance fees.

The following 79-page 2019 scholarly article from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School examines the impact of the Durbin Amendment on banks (the study sampled bank holding companies with more than $500 million in assets), retailers, and consumers. The empirical analysis used various sources of data to provide causal evidence that banks whose interchange revenue decreased post-amendment responded by increasing fees. The evidence that the interchange cap successfully drove down banks interchange revenue, causing them to offset losses by raising other account fees is fascinating: the share of free basic checking accounts went from 60 percent to 20 percent post-Durbin; and average checking account fees increased to a monthly rate of $7.44 per month from $4.34.

The evidence confirms what we already knew: The Durbin Amendment overall has brought no benefit to consumers. Extending the amendment to credit card transactions will erode the U.S. payments ecosystem and stifle small business growth at a time when consumers and the entire economy are recovering from the devastation of the pandemic.

Additionally, an expansion of the Durbin Amendment would disrupt financial institutions operations. Because card-not-present (CNP) transactions were not considered when FIs signed the contracts for additional CNP networks in 2010, an expansion of the amendment would likely require financial institutions to sign contracts with at least one additional routing network to comply with the exclusivity prohibition. Adding routing networks makes financial institutions less efficient and large retailers are pushing hard to clarify regulation language, which we vehemently oppose.

Whats more, multiple networks vying to become the low-cost network for merchants will likely create a race to the bottom for the interchange fees paid to card-issuer financial institutions. While merchants may argue thats the point of interchange fee caps, financial institutions still need to be compensated for the cost of sustaining payment card programs. And that cost is rising.

One of the largest such costs is fraud, which is largely borne by the card-issuing financial institutions. In fact, debit card fraud is significantly higher for online transactions because, without a card reader, a cards EMV chip offers no additional protection.

If the race to the bottom described above comes about, the margin on CNP transactions will be even narrower for financial institutions.

Whats Next?

In late July, financial trade organizations from the banking and credit union worlds came together to sign a letter to lawmakers fiercely opposing Durbin Amendment expansion. The letter stated that expanding the cap on interchange fees from debit cards to credit cards would undermine the overall health and security of the U.S. payments ecosystem. It also stated that expanding the amendment would have significant negative implications for consumers and small businesses at a time when the U.S. economy is just starting to recover from a global pandemic.

In addition, we at Cornerstone are energizing our political advocacy efforts to make sure that Congress hears the voice of our members. We urge all in the banking industryspecifically the credit union movementto do so. The time to act is now, before the damage of the Durbin Amendment has a chance to expand.
Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 109. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, south central and southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
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Ant McPartlin was facing a life-or-death decision in the summer of 2017.

Stay in an unhappy marriage and allow his addiction to further spiral out of control.

Or follow his heart by breaking free, focussing on sobriety and then attempting to rebuild his career.

It took him some time  and a devastating drink drive crash that could have killed someone and came close to derailing his comeback altogether  before he chose the latter option.

But this weekend Ant will marry the love of his life Anne Marie Corbett  clean, sober and blissfully happy, with his status as one half of the country's most successful TV duo restored.

This weekend Ant McPartlin will marry the love of his life Anne Marie Corbett  clean, sober and blissfully happy, with his status as one half of the country's most successful TV duo restored

It's a life lesson that sometimes making the unconscionably tough decisions in the short-term will bring lifelong peace.

And it's a reminder that trying to overcome personal challenges on your own can be impossible.

Because behind this fairy tale comeback has been Anne Marie  his self-described 'rock' who is about to become his wife.

I feel proud of Ant  who is innately private despite his superstar status in Britain  for living through such a difficult recovery in the glare of the public spotlight.

It was in August 2017 when I first sat down with the Saturday Night Takeaway presenter, just out of a two-month rehab stint, at a house in West London where he would reveal to the world just how close to death he'd come because of an addiction to a cocktail of drugs for the past two years that had seen him rushed to hospital after an 'insane' binge on tramadol, morphine and alcohol.

I had spent time with and interviewed Ant and Dec countless times over the years in my former role as a presenter at ITV's Lorraine show, but this was the first time he had ever spoken without his loyal sidekick and best friend by his side.

The experience was, I have no doubt, incredibly difficult for him, but he knew the importance of sharing his story with his millions of fans before returning to TV.

And in a brutally honest admission, Ant told me: 'I was at the point where anything  prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs  I would take. And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me, 'You could have killed yourself'.'

In hindsight, his comeback came far too soon.

While I was hopeful, I remember walking away from our very honest encounter thinking the chances of a smooth path back to sobriety and happiness were bleak.

Flowers being arranged ahead of the wedding of Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett at St Michael's Church in Heckfield

Ant was obviously still depressed, with sadness etched on his face at all times, and in crippling pain thanks to a botched knee operation. He was clearly still struggling without stimulants. And he was grappling with the difficult reality of having to end his 11-year marriage to Lisa Armstrong.

When I enquired about the whether his relationship with the Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist could survive, he would only say: 'All I can say at the moment is that she's been amazing  fantastic throughout. She's been very supportive. As has Dec. Time will tell (about the marriage). It's very personal, isn't it.'

Immediately after the interview, Lisa went back to work and Ant went to stay with his mum in Newcastle.

I knew the marriage was effectively over, but it would take five months for Ant to confirm publicly he was seeking a divorce.

Just two months after that, in March 2018, the horrible news emerged that Ant had been arrested for drink driving after hitting two cars in his Mini in South West London.

But by June, Ant had emerged from rehab again and it was revealed he was dating his former personal assistant Anne Marie.

From that moment on, his life was on the up.

That's not casting aspersions on Lisa, who had done all she possibly could, but such an unhappy union had become a huge weight on Ant.

Ant's second solo interview  again with me  came in January 2019.

By this time, he was genuinely a different man, right down to the Alcoholics Anonymous symbol tattooed on his left wrist.

Ant and Anne Marie deserve the most joyous of celebrations  they're proof that love really can conquer all, writes DAN WOOTTON (pictured)

Resolute, stone cold sober, in control of his life again, deliriously happy and, above anything else, completely and utterly in love.

Having been reluctant to talk about Lisa in our previous interview, his eyes lit up when explaining how Anne Marie had saved him from himself, stressing they were both single and in 'turmoil' when they realised they were in love.

Speaking from his heart, he declared to me: 'Anne-Marie honestly is the fundamental reason for the great change in my life. She's been my rock. She's a beautiful soul. We're very happy. I'm in the best place I've been in my life, to be honest with you. It's great.'

And blasting criticism from Lisa that Anne Marie had broken the girl code by starting a relationship with Ant as 'absolute rubbish', he fired back: 'She is the most wonderful true woman. And the way we are and when people see us together they'll see how honest and kind and happy we make each other.'

In just 18 months, Ant was a man transformed.No longer in denial about the extent of his addiction, thanks to Anne Marie, who had become his sober partner, he now had the support system around him to stay off alcohol and drugs.

I was in no doubt their love was real and would propel Ant back to the top.

Thankfully, that's exactly how things have turned out.

Even though the divorce from Lisa was torturous for Ant, with bitter recriminations resulting in a settlement worth tens of millions, he has never veered off course.

It's an old cliche, of course, but Ant stressed to me that money hadn't bought him happiness. What had was a woman who he had known in a personal and professional capacity for years, but who he fell in love with when the chips were down.

Anne Marie is a devoted mum to her two children to her ex, so their courtship has been a sensitive one.

But this weekend, their love will triumph all as they tie the knot in a relatively low-key ceremony surrounded by 100 close friends  the people who really matter.

Ant knows who his true friends are now  the people who didn't run a mile when he was sitting destitute in a prison cell.

And he also knows that without the unwavering love of Anne Marie he may not have got through these hellish past few years at all.

As Ant told me of the secret behind their special bond: 'It's magic isn't it? Who knows. If I knew, I'd bottle it.'

Ant and Anne Marie deserve the most joyous of celebrations  they're proof that love really can conquer all.
As millions of Americans say no to Covid vaccines, putting their own lives and others at risk, Jennifer Aniston says she has cut off all contact with anyone in her friendship circle who refuses the jab.

Theres still a large group of people who are anti-vaxxers or just dont listen to the facts, says Jen. Its a real shame.

A shame? No, honey - its a disgrace.

The evidence that the vaccines work is now crystal clear: just look at how the numbers of deaths and hospital admissions have plummeted here in Britain during the third wave.

Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of lives have now been saved thanks to the vaccines and millions surely will be before the end of the pandemic.

Theres still a large group of people who are anti-vaxxers or just dont listen to the facts, says Jen. Its a real shame

Yet far too many people still think theyre invincible - and all too often because theyve been taken in by the deluded propaganda of the anti-vaxxers.

Take David Parker. This fit, 56-year-old nightclub boss from North Yorkshire succumbed to Covid on Monday, despite having no underlying health conditions.

David had posted hundreds of messages on Facebook warning of a conspiracy by Big Pharma.

He mocked people for getting the experimental vaccine. Underneath one of these posts, a woman wrote: RIP Uncle David. If youd had the vaccine, it could have saved you.

Also this week, Cambridge-educated Leslie Lawrenson, 58, was found dead in bed.

Cambridge-educated Leslie Lawrenson, 58, was found dead in bed this week. A lawyer from Bournemouth, Leslie had read anti-vaxxer material online and convinced himself that Covid was nothing to fear

A lawyer from Bournemouth, Leslie had read anti-vaxxer material online and convinced himself that Covid was nothing to fear.

In videos he posted online, he boasted: Id rather take my chance with my immune system.

But for me the most chilling case of all was mountaineer John Eyres, 42, who believed himself to be so fit and healthy that he would suffer only mild symptoms should he contract Covid.

But he, too, proved no match for the infection and in his final moments, John told medics he bitterly regretted refusing the jab.

When his twin sister Jenny McCann was asked if she blamed the conspiracy theorists for his death, she replied: Yes. John would still be here making me laugh if he had not fallen prey to their terrible lies.

David Parker, 56-year-old nightclub boss from North Yorkshire succumbed to Covid on Monday, despite having no underlying health conditions

How brave of her to speak so clearly. This is where the deadly absurdities of anti-vaxxers finally end: in healthy people rejecting life-saving treatment, and dying as a result.

That these fools can spread their nonsense is due entirely to the social media companies that continue to give them a platform.

Even the normally mild-mannered President Joe Biden has declared that Facebook is killing people by allowing anti-vaxxer lies to spread.

Its enough to make any frontline medic despair.

No wonder the NHS is begging younger people to get jabbed: about a fifth of all seriously ill patients in our hospitals are aged between 18 and 34, four times higher than in the peak last winter.

From now on, Im with Jen. If you refuse to be vaccinated, youre not in my friendship circle. No exceptions.

When the then-Carrie Symonds joined the Aspinall Foundation as its PR guru back in February, the charity hailed her as a passionate champion for wildlife and conservation.

She has demonstrated this passion by trying to fly a herd of elephants from Kent to Kenya, and working diligently to defend the rights of crustaceans.

How wonderful it would be, then, if Carrie the champion joined the great Joanna Lumley and called for doomed alpaca Geronimo to be spared the executioners bullet.

Cole Porters 1930s classic, Anything Goes, opens at Londons Barbican Theatre to rave reviews, fronted by the wonderful Felicity Kendal.

How prescient Mr Porter was, anticipating our crazy woke days: The world has gone mad today / And goods bad today, / And blacks white today, / And days night today. All together now... Anything goes!

Cole Porters 1930s classic, Anything Goes, opens at Londons Barbican Theatre to rave reviews, fronted by the wonderful Felicity Kendal

Having wept tears of joy during most of Team GBs Olympic medal ceremonies, I confess my greatest pleasure has been a touch of schadenfreude.

When the Mail went to press, the Brits had 18 gold medals compared to Germany and France with only 16 between them - though theyve spent years acting like they are the rulers of Europe.

Brits hoping to get back from Mexico before tomorrows deadline have paid up to 7,000 for flights to avoid quarantine hotels costing almost 2,300.

They may wince to learn that hundreds of migrants are being housed here for free without isolating.

Border Force officials say Covid among boat migrants can be 20 times higher than average.

Last decade, the sublimely beautiful Rihanna reigned as the worlds top female pop star.

Now shes 33 and amassed a 1.2 billion fortune - not from her warblings but after launching a make-up range and a sexy lingerie line.

Now 33, Rihanna has amassed a 1.2 billion fortune - not from her warblings but after launching a make-up range and a sexy lingerie line

Today shes the second-richest female celebrity after Oprah Winfrey, 67, who like her overcame a humble background, and used her brain, her sharp elbows and her beauty to make her fortune.

Shine bright like a diamond, Rihanna sang - and shes lived by those wise words.

Though grieving for the hundreds of cats suspected to have died from a rare blood illness linked to a range of expensive pet-food, my moggy Ted is also mightily relieved he only has Whiskas and Felix, plus the odd tin of M&S tuna.

And hes still going strong at the ripe old age of nine.

It was like a scene from Jaws when panicked swimmers ran screaming to the shore after a shark was spotted in Dorset and officials closed the beach.

In Bournemouth, Alan Hayward claims his son Henry, 11, is lucky to be alive after a monster of the deep brushed past his leg.

Coming from a country where sharks really do prowl the coastline, let me tell you: if it really was a great white, little Henry wouldnt have a leg left.

It was like a scene from Jaws when panicked swimmers ran screaming to the shore after a shark was spotted in Dorset and officials closed the beach

Three years ago, Ant McPartlins life was in tatters.

His 23-year marriage to Lisa Armstrong had ended in a sad 60 million divorce, after he had fallen for Lisas assistant Anne-Marie Corbett.

There were pills, a hideous arrest for drink-driving and a worrying trip to rehab.

Today, Ant, now sober for more than two years, will strut down the aisle with Anne-Marie, whom he credits for turning his life around.

While wishing them every happiness, I do spare a thought for Lisa, who met Ant in 1994 while they were both making music and who stayed with him all those years.

Back then, Lisas band was called Deuce: I hope its Love All soon.

What an own goal for Boris to claim that Mrs Thatcher kick-started Britains plan for net zero by shuttering all those polluting coal mines back in the 1980s, in comments that have enraged socialists.

Labour, of course, oversaw the closure of nearly 4,000 coal mines  Thatcher shut less than half that.

Former Tory defence ministers Johnny Mercer and Tobias Ellwood call for British forces to return to Afghanistan as the Taliban once more rampages across the land.

Many Brits, however, thinking of the terrible cost in blood, would agree with the mother of Corporal Jake Hartley, who was just 20 when he died in Helmand ten years ago.

Says Jakes mum Nathalie: Weve done what we could. There can be no going back. Just leave them to it.

Poor timing from Dominic Cummings in his latest broadside against Carrie, released as she reveals she had a miscarriage.

Cummings, who grows less interesting with every new blog post, really does resemble the psychopath David Cameron declared him to be years ago.
Hypocrisy is said to be the tribute that vice pays to virtue. A simpler way of putting it is that hypocrites like to say one thing but do another. We've had some stunning examples of that this week from our political masters.

If there's one thing the Government has been consistent about during the pandemic, it's that we must all make sacrifices in the great battle against Covid. All of us.

From the lonely granny isolated in her care home to the parents desperate to give the kids a holiday somewhere warm. The rules are rules.

And if they say you can't see granny or can't risk booking that holiday because you might end up in quarantine, so be it. We're all in the same boat.

Except that we're not. The rules are different if you are, say, a 'Crown servant'. And who introduced those rules? Why, the Government, of course.

Alok Sharma (pictured in Bolivia this week) has been able to leap on and off planes over the past seven months never fearing for a moment that he might have to alone quarantine, when he gets home

Which is why Alok Sharma has been able to leap on and off planes over the past seven months with his retinue of happy helpers never fearing for a moment that he might have to spend so much as a morning in isolation, let alone quarantine, when he gets home.

Even though many of the countries he visited were on the notorious red list.

Now let's acknowledge that Mr Sharma has a very important job. He's the minister charged with running the COP26 conference in Glasgow in November.

Its aim, put simply, is for every country to agree on new measures that might delay or even halt the terrible threat posed by climate change.

Just how terrible was underlined again this week when climate scientists reported that the currents in the Gulf Stream are at their slowest point for 1,600 years.

The warmer the water, the greater the chance it will stop. The consequences would be catastrophic around the world.

What every scientist agrees on is that we can do it only if we cut drastically the amount of carbon we spew into the atmosphere.

By 'we' I mean all of us. How strange, then, that Mr Sharma felt it necessary to criss-cross the globe flying to at least 30 countries to spread that message.

Let's accept that the rare face to face meeting between our prime minister and the presidents of the United States or China might produce some benefits.

But a meeting between a minister who is not exactly a household name even in his own country, with a similarly obscure foreign counterpart?

Or perhaps Mr Sharma has such confidence in his own personal chemistry that by meeting Jair Bolsonaro, the unspeakable president of Brazil (one of Sharma's many destinations), he'll extract a promise from him to stop destroying the rain forest  something his country has been doing with such ruthless and terrifying efficiency for so long.

Of course not. Mr Sharma is a clever man. He knows how many beans make five and he might very well argue that his talks in foreign chancelleries have more modest aims.

Mr Sharma has spent months jetting around the world ignoring the rules safe in the knowledge that they did not apply to him. Pictured: Passengers arrive at Heathrow Airport on August 5

Important, no doubt, but modest. Trying to agree on an agenda is probably at the top of his list. COP26 will fail if the countries attending can't agree on what they should be talking about.

But has Mr Sharma and his team never heard of Zoom? Some of us (I'm one) would prefer root canal surgery to Zoom 'meetings' but it can't be denied they work.

Even the most fuddy-duddy of our civil servants and banking bosses have discovered that during our endless lockdowns.

No, Mr Sharma has spent seven months jetting around the world ignoring the rules safe in the knowledge that they did not apply to him.

Just as Dominic Cummings did in a rather more bizarre jaunt in the early days of Covid. On one level it was high farce. Driving to a tourist site to test your eyesight? Honestly?

On another, it squandered a chunk of the commodity without which governments cannot ultimately survive. That commodity is trust.

Matt Hancock took things to a different level. He managed effortlessly to combine an award-winning display of hypocrisy with a betrayal of trust on an epic scale.

For 14 months he lectured the nation on the need to observe the latest ever-changing rules like some self-righteous teacher dealing with a class of rather dim children.

His tone was usually rather more in sorrow than in anger which, for most of us, made it all the more infuriating.

But at least, we assumed, he was personally setting an example to the class and then we discovered the very opposite. Even as he was ordering us not to hug our grannies, he was doing much more than that with his mistress.

And even when the shocking truth emerged, he apparently thought he could weather the storm of public anger  encouraged, no doubt, by his boss's refusal to sack him.

Not that Johnson's own record was blameless. He and the apparently squeaky-clean Rishi Sunak came into contact with Sajid Javid after he had tested positive last month.

But instead of immediately self-isolating as millions of foot soldiers had been ordered to do, they tried ducking it by using a new so-called 'pilot daily testing scheme'.

The public mood swung against them. Ordinary people had shown they were fully prepared to make sacrifices and obey the rules for the public good  but they expected the elite to do the same.

The Government was in trouble on the trust front even before the Mail broke the Sharma story yesterday. This time it was about money. Nothing new there.

This latest scandal has emerged because of a spat between another millionaire businessman, Mohamed Amersi, and Ben Elliot who's the boss of an outfit called Quintessentially that offers people as rich as Mr Amersi all manner of services. Mr Elliot is also the co-chairman of the Conservative Party.

Mr Sharma (pictured with Boris Johnson) has a very important job. He's the minister charged with running the COP26 conference in Glasgow in November

Their relationship broke down when Mr Amersi spilled the beans about an outfit called the 'Advisory Board', which he described as a secretive club that entitles members to attend a monthly meeting with a senior minister, such as the Prime Minister or the Chancellor.

Mr Amersi himself coined the sinister phrase 'access capitalism' to describe what's going on.

What's interesting is that the Conservative Party has made no attempt to deny that the 'club' exists and has done for some time, though you'd search in vain to find it in the party records. Their attitude is 'nothing to see here move along please'.

That was pretty much the message from the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps when he appeared on Today this week.

He told an incredulous Nick Robinson that all those rich donors were getting for their 250,000 was an 'update on the political landscape'. Really?

Maybe somebody should tell them that they could buy a lifetime's subscription to the Mail for that. They'd get their 'update' and they'd have enough cash left over for a modest island in the Caribbean. Although they've probably got one of those already.

There is a very serious point here. In any healthy democracy, political parties need to be able to raise money.

They couldn't function otherwise. But democracy is corrupted if rich donors are able to influence government policy  let alone dictate it.

That's why the electoral commission was set up 20 years ago. Its job is to make sure that the rules for running our democracy are fair and that it is ordinary voters, not the mega rich, who determine what sort of governments we have and what sort of policies they pursue.

One solution is to prohibit by law the amount of cash any individual can donate. Maybe fifty quid.

And if that's not enough then the taxpayer has to pick up the bill. So far, no major party has supported this. They know it would be about as popular as suggesting a tax on puppies.

But maybe we'd be a bit more receptive to the idea if we held our politicians in higher regard. If we trusted them.

It might help if they each splashed out on a little placard to hang on their office wall with the reverse of the hypocrite's charter printed on it. It would read: 'Don't do as I say. Do as I do.'
After a year of lockdowns, a summer of freedom still feels like a novelty.

No doubt you've been making the most of the beautiful weather, as well the chance to be reunited with friends and family, but let's make it a summer of love too.

If romance has been sorely lacking in the last few months then we've got you covered.

From a romantic spot for a last minute staycation to the label with the most gorgeous dresses for a summer of weddings and dating, we've rounded up the best things to do, wear and watch in August!

What to watch!

The Bachelor Presents: Listen to your Heart combines love and music as 20 stunning singletons try to make connections that could last

Whether you're in a relationship or happy going solo, there's a lot of fun to be had watching stunning singletons as they battle it out to win the hearts of other stunning singletons.

After all, sometimes it's nice to live vicariously through other people's dating dramas instead of our own!

And on streaming service hayu*, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to loved up reality shows.

This month alone there are new episodes of The Bachelorette dropping every Thursday. Will Katie Thurston find the man of her dreams? She's got 30 eligible gents to choose from so there's a pretty good chance she'll find someone amazing.

If that's not enough romance for you then on hayu you can catch up on season 24 and 25 of The Bachelor, as well as season 1 of The Bachelor Presents: Listen to your Heart.

In this brilliant spin-off, 20 single men and women will sing well-known songs, both individually and as couples as they look to form attractions through the melodies, reveal their feelings and ultimately, fall in love.

Or what about Dating #NoFilter where three pairs of comedians deliver hilarious play-by-play commentary as they watch real singles navigate their first dates?

As if first dates weren't bad enough, in Dating #NoFilter, comedians provide a play-by-play commentary on every excruciating moment

hayu also has 8 season of The Millionaire Matchmaker to enjoy this summer

Plus, hayu has 8 seasons of The Millionaire Matchmaker to get stuck into - ideal for a lazy weekend binge-watching session. In each episode two wealthy individuals seek the help of Patti Stanger to find love. We guarantee that seeing the surprising and often touching moments in this iconic show, you'll feel as loved up as Patti's VIP clients.

In fact, with over 300 reality shows and over 8000 episodes to choose from, hayu will keep you entertained all summer long.

Stream or download episodes so you can watch hayu shows anytime and anywhere and on your favourite smart devices. Plus, with many new episodes dropping the same day as they air in the US, you can stay up to date with every twist and turn in these always fabulous romantic sagas.

If you love reality dating shows as much as we do, then sign up to hayu and try it for free! Its only 4.99 a month after the free trial.

Where to stay!

Avington Glamping! The loveliest spot to get away for a romantic break this summer

What could be nicer than escaping the city and getting back to nature?

If you're struggling to find the perfect spot for a romantic break just for two, then we're here to help.

We've found the perfect location and it won't require expensive post-trip tests or a quarantine, because it's right here in the UK in an extremely pretty part of Hampshire, not far from Winchester.

Avington Glamping is set among the stunning lakes of the Avington Trout Fishery and is the peaceful location you've been looking for.

Ten gorgeous (and luxurious) bell tents have been pitched in a serene spot where you can escape the real world for a while.

And as well as the extremely stylish and comfortable accommodation, you can hire kayaks and paddleboards or try your hand at fly-fishing, so there's plenty to do if you're feeling active.

Or focus on your wellness with on-site yoga, courtesy of teacher Victoria Grove (@the.yoga.grove). Classes take place under an open-sided stretch tent with the gentle babbling of the River Itchen providing the soundtrack, so finding your zen is a breeze.

But even a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the fishing lake, as cobalt blue dragonflies flit across the surface, will be enough to make you feel renewed.

Avington Glamping is no ordinary campsite!

And when it comes to food, choose between cooking up a romantic supper under the stars just outside your tent (cooking stoves and fire pits can be hired from Avington), or enjoy being cooked for at the A La Mesa pop-up restaurant, which has set up home at this most special of campsites for the summer.

Friday night is pizza night (we highly recommend the Salty Caper pizza) while on Saturday evenings there's an incredible feasting menu served up by the chef himself, Joe Curtis. There's even a tempting brunch menu so you really can just take it easy! Not to mention the Rainbow's End Clubhouse where you can sip on a sundowner during golden hour. Ginny's margaritas are a particular favourite...

Thanks to host Ben and his team you'll be welcomed like family, guaranteeing you'll feel at home from the second you arrive.

This is camping with a difference and is sure to be a truly romantic chapter in your own love story this summer.

Avington Gamping is open until 31st August. Click HERE to book your stay now or call 01962 779312!

What to do!

Try a cocktail making masterclass at The Liquor Studio in Leeds

Need inspiration for a date night idea?

Why not book a fun course or class to do together? There are loads of different things you could do, but we like this very cool cocktail making masterclass at The Liquor Studio in Leeds, the first and only spirit school in Yorkshire.

Created by best friends Dan Crowther and Jon Lee, this independent company offers a truly authentic and unique experience you'll both love.

And you can forget the cosmos and the long island iced teas. At the cocktail masterclass session you'll learn to mix, muddle and shake up three bespoke cocktails using a range of premium quality ingredients at your very own cocktail station.

Learn to make three bespoke cocktails with professional mixologists and your own cocktail making station

Not only will you be totally hands-on, but the expert mixologists leading your masterclass will keep you entertained with interesting cocktail facts between drinks. You'll even have some time in the tasting room where you'll learn about the history of gin and the science of flavour through a series of experiments.

And once you've nailed the cocktail masterclass, why not come back and try the spiced rum creation class (the only one in the North of England) or a gin and tonic tasting session?

Doing an activity together is a great way to bond and get to know each other, and if it's a first date, could save you a lot of awkwardness!

Plus, The Liquor Studio has an online shop where you can order fully personalised bottles of gin and spiced rum. Pick the botanicals and spices you'd like in your spirit and the experts will make your totally unique recipe and personalise the label with your specially chosen name; a great gift idea to remind you both of your very special date night!

So get creative with cocktails and click HERE to book your class.

What to wear!

Valentine's Day may fall in February but seeing as August is the most popular month for weddings in the UK, this is surely the most romantic time of the year.

If you've been invited to one or two nuptials, you'll no doubt be looking for the perfect outfit, and while weddings can often have different dress codes you really can't go wrong with a look from gorgeous label, Kitri.

This independent brand from London is your go-to for lovely and affordable looks you won't find on the high street.

And as an added bonus (especially during wedding season) each Kitri design is made in limited quantities, ensuring you won't bump into someone else wearing the same look.

Here are our favourite pieces from Kitri's latest drop, perfect for a summer wedding.

Arabella Pink Cotton Shirred Dress (145) and Persephone Shirred Blue Dandelion Dress (165) both by Kitri

The shade of pink on Kitri's 'Arabella' dress (above left) is to die for. Add in the frilled sleeves and shirred bodice and you're onto a winner. Plus, the midi length and covered shoulders ensure it's appropriate for a church wedding.

And the 'Persephone' dress (above right) is ultra pretty. The cornflower blue will look wonderful on a sunny August day and we can't help falling for those cute short sleeves and the romance of the tiered skirt. A messy up-do with spiralling tendrils will complement this dress beautifully.

Medora Pink Floral Cotton Dress (145) and Harlow Blue Dandelion Mini Dress (135) both by Kitri

We're also head over heels for the adorable print on this 'Medora' midi (above left). The puffed sleeves are so romantic, while the elasticated waist is super flattering. Style with strappy sandals and a cute shoulder bag to complete the look.

And we'll be rocking the 'Harlow' mini (above right) on our next date night. This Cheongsam-inspired look is gorgeous and great for showing off tanned stems this summer. Add a bit of tough girl edge with ankle boots or do sexy chic in some strappy sandals. Either way you won't fail to make an impression.

Click HERE to check out the full July collection at kitristudio.com now.

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*hayu is an 18+ service. hayu offers a free trial, terms and conditions apply
When you're soaking up the sun in an Instagram-worthy location with a cocktail in your hand, it feels like nothing can possibly go wrong - but there's always trouble in paradise.

People from around the world have taken to the anonymous sharing app Whisper to reveal the most frightening experiences they've had while travelling - and they are certain to make you more cautious when exploring new places.

Travellers shared tales of terrifying encounters with robbers and even kidnappers - including a woman who was almost abducted from her hotel room while on holiday with her parents when she was just three-years-old.

One person claimed their flight was forced to make an emergency landing after their plane caught fire, while another said they were stalked back to their hotel by a much older man.

Whisper has rounded up frightening travel experiences contributed by anonymous users from around the world, including one person who claims they were almost kidnapped from their hotel as a child

A tourist visiting Peru confessed to getting temporarily lost in a 3,000-year-old temple and it sounds like the premise for a horror film

One person, believed to live in the U.S, told how they almost drowned alongside their mother and sister after swimming too far into the ocean

Another individual praised their friend for intervening, after they were unknowingly drugged while visiting Amsterdam

A tourist who went camping, said they were terrified after being awoken by a bear trashing the site where they were staying

One person confessed that they thought their life was coming to an end, when their plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to a fire on the way to Bali

Another individual said a group of men tried to grab them while walking their dogs in Florida, while her fiance helplessly listened on the phone

A tourist, who visited Italy, admitted they were left terrified after being followed back to their hotel by a much older man
Australian Olympic volleyball star and silver medalist Mariafe Artacho del Solar has revealed the meaning behind the tattoo that serves as a reminder of her South American heritage.

The right-side defender, 27, who moved from Peru to Sydney's beachside suburb of Manly when she was 11 years old, has the word 'fuerza' - Spanish for 'force' - inked in cursive script across her right wrist.

Artacho del Solar, who took silver with her partner Taliqua Clancy in a nail-biting 2-0 clash against USA's Alix Klineman and April Ross at Shiokaze Park in Tokyo on Friday, recently revealed the tattoo is a symbol of her Peruvian 'inner fire and strength'.

Australian Olympic volleyball star Mariafe Artacho del Solar (pictured) has the Spanish word 'fuerza' - 'force' - tattooed across her right wrist as a reminder of her Peruvian heritage

Artacho del Solar (left) faced Team USA's Alix Klineman and April Ross with her partner, Taliqua Clancy (right), at Shiokaze Park in Tokyo where they lost 2-0

'It's that "fuerza" I carry in me - that inner fire and strength and that never give up spirit,' she told 7News, pointing to the word etched on her arm.

Speaking of her partner Clancy, Artacho del Solar said the 'trust and belief' they have in each other is 'special' and typically 'doesn't come easy' in beach volleyball pairings.

'It's been that way since the beginning,' she said fondly.

Earlier this week, Daily Mail Australia revealed why beach volleyball players are often seen rubbing sand on their hands during matches.

The trick is designed to absorb sweat and give players a better grip on the ball.

And while you might expect to see sweat-drenched bodies quickly caked in dust, professional beach volleyballers can dive head first into the ground without a single grain clinging to them.

That's because the sand is not the same sand you walk on at Bondi or St Kilda.

Mariafe Artacho del Solar rubs sand between her hands during a preliminary match at Shiokaze Park on July 25 - a trick rub used to absorb sweat and get a better grip on the ball

No sand, no problem: Sand used in Olympic competitions does not stick to players' skin because it is made from fine grains that contain no trace of pebbles, stones or shells

Mariafe Artacho del Solar (left) and Taliqua Clancy (right) of Team Australia celebrate after defeating Team Latvia during the Women's Semifinal beach volleyball at the Tokyo Olympics

Sand used in Olympic competitions is heavily regulated by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to ensure it does contains no pebbles or fragments of shells, according to Business Insider Australia.

The sand must meet a very specific set of guidelines and because of that high quality, it falls right off the players.

The fine shape results in a smoother grain than what you scrunch between your toes, which means it can come in contact with skin without sticking to it.

This year, Tokyo imported 3,500 tons of sand from Vietnam to create a 16-inch deep surface that is safe and consistent for players.
Celebrity chef Justine Schofield says cheese should always be sliced diagonally and be left out for an hour to 'breathe' before serving if you want it to taste its best.

When making a cheeseboard, the MasterChef Australia star said you should use at least three different types, such as soft, hard and a blue cheese - and ensure they are arranged in the correct order from mild to strong.

'Always include an odd number of cheeses - the French swear it makes your cheeseboard look more impressive. Order the cheeses to have the mildest first and the strongest last,' the cookbook author said.

Justine Schofield (pictured) has offered her guide to cheese etiquette - including the simple rules to follow to create the perfect platter every time and the 'secret technique' to cutting

When making a cheeseboard, the MasterChef Australia star said you should use at least three different types, such as soft, hard and a blue cheese - and ensure they are placed in the correct order from mild to strong

The ambassador for Fromager d'Affinois explained why you should never serve flavoured crackers with cheese.

'Serve cheese with a baguette or plain and seeded crackers as the latter can take away from the delicious and delicate taste of the cheese. Also never cut the bread into pieces, just tear it and place it in one corner of the cheese platter,' she said.

Justine, who's a devoted lover of cheese influenced by her Parisian mum Francoise, said there's actually a 'secret technique' to cutting the cheese.

'For a wedge-shaped cheese, cut along the side diagonally and always have a designated knife for each cheese - don't mix and match,' she said.

'And avoid slicing off large chunks - it should be consumed as bite-size morsels.'

Justine, who's a devoted lover of cheese influenced by her Parisian mum Francoise, said there's actually a 'secret technique' to cutting the cheese. 'For a wedge-shaped cheese, cut along the side diagonally,' she said

She said you should always serve cheese with a baguette or plain and seeded crackers

Revealed: The three things you didn't know about cheese 1. A typical French dinner will see cheese served after dinner but before dessert 2. Even though some French cheeses are quite pungent, remember many people love them! It's considered impolite to wrinkle your nose when a sharp cheese is served. In actual fact, some of the tastiest cheeses in the world are the smelliest! However, if you're wanting cheese with a milder aroma and just as delicious with a buttery flavour, why not try Fromager d'Affinois Bleu. It's the perfect introduction to the world of blue cheeses 3. Eating cheese is relegated to dinner times or a French apero - a casual gathering often after a long day of work with a selection of nibbles or hors d'oeuvre as the French say Advertisement

Justine said it's important to keep cheeses at least an hour at room temperature ahead of when you plan on serving so they can 'breathe'.

When it comes to rind, she said it's 'completely up to you' whether you eat it or not.

'I love to eat the rind, especially when it's a delicious creamy cheese,' she said.

In France, the best way to enjoy cheese is definitely with a glass of wine, she said.

'Red wines pair nicely with most cheeses but if you have a strong cheese, try a lighter bodied red,' Justine explained.

'Dry white wines and champagne pair beautifully with soft cheeses - especially bubbles as it cuts through the creaminess.'
The mum-of-two even has an array of disguises to choose from for her safety

Uses drones to pinpoint locations in rescue missions that can take years

Has helped more than 700 through her charity Beauty's Legacy

A former pre-school teacher has said goodbye to the classroom and hello to the streets as she searches for missing animals with her registered charity, Beauty's Legacyjust like Ace Ventura.

Lisa Dean, 52, from Newark, East Midlands, has reunited hundreds of pets with their owners - some have been stolen whilst others missing for up to five years.

The mother-of-two dedicates her free time to helping distressed owners across the nation, and even has an array of disguises to choose from.

Lisa Dean, 52, from Newark, East Midlands, has reunited hundreds of pets with their owners through her registered charity, Beauty's Legacyjust like Ace Ventura. Pictured: Lisa with her pamphlets and posters for missing pets

Lisa has a mixture of wigs, from curly brown hair to a black bob cut as well as a range of sunglasses as part of her disguises

Lisa, wearing a t-shirt with a stolen dog's picutre, has helped reunite 700 pets with their owners since 2016 along with her team

Dean said, 'We have helped reunite 700 pets since 2016. 'It is a traumatic job but very rewarding.

'Some rescues can take months and even years. I have put every penny I have into rescuing animals and it isn't just dogs and cats but parrots, reptiles, ponies and even a tortoise.'

This cat was reunited with its owner after 55 weeks even though the microchip was removed by a thief

And she said that there should be harsher penalties for those who steal beloved family pets.

'It is shocking how many dogs are being stolen to breed or sell on,' she said. 'The criminals should be treated the same as those who abduct children. To me, it's the same.'

'Pets become part of the family and the thieves should be penalised the same. We may see a reduction in thefts if that was the case.'

'I've retrieved many dogs who have been stolen - they always come back in a horrendous state. Some have even had their microchipped removed. It is heartbreaking.'

Dean and her team of volunteers are on call 24/7.

'People are frightened to call the police if they suspect a stolen dog is in their area.' she adds, 'So I act as the middle manthere is some detective work involved.'

'When an animal is missing, we post flyers everywhere so someone might take a photo of the dog that could be in a car. I then trace the number plate and find out where they are to investigate further.'

Stolen cockatoos that Lisa helped to reunite with their owner. She helps finds all sorts of pets from birds to reptiles, as well as cats and dogs

This dog was recovered after 7 weeks stolen, following a tip off from a member of public. She had had her microchip removed and another implanted.

Lisa putting up a poster for two missing Bengal cats. Her team of volunteers extends to drone pilots who can help find the exact locations of missing pets

'However, I never show up as myselfI am always incognito for safety. I have a mixture of wigs from curly brown hair to a black bob cut. And lots of different sunglasses or normal glasses to wear.'

Dean's registered charity called Beauty's Legacy is known across the nation. She has volunteers everywhere who are willing to helpincluding drone pilots who can help pinpoint an animal's location.

'It is amazing how many people will come together to help find a pet.' she said, 'I have always been an animal lover and I'm very passionate about reunited furry friends with their owners.'

Sky, an African Parrot , the latest unusual stolen case. It was a daylight burglary and she was thrown into a washing basket in a pillow case, in Oxfrodshire (left). This terrapin was made safe and rehomed through reptile rescue after welfare concerns (right)

Lisa with her pamphlets and posters. Beauty Legacy never take the law into their own hands but there are times when the job feels unsafe because you're hunting criminals

Rosie the pony is another much-loved pet who Lisa reunited with her owners. She said that she succeeds in finding the animal in about 50 per cent of cases

'We always notify the police and never take the law into our own hands but sometimes they can't be reached. There have been times where I've felt unsafe when retrieving two Chihuahuas who were returned when the reward went up to 5,000.'

'I was unable to leave the property until the money was transferred. It was pretty terrifying but worth it to see the owners face!'

Dean's estimated success rate is 50 per cent. She hopes for stricter punishments or puppy price caps to put an end to dog theft.

'If the government put an end to overpriced dogs, maybe bitches wouldn't be stolen to breed.'

'Or send the criminals to prison for the same time as someone has abducted a child. Something needs to be done to stop this!'
The Duchess of Cambridge has said she is 'honoured' to have her photographs of Holocaust survivors and their families included in a new Imperial War Museum exhibition.

Kate Middleton photographed Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, who both settled in Britain after the Second World War, as part of a 2020 project marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Mr Frank was among only a handful of children to make it out alive from the last of the many concentration camps he was sent to. By then his father had been gassed to death for speaking out against the Nazis.

Mrs Bernstein was hidden as a child in France throughout most of the Second World War and her uncle was seized and murdered for shielding her.

Both Mr Frank and Mrs Bernstein were photographed at Kensington Palace alongside their granddaughters.

The photos, released last year, will now go on display at the Imperial War Museum in an exhibition bringing together more than 50 contemporary portraits of Holocaust survivors and their families.

The Duchess of Cambridge has said she is 'honoured' to have her photographs of Holocaust survivors and their families included in a new Imperial War Museum exhibition

Memories: Yvonne Bernstein, pictured alongside her then 11-year-old granddaughter Chloe, was hidden in France throughout the Second World War and later moved to Britain

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Instagram account shared the news, with Kate saying she is 'honoured' to be included in the exhibition

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Instagram account shared the news, writing: 'Displayed for the very first time, these powerful photographs capture the special connections between Holocaust survivors and the younger generations of their families, and remind us of our collective responsibility to ensure their stories live on.

'The photographs present a group of survivors who made the UK their home after beginnings marked by unimaginable loss and trauma.

'While offering a space to remember and share their stories, these portraits are a celebration of the full lives they have lived and the special legacy which their children and grandchildren will carry into the future.

'The exhibition is in partnership with the @RoyalPhotographicSociety and @holocaustmemorialdaytrust, two organisations who invited The Duchess to be part of this special project, marking 75 years since the end of the Holocaust last year.'

Steven Frank was among only a handful of children to make it out alive from the last of the many concentration camps he was sent to. He was photographed with his granddaughters Maggie and Trixie

In one of the pictures Mr Frank is seen holding a pan, this had been one of his mother's items that he had kept from during his time at Westerbork transit camp. He was later sent to Theresienstadt with his brothers and mother.

Whilst at the camp his mother would do laundry for prisoners in exchange for a small amount of bread. She would put crumbs into the pan, adding hot water to make a paste. She would give each child a spoonful to keep them alive, denying herself of the food.

It was this act of kindness from his mother and her use of the pan that ultimately saved his life. He survived multiple concentration camps and Mr Frank and his and his brothers are three of only 93 children who survived the camp, out of 15,000 children sent there.

The photos bring together contemporary portraits of Holocaust survivors and their families

Visitors to the gallery admire an image from another photographer included in the exhibition

Kate, who is patron of the Royal Photographic Society and had produced a thesis on photography during her art history degree, said at the time 'despite unbelievable trauma at the start of their lives' they were 'two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet'.

She added: 'They look back on their experiences with sadness but also with gratitude that they were some of the lucky few to make it through.

'Their stories will stay with me forever.'

She added that whilst she had been lucky enough to meet the survivors, she recognised that not everyone in the future would be able to hear such stories first hand.

Mr Frank and Mrs Bernstein were photographed by the Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace. The photos, released last year, will now go on display at the Imperial War Museum

Kate has always had a passion for photography and she produced her undergraduate thesis on the era of photography - in particular, photographs of children.

She graduated in 2005 from the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, with an undergraduate (2:1 Hons) in the history of art.

Recently she turned her skills to the creation of Hold Still, a book that pulled together photographs of lockdown across the UK.
Their family-run farm has just won a legal battle against the multibillion-pound Swedish company of plant milk, Oatly, which accused it of trademark infringement.

And the sibling duo behind Glebe Farm Foods, in the village of Kings Ripton in Cambridgeshire, producers of PureOaty, have said the case shows 'corporate might does not make right', while adding that being eco-friendly is their 'reason for being'.

Oatly brought legal action against the farm, belonging to Rebecca Rayner, 50, and her brother Philip, 48, saying its product PureOaty took 'unfair advantage' of its own oat drink.

The brother and sister duo denied the claims and in a judgment on Thursday, High Court Judge Nicholas Caddick QC ruled in favour of the siblings, saying he did not see 'any risk of injury to the distinctive character' of the Oatly brand.

Rebecca, who holds a masters in marketing and Philip, who was a Cambridge-educated engineer before working with his sister, grew up 'welly-deep' on Glebe Farm, where their family have been in the oat milling business since 1970.

But in 2000, after realising there was a demand for gluten-free items when visiting farmers' markets, Rebecca decided to plant pure oats which are gluten free, before creating a range of products from the crop, with their brand valued at less than 5million.

Oatly brought legal action against the farm belonging to Rebecca Rayner, 50, and her brother Philip (pictured together), 48, saying its product PureOaty took 'unfair advantage' of its own oat drink

The brother and sister duo (pictured) denied the claims and in a judgment on Thursday, High Court Judge Nicholas Caddick QC ruled in favour of the siblings, saying he did not see 'any risk of injury to the distinctive character' of the Oatly brand

Judge Caddick found there were similarities between the initial PureOaty packaging and the Oatly packaging, including the use of the colour blue and the use of an irregular font for the product name

Glebe Farm Foods reported net assets of less than 5million for the year to March 2020, meanwhile, Oatly recently listed in New York with a market capitalisation of more than $10billion.

Rebecca, who has been in the farming business for more than 23 years, achieved a masters in Marketing and Product Management at Cranfield University, after gaining a degree in Agriculture and Food Marketing at Newcastle University in 1990.

She also lists herself in a previous Instagram post as the head of tasting, events management, consumer research, recipe development, field supervision, new product development and farm innovation.

Her volunteer experience, according to her LinkedIn profile, includes WaterAid and Brooke Hospital for Animals.

On working with the former, she said: 'I am great believer that every person should be entitled to clean water and willing support this particular charity.'

While she added on Brooke Hospital for Animals: 'This organisation does amazing work in supporting those animals used as beast of burden.'

Rebecca (pictured), who holds a masters in marketing and Philip, who was a Cambridge-educated engineer before working with his sister, grew up on Glebe Farm, where their family have been in the oat milling business since 1970

After planting the pure oats in 2008, a range of gluten free porridge oats, muesli and granolas was created by Rebecca. Shortly after came gluten free beers, ciders, bread and an oat drink.

In 2010, Philip joined the family business and 'refined the process that positions Glebe Farm at the forefront of the gluten free industry', having worked in electronics and engineering.

Glebe Farm is the only farm in the UK growing and processing gluten free oats into porridge flakes, oat flour, and oat drink.

The farm's eco-credentials include seeing that every part of the plant is used; the Rayners use the often wasted sections to heat biomass boilers in the plant.

Such environmentally friendly approaches are not simply a PR bonus, but 'part of our reason for being,' Philip told Cambridgeshire Live.

He added that the family-run farm has been a 'constant labour of love, for decades now'.

But in 2000, after realising there was a demand for gluten-free bread and flours when visiting farmers' markets, animal-lover Rebecca (pictured) decided to plant pure oats which are gluten free, before creating a range of products from the crop

Meanwhile, his sister added on her social media: 'At Glebe Farm Foods my brother Philip and I have developed the traditional family farm into a very special business.

'We identified a growing consumer desire for gluten free food and recognising that oats are a naturally gluten free we have become very successful in providing clean oats to the food manufacturing sector as well as developing our own brand.'

She continued: 'I particularly enjoy travelling and will often combine my love of visiting new places with taking in one of the many specialist food shows that crop up all around Europe.'

Glebe Farm launched their oat drink in 2019 and rebranded it PureOaty last year, and said Thursday's judgment showed that 'corporate might does not make right', describing the case as a David and Goliath battle, according to The Times.

During a two-day hearing in June, the High Court in London heard that the farming company launched an oat milk in 2019 called 'Oat Drink', before launching the rebranded 'PureOaty' in 2020.

Rebecca (pictured left), who has been in the farming business for more than 23 years, achieved a masters in Marketing and Product Management at Cranfield University, after gaining a degree in Agriculture and Food Marketing at Newcastle University in 1990

Rebecca (pictured) also lists herself in a previous Instagram post as the head of tasting, events management, consumer research, recipe development, field supervision, new product development and farm innovation

Oatly's lawyers argued that Glebe Farm Foods had infringed five of their firm's trademarks with the 'PureOaty' name and the drink's packaging, as well as 'passing off' their product as Oatly's.

Judge Caddick found there were similarities between the initial PureOaty packaging and Oatly's, including the use of the colour blue and an irregular font for the product name.

Oatly will not appeal after losing trademark battle against Glebe Farm over oat drink Oatly has said it will not appeal Thursday's judgment. PR manager Erica Wigge said: 'While to some this might be seen as vindication for small oat drink companies over big oat drink companies, we actually never saw it that way. Oatly (pictured) has said it will not appeal Thursday's judgment 'For us, this case has always been about protecting our trademark... If we were to let one company pass because they, like Glebe Farm, seem to be one of the good guys, that might leave the door open for the bad ones.' She continued: 'Truth is, we love all oat drink companies and never brought this case to damage Glebe Farm. 'In fact, we want them to thrive and help bring products into the world that are good for the planet. We just think they should do so in their own unique voice, just like we do.' Advertisement

However, the judge said the similarities were 'at a very general level'.

Oatly's lawyers had also argued that customers could be confused into believing that PureOaty was a type of Oatly product, but had not produced any evidence.

Judge Caddick said: 'It is hard to see how any relevant confusion would arise from the defendant's use of the sign "PureOaty".

'In particular, the use of "Pure" as a prefix to the word "Oaty" and the appearance of the carton as a whole seem to me to preclude any likelihood of the PureOaty product being seen as some sort of sub-brand of Oatly.'

The court heard that Oatly had sold more than 38million of their 'barista edition' oat milk, and more than 13million of other varieties.

Judge Caddick continued: 'On the facts of this case, I do not see that there is any risk of injury to the distinctive character of Oatly's marks.

'If Oatly loses sales, then it seems to me that that would be the result of there being a rival oat drink product on the market and not because the attractiveness of its brand as a badge of origin has been in any way diminished by the defendant's use of the PureOaty sign.'

He concluded: 'There is a relatively low or, at best, very modest level of similarity between the sign and the marks and that similarity is due to the presence in both the sign and the mark of the letters "oat" that are descriptive of the relevant products.'

After the ruling, Mr Rayner said: 'We have had the threat of this court case looming over us for more than a year.

'We have always felt certain that we have done nothing wrong, and we were determined to fight Oatly's claims that our brands were similar - something that is now proven to be wrong.

'You only need to look at the two products and packaging side by side to appreciate how different these brands are, and how unnecessary this legal action was.'

He concluded: 'It is enormously gratifying that the judge has ruled in our favour, and to see that smaller independent companies can fight back and win.'
A woman who was born into the notorious Westboro Baptist Church has revealed how she left the cult to join the Marines and is now living proudly as an out lesbian.

Danielle Phelps, 26, is the granddaughter of Fred Phelps, the founder of the hyper-Calvinist homophobic and anti-military hate group known as the 'most hated family in America'.

The group, which became known around the world following a series of Louis Theroux documentaries about them, is notorious for picketing and protesting funerals- particularly those of celebrities, young children, LGBTQ people and military - and holding up hateful signs reading things such as 'God hates f***' and 'thank god for dead soldiers'.

But now Danielle, who lives just five minutes away from where she grew up in Topeka, Kansas, with her girlfriend Autumn, has revealed her life inside the church and how she left in a series of viral TikTok videos.

'My childhood was hard, I spent years trying to pray the gay away, clearly it didn't work,' she says in one clip.

A woman who was born into the notorious Westboro Baptist Church has revealed how she left the cult to join the Marines and is now living proudly as an out lesbian. Pictured: A Westboro protest

In the clips, self-described 'flaming homosexual' Danielle, who is the fifth born child of Fred's son Tim Phelps 10 offspring, has revealed she was homeless when she left the group aged 18.

'I needed a way out so I joined the military and I haven't looked back since,' she explained.

She also explains that she has 'severe anxiety' and PTSD as a result of her traumatic childhood and that she 'never believed anything her family told her' but if she even 'looked the wrong way' growing up she would 'get her 'a** beat'.

Adding that she knew she was attracted to women from a 'very young age', she went on: 'I had to keep that information about myself to myself.

'I couldn't even tell my closest friend, who was my older sister, who unfortunately is still in the church.

'But I had to find humour somewhere, so I would intentionally grab the "God hates F-word" sign so that so I could have my own little joke.

'That's how I got through it with my own little dark humour.'

Danielle Phelps (pictured) , 26, is the granddaughter of Fred Phelps, the founder of the hyper-Calvinist homophobic and anti-military hate group known as the 'most hated family in America'

The cult has an estimated 70 members in, most of them children, grandchildren and extended family of founder Fred Phelps - who died aged 84 in 2014.

In one video, Danielle explains that women had 'no rights' and had to 'keep their head down' while she also said she's 'lost count' of the number of scars she has and times she's been in hospital from people throwing rocks at them during protests.

She also recalls how she was told the details of gay sex from 'kindergarten age' and didn't know how to deal with her feelings towards women.

Members of the family that leave the church are disowned by the family.

'I don't talk to anyone in the church, I'm dead to them,' Danielle explains in one video.

The group, which became known around the world following a series of Louis Theroux documentaries about them, is notorious for picketing and protesting funerals- particularly those of celebrities, young children, LGBTQ people and military - and holding up hateful signs reading things such as 'God hates f***' and 'thank god for dead soldiers'

In the clips, self-described 'flaming homosexual' Danielle, who is the fifth born child of Fred's son Tim Phelps 10 offspring, has revealed she was homeless when she left the group aged 18.

While Danielle's nine siblings are still in the church, her cousins including Megan Phelps-Roper and Libby Phelps, as well as her uncle Nathan Phelps have all left the organisation and been publicly critical of it.

The group became known internationally after Louis Theroux's 2007 documentary The Most Hated Family In America.

The original documentary saw members holding placards with the words God Hates F****, F*** Doom Nations and Thank God for Dead Soldiers', at the funerals of US personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as publicly celebrating when a stranger contracts cancer.

The cult has an estimated 70 members in, most of them children, grandchildren and extended family of founder Fred Phelps - who died aged 84 in 2014. In one video, Danielle (pictured_ explains that women had 'no rights' and had to 'keep their head down' while she also said she's 'lost count' of the number of scars she has and times she's been in hospital from people throwing rocks at them during protests

In another clip, Danielle visits equality house, a home next door to Westboro Baptist Church which is painted in a rainbow gay pride flag, flies the transgender flag and hangs a 'Black Lives Matter' sign.

Explaining some ins and outs of the church, in one clip she explains how the younger members of the church would tell elders about songs that are popular, which would then be made into hateful parodies that were released online.

'One of us kids would bring them a song that's big with the they'd figure out a way to make it hurtful to whatever demographic they're attacking at the moment.

'They'd figure out lyrics and someone in the church who's best equipped to hate the song,' she explained.

In another clip, Danielle visits equality house, a home next door to Westboro Baptist Church which is painted in a rainbow gay pride flag, flies the transgender flag and hangs a 'Black Lives Matter' sign.

She kisses her girlfriend outside.

@thatwestborolesbian Answer to @politicallydepressed Even when they thought I liked a boy I got in trouble so no winning i guess   original sound - thatwestborolesbian

Steve Drain, a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, holds up a sign showing Louis Theroux

Speaking to the All Out Attack podcast, Danielle also revealed that she wanted to leave the church as soon as she turned 18, but tore her rotator cuff a few weeks before her birthday and ended up leaving a few months later.

In the podcast, she also explains to host Harry Robinson that her grandfather is a 'sweet man' to his grandkids despite his hateful rhetoric.

She added that he was ex-communicated from the church shortly before his death due to his dementia.

'He was in containment. It was weird, they put the bed in the front room of the house, and then like had cameras all over the house.

'It was like he would just being watched. And then they would just go and like make sure that he was fed and cleaned and that was it, they wouldn't like actually interact with him, so I'm sure like those last moments for him were were scary because like he was alone, he was alone most the time.

@thatwestborolesbian Reply to @dom_jf98 but forreal google is free to understand the psychology of cults and history of the WBC. Love the comment(:  original sound - thatwestborolesbian

'When he died, the whole world full finds out.

'It was like how grenade explodes underwater so everything expands and then everything sucked back in. Like the word of him dying, got out to the world.

'All these media outlets and everybody was sucking it and everyone was coming to the church and seeing it for a week or so after he died.

'It was crazy, because we were just like constantly on watch, around the block.

'People were on guard the whole time to try to make sure that nobody was you know trying to try to take advantage of the like the weak spot that we had in the church'.

Fred Phelps, Danielle's grandfather and founder of Westboro, demonstrating in 1999. He died in 2014

Theroux first encountered the group - known for its inflammatory homophobic hate speech - for his 2007 documentary The Most Hated Family In America

She explained there were elders in the church, who consisted of the married men, but they didn't make any decisions as it was 'ultimately up to Gramps'.

'Around this time that a lot of people were leaving and like realising that this wasn't the place to be,basically church was falling apart.

'There was this patriarchal shift. It was like all right, no more like Mr. Nice Guy.

'It was it was almost like my childhood was over, once my grandfather died. Because you weren't allowed to be a kid anymore,' she added.

Discussing Fred's ex-communication, Danielle added: 'Because he was sick, he started talking different he started and viewing situations differently.

'As soon as he started talking like that. Everyone was like "oh my god like everything, the foundation of our church is falling apart"'.
Their sister Lady Kitty Spencer burst onto the world stage after attending Meghan Marke and Prince Harry's 2018 wedding in a hand-painted green Dolce & Gabbana dress and has recently married millionaire Michael Lewis in a lavish Italian ceremony.

But it seems Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, both 29, are finally stepping out of their eldest sibling's shadow, with the twins appearing in society magazines like Tatler and Hello in recent months.

The nieces of Princess Diana posed for Elle Italia for their latest interview, sharing snaps from the glamorous photoshoot to their Instagram accounts today.

Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia grew up between Constantia, South Africa, and their family's seat, Althorp, but have both moved to Britain's capital for the first time, and plan to 'embrace all that London has to offer'.

Here FEMAIL explores how the stunning blonde twins are stepping out into London's bustling social scene...

Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, both 29, are finally stepping out of their eldest sibling's shadow, with the twins appearing in society magazines like Tatler and Hello in recent months

The sisters are nieces of Princess Diana and cousins of Prince William, 39, and Prince Harry, 36, (pictured attending the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding with Lady Kitty in 2011)

Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia grew up between Constantia, South Africa, and their family's seat, Althorp (pictured left, with their siblings Lady Kitty, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and Samuel Aitken and their mother, Victoria Aitken, and right, Eliza with her boyfriend of five years, Channing Millerd)

BLOSSOMING CAREERS

Amelia and Eliza, who are both signed to Storm Model Management, are looking forward to fulfilling long-held ambitions; Amelia hopes to become a wedding planner and Eliza dreams of being an interior designer.

In recent months, the sisters have given a host of interviews to high-profile society magazines including Tatler

Earlier this year, the pair were hailed by society bible Tatler as among the hottest and most elegant socialite siblings from across the world who are used to moving in the same circles as supermodels, aristocrats and royals.

They were ranked among others as one of the most glamorous sets of twins on the elite social scene.

And in recent months, the sisters have given a host of interviews to high-profile society magazines including Tatler.

They graced the cover of the society bible in March, before starring in their own photoshoot in the pages of Hello earlier this summer.

Now the pair have landed themselves a spread in the fashion magazine Elle Italia.

Looking the epitome of elegance, Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia showcased their modelling prowess when posing for the magazine.

Amelia and Eliza, who are both signed to Storm Model Management, are looking forward to fulfilling long-held ambitions; Eliza dreams of being an interior designer (pictured, while holidaying in France in June)

In one black and white image, the siblings are positioned like a scene from an ABBA-video, with one standing to the side, with their face in front of the other.

Amelia shared a second photograph from the shoot, in which the glamorous socialite was pictured standing with her arms folded, while sporting a chic cream coat.

HUNKY FUTURE HUSBANDS

The twins have both been lucky in love and are settled in serious long-term relationships with supportive partners.

Amelia met her real estate beau of 11 years Greg Mallett, 30, while they were both studying at the University of Cape Town.

Announcing their engagement last July, Greg, posted on Instagram that he'd popped the question to Amelia, sharing sweet photos of them both from Clouds Wine & Guest Estate in Stellenbosch.

The twins have both been lucky in love and are settled in serious long-term relationships (pictured left, Lady Eliza with her boyfriend of five years, Channing Millerd, and right, Lady Amelia with her fiancee Greg Mallett, 30)

He captioned the images: 'So this was the best day of my life. 22nd of July 2020, I asked the love of my life to spend the rest of her life with me and she said YES. Couldn't be happier and I love you with all my heart @ameliaspencer15.'

Dozens of people shared their good wishes on the post, including Amelia's sister Lady Kitty Spencer who wrote: 'BROTHER-TO-BE!!!! Happiest times ahead!'

In the series of photos he shared to reveal his engagement, Amelia could be seen showing off her dazzling oval diamond ring while the couple kiss and embrace.

Greg is well-known by the Spencer clan and is already considered to be part of the family.

It is not known when the pair will marry or if they will choose to wed in England or their home in South Africa.

Lady Amelia hasn't ruled out holding the wedding at Althorp, after her father suggested it as a venue.

Amelia met her real estate beau of 11 years Greg Mallett, 30, while they were both studying at the University of Cape Town and the couple announced their engagement last year

Meanwhile Eliza also has a long-term boyfriend, Channing Millerd, whom she has been dating for the last five years (pictured together)

Meanwhile Eliza also has a long-term boyfriend, Channing Millerd, whom she has been dating for the last five years.

The pair often share romantic snaps together on Instagram of their date-nights and lavish holidays abroad.

The marketing executive, who attended the same school as Eliza's brother, Viscount Althorp, has a son from a previous relationship, and Lady Eliza, appears to dote on the boy.

It's a far cry from her earlier party girl years, when raunchy pictures appeared on social media.

Her first serious boyfriend, Christopher Elliot, was killed in a car accident, aged 17.

CLOSE FAMILY

Alongside their elder sister Kitty and younger brother Louis, 27, the sisters grew up with their father and mother Victoria Aitken in Constantia, South Africa, but spent significant time in the UK after their parents split and Charles moved back to the family's seat, Althorp.

They have two half-sisters and half-brother from their father's second and third marriages, and half-brother from their mother's second marriage.

But the sisters have an unbreakable bond as twins, with Lady Amelia telling Tatler she and Lady Eliza have always been close and are 'very similar'.

'We love doing the same things and share the same friends,' she said. 'You're guaranteed to have a best friend there always  you can't really compare it to anything else.'

The sisters have an unbreakable bond as twins, with Lady Amelia telling Tatler she and Lady Eliza have always been close and are 'very similar' (pictured with their parents in 1997)

Alongside their elder sister Kitty, 30, and younger brother Louis, 27, the sisters grew up with their father and mother Victoria Aitken in Constantia, South Africa, but spent significant time in the UK after their parents split and Charles moved back to the family's seat, Althorp (pictured)

She added that they are a 'very open family' and value the importance of talking about mental health.

'It was never something that we felt afraid to talk about when we had our own struggles,' Lady Eliza said.

The society beauties also told Tatler they have very fond memories of Althorp, the Spencer family seat, where they'd stay with their father during the school holidays.

'It is a truly special and beautiful place. Having spent the first three years of our lives at Althorp, exploring and discovering it as children, and being part of a long heritage of Spencers that have lived there, it has always felt like another home,' Lady Eliza said.

'And of course it conjures up memories of family Christmases as children, with our extended family all together.'

The society beauties told Tatler they have very fond memories of Althorp, the Spencer family seat, where they'd stay with their father during the school holidays

ROYAL CONNECTIONS

Lady Eliza and Amelia are cousins with Prince William, 39, and Prince Harry, 36, although it is not known how close the group are.

All three sisters attended the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

While Lady Kitty, Louis and Lady Eliza were present at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials in May 2018, Amelia was missing.

Speaking to Hello magazine, Eliza and Amelia revealed they have 'precious memories' of their late aunt Diana close to their hearts.

Speaking to Hello magazine, Eliza and Amelia revealed they have 'precious memories' of Diana close to their hearts (pictured, outside the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Guards' Chapel, London in 2007)

Eliza said: 'Sadly we were very young when she passed away, we were only five.'

'Of course, I would have loved to have been able to spend more time with her. I do have some special memories of her.'

And speaking to Tatler, she admitted neither of them had any idea of Diana's impact on the world until years after her death.

'We always just knew her as our aunt,' she explained, adding that she remembers her as 'incredibly warm, maternal and loving'.

While Lady Eliza and her brother Louis were present at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials in May 2018, Amelia was missing (pictured)

'Growing up in South Africa, I really had very little idea of how significant she was in the world until I was much older...

'She always made an effort to connect with us as children and had a talent for reading children's hearts.'

MOVING TO LONDON

Amelia's fiancee Greg revealed earlier this summer that they would be moving to London, posting on Instagram and calling the move 'emotional'.

In the post, shared in June, Greg said: 'My fiance and I decided to relocate to the UK and are currently in transit in France!

'Whilst it may seem like we got lucky (in many ways, we did), moving countries is difficult.'

Amelia's fiancee Greg revealed earlier this summer that they would be moving to London, posting on Instagram and calling the move 'emotional'

Proving their bond is 'unbreakable', Lady Eliza followed in her footsteps and the pair have now opened up about starting a new stage of their lives together.

Speaking to Hello magazine, Amelia, who is living just 20 minutes away from her twin sister in central London, said: 'It feels very exciting to finally have made the move. London will challenge and inspire us.'

Excited to make the most of the London social scene, the sisters added to the magazine they can't wait to see what the future holds.

The sisters have said they are excited to make the most of London after their elder sibling Kitty told them how much she enjoys the social scene in the capital (pictured left and right, at London Fashion Week in 2019)

'Kitty has always told us how much she particularly enjoys Wimbledon and the Serpentine Summer Party and we have always hoped to go.

'We are looking forward to our first London Fashion Week,'

'Moving to a place like London will allow us to experience all the incredible events and opportunities that London has to offer.'

'We can't wait to see what the future holds,' Amelia added. 'I've always imagined I'd end up in the UK, it just took a little longer than I'd planned. We're thrilled to finally be here. For me, this is where my future is.'
A runway bride who made headlines in 2005 for faking her own kidnapping to get out of her 600-person wedding has since taken the plunge and said 'I do' to someone else  but now, after 11 years, she has gotten a divorce.

In April 2005, just days before she was set to marry John Mason, then-32-year-old Jennifer Wilbanks went missing, setting off a $60,000 police search.

Three days later, she turned up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she claimed that that a 'Hispanic man' and white woman kidnapped her, sexually assaulted her, and held her captive.

She ultimately admitted it was a hoax and she and her jilted groom went their separate ways, leaving Wilbanks to marry Georgia landscaper Greg Hutson a few years later.

But according to People, that romance didn't work out either  and in April, she and Hutson divorced after 11 years together.

Update: Jennifer Wilbanks, the runaway bride who faked her own kidnapping in 2005, has since married another man  but they've just divorced after 11 years

Gone: In April 2005, just days before she was set to marry John Mason, then-32-year-old Jennifer Wilbanks went missing, setting off a $60,000 police search

Wilbanks' real-life faked-kidnapping plot came seven years before Gone Girl captivated readers.

She was set to get in a lavish affair with 600 guests and a 28-person bridal party, but apparently got cold feet  yet instead of calling the wedding off, she made up en elaborate story.

On April 26, she went out for her evening jog, but when she failed to return home hours later, her fiance called the police.

This set off a search for Wilbanks, with 250 people looking for her  and the city of Duluth, Georgia spending an estimated $40,000 to $60,000.

Wilbanks' family went on TV, pleading for her safe return and offering a $100,000 reward for help finding her. They also set up public vigils, while Mason had to undergo a polygraph test to rule him out as a suspect in a criminal investigation.

Then, on April 29, her fiance received a call from her on a pay phone in Albuquerque.

'I was crying, I was laughing, I was trying to stay calm to talk to her to keep her calm,' he told CNN at the time.

Family heartbreak: Wilbanks' family went on TV, pleading for her safe return and offering a $100,000 reward for help finding her. Her fiance (left) had to undergo a polygraph test

Wilbanks told him she had been abducted by a 'Hispanic man' and white woman in a blue van, who drove her across the country, sexually assaulted her, and abandoned her.

Wilbanks also called 911, and local police picked her up.

She continued to share details of her alleged kidnapping with police, claiming that her armed abductors tied her up with rope before the man raped her and the woman forced her to perform sexual acts.

CBS News reported that Wilbanks described the van in detail, claiming there was Spanish music playing.

But her story didn't hold up, and under FBI interrogation, she admitted that it had all been a hoax  and she'd really just wanted to get away for 'personal issues,' so she'd taken a Greyhound bus out of town, first to Las Vegas and then on to Albuquerque.

'She left Georgia because of the pressures of the wedding,' officer Michael V. Medrano said. 'The list of things she needed to get done and no time to do it made her feel overwhelmed.'

'It turns out that Miss Wilbanks basically felt the pressure of this large wedding and could not handle it," Duluth Police Chief Randy Belcher added.

Three days later, she turned up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she claimed that that a 'Hispanic man' and white woman kidnapped her, sexually assaulted her, and held her captive

Yikes! But her story didn't hold up, and under FBI interrogation, she admitted that it had all been a hoax  and she'd really just wanted to get away for 'personal issues'

The story quickly made headlines, and news outlets discovered that she had a history of criminal behavior, including three separate shoptlifting charges in the 1990s. In one case, she allegedly stole $1,740 in merchandise from a mall.

Her two other shoplifting charges were for $37 in merchandise in 1996 and $98 in merchandise in 1998. The second charge came with a sentence of two weekends in jail.

Charges were soon brought against her for the kidnapping hoax, and she pleaded guilty to a felony count of making a false statement.

She was sentenced to two years' probation, counseling, and 120 hours of community service. She also agreed to reimburse the city of Duluth for $13,249.09 in costs incurred in the search.

Yet Shannon Shafer, who volunteered taking phone tips during the search, told the New York Times that the people who searched for her deserved a public apology.

'I just feel she really owes that to all the people who spent so much time looking for her,' she said.

Meanwhile, she and her fiance called off their engagement, but remained together for another year, finally breaking up in May of 2006.

Trouble: Charges were soon brought against her for the kidnapping hoax (pictured in June 2005)

Court: She pleaded guilty to a felony count of making a false statement (pictured in June 2005). She agreed to reimburse the Duluth for $13,249.09 in costs incurred in the search

Penalty: She was sentenced to two years' probation, counseling, and 120 hours of community service. (pictured in August 2005)

A few months later, in October of 2006, Wilbanks sued Mason for $500,000 dollars, which she claimed included her share of the price of their home and the amount they made for selling their story.

She also claimed that Mason defrauded her out of her share of their assets, including a ladder, a gold sofa, and wedding presents, and alleged he abused the power of attorney she granted him to handle their financial affairs.

But Wilbanks moved on, and five years later, the New York Post reported that she was in a longterm relationship with a twice-divorced landscaper named Greg Hutson, with whom she enjoyed 'togetherness, friendship and most of all ... unconditional love.'

'Everybody needs somebody to love ... Im so glad I have that someone! she wrote on Facebook.

They even owned a dog together named Lady.

They since tied the knot, but People reports that Hutson filed for divorce in March, and it was finalized a month later.

Wilbanks currently lives in Gainesville, Georgia, where she works as a Human Resources Director.

Meanwhile, her ex-groom Mason married a woman named Shelley Martin in 2008.
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The United States is nearing numbers of average daily coronavirus cases not seen since winter as the Indian 'Delta' variant continues to spread across the country.

On Thursday, officials recorded 109,824 new cases of the virus with a seven-day rolling average of 98,518. The U.S. is almost at an average of 100,000 per day, which hasn't been seen since mid-February.

This figure also represents a 277 percent increase from the average of 26.079 reported three weeks ago, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

Every state and the District of Columbia have seen COVID-19 infections either increase or remain steady in the last seven days.

Deaths are also beginning to rise after remaining relatively low for several weeks.

There were 535 COVID-19 fatalities recorded on Thursday with a seven-day rolling average of 426, which is a 58 percent increase from 268 recorded three weeks prior and the highest since June 9.

Health experts say the cause is mainly due to the highly transmissible Delta variant spading in areas with low vaccination rates.

It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that 93 percent of all cases are linked to the variant, including its subtypes.

CDc director Dr Rochelle Walensky warned that while the COVID-19 vaccines work, vaccinated people - who make up 50 percent of the population - are still capable of transmitting the virus if they have a breakthrough infection.

'Our vaccines are working exceptionally well,' Walensky told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Thursday night.

'They continue to work well for Delta, with regard to severe illness and death - they prevent it. But what they can't do anymore is prevent transmission.'

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On Thursday, the U.S. recorded 109,824 new cases of COVID-19 with a seven-day rolling average of 98,518, inching the country closer to 100,000 cases per day and a 277% increase from 26,079 recorded three weeks ago

COVID-19 deaths are also rising with 535 recorded on Thursday and a seven-day rolling average of 426, which is the 58% than recorded three weeks ago

Every state and the District from Columbia are seeing coronavirus cases either increase or hold steady in the last week

CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccines work but that they 'can't prevent transmission' for fully vaccinated people with breakthrough cases

Several states - particularly those across the South such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina, have been seeing cases spiking over the past month.

However, Walensky believes that these states have not yet reached their peak.

More Americans have been getting vaccinated recently with with 864,000 doses administered on Wednesday, including 585,000 Americans getting their first doses, the highest single-day totals in more than month.

However, Walensky told CNN that she believes if more Americans don't get vaccinated, the U.S. may see 'several hundred thousand cases a day' as was the situation during the deadly winter surge.

She also addressed the agency's updated mask guidance in which all Americans were encouraged to wear masks in indoor public spaces if they live in area with high or substantial COVID-19 transmission.

This was based on data from an outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts, last month showing that fully vaccinated people who contract the Delta variant have similar viral levels in their noses as unvaccinated people.

'If you're going home to somebody who has not been vaccinated, to somebody who can't get vaccinated, somebody who might be immunosuppressed or a little bit frail, somebody who has comorbidities that put them at high risk, I would suggest you wear a mask in public indoor settings,' Walensky told CNN.

In Louisiana, cases are rising rapidly from an average of 2,414 per day to 6,527 per day (left). Currently, 2,247 patients are hospitalized with the virus, a record-high number (right)

Cases in South Carolina have soared by 383% over the last 14 days from an average of 718 per day to 3,472 per day (left). Hospitalizations have also risen by 211% over the same time period from 271 patients to 845 (right)

Over the last two weeks In Louisiana, average COVID-19 cases have increased by 170 percent from 2,414 per day to 6,527 per day, a DailyMail.com analysis found.

The figure also represents the highest average number of cases recorded since the start of the pandemic

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there are currently 2,247 Covid patients hospitalized, which is a record-high number, 89 percent of whom are not vaccinated.

Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge one COVID-19 patient is being admitted every hour on average with a federal assistance team helping with the rise.

'These are the darkest days of our pandemic,' Dr Catherine O'Neal, chief medical officer of the hospital, told The New York Times.

Governor John Bel Edwards said the rise in cases is due to a mix of the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.

'The Delta variant is a game-changer, and at this point, it's not whether we vaccinate or mask, we have to do both,' Edwards said at a news conference on Monday.

'Our latest numbers confirm that we simply have to do more.'

Recently, South Carolina has also been emerging as a new pandemic hotspot.

In the last two weeks, cases have soared by 383 percent over the last 14 days from an average of 718 per day to 3,472 per day, one of the biggest increases seen in the U.S.

Hospitalizations have also risen by 211 percent over the same time period from 271 patients to 845, according to data from the CDC.

At Conway Medical Center in Horry County, tents are being erected to help treat a growing number of COVID-19 patients.

'Truly this is gut-wrenching,' Dr Paul Richardson, the hospital's chief medical officer, told The Sun News.

'To have to put these tents back up because our numbers are going back up to the levels they are necessary is very discouraging. We are on a trajectory to head back towards numbers we haven't seen for nearly a year.'

In South Carolina, only 47.2 percent of residents have received at least an initial shot of the COVID-19 vaccine and 47.1 percent are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 survivors who do not get vaccinated have higher odds of contracting the virus again than those who do get their shots, a new report finds.

Data analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that those who were previously infected and didn't get vaccinated were 2.3 times more likely to be reinfected than survivors who were immunized.

The findings provide further evidence supporting vaccination for all Americans, even those who had mild or asymptomatic cases of Covid.

The data also suggest that immunity from the available vaccines is stronger than those from natural-forming antibodies.

The U.S. vaccine rollout has slowed in recent months after reaching a peak in April, though there has been a recent uptick in people getting the shots.

Fully vaccinated COVID survivors are less than half as likely to contract the virus once again compared to their unvaccinated peers

More than 70% of the unvaccinated Covid survivors in the study contracted the virus compared to 20% of those fully vaccinated. Pictured: Amanda Tetlak, a registered nurse, administers a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Fred Miller in St Petersburg, Florida, August 2021

For the report, published on Friday, the CDC gathered data from Covid survivors in Kentucky from May to June 2021.

The study included 246 COVID-19 survivors - 50 of whom were fully vaccinated, 179 not vaccinated at all and 17 who were partially vaccinated.

Partially vaccinated individuals are those who have received at least one dose of a vaccine, but are not two weeks removed from receiving the final dose in their vaccine series.

There was also a control group of 492 individuals, 284 of which were unvaccinated, to compare data against.

Researchers gathered positivity rate among the groups, and normalized them based on positivity rates from the control group.

The research team found that those who had previously tested positive for Covid, but were unvaccinated were 2.34 times likely to contract the virus once again than those who survived Covid but did get vaccinated later.

'These findings suggest that among persons with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, full vaccination provides additional protection against reinfection,' the researchers wrote.

'To reduce their risk of infection, all eligible persons should be offered vaccination, even if they have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.'

Researchers also found that natural antibodies may not be as effective as the vaccine in combatting virus variants.

Natural antibodies were found to be ineffective at combatting the South African 'Beta' variant in many people, for example.

The data match previous research that shows people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine have higher antibody levels than those relying on natural antibodies.

While there has yet to have been a proven link between antibody levels and immunity, it is strongly believed that more antibodies make a person more protected.

Other research has found that COVID-19 survivors may be generating high antibody levels after only one shot of a two-dose vaccine.

Research from the CDC shows that partially vaccinated people are 1.56 times as likely to contract the virus than the fully vaccinated.

There was a slight drop of infection rates from the partially vaccinated in the control group when compared to the Covid-survivors, as only 6.9 percent of survivors contracted the virus, compared to 7.9 percent of the control group.

The agency recommends that Americans still complete their vaccine series to stay protected from the virus.

Around 35 million Americans are recorded to have contracted COVID-19.

Around 58 percent of the total population, and 70 percent of American adults, are at least partially vaccinated, according to CDC data.
Music festivals in Michigan and Oregon have been tied to COVID-19 outbreaks of nearly 160 cases, causing officials to worry about the return of mass live events.

Pendleton Whisky Music Fest in Pendleton, Oregon, which took place on July 10, was tied to 62 cases in the state.

The Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, a three-day country music festival that took place from July 16 to 18 was tied to 96 Covid cases in the state.

Fallout from both festivals have many experts worried these events may have returned too soon, and that it may not be safe to hold these gatherings in the wake of the highly transmissible Indian 'Delta' variant.

Pendleton Whisky Music Fest in Pendleton, Oregon, has been tied to 62 COVID-19 cases. Pictured: Pendleton partygoers enjoy live music on July 10

Faster Horses Festival in Brooklyn, Michigan, has been tied to 92 COVID-19 cases and one hospitalization. Pictured: Attendees of the three day event post for a photo

Neither of the two events connected to 158 cases required attendants to be vaccinated.

At least one case tied to the Michigan festival has resulted in a hospitalization.

'These events are the warning shot across the bow,' Dr Emily Landon, executive medical director for infection prevention and control at the University of Chicago Medical Center told Rolling Stone.

Chicago recently had a massive music festival as well, with more than 100,000 revelers descended to Grant Park for Lollapalooza - one of the world's most iconic yearly festivals.

While the event did require either proof of vaccination or a negative test to attend, some still fear it could have caused an outbreak after photos of massive crowds circulated.

Generally, outdoor events are safer than indoor events.

Lollapalooza is one of the biggest music festivals in the world with over 100,000 attendees for each of its four days

COVID-19 has trouble spreading outdoors due to the constant, natural, circulation of the air.

Although the risk of outdoor transmission is less than 0.1 percent, it is not zero and can certainly happen in groups as large as those at the festivals.

'I think we're finding it does matter what you do outdoors,' Landon said.

'And even though people are vaccinated, it looks like we may need to be more careful with super-crowded events.'

This is because the main benefit of outdoor events - the air circulation - largely disappears in these festivals.

'If you're outside and you're packed in with someone,' Dr Alex Huffman, a chemistry professor at the University of Denver told Rolling Stone.

'It's getting closer to being like an indoor environment, where you have really high aerosol exposure from the person that's a foot from you, or even inches from you.'

In Pendleton, for example, a majority of transmission was traced to people in the 'party pit' area of the festival, where many congregate in a small space.

Landon told Rolling Stone that those types of pit areas are the most dangerous.

Almost all major outdoor gatherings, like music festivals, were halted last summer amid the pandemic.

This year, though, with the vaccine now available, many believe it is safer for them to resume.

These events are also planned months in advance as well, and the United States had cases rapidly decline from February to June.

Then, as summer was just beginning, the highly contagious Delta variant struck the nation, causing massive case surges among the unvaccinated.

The United States is nearing 100,000 daily average cases mark for the first time since February - when the country was on the back side of the largest COVID-19 surge it will likely ever see.

Since July 1, cases have increased from around 19,000 per day to 98,000 per day - a 415 percent increase.

While the massive surge was not caused by these events, they are playing a role in exacerbating the situation.

Requiring vaccinations to attend may be a tough ask as well, though it could help boost vaccine demand among the younger Americans most likely to attend these types of events - who are also among the age group least likely to be jabbed.
Inhaler maker Vectura has jumped 'out of the frying pan, into the fire' after it snubbed an offer from Philip Morris in favour of a private equity bid.

Vectura, which specialises in making inhaled medicines, agreed to a 150p-per-share offer from the cigarette giant last month.

But it elbowed out the Malboro-maker's bid yesterday as US private equity giant Carlyle bowled in with a 155p challenge, valuing Vectura at 958m.

Change of heart: Vectura, which specialises in making inhaled medicines, agreed to a 150p-per-share offer from the cigarette giant

Carlyle said it had 'over 30 years' experience as an investor in healthcare, including in the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical services sectors'.

Vectura has agreed to the deal, in yet another U-turn. It had originally backed Carlyle's first 136p offer in May, before switching allegiance to Philip Morris and is now flopping back to Carlyle.

The private equity firm has also got backing from 11.2 per cent of Vectura's investors, including Axa Investment Management.

The Philip Morris deal was controversial, as the tobacco titan wanted to use Vectura to help it create modern types of nonsmoking cigarettes as it rebranded as a 'wellness company'.

But City veteran David Buik said there was 'an element of out of the frying pan, into the fire' to the latest Carlyle bid, as it comes at a time when the UK's stock market is being plundered by private equity.

Buik said: 'We are the only Western economy which is fully free. I can't remember the last time a company of consequence was sold overseas by France or Germany, or even the US.

'We seem to be a little gung-ho. We need a bit of protectionism otherwise we'll find we are left with nothing of consequence, with no industry and no jobs.'

Carlyle said it would maintain Vectura's headquarters in the UK.
The way we travel has changed. Because of the Covid threat, the days of hopping on a plane, jumping on Eurostar or boarding a ferry with just our passport have gone, and a new system of regulations is in place.

Each country in the world has been given either a Red, Amber or Green status by the UK Government, and the rules on what you need to do before you return home vary, depending on which group the country is in.

Because of Covid, things have changed and additional steps are needed to be able to travel

And, while it is possible to travel at the moment, its important to realise this might change at any moment  anything could happen, from being told you need extra tests to not being able to go at all.

Thats because the Covid situation across the globe is being closely monitored by UK experts, who may need to restrict travel to keep our country safe from the spread of new variants of the virus.

So, if youve booked to go abroad, make sure you keep an eye on the news and check official websites regularly to ensure youre up to date.

GOING ABROAD: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Theres no denying that travelling abroad is still difficult and will be for most of this year at least. But if you do decide to take the risk, make sure you follow this guide.

Before you travel

Use the FCDO Travel Advice website to check the rules and advice for any country youre visiting or transiting through. Rules vary, with some requiring proof of a negative Covid-19 test result or a vaccination certificate to enter their country.

Find out what you need to do when you return to the UK by following the signposts on FCDO Travel Advice on gov.uk

Before you return

Use the FCDO Travel Advice website to check the rules and advice for any country youre visiting or transiting through

Take a Covid-19 PCR test. To return to the UK, you need proof of a negative result from a test taken in the three days before you fly, drive or sail home. It will need to be done in the country youre visiting  check local tourist websites for suitable clinics providing the service.

Complete a Passenger Locator form. This is used to contact you if someone you are travelling with becomes ill. The form should be completed online via gov.uk, and can be submitted any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK.

Book any Covid-19 tests or quarantine hotel packages that you need. You wont be able to fill out your Passenger Locator form if you dont do this before returning to the UK.

Find out what you need to do when you return to the UK by following the signposts on FCDO Travel Advice on gov.uk.

After you return

The rules for testing and quarantine when you arrive back in the UK depend on which countries youve been in or travelled through in the previous ten days. See the box on the opposite page for what you should do on your return from a Red, Amber or Green list country.

WILL YOUR PASSPORT PASS THE NEW TESTS? Since the UK left the EU, the rules governing travel to Europe have changed. So, before setting off, check: Your passport is still valid. Visit gov.uk/check-passport and leave enough time to get a new one if needed.

You have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover you if you need medical treatment.

You have the correct driving documentation for your destination. Visit gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu

You have the right documentation if you are travelling with your dog, cat or ferret. Visit gov.uk

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CATCH COVID ABROAD

Coming down with Covid while travelling abroad can be a big and costly problem, so its best to make sure you know what you must do if the worst happens  and if you can afford it.

Many countries insist that you enter a designated hotel  and you may have to pay for it. Make sure that you have the money required or adequate insurance before you go.

However, if you do need medical treatment in a country covered by the EHIC/GHIC scheme, the UK Government will fund treatment as usual.

 Always check FCDO Travel Advice for the latest entry requirements and local Covid-19 rules for your destination country.

'Being fully vaccinated made it easy for me to get back to work'

Feeling the warm sun on his back as he walked around the medieval streets of Torun in Poland, at that time on the Amber list, with his wife and baby son last month, Matthew Milner was grateful theyd managed to get away.

To find out what we needed to do, we did a mixture of Googling and checking the official Government website, says the 38-year-old, who is married to Polish-born Maria and lives in South London.

I was intending to return to work in the office on our return, and we saw that being double vaccinated meant we didnt have to isolate. That made it quite easy for me to get back to work.

Matthew Milner, pictured with wife Maria and their baby, was grateful theyd managed to get away to Poland

Coming home, we had to get a pre-flight Covid test, which was fairly easy to arrange, says Matthew, co-founder of tech firm Global Dating Accelerator, an organisation which helps start-up dating apps grow and succeed.

There were people who didnt make it on to the plane because they didnt have the NHS app installed or their passenger Locator Forms werent filled out properly.

It was worth it. The holiday was an absolute pleasure, he says.

'My wife is desperate to see her family'

Colin McAndrew is hoping to fly to Hungary with his wife Kate next month

There will be a few more hoops for Colin McAndrew and his wife, Kate, to jump through when they fly to Hungary next month.

But they wouldnt have it any other way. My wife is desperate to see her mother and brothers, says the 45-year-old managing director of Medusa Hairdressing in Scotland. Shes not seen them since February 2020. The couple will be flying from Edinburgh Airport.

I just went on to the Government website to work out what I needed to do, and it was fairly easy, says Colin.

They also have to take Covid-19 tests shortly before and after they return to the UK.

I just went on to the Government website to work out what I needed to do  it was fairly easy
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Angelina Jolie's friend and former Cambodian business associate, Sarath Mounh (pictured) helped the desperate Hollywood star push through Maddox's adoption by becoming his adopted father

Angelina Jolie's former right-hand man in Cambodia - who helped the desperate Hollywood star push through Maddox's adoption by becoming his adopted father - reveals why she chose her son out of the hundreds of orphaned babies in the country.

Maddox turned 20 on August 5, and the actress' friend and former business associate, Sarath Mounh, tells DailyMail.com he couldn't be more proud of the way he's turned out.

Angie faced a red-tape headache with the adoption back in 2002 and asked Sarath to help her out by acting as Maddox's dad on his adoption court documents.

Maddox was also added to Sarath's family records, which shows that Maddox was his third child.

Having a Cambodian father cut through many of the legal problems Angie faced as a foreigner especially as there was a government crackdown on international adoptions due to baby trafficking.

Sarath says he then signed a document for Angie to adopt Maddox from him.

Now he reveals why the 46-year-old wanted to adopt from Cambodia after falling in love with the place when she filmed Tomb Raider there in 2000.

Sarath tells DailyMail.com that baby Maddox was 'clever, sharp, smart, a lovely kid, who smiled at people more than any of the other babies'

'When she visited the [orphanage] and saw Maddox, he smiled at her and got up, instead of crying like all the other babies,' Sarath said. 'He was smiling right at her, it touched her heart, that's why she chose Maddox'

'There are a lot of children in the world that need good care, need a better life. By that time, she wanted to be a mother, but thought it was better to be a mother to some baby who desperately needs good care,' says Sarath. He's pictured in Cambodia (right) with Angie and Maddox in 2003

Sarath (pictured) tells DailyMail.com why Angie specifically chose Maddox when there were hundreds of babies up for adoption in the developing country

Sarath tells DailyMail.com why Angie specifically chose Maddox when there were hundreds of babies up for adoption in the developing country.

'There are a lot of children in the world that need good care, need a better life. By that time, she wanted to be a mother, but thought it was better to be a mother to some baby who desperately needs good care,' says Sarath.

'That's why she decided on Maddox rather than a biological baby. That's what I heard from her, we talked about everything.

'He was clever, sharp, smart, a lovely kid, who smiled at people more than any of the other babies. I always remember his smiley face.

'As far as I understand from her, when she visited the place [orphanage] and saw Maddox, he smiled at her and got up, instead of crying like all the other babies.

'He was smiling right at her, it touched her heart, that's why she chose Maddox.'

Maddox and Angie are pictured at the 'First They Killed My Father' premiere during the 2017 Toronto Film Festival. The whole family also visited Cambodia for a screening of the film

Maddox, who has the last name Jolie-Pitt after Brad Pitt, is seen in 2006 with his parents and sister Zahara - also adopted - in Mumbai

Three of the couple's six children are adopted, while the other three, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne are biological. The family are pictured in Tokyo

Sarath has no regrets with personally helping out Angie by becoming Maddox's father. They had become pals after Sarath's non-profit worked alongside the Maddox Jolie Pitt Foundation on conservation issues.

'Baby trafficking was very bad at that time in Cambodia, a lot of legal issues needed to be covered and she didn't want it to go wrong,' says Sarath.

'My role as a friend and colleague, I was there to help with the legal issues and register Maddox as my adopted son, then I signed a legal document for her to adopt Maddox from me. I don't know why they wanted me to help, or how they got into that position.'

Now Sarath hopes that Maddox and Angie can stay true to her word that Cambodia will always be a part of Maddox's identity.

The whole family visited Cambodia for the premiere of her directorial debut First They Killed My Father in 2017, with Angie saying: 'We've been coming back and forth for 17 years, it feels like a second home to me. The children have close ties to the children here, many of them are their best friends. Maddox is happy to be back in his country.'

Maddox was added to Sarath's family records, which shows that Maddox was his third child, before Angie adopted Maddox from him

This is Maddox's court certificate which states that Angelina Jolie's fixer in Cambodia Sarath was named as Maddox's father

Sarath adds: 'Cambodian people, we were proud and happy for him growing up in such a high class life. Many others in the population don't get that chance. We'd love him to go back and understand his culture.

'She was planning to return as much as possible, it was going to be the second home for Maddox.

'He grew up in a modern life, if he could make a contribution back to his own people, that would be very nice. If he could learn about his heritage and culture, how he came to be in the orphanage - a horrifying part to his early life.

'He could have turned out to be a street kid, a lot of them fall through the net and go out into drug addiction, glue sniffing. The orphanage system in Cambodia is not well managed, a lot of the kids are not protected, donor money only goes so far, and the government doesn't do anything.

'He is a lucky boy compared to many, many in Cambodia. It would be nice for him to come back and help the community.'

Recently, Maddox's adoption has received widespread publicity after The Sun revealed that fellow Cambodian adoptee Elizabeth Jacobs was making a documentary to find out the truth about adoptions at that time in the late 90s/early 2000s, entitled The Stolen Children

'Society is not much different since Maddox was adopted,' Sarath says of Cambodia. He fled the country and now lives in Canada

Recently, Maddox's adoption has received widespread publicity after The Sun revealed that fellow Cambodian adoptee Elizabeth Jacobs was making a documentary to find out the truth about adoptions at that time in the late 90s/early 2000s, entitled The Stolen Children.

'People ask me if I know if Maddox's parents are still alive and I have no clue,' adds Sarath, a father-of-three, who now lives in Toronto.

His family was forced to flee the south East Asian country when the current prime minister Hun Sen banned the opposition party Cambodia National Rescue Party in 2017 and threatened to put its high-ranking members, such as Sarath, in jail.

'Society is not much different since Maddox was adopted,' he says.

'But the political and diplomatic issues have got worse. I can never go back, unless the government changes. If they are still in a dictatorship, I can't go back at all. That's not just me, a lot of opposition members are exiled right now.'
Fatigue, kidney failure and chronic lung problems are among the crippling long-term impact of Covid-19 - but they can be prevented by getting vaccinated, according to a top Australian intensive care doctor.

Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ICU co-director Dr Richard Totaro said he has seen patients pass through his wards who survive the virus but are then left with debilitating health issues.

He said Australians should see immunisation as the only way to reduce the risk of dying from coronavirus or suffering health issues that could alter the rest of their life.

None of the 21 NSW residents to have died during Sydney's latest Delta outbreak had received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Pictured are doctors treating an Australian patient suffering from Covid-19. A top ICU doctor has warned Australians they could suffer from debilitating health problems such as kidney failure and chronic lung problems even if they survive the virus

Of the five deaths announced state-wide from the virus on Thursday, four were unvaccinated and one had received only one dose of the AstraZeneca jab.

'Most people don't understand the really long-term effects that can happen with Covid,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

'People lose their sense of smell and taste, and that can last up to a year they get chronic long-term limits in how well their lungs function.'

He said others meanwhile suffer lung disease and shortness of breath up to 12 months after contracting the virus.

Dr Totaro said some Covid patients also develop severe mental health problems after spending time in the ICU.

He said he has seen some coronavirus patients suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and have issues sleeping after being discharged from hospital.

Dr Totaro called for Australians to protect themselves and the community by getting either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine.

Residents are tested at a drive-through Covid-19 test centre in Adamstown in Newcastle north of Sydney on Thursday. None of the 21 NSW residents to have died during Sydney's latest Delta outbreak had received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine

A nurse administers a dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine at a pop-up walk-in clinic at the Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre in Miller, south-west Sydney on Thursday

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Thursday took aim at younger people who were holding off on getting vaccinated

'If they have the vaccination, they'll protect themselves from severe illness, coming into hospital or even going into intensive care and dying,' he said.

His warning comes after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Thursday took aim at younger people who were holding off on getting vaccinated, saying 'there is no excuse' not to get the jab.

'Seventy per cent of all cases are now under the age of 40, for heaven's sake, get real, come join us, go and get vaccinated where you can get it,' he said.

'Stop being selfish, stop putting front-line healthcare at risk who are there to look after you when you get the virus - five people have lost their life.'
Peter Dutton has revealed how he 'keeps the home fires burning' during lockdown in a cringe-worthy interview with Karl Stefanovic and Labor MP Richard Marles.

The defence minister, who married his second wife Kirilly in 2003, is in two weeks of Covid-19 home quarantine with his family after his sons' Brisbane school suffered a positive case.

In an interview on Nine's Today show, Stefanovic asked the two MPs how they keep their romantic relationships alive during lockdown.

He said: 'To you first of all, Pete, I want you to channel your Greg Evans from ''Perfect Match'' what is the secret to keeping the home fires burning in lockdown?'

Mr Dutton laughed and complained about being asked first, before replying: 'The best advice I can give is if you're asked ''how do I look in this'', just say, ''you look gorgeous, sweetheart''

'Is it too tight, is it too short, too long? The only response is "you look gorgeous sweetheart".

He added: 'There is plenty of time in a relationship for honesty. I have found that is not the time for honesty. Survival instinct has to kick in.'

The three men laughed and Stefanovic joked: 'I don't know how Mrs Dutton holds herself back - you are quite charismatic.'

The defence minister, who married his second wife Kirilly (pictured together) in 2003, is in two weeks of home quarantine with his family after his sons' Brisbane school suffered a positive case

'She is only two rooms away, I will get feedback in a second,' Mr Dutton replied from his front porch.

Deputy Labor leader Mr Marles, who lives with his second wife Rachel Schutze in Geelong, Victoria, said his top tips were 'obedience' and alcohol.

'I recommend total and unwavering obedience, that's the line I take,' he joked.

'I find that champagne helps, that's a good go to, but in terms of the home fires burning, expensive gifts of perfume.'

Stefanovic then asked: 'What about dress-ups or anything like that' and Mr Marles replied: 'That's really Peter's department so I will leave him to answer that question.

The host laughed uncontrollably before saying: 'The country doesn't need to think about that.'
A Coles shopper has shared the heartwarming moment she saw a shop assistant help an elderly customer at NSW store.

Sharing the story to Facebook on Wednesday August 4, shopper Lyn said an elderly lady at the Coles supermarkets in Medowie, Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, became confused when her attempt to make a card payment at the check-out was not working.

She said she watched as the customer's card was declined multiple times before the cashier, named Michael, stepped in to help.

A Coles cashier has displayed a random act of kindness, paying for an elderly shopper's groceries when her card declined (stock image)

He proceeded to pay the $73 grocery bill out of his own pocket, but the elderly shopper thought he'd simply fixed the technology somehow and did not realise he had paid for her items.

She said the Coles worker did not look for thanks or acknowledgement in any way.

Lyn praised the checkout worker for his 'absolute care and generosity', saying it 'warmed my cold heart'.

'I really wanted to share a beautiful thing I witnessed today,' she wrote.

'I wanted to cry at witnessing the absolute care and generosity of a fabulous young man called Michael.'

Hundreds of Facebook users were blown away at the young man's generosity

The elderly shopper didn't realise his actions, thinking he had just fixed the technology with his phone when he paid for her items (stock image)

'Michael, you have got a lot of good karma stored up. Well done,' one person said.

'Michael, you are a credit to the young generation, what an amazing guy,' said another.

A third wrote: 'OMG there still is good in this cold, mixed-up world. Michael from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have restored my faith in the younger generation.'

The staffer clearly has a kind disposition, as a co-worker at the Coles immediately knew which of his colleagues would do that.

'Reading through this I was thinking it was Michael, then saw his name. He is a lovely young man and he is an asset to our store. I will be giving him a praise up!'
Thousands of British holidaymakers in Mexico are scrambling to get home after travel restrictions changed at short notice.

From 4am on Sunday, those returning home from Mexico will have to quarantine in a designated hotel for ten days.

The cost of a flight back to Britain was being sold for between 2,000 and 4,000 yesterday as many tried to beat the deadline.

Pictured: Claudia Rattray talks to BBC via video alongside her daughters. Claudia and her two daughters arrived in Mexico city today to learn the country had been upgraded to the red list

There are between 5,000 and 6,000 British holidaymakers in Mexico currently.

In a further blow, the cost of hotel quarantine will increase from August 12, with the price for single adult travellers rising from 1,750 to 2,285 and a second adult paying 1,430  more than double the current rate of 650.

One couple have been forced to cut their honeymoon from two weeks to two days.

Student Joe Coward, 29, said: We feel... incredibly sad and frustrated that the time that shouldve been spent enjoying being newlyweds has been ruined.

British Airways said its teams had been working through the night to arrange as many additional seats out of Mexico as possible to help get Britons home.

But there is unlikely to be enough seats for all those desperate to return as is the case of trust officer Claudia Rattray.

Ayo Faley (left), a call handler of NHS Test and Trace in London, arrived in Cancun, Mexico, on Thursday morning for her holiday, and plans to continue her trip as planned and pay for quarantine when she returns to the UK. Aaron (right) is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival

Mrs Rattray, 44, told of shock and devastation after landing in Mexico to discover the country had been placed on the red list while she was flying.

She and her daughters Ivanna, 15, and Summer, 14, had travelled from their home in Jersey in order to visit family.

She said: My husband spoke to British Airways to see if we were able to get flights for tonight or tomorrow... and theres no seats available, nothing.

NHS worker Ayo Faley, 24, also only discovered she had just three days left to return home to avoid quarantine after landing in Cancun yesterday.

She said she was absolutely distraught but plans to complete her holiday. She asked: How are [the Government] planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?

Claire, 30, from south London, said: 'I had access to the Wifi so I found out in mid air.

'I just wanted to grab the tannoy and tell everyone because I could see all these families looking forward to their holiday and it was obvious they didn't know.

'It's crazy the lack of notice. I had no inkling Mexico was about to go on the red list.'

Another tweeted: 'Landing in Mexico to find out it's been added to the red list whilst I was up in the air, has got to be one of the worst things I've ever experienced.'

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia. But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry

The price of the only direct flight from Mexico City to London before Mexico moves to the red list has soared to a staggering 6,878

Father-of-two David Hing, 40, arrived in Mexico with his wife and children aged four and seven on July 31. They were supposed to stay until August 21 - five days before the travel list is looked at again.

Mr Hing told MailOnline: 'We knew the risks and while at the moment it seems like a bad dream and is very stressful and I've been up all night looking at alternative options, we are just going to try to enjoy the holiday.

'It broke my heart when my two little ones said they wanted to stay on holiday and would lend us money if we needed it.

'The notice period doesn't really give long enough to make changes especially when it's hard to get through and talk to anyone at the airlines.

'The images of the food and hotels do not seem like they are worth the cost so that's why we are going to try and fly back somewhere else first. I feel sorry for the people who were already on the flight from the UK and hope they can make alternative arrangements.'

A young couple cut short their honeymoon in Mexico from two weeks to two days, after they discovered the new restrictions upon landing in Mexico early on Thursday morning.

Joe Coward, 29, said: 'Basically we touched down to find that our two-week honeymoon, which had already been rearranged several times, was going to be a two-day visit. We've arranged a flight for tomorrow and will be spending today getting ready to turn right around and go home.'

Mexico is in the grip of a third wave of Covid and on Wednesday another 611 deaths were reported  taking the total number of deaths due to the virus to 242,547.

Another 611 deaths were also reported and the country has recorded a total of 2,901,094 infections and 242,547 deaths.

The government has said the real number of cases is likely significantly higher, and separate data published recently suggested the actual death toll is at least 60% above the confirmed figure.

Seven European countries: Austria, Germany , Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will turn green from Sunday 4am.

India , Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels;

But Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. Up to 6,000 Brits are on holiday in Mexico and now scrambling to get back this weekend to avoid quarantine hotels - with not enough seats to get them home;

Hotel quarantine costs are to soar to more than 200 a night from a week today. From next Thursday, the price will jump to 2,285 for a single person. Additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate;

The decision to place Mexico on the red list also reflects worries about a new variant which originated in Colombia and which has concerned British scientists.

Passengers arriving from Mexico City at Heathrow Terminal 5 today slammed the new rules.

Leidy Corrales, 35, a dental assistant, who was travelling back to Switzerland from Playa de Carmen in Mexico, said: 'I'm travelling back to Geneva with my two children Joshua and Carla and my husband.

'Putting Mexico on the red list is not logical because when you go there, everything is normal, they are taking all the same protections - masks, hand sanitisation and social distancing.

'The quarantine costs are just unreasonable - I think when people go on holiday, they should just have to do two tests and only quarantine if it's positive.

'Mexico is a tourist hotspot and people here like going to hot places, but the government doesn't want people to go on holiday, they want to control them.

'It's like a dictatorship of security in a democracy, because they keep changing the rules and no-one can afford that.'

Her husband Denys added: 'We're so happy to have been able to enjoy our holiday without having to pay for a hotel on the way back, thank God.'

Passengers arriving from Mexico City at London's Heathrow Terminal 5 today slammed the new rules, which come into effect on Sunday

Amy Perez, 39, a marketing director from Putney, south west London, has been travelling around Mexico with her family

Sofia and Gabriella Martinez were among the many passengers to arrive at Terminal 5 at Heathrow today from Mexico

Leidy Corrales, Denys Corrales, Carla Corrales and Joshua Corrales were also among the arrivals earlier today

Changing travel rules: What you need to know There have been more changes to the rules for international travel, with some popular destinations climbing the ladder to the green list and others sliding down on to the red. The Government has also hiked the price of hotel quarantine, meaning a trip to a red list country is a pricey affair. Here is the state of play for your summer holidays. Is there any good news? Seven countries will be added to England's green travel list from 4am on Sunday, the Government announced on Wednesday. Anyone returning from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway will no longer need to quarantine on arrival. France has also lost its confusing 'amber plus' status, which meant all travellers and not just those who are not fully vaccinated had to self-isolate for 10 days upon return. Our nearest neighbour had been in a category all by itself because of concerning levels of the beta variant of Covid-19 there. Is that it? Sadly yes, but it just got slightly easier to visit India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as they have been downgraded from the red to the amber list, meaning arrivals will no longer have to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel. There are currently 24 countries on the green list, including the popular holiday destinations of Barbados, Croatia and Malta - unfortunately 16 of these are on the 'green watch list' meaning they could be suddenly be shunted up to amber. Australia and New Zealand are both unambiguously green - unfortunately neither are welcoming British travellers at the moment. Has anyone joined the red list? Yes - Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. If you have a holiday to one of those destinations already booked and want to press ahead, bear in mind the cost for solo travellers in a quarantine hotel in England will be ramped up from 1,750 to 2,285 from August 12. The charge for an additional adult sharing a room will more than double from 650 to 1,430 to 'better reflect the increased costs involved', the Government said. Is my trip to Spain safe? There were fears in the travel industry that Spain - the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers - could be added to England's red list. The Government announced it would keep its amber status, but urged travellers arriving in the UK from Spain to take a PCR test for the mandatory pre-departure test 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'. Many travellers have been relying on the cheaper lateral flow test kits which are less reliable than PCRs. Things keep changing - what do I have to do when I get home again? There are different rules for countries on the red, amber and green lists that also differ according to a traveller's vaccination status. Passengers to England returning from a red list country must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure and must book a hotel quarantine package including two Covid-19 tests even if they have had both jabs. They must also complete a passenger locator form. If you have come from an amber list country, you need proof of a negative test before travel and those who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day two and day eight. You might be able to get out of quarantine early if you pay for a private PCR test to be taken on day five under the Test to Release scheme. Those with two vaccines only need to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival and can skip self-isolation - the same rules apply to those who are under the age of 18 regardless of their vaccination status. Anyone returning from a green list country need only have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before travel, fill in a passenger locator form and take a test on day two after arrival. Do these changes apply elsewhere in the UK? The devolved nations have control over their own amber, red and green lists of countries as well as the rules around quarantine upon return, and the recent changes have attracted criticism from some quarters. The Welsh Government is still advising against 'all but essential' travel abroad, and those who have been to a red list country cannot even enter until they have completed 10 days of quarantine in England or Scotland first. In a statement, a spokesman for the Welsh Government said: 'We have long called for a clearer system of rules regarding international travel. 'The ad-hoc nature of the decisions made by the UK Government on the issue does little to instil confidence or provide clarity for travellers. 'We continue to advise against all but essential travel abroad because of the continuing risk of infection, including with new variants of coronavirus which may not respond to our vaccines. 'We will consider the latest changes announced by the UK Government.' Advertisement

Amy Perez, 39, a marketing director from Putney, south west London, who has been travelling around Mexico with her family, said: 'It's inconvenient and expensive and there seems to be an entire industry surrounding Covid testing.

'We were on holiday for two weeks and are really chuffed that we don't have to quarantine for 10 days.

'We would have been locked up in a hotel with these two little monsters - Maxi, 18 months, and Emilia, who just turned four yesterday.'

Her husband Jorge said: 'The government wants people to get vaccinated, but then people don't see the benefits.

'It would have made more sense for us to take the fine rather than shell out thousands of pounds, not be able to work and be locked up with our children.'

Alejandro Seama, 42, a filmmaker from London, said: 'I think it's terrible and stupid, because it seems they just want rich people to be able travel.

'Look at my dad, he's 72, he's been double vaccinated, he's absolutely fine, but for some reason they don't accept his vaccines here.

'I had to spend 600 on mandatory Covid tests just to get my parents here.

'If the rules had already changed, they would not have been able to visit and I would have never left.

'I had no clue that Mexico was going on the red list, but thank God we came back today.'

Returning from Mexico after the deadline will see Britons face a steep hotel quarantine bill after the government raised the price to 'reflect increased costs involved'.

A single person will have to stump up 2,285 from next Thursday during their isolation - while additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate.

The price for children aged five to 12 will remain at 325, while under-fives will continue to stay for free.

It means that, for a family of four with two teenage children, the cost will jump from 3,700 to a staggering 6,575  a rise of 78 per cent.

Mr Coward said if the couple do not receive a refund from British Airways for their holiday, based near Cancun, they will be 'several thousand pounds out of pocket'.

He said staying is not an option due to the cost of quarantine hotels - which from August 12 will rise to 2,285 for a solo traveller, plus an extra 1,430 for additional adults sharing a room.

Ayo Faley, a call handler for NHS Test and Trace in London, also landed in Cancun on Thursday morning but she plans to stay for her holiday as planned and pay for quarantine.

She is returning on August 11 so will pay the lower rate of 1,750, but said she is 'absolutely distraught'.

The 24-year-old said: 'I only found out (travel restrictions had changed) the minute I was able to connect to wifi at the airport... I went into a state of panic.

'(I tried) to locate other Brits and see whether they knew and what their next plan of action was... you could see the look of confusion, fear and regret all in their faces.

'I am absolutely distraught... I've decided to just stay and enjoy the time here... I'll just have to face the consequences when I arrive.'

Ms Faley works from home and had planned to do so on her return from Cancun, but said she will not be able to access her equipment in quarantine.

She added: 'How are (the Government) planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?

'Leaving the UK thinking their country of destination was safe to then land and find out they better return ASAP or risk being stuck in a hotel for 11 days.'

Aaron, who did not wish to share his second name, is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival.

The 43-year-old arrived in Mexico in early July to witness the birth of his son, Aviv, and his wife, who is from Sinaloa, had her UK visa approved on July 28.

'(Aviv) was due to be born July by C-section, but they brought the date forward, so I arrived in the airport at 3am and just made it to the hospital before my wife went to surgery,' Aaron told PA.

Aaron is a self-employed data and audiovisual engineer and said he 'can't quantify' how much quarantining will cost his business.

'I have previously taken out a bounce-back loan to keep my business afloat,' he added.

'I have no idea why I should have to pay to isolate in a hotel when I've had both (Astrazeneca) vaccinations in Edinburgh, proof of vaccination, took a test on my way here and will take one on arrival in Scotland.'

James Dean, 38, from Bournemouth had already spent 8,000 on a fortnight in Cancun with wife Rebecca and their four children Lilly, 16, Jack, 13, Isabella, nine, and Fred, six.

The office manager told the Mirror: 'That has just shocked me. I'm gutted to be honest.

'I'm going have to pay for us all to go in to quarantine as well. I'm still digesting it. I'm just gobsmacked.'

John Soones, 62, from south west London, was travelling to Mexico with his wife and their 18 year old daughter.

He said: 'It's just incredible. It's terrible to get no notice that this is likely to happen and no time to change plans.'

In more positive news, it was announced that double-jabbed tourists returning from France will be spared quarantine from Sunday and seven European countries including Germany and Norway were added to the green list of destinations.

Spain has also been spared being given red status - potentially forcing thousands into 2,285-a-stay quarantine hotels - but the Government is urging travellers to take a PCR test before they fly home from the Iberian country.

Queues at St Pancras International this morning as France was opened up both ways for British tourists and people jumped on the Eurostar

Experts are predicting that there will be a flurry of bookings for France (St Pancras today) but there is already a battle for accommodation with French staycationers in particular

Grant Shapps said today that people can travel without 'looking over their shoulders' for the next three weeks as countries will not move lists 'unless something exceptional and unexpected happens'. But the Transport Secretary added that full vaccination for travel will be a feature for Britons 'forever more' and admitted that countries could turn red again by the end of the month.

Tens of thousands more Britons are now expected to head to France for August - although tourism chiefs have warned millions more Frenchmen are staying in the country this summer so there is serious a lack of accommodation if the traveller is without a second home.

There is a particular shortage of gites, camp sites and hotel rooms in the south of the country, especially near beach resorts such as Biarritz, Narbonne, Ile de Re and Saint-Tropez, while experts have said there are much larger numbers of tourists from Holland, Belgium and Germany in the country this year.

Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence says Sadiq Khan Sadiq Khan has said that failing to wear a face mask on the Tube should become a criminal offence. The London Mayor has been pushing the the government to allow Transport for London (TfL) to impose a by-law requiring face coverings on the capital's transport network. Since the easing of restrictions on July 19 'Freedom Day', passengers have only been required to wear a covering as a 'condition of carriage' rather than a legal requirement. This means TfL staff can tell non-compliant customers to leave a bus or train but are powerless to impose fines. But Mr Khan now wants a bye-law put in place to effectively bring back the rule that was dropped on July 19. The rule change would also mean British Transport Police officers could be used to enforce it. Speaking to the BBC's Newscast podcast Mr Khan said: 'We are trying to lobby the Government to allow us to bring in a bye-law, so it will be the law again, so we can issue fixed penalty notices and we can use the police service and BTP to enforce this.' Advertisement

Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will all move to the quarantine-free tier at the end of the weekend, in a huge boost for those looking to book a late summer getaway on the continent.

But while there is no quarantine people will still have to take a negative test before returning and a PCR test on day two back in the UK.

Meanwhile, the status of India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels.

While Spain avoided joining them, those flying back will soon face higher testing costs after ministers urged holidaymakers to take a PCR for the mandatory pre-departure test, rather than the cheaper lateral flow alternatives, 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'.

With the guidance being advice, rather than law, many travellers may feel entitled to refuse to take the gold-standard test, which can cost as much as 175 per person.

French tourism chiefs have welcomed the news that Britons can more freely come and go from Sunday - especially because Britons are by far the biggest spenders in the country but only around ten per cent of the usual number of UK tourists are in the country this summer.

But in the past month Mr Macron has enforced a 'high alert' covid-19 level hit in 37 departments in France because of rising cases of the Delta variant and increasingly busy hospitals.

In Occitanie, in south-west France, a 'white' alert has been imposed meaning medics on holiday can be forced to return to work because of increasingly packed covid wards.

Changes to the traffic light system are a 'positive step forward' but the Government needs to make faster progress in opening up international travel, industry experts have warned.

Four countries are being removed from England's red list as part of the latest update to the international travel system, while seven more, including Germany are being added to the green list.

It has also been confirmed that arrivals from France will no longer need to self-isolate, aligning the nation with other countries on the amber list, from which arrivals only need to quarantine at home if they are not fully vaccinated.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have followed England in introducing the same travel relaxations.

However, the changes have attracted criticism from the Welsh Government which has continued to advise against 'all but essential' travel.

Confirmation that France is joining the amber list is 'positive' especially during the 'critical' school holiday period, said Mark Tanzer, head of Abta, the travel association.

But he warned the Government is 'failing to capitalise fully on the success of the vaccine rollout' with a 'very cautious' approach to the green list and 'failure to relax restrictions on travel, including requirements for multiple tests even when visiting low risk destinations.'

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said the extension of the green list is 'a positive step forward' but warned that the UK remains 'a long way off a full and meaningful restart of international travel'.

Covid cases in the UK and France look set to pass each other in the coming days as a wave of delta cases in Britain drops while it is on the rise across the Channel

Tim Alderslade, boss of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, described the announcement as 'another missed opportunity'.

He added that the travel industry has not had 'anything like the reopening it was hoping for'.

Meanwhile, Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, welcomed the addition of more green list countries, but warned that the constant chopping and changing would cause further disruption for many.

'The cost for travellers can be significant,' he said. 'Some holidaymakers whose countries have now been placed in the red category will find that their airline or tour operator is unwilling to give them a refund. Other providers won't refund or even facilitate rebooking if a country is moved from green to amber.'

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'While there's some welcome progress, the Government is still being too cautious at a time when they should be opening up travel faster to help the sector's recovery.'

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: 'Now summer is fully under way, this provides some reassurance to consumers by keeping the status quo for key holiday destinations, as well as adding some Green list destinations for last-minute bookers where there are still great flight and holiday deals available.

'But we remain disappointed at the double standards applied to travel versus the domestic economy. With infection rates remaining lower in much of Europe and the high vaccination levels in the UK, if not now, it is hard to know when the time is for much of Europe to genuinely turn Green.

'And Government urgently needs to tackle this expensive testing regime which is adding unnecessary cost, especially for the fully vaccinated. No one wants to see flying become a preserve of the rich again - particularly when so many need to get away or reunite after such a long time.'

Is pingdemic mayhem finally easing? Number of alerts sent by NHS Covid app plunged by 43% last week... and that was BEFORE software was tweaked

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before, in a sign that pingdemic mayhem may finally be easing.

Thousands of people have deleted the app in recent week to avoid the alerts, which tell people they have been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The alerts have forced millions into self-isolation across the country  despite not testing positive themselves  leading to chaos as supermarket shelves were left barren with workers having to stay home.

Earlier this week it was announced that the app is being updated so fewer contacts will be instructed to isolate.

Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, insisted the app is still 'incredibly useful', despite the swathes of people being asked to isolate.

But the changes were made after the latest data  suggesting another reason is behind the drastic fall in alerts.

Britain's Covid cases began falling on July 21 but did not reach the rate of the drop off in alerts until July 28, the last date included in the most recent data.

It comes after academics claimed Britain's Covid self-isolation sentence could be halved to just five days and be as effective.

Data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown

The NHS data today showed the number of venue check ins made with the Covid app dropped from 6.6million to 2.3million in the most recent week  a drop-off of 65 per cent.

People are no longer required to use the app to check into venues since restrictions were lifted on July 19, but the trend gives an indication in the fall in usage.

Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, described the app as 'incredibly useful', despite large numbers of people being asked to isolate

Earlier this week, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said the 'logic' behind the app was tweaked, although the sensitivity and risk threshold will remain unchanged.

Instead of checking contacts for five days before a positive test, the app will only go back two days.

Dr Tildesley told Sky News: 'I know there have been some challenges in terms of particularly at the moment the so-called 'pingdemic', but in terms of being able to detect contact, it has been extremely valuable.

'Obviously the challenge with that is that a lot of people are going into isolation and over the last few days the app has been made less sensitive.'

Dr Tildesley said there is a worry that if too many people are pinged, fewer may be willing to comply, but he added that the tweak will 'hopefully guarantee higher levels of compliance'.

Fresh data from Oxford University's Pathogen Dynamics Group shows up to 40 per cent of transmission occurs before symptoms emerge.

But most of this happens during the two days before people fall ill, which prompted the alteration of how the NHS Covid app works.

Around 35 per cent of transmission occurs within the first two days of people having symptoms.

However, the data came from September  before the highly-infectious Delta variant took off.

Oxford University data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting

Ministers are keen to replace quarantine rules with daily testing, with scientists now investigating if it is safe to make the drastic move.

Dr Muge Cevik, an infectious disease expert at the University of St Andrews, told the Telegraph: 'Given most transmission happens very early on, the isolation period could be much shorter for the cases.

'Viral load peaks pretty quickly, so people are highly infectious within the first few days.

'Also importantly, many people have non-specific mild symptoms before developing more noticeable ones, like fatigue or myalgia, so that's probably when people are highly infectious too but continue daily activity.

'So, the current self-isolation guidelines, especially given the lack of support provided for sick leave, does not serve for the purpose.'
The Conservative council boss behind Marble Arch's disastrous 'slag heap' tourist attraction has apologised and said he wish he had handled it different.

The 2 million Marble Arch Mound promised 'an experience of the great outdoors' with sweeping views of central London, but failed to live up to expectations.

Visitors were left disappointed when instead of a lush-green hill next to London's Hyde Park, they found shabby turf, dying plants, lines of rubbish bins near the entrance and blocked views in all directions - after paying 8 for the experience.

The Conservative council boss behind Marble Arch's disastrous 'slag heap' tourist attraction (pictured on July 31) has apologised and said he wish he had handled it different

The attraction closed within just two days of opening to everyone except those who had already purchased tickets in advance.

Now, Stuart Love - the chief executive at the Tory-led Westminster City Council who is paid 210,000-a-year - has apologised for the shambles.

Mr Love said: 'We wanted to open the mound in time for the summer holidays and we did not want to disappoint people who had already booked tickets.

'We made a mistake and we apologise to everyone who hasn't had a great experience on their visit,' he told The Sun.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Mr Love as London Mayor Sadiq Khan explained the project's plans 'did not reach the criteria' of being considered by the Greater London Authority.

In fact, the mayor reportedly knew nothing about the brown-green eyesore until after it had been built next to London's iconic Marble Arch.

The 2 million Marble Arch Mount promised 'an experience of the great outdoors' with sweeping views of central London, but failed to live up to expectations

Stuart Love (pictured, file photo) - the chief executive at the Tory-led Westminster City Council who is paid 210,000-a-year - has apologised for the shambles. Mr Love said: 'We wanted to open the mound in time for the summer holidays and we did not want to disappoint people who had already booked tickets

Speaking to the Mail Online at the top of the attraction on Sunday, August 1, visitors branded the Mound 'the worst thing that I've ever done in London', 'the worst thing that has ever been built'.

And another said: 'I love going to things that are so bad theyre good. But this isnt even that.'

Westminster council has been condemned for the project's eye-watering price tag, that promised visitors 'a new and meaningful experience that captures the imagination' and 'an experience of the great outdoors right at the centre of the city'.

Mail Online's visit was met with eyefuls of uncovered scaffolding, huge brown patches appearing in the grassy slopes and a deserted inner sanctum meant to be filled with a children's playpark and M&S food.

Visitors to the Mound, some of the Westminster taxpayers, have also laid heavy criticism on the project, with one even describing it as the 'worst thing ever to be built in London'.

Clare Tollemache, a photographer who lives nearby in Belgravia told MailOnline: 'This is the most expensive staircase I've ever been up' as she made her way up the winding metal staircase.

Westminster Council already apologised for the botched launch of the 2million Marble Arch Mound (pictured), which closed last week after just two days of opening

Mound to a halt: Staff stand at the entrance to Marble Arch Mound on Park Lane after the 6.50-a-ticket attraction was closed to new visitors yesterday. Those with existing tickets booked in advance online are still permited to climb to the top.

'I had been walking around taking photos of empty London in lockdown and noticed the scaffolding growing up into the sky and was curious to come up and take in the view.

But Ms Tollemache said the woes of the mound 'could not be compared to any other landmark' in London.

'The Eye has been forgiven over the years and now it's a really popular part of the landscape. I just dont see the same with this.

'I think it should be allowed to run its course (until January) but I would be absolutely amazed if it was still standing after that.'

After a quick walk around upstairs Ms Tollemache took the stairs down, adding there was 'really nothing to see'.

Emma Wright, 39, a PR firm director visiting the attraction added: 'This is the worst thing Ive ever done in London.'

'I love going to things that are so bad theyre good,' she said. 'But this isnt even that.'

Dutch architects MVRDV promised the Marble Arch Mound 'will get better' if the public are prepared to 'give nature time' and allow the folliage to grow more. The firm has also blamed the 'challenging weather' for the attraction's disastrous appearance

MVRDV (pictured, Winy Maas, Jacob Van Rijis and Nathalie De Vries) blamed the 'challenging weather' and how 'unpredictable' it is working with plants and trees for how it looked but assured the public 'it will get better'

Sat down below, Daniel, 63, a Westminster council taxpayer, usually enjoys sitting to read a newspaper beside Marble Arch but said his view has been 'destroyed' by the mound.

'This is in my opinion the worst thing that has ever been built here,' he told MailOnline. 'I don't understand what it is, it is worse than the old millennium dome, at least that has a purpose now.

'There are some beautiful fountains behind the arch, but you can't even get to them now because of all the construction.'

'I dont know how they are going to make it any better,' he added, referring to the decision to stop allowing people to buy tickets. 'It is just a bit of grass on top of wood.

'They shouldve spent the money getting rid of the pigeons in the park instead. I sat here and only watched a few dozen people go in, theyre not going to get their money back from this.'

The Dutch architects who created the Mound urged Londoners to 'give nature time' after it was slammed for its appearance.

MVRDV blamed the 'challenging weather' and how 'unpredictable' it is working with plants and trees for how it looked but assured the public 'it will get better'.

 Slide me  Reality and fantasy: The council admitted this afternoon the mound was not ready and refunds would be given all week
Prosecutors in Idaho have said they will seek the death penalty against Chad Daybell (pictured in court in June)

'Cult mom' Lori Vallow's husband Chad Daybell is facing the death penalty over the murders of his spouse's two children Tylee Ryan, 17, and Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, 7, as well as his first wife.

Prosecutors in Idaho said in court documents filed Thursday that they will ask for the alleged triple murderer to be executed if hes convicted of any of the three killings.

Daybell and Vallow are each charged in Idaho with conspiracy, murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of JJ and Tylee.

The children were missing for several months, during which police said the couple lied about their whereabouts, before finding their burnt remains buried on Daybell's property in rural Idaho.

The couple, who were members of a doomsday cult, face similar charges in the death of Daybell's first wife Tammy Daybell, who died one month after the children were last seen alive and just two weeks before Daybell and Vallow wed in Hawaii.

Special Prosecutor Rob Wood and Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake wrote in Thursday's court documents they are seeking the death penalty for Daybell because each of the three murders was 'especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.'

Prosecutors said the state will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of any of the three murders or of any of the conspiracy to commit murder charges.

They cited multiple reasons why the case is eligible for the death penalty, including that each of the murders was committed for financial gain.

This likely refers to the pair allegedly collecting JJ and Tylee's Social Security survivor benefits and Tammy's life insurance money following their deaths.

Daybell 'exhibited utter disregard for human life' by committing the crimes and his 'propensity to commit murder' makes him a continued threat to society if he is allowed to live, according to the court documents.

'[W]e determined that the nature and magnitude of these crimes warrant the possibility of the highest possible punishment,' prosecutors said in a statement, according to the Idaho Statesman.

They said they had spoken with the victims' family members about seeking capital punishment but the decision ultimately lies with the state.

Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow (pictured left and right in mugs) are each charged in Idaho with conspiracy, murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of JJ and Tylee

Lori's kids Joshua 'JJ' Vallow, 7, (left) and Tylee Ryan, 17, (right) were last seen alive in September 2019, and their remains were discovered on Daybell's Idaho property in June 2020

The decision to seek the death penalty applies only to Daybell, not Vallow.

Daybell has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and his attorney John Prior declined to comment on the matter.

He is expected to appear in court for a pre-trial conference on September 30 ahead of his trial which kicks off in November.

JJ and Tylee were last seen alive in September 2019.

Family members reported the children missing that November after growing concerned that they had not seen them for months.

In the months that followed, Vallow refused to tell authorities where her children were and failed to present them when ordered by courts.

JJ and Tylee's bodies were discovered in the backyard of Daybell's home in Salem, Idaho, in June 2020.

Meanwhile, Tammy died in October 2019 at the Idaho home she shared with Daybell - one month after the two children vanished.

Daybell declined an autopsy at the time and her death was listed as natural causes.

Just two weeks later, Vallow and Daybell tied the knot on a beach in Kauai, Hawaii.

Authorities later grew suspicious about Tammy's death and exhumed her body in November.

Daybell and Vallow face similar charges in the death of Daybell's first wife Tammy Daybell (pictured together)

Chad Daybell (left) with his defense attorney John Prior in court in Idaho in August 2020

In the Idaho indictments, prosecutors said the Daybells promoted their apocalyptic religious beliefs in order to justify the killings.

Vallow's friend told investigators the couple believed people could be taken over by dark spirits that turned them into 'zombies' and that the only way to free that perso's soul was by killing them.

Daybell also ran a publishing company and wrote books that were focused on the biblical 'end times' and loosely based on the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Daybell and Vallow were both indicted in May for the murders of JJ, Tylee and Tammy in a bizarre case full of twists including doomsday religious beliefs and another suspicious death in Arizona.

One month later, Vallow was charged in Arizona with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her fourth husband Charles Vallow.

Lori Vallow in court. Vallow is also charged in Arizona with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her fourth husband Charles Vallow

Charles Vallow and Lori Vallow pictured together. Charles was shot dead by Vallow's brother Alex Cox on July 11 2019, during a custody dispute over JJ

Charles was shot dead by Vallow's brother Alex Cox on July 11, 2019, during a custody dispute over the couple's son JJ in Chandler, Arizona.

Charles initially claimed he acted in self-defense but the case was reopened when JJ and Tylee were reported missing in November 2019.

Cox died just one month later of what police said was natural causes. He had the overdose drug Narcan in his system.

Vallow has not yet entered a plea in the Idaho or Arizona cases after she was committed to a mental health facility in Idaho for evaluation in June.

She has been ordered to undergo treatment in hopes of making her fit to stand trial.

Her attorney Mark Means didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Idaho law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty if they can show certain 'aggravating factors' for crimes like murder or conspiracy to commit murder.

Death penalty cases are infrequent but not rare in Idaho. There are currently seven men and one woman on Idaho's death row.
Outdated computers cost the Government 2.3billion a year to keep running, a report has revealed.

Of the 4.3billion spent on IT across all government departments, the report revealed half of this goes on 'keeping the lights on' outdated legacy systems.

Some of the obsolete systems are more than three decades old and fail to meet even the minimum cybersecurity measures.

Shadow cabinet office minister Fleur Anderson told the BBC: 'It is unacceptable that taxpayers' money is being pumped into failing and outdated infrastructure.'

A Cabinet Office spokesman said the Government had accepted the report's recommendations in full.

Of the 4.3billion spent on IT across all government departments, the report revealed half of this goes on 'keeping the lights on' outdated legacy systems. Stock picture

Ministers commissioned the report after setting an ambition to make the UK Government's digital services the 'best in the world'.

But the findings - presented to the Cabinet Office in October 2020 but only published late last month - suggested there was still some way to go.

The problem with old IT systems was just one of seven 'challenges' facing the government's overhaul of its digital services.

Among the other criticisms, it said 'significant sums' had been invested in collecting and storing often very large datasets - but made little use of them.

Some of the obsolete systems are more than three decades old and fail to meet even the minimum cybersecurity measures

There were 'numerous examples' of projects meanwhile that had failed to deliver or had come in 'significantly behind time and over budget'.

There was also a lack of checks over whether the IT systems were up to scratch, despite this being 'fairly standard practice in most leading private or public sector organisations'.

In 2012, a performance management system had been put in place - but had since fallen into disuse.

Even the technology behind it that was now obsolete and 'vulnerable to cyber attack', it said.

Underpinning many of the issues was a lack of digital expertise among civil service bosses, the Organising for Digital Delivery report found.
A failure of the vaccine booking system has left pregnant women thinking they cannot get the Pfizer jab despite being a priority group and eligible under phase 1b of the rollout.

In June, health authorities recommended expecting mothers be among the first groups to get Pfizer as the risk of serious illness from the virus is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

In late July, the federal government sent doctors a document outlining that pregnant women were 'a priority' and 'immediately eligible' for a Pfizer vaccine.

Pregnant women are left unable to book their Pfizer Covid vaccines due to a glitch in the online system that says they are not eligible despite being part of the 1b rollout phase (stock image)

However, the change was not formally announced by the government, instead the information was only made public when health officials were questioned during a parliamentary hearing.

Australians are being told to book their Covid vaccines after completing the national eligibility checker to see if they are part of the current rollout phase. However, there is no part that takes pregnancy into account.

The Daily Mail has used the eligibility checker and confirmed that there is not a question that includes or relates to pregnancy.

This means that any woman under 40 is deemed not eligible for the Pfizer vaccine on that online checker, even if they are pregnant.

On July 27, a Department of Health spokesperson told the ABC the online form would be updated to reflect the new advice.

'The Australian Government is working to update the Eligibility Checker as soon as possible, so that it reflects eligibility for pregnant women, and the appropriate clinical options for this group,' the statement said at the time.

'Until that time, any pregnant women seeking vaccination should call the National Coronavirus Hotline to find relevant clinics.'

Australians are told to book their vaccine through the national eligibility checker (pictured), but it doesn't include a question about pregnancy

Over a week later, this change has still not been made. This means that pregnant women are not able to book the Pfizer jab through the checker a fortnight after the announcement.

Expecting mother, Amelia told the ABC that she called the National Covid-19 hotline at five-and-a-half months pregnant only to find that they did not take bookings, despite the advice from the department of health.

The 30-year-old was told to keep checking the website and was reassured that it was soon going to be changed.

'To just keep being told you are ineligible or that you won't be able to get it for three months, it's just quite frustrating really  I just find it ridiculous,' she said after being turned away while trying to book into local GP clinics.

'Calling and just begging to be vaccinated seemed to be what worked, which is ridiculous,' she said.

Amelia is not alone.

Many other women who have struggled to get an appointment, and found they were only able to get a booking after ringing around several GP clinics.

One registered nurse and midwife, who asked to remain anonymous and works at one of Melbourne's largest tertiary hospitals, said that as a healthcare worker she received her first dose of the AstraZeneca earlier in the year and later fell pregnant.

Expecting mothers are finding that they are unable to book their vaccine through the checker or through calling the National Coronavirus Hotline (stock image)

The medical advice on vaccines was not clear at this time and her doctor encouraged her to wait because of serious complications she faced during her last pregnancy.

When health advice recommended the Pfizer vaccine for pregnant woman, she called her GP, but was told they had no supply and did not know when the next batch would come in.

'It's like this double-edged sword,' she said.

After being unsuccessful with her GP, she tried calling the Victorian health hotline to try book in elsewhere but was told she wasn't eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

'They couldn't actually say what specialist I needed to see. They just said I needed to see a specialist and get them to approve me having one dose of AZ and one dose of Pfizer,' she said.

Official advice from the Health Department states it's preferred that pregnant women who received one dose of AstraZeneca get Pfizer as their second dose.

She says the process has been much more difficult that she expected, and as a healthcare worker she was concerned other people might give up.

One pregnant mother, who is also a healthcare worker, says the process has been much more difficult than she expected and is worried other women might give up (stock image)

'I am someone who is so ready, so willing to protect not only myself, my baby and my community and yet this is becoming so difficult,' she commented.

'We need to find a way forward where this vaccine is more accessible for those who are really wanting to get it and that's the way we are going to move through this pandemic.'

The decision to include pregnant women in phase 1b of the vaccine rollout was made in late July as there was initially not enough data about the safety of the vaccine on women and their unborn children.

There has since been large studies finding that it was safe for pregnant women to be vaccinated, preferable with Pfizer, especially considering the risks to Covid to both mother and baby.

'Pregnant women should be considered a vulnerable group. We don't want to see any pregnant woman severely ill, or in the ICU, as a result of this disease,' president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), Dr Vijay Roach said last month.

'While vaccination doesn't eliminate the risk, it reduces it considerably and we are confident in our advice that the Pfizer vaccination is safe for pregnant women and their babies.'
Sydney has recorded it's highest ever spike in cases since the pandemic began with 291 new infections as Gladys Berejiklian warns the numbers will skyrocket over the next three days.

The NSW premier admitted the latest outbreak was showing no signs of relenting with one new death, 12 workers testing positive at a KFC and cases rising in south-west suburbs.

'I am expecting higher case numbers in the next few days and I just want everyone to be prepared for that,' she said at a press conference on Friday.

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

An unvaccinated woman in her 60s, from south-west Sydney, has also died at Liverpool Hospital. She is the 79th person in the state to succumb to the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Chief Health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the woman had contracted Covid-19 from a healthcare worker.

New South Wales has recorded 291 new Covid-19 cases amid warnings the record number of infections is likely to rise over the coming days

Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that case numbers would skyrocket after noting that 50 people were out in the community while infectious

'Sadly, the lady was exposed by a health worker who worked across two wards, the aged-care ward and the ward this woman was in,' she said.

'There are a large number of people impacted by that. I extend my apologies and sympathies to the family.'

A concerning 12 staff members have also tested positive at a KFC on Canterbury Road at Punchbowl.

The venue has now been listed as an exposure site with customers told to immediately isolate and get tested if they visited the KFC between July 22 and August 2.

Of the new cases, 50 were out in the community while they were infectious.

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown.

She warned more police officers would be patrolling the area - less than a week after deploying defence force personnel on Monday.

'We are seeing too many people frequent certain shopping areas and perhaps not doing the right thing,' she said.

'So police will be more present in the Canterbury-Bankstown local area to ensure compliance and we have to make sure that happens, because we don't want to see these case numbers continue to grow into the next few weeks.'

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill.

Dr Chant told residents to remain vigilant of flu-like symptoms and avoid shopping centres during peak hours.

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown

'So it is important for anyone going into that area or essential work, working in that area, living in that area, to be very, very vigilant,' she said.

'We are seeing transmission, potentially around shopping areas.

'Do not enter shops when there are other people in the shop, wait outside.'

She used the KFC cluster at Punchbowl as an example of how easily the virus could spread.

'It highlights that you have one person introduced to a workplace, then you have 12 people who become infected,' she said.

Year 12 students living in the eight local government areas under hard lockdown will also be unable to return to the classrooms as planned by August 16.

'Trials will be done at home and at least it means that there is certainty and all students know they will qualify for the HSC,' Ms Berejiklian said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged students to 'go for gold' and get their jabs (pictured, residents outside the Sydney Opera House)

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill (pictured, residents in Double Bay)

Meanwhile, their peers in other parts of Sydney will be allowed to visit their schools if necessary.

'In areas outside of those local government areas there will be a flexible model for HSC students, if you need to go into the classroom for whatever reason in order to pick up material or do some face-to-face exams or whatever is required,' Ms Berejiklian said.

'Health and education have worked out a very safe way for that to occur. It won't be normal classes but certainly it will be a level of presence to ensure that no students are disadvantaged in terms of acquiring their qualifications.'

High school students will be able to receive their Pfizer doses at Qudos Bank Arena from Monday.

'HSC students in those eight local government areas will be invited to get the Pfizer jab ... and we do encourage your student to make sure they come forward for that opportunity,' Ms Berejiklian said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged students to 'go for gold' and get their jabs.

The new cases come as the Newcastle and Hunter regions join Greater Sydney in lockdown and begin the first of their seven-day stay-at-home orders

Ms Berejiklian was asked by reporters whether she supported bosses mandating vaccinations in their workplaces

'You are being given a golden opportunity to attend the Qudos Bank Arena next week,' he said.

'We've seen our Olympic stars go for gold, we've seen the most amazing stars in the Qudos Bank Arena I think there has been Lana Del Rey, Keith Urban, P!nk, Madonna  you have a chance to go to that stadium next week and get some gold by getting your first vaccination, your first Pfizer vaccination.'

Ms Berejiklian was asked by reporters whether she supported bosses mandating vaccinations in their workplaces.

'Workplaces have the right to mandate vaccination, if they decide they have a particular policy of who is allowed to work in their workplace under a pandemic during a lockdown, that is a matter for them,' she said.

There are currently 304 cases being treated in hospital, with 50 in intensive care units and 22 on ventilation.

Forty-four patients in the intensive care unit have not been vaccinated while the remaining six have only received their first dose.

Anybody who visited the KFC at Punchbowl between Tuesday July 27 and Monday August 2 has been directed by NSW Health to get tested and isolate immediately for two weeks regardless of their test results

News of the impending lockdown sparked mass panic buying across the region with supermarket shelves stripped bare of essential items (pictured in Rutherford, Maitland)

The new cases come as the Newcastle and Hunter regions join Greater Sydney in lockdown and begin the first of their seven-day stay-at-home orders.

The snap lockdown was called after five new cases turned up in Newcastle and eight more were found in the Central Coast region on Thursday.

Of the new cases recorded on Friday, two were in the Newcastle region.

One was a woman in her 60s linked to a Central Coast case reported yesterday, while the other was a woman in her 20s who is a household contact of a positive case.

The local government areas that have been affected by the lockdown are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

Dr Chant said the outbreak in the Hunter region was almost certainly linked to a party held at Blacksmiths Beach south of Newcastle last Friday night.

She said authorities believe some of those at the party may have broken laws to travel there from Sydney despite the city's residents being banned from entering regional NSW for non-essential reasons.

News of the impending lockdown sparked mass panic buying across the region with supermarket shelves stripped bare of essential items.

Five people died in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday - three men in their 60s, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s. None were fully vaccinated.

While Ms Berejiklian has emphasised vaccines as a solution to ending restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the most important measure is the lockdown

At a Coles in Mayfield, a set of shelves holding raw chicken meat had also been stripped bare with just a few items remaining

It was the deadliest day of the pandemic, and recorded the highest daily number of cases.

Also in NSW, a 34-year-old woman died of a rare clotting syndrome caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reported on Thursday.

Six people have now died from the condition, out of about 6.8 million vaccine doses.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says vaccination is the way out of the crisis which has shut down Greater Sydney for almost six weeks.

She said restrictions will remain in some form until 80 per cent of people are vaccinated, and wants 50 per cent jabbed by the end of the month.

While Ms Berejiklian has emphasised vaccines as a solution to ending restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the most important measure is the lockdown.

Sydney resident walking in Fairfield as the state reported a record 291 new cases on Friday

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says vaccination is the way out of the crisis which has shut down Greater Sydney for almost six weeks

At least week's national cabinet meeting all premiers and chief ministers agreed that lockdowns would become much 'less likely' when 70 per cent of Aussies are vaccinated and would be almost obsolete once 80 per cent are jabbed.

Under Mr Morrison's four-step re-opening plan, a state or territory can move to phase B when the national vaccination rate hits 70 per cent and the rate in that state also hits 70 per cent.

Mr Morrison said he hopes this phase will be achieved before the end of the year but warned the timing 'is entirely up to how the nation responds to this challenge we're setting for ourselves.'

This phase will make lockdowns 'less likely' and will give doubled-vaccinated people 'special rules' to allow them more freedom than Aussies who refuse a jab.

Also in NSW, a 34-year-old woman died of a rare clotting syndrome caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reported on Thursday

'If you get vaccinated, there will be special rules that apply to you. Why? Because if you're vaccinated, you present less of a public health risk,' Mr Morrison said.

A 'small working group' involving the Northern Territory, Victoria and Tasmania has been set up to determine which restrictions will not apply to the double-vaccinated.

The Prime Minister warned that some localised lockdowns may be required in phase B but 'broad-based metropolitan-wide lockdowns' shutdowns will not be needed.

'Lockdowns in phase B are less likely, but they are possible... they may be necessary but they are not something that you would normally expect,' he said.

'Once we get into phase B, then the calculus does change and lockdowns do cost a lot.

'Where you have that higher level of protection then there is more discretion exercised. That's why that phase is referred to as less likely, but possible.'

Greater Sydney will be subject to stay-at-home orders until at least August 28 (pictured, residents outside a vaccination centre in the CBD on Thursday)

Meanwhile, developers are warning they'll need to put people out of work if restrictions remain in place in NSW past August

Meanwhile, developers are warning they'll need to put people out of work if restrictions remain in place in NSW past August.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia surveyed its members, with a quarter saying they'll need to make large cuts to their workforces if restrictions go on any longer.

One third of housing construction sites in NSW are still closed, the institute says.

Developers are operating at half capacity on average for sites that are open, with many workers kept off-site by extra restrictions that apply to eight local government areas of concern.

UDIA chief executive officer Steve Mann wants the government to allow workers - who have had two jabs - to leave their LGAs to work at the end of August.

Greater Sydney will be subject to stay-at-home orders until at least August 28.

The lockdown of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock is set to lift on August 13.
A young mortgage broker has shared the secret to how he tripled his net worth by repeating a savvy property investment strategy he developed which he says other people can also use.

Sydneysider Morgan Bushell saved $40,000 from part-time work as a barman, delivering papers and making pizzas while studying to buy his first home in 2013.

Since then he's bought five homes - three in South-East Queensland - using a system based on renovation to increase equity which means he doesn't have to spend his own savings.

Morgan Bushell (pictured above) has bought five homes - three in South-East Queensland - using a system he developed from trial-and-error based on renovation to increase equity which means he doesn't have to spend his own savings

Before and after: Mr Bushell increased the value of a fire-damaged property at Orange (pictured above) from $80,000 to $180,000 with renovations he did while he sleeping there

His method starts with finding local growth markets, buying below the market value, renovating to increase his equity, securing enough rent to cover the mortgage, then revaluing to create more equity.

All going to plan, he can then repeat the successful cycle on the next property

'I'd say [my worth] has easily doubled, even tripled,' Mr Bushell told Daily Mail Australia.

At 32 years of age he has so far bought five homes and sold two.

He says the system he uses can be adapted and adopted by anyone with a good mind for researching and understanding local property markets.

'I think so, yes. I saw a way of adding value to property through renovating that helps me move forward to the next property,' he said.

'Even though lending policies have gotten tighter, it's still possible in this current environment.'

Mr Bushell sold this home at Kingston for $350,000 - $135,000 more than he paid for it

Before: Mr Bushell bought this house at Kippa Ring, Queensland for $328,000 in 2017

With modest improvements he sold the same Kippa Ring home for $375,000

MORGAN BUSHELL'S GUIDE TO RENOVATING FOR INVESTMENT Morgan Bushell's renovation strategy is all about impressing potential tenants but 'knowing when to stop'. Improving the kitchens and bathroom are obvious as 'people spend a lot of time there, they want to enjoy them.' But improvements as simple as a good paint job make a big difference too, he said. 'Glossy renovations we see on TV don't always apply to property investment,' Mr Bushell said. 'It's too easy for people to over capitalise.' 'I need it looking good enough to get tenant, not 'cheaping out', but enough to tick the boxes and get tenants in.' An example is whether or not to lay carpet. 'That will last maybe seven years then need replacing. Polished floorboards or tiles almost last forever.' 'For every dollar I spend I want it back - and then some.' Advertisement

Mr Bushell's first home was a renovated house at Wagga Wagga, bought in 2013 for $171,000.

He realised he could generate more equity in a property by buying future homes without improvements - and that became the basis of his strategy.

'It was a rookie error,' he said.

He bought his second house at Orange, a fire-damaged property for $80,000.

He camped in the house, repairing it with his father and took the value up to $180,000 - giving him enough equity to buy again.

Mr Bushell spent 'hundreds of hours' researching regional property markets and focused in on South-East Queensland, flying in and out to meet agents and inspect properties each weekend.

'I was obsessed with trying to find the right answers!'

He bought a house at Kingston, Queensland for $215,000 in 2015, raising the value to $280,000 with a 'cosmetic' renovation. He's since sold it for $350,000.

Then came a home at Browns Plains, which he bought for $250,000 which after a $50,000 renovation was worth $330,000.

He then bought at home at Kippa Ring, near Moreton Bay, for $328,000 and sold it after a renovation for $375,000.

He says anyone can learn property fundamentals 'from books, magazines and websites' but there's much more to making property investment work.

'What differentiates between being an average or good property investor is mindset of building relationships.'

He focused on 'building' a strong support team who understood his property investment goals, including an accountant, solicitor, local property managers and builders who understood exactly what he wanted.

Before: the home he bought at Browns Plains in Queensland for $250,000 in 2016

After: the same Browns Plains home was worth $330,000 after he renovated it

He would take builders and property managers with him to inspections to help him calculate the cost of the work needed against the rent returns possible.

In order not to over-capitalise during renovations, Mr Bushell avoided 'glossy magazine style renovations' and negotiates fixed-price contracts with builders so building costs cannot blow out.

One regret he has was not entering the Sydney market several years ago. For instance he claims Mount Druitt eight years ago would have provided excellent returns for a modest sale price.

Using his strategy, Sydney's best returns are at its western fringe, he says.
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With their faces shielded behind protective masks, and at times holding up their distraught father, two removalist brothers farewelled their loving mother who died from Covid-19 just days after her sons were diagnosed with it.

Saeeda Shawka, 54, was mourned by just 10 loved ones at a Catholic cemetery in Sydney's south-west on Friday morning, two-and-a-half weeks after she suddenly died inside the family's home.

The beloved Iraqi migrant was found dead at her Green Valley home on July 19. It was three days after her twin sons Roni and Ramsin, 27, were charged with breaching public health orders when they travelled to Molong, in the state's Central West, while infectious.

The young men allegedly finished off a delivery to the country town despite Roni, who speaks limited English, receiving a call from NSW Health saying he had tested positive to the virus.

In line with lockdown restrictions, a small number of grieving family members gathered to mourn and lay flowers on Mrs Shawka's coffin, and comfort her distraught widower husband Adel.

One of Mrs Shawka's sons carried framed artwork showing her alongside Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Twins Roni and Ramsin Shawka, their father Adel (centre) and loved ones prepare for the funeral service at a Catholic cemetery in the city's west on Friday morning

Mrs Shawka, left and right, was found dead at the family's home in Green Valley, in the city's south-west, on July 19. She was remembered by her church as a 'mystical woman'. The 54-year-old had recently tested positive to the virus and had a sudden decline

The four pallbearers and gravediggers were dressed head-to-toe in Hazmat suits including face shields, protective masks and goggles during the service at Kemps Creek Catholic cemetery in Sydney's west

In a grim sign of the times, funeral attendants wore extensive personal protective equipment for their part in the service, which included Catholic prayers and Mrs Shawka's burial

One of Mrs Shawka's sons was a constant presence by his grieving father's side during the ceremony - which also involved the tributes of hundreds of friends and parishioners via the family's church Facebook page

Mrs Shawka was the fifth victim of Sydney's Indian Delta variant outbreak, which has plunged five million people into a minimum nine week lockdown.

Her church, the Batnaya Chaldean Association, posted a slideshow of images and videos of Mrs Shawka to mark the funeral service, including clips of her in happy times, clapping and dancing at wedding celebrations.

The Association planned to live-stream the service and accepted hundreds of public prayers and tributes in her honour, describing her as a 'mystical woman'.

Mrs Shawka, whose full name is Saeeda Akoubi Jugo Stu, is survived by her children Rommel, Roni, Ramsin, Rita and Ranin and her husband Adel.

In a tribute, Roni wrote that his mother was his 'comfort' and 'life.

One of Mrs Shawka's sons carried artwork showing Saeeda Shawka with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary (left). On right, widower Adel Shawka is comforted by loved ones

The late Mrs Shawka (centre) with her twin sons Roni and Ramsin and their respective partners

Mrs Shawka was found dead at the family's home in Sydney's south-west on July 19. One of the family's trucks is on right

The removalist truck that boys brought home from Molong is seen parked out the front of the family home

Adel Shawka told neighbour Ma Ta that had come down with the disease shortly following his wife's death, urging them to close the windows of their home that were adjacent to his property.

Neighbours were shocked that the grieving family members were forced to quarantine in their cars out the front of the home following Mrs Shawka's death.

Traumatised family members have suggested Mrs Shawka's shock at the hefty punishment her sons faced for their alleged journey contributed to her death.

The exact circumstances of Mrs Shawka's death will be determined by the state Coroner, with police preparing a report.

New South Wales reported a record 291 Covid cases on Friday. A woman in her 60s died at Liverpool Hospital, the 23rd person with Covid to die from the worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic.

More than 4,000 people have been infected since an unvaccinated limousine driver tested positive on June 16 after catching the virus from foreign flight crew.
The United States on Thursday began flying Central American and Mexican families to southern Mexico in an effort to deter migration by bolstering a COVID-era expulsion policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, a person familiar with the matter said.

Nearly 200 Mexican and Central American family members were expelled deep into Mexico on Thursday in what are expected to be regular flights, the person said. The flights, which will include adults, aim to disrupt a pattern of repeat crossings under a U.S. border policy known as Title 42.

U.S. President Joe Biden has reversed many of the restrictive immigration policies of his Republican predecessor, former President Donald Trump, but has left Title 42 in place amid 20-year highs in border arrests.

Although health experts, pro-migrant advocates and some Democrats say the policy cuts off access to asylum without a clear health rationale, Biden officials argue it is necessary to keep U.S. detention centers from becoming overwhelmed during the pandemic.

Asylum-seeking migrant families from Guatemala and Honduras arrive to the U.S. side of the bank on an inflatable raft after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico in Roma, Texas on July 28

Asylum-seeking migrant families from Central America wait to be processed by the U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States on July 28

Asylum-seeking migrant families from Central America line up on the riverbank after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico in Roma, Texas on July 29

Asylum-seeking migrants' families from Venezuela reach the shore after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico in Del Rio, Texas in May

Asylum-seeking migrants' families from Venezuela walk in the water while crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico in Del Rio, Texas in May

Under Trump, some Mexican migrants caught at the U.S.-Mexico border were flown to southern Mexico. But the use of the strategy under Biden - and under the Title 42 order - is new, according to the person familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity to discuss government operations.

The United States will work with non-governmental organizations and shelters in southern Mexico to ensure that migrants can safely return to their home countries, the person said.

The Biden administration also announced last week that it would subject migrant families to a fast-track deportation process known as 'expedited removal' to their home countries from U.S. detention centers.

The expulsion flights to southern Mexico will be faster than that process, the person familiar with the situation said.

Pro-migrant groups on Monday restarted litigation that aims to stop the Biden administration from expelling families under Title 42, which the administration renewed that day.

Asylum-seeking families from Venezuela wait to be transported by the U.S. Border Patrols after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico in Del Rio, Texas in May
A Texas appeals court refused to overturn the murder conviction of former a Dallas police officer who shot her black neighbor dead in his home.

A panel of three state judges ruled Thursday that a Dallas County jury had sufficient evidence to convict Amber Guyger of murder in the 2018 shooting of Botham Jean.

She was handed a 10 year sentence for the slaying, which saw Guyger claim she'd mistaken Jean's apartment for her own, and shot and killed him on mistaking him for an intruder.

The decision by the 5th Texas Court of Appeals in Dallas means Guyger, who turns 33 on Monday, will continue to serve her sentence and largely dashes her hopes of having the 2019 conviction overturned.

Guyger will become eligible for parole in 2024, under her current sentence.

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Former Dallas cop Amber Guyger will remain in prison, having lost her appeal to have her murder conviction overturned. Guyger was sentenced in 2019 to 10 years for shooting and killing her black neighbor Botham Jean (right) in his own home

Guyger, pictured crying during her testimony in September 2019, claimed that she mistook Jean's apartment for her own after a long shift and thought he was a burglar

The ruling comes in a case that drew national attention because of its disturbing circumstances and because it was one in a string of shootings of black men by white police officers.

TIMELINE OF THE AMBER GUYGER CASE September 6, 2018: Botham Jean, a 27-year-old accountant at PwC, was sitting on his couch eating ice cream when Amber Guyger entered his apartment and shot him. September 9, 2018: Guyger is charged with manslaughter and is put on administrative leave from her job. Guyger, who was still in uniform, told investigators that she had finished a 13.5 hour shift and mistakenly parked on the fourth floor instead of the third floor. She said she found the door of the apartment she thought was hers 'slightly ajar'. She entered the apartment and fired two shots when she was a figure coming towards her. September 13, 2018: Jean's funeral is held at the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas. September 24, 2018: Guyger is fired from the Dallas Police Department. November 30, 2018: Guyger is indicted on a murder charge by a grand jury. September 23, 2019: Guyger's murder trial begins in Dallas. Over the next week, jurors were shown body cam footage and 911 call from the night of the shooting. Jurors also hear from neighbors, Dallas PD officers and crime scene analysts. September 26, 2019: Guyger testifies in her own defense saying she was 'scared to death' when she encountered Jean in what she allegedly believed to be her own apartment. September 30, 2019: Prosecutors and defense deliver closing arguments. Jury starts deliberating. October 1, 2019: Guyger is found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. April 2021: Guyger appeals her murder conviction August 5, 2021: Texas appeals court upholds Guyger's murder conviction, ruling jury had sufficient evidence to find her guilty. Advertisement

The appeals court justices did not dispute the basic facts of the case. Guyger, returning home from a long shift on September 6, 2018, mistook Jean's apartment for her own, which was on the floor directly below his. Finding the door ajar, she entered and shot him, later testifying that she thought he was a burglar.

Jean, a 26-year-old accountant at PwC, had been eating a bowl of ice cream on is couch before Guyger shot him. She was later fired from the Dallas Police Department.

During her weeks-long trial in September 2019, Guyger testified in her own defense that she was 'scared to death' when she encountered Jean in what she allegedly believed to be her own apartment.

On October 1, a jury found Guyger guilty of murder and sentenced her to 10 years in prison.

During an emotional sentencing hearing, Jean's 18-year-old brother, Brandt, stunned the courtroom by embracing Guyger and telling her his older brother would have wanted her to turn her life over to Christ. He said if she asked God for forgiveness, she would get it.

Judge Tammy Kemp also hugged the defendant and gave the ex-cop her own personal Bible to take with her to prison.

Kemp later said in an interview that she could not refuse Guyger a hug and argued that her act of compassion was appropriate because by then the trial was over.

The case was thrown into further disarray when it emerged a key witness in the Guyger trial had been shot dead.

Joshua Brown was shot dead outside a Dallas apartment building just days after he emotionally gave evidence during Guyger's trial.

Brown, who lived in the same apartment building as Jean and Guyger, had testified about what he had heard that night.

Lee Merritt, an attorney representing Brown's family, said his mother told him about her son's reservations about his visibility in the high-profile trial.

This past April, Guyger filed an appeal, seeking to have her murder conviction tossed, or her charge downgraded.

Jean's mother, Allison Jean, told the Dallas Morning News at the time that the appeal has delayed her family's healing.

'I know everyone has a right of appeal, and I believe shes utilizing that right,' Jean said. 'But on the other hand, there is one person who cannot utilize any more rights because she took him away.

'So having gotten 10 years, only 10, for killing someone who was in the prime of his life and doing no wrong in the comfort of his home, I believe that she ought to accept, take accountability for it and move on,' she said.

Guyger could have been sentenced to up to life in prison or as little as two years. Prosecutors had requested a 28-year sentence - Botham Jean, known to his loved ones as 'Bo,' would have been 28 if he were still alive during the trial.

Guyger was shown (left) in police body camera footage as first responders arrived to the Dallas apartment where she shot her neighbor

Guyger was captured on an officer's body cam standing in the corridor outside on her phone as CPR was being given to Jean inside, according to prosecutors

Photos taken by a crime scene analyst show Guyger with a taser and stun gun strapped to utility belt

Guyger's appeal hinged on the claim that her mistaking Jean's apartment for her own was reasonable, and therefore, so too was the shooting.

Her lawyer asked the appeals court to acquit her of murder or substitute in a conviction for criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lesser sentence.

Dallas County prosecutors countered that the error was not reasonable, that Guyger acknowledged intending to kill Jean and that 'murder is a result-oriented offense.'

The court's chief justice, Robert Burns III, and Justices Lana Myers and Robbie Partida-Kipness concurred with prosecutors, disagreeing that Guyger's belief that deadly force was needed was reasonable.

In a 23-page opinion, the justices also disagreed that evidence supported a conviction of criminally negligent homicide rather than murder, and they pointed to Guyger's own testimony that she intended to kill.

Botham Jean's younger brother, Brandt, stunned the courtroom by embracing Guyger after delivering his impact statement on October 2, 2019

State District Judge Tammy Kemp gifted Guyger her personal Bible before the convicted killer was taken to jail

The judge sparked a controversy by hugging Guyger in court, which she later argued was appropriate because the trial was over

'That she was mistaken as to Jean's status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent,' the judges wrote. 'We decline to rely on Guyger's misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jury's verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill.'

Defense attorneys could still ask the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - the state's highest forum for criminal cases - to review the appeals court's ruling.
Female colleagues of CNN anchor Chris Cuomo are staying silent about his refusal to address the sexual harassment scandal surrounding his brother - despite many of them being vocal supporters of the #MeToo movement.

Chris, 50, was referenced in Tuesday's bombshell report by the New York attorney general, which found 11 women to have credible allegations of sexual assault against his brother Andrew, 63, the governor of New York.

Chris had been advising Andrew on media strategy when the allegations were first made in March. In May his behind-the-scenes role was exposed by The Washington Post, and Chris apologized to his viewers and colleagues.

Yet for three nights since the report into Andrew was published, Chris has ignored it entirely - despite his network covering it extensively.

Chris's decision to dismiss the scandal left some colleagues confused, The New York Times reported.

Chris Cuomo was seen on Thursday waiting to board his helicopter from East Hampton to New York City, to host his CNN show. Once again, on Thursday night, he failed to mention the scandal engulfing his brother

Chris was seen alone in the waiting room before boarding the flight back to Manhattan

Chris Cuomo on Thursday shook the hand of the photographer before boarding his flight

Chris Cuomo is seen getting into a waiting vehicle and being driven to the CNN studio

Chris Cuomo is seen leaving the Blade Heliport in Manhattan on Thursday afternoon. Three vehicles blocked the area, allowing the $5 million-a-year host to be whisked away

The New York governor (left) is pictured with his journalist brother Chris (right) in May 2015

CNN is the only one of the big three cable news networks not to have a female prime-time host, but their regular lineup features anchors and reporters including Erin Burnett, Alisyn Camerota, Brianna Keilar, Kate Bolduan, Dana Bash, Pamela Brown, and Ana Cabrera.

They have covered the Andrew Cuomo scandal extensively, and tweeted about the governor, but always without mentioning Chris.

None of CNN's female anchors have condemned their colleague on air for helping the governor navigate sexual harassment claims, according to a search of Grabien Media carried out by Fox News.

CNN did not immediately respond when asked if female staffers were told not to publicly speak out against Chris Cuomo.

One female CNN host told Fox News she was not instructed how to cover the story by management.

CNN's Christine Romans and Kate Bolduan (left) and Brianna Keilar (right) have all ignored the role played by Chris Cuomo in the scandal of the New York governor

Erin Burnett, who anchors CNN's 7pm ET show, retweeted condemnation of Andrew Cuomo - but has not discussed Chris's role or his refusal to address Andrew's drama

Erin Burnett retweeted this tweet by The New York Times reporter Michael Grynbaum

Pamela Brown (left) and Dana Bash have both been outspoken about womens' rights, but have not discussed Chris Cuomo's failure to cover the story of his brother

Tarana Burke, the survivor and advocate who gave the #MeToo movement its name, has criticized Andrew Cuomo's response to the scandal, but did not mention Chris's failure to discuss it.

Burke wrote in an email to The Associated Press that 'abusers, no matter their own personal histories, do not get to center themselves in cases of abuse.'

'In these moments, survivor's stories are the ones that should be elevated,' Burke said.

'There are 11 women, whose stories were corroborated, who experienced harassment at the hands of the governor.

'His family's story does not exonerate him, and he does not get to use someone else's trauma as his own shield.'

Chris was pictured on Thursday afternoon at East Hampton airport, waiting to board a helicopter and make the 40 minute journey into Manhattan for his show.

He was pictured in the same lounge on Wednesday, waiting for a Blade helicopter into New York City.

A seat on a six-person helicopter costs $800 one-way. Chris, who earns $5 million a year at CNN, appeared to have chartered the helicopter, which would cost several thousand dollars.

The Executive Mansion in Albany, where Andrew Cuomo lives, is pictured on Thursday

Andrew Cuomo has been holed up in the house since the report was published on Tuesday

On Thursday, Poynter Institute senior media writer Tom Jones said that Chris's ignoring the report 'felt awkward' - despite his March vow that he would not cover the harassment allegations against the governor 'because he is my brother.'

'I won't go as far as to call for someone's job, but CNN is in a bad spot here,' Jones wrote.

'Other politicians and public figures will be accused of sexual harassment in the future. How will Chris handle that on his show?'

Jones concluded by writing: 'Chris Cuomo is forever going to have a credibility problem among some viewers. The only thing that could fix that is something that doesn't exist: a time machine.'

Chris had his brother on his show frequently for friendly, light-hearted interviews last year at the height of the pandemic, when hundreds of people were dying every day.

Glory days: Chris Cuomo quarantining in his Hamptons basement last year with Cuomo, speaking with his brother on his show, when Andrew was a pandemic hero

The two regularly joked around on Chris's show at a time when hundreds were dying of COVID. Chris played with a giant swab on one show.

Earlier this year, Chris was reportedly offered a 'leave of absence' to formally advise his brother through his sex-pest scandal.

Executives with the network informally proposed the idea that the younger Cuomo could take a break to advise his brother and return to the network later, sources told The New York Times.

The possible leave of absence was suggested in May when the Washington Post revealed Chris Cuomo's involvement in his brother's scandal.

In response to the proposal, Chris Cuomo told network executives he wanted to continue on his primetime program while obeying rules preventing him from commenting on the scandal, sources told The New York Times.

He publicly said at the time that when his brother's situation 'became turbulent' he started getting 'looped into calls with other friends of his and advisers that did include some of his staff.'

Cuomo told his viewers: 'I understand why that was a problem for CNN. It will not happen again.

'It was a mistake because I put my colleagues here, who I believe are the best in the business, in a bad spot. I never intended for that. I would never intend for that and I am sorry for that.'

Chris Cuomo on Tuesday night was discussing COVID - and studiously ignoring the major news scrolling constantly beneath his screen. He didn't mention the AG report - which he is named in - once. He failed to discuss the news on Wednesday, or Thursday

These text messages between Cuomo's senior aides in February this year show how Chris Cuomo helped his brother draft statements to make sure they had 'enough contrition' when the allegations emerged. He was ignoring the subject on his own CNN show at the time

Chris Cuomo added that has never tried to influence CNN's coverage of his brother and has in fact 'been walled off from it.'

A CNN spokesman admitted at the time that Chris Cuomo's behavior was 'inappropriate'.

The network added that he would not face punishment - but allowed unnamed staff members to stick the knife into him in its own report on the gaffe.

Chris's ability to get away without covering the story was taken as a sign that he had the support of the network's president, Jeff Zucker.

'I think that Jeff has made it clear that he has Chris's back no matter what,' one current network employee told Buzzfeed News on Tuesday.

Another current staffer put the situation more bluntly: 'The fact that Chris Cuomo wasn't fired over his inappropriate conflict of interest in actively affecting a news story is not only irresponsible of CNN, but also a disgrace to journalism.'
Some of Sydney's most disadvantaged students will be forced to continue learning from home while others return to class on August 16.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed that students in areas with high Covid-19 rates will not be allowed to school while those in the rest of the city will have access to a 'flexible model' where they can attend for certain reasons.

The eight local government areas with high case numbers - which include many of Sydney's most disadvantaged children - are Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta.

Cleaners in personal protective equipment at conduct a deep clean at Strathfield South Public School in Sydney on Monday after a positive case attended

'The students who live in those eight local government areas of concern will not be able to have any face-to-face time for the foreseeable future until otherwise advised,' Ms Berejiklian said.

'However, in areas outside of those local government areas, there will be a flexible model for HSC students, if you need to go into the classroom for whatever reason in order to pick up material or do some face-to-face exams or whatever is required.'

HSC trails for all students in Greater Sydney will be done at home.

Ms Berejiklian claimed that no student would be disadvantaged because online learning would continue.

'It won't be normal classes but certainly it will be a level of presence to ensure that no students are disadvantaged in terms of acquiring their qualifications,' she said.

'Trials will be done at home and at least it means that there is certainty and all students know they will qualify for the HSC.'

HSC students in the eight areas of concern can get vaccinated with Pfizer at the Qudos Bank Arena from Monday in a bid to get them back to class within weeks.



Students from Bankstown (pictured are police in the area on Thursday) are not allowed to attend school

New South Wales has recorded 291 new Covid-19 cases amid warnings the record number of infections is likely to rise over the coming days . Pictured: Testing at Fairfield on Thursday

'We hope students and families will have conversations and make sure they provide the opportunity for the student to come forward and get vaccinated,' the premier said.

'It is important because we know it is a requirement that they have to set a public examination for HSC.'

NSW recorded 291 new Covid-19 cases on Friday amid warnings daily numbers would rise further.

Premier Berejiklian warned that case numbers would skyrocket after noting that 50 people were out in the community while infectious.

'We are likely to see this trend continue for the next few days,' she said during a press conference on Friday.

'Everybody must prepare themselves for higher case numbers in the next few days just based on the trend in the last few days and where things are going.

'I am expecting higher case numbers in the few days and I just everyone to be prepared for that.'

An unvaccinated woman in her 60s, from south-west Sydney, has also died at Liverpool Hospital.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that case numbers would skyrocket after noting that 50 people were out in the community while infectious. Pictured: Police in Liverpool on Thursday

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown.

She warned more police officers would be patrolling the area - after deploying defence force personnel into the area on Monday.

'We are seeing too many people frequent certain shopping areas and perhaps not doing the right thing,' she said.

'So police will be more present in the Canterbury-Bankstown local area to ensure compliance and we have to make sure that happens, because we don't want to see these case numbers continue to grow into the next few weeks.'

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged residents to be vigilant of flu-like symptoms.

'So it is important for anyone going into that area or essential work, working in that area, living in that area, to be very, very vigilant,' she said.

'We are seeing transmission, potentially around shopping areas.

'Do not enter shops when there are other people in the shop, wait outside.'

Year 12 students living in the eight local government areas will also be unable to return to the classrooms as planned by August 16.

'Trials will be done at home and at least it means that there is certainty and all students know they will qualify for the HSC,' Ms Berejiklian said.

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill (pictured, residents in Double Bay)

The admission comes as the the state government prepares to distribute Pfizer vaccines to students from Monday.

'Every student will receive an email about how to book online next weekend there will also be a centre set up for parents to call if they have any questions,' Ms Berejiklian said.

The new cases come as the Newcastle and Hunter regions join Greater Sydney in lockdown and begin the first of their seven-day stay-at-home orders.

The snap lockdown was called after five new cases turned up in Newcastle and eight more were found in the Central Coast region on Thursday.

The local government areas that have been affected are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

Dr Chant said the outbreak in the Hunter region was almost certainly linked to a party held at Blacksmiths Beach south of Newcastle last Friday night.

The new cases come as the Newcastle and Hunter regions join Greater Sydney in lockdown and begin the first of their seven-day stay-at-home orders

News of the impending lockdown sparked mass panic buying across the region with supermarket shelves stripped bare of essential items (pictured in Rutherford, Maitland)

She said authorities believe some of those at the party may have broken laws to travel there from Sydney despite the city's residents being banned from entering regional NSW for non-essential reasons.

News of the impending lockdown sparked mass panic buying across the region with supermarket shelves stripped bare of essential items.

Five people died in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday - three men in their 60s, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s. None were fully vaccinated.

It was the deadliest day of the pandemic, and recorded the highest daily number of cases.

Also in NSW, a 34-year-old woman died of a rare clotting syndrome caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reported on Thursday.

Six people have now died from the condition, out of about 6.8 million vaccine doses.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says vaccination is the way out of the crisis which has shut down Greater Sydney for almost six weeks.

She said restrictions will remain in some form until 80 per cent of people are vaccinated, and wants 50 per cent jabbed by the end of the month.

While Ms Berejiklian has emphasised vaccines as a solution to ending restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the most important measure is the lockdown

While Ms Berejiklian has emphasised vaccines as a solution to ending restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the most important measure is the lockdown.

At least week's national cabinet meeting all premiers and chief ministers agreed that lockdowns would become much 'less likely' when 70 per cent of Aussies are vaccinated and would be almost obsolete once 80 per cent are jabbed.

Under Mr Morrison's four-step re-opening plan, a state or territory can move to phase B when the national vaccination rate hits 70 per cent and the rate in that state also hits 70 per cent.

Mr Morrison said he hopes this phase will be achieved before the end of the year but warned the timing 'is entirely up to how the nation responds to this challenge we're setting for ourselves.'

At a Coles in Mayfield, a set of shelves holding raw chicken meat had also been stripped bare with just a few items remaining

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says vaccination is the way out of the crisis which has shut down Greater Sydney for almost six weeks

This phase will make lockdowns 'less likely' and will give doubled-vaccinated people 'special rules' to allow them more freedom than Aussies who refuse a jab.

'If you get vaccinated, there will be special rules that apply to you. Why? Because if you're vaccinated, you present less of a public health risk,' Mr Morrison said.

A 'small working group' involving the Northern Territory, Victoria and Tasmania has been set up to determine which restrictions will not apply to the double-vaccinated.

The Prime Minister warned that some localised lockdowns may be required in phase B but 'broad-based metropolitan-wide lockdowns' shutdowns will not be needed.

'Lockdowns in phase B are less likely, but they are possible... they may be necessary but they are not something that you would normally expect,' he said.

'Once we get into phase B, then the calculus does change and lockdowns do cost a lot.

'Where you have that higher level of protection then there is more discretion exercised. That's why that phase is referred to as less likely, but possible.'

Also in NSW, a 34-year-old woman died of a rare clotting syndrome caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reported on Thursday

Greater Sydney will be subject to stay-at-home orders until at least August 28 (pictured, residents outside a vaccination centre in the CBD on Thursday)

Meanwhile, developers are warning they'll need to put people out of work if restrictions remain in place in NSW past August.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia surveyed its members, with a quarter saying they'll need to make large cuts to their workforces if restrictions go on any longer.

One third of housing construction sites in NSW are still closed, the institute says.

Developers are operating at half capacity on average for sites that are open, with many workers kept off-site by extra restrictions that apply to eight local government areas of concern.

UDIA chief executive officer Steve Mann wants the government to allow workers - who have had two jabs - to leave their LGAs to work at the end of August.

Greater Sydney will be subject to stay-at-home orders until at least August 28.

The lockdown of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock is set to lift on August 13.
Family members of a Brooklyn mother who was seen in a shocking surveillance video this week being casually assassinated on a Brooklyn street say the cold-blooded execution took place shortly after both the victim and her killer attended the same funeral in the neighborhood.

Delia Johnson, 42, was talking to a group of people on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Prospect Place in Crown Heights at around 9.40pm on Wednesday when a blonde woman dressed in all black ambled up to her from behind and shot her from a point-blank range in the back of the head.

Surveillance video that was released by the police on Thursday shows the gunwoman fire several more times, hitting Johnson in the leg as bystanders run and duck for cover.

Scroll down for video

Delia Johnson, 42 (left and right), was shot and killed on a Brooklyn street after attending a funeral for a friend. She was raising a 17-year-old daughter as a single mom

Shocking video shows the female assassin raising a gun to a woman on a Brooklyn sidewalk and shooting her dead. The victim, named by police as Delia Johnson, 42, was speaking to a group on a stoop in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, when she was shot in the head.

The victim collapses to the ground in front of horrified onlookers as her killer calmly makes her way toward a parked white car, gets in the driver's seat and takes off from the scene.

Mathis Johnson, Delia's brother, told the New York Daily News that his sister had attended a funeral for an old friend earlier that day.

The service drew hundreds of mourners, among then the suspected killer, according to Mathis, who said he did not know the black-clad woman with long blonde hair but saw her in the crowd at the Sealy Culyer Funeral Home.

Delia's family members said she was an entrepreneur who was raising her 17-year-old daughter as a single mother. They described the victim as vivacious and generous.

Police have not released a motive behind the deadly attack, but Delia's sister, Cordelia Berry, speculated that she might have been killed out of envy.

'She had her own business. She was an entrepreneur  fashion was her passion,' Cordelia said. 'When you succeed in life that way, people are jealous.'

As of Friday afternoon, no arrests have been made. Police released the video of the shooting in hopes of generating leads.

This is not the only instance of a woman being implicated in a deadly shooting targeting another woman in New York City.

Back in April, 51-year-old Nichelle Thomas was fatally shot in the back of the head from a point-blank range as she approached a bodega in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

Police later arrested Thomas' on-again, off-again girlfriend, 38-year-old Latisha Bell, charging her with second-degree murder.

Wednesday's violent killing took place as Mayor Bill de Blasio proudly boasted on Thursday that his 'Safe Summer' program has driven down murder and gun attacks in New York City.

In April, de Blasio unveiled his 'Safe Summer' program, a plan aimed at ending gun violence that focused on creating disincentives for young people looking to turn to guns by offering them positive alternatives.

Footage shows the assassin, her purse slung over her shoulder, turn and casually walk to an SUV as her victim lays dead on the sidewalk.

Delia Johnson lays dead on the sidewalk after onlookers scattered for shelter when the shots were fired. Her assassin is shown getting into a getaway car

NYPD issued this image of the female shooter, left, describing her as 'a dark-skinned adult female, approximately in her mid 20's, heavy build, long blond hair and was last seen wearing black long sleeve shirt, black tights, silver belt around her waist, black and white sneakers, white purse.' It is unknown why she targeted Delia Johnson, right

After shooting Johnson multiple times, the blonde suspect calmly returned to a parked car

She was last seen getting into the driver's seat and speeding away from the scene

During his daily briefing, de Blasio proudly proclaimed that the program has been effective and said in the month of July the NYPD saw 'extraordinary successes' to curve violent crime.

Listing statistics from July, de Blasio noted that murders decreased by 49.1 percent and shootings were down by 35 percent across the New York City.

The NYPD made 383 gun arrests in July alone, up 133.5 percent compared to last July, the mayor said, while gun arrests in general have gone up 44.5 percent in 2021.

While de Blasio touted the success of his program he failed to mention an ongoing string of violent incidents in the streets of the Big Apple this summer that have led to the NYPD issuing hundreds of pleas to identify suspects.

During his daily briefing on Thursday, de Blasio proudly proclaimed that the 'Safe Summer' program has been effective and said in July the NYPD curved violent crime

Shootings so far this year have steadily increased since January, with a small dip in June and July

Rapes in New York City were up 3.1 percent so far this year, with 842 reported as of August 1, compared to 817 in the same period of 2020

According to the mayor, the summer month of July is usually one of the most violent in the city but the NYPD 'rose to the challenge' and was able to suppress gun violence and executed an impressive number of gang takedowns.

'The gang takedowns mean taking a lot of bad guys off of the streets and at the same time a lot of shooters off the streets, this is crucial,' de Blasio noted.

Overall since the safe summer program was launched in May, murders have gone down 26 percent, shootings decreased 10 percent and shooting victims are down 11 percent.

'There is more to do, but the NYPD is moving and making an impact,' de Blasio said.

The stoop on 697 Franklin Street in Crown Heights where Delia Johnson, 42, was talking to a group of people before a female assassin opened fire on her

A small row of candles marks the scene where Delia Johnson was gunned down on Franklin Street in Crown Heights

While de Blasio took his victory lap many New Yorkers are wondering if the program is actually working as the city is inundated with violent crime.

On Tuesday a man strangled a woman unconscious on a Manhattan subway train and attempted to rape her before taking off.

According to the NYPD, the 40-year-old female subway rider was approached by a stranger who demanded her possessions and then slammed her into the train car seats.

The burly perpetrator then strangled the victim until she lost consciousness.

Police said the assailant then groped the unresponsive woman's breasts inside her bra and tried to rape her, reported the New York Post.

When the train pulled into the 168th Street station, the attacker dragged the woman onto the subway platform and ran away.

Crime has rocketed by 53% in two years and system has already seen more murders in 2021 than it did for the whole of 2019

This comes one day after police released surveillance footage of a masked attacker they say raped a 70-year-old woman at gunpoint in her apartment building in The Bronx last week.

According to the NYPD, the sexual assault took place at around 2am on July 27 in the Belmont neighborhood.

The elderly victim was entering her apartment building when she was approached from behind by a man wearing two plastic masks - a red one and a black one - on his face, police said.

On Saturday, three innocent bystanders were struck when gunfire erupted outside a Washington Heights bodega.

Surveillance footage showed three men chasing a fourth man into a bodega as he goes behind the counter and holds a gun to the three men with his back to the cashier.

Shortly after the group of men took the standoff outside and began firing, striking a 42-year-old woman in the left arm, a 58-year-old woman in the buttocks and a 78-year-old man in the left arm and stomach, the New York Post reported.

Police say the man was wearing black and red plastic masks (pictured in his right hand) when he raped the elderly woman at gunpoint in the stairwell

On Saturday, three innocent bystanders were struck when gunfire erupted outside a Washington Heights bodega

The men were gang members targeting rivals from the Trinitarios gang during the shooting on Saturday night in the borough's Corona neighborhood, police said

Earlier this week, surveillance footage captured the moment two men approached a crowd in a busy Queens neighborhood and fired about 40 shots, injuring 10 people before fleeing the scene on mopeds.

The shooters were targeting members of the Trinitarios gang on Saturday night in the borough's Corona neighborhood, police said.

They opened fire while some bystanders were walking outside a barbershop and others were at a nearby restaurant for a birthday party.

These incident are reflective of the overall skyrocketing crime rates in New York City.

NYPD crime data show that rapes are up 3.1 per cent so far this year, with 842 reported as of August 1, compared to 817 in the same period of 2020.

Other sex crimes are up 26.3 per cent to 2,719 this year, compared to 2,152 last year, according to NYPD statistics.

Shootings have spiked 15.8 per cent in 2021 compared to last year, with 900 shooting incidents in 2021 compared to 777 in 2020.

There are also 12 per cent more shooting victims this year, the data shows, with 1,057 people falling prey to gun violence compared to 944 last year.

The biggest leap in crime rates is for hate crimes, which have surged by 103 per cent in the last year. The data come amid numerous random attacks on Asian Americans in the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A three-week-old wildfire engulfed a tiny Northern California mountain town, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes as crews braced for another explosive run of flames Thursday amid dangerous weather.

The Dixie Fire, swollen by bone-dry vegetation and 40 mph gusts, raged through the northern Sierra Nevada community of Greenville on Wednesday.

A gas station, church, hotel, museum and bar were among the fixtures gutted in the town dating back to California's gold rush era, where some wooden buildings were more than 100 years old.

A firefighter was pictured taking down an American flag as the city burnt, in a poignant image.

The fire 'burnt down our entire downtown. Our historical buildings, families' homes, small businesses, and our children's schools are completely lost,' Plumas County Supervisor Kevin Goss wrote on Facebook.

Molten metal flows away from a burned Hummer vehicle in a decimated downtown Greenville

A firefighter is seen taking down the American flag on Wednesday, as the Dixie Fire burnt

View of a burned out car and commercial building following the Dixie Fire, which swept through Greenville on Wednesday

Greenville, seen on Thursday, was an apocalyptic vision after the Dixie Fire raged through

A firefighter on Thursday surveys the damage in the smoldering town, which was ablaze on Wednesday

Plumas County Sheriff Tom Johns, a lifelong resident of Greenville, said that 'well over' 100 homes were destroyed, as well as businesses.

'My heart is crushed by what has occurred there,' he said.

U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represents the area, said in an emotional Facebook video: 'We lost Greenville tonight. There's just no words.'

As the fire's north and eastern sides exploded Wednesday, the Plumas County Sheriff's Office issued an urgent warning online to the town's approximately 800 residents: 'You are in imminent danger and you MUST leave now!'

A similar warning was issued Thursday as flames pushed toward the southeast in the direction of another tiny mountain community, Taylorsville, about 10 miles southeast of Greenville.

To the northwest, crews were protecting homes in the town of Chester.

Residents there were among thousands under evacuation orders or warnings in several counties.

No injuries or deaths were immediately reported.

Road signs in Greenville were warped and ashen after the fire on Wednesday. Firefighters can be seen Thursday inspecting the charred town

The skeleton of a tree is seen amid homes and cars destroyed by the Dixie Fire in Greenville. Firefighters said 100 homes were destroyed in the town of 800 people

A high voltage sign is seen melted on a burned power pole in Greenville. It is unclear what started the Dixie Fire on July 14, but the electric power authority said it could have been a spark from their cables

A melted fire engine is seen smoldering in Greenville on Thursday - the day after the town was ravaged by fire

The fire truck was barely recognizable after being caught up in the Dixie Fire in Greenville

Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer who has been in Southern California waiting out the fire, watched video of her Greenville office in flames. It's where she kept every journal she's written in since second grade and a hand edit of a novel on top of her grandfather's roll-top desk.

'We're in shock. It's not that we didn't think this could happen to us,' she said.

'At the same time, it took our whole town.'

Firefighters had to deal with people reluctant to leave on Wednesday. Their refusals meant that firefighters spent precious time loading people into cars to ferry them out, said Jake Cagle, an incident management operations section chief.

'We have firefighters that are getting guns pulled out on them, because people don't want to evacuate,' he said.

The blaze that broke out July 14 is the largest burning in California and had blackened over 504 square miles - an area larger than Los Angeles.

Firefighters in California have been battling the Dixie Fire since July 14. It destroyed Greenville on Thursday: pictured is a melted fire engine

A firefighter is seen surveying all that remains of a historic building in Greenville on Thursday

The cause was under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines.

The fire was near the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire that became the nation's deadliest in at least a century and was blamed on PG&E equipment.

Ken Donnell left Greenville on Wednesday, thinking he'd be right back after a quick errand a few towns over, but couldn't return as the flames swept through. All he has now are the clothes on his back and his old pickup truck, he said. He's pretty sure his office and house, with a bag he had prepared for evacuation, is gone.

Donnell remembered helping victims of 2018's devastating Camp Fire, in which about 100 friends lost their homes.

'Now I have a thousand friends lose their home in a day,' he said.

By Thursday, the Dixie Fire had become the sixth largest in state history, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

Four of the state's other five largest fires happened in 2020.

The fire forced Lassen Volcanic National Park to close to visitors.

Dozens of homes had already burned before the flames made a new run Wednesday.

Greenville on Thursday was a sea of burnt out cars and rubble from homes and businesses

A metal lamp post is seen bent and warped from the intensity of the heat in Greenville

A huge cloud of smoke and ash is seen as the Dixie Fire rips through Greenville on Wednesday

The U.S. Forest Service said initial reports show that firefighters saved about a quarter of the structures in Greenville.

'We did everything we could,' fire spokesman Mitch Matlow said. 'Sometimes it's just not enough.'

About 100 miles south, officials said between 35 and 40 homes and other buildings burned in the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near Colfax, a town of about 2,000.

Within hours, it ripped through nearly four square miles of dry brush and trees. There was no containment and about 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, Cal Fire said.

In Colfax, Jamie Brown ate breakfast at a downtown restaurant Thursday while waiting to learn if his house was still standing.

He evacuated his property near Rollins Lake a day earlier, when 'it looked like the whole town was going to burn down.'

Conditions had calmed a bit and he was hoping for the best.

After firefighters made progress earlier this week, high heat, low humidity and gusty winds erupted Wednesday and were expected to remain a threat.

Winds were expected to change direction multiple times Thursday, putting pressure on firefighters at sections of the fire that haven't seen activity in several days, officials said.

The trees, grass and brush were so dry that 'if an ember lands, you're virtually guaranteed to start a new fire,' Matlow said.

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West.

Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

About 150 miles west of the Dixie Fire, the lightning-sparked McFarland Fire threatened remote homes along the Trinity River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

There was little containment of the fire after it burned nearly 33 square miles of drought-stricken vegetation.

Risky weather also was expected across Southern California, where heat advisories and warnings were issued for inland valleys, mountains and deserts for much of the week.

More than 20,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 97 wildfires covering 2,919 square miles in 13 U.S. states, the National Interagency Fire Center said.
A teachers union has filed a lawsuit against a mom in a bid to block her public records requests about critical race theory.

In April, Nicole Solas sent a lengthy email to the principal of Wakefield Elementary, Rhode Island, where her child attends school, to demand records about the controversial teaching practice.

By June 2, Solas filed more than 200 broad-scope requests for records, many of which have not yet been fulfilled by the school district.

This week, the National Education Association Rhode Island filed a lawsuit claiming that Solas' requests - all emails from certain teachers - would reveal teachers' private details and were an 'unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.'

Nicole Solas sent a lengthy email to Coleen Smith - the principal of Wakefield Elementary School, where her child attends school - to acquire a trove of records pertaining to critical race theory and other topics

In the lawsuit, the union noted that the school district responded to a recent request on July 13 by releasing more than 6,500 pages of documents - and that school officials still have many pending requests from other filers to which to respond.

The union asked that the court prohibit the disclosure of non-public records and delay the release of records that contain identifiable personal information of teachers and officials within the district to maintain their 'individual privacy rights.'

School board members had also previously considered suing Solas over the incredible number of records requested but decided against it.

Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of NEARI, said the union is asking the court to determine if its members' privacy rights 'outweigh the public interest,' according to Fox News.

'We believe they do, and those records should either not be disclosed or should be redacted accordingly,' Azevedo said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the NEARI for more information and additional comment.

The requests Solas made were filed with the district under the state's Access to Public Records Act, which gives individuals the right to see and obtain public records - including some emails.

However, the law does not require agencies to reorganize or compile requested data by creating a new document.

The lawsuit states that the massive scope of Solas' request included asking for a thorough documentation of book titles and their authors in the school's library and classrooms, among other documents - many of which don't exist, are not public or could contain personal information.

Solas responded to the lawsuit in comments made to Twitter, blasting NEARI for 'bullying moms'

According to the ACLU in Rhode Island, 'there are more than two-dozen exemptions to what records are accessible to the public, many of them designed to protect individual privacy.'

'Investigatory records of public bodies are also largely exempt. However, an entire document cannot be withheld if only part of it contains information that is exempted from disclosure,' the ACLU noted.

'In those instances, the documents should be provided with only the exempt information deleted. If an entire record is withheld, the public body must certify that no portion of the document is releasable.'

The lawsuit, filed by the National Education Association Rhode Island, asked that the court prohibit the disclosure of non-public records and delay the release of records that contain identifiable personal information

Solas responded to the lawsuit in comments made to Twitter, blasting NEARI for 'bullying moms.'

'I just got served with a lawsuit from the teacher union NEARI. Throwing down the gauntlet, are we? Game on,' she tweeted.

Solas also appeared in an interview with Fox News, in which she slammed school officials for being 'employed by the state and also demand(ing) immunity from public scrutiny.'

'That's not how open government works in America. Academic transparency is not a collective bargaining negotiation. It's a parental right,' she said.

The blog site In Defense of Liberty noted that Solas received a bill for $74,000 to fulfill just one of the requests filed on her behalf by Goldwater Institute in July.

The ACLU notes that an agency can charge up to 15 cents a page for copying records and up to $15 per hour for the search or retrieval of documents. It was not immediately clear how much the South Kingston School District charges per page.

The Rhode Island saga represents just the latest example of parents frustrated with school officials for teaching the controversial Critical Race Theory.
The City of Denver may be spending more than twice per homeless person than it does on a public school student.

According to a report released Thursday by the Common Sense Institute in collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado Denver, the City of Denver spends anywhere from $41,679 to $104,201 per homeless person, compared to $19,202 per K through 12 student.

The report also compared the figure to the average yearly rent for an apartment in Denver, which is $21,156 and the per capita income for an individual living in the Metro Denver area, which is $4,806.

The City of Denver may be spending more than twice what it does per homeless person than for a public school student according to a recent study. Pictured a homeless encampment being removed by city workers in April

Researchers with the Common Sense institute suggested the city's spending on the homeless may be excessive

Overall, the report notes that the Metro Denver Area, which includes the cities of Boulder, Denver and Aurora spends more than $481.1million on homelessness, with the vast majority of it - $434.6million - in the City of Denver.

That exceeds a handful of state-level department budgets in Colorado, such as the state's Labor & Employment agency, which has a fiscal year 2020-2021 budget of $259.3million.

It dwarfs the state's Military & Veterans Affairs Agency budget at $132.3million.

Researchers for the report say their figure comes from the amount the spent annually on shelters, supportive services, health care and public assistance for people experiencing homelessness.

They said their estimates likely undercount the true expenditures because their study does not capture charitable donations or support from public municipal agencies such as health care and emergency responders.

The study's researchers compared what they believe the city spends per homeless person to a number of other metrics, such as average household income and rent

The range in spending per homeless person is broad, the researchers say, because it is difficult to count the true number of homeless.

Using a variety of methods they estimate there are between 15,260 and 31,207 homeless people in the Metro Denver area.

For the city of Denver, a spokesperson for Mayor Michael Hancock, told the Denver Post that the city does not track spending for the homeless on a per-capita basis.

The report, however, also notes that the number of guests in homeless shelters, and by relation their capacity has increased in recent years, with 2,142 guests recorded in City of Denver in January 2021.

While the researchers acknowledged it was difficult to get a true count of the homeless in the area, metrics for guests in the homel

The reports researchers said they did not look into how much the Metro Denver city governments spent on the homeless compared to what it spends on stable housing initiatives.

The Post reported that in recent weeks Hancock's administration had conducted a number of homeless encampment sweeps, and this week released a 5-year-plan intended to combat homelessness, and place them in stable housing.



'The aim of all these steps and our entire strategy is to help as many of our unhoused residents as possible to enter housing  and to stay housed,' Hancock wrote in a letter along with the release of the plan.

'When homelessness occurs, we should do everything in our power  as a society, not just as a government  to make it brief and one-time.'
The war of words between 2GB host Ray Hadley and Alan Jones has continued after the former breakfast radio king questioned how a young Covid victim died.

Hadley said Jones' employer Sky News should be 'ashamed' to have broadcast remarks by Jones on his Sky After Dark program in which he raised doubts about the death of 27-year-old forklift truck driver, Ady Al-Alaskar, last Tuesday.

On his program, Jones wondered whether the Sydney man would undergo an autopsy and asked why the young man hadn't been hospitalised.

'The coronavirus guidelines don't say, I'm advised, that an autopsy is required,' Jones said.

Hadley battled his emotions as he described the comments of his long-time former 2GB stablemate as 'bulls**t'.

'It was revealed yesterday, shortly after his death, there would be a coroner's inquest into his death.

'I'm sorry, but I'm quite emotional about this, because it's irresponsible for that stuff to be broadcast.

'Sky News should be absolutely ashamed of itself.'

'I'm quite emotional about this, because it's irresponsible for that stuff to be broadcast,' 2GB's Ray Hadley said of Alan Jones' comments about 27-year-old Covid victim Ady Al-Alaskar

Hadley had regularly cricitised Jones for his remarks about the Covid pandemic, including Sydney's lockdown, the anti-lockdown protests, and now the death of Al-Alaskar

Ady Al-Alaskar tested positive to the Delta variant of coronavirus 13 days before he collapsed in the shower at home in Liverpool and died earlier this week

Jones said the coronial inquiry would include an autopsy on Al-Alaskar's death.

'Precisely what I have called for,' he said.

Al-Alaskar tested positive to the Delta variant of the virus 13 days before he collapsed in the shower at home in Liverpool, south-western Sydney, and could not be revived.

He caught the virus from his wife, an aged care nurse, whom he had married just weeks earlier.

'Its inarguable he had the virus, it's inarguable he was getting care for 13 of the 14 days he was in home quarantine,' Hadley said.

'Why wasn't he in hospital? Because he wasn't sick enough.

'But all of a sudden he got dreadfully, dreadfully ill and evidence from across the world will illustrate that's what can happen in a minority of cases.

'To suggest Dr Chant and Gladys Berejiklian... would be in a conspiracy to try and dupe the public into believing the bloke actually had a heart attack, is just absolutely reprehensible.'

Hadley's condemnation of Jones' comments follows a series of recent editorials in which he has criticised the veteran broadcaster's Covid-related views.

Most recently Hadley attacked Jones for his comments on Sydney's anti-lockdown protests when he defended the behaviour of a man subsequently charged with animal cruelty for punching police horse, Tobruk.

'He supported the violence and the protest on Saturday citing the New South Wales lockdown laws and the Berejiklian Government as to blame for what happened,' Hadley said of Jones' comments.

'On Sky News, every night Alan Jones is an apologist for these thugs.'

Hadley recently attacked Jones over his support for those who attended Sydney's anti-lockdown protests

In mid-July, Hadley took umbrage at Jones' constant criticism of the NSW Premier for implementing a strict lockdown in Sydney to combat spread of the virus.

'According to him, theyve made mistake after mistake after mistake,' Hadley said on his July 13 program.

'If you look at the figures worldwide, as opposed to our figures, even in the middle of this pandemic problem we have in Sydney at the moment, [we are at the] top of the world in terms of controlling the virus.'

Hadley and Jones were radio colleagues for more than 35 years. On Jones' retirement from radio, Hadley called him 'the 'Bradman of broadcasting', but the Covid pandemic had exposed a major rift between them.

'Even though I'm a right-wing-shock jock myself, I have been shocked by him for the last 18 months and his whole approach on Covid,' Hadley said of Jones in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

'We are at a crucial time in our history. We have to be united, and Jones divides us.'
The man accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins in Parliament House has been ordered to appear before court next month.

The 26-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, will face one charge of sexual intercourse without consent which has a maximum sentence of 12 years in jail.

Ms Higgins made headlines in February when she claimed she was raped by a colleague in then defence minister Linda Reynolds' Parliament House office in March 2019.

The man (pictured) accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins in Parliament House has been ordered to appear before court next month

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins (pictured) alleged she was raped in Parliament House

The alleged incident was reported in April 2019 but Ms Higgins did not make a formal complaint until February this year.

Police investigated and have ordered the alleged attacker to appear before court in September.

The Australian Federal Police said in a statement: 'A 26-year-old man has been summonsed to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court for an alleged sexual assault in 2019.

'Police will allege the man had sexual intercourse with a woman without consent at Parliament House on Saturday, 23 March 2019.

Ms Higgins (pictured in April with boyfriend David Sharaz)

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins (pictured) was hospitalised over concerns for her well-being, before her boyfriend David Sharaz revealed she was recovering well

'Detectives from ACT Policing's Criminal Investigations - Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team, the specialist team dedicated to investigating sexual assaults in the ACT, first received a report in April 2019.

'The investigation remained open and in February 2021 a formal complaint was made. Detectives have since spoken to a number of witnesses and collected evidence as part of the investigation.

'Officers today (Friday, 6 August 2021) served the man's legal representative with a summons to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on 16 September 2021.'

In June Ms Higgins was hospitalised over concerns for her well-being, before her boyfriend David Sharaz revealed she was recovering well.

He said she was 'receiving the support she needs after months of sustained political pressure' - after she was critical of the Liberal Party for the way her complaint was handled.
A suspicious wife uncovered she was married to a bigamist father after spotting picture of his secret double life online.

Maria Guillen Garcia, 47, turned detective after clocking photographs of her husband Tom McCabe, 51, which suggested he had a son with another woman.

Ms Garcia contacted a lady called Bridget O'Connell McCabe, 58, who told her the boy was actually McCabe's stepson but that they had a daughter together.

She then said she was still married to him after tying the knot in 1995 in Kent.

It meant Ms Garcia's wedding to McCabe in August 2010 had been a bigamous one.

Police were informed and he was hauled to Highbury Corner magistrates court this week.

McCabe admitted bigamy at the hearing. He will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court later this month.

Second wife Maria Guillen Garcia and Tom McCabe at their wedding back in August 2010

Tom McCabe, 51, marrying his first wife Bridget O'Connell McCabe, 58, back in 1995

Ms Garcia told the Mirror outside court: 'He told me they were together for 14 years but never married or had children. He showed me pictures of his stepson, who he told me was his nephew.

'I knew something wasn't right because Bridget had his surname. I saw a picture of his daughter, who he told me was his niece, it looked so much like him.

'I was trying to find out for about a year if he was married.

'He probably thought I'd never find out but I'm not stupid.'

The court heard McCabe married Bridget in Kent in August 1995 but they split nine years later and she went to Ireland to live.

He met second wife Maria Guillen Garcia in November 2009 and married her at the Wood Green Civic Centre, North London, in August 2010.

The bigamy case was heard at Highbury Corner magistrates court yesterday by JPs

Prosecutor Umaima Peracha told Highbury Corner magistrates court in North London: 'Bridget told Ms Garcia in 2009 she applied for separation.

'She confirmed she never asked Mr McCabe for a divorce and she never filed for a divorce from him.'

Bridget, 58, said: 'You never get away from him because you always have old memories dragged back.

'His new wife started messaging my children and they said she kept asking them questions about Tom.

'One day I messaged her. She said she was married to him and I said 'well that's weird, because I'm still married to him unfortunately'.

'The reason I didn't bother divorcing him is because I didn't want to see him again. I did not tell him we were divorced, he is lying.

'I don't really care who he marries as I haven't seen him for about 12 years, but whoever this other woman is, she doesn't deserve this.'
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A nurse today revealed how her dream 8,000 holiday to Cancun turned to disaster as she landed in Mexico after other panicked passengers told her the Government had decided to turn the country red as they crossed the Atlantic.

Rebecca Dean and her family are among the thousands of British holidaymakers now scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel costing 1,750 per person, rising to 2,285 from next Thursday.

Speaking from Cancun, where she is with her family, Mrs Dean told Good Morning Britain: 'There was nothing to suggest that Mexico would be going on the red list and we found out after a really long flight from other passengers. It was complete devastation'.

When asked if she had taken the risk to go abroad on holiday she said: 'I understand, but we've had this holiday booked for over a year and have been keeping an eye on the situation daily in terms of cases. Yes we could have gone closer to home but this was our dream holiday and there was nothing to suggest this would happen'. Her young son Jack said: 'I was in complete shock. Before that I was really excited'.

Aaron Stewart, from Glasgow, is in Mexico City with his wife and newborn baby until August 20 - but says the rule change means he is stuck. Mr Stewart, a self-employed networking engineer, told the i newspaper: 'It's time that I can't take off work because it's going to cost me much more than that figure. I might have to pay clients back, and I'm talking about 10,000 here. Or I just hang out in Mexico and hope that the restrictions might be lifted.'

He added: 'The whole thing's absolutely ridiculous and I am so bitterly angry because there's no logic in this whatsoever'.

British Airways said its teams had been 'working through the night to arrange as many additional seats out of Mexico as possible to help get Britons home'. But there is unlikely to be enough seats for all those desperate to return as is the case of trust officer Claudia Rattray.

Mrs Rattray, 44, told of 'shock and devastation' after landing in Mexico to discover the country had been placed on the red list while she was flying.

She and her daughters Ivanna, 15, and Summer, 14, had travelled from their home in Jersey in order to visit family. She said: 'My husband spoke to British Airways to see if we were able to get flights for tonight or tomorrow... and there's no seats available, nothing.'

Rebecca Dean and her family are among the thousands of British holidaymakers now scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel

Pictured: Claudia Rattray talks to BBC via video alongside her daughters. Claudia and her two daughters arrived in Mexico city today to learn the country had been upgraded to the red list

Ayo Faley (left), a call handler of NHS Test and Trace in London, arrived in Cancun, Mexico, on Thursday morning for her holiday, and plans to continue her trip as planned and pay for quarantine when she returns to the UK. Aaron (right) is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival

Covid test centers are seen around the Mexican resorts of Tulum and Cancun as the UK is set to place the country on its red list from Sunday.

Welcome home: Families reunited at Heathrow today as thousands race home to the UK to beat Sunday's 4am deadline after which they would be forced to stay for 10 days in a quarantine hotel at a cost of up to 2,285

Thousands of British holidaymakers in Mexico are scrambling to get home after travel restrictions changed at short notice.

From 4am on Sunday, those returning home from Mexico will have to quarantine in a designated hotel for ten days.

The cost of a flight back to Britain was being sold for between 2,000 and 4,000 yesterday as many tried to beat the deadline. There are between 5,000 and 6,000 British holidaymakers in Mexico currently.

In a further blow, the cost of hotel quarantine will increase from August 12, with the price for single adult travellers rising from 1,750 to 2,285 and a second adult paying 1,430  more than double the current rate of 650.

One couple have been forced to cut their honeymoon from two weeks to two days.

Student Joe Coward, 29, said: 'We feel... incredibly sad and frustrated that the time that should've been spent enjoying being newlyweds has been ruined.'

NHS worker Ayo Faley, 24, also only discovered she had just three days left to return home to avoid quarantine after landing in Cancun yesterday.

She said she was 'absolutely distraught' but plans to complete her holiday. She asked: 'How are [the Government] planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?'

Claire, 30, from south London, said: 'I had access to the Wifi so I found out in mid air.

'I just wanted to grab the tannoy and tell everyone because I could see all these families looking forward to their holiday and it was obvious they didn't know.

'It's crazy the lack of notice. I had no inkling Mexico was about to go on the red list.'

Another tweeted: 'Landing in Mexico to find out it's been added to the red list whilst I was up in the air, has got to be one of the worst things I've ever experienced.'

Happy landings? Passengers arrive at Heathrow after UK government placed Mexico on its travel red-list - leaving holidaymakers with a choice between flying home to beat Sunday's 4am deadline, or enjoying their break but stay for 10 days in a quarantine hotel when they return

The slog back home: Grant Shapps said up to 6,000 Britons are currently in Mexico, after ministers warned they would place the country onto its travel red-list at 4am on Sunday.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia. But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry

The price of the only direct flight from Mexico City to London before Mexico moves to the red list has soared to a staggering 6,878

Father-of-two David Hing, 40, arrived in Mexico with his wife and children aged four and seven on July 31. They were supposed to stay until August 21 - five days before the travel list is looked at again.

Mr Hing told MailOnline: 'We knew the risks and while at the moment it seems like a bad dream and is very stressful and I've been up all night looking at alternative options, we are just going to try to enjoy the holiday.

'It broke my heart when my two little ones said they wanted to stay on holiday and would lend us money if we needed it.

'The notice period doesn't really give long enough to make changes especially when it's hard to get through and talk to anyone at the airlines.

'The images of the food and hotels do not seem like they are worth the cost so that's why we are going to try and fly back somewhere else first. I feel sorry for the people who were already on the flight from the UK and hope they can make alternative arrangements.'

A young couple cut short their honeymoon in Mexico from two weeks to two days, after they discovered the new restrictions upon landing in Mexico early on Thursday morning.

Joe Coward, 29, said: 'Basically we touched down to find that our two-week honeymoon, which had already been rearranged several times, was going to be a two-day visit. We've arranged a flight for tomorrow and will be spending today getting ready to turn right around and go home.'

Mexico is in the grip of a third wave of Covid and on Wednesday another 611 deaths were reported  taking the total number of deaths due to the virus to 242,547.

Another 611 deaths were also reported and the country has recorded a total of 2,901,094 infections and 242,547 deaths.

The government has said the real number of cases is likely significantly higher, and separate data published recently suggested the actual death toll is at least 60% above the confirmed figure.

Seven European countries: Austria, Germany , Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will turn green from Sunday 4am.

India , Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels;

But Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. Up to 6,000 Brits are on holiday in Mexico and now scrambling to get back this weekend to avoid quarantine hotels - with not enough seats to get them home;

Hotel quarantine costs are to soar to more than 200 a night from a week today. From next Thursday, the price will jump to 2,285 for a single person. Additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate;

The decision to place Mexico on the red list also reflects worries about a new variant which originated in Colombia and which has concerned British scientists.

Passengers arriving from Mexico City at Heathrow Terminal 5 today slammed the new rules.

Leidy Corrales, 35, a dental assistant, who was travelling back to Switzerland from Playa de Carmen in Mexico, said: 'I'm travelling back to Geneva with my two children Joshua and Carla and my husband.

'Putting Mexico on the red list is not logical because when you go there, everything is normal, they are taking all the same protections - masks, hand sanitisation and social distancing.

'The quarantine costs are just unreasonable - I think when people go on holiday, they should just have to do two tests and only quarantine if it's positive.

'Mexico is a tourist hotspot and people here like going to hot places, but the government doesn't want people to go on holiday, they want to control them.

'It's like a dictatorship of security in a democracy, because they keep changing the rules and no-one can afford that.'

Her husband Denys added: 'We're so happy to have been able to enjoy our holiday without having to pay for a hotel on the way back, thank God.'

Changing travel rules: What you need to know There have been more changes to the rules for international travel, with some popular destinations climbing the ladder to the green list and others sliding down on to the red. The Government has also hiked the price of hotel quarantine, meaning a trip to a red list country is a pricey affair. Here is the state of play for your summer holidays. Is there any good news? Seven countries will be added to England's green travel list from 4am on Sunday, the Government announced on Wednesday. Anyone returning from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway will no longer need to quarantine on arrival. France has also lost its confusing 'amber plus' status, which meant all travellers and not just those who are not fully vaccinated had to self-isolate for 10 days upon return. Our nearest neighbour had been in a category all by itself because of concerning levels of the beta variant of Covid-19 there. Is that it? Sadly yes, but it just got slightly easier to visit India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as they have been downgraded from the red to the amber list, meaning arrivals will no longer have to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel. There are currently 24 countries on the green list, including the popular holiday destinations of Barbados, Croatia and Malta - unfortunately 16 of these are on the 'green watch list' meaning they could be suddenly be shunted up to amber. Australia and New Zealand are both unambiguously green - unfortunately neither are welcoming British travellers at the moment. Has anyone joined the red list? Yes - Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. If you have a holiday to one of those destinations already booked and want to press ahead, bear in mind the cost for solo travellers in a quarantine hotel in England will be ramped up from 1,750 to 2,285 from August 12. The charge for an additional adult sharing a room will more than double from 650 to 1,430 to 'better reflect the increased costs involved', the Government said. Is my trip to Spain safe? There were fears in the travel industry that Spain - the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers - could be added to England's red list. The Government announced it would keep its amber status, but urged travellers arriving in the UK from Spain to take a PCR test for the mandatory pre-departure test 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'. Many travellers have been relying on the cheaper lateral flow test kits which are less reliable than PCRs. Things keep changing - what do I have to do when I get home again? There are different rules for countries on the red, amber and green lists that also differ according to a traveller's vaccination status. Passengers to England returning from a red list country must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure and must book a hotel quarantine package including two Covid-19 tests even if they have had both jabs. They must also complete a passenger locator form. If you have come from an amber list country, you need proof of a negative test before travel and those who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day two and day eight. You might be able to get out of quarantine early if you pay for a private PCR test to be taken on day five under the Test to Release scheme. Those with two vaccines only need to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival and can skip self-isolation - the same rules apply to those who are under the age of 18 regardless of their vaccination status. Anyone returning from a green list country need only have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before travel, fill in a passenger locator form and take a test on day two after arrival. Do these changes apply elsewhere in the UK? The devolved nations have control over their own amber, red and green lists of countries as well as the rules around quarantine upon return, and the recent changes have attracted criticism from some quarters. The Welsh Government is still advising against 'all but essential' travel abroad, and those who have been to a red list country cannot even enter until they have completed 10 days of quarantine in England or Scotland first. In a statement, a spokesman for the Welsh Government said: 'We have long called for a clearer system of rules regarding international travel. 'The ad-hoc nature of the decisions made by the UK Government on the issue does little to instil confidence or provide clarity for travellers. 'We continue to advise against all but essential travel abroad because of the continuing risk of infection, including with new variants of coronavirus which may not respond to our vaccines. 'We will consider the latest changes announced by the UK Government.' Advertisement

Amy Perez, 39, a marketing director from Putney, south west London, who has been travelling around Mexico with her family, said: 'It's inconvenient and expensive and there seems to be an entire industry surrounding Covid testing.

'We were on holiday for two weeks and are really chuffed that we don't have to quarantine for 10 days.

'We would have been locked up in a hotel with these two little monsters - Maxi, 18 months, and Emilia, who just turned four yesterday.'

Her husband Jorge said: 'The government wants people to get vaccinated, but then people don't see the benefits.

'It would have made more sense for us to take the fine rather than shell out thousands of pounds, not be able to work and be locked up with our children.'

Alejandro Seama, 42, a filmmaker from London, said: 'I think it's terrible and stupid, because it seems they just want rich people to be able travel.

'Look at my dad, he's 72, he's been double vaccinated, he's absolutely fine, but for some reason they don't accept his vaccines here.

'I had to spend 600 on mandatory Covid tests just to get my parents here.

'If the rules had already changed, they would not have been able to visit and I would have never left.

'I had no clue that Mexico was going on the red list, but thank God we came back today.'

Returning from Mexico after the deadline will see Britons face a steep hotel quarantine bill after the government raised the price to 'reflect increased costs involved'.

A single person will have to stump up 2,285 from next Thursday during their isolation - while additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate.

The price for children aged five to 12 will remain at 325, while under-fives will continue to stay for free.

It means that, for a family of four with two teenage children, the cost will jump from 3,700 to a staggering 6,575  a rise of 78 per cent.

Mr Coward said if the couple do not receive a refund from British Airways for their holiday, based near Cancun, they will be 'several thousand pounds out of pocket'.

He said staying is not an option due to the cost of quarantine hotels - which from August 12 will rise to 2,285 for a solo traveller, plus an extra 1,430 for additional adults sharing a room.

Ayo Faley, a call handler for NHS Test and Trace in London, also landed in Cancun on Thursday morning but she plans to stay for her holiday as planned and pay for quarantine.

She is returning on August 11 so will pay the lower rate of 1,750, but said she is 'absolutely distraught'.

The 24-year-old said: 'I only found out (travel restrictions had changed) the minute I was able to connect to wifi at the airport... I went into a state of panic.

'(I tried) to locate other Brits and see whether they knew and what their next plan of action was... you could see the look of confusion, fear and regret all in their faces.

'I am absolutely distraught... I've decided to just stay and enjoy the time here... I'll just have to face the consequences when I arrive.'

Ms Faley works from home and had planned to do so on her return from Cancun, but said she will not be able to access her equipment in quarantine.

She added: 'How are (the Government) planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?

'Leaving the UK thinking their country of destination was safe to then land and find out they better return ASAP or risk being stuck in a hotel for 11 days.'

Aaron, who did not wish to share his second name, is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival.

The 43-year-old arrived in Mexico in early July to witness the birth of his son, Aviv, and his wife, who is from Sinaloa, had her UK visa approved on July 28.

'(Aviv) was due to be born July by C-section, but they brought the date forward, so I arrived in the airport at 3am and just made it to the hospital before my wife went to surgery,' Aaron told PA.

Aaron is a self-employed data and audiovisual engineer and said he 'can't quantify' how much quarantining will cost his business.

'I have previously taken out a bounce-back loan to keep my business afloat,' he added.

'I have no idea why I should have to pay to isolate in a hotel when I've had both (Astrazeneca) vaccinations in Edinburgh, proof of vaccination, took a test on my way here and will take one on arrival in Scotland.'

James Dean, 38, from Bournemouth had already spent 8,000 on a fortnight in Cancun with wife Rebecca and their four children Lilly, 16, Jack, 13, Isabella, nine, and Fred, six.

The office manager told the Mirror: 'That has just shocked me. I'm gutted to be honest.

'I'm going have to pay for us all to go in to quarantine as well. I'm still digesting it. I'm just gobsmacked.'

John Soones, 62, from south west London, was travelling to Mexico with his wife and their 18 year old daughter.

He said: 'It's just incredible. It's terrible to get no notice that this is likely to happen and no time to change plans.'

In more positive news, it was announced that double-jabbed tourists returning from France will be spared quarantine from Sunday and seven European countries including Germany and Norway were added to the green list of destinations.

Spain has also been spared being given red status - potentially forcing thousands into 2,285-a-stay quarantine hotels - but the Government is urging travellers to take a PCR test before they fly home from the Iberian country.

Grant Shapps said today that people can travel without 'looking over their shoulders' for the next three weeks as countries will not move lists 'unless something exceptional and unexpected happens'. But the Transport Secretary added that full vaccination for travel will be a feature for Britons 'forever more' and admitted that countries could turn red again by the end of the month.

Tens of thousands more Britons are now expected to head to France for August - although tourism chiefs have warned millions more Frenchmen are staying in the country this summer so there is serious a lack of accommodation if the traveller is without a second home.

There is a particular shortage of gites, camp sites and hotel rooms in the south of the country, especially near beach resorts such as Biarritz, Narbonne, Ile de Re and Saint-Tropez, while experts have said there are much larger numbers of tourists from Holland, Belgium and Germany in the country this year.

Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will all move to the quarantine-free tier at the end of the weekend, in a huge boost for those looking to book a late summer getaway on the continent.

But while there is no quarantine people will still have to take a negative test before returning and a PCR test on day two back in the UK.

Meanwhile, the status of India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels.

While Spain avoided joining them, those flying back will soon face higher testing costs after ministers urged holidaymakers to take a PCR for the mandatory pre-departure test, rather than the cheaper lateral flow alternatives, 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'.

Queues at St Pancras International this morning as France was opened up both ways for British tourists and people jumped on the Eurostar

Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence says Sadiq Khan Sadiq Khan has said that failing to wear a face mask on the Tube should become a criminal offence. The London Mayor has been pushing the the government to allow Transport for London (TfL) to impose a by-law requiring face coverings on the capital's transport network. Since the easing of restrictions on July 19 'Freedom Day', passengers have only been required to wear a covering as a 'condition of carriage' rather than a legal requirement. This means TfL staff can tell non-compliant customers to leave a bus or train but are powerless to impose fines. But Mr Khan now wants a bye-law put in place to effectively bring back the rule that was dropped on July 19. The rule change would also mean British Transport Police officers could be used to enforce it. Speaking to the BBC's Newscast podcast Mr Khan said: 'We are trying to lobby the Government to allow us to bring in a bye-law, so it will be the law again, so we can issue fixed penalty notices and we can use the police service and BTP to enforce this.' Advertisement

With the guidance being advice, rather than law, many travellers may feel entitled to refuse to take the gold-standard test, which can cost as much as 175 per person.

French tourism chiefs have welcomed the news that Britons can more freely come and go from Sunday - especially because Britons are by far the biggest spenders in the country but only around ten per cent of the usual number of UK tourists are in the country this summer.

But in the past month Mr Macron has enforced a 'high alert' covid-19 level hit in 37 departments in France because of rising cases of the Delta variant and increasingly busy hospitals.

In Occitanie, in south-west France, a 'white' alert has been imposed meaning medics on holiday can be forced to return to work because of increasingly packed covid wards.

Changes to the traffic light system are a 'positive step forward' but the Government needs to make faster progress in opening up international travel, industry experts have warned.

Four countries are being removed from England's red list as part of the latest update to the international travel system, while seven more, including Germany are being added to the green list.

It has also been confirmed that arrivals from France will no longer need to self-isolate, aligning the nation with other countries on the amber list, from which arrivals only need to quarantine at home if they are not fully vaccinated.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have followed England in introducing the same travel relaxations.

However, the changes have attracted criticism from the Welsh Government which has continued to advise against 'all but essential' travel.

Confirmation that France is joining the amber list is 'positive' especially during the 'critical' school holiday period, said Mark Tanzer, head of Abta, the travel association.

But he warned the Government is 'failing to capitalise fully on the success of the vaccine rollout' with a 'very cautious' approach to the green list and 'failure to relax restrictions on travel, including requirements for multiple tests even when visiting low risk destinations.'

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said the extension of the green list is 'a positive step forward' but warned that the UK remains 'a long way off a full and meaningful restart of international travel'.

Tim Alderslade, boss of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, described the announcement as 'another missed opportunity'.

Covid cases in the UK and France look set to pass each other in the coming days as a wave of delta cases in Britain drops while it is on the rise across the Channel

He added that the travel industry has not had 'anything like the reopening it was hoping for'.

Meanwhile, Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, welcomed the addition of more green list countries, but warned that the constant chopping and changing would cause further disruption for many.

'The cost for travellers can be significant,' he said. 'Some holidaymakers whose countries have now been placed in the red category will find that their airline or tour operator is unwilling to give them a refund. Other providers won't refund or even facilitate rebooking if a country is moved from green to amber.'

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'While there's some welcome progress, the Government is still being too cautious at a time when they should be opening up travel faster to help the sector's recovery.'

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: 'Now summer is fully under way, this provides some reassurance to consumers by keeping the status quo for key holiday destinations, as well as adding some Green list destinations for last-minute bookers where there are still great flight and holiday deals available.

'But we remain disappointed at the double standards applied to travel versus the domestic economy. With infection rates remaining lower in much of Europe and the high vaccination levels in the UK, if not now, it is hard to know when the time is for much of Europe to genuinely turn Green.

'And Government urgently needs to tackle this expensive testing regime which is adding unnecessary cost, especially for the fully vaccinated. No one wants to see flying become a preserve of the rich again - particularly when so many need to get away or reunite after such a long time.'

Is pingdemic mayhem finally easing? Number of alerts sent by NHS Covid app plunged by 43% last week... and that was BEFORE software was tweaked

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before, in a sign that pingdemic mayhem may finally be easing.

Thousands of people have deleted the app in recent week to avoid the alerts, which tell people they have been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The alerts have forced millions into self-isolation across the country  despite not testing positive themselves  leading to chaos as supermarket shelves were left barren with workers having to stay home.

Earlier this week it was announced that the app is being updated so fewer contacts will be instructed to isolate.

Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, insisted the app is still 'incredibly useful', despite the swathes of people being asked to isolate.

But the changes were made after the latest data  suggesting another reason is behind the drastic fall in alerts.

Britain's Covid cases began falling on July 21 but did not reach the rate of the drop off in alerts until July 28, the last date included in the most recent data.

It comes after academics claimed Britain's Covid self-isolation sentence could be halved to just five days and be as effective.

Data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown

The NHS data today showed the number of venue check ins made with the Covid app dropped from 6.6million to 2.3million in the most recent week  a drop-off of 65 per cent.

People are no longer required to use the app to check into venues since restrictions were lifted on July 19, but the trend gives an indication in the fall in usage.

Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, described the app as 'incredibly useful', despite large numbers of people being asked to isolate

Earlier this week, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said the 'logic' behind the app was tweaked, although the sensitivity and risk threshold will remain unchanged.

Instead of checking contacts for five days before a positive test, the app will only go back two days.

Dr Tildesley told Sky News: 'I know there have been some challenges in terms of particularly at the moment the so-called 'pingdemic', but in terms of being able to detect contact, it has been extremely valuable.

'Obviously the challenge with that is that a lot of people are going into isolation and over the last few days the app has been made less sensitive.'

Dr Tildesley said there is a worry that if too many people are pinged, fewer may be willing to comply, but he added that the tweak will 'hopefully guarantee higher levels of compliance'.

Fresh data from Oxford University's Pathogen Dynamics Group shows up to 40 per cent of transmission occurs before symptoms emerge.

But most of this happens during the two days before people fall ill, which prompted the alteration of how the NHS Covid app works.

Around 35 per cent of transmission occurs within the first two days of people having symptoms.

However, the data came from September  before the highly-infectious Delta variant took off.

Oxford University data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting

Ministers are keen to replace quarantine rules with daily testing, with scientists now investigating if it is safe to make the drastic move.

Dr Muge Cevik, an infectious disease expert at the University of St Andrews, told the Telegraph: 'Given most transmission happens very early on, the isolation period could be much shorter for the cases.

'Viral load peaks pretty quickly, so people are highly infectious within the first few days.

'Also importantly, many people have non-specific mild symptoms before developing more noticeable ones, like fatigue or myalgia, so that's probably when people are highly infectious too but continue daily activity.

'So, the current self-isolation guidelines, especially given the lack of support provided for sick leave, does not serve for the purpose.'

Just 3.3% of Brits returning from Mexico last month had Covid compared to 2.9% from Spain, which is 35 TIMES more popular among tourists... so WHY did one get slapped on red list and the other escaped?

2,065 Covid-infected travellers arrived in England from Spain last month (2.9% of arrivals), latest figures show

Meanwhile, just 64 people coming from Mexico had the coronavirus between July 1 and 21 (3.3% of arrivals)

And more passengers arriving in England from 12 other countries tested positive compared to Mexico

But ministers only added Mexico to the travel red list, it was announced last night

Microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke told MailOnline there is barely any difference between the two countries

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Infection rates are only marginally higher among travellers returning to Britain from Mexico compared to Spain, raising questions about why it was moved to the red list.

Official Government figures also show Spain  which escaped any further sanctions  is 35 times more popular for tourists, meaning hundreds of Covid cases are actually being imported from the holiday hotspot. Only dozens of infected people are flying back from Mexico.

British holidaymakers are now scrambling to get back from Mexico before strict hotel quarantine rules come into place on Sunday.

The decision gave people just three days' notice, with some only discovering the news while mid-air. Plane tickets allowing Britons to make it back in time are on sale for up to 7,000.

But Spain  which scientists say has a similar-shaped outbreak  stayed in the amber category, despite rumours that the holiday plans of tens of thousands of Brits were on the brink of ruin.

Experts have now called on ministers to publish the full set of data to justify last night's decision to place Mexico onto the red list, with the rules set to kick in at 4am on August 8.

The Department for Transport released a spreadsheet of 'key' statistics used by ministers to inform their policies.

Raising questions on why Mexico was singled out for the red list - meaning travellers have to isolate in a hotel when they arrive in England - latest figures show 457 people per million tested positive in Spain yesterday, while just 122 tested positive in Mexico (graph, left). Meanwhile, positivity rates among travellers returning from Mexico was only marginally higher than Spain - 3.3 per cent compared to 2.9 per cent (graph, top right). But just 1,940 flew in from Mexico, while 71,418 arrived from Spain, which swayed the percentages (graph, bottom right). Some 2,065 arrivals from Spain tested positive, while the figure for Mexico was just 64

The Government agency says countries are assumed to be amber unless they have a 'low public health risk', with small outbreaks and a low prevalence of variants such as Beta.

On the other hand, countries are put on the red list if their epidemics have spooked the Joint Biosecurity Centre a branch that decides the travel quarantine rules.

Under this methodology, the JBC assesses the prevalence of variants in each territory.

NHS Test and Trace data, which is used by civil servants to make the list decisions, shows only six samples were sequenced from travellers returning from Mexico. Three were either Delta or Alpha  the others were not marked as being ones of concern.

Almost all of the swabs analysed among Britons coming back from Spain were Alpha or Delta. No Beta-infected samples were spotted.

But exact breakdowns of other variant data were 'suppressed'.

The DFT says: 'The vast majority of data used to inform the risk assessment is in the public domain. However, some data cannot be published due to the privacy risks that disclosure may have on individuals or groups.

'Similarly, privately shared data from other governments or organisations cannot be published due to the undertakings given when obtaining the data.'

The JBC also carries out a 'deep dive' on the prevalence of Covid in each country, looking at testing rates, infection rates and sequencing ability.

Spain's daily Covid infections are significantly higher than Mexico's, with 457 people per million testing positive every day at present, according to Our World in Data  one of the Covid-tracking websites civil servants use to monitor outbreaks. The rate is also dropping.

For comparison, the figure is three times lower in Mexico (122) but is rising quickly.

And Spain is conducting about nearly 15 times more tests in proportion to the size of its population than Mexico, which has a test positivity rate of almost 40 per cent and has only fully-vaccinated a fifth of all adults.

The European holiday destination  which has three times higher vaccination rates  is also sequencing around 1,000 tests a day. In contrast, Mexico has genetically analysed only 18,000 Covid samples since the pandemic began.

Under the third part of any travel quarantine decision, the JBC look at an array of data available from the World Health Organization, NHS Test and Trace and other official sources.

The most up-to-date figures from NHS Test and Trace  which only go up until July 21  show just 3.3 per cent of arrivals from Mexico tested positive for Covid. For comparison, the figure stood at 2.9 per cent in Spain  Britain's most visited holiday destination.

But because of the popularity of Spain, 35 times fewer cases are actually being imported from Mexico.

Just 64 of the 1,940 people who landed in England from Mexico between July 1-21 had Covid. Meanwhile, 2,065 of the 71,418 travellers who arrived from Spain tested positive.

Positivity rates among travellers from Mexico have doubled in since June, but they have more than tripled among people arriving from Spain.

And the numbers also show in addition to Spain, there are 11 other countries still on the amber list where higher number of positive cases are being imported from.

For comparison, 344 people travellers positive after arriving back from Greece, while 217 travellers from Portugal were infected.

More Covid cases were also found in people flying to England from France (205), the US (164), Italy (147) and Nigeria (132). There were also more infected people coming back from Cyprus (90), Poland (89), the Netherlands (85), Romanian (82) and Russia (65).

France trips 'TREBLE' in price: Eurotunnel, Eurostar and easyJet are accused of hiking fares for lockdown-weary Britons... just hours after quarantine rules changed Britons trying to book for France have today accused Eurotunnel, Eurostar and easyJet of 'ripping off' customers who claimed the price of passage trebled as soon as the Government announced it would scrap quarantine for tourists returning from Sunday. People trying to book trains from St Pancras to Paris claim that 50 was almost immediately added to the cost of a 89 one-way ticket while MailOnline research has found that the average price increase to travel this weekend is between 20 to 60 for a standard or standard premier ticket. After Grant Shapps made the announcement last night, one Eurostar customer trying to get back to Britain tweeted: 'So now Eurostar prices are double the price if not more. Expats are consistently fighting a losing battle'. Another wrote that the website was crashing 'again and again' with the 'price relentlessly going up', adding: 'Took about 10 attempts and 50 quid more! Absolutely ridiculous!'. One driver trying to book the Eurotunnel to France from Folkestone tweeted: 'Why are you doubling your prices from this Sunday just as the new quarantine rules for UK people coming from France come into affect? Isn't this what's known as profiteering? Our ticket cost has doubled in 24hrs because we had to amend our booking'. And people trying to fly to France in August are also being hit in the pocket. Several accused easyJet of cancelling flights in order to force them into buying more expensive tickets. One wrote: '@easyJet has just cancelled all flights to nice in august so that prices can be hiked up! Outrageous! My friend now has to find alternative flights at a vastly inflated cost'. Another said: '@easyJet - our flight to France was cancelled 3 times so on the 3rd cancellation we took a voucher as we did not have a lot of time to think about it. You have now increased the price, can you offer the same deal at least?'. The companies today denied they were taking advantage, saying any rises were down to demand. A Eurotunnel spokesman said: 'The cost of a ticket does not double overnight due to an amendment. Our pricing works like that of most travel operators, as a dynamic model, led by demand. With the announcement last night, we saw an immediate uplift in bookings and therefore certain departures are now in higher demand than previously. Conversely, there are plenty of keenly priced departures available too'. Eurostar and easyJet have been asked to comment. Advertisement

However, these figures were originally published last Thursday, meaning ministers may have seen more recent data that gave them cause for concern about Mexico.

The final part of any travel quarantine decision made by the JBC is known as the 'outcome'. It is used to 'support decision making', and allows ministers to take the risk assessments into account 'alongside wider public health factors to inform watchlists'.

'Travel connections with the UK and details of the in-country and territory vaccination profile are included as contextual information,' the DFT also says.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said: 'Our international travel policy is guided by one overwhelming priority  public health  and traffic light allocations are based on a range of factors including genomic surveillance capability, transmission risk and variants of concern.'

Asked about MailOnline's analysis of the numbers, Dr Simon Clarke said he would 'absolutely agree' that there is barely any difference between outbreaks in Spain and Mexico.

But the microbiologist, from Reading University, warned civil servants making the decision would have inevitably considered other data that may have skewed the argument.

He said policymakers should release the raw data justifying the decisions, echoing calls by other prominent Covid experts.

Dr Clarke, however, said: 'Frankly, I think the government don't want academics and scientists kicking over the stuff and questioning their decisions.'

Professor Lawrence Young, a molecular virologist at the University of Warwick, told MailOnline: 'The whole international travel situation remains very confusing  despite the government stating that this is a 'simplified system'.

'The criteria used for designating a country as amber, green or red is not clear and is still subject to change.

'There are rising cases of infection in Mexico against a backdrop of around 20 per cent of the population being fully vaccinated.

'What's important is not to get complacent. The virus is still infecting people  even some who have been fully vaccinated.

'The testing regime for amber listed countries is very important to ensure returning travellers are not spreading infection. We need to protect ourselves from importing dangerous virus variants.'

Professor Gary McLean, a molecular immunologist at London Metropolitan University, said: 'It looks like Mexico is being more carefully watched here due to rising case numbers, particularly among those returning to the UK and the presence of another variant that originated in South America.

'The current wave in Spain is in decline, much like the current UK wave - the fears over the spread of the Beta variant in Spain have subsided somewhat. Allowing Spain to remain amber.

'However the wave in Mexico is still rising despite similar daily case numbers to Spain.

'All of this put together has allowed Spain to remain amber but unfortunately Mexico jump to red - the traffic light list and restrictions is really attempting to reduce the flow of cases from regions with higher and increasing case rates associated with variants that may escape immunity.

'Whilst it is imperfect it is surely better than a complete border closure at this stage of the pandemic.'

Where CAN you go on holiday now? How double-jabbed Brits can visit Latvia, Romania and Germany with NO tests needed... while unvaccinated must provide proof they're Covid-free to enter Spain

Double-jabbed Britons can visit Latvia, Romania and Germany with no tests needed, while those who are unvaccinated must provide proof that they are Covid-free to enter Spain, it can be revealed.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia.

But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry entirely.

And the Spanish Government requires all travellers from the UK to present either proof of a negative Covid-19 test or that they have received two vaccinations at least 14 days before arrival.

There are still some rules for fully-vaccinated people if they are visiting places such as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where they have to carry out seven days of quarantine, but this is less than the 12 days of self-isolation required for Britons who have only had one or no doses of the vaccine.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia. But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry entirely

Restrictions do not differ for double-jabbed people if they are travelling from the UK to Austria, where they are still expected to quarantine for 10 days, Norway, India and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte.

The guidance comes amid the Government's shake-up of the traffic light system, adding seven European countries to the green list of destinations and switching the status of India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from red to amber.

But there is growing anger about the decision to turn Mexico red with just three days' notice, with panicked and 'f***ing fuming' Britons trying to get home before 4am on Sunday. Georgia, Reunion and Mayotte will also turn red this weekend.

While Spain avoided joining them, those flying back will soon face higher testing costs after ministers urged holidaymakers to take a PCR for the mandatory pre-departure test, rather than the cheaper lateral flow alternatives, 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'.

Elsewhere, as expected, the Government also confirmed that arrivals from France will no longer need to self-isolate, which could spark a surge in cross-Channel bookings, as is the custom in August when traditionally more than four million Britons make the trip.

France will be aligned with all other amber nations, from which arrivals only need to quarantine at home if they are not fully vaccinated. The changes to the travel lists come into force at 4am on Sunday.

Below are the regulations in full for visitors from the UK, laid out according to their vaccination status, to countries where travel rules have recently changed.

Austria

Austria is one of the seven European countries being added to the green list of destinations.

Those who are fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days and provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure.

The restrictions are the same for Britons who are not double-jabbed, including 10 days of quarantine and showing a pre-departure negative PCR test.

Germany

Germany is also being moved from the amber to green list as part of the UK Government's latest changes.

Under entry requirements for Germany, those who are not fully vaccinated and do not meet the exemptions outlined, such as being a German citizen or having an urgent need to travel, 'may not currently enter' the country.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 can enter Germany if they can show proof of a negative Covid test and are travelling with at least one fully vaccinated parent.

Meanwhile, those who are double-jabbed are permitted entry and do not have to quarantine.

Latvia

Tourists travelling from the UK to Latvia, which is being added to the green list, have unrestricted entry if they are fully vaccinated.

Those who are not double-jabbed must show a negative PCR test before boarding or crossing the border.

Arrivals must also complete and submit an electronic form no longer than 48 hours after entering the country.

Norway

Fully vaccinated visitors from the UK to Norway, which is being added to the green list, are not allowed to visit unless residing in Norway or if they are a close family member of a Norwegian resident.

The same applies to those who have not received both doses.

This comes after the UK left the European Union at the start of this year, meaning that UK nationals are no longer classified as EU/EEA nationals and will not be allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions.

Romania

Fully vaccinated people travelling to Romania, which is moving from the amber to green list, do not have to quarantine or take a test.

The guidance states it allows Britons who can 'demonstrate proof of a full course of vaccination against Covid-19' to be exempt from self-isolation.

People are not double-jabbed will have to quarantine for 14 days, unless a negative RT-PCR test can be shown before their arrival and they leave within 72 hours afterwards.

Slovenia

For Slovenia, which is being added to the green list, people travelling from the UK who are fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days if they do not have a permanent or temporary residency.

Those without two jabs can similarly only enter if they quarantine for 10 days (if they do not have a permanent or temporary residency).

They must also prove one of the following: a recent Covid test, at least one vaccine dose (AstraZeneca, Janssen or Covishield) or a positive PCR test showing they have had Covid within the last six months.

Slovakia

For Slovakia, moving to the green list, it states 'entry is now permitted for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK'.

However, those who have not received both doses can only be admitted under certain exemptions, such as being a resident or studying there.

Bahrain

Bahrain, which is moving from a red to amber list status, requires pre-departure, arrival and day 10 PRC tests for people who are fully vaccinated, but says they do not need to quarantine.

Those without two jabs must quarantine for 10 days and also take the pre-departure, arrival and day 10 PRC tests.

India

All regularly scheduled international flights remain suspended but a limited number are in operation.

Those who do travel to India must go through thermal screening on arrival, show proof of a negative private test (not PCR) and quarantine for 10 days quarantine.

This applies to everyone regardless of their vaccination status.

Qatar

The guidance for Qatar, moving to the amber list, says there is no quarantine for those who are fully vaccinated, but they must show a negative PCR test.

Those who are not double-jabbed must quarantine for seven days and also show a negative PCR test.

Fury at 'expensive and unnecessary' travel testing demands as ministers urge Brits to take expensive PCR Covid tests when returning from Spain even though they are NOT mandatory Aviation bosses have demanded the Government take action on the cost of travel testing amid fears many families are being priced out of a trip abroad. The Government has made a raft of changes to its traffic light scheme, extending the green list, reopening quarantine-free holidays to France and keeping trips to Spain on the table after it was spared being moved to the 'red list'. Testing remains a key component of the system, with pre-departure tests required for travel from red, amber and green nations. Ministers have now stressed that all travellers returning from Spain should take a PCR test because they are more accurate than cheaper lateral flow checks and can help officials keep track of coronavirus variants. However, travel chiefs believe the PCR tests - which can cost up to 175 per person - are 'expensive and unnecessary'. They want the PCR tests to only be required for travel from the most high-risk nations and for lateral flow tests to be made acceptable in all other circumstances. Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Travel Association, told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'I think a simpler system is definitely what is required to avoid confusion in the case of consumers, and to provide some form of certainty for people who are wanting to travel, and in some cases absolutely need to travel. 'This expensive and unnecessary testing I think needs to be challenged and I think the Government should demonstrate why they require it.' He added: 'I think there is a valid reason and a concern, and I would accept that maybe for some of these high-risk countries that have been identified you can make the argument that some form of testing should be done, but I don't think you can justify requiring 2.2 million people to undertake PCR tests when only 8,000 of those are subsequently sequenced.' Advertisement

United Arab Emirates

Fully vaccinated people travelling to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, being added to the amber list, from the UK must quarantine for seven days, show a negative PCR test on arrival and on their sixth day in the country.

People who have not received both doses must quarantine in Abu Dhabi for longer - 12 days - alongside showing a negative PCR test on arrival and on day 11 of their stay.

Meanwhile, if travelling to Dubai, all international tourists must show a negative PCR test before departure and will be subject to thermal screenings. Visitors do not have to quarantine.

Spain

Britons travelling to Spain, moving to the amber list, who are fully vaccinated are permitted entry and do not have to quarantine or show tests.

Those who are not double-jabbed are also allowed entry without quarantine, but must show a negative Covid test.

France

People travelling from the UK to France, which has lost its 'amber plus' status under the latest update, are permitted unrestricted entry if they are fully vaccinated.

They must present a completed 'sworn statement' saying they do not have any symptoms upon arrival.

Meanwhile, Britons without both jabs can only visit the country for essential travel only. Those allowed entry need to quarantine for seven days and provide pre-departure and post-quarantine PCR tests.

Mexico

The guidance for Mexico, moving from the amber to red list, states for fully vaccinated Britons that entry is permitted via commercial flights.

Visitors must fill out a health questionnaire and are advised to avoid travelling within the country wherever possible.

There is no differentiation in the guidance between people according to their vaccination status.

Georgia

Georgia, switching to the red list, says it allows 'unrestricted entry for citizens of any country, including the UK, who have documentary proof of having received a full course of Covid-19 vaccination'.

People who are not double-jabbed must travel direct by air 'and submit a travel history in advance', in addition to showing a negative PCR test on arrival and on day three of their stay.

Reunion

Fully-vaccinated Britons travelling to the French oversea territory of Reunion, moving to the red list, must only visit for essential travel only.

They must also self-isolate for seven days, in addition to showing a negative pre-departure test and a post-quarantine test.

The guidance does not differ for those who have not received both jabs.

Mayotte

The French oversea territory of Mayotte, switching from the amber to red list, also requires the same restrictions for Britons regardless of their vaccination status.

The country says Britons should travel there for urgent family/work reasons only, self-isolate for seven days and show a negative pre-departure and post-quarantine PCR test.
Downing Street today scrambled to dampen anger over Boris Johnson's coal mine gaffe after Tory MPs accused the Prime Minister of 'spitting in the face' of 'Red Wall' voters.

Mr Johnson sparked a furious backlash during a visit to Scotland yesterday after he said the UK got a 'big early start' on going green thanks to Margaret Thatcher closing coal mines in the 1980s.

Labour demanded an apology for the 'shameful' comment while Conservative MPs expressed fears that the remark could damage support in former mining communities which only voted Tory for the first time in 2019.

Tory backbenchers believe the comment could be viewed in the future as the PM's 'Ratner moment' - a reference to jewellery firm boss Gerald Ratner's disastrous remark in 1991 when he called one of his own products 'total cr*p' and was later axed after profits tumbled.

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman has now tried to repair the situation, insisting that Mr Johnson 'recognises the huge impact and pain closing coal mines had in communities across the UK'.

However, the spokesman declined to apologise for the remark.

Mr Johnson, who was visiting an offshore wind farm, said there were 'massive opportunities' to increase the use of green technology as he appeared to sound the death knell for the long-term future of North Sea oil and gas.

He acknowledged that North Sea oil had been a 'huge part of the UK economy for decades now' and contracts already signed for work in the industry 'should not just be ripped up'.

He told reporters: 'We recognise that and there has got to be a smooth and sensible transition. But that doesn't mean there aren't massive opportunities to increase the use of green technology.'

Pressed on whether he would set a deadline for ending fossil fuel extraction, Mr Johnson said: 'Look at what we've done already. We've transitioned away from coal in my lifetime.

'Thanks to Margaret Thatcher, who closed so many coal mines across the country, we had a big early start and we're now moving rapidly away from coal altogether.'

The PM reportedly laughed after making the comment, telling reporters: 'I thought that would get you going.'

Boris Johnson sparked fury yesterday after he claimed Britain's transition to green energy had benefitted from a 'big early start' thanks to Margaret Thatcher closing coal mines in the 1980s. The PM is pictured today at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Downing Street said this afternoon that the PM 'recognises the huge impact and pain closing coal mines had in communities across the UK'

His comments are expected to cause uproar in the old Red Wall mining communities the Tories have won over in recent election, where bitter strikes were held during Ms Thatcher's time in office in the mid-1980s

Margaret Thatcher, pictured in 1983, was hailed by Mr Johnson for providing a 'big early start' on moving to green energy

Demonstrators at Fraserburgh harbour in Aberdeen, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit to the Moray Offshore Windfarm East

Bitter conflict that split families and let to the decimation of coal Margaret Thatcher's decimation of the UK coal industry in the 1980s remains one of her most controversial actions in a decade in power. Seen by Labour and its supporters as a direct attack on its heartlands, it came to a head in March 1984 with the miners strike. It was only the latest in a series of strikes by those who went underground for the hazardous work, but it was the biggest, bitterest, and the last. It started when when National Coal Board chairman, Sir Ian MacGregor, announced that four million tonnes of capacity was to be taken out of the publicly-owned industry, leading to a loss of 20,000 jobs across the North of England, Scotland and Wales. For many pit towns, this meant they would lose their only major source of employment. On March 12, 1984, the strike went national, with National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) president, Arthur Scargill, calling for NUM members in all coal fields to down tools. It was one of the most bitter industrial disputes in the nation's history and a key part of Margaret Thatcher's legacy as prime minister. Within a week, most of the country's 183,000 miners had downed tools and a daily routine was established in many coal towns, of miners picketing outside collieries. The protests were often violent, with large numbers of police sent in to restrain picketers, with an estimated 20,000 people injured or admitted to hospital. During the course of the strike, three men were killed  two on the picket lines and a taxi-driver who was driving a coal miner, who had crossed the picket lines, to work. Families and communities were riven with division over the dispute and torn apart by the poverty brought about by a year of downed tools. Scargill, regarded as both a hero and a villain, warned that the government had a long-term plan to destroy the industry, closing more than 70 pits across the country. The government denied these claims at the time but Cabinet papers released in 2014, under the 30-year rule, indicated that MacGregor, who died in 1998, did wish to close 75 pits over three years. The strike was ultimately unsuccessful, with miners returning to work in early 1985 due to financial hardship. The industry was privatised in 1994, by which point there were just 15 deep mines left in operation. Many of the affected towns are still struggling to recover today. The fossil fuel has been gradually phased out of use in UK power stations and in May last year the National Grid set a new record by going more 18 days without using coal-sourced power. Advertisement

Ms Thatcher's time in Number 10 Downing Street included the bitter miners' strikes of the mid-1980s.

Tory MPs in 'Red Wall' seats have questioned the PM's wisdom in referencing the pit closures which remain a contentious and emotive issue in former mining communities.

One Tory MP told The Times: 'It is spitting in the face of communities that still haven't recovered.

'If you were at the Oxford student union in the 1980s you might have thought the miners strike was all jolly japes.

'Boris's success is that people think he's one of them. This shows he's not.'

A Tory MP who represents a former mining area said: 'It's not really the smartest thing to say is it? It's also not right.'

Another Tory MP told The Telegraph: 'One could potentially look back in a few years on this as his Ratner moment.'

Downing Street attempted to sooth the situation at lunchtime.

Asked if Mr Johnson regretted making the remark, the PM's Official Spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister recognises the huge impact and pain closing coal mines had in communities across the UK.

'This Government has an ambitious plan to tackle the critical issue of climate change which includes reducing reliance on coal and other non-renewable energy sources and during the visit the Prime Minister pointed to the huge progress already made in the UK, transitioning away from coal towards cleaner forms of energy.'

Asked if the PM will apologise, the spokesman repeated: 'The Prime Minister recognises the huge impact and pain closing coal mines had in communities across the UK.'

The backlash from Mr Johnson's political opponents continued this morning as Labour First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford labelled the remark 'crass and offensive'.

He told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: 'I'm afraid that those remarks are both crass and offensive.

'The damage done to Welsh coal mining areas 30 years ago was incalculable and here we are 30 years later the Tories are still celebrating what they did.'

Labour's shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy had said the comments were 'shameful' and 'reveal the Conservative party's utter disregard for the communities still scarred by Thatcher's closure of the mines and failure to deliver good new jobs in their place'.

She said: 'Without investment in good, green jobs as we move away from fossil fuels, the Conservatives risk repeating the mistakes of the past. It is vital that the green transition is a fair transition. The Prime Minister should apologise.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer added: 'Boris Johnson's shameful praising of Margaret Thatcher's closure of the coal mines, brushing off the devastating impact on those communities with a laugh, shows just how out of touch he is with working people.'

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also critical of Mr Johnson's comment.

She wrote on Twitter: 'Lives & communities in Scotland were utterly devastated by Thatcher's destruction of the coal industry (which had zero to do with any concern she had for the planet).

'To treat that as something to laugh about is crass & deeply insensitive to that reality.'

Mr Johnson made the comment as he banged the drum ahead of the COP26 climate change summit which is due to be held in Glasgow in November.

He said tackling climate change - limiting temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees under the terms of the Paris climate deal - was 'going to be a tough ambition, this is a difficult thing to achieve'.

But he urged other world leaders to rise to that challenge, as he said: 'What we won't do, we will not reduce the level of our ambition for Cop, in order to set the target, an ambition that we know we can meet.

'I'm going to be as ambitious as possible for Cop26 in Glasgow. I want the world to recognise the extent of the challenge, and I want everybody to try to rise to meet it in the way that I just set out with those ambitions.

'We must, must, must be as ambitious and as tough as possible and that's what we're going to do.'

A target of phasing out coal power worldwide by 2040 was 'doable', Mr Johnson said.

'What we are saying to the whole world, as we come forward to Cop in November, we want the whole world to move away from hydrocarbons.

'We are setting a deadline for the end of coal, we want everybody to give up coal by 2040, that's one of the targets we are setting at the Cop summit to happen in Glasgow.'

Sir Keir accused Mr Johnson of delivering 'soundbites' instead of action on the issue as he also visited Scotland.

He said: 'We've got a UK Prime Minister who bundles around with a cabaret of soundbites, with targets about climate change but doesn't put in place the action.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson onboard the Esvagt Alba during a visit to the Moray Offshore Windfarm East, off the Aberdeenshire coast

'We all know that hydrogen and wind are part of the future, we haven't got an industrial strategy, we haven't got a hydrogen strategy.

'Get your head out of the sand, stop the soundbites, let's have some action.'

Sir Keir has called for 'rapid green investment' across the UK as new figures reveal more than 75,000 green jobs have been lost over the past five years.

The Labour leader said the UK had to 'lead by example' on the climate crisis and invest more in jobs in renewable energy and technology via a 'Green New Deal'.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics cited by Labour show a loss of 33,800 'direct' jobs and a further 41,400 jobs in the supply chain for low-carbon and renewable sectors between 2014 and 2019.

This includes thousands of fewer jobs in solar power, onshore wind, renewable electricity and bioenergy.

Sir Keir said: 'Tackling the climate crisis must be at the heart of everything we do. We are at a critical moment. In less than 100 days, Cop26 will be over and our chance to keep the planet's warming below 1.5 degrees will have either been grasped or abandoned.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Johnson's coal mine remark was 'deeply insensitive'

Sir Keir Starmer also criticised Mr Johnson and said the comment 'shows just how out of touch he is with working people'

'The UK must rise to this moment and lead by example. That means rapid action to create good, green jobs across the country. And it means a proper strategy to buy, make and sell more in Britain, to create good, unionised jobs in clean energy and through supply chains.

He added: 'Nobody here in the UK can afford for this issue to be yet another example of Boris Johnson bluster. We need real action, now. It is time for a Green New Deal.'

The Labour leader also criticised the Scottish Government's record on green jobs, claiming the SNP 'broke its pledge to create 130,000 green jobs by 2020'.

A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesman said: 'As we build back better and greener from the pandemic, this Government is firmly committed to seizing the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a green economy.

'The data from 2019 and 2014 cannot be compared as there was a change in how the survey was conducted. In fact, ONS has concluded that the low-carbon and renewable energy economy has remained stable.'
The prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines has been hospitalised after getting hit in the head by a stone during a protest against a proposed vaccine mandate.

Ralph Gonsalves, 74, was passing through the crowd outside parliament in Kingstown when the attack happened. He was rushed from the scene after suffering bloody injuries.

The crowd on Thursday was protesting against the government's plans to require most frontline health workers to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, 74, was passing through the crowd outside parliament in Kingstown when he got hit by a projectile. Above, Gonsalves is covered in blood following the attack

In a press release, the Office of the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines said around 200 demonstrators were 'responding to a call to action from the Leader of the opposition' and 'picketed the Parliament and blocked the entrance to the building.'

'When the crowd prevented the vehicle carrying the Prime Minister from driving through the gate of the Parliament, he alighted the vehicle and attempted to enter on foot.'

'An opposition demonstrator then hurled a projectile at the Prime Minister, which struck him on the head, inches above the temple.

'The Prime Minister, bleeding profusely, was taken to the Milton Caro Memorial Hospital by his security detail, where he was met by his wife.'

In a statement to the parliament, St Vincent's finance minister Camillo Gonsalves said the prime minister has been flown to Barbados for an MRI Thursday night, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday reported.

It has been reported that prime minister Gonsalves is recovering and stayed in the hospital overnight for observation.

The crowd blocked the Prime Minister's vehicle, forcing him to enter the parliament on foot. Above, Gonsalves is rushed from the scene

St Vincent and the Grenadines, made up of over 32 islands, suffered from 2,298 coronavirus cases and 12 deaths since the pandemic began, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University, reports the BBC.

The figures also show that at least 9% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

The vaccine unrest of Thursday happened nine months after the Prime Minister was elected to serve his fifth term.

His proposed Public Health Amendment Bill was the main reason for the protests, as it required various categories of state employees to be required to take the COVID-19 vaccine in order to work in the frontline.

In order to clear up misinformation surrounding the subject, the Prime Minister had declared on Monday that the bill 'does not involve any legal penalty or punishment on anyone who fails and/or refuses to take the vaccine or test for COVID-19', reported the Jamaica Observer.
This is the shocking moment a California deputy trainee collapsed and nearly died after he was exposed to fentanyl.

Footage shows David Faiivae collapsing after he was exposed to the opioid while processing drugs during an arrest in San Marcos.

He was saved by his field training officer Corporal Scott Crane, who administered Narcan, a drug that reverses overdoses, and kept Faiivae breathing after the incident on July 3.

Crane later said: 'It's an invisible killer. He would've died in that parking lot if he was alone.'

Bodycam footage shows the pair processing drugs after an arrest before Crane advises Faiivae not to get too close to the suspected Fentanyl.

As Faiivae steps back he appears disorientated and collapses.

'I remember just not feeling great, and then I fell back. I don't remember anything after that', Faiivae said.

'I ran over to him and I grabbed him, and he was OD'ing,' Crane later said.

This is the shocking moment California deputy trainee David Faiivae collapsed and nearly died after he was exposed to fentanyl

Faiivae was saved by his field training officer Corporal Scott Crane, who administered Narcan, a drug that reverses overdoses, and kept Faiivae breathing after the incident on July 3

Faiivae was treated by emergency services and taken to hospital after the incident at the parking lot off North Twin Oaks Valley Road

Crane can be heard immediately radioing for help before administering a naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, in Faiivae's nostrils.

'Just breathe buddy, breathe', Crane says, removing Faiivae's bulletproof vest from under his uniform.

He later recalled: 'I was trying to get him to focus on just breathing and because with fentanyl, you can't breathe.'

Faiivae said it was 'as though my lungs just locked up, I couldn't breathe. I was trying to gasp for breath but I couldn't breathe at all.'

Footage shows Crane holding Faiivae's head as they wait for medics to arrive, telling him 'talk to me'.

'I'm sorry... sorry', Faiivae says.

'Don't be sorry, there's nothing to be sorry about,' Crane says. 'I got you okay, I'm not going to let you die.'

Describing the harrowing scenes later, Crane said: 'I'm trying to not let him go. I wanted him to know he wasn't alone.

Footage shows the fire department arriving at the parking lot off North Twin Oaks Valley Road after 4pm and putting Faiivae onto a gurney.

'His eyes rolled back in his head and he started to OD again', Crane said. 'He was OD'ing all the way to the hospital.'

Faiivae later warned people do not 'realise the severity of just how deadly the opioid really is'.

Bodycam footage shows the pair processing drugs after an arrest before Crane advises Faiivae not to get too close to the suspected Fentanyl

As Faiivae steps back from the drugs he staggers and appears to be disorientated

Faiivae then collapses on the ground and Crane runs over to find the deputy trainee overdosing

Corporal Crane said Faiivae's 'eyes rolled back in his head' and he 'was OD'ing all the way to the hospital'

The Sheriff's office said Faiivae, who was doing his last day of training with Crane, has not yet returned to work

San Diego County Sheriff's department said Faiivae, who was doing his last day of training, has not yet returned to work after the incident.

It remains unclear how he was exposed to the drug - whether it was airborne or absorbed through his skin.

Faiivae had worn gloves while processing the drugs, but took them off moments before he collapsed.

Fentanyl's use has soared 46 per cent in the last year, according to the Sheriff's office.

The opioid was blamed for 461 fatal overdoses in San Diego County in 2020 - a number expected to increase by more than 50 per cent to 700 in 2021.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 83,000 people lost their lives to drug-related overdoses in the 12-month period ending in July 2020.

It was a significant increase from 2019, when more than 70,000 people died of overdoses.

The preliminary data also indicated there was a 26 per cent increase in the number of cocaine-related overdose deaths, with fentanyl being the most likely driver of these fatalities.

It is often added to heroin because it creates the same high as the drug, with the effects biologically identical.

But it can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin, according to officials in the US, and only a few grains can have deadly consequences.

Undersheriff Kelly Martinez said the video was released to help raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.

Corporal Scott Crane saved Faiivae's life by immediately administering Narcan, a drug that reverses overdoses

Sheriff Bill Gore described the opioid, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, as one of the greatest threats to the region and country

Sheriff Bill Gore described the opioid as one of the greatest threats to the region and country.

'Everyday deputies recover fentanyl in our communities and the county jails are not immune to the dangers of this drug.

'Every week sheriff's deputies intercept fentanyl entering our facilities.

'When inmates overdose on fentanyl smuggled into our jails, deputies and nurses are saving dozens of lives every month by administering naloxone, a medicine used to rapidly reverse the effects of the overdose.

'Fentanyl deaths in California have increased almost 46 per cent in just the last year. Being exposed to just a few small grains of fentanyl could have deadly consequences.

The dangers of fentanyl are real and this drug is killing our communities.'

He urged viewers to share the video as 'it might save the life of your son, daughter, friend, or a loved one'.
Iran could acquire enough nuclear material to build a bomb within just 10 weeks, Israel has warned.

Defence minister Benny Gantz sounded the alarm over Iran's nuclear stockpile at the UN security council this week, urging world leaders to take action.

'Iran... is only around 10 weeks away from acquiring weapons-grade materials necessary for a nuclear weapon,' Gantz said

'Now is the time for deeds  words are not enough,' he added. 'It is time for diplomatic, economic and even military deeds.'

Iran has the capability of enriching enough uranium to weapons-grade level to build a nuclear bomb within just 10 weeks, Israel has warned (pictured, Iranian nuclear centrifuges)

Gantz's warning comes four months after Iran said it would start enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity, a key step on the path to 90 per cent enriched uranium that is required to make a bomb.

Shortly before Iran began increasing the purity of its uranium stockpile, analysts from the Arms Control Association estimated that its 'breakout time' - the time it would take to produce enough material for one bomb - was 12 months.

Now, Gantz believes the breakout time has been reduced to a little over two months.

However, that does not mean that Iran is 10 weeks away from acquiring a fully-fledged nuclear bomb.

To build a weapon, Iran would have to encase the weapons-grade material in a nuclear core, mount the core on the tip of a missile, and then acquire the technology to launch it, have it land accurately on a target, and detonate.

While little is known for certain about Iran's nuclear capabilities, the regime is not thought to possess much of this technology.

Some analysts believe it would take Iran two to three years just to produce a viable warhead, assuming they were able to work on it without outside interference.

David Albright, a former weapons inspector, has previously said that Tehran could advance the process much quicker - but still believes the regime is around two years away from having a viable nuke.

Iran is also not thought to possess intercontinental ballistic missiles of the kind required to launch a nuclear weapon at the West.

Israeli defence minister benny Gantz sounded the alarm over Iran's nuclear stockpile at the UN security council earlier this week (file image)

Analysis of its missile stockpile by the International Institute for Strategic Studies published in April estimates the country's largest missiles have a range of around 1,200 miles.

That would allow the regime to fire a weapon as far as Ukraine, India, or Ethiopia, and would mean Israel is easily within reach.

However, it would not be able to strike western Europe or the United States.

Gantz issued his warning in the wake of an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman last week that killed a British security officer and a Romanian crew member.

The UK and Romania have joined the US and Israel in blaming the attack on Iran, saying it is part of a shadow war the regime has been fighting around the Arabian Peninsula since at least 2019.

Gantz told the security council that words are not enough to deter such attacks, and that 'deeds' are necessary.

He spoke just hours before Iran swore in its next president, hardliner Ebrahim Raisi who is known as the 'Butcher of Tehran' for his role in executing opponents of the regime back in the 1980s.

Raisi is no friend of the West, and his election in a ballot that was highly controlled by the regime is seen as a signal that Iran's foreign policy will become more hostile.

During his inauguration speech on Thursday, Raisi officially committed himself to renegotiating a nuclear deal with western powers that was signed under Obama and torn up by Trump.

However, he also vowed that Iran will counterbalance what he called 'arrogant powers' vowing to push back against 'hostility' by Iran's enemies.

Gantz's warning came just hours before Iran inaugurated its new president, hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, whose election is likely to stall nuclear negotiations with the west

Raisi's election is likely to be a major stumbling block in renegotiating the deal with western governments hesitant about being seen to give legitimacy to an extremist.

Trump's decision to withdraw from Iran's nuclear deal in 2018 has led Tehran to abandon over time every limitation the accord imposed on its nuclear enrichment.

The country now enriches a small amount of uranium up to 63%, a short step from weapons-grade levels, compared to 3.67% under the deal.

It also spins far-more advanced centrifuges and more of them than allowed under the accord, worrying nuclear nonproliferation experts.

Tehran insists its program is peaceful and aimed at generating power.

Raisi, 60, a conservative cleric long cultivated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised to engage with the US.

But he also has struck a hard-line stance, ruling out negotiations aimed at limiting Iranian missile development and support for regional militias - something the Biden administration wants to address.

Thursday's inauguration ceremony, scaled back because of the coronavirus pandemic, still drew leaders and dignitaries from around the world.

The presidents of Iraq and Afghanistan flew in for the occasion, along with Enrique Mora, the European Union official who has coordinated the recent nuclear negotiations in Vienna.

Senior officials from Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Venezuela and South Korea also attended.
A journalist has called out NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant on why KFC outlets still remain open after 12 workers tested positive for Covid-19 at the fast food retailer.

On Friday Dr Chant revealed a number of cases were linked to 12 infectious workers at KFC in Punchbowl.

A journalist who attended the daily Covid press conference questioned Dr Chant on why fast-food chains remain open while other countries ordered them to close.

'In those LGAs, does KFC need to be open?' the journalist asked.

Anybody who visited the store in Punchbowl between Tuesday July 27 to Monday August 2 has been directed by NSW Health to get tested and isolate immediately for two weeks regardless of their test results

Dr. Chant rejected the idea of closing fast food retailers in a move similar to New Zealand's level 4 lockdown restrictions last year

'They were closed in other jurisdictions, New Zealand did this, they were particularly harsh on fast food restaurants and the like, supermarkets could stay open.

'Could they not be closed? Could Bunnings not be closed in those eight LGAs?'

However Dr Chant rejected taking further action by following New Zealand's lead, saying: 'This is about a balance of access to food and other things that people need.

'My major point would be that you minimise your exposure in those settings, minimise your shopping.'

It is not yet known if customers of the Punchbowl KFC restaurant have contracted Covid-19 from the infected staff.

New Zealand's level 4 restrictions allowed only supermarkets, convenience stores, chemists, petrol stations and limited outlets to operate, with fast food franchises considered non-essential retail.

Food delivery was also banned to limit the spread of Covid-19 infections.

It is not yet known if customers of the Punchbowl KFC restaurant have contracted Covid-19 from any of the 12 infected workers

Customers who visited the franchise at Punchbowl between Tuesday, July 27 and Monday, August 2 must now undergo testing and self isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.

The new exposure site comes after the state recorded 291 cases of the virus - the highest number since the recent outbreak.

An unvaccinated woman in her 60s, from south-west Sydney, has also died at Liverpool Hospital.

Of the new cases, 50 people were out in the community while infectious, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

The new exposure site comes after the state recorded 291 cases of the virus with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying she expects the case numbers to worsen

Police and ADF officers are seen outside a vaccination clinic in Sydney on Thursday

'We are likely to see this trend continue for the next few days,' she said during a press conference on Friday.

'Everybody must prepare themselves for higher case numbers in the next few days just based on the trend in the last few days and where things are going.

'I am expecting higher case numbers in the next few days and I just want everyone to be prepared for that.'

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

Sydney residents are in the midst of a lockdown that is due to end on August 28

Healthcare workers are seen in Covid hotspot Fairfield in the city's west

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown.

She warned more police officers would be patrolling the area - after deploying defence force personnel into the area on Monday.

Residents are seen at a vaccination clinic in Sydney. The city continues to record worrying numbers of Covid infections

A Sydney man is seen receiving his AstraZeneca vaccination this week. Residents have been urged to roll up their sleeves as the Covid crisis worsens

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill.

The new cases come as the Newcastle and Hunter regions join Greater Sydney in lockdown and begin the first of their seven-day stay-at-home orders.

The snap lockdown was called after five new cases turned up in Newcastle and eight more were found in the Central Coast region on Thursday.

The local government areas that have been affected are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook.
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A bear dubbed the world's loneliest after living most of her life in a cage at a circus has died just months after being rescued.

Jambolina, who had lived inside a cage at a Ukrainian circus since she was just a few weeks old, was rescued in December last year and brought to a Swiss alpine reserve to live out the remainder of her days.

The 12-year-old European brown bear had immediately settled down to hibernate - something she had been unable to do while in captivity - and only woke from her slumber in May this year.

But she sadly died just two months later, on August 5, after being sedated so that a routine operation could take place.

Jambolina, a 12-year-old European brown bear, lived for more than a decade inside this cage at a Ukrainian circus before being rescued and taken to a Swiss Alps reserve

Jambolina spent her first winter at the reserve hibernating - something she had never done in captivity - and only woke from her slumber in May this year (pictured)

Keepers said that Jambolina was initially shy and timid after arriving at her new home, but quickly adjusted to having space to roam around in - with one of her first moves being to bathe in a lake (pictured)

'It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that we have to inform you that Jambolina suddenly and unexpectedly passed away,' a spokesman for animal charity Four Paws wrote on social media.

'Shortly after Jambolina received her anaesthetic injection, her breathing stopped for reasons that are still unknown.

'Despite all efforts to resuscitate her, she unfortunately passed away. We are currently investigating what caused Jambolina's death.'

Jambolina's sad story had begun at a zoo in Crimea in 2009, when she was born to captive bears kept on display there.

At just a few weeks old, she was taken away from her parents and sold to a circus, where she was kept in a small cage and trained to perform tricks for crowds - using methods that animal campaigners say amount to torture.

She lived for more than a decade in the cage, having never seen another bear or been allowed to engage in any natural behaviour.

After waking up, she was introduced to her first ever bear companion - a male named Meimo (pictured, the pair playing together in spring this year)

Animal behaviour specialists at the Swiss sanctuary said Jambolina and Meimo quickly began play-fighting, which is a normal social activity for a bear and shows that the pair are bonding

Meimo had been rescued from captivity in Albanian in February 2019 and was kept in isolation at the sanctuary before being introduced to Jambolina in spring this year

Jambolina and Meimo are pictured bathing together at the sanctuary, with experts saying the two had bonded well before Jambolina tragically died in this week

However, all that changed with the arrival of the Covid pandemic which meant the circus could no longer stage performances.

Unable to earn money, Jambolina's owner was forced to get rid of her because he could not afford to feed and care for her.

Four Paws animal charity agreed to rescue the bear, and on December 8 she was sedated and loaded into a crate so she could be taken to Switzerland.

It took four days to move her more than 1,500 miles to the Swiss Alps, where she was given a new home at the Arosa Bear Land sanctuary.

Staff said she was nervous and timid when she first arrived, but soon took to her new mountain home - bathing in lakes and running around fields.

Despite having never hibernated in captivity, Jambolina's natural instincts quickly kicked in and she settled down for her first-ever winter nap in December.

After waking in May, she was introduced to the first bear companion she had ever known - a male called Meimo who also lived on the reserve since being rescued from captivity in the Albanian city of Shkodra in February 2019.

The pair were pictured playing together, and staff were pleased with the progress that Jambolina was making.

Jambolina is pictured early after her arrival at the bear sanctuary, adjusting to her new conditions inside an enclosure before being allowed to roam around outside

On August 5, vets had sedated Jambolina to carry out routine surgery and dental reconstruction when she suddenly stopped breathing and could not be revived

It had taken animal rescuers four days to transport Jambolina the 1,500 miles from captivity to the bear sanctuary - but in the end she lived there for just a few months before dying

Scientific director Dr Hans Schmid said it took only a few minutes for the two of them to bond and engage in a bear fight, which corresponds to the natural behaviour of brown bears.

After their combat, Jambolina laid on her back which according to experts meant she felt comfortable with the new situation in the two bears then treated themselves to a bath.

To ensure the pair would not breed, staff needed to have Jambolina sterilised and also needed to carry out a dental reconstruction to undo years of damage caused in captivity, which would allow her to live a full life.

A team of experienced vets was assembled for the task, and on August 5 they sedated Jambolina to carry out the routine procedures.

However, shortly after being given an anesthetic, Jambolina stopped breathing and medics were unable to revive her.

An autopsy, which is about to take place in the Swiss city of Zurich, should provide further information about any previous illnesses that Jambolina possibly suffered of that might explain her sudden death.
A police officer who claimed he was mocked by colleagues who called him Father Ted and told him the Bible is a 'pile of nonsense' has lost his religious discrimination claim.

Former PC Winston Roderick, who is a born again Christian and pastor in a local church where he conducted a Sunday Service, said he was discriminated against by several of his colleagues whilst working for South Wales Police.

He claimed one mocked him by making the sign of a cross, saying 'forgive me father' and making the sound of a church choir in a funny voice.

Another officer allegedly told him he 'could do with some Jesus' whilst walking past him and a third said 'Jesus did not even exist'.

But a tribunal dismissed Mr Roderick's claim of religious discrimination after finding many of the comments had never been made.

Mr Roderick also entered a claim for disability discrimination due to his mental health and constructive dismissal but these were also both dismissed.

Former PC Winston Roderick said he was discriminated against by several of his colleagues whilst working for South Wales Police but a tribunal held in Cardiff (pictured) dismissed his claim of religious discrimination

Mr Roderick - who worked for South Wales Police from 2003 to 2018 when he resigned - claimed Acting PS Karl Emerson referred to him as Father Ted in 2018.

Mr Roderick said he had joined in a conversation about another PC being in the Free Masons and Acting PS Emerson said 'you can talk, Father Ted'.

Father Ted was the main character of the popular Channel 4 sitcom of the same name which follows three priests living on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland.

But the Employment Tribunal ruled the comment was never made by Acting PS Emerson.

In another complaint, Mr Roderick said PC Ashley Cooper told him 'Jesus did not even exist and the Bible is a pile of nonsense'.

But the tribunal heard this was more of a debate between believers and non-believers and that Mr Roderick regularly raised religion as a topic of conversation.

Judge Rhian Brace ruled: 'Mr Roderick was a Christian pastor and would have been used to non-believers dismissing faith in Christianity when seeking to spread the word.

'Further, we accepted the evidence from some of South Wales Police's witnesses that Mr Roderick would regularly and routinely bring his faith into conversations in work.

'Where an individual chooses to take that step, they should not then be offended when others challenge that faith and indicate they do not believe.'

Former PC Roderick also entered a claim for disability discrimination due to his mental health and constructive dismissal but these were also both dismissed (stock image)

Mr Roderick said he was also mocked by PC Scott Edwards who made the sound of a church choir singing and the sign of a cross every time he encountered him.

But the tribunal did not find proof Mr Roderick was repeatedly mocked in such a way.

His other allegation of being told 'Winston, he could do with some Jesus' was found to have not happened.

The tribunal dismissed Mr Roderick's claim of religious discrimination.

Mr Roderick had also claimed he was subject to disability discrimination due to his inability to work and to do all the normal duties of a police officer because of his anxiety and depression.

The tribunal heard he often spent time off work due to mental health illnesses.

The tribunal heard Mr Roderick had complained of being given work that was beyond him due to his illnesses and that the knock-on effect was a feeling of worthlessness and guilt.

His disability discrimination claim was dismissed as well as his claim against constructive dismissal as the tribunal found his resignation letter mostly focused on a historical frustration at his lack of promotion.
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England's 'pingdemic' chaos may finally be easing, according to official data which revealed the number of venue check-ins with the NHS Covid app fell by 65 per cent last week.

NHS statistics released yesterday showed the number of venue log-ins using the software dropped from 6.6million to 2.3million in the seven days ending July 28.

People are no longer required to use the app to check into venues since restrictions were lifted on July 19, but the trend gives an indication in the fall in usage.

Thousands of people have deleted the app in recent weeks to avoid the alerts, which tell people they have been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus. But its 'pings' are merely guidance and not legally enforceable, unlike instructions from Test and Trace call handlers.

The NHS figures also revealed 395,971 self-isolation pings were sent in the seven days ending July 28  down 43 per cent from the record-high 690,129 the week before.

But the drop was mainly fuelled by the fall in actual cases, given the tweak to make the app less disruptive didnt kick in until the start of August.

In total, 950,000 quarantine alerts were dished out across the week  compared to rates of 1.5million during the most chaotic parts of the third wave. Nearly 190,000 people tested positive and 360,000 of their close contacts were tracked down.

It marks a steep turn in the direction of the self-isolation mayhem, which sentenced millions to house arrest and left supermarket shelves empty, pubs closed and trains cancelled.

Earlier this week health chiefs announced that the app was being updated so fewer contacts will be instructed to isolate. It now only finds close contacts from up to two days before infected people tested positive. Previously, it had trawled through five days of a user's Bluetooth history.

Figures showed the number of venue check-ins made with the Covid app dropped 65 per cent from 6.6million to 2.3million in the most recent week

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before

People pinged by the NHS app made up 42 per cent of the isolation alerts sent out during the week ending July 28. Some 38 per cent were contacts who were called by NHS Test and Trace directly, while 20 per cent were people testing positive

In total 947,868 people were asked to isolate, with 362,665 contacts reached by call handlers and 189,232 testing positive themselves

Britain's daily Covid cases fall by just 3% in a week as curve begins to flatten out Britain's daily Covid cases have begun to flatten out amid an uptick in infections among older teenagers and adults in their early twenties, according to official figures. Department of Health data showed another 30,215 positive tests were registered today, up just 3 per cent from 31,117 on last Thursday. And the seven-day average for infections  which paints a clearer picture over the actual trend  plateaued for the fourth day in a row at around 26,000, after tumbling for almost a fortnight. MailOnline analysis suggested the worrying trend may be down to cases rising among 15 to 24-year-olds for the first time in a month, which leading scientists claimed was likely sparked by 'Freedom Day' and the reopening of nightclubs. But they did not rule out lower vaccination rates in the age groups and colder weather towards the end of the month also being behind the increase. Daily Covid hospitalisations continued to fall today after dropping by a fifth in a week (down 20 per cent) to 727 admissions on the first day of August, the latest date available. Another 86 deaths were also recorded, similar to the 85 announced at the same time last week. Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist at Reading University, warned today there was a risk infections in younger age groups could yet spill over into older age groups, with previous waves beginning in the young before rapidly picking up the pace among older, more vulnerable people. He called on the over-50s to make sure they get their booster jabs when they are dished out, to ensure they have the best protection possible. Advertisement

Proportionally, the amount of people pinged by the app compared to how many people who are testing positive has been falling for weeks.

There were 1.8 alerts sent for every infected app user on average in the week ending July 7. This dropped to just 1.1 in the most recent week.

In total, the amount of self-isolation alerts fell 40 per cent from 1,533,409 in the week ending July 21 to 947,868 in the most recent week.

However, the figure only refers to the amount of alerts  not people.

A single person may be identified by the app and call handlers before going on to test positive themselves  or be asked to isolate multiple times in the same month.

The number of people reached by call handlers fell from 536,338 to 362,665 (32 per cent) while the number of people testing positive fell from 307,758 to 189,232 (39 per cent).

Both falls were lower than the drop off in app alerts, suggesting fewer people using the app may be partly behind the fall in pings.

Earlier this week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the 'logic' behind the app was tweaked, although the sensitivity and risk threshold will remain unchanged.

Instead of checking contacts for five days before a positive test, the app will only go back two days.

Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) which advises ministers, insisted the app is still 'incredibly useful', despite the swathes of people being asked to isolate.

He told Sky News: 'I know there have been some challenges in terms of particularly at the moment the so-called "pingdemic", but in terms of being able to detect contact, it has been extremely valuable.

'Obviously the challenge with that is that a lot of people are going into isolation and over the last few days the app has been made less sensitive.'

Dr Tildesley said there is a worry that if too many people are pinged, fewer may be willing to comply, but he added that the tweak will 'hopefully guarantee higher levels of compliance'.

Fresh data from Oxford Universitys Pathogen Dynamics Group shows up to 40 per cent of transmission occurs before symptoms emerge.

But most of this happens during the two days before people fall ill, which prompted the alteration of how the NHS Covid app works.

Oxford University data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting

Around 35 per cent of transmission occurs within the first two days of people having symptoms.

However, the data came from September  before the highly-infectious Delta variant took off.

Ministers are keen to replace quarantine rules with daily testing, with scientists now investigating if it is safe to make the drastic move.

Dr Muge Cevik, an infectious disease expert at the University of St Andrews, told the Telegraph: 'Given most transmission happens very early on, the isolation period could be much shorter for the cases.

'Viral load peaks pretty quickly, so people are highly infectious within the first few days.

'Also importantly, many people have non-specific mild symptoms before developing more noticeable ones, like fatigue or myalgia, so that's probably when people are highly infectious too but continue daily activity.

'So, the current self-isolation guidelines, especially given the lack of support provided for sick leave, does not serve for the purpose.'

The drop off in transmission could also be down to symptomatic people adhering to self-isolation rules.

But Dr Cevik was behind research last November which found people were most infectious within the first five days of having symptoms.

France, Germany and the US have already cut their quarantine period after reaching similar findings, with people in those countries isolating for just five to seven days.

Anyone who breaches Britain's 10-day isolation law can be fined up to 10,000. First-time offenders can get a 1,000 penalty.
Google co-founder Larry Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed today, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

The confirmation came after it was revealed yesterday that Page was allowed to travel from Fiji to New Zealand to seek medical treatment for his son, despite the Governments closed borders policy.

Opposition lawmakers said the episode raised questions about why Page's request was approved so quickly at a time when many skilled workers or separated family members who were desperate to enter New Zealand were being turned away.

'The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers and families who are separated from their children,' ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

Larry Page, 48, with his media-shy wife Lucinda Southworth, 42. The couple have two children together, a boy born in 2009 and another child born in 2011. Southworth is a research scientist and is the sister of actress Carrie Southworth.

Immigration New Zealand said Page first applied for residency in November under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million New Zealand dollars ($7 million) to invest.

'As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions,' the agency said in a statement. 'Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.'

Gaining New Zealand residency would not necessarily affect Page's residency status in the U.S. or any other nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the family filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.

'The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand,' Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament.

Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is facing backlash for allowing Page and the boy to enter while there are strict border controls

The distance from the island of Tavarua, Fiji, where Page has been staying to Auckland, New Zealand, is around 1,300 miles

Page has spent months in Fiji during the pandemic - mostly on the island of Tavarua - and it has been rumoured the billionaire has bought at least one island in the country's Mamanuca archipelago

Little was responding to questions about how Page had managed to enter the country at a time when New Zealand had shut its borders to non-residents in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Little told lawmakers the family had abided by applicable virus protocols when they arrived.

Page's residency application was approved about three weeks later.

Immigration New Zealand noted that while Page had become a resident, he didn't have permanent residency status and remained subject to certain restrictions.

Still, the agency on its website touts the 'Investor Plus' visa as offering a 'New Zealand lifestyle,' adding that 'you may be able to bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand, free of customs charges.'

Some local news organizations reported that Page had since left New Zealand.

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Forbes on Friday ranked Page as the world's sixth-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $117 billion. Forbes noted that Page stepped down as chief executive of Google's parent company Alphabet in 2019 but remained a board member and controlling shareholder.

Page, pictured with his wife, requested special permission to enter New Zealand so that his son, who is around 12-years-old, could receive medical treatment

In 2017, it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had been able to gain New Zealand citizenship six years earlier, despite never having lived in the country.

Thiel was approved after a top lawmaker decided his entrepreneurial skills and philanthropy were valuable to the nation.

Thiel didn't even have to leave California for the ceremony - he was granted citizenship during a private ceremony held at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.
Hezbollah fired 'dozens' of rockets into Israel from Lebanon today in retaliation for Israeli air strikes.

The Iran-backed terror group said it fired rockets at open ground near Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms region north of the Golan Heights.

The Israeli military immediately countered by firing artillery at the rocket launch sites in southern Lebanon in response to the volley of '10+ rockets.'

It's the third day of cross-border violence that threatens a period of peace since 2006, when Israel and Hezbollah fought a one-month war.

The Israeli Defence Forces posted footage of the rocket fire, tweeting: 'More than 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel, most of which were intercepted by The IDF Aerial Defense System'

Israeli self-propelled howitzers fire towards Lebanon from a position near the northern Israeli town of Kir-yat Shmona following rocket fire from the Lebanese side of the border on Friday

Israeli artillery launches bombardments on southern Lebanon after around a dozen rockets were fired by Hezbollah

The United Nations today warned that any escalation in the region was 'very dangerous.'

Most of the rockets unleashed on Friday were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system, its military said, and the rest fell in open areas. There were no reports of damage or casualties.

Air raid sirens sounded in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, and in the Golan Heights, which was part of the territory Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

A Lebanese security source said the rockets were launched from the area of al-Arqoub, near the Lebanese town of Shebaa.

Israel launched retaliatory shelling and air strikes earlier this week in response to rockets fired from Lebanon and for which no group claimed responsibility.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Israel's air strikes were the first targeting Lebanese villages since 2006 and showed an escalation in its 'aggressive intent'.

Aoun also said in a tweet the strikes were a direct threat to the security and stability of southern Lebanon and violated U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Israeli aircraft struck Hezbollah posts in the border area last summer. Israel says its aircraft last struck inside Lebanon in 2014, though Al-Manar TV reported one such strike in 2015.

This week's cross-border fire came after a suspected drone attack last Thursday on a tanker off the coast of Oman that Israel, the US and Britain blamed on Iran.

Two crew members, a Briton and a Romanian, were killed. Iran has denied any involvement.

The United States and Britain said on Sunday they would work with their allies to respond to the attack.

Israel says it is keeping the option open of acting alone if necessary.

Security sources have also blamed Iran for a second incident on board tanker Asphalt Princess this week, after a suspected hijacking on Tuesday afternoon.

Smoke rises from southern Lebanon after Israeli shelling on Friday

Smoke rises as seen from Ibl al-Saqi village in southern Lebanon on Friday

Those briefed on the incident said five or six armed Iranian commandos had raided the vessel in an attempt to divert it to an Iranian port.

But the plan was foiled when crew scuppered the engine, allowing US and Omani warships in the area to catch up to the tanker - prompting the commandos to flee.

However, no official accusation of responsibility has been made. Tehran has again denied involvement.

Iran and its proxy groups have been involved in a years-long shadow war against regional rivals and western allies Israel and Saudi Arabia that - at times - has threatened to push the region to an all-out conflict.

Meanwhile Israel was involved in an 11-day conflict with armed Palestinian groups in Gaza in May this year that killed hundreds and left more than 1,000 wounded - most of them Palestinian.

A ceasefire was declared on May 21, with both sides claiming victory.
Health experts are calling for residents of Sydney Covid-19 hotspots to double-up with a mask and a face shield to combat the further spread of the highly infectious Delta Variant.

As NSW recorded an all-time high of 291 cases and one death on Friday epidemiologists have suggested mandates implementing the use of both masks and face shields to prevent virus transmission via the eyes.

'If someone has the virus in their throat, a face shield prevents it coming out and acts as another barrier beyond the mask,' ANU epidemiologist Darren Gray told The Australian.

Epidemiologist Darren Gray and Infectious diseases expert Professor Collignon suggest face shields be used in conjunction with masks to reduce the transmission of Covid Delta Variant

'That could help prevent droplets from entering the eyes. It also helps prevent people touching their face as much.'

He said face shields were being used to reduce the spread of the Delta Variant in other nations with low vaccination rates, such as the Phillipines.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon, backed the idea, agreeing face shields offered additional protection from Covid-19 transmission.

Health experts have suggest the additional use of face shield in Covid-19 outbreak areas claiming it increases virus protection by 20 per cent

Collingnon told the news outlet he supports the use of face shields for areas grappling virus outbreaks.

'It's another way of protecting one's airways.'

'They're not expensive and readily available so for people in areas of high transmission I would suggest a face shield,' he said.

The professor, who has recently published articles for the Lancet Medical Journal, said 'every form of protection should be considered', including the eyes.

He also claimed research shows face shields increase virus protection by 20 per cent, with studies in China of people wearing both glasses and masks had lower rates of contracting the virus.

This come as Sydney has recorded it's highest ever spike in cases since the pandemic began with 291 new infections as Gladys Berejiklian warns the numbers will skyrocket over the next three days.

In NSW 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours with 291 new infections including 12 workers at a Punchbowl KFC testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday

The NSW premier admitted the latest outbreak was showing no signs of relenting with one new death, 12 workers testing positive at a KFC and cases rising in south-west suburbs.

'I am expecting higher case numbers in the next few days and I just want everyone to be prepared for that,' she said at a press conference on Friday.

The new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

An unvaccinated woman in her 60s, from south-west Sydney, has also died at Liverpool Hospital. She is the 79th person in the state to succumb to the virus since the start of the pandemic.
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Almost one in a hundred people have died from Covid in England's worst-hit neighbourhood, MailOnline analysis revealed today.

Walton and Frinton Coastal, in Essex, recorded 70 deaths from the disease among its 7,700-odd residents (0.90 per cent) during the first and second waves, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Councillors said the high death toll was likely linked to outbreaks in its six care homes. Official figures show they saw 39 Covid fatalities by April 2021.

They also suspected more people in the local area have underlying health conditions than the national average and there are more older residents, meaning their population was more vulnerable to the virus.

The seaside neighbourhood is a place divided. Affluent Frinton-on-Sea has a high street lined with independent cafes and bric-a-brac shops, with house prices around 370,000. But just a 10 minute walk away, Walton-on-the-Naze has fallen on hard times with many shops on its high street now boarded up, and the average house price down to 230,000  below national average.

ONS data revealed that among England's five worst-hit neighbourhoods, four were on the coast. For comparison, there were 13 districts that had recorded no Covid fatalities which were mostly scattered across the South West, where the virus has struggled to gain a foothold.

More than 150,000 Britons have died from Covid since the pandemic began, with the UK having one of the worst death tolls among developed nations.

Experts say this is down to poorer health in the UK population than other developed countries. But they also pointed to reporting differences, arguing Britain had marked down many deaths as from the virus when this was not the case.

There are 13 areas in the country that have recorded no deaths from Covid, based mostly in the South West where the virus has struggled to gain a foothold. England's worst-hit areas, however, tended to be coastal

Of the 70 Covid deaths recorded in Walton and Frinton Coastal, in Essex, during the first and second waves as many as 39 were linked to care homes, or 55 per cent. Pictured above are the homes recording Covid deaths. The neighbourhood is shaded in red

The seaside neighbourhood is a place divided. Affluent Frinton has a high street lined with independent cafes and Bric-a-brac shops. But in Walton-on-the-Naze most areas are boarded up. Pictured above are the welcome signs for the two towns

Pictured is the high street in Frinton (left) and Walton (right). While Frinton's is lined with independent cafes and shops, in Walton many shops are already boarded up

There were 39 deaths in the area linked to care homes during the first and second waves. The outbreak in Blenheim care home (pictured) hit local headlines. A CQC report found the home was 'ill-prepared' for the pandemic

MailOnline's analysis is based on Office for National Statistics figures looking at all the virus fatalities from between March 2020 to April 2021.

Deaths were then compared across England's 7,000-plus neighbourhoods, known to researchers as MSOAs.

The data revealed that Walton and Frinton Coastal had seen the highest proportion of its residents succumb to the disease.

As many as 39 of these fatalities were linked to care homes, according to figures from the inspector of the adult healthcare sector the Care Quality Commission.

Brenalwood care home, in Walton, had the most fatalities after 10 of its residents died from the virus.

Read House, in Frinton, recorded eight Covid deaths, while Delamer care home and Blenheim care home both registered seven. Anchor Lodge retirement home saw four Covid deaths, and Lodge care home had three.

The outbreak in Blenheim care home hit the local headlines last year after a number of residents died from the disease.

A subsequent CQC inspection found the home, which is listed as 'needs improvement' online, was 'ill-prepared' for the Covid outbreak.

Regulators said: 'When the pandemic came, the service was ill-prepared to manage the outbreak, resulting in significant consequences for the service, people and staff. The service had a high number of infections and deaths due to Covid.'

Its owner Regal Care Trading admitted in November 'a few residents' had died from the virus in the home and at a local hospital. They added that the home was working with the CQC and local NHS services to make improvements.

Councillor Nick Turner told MailOnline that the high number of Covid deaths in the area was likely down to care homes.

He said he was aware care home staff worked in several different homes in neighbouring Clacton, and that this 'was likely' also the case in Frinton and Walton at the start of the pandemic. This risked a Covid-infected member of staff spreading the disease to several homes.

Mr Turner added: 'It is [also] people with underlying health problems. Obesity is a major player, age is a major player, care homes are a major player.'

The figures showed across England's five worst-hit areas, four were on the coast. They were Walton and Frinton Coastal (0.90 per cent of residents died from Covid), Hesketh Park, in Sefton, (0.74 per cent), Canvey Island Newlands, also in Essex (0.7 per cent) and Upperton, in Eastbourne (0.7 per cent).

Trentham East, in Stoke-on-Trent, was the only worst-hit area in an inner city (0.8 per cent).

Official figures also revealed there were 13 areas that had not recorded any deaths from Covid during the first and second waves of the pandemic.

As many as 10 were in the South West. These included two areas in Cornwall (Mid Saltash and Torpoint), two in Bristol (Bristol City and Hartcliffe), three in Devon (Tamerton, Dunkesewell and Barnstaple Sticklepath), two in Somerset (Dunster, Dulverton and Exmoor and Weston Winterstoke), and the Isles of Scilly.

The three areas not in the South West were: Leeds City Centre; Castlefield in Manchester; and Eynsham and Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire.

Professor Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University, warned that the number of Covid deaths in each neighbourhood were not very large in total, meaning they could easily be affected by local outbreaks.

He told MailOnline: 'So if, say, there was a bad outbreak in just one care home in an area, that would put up its total Covid deaths to a level that might move it a long way. So in a sense none of these numbers is very stable.

'Im not saying they are incorrect, just that any patterns that can be found in them could possibly just be there by chance, rather than for a good reasons that you can explain in terms of other things.'
Camilla Parker-Bowles's son-in-law is locked in a furious battle with residents of a Wiltshire beauty spot over plans for a giant solar power farm

Harry Lopes, a scion of the super-wealthy Astor family who is married to the Duchess of Cornwall's daughter, Laura Parker Bowles, has invested thousands in the project which is bitterly opposed by many locals.

Lopes, a former Calvin Klein model turned eco-entrepreneur, is CEO of Eden Renewables which has an option to rent 220 acres of land between the villages of Sevington and Leigh Delamere on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty if planning permission is granted.

There he wants to erect a 220 acre solar farm he claims will provide enough green electricity to power some 13,000 homes - while also enhancing the landscape by enabling wildlife to return to fields previously used to graze sheep.

To try to win over the locals - and to persuade the county council to give permission to proceed - Lopes is using the services of Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall, sister of celebrity chef and fellow old Etonian Hugh, to run a PR campaign. Ms Fearnley-Whittingstall has worked with Eden on various projects for eight years.

Harry Lopes is a scion of the super-wealthy Astor family who is married to the Duchess of Cornwall's daughter Laura Parker Bowles (pictured together in 2006)

Eden have described the land they want to build the farm on as 'low grade' and promised to plant new hedgerows, trees, and wildflowers to mitigate the development's negative environmental impact - and say this will bring about 'significant net biodiversity gain', enhancing soil quality by leaving the land fallow, boosting carbon sequestration while allowing continued food production with grazing sheep.

Hedgerow planting should mean the sea of panels can't be seen from local homes.

They point out that one edge of the site borders the M4 - it's close to the services named after Leigh Delamere village - and that the electricity it generates will help recharge electric vehicles and thus reduce emissions from the motorway.

But despite the positive spin -they have faced furious opposition from some locals.

Opponents claim that the farm will devastate the landscape with 100,000 solar panels imported from China as well as 20 battery storage units the size of shipping containers. Some villagers have accused them of using 'underhand tactics' to try to win people over.

Lopes wants to erect a 220 acre solar farm he claims will provide enough green electricity to power some 13,000 homes

Philip Davey, a longstanding resident of Leigh Delamere who is actively campaigning against the development, said: 'Eden have very deliberately and cynically appealed to the climate emergency, whilst painting a picture of this solar installation increasing biodiversity and enriching the community.

The reality is that this is first and foremost a commercial development that will industrialise the landscape with third rate and rapidly ageing technology and cause a great deal of damage to local wildlife and biodiversity.' He added: 'The first any of us knew about it was them going round in little electric cars offering everyone pots of organic honey and trying to soft sell it as a benefit. But it's hardly a benefit to put tens of thousands of panels on your doorstep on what was grazing land.'

But a spokesman for Eden insisted there was local support too, saying: 'We understand that solar farms can divide opinion, but there is a lot of local support for this solar farm; the recent extreme weather has underlined to many people the importance projects like this have in contributing to green energy generation and helping tackle the climate emergency.'

Lopes, a former Calvin Klein model turned eco-entrepreneur, owns and runs Eden Renewables which has acquired 220 acres of land near the village of Sevington (pictured)

The 220 plot is also near to the village of Leigh Delamere (church pictured) on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

They went on: 'Leigh Delamere is a good site for a solar farm, as it is immediately south of the M4 and adjacent to the Motorway Services which will be able to benefit from the green electricity it generates, especially with the growing demand for high speed chargers for electric vehicles.

'It will be well screened with new hedgerows and trees planted along the boundary with the M4, with existing trees and hedges along the other boundaries allowed to grow and supplemented with new planting where needed.

'Our extensive studies submitted with the planning application show there will be minimal visual impact from Leigh Delamere village, which is the north side of the Motorway.

'Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has provided independent advice to Eden on our plans to enhance and improve biodiversity and ecology at Leigh Delamere. For almost a decade the Eden team has led the solar industry in best practice on continuing agricultural use and biodiversity, transforming solar farms into wildlife havens for their lifetime.

'This solar farm will provide a Biodiversity Net Gain of over 90% for habitat units and 23% for hedgerows, calculated using the independent metric from DEFRA.'

Spokesperson for Eden said: 'Leigh Delamere is a good site for a solar farm, as it is immediately south of the M4 and adjacent to the Motorway Services' (pictured)

Two local parish councils who support the project, while three have opposed it.

Wiltshire Council, which has recently declared its ambitions to address the 'climate emergency', is due to consider the application when it meets later this month.

Lopes married Laura Parker-Bowles in 2008 at an 11th century church in Lacock, Wiltshire, just five miles from the site of the proposed solar farm.

They have a daughter, Eliza, 13, who was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton, and twin boys Gus and Louis, Part of the site was previously run as Langley Chase Organic Farm was started to 'provide high quality, traceable organic meat, and help save a rare breed of sheep'.

Its website showcases numerous awards, endorsements from celebrities including Rick Stein, and videos of its beautiful pastureland in North Wiltshire. It's one of several projects Eden is considering in the county. It also has eco projects in the USA.
This is the moment a 750lb moose was found roaming around a multi-story car park.

The young bull moose was wandering around a parking garage in Lionshead Village in Vail, Colorado, on July 27.

The creature took a shining to the parking area at the ski village, and had started nibbling on the walls, to eat the de-icing salt used on the building.

Officers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) believe his behavior suggested he had become accustomed to the ski village and that this wasn't the first report of a sighting.

The young 750lb bull moose was wandering around a parking garage in Lionshead Village in Vail, Colorado, on July 27

The creature took a shining to the parking area at the ski village, and had started nibbling on the walls, to eat the de-icing salt used on the building

While the elk was apparently friendly towards people, it was getting too used to the cozy indoor area  and was getting spooked by people with dogs.

So wildlife officers darted the three-year-old animal and safely moved it to a more suitable environment, elsewhere in Vail.

Wildlife officer Devin Duval said: 'He was pretty regularly coming into the parking structure first thing in the morning and then would kind of clear out before it got too busy.

'Largely, most of these neighborhoods coincide with really optimal moose habitat, notwithstanding the fact there are a lot of pedestrians and human activity.

Initially, officers from CPW worked with the Town of Vail council to remove the tasty salts, but this failed to deter the moose. With help from firefighters, police and council workers, they tranquilised the moose on July 27

Officers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) believe his behaviour suggested he had become accustomed to the ski village and that this wasn't the first report of a sighting

'We were definitely within that human health and safety realm where there could potentially be an injury to a human or the animal.

'This is the primary parking place for the folks accessing Lionshead Village as well as the Vail Health hospital.

'This moose was not electing to spend time elsewhere, but now people can be at ease walking to work through that garage and the moose will be moved to more appropriate habitat.

While the elk was apparently friendly towards people, it was getting too used to the cosy indoor area  and was getting spooked by people with dogs. So wildlife officers darted the three-year-old animal and safely moved it to a more suitable environment, elsewhere in Vail

'Coincidentally, it is kind of a serendipitous scenario in that our wildlife officials there were looking for some help with some translocation, so those folks are going to take this moose and find some more appropriate habitat for him.'

Initially, officers from CPW worked with the Town of Vail council to remove the tasty salts, but this failed to deter the moose.

With help from firefighters, police and council workers, they tranquilized the moose on July 27.

He was moved to a remote area just outside of Craig later that afternoon.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's secretary has been slammed as a 'ruthless, heartless, evil human being' by former colleagues.

Melissa DeRosa is the only person with more enemies than her boss in Albany, according to a former employee.

She 'doesn't have time for niceties' and 'will rip your heart out in order to get what she wants', a former Executive Chamber insider told the New York Post.

The secretary, 38, was also 'the worst person I have ever worked for in my entire professional career', the source added.

DeRosa has worked for Cuomo since 2013 and became a familiar face during the pandemic as she sat almost daily at his side. She played a key role in trying to limit the damage after allegations of sexual assault surfaced in the Spring.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's secretary Melissa DeRosa has been described as a 'ruthless, heartless, evil human being' by former colleagues

Governor Andrew Cuomo's secretary Melissa DeRosa was branded 'the worst person I have ever worked for in my entire professional career' by the unnamed source

The source added: 'She doesn't have time to get to know you as a person. You are either an individual who gets something done for her  or you're in her way.'

While another former Cuomo staffer said DeRosa 'doesn't treat people well.'

'She would dress people down for no reason or over minor stuff. I would have to think long and hard to find anyone who would say nice things about her.'

The former employee said under DeRosa 'every problem is considered an equal crisis. Everything is treated as over the top. As a government, that's not sustainable.'

The source added: 'She is now going to experience the fruits of that.'

It comes after an onslaught of calls for Cuomo to resign after a damning report from Attorney General Letitia James found he did sexually harass 11 women.

Melissa DeRosa is pictured with her boss, Andrew Cuomo, after meeting Donald Trump, the president-elect, in January 2017. DeRosa featured heavily in Tuesday's report into allegations of sexual harassment made against Cuomo by 11 women

It comes two days after it emerged Cuomo described his top aide Melissa DeRosa as a 'mean girl'.

The claim was revealed in the New York attorney general's report, which detailed the 'toxic' work environment created by the governor and his feared advisor.

Letitia James's report into claims made by 11 women of sexual harassment painted a darker picture of DeRosa's role, however.

She worked to discredit several of the women, according to James's report, and was accused in the document of 'unlawful retaliation'.

DeRosa is accused in the 168-page document as helping to cultivate a 'toxic' workplace for young female staffers.

'She can be very tough to deal with,' a source told The New York Post.

'DeRosa is feared. If you cross her, you're crossing the governor.'

Cuomo himself nicknamed her and others within the inner circle 'mean girls', the report said - although he denied the moniker. She asked him to stop.

DeRosa was previously acting chief of staff for the former attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, who in 2018 resigned after multiple women accused him of sexual violence.

When the allegations against Cuomo began to emerge this Spring, DeRosa played a key role in trying to limit the damage.

DeRosa is seen with Cuomo in April 2020, and was almost daily by his side during the televised press briefings

It was revealed DeRosa and other top aides dragged their feet when Charlotte Bennett, a 25-year-old health policy adviser, reported Cuomo's deeply uncomfortable probing of her sexual history and previous abuse.

They should immediately, under state law, have passed her complaints to the Governor's Office of Employee Relations.

After Bennett came forward with her allegations, the Executive Chamber instituted 'changes in staffing' so that 'they would avoid situations where the Governor might be seen as being in a compromising situation with any woman.'

But DeRosa and Mogul apparently described the change as 'really more for the Governor's protection.'

DeRosa was reportedly furious with Cuomo for his behavior towards Bennett.

The pair were in a car, and DeRosa berated him, saying: 'I can't believe that this happened. I can't believe you put yourself in a situation where you would be having any version of this conversation.'

She then got out when the car stopped at a traffic light.

Charlotte Bennett, 25, said she saw Cuomo as a mentor - but felt that he was aggressively pursuing her sexually

Bennett worked as a public health policy advisor. She reported her concerns to his senior staff, but, according to James's report, the team dragged their heels on helping her

When Lindsey Boylan, a former state economic development official, began tweeting allusion to harassment in 2020 - she would not make a full, public allegation until March of this year - DeRosa released Boylan's personnel record to certain media outlets.

DeRosa admitted the move to discredit Boylan when speaking to James's team, and said that she made the decision because Boylan's tweets about the governor  including that he was 'one of the biggest abusers of all time'  became 'more and more escalating,' the report states.

Former aide Josh Vlasto told the investigators that if DeRosa decided to leak the files, it was 'safe to say' the move 'was consistent with what the Governor wanted or had been discussed with him and he approved it.'

A current aide - who has since accused Cuomo of groping her - told James's team she saw the efforts as a way to discredit Boylan, by calling her 'crazy' and accusing her of having a political agenda, according to the report.

DeRosa also played a part in circulating a proposed op-ed, originally drafted by Cuomo, that contained 'personal and professional attacks' on Boylan, and later sharing it with current and former Executive Chamber employees.

'The draft letter or op-ed attacking Ms. Boylan  particularly when combined with the release of the confidential internal records to the press  constitutes retaliation,' the investigators wrote.

Lindsay Boylan was one of the first women to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment

Another former employee was asked by DeRosa to call a current staff member - known as 'Kaitlin', who also accused Cuomo of harassment - and record the call, asking if she was working with Boylan or if she 'had her own allegations against the Governor or was talking to reporters.'

And when a state trooper made allegations against Cuomo, DeRosa, who serves as Cuomo's Chairwoman of the New York State Council on Women & Girls, tried to bury them and convince a newspaper editor not to publish them.

A reporter from The Albany Times-Union called requesting comment on the state trooper's allegations, and DeRosa yelled at the newspaper's editor saying, 'You guys are trying to reduce her hiring to being about looks. That's what men do.'

While in May it emerged DeRosa had 'screamed' at and 'bullied' Rep. Elise Stefanik over her opposition to the governor's plan to shift ventilators from less hard-hit areas of the state to New York City last year.

DeRosa called the Republican congresswoman, 36, on her personal cellphone 'furious' to get her to walk back her comments about Cuomo's executive order.

Stefanik reportedly refused and the two women haven't spoken since.

The incident marked the final nail in the coffin in the two women's 20-year friendship that began when they both attended elite prep school Albany Academy for Girls in upstate New York and had - up until then - survived their opposing political paths.

DeRosa attended Cornell University from 2000-2004, studying industrial and labor relations.

She returned in 2007 to study for a masters in public administration in 2009, before turning towards politics, serving as the NYS Director of 'Organizing for America ', President Obamas national political action organization.

DeRosa married former Cuomo spokesman Matthew Wing, who is now Uber's head of communications, on August 27.

The pair, who met while Wing was working for Cuomo, live in co-op in Brooklyn that they for $2.2 million a couple of months after their wedding.
Members of the public trying to return to a version of normality after the Covid pandemic face weeks waiting for crucial documents as civil servants continue working from home.

The passport office has warned renewing papers could take as long as ten weeks if the three million people who failed to apply last year submit orders.

But the problem is the same across the spectrum of services all providing key documentation.

It includes delays of up to six months on a tax rebate, up to ten weeks for a paper driving licence application.

And the situation for ordering copies of birth, marriage or death certificates appears even more dire with the government's General Register Office for England and Wales unable to give dates on when they will be sent out.

It comes as civil servants have been told there is no pressure to come back into the office - despite the Government telling everyone else they should begin returning.

A plan has also been suggested for the majority of Whitehall staff that they may only ever have to come in a maximum of two days a week.

If that proves true questions are bound to be asked over whether some services will ever be able to return to pre-pandemic efficiency again.

MailOnline took a look at some the services being hit:

Driving licences

The DVLA say paper applications will take ten weeks due to reduced staff working in the office

The DVLA, which is based in Swansea, says paper applications for licences are currently taking up to ten weeks to process.

It has firmly laid the wait at the door of a number of union strikes that have been held and the fact some people are having to work at home.

The service said: 'We are currently operating with reduced staffing levels on site due to social distancing rules in Wales and ongoing industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

'Industrial action has been taking place since April and PCS is targeting a variety of areas within DVLA designed to have maximum negative impact on members of the public. This means that there are continuing delays with paper applications and in reaching our contact centre. There are no delays for those applying online.

'We're sorry for any inconvenience caused but we are working as quickly as we can to deal with your application. We receive around 60,000 items of mail every day that needs to be opened and processed.'

A PCS spokesman said: 'Our action to date has had a huge impact on the backlogs at the DVLA. However, this dispute could have been easily resolved in June when a deal was withdrawn at the last minute. It's time for Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and DVLA to get back around the table and negotiate.

'PCS continues to have intensive and productive discussions with the Cabinet Office on future working arrangements. We are pressing them to prevent any large-scale return of staff to offices until it is demonstrably safe to do so; and even then to not return to the pre-pandemic world  we want maximum choice and flexibility for workers going forward, including homeworking where desired. The pandemic has proven that this is eminently achievable while maintaining service delivery.'

Tax rebates

A heavy workload at HMRC combined with working from home has seen rebates delayed

HMRC is also struggling with the processing of tax rebates to taxpayers.

Many who are owed money are having to wait up to six months to get their cash back.

This has been sparked by a combination of an increased workload relating to managing Covid payments as well as Brexit paperwork.

It has seen staff moved around to tackle different duties that are a bigger priority.

An HMRC spokesperson has said: 'We're doing all we can to process self assessment rebate claims as fast as possible and are sorry to any customers who have waited longer than they expected.

'We're continuing to redesign our business to meet our customer demand needs in the most effective way, based on our available resource.'

Birth, marriage and death certificates

Ordering service for birth and other certificates will not commit to providing by any date

Online ordering of birth, adoption, marriage, civil partnership and death registrations for England and Wales from the General Register Office has also been badly hit.

It has been straight with customers and has told them certificate orders will not be completed within the published timescales

The office said: 'In line with public health guidance, the General Register Office is operating with reduced staffing to comply with social distancing guidance.

'We remain committed to processing orders as fast as we can, however we will be unable to confirm when your order will be completed.

'If your order is not urgent, please apply at a later date so we can help those who need our services the most.'

Renewing passports

The passport office has warned people they could face an up to ten week wait to renew papers

MailOnline told yesterday how holiday-starved UK residents hoping to travel abroad for a well-deserved break were facing ten week queues to renew their passports.

The waiting time is over triple that of the clearing period pre-coronavirus, when it took just three weeks to get a new document.

The Home Office said warnings have been issued due to a potential rush for renewals after numbers applying for new passports dropped to four million in 2020 from seven million on average.

Texts have been sent by mobile phone out to those whose documents are nearing expiry.

It reads: 'Reminder: It takes up to ten weeks to get a new passport. Don't leave it too late, renew now.'

Whitehall is utterly deserted by workers as civil servants are allowed to work from home

There has been no drive to get civil servants back to the office - unlike everywhere else

And the website for the identifying travel papers urges people to avoid delaying getting them re-ordered.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We continue to process passport applications promptly and last month 99.6% of passports using the urgent Fast Track and Digital Premium services were issued within their respective service standards.

'Since the outset of the pandemic, more than 4.5 million people have delayed applying for a passport.

'With the potential demand for passports higher than ever before, passport processing times could change quickly.

'Since April we have been advising applicants using the standard service to plan to wait up to 10 weeks before they receive their passport.'
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Britain is set to be battered by flash floods, four inches of rain, lightning and 60mph winds as thunderstorms sweep in today and tomorrow.

Britons hoping to make the most of their weekend may be met with a washout after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms for the north of England and Scotland.

Going into the weekend residents have been warned that there is a small chance their homes and business could be flooded when the slow-moving, heavy downpours arrive on Friday.

The wet and windy weather made an appearance at Sandhurst, Berkshire, on Friday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended the Sovereign's Parade at Royal Military Academy on behalf of the Queen.

The wet conditions are expected to persist into Saturday with some thunder, all of which the Met Office has advised may cause travel disruption.

The thunderstorms warning spans from Nottingham and northern Wales all the way up to Fort William, Scotland, for Friday. Areas hit by the storms could receive as much as 1.2 inches of rain in the space of just an hour.

Britons hoping to make the most of their weekend may be met with a washout after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms for the north of England (pictured: Manchester) and Scotland

One woman was caught in the middle of torrential rain and a thunderstorm in Manchester city centre on Friday as the weather took a turn for the worse

A cyclist riding during a heavy rain shower on Wimbledon Common in London, as the forecast is for rain and downpours mixed with sunny spells over the weekend

The wet conditions are expected to persist into Saturday with some thunder, all of which the Met Office has advised may cause travel disruption. Pictured: Cars drive through standing water in Gateacre, Liverpool

Eager people enjoyed a Friday night drink in Soho, despite the heavy rainstorms hitting the capital on Friday afternoon

Britain is set to be battered by flash floods, four inches of rain, lightning and 60mph winds as thunderstorms sweep in today and tomorrow. Pictured: Guests shield themselves from the rain as they arrive at the Sovereign's Parade at Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst

Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding and traffic queues on the M8 near Royston, Glasgow, on Friday

On Saturday, the thunderstorms will edge west, no longer affecting Nottingham and parts of the north east, including Hull and Lincoln, and instead spreading across to Northern Ireland and to more southern parts of Wales.

Parts of Northern Ireland have already started to feel the effects of the stormy weather, with Berry Street in Belfast, beginning to flood - affecting several business.

People in Edinburgh and surrounding areas should expect persistent heavy rain on Friday which may cause local flooding and some travel disruption.

The rain across the northeast of Scotland is expected to ease later on Friday to make way for a mixture of sunny spells and heavy downpours while those in the south can expect blustery winds - with the same expected to continue on Saturday.

Going into this evening, the showers will die out for many but continue in the north with a risk of persistent rain across parts of north Wales and northwest England.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: 'We do have a very unsettled weekend in prospect, with a lot of it covered by a thunderstorm and rain warnings.

'We have got an area of low pressure which will be milling around over the UK bringing rain to quite large parts, so I think everywhere can expect to see quite heavy showers.'

He added: 'We know the footprint of where we think the heaviest rainfall will be, but it's like a boiling saucepan: you will get bubbles coming up, and trying to pinpoint where the next bubble will be is virtually impossible.'

The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms for the north of England and Scotland which are predicted to edge west on Saturday - instead spreading across to Northern Ireland and to more southern parts of Wales.

Going into this evening, the showers will die out for many but continue in the north with a risk of persistent rain across parts of north Wales and northwest England. Pictured: People caught in torrential rain in Manchester city centre on Friday

Going into the new week The Met Office predicts heavy showers in the north on Sunday with sunnier spells in the south. Pictured: People caught in torrential rain in Manchester city centre on Friday

Business owners of Absolute Beauty Salon and Foggy Brew on Berry Street in Belfast clean up after their premises were flooded following torrential rain

The Sun also reports that some areas could see winds of up to 60mph.

Going into the new week The Met Office predicts heavy showers in the north on Sunday with sunnier spells in the south.

But the heavy rain will make a comback in many areas on Monday before Tuesday is expected to be mostly dry with some spells of sunshine.

Guests were seen arriving at Sandhurst shielding themselves from the heavy and blustery downpours with umbrellas while others opted to brave the rain.

The Prime Minister, who was also battered with his fair share of rain, decided to ditch his umbrella as he walked along a row of military personnel in the downpour.

Meanwhile, in Nottingham, spectators shelter from the rain under large umbrellas during day two of the First LV= Insurance test match between England and India at Trent Bridge.

Going into the new week The Met Office predicts heavy showers in the north on Sunday with sunnier spells in the south. Pictured: People out for a Friday night drink in Soho amid storms

One woman creatively used her Louis Vuitton handbag as an umbrella in Manchester city centre on Friday after getting caught in the thunderstorms

On Saturday, the thunderstorms will edge west, no longer affecting Nottingham and parts of the north east, including Hull and Lincoln. Pictured: Cars are hit with a heavy rain shower in Wimbledon village

Forecasts again say 'torrential downpours are likely in some places', while 'there is a risk of strong winds at times for some'. Pictured: People caught in torrential rain in Manchester city centre

Some pedestrians caught in the rain showers decided to adopt some more unique methods to protect themselves, with some wearing ponchos and one woman even used what appeared to be a plastic bag (pictured)

Business owners of Absolute Beauty Salon on Berry Street in Belfast clean up after their premises were flooded following torrential rain

Others decided to adopt some more unique methods to protect themselves from the showers, with some wearing ponchos and sombreros to match.

The UK recorded its joint fifth warmest July on record this year after a heatwave that saw the first extreme heat warning.

In contrast, the second half of the month saw some areas hit by intense downpours which caused flooding.

Met Office forecaster Nicola Maxey stressed the weather may still be under an 'Atlantic influence', with showers in the North and West, adding: 'We are likely to see potential for thunderstorms through much of this week.'

The average temperature for August is 70.5F (21.4C) in southern England and 66F (19C) in the UK as a whole. Ms Maxey added: 'There's little signal we're going to see any exceptionally hot temperatures.'

Forecasts again say 'torrential downpours are likely in some places', while 'there is a risk of strong winds at times for some'. Miss Maxey said accumulations of rain in areas receiving a couple of thunderstorms could be high.

The average temperature for August is 70.5F (21.4C) in southern England and 66F (19C) in the UK as a whole. Pictured: People out for a Friday night drink in Soho despite the heavy summer rain storms

Forecasts again say 'torrential downpours are likely in some places', while 'there is a risk of strong winds at times for some'. Pictured: People caught in torrential rain in Manchester city centre on Friday

Parts of Northern Ireland have started to feel the effects of the stormy weather, with Berry Street in Belfast, beginning to flood - affecting several business. Pictured: Business owners of Foggy Brew on Berry Street in Belfast clean up after flooding

Guests were seen arriving at Sandhurst shielding themselves from the heavy and blustery downpours with umbrellas while others opted to brave the rain (pictured)

Pedestrians are caught in a heavy rain shower on Wimbledon Common amid torrential downpours on Friday afternoon

In Nottingham, spectators shelter from the rain under large umbrellas during day two of the First LV= Insurance test match between England and India at Trent Bridge

Others decided to adopt some more unique methods to protect themselves from the showers, with some wearing ponchos and sombreros to match

But she added that it was 'quite usual to receive most of the month's rain in two to three bursts during the summer months'. The thunder could bring more flooding and make driving conditions difficult due to surface water and poor visibility.

An improvement in the weather is likely in the second half of next week. Miss Maxey said: 'From the 10th, 11th up to late August, there's some indication that we might see more settled weather as an area of high pressure moves in.

'But we'll continue that Atlantic influence, so it's unlikely to be a situation where temperatures build day by day, as happened in July. It could mean dry conditions become more prevalent but with the risk of showers and thunderstorms.

'Temperatures are due to turn higher than average but there's little signal we're going to see any exceptionally hot weather for the second half of the month.'

Miss Maxey said it was too early to give further details about the warm conditions. Temperatures over the coming days are only set to reach highs of 70F (21C) to 72F (22C) in northern and southern areas of England and Wales.
A Chinese state media interview with an Olympic gold medallist about her 'manly appearance' and when she'll get married and have children has caused outcry.

A female CCTV reporter subjected Gong Lijiao, 32, to the deeply personal interrogation after she won gold in the women's shot put in Tokyo on Sunday.

She commented on her 'bashful smile' while asking if she had a boyfriend and whether she would take him on in an arm wrestle.

Despite being taken aback by some of the questions, Gong appeared to take it in her stride and was able to laugh off most of the woman's impertinence.

But she later waded into some of the social media furore and suggested that such personal questions would not have been put to a male athlete.

A female CCTV reporter spoke with Gong Lijiao after she won gold in the women's shot put in Tokyo on Sunday

Gold medalist Gong Lijiao of China celebrates after winning the Women's Shot Put Final on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Gong proudly holding her gold medal inside the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo

The segment started with a piece to camera by the reporter who referred to Gong as a 'manly woman,' before it cut to the athlete answering her first question.

'I may look like a manly woman on the outside, but inside I'm still more of a girl,' she replied.

The reporter asked: 'Do you have any plans for a woman's life?'

Gong seemed slightly surprised, replying: 'Woman's life?'

The reporter described Gong as having 'a bashful smile.'

The shot putter said: 'Um... maybe I'll look at my plans. If I don't train then perhaps I will lose weight, get married and have children. Yes, it's the path one must take in life.'

The reporter followed up by asking about whether or not Gong had a boyfriend and if she would like to give any potential suitors an arm wrestle.

Gong laughed as the interview concluded, telling her: 'I don't arm-wrestle. I'm very gentle.'

The line of questioning sparked fury in China with many taking to social media to criticise the state TV reporter.

'Is marriage the only thing that can be talked about women?' A trending hashtag said.

China's Gong Lijiao competes in the women's shot put final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

One commenter said: 'Won an Olympic gold medal, still can't shut up this group of nosy women.'

One post on Gong's Weibo page, the equivalent of Facebook, said: 'It's not that she can't get married, it's that no man is her match... when we talk about women, it's not just about marriage or looks, but also dreams and achievements.'

Gong herself responded to the post, saying: 'This totally expresses what I feel! Thank you!'
A young mother has implored expecting parents to get the Covid vaccine after succumbing to the virus and being forced to give birth by caesarean section 16 weeks early.

Claudia Li, 30, who lives in Birmingham, said she hugely regrets turning down the jab after being offered it via letters and text messages.

The project engineer for Severn Trent Water said she feared the vaccine 'could potentially do more harm than good to the baby.'

But after catching Covid at work last month, she almost lost her son as she was placed unconscious on a ventilator - leaving medics at Birmingham's City Hospital no choice but to urgently deliver the baby to save her.

The boy, yet to be named, weighed just 1lb 4oz - less than a bag of sugar - and while he has been growing stronger by the day, he remains on a ventilator because his lungs are not fully developed.

Claudia Li, 30, (pictured with her newborn) who lives in Birmingham, said she hugely regrets turning down the jab after being offered it via letters and text messages

In a message to expecting parents, Ms Li said: 'Please, take the vaccine. I didn't. Don't risk yours and your baby's life.'

Ms Li and husband Scott, 29, a secondary school maths teacher, were excitedly planning for the arrival of their first child, expected in the late autumn.

Her pregnancy was going well, with the soon-to-be mother not even suffering from the expected morning sickness.

But things changed dramatically last month when the Hong Kong native went to her office on July 7 and developed symptoms later that week.

She said: 'My gut told me something was not right. I went on and did a lateral flow test on the Sunday morning of July 11, and it turned out positive. I then booked myself a PCR test the same afternoon to confirm.

'I kept on working up to July 13 but became too ill to work.

Ms Li and husband Scott, 29, (pictured together in June) a secondary school maths teacher, were excitedly planning for the arrival of their first child, expected in the late autumn

Covid vaccines are safe during pregnancies The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be effective and to have a good safety profile. These vaccines do not contain live coronavirus and cannot infect a pregnant woman or her unborn baby in the womb. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as people of the same age or risk group. In the USA, around 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated mainly with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and no safety concerns have been identified. Evidence on COVID-19 vaccines is being continuously reviewed by the World Health Organization and the regulatory bodies in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the preferred vaccines for pregnant women of any age who are coming for their first dose. Anyone who has already started vaccination and is offered a second dose whilst pregnant, should have a second dose with the same vaccine unless they had a serious side effect after the first dose. COVID-19 vaccines offer pregnant women the best protection against COVID-19 disease which can be serious in later pregnancy for some women. The first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will give you good protection. You need the second dose to get longer lasting protection. You do not need to delay this second dose. Source: Gov.uk Advertisement

'I was waiting to see how my symptoms would develop and how I would feel down the line but my symptoms got worse on Friday July 16. I booked a telephone appointment with my GP and got referred to have a face to face assessment.'

At that point she was given a fingertip pulse oximeter and told to raise the alarm if the reading dropped below 92% - but just hours later she was in an ambulance on her way into the hospital after her condition deteriorated.

'Because of Covid my husband wasn't allowed to come with me, I believe it was at that moment it all became so real, (I realised) I was very sick and wasn't able to get better myself,' she added.

Initially a surge of oxygen delivered via a mask made her feel better.

'I wasn't feeling too bad at that point and I still had the ability and strength to message my husband and gave him updates,' she said.

But over that weekend her condition deteriorated quickly.

She recalled: 'The whole thing happened very quickly. I'm trying to remember the details but when the doctor talked to me I was quite poorly and I was quickly intubated afterwards (put on a ventilator) so my memories are a bit vague.

'What I remember is that the doctor told me they were considering carrying out a Caesarean Section to save me and they will do the best for the baby.'

The operation was carried out on July 20 and the baby was immediately whisked away into intensive care while Claudia continued to fight the virus.

She was discharged earlier this week but remains under regular surveillance.

The tiny tot is currently on a ventilator because his lungs are not fully developed.

Medics are currently giving him steroids to help his breathing improve to the point where he can be taken off ventilation.

He is already taking milk from his mum and by a donor mum - and is even doing 'good big poos', Ms Li said.

She added: 'We are so glad he is steadily putting on weight - he was born 630g (1lb 4oz) and is now 790g (1lb 11oz).

Ms Li said she understands why so many pregnant women like her have been reluctant to have the vaccine, but wanted to share her story to help persuade them.

Confusion about vaccine safety, with pregnant women not involved in initial testing, and mixed messages initially about whether the vaccines were recommended for mums-to-be, especially in the early weeks, have put off some.

This is allied to a reluctance among most mums to take any medicines while pregnant, and this naturally makes women and their families nervous, she said.

She added: 'I did get offered a vaccine via letters and text messages but at the time I felt the vaccine could potentially do more harm than good to the baby.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released today shows the number of people infected with the virus fell from 856,200 to 722,300 in the week ending July 31

'(I thought) how would the Government know the vaccine is safe? How could they ensure no long-term effects on the baby after it was born? So, at the time I felt the bad outweighed the good, so I didn't take the vaccine.

'But now, all I say to other pregnant women is "TAKE YOUR VACCINE!" Nothing can be worse than getting admitted to hospital and having to deliver your baby prematurely.

'Don't risk yours and your baby's life.'

National figures suggest only one in six pregnant women are taking up the vaccine offer.

But the risks from taking the vaccine are minuscule, say medics and scientists, with hundreds of thousands of women in the US, UK and other countries now successfully vaccinated without harm.

More research is being carried out to boost confidence, with new studies now launched to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of the jabs.

But experts say the dangers from catching Covid-19, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, are potentially life threatening.

Claudia is one of around 30 pregnant women who have ended up in intensive care in Birmingham alone after catching Covid-19 in the last three months, all of whom were unvaccinated.

While that might seem a small number compared to the number of pregnancies (around 1,500 babies are delivered a month locally) the impact on every single family is life-changing.

Dr Sarbjit Clare, deputy medical director and an acute medicine consultant for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said cases are continuing to emerge among unvaccinated pregnant women, despite repeated assurances about the safety of the vaccine.

'We understand women are nervous but it is absolutely vital they come forward for their vaccines,' said Dr Clare.

'I currently have two women in the acute medical ward who are on oxygen and steroids, with Covid on their chests - they will recover but they are very unwell.

'In our intensive care unit we have three pregnant women with Covid-19 who are even more unwell. It is very worrying.'

It's a message repeated by neighbouring hospital trusts who are also seeing ill women in worrying numbers.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, city cabinet member for health and wellbeing in Birmingham, said she understands why women have shown reluctance, particularly because of the mixed messages during the early phase of the rollout.

Test and Trace data showed Covid cases dropped by almost 40 per cent a week ago, in yet another sign the third wave has peaked. They said 189,232 Britons tested positive for the virus over the seven days to July 28

The Covid Symptom Study estimated cases fell by almost a quarter last week, after saying they had plateaued. It estimated 46,905 people are now catching Covid every day, down from almost 60,000 previously

Covid cases are still dropping week-on-week in all age groups, but the rate of decrease has slowed considerably among adults in their early twenties. It could switch to a rise in cases in the coming days

She said: 'Pregnant women don't even want to take paracetemol for a headache, so to try to encourage them to take a vaccine which they see as "new" and worry about the long term effects, that is really difficult.

'We have to do more to help them overcome these concerns. It's also about a lack of trust, particularly in some communities.

'But we have to keep trying as we know the impact can be deadly.'

She said she supported plans to offer vaccines at ante natal appointments, already offered in Wolverhampton and planned for other parts of Birmingham and the Black Country, with midwives on hand to try to allay fears.

Last year Cllr Hamilton saw up close the worst effects, as the heavily pregnant daughter of a family she knew caught the virus and died, without ever holding her baby son.

The little boy was born by emergency caesarean section close to full term, and is now thriving in the care of his family. His mother, Sarah Scully, 35, did not survive.

Sarah's tragic story was told as part of a series of testimonial hearings about the impact on Black and Asian people locally from the pandemic, led by Cllr Hamilton and city MP Liam Byrne for an inquiry by Doreen Lawrence.
President Joe Biden conceded on Thursday he can't guarantee the courts won't find his new eviction moratorium unconstitutional but noted it will at least buy renters some time.

Biden told reporters at the White House he spoke to 'a number of legal scholars' about the moratorium and there was a 'split' in their opinion.

'I can't guarantee you the court wont rule that we don't have that authority but at least we'll have the ability to, if we have to appeal, to keep this going for a month - at least. I hope longer,' he said.

He added that he hoped it would give states time to distribute funds they have in their possession from an earlier allocation by Congress.

Distribution of rental assistance that Congress allocated in December and March has been painfully slow. The $47 billion Emergency Rental Assistance program has, to date, disbursed only $3 billion.

President Joe Biden conceded he can't guarantee the courts won't find his new eviction moratorium unconstitutional

Housing advocates protest outside Governor Andrew Cuomo's office on the eviction moratorium on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in New York

Rep. Cori Bush talks to protesters at the Capitol who were pushing to extend the eviction moratorium

But some landlords have already struck at the new order.

Groups representing landlords who say they are suffering under the Biden administration's eviction moratorium filed suit in federal court Wednesday  claiming the CDC's latest extension of the moratorium is 'unlawful.'

Landlord group argues that the administration was acting for 'nakedly political reasons' when it cobbled together a new extension this week, days after a prior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extension had lapsed.

The landlord groups late Wednesday asked a U.S. judge in Washington to immediately lift the new eviction moratorium that was put in place Tuesday by the CDC, saying the new order was 'unlawful.'

The Alabama Association of Realtors and others said in an emergency filing the CDC issued the new order 'for nakedly political reasons - to ease the political pressure, shift the blame to the courts for ending the moratorium, and use litigation delays to achieve a policy objective.'

CDC director Rochelle Walensky signed an order on Tuesday that determined the 'evictions of tenants for failure to make rent or housing payments could be detrimental to public health control measures' to slow the spread of COVID, the agency announced.

The order expands the eviction moratorium until October 3 and applies to counties 'experience substantial and high levels' of COVID transmission.

The order will allow more time 'to further increase vaccination rates,' the CDC said, calling it an 'effective public health measure.'

'This moratorium is the right thing to do to keep people in their homes and out of congregate settings where COVID-19 spreads,' Walensky said. 'Such mass evictions and the attendant public health consequences would be very difficult to reverse.'

It will cover about 90 per cent of renters in the country, White House officials said.

Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush celebrate after news of the new CDC order on Tuesday after leading a camp out on the Capitol steps for four days

CDC director Rochelle Walensky signed an order extending the eviction moratorium to Oct. 3

President Biden was under intense pressure from the liberal wing of his party to do something to help renters suffering under the pandemic. The White House had pushed the issue to Congress and the states after deciding a June Supreme Court ruling prevented additional executive action.

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 Bureau's Household Pulse Survey.

The new order was necessary amid a battle among Democrats on how to help renters.

Biden pushed Congress and the states to act.

But Speaker Nancy Pelosi made it clear she did not have the votes in the House to pass an eviction moratorium and put the onus back on Biden.

Democratic Reps. Cori Bush and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez led a four-night camp out on the U.S. Capitol front steps to protest the inaction.

Biden was struggling how to do deal with the original eviction moratorium put in place by the CDC, which had expired.

In June, a divided Supreme Court agreed to let the CDC moratorium remain in effect after the CDC announced it would allow the ban to expire on July 31.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh issued a concurring opinion saying in his view extending the CDC moratorium past July 31 would need 'clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation).'

Under pressure from President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the CDC issued a slightly narrower eviction ban on Tuesday that focused on counties with high rates of COVID infections. The White House said that would cover 90 per cent of renters.
A doctor has been banned from practising medicine indefinitely over claims she pretended to have babies in a bid to get benefits.

Dundee medic Kiyo Adya was found to have filled out fraudulent paperwork and made phone calls to HMRC officials over fake claims before her businessman boyfriend was jailed for a 35,000 child benefit scam.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) found a series of allegations against Kiyo Adya to be proven - determining that the 33-year-old had been guilty of dishonesty by pretending to be eight different people in order to claim child benefit.

The MPTS hearing was told Adya had completed applications for child benefit and filled out doctor's statements in support of them, between May 2015 and August 2015.

On July 1, 2015, she wrote a letter under an assumed name, which was submitted together with an application for child benefit.

Kiyo Adya, 33, from Dundee, (pictured) was found guilty of dishonesty by pretending to be eight different people in order to claim child benefit claims

She enclosed a birth certificate for 'her daughter' and requested that child benefit payment be backdated to the date of birth, the hearing was told.

Between July 15, 2015, and October 9, 2015, during phone conversations with the Child Benefit Centre, Adya pretended to be eight different people in order to discuss child benefit claims.

Adya's fitness to practise was found to be impaired because of her misconduct.

The tribunal was told by General Medical Council lawyer Harriet Tighe that Adya had committed 'serious breaches of good medical practice'.

She said Adya's dishonesty was 'persistent, for her own financial gain and occurred over a significant period of time'.

The tribunal also found that Adya only stopped her scam once it had been uncovered.

'It, therefore, found that Adya's actions lay at the top end of the scale of dishonesty,' said Ms Tighe.

Her actions 'undermined the integrity of the child benefit application process', the tribunal was told.

Chairwoman Laura Paul said on behalf of the MPTS: 'The tribunal found that Dr Adya's conduct and level of dishonesty was incompatible with continued registration.

'It considered that Dr Adya had failed to maintain standards and public confidence in the medical profession.

Adya's fraudster boyfriend Rory McWhirter (pictured) was jailed for more than two years in 2017 after registering the births of 26 non-existent babies in a benefit fraud scam

'It determined that a sanction of erasing Dr Adya's name from the medical register was appropriate, proportionate and in the public interest.'

Adya's fraudster boyfriend Rory McWhirter was jailed for more than two years in 2017 after registering the births of 26 non-existent babies in a benefit fraud scam.

McWhirter concocted the complicated scheme while living with Adya in Dundee. She had all criminal charges against her dropped.

He duped people into applying for fake jobs at a Glasgow hotel then used their identity details and those of other couples to get copies of their marriage certificates.

He then forged letters claiming the children had been born in home births.

McWhirter used birth certificates for non-existent children to claim for tax credits, child benefit and maternity grants.

His scheme was rumbled after he returned to the scene of one of his registrations at Aberdeen registry office and was recognised by staff.

Around the same time, an 'organised attack' on HMRC's computer systems - which showed around 350 requests had been received for tax credits application forms from an address in Dundee and others in Campbeltown linked to McWhirter - triggered other alarms.

In the end it was McWhirter's BMW car that he used to travel to the registry offices across Scotland that led police to his door.
Twin brothers aged just 16 have both been put on a ventilator after falling gravely-ill with COVID just days after testing positive for the virus.

Cole Begley first showed symptoms Friday July 30 and his brother Connor Begley followed suit a day later.

Within days the twins - who will turn 17 on August 23 - were put on ventilators at Niswonger Children's Hospital in Johnson City.

The boys' stepmother Kelley Begley said her stepsons conditions are not appearing to improve. 'The doctor came in today... He said Connor is worse than Cole and is still in very critical condition,' she wrote in a Facebook post last night.

Begley told News Channel 11: 'It's really hard when you see your family suffering and you feel completely helpless. I can't be there as much as I want to be there.'

The twins will be seniors at Twin Springs High School this year and 'the community around here is just so loving and caring, always wanting to help,' Kelley said.

'Everybodys always asking, "what can we do, what can we do?" and all I can say is pray,' she added.

Twin brothers Connor (left) and Cole (right) Begley, 16, from Fort Blackmore, Virginia, have been hospitalized and placed on ventilators days after contracting Covid-19

Cole fell ill with COVID first, on July 30, with his twin sibling Conner showing symptoms a day later

On Tuesday night, a group gathered to pray for the boys at Grogan Park in Gate City.

The boys' stepmom refused to tell DailyMail.com whether the twins had been vaccinated and said the teens' father Vincent was too occupied with their recovery to talk further about their illness.

She has since shared an update saying the boys have improved slightly, but are still seriously ill.

The siblings' story is the latest harrowing example of COVID ruining lives across the US, amid a surging fourth wave caused by the Delta variant of the virus.

Multiple COVID victims - and their grieving families - have shared heart-wrenching testimony about how they wish they'd had the vaccine before falling ill, or losing their lives to the virus.

Many of them were young and in good health, and avoided being jabbed thinking they'd escape a COVID infection relatively unscathed.

Virginia father-of-six Travis Campbell was unvaccinated when he contracted Covid last month. He has been hospitalized in Tennessee ever since and pleaded with others from his hospital bed to get the vaccine as he continues to battle the virus

Virginia father-of-six Travis Campbell was unvaccinated when he contracted COVID last month.

He has been hospitalized in Tennessee ever since and pleaded with others from his hospital bed to get the vaccine as he continues to battle the virus. Travis is fighting for his life and said he struggles to breathe every day.

Virginia state senator Ben Chafin, 60, died on New Year's Day from Covid-19 complications after spending two weeks in the hospital.

The state has recorded more than 703,000 cases of COVID, and more than 11,500 deaths.

More than 62 per cent of Virginia's population has had at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, with almost 55 per cent fully vaccinated.
The Taliban has assassinated a senior Afghan government official inside his car in the capital Kabul as it steps up its bloody drive to recapture the country.

Dawa Khan Menapal, head of the government's media information centre, was shot dead near a mosque in the city on Friday, just a day after defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi escaped a bomb and gun attack.

Meanwhile, the group's Islamist fighters captured their first regional capital - Zaranj, in Nimroz province near Iran - marking their most-significant battlefield victory against government forces to date.

American forces are now sending B-52 bombers, AC-130 gunships and Reaper drones to try and push the jihadists back from other capitals such as Lashkar Gah, Herat and Kandahar, which have come under heavy attack in recent days.

Dawa Khan Menapal, head of the Afghan government's media information centre, was shot dead in his car outside a mosque in Kabul on Friday

Taliban gunmen attacked the car as it was sitting outside a mosque following Friday prayers, leaving Menapal dead

The assassination marks the most senior government official the Taliban have killed during their latest effort to retake the country, and shows they can mount attacks in the capital

The sorties are being launched from al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, with aircraft flying over Pakistan before hitting their targets in Afghanistan, The Times reported.

It appears America's hand has been forced after the Afghan airforce all-but collapsed after Joe Biden ordered US forces out of the country earlier this year.

The troops took with them an army of contractors that were being used to maintain the helicopters and jets Afghan pilots were hoping to use to defend against the Taliban assault.

Menapal had been outspoken against the Taliban, including mocking the Islamists on social media

More than a third of the force's 162 aircraft are thought to be out of action due to a repair blacklog and lack of spare parts.

Pilots - who have also been targeted for execution by the Taliban - are said to be exhausted and demoralised due to non-stop missions, while munitions are also running low.

The Taliban have quickly recaptured much of Afghanistan behind the backs of withdrawing US and NATO forces, who began departing the country earlier this year after two decades of fighting.

Due to be complete by the end of August, in fact sources on the ground say the withdrawal is in-effect complete already.

President Ashraf Ghani has put the Taliban's rapid advance down to pulling his forces back into cities which are easier to defend and crucial for control of the country.

A major Taliban assault on those cities is now underway which will decide the fate of the country.

Ghani's hope and that of his western allies is that the Taliban can be fought to a stalemate, at which point they may return to stalled peace negotiations and work out some kind of power-sharing deal.

If the Taliban emerge victorious from these battles, then the country will almost certainly fall back into the group's hands - making a mockery of two decades of western intervention.

The Taliban also captured its first regional capital - the city of Zaranj, in Nimroz province near the border with Iran, as it pushed to retake control of the country

The worst-case scenario would be that neither side is able to score a killing blow but refuse to negotiate, dragging the conflict out into a long and bloody civil war of the kind seen in the Nineties from which the Taliban first emerged.

Analysts and observers warn that would make Afghanistan a haven for terror groups, including ISIS, to move into an operate in.

Menapal's assassination is the most high-profile killing the Taliban has carried out during the most-recent campaign, and shows it is able to operate within Kabul - one of the few cities that is not yet under direct attack.

'He (Menapal) was a young man who stood like a mountain in the face of enemy propaganda, and who was always a major supporter of the (Afghan) regime,' said Mirwais Stanikzai, a spokesperson of the interior ministry.

Elsewhere Taliban fighters intensified clashes with Afghan forces and attacked militias allied with the government, officials said, stretching their dominance of border towns and closing in on two provincial capitals.

The Afghan and US militaries have stepped up air strikes in their fight against the insurgents in a string of cities, and the Taliban said Tuesday's Kabul raid was their response.

Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict has intensified since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of a withdrawal due to be completed later this month.

Afghan government forces are seen in the city of Herat, where they have scored a rare victory against the jihadist group

Afghan government forces in Herat, one of the few regional capitals holding out well against the Islamists who are attacking in force across the country

The Taliban already control large portions of the countryside, and are now challenging government forces in several provincial capitals.

Government forces continue to hit Taliban positions with air strikes and commando raids, and the defence ministry boasted Friday of eliminating more than 400 insurgents in the past 24 hours.

Both sides frequently exaggerate battlefield casualty figures, making independent verification virtually impossible.

But even as Afghan officials claimed to be hitting the Taliban hard, security forces have yet to flush out the militants from provincial capitals they have already entered - with hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee in recent weeks.

Social media was also filled with videos of the devastating toll the fighting has taken in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, with posts showing a major market area in flames.

Aid group Action Against Hunger said its offices had been hit by an 'aerial bomb' in the city earlier this week, according to a statement released by the organisation on Friday.

'The building was marked from the street and roof as a non-governmental (NGO) organisation, and the office location has been communicated often to the parties involved in the conflict,' said the group, adding that no staff had been harmed.

In the western city of Herat, a steady stream of people were leaving their homes in anticipation of a government assault on positions held by the Taliban.

'We completely evacuated,' said Ahmad Zia, who lived in the western part of the city.

'We have nothing left and we do not know where to go,' he told AFP.
Sonia Hermosilla, 31, has remained jailed since the August 2011 crime

A California mother accused of dropping her disabled infant off a parking garage 10 years ago, killing him, went on trial this week, with prosecutors arguing that she resented him and the defense claiming mental illness.

On Tuesday, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Mena Guirguis told jurors that Sonia Hermosillo, 31, whose husband said she suffered postpartum depression following their son's birth in early 2011, wanted the 7-month-old dead.

'(He's sick) and that's why I don't love him', police said Hermosillo told them following her August 2011 arrest. She 'would rather he died,' police said.

Prosecutors claimed this week that her husband, Noe Medina, who has forgiven his wife and fully supports her, said, 'She didnt accept him. She didnt accept that he was like this.'

'She didnt look at our son as normal,' he said of Noe Medina Jr.

But Hermosillo's defense argues that the mother was in a state of psychosis at the time, and described her as a dedicated housewife and mom to Noe Jr. as well as their two daughters.

Noe Media Jr. was born with congenital muscular torticollis, which causes a twisting of the neck to one side. He wore a helmet to help correct his plagiocephaly

Noe Jr. was 'in utero too long' and born with congenital muscular torticollis, which causes a twisting of the neck to one side. The child wore a helmet to help correct his plagiocephaly, otherwise known as flat-head syndrome,' according to KFI AM.

At the time of his death, Noe Jr. was undergoing physical therapy twice a week and was showing signs of improvement, The Journal reports.

Police said Hermosillo arrived at Children's Hospital of Orange County without an appointment then removed the child's protective helmet before dropping him. The child fell three stories from the four-story parking garage. She then had her parking ticket validated and left the garage.

Hermasillo was charged soon after with one felony count of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, and one felony count of child abuse causing great bodily injury.

She pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and has remained jailed since her arrest.

According to Guirguis, Hermasillo had been treated for mental illness prior to the child's death, and was placed on a psychiatric hold.

'But she was still able to intend to kill her son,' he told jurors in his opening statement on Tuesday.

'And she was able to follow through on that ... It will be very clear that she intended to kill him and it's going to be very clear she wanted him to die. You'll hear that several times. Why? Because he was sick. His mother did not love him and she wanted to get rid of him.'

Hermosillo's lawyer, Jacqueline Goodman, however, argued that her client never resented her disabled son, but rather felt he wasn't safe with her.

She was suffering from 'full-blown psychosis' during interviews with police immediately after the crime, telling investigators that Noe Jr. would 'always remain a baby,' and even as an adult she would have needed to 'change his diapers.'

Goodman said her client met her husband and father to her children in Mexico when the two were in their late teens.

Despite the fact that she had only a sixth-grade education, she said Hermosillo was a 'remarkable' homemaker who along with her husband, desperately wanted to have a son following the birth of their two daughters.

'She wanted Noe Jr.,' she said.

'When Noe Jr. was born, there was something that went wrong and you'll hear it was chemical. Sonia had become severely mentally ill.'

Pictured: the parking garage at the Children's Hospital of Orange County, where prosecutors say Hermosillo dropped her disabled infant son from the third story

'She stopped caring for her children,' her attorney added. 'She couldn't even take care of herself.'

A witness who saw the infant dropped to his death, and a doctor who attempted to save the child's life will testify during Hermosillo's trial.

Hermosillo faces a minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted, or she could be sent to a state mental health hospital, according to KFI AM.
Five young children - all under the age of 10 - were killed in a fire early Friday morning in an apartment where they had been staying with their mother and grandparents since their last home burned down just five months ago.

The blaze broke out at the two-story building in East St. Louis, Illinois, around 3am after the children's mom, Sabrina Dunigan, left home to drive someone to work.

Their mother returned to discover the home engulfed in flames, authorities said.

Five crews from the East St. Louis Fire Department arrived to find two of the children dead inside a bedroom and three other children unconscious on the floor.

Two of the unconscious children died as firefighters were rushing them out of the building. The fifth child died on the way to the hospital, St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye said.

The victims were identified as 9-year-old Deontay Dunigan, 7-year-old twins Heaven and Nevaeh Dunigan, 4-year-old Jabari Johnson, and 2-year-old Loyal Dunigan, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The children's maternal grandparents - Greg Dunigan and his wife, Vanicia Mosley - had been sleeping in a sectioned-off room away from the kids, the grandfather told the Post-Dispatch.

A fire broke out at 3am in an Illinois apartment today killing five children, aged between 2 and 9, while they were left home alone

Five crews from the East St. Louis Fire Department arrived to find two of the children dead inside a bedroom and three other children unconscious on the floor

Greg Dunigan told the paper he tried to get to the children but the flames were too strong.

He and his wife, who is blind, jumped out a back window to safety.

East St. Louis Fire Chief Jason Blackmon told DailyMail.com that the cause of the blaze is under in investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

'The guys are taking it pretty hard,' said Assistant Fire Chief George McClellan.

Sabrina Dunigan left the home to drive someone to work only to discover the apartment in flames when she returned, officials said.

She tried to run into the burning building several times but was unsuccessful.

The family had lived in the apartment for a short time after another home burned down five months ago, neighbors said.

The whole family escaped injury in that blaze.

Their current one-bedroom unit had reportedly been converted by the family to house the whole family.

Vanicia's sister, Shontice Mosley, told the Post Dispatch that the grandparents were living in one room at the back of the house, while Sabrina and the children stayed in another at the front. A kitchen in the middle separated the two living spaces.

Locals hold up caution tape as a hearse carries the remains of the children

Building owner Rudy McIntosh told St Louis Dispatch that the building had smoke detectors.

However, he could not confirm that the apartment was rented to Sabrina and her children.

He said: 'That's what I'm trying to do now, find out who was in there.'

Residents in three other units in the building escaped unhurt.

The East St Louis School District, where three of the children were students, described the blaze as a tragedy.

They said: 'Today the East St. Louis School District is grieving the loss of three students and their younger siblings. We send our sincere condolences to the family as they cope with this tragedy. We ask for respect and privacy as the family and our staff work through this significant loss.

'Our crisis team was on the scene following the event and is partnering with the Red Cross and Community Life Line to provide ongoing support services. Counseling services will also be provided to classmates and staff.'
Ashli Babbitt, 35, was shot dead on January 6 inside the Capitol Rotunda

The family of Ashli Babbitt, the Capitol rioter shot dead in the Rotunda, says they plan to sue the Capitol police for wrongful death and that the officer who killed her gave no verbal command before pulling the trigger.

Babbitt was the only person to be killed on January 6 when thousands of Trump supporters stormed Congress.

Her family say that video of her being shot proves that the plain clothed officer who did it did not issue a verbal command, and that the US Capitol Police is liable for her death.

They told The Washington Examiner they will sue for wrongful death and are seeking $10million in damages.

'Its not debatable. There was no warning. I would call what he did an ambush. I dont think hes a good officer. I think hes reckless,' her family's attorney Terry Roberts said.

Roberts also said that the fact no one appears to be ducking for cover in the moments before Babbitt was shot also suggests that the cop gave no verbal warning.

'If hes yelling, they certainly arent showing any reaction to it. If he was giving any kind of warning, why didnt they react?' he said.

An attorney for the Capitol cop who shot her, who has not been named, said that he did issue verbal commands but that they weren't audible on the video because he was wearing a mask.

Babbitt's family say she was trying to climb through this smashed window in the rotunda when she was shot dead, 'ambushed' by a cop who gave her no verbal warnings

'Its a false narrative that he issued no verbal commands or warnings.

'He was screaming, 'Stay back! Stay back! Dont come in here!' the officer's lawyer, Mark Schamel, told Real Clear Politics.

He added that he was within his rights to shoot.

'He was acting within his training. Lethal force is appropriate if the situation puts you or others in fear of imminent bodily harm.

'There should be a training video on how he handled that situation. What he did was unbelievable heroism,' he said.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has branded Governor Andrew Cuomo a 'narcissist' and demanded he 'get the hell out of the way' and resign.

It comes days after a damning report by Attorney General Letitia James said she believed Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women, sparking an onslaught of calls for him to resign.

'Just get the hell out of the way', de Blasio said. 'In the end, maybe he could close off his career with one act of dignity and decency and just step aside, but don't bet on that.'

The Mayor went on to brand Cuomo a 'narcissist' and a bully who has 'too much power' but urged to him to 'think about other human beings'.

De Blasio earlier called for Cuomo to be impeached saying it was 'beyond clear' that he was not fit for office and could no longer serve as Governor.

Cuomo has denied the allegations, said he will contest the report, and refused to step down.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has branded Governor Andrew Cuomo a 'narcissist' and demanded he 'get the hell out of the way' and resign

It comes days after a damning report by Attorney General Letitia James found Cuomo had sexually assaulted 11 women, sparking an onslaught of calls for him to resign

De Blasio urged Cuomo to think about the 11 women he allegedly sexually harassed and to resign 'just out of respect for how he wronged them.'

'But also think about all those 20 million New Yorkers who are suffering', he added.

De Blasio on Thursday said 'people were afraid' of Cuomo and that he used his power as Governor 'in a very Machiavellian way'.

'He bullied people, he got his way way too often and started to think he could do whatever he wanted.'

The Mayor said he believed Cuomo 'thinks he still has some sleight of hand here' but warned the Governor it was 'just a matter of time before he's gone'.

De Blasio went on to blast Cuomo for 'borrowing a page from the Trump playbook' and trying to 'scorch the earth'.

'Attack the people doing the investigation, attack anyone who might prosecute him. It's not going to work, he's out of options', he said.

Cuomo has so far refused to resign and said on Tuesday he would contest James' report, claiming it omits facts and is a political attack on him despite growing calls to step down and the increasing likelihood of impeachment.

James released her long-awaited report into the allegations against embattled Cuomo on Tuesday morning.

It says he sexually harassed 11 women including some whose allegations were not previously known, such as two state troopers and an executive assistant who says he groped her breast at the Governor's mansion in Albany in November 2020.

James said all of the allegations are corroborated but she has not recommended any criminal charges against him, saying the scope of her work did not include prosecution.

President Joe Biden called on Cuomo to resign after the report was published on Tuesday, but said it was possible he would be impeached instead.

In March, the President said Cuomo should resign and be arrested if the report substantiated the women's allegations.

Cuomo, who has always denied the allegations, gave a televised address an hour after James' report was released during which he denied all of the claims and called the report a political attack on his character

In his address, Cuomo he said he is a 'warm' person who sometimes 'slips' and calls women who work for him 'sweetheart and darling', but insisting he has never been predatory or physical in his interactions with staffers.

His attorney has also released an 85-page rebuttal to the report which she says she will continue to update.

'Even on a quick first review, it is clear that the report purposefully omits key evidence,' said Cuomo's attorney Rita M. Glavin.

In his televised address, Cuomo used a slideshow of images of him hugging and kissing people throughout his life to demonstrate what he described as an affectionate and tactile personality, that he says the women have confused for a sexual predator.

'This has been a long and painful period for me and my family as others feed stories to the press. I never touched anyone inappropriately. The facts are much different to what has been portrayed.

'I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public service. That is just not who I am or who I ever have been,' he said.

He went on: 'Trial by newspaper and biased reviews are not the way to find the facts. I welcome the opportunity for a full and fair review before a judge and jury because this just did not happen.'

In his rebuttal, Cuomo said he'd never sexually harass anyone, much less a sexual assault survivor like Charlotte Bennett - one of the accusers - claiming he has helped a female relative overcome sexual abuse himself.

He said that the women invariably misinterpreted his 'warm' gestures like hugs and kisses, or misunderstood compliments.

After he spoke, critics renewed calls for him to resign and some suggested he should be impeached.

'My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories', NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.

'The Attorney Generals detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower.

'It is disqualifying. It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor.

'He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately'.

The 168-report was released on Tuesday after a five month investigation by the NY AG. It substantiated the allegations of 11 women who say Cuomo sexually harassed them either by groping them or making inappropriate comments dating back to 2013

New York Attorney General Letitia James announcing her findings on Tuesday after a five month investigation

The 168-page report by James' office finds that Cuomo fostered a 'toxic work environment' where women were punished for reporting their allegations.

It says that instead of dealing with the complaints properly, the women were simply moved out of his orbit, into different departments.

The report cites 'relevant laws' as Employer Liability and Executive Chamber Policy.

Among the allegations which the report says are true is that he sexually harassed a state trooper by running his 'finger from her neck down her spine' while they were sharing an elevator and saying 'hey you'.

He is also said to have rubbed a state employee's stomach, ran his finger across the chest of another woman, and engaged in 'widespread pattern' of subjecting women to 'unwanted hugs'.

The report concludes: 'The Governor sexually harassed a number of State employees through unwelcome and unwanted touching, as well as by making numerous offensive and sexually suggestive comments.

'We find that such conduct was part of a pattern of behavior that extended to his interactions with others outside of State government.'

Non-consensual touching, repeatedly made comments of a sexualized, gender based nature. Cuomo was grilled for 11 hours as part of the investigation.

During questioning, the report says he 'did not dispute that he sometimes commented on staff members appearance and attire (although generally only to compliment).

He said he uses terms like 'honey', 'sweetheart' and 'darling' and that he regularly gave women hugs and kisses - sometimes on the lips.

The Albany District Attorney said on Tuesday he would use the NY Attorney General's report on Cuomo in an ongoing criminal investigation into the embattled governor.
The Federal Aviation Administration is urging airports to monitor sales of alcohol in terminal bars and wants to ban 'to-go' drinks to try and curb the surge in unruly passengers on flights.

The FAA has initiated a crackdown with airlines encountering a rising number of violent and disruptive passengers as more Americans start flying again.

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said: 'Our investigations show that alcohol often contributes to this unsafe behavior.'

He asked airports to 'work with their concessionaires to help avoid this.'

The United States has seen a significant jump in reported cases of passengers causing disturbances on airplanes, including many for refusing to wear face masks.

The Federal Aviation Administration is urging airports to monitor sales of alcohol in terminal bars and wants to ban 'to-go' drinks to try and curb the surge in unruly passengers on flights

On Saturday, a drunk Frontier Airlines passenger accused of groping two flight attendants and punching a third on a flight from Philadelphia to Miami was taped to his seat for the duration of the flight and arrested on landing, the latest in a string of high-profile incidents.

Footage captured the moment Maxwell Berry, 22, was duct taped to his seat while on the Frontier flight to Florida after saying that his parents were worth $2million.

A second video showed Berry repeatedly shouting 'help me, help' while wriggling free from the duct tape around his mouth as the plane came into land.

In March, Dickson indefinitely extended a 'zero tolerance policy' on unruly air passengers imposed in January.

'We are taking the strongest possible action within our legal authority. But we need your help,' Dickson told airport officials in a letter dated Wednesday. 'Every week, we see situations in which law enforcement was asked to meet an aircraft at the gate following an unruly passenger incident. In some cases, flight attendants have reported being physically assaulted. Nevertheless, many of these passengers were interviewed by local police and released without criminal charges of any kind.'

'Even though FAA regulations specifically prohibit the consumption of alcohol aboard an aircraft that is not served by the airline, we have received reports that some airport concessionaires have offered alcohol 'to go,' and passengers believe they can carry that alcohol onto their flights or they become inebriated during the boarding process,' Dickson added.

Through Aug. 1, the FAA has received 3,715 reports of unruly passengers this year, including 2,729 involving passengers not wearing masks.

On Saturday, a drunk Frontier Airlines passenger was accused of groping two flight attendants and punching a third on a flight from Philadelphia to Miami

Maxwell Berry, 22, was then duct-taped to his seat and arrested on three counts of battery after the incident

The FAA has initiated 628 investigations, more than three times the number last year.

Dickson noted that alcohol often contributes to unsafe passenger behavior and asked airports to prevent passengers from taking alcoholic drinks on planes.

'We have received reports that some airport concessionaires have offered alcohol 'to go,' and passengers believe they can carry that alcohol onto their flights or they become inebriated during the boarding process,' Dickson said.

In June, a group representing major U.S. airlines and aviation unions wrote U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland asking the Justice Department to crack down on unruly passengers.
The Senate will vote on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package Saturday at noon, after negotiations ran late into the night on Thursday.

Senators in both parties spent all day working on a final package of amendments, but have not yet hashed out the final list to wrap up the process that has taken weeks to get to the floor.

Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., moved to file cloture which sets up a key procedural vote to begin ending debate on the bill. That vote would need 60 senators, including 10 Republicans, to sign on.

If that vote succeeds, senators would have a limited amount of time for debate followed by a series of votes before a vote on the final package.

'I believe we're very close to an agreement and see no reason why we can't complete this important bipartisan bill,' Schumer said in remarks on the Senate floor late Thursday night. 'We very much want to finish.'

If the bill is passed, it will then head to the House.

Schumer pointed his finger at Republicans for stalling the effort to fast- track the bill, which was only released on Sunday. 'The Senate has considered 22 amendments during this process and we've been willing to consider many more. In fact, we have been trying to vote on amendments all day but have encountered numerous objections from the other side.'

Republicans, meanwhile, have demanded time to adequately analyze the bill and debate amendments.

At a press conference Tuesday, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who voted with 17 Republicans in an early vote to move forward with the bill, threatened to block its approval if Schumer ended debate too soon.

Chuck Schumer, above, pointed his finger at Republicans for stalling the effort to fast- track voting on the $1.2trillion infrastructure bill, which was only released on Sunday

At a press conference Tuesday, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., above, who voted with 17 Republicans in an early vote to move forward with the bill, threatened to block its approval if Schumer ended debate too soon

A newly released analysis by the Congressional Budget Office found that the bill would add $256 billion to the deficit, leading Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., to block an agreement to expedite the bill's vote. The bill's drafters had originally said the bill would be paid for.

BREAK DOWN OF THE $1.2T BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL $110 billion for roads and bridges $39 billion for public transit $66 billion for railways $65 billion for expanding broadband internet $25 billion to repair major airports $7.5 billion for the first-ever network of charging stations for electric vehicles $21 billion to respond to environmental concerns like pollution $73 billion to modernize America's energy grid FUNDING $650 billion in funding for the bill comes from existing, planned investments in the countrys roads, highways and bridges The remaining $550 billion over the next five years requires new spending Democrats wanted to fund the rest through tax revenues like a new gas tax Republicans wanted to raise money through fees issues on those who use the new infrastructure The bipartisan compromise, sure to raise heated debate, proposed using $205 billion in untapped COVID-19 relief aid and unemployment assistance that was turned away by some states Advertisement

In a statement, Hagerty said: 'The CBO [Congressional Budget Office] indicated this bill will increase the deficit by at least $256 billion dollars when it was supposed to break even.

'Despite this news, I was asked to consent to expedite the process and pass it.

'I could not, in good conscience, allow that to happen at this hour-especially when the objective of the majority is to hurry up and pass this bill so that they can move quickly to their $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend spree designed to implement the Green New Deal and increase Americans' dependence on the government so I objected.'

Hagerty is not expected to vote in favor of the final bill.



Senators have already worked their way through nearly two dozen amendments and have a dozen more to go.

The 2,700 page bill would inject $550 billion in new spending into the economy over 5 years, and $650 billion is already paid for through planned investments in roads, highways and bridges. Other priorities include expanding broadband access and securing the electric grid, as well as clean water initiatives and electric vehicle charging stations.

Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, wanted to use new tax revenues, like a new gas tax, to pay for the huge chunk of the legislation. That idea was rejected by Republicans.

The GOP senators proposed raising money through fees paid by those who use the infrastructure, which Democrats rejected.

Current language of the bill repurposing around $205 billion in untapped COVID-19 relief aid, as well as unemployment assistance that was turned back by some states. It also relies on projected future economic growth.

Immediately after the Senate wraps up work on the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, Democrats are expected to begin work on another spending package that could reach a price tag of $3.5 trillion.

That bill would focus on what the White House calls human infrastructure: child care, home health care and other Democratic priorities Republicans have promised to stand against, but would be pushed through budget reconciliation, where it can pass with only a simple majority.

Progressive Democrats in the House have said they would not vote for the infrastructure bill unless the $3.5 trillion spending bill also moves forward.

'We need a reconciliation bill if we want this bipartisan bill to pass' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said on Sunday. She said the number of Democrats willing to vote against infrastructure without movement on human infrastructure was 'in the double digits' or 'certainly more than three,' referring to the number of votes Democrats can afford to lose if the vote falls along party lines. However, at least some Republicans in the House can be expected to vote for the bill.

Schumer has said he wants to pass the $1.2 trillion bill and have framework for the $3.5 trillion bill before senators go into August recess.
A 28-year-old man from Honduras told Univision that the driver of the van involved in a crash in Encino, Texas, on Wednesday, was on the phone and speeding before the vehicle flipped and hit a pole

The undocumented immigrants jam-packed in an overloaded Texas van before it crashed - killing 11 people - were traded like pawns between smugglers for five months, the sister of one of the survivors claimed.

The Honduran woman's 28-year-old brother was among the 20 migrants who survived the crash on a Texas highway Wednesday.

'In those five months they had him there, they were only asking for money, money, money, and they never did anything for any of them. What they did was a pure scam, a pure robbery,' the sister, whose name was withheld, told Telemundo.

'I say they did that to grab more money,' she said. 'They put people at risk even though you put yourself at risk from the moment you put yourself in their hands. One does not know if they will arrive with their family member or not.'

Her brother gave his own harrowing account from a Texas hospital bed of the smugglers' attempt to ferry the group safely across the United States-Mexico border.

The van's driver, who was killed in the accident, was speeding and talking on the phone before he crashed into a pole and flipped on Highway 281 in Encino, the brother told Univision.

'I only felt the impact and I only saw all the people who were dead,' said the man, whose name was not released. 'The only thing I did (was) run to the hill and an immigration agent found us and I (was) bleeding from my lip and another person from his head.'

Law enforcement agents at the scene of Wednesday's tragic accident on a highway in Encino, Texas, where 11 people, mostly undocumented immigrants, were killed and 20 others were injured

The crushed van rests in tall grass two miles south of the Falfurrias U.S. Border Patrol three-lane traffic checkpoint

According to Univision, one of his friends, Jorge Baralaga, was among the 10 migrants who died.

Baralaga's father, whose identity was not disclosed and lives in the Dallas area, told the network that he noticed his son was one of the victims after seeing a photo that showed the son's body lying outside the van.

'It's better if he would have never came. He wouldn't have died,' the distraught dad said. 'But sometimes you want to provide a better future for your children.'

U.S. authorities have not released the names and nationalities of the injured or fatality victims.

The driver and the passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Honduran national Jorge Baralaga was among the 11 people, including 10 migrants, in Wednesday's crash. He was heading to reunite with his father in Dallas, Texas

Survivors of the horrific crash were transported to hospitals in Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi

Brooks County Sheriff Urbino Martinez said the van was designed to carry only 15 passengers and flipped when the driver lost control on a curve.

Mexico's consulate office in McAllen, Texas, confirmed Thursday that one Mexican person was injured and three others were killed.

Helicopters transported the injured to trauma centers in the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation with assistance from the Brooks County Sheriff's Office.

Encino, a small community of about 140 residents, is two miles south of the Falfurrias Border Patrol three-lane traffic check point.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection was on the scene quickly but is not involved in the investigation as authorities have not found evidence that the van was or had gone through the checkpoint.
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Police officers have told the owner of a beloved alpaca who has been on death's row for four years that he will not be killed tonight.

Geronimo, a six-year-old alpaca from New Zealand now living in south Gloucestershire, was condemned to death by a High Court judge after twice testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

Two officers from Avon and Somerset Police arrived without warning for a stand off at the farm gate as they reportedly explained how Geronimo would be humanely killed.

The pair were today pictured speaking to his owner, a tearful Helen MacDonald, who earlier promised to 'stand in the way of any gunman who comes to destroy Geronimo'.

The 50-year-old vet and alpaca breeder feared the visit could represent the end of Geronimo's journey, but was quickly assured the execution would not take place today.

But she was not given any further details and fears that representatives from Defra may arrive as early as tomorrow morning to end her beloved pet's life.

Police officers have arrived at the property in Wickwar, Gloucestershire that houses beloved alpaca Geronimo, who has been condemned to death

The 50-year-old vet and alpaca breeder feared the visit could represent the end of Geronimo's journey, but was quickly assured the execution would not take place today

Boris Johnson has refused to save Geronimo, a six-year-old alpaca from New Zealand now living in south Gloucestershire, which was condemned to death by a High Court judge after twice testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (pictured with owner Helen Macdonald)

She said: 'Two officers turned up to the farm as they wanted to make contact and see what type of opposition they might be met with and if they would need organised back up.

'It was a bit of a recce it seems. They did say it would not be done today, but didn't know anything else about timings etc.

'We did not know they were coming so everyone shot down the drive with their cameras. I asked if they had a warrant, which they didn't, and they then asked if they could speak to us without cameras.

'They had a chat with me and my family for about 15 minutes and then they left.

'They were just testing and wanted to see what the set up was, how many people were here and what type of opposition they would face.

'I did not say anything to them about what it is going to be like.

'They were quite concerned and said they had powers to come and keep the peace, which was all they would do.

'They are hoping it would all be done quietly without any fuss and that is clearly what they are wishing for.

'They said they only get one chance to do it and there is going to be a lot of people here.

'But again, the police turning up at my home made me feel like a criminal.

'I don't know when they will come back, but my guess was first thing tomorrow morning. Why else would they turn up like that this evening?

'Despite all the millions of people asking for fair treatment for Geronimo, it appears Defra are still planning to upset the will of the people.

'They have no regards for the evidence and no regards for mine or Geronimo's life.'

Mrs MacDonald has repeatedly appealed to the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary George Eustice to halt the destruction order, which she claims is based on inaccurate testing.

Boris Johnson had refused to save the alpaca despite pleas from more than 80,000 animal lovers to prevent the killing of the stud.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: 'We know how distressing losing animals to TB is for farmers and our sympathies are with Ms Macdonald and everyone with animals affected by this terrible disease.

'The Environment Secretary has looked at this case very carefully, multiple times over the last few years, and has interrogated all the evidence with expert vets alongside the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

'But, sadly, Geronimo has tested positive twice for TB using highly specific, reliable and validated tests.'

The spokesman said the Government would 'continue to do everything that we can' to eradicate bovine TB.

Asked whether there could be one more test carried out on Geronimo, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: 'The test used on Geronimo is highly specific, it is validated, it is reliable and the risk of a false positive is extremely low.

'A retest after two consecutive positive test results wouldnt invalidate the previous tests. So, theres no plans for any further tests.'

He added: 'We recognise how distressing this clearly is for Ms Macdonald, as it is for farmers who have had to put cattle down - 27,000 had to be put down last year alone.

'We need disease control measures to be applied consistently if we are able to tackle it and obviously thats why we need to move ahead now.

Mrs MacDonald was not given any further details and fears that representatives from Defra may arrive as early as tomorrow morning to end her beloved pet's life

The pair of police officers were pictured speaking to Mrs MacDonald at her Shepherds Close Farm in Wickwar, Gloucestershire

The alpaca's owner Helen Macdonald has now said she will 'stand in the way of any gunman who comes to destroy Geronimo' (pictured together)

'We have done these highly accurate tests and weve no plans to change that.'

Mr Eustice spoke for the first time on the matter on Thursday to say he would not change his stance, and added: 'My own family have a pedigree herd of South Devon cattle and we have lost cows to TB, so I know how distressing it can be and have huge sympathy for farmers who suffer loss.

'I have looked at this case several times over the last three years and gone through all of the evidence with the Chief Vet and other experts in detail.

'Sadly, Geronimo has tested positive twice using a highly specific and reliable test.'

Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham and actress Joanna Lumley are among those who have spoken out in support of Geronimo.

In a tweet on Thursday, Packham asked Mr Johnson and Mr Eustice: 'Quick question, what do you think will happen if Geronimo is euthanised today & the pm shows he doesn't have bTB? Won't that be a PR and policy disaster? #savegeronimo.'

His owner took to his designated Facebook page to explain their point of view to those who have been following their story

Ms Macdonald claims the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has 'lied' about the tests carried out on Geronimo which she believes resulted in 'false positives'.

She told Sky News on Friday: 'This is about Government behaviour and official behaviour. They're trying to uphold the regime.

'He came from a farm in New Zealand where there's been no TB since 1994. It's bonkers.

'If there was disease present we wouldn't be having this conversation, he would've died years ago. But he's fit and healthy.'

The court order came into effect on Thursday and Defra now has 30 days to visit Ms Macdonald's farm in south Gloucestershire and put him down.

Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham and actress Joanna Lumley are among those who have spoken out in support of Geronimo (pictured)

Ms Macdonald told the PA news agency: 'The entire industry is up in arms because this really is the senseless destruction of an innocent animal.

'They have a choice here. They don't have to kill him; they could at least test him first.

'It's a really upsetting situation. I don't want Geronimo's last moments to be of being caught by a man who will put a gun to his head before he's shot, but then I don't want to consent to having him euthanised. That's no choice at all.

'Asking me to do that to a healthy animal as a vet who has been saving lives for 30 years is the worst thing they can do to my mental health. They are putting me through hell.

'I feel frustrated, angry and deceived. There is a complete lack of transparency.'

Defra has defended its methods after it was revealed the tests have never been trialled for their accuracy in detecting bovine tuberculosis in alpacas, and that Geronimo had tested negative on four occasions in New Zealand.

A Defra spokesperson said: 'We are sympathetic to Ms Macdonald's situation - just as we are with everyone with animals affected by this terrible disease.

'It is for this reason that the testing results and options for Geronimo have been very carefully considered by Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and its veterinary experts, as well as passing several stages of thorough legal scrutiny.

'Bovine TB causes devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities and that is why we need to do everything we can to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.'
Scott Morrison has made an urgent appeal to the US for excess Pfizer doses - as a top epidemiologist dashed hopes of NSW getting out of lockdown by the end of August.

The federal government has made a desperate plea for access to the Biden administration's estimated 26million Pfizer doses as they near expiry in unused warehouses in the the U.S.

Previous attempts to retrieve the excess doses have so far proved unsuccessful, however leading Republicans are pushing for Biden to show leniency, saying Australia should be prioritised for the vaccines, according to reports by The Australian.

While Sydneysiders remain hopeful for an end to one the nation's strictest lockdowns, Melbourne epidemiologist Nancy Baxter was less optimistic labelling the end of August date a 'fantasy'.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is appealing to the Biden administration for access to 26million Pfizer doses nearing expiration date

The excess Pfizer doses are sitting a warehouse waiting to expire with Republican leaders pushing for the U.S. to send over vaccines to Australia

Mike Gallagher, the Republican co-chairman of the Friends of Australia congressional caucus, said 'the United States has vaccine doses set to expire at the same time our Australian mates need extra doses.

'The Biden administration should be doing everything in its power to get these doses to Australia.'

Since December, approximately one million vaccines went to waste in the US, the New York Times reported on Sunday.

The access to a greater supply of Pfizer has become more urgent as Australian states are left in lockdown due to the highly infectious Covid-19 Delta variant.

After a record high in daily Covid-19 cases, Dr Baxter warned Greater Sydney's future looked grim, anticipating state case numbers were yet to reach their peak.

'You really need something to change the equation to kind of really drive those numbers down, or it's going to be an extremely long haul,' she said on The Project on Friday night.

Dr Baxter also raised concerns about NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's plan to ease restrictions when 50 per cent of residents are vaccinated, instead of focussing on getting cases down to zero.

'Certainly the thought about opening up at the end of August with 50 per cent of people vaccinated, many of those folks with only one single dose of the vaccine, that's just a fantasy,' she said.

The pursuit for 'Covid Zero' remains bleak as the Delta variant continues to ravage the the city.

On Friday a Liverpool apartment complex was sectioned off after 14 residents tested positive to the virus.

14 residents have tested positive to Covid-19 sending an apartment building into lockdown on Campbell St in Liverpool on Friday evening

Dr Baxter raised concerns about NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's plan to ease restrictions when 50 per cent of residents are vaccinated, instead of focussing on getting cases down to zero.

Police and healthcare workers were ordered to secure the 10-storey building on Campbell Street as residents enter a required 14 day quarantine.

NSW Health officials said, 'food and other services, including daily welfare checks, will be provided to residents safely during their 14-day quarantine period.

'Tailored support services will be provided to all isolated residents as needed.'

Police and security guards are present to ensure the safety of the apartment block.

NSW Health said the building lockdown should serve as a reminder to wear face masks in communal areas including lobbies, lifts, stairways, and shared laundry facilities of apartment complexes.

On Friday, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly emphasised Covid Zero was still the goal across Australia, despite the high case numbers in NSW.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian admitted the latest outbreak was showing no signs of relenting with one death recorded on Friday.

'I am expecting higher case numbers in the next few days and I just want everyone to be prepared for that,' she said at a press conference on Friday.

The 291 new cases smash the previous record of 262 infections that were reported on Thursday. Of the new cases, 50 were out in the community while they were infectious. There were 110,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

An unvaccinated woman in her 60s, from south-west Sydney, has also died at Liverpool Hospital. She is the 79th person in the state to succumb to the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Dr Chant said the woman had contracted Covid-19 from a healthcare worker at the hospital.

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'Sadly, the lady was exposed by a health worker who worked across two wards, the aged-care ward and the ward this woman was in,' she said.

'There are a large number of people impacted by that. I extend my apologies and sympathies to the family.'

Ms Berejiklian noted that the highest increase of cases were being recorded in the Canterbury-Bankstown local government areas - one of eight LGAs that are currently under hard lockdown.

She warned more police officers would be patrolling the area - less than a week after deploying defence force personnel on Monday.

'We are seeing too many people frequent certain shopping areas and perhaps not doing the right thing,' she said.

'So police will be more present in the Canterbury-Bankstown local area to ensure compliance and we have to make sure that happens, because we don't want to see these case numbers continue to grow into the next few weeks.'

Suburbs that have recorded the biggest spike in cases include Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood, Bass Hill and Chester Hill.
Arizona State Senator Tony Navarrete, 35, has been arrested on charges of sexual conduct with a minor related to a 2019 incident

A Democratic politician from Arizona has been arrested on suspicion of having sexual conduct with an underage boy, just days after he revealed his COVID-19 diagnosis.

State Senator Otoniel 'Tony' Navarrete, 35, from Phoenix, was taken into custody on Thursday in connection with an unspecified incident involving a minor, described only as a juvenile male, that took place in 2019. The age of consent in Arizona is 18.

Police said Navarrete was charged with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, among other offenses.

The Phoenix Police Department so far has not revealed any details concerning the allegations against Navarrete. DailyMail.com reached out to the agency seeking further comment and is awaiting a reply.

Police have not released any details concerning the allegations against the Democrat

Navarrete has represented Phoenix in the State Senate since 2018 after previously serving in the state House for one term

As of Friday morning, Navarrete was not listed among current inmates at the Maricopa County Jail.

Arizona Senate Democrats acknowledged that one of their members has been arrested, reported AZfamily.com.

'We are deeply disturbed by what we've learned from recent media reports about the arrest of Senator Tony Navarrete. As Senate Democrats we stand with all survivors of sexual assault... These allegations and arrest are serious and deeply troubling.

'Right now, its important to allow for due process to take place through our judicial system. We are closely monitoring the situation and are anxious for the facts of this ongoing investigation to be revealed.'

Navarrete's arrest comes just days after the rising-star Democrat revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 last week, despite being fully vaccinated since February. The state senator said he was isolating at home and his symptoms were mild.

'COVID-19 cases are ever increasing in Arizona and across the country and we must be vigilant,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Luckily with the vaccine, my diagnosis is not a death sentence, but an uncomfortable inconvenience. I know people are tired and frustrated but it's time to go back to masking. The best defense is getting vaccinated and masked in public and crowded spaces.'

Navarrete's arrest came just days after he announced his COVID-19 diagnosis, saying that he caught the virus despite being fully vaccinated

A native Arizonan, Navarrete was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2016 and served one term before being elected to the state Senate in 2018. He also serves as deputy director of Promise Arizona, a non-profit organization.

Arizona Capitol Times reported that Navarrete had been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and was expected to run for state treasurer.

Little is known about Navarrete's personal life beyond the fact that he is openly gay. In 2020, he opposed a bill that sought to ban sex education in elementary and middle schools, saying that he might have been able to come out sooner had his teachers been able to answer his questions about homosexuality, according to the Times.
The Capitol rioter who put his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk has claimed he was denied medical treatment when he thought he was having a heart attack in jail.

Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, 61, complained of being 'tortured' at the District of Columbia jail, citing alleged incidents where he was slammed head first into the concrete floor and kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.

The allegations were made in an 'emergency request' by Barnett's attorney Joseph D. McBride calling on Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union to investigate the treatment and alleged 'human rights violations' of Capitol rioters at the jail.

Barnett, from Gravette, Arkansas, was released from jail in April and ordered to stay in home detention pending trial for his part in the January 6 Capitol riot that left five dead.

The 61-year-old was slapped with seven charges including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority with a stun gun.

He was pictured brazenly propping his feet on the desk in Pelosi's office and leaving her a note allegedly calling her a 'b**ch'.

Barnett also allegedly stole a letter from the House Speaker's office before boasting outside the Capitol following the siege that he 'wrote a nasty note, put my feet up on her desk and scratched my balls'.

The Capitol rioter who put his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk has claimed he was denied medical treatment when he thought he was having a heart attack in jail. Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, 61, pictured with his feet on her desk

In the letter from his attorney, sent August 3, Barnett claims he was denied his civil rights while being held behind bars.

The letter claims he was subjected to 'various psychological and emotional abuses' including being beaten by staff, facing threats against his wife, and being forced to live in 'disgusting unsanitary conditions'.

He was also allegedly subjected to sleep deprivation and was robbed of his belongings.

In one alleged incident of torture, Barnett was denied medical help and was laughed at by prison guards when he believed he was having a heart attack.

'One day, Richard began to feel tightness in his chest, pain in his left arm, and thought that he was having a heart attack, as such, he called for 'help!'' the letter read.

'A guard came over to his cell, looked at Richard, and then proceeded to mock and laugh at him.'

Barnett was not given medical attention for a 'significant' period of time, his lawyer wrote - 'certainly enough time for him to die'.

Barnett inside Pelosi's office on January 6 with the envelope he later flashed outside as he returned to the crowd of Trump supporters

The 61-year-old was slapped with seven charges including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority with a stun gun

When the 61-year-old was returned to his cell still ill and asked staff to check on him, the guard who laughed at him earlier allegedly pounded on his cell door after he had fallen asleep.

'This startled Richard so badly that he stood up fast, but because he was still not well, he fainted and hit his head on the sink,' the lawyer wrote.

'The guard saw this happen and left Richard a second time. Richard woke up with massive swelling and was bleeding from his head.'

Barnett was allegedly left screaming for medical attention for almost an hour until help came.

On another alleged occasion, a prison guard 'made a sexually threatening comment' toward him, the letter reads.

The guard then allegedly called Richard's wife by her first name and 'told Richard that he was going to get on a plane to Arkansas where he would sexually assault her as well'.

Richard 'Bigo' Barnett, 61, complained of being 'tortured' at the District of Columbia jail

Barnett was also being held for around 23 hours a day in solitary confinement, with staff using the pandemic to justify the lockdown, his attorney claims.

In a third alleged incident, Barnett claims he was slammed into the concrete floor for asking a staff member to wear a mask in compliance with the COVID-19 rules in the jail.

Barnett claims he had asked a staffer to put on a face covering when the guard came near him.

'That officer responded by verbally abusing and threatening Richard publicly in front of many witnesses, including family members who heard the commotion on the other end of the phones,' the letter reads.

Barnett returned to his cell and, soon after, a group of around nine officers opened his door and told him to exit his cell, the letter says.

When he put out his hands to be cuffed and said he had done nothing wrong, Barnett claims he was cuffed, shackled, verbally abused and threatened with mace.

Barnett was then allegedly 'jerked... back and forth with great force.'

The letter says Barnett then objected to the way he was being treated and 'was lifted off of his feet by his shackles and slammed shoulder and head first into the concreate floor.'

The officers then allegedly charged Barnett with inciting a riot and was held in the hole for weeks up until the day he was released.

The allegations were made in an 'emergency request' by Barnett's attorney Joseph D. McBride calling on Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union to investigate the treatment and alleged 'human rights violations' of Capitol rioters at the jail (above)

Barnett's attorney also describes allegedly 'unsanitary conditions' at the jail - nicknamed 'DC-GITMO' in the letter in reference to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

The jail contains black mold, brown drinking water, and poor ventilation, according to the letter.

When Barnett filed ten grievances complaining about staff at the facility, he claims he was punished and retaliated against.

'My client, Richard Barnett, who did not assault any Capitol Police or destroy any property, was detained by the federal government for 109 days before being released over the objections of the Justice Department since he was neither a danger to society nor risk of flight,' McBride wrote in the letter.

'His crime was putting his feet on one of Nancy Pelosi's desks at the request of a press photographer.'

The emergency request also hits out at the treatment of four other so-called 'January Sixers' - Edward Jacob Lang, Scott Fairlamb, Emmanuel Jackson and Ryan Samsel - in the DC jail.

It says the Capitol rioters are held in a separate area of the jail dubbed the Patriot Unit, which was previously defunct and was reopened specifically to house the people suspected in the January 6 attack.

'This is unprecedented, unconstitutional, un-American, offensive to all standards of common decency, illegal, and wrong,' the letter reads.

The group have raised several complaints about their treatment in prison custody in recent months with their lawyers alleging they are being subjected to threats, violence and 23-hour lockups.

Defense attorneys representing Barnett are now claiming he wrote 'biatch' instead of 'b****' in the note he left to Pelosi

The DC Central Detention Facility did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

Barnett was taken into federal custody two days after the mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6.

He was indicted on seven federal charges in connection to the insurrection.

These are: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; entering and remaining in certain rooms in a capitol building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building; theft of government property; and obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting.

Barnett posed for a photo reclining in the House Speaker's chair before he later returned to the crowd of Trump supporters outside and boasted of leaving her a note.

He told the New York Times reporter Matthew Rosenberg in the aftermath outside that he 'fell' into Pelosi's office after being pushed in by other protesters.

'I'll probably be telling them this is what happened all the way to the DC jail,' he said.

Barnett showed off a personalized, hand-written envelope taken from Pelosi's desk which was addressed to The Honorable Billy Long and had Pelosi's signature on it.

'I didn't steal it,' he claimed, saying he 'left a quarter on her desk'.

Barnett told the New York Times outside the Capitol he 'fell' into Pelosi's office as he showed off a personalized envelope taken from her desk

He also boasted that 'I left her a note on her desk that says 'Nancy Bigo was here you b**ch'.'

However, Barnett's defense is now claiming the he called Pelosi a 'biatch' not a 'b**ch' in the note.

'Instead of writing the accusatory 'You b*tch' as the government falsely states, it only says 'biatd' and without the word 'you,' the lawyers said in a filing arguing his release in April.

'On information and belief, the 'd' was meant to be two letters, 'c' and 'h' with the 'c' connected to an 'h' to spell the word 'biatch' which is a slang and less offensive word for 'b*tch'.'

They claim the word biatch is a term of endearment or disparagement for another person.

He was freed from jail in April after filing a bizarre motion comparing himself to Black Lives Matter protesters who he said had been granted release while he was held behind bars.

The judge said he didn't see the relevance to Barnett's case but still granted him house detention.

Barnett is now asking supporters for donations for his legal fund in exchange for autographed photos of himself with his feet on Pelosi's death.
The mother of Streatham terrorist Sudesh Amman has revealed his final words to her on the phone minutes before he carried out a knife rampage that injured two people.

Haleema Khan has described instantly 'knowing' her 20-year-old son was responsible when she heard about the south London attack after he ended their conversation with: 'Bye bye, I love you mummy.'

Amman stole a kitchen knife from a shop and stabbed two unwitting members of the public on a Sunday afternoon in Streatham.

He was shot dead by armed police within 62 seconds of launching his attack in which both his victims survived.

Ms Khan told the inquest into Amman's death how she had 'no idea' her son was going to strike.

The mother of Streatham terrorist Sudesh Amman (pictured) has revealed his final words to her on the phone minutes before he carried out a knife rampage that injured two people

Speaking through a Tamil interpreter, Ms Khan said she was on the phone to her husband on February 2 when an alert came through from a news website about the Streatham incident.

'I was frightened,' she said. 'Then I noticed the jacket and the shoes on the news, that was given from me to him.'

In her witness statement, she said: 'I saw that someone was shot dead in Streatham at 2pm.

'I knew it was Sudesh. I saw on a website that the dead man was wearing (his brother's) jacket and his shoes.

'I then called probation as I wanted to tell them the jacket and shoes were Sudesh's.

'I called my husband and told him. We were both then calling Sudesh for a long time.'

Pictured: CCTV footage of Sudesh Amman running along Streatham High Road as he stabbed passers by

Amman stabbed and injured two passersby, while wearing a fake suicide vest, before he was shot and killed by armed police just a minute later

She told Jonathan Hough QC, counsel to the inquest, she then started to cry.

'I was shocked,' she said. 'I kept crying. All my children were running to me and asking why I was crying.'

Mr Hough said: 'Was there any explanation for what he did and what motivated him?'

Ms Khan replied: 'No, I didn't think he was going to do these things and I had no idea.'

Ms Khan told police she spoke to her son shortly after 1.30pm on the day of the attack, when he said he was on his way to buy some food.

The inquest had already heard that Amman left his probation hostel at 1.22pm on his way to Streatham High Road where he would carry out his attack while wearing a fake suicide device.

Recalling the conversation, she told police: 'Sudesh said he loved me. He said, "Bye bye, I love you mummy."

'He said this before. That was the last time I spoke to Sudesh.'

Timeline: Streatham 2020 terror attack January 23, 2020 Sudesh Amman is automatically released from prison. January 24 Amman, who is originally from Coventry, is under day-time surveillance by plain clothes officers. January 29 A decision is made to allow those surveillance officers to carry firearms. January 30 Amman's covert surveillance is relaxed slightly, meaning there would be no coverage between 6am and 10am. January 31 Amman is seen looking at knives in a shop and buying items that could be used to create a hoax suicide belt. These items include a roll of tape, aluminium foil and four bottles of Irn Bru soft drink. It is then decided to put Amman under 24-hour surveillance. February 1 Amman is placed on 'round-the-clock' - i.e. 24-hour - surveillance. February 2 1.22pm - Amman leaves his approved premises, the probation hostel, at Leigham Court Road. 1.50pm - Amman is seen on Streatham High Road. He is said to be walking 'very slowly'. 1.57pm - The 20-year-old enters a shop called Low Price Store. He is inside for barely a minute, and emerges with a knife which he has stolen. He is pursued by undercover police. Amman stabs two people - a man and a woman - before being shot at by an armed officer. 1.58pm - Amman, reaching the Boots shop, turns to face the police. Police shoot at him five times, with two shots hitting him. A total of 62 seconds after running from the shop, Amman falls to the ground. 2.40pm - A police explosives expert arrives on the scene to check the device around Amman's waist, which was identified as a hoax. 3.24pm - Sudesh Amman is pronounced dead by a paramedic. Advertisement

The previous day, during a phone conversation about a recent family bereavement, Amman apparently told Ms Khan: 'Everybody (is) going to die one day.'

Amman was the oldest of six brothers and had been expelled from school for poor behaviour. He grew up in Coventry and Birmingham before moving to Harrow, north-west London.

The inquest previously heard how Amman was deemed to be 'one of the most dangerous individuals' that police and MI5 teams had investigated, and that an officer feared an attack would be 'when, not if' during discussions a fortnight ahead of his release.

He was automatically released from Belmarsh prison on January 23, 2020, part-way through a 40-month sentence for obtaining and disseminating terrorist materials.

This was despite police pleas to the Belmarsh governor to detain Amman for longer after intelligence suggested he maintained an extremist mindset, and wanted to carry out a knife attack in the future.

He was also said to have associated in jail with a number of extremists, including Hashem Abedi, who conspired with his brother Salman over the 2017 Manchester Arena suicide bomb attack, and previously expressed regret he had not been involved in the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby outside Woolwich Barracks in 2013.

He also confided in others that he wanted to kill the Queen, the inquest heard.

Amman, who is of Sri Lankan descent, spent 10 days living in a bail hostel in Streatham, during which time undercover police teams monitoring him remarked at his 'concerning' behaviour.

Amman was seen by covert police buying four bottles of Irn-Bru, kitchen foil and parcel tape from Poundland on January 31, items which were used to make the 'crude' fake suicide belt.

But they said there was not enough evidence to arrest him and feared searching his room would blow their cover.

The senior police officer leading the investigation into Amman has denied suggestions from his family's lawyer that the undercover operation was a failure.

The officer, known only as HA6 to protect his identity, stated there was a lack of evidence against the 20-year-old in the days before he struck.

He said police actions that day prevented further tragedy.

Giving evidence at the inquest into Amman's death on Friday, at the Royal Courts of Justice, the senior officer said: 'This is a view held by my peers.

'The professionalism and the bravery of those officers and what they prevented ... it could have been far, far worse.

'For those of us in the investigations team, we are grateful for their actions on that day.'

Rajiv Menon QC, for Amman's family, accused police of making 'the wrong call' not to intervene at the time.

HA6 replied: 'Given the threat he posed, the methodology of the attack, I would counter that by saying the police stopped an attack that could have been far, far worse.'

He added: 'If he (Amman) had been arrested, he would have been back out in the community and would have had an operational advantage.

'It would have made our response harder.'

The inquest continues.
Hossam Metwally (pictured), 60, caused multiple organ failure in Kelly Wilson, 33, after feeding her drugs through a cannula during a series of exorcism ceremonies

A hospital anaesthetist will be jailed for a 'substantial' period of time after almost killing his girlfriend by injecting her with noxious substances as part of a 'perverted' twist on an Islamic exorcism ritual.

Hossam Metwally, 60, caused multiple organ failure in Kelly Wilson, 33, after feeding her drugs through a cannula during a series of ceremonies, which he had learnt to perform from watching videos on Youtube.

The jury at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Metwally held a 'vast stock of drugs' at his home, including ampoules of ketamine, propofol, fentanyl and Diazemuls.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC said Friday that it was the 'most bizarre' trial he has seen in his 41-year career.

It came after the jury was shown extracts from 200 clips the doctor had recorded over his four-year drugging campaign, which mainly took place at his home in Grimsby, north-east Lincolnshire.

The videos showed Miss Wilson being injected with the drugs via a tube attached to her chest as Metwally chanted verses from the Quran.

The father of four was performing his own take on the Ruqya ritual, which typically sees an Islamic white-gloved therapist or 'healer' place a hand on a person's head while reciting verses from the Quran.

They will sometimes use honey and water as a purification ritual to cleanse the soul and body of sins - but never drugs.

The jury had to be warned about the disturbing nature of the videos before they were shown.

Some of the recordings show Miss Wilson strapped to a bed, in others she is in a bath, and some show a white liquid being administered - on occasions using an electronic device.

The jury had been shown extracts from 200 clips the doctor had recorded over his four-year drugging campaign, which mainly took place at his home in Grimsby, north-east Lincolnshire. The videos showed Kelly Wilson (pictured), 33, being injected with unknown substances via a tube attached to her chest as Metwally chanted verses from the Quran

Cocktail of lethal drugs hint at exorcism hell Kelly Wilson, 33, was found barely alive by her family in 2019 after her partner Hossam Metwally, 60, had performed yet another 'exorcism' on the ex-nurse while pumping her body with drugs. A jury at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Metwally held a 'vast stock of narcotics' at his home, including ampoules of ketamine, propofol, Diazemuls and fentanyl. Propofol is used to put you to sleep and keep you asleep during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. Fentanyl is a drug up to 100 times more powerful than morphine and which is often used outside of the medical profession by drug dealers to make narcotics like heroin stronger. Over a four-year period, Metwally repeatedly performed his 'ceremonies', which he claimed were for Miss Wilson's benefit to rid her of 'evil spirits'. The doctor, who trained and worked in Egypt and Saudi Arabia before moving back to Britain in 1996, was performing his own 'perverted' twist on a traditional Islamic healing ceremony known as a Ruqya. But instead of using prayer and honey or essential oils, he injected his girlfriend with drugs via a tube attached to her chest. The court heard how he administered the drugs on hundreds of occasions, feeding on Miss Wilson's addiction. Prosecutors said he abused his position to control Miss Wilson, who battled with depression. Metwally would also record his rituals, with hundreds of videos seized by the police being shown to the jury - who had to be warned about their disturbing nature. Some of the recordings show Miss Wilson strapped to a bed, in others she is in a bath, and some show a white liquid being administered - on occasions using an electronic device. In one clip from 2016, Metwally can be heard chanting and after he revives his partner with smelling salts, she asks: 'Have you raped me?' and requests the police. The years-long abuse left Miss Wilson with multiple organ failure. She was found in a bed at her home wearing an oxygen mask before being rushed to hospital - where doctors feared she would die. Advertisement

In one clip from 2016, Metwally can be heard chanting and after he revives his partner with smelling salts, she asks: 'Have you raped me?' and requests the police.

Metwally, who is originally from Egypt, told the jury he performed rituals on Miss Wilson to exorcise evil spirits, called Jinns, but claimed he only used holy oil and did not inject anaesthetics.

On Thursday, following an eight-week trial, the jury took just two hours to find Metwally guilty of endangering Miss Wilson's life through the unlawful and deliberate intravenous administration of anaesthetics or sedative agents, and drug possession offences.

On Friday, Judge Richardson lifted a reporting restriction, which had prevented reporting of the trial, after Metwally admitted two further charges of voyeurism.

The defendant - who worked at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby - will be sentenced next month and was remanded in custody.

Judge Richardson told Metwally: 'In 41 years of experience in the criminal justice system of this country I have never been involved or presided over a more bizarre trial than this one.'

Judge Richardson said the medic was convicted on 'quite frankly overwhelming evidence', and said: 'It is a shocking circumstance that a doctor, a medical professional, should find himself in the dock awaiting sentence on such a serious criminal charge.

'Please be under no misapprehension that the sentence of imprisonment in this case is inevitably going to be of some substance.'

The trial heard how Metwally had been performing exorcisms on Miss Wilson to 'rid her of evil spirits'. He claimed he was helping her 'out of kindness'.

Metwally said he had contacted an Islamic association and was referred to someone who practised Ruqya in Liverpool.

He watched and learned about the ceremony on YouTube, including the concepts of the evil eye and black magic.

He also watched examples of it on Facebook.

'I performed a Ruqya to help her out of kindness,' he claimed.

During his 'ceremonies', he would cite verses from the Quran and use holy water from Mecca, along with different oils.

The jury was told he was 'prepared to endanger' Miss Wilson's life and that she was found in a deep coma after he had been injecting her with dangerous drugs at The Lincs Pain Clinic - which the couple ran out of their home - in July 2019.

When she was rushed to hospital by her family, medical staff thought she was going to die due to the total organ failure she had suffered.

She had been found just in time by relatives lying on a bed in an upstairs bedroom wearing an oxygen mask.

She was extremely pale and had a weak pulse, while Metwally was lying next to her.

The trial heard how Metwally (pictured) had been performing exorcisms on Miss Wilson to 'rid her of evil spirits'. He claimed he was helping her 'out of kindness'

The jury was told Metwally (right) was 'prepared to endanger' Miss Wilson's (left) life and that she was found in a deep coma after he had been injecting her with dangerous drugs at The Lincs Pain Clinic - which the couple ran out of their home - in July 2019

Dr Kate Wood, medical director at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said Friday: 'This doctor was immediately excluded from working at the trust as soon as these events came to light and reported to the General Medical Council (GMC).

'We are shocked and appalled by his actions, which took place on private premises, not on trust premises and did not involve NHS patients under our care.

'He is no longer employed by the trust.'

Opening the case for the prosecution in June, John Elvidge QC described how an investigation began after Miss Wilson was taken to the Diana, Prince of Wales Hospital - the hospital where Metwally also worked - on July 4, 2019.

Paramedics had arrived at Metwally's home to find her in a deep coma, on the brink of a cardiac arrest and with a fluid line inserted in her chest.

Ruqya: Islamic ritual to cast out evil spirits The process of Quranic healing in order to exorcise spirits can be divided into three stages. The first includes removing any distractions, such as music instruments and golden jewelry. The healer also removes all pictures in the room allowing angels to enter. The healer then tells the client and the family, that everything happens by God's will and that he is merely a mediator, also mentioning that other forms of healing, such as by sorcery, are not acceptable to Islam. In the second stage, the healer determines if the client is possessed or not and tries to enter a dialogue with the spirit. The healer might ask the spirit about type (Zar (red wind), ghosts (Arwah), jinn (genii), samum (devils), div), religion, sex or reason for possession. When he asks the client, instead of the spirit, about dreams and feelings involved of the dream. After that, the healer cleans himself, the room, and asks the people in the room to do the same. In the third stage, actual exorcism begins by reciting Quranic verses such as Al-Fatiha, Al Baqara, Al-Baqara 255, Al-Jinn and three Qul (Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas and Al-Falaq), depending on the type of spirit. Other treatments include using honey and water, as a purification ritual to clean the soul and body from sins. In a typical Islamic exorcism the treated person lies down while a white-gloved therapist places a hand on their head while reciting verses from the Quran. Advertisement

Mr Elvidge said: 'She was critically ill. It was obviously an emergency situation. The medical team at the hospital feared she may suffer a total organ failure and the serious possibility that she might die.'

The prosecutor said Metwally 'chose not to reveal that he and Miss Wilson had been engaging in an exorcism ritual on the evening of July 3 2019 during which he had administered anaesthetic sedative agents and then had to give her oxygen support'.

Metwally met Miss Wilson in about 2013 when she was a student nurse.

The jury heard she had a history of depression and her health deteriorated so she stopped working as a nurse.

Mr Elvidge said: 'Dr Metwally gave people the impression that he was supportive of Kelly Wilson and yet he was willing to fuel her appetite for drugs which went well beyond what her general practitioner was prepared to supply.

'Put another way, he knowingly fed her addiction.

'More than that he habitually administered potentially lethal anaesthetic drugs to perform Muslim exorcism rituals known as Ruqya on Miss Wilson.

'That administration and the use of restraints were his own dangerous perversions of such rituals.

'The prosecution say Dr Metwally is a charlatan and he abused his position as a doctor to gain her confidence and encouraged her to become intoxicated using dangerous substances that rendered her into such a state that she forfeited all control over her body to him.'

The jury heard how Metwally held a 'vast stock of drugs' at his home, including ampoules of ketamine, propofol, fentanyl and Diazemuls.

Propofol is used to put one to sleep and keep them asleep during general anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures.

Fentanyl is a drug up to 100 times more powerful than morphine and which is often used outside of the medical profession by drug dealers to make narcotics like heroin stronger.

An imam told the jury the Ruqya is a valid practice but would never involve drugs or sedation.

He said the case was 'quite disturbing' and watching the video clips made him feel 'really upset'.

Metwally was charged with administering an unknown noxious substance to Miss Wilson and causing her grievous bodily harm with intent between July 2 and 5.

The couple were co-directors of a business called the Lincs Pain Clinic, which had been based at their semi-detached home in a suburb of Grimsby.

Prosecutor Martin Howard said members of Miss Wilson's family came to the house in Grimsby on July 4 because they were concerned for her welfare.

They called an ambulance and neighbours said she was carried out on a stretcher.

She was taken to Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital and admitted to intensive care.

Hospital staff alerted Humberside Police the following day and officers inspected the home.

Metwally was arrested and police carried out a detailed forensic examination over several days.

He was an anaesthetist and chronic pain specialist at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.

Miss Wilson, a nurse, formerly worked for the same NHS trust as Metwally, who has children from a previous relationship who do not live with him.

Metwally, a British national, qualified in Egypt and moved to the UK in 1996.

He had worked as an anaesthetist and pain clinic specialist at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital and local clinics.
Snickers has pulled a 'homophobic' advert in Spain which shows an influencer transforming into a very different man with a deep voice.

The commercial shows Spanish social media star Aless Gibaja flamboyantly ordering a 'sexy orange juice' and winking at the waiter as his embarrassed friend looks on.

The waiter hands him a Snickers ice cream bar and, after taking a bite, Gibaja transforms into a bearded man.

'Better?' his friend asks. 'Better,' he replies gruffly as a tagline appears saying: 'You're not you when you're hungry.'

Snickers ads with a similar narrative have featured on British TV, with memorable examples featuring Sir Elton John and Dame Joan Collins as the 'diva' protagonist.

The commercial shows Spanish influencer Aless Gibaja (left) flamboyantly ordering a 'sexy orange juice' as his friend (right) and the waiter shoot each other embarrassed looks

'Better?' his friend asks. 'Better,' the protagonist gruffly replies as a tagline appears saying: 'You're not you when you're hungry'

Snickers commercials along a similar theme have featured on British television, with memorable examples featuring Sir Elton John and Dame Joan Collins as the 'diva' protagonist

But in Spain the advert caused uproar, with one critic writing: 'I don't know if they are advertising ice cream or conversion therapy.'

The State Federation of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals was among those to come out against the advert, calling it 'shameful and unfortunate that there are companies that continue to perpetuate stereotypes and promote homophobia.'

The minister for equality, Irene Montero, tweeted: 'I wonder who would think it is a good idea to use homophobia as a business strategy. Our society is diverse and tolerant. Hopefully those who have the power to decide what we see and hear in advertisements and TV programmes will learn to be as well.'

Gibaja, who is a gay transvestite known for his vlogs, also came under some fire.

One person tweeted: 'It is humiliation for money and the problem is that they are not only humiliating him and making fun of him, but that they are sending that message out and it affects everyone.'

Another said: 'Stop blaming everyone for the Snickers ad except Aless Gibaja. People like him do whatever it takes for fame and money and I'm sure they'll have given him a good amount - he left his principles at the door.'

Gibaja has more than 700,000 followers on Instagram but has not yet commented on the furore.

It comes just weeks after the country was shocked by the fatal beating of a young gay man in an alleged homophobic attack.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez called the killing of 24-year-old Samuel Luiz a 'savage and merciless act' as thousands took to the streets in protest.

Gibaja (pictured) has more than 700,000 followers on Instagram but has not yet commented on the furore

The advertisement was for a Snickers ice cream bar

Six people, including two youths, have so far been arrested in connection with the killing.

On Thursday, Snickers Spain apologised 'for any misunderstanding' and said the commercial would be pulled off the airwaves.

'In this particular campaign we wanted to convey in a friendly and lighthearted way that hunger can change your character,' it said in a statement. 'At no time was it intended to stigmatise or offend any person or collective.'

A Mars Wrigley spokesman said: 'We would like to whole heartedly apologise for any harm caused by a recent advert for Snickers Ice Cream in Spain.

'We recognise that we got it wrong and have removed the online content immediately.

'We take equal rights and inclusion seriously, we want a world where everybody is free to be themselves and we believe that as an employer and advertiser we have a role and a responsibility to play our part in creating that world.

'We will take the opportunity to listen and learn from this mistake and do better in the future.'
A Texas financial advisor has been fired after a TikTok star shamed her in a video for allegedly not wanting to interview black job applicants and is accused of saying it's a 'complete waste of my time.'

A purported leaked internal communication where Eileen Cure allegedly said, 'I specifically said no blacks' - meaning no black applicants - was given to TikToker Denise Bradly, whose 'aunkkaren0' account has over one million followers.

'I'm not a prejudice person, but our clients are 90 percent white, and I need to cater to them so that interview was a complete waste of my time,' Cure, president of the Texas-based Cure and Associates, is accused of saying.

Cure was an affiliated advisor for LPL Financial, which is the largest independent broker-dealer in the US. She was fired after the video surfaced.

The company said in a statement that it investigated the claims before making the decision to cut the strings.

Eileen Cure, a financial advisor in Texas, has been accused of not wanting to interview black job applicants

TikToker Denise Bradly (pictured), whose 'aunkkaren0' account has over one million followers, shamed Cure in a video and released alleged leak internal communications from Cure

Pictured here is the purported leaked internal communication where Eileen Cure allegedly said, 'I specifically said no blacks' - meaning no black applicants - was shared in Bradley's TikTok video

The terminated financial advisor swung back in a statement to Investment News, saying the video was 'false and defamatory' and that she is exploring her legal options.

'The entirety of this situation is based upon a TikTok video published by an unrelated individual without press credentials or affiliations using an unauthenticated photo of an alleged internal office chat without validation or context of any content,' Cure told Investment News.

'This published photo and along with subsequent related false and defamatory materials and statements, which have incited false commentary and threats of violence and bodily harm toward me and my staff and acts which are being investigated as criminal in nature, are being publicized on a social media platform by a third party who is not related or in any way affiliated with me or my office.'

Cure's husband joined the PR war and reportedly threatened to kill the TikToker.

'Tell that Tiktoker to come down here to Texas, and I'll put her in a grave,' Cure's husband allegedly said, according to a Thursday tweet by 'auntkaren0.'

The war of words continued when Bradley hit back in a statement to Investment News, calling Cure's response 'comical.'

'Here you have a white woman that has be caught being racist, in my opinion, but would rather look like the victim, up against a black woman,' Bradley said.

'We've seen this done in history time and time again. She doesn't want to admit fault but would rather try and make a Black woman the guilty party. I welcome any challenge that Eileen has. I will always stand up against racism and this issue is no different.'

Bradley made more videos showing alleged Skype messages from Cure about how taking legal actions to shut down her TikTok account.

But the damage is already done, and so many people have flocked to her Yelp page and post so many comments that it was forced to be shut down.

Bradley has moved after allegedly getting threats like this from Cure's husband

Bradley - or 'auntkaren0' - has a popular TikTok account

Bradley - the TikTok star - reportedly was harrassed by Cure and Cure's husband, and left her home for her safety, according to a GoFundMe that was set up by Bradley's friend.

Max Schatzow, a partner at Stark & Stark who specializes in counseling investment advisers, broker-dealers, outlined the impending showdown for Investment Times.

If the memo turns out to be altered or fake, he said Cure has a case against the person who published the initial statement and 'might also have claims against TikTok and other news publications that rebroadcasted the statement.'

If the memo turns out to be true, the black applicant has a strong discrimination case, Schatzow said.
A black real estate agent showing an Army veteran and his 15-year-old son, who are also black, a house in Michigan was confronted and handcuffed by police with drawn guns after a white couple called 911 on the group.

Eric Brown was showing a home in Wyoming, Michigan, to Roy Thorne, 45, and his 15 year-old son, Samuel, Sunday, when suddenly the house was surrounded by cops.

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Real estate agent Eric Brown (left) and Roy Thorne (right) talk about the harrowing experience with police during a house showing in Wyoming, Michigan

Real estate agent Eric Brown was showing Army vet Roy Thorne and his 15-year-old son Samuel a home on Sunday when white neighbors called 911 on the group, who were all black

Brown initially was worried when he noticed them. 'Roy looked outside and noticed there were officers there and they were pointing guns toward the property,' Brown told WGNTV.com.

As Thorne identified the group to police through the upstairs window, he told the Washington Post, an officer from the Wyoming Police Department pointed a gun at him, causing him to duck. The officer then ordered them to leave in a single file with their hands up, with guns still pointing at them.

'I was scared,' Thorne said. 'I was scared for my son.'

Thorne told the Post the thought, 'we're going to die today,' passed his mind. The guns drawn on the men terrified him.

'They keep their guns drawn on us until all of us were in cuffs,' Thorne told WGNTV. 'So, that was a little traumatizing, I guess, because - under the current climate of things - you just don't know what's going to happen.'

Once the three were cuffed, Brown showed officers his credentials as a real estate agent, and told them he was showing the home. He explained he had an app on his phone that gave him access to a lockbox with a house key.

It was then the officers realized their mistake and immediately freed the group, but Thorne told the Post he estimates the three were in cuffs for about 20 minutes.

Real estate agent Eric Brown (pictured) says the mix up with police has left a lasting impact that will effect how he does his job

Captain Timothy Pols of the Wyoming Police Department said police were following standard protocol and that the group's race did not play a part in the incident

Brown showed officers his credentials as a real estate agent, while still cuffed, and told officers he was showing the home and police immediately uncuffed the group and apologized

Thorne said the officers apologized to the group and that he believes one of them was 'genuinely sorry.'

He saw that officer talking with the couple who called 911 and, afterwards the officer told him he 'chewed them out' then apologized one more time.

The incident left the group shaken, including Thorne's teenage son.

'My son was a little disturbed,' he told WGN9. 'He hasn't seen anything like that  he's not going to forget this.'

Brown said he can't help but feel race played a factor in the response. 'The level of the response and the aggressiveness of the response was definitely a take-back. It really threw me back,' Brown said.

But Captain Timothy Pols of the Wyoming Police Department told WGN9 that the group's race did not play a part. 'The department was responding to a call for service, there wasn't a racial element to it,' Pols said.

In a statement, Wyoming Police said the officers responded to a 911 call from a neighbor reporting a break-in, and that police were aware the home was burglarized a week earlier.

Police said they arrested a suspect who was charged with unlawful entry after that incident, but the 911 caller indicated Sunday that the suspect had returned.

'When the officers arrived, there were people inside of the residence in question,' the statement said. 'Officers asked the individuals to come out of the house and placed them in handcuffs per department protocol. After listening to the individuals' explanation for why they were in the house, officers immediately removed the handcuffs.'

'The Wyoming Department of Public Safety takes emergency calls such as this seriously and officers rely on their training and department policy in their response,' the statement added.

Despite police insistence that it was just standard protocol, Brown said the incident will effect how he does his job.

'I feel pretty anxious, or nervous or maybe even a little bit scared about what do I do to protect myself if I'm going to show a home and the authorities just get called on a whim like that,' he said. 'Am I just automatically the criminal? Because that's pretty much how we were treated in that situation.'

Wyoming, Michigan, has a population of just over 75,000 people, and 7.8 percent are black.
A Christian pilot has given a very personal sermon over the speaker on an American Airlines flight, telling passengers about his struggle with his sexuality and abuse he endured as a young boy.

In the footage the unidentified pilot can be heard telling passengers he was 'raped and molested as a young boy' before detailing how his life spiralled out of control as a result of the abuse.

He reveals he considered suicide and how he learned to survive by 'performing' in front of friends and family. The pilot then describes how he explored his sexuality, engaging in gay sex despite being married to a woman.

The sermon is brought to an abrupt end as an angry passenger interrupts the pilot, saying they just want to get off the airplane.

It is thought the pilot was not on duty at the time but had asked the crew if he could make an announcement at the end of the flight.

'I was raped and molested as a young boy', the pilot says at the start of the video, which shows passengers sitting on the grounded airplane.

'It does not matter whether it was family member or friend or stranger, it happened and then I was left to deal with it alone.

'Even though I was raised by Christians in a church I never felt like I could share that with anyone, I screamed to God that he would take away my sins and thoughts and resulting homosexual tendencies.

'My life kept spiralling out of control. I became a sexual addict and turned to pornography.'

The pilot is then interrupted by a passenger who is apparently uncomfortable with the nature of the story.

'It's okay. I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable, I just want you to hear me. I'm not trying to tell you what to do', he says, before resuming his sermon.

Footage shows a view from the airplane's window while the pilot gives an extremely personal sermon

He said: 'I became a sexual addict and turned to pornography. I thought sexual thoughts about both men and women, starting messing around with others who had similar tendencies.

'I fought with my siblings and my parents. The only way I knew how to survive was to perform. Perform at school, perform at work, perform amongst friends and family. Every aspect of my life was filled with lies.

'I even started of ways to end my life so that I would not hurt anyone else. After high school I moved over 1,000 miles from my home to help my grandparents.

'While there, I did what I knew was best - perform. I excelled at academics at the local college. I excelled at serving my grandparents.

The passenger sat next to the person filming flips through the airplane's safety card while listening to the pilot's sermon

He went on: 'Eventually I learned how to fly at the college, before I knew it I was on track to becoming an airline pilot. I started as a customer service agent, then moved to instruct student pilots, and ultimately began flying as an airline pilot.'

'All the while I kept performing, as I learnt to do. During this whole time I am searching for answers, answers about my sexual trauma, answers about my sexuality.

'I got married to a woman almost five years ago, I could not tell her about my pain. I have struggled with homosexuality, even though I was in love with her.

'Just over one year into our marriage I began to give in to the pressure of being gay. I asked other gay crew members about their lifestyle and what led them to becoming gay.

'Pretty soon I was taking part in that lifestyle. I had sex with men and would come home from work trips and pretend that nothing happened. I met someone that I thought could help me.'

The pilot is then interrupted again. He explained to passengers 'I want to share the love of Christ with you.

'If you feel uncomfortable, that's fine... Thank you so much.'

Footage of the extremely personal sermon showed people wearing masks sat on the grounded plane

An angry passenger is then heard launching a foul mouthed tirade, telling the pilot 'I'm going to sue your ass'.

'F*** you and your story. F*** you... We've got lives to live. Hey man... figure it out... I don't give a sh*t about you.'

The sermon is believed to have taken place on an American Airlines flight on June when it landed after being delayed three and a half hours because of an air conditioning problem.

It was not clear what the pilot's motives were but Reddit users speculated he intended to encourage passengers to become Christians.
The undercover female police officer whose 'honeytrap' sting led to Colin Stagg being wrongly accused of the murder of young mother Rachel Nickell has buried her notorious past to start a new life in secrecy, we can reveal.

The former detective, now 60, lives in a quiet community far from Roehampton, south-west London, where some 28 years ago she worked on trying to worm her way into the affections of 'local weirdo' Stagg in the hope that he would confess to the murder.

Her real identity is guarded by a highly restrictive legal clause which protects her in perpetuity and was put in force following the catastrophic collapse of the prosecution case in court.

It's believed that few if any of her close circle of friends and neighbours are aware of her association with one of the most disastrous murder investigations in British criminal history.

The undercover female police officer whose 'honeytrap' sting led to Colin Stagg being wrongly accused of the murder of young mother Rachel Nickell has buried her notorious past to start a new life in secrecy, we can reveal. Pictured: Niamh Algar portraying 'Lizzie James' in Channel 4's Deceit

She and her ex-policeman husband, who, like her retired from the force on grounds of ill health in the 1990s, are respected members of their local community.

Known only by her police codename Lizzie James, the officer left the Met following the case and sued her former employers for psychiatric damage, eventually settling out of court for 125,000.

Now Lizzie Jamess story will be revisited in Deceit, a major Channel 4 thriller telling the story of the bungled case which allowed Rachel Nickells real killer, Robert Napper, to go on and kill two more women before he was brought to justice.

The murder of 23-year-old model Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common in July 1992  stabbed 49 times while holding her two-year-old son Alexander - shocked the nation and put police under enormous pressure to find her killer.

The horrific attack was made all the worse by the fact the toddler witnessed the whole incident in which she was stabbed and slashed, then sexually assaulted.

The murder of 23-year-old model Rachel Nickell (pictured) on Wimbledon Common in July 1992  stabbed 49 times while holding her two-year-old son Alexander - shocked the nation and put police under enormous pressure to find her killer

A passer-by found Rachel, with the young boy clinging to her body, saying: Wake up, Mummy.

Soon, oddball Colin Stagg, who lived not far from the Common, became prime suspect for the inquiry team and they went to extraordinary lengths to trap him by bringing in undercover specialist Lizzie James from the Mets covert unit SO10.

Over the course of a year in an investigation codenamed Operation Edzell, she approached and befriended Stagg and tried various ruses to get him to admit to the murder, but he never did.

Lizzie befriended the loner, who fantasised to her about perverted sex involving knives and bondage. But the trial judge, Mr Justice Ognall, refused to allow Lizzie's 700 pages of evidence to be heard and Stagg was acquitted.

Stagg, who became infatuated with Lizzie, walked free from the Old Bailey murder trial in 1994 and later sued the police for 1m.

Pictured: 'Lizzie James' confronts Colin Stagg after his arrest while he is being interrogated

The blonde former officer said the aftermath of the case left her suffering from PTSD, and she felt her life was ruined by the failed investigation and the pressure she was put under.

In 2000 a friend of hers, speaking before her civil damages case against the Met, said: "At long last, she will be able to tell the truth.

It has been a very difficult six years because she has had to remain silent. The effect of being involved in this case has been traumatic.

Her friend added: Lizzie will be required to detail her job to the jury.

The stress of being bait to Colin Stagg - effectively living a lie every day - was unbelievable.

She had 18 months off work sick before taking early retirement in 1998 after 13 years as a policewoman.

In the drama Lizzie claims to have murdered someone and taken part in a satanic ritual, because it was believed this would appeal to his unusual sexual perversions. She got in touch with Colin (pictured right), then spent five months in a fake relationship with him, hoping he would say something to incriminate himself. Pictured left: Sion Daniel Young plays Colin Stagg in Channel 4's upcoming drama Deceit

Lizzie sued the Met for failing to provide adequate care and support after the bungled operation.

Witnesses in the High Court case would have included ex-Detective Inspector Keith Pedder, who led the inquiry.

In 2000 he, said: I will be giving evidence on behalf of Lizzie James. She was a fine officer, brave and courageous. In fact, he didnt have to testify as the Metropolitan Police, no doubt anxious to draw a line under the humiliating episode, settled out of court.

The new TV drama explores the human cost for the female officer, known as Sadie Byrne and played by Niamh Algar, who fully believed she was seducing a killer.

Irish actor Algar said: I felt a huge amount of sympathy for Lizzie, to be a woman in that situation.

The enormity of the pressure she was under, making sure that she got it right . . . I had so much admiration for how brave she was.

Following the murder, concern grew that the police were no nearer nailing a suspect, despite interviewing 32 men, including Colin Stagg. So the senior officer in charge, Det Insp Keith Pedder (right)  played in the drama by Harry Treadaway (left)  worked with criminal psychologist Professor Paul Britton, played by Eddie Marsan, to draw up an offender profile of the man

I was given the opportunity to speak to real-life detectives and one woman I was talking to said that building the backstory for someone youre going to go undercover as, is kind of like being an actor.

She said, The difference is, if you drop a line, you get to go for another take. If I slip up, I could potentially die.

In the drama Lizzie claims to have murdered someone and taken part in a satanic ritual, because it was believed this would appeal to his unusual sexual perversions.

She got in touch with Colin, then spent five months in a fake relationship with him, hoping he would say something to incriminate himself.

The drama sees Lizzie claim to have murdered someone and taken part in a satanic ritual, because it was believed this would appeal to his unusual sexual perversions and he would confess to Rachels murder.

The plot sees Sadie sink further into the dark world of their shared fantasies which sees her grow increasingly isolated and obsessed. Niamh told The Sun: The recruitment of women wasnt as high as it is now, and women werent able to be promoted into senior positions.

DI Pedder and his team decided that Stagg fitted that profile and asked the psychologist to assist with designing a covert operation to see whether he would eliminate or implicate himself. Profiler Britton (right) later said that he disagreed with use of the fantasy-filled letters and knew nothing of them until after they had been sent. Pictured left: Eddie Marsan portraying Paul Britton

Sadie is given a massive opportunity, to be the centre of the biggest Met operation in history, so shes putting everything into it, having dedicated her life to protecting the public and women in particular.

Following the murder, concern grew that the police were no nearer nailing a suspect, despite interviewing 32 men, including Colin Stagg.

So the senior officer in charge, Det Insp Keith Pedder  played in the drama by Harry Treadaway  worked with criminal psychologist Professor Paul Britton, played by Eddie Marsan, to draw up an offender profile of the man.

DI Pedder and his team decided that Stagg fitted that profile and asked the psychologist to assist with designing a covert operation to see whether he would eliminate or implicate himself.

Profiler Britton later said that he disagreed with use of the fantasy-filled letters and knew nothing of them until after they had been sent.

Paul Britton was charged with professional misconduct by the British Psychological Society but in 2002, further action was dismissed due to the time delay in bringing proceedings

The Independent Police Complaints Commission which investigated the botched case later said no police officer would face disciplinary action because they had all retired and one key senior detective had died. Criminal prosecutions were not considered.
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A mother has been jailed for 15 years and her boyfriend for 14 for killing her three-year-old daughter because she was getting in the way when they wanted to have sex.

Kaylee-Jayde Priest was found dead with chest and abdominal injuries at the flat where she lived with her 23-year-old mother, Nicola Priest, on August 9 last year.

The child's mother rang 999 but a jury convicted Priest - along with her 22-year-old lover Callum Redfern - after hearing the youngster had been 'dead before the call was made'.

The mother was sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter and a three year concurrent sentence for child cruelty

Sentencing the pair, Mr Justice Foxton QC said: 'On the evening of August 8 you Redfern went to Priest's flat. The two of you went to have sex. Kaylee wanted to stay up and play. There is no direct evidence of what happened next.

Three-year-old Kaylee-Jayde Priest (pictured) was found dead on August 9, 2020 at the flat where she lived with her mother in Birmingham after a court heard her mother and boyfriend thought she got in the way of them having sex

Pictured: Nicola Priest (left) and lover Callum Redfern (right) were both were unanimously cleared of murder but convicted of the child's manslaughter on Thursday. Priest was sentenced to 15 years and Redfern has been jailed for 14 years

'Kaylee was sick more than once during the night as a result of the severe beating. You lost your tempers and it is clear you were joint participants in that assault. You both knew you had seriously injured Kaylee.

'You, Priest did nothing to seek medical help. A prompt call could have saved Kaylee's life. You both lied repeatedly during interviews.

'From the severity of the injuries caused by the assault it is clear there was an intention to cause serious harm. The injuries were caused by a ferocious assault.

'You and Redfern were equally responsible. You had ample opportunity to raise any concerns. Kaylee was very vulnerable and you were in a position of trust. You did nothing to summon help.'

The final moments leading up to the death of Kaylee-Jayde Priest were revealed in chilling CCTV footage.

In the footage played to court, Kaylee-Jayde and her mother were seen together just hours before the youngster's fatal collapse, using a lift at the block of flats where they lived in Kingshurst House, Solihull.

The footage showed Priest's total disinterest in her daughter; repeatedly checking her reflection in the mirror and scrolling through her phone, while the youngster periodically gazed up at her mother's face.

At no point in the footage was there any physical contact between the pair, with Priest neglecting even to reach out to hold her daughter's hand.

Pictured: A screen grab from CCTV footage issued by West Midlands Police of Kaylee-Jade Priest and her mother Nicola Priest by the lift in their apartment building, hours before the young girl was killed on August 9 last year

Hours later, the youngster described in court as a 'happy child', died from serious chest and abdominal injuries.

Medical examinations later showed she had also suffered historical injuries including broken ribs, lower leg fractures and a broken sternum, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Priest and her 22-year-old lover Callum Redfern pointed the finger of blame at each other during their trial, but were at the time in a 'close sexual relationship'.

Both were unanimously cleared of murder but convicted of the child's manslaughter on Thursday.

Jurors had heard how Priest would hit Kaylee around the head and refer to her as a 'f****** brat', while the youngster was also heard crying 'in a fearful tone'.

On one occasion, neighbours in a flat below at Kingshurst House, Solihull, recalled hearing a bang above and then Kaylee crying, before allegedly hearing Priest say: 'I'll just say she fell off the bed.'

Pictured: A screen grab from CCTV footage of Kaylee-Jade Priest (left) and her mother Nicola Priest (right) outside their Kingshurst House, Solihull apartment building, hours before the young girl was killed on August 9 last year

The CCTV footage (pictured) showed Priest's (left) total disinterest in her daughter; repeatedly checking her reflection in the mirror and scrolling through her phone, while the youngster (right) periodically gazed up at her mother's face

At no point in the footage was there any physical contact between the pair (pictured in CCTV footage in the building's lift), with Priest (right) neglecting even to reach out to hold her daughter's (left) hand

The same residents claimed they noticed that 'when Kaylee cried, the response appeared to be to drown out her crying with music'.

In a text message exchange on July 24 2020, days before Kaylee's death, Priest told Redfern: 'I'm gonna kill her... because she keeps leaving the living room or going in the kitchen, so I've paled (hit) her one and smacked her for s**tting in her nappy.'

Redfern said: 'Good - give her one from me.'

Priest replied: 'I will, babe.'

Three days later, Redfern messaged Priest saying: 'I'm going to keep the little brat away from me... sick of your spunking daughter.'

Prosecutors said the messages painted a vivid picture of the 'uncaring attitude from Priest and Redfern towards Kaylee'.

Opening the case at the start of the trial, prosecution barrister Andrew Smith QC said: 'The prosecution case is that her death was caused by her having received serious injuries to her chest and abdomen in a sustained assault on August 8 of last year.

'That intentional assault occurred when both of the defendants were alone with Kaylee-Jayde.'

Her mother Nicola Priest, 23, and 22-year-old Callum Redfern denied murdering the little girl but were both convicted of manslaughter

Floral tributes to the young girl were left outside the flat after families learned of her death last year

From the time Priest moved in to the flat in mid-2019, neighbours heard her 'shouting with real regularity' at Kaylee, including comments like 'Shut up', 'Go away' or 'Leave me alone' - and 'never anything positive or kind'.

Priest was also found guilty of cruelty to a child, relating to the youngster's historical injuries, but Redfern was cleared of that charge.

In a statement released through police after the verdicts, Kaylee's grandmother Debbie Windmill said the impact of her death would live with her for the rest of her life.

She said: 'I could never stop staring at the smile on her beautiful face. I loved every moment watching her develop to nearly school age; preparing to buy my first grandchild her pre-school uniform was something that filled me with such happiness.

'I couldn't wait to see her in it, but this opportunity was stolen from me in the most brutal of ways.

'Everybody deserves the gift of life. Kaylee-Jayde deserved to show the world who she could have been and what greatness she could have brought to this world. Nanny will forever hold you in her heart.'

A photo tribute at the scene of her death showed her happy and smiling in poignant scenes

Speaking afterwards, Detective Inspector Adam Jobson, said: 'This is a really horrific set of circumstances and I cannot imagine for one second what Kaylee-Jayde's family must be going through, they've lost their three-year-old family member at the hands of her own mother and Nicky Priest's boyfriend, Callum.

'It is a grim picture.

'I don't think, sadly, we will ever fully know what has happened, we'll never get that full picture, both have not admitted their own responsibility.

'One thing is clear, Nicky Priest has failed her daughter, she's failed to protect her and she should be - being a mother to that little girl - the one person who should have been able to protect her.'

Priest, of Poplar Avenue, Edgbaston, Birmingham, and Redfern, of Temple Street, Dudley, West Midlands, will be sentenced on Friday.
The first healthy 16 and 17-year-olds have received their Covid vaccines, barely two days after the country's oldest teenagers were told to get jabbed.

Elliot Aston, 16, from County Down in Northern Ireland, today became one of the first in his age group to be inoculated against the virus.

The smiling teenager, pictured outside the jabbing centre in Belfast clutching his vaccination card, said: 'Its good that theyre finally offering it to us because we are probably the ones that are out and about the most so I think its about time.'

No10's top scientists expanded the vaccination drive to include 1.4million 16 and 17-year-olds on Wednesday, in a dramatic U-turn from two weeks ago. They also laid the groundwork for over-12s to be vaccinated later in the year.

And now the oldest teenagers are being offered their first dose at walk-in centres in Northern Ireland, while some GPs in England are also already inviting them for jabs.

England will offer Covid vaccines to the age group at walk-ins from next week, when Scotland and Wales are also set to invite the oldest teenagers for their first dose.

Ministers had promised to start dishing out jabs to the group 'as soon as possible', with deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam saying there was 'no time to waste'. They are aiming to get everyone in the age group jabbed before schools return in September.

It came as MailOnline analysis today revealed nearly 170 neighbourhoods across England have still not fully vaccinated two-thirds of their over-50s.

More than 46.9million Britons have received a first dose of the Covid vaccine, the equivalent of 88.8 per cent of adults. And 39million have got two doses, or 73.8 per cent.

Elliot Aston, 16, (pictured) was among the first in his age group to get the Covid vaccine. He received the jab at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. No10's top scientists have told everyone in the age group to get jabbed

Nearly 30 areas in England have not fully vaccinated their over-50 populations against Covid, official statistics have revealed as experts warn there are huge pockets of the population still vulnerable to the virus. Graph shows

Harehills South in Leeds has reached the fewest over-50s, with just 813 of the 1,562 living in the area receiving their second dose  52 per cent of the population. Map shows: The proportion of adults who have had both Covid vaccine doses

Overall, 2.5million over-50s (11 per cent) have not yet got their second jab and 2million haven't had their first (nine per cent)

NHS England said some GPs had already started administering Covid vaccines to 16 and 17-year-olds, but that the oldest teenagers should wait to be contacted by their local clinic to arrange an appointment.

A letter from NHS bosses sent to GPs yesterday said they could now start offering the Covid vaccine to people in the age group.

Walk-in services at regional and local vaccination centres in England are expected to open to the age group from next week.

Health Boards in Wales are already sending out vaccine invites to 16 and 17-year-olds, officials said.

And in Scotland those in the age group are being told to register their interest via an online portal and will then be sent an appointment time by email or text. In Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles they are being told to wait to be contacted by their local health board.

Nearly 170 neighbourhoods are still yet to fully protect 60% of over-50s Nearly 170 neighbourhoods across England have still not fully vaccinated two-thirds of over-50s against Covid, MailOnline can reveal. Scientists warned our analysis  based on official statistics of the country's 7,000 districts  shows there are huge pockets of the population still vulnerable to the virus. Ministers aimed to give all in the age group two jabs in order to protect them from the rampant spread of the Delta variant ahead of restrictions being eased back on July 19 'Freedom Day'. But NHS England figures, which go up until August 1, show 29 neighbourhoods across the nation have not yet reached more than 60 per cent of people aged 50 and over. Some 169 have only reached two thirds of the most vulnerable age groups, who were prioritised for the vaccine and have been eligible since March 17. In theory, all could have been fully-jabbed now, given the 12-week spacing gap between doses, which was later shortened to eight weeks to help combat the rise of the now dominant mutant strain. Overall, 2.5million over-50s (11 per cent) have not yet got their second jab and 2million haven't had their first (nine per cent). Harehills South in Leeds has reached the fewest over-50s, with just 813 of the 1,562 living in the area receiving their second dose  52 per cent of the population. For comparison, 22 areas have double-jabbed more than 96 per cent of their over-50s, with Morpeth South and West in Northumberland leading the way (96.6 per cent). Experts warned vulnerable people who have not yet been vaccinated are 'just as much risk of severe disease and death as at any time during the pandemic'. Even though one jab offers some protection against severe illness, two doses are much stronger. Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline NHS hospitals in the areas lagging behind could still face huge pressures this winter. Most experts believe there will be another wave of Covid in the colder months. Advertisement

Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS medical director for primary care, said the health service is working to get 16 and 17-year-olds vaccinated 'as swiftly as possible'.

'I am pleased to say that one million children and young people will now be able to get the vaccine protecting themselves, their family and their friends,' she said.

'The Covid vaccine is safe and effective and I urge anyone eligible of any age to come forward and take up the offer.'

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'The NHS has worked hard to put the JCVIs independent and expert advice into action to roll out this new stage of our ground-breaking vaccination programme.

'Now all 16 and 17-year-olds can join the rest of the country and get their jab to protect themselves and their loved ones.'

Sixteen and 17-year-olds are being offered the Pfizer vaccine because it is the only one approved by Britain's medical regulator for the age group.

There are currently no concrete plans to offer them second doses, with the JCVI wanting to buy more time to understand the safety risks.

Some children have already been inoculated against the virus because those living with vulnerable adults have been able to get jabbed for weeks.

Pfizer's vaccine has been linked to a rare side effect called myocarditis  inflammation of the heart muscle. Data from the US, which has been giving the jab to children for months, shows the complication affects one in 100,000 teenage boys after the first dose, but this rises to about one in 15,000 after the second dose.

It comes as MailOnline analysis revealed nearly 170 neighbourhoods across England have still not fully vaccinated two-thirds of over-50s against Covid, MailOnline can reveal.

Scientists warned our analysis  based on official statistics of the country's 7,000 districts  shows there are huge pockets of the population still vulnerable to the virus.

Ministers aimed to give all in the age group two jabs in order to protect them from the rampant spread of the Delta variant ahead of restrictions being eased back on July 19 'Freedom Day'.

But NHS England figures, which go up until August 1, show 29 neighbourhoods across the nation have not yet reached more than 60 per cent of people aged 50 and over.

Some 169 have only reached two thirds of the most vulnerable age groups, who were prioritised for the vaccine and have been eligible since March 17.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, said: 'The important message is that you do not get herd immunity as the virus can still spread even amongst fully vaccinated individuals.

'So anyone who has not been vaccinated will get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus at some point and given that society is now opening up and that we now have the very infectious Delta variant that wont be long.

'If you have not been vaccinated and have not yet had a natural infection, then you at just as much risk of severe disease and death as at any time during the pandemic.

'So as we move towards winter those areas with larger proportion of their vulnerable population unimmunised will see increased pressure on their health service.

'The one caveat is that in areas that have been the focus for high transmission so far it may be that many of these people may have already had the infection and if so are unlikely to get it as bad this time round.'

Currently, uptake of first vaccine doses among 18 to 29-year-olds in the UK is highest in Wales, at 75 per cent.

This is followed by 72.8 per cent in the same age category in Scotland, 69.3 per cent in England, and 63.9 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Young people in England have been told they will not get into nightclubs from next month unless they are double jabbed, while there are also discounted taxi journeys and meals being used as incentives for people to get vaccinated.
Dramatic video has emerged capturing the moment a car leading police on a high-speed chase through a Los Angeles neighborhood crashed into a utility pole and flipped over, leaving three people with serious injuries.

The incident took place in the Echo Park section of Los Angeles late Thursday afternoon after police tried to pull a car over in nearby Glendale.

According to the LAPD, the agency received information that the occupants of the silver sedan were possibly armed and dangerous, and officers made an attempt to stop the vehicle at around 5pm.

KTLA5's news helicopter on Thursday captured a high-speed police chase that ended in a dramatic rollover crash that caused multiple injuries

Police were trying to pull over the silver sedan seen in the middle of the road, but the driver took off, leading them on a chase with speeds reaching nearly 100mph

The driver lost control in the Echo Park section of LA and smashed into a utility pole

After damaging the pole and knocking out power to the neighborhood, the car overturned, landing on its roof

The driver of the sedan refused to comply and instead sped away, leading police on a 25-minute pursuit with speeds approaching 100mph.

ABC7's SkyMap7 helicopter captured the driver of the sedan weaving in and out of traffic and running red lights.

The high-speed chase ended at around 5.25pm when the driver of the suspicious vehicle lost control, smashed into a pole and rolled over at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Berkley Avenue.

The collision downed live wires onto a passing vehicle, leaving its occupant temporarily trapped inside.

The silver car's five occupants scrambled out of the wreckage and were taken into custody by the police, reported KTLA5.

The vehicle's five occupants, among them three juveniles, were able to get out of the overturned ccar on their own

Police tried to stop the car after getting a tip that its occupants were possibly armed and dangerous

The two adults occupants of the car, pictured, were arrested on criminal charges

Paramedics who were called to the scene transported three of the car's passengers to a hospital to be treated for traumatic injuries.

Police said three of the five people in the car were juveniles and will not face any charges in connection with the crash.

The driver of the sedan and one adult passenger were both arrested before being hospitalized with minor injuries.

Police said the driver will be charged with felony evading, and the passenger will face a count of probation violation. Neither man has been named as of Friday morning.

Two of the juvenile car occupants were released to their parents, and the third ran away from the scene and was not pursued by the police.

The rollover crash severely damaged a utility pole and left some 2,000 residents in the surrounding area without electricity for hours pending repairs.
Another man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

They found 23-year-old man who had suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a young man was stabbed to death on the streets of London.

Police were called to Newham at around 1.40am today and found the 23-year-old victim with a fatal stab wound to his neck.

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene on Henniker Road in the east of the capital.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Another man, aged 19, found at the scene was taken to an east London hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Met Police officers were called to a street in Newham, east London at around 1.40am today and found a 23-year-old man who had suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck

Officers are investigating the crime scene, which is about 100 metres away from a busy high street.

One local resident said: 'It's so tragic. It's such a waste of life. It's quite a quiet area around here. It's a real shock.

'There's such a large area of road cordoned off by the police.'

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Detective Chief Inspector Perry Benton said: 'We remain in the early stages of the investigation and my dedicated team of officers are carrying out urgent enquiries to piece together the tragic events which led to a young man losing his life.

'Officers will remain in the area throughout the day carrying out house-to-house enquiries and identifying CCTV opportunities.

'We have already spoken to a number of witnesses and I would ask anybody with information who we haven't yet heard from to contact us immediately.'

Officers are investigating and the crime scene about 100 metres of the busy high street remains cordoned off

Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker, responsible for local policing in Newham and Waltham Forest, said: 'My thoughts are with the victim's family and friends and I would like to offer them my sincere condolences as they come to terms with their loss.

'I understand the concern this incident will cause within the community and I would like to reassure the public that tackling violence is the Met's number one priority.

'Too many lives have been lost because of knife crime and we remain committed to removing weapons from the streets of London and catching those responsible.

'We cannot do this alone and we need your support. I would urge anyone with information about criminal activity to report it to police or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.'

Anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8345 1570. Alternatively, call 101 quoting CAD 516/06Aug. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Covid jabs may be 'less effective' against the new Colombian strain, health chiefs warned today.

The variant - called B.1.621 - was placed 'under investigation' in England last month.

Reports published by Public Health England reveal immunity gained from a previous infection or vaccines 'may be less effective' against the mutant strain.

But PHE said the finding is based on preliminary laboratory evidence, so data is 'very limited and more research is required'.

There is 'no evidence' to suggest the variant is more transmissible than the dominant Delta strain, the report states.

Health chiefs upgraded the strain to be a variant under investigation in July after it spread to the UK and scientists spotted it carried some worrying mutations.

These include E484K, which can help it escape antibodies and is also found on the Beta and Gamma variants.

It also has the N501Y, which could help it spread easier. The mutation is also present in Alpha.

Overall, B.1.621 is 'similar to Beta', PHE said, which was first identified in South Africa and is thought to be able to partially evade vaccines.

Its presence in France spooked ministers into slapping the country on an 'amber-plus' travel quarantine list last month.

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.

The World Health Organization says the first documented sample of B.1.621 was in Colombia in January.

Another 30 countries have also recorded cases since then, including the US, Spain, Mexico and the Netherlands.

As of Wednesday, scientists had found 37 cases of the variant in England, eight of which were spotted in the previous seven days.

A 'very small number' of people infected with B.1.621 have been admitted to hospital, so there is insufficient data to know if the strain is any more severe than other variants.

Infections linked with the strain have been spotted in six regions of the country, but the majority - 18 cases (56.2 per cent) - were found in London.

A further seven cases were identified in the East, while there were three in the South East, one was spotted in each the North West and South West.

Around a third of the infections were found in people aged under 20.

Seven of the 32 cases have been linked with travel from or through Mexico, Spain, Dominican Republic and Colombia.

PHE said the variant has managed to spread in South America - even when Alpha was present - but it does not appear to be particularly fast.

It cautioned there is 'no evidence' the variant is outcompeting Delta - which is the dominant strain across the country - and it 'appears unlikely that it is more transmissible'.

The report said: 'The level of threat from such a variant depends on its growth and expansion. There is very low certainty around growth estimates at present, however in the current context there is no indication that it is out-competing Delta.

'Immune escape may contribute to future changes in growth.

'Epidemiological effects, such as importation and spreading events, may also influence whether it becomes established in the UK.'
Boris Johnson is not planning to go into self-isolation despite a case of Covid among staff who flew with him to Scotland this week, Downing Street said tonight.

Mr Johnson flew to Scotland on Wednesday and a member of his team reportedly tested positive while there, forcing them to isolate along with their close contacts.

But No10 tonight said that the PM - who is spending the weekend at his Chequers retreat in Buckinghamshire - had not been deemed a close contact of the individual concerned.

It is understood they were part of an advanced party that went to Scotland ahead of the PM and did not share his flight from London.

While they were both aboard the PM's subsequent flight from Glasgow to Aberdeen yesterday they were at different ends of the official liveried Airbus used for the trip.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: 'The Prime Minister regularly visits communities across the UK and all aspects of visits are carried out in line with Covid guidance.

'The Prime Minister has not come into close contact with anyone who has tested positive.'

It comes just weeks after he was forced to U-turn and isolate for 10 days after trying to use a pilot testing scheme to avoid quarantine after Sajid Javid caught Covid amid public fury.

Mr Johnson arriving at Glasgow airport on Wednesday to start his two day visit to the country

But No10 tonight said that the PM - who is spending the weekend at his Chequers retreat in Buckinghamshire - had not been deemed a close contact of the individual concerned.

Under the rules in place for another 10 days any close contacts of Covid cases have to self-isolate, even if - like the PM- they have been fully vaccinated.

The rules expire on August 16, after which there is no requirement for the double-jabbed to isolate at all.

Mr Johnson today today took part in the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the Queen's representative to watch 243 cadets commissioned as army officers.

He paid tribute to those passing out and acknowledged the army's role constructing vaccine centres during the pandemic.

Labour party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said: 'It's clear the Prime Minister hasn't learned anything from what happened last time he tried to cook up a reason to be above the rules everyone else has to follow.

'Senior Conservatives are really taking the public for fools. This is yet another example of one rule for them and another for everyone else.'

It comes after Downing Street today backed the climate change tsar for flying to 30 countries - including six on the red list - during lockdown, saying some face-to-face meetings were 'essential' and he was allowed to skip quarantine.

Alok Sharma was accused of hypocrisy last night for travelling around the globe to meet world leaders  and not isolating afterwards.

The former business secretary has covered tens of thousands of miles over the past seven months to prepare the ground for the COP26 global environment summit this autumn.

But despite visiting at least six countries on the travel 'red list', he has been given a ministerial exemption from hotel quarantine each time. He is currently in red list Brazil.

He has also been able to avoid having to isolate at home following 'amber list' trips.

Ordinary travellers face fines of up to 10,000 for breaking travel quarantine rules.

And days after returning from red-list Bangladesh, he met the Prince of Wales indoors without a mask  then visited a primary school.

Mr Johnson today today took part in the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the Queen's representative to watch 243 cadets commissioned as army officers.

But the Prime Minister's official spokesman today backed his travel, telling reporters: 'The majority of this work is done remotely but some travel to key countries for face-to-face talks is essential.

'He has secured ambitious action as a result of the discussions he has had. For example, immediately following his visit to Japan and South Korea the governments there committed to ambitious net zero targets, which was a key ask from the UK.'

He confirmed that 'ministers conducting essential travel such as this are exempted from quarantine, as set out in the rules' and this would also apply to his return from Brazil.

Asked if he would quarantine on his return from Brazil, the spokesman said: 'He will continue to comply with the rules as set out.'

Shadow justice secretary David Lammy said the 'optics' were of 'one rule for them and another rule for us'.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised President Biden on Friday for extending the eviction moratorium and told reporters 'baby cribs, families and personal belongings would be on the street' if he hadn't stepped in.

'I commend the president for his courageous action and his informed action on extending the eviction moratorium for a time so that the funds can come through and renters can be saved and landlords can be paid,' the California Democrat said.

'Could you just imagine, families on the streets, baby cribs, personal belongings on the street,' she continued.

The speaker also thanked new 'Squad' member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., for helping 'public sentiment' prevail. 'I called her and said "hydrate," being the mom that I am.'

'I was glad she came around to the extension of the moratorium,' Pelosi said. 'There was a school of thought that said, 'Let's just go to the floor and lose.' I don't go to the floor and lose.'

Bush led a four-night campout on the Capitol steps along with other Squad members , which drummed up widespread media attention.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, above, praised Biden's 'courageous' decision to extend the eviction moratorium, despite concerns of its constitutionality

Pelosi praised Rep. Cori Bush, above, for persuading 'public sentiment' on the importance of the extension

The House had failed to pass a bill last Friday that would have extended the moratorium that has been in place for nearly a year and a half.

President Biden, after dragging his feet due to concerns over the constitutionality, directed the Centers for Disease Control to extend the moratorium through Oct.3 on Sunday.

The White House previously said Biden did not have the legal authority to extend the ban after a June Supreme Court ruling that said after the rent freeze expired, it would take an act of Congress to extend it.

On Thursday, Biden conceded he can't guarantee the courts won't find his new eviction moratorium unconstitutional but noted it will at least buy renters some time.

Biden told reporters at the White House he spoke to 'a number of legal scholars' about the moratorium and there was a 'split' in their opinion.

'I can't guarantee you the court wont rule that we don't have that authority but at least we'll have the ability to, if we have to appeal, to keep this going for a month - at least. I hope longer,' he said.

The White House has emphasized that they hope it would give states time to distribute billion of funds they have in their possession from an earlier allocation by Congress.

Distribution of rental assistance that Congress allocated in December and March has been painfully slow. The $47 billion Emergency Rental Assistance program has, to date, disbursed only $3 billion.

But some landlords have already struck at the new order.

Groups representing landlords who say they are suffering under the Biden administration's eviction moratorium filed suit in federal court Wednesday  claiming the CDC's latest extension of the moratorium is 'unlawful.'

Landlord group argues that the administration was acting for 'nakedly political reasons' when it cobbled together a new extension this week, days after a prior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extension had lapsed.

The landlord groups late Wednesday asked a U.S. judge in Washington to immediately lift the new eviction moratorium that was put in place Tuesday by the CDC, saying the new order was 'unlawful.'

The Alabama Association of Realtors and others said in an emergency filing the CDC issued the new order 'for nakedly political reasons - to ease the political pressure, shift the blame to the courts for ending the moratorium, and use litigation delays to achieve a policy objective.'

CDC director Rochelle Walensky signed an order on Tuesday that determined the 'evictions of tenants for failure to make rent or housing payments could be detrimental to public health control measures' to slow the spread of COVID, the agency announced.

The order will allow more time 'to further increase vaccination rates,' the CDC said, calling it an 'effective public health measure.'

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 Bureau's Household Pulse Survey.
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British Airways have slashed ticket prices from Mexico to London to just 257 as thousands of Britons are scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel costing 1,750 per person.

The airline has cut the prices of two flights landing at London Gatwick at 12.35am and 3.05am on Sunday, just hours before the 4am deadline, to a mere 257 'rescue fare' amid the rush for Britons to return home.

Around 6,000 panicked British holidaymakers scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday, when Mexico will be placed on the red list, to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel costing 1,750 per person.

To make matters worse, the cost of hotel quarantine will increase from August 12, with the price for single adult travellers rising from 1,750 to 2,285 and a second adult paying 1,430  more than double the current rate of 650.

British Airways slashed the prices of their tickets from Mexico to London to just 257 as thousands of Britons are scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday. The flights are advertised at 95 ($140), totalling 257 with tax added at checkout

As well as slashing the costs of the flights arriving in on Sunday morning, British Airways raised the costs of other available flights from 800 to around 1,000 while rebooking existing customers. Pictured: Passengers arrive at Heathrow on Friday

The decision to place Mexico on the red list also reflects worries about a new variant which originated in Colombia and which has concerned British scientists.

On the British Airways website, the two last Saturday night flights are advertised at just 95, with this cost rising to a total of 257 after tax is added, a considerable discount from the usual 800 fares.

A source told MailOnline: 'We want to help other people who are stranded so rolled out a rescue fare.'

As well as slashing the costs of the flights arriving in the early hours of Sunday morning, British Airways also raised the costs of other available flights from 800 to around 1,000 while rebooking existing customers.

Before cutting the costs, the airline raised the flight prices to make sure the customer service teams could rebook existing passengers free of charge, without the seats being snatched up by other eager travellers looking for a bargain trip.

The British Airways flight from Cancun arriving in Gatwick at 3.05am was originally due to land at 9am on Sunday, after the 4am deadline, but the airline altered the arrival time in a bid to get customers home before the cut-off time.

Around 6,000 UK holidaymakers are scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday, when Mexico will be placed on the red list, to avoid a ten-day stay in a quarantine hotel costing 1,750 per person. Pictured: Passengers arrive at Heathrow on Friday

A spokesperson for British Airways said: 'We have kept our prices on rescue flights from Cancun to London higher than usual over the last day or two, to allow our customer service teams time to prioritise and re-book as many of our existing British Airways and BA Holidays customers free of charge, as possible.

'We still have two flights scheduled to land into Gatwick tomorrow which are timed to arrive before the Government's 4am deadline and there are some seats available.

'We would like to now help as many Britons as possible to get home to the UK, so we have introduced an emergency 'rescue fare' dropped to the lowest possible price to cover our costs.

'Our remaining seats are now selling on our website for $358 (equivalent to 257 approximately).'

Meanwhile, a nurse today revealed how her dream 8,000 holiday to Cancun turned to disaster as she landed in Mexico after other panicked passengers told her the Government had decided to turn the country red as they crossed the Atlantic.

Speaking from Cancun, where she is with her family, Mrs Dean told Good Morning Britain: 'There was nothing to suggest that Mexico would be going on the red list and we found out after a really long flight from other passengers. It was complete devastation'.

The airline has cut the prices of two flights landing at London Gatwick at 12.35am and 3.05am on Sunday, just hours before the 4am deadline, to a mere 257 'rescue fare' amid the rush for Britons to return home (stock image)

When asked if she had taken the risk to go abroad on holiday she said: 'I understand, but we've had this holiday booked for over a year and have been keeping an eye on the situation daily in terms of cases. Yes we could have gone closer to home but this was our dream holiday and there was nothing to suggest this would happen'. Her young son Jack said: 'I was in complete shock. Before that I was really excited'.

Aaron Stewart, from Glasgow, is in Mexico City with his wife and newborn baby until August 20 - but says the rule change means he is stuck. Mr Stewart, a self-employed networking engineer, told the i newspaper: 'It's time that I can't take off work because it's going to cost me much more than that figure. I might have to pay clients back, and I'm talking about 10,000 here. Or I just hang out in Mexico and hope that the restrictions might be lifted.'

He added: 'The whole thing's absolutely ridiculous and I am so bitterly angry because there's no logic in this whatsoever'.

British Airways said its teams had been 'working through the night to arrange as many additional seats out of Mexico as possible to help get Britons home'. But there is unlikely to be enough seats for all those desperate to return as is the case of trust officer Claudia Rattray.

Mrs Rattray, 44, told of 'shock and devastation' after landing in Mexico to discover the country had been placed on the red list while she was flying.

She and her daughters Ivanna, 15, and Summer, 14, had travelled from their home in Jersey in order to visit family. She said: 'My husband spoke to British Airways to see if we were able to get flights for tonight or tomorrow... and there's no seats available, nothing.'

Rebecca Dean and her family are among the thousands of British holidaymakers now scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel

Pictured: Claudia Rattray talks to BBC via video alongside her daughters. Claudia and her two daughters arrived in Mexico city today to learn the country had been upgraded to the red list

Ayo Faley (left), a call handler of NHS Test and Trace in London, arrived in Cancun, Mexico, on Thursday morning for her holiday, and plans to continue her trip as planned and pay for quarantine when she returns to the UK. Aaron (right) is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival

Covid test centers are seen around the Mexican resorts of Tulum and Cancun as the UK is set to place the country on its red list from Sunday.

Welcome home: Families reunited at Heathrow today as thousands race home to the UK to beat Sunday's 4am deadline after which they would be forced to stay for 10 days in a quarantine hotel at a cost of up to 2,285

Thousands of British holidaymakers in Mexico are scrambling to get home after travel restrictions changed at short notice.

From 4am on Sunday, those returning home from Mexico will have to quarantine in a designated hotel for ten days.

UK delayed asking EU to accept NHS vaccine passport app By DAILY MAIL REPORTER UK tourists may face further travel issues in Europe this summer after officials waited until last week to ask the EU to accept the NHS vaccine passport app. UK diplomats in Brussels have been briefing for weeks that both sides were edging closer to a deal. But senior European Commission sources said that Britain only formally applied for the app to be recognised across the 27-member bloc on July 28. It should take a few weeks for the process to be completed, but I have no crystal ball, said one EU official. A British government spokesman refused to deny the July 28 date. EU certificates are not automatically available to UK nationals due to Brexit. A deal with the EU executive would legally oblige all 27 EU countries to recognise the NHS Covid app, with Britain accepting the EUs digital Covid certificate in return. The UK Government said there were constructive technical talks between our experts and the EU before the application. Advertisement

The cost of a flight back to Britain was being sold for between 2,000 and 4,000 yesterday as many tried to beat the deadline. There are between 5,000 and 6,000 British holidaymakers in Mexico currently.

In a further blow, the cost of hotel quarantine will increase from August 12, with the price for single adult travellers rising from 1,750 to 2,285 and a second adult paying 1,430  more than double the current rate of 650.

One couple have been forced to cut their honeymoon from two weeks to two days.

Student Joe Coward, 29, said: 'We feel... incredibly sad and frustrated that the time that should've been spent enjoying being newlyweds has been ruined.'

NHS worker Ayo Faley, 24, also only discovered she had just three days left to return home to avoid quarantine after landing in Cancun yesterday.

She said she was 'absolutely distraught' but plans to complete her holiday. She asked: 'How are [the Government] planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?'

Claire, 30, from south London, said: 'I had access to the Wifi so I found out in mid air.

'I just wanted to grab the tannoy and tell everyone because I could see all these families looking forward to their holiday and it was obvious they didn't know.

'It's crazy the lack of notice. I had no inkling Mexico was about to go on the red list.'

Another tweeted: 'Landing in Mexico to find out it's been added to the red list whilst I was up in the air, has got to be one of the worst things I've ever experienced.'

Father-of-two David Hing, 40, arrived in Mexico with his wife and children aged four and seven on July 31. They were supposed to stay until August 21 - five days before the travel list is looked at again.

Mr Hing told MailOnline: 'We knew the risks and while at the moment it seems like a bad dream and is very stressful and I've been up all night looking at alternative options, we are just going to try to enjoy the holiday.

'It broke my heart when my two little ones said they wanted to stay on holiday and would lend us money if we needed it.

'The notice period doesn't really give long enough to make changes especially when it's hard to get through and talk to anyone at the airlines.

The slog back home: Grant Shapps said up to 6,000 Britons are currently in Mexico, after ministers warned they would place the country onto its travel red-list at 4am on Sunday.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia. But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry

The price of the only direct flight from Mexico City to London before Mexico moves to the red list has soared to a staggering 6,878





'The images of the food and hotels do not seem like they are worth the cost so that's why we are going to try and fly back somewhere else first. I feel sorry for the people who were already on the flight from the UK and hope they can make alternative arrangements.'

A young couple cut short their honeymoon in Mexico from two weeks to two days, after they discovered the new restrictions upon landing in Mexico early on Thursday morning.

Joe Coward, 29, said: 'Basically we touched down to find that our two-week honeymoon, which had already been rearranged several times, was going to be a two-day visit. We've arranged a flight for tomorrow and will be spending today getting ready to turn right around and go home.'

Mexico is in the grip of a third wave of Covid and on Wednesday another 611 deaths were reported  taking the total number of deaths due to the virus to 242,547.

Another 611 deaths were also reported and the country has recorded a total of 2,901,094 infections and 242,547 deaths.

The government has said the real number of cases is likely significantly higher, and separate data published recently suggested the actual death toll is at least 60% above the confirmed figure.

Seven European countries: Austria, Germany , Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will turn green from Sunday 4am.

India , Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels;

But Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. Up to 6,000 Brits are on holiday in Mexico and now scrambling to get back this weekend to avoid quarantine hotels - with not enough seats to get them home;

Hotel quarantine costs are to soar to more than 200 a night from a week today. From next Thursday, the price will jump to 2,285 for a single person. Additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate;

The decision to place Mexico on the red list also reflects worries about a new variant which originated in Colombia and which has concerned British scientists.

Passengers arriving from Mexico City at Heathrow Terminal 5 today slammed the new rules.

Leidy Corrales, 35, a dental assistant, who was travelling back to Switzerland from Playa de Carmen in Mexico, said: 'I'm travelling back to Geneva with my two children Joshua and Carla and my husband.

'Putting Mexico on the red list is not logical because when you go there, everything is normal, they are taking all the same protections - masks, hand sanitisation and social distancing.

'The quarantine costs are just unreasonable - I think when people go on holiday, they should just have to do two tests and only quarantine if it's positive.

'Mexico is a tourist hotspot and people here like going to hot places, but the government doesn't want people to go on holiday, they want to control them.

'It's like a dictatorship of security in a democracy, because they keep changing the rules and no-one can afford that.'

Her husband Denys added: 'We're so happy to have been able to enjoy our holiday without having to pay for a hotel on the way back, thank God.'

Changing travel rules: What you need to know There have been more changes to the rules for international travel, with some popular destinations climbing the ladder to the green list and others sliding down on to the red. The Government has also hiked the price of hotel quarantine, meaning a trip to a red list country is a pricey affair. Here is the state of play for your summer holidays. Is there any good news? Seven countries will be added to England's green travel list from 4am on Sunday, the Government announced on Wednesday. Anyone returning from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway will no longer need to quarantine on arrival. France has also lost its confusing 'amber plus' status, which meant all travellers and not just those who are not fully vaccinated had to self-isolate for 10 days upon return. Our nearest neighbour had been in a category all by itself because of concerning levels of the beta variant of Covid-19 there. Is that it? Sadly yes, but it just got slightly easier to visit India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as they have been downgraded from the red to the amber list, meaning arrivals will no longer have to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel. There are currently 24 countries on the green list, including the popular holiday destinations of Barbados, Croatia and Malta - unfortunately 16 of these are on the 'green watch list' meaning they could be suddenly be shunted up to amber. Australia and New Zealand are both unambiguously green - unfortunately neither are welcoming British travellers at the moment. Has anyone joined the red list? Yes - Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are joining the red list. If you have a holiday to one of those destinations already booked and want to press ahead, bear in mind the cost for solo travellers in a quarantine hotel in England will be ramped up from 1,750 to 2,285 from August 12. The charge for an additional adult sharing a room will more than double from 650 to 1,430 to 'better reflect the increased costs involved', the Government said. Is my trip to Spain safe? There were fears in the travel industry that Spain - the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers - could be added to England's red list. The Government announced it would keep its amber status, but urged travellers arriving in the UK from Spain to take a PCR test for the mandatory pre-departure test 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'. Many travellers have been relying on the cheaper lateral flow test kits which are less reliable than PCRs. Things keep changing - what do I have to do when I get home again? There are different rules for countries on the red, amber and green lists that also differ according to a traveller's vaccination status. Passengers to England returning from a red list country must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure and must book a hotel quarantine package including two Covid-19 tests even if they have had both jabs. They must also complete a passenger locator form. If you have come from an amber list country, you need proof of a negative test before travel and those who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day two and day eight. You might be able to get out of quarantine early if you pay for a private PCR test to be taken on day five under the Test to Release scheme. Those with two vaccines only need to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival and can skip self-isolation - the same rules apply to those who are under the age of 18 regardless of their vaccination status. Anyone returning from a green list country need only have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before travel, fill in a passenger locator form and take a test on day two after arrival. Do these changes apply elsewhere in the UK? The devolved nations have control over their own amber, red and green lists of countries as well as the rules around quarantine upon return, and the recent changes have attracted criticism from some quarters. The Welsh Government is still advising against 'all but essential' travel abroad, and those who have been to a red list country cannot even enter until they have completed 10 days of quarantine in England or Scotland first. In a statement, a spokesman for the Welsh Government said: 'We have long called for a clearer system of rules regarding international travel. 'The ad-hoc nature of the decisions made by the UK Government on the issue does little to instil confidence or provide clarity for travellers. 'We continue to advise against all but essential travel abroad because of the continuing risk of infection, including with new variants of coronavirus which may not respond to our vaccines. 'We will consider the latest changes announced by the UK Government.' Advertisement

Amy Perez, 39, a marketing director from Putney, south west London, who has been travelling around Mexico with her family, said: 'It's inconvenient and expensive and there seems to be an entire industry surrounding Covid testing.

'We were on holiday for two weeks and are really chuffed that we don't have to quarantine for 10 days.

'We would have been locked up in a hotel with these two little monsters - Maxi, 18 months, and Emilia, who just turned four yesterday.'

Her husband Jorge said: 'The government wants people to get vaccinated, but then people don't see the benefits.

'It would have made more sense for us to take the fine rather than shell out thousands of pounds, not be able to work and be locked up with our children.'

Alejandro Seama, 42, a filmmaker from London, said: 'I think it's terrible and stupid, because it seems they just want rich people to be able travel.

'Look at my dad, he's 72, he's been double vaccinated, he's absolutely fine, but for some reason they don't accept his vaccines here.

'I had to spend 600 on mandatory Covid tests just to get my parents here.

'If the rules had already changed, they would not have been able to visit and I would have never left.

'I had no clue that Mexico was going on the red list, but thank God we came back today.'

Returning from Mexico after the deadline will see Britons face a steep hotel quarantine bill after the government raised the price to 'reflect increased costs involved'.

A single person will have to stump up 2,285 from next Thursday during their isolation - while additional adults and teenagers will be charged 1,430  more than double the current 650 rate.

The price for children aged five to 12 will remain at 325, while under-fives will continue to stay for free.

It means that, for a family of four with two teenage children, the cost will jump from 3,700 to a staggering 6,575  a rise of 78 per cent.

Mr Coward said if the couple do not receive a refund from British Airways for their holiday, based near Cancun, they will be 'several thousand pounds out of pocket'.

He said staying is not an option due to the cost of quarantine hotels - which from August 12 will rise to 2,285 for a solo traveller, plus an extra 1,430 for additional adults sharing a room.

Ayo Faley, a call handler for NHS Test and Trace in London, also landed in Cancun on Thursday morning but she plans to stay for her holiday as planned and pay for quarantine.

She is returning on August 11 so will pay the lower rate of 1,750, but said she is 'absolutely distraught'.

The 24-year-old said: 'I only found out (travel restrictions had changed) the minute I was able to connect to wifi at the airport... I went into a state of panic.

'(I tried) to locate other Brits and see whether they knew and what their next plan of action was... you could see the look of confusion, fear and regret all in their faces.

'I am absolutely distraught... I've decided to just stay and enjoy the time here... I'll just have to face the consequences when I arrive.'

Ms Faley works from home and had planned to do so on her return from Cancun, but said she will not be able to access her equipment in quarantine.

She added: 'How are (the Government) planning to help individuals who have found themselves in a situation like this?

'Leaving the UK thinking their country of destination was safe to then land and find out they better return ASAP or risk being stuck in a hotel for 11 days.'

Aaron, who did not wish to share his second name, is relocating his family to Edinburgh in late August and will now have to pay for them all to quarantine on arrival.

The 43-year-old arrived in Mexico in early July to witness the birth of his son, Aviv, and his wife, who is from Sinaloa, had her UK visa approved on July 28.

'(Aviv) was due to be born July by C-section, but they brought the date forward, so I arrived in the airport at 3am and just made it to the hospital before my wife went to surgery,' Aaron told PA.

Aaron is a self-employed data and audiovisual engineer and said he 'can't quantify' how much quarantining will cost his business.

'I have previously taken out a bounce-back loan to keep my business afloat,' he added.

'I have no idea why I should have to pay to isolate in a hotel when I've had both (Astrazeneca) vaccinations in Edinburgh, proof of vaccination, took a test on my way here and will take one on arrival in Scotland.'

James Dean, 38, from Bournemouth had already spent 8,000 on a fortnight in Cancun with wife Rebecca and their four children Lilly, 16, Jack, 13, Isabella, nine, and Fred, six.

The office manager told the Mirror: 'That has just shocked me. I'm gutted to be honest.

'I'm going have to pay for us all to go in to quarantine as well. I'm still digesting it. I'm just gobsmacked.'

John Soones, 62, from south west London, was travelling to Mexico with his wife and their 18 year old daughter.

He said: 'It's just incredible. It's terrible to get no notice that this is likely to happen and no time to change plans.'

In more positive news, it was announced that double-jabbed tourists returning from France will be spared quarantine from Sunday and seven European countries including Germany and Norway were added to the green list of destinations.

Spain has also been spared being given red status - potentially forcing thousands into 2,285-a-stay quarantine hotels - but the Government is urging travellers to take a PCR test before they fly home from the Iberian country.

Grant Shapps said today that people can travel without 'looking over their shoulders' for the next three weeks as countries will not move lists 'unless something exceptional and unexpected happens'. But the Transport Secretary added that full vaccination for travel will be a feature for Britons 'forever more' and admitted that countries could turn red again by the end of the month.

Tens of thousands more Britons are now expected to head to France for August - although tourism chiefs have warned millions more Frenchmen are staying in the country this summer so there is serious a lack of accommodation if the traveller is without a second home.

There is a particular shortage of gites, camp sites and hotel rooms in the south of the country, especially near beach resorts such as Biarritz, Narbonne, Ile de Re and Saint-Tropez, while experts have said there are much larger numbers of tourists from Holland, Belgium and Germany in the country this year.

Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia will all move to the quarantine-free tier at the end of the weekend, in a huge boost for those looking to book a late summer getaway on the continent.

But while there is no quarantine people will still have to take a negative test before returning and a PCR test on day two back in the UK.

Meanwhile, the status of India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to spend 11 nights at pricey quarantine hotels.

While Spain avoided joining them, those flying back will soon face higher testing costs after ministers urged holidaymakers to take a PCR for the mandatory pre-departure test, rather than the cheaper lateral flow alternatives, 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'.

Queues at St Pancras International this morning as France was opened up both ways for British tourists and people jumped on the Eurostar

Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence says Sadiq Khan Sadiq Khan has said that failing to wear a face mask on the Tube should become a criminal offence. The London Mayor has been pushing the the government to allow Transport for London (TfL) to impose a by-law requiring face coverings on the capital's transport network. Since the easing of restrictions on July 19 'Freedom Day', passengers have only been required to wear a covering as a 'condition of carriage' rather than a legal requirement. This means TfL staff can tell non-compliant customers to leave a bus or train but are powerless to impose fines. But Mr Khan now wants a bye-law put in place to effectively bring back the rule that was dropped on July 19. The rule change would also mean British Transport Police officers could be used to enforce it. Speaking to the BBC's Newscast podcast Mr Khan said: 'We are trying to lobby the Government to allow us to bring in a bye-law, so it will be the law again, so we can issue fixed penalty notices and we can use the police service and BTP to enforce this.' Advertisement

With the guidance being advice, rather than law, many travellers may feel entitled to refuse to take the gold-standard test, which can cost as much as 175 per person.

French tourism chiefs have welcomed the news that Britons can more freely come and go from Sunday - especially because Britons are by far the biggest spenders in the country but only around ten per cent of the usual number of UK tourists are in the country this summer.

But in the past month Mr Macron has enforced a 'high alert' covid-19 level hit in 37 departments in France because of rising cases of the Delta variant and increasingly busy hospitals.

In Occitanie, in south-west France, a 'white' alert has been imposed meaning medics on holiday can be forced to return to work because of increasingly packed covid wards.

Changes to the traffic light system are a 'positive step forward' but the Government needs to make faster progress in opening up international travel, industry experts have warned.

Four countries are being removed from England's red list as part of the latest update to the international travel system, while seven more, including Germany are being added to the green list.

It has also been confirmed that arrivals from France will no longer need to self-isolate, aligning the nation with other countries on the amber list, from which arrivals only need to quarantine at home if they are not fully vaccinated.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have followed England in introducing the same travel relaxations.

However, the changes have attracted criticism from the Welsh Government which has continued to advise against 'all but essential' travel.

Confirmation that France is joining the amber list is 'positive' especially during the 'critical' school holiday period, said Mark Tanzer, head of Abta, the travel association.

But he warned the Government is 'failing to capitalise fully on the success of the vaccine rollout' with a 'very cautious' approach to the green list and 'failure to relax restrictions on travel, including requirements for multiple tests even when visiting low risk destinations.'

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, said the extension of the green list is 'a positive step forward' but warned that the UK remains 'a long way off a full and meaningful restart of international travel'.

Tim Alderslade, boss of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, described the announcement as 'another missed opportunity'.

Covid cases in the UK and France look set to pass each other in the coming days as a wave of delta cases in Britain drops while it is on the rise across the Channel

He added that the travel industry has not had 'anything like the reopening it was hoping for'.

Meanwhile, Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, welcomed the addition of more green list countries, but warned that the constant chopping and changing would cause further disruption for many.

'The cost for travellers can be significant,' he said. 'Some holidaymakers whose countries have now been placed in the red category will find that their airline or tour operator is unwilling to give them a refund. Other providers won't refund or even facilitate rebooking if a country is moved from green to amber.'

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: 'While there's some welcome progress, the Government is still being too cautious at a time when they should be opening up travel faster to help the sector's recovery.'

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: 'Now summer is fully under way, this provides some reassurance to consumers by keeping the status quo for key holiday destinations, as well as adding some Green list destinations for last-minute bookers where there are still great flight and holiday deals available.

'But we remain disappointed at the double standards applied to travel versus the domestic economy. With infection rates remaining lower in much of Europe and the high vaccination levels in the UK, if not now, it is hard to know when the time is for much of Europe to genuinely turn Green.

'And Government urgently needs to tackle this expensive testing regime which is adding unnecessary cost, especially for the fully vaccinated. No one wants to see flying become a preserve of the rich again - particularly when so many need to get away or reunite after such a long time.'

Is pingdemic mayhem finally easing? Number of alerts sent by NHS Covid app plunged by 43% last week... and that was BEFORE software was tweaked

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before, in a sign that pingdemic mayhem may finally be easing.

Thousands of people have deleted the app in recent week to avoid the alerts, which tell people they have been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The alerts have forced millions into self-isolation across the country  despite not testing positive themselves  leading to chaos as supermarket shelves were left barren with workers having to stay home.

Earlier this week it was announced that the app is being updated so fewer contacts will be instructed to isolate.

Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, insisted the app is still 'incredibly useful', despite the swathes of people being asked to isolate.

But the changes were made after the latest data  suggesting another reason is behind the drastic fall in alerts.

Britain's Covid cases began falling on July 21 but did not reach the rate of the drop off in alerts until July 28, the last date included in the most recent data.

It comes after academics claimed Britain's Covid self-isolation sentence could be halved to just five days and be as effective.

Data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting.

NHS figures show 395,971 alerts in England and Wales were sent in the seven days up to July 28, down from 690,129 the week before

The number of alerts given out by the NHS Covid app fell by 43 per cent in a week before it was made less sensitive, official data has shown

The NHS data today showed the number of venue check ins made with the Covid app dropped from 6.6million to 2.3million in the most recent week  a drop-off of 65 per cent.

People are no longer required to use the app to check into venues since restrictions were lifted on July 19, but the trend gives an indication in the fall in usage.

Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M) advising ministers, described the app as 'incredibly useful', despite large numbers of people being asked to isolate

Earlier this week, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said the 'logic' behind the app was tweaked, although the sensitivity and risk threshold will remain unchanged.

Instead of checking contacts for five days before a positive test, the app will only go back two days.

Dr Tildesley told Sky News: 'I know there have been some challenges in terms of particularly at the moment the so-called 'pingdemic', but in terms of being able to detect contact, it has been extremely valuable.

'Obviously the challenge with that is that a lot of people are going into isolation and over the last few days the app has been made less sensitive.'

Dr Tildesley said there is a worry that if too many people are pinged, fewer may be willing to comply, but he added that the tweak will 'hopefully guarantee higher levels of compliance'.

Fresh data from Oxford University's Pathogen Dynamics Group shows up to 40 per cent of transmission occurs before symptoms emerge.

But most of this happens during the two days before people fall ill, which prompted the alteration of how the NHS Covid app works.

Around 35 per cent of transmission occurs within the first two days of people having symptoms.

However, the data came from September  before the highly-infectious Delta variant took off.

Oxford University data suggests 98 per cent of transmission occurs either before people become ill, or within five days of symptoms starting

Ministers are keen to replace quarantine rules with daily testing, with scientists now investigating if it is safe to make the drastic move.

Dr Muge Cevik, an infectious disease expert at the University of St Andrews, told the Telegraph: 'Given most transmission happens very early on, the isolation period could be much shorter for the cases.

'Viral load peaks pretty quickly, so people are highly infectious within the first few days.

'Also importantly, many people have non-specific mild symptoms before developing more noticeable ones, like fatigue or myalgia, so that's probably when people are highly infectious too but continue daily activity.

'So, the current self-isolation guidelines, especially given the lack of support provided for sick leave, does not serve for the purpose.'

Just 3.3% of Brits returning from Mexico last month had Covid compared to 2.9% from Spain, which is 35 TIMES more popular among tourists... so WHY did one get slapped on red list and the other escaped?

2,065 Covid-infected travellers arrived in England from Spain last month (2.9% of arrivals), latest figures show

Meanwhile, just 64 people coming from Mexico had the coronavirus between July 1 and 21 (3.3% of arrivals)

And more passengers arriving in England from 12 other countries tested positive compared to Mexico

But ministers only added Mexico to the travel red list, it was announced last night

Microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke told MailOnline there is barely any difference between the two countries

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Infection rates are only marginally higher among travellers returning to Britain from Mexico compared to Spain, raising questions about why it was moved to the red list.

Official Government figures also show Spain  which escaped any further sanctions  is 35 times more popular for tourists, meaning hundreds of Covid cases are actually being imported from the holiday hotspot. Only dozens of infected people are flying back from Mexico.

British holidaymakers are now scrambling to get back from Mexico before strict hotel quarantine rules come into place on Sunday.

The decision gave people just three days' notice, with some only discovering the news while mid-air. Plane tickets allowing Britons to make it back in time are on sale for up to 7,000.

But Spain  which scientists say has a similar-shaped outbreak  stayed in the amber category, despite rumours that the holiday plans of tens of thousands of Brits were on the brink of ruin.

Experts have now called on ministers to publish the full set of data to justify last night's decision to place Mexico onto the red list, with the rules set to kick in at 4am on August 8.

The Department for Transport released a spreadsheet of 'key' statistics used by ministers to inform their policies.

Raising questions on why Mexico was singled out for the red list - meaning travellers have to isolate in a hotel when they arrive in England - latest figures show 457 people per million tested positive in Spain yesterday, while just 122 tested positive in Mexico (graph, left). Meanwhile, positivity rates among travellers returning from Mexico was only marginally higher than Spain - 3.3 per cent compared to 2.9 per cent (graph, top right). But just 1,940 flew in from Mexico, while 71,418 arrived from Spain, which swayed the percentages (graph, bottom right). Some 2,065 arrivals from Spain tested positive, while the figure for Mexico was just 64

The Government agency says countries are assumed to be amber unless they have a 'low public health risk', with small outbreaks and a low prevalence of variants such as Beta.

On the other hand, countries are put on the red list if their epidemics have spooked the Joint Biosecurity Centre a branch that decides the travel quarantine rules.

Under this methodology, the JBC assesses the prevalence of variants in each territory.

NHS Test and Trace data, which is used by civil servants to make the list decisions, shows only six samples were sequenced from travellers returning from Mexico. Three were either Delta or Alpha  the others were not marked as being ones of concern.

Almost all of the swabs analysed among Britons coming back from Spain were Alpha or Delta. No Beta-infected samples were spotted.

But exact breakdowns of other variant data were 'suppressed'.

The DFT says: 'The vast majority of data used to inform the risk assessment is in the public domain. However, some data cannot be published due to the privacy risks that disclosure may have on individuals or groups.

'Similarly, privately shared data from other governments or organisations cannot be published due to the undertakings given when obtaining the data.'

The JBC also carries out a 'deep dive' on the prevalence of Covid in each country, looking at testing rates, infection rates and sequencing ability.

Spain's daily Covid infections are significantly higher than Mexico's, with 457 people per million testing positive every day at present, according to Our World in Data  one of the Covid-tracking websites civil servants use to monitor outbreaks. The rate is also dropping.

For comparison, the figure is three times lower in Mexico (122) but is rising quickly.

And Spain is conducting about nearly 15 times more tests in proportion to the size of its population than Mexico, which has a test positivity rate of almost 40 per cent and has only fully-vaccinated a fifth of all adults.

The European holiday destination  which has three times higher vaccination rates  is also sequencing around 1,000 tests a day. In contrast, Mexico has genetically analysed only 18,000 Covid samples since the pandemic began.

Under the third part of any travel quarantine decision, the JBC look at an array of data available from the World Health Organization, NHS Test and Trace and other official sources.

The most up-to-date figures from NHS Test and Trace  which only go up until July 21  show just 3.3 per cent of arrivals from Mexico tested positive for Covid. For comparison, the figure stood at 2.9 per cent in Spain  Britain's most visited holiday destination.

But because of the popularity of Spain, 35 times fewer cases are actually being imported from Mexico.

Just 64 of the 1,940 people who landed in England from Mexico between July 1-21 had Covid. Meanwhile, 2,065 of the 71,418 travellers who arrived from Spain tested positive.

Positivity rates among travellers from Mexico have doubled in since June, but they have more than tripled among people arriving from Spain.

And the numbers also show in addition to Spain, there are 11 other countries still on the amber list where higher number of positive cases are being imported from.

For comparison, 344 people travellers positive after arriving back from Greece, while 217 travellers from Portugal were infected.

More Covid cases were also found in people flying to England from France (205), the US (164), Italy (147) and Nigeria (132). There were also more infected people coming back from Cyprus (90), Poland (89), the Netherlands (85), Romanian (82) and Russia (65).

France trips 'TREBLE' in price: Eurotunnel, Eurostar and easyJet are accused of hiking fares for lockdown-weary Britons... just hours after quarantine rules changed Britons trying to book for France have today accused Eurotunnel, Eurostar and easyJet of 'ripping off' customers who claimed the price of passage trebled as soon as the Government announced it would scrap quarantine for tourists returning from Sunday. People trying to book trains from St Pancras to Paris claim that 50 was almost immediately added to the cost of a 89 one-way ticket while MailOnline research has found that the average price increase to travel this weekend is between 20 to 60 for a standard or standard premier ticket. After Grant Shapps made the announcement last night, one Eurostar customer trying to get back to Britain tweeted: 'So now Eurostar prices are double the price if not more. Expats are consistently fighting a losing battle'. Another wrote that the website was crashing 'again and again' with the 'price relentlessly going up', adding: 'Took about 10 attempts and 50 quid more! Absolutely ridiculous!'. One driver trying to book the Eurotunnel to France from Folkestone tweeted: 'Why are you doubling your prices from this Sunday just as the new quarantine rules for UK people coming from France come into affect? Isn't this what's known as profiteering? Our ticket cost has doubled in 24hrs because we had to amend our booking'. And people trying to fly to France in August are also being hit in the pocket. Several accused easyJet of cancelling flights in order to force them into buying more expensive tickets. One wrote: '@easyJet has just cancelled all flights to nice in august so that prices can be hiked up! Outrageous! My friend now has to find alternative flights at a vastly inflated cost'. Another said: '@easyJet - our flight to France was cancelled 3 times so on the 3rd cancellation we took a voucher as we did not have a lot of time to think about it. You have now increased the price, can you offer the same deal at least?'. The companies today denied they were taking advantage, saying any rises were down to demand. A Eurotunnel spokesman said: 'The cost of a ticket does not double overnight due to an amendment. Our pricing works like that of most travel operators, as a dynamic model, led by demand. With the announcement last night, we saw an immediate uplift in bookings and therefore certain departures are now in higher demand than previously. Conversely, there are plenty of keenly priced departures available too'. Eurostar and easyJet have been asked to comment. Advertisement

However, these figures were originally published last Thursday, meaning ministers may have seen more recent data that gave them cause for concern about Mexico.

The final part of any travel quarantine decision made by the JBC is known as the 'outcome'. It is used to 'support decision making', and allows ministers to take the risk assessments into account 'alongside wider public health factors to inform watchlists'.

'Travel connections with the UK and details of the in-country and territory vaccination profile are included as contextual information,' the DFT also says.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said: 'Our international travel policy is guided by one overwhelming priority  public health  and traffic light allocations are based on a range of factors including genomic surveillance capability, transmission risk and variants of concern.'

Asked about MailOnline's analysis of the numbers, Dr Simon Clarke said he would 'absolutely agree' that there is barely any difference between outbreaks in Spain and Mexico.

But the microbiologist, from Reading University, warned civil servants making the decision would have inevitably considered other data that may have skewed the argument.

He said policymakers should release the raw data justifying the decisions, echoing calls by other prominent Covid experts.

Dr Clarke, however, said: 'Frankly, I think the government don't want academics and scientists kicking over the stuff and questioning their decisions.'

Professor Lawrence Young, a molecular virologist at the University of Warwick, told MailOnline: 'The whole international travel situation remains very confusing  despite the government stating that this is a 'simplified system'.

'The criteria used for designating a country as amber, green or red is not clear and is still subject to change.

'There are rising cases of infection in Mexico against a backdrop of around 20 per cent of the population being fully vaccinated.

'What's important is not to get complacent. The virus is still infecting people  even some who have been fully vaccinated.

'The testing regime for amber listed countries is very important to ensure returning travellers are not spreading infection. We need to protect ourselves from importing dangerous virus variants.'

Professor Gary McLean, a molecular immunologist at London Metropolitan University, said: 'It looks like Mexico is being more carefully watched here due to rising case numbers, particularly among those returning to the UK and the presence of another variant that originated in South America.

'The current wave in Spain is in decline, much like the current UK wave - the fears over the spread of the Beta variant in Spain have subsided somewhat. Allowing Spain to remain amber.

'However the wave in Mexico is still rising despite similar daily case numbers to Spain.

'All of this put together has allowed Spain to remain amber but unfortunately Mexico jump to red - the traffic light list and restrictions is really attempting to reduce the flow of cases from regions with higher and increasing case rates associated with variants that may escape immunity.

'Whilst it is imperfect it is surely better than a complete border closure at this stage of the pandemic.'

Where CAN you go on holiday now? How double-jabbed Brits can visit Latvia, Romania and Germany with NO tests needed... while unvaccinated must provide proof they're Covid-free to enter Spain

Double-jabbed Britons can visit Latvia, Romania and Germany with no tests needed, while those who are unvaccinated must provide proof that they are Covid-free to enter Spain, it can be revealed.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia.

But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry entirely.

And the Spanish Government requires all travellers from the UK to present either proof of a negative Covid-19 test or that they have received two vaccinations at least 14 days before arrival.

There are still some rules for fully-vaccinated people if they are visiting places such as Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where they have to carry out seven days of quarantine, but this is less than the 12 days of self-isolation required for Britons who have only had one or no doses of the vaccine.

Those who have received both doses have unrestricted entry - meaning they do not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result - when travelling to Germany, France, Spain, Latvia, Romania and Georgia. But those who are not double-jabbed are still subject to some regulations upon arrival and, in the cases of Germany and Slovakia, can be denied entry entirely

Restrictions do not differ for double-jabbed people if they are travelling from the UK to Austria, where they are still expected to quarantine for 10 days, Norway, India and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte.

The guidance comes amid the Government's shake-up of the traffic light system, adding seven European countries to the green list of destinations and switching the status of India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from red to amber.

But there is growing anger about the decision to turn Mexico red with just three days' notice, with panicked and 'f***ing fuming' Britons trying to get home before 4am on Sunday. Georgia, Reunion and Mayotte will also turn red this weekend.

While Spain avoided joining them, those flying back will soon face higher testing costs after ministers urged holidaymakers to take a PCR for the mandatory pre-departure test, rather than the cheaper lateral flow alternatives, 'as a precaution against the increased prevalence of the virus and variants in the country'.

Elsewhere, as expected, the Government also confirmed that arrivals from France will no longer need to self-isolate, which could spark a surge in cross-Channel bookings, as is the custom in August when traditionally more than four million Britons make the trip.

France will be aligned with all other amber nations, from which arrivals only need to quarantine at home if they are not fully vaccinated. The changes to the travel lists come into force at 4am on Sunday.

Below are the regulations in full for visitors from the UK, laid out according to their vaccination status, to countries where travel rules have recently changed.

Austria

Austria is one of the seven European countries being added to the green list of destinations.

Those who are fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days and provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departure.

The restrictions are the same for Britons who are not double-jabbed, including 10 days of quarantine and showing a pre-departure negative PCR test.

Germany

Germany is also being moved from the amber to green list as part of the UK Government's latest changes.

Under entry requirements for Germany, those who are not fully vaccinated and do not meet the exemptions outlined, such as being a German citizen or having an urgent need to travel, 'may not currently enter' the country.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 can enter Germany if they can show proof of a negative Covid test and are travelling with at least one fully vaccinated parent.

Meanwhile, those who are double-jabbed are permitted entry and do not have to quarantine.

Latvia

Tourists travelling from the UK to Latvia, which is being added to the green list, have unrestricted entry if they are fully vaccinated.

Those who are not double-jabbed must show a negative PCR test before boarding or crossing the border.

Arrivals must also complete and submit an electronic form no longer than 48 hours after entering the country.

Norway

Fully vaccinated visitors from the UK to Norway, which is being added to the green list, are not allowed to visit unless residing in Norway or if they are a close family member of a Norwegian resident.

The same applies to those who have not received both doses.

This comes after the UK left the European Union at the start of this year, meaning that UK nationals are no longer classified as EU/EEA nationals and will not be allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions.

Romania

Fully vaccinated people travelling to Romania, which is moving from the amber to green list, do not have to quarantine or take a test.

The guidance states it allows Britons who can 'demonstrate proof of a full course of vaccination against Covid-19' to be exempt from self-isolation.

People are not double-jabbed will have to quarantine for 14 days, unless a negative RT-PCR test can be shown before their arrival and they leave within 72 hours afterwards.

Slovenia

For Slovenia, which is being added to the green list, people travelling from the UK who are fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days if they do not have a permanent or temporary residency.

Those without two jabs can similarly only enter if they quarantine for 10 days (if they do not have a permanent or temporary residency).

They must also prove one of the following: a recent Covid test, at least one vaccine dose (AstraZeneca, Janssen or Covishield) or a positive PCR test showing they have had Covid within the last six months.

Slovakia

For Slovakia, moving to the green list, it states 'entry is now permitted for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK'.

However, those who have not received both doses can only be admitted under certain exemptions, such as being a resident or studying there.

Bahrain

Bahrain, which is moving from a red to amber list status, requires pre-departure, arrival and day 10 PRC tests for people who are fully vaccinated, but says they do not need to quarantine.

Those without two jabs must quarantine for 10 days and also take the pre-departure, arrival and day 10 PRC tests.

India

All regularly scheduled international flights remain suspended but a limited number are in operation.

Those who do travel to India must go through thermal screening on arrival, show proof of a negative private test (not PCR) and quarantine for 10 days quarantine.

This applies to everyone regardless of their vaccination status.

Qatar

The guidance for Qatar, moving to the amber list, says there is no quarantine for those who are fully vaccinated, but they must show a negative PCR test.

Those who are not double-jabbed must quarantine for seven days and also show a negative PCR test.

Fury at 'expensive and unnecessary' travel testing demands as ministers urge Brits to take expensive PCR Covid tests when returning from Spain even though they are NOT mandatory Aviation bosses have demanded the Government take action on the cost of travel testing amid fears many families are being priced out of a trip abroad. The Government has made a raft of changes to its traffic light scheme, extending the green list, reopening quarantine-free holidays to France and keeping trips to Spain on the table after it was spared being moved to the 'red list'. Testing remains a key component of the system, with pre-departure tests required for travel from red, amber and green nations. Ministers have now stressed that all travellers returning from Spain should take a PCR test because they are more accurate than cheaper lateral flow checks and can help officials keep track of coronavirus variants. However, travel chiefs believe the PCR tests - which can cost up to 175 per person - are 'expensive and unnecessary'. They want the PCR tests to only be required for travel from the most high-risk nations and for lateral flow tests to be made acceptable in all other circumstances. Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Travel Association, told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'I think a simpler system is definitely what is required to avoid confusion in the case of consumers, and to provide some form of certainty for people who are wanting to travel, and in some cases absolutely need to travel. 'This expensive and unnecessary testing I think needs to be challenged and I think the Government should demonstrate why they require it.' He added: 'I think there is a valid reason and a concern, and I would accept that maybe for some of these high-risk countries that have been identified you can make the argument that some form of testing should be done, but I don't think you can justify requiring 2.2 million people to undertake PCR tests when only 8,000 of those are subsequently sequenced.' Advertisement

United Arab Emirates

Fully vaccinated people travelling to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, being added to the amber list, from the UK must quarantine for seven days, show a negative PCR test on arrival and on their sixth day in the country.

People who have not received both doses must quarantine in Abu Dhabi for longer - 12 days - alongside showing a negative PCR test on arrival and on day 11 of their stay.

Meanwhile, if travelling to Dubai, all international tourists must show a negative PCR test before departure and will be subject to thermal screenings. Visitors do not have to quarantine.

Spain

Britons travelling to Spain, moving to the amber list, who are fully vaccinated are permitted entry and do not have to quarantine or show tests.

Those who are not double-jabbed are also allowed entry without quarantine, but must show a negative Covid test.

France

People travelling from the UK to France, which has lost its 'amber plus' status under the latest update, are permitted unrestricted entry if they are fully vaccinated.

They must present a completed 'sworn statement' saying they do not have any symptoms upon arrival.

Meanwhile, Britons without both jabs can only visit the country for essential travel only. Those allowed entry need to quarantine for seven days and provide pre-departure and post-quarantine PCR tests.

Mexico

The guidance for Mexico, moving from the amber to red list, states for fully vaccinated Britons that entry is permitted via commercial flights.

Visitors must fill out a health questionnaire and are advised to avoid travelling within the country wherever possible.

There is no differentiation in the guidance between people according to their vaccination status.

Georgia

Georgia, switching to the red list, says it allows 'unrestricted entry for citizens of any country, including the UK, who have documentary proof of having received a full course of Covid-19 vaccination'.

People who are not double-jabbed must travel direct by air 'and submit a travel history in advance', in addition to showing a negative PCR test on arrival and on day three of their stay.

Reunion

Fully-vaccinated Britons travelling to the French oversea territory of Reunion, moving to the red list, must only visit for essential travel only.

They must also self-isolate for seven days, in addition to showing a negative pre-departure test and a post-quarantine test.

The guidance does not differ for those who have not received both jabs.

Mayotte

The French oversea territory of Mayotte, switching from the amber to red list, also requires the same restrictions for Britons regardless of their vaccination status.

The country says Britons should travel there for urgent family/work reasons only, self-isolate for seven days and show a negative pre-departure and post-quarantine PCR test.
The crisis at the southern border continues to surge past unprecedented levels Friday as concerns over the influx of unaccompanied minors and others are compounded by COVID-19 fears - while Joe Biden heads to his home state of Delaware for the weekend.

The number of children under age 18 apprehended at the border was 834 on Thursday, according to Health and Human Services. The 30-day average is just 512.

Just 612 children in HHS custody were released to parents and guardians, meaning the total number of migrant children held by the US increased by more than 200.

More than 14,500 children are currently in HHS custody, and according to Fox there are 2,784 children in Border Patrol custody.

The rising figure is likely partially fueled by the Biden administration pulling back on the Trump-era Title 42 policy which under CDC direction enables Border Patrol to turn asylum-seekers away over COVID concerns.

More than 800 unaccompanied migrant children were met by Border Patrol in just 24 hours (pictured: Asylum seekers line up to be vaccinated in Baja California on August 3)

Biden has taken heat for his rollback of Trump-era border policies, which have coincided with an unprecedented influx of migrants at the southern border

While the policy was used on all migrants under Donald Trump, Biden's law enforcement authorities are admitting children and families with small children - expelling single adults and all but what Press Secretary Jen Psaki called 'a small, limited number of families.'

The number of children traveling alone who were picked up at the border reached an all-time high of more than 19,000 in July, according to preliminary numbers shared with the Associated Press by David Shahoulian, assistant secretary for border and immigration policy at DHS.

It's just a sign of a greater influx - 210,000 migrants crossed into the US along the southern border in July.

It's the highest one-month total in 21 years, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A new report says encounters at the border reached 210,000 in July alone

The numbers from CBP show more migrants crossing in 2021 than recent years

More than 188,000 migrants were encountered by law enforcement in June - compared to 33,000 in June 2020.

Beyond the southern border migrants are being flown to places like Louisiana, where the Alexandria airport saw up to four flights a day arriving with migrant detainees last week, according to a local ABC affiliate.

All of the flights were operated by Swiftair and came from all over the country, the outlet's investigation uncovered - New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Virginia and Ohio.

The planes observed landing have capacities ranging between 149 and 162 passengers.

Those migrants are held at the Alexandria Staging Facility, which is run by a private prison firm that acts as an ICE contractor.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy told the outlet he believes the area is used to hold migrants before they are flown out of the country.

An ICE-contracted plane brings migrants to Alexandria, Louisiana. A local news station observed four of these flights per day arriving last week

Those migrants are reportedly being held in Alexandria Staging Facility, run by a private prison firm that is contracted by ICE

Departure records reportedly show Swiftair flights flying to Jamaica and Honduras.

Along the Texas border towns and cities are grappling with the latest US COVID surge.

Hidalgo County and its city of McAllen have seen a surge in migrants. According to a video posted to Facebook by Mayor Javier Villalobos earlier this week, the number of migrants being sent to his city reached 1,800 per day - and 15 percent test COVID positive.

In a Thursday news conference Hidalgo officials said a temporary tent city to house COVID-positive migrants was moved from McAllen to Mission, Texas to be further away from residents who complained.

Officials reportedly said the area's initial capacity had to be expanded from 250 to 650, according to a CBS affiliate.

The temporary encampment had to be built when the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley - a nonprofit dedicated to helping migrants who cross the border - said they couldn't sustain the heavy influx of demand.

Migrants under a bridge in Hidalgo County. The area recently invoked a disaster declaration as local nonprofits buckle under the strain of more migrants than they have capacity for

The Biden administration announced it would subject migrant families to fast-tracked deportation to mitigate the surge (pictured: Migrants arrive at a checkpoint in the Rio Grande Valley on March 27)

McAllen and Hidalgo County both invoked disaster declarations over the surge in migrants being left there by CBP officials.

In an effort to try and mitigate the number of people coming from Central and South America, the Biden administration began flying Central American and Mexican families to southern Mexico under Title 42, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Nearly 200 Mexican and Central American family members were expelled deep into Mexico on Thursday in what are expected to be regular flights, the person said. The flights, which will include adults, aim to disrupt a pattern of repeat crossings.

The Biden administration also announced last week that it would subject migrant families to a fast-track deportation process known as 'expedited removal' to their home countries from U.S. detention centers.

The expulsion flights to southern Mexico will be faster than that process, the person familiar with the situation said.

Pro-migrant groups on Monday restarted litigation that aims to stop the Biden administration from expelling families under Title 42, which the administration renewed that day.
Defence officials are investigating 11 cases of boarding school fraud by military personnel, it can be revealed.

Military Police are carrying out the separate probes after a Major General was jailed for 21 months for claiming nearly 50,000 in school allowances.

Defence chiefs revealed that there are now 11 further probes going on into servicemen suspected of wrongly claiming thousands to send their children to private schools.

The probe follows the case of Maj Gen Nick Welch (pictured), 57, who was the most senior officer to be court martialled since 1815. He was was jailed for 21 months for claiming nearly 50,000 in school allowances

The value of the suspected frauds is believed to be more than 400,000, based on two recent cases which have led to convictions.

The personnel are being scrutinised over their claims for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) which allows children to remain at the same schools while their parents  one of whom must be serving in the military  are posted to different locations in the UK and overseas.

It cannot be claimed if a soldier's spouse is away from the military home for more than 90 days a year.

Defence Minister Leo Docherty said in a written answer in the House of Commons: 'The number of Service personnel currently under investigation, as at 19 July for suspected CEA fraud is 11.'

That number is believed to include another senior officer who won a Military Cross for leading his soldiers in battle against the Taliban, who was named as being under investigation for a suspected fraud last month.

He fought in Afghanistan at the height of the conflict in 2009, a year when 95 British soldiers were killed.

Defence Minister Leo Docherty (pictured) said in a written answer in the House of Commons: 'The number of Service personnel currently under investigation, as at 19 July for suspected CEA fraud is 11.'

The probe follows the case of Maj Gen Nick Welch, 57, who was the most senior officer to be court martialled since 1815.

He was found guilty of dishonestly claiming 48,000 under the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

In June Lt Col Adam Roberts was convicted of fraudulently claiming more than 44,000 to send two of his children to a boarding school. In Suffolk. He was given a 20-month prison sentence and dismissed from the military after a 21-year army career.

Defence Minister Leo Doherty added: 'CEA is available to all Service personnel, irrespective of rank, subject to them satisfying the qualifying criteria.

'Service personnel may select from a wide variety of schools across the UK from within the independent and state-maintained sectors that meet set criteria.'
A heartless mother and her cruel boyfriend were arrested for beating, electrocuting and submerging in water her 7-year-old son before he died, authorities in Brazil said.

His 10-year-old brother was found with two black eyes, burned with cigarettes and his body covered with multiple bruises, police in the Sao Paulo city of Avare said.

He told cops that he also had been electrocuted.

The body of the slain boy, identified as Carlos Santos, showed signs of 'strangling, punches, shocks with electrical wires' and that he 'was submerged in a bucket of water as a form of drowning,' Civil Police chief Levon Torossian told G1.

Carlos' body, including the genital area, was bruised.

Cops arrested Texeira after Carlos was pronounced dead Wednesday morning at a hospital in Avare.

His mother, Sara Santos, was apprehended Thursday after attempting to flee from the police.

Carlos Santos was pronounced Wednesday morning upon his arrival at local hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The seven-year-old - and his 10-year-old brother - were the victims of severe beating and electrocutions. Authorities arrested his mother, Sara Santos, and her boyfriend, Dione Texeira

Dione Texeira (left) and Sara Santos (right) were arrested Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, following the death of Santos' seven-year-old son, Carlos Santos, at the home the couple shared in the Brazilian city of Avare. Texeira told police that Carlos Santos had chocked on food before he fell from a stair, but investigators later learned through the child's 10-year-old brother that the children were the victims of beating, including his younger brother who had been submerged in water

Cops discovered the dying boy when they were patrolling the neighborhood where his mother shared a home with Texeira. An unresponsive Carlos was lying on the ground in front of the residence while a neighbor was attempting to revive him.

Texeira, who was home with the two boys while their mother was reportedly at work, told authorities that Carlos had choked while having bread and milk for breakfast before he fell down a stair.

However, investigators discovered Texeira was lying after interviewing Carlos' older brother, who told the cops of the abuse they endured.

Texeira was charged with torture. Murder charges are pending.

Dione Texeira was arrested on charges of torture, but has not been charged with murder

Authorities searched the home and recovered two black cords, a bucket, a pair of gloves and a wooden stick.

Tiago do Carmo, who had legal custody of his sons, told G1 that the children had spent the previous 15 days with their mother while they were on vacation from school.

Sara Santos was questioned Wednesday and allowed to return home before she formally arrested Thursday.

'Is the mother going to jail or will she be released,' do Carmo said. 'It's unfair. The law in Brazil in useless, Nothing will bring my son back.'

Yasmin Rodrigues was arrested July 29 after confessing to police that she had killed her seven-year-old son, Miguel do Santo, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Santos is the second mother to be arrested following the death of a child in Brazil in the last week.

Yasmin Rodrigues, 26, was arrested in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, July 29 after she allegedly confessed to the murder of her 7-year-old son Miguel dos Santos.

Rodrigues initially appeared before the police to report her son had disappeared July 28 before several inconsistencies were detected in her tale. She then told investigators she gave medicine to Miguel and then placed his body in a large gym bag without knowing if he was dead.

Cops said she later tossed Miguel's body into the Tramandai River, which runs through the border of Tramandai and Imbe and connects with the Atlantic Ocean. His body has not been recovered.
Estella Cattarossi, 7, was killed when the Champlain Towers South collapsed on June 24

The Miami firefighter who recovered his 7-year-old daughter's body while scouring rubble from the Surfside building collapse filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the property's condo board in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.

Enrique Arango's lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday and lists several companies 'involved in the ownership, maintenance, restoration, management, inspection and oversight' of Champlain Towers South as defendants, is seeking unspecified damages, according to first-responders news website Firehouse.

Arango's daughter, Estella Cattarossi, lived in unit 501 at Champlain Towers South with her mother, Graciella, and her grandparents. Ninety-eight people were confirmed dead after the 12-story building collapsed on June 24.

Estella's mother and grandparents, Gino and Graciella Cattarossi, all died in the collapse as well.

A 10-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, Arango says in the lawsuit that building officials knew about 'deplorable conditions' there, including seawater in the garage, for years leading up to the tragedy.

Pictured: Graciella Cattarossi (left) & daughter Estella (right)

An aerial view of the site during a rescue operation of the Champlain Tower partially collapsed in Surfside, Florida

Around 1:30am, just five minutes after the Surfside tower fell, Arango was at the firehouse when he heard about the then-burgeoning rescue effort over radio.

'He stood motionless waiting for the live feed to reveal the extent of the collapse, hoping the unit that housed his daughter was still standing. Tragically, it was not,' the lawsuit reads.

Arango and his brother, also a firefighter, were both at the scene in less than an hour; the two worked for seven days trying to find Estella.

'Racing against the clock, they worked vigorously in the hopes that their efforts would assist in finding his daughter before it was too late,' according to the suit.

Estella Cattarossi, Arango's daughter, lived at Champlain Towers South with her mother and grandparents (pictured with grandfather Gino Cattarossi) who all died during the collapse

Arango and his brother, also a firefighter, were both at the scene in less than an hour, where the two worked for days trying to find Estella

A timeline of the tragic Surfside building collapse that left nearly 100 people dead, including Miami-Dade fireman Enrique Arango's 7-year-old daughter Estella

Arango was at the site when Estella's body was pulled from the rubble the evening of July 1.

Arango placed his fireman's jacket over his deceased daughter and a miniature American flag on the gurney as her body was wheeled away, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

The total number of supposed dead was thought to be much higher in the days immediately after the collapse, with estimates of 150 plus casualties. However, that figure dropped to 98 after all of the building's residents were identified and accounted for in late July.
Police in New York City have arrested a 16-year-old Bronx boy for allegedly shooting and killing a 13-year-old suspected gang member in broad daylight last month.

The suspect, who has not been named because he is a minor, is facing charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal weapons possession in connection with the July 11 slaying of Jaryan Elliot in the Belmont section of The Bronx.

The juvenile murder suspect is said to be a member of an unspecified gang and has a prior criminal history, which includes arrests on charges of criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny and robbery, police said.

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Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy on charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal weapons possession in connection with the killing of 13-year-old Jaryan Elliot (pictured)

Elliot, a suspect gang member, was shot twice outside Angels Cafe in the Belmont section of The Bronx on July 11 (pictured)

Surveillance video from inside the eatery shows a mortally wounded Elliot stumbling through the door after the shooting

Police said in July that Elliot's death was a retaliation killing that was part of a 'major gang war' being waged in The Bronx, reported The New York Post.

Elliot was one of three boys who were killed in a span of five days amid skyrocketing crime rates in New York City.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday bragged that his 'Safe Summer' program has driven down murder and shooting rates, and noted that in July the NYPD saw 'extraordinary successes' to curve violent crime.

Elliot, known as 'Jay Ripp,' was standing outside Angels Cafe on East 187th Street in The Bronx after 3pm on July 11 when a black car pulled up beside him, a gunman emerged and opened fire, hitting the 13-year-old once in the chest and once in the leg.

Police said Elliot was standing with another boy when a suspect got out of a black vehicle and started shooting

A memorial was set up where Jaryan Elliot lived displaying photos and candles

Elliot, who was said to have been a member of the Crips gang and, despite his young age, had an extensive criminal record, was taken to St Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Elliot was believed to have been at the scene of the July 7 shooting that left 19-year-old Tyquill Daugherty dead in front of his home in Crotona, although police do no believe the 13-year-old was the person who pulled the trigger.

Less than nine hours after Elliot's killing, his alleged fellow gang members avenged his death by killing 16-year-old Ramon Gil-Medrano.

Elliot was said to have been killed in retaliation for the July 7 slaying of 19-year-old Tyquill Daugherty (pictured)

Two males riding scooters pulled up near Gil-Medrano in the Mount Hope section of The Bronx and fatally shot him, according to investigators.

Gil-Medrano, who was linked to the 800 YGz, or Young Gunnaz, gang, was said to have been at the scene of Elliots killing, although it is unclear if he was the shooter.

At the time Gil-Medrano was killed, he was wanted by police for an armed carjacking.

There were at least three open cases against Gil-Medrano in family court, according to police.

NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison took to Twitter to address Jaryan's shooting, saying he was the 'intended target' and adding: 'Gang violence is plaguing #NYC and has to stop.

New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams also commented on the string of shootings, referring to Jaryan's murder as 'sickening'.

'Ending gun violence must be our priority. Tonight we pray for his family. Tomorrow we must find his killer & get this gun off the street,' Adams added.

Just hours after Elliot's killing, 16-year-old Ramon Gil-Medrano (pictured), an alleged member of the Young Gunnaz gang, was shot dead by teens on scooters

In April, Mayor de Blasio unveiled his 'Safe Summer' program, a plan aimed at ending gun violence that focused on creating disincentives for young people looking to turn to guns by offering them positive alternatives.

On Thursday, the mayor noted that murders decreased by 49.1 percent and shootings were down by 35 percent across the New York City.

The NYPD made 383 gun arrests in July alone, up 133.5 percent compared to last July, the mayor said, while gun arrests in general have gone up 44.5 percent in 2021.

The NYPD made 383 gun arrests in July alone, up 133.5 percent compared to last July, the mayor said, while gun arrests in general have gone up 44.5 percent in 2021.

While de Blasio took his victory lap many New Yorkers are wondering if the program is actually working as the city continues to be mired in violent crime.

Shooting victims in New York were up 12 percent so far this year, with 1057 reported as of August 1, compared to 944 in the same period of 2020

On Thursday, a female assassin casually walked up to a woman standing on the sidewalk in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn and shot her at a point-blank range, killing her.

On Tuesday a man strangled a woman unconscious on a Manhattan subway train and attempted to rape her before taking off.

This comes one day after police released surveillance footage of a masked attacker they say raped a 70-year-old woman at gunpoint in her apartment building in The Bronx last week.

On Saturday, three innocent bystanders were struck when gunfire erupted outside a Washington Heights bodega.

Earlier this week, surveillance footage captured the moment two men approached a crowd in a busy Queens neighborhood and fired about 40 shots, injuring 10 people before fleeing the scene on mopeds.

The shooters were targeting members of the Trinitarios gang on Saturday night in the borough's Corona neighborhood, police said.

NYPD crime data show that rapes are up 3.1 per cent so far this year, with 842 reported as of August 1, compared to 817 in the same period of 2020.

During his daily briefing on Thursday, de Blasio proudly proclaimed that the 'Safe Summer' program has been effective and said in July the NYPD curved violent crime

Shootings so far this year have steadily increased since January, with a small dip in June and July

Crime has rocketed by 53% in two years and system has already seen more murders in 2021 than it did for the whole of 2019

Other sex crimes are up 26.3 per cent to 2,719 this year, compared to 2,152 last year, according to NYPD statistics.

Shootings have spiked 15.8 per cent in 2021 compared to last year, with 900 shooting incidents in 2021 compared to 777 in 2020.

There are also 12 per cent more shooting victims this year, the data shows, with 1,057 people falling prey to gun violence compared to 944 last year.

The biggest leap in crime rates is for hate crimes, which have surged by 103 per cent in the last year. The data come amid numerous random attacks on Asian Americans in the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The family of a 27-year-old Acworth man who killed a Pentagon cop in a 'random attack' before he was fatally shot by police issued a public apology Friday, citing their son's 'mental health challenges.'

On Tuesday, Andrew Lanz stabbed Army veteran and Pentagon Police officer George Gonzalez in the neck then shot him with the officer's own gun outside the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, Virginia. He then shot himself.

'While we sit in great disbelief over the events that occurred and continue to mourn for lives lost, we are hopeful that this tragedy can help bring greater awareness and change to the growing mental health crisis in our country,' wrote Lanz's parents in a statement to CNN.

According to Cobb County Magistrate Court's records, Lanz was arrested for trespassing and burglary April 24.

The next day, his conduct in jail led to new charges, two counts of aggravated battery of police, rioting in a penal institution, making terroristic threats, obstruction and second-degree criminal damage. He was mandated to therapy and drug counseling in court.

Pentagon Police Officer George Gonzalez was stabbed in the neck outside the US Defense HQ in Washington DC on Tuesday

Law enforcement officers from Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and other police departments salute the ceremonial procession

Several people were said to have been injured in the shooting outside the Pentagon, among them a police officer who was stabbed and later died

'The last few months of Austins life were overcome with many mental health challenges,' Lanz's parents wrote.

'Unfortunately, despite time spent in the criminal justice system with their special requirements his hospital stays and numerous professional mental health evaluations, Austin did not receive any official diagnosis, therefore, he was unable to sufficiently deal with his mental health nor get the help he so desperately needed.'

Despite his rap sheet, a judge reduced Lanz's bond to $30,000 after his April arrests, leaving him free to travel to DC to carry out the shooting.

A crowded scene in the Metro bus station outside the Pentagon on Tuesday afternoon

Pentagon Police Chief Woodrow Kusse refused to confirm the deaths of the officer and the suspect during a briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday

Lanz was also 'administratively separated' from the Marines after a month in training in 2012, according to spokesperson Major Jim Stenger. Family attorney Jimmy Berry told CNN that this was due to high blood pressure.

He was in Washington with his father for a 'medical reason' and a mental health evaluation - the attorney told the outlet that Lanz had evaluations done in the past in his home state of Georgia.

On August 3, according to the FBI, Lanz got off a bus at the station, then 'immediately, without provocation' approached and attacked Gonzalez with a knife. After a struggle, Lanz wrested away Gonzalez's gun, 'mortally wounded' the officer and then shot himself.

'We are devastated by the loss of our son, Austin, and of officer George Gonzalez,' the family wrote.

'We want officer Gonzalezs family and friends to know that we are so sorry and heartbroken for them. We will forever be thankful for his service and dedication to the safety and well-being of our country.'

Gonzalez was born in Brooklyn, and had served for three years with the Pentagon Police Department. He was promoted twice and became a senior officer in 2020 and awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service.

'A gregarious officer, he was well-liked and respected by his fellow officers,' the police said in on Twitter.

After the incident, the Pentagon Police and FBI announced that there was 'no threat to the public' and did not rule out the possibility of a terroristic motive.

'Officer Gonzalez embodied our values of integrity and service to others,' a tweet from the Pentagon Police said. 'As we mourn the loss of Officer Gonzalez, our commitment to serve and protect is stronger. Officer Gonzalez's family is in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.'

Tuesday's attack on a busy stretch of the Washington area's transportation system jangled the nerves of a region already on alert after an uptick in violence in the D.C. area, and the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

The attack occurred on a Metro bus platform, part of the Pentagon Transit Center, a hub for subway and bus lines. The station is steps from the Pentagon, which is in Arlington County, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington.

An Associated Press reporter near the building heard multiple gunshots, then a pause, then at least one additional shot. Another AP journalist heard police yelling 'shooter.'

In 2010, two officers with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency were wounded when a gunman approached them at a security screening area. The officers, who survived, returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman, identified as John Patrick Bedell.

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The lockdown went into effect at 10.30am and was lifted at 12.15pm on Tuesday

Police block off an entrance to the Pentagon following reports of multiple gun shots fired on a bus platform near the facility's Metro station Tuesday, killing an officer

The Pentagon was on lockdown for nearly two hours on Tuesday after multiple gunshots were fired

Metro subway trains are bypassing the Pentagon because of the lockdown





A police officer in tactical gear looks at vehicles outside the Pentagon on Tuesday as cops hunt for a shooting suspect

Heavily armed law enforcement officers are seen near the entrance of the Pentagon after a report of an active shooter and lockdown in Washington, DC
A radio host who asked House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy says he was forcibly removed from a Florida press conference after he asked a question about the commission probing the Jan. 6th attacks.

The host, Grant Stern, sought to query McCarthy about his opposition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's commission, after he pulled GOP members off the panel nixed a pair of his initial selections.

'Why do you oppose the January 6th Commission, sir?' he yells as his video camera shakes during the encounter  in a clip that has been viewed more than 2 million times.

Stern claims he was removed by a congressional aide and four police at McCarthy's presser, meant to focus attention on protests in Cuba  although McCarthy's office said his staff wasn't involved.

'Minority leader, you said that the 1960 revolution, it created tyranny on the island of Cuba. And I am asking you a question' Stern said, according to video he Tweeted .

I tried to ask @GOPLeader McCarthy a question after he decried Cuban police pickup up people in the streets.



Why does he oppose the bipartisan #January6thCommission?



A Congressional staffer had four cops pick me up and drag me from the room.



I still asked the question. pic.twitter.com/HDqrhvARaC  Grant Stern is fully vaccinated (@grantstern) August 5, 2021

A radio host who tried to question House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy at a Florida event was removed after he tried to ask McCarthy about the Jan. 6th commission

'Its not a Democratic or Republican issue. So, why do you oppose the January 6 Commission, sir? Why do you oppose the January 6 Commission, sir?'

The clip then ends abruptly.

Stern can be heard breathing heavily in the video after he asked the question.

'A Congressional staffer had four cops pick me up and drag me from the room. I still asked the question,' stern wrote on his Twitter account.

McCarthy spokesman Matt Sparks told DailyMail.com that neither 'McCarthys [security] detail or staff were not involved in removing him,' but didn't specify who did.

He sought to question McCarthy about the Jan. 6th Select Committee

He invoked the Cuban Revolution. Former President Fidel Castro, Prime Minister from February 1959, addressing the United Nations in New York

Stern claims he was removed by an aide and four police officers, and posted video of the incident

Grant Stern

Stern hosts a Miami area radio show and identifies himself as writing columns for Washington Press by Occupy Democrats.

The Cuban Revolution ran from 1953 through the very end of 1958, with Fidel Castros' regime taking over in 1959.

Stern was referencing the Jan. 6th Capitol riot, and a talks over a commission to probe it that eventually blew up.

After the House voted to create a select committee following the implosion of a bipartisan commission, Pelosi nixed two Republicans installed by McCarthy. They included Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who says he spoke to President Donald Trump the day of the riot, and Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), who chairs the GOP Steering Committee. Both voted not to seat electors for President Biden amid Trump's claims of election fraud.

McCarthy then pulled all five Republicans from the Select Committee. Pelosi responded by naming GOP Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.

Stern asked the question after McCarthy spoke about the 'oppression of people being picked up in streets,' in reference to the recent crackdown on a burst of protests in Cuba.

McCarthy looks straight at Stern during the question, but does not respond.

Stern posted Friday that he was at the Orthopedist's office for an exam of his left knee, but 'fortunately the X-ray showed no broken bones.'

'I now have a prescription for physical therapy and a magnetic resonance imaging test, as well as anti-inflammatory medication,' he added.

In this post, he accuses McCarthy of having 'silently watched police assault on me' for asking the question, 'shortly after a congressional staffer confronted me.'
A four-year-old girl died after se was accidentally shot by another child Thursday evening in Chicago, police said.

Makalah McKay succumbed to her injuries at the University of Chicagos Comer Childrens Hospital less than 24 hours after she was shot in the chest.

The loaded gun had been left unattended in a bag inside a home in Englewood by a man who failed to store it properly, a preliminary report by Chicago Police said.

Makalah and a second child, who is also very young, went through the bag before Makalah was shot.

Police did not disclose the man's relationship to the children, if he had a gun permit or if they are planning to press charges against him.

A man, believed to be the one who left the gun inside the home, was brought in for questioning at the district station.

Makalah's mother broke down in tears when she learned her daughter had passed away as she waited outside the hospital with family.

Makalah McKay, 4, died after she was accidentally shot in the chest by another child. A loaded gun had been left unlocked inside the home the children were at. It is unclear at this time if police are seeking to press charges against the unnamed man

Police were called to a duplex in the 6400 block of South Carpenter Street after reports that Makalah had been accidentally shot around 6pm.

Hours later, officers blocked the front entrance of the building and took photos of the living room in the first floor, CBS2 reported.

This is the latest incident of accidental shootings by children after they've been left unsupervised and with access to guns.

Police were called to a duplex in the 6400 block of South Carpenter Street in Englewood after Makalah had been shot around 6pm on August 5

On Wednesday, a 5-year-old boy from Utah died after he shot himself. The boy went downstairs overnight and played with the firearm while his family was sleeping.

Last year, a 7-year-old unintentionally shot her 11-year brother in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. Fortunately the boy survived.

There were at least 369 unintended shootings by children in the United States in 2020, resulting in 142 deaths and 242 injuries, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.

The pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with an alarming spike in these types of accidental shootings. They went up 30% from May to December 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Australia has banned ex-pats who enter the country from leaving again in a bid to ease the pressure on quarantine hotels under strain from the delta variant.

When non-resident citizens - Australians that live abroad - visit their country of origin, they will soon have to apply for an exception to leave again.

Under some of the world's toughest Covid-19 restrictions, citizens and permanent residents have been banned from going overseas since March 2020 - but people who don't normally live in Australia have been free to depart without permission.

That will now change from August 11, after which the updated rules will require ex-pats to apply for an exemption in order to leave.

Ex-pats hoping to leave Australia after a visit will have to demonstrate a 'compelling reason for need to leave the Australian territory' to the Australian Border Force Commissioner.

Australians who live abroad will soon have to apply for an exemption to leave the country should they visit it. Pictured: Passengers wearing PPE at Sydney Airport in July

The move is likely to force some ex-pats hoping to return home to re-think their travel plans, and could also leave families separated in not all members travelled back to the country at the same time.

'We've seen too many instances where people have left the country only for in relatively short order to put their names on the request list to come back,' Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told reporters in Australia's Canberra capital.

'That just puts additional pressure and additional difficulties in terms of managing the finite number of places that can safely be administered for returning Australians.'

Residents living in Australia are already banned from travelling overseas without a government exemption, which can be granted for reasons including compassionate grounds or travelling in order to receive urgent medical treatment that would otherwise not be available in the country.

Meanwhile, as the delta variant continues to spread, Australia's coveted status as a haven from the pandemic could be at an end, with experts warning that a sustained outbreak of the variant makes a return to 'Covid zero' unlikely.

After long stretches with zero local cases - what Australians once jokingly referred to as 'doughnut days' - a Sydney outbreak has now grown to 4,610.

Only 20.8 per cent of adults are double vaccinated due to a lack of supply, one of the lowest jab rates in the OECD group of 38 rich nations.

Pictured: Travellers prepare to board a passenger aircraft operated by Qantas at Sydney Airport. Under some of the world's toughest Covid-19 restrictions, citizens and permanent residents have been banned from going overseas since March 2020 - but people who don't normally live in Australia have been free to depart without permission.

Pictured: A graph showing new coronavirus cases in Australia per day

Record numbers of new cases are being reported each day despite widespread lockdowns.

Slowly but surely, some local authorities have shifted to talking about containing the virus rather than beating it.

'Given where numbers are, given the experience of Delta overseas, we now have to live with Delta one way or another, and that is pretty obvious,' said New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

After 18 months of advocating 'Covid zero', that represents a step-change in the country's approach.

For experts like Emma McBryde, an infectious diseases and statistical modelling expert at James Cook University, the shift in tone is a reflection of the new reality that Delta has brought.

'We're buying time, not getting back to Covid zero,' she told AFP.

Ex-pats hoping to leave Australia after a visit will have to demonstrate a 'compelling reason for need to leave the Australian territory' to the Australian Border Force Commissioner. Pictured: A pedestrian walks past the Sydney Opera House at sunset in Sydney, August 6 2021

Like most experts she agrees that Australia's old virus toolbox - aggressive tracing and testing, snap lockdowns and extensive travel restrictions - while less effective, is still essential to stop exponential virus spread.

But, she said: 'The goal now should be keeping Covid in check for long enough to get vaccinated.'

Tony Blakely, an epidemiologist at the University of Melbourne, echoed those comments, telling public broadcaster ABC that Australia will 'probably never' get back to zero transmission.

Game changer

Barring a few isolated Pacific islands and neighbouring New Zealand, few countries weathered the first 18 months of the coronavirus quite as well as Australia.

As the rest of the world hunkered down, got sick and lost loved ones, Australians flocked to bars, restaurants and the beach.

Occasionally, the virus jumped from hotel quarantine facilities into the community but aggressive tracing and testing, snap local lockdowns and domestic travel restrictions kept it in check.

Then came Delta.

Pictured: Members of the public are tested at a pop up COVID-19 clinic at Roselands shopping centre in Sydney, Australia, 06 August 2021

In mid-June, a US flight crew infected a Sydney driver with the highly transmissible variant first detected in India.

Since then, the number of daily infections has climbed steadily despite a Sydney lockdown, now in its sixth week.

The outbreak has grown and clusters have popped up across the country.

Roughly 16 million Australians - almost two-thirds of the population - are now staying at home, just as Europe and North America emerge from virus-enforced hibernation.

The outbreak and strategy shift by New South Wales has spurred recriminations among Australian states and the federal government in Canberra.

Leaders have bickered about whether Sydney locked down too slowly, or too lightly.

Authorities in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland continue to try to stamp out new cases entirely.

But even those who advocate aggressive suppression admit the costs are rising and it has become harder.

'Australia's 'Zero Covid' strategy has allowed us to escape the worst of the pandemic so far: our death toll has been among the world's lowest, our recession among the shortest,' said a recent report from the Grattan Institute, a public policy think tank.

'We've faced fewer restrictions on our daily lives than almost anywhere else. But we have paid a heavy price. We are shut off from the rest of the world, and we have frequently been locked down.'

'The more infectious Delta variant is making Zero Covid even harder to maintain. Australians have supported a hard-line approach, but they are also tired and frustrated.'

Pictured: People queue in their cars to get tested for Covid-19 at a pop up COVID-19 clinic at Roselands shopping centre in Sydney, August 6

Despite the bickering, most mainstream voices are united in seeing vaccines as the ultimate way out.

But barely 20 percent of Australians are vaccinated, in part because of poor planning, in part bad luck.

The government bet on a University of Queensland vaccine that - while likely effective - was dropped because it caused a false positive HIV test in recipients.

It also bet on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is produced locally and is in plentiful supply but is seen by many Australians as inferior to Pfizer, which was ordered in small numbers.

According to the Grattan Institute only 10 percent of Australians are 'entrenched anti-vaxxers'.

For the rest, McBryde said the situation may have to get worse before they turn to AstraZeneca. 'People are just unbelievably complacent,' she said.

Fewer and fewer doughnut days may yet shake that complacency.
Meghan McCain was joined by her mom Cindy as she bid farewell to ABC's The View after four years, telling her co-hosts she will 'cherish' the time they spent together on the show.

McCain made her final appearance as a host on the popular daytime chat show Friday, following her on-air announcement last month that she was standing down to raise her daughter in Washington DC.

The 36-year-old daughter of the late Senator John McCain described her time as a 'wild ride' and joked that she wanted to apologize to show producer Brian Teta 'for making his blood pressure rise as much as I did.'

'This has been a really wild ride the past four years of my life,' she said.

'It's been, honestly, the best of times, and worst of times in all ways, on and off the show. And it's been a really incredible, liberating experience.'

Meghan McCain bid farewell to ABC's The View after four years, describing her time on the show as a 'wild ride'

McCain thanked her fellow panelists Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hoston and Sara Haines telling them they had been 'so incredible to work with'

McCain thanked her fellow panelists Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hoston and Sara Haines telling them they had been 'so incredible to work with.'

'Thank you all so much again for the privilege and honor it has been for the past four years to work on this show. It really has been incredible,' she said.

'It'll be referenced in everything I do for the rest of my life. You women have been so incredible to work with.'

She added later: 'I will always cherish the time I've spent with all of you. So thank you all from the bottom of my heart.'

McCain also paid tribute to everyone else who works on the show and to the audience.

'The crew, producers, everyone works so hard. And honestly the audience - for giving me four years to give my opinion and show my perspective,' she said.

A pre-taped tribute was played during the show, depicting happy moments from episodes during McCain's four-year tenure.

McCain described the farewell 'like I died and this is a memorial,' joking at one point: 'I didn't die, I'm just leaving the show thank you guys, I'm still here.'

Her mother Cindy McCain and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema both appeared as guests for the farewell.

Cindy said she was 'so proud' of her daughter and was looking forward to seeing more of her and her granddaughter Liberty.

'I'm glad she chose a little bit of family over so much work at this time,' Cindy said.

'I think she's done a wonderful job. I love her independence, her dad would be so proud of her.'

Meghan McCain was joined by her mom Cindy who said she was looking forward to seeing more of her daughter and her granddaughter Liberty

Sinema, who is a close friend of McCain's despite their political differences, said they have 'a lot in common'.

'We're both from Arizona, we love cacti, I think we're both tough as nails, and we're both fiercely independent,' Sinema said.

'So I think those similarities brought us together over the years, and we've just struck up a good friendship.'

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a pre-taped message 'the show will not be as lively without you.'

McCain jokingly replied: 'My boyfriend!'

McCain joined the show back in October 2017 to offer the conservative viewpoint on a talk show where she was outnumbered politically.

She took to the role with gusto, frequently getting into onscreen tiffs with co-hosts Behar and Goldberg and cementing her place as a leading Republican voice in the media.

During her time on the show, she married conservative commentator Ben Domenech in 2017 and the pair welcomed their first daughter Liberty in September last year.

McCain shocked fans on July 1 when DailyMail.com revealed she was stepping away from the daytime talk show.

Meghan McCain announced live on air on July 1 that she was resigning from ABC's The View after four years

McCain announcing her departure on the show with co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro. She told viewers it 'was not an easy decision' but said she had built an 'incredible life' in DC with her daughter

A source revealed that both The View and ABC had fought to keep her but she had been 'adamant' it was the right time for her to leave.

Later that day, McCain confirmed live on air she was quitting the show at the end of the month with two years remaining on her contract.

She told viewers it 'was not an easy decision' but said she had built an 'incredible life' in DC with her daughter after leaving New York City while pregnant during the pandemic.

With the cast expected to soon return to its New York studio, McCain said she did not want to commute from DC.

'I'm going to rip the bandaid off,' she said.

'I am here to tell you - all of my wonderful co-hosts and viewers at home - that this is going to be my last season here at The View.

McCain and her late father Senator John McCain pictured with co-host Whoopi Goldberg

'It's not easy to leave but I feel like this is the right decision for me at the moment.'

She explained: 'When I think about where I want Liberty to have her first steps, her first words - I just have this really wonderful life here that ultimately I felt like I didn't want to leave.'

She also praised her co-hosts saying it had been 'one of the greatest, most exhilarating, wonderful privileges' of her life working with them and joked that she still had another month 'if you guys want to fight a bit more.'

Her co-hosts had then heaped praise back on McCain, describing her as 'tough' and acknowledging her 'important point of view' on the show.

ABC News said in a statement following her announcement, wishing her the best and thanking her for her 'passion and unique voice.'

'For the past four years, Meghan McCain has brought her fierce determination and vast political knowledge and experience to The View,' the network said at the time.

'She recently came to us with her decision to depart the show at the end of this season, a difficult choice that she made for her and her family that we respect and understand.

McCain has become a leading Republican voice in the media over the years. It is not clear who will replace her on The View

'We wish the best for Meghan as she plans her next chapter, and thank her for the passion and unique voice that she shared with us and our viewers each day.'

ABC has not said who will replace Meghan McCain in the show's conservative chair.

DailyMail.com revealed last month that The View was scrambling to find a 'Trump Republican' to replace her.

Prior to her hosting gig on The View, McCain was propelled onto the media scene as a columnist for The Daily Beast, a Fox News host and an MSNBC contributor.

McCain launched a docuseries in 2013 - Raising McCain - in which she was followed around the country covering current events and topics, including feminism and bullying.

She then went on to host the late-night news program 'TakePart Live' on Pivot TV.

McCain is also a New York Times best-selling author having published her first book in 2008: My Dad, John McCain.
The Dixie Fire is one of 100 active, large fires burning in 14 states, most in the West where historic drought has left lands parched and ripe for ignition, the Associated Press reported

Fire officials stressed that residents who ignore evacuation orders make it more difficult for firefighters to contain the flames because they have to divert resources to transport them to safety

The additional challenge to firefighters comes as the three-week-old wildfire continues to devastate Northern California, becoming the largest wildfire in the U.S and the states third largest ever.

As fire crews attempt to quell the flames, they have had to deal with uncooperative property owners who are refusing to leave their homes and have threatened them with weapons

The Dixie Fire, fueled by bone-dry vegetation and 40 mph gusts, has raged through the community of Greenville, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes

urned through 433,000 acres as fire officials have only been able to contain 35 percent of the fire

After burning nearly 100,000 acres in the last 24 hours, the wildfire has officially b

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Firefighters attempting to put out the massive Dixie Fire have encountered residents who refuse to evacuate - some of whom pulled guns on them - even as the wildfire continues to spread.

The latest challenge comes as the three-week-old wildfire continues to devastate Northern California, becoming the largest wildfire in the U.S and the state's third largest ever.

Dixie has burned nearly 100,000 acres in the last 24 hours, and the wildfire officially burned a total of 433,000 acres. Firefighters have contained 35 percent of the fire.

The Dixie Fire, fueled by bone-dry vegetation and 40 mph gusts, raged through the community of Greenville this week, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes.

A gas station, church, hotel, museum and bar were gutted in the town dating back to California's gold rush era, where some wooden buildings were more than 100 years old.

As of Friday, the fire had burned 75 percent of homes and businesses in the Gold-Rush era town that has about 1,000 residents, CBS San Francisco reported.

But as fire crews attempt to quell the flames, they have had to deal with uncooperative property owners who are refusing to leave their homes and have threatened them with weapons, according to California Incident Management operations section chief Jake Cagle.

'(Wednesday) was a very tough day for all of us,' Cagle said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. 'There is stuff out there that we didn't want to see. Again, talking about the people out there dealing with evacuations. We are all challenged. Law enforcement's challenged. We have firefighters getting guns pulled out on them because people don't want to evacuate. That's just the duality. That's what it is. Not trying to place the blame on the landowners. We understand, our hearts go out to them.'

Cagle stressed that residents who ignore evacuation orders make it more difficult for firefighters to contain the flames because they have to divert resources to transport them to safety.

'The impacts, the devastation we understand,' he said. 'That's why we are here, we are trying to do the best we can. That is our sole intention. But again it comes down to life threat, and that's what we need to manage.'

A home is engulfed in flames as the Dixie fire, now the largest wildfire in the U.S. rages on in Greenville, California

The Dixie Fire, fueled by bone-dry vegetation and 40 mph gusts, has raged through the community of Greenville, leaving blocks of homes in ashes

A car is consumed by flames as the Dixie Fire, which is currently only 35 percent contained, leaves the town of Greenville in ashes

A firefighter is seen taking down the American flag on Wednesday, in the Dixie Fire

View of a burned-out car and commercial building in Greenville following the Dixie Fire sweeping through on Wednesday

A firefighter on Thursday surveys the damage in the smoldering town, which was ablaze on Wednesday

As the fire's north and eastern sides exploded Wednesday, the Plumas County Sheriff's Office issued an urgent warning online to the town's approximately 800 residents: 'You are in imminent danger and you MUST leave now!'

A similar warning was issued Thursday as flames pushed southeast in the direction of another tiny mountain community, Taylorsville, about 10 miles southeast of Greenville.

To the northwest, crews were protecting homes in the town of Chester.

Residents there were among thousands under evacuation orders or warnings in several counties.

The cause is under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines.

The fire also was near the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire that became the nation's deadliest in at least a century and was blamed on PG&E equipment.

Ken Donnell left Greenville on Wednesday, thinking he'd be right back after a quick errand a few towns over, but couldn't return as the flames swept through. All he has now are the clothes on his back and his old pickup truck, he said. He's pretty sure his office and house, with a bag he had prepared for evacuation, is gone.

Donnell remembered helping victims of 2018's devastating Camp Fire, in which about 100 friends lost their homes. 'Now I have a thousand friends lose their home in a day,' he said.

The Dixie Fire is one of 100 active, large fires burning in 14 states, most in the West where historic drought has left lands parched and ripe for ignition, the Associated Press reported.

The fire's cause was under investigation, but Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of the utility's power lines. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The blaze exploded on Wednesday and Thursday through timber, grass and brush so dry that one fire official described it as 'basically near combustion.' Dozens of homes had already burned before the flames made new runs.

No deaths or injuries were reported but the fire continued to threaten more than 10,000 homes.

On Thursday, the weather and towering smoke clouds produced by the fire's intense, erratic winds kept firefighters struggling to put firefighters at shifting hot spots, AP reported.

'It's wreaking havoc. The winds are kind of changing direction on us every few hours,' fire spokesman Captain Sergio Arellano said.

'We're seeing truly frightening fire behavior,' Chris Carlton, supervisor for Plumas National Forest, said. 'We really are in uncharted territory.'

Meanwhile the River Fire, which has continued burning through Nevada and Placer counties in California, is 30 percent contained as of Friday morning, Cal Fire officials announced.

The River Fire has destroyed or damaged 80 structures since it started Wednesday and already has burned 2,600 acres leading to the evacuation of 2,400 people in In Placer County.

In Nevada County, at least 4,200 residents are under an evacuation order or warning, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said.

About 150 miles west of the Dixie Fire, the lightning-sparked McFarland Fire threatened remote homes along the Trinity River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

There was little containment of the fire after it burned nearly 33 square miles of drought-stricken vegetation.

Risky weather also was expected across Southern California, where heat advisories and warnings were issued for inland valleys, mountains and deserts for much of the week.

Currently more than 20,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 97 wildfires covering 2,919 square miles in 13 U.S. states, the National Interagency Fire Center said.

After burning nearly 100,000 acres in the last 24 hours, the wildfire has officially burned a total of 433,000 acres as fire officials have only been able to contain 35 percent of the fire

Road signs in Greenville were warped and ashen after the fire on Wednesday. Firefighters can be seen Thursday inspecting the charred town

The skeleton of a tree is seen amid homes and cars destroyed by the Dixie Fire in Greenville. Firefighters said 100 homes were destroyed in the town of 800 people

A high voltage sign is seen melted on a burned power pole in Greenville. It is unclear what started the Dixie Fire on July 14, but the electric power authority said it could have been a spark from their cables

A melted fire engine is seen smoldering in Greenville on Thursday - the day after the town was ravaged by fire

The fire truck was barely recognizable after being caught up in the Dixie Fire in Greenville

Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer who has been in Southern California waiting out the fire, watched video of her Greenville office in flames. It's where she kept every journal she's written in since second grade and a hand edit of a novel on top of her grandfather's roll-top desk.

'We're in shock. It's not that we didn't think this could happen to us,' she said. 'At the same time, it took our whole town.'

Firefighters had to deal with people reluctant to leave on Wednesday. Their refusals meant that firefighters spent precious time loading people into cars to ferry them out, said Jake Cagle, an incident management operations section chief.

'We have firefighters that are getting guns pulled out on them, because people don't want to evacuate,' he said.

The blaze that broke out July 14 is the largest burning in California and had blackened over 504 square miles - an area larger than Los Angeles.

Firefighters in California have been battling the Dixie Fire since July 14. It destroyed Greenville on Thursday: pictured is a melted fire engine

A firefighter is seen surveying all that remains of a historic building in Greenville on Thursday

Greenville on Thursday was a sea of burnt out cars and rubble from homes and businesses

A metal lamp post is seen bent and warped from the intensity of the heat in Greenville

A huge cloud of smoke and ash is seen as the Dixie Fire rips through Greenville on Wednesday

The U.S. Forest Service said initial reports show that firefighters saved about a quarter of the structures in Greenville.

'We did everything we could,' fire spokesman Mitch Matlow said. 'Sometimes it's just not enough.'

About 100 miles south, officials said between 35 and 40 homes and other buildings burned in the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near Colfax, a town of about 2,000.

Within hours, it ripped through nearly four square miles of dry brush and trees. There was no containment and about 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, Cal Fire said.

In Colfax, Jamie Brown ate breakfast at a downtown restaurant Thursday while waiting to learn if his house was still standing.

He evacuated his property near Rollins Lake a day earlier, when 'it looked like the whole town was going to burn down.'

Conditions had calmed a bit and he was hoping for the best.

After firefighters made progress earlier this week, high heat, low humidity and gusty winds erupted Wednesday and were expected to remain a threat.

Winds were expected to change direction multiple times Thursday, putting pressure on firefighters at sections of the fire that haven't seen activity in several days, officials said.

The trees, grass and brush were so dry that 'if an ember lands, you're virtually guaranteed to start a new fire,' Matlow said.

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West.

Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
A devastated mother who came home with a McDonald's takeaway for her teenage daughter but found her hanging told a coroner it had been a 'cry for help'.

Army cadet Chantelle Jones, 13, was found hanged inside her bedroom at her family home in Wrexham, north Wales on October 1, 2020.

Paramedics and the air ambulance rushed to the scene, but despite frantic efforts to save her Chantelle was pronounced dead at 6.35pm.

Her mother, Alison Jones, had jokingly shouted up 'waitress service' as she entered her daughter's bedroom and made the awful discovery.

Speaking at a Ruthin inquest into Chantelle's death, Alison said: 'I know I will never get the answers I want as to why I lost the most precious thing in my life.

'She was just a teenager getting on with her life and doing what all teenagers do.'

The distraught mother told the coroner: 'I just don't think she meant to do it. I think it was a cry for help and she thought we would be there.'

Army Cadet Chantelle Jones, 13, was discovered hanged at her home in Wrexham, north Wales at around 6pm on October 1, 2020

Tributes have poured in for the teenager since her death on October 1, with hundreds also attending a balloon memorial (pictured) to the Army Cadet

John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of misadventure.

He noted that he had dealt with two inquests on the same day involving two children who died from hanging and involving misadventure.

Mr Gittins said: 'We have a deliberate act with unforeseen consequences arising from it.

'I just wish I knew what she had in her mind so you could have proper closure. It doesn't seem enough to offer my condolences.'

He said: 'Everyone involved in this did all they possibly could. It's very, very sad.'

Chantelle had been referred to a mental health service after self-harming but the contact was only for a week.

Alex Jones, her father, also thought what happened last October was a cry for help.

Mr Gittins told the parents: 'She had a lot going for her, a family who loved her, and had all the support in the world from you in relation to that.'

He believed the self-harming in 2019 seemed to be 'isolated' and had not been repeated.

'There's not sufficient evidence to reach a conclusion of suicide,' Mr Gittins declared. 'My belief is it wasn't intended to end her life.'

Tributes had poured in for the teenager since her death, with hundreds also attending a balloon memorial to the Army Cadet.

In a statement, her school said: 'Chantelle had such a lovely way of showing she cared, and this was evident to all, but especially those in her close friendship group.

'She had both spirit and character, and we all recognised her wonderful potential. No family or community should ever have to experience a loss of this kind.

'School does not feel right without Chantelle. We will all miss her.'

Pictured: Tributes to Chantelle Jones outside Castell Alun High School in Wrexham, north Wales

In a statement released alongside acting head Paul Edwards, the family said: 'Chantelle loved school and was excited at the thought of attending daily.

'She would have wanted to say goodbye to her many friends at Castell Alun but was cruelly deprived of this opportunity, and so her final journey will see her enter the school grounds whereupon she will be clapped and cheered by her peers.'

Chantelle was a part of the Brynteg branch of the Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force in Wrexham.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., suggested in newly released video that southerners might greet door-to-door vaccine promoters with guns in their hand.

'I hear Alabama might be one of the best unvaccinated states in the nation,' Greene said at a July 23 event held by the Alabama Federation of Republican Women. The event was closed to press, but a recording was obtained by radio host David Pakman.

'You lovely people in Alabama might get a knock on your door,' she said. 'Joe Biden wants to come talk to you guys he's going to be sending one of his police state friends to knock on your door.'

'Yeah, well what they don't know is in the South we all love our Second Amendment rights,' the freshman congresswoman said, to raucous applause, 'and we're not real big on strangers showing up on our front door, are we? They might not like the welcome they get.'

A viewer of mine secretly recorded this video of @mtgreenee hinting at using guns to shoot door-to-door vaccinators at an event in Alabama recently pic.twitter.com/cjmUJ8UWI9  David Pakman (@dpakman) August 3, 2021

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, pictured above on July 23 speaking in Alabama, said that door-to-door vaccine promoters 'might not like the welcome they get' from Second Amendment lovers in the South

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, above, has apologized for comparing vaccine passports to yellow stars worn by Jews during the Holocaust

President Biden has called for a door-to-door campaign to spread information and about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, amid criticisms from the GOP.

'Now we need to go to community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oftentimes, door-to-door  literally knocking on doors  to get help to the remaining people' who need to be vaccinated, Biden said in early July.

Grassroots vaccination efforts have been in place since April, when supplies outpaced demand.

Alabama and Mississippi are nearly neck and neck for least vaccinated populations, with 34.6 and 34.8 percent fully vaccinated respectively.

But vaccination rates have more than doubled in the two states, along with Arkansas and Louisiana, since the start of July due to renewed fears with the Delta variant.

Greene also came after Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases. She said Fauci 'funded' Covid-19 through the National Institutes of Health's grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

'That is his baby,' Greene said of gain-of-function research, which Republicans have said could have been used by the Wuhan lab to make coronavirus more lethal for research before the pandemic.

Volunteers and staffers knock on a door during an outreach effort to inform residents about a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination event, on June 30, 2021, in Birmingham, Alabama

Vaccination rates have more than doubled in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana since the start of July due to renewed fears with the Delta variant.

'That is his experiment, and he's getting to watch it in the real world, like on a live television show where he has a front row seat. He gets to watch what happens.'

Greene has made a number of Nazi comparisons to express her distaste for the government's coronavirus prevention efforts. In July, the Georgia Republican compared door-to-door vaccine promoters to 'medical brown shirts,' or members of the Nazi Party's original paramilitary wing.

One month before, she had apologized for saying vaccine passports are the same as yellow stars worn by Jews during the Holocaust.

'I wanted to say that I know that words that I've stated were hurtful, and for that I am very sorry,' Greene said after a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC prompted by the widespread backlash her comparison drew.

She added: 'The horrors of the Holocaust are something that some people don't even believe happened, and some people deny, but there is no comparison to the Holocaust.
A former Cuomo staffer who now works as the president of an LGBTQ organization is facing angry criticism after being named in the Attorney General's report because he gave Cuomo's aides the personnel file of accuser Lindsey Boylan, that they then leaked to the media to try to discredit her allegations of sexual harassment.

Alphonso David was Counsel to the Governor in 2018 when Boylan - one of 11 women whose claims of sexual harassment have been substantiated this week by the AG - was also working in the state.

He left the position in August 2019 and is now the President of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ organization. He appeared on a controversial recent episode of CBS 60 Minutes where he slammed Leslie Stahl for presenting a story on transgender kids changing their minds and called the coverage dangerous.

In September 2018, while he was still working with the Governor, he was tasked with putting together a personnel file on Boylan after several assistants complained to HR that she was a bully.

He had a meeting with her, during which he 'counseled' her and she then resigned voluntarily.

Alphonso David used to work for Cuomo but is now an LGBTQ rights crusader. In 2018, he had a meeting with accuser Lindsey Boylan about complaints that other female staff had made against her. He made a personnel file about her, and in 2020, after Boylan went public, Cuomo's aides pushed that file out to journalists to try to discredit her

These texts are from December 2020 when Melissa DeRosa asked David for the file and he told her where she could find it

In December 2020, Boylan went public with the first allegations of sexual harassment, tweeting that Cuomo was an 'abuser'.

Quickly afterwards, Cuomo's aide Melissa DeRosa contacted David to ask him for the file.

He replied, adding in Judith Mogul, Special Counsel to the Governor who still works there, and handing over the document which he'd kept a record of.

Cuomo's communications director Richard Azzopardi then sent the files to reporters from CBS, The Hill, NY1 News, NY Daily News, New York Post, Associated Press, and the New York Times.

He said it was to prove she was fired and hadn't quit over sexual harassments claims.

These are the files, titled 'draft, privileged and confidential' and 'attorney client privileged communication' between David and Boylan

This email shows Richard Azzopardi, one of Cuomo's communications directors, sending the files to David Caruso, an Associated Press reporter. He gave with it a statement by Caitlin Girouard, one of Cuomo's spokespeople

Now, David is being lampooned for giving the files over to Cuomo's aides when he'd left his position. Critics say he set the smear campaign in motion by giving the files over and that he should resign from his new job, because they'll stop donating to the organization if he doesn't.

Michigan Attorney General, who is the second openly lesbian attorney general to be elected in any state, tweeted: 'I will not be accepting any campaign donations or support from unless and until there is a new president of this organization.'

Others supported her.

The personnel files on Boylan described how three black female assistants had complained to HR that she - a white woman - was a bully and treated them 'like children'.

Cuomo's aides wanted to prove that that was the reason she'd left the Executive Chamber and that if she was lying about that, what else may she be lying about.

The Attorney General describes the leak in her report as the aides trying to discredit Boylan's entire story.

She alleges that Cuomo repeatedly made inappropriate remarks to her and kissed her on the lips without her consent when she worked for him.

Now, critics are lashing out at HRC - The Human Rights Campaign - which David is the President of. They say he must be fired over his involvement

After she left the Executive Chamber, Boylan campaigned to become Manhattan Borough President.

She believes that Cuomo and his aides tried to stifle her campaign in retaliation for her sexual harassments claims.

They maintain that she only ever went public in the first place with what they say are false allegations because she was angry when Cuomo shortened the petition period for candidates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

David did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Friday and neither did the Human Rights Campaign. It's unclear if he intends to stand down.

David was Counselor to the Governor for four years before quitting in August 2019

He appeared on a controversial recent episode of CBS 60 Minutes where he slammed Leslie Stahl for presenting a story on transgender kids changing their minds and called the coverage dangerous

David says he never knew what the file would be used for and that he's innocent. He says he had to turn over the files by law, but that Cuomo should resign

He tweeted that the Governor ought to resign after the report.

In a statement to The Hill, David said he was legally required to hand over the documents and that he had no idea how they'd be used.

'I was never aware of any allegations of sexual misconduct, and no one ever reported them to me, as the report verifies. Of the 11 survivors, I only directly engaged with one, and that was on a personnel matter that had nothing to do with sexual misconduct,' he said.

One of the assistants who had complained about Boylan said they were furious when the complaint ended up in the media because they thought they were protected by attorney client privilege, and that the documents would never become public

'I was dismayed when my memo was picked up in papers literally around the world and domesticallythis was not how I wanted to find my name in People Magazine,' the assistant said.
The White House continued its attacks on Ron DeSantis on Friday when press secretary Jen Psaki slammed the Florida governor for fundraising off his defiance of COVID requirements.

'As a parent myself of two young children. I want public health officials to make decisions about how to keep my kids safe, not politicians. And not only is Governor DeSantis not abiding by public health decisions he's fundraising off of this,' Psaki said at her daily press briefing.

'Parents in Florida, parents across the country, should have the ability and the knowledge that their kids are going to school and they're in safe environments that shouldn't be too much to ask,' she added.

President Joe Biden and his team have launched attack after attack on DeSantis after the Republican governor told Florida schools not to follow a CDC recommendations that students were face masks in the classroom.

DeSantis, who is running for a second term in the gubernatorial mansion in next year's election and is seen as a possible 2014 presidential candidate, has blasted out at least two fundraising emails this week, touting his COVID stance.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki slammed the Florida governor for fundraising off his defiance of COVID requirements

Psaki compared Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) with the other Republican governors like Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (center) and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (right), saying the 'vast majority of governors - Republican governors - are doing exactly the right thing' on the pandemic

One fundraising email accused Biden of 'authoritarian bullying' and argued DeSantis 'will ALWAYS stand up for the freedom of Floridians.' A second email quoted DeSantis saying of Biden: 'I will ALWAYS stand between power-hungry tyrants and the people of Florida.'

Psaki compared DeSantis' behavior to that of other Republican governors, saying the 'vast majority of governors - Republican governors - are doing exactly the right thing' on the pandemic.

She specifically cited Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan - for their work.

Hutchinson said recently he regretted signing a law banning local mask mandates. Maryland has a 78% vaccination rate and he was one of the first governors in America to require face masking.

'This is not political for us,' Psaki said.

Biden got in his own hit on DeSantis on Thursday, joking 'governor who' when asked about the Florida Republican.

The two men have gotten into a tit-for-tat over COVID guidelines with Biden criticizing DeSantis for telling Florida schools not to follow CDC guidelines on having students wear face masks.

Biden asked DeSantis to 'get out of the way' of restrictions as COVID cases are on the rise. And DeSantis snapped back: 'Why don't you do your job?'

The president piled on Thursday during an event at the White House on electric cars. Biden had just finished driving an electric Jeep Wrangler around the South Lawn when he was asked his response to DeSantis' criticism: 'Governor who,' he said and then chuckled.

The White House has doubled down on blaming DeSantis and fellow Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas for the rising rates of coronavirus infections in their state.

President Joe Biden kept up his war of words with Ron DeSantis, joking 'Governor who' when asked about him

The battle escalated on Thursday as White House officials followed Biden's lead in bashing Florida and Texas.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told the two governors not to be the reason schools are interrupted after they refused to support a CDC recommendation for face masks in classrooms.

'Don't be the reason why schools are interrupted. Our students have suffered enough,' Cardona said when asked his message for Abbott and DeSantis.

'Politics doesn't have a role in this. Educators know what to do,' he added.

DeSantis threatened to withhold funds from Florida school districts if they mandate that students wear face coverings. He said the new CDC recommendations for masks in classrooms 'lacks' scientific justification. But several Florida school districts said they would require students to mask-up anyway.

Abbott also said there would be no face mask requirements for Texas school children.

The education secretary also warned there could be more closures if the war over face masks in schools continues.

'I'm worried that the decisions that are being made, that are not putting students at the center and student health and safety at the center, is going to be why schools may be disrupted. We know what to do,' he said.

'We know what works, we have to keep our students safe. We have to keep our educators safe.'

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told the governors of Texas and Florida to not be the reason schools are interrupted

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called out DeSantis for 'partisan name calling' during a national pandemic.

'We're here to state the facts. Frankly, our view is that this is too serious, deadly serious, to be doing partisan name calling. That's what we're not doing here. We're focused on providing public health data information to the people of Florida, to make sure they understand what steps they should be taking, even if those are not steps taken at the top of the leadership in that state,' she said.

At the White House COVID briefing on Thursday, response coordinator Jeff Zients noted Florida and Texas have accounted for one-third of new cases in the nation.

'Over the past seven days Florida and Texas have accounted for about one-third of new cases and more than one-third of new hospitalizations,' Zients noted. 'States with some of the lowest vaccination rates account for about half of new cases and hospitalizations in the past week, despite making up less than a quarter of the US population.'

He also praised six Southern states - Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi - for seeing a rise in vaccination rates.

Zients also noted the administration was pushing for new action on vaccine requirements, including supporting private businesses that have vaccine mandates for employees.

'Businesses know vaccinations are a way to keep their workers and customers safe and to keep their doors open. And today, Yelp is announcing a new feature that allows consumers to search for businesses with fully vaccinated workers, workers or businesses that require proof of vaccinations to enter the business,' he said.

'We support these vaccination requirements to protect workers, communities and the country,' he added.

White House COVID response coordinator Jeff Zients noted Florida and Texas have accounted for one-third of new cases in the nation

His comments come after DeSantis furiously attacked Biden on Wednesday after the president's sharp remarks on his and Abbott's refusal to embrace mask requirements as COVID numbers surge.

DeSantis complained that Biden was trying to 'single out Florida,' after the state broke its own record for COVID-19 hospitalizations, and attempted to shift the focus to the president's handling of a surge in apprehensions at the southern border.

'Why don't you do your job? Why don't you get this border secure?' DeSantis angrily told Biden, in a press conference on Wednesday.

'And until you do that I don't want to hear a blip about COVID from you.'

Florida set an all-time record for COVID hospitalizations on Tuesday, with 11,515 hospitalized in one day.

The previous day also saw a record 10,389 hospitalizations, outpacing its previous peak on July 23, 2020, when there were 10,170 hospitalizations.

'Joe Biden has taken to himself to try to single out Florida over COVID,' said DeSantis.

'This is a guy who ran saying he was going to shut down the virus. What he's done is imported the virus from around the world with a wide open southern border.'

'We can either have a free society or we can have a biomedical security state.

'And I can tell you, Florida, we're a free state. People are going to be free to choose.'

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, urged DeSantis to do more to help Florida's COVID battle.

'Twenty three per cent of new COVID hospitalizations in the U.S are in Florida, and their hospitals are being overwhelmed again,' she said on Twitter.

'We are doing everything we can to help the people of FL, and they're stepping up by getting vaccinated  we hope @GovRonDeSantis joins us in this fight.'

Marco Rubio, senator for Florida, tweeted: 'You want to help #Florida?

'Stop sparking fights over mask mandates & pushing contradictory courses of action.

'Thankfully vaccinations are up.

'But that's in spite, not because of the Biden Administration.'

Biden criticized Florida and Texas for barring schools and local governments from imposing mask mandates.

'They should free people to do the right thing, such as allowing teachers to ask students to wear masks, he continued.

'I say to these governors, please help.

'But if you're not going to help at least get out of the way of the people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives.'
A builder who groped 20 women or girls as young as 14 over eight days by riding up behind them on his bicycle as they jogged or walked has been jailed for more than a year

Joshua Etchells cycled behind his victims on his mountain bike to get to and from work, then grabbed or slapped their backsides as he went past before pedaling off at speed.

Etchells, from Sale, Greater Manchester, targeted all the females over the space of eight days in March, while they were on canal tow paths or cycle paths on the Bridgewater Canal, the Trans Pennine Trail and along the River Mersey in various locations around south Manchester and Cheshire.

He pleaded guilty last month to 20 counts of sexual assault and on Friday was jailed for 14 months at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.

Joshua Etchells cycled behind his victims on his mountain bike to get to and from work, then grabbed or slapped their backsides as he went past before pedaling off at speed

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched Operation Carbon, a dedicated investigation, such was the local concern over the attacks, beginning on March 1 this year.

Etchells carried out the assaults in Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Stretford, Old Trafford and Lymm.

One of the victims snapped a picture of Etchells after her mother drove her around the area looking for him after she came home in tears.

The image was used by police to identify Etchells who wore a hoodie over his head and was usually under the influence of cannabis when he would strike.

In one single day he claimed nine victims as he rode passed them - despite reading on Facebook of vigilantes vowing to push the culprit into the canal when details of the assaults were posted on social media.

During the week long terror campaign, many of the women were earing earphones and it is feared Etchells targeted them in the belief they would not hear him as he crept up behind them.

He was arrested after one victim trawled the streets in the immediate aftermath of the assault and got a picture of him as he was cruising around on his mountain bike.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Etchells, now 20, who lives with his mother and three siblings in a 450,000 house in Sale admitted sexual assault and was locked up for 14 months.

He listened in the dock as many of his victims who had been exercising to cope with the UK lockdown gave emotion charged statements detailing the torment they suffered following the attacks.

One woman aged 37, said: 'There was nothing funny or frivolous about what he did.

'Women everywhere live in fear everyday of sexual violence and he probably thought what he did was insignificant, but he needs to know his actions contribute to a culture where women don't feel safe.'

This image, taken by a victim, was used by police to identify Etchells who wore a hoodie over his head and was usually under the influence of cannabis when he would strike

Another victim aged 45, said: 'I am a regular runner and often run alone and now I am very aware of people around me. I live close to the canal and my children have often walked around there, but I can no longer feel safe in the place that we live.

'I can still feel the anxiety as I turned over my shoulder to see what seemed like masked figure up so close to my side and then the massive 'whack' as I was hit.

'This feeling has never left me. It took me a very long time to run along that stretch of the canal again, alone, always avoiding and running around another way.

'Even now I am still very wary and jittery when passed from behind by anyone on a bike. I feel the perpetrator needs support and help to understand this is not the way society works and this is not the way we should be living our lives. It isn't right to touch another person in this way.'

A third victim, 42, a mother of two told the court: 'I have never again been able to relax while running in my local area, the neighbourhood that, before this incident I could walk and run around, as a way of switching off from my work and daily stresses.

'Now, I am always wary, fearful and always frightened of others and constantly looking over my shoulder when walking or running. I'm particularly scared of cyclists approaching from behind.

'Many times, I have jumped in shock and fear when someone has been approaching from behind. My hobby is running and now I do not know if I am ever going to be able to enjoy a run without thinking that someone could potentially attack me.'

The 14-year old victim was walking home from the canal and was just yards from home when Etchells grabbed her buttocks as he rode past.

She was said to be 'shocked, confused, scared and disgusted' but later urged her horrified mother not to bother calling police saying: 'That's just what boys do'.

Etchells declined to comment in police interview but his phone was seized and cell site and GPS data was consistent with him been in the area at the time of each assault.

Etchells declined to comment in police interview but his phone was seized and cell site and GPS data was consistent with him been in the area at the time of each assault

In mitigation defence counsel Amanda Johnson said Etchells' parents had split up in 2019 and he had been smoking cannabis to cope with his father's mental health issues.

Howard Gough, senior district crown prosecutor for the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit of the CPS, said: 'Every woman should feel free and safe to go about their daily business, including exercising or walking alone, without fear of being sexually assaulted.

'Joshua Etchells carried out a series of sexual offences during daytime hours whilst he was on his way to and from work and as he cycled around the area at weekends.

'Some of his victims were jogging or walking alone, others were with a friend.

'He initially denied being responsible for the sexual assaults, but we worked closely with the police to build a strong case against him.

'When faced with the overwhelming evidence, including extensive CCTV, telephone and cell site evidence, he was left with no other option than to accept responsibility and pleaded guilty at a hearing last month.

'He left behind a trail of physical pain, shock, distress, and fear.

'Some of his victims are still suffering the psychological impact of what he did to them.

'I would like to thank every one of his victims for reporting their assaults to the police which has assisted us in bringing this sexual predator to justice.'
A rare Queen Victoria coin, described as the 'finest example' of its type, is tipped to sell for 600,000.

The 1839 gold 'Victoria Una and the Lion' five pound coin shows the 20-year-old monarch, who ascended to the throne two years earlier, leading a lion that represents the British Empire.

The back of the coin, of which only 400 were struck, carries a portrait of Victoria.

The coin in its case. An extremely rare Queen Victoria coin which is described as the 'finest example' of its type

The coin, pictured, was created by William Wyon, chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 to 1851, and depicts Queen Victoria as Una, the protagonist in the first volume of The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

In the 1590 poem, Una saves her parents' castle from a dragon and is the embodiment of 'truth'.

The coin, belonging to a private collector, is being sold at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas.

A Heritage spokesperson said: 'The Una and the Lion is one of the most iconic types of British numismatics, and has long been considered a 'trophy coin' that a lot of collectors seek to get, even if they don't specialise in British coins.

The 1839 gold 'Victoria Una and the Lion' five pound coin shows the 20-year-old monarch

'It shows the young Victoria as Una, only 20 years old but still radiating power and poise, leading the lion, a representation of the British Empire.

'With a total population numbering just in the hundreds, demand is always very high when they come to market.

'This is the finest example of this type of coin and is of outstanding visual quality, so its sale is an absolutely monumental occasion.'

The timed sale ends on August 19.
A transgender YouTuber charged with raping her elderly dementia-stricken mom bragged, 'I'm famous on the internet,' and snapped at a judge for using the wrong pronoun as she was denied bail at a bond hearing on Thursday.

Christine Chandler, 39, known as Chris Chan on YouTube, also stomped her feet and demanded to be taken home during a hearing at the Green County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Virginia.

Chandler had interrupted the court proceedings to correct the Judge David Barredo after Barredo used the pronoun 'he' instead of 'she' to refer to Chandler.

The judge stated that he was merely reading the records as they were presented to him, The Daily Progress reports.

At the hearing, Chandler was ultimately denied bond and was sent back to Central Virginia Regional Jail where she is held alongside 59 other detainees.

Custody records showed this week Chandler was identified as female by police.

But Central Virginia Regional Jail's Captain Hoffman told Insider that the jail has categorized Chandler as male, with her gender being changed on the custody request system on Thursday morning.

'I've had an interaction with inmate Chandler and it's been fine,' Hoffman told Insider.

Chandler was arrested Tuesday and charged with count of incest, which is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

YouTuber Christine Chandler, 39, has been arrested in Virginia on an incest charge involving her 79-year-old mother, who allegedly has dementia

Chandler shot to internet fame after creating a character called Sonichu - a cross between Sonic the Hedgehog and Pikachu - but now faces ruin over the horrific incest rape allegations

Chandler is biologically male but came out as a transgender woman at the end of 2014.

Chandler is best known for creating the comic series characters Sonichu, which is a cross between Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog, and its love interest, Rosechu. Her YouTube channel has more than 50,000 subscribers.

Her popularity skyrocketed outside her own channel following an in-depth documentary into her life in 2016, which caused her to be dubbed 'the most documented person in internet history,' Insider reports.

The 59-part documentary 'Chris Chan: A Comprehensive History' details the YouTuber's suffering at the hands of Internet trolls who for years, which reached its peak between 2008 and 2011.

Chandler's arrest came just days after a phone call was leaked on an instant messaging platform, on which a person believed to Chandler seemingly admitted to having sex with her elderly mother, who is believed to have dementia.

Custody records showed this week Chandler was identified as female by police. But Central Virginia Regional Jail's Captain Hoffman told Insider that the jail has categorized Chandler as male, with her gender being changed on the custody request system.

Video recorded by alt-right podcaster Ethan Ralph purports to show Chandler being arrested at a motel in Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday

Chandler (far left) is heard telling Ralph that 'everything is going to work out'

The authenticity of the audio recording hasn't been confirmed.

During the eight-minute conversation, Chandler apparently tells a friend that it was her mother, Barbara, who 'made the first move,' leading the two to kiss, according to the audio file, which Newsweek reported.

Chandler allegedly claimed she approached the situation with 'care and caution' after years of harboring sexual feelings toward her mother, and even having dreams of having sex with her.

'She was partially confused at one point, but then she came around, obviously,' Chandler is allegedly heard saying on the call.

As the call continues, the person said to be Chandler says that she and her mother now have a 'routine' where they have sex 'every third night', and that her mother enjoys it.

Toward the end of the recording, Chandler apparently tells her friend: 'God... said this was okay.'

Chandler has featured her mother on her social media pages several times over the years, most recently on July 11, when she shared photos of Barbara sporting a new haircut.

A day before her arrest, Chandler tweeted about 'drama in the air'

Chandler is a transgender YouTube personality and creator of the comic character Sonichu, which is a cross between Pikachu and Sonic

'Barbie Chan got a styling haircut. I did that; first time cutting anyones hair. It looks really good,' she wrote.

In May, Chandler shared a series of photos of her mother as a younger woman, writing in a caption: 'Hi, Mom. Remember, everyone, regardless of situation, your Mom, Mother, or Motherly Figure had a life and past of her own back in the day before you came along. She has gone through a lot for not only you and yours, but herself as well.'

Chandler's final public post came on July 30, when she tweeted in part: 'There is drama in the air today. Each and every one of you all are encouraged to withdraw from any and all dramas, gossip, rumors, and whatever else will, and already has, approached your way today.'

The following day, the 39-year-old YouTube star was filmed by alt-right podcaster Ethan Ralph getting arrested by police at the Regency Inn in Richmond, Virginia.

'I am compliant, I am good like this,' a handcuffed Chandler is heard saying in the video, before adding that 'everything is going to work out.'

This is not Chandlers first run-in with the law. In October 2011, Chandler and her mother were arrested after Barbara hit a manager of a game center with her car, reported Insider.

In 2014, Chandler was arrested for pepper-spraying a worker at a GameStop store
The newly-married Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich wears many hats, both literally and figuratively.

He is an expert on history (his own is impressive; hes a descendent of Robert the Bruce) and the military (42 years Army service, and counting).

He commentates on all the big royal events for Sky TV, and is the famously picky historical adviser on Downton Abbey (dont get him started on table settings).

He is the man to have around if you get in a tangle about titles and ranks and how to address people, particularly in aristocratic or military circles.

He was an equerry for Prince Edward, and is godfather to his son. As a child he wanted to be Lord Mountbatten, who was a family friend. He would dress up as him.

When the Queen granted a rare interview in 2018, she chose to sit down with Alastair, who knows more than most about pomp and circumstance. Perhaps about duty and expectation, too.

How sad it is, though, to hear this stickler for titles and protocol describe how he could never work out what to call the most important person in his life.

Major General Alastair Bruce, 61, tweeted a game-changing picture, a snap of his wedding day, alongside husband Stephen Knott. He had come out, in style.

In the early days of our relationship, when we were scuttling about, I would introduce Stephen as my researcher, he admits.

My father (who was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy) used to refer to him as my flag lieutenant, which is an Admirals equivalent to an aide-de-camp, an officers assistant. Thats the way he was... legitimised.

Stephen Knott was not a military aide, or a PA. He wasnt even a military man for goodness sake; his family ran a bakery. He was - and is - the love of Alastairs life.

They have been together for 20 years, but it has been a gay relationship conducted partly in the shadows, a modern-day love-that-dare-not-say-its-name.

I never felt comfortable calling him my partner, he admits. So mostly I didnt.

No more. Last month, Alastair  who is something of a Twitter addict (it is the third person in our marriage)  tweeted a game-changing picture, a snap of his wedding day.

He had come out, in style.

He tweeted about how this marriage would not have been possible in the British Army he joined in 1979, noting attitudes change, but love is constant.

As coming out statements go, it was spectacular. Alastair, 61, had not only outed himself, but had become the highest ranking Army officer in the country to have a same-sex marriage.

I was never brave enough to be public like this before, he says, but Stephen and I have benefited from the fact that other people were courageous and pushed through such social change that I can now stand here and say this is the man I love.

On liberal Twitter, his news was greeted with jubilation. One quick-witted friend, the MP Tom Tugendhat, called him the very model of the modern major general, which made him laugh.

He knew full well there would be other reactions, too.

I am very aware that people will have spat out their cornflakes across their mahogany breakfast tables  their properly laid mahogany tables  in shock when they read Stephen and I had got married, but the overwhelming reaction has been supportive, which is just wonderful because we can share our joy, finally.

We were not public and I was tired of not being public. He also  and about time  has a means of addressing the man he loves.

Now I can call him my husband and I have to say, that feels wonderful, he says. Again he says my husband, beaming, the joy and relief palpable.

When the Queen granted a rare interview in 2018, she chose to sit down with Alastair, who knows more than most about pomp and circumstance. Above: Pictured together in 2021

This is the first time Alastair has talked at length about his private life. We meet at Edinburgh Castle, where he was appointed governor in 2019.

His dream job, he says, strolling over the cobbles and pointing out the statue, over the drawbridge of his illustrious ancestor.

For a proud Scot, there is no finer job to get at the end of your military career. That it has taken until now  the final chapter of that career  for him to tell his story, though, is terribly sad.

He describes the agony of knowing, as a child, that if he wanted a life in the Forces  as his father and grandfather had had before him  he would have to deny that part of myself and of being, as an adult, unable to even walk along the footpath with his life partner if there was a chance of bumping into anyone from his work.

We had an agreement that if we met anyone from the Army he would dash into the nearest shop and wait for me there, he says. What a way to live.

I just accepted it. I knew, even as a child, that if I wanted to realise my ambitions this is how it would have to be.

He always knew, really, that he was gay. I kept waiting for the phase to pass and it didnt.

Once, when I was having some crisis or another someone said to me: Its simple. If you get on the Tube and two people get on  an attractive man and an attractive woman  which one do you look at?.

He holds his arms up. No contest.

There is a photograph of Stephen and him on his wall  his office, on Ministry of Defence property  taken in the early days of their relationship.

We never had that freedom that so many people enjoy, he observes. We lived behind this facade, a facade I presented, but for survival.

Why did it take so long, though? This is not the dark ages. This is Britain in 2021.

You have to remember that in 1979, when I joined the Army, it was illegal to be a homosexual.

'If you were discovered, it meant a dishonourable discharge. Friends of mine were thrown out of the Army for being gay. Even when it was no longer illegal, that does not mean it was safe.

Among other talents, Alastair is the famously picky historical adviser on Downton Abbey. Pictured above with Michelle Dockery on the show's set

One of Alastairs talents is making history touchable, and over the course of our chat he dips in and out of the centuries.

It was George V who is supposed to have said, about somebody who was gay youd think somebody like that would have the decency to shoot themselves.

I have no idea if that is true, but if you reflect upon that being even a possible comment by anyone of that generation... And I touch that generation, too.

One of my jobs is as a herald in the College of Arms, and I worked for the Duke of Norfolk  father of the current Duke  who once stood up in the Lords when they were trying to change the age of consent for homosexual men to 16, the same as for heterosexuals.

He said  I dare say he was being amusing  that he thought the age of consent for gay men should be 95, and only then with their parents consent. This was my boss.

His Army bosses have known for some time about Stephen.

Being more open was a requirement when he got the Edinburgh job, because it comes with a house and Stephen would often stay there. The Queen is often a guest, too, when she is in Edinburgh.

Has she always known about Stephen? Did he have to tell her? He takes a sip of his tea.

She is aware. Im quite cautious about bringing her into things, but all I can say is that she has been wonderfully and surprisingly warm and kind, and welcoming to him.

Why surprisingly? Because of her generation.

How have friends and acquaintances reacted? Its hard for me to unravel who knew what. Some people reacted with oh we knew, weve always known.

Some people said why didnt you tell me? and I said why didnt you ask?

People knew, but didnt know, if you know what I mean. Its the sort of thing you can keep... vague.

His family knew, clearly. His mother, who is 93, gave him away at his wedding, and she adores Stephen. I think she loves him marginally more than she loves me.

His father died in 2011. He shrugs.

My mother says he knew. I mean he must have known. Stephen lived with us. He slept in my room!

'But it was never talked about. We never had a conversation about it. It was just there.

Now that there are no secrets, he wants to talk. Mostly he wants to talk about Stephen.

The proposal took place at the majestic and hopelessly romantic Mussenden Temple in Northern Ireland, Stephens homeland.

His mother was dying and it was a difficult time for him. I wanted him to feel safe and loved, and protected. He is 18 years younger than I am.

I wanted the proposal to be special, so I asked him about places that were meaningful.

He laughs. He said the family caravan. Well there is no way I was proposing in a caravan, but we stayed in a hotel nearby and we went to this temple and I discovered  to my amazement  that it was built in the grounds of the Bruce familys home in Ireland. I believe in fate, and that was it.

I got down on one knee and said will you marry me? and he said are you feeling all right? 

Theyd met in 2001  on a cruise, where Alastair was giving historical talks.

As a Reservist, Alastair has always been able to dip in and out of his military life, and his public speaking career simply ran alongside.

He was not interested in long-term relationships, he says. I had tried that, with a few people and it was clear it was just never going to work.

Then Stephen  just 23 at the time, and on the cruise with his parents, popped along to one of his lectures.

They chatted about history, about music (they are both choral music fans), about cathedrals. It was never going to be a relationship that continued off the ship, he insists.

But when we were disembarking, he walked off with his parents and looked back at me, and that was it. I knew I was in love with him.

There were hurdles other than the Army to overcome. Stephen moved from Northern Ireland to live with him.

Stephens story isnt his to tell, he says, but being gay in Ulster 20 years ago was rather akin to being gay in the Army, he quips.

There were issues, too, with Stephens family (since resolved, given the family were at the wedding, and his father gave him away).

At the beginning, his mother cried for two years,. Both men come from backgrounds, then, where they were told that being gay was wrong.

Oh yes. My Church told me it was wrong. My school told me it was wrong.

The messages were conflicting, though.

He remembers a school friend being expelled when he was found with a girl in his room, but another boy who was found messing about with another boy was simply told dont do it again. There is a lot of hypocrisy about, he says.

Alastair Bruce really is a remarkable man, elegant in dress and diction, quick-witted. Camp as chips, too, always ready with a quip about spending so much of his life in ceremonial tights.

Did he not stand out like a sore thumb in the macho Army environment? He makes a joke how while his colleagues were charging towards the front line he was likely to be trailing behind pressing wild flowers.

Yet no one could take his military career more seriously.

He saw active duty in the Falklands, in Northern Ireland and in Iraq.

He was involved in the battle of Tumbledown in the Falklands. Four of his men did not come home, and he says he thinks of them every single day.

I was the intelligence officer. Im quite uncomfortable when people say oh you were the hero. I wasnt. Ive got four soldiers with their names written into the Scottish National War Memorial, and they did fight, and they were the heroes.

But he will take down anyone who suggests that gay soldiers are in any way weaker than straight ones.

They are all trained to kill, he points out.

Can I deliver violence when it is required? Yes, without any question. I will drive soldiers to prepare themselves for what is an environment beyond comprehension.

He mentions a ceremony he organised at the castle in February, which coincided with the anniversary of LGBT being acceptable in the Armed Forces.

We had a lot of young soldiers from the LGBT network and I was so pleased to see them. Bright, intelligent chaps. It was really affirming.

And we made sure that everyone knew we were in the business of training to deliver calculated, precise and lethal violence against the Queens enemies. If were required to do that.

And thats what the Army is for, whether we like it or not. And yet here we were doing that and demonstrating that we are about that business, but were all gay.

Here he gets a little choked. Im so proud of the younger ones there because they can wear their uniform and say they are gay, and its not an issue and nobody cares.

Yet Alistair is astonishingly candid about feeling that he was never brave enough to fight for gay rights from within.

The irony is that The Army is an establishment that holds to integrity, to courage, to selflessness, and I failed in all three. But he argues that he can be courageous now.

He cites the Labour MP Diane Abbott, who recently said: You cant be what you cant see. He says that his visibility now is a form of leadership.

If I can make one young man or woman more comfortable, and convince them that the Army is a safe place for them, then it will be worthwhile.

There are more battles to be fought, not just within the Army, but within that other establishment he holds dear  the Church.

Interestingly, he and Stephen were married in the Scottish Episcopal Church, which is on the more progressive scale of churches (its on the naughty step of churches, he says).

Ironically, Stephen, who is also deeply religious, now works as assistant chief of staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Since the Church of England is now tussling with the whole notion of same-sex marriages, this makes for even more feather ruffling.

Alastair simplifies it all. The Bishop of Edinburgh who married us cried at our wedding. He said he did not marry gay people or straight people, he just married people. That is the crux of it for me.

Which brings us to perhaps the most difficult subject of all, the issue of those friends and colleagues who were drummed out of the Army, while the lucky ones like Alastair watched.

He describes witch-hunts. I dont think the Army was ever tub-thumpingly determined that all homosexuals should be crushed, but the SIB (Special Investigation Branch) which was a part of the military police, were not a pleasant bunch of people.

There were detectives who used to enjoy breaking into the lockers of young men and women, I presume trying to find letters from other young men and women, which would implicate them as gay.

I have friends who were thrown out of the Armed Forces because of this and it is hideous what they went through. Absolutely unacceptable.

I may not have survived as well if that had happened to me.

In more recent times, the Government has said good conduct medals which were stripped from gay soldiers will be returned.

I have asked the Army if I can have the privilege of giving them back, he says. I havent been given that chance yet, but I would like to.

There is huge guilt here. He shakes his head. Guilt does not get you anywhere. I survived. Now the question is: What am I going to do with it?
A Republican lawmaker from Ohio wants to potentially boot Joe Biden out of office after the president extended the nationwide eviction moratorium and amid a record surge of migrants at the southern border.

In a letter sent to fellow House Republicans Friday, Rep. Bob Gibbs accused Biden of taking actions that 'skirt the United States Constitution' and claimed he 'continues to disregard his constitutional duties and boundaries.'

'I believe conducting a sober, evidence-based discussion regarding impeachment is warranted,' Gibbs wrote. 'I urge you all to remember our duty to the Constitution and American people to hold this administration accountable.'

He called impeachment a 'serious' task only meant for 'the rarest and most grave circumstances' - and slammed Democrats over their 'politically motivated' use of impeachment against Trump.

Ohio Republican Rep. Bob Gibbs wrote the letter to fellow House lawmakers urging them to consider an 'evidence-based discussion' over impeaching Biden

He accused Biden of executive overreach in his administration extending the eviction moratorium

'Sadly, we saw our Democrat colleagues debase it and use it as a talking point for electoral gain. We must strenuously avoid such trivial treatment of our duty,' Gibbs wrote.

Last week the Biden administration extended an eviction moratorium put in place in September 2020, as millions of Americans were put out of work and unable to make basic payments amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Supreme Court allowed it to continue until the end of July but signaled it would not be open to another extension unless it was authorized by Congress.

After urging lawmakers to pass legislation extending the moratorium in light of the Delta variant, the White House bypassed the body and CDC director Rochelle Walensky signed an order determining the 'evictions of tenants for failure to make rent or housing payments could be detrimental to public health control measures' to slow the spread of COVID.

The extension comes after Biden repeatedly urged Congress to pass legislation over it. Crowds attended a sit-in at the Capitol this week pushing Biden and lawmakers to enact it

Gibbs slammed Democrats' impeachment proceedings of Trump as 'politically motivated'

The order expands the eviction moratorium until October 3 and applies to counties 'experience substantial and high levels' of COVID transmission.

Gibbs accused Biden of 'blatantly ignoring the Court' with the move and cited Biden's own words casting doubt on whether it was even constitutional.

'The President's action, despite his previous reiteration of his lack of authority, is a blatant and flagrant disregard for the separation of powers enshrined in the US Constitution,' the Ohio Republican wrote.

He claimed Biden's 'shameless disregard for the limitations of his executive authority' in extending the relief measure violates his oath of office.

Gibbs also joined a long list of Republicans heckling Biden's handling of the southern border crisis.

The lawmaker cited a passage in the Constitution that requires the president to protect Americans 'against invasion' - claiming that Biden's rollback of several Trump-era border policies does the opposite.

Reports say there were 210,000 migrant encounters at the border over July as Republicans on the state, local and federal level criticize Biden over border enforcement

Since taking office Biden stopped construction of the border wall, suspended Trump's Remain in Mexico policy and rolled back enforcement of COVID-era Title 42, which Gibbs claims is at odds with Biden's messaging on the pandemic (pictured: Asylum seekers line up for COVID vaccinations in Baja California on August 3)

Since taking office Biden stopped construction of the border wall, suspended Trump's Remain in Mexico policy and rolled back enforcement of COVID-era Title 42, which allows Border Patrol to turn away asylum-seekers over virus concerns, to not deport minors and families with young children.

In January Biden also implemented a 100-day pause on deportations of most people living in the country illegally, along with a new priority system for those who will still be subject to removal.

Border crossings have reached record levels in the months since Biden took office.

In July the Associated Press reported that 210,000 migrants were encountered at the southern border, a two-decade high that surpassed the 180,000 encounters in June.

McAllen, Texas Mayor Javier Villalobos blamed the White House for the number of migrants coming to his city with COVID in a Facebook video Wednesday.

Out of 1,800 migrants per day being left in McAllen, the mayor said, '15 percent' have COVID.

Gibbs accused Biden of operating on a double standard, citing what he calls the CDC's 'scientifically illiterate guidance on masking for vaccinated people.'

'Is it bad enough that the border is not secure, must the Biden administration contribute to the worsening of a situation they deemed so dire?' Gibbs questioned.
Florida officials have promised to pay for parents to move their children to private schools if they are 'bullied' for not wearing face masks in schools.

The Florida Department of Education approved an emergency rule Friday to hand out private school vouchers to any parent wanting to take their children out of public schools that have enforced mask mandates.

Such vouchers, offered through the Hope Scholarship, are usually used to move children from schools where they are the victims of bullying.

Under the emergency measure, the vouchers can now be used to move students out of school if they are subjected to so-called 'COVID-19 harassment' - where parents say a school's mask mandate or other COVID-19 restrictions amount to harassment and discrimination of their children.

This marks the latest round of the fight between Governor Ron DeSantis and local school boards in Florida.

Last Friday, DeSantis issued an executive order banning schools from issuing mask mandates for students when they return to class next month and vowed that Florida will not introduce any new COVID-19 restrictions.

The governor threatened to withhold state funding from school districts if they did not comply.

COVID-19 cases are surging across the Sunshine State with officials recording the highest tally of new infections Friday since the start of the pandemic and children accounting for around a fifth of all new cases.

Florida officials have promised to pay for parents to move their children to private schools if they are 'bullied' for not wearing face masks in schools. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference Thursday

Florida's Education Board unanimously approved the emergency measure in a meeting Friday allowing parents to request the vouchers if they feel COVID-19 protocols 'pose a health or educational danger to their child,' reported WSVN.

'Unnecessarily isolating, quarantining, or subjecting children to physical COVID-19 constraints in schools poses a threat to developmental upbringing and should not occur absent a heightened showing of actual illness or serious risk of illness to other students,' the board said.

Parents will be able to transfer their child to a private school or to another public school in another school district.

The rule defines COVID-19 harassment as 'any threatening, discriminatory, insulting, or dehumanizing verbal, written or physical conduct an individual student suffers in relation to, or as a result of, school district protocols for COVID-19, including masking requirements, the separation or isolation of students, or COVID-19 testing requirements, that have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance.'

The average cost of private school tuition in Florida is $9,157 a year, according to Private School Review.

The decision to use a scheme designed to protect bullied children and taxpayer money for parents unhappy with mask rules was slammed by Florida Rep. Omari Hardy.

'Florida's Board of Education just agreed to use taxpayer dollars to pay private school tuition for kids who want to attend schools that don't require masks,' he tweeted.

'Governor DeSantis & his minions are using their emergency powers to make the emergency worse.'

DeSantis has gone to war with school districts over COVID-19 protocols, banning mask mandates last Friday.

The Florida Department of Education approved an emergency rule Friday to hand out private school vouchers to any parent wanting to take their children out of public schools that have enforced mask mandates

The governor said in a press conference that parents have the right to decide whether or not their children wear masks in the classroom.

'Why would we have the government force masks on our kids when many of these kids are already immune through prior infection, they're at virtually zero risk of significant illness and when virtually every school personnel had access to vaccines for months and months?' DeSantis said.

At least four school districts have defied the order and imposed mask mandates in schools however others bowed to the state's rules.

Both Gadsden and Broward County school districts announced they would not require students to wear masks - a walk-back on their previous plans.

Broward County School Board however then changed its mind again saying it will wait for 'further guidance' before making a final decision and that - in the meantime - students are required to wear masks.

Duval County Public Schools said parents can opt out if they don't want their children wearing masks in its schools.

Protesters in favor of a mask mandate hold signs Tuesday outside the Duval County School Board building

Anti-mask protesters rally outside the Hillsborough County Schools Board meeting at the district office on July 27

Meanwhile, Alachua County Public Schools said it will have a mask mandate but only for the first two weeks of class.

DeSantis' ability to enforce the executive order has been called into question with legal experts saying it is not an outright ban on mask mandates.

'It is a loosely written riff on the governor's political views on masking and parental rights chock-full of entirely unenforceable 'Whereas' clauses designed to garnish newspaper, television and Twitter soundbites, rather than judicial support in the event of inevitable lawsuits,' legal analyst Paul Callan told CNN.

The CDC has recommended all teachers, staff, students and visitors wear face masks in schools regardless of vaccination status as the Delta variant continues to spread across America and most children are yet to get the shot.

The decision to use the voucher scheme and taxpayer money for parents unhappy with mask rules was slammed by Florida Rep. Omari Hardy

DeSantis' refusal to allow Florida education institutions to comply with the order has drawn the ire of Joe Biden this week.

The president hit out at DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott Wednesday blaming their refusal to embrace mask requirements for the surge in COVID-19 cases in the two Republican states.

'They should free people to do the right thing, such as allowing teachers to ask students to wear masks,' he continued.

'I say to these governors, please help. But if you're not going to help at least get out of the way of the people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives.'

Abbott has also said there will be no face mask requirements for Texas school children.

DeSantis fired back, accusing Biden of trying to 'single out Florida' and trying to shift attention to the increase in migrants crossing the southern border.

Joe Biden after driving a Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington Thursday. The president and Florida governor have gone to war over DeSantis' ban on mask mandates in schools

'Why don't you do your job? Why don't you get this border secure?' DeSantis said of Biden Wednesday.

'And until you do that I don't want to hear a blip about COVID from you.'

He added: 'And I can tell you, Florida, we're a free state. People are going to be free to choose.'

Tensions ramped up Thursday with Biden responding 'Governor who?' when asked about DeSantis.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona also joined in the spat, telling the two governors not to be the reason schools are interrupted.

'Don't be the reason why schools are interrupted. Our students have suffered enough,' Cardona said.

'Politics doesn't have a role in this. Educators know what to do,' he added.

On Friday Press Secretary Jen Psaki hit out at DeSantis in her press briefing accusing him of 'fundraising' off the back of it.

'Parents in Florida, parents across the country, should have the ability and the knowledge that their kids are going to school and they're in safe environments that shouldn't be too much to ask,' she added.

The Florida Hospital Association reported 22,783 new cases Friday - another record high from 21,683 reported on June 30

Florida set an all-time record for COVID hospitalizations on Friday, with 12,864 hospitalized in a single day

DeSantis, who is running for a second term in the gubernatorial mansion in next year's election and is seen as a possible 2014 presidential candidate, has blasted out at least two fundraising emails this week, touting his COVID stance.

White House response coordinator Jeff Zients has said that Florida and Texas make up around one third of all new cases in the US over the last week.

The states are also responsible for more than one-third of new hospitalizations.

Florida set an all-time record for COVID hospitalizations on Friday, with 12,864 hospitalized in a single day.

The state has been reaching all-time highs since Tuesday when there were 10,389 patients - soaring past the previous peak of 10,170 hospitalizations on July 23 2020.

The Florida Hospital Association reported 22,783 new cases Friday - another record high from 21,683 reported on June 30.

The state releases its data just once a week on a Friday and is expected to show an increase in cases for the seventh week in a row.
A World War Two US Marine who commanded his troops to plant an American flag on the Japanese Island of Iwo Jima - resulting on one of the conflict's most iconic photographs - has died aged 102.

Dave Severance died Monday at his home in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Severance spent his retirement quietly trying to set the record straight that there were two flag-raisings that February morning in 1945 - the day one of warfare's most iconic photos was taken. It was the second one which was snapped and ended up in the annals of history.

Severance commanded about 40 members of his company to plant a giant American Flag on Mount Suribachi that morning even though the battle for Iwo Jima was not over yet.

Another group was later sent up with a second flag to replace the first, with that raising snapped by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal. The Marines kept the original flag and the Navy secretary would get the second, which flew over Mount Suribachi for the rest of the battle.

Retired US Marine Commander Dave Severance - who ordered the flag raised for this now-iconic snap on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima - has died aged 102

Severance died at his San Diego home on Monday, his family said

Dave Severance is pictured in 1944, while serving as a Colonel in the US marine Corps

That photo - titled Raising The Flag On Iwo Jima - was captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal who won a Pulitzer Prize.

It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic photos of all time.

Both flags are now in the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico, Virginia.

Severance even got a note in 2014 that the Marines would include an addendum in their records acknowledging that theres more to the story.

During the war, Severance's 240-man company came ashore in the 10th wave of the 70,000 Marines invading the island. They arrived on a slab of dormant volcano 660 miles south of Tokyo, where they were met by 20,000 Japanese entrenched in fortified caves and tunnels.

AP photographer Jim Rosenthal, pictured, took the now iconic snap. Troops had actually raised another US flag earlier that day. He captured the second flag raised on film

He and his six-officer unit out of Camp Pendleton spent 33 of the battle's 36 days on the front lines. About 73 per cent of the company was either killed or wounded, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune

Severance retired from the Marine Corps in 1968 following 32 years of service. After leading Marines in WWII, he went on to fly nearly 70 missions in Korea as an aviator.

After flying combat missions during the Korean War he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. He was promoted to colonel in 1962 and retired from the military six years later.

He earned a Silver Star and joked that 'it's for surviving' after experiencing several close calls, including a bullet that went between his legs and struck a lieutenant standing behind him.

Severance's death was first reported Wednesday by The New York Times, which attributed the information about his passing to his family.

He is survived by his two daughters, Nina Cohen and Lynn Severance; two sons, Dave Jr and Mike Severance; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Severance was pre-deceased by his second wife, Barbara, who died in 2017. The former colonel's first marriage ended in divorce.

Services are pending.

US Marines pose atop Mount Suribachi after they were snapped raising the flag

Severance was born February 4, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Dave and Belle Severance. He grew up in Greeley, Colorado, attended the University of Washington for one year and joined the Marines in 1938 - age 19 - with hopes to become a pilot.

He went to San Diego for bootcamp and wound up in the ground forces instead of in the sky.

Severance first saw combat in December 1943, on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. He later returned to San Diego and then Hawaii for additional training, was promoted to captain in 1944 and then dispatched to Iwo Jima.

The retired colonel is pictured with his daughter Lynn, who has paid tribute to her late father with old photos on Facebook

Severence is pictured celebrating his 100th birthday with his children and grandchildren in February 2019

You could say the rest is history.

On the fifth day of fighting at Iwo Jima, Severance sent about 40 members of his company to the highest point of the island - Mount Suribachi - to plant the flag.

When it was raised, Americans on the island cheered and ships offshore blew horns and sirens.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Severance said that moment 'gave a real boost to the morale of the troops in the midst of a grim battle'.

He recalled thinking the fight would soon be over but he was wrong.

At his retirement in May 1968 he was the assistant director of personnel at Marine headquarters.

Rosenthal captured a photo of the second group replacing the flag put up by Severance's troops later in the war - the photo ran in newspapers across the country.

The image went on the become the model for the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Severance also had a copy of the photo in his California home signed by the photographer.

Critics criticized Rosenthal over a rumor that he staged the photo. He died in 2006.

When Severance celebrated his 100th birthday Marine Corps commandant Gen Robert Neller, sent him a letter that said: 'You played a crucial role in shaping the warrior ethos of our Corps.'

Severance also had a poster for the 2006 movie Flags Of Our Fathers, about the Iwo Jima battle, signed by its director, Clint Eastwood. Severance was portrayed in the film by Neal McDonough and was a consultant on the movie.

When asked how he would like to be remembered Severance told the newspaper La Jolla Light: 'I never thought about it. Just that I was a Marine for 30 years and I never ended up in jail.'
At 8.46am on September 11, 2001, an impact like an earthquake rocked the south tower of the World Trade Center (WTC) in Manhattan.

In the Merrill Lynch bank's conference room on the 96th floor, walls shook and windows rattled. The lights flickered off and on.

Tania Head, 26, a manager on the bank's fast-track scheme, was chairing a meeting when she heard shrieks from the corridor. She and her colleagues looked up.

Through the windows, they saw black smoke billowing from the building opposite  the WTC's north tower. They watched a ball of flame rolling up from about five floors below them.

People began to scream, to clutch at each other in panic or make for the doors. They grabbed their phones and began calling friends and relatives, begging them to switch on the TV news.

A speck tumbled from a north tower window, and then another. At first, Tania took them for pieces of furniture, chairs or desks, flung from the burning building.

Then she saw one was a human figure, its arms flapping, trying desperately to fly as it plunged to the sidewalk 100 storeys below.

All that Tania could think was: 'The man I love, more than anything in the world, is in that building.'

Of all the 9/11 survivors' stories, none seemed more astonishing than Tania Head's (pictured: real name Alicia Esteve Head), but some survivors wondered about elements of Tania's story

As she hurried towards the exit, she tried to work out whether it was his office that she had seen consumed in flames.

Her fiance  'Big Dave', as he was known to everyone  was a consultant at the financial services company, Deloitte.

He worked on the 100th floor, and she had met him in February 1999, soon after she arrived in New York from Barcelona, Spain, where she had grown up.

Now they were living together on the Upper East Side with a golden retriever puppy called Elvis and plans for an October wedding.

Pushing down the corridor, jostled by dozens of people also heading for the exit, Tania prayed that Dave's office was above the site of the bomb, or gas blast, or whatever had caused the explosion.

Security men shouted at them to return to their offices and stay calm. No one was listening.

The lift wouldn't stop at the 96th floor, so Tania used the stairs to head for the open 'sky lobby' on the 78th.

Overweight, she was panting heavily as she reached the doors of the 'express' elevator that would take her down to Floor 44 and another lift. Her assistant, Christine, was following her.

The cabin of the lift was already overcrowded. She saw there was no hope of getting in quickly, and that swirling panic was making the situation more dangerous for everyone.

A man in a suit and tie shoved past her, shouting, 'This isn't the Titanic, ladies, and it is not women and children first!'

Others behaved more calmly, urging queues to form. In moments, the line for the elevators snaked all the way round the lobby.

Tania reached for her BlackBerry mobile and tried to call Dave. When they parted that morning, they'd been bickering  an insignificant row, but almost the first of their relationship.

It was so stupid: he wanted to get his mother a token present for her birthday and Tania thought they ought to take her to dinner. Now, irrationally, it seemed important to tell him it didn't matter what they did, that whatever made him happy would be right.

Of all the 9/11 survivors' stories, none seemed more astonishing than Tania Head's horrifying tale.

In the years following the atrocity  which marks its 20th anniversary next month  Tania became one of the most visible figures in the movement representing those who had lived through the disaster.

Eventually, she became president of the World Trade Center Survivors' Network.

Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks that day, and across America they were regarded as martyrs. The survivors seemed to have less cachet: Tania worked hard to counter this, appearing frequently in the media.

Tania claimed she was chairing a meeting in Merrill Lynch bank's conference room on the 96th floor of the south tower of the WTC (pictured) at 8.46am on September 11, 2001

By 2005, she was leading tours at the WTC visitors' centre and, on one occasion, showed New York mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani around the site.

A film and book were even prepared that featured her story  though not for the reasons she might have hoped.

Because as the years went by, careful observers spotted strange inconsistencies in her unforgettable testimony. Eventually, they came to realise, something didn't add up and Tania's story ended in ignominy and disgrace.

On that fateful day, as she waited for the elevators, Tania knew she would never marry Dave if she didn't get out of that building.

She was focusing on her breathing, trying to remember yoga techniques, when a woman at the far end of the sky lobby started screaming: 'Another plane!'

Tania saw the wing of the United Airlines Flight 175 Boeing jet slice like a knife into the building just above her. Glass and debris filled the air like confetti. In the blink of an eye, her assistant Christine was decapitated at her side.

As the walls imploded, Tania was hurled back into a marble slab. Her last thought was, 'I hope I die quickly. Don't let it hurt.'

She regained consciousness in a hell of twisted metal and flames. A man with a red bandana tied over his face was beating her with a jacket.

She screamed at him to stop, and realised in the same breath he was putting out the fire burning her mangled arm.

The man helped her to her feet. With a sort of detached horror, she saw her arm was half-ripped from her torso, hanging on by sinews. With her other hand, she supported it, using her pocket as a makeshift sling.

Clinging to the man in the red bandana, Tania struggled through the rubble. A man crawled out of the smoke, holding out a hand towards her. 'Take this,' he said, and dropped something hot into her hand.

It was a wedding ring. 'Please give this to my wife,' he gasped.

'I'll find her and I'll give it to her,' she promised. Another choking cloud of dust smothered them. When she could see again, the man was gone.

Tania's rescuer told her that one of the stairwells was still intact. As they neared the exit, more people stumbled past them, badly burned and fighting for breath.

At the top of the stairs, a wave of panic hit her. 'I'm scared!' she sobbed.

'You can do this,' he said, then went back in to the carnage.

She struggled down more than 50 flights of stairs until, exhausted and weak from blood loss, she passed out again. This time, the figure standing over her when she was revived was a firefighter.

'We're leaving here together,' he told her, and carried her down the last 20 floors.

As they emerged into the open, the streets choked with toxic dust and ash, the ground shook. A cataclysmic shrieking of concrete and metal tore the air.

People were running in all directions, shouting that the tower was falling. Her rescuer thrust her into the arms of another firefighter, who flung her under a fire truck and shielded her with his body as the skyscraper crashed around them.

Gasping for air in the searing black dust, Tania felt the fireman press his oxygen mask to her face. She gulped air like water. His body was pressed against hers. They were buried alive.

After that, she remembered nothing, until she woke up in hospital, swathed in white gauze, with a tube in her mouth. Her first thought was for Dave. She begged nurses to tell her where he was. No one would say.

It was not until her parents reached her bedside from Spain that Tania learnt the appalling reality. Her fiance was dead. She was a widow before she had ever married.

Tania's arm was reattached, but she did not leave hospital until Thanksgiving, in November.

She devoted months of research to discovering the identity of the man who entrusted his wedding ring to her. Inside the gold band was the single word: 'Forever.'

When she finally tracked down his widow, she quietly returned the ring, without fuss or media attention. She never divulged the man's name.

But there was no lingering mystery about the name of the man in the red bandana who saved her when he found her unconscious in the flames.

He was Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old equities trader and volunteer firefighter. He died when the south tower collapsed.

Welles's family were certain their son was the hero of the WTC attacks, as soon as they heard of a man wearing a red bandana over his face. Welles had carried one in his pocket since he was six years old.

The New York Times later revealed that Tania's real name was Alicia Esteve Head (pictured in white shirt) and on September 11, 2001, she was not in the south tower, or even in New York

At a memorial service for Welles in 2006, Tania was too overcome with emotion to speak.

But a friend stood up and read her statement: 'Even after five years, I still bear the burden of being alive when so many other lives were taken from us... In my family, we have a tradition at Christmas. Each year, we tell the children stories drawn from our lives.

'The story they want to hear, year after year, is the story of the man in the red bandana, whose courage stood taller than the Twin Towers themselves.'

It had taken Tania a long time to build the confidence to talk in public about her 9/11 experiences.

She didn't tell her whole story until 2003, when a man named Gerry Bogacz invited her to join his group, the World Trade Center Survivors' Network, which met in real life as well as online.

Other members were stunned by what she had suffered. Some of them had been in the Twin Towers that day, others had lost loved ones: but Tania was the only member who belonged to both categories.

Even more, she was one of the 20 or so people who had been on the topmost floors, above the point of the planes' impact, and survived. As a result, she was treated almost with reverence by some of the others.

In a strange way, Tania became a star survivor  her status confirmed when Bogacz was voted off the group's board and Tania was elected as its president... a new title, created especially for her.

Tania pushed for the network to implement a code of conduct, guarding against scammers who claimed to be 9/11 victims nursing long-term injuries and seeking to con money from well-wishers.

Spending her own money freely, Tania became the group's driving force  organising meetings, booking speakers, winning non-profit status for the group.

At the same time, film-maker Angelo Guglielmo was making a documentary about the survivors.

He hoped to make Tania one of the central figures in his programme. Guglielmo discovered she was a difficult subject, though, and not always willing to co-operate.

He also couldn't help noticing that the scars on her arm, though serious, didn't look as though the limb had been reattached. But he said nothing, feeling it would be crass to comment.

Meanwhile, some of her fellow survivors wondered about elements of Tania's story. Little things seemed odd. One was puzzled Tania sometimes called Dave her fiance, at other times her husband. She explained she had petitioned to have their marriage posthumously ratified.

Tania never shared photos of herself and Dave together, and was reluctant to make his last name public.

At last she revealed it, in confidence, to one friend  who checked and saw that indeed Dave had died in the north tower. His obituary, though, made no mention of Tania.

Most significant of all, when friends visited Tania at her apartment, the retriever she had always talked about, Elvis, was never there. He was always being walked by Tania's maid.

These discrepancies were ignored until September 2006, the fifth anniversary of the attacks.

Two reporters at the New York Times, Serge Kovaleski and Dave Dunlap, read about Tania's story and were puzzled to find that she had not been interviewed in 2001, during the immediate aftermath.

Their suspicions mounted when they tried to speak to Tania and she repeatedly dodged interviews, then started blocking their calls. She warned other survivors not to talk to the reporters either.

Panicked by the reporters, she went to a lawyer to prepare a statement  but as she did so, she admitted several inconsistencies in her story.

She stole many facts from an interview in the New York Times with Ling Young. Ling was guided to safety by Welles Crowther (pictured), the man in the red bandana and a true hero

She conceded she had never worked for Merrill Lynch. She was not a rising star at the bank  she had simply visited the offices to apply for an internship, by bad luck on the very day of the attacks.

Dave was not her fiance. They had never owned a dog called Elvis. In fact, they had been dating only for a few weeks.

Rumours soon spread through the survivors' group: Tania Head's story couldn't be trusted. Parts were exaggerated, embellished or simply not true.

When the New York Times published its expose a week later, even the lawyer's statement fell apart.

Tania's real name, the paper revealed, was Alicia Esteve Head. On September 11, 2001, she was not in the south tower of the WTC. She was not even in New York, or the U.S.

She was in Barcelona, a pupil at a business college. Merrill Lynch had no record of her, not even as an applicant for an internship.

Dave's family had never heard of her. And he had never met her.

Everything she wove into her story was gleaned from newspaper and magazine reports, including Dave's identity.

In particular, she stole many facts from an interview in the New York Times with Ling Young, who worked in the New York tax department on the 86th floor of the south tower, and who was in the sky lobby when the second plane struck.

Ling was guided to safety through the rubble and flames by Welles Crowther, the man in the red bandana and a true hero of the attacks. Of all the people betrayed by Tania, none were more hurt than the Crowther family.

Alicia Head was the fifth child and only daughter of a wealthy Spanish family. The scars on her arm came from a car accident in her teens, on the Spanish coast with friends.

An attention-seeker since childhood, she used to tell people in Barcelona that the car was a Ferrari and the driver was her fiance  the love of her life. More lies.

And then she disappeared after the New York Times published her photograph and story under the headline: 'In a 9/11 Survival Tale, the Pieces Just Don't Fit'.

She didn't make any attempt to brazen it out. She made no excuses. She simply vanished.

Further investigation suggested she had committed no crime. Tania didn't take funds from the group  in fact, she was a leading donor.

Why she told such colossal lies, perpetrating the most offensive fraud imaginable, no one knew  just as no one knew what happened to Alicia Head next.

One rumour said she returned to Spain, where she was sacked from at least one job after her lies in America caught up with her. Another said she killed herself in 2008, unable to live with the shame of what she had done.

Establishing the truth of this, like so much else with Alicia/Tania, was difficult... not least because she was estranged from her family. Far from coming to her hospital bedside, her parents were no longer in touch with her.

Her current whereabouts are unknown. But film-maker Angelo Guglielmo believes he saw her once. She was in New York, coming out of a hotel. And Angelo confronted her.

'How dare you?' he shouted. 'Don't you have any feelings for the people you've hurt?'

Alicia Head threatened to call the police. Then she disappeared into the crowd.

Angelo Guglielmo's film about Tania Head, also told in a book co-written with Robin Gaby Fisher, is called The Woman Who Wasn't There.
Belarus has been accused of using migrants as living weapons by sending them to Poland as revenge for it giving refuge to an Olympic sprinter.

Poland said a growing number of migrants had come over the border since its decision to grant refuge to Krystsina Tsimanouskaya. Miss Tsimanouskaya, 24, refused to return to her native Belarus from Tokyo as she feared for her safety.

Maciej Wasik, Polands deputy interior minister, said Belarus was waging a hybrid war with the European Union with the help of illegal immigrants.

Poland said a growing number of migrants had come over the border since its decision to grant refuge to Krystsina Tsimanouskaya (pictured)

Referring to the migrants, he added: There are both young men and women with children. Belarus is using these immigrants as a living weapon.

Miss Tsimanouskayas Cold War-style defection has ratcheted up Western tensions with Belarus. The EU has also accused Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko of using migrants to hit back against its sanctions.

In recent weeks, neighbour and fellow EU member state Lithuania has reported a surge in illegal border crossings from Belarus, saying the Belarusian government was flying in people from abroad and dispatching them into the EU.

It is believed to be a retaliation for EU sanctions meted out after Belarus forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested a dissident blogger on board.

The EU has also accused Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko (pictured) of using migrants to hit back against its sanctions

Mr Lukashenko at the time said Belarus would not become a holding site for immigrants from Africa and the Middle East, adding: We stopped drugs and migrants. Now you will eat them and catch them yourselves.

Some 4,000 asylum seekers have entered Lithuania so far this year, compared to just 81 in 2020. Authorities in Vilnius, Lithuania, estimate that figure could climb to 10,000 by the end of the summer.

Iraq yesterday cancelled a flight from Basra to Minsk that opponents said carried migrants Mr Lukashenko planned to send to Europe.

Mr Wasik said migrants arriving recently in Poland had mainly been from Iraq but also from Afghanistan.
Actor comedian Tony Baker's son has been killed along with two passengers after his car was hit by two street racers and torn in half in Los Angeles.

Baker's 21-year-old son, Cerain Baker, was killed along with Jaiden Johnson, 20, and Natalee Moghaddam, 19. All were all pronounced dead at the scene.

The trio's siilver Volkswagen had turned left at an intersection, and into the path of a Mercedes Benz and a Kia that were allegedly street racing at 11:50pm on Tuesday.

The Volkswagen was T-boned by the two cars and torn in half, with the three victims thrown from the vehicle.

The Volkswagen was T-boned by the two cars and the three were thrown from the vehicle.

The Volkswagen turned into the path of two street racers and was ripped in half by the collision

Tony Baker's 21-year-old son, Cerain Baker of Pasadena, was killed in the horror smash

Jaiden Johnson, 20, of Burbank (pictured left); and Natalee Moghaddam, 19, of Calabasas (pictured right) were also pronounced dead at the scene

'When police officers and paramedics arrived, they located three individuals who had been ejected from a silver Volkswagen,' the Burbank Police Department said in a press release.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said later the three people killed had died of 'multiple blunt-force injuries.'

A fourth passenger in the destroyed Volkswagen, who was unnamed in police reports, was taken to the hospital with 'serious injuries.'

The wreck spread debris over two city blocks and photos show the ruined Volkswagen with the back half entirely sheared off. Police Sergeant Emil Brimway told the NBC 4 Los Angeles that he had never seen a car crash this catastrophic in his 19 years of police work.

Comedian Tony Baker (pictures right and left) posted these images side-by-side on his Instagram before the accident killed his 21-year-old son, Cerain

The two occupants of the Mercedes Benz were uninjured. The Kia caught fire, and its driver, who was alone in the car, was hospitalized and is expected to recover, said the New York Post .

The wreck spread debris over two city blocks and photos show the ruined Volkswagen with the back half entirely sheared off. Police Sergeant Emil Brimway told the NBC 4 Los Angeles that he had never seen a car crash this catastrophic.

Police said they are still investigating the crash, but no arrests have been made. It appears that the two at-fault drivers were racing, police said.

'It feels like it's not real - we get waves of grief,' Baker, an actor who was in the movie 'Whiplash' and starred in a number of TV series, like 'A Black Lady Sketch Show,' told NBC 4 Los Angeles about his son Cerain. 'We sob uncontrollably. Then it's back to regular conversation.'

Baker posted on his Twitter: "My heart is absolutely broken out here on the streets - but you best believe I'm STILL cracking jokes.'

'It feels like it's not real - we get waves of grief,' Baker, an actor who was in the movie 'Whiplash' and starred in a number of TV series, like 'A Black Lady Sketch Show,' told NBC 4 Los Angeles about his son Cerain. 'We sob uncontrollably. Then it's back to regular conversation.'

Baker posted on his Instagram about his son's passing: "My heart is absolutely broken out here on the streets - but you best believe I'm STILL cracking jokes.'

The two occupants of the Mercedes Benz were uninjured. The Kia caught fire, and its driver, who was alone in the car, was hospitalized and is expected to recover, said the New York Post.

Police said they are still investigating the crash, but no arrests have been made. It appears that the two at-fault drivers were racing, police said.

Roses, letters and sentimental tokens were left around blown-up photos of the deceased at the scene of the accident.
A Nicaraguan woman died from COVID-19 while she was awaiting to be deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Elba Maria Centeno Briones was declared dead Wednesday at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas, where she had been hospitalized since July 27, ICE said in a statement.

The 37-year-old Nicaraguan national was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents after unlawfully crossing the Unites States-Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas, on July 26.

U.S. Border Patrol turned over Centeno Briones the following day to ICE as part of the process to expel her to Nicaragua.

Elba Maria Centeno Briones, a migrant from Nicaragua awaiting to be deported, died Wednesday in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents after unlawfully crossing the Unites States-Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas, on July 26. U.S. Border Patrol turned over Centeno Briones the following day to ICE and was transferred to the El Valle Detention Center in Raymonville, Texas, where she tested positive and was rushed to the hospital soon after her symptoms worsened

Elba Maria Centeno Briones, of Nicaragua, died at the Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC) in Harlingen, Texas, on Wednesday, after week after the medical team at ICE's El Valle Detention Center in Raymonville, Texas, rushed her there after she tested positive for the coronavirus

She was taken to the El Valle Detention Center in Raymonville, Texas, and was given a medical exam as well as a COVID-19 test, which came back negative the same day of her arrival at the facility.

According to ICE, Centeno Briones symptoms worsened soon after the test results and she was rushed to Valley Baptist Medical Center, where she passed away.

Elba Maria Centeno Briones was is one of at least 10 migrants who have died of the coronavirus while under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE's El Valle Detention Center in Raymonville, Texas, has tested 559 detainees who have tested positive for the coronavirus, including 20 who are being monitored or are under observation.

ICE data updated Friday showed that nine people - not including Centeno Briones - have died under its custody since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of 22,924 migrants under ICE custody have tested positive, of which 1,082 are currently being monitored or are under observation.

At El Valle Detention Center in Raymonville, Texas, at least 559 detainees have tested positive, including 20 who are being treated or separated from the rest of the inmate population.

'ICE is firmly committed to the health and welfare of all those in its custody and is undertaking a comprehensive agency-wide review of this incident, as it does in all such cases,' the federal immigration agency said in a statement. 'Fatalities in ICE custody, statistically, are exceedingly rare and occur at a fraction of the national average for the U.S. detained population.'
Helen lost the court battle to stop his death and he is set to be put down in days

It's the story that has captured the nation's heart  the alpaca sentenced to death after testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) on his arrival in the UK four years ago, now set to be put down within days.

More than 80,000 have signed a petition to save Geronimo the alpaca after his owner Helen MacDonald lost a court battle to stop his death.

She claims the blood tests that sealed his fate are flawed. And now the Mail can reveal that government officials knew about problems with the tests five years ago but would not investigate.

In spite of this, they have refused to re-test the animal  which has not had a test since 2017.

Despite these revelations, last night Boris Johnson's official spokesman reiterated that there were no plans for further tests to be carried out.

However, in an impassioned plea, here Helen MacDonald makes a last-ditch appeal to the one person who may still be able to change the Prime Minister's mind, and save Geronimo's life...

The paddocks surrounding Helen MacDonald's Gloucestershire farm may seem like an unlikely venue for a western-style stand-off. Alpacas graze contentedly on the lush grass, and only birdsong interrupts the pervading peace.

But any official person who dares to visit in the coming hours and days will be in for a shock.

'I will do whatever it takes,' says Helen. 'And if that means taking a bullet then I will. I will simply not be bullied.'

They are strong words, but then Helen has been battling passionately for four years and quite simply is at the end of her tether.

Her fight centres on the future of her eight-year-old chocolate alpaca, Geronimo. 'It's not about just him but about what's right,' says Helen.

More than 80,000 have signed a petition to save Geronimo the alpaca after his owner Helen MacDonald (both pictured) lost a court battle to stop his death

Geronimo has been earmarked for execution by government agencies ever since his arrival in the UK four years ago, after twice testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

But Helen has now reached the end of the legal road. Last week, a High Court judge issued a fresh warrant for access to her property to enable an execution.

Veterinary nurse Helen, 50, believes those tests to be categorically wrong and has dedicated her life to trying to prove it.

And, today, desperate to stop her beloved Geronimo falling victim to execution, she makes an impassioned plea to the Prime Minister's wife, Carrie Johnson, to save him.

'I am appealing to Carrie directly to ask the Prime Minister to intervene. She is a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Association and has campaigned for the environment and the welfare of animals.

'As an animal lover, surely she cannot stand by and let this happen? I am begging her woman to woman to do what she can.

'She and Boris have a beautiful dog, Dilyn, who they clearly adore. I feel about Geronimo exactly the way they feel about him. Please Carrie, help Geronimo. He really does not deserve to die.'

Carrie has been fearless with her campaign for animal rights, leading Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to last year name her 'person of the year'.

In January, it emerged that Carrie had been hired as head of communications by the conservation organisation the Aspinall Foundation, known for its work protecting endangered species.

Moreover, just last month, the Conservative Animal Welfare Association, of which she is a supporter, called for ministers to broaden the scope of its Animal Welfare (Sentience) bill to include crustaceans, stopping the practice of restaurants boiling lobsters alive.

In an impassioned plea, Helen MacDonald has made a last-ditch appeal to animal lover Carrie Johnson (pictured), the one person who may still be able to save Geronimo's life

'If she can lend her voice to the protection of lobsters, then surely Carrie can intervene to stop a healthy alpaca being shot?' says Helen.

With no further legal recourse, it leaves Helen in a terrible dilemma: with the warrant valid for 30 days from last Thursday, she is expected to either arrange with her vet for the euthanasia of an animal she claims is healthy, or wait for a team to turn up and shoot him.

'I genuinely think that when I lost in court last week the officials thought that I would come home, put him down, and we'd all get on with our lives  but I'm just not prepared to do that. How can I ring my vet and ask him to kill a healthy animal I love?' she says.

'Equally, the team from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) could turn up at any 'reasonable hour' apparently. I don't know what the definition of that is, but they can bring the police, force their way in, and shoot Geronimo. And that's horrific.'

Adding to her distress, yesterday police officers arrived at Helen's farm shortly after 5pm.

They told her they wanted to make themselves known as, in accordance with the High Court warrant, they would be accompanying any Defra vets onto the farm so that contractors can kill Geronimo.

'The police were gauging the level of resistance they might face if and when they arrive with the vets,' says Helen. 'It's very upsetting.'

Her plight has certainly captured the imagination of the country; Helen has been inundated with messages of support and a petition to save Geronimo has almost 80,000 signatures.

Celebrities have joined in the chorus, with Joanna Lumley and Chris Packham voicing their dismay at the prospect of what Helen has labelled a government-appointed slaughter.

When we speak at her farm in Wickwar, Gloucestershire, her emotions are clearly raw; her eyes brimming with tears.

'It's hugely stressful and has been for years,' she says. 'The constant fighting and the anxiety is debilitating. My whole life has been taken over by it.'

'The government have a mission for disease control, I get that, but it's not right to make stuff up, to make your policy fit the situation.

'Geronimo doesn't have bTB, and they know it. We have shown he did not catch bTB in New Zealand, as suggested by officials.'

At least Geronimo is unaware of his fate. Now in his prime, Helen brought him to breed from, but courtesy of his diagnosis he has spent every day here in the UK segregated from Helen's herd.

Helen's love affair with alpacas began nearly 20 years ago, when she attended a country show.

Single and looking for a diversion, in 2002 she decided that she wanted to set up her own breeding herd.

'I visited half a dozen different sites,' she recalls. 'After that I bought my first three females.'

Costing 10,000, Ebony, Fluffy and Cheeky were the first trio in a herd that today numbers 80, a small slice of the roughly 45,000 that are now registered in the UK.

Over time, she moved to her own farm. Today, she should be making the farm pay for itself by selling breeding stock  but she can't, as the government's agricultural department, Defra, have slapped a movement ban on her livestock given Geronimo's 'diagnosis', meaning the loss of an estimated 80,000 profit in the past four years.

Geronimo arrived four years ago from his native New Zealand when Helen decided to introduce a new bloodline to improve her herd and was put in touch with a breeder there via a friend.

Geronimo (pictured with Helen) was sentenced to death after testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) on his arrival in the UK four years ago and is set to be put down within days

He arrived in the UK on August 10, flown by cargo plane by an importer with 28 other alpacas at a cost of 10,000.

Although Geronimo had tested negative for bTB before he left, Helen decided to give him a different and newer voluntary blood test, administered by an external government approved agency.

'It was one we could do to show that our herd was healthy, so we could trade successfully. My whole herd had already been tested with it the year before, and I was trying to promote the test to industry as a good idea. Except it backfired spectacularly, didn't it?' she says.

It certainly did: a few days after the test, Helen found her elderly mum, with whom she shares her farm, sobbing.

'She said APHA had telephoned and said that Geronimo has bTB and had to be culled,' she recalls.

It was the start of nothing short of a legal and ethical nightmare. Helen believes Geronimo gave a 'false positive' test result because he had been 'primed', meaning he had already been injected with a small amount of bovine tuberculosis as a way of gauging immune response.

It meant that a subsequent test enforced with more tuberculin four months later, produced a similar positive.

'Defra are aware of the evidence linking alpacas who have had skin tests becoming positive on this test, and no research has been done,' Helen says.

And so, in essence, her fight since then has been to ask for another straightforward blood test  with no prior 'priming'.

'We've been asking for that for four years, but they won't do it because they don't have to,' she says.

Her fears about the tests, and that Defra have long been aware of the issues surrounding them, are backed up by minutes of a meeting between Defra and the British Alpaca Society in April 2016  revealed by the Mail today  which show government officials knew about problems with the tests five years ago but would not investigate.

'The evidence is really strong that these tests are flawed. Those minutes are key to showing Defra have prior knowledge of the problems with the tests but they have chosen to ignore it,' says Helen.

'They've known since 2016 that those tests produce false positives if you give an alpaca more than two shots of tuberculin within a 12-month period.

'[Environment Secretary] George Eustice claims the tests are 'highly specific' but that is bunkum.'

Helen claims that 'when Geronimo tested positive Defra changed the goalposts so that two antigen spots instead of four were enough to show a positive result.'

She believes 'it is inconvenient for them to know that priming is causing problems with the testing process.'

According to minutes of a meeting between Defra and the British Alpaca Society, in April 2016, government officials acknowledged that the skin tests used on imported alpacas had the potential to cause false positives in subsequent blood tests.

The meeting was told that alpaca owners and breeders were concerned that repeated skin tests, which involve animals being injected or 'primed' with tuberculin  a substance that promotes an immune response  could cause a build-up of tuberculin and lead to alpacas falsely testing positive for bTB in later blood tests.

The officials resolved to take skin tests into account when deciding whether a positive could be false  but this does not seem to have happened for Geronimo, who was primed with three lots of tuberculin after undergoing three skin tests in 14 months, between September 2016 and November 2017.

Duncan Pullar, chief executive of the British Alpaca Society, said the organisation had offered to 'financially support' Defra to investigate problems with tests, but they had refused.

A Defra spokesman insisted the tests used for Geronimo were 'highly specific' and that they did not expect false positives to be shown.

When appealing the test results Helen's first port of call was the then Secretary of State for the Environment, Michael Gove, for Geronimo to be retested.

Helen (pictured with Geronimo) claims the blood tests that sealed his fate are flawed, but government officials have refused to re-test the animal - which has not had a test since 2017

His refusal led her to court, when she successfully applied for a judicial review of APHA's decision, only for a High Court judge to throw out her application on the basis that the decision to euthanise Geronimo wasn't 'unlawful' or 'irrational'.

'They did concede that Geronimo may not be infected,' she says.

From there Helen went first to the Court of Appeal, only to have her application thrown out, an endeavour repeated by the European Court of Human Rights.

She wrote a letter to the new Secretary of State for Food Environment and Rural Affairs, Theresa Villiers, and many to her successor, George Eustice.

For a while things went quiet, until December last year, when out of the blue Helen got an email informing her that the local Magistrates Court were to hold a Warrant hearing  effectively issuing Geronimo's final death notice.

Her most recent plea for a reprieve was finally rejected at the end of last month by High Court judge Mr Justice Griffiths, who said there was a need to protect against the 'serious consequences' of the disease.

Within hours, Helen had received a phone call from her case officer asking when Geronimo's carcass could be collected.

'These people just rely on you giving up, but my mindset won't allow it,' she says.

Nonetheless, there is no getting away from the fact that legally, Helen is out of options.

She has spent the last few days making further phone calls and sending emails to ministers and Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, asking for them to intervene  to no avail.

'At the heart of it I am saying that you cannot execute an animal when there are documented question marks over test performance and admitted deviations in protocol  you shouldn't be able do this without evidence-based science,' she says.

'This is not just about Geronimo but has massive implications for other animals, too.'

Whatever the events of the next tense few days, it would be a hard-hearted soul who did not wish Helen  and Geronimo  luck. At the moment of writing, she still doesn't know what will happen.

'I can't really bear to think about it and the thought of this going on for days is horrendous,' she says.

'My family is very worried about what's going to happen to me. But all I can think about at the moment is Geronimo.'
There was a distinct party atmosphere as teenager Millie Taplin celebrated the end of lockdown restrictions with four school friends  and her first ever night on the town.

It was the first time theyd seen each other in months. The first time they could properly celebrate their 18th birthdays together  not to mention the very first time theyd been to a nightclub. Having started with cocktails at a local pub, the five young women made their way on to the dance floor at MooMoo Clubrooms in Southend, Essex, last Saturday.

We were having such a great time, says Millie, whose actual 18th birthday last November was marked with a quiet family meal at home. Until someone decided to ruin it.

Indeed, the photos on Millies phone record happy images typical of thousands of young adults, for whom the pandemic put all socialising and teenage rites of passage on hold.

Claire (left) was so traumatised she decided to film her daughters ordeal  initially intending to show Millie (right) once shed recovered, as a warning to be more careful in future. But when Millie saw the film she urged her mum to put it on a Crimewatch Facebook group to warn other parents and young people

But it is the last image from Millies night out, taken in A&E by her devastated mother Claire, which will haunt parents across the country as their children hit the clubs next weekend to celebrate A-level results.

Torn from her bed at 1.30am by a frantic phone call from one of Millies friends, Claire, 48, had raced to Southend Hospital after being told her youngest daughter had collapsed after her drink was spiked.

Honestly, I thought Id walked into a scene from the horror film, The Exorcist. I stood thinking, Oh my god, what is this? Whats she been given?  says NHS worker Claire, a mother of four. Her hands were clawed, her jaw was clenched and her face so distorted she looked possessed. Id never seen anything as horrific as this in my life. I didnt even know what drug could do that.

Claire was so traumatised she decided to film her daughters ordeal  initially intending to show Millie once shed recovered, as a warning to be more careful in future. But when Millie saw the film she urged her mum to put it on a Crimewatch Facebook group to warn other parents and young people.

The reaction to images from the film, which went viral this week, has been overwhelming for the Taplin family, with many praising their bravery. But mother and daughter have also been stung by some negative responses, with some doubting whether Millies drink really was spiked, instead reckoning she was either intoxicated from alcohol or just too scared to admit to her mother a far more likely scenario.

The reaction to images from the film, which went viral this week, has been overwhelming for the Taplin family, with many praising their bravery

For images of Millies clawed hands, clenched jaw and facial gurning suggested, according to those in the know, the unpleasant side-effects associated with popular stimulant party drugs such as MDMA and ecstasy.

Usually, sedative date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), which depress the central nervous system, are more commonly linked to drink spiking to render victims incapable of fending off attack. No one knows exactly what Millie might have ingested, as the family say blood tests were not taken on her admission to hospital for reasons that are still unclear to them.

Millie, who is now fully recovered and has just started a new job as a carer, insists: I have never willingly taken any drug. I have never wanted to. So for that to happen was very frightening. If my friends hadnt looked after me, the outcome could have been very different. When Mum showed me the video of how badly Id been affected, it was so horrendous I wanted to make sure no other person went through that. I would never have agreed for the video to be made public if Id knowingly taken any drugs.

Claire adds: Weve had a few people make comments to Millie like, Oh youre just saying that because youre too frightened to tell your mum youve taken drugs.

Its laughable. People dont know my daughter. I know 100 per cent that someone put something in her drink because shes not the sort of girl to experiment. This was the first time shed been out. If shed taken something, she would have told me. I know thats what every parent thinks, but people can think and say what they like. If [seeing the images] stops one other girl from going through what Millie did, then it will have been worth it. Everyone hears about drink spiking but they never see what it can do. So what could have had such a dramatic effect on Millie?

According to her mother, hospital staff thought she might have been given some kind of paralysing drug and then something to knock her out, which hadnt worked as she was fully aware, though pretty much paralysed.

Its a truly frightening thought  and terrible luck that such a thing happened to Millie on her first foray into socialising after lockdown.

As with so many other teenagers, her life had been put on hold during the pandemic. Furloughed from her job as an apprentice hairdresser, she had no social life to speak of.

A week before the girls night out, shed gone through a traumatic break-up with her long-term boyfriend. One friend suggested they go clubbing to cheer her up.

We were having such a great time, says Millie (right), whose actual 18th birthday last November was marked with a quiet family meal at home. Until someone decided to ruin it

Id had a horrible week, so I wanted to go out and have some fun  none of us wanted to get drunk out of our heads, just to dance. Wed never been to a club before and didnt even know if wed enjoy it, she says. Claire recalls: My last text message to her was, Dont put your drink down, be careful. It was her first time clubbing, so I was worried.

According to police figures obtained via Freedom of Information requests, drink spiking reports increased 108 per cent between 2015 and 2018, with 1,039 cases recorded. Police believe many more go unreported because victims fear they wont be believed. In Essex, 33 reports were made in the first three months of 2020. In 2016 there were just 14 cases recorded there for the entire year.

Millie insists she was very careful, never letting her drink out of her sight. She bought a fresh drink rather than return to unattended half-drunk glasses after shed been on the dance floor. Over the course of the night, she says she ordered around three or four vodka and lemonades but did not finish them all and was not drunk. But she admits she let her guard down when a friendly young man shed chatted to earlier that night approached her on the dance floor with two drinks in his hand. He told me one of the drinks was for his mate and then said, Do you want to try a sip of mine? she remembers, bitterly regretting accepting his offer.

He didnt come across as eager for me to drink it. If he had been it would have raised my concern, he just seemed quite casual about it. I was a bit tipsy, so I do think my judgment was a little bit clouded.

When you are in that situation, and he seemed so lovely and nice, you just think its OK. I only took a few sips, but that was the only drink I had that night which I hadnt bought myself.

Millie is reluctant to point the finger of blame at the young man, who wasnt present when she later collapsed outside the club. She doesnt know for certain that the drink he offered her was spiked, or  if it was  that he even knew. For all she knows, someone else might have slipped something into the glass without him realising. The terrifying effects, though not immediate, were soon felt.

But mother and daughter have also been stung by some negative responses, with some doubting whether Millies drink really was spiked, instead reckoning she was either intoxicated from alcohol or just too scared to admit to her mother a far more likely scenario

She recalls: I told my friends, I feel a bit hot and sick, can we go outside for some fresh air? At this point I did think maybe Id had too much to drink. But after I was sick my eyesight started going fuzzy.

So worried were Millies friends that they called her older sister Sadie, 28. When she arrived, Sadie took one look at her younger sister and decided to take her to hospital. She said Get up and I just couldnt. My legs felt so weak and my friends and my sister had to carry me to the car. My speech became slurred and I was struggling to get my words out.

At the hospital, they put me in a wheelchair because I just couldnt walk. I was in such a bad way I couldnt tell them what had happened.

Meanwhile, at that precise moment back at home, Claire had woken from her sleep filled with an instinctive worry for her daughter.

I went to check my phone and the moment I picked it up it started ringing, she recalls. It was one of her friends who told me, Millies been spiked and shes in A&E with Sadie. I immediately phoned Sadie and could hear everything in the background. You couldnt understand a thing Millie was saying, she was just making noises. I was shouting down the phone, Whats wrong with her? Whats wrong with her? I was panicking. Then I drove straight to the hospital.

Claire was horrified to see the state Millie was in and sat by her bed for the next two hours, holding her hand, reassuring her and feeding her orange juice as medical staff waited for the effects of the drugs to wear off. By around 3.45am, Millie was considered well enough to go home nd Claire was told to bring her back if her condition worsened. But to their relief  Millie continued to recover.

Essex Police confirmed that they were investigating a report of an alleged drink spiking made at 3.30am on Sunday August 1, after a woman was taken to hospital. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing. A MooMoo Clubrooms spokesman said: We urge all customers to be present when their drink is ordered and that they do not leave it unattended. The alleged drink spiked appears to have been accepted from a person known to the lady affected and while it was not reported to us at the time, we are assisting the police who are dealing with the matter.

Experts say it is possible that just a few sips of a drink spiked with a drug such as MDMA could trigger such an extreme physical reaction.

Michael Linnell, a public health expert specialising in drug and alcohol abuse, said: Clenched jaws and gurning are classic symptoms of MDMA. There are other empathogens (which enhance feelings of empathy and euphoria) like mephedrone which have that effect too, but MDMA is the most likely.

The situation just gets worse every year as ecstasy and MDMA become more super-strength. The powder can be 80 per cent purity. You would not need much of that in a drink for side-effects, especially if you were a small, young woman inexperienced in taking drugs. He added that hospitals had different policies for patients admitted after suspected drug use and often medics were more likely to treat symptoms as toxicology tests take a long time to come back.

Southend Hospital said that due to the vast number of potential drugs to test for, toxicology tests are not routinely taken in A&E in these instances.

This did not alter the treatment the patient received, which was appropriate for their symptoms.

As for Claire, she tries not to think about what might have been. Whoever did this, I hope they see the results, she says. It was the most horrendous night of my life, thinking I might lose my daughter.

Millie, meanwhile, says: Physically I feel fine now, but I feel very unsafe and nervous about going out again. I cant stress enough to everyone going out this weekend just how aware and careful you have to be.

The scariest part is not knowing who did this or why. I just dont want any other young person to end up in hospital tomorrow morning in the same state I was left in.
In order to make up for staff shortages, the company is offering double pay to flight attendants who pick up extra shifts

As the complaints continue to roll in, the airline points out that the cancellations are slowing, with Friday seeing the fewest since Sunday

'It's so clear they don't care about their customers, these cancellations are wack on top of of being the least comfortable airline to ride onSMH' someone tweeted.

In its sixth day of mass cancellations, frustrated Spirit customers who have been left stranded take to social media to bash the airline

Spirit Airlines cancellations continue as the airline was forced to axe 43 percent of their scheduled flights for Friday, totaling 1,700 canceled flights since Sunday

Spirit Airlines was expected to cancel more than 400 flights for a sixth day in a row Friday following a 'perfect storm' of operational issues that will lead to more cancellations over the weekend.

After axing 43 percent of scheduled flights for Friday and more than 1,700 since Sunday, Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie acknowledged, 'It's been a terrible week for us.'

Frustrated customers who have been left stranded took to social media to bash the beleaguered budget airline - some vowing to never fly Spirit ever again.

'I just hope everyone who has flown with them now sees what Spirit Airlines really is and how little they care for you since they've stranded you without explanation or refund or support (I heard they gave a meal ticket lol),' one person tweeted.

Spirit Airlines' woes continued into their fifth straight day Friday, as the airline was forced to cut more than half of its flights on Thursday, with more cancellations incoming. Customers were seen Thursday waiting on line at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

Customers of a canceled Spirit flight Tuesday morning were force to sleep at LAX Airport. The mass cancellations have been occurring since Sunday

Stranded customers at Fort Lauderdale Airport get upset and ask where there luggage is

Another person tweeted: 'Thanks for canceling my flight. I did not receive a full refund and I lost my hotel reservation...I don't think your company needs a negative reputation because you're too busy to pick up the phone. After all, since y'all aren't flying, what else are you doing???'

'It's so clear they don't care about their customers, these cancellations are wack on top of of being the least comfortable airline to ride onSMH' a frustrated customer tweeted.

'Y'all cancelled my friends flight as they were sitting in the terminal.I hate you guys, I hadn't seen her since COVID-19. Trash airline,' the same person added.

As the complaints continue to roll in, the airline is looking ahead and pointed out that cancellations are slowing, with Friday seeing the fewest since Sunday.

Spirit CEO Ted Christie said Thursday evening that the mass cancellations had been brewing throughout July

'We're continuing with our way forward to fly as much as we can while also make progress on repairing our operation and repositioning our crews,' Spirit head of communications Erik Hofmeyer told CNN. 'We still have work to do, but we are now in the position to see reductions in cancellations in the days to come.'

The airline expects cancellations to continue into the weekend, but said it is optimistic that operations will return to normal by the middle of next week.

'It's been a terrible week for us, for our guests.' Spirit CEO Christie told Good Morning America on Friday. 'All the team members are working super hard to try to get us back where we want to be. There will still be cancelations over the next few days, but we can start to build back to a full operation and then build from the takeaways that we get from this last week.'

In a call with reporters Thursday night, Spirit CEO Ted Christie said that a combination of factors, including staffing shortages and bad weather led to chronic delays in July. That led to crews timing out, or reaching the maximum amount of time they could legally work per day.

'We couldn't get in front of it,' he said, according to CNBC, and he estimated the cancellations likely affected tens of thousands of Spirit customers.

To ease staff shortages, the company is offering double pay to flight attendants who pick up extra shifts and is offering accommodations, flight credits, refunds, hotel vouchers and meal vouchers to impacted guests, as 'warranted by each Guest's individual circumstance,' ABC News reported.

The Deleon family says their Puerto Rican vacation got extended from eight days to ten. While they were able to get rebooked on another flight home, the family had to spend over $800 in additional expenses and accommodations

But those vouchers may not be enough.

Brenda Deleon told DailyMail.com that her family's eight-day vacation to Puerto Rico had to be extended by two days - at a cost of $1,000 - because of Spirit.

After receiving notification of the cancellation late Tuesday night, Deleon tried to contact Spirit customer service but wasn't able to speak with someone.

'I called last night and was on hold for 42 minutes, but figured they were closed. This morning I went to the airport to talk to someone, but the Spirit kiosk was empty,' she said.

Deleon called the airlines 1-800 line again on Wednesday and was able to rebook the family's flights for Friday at 2.50am. But, the family still faced issues with accommodations.

'Our AirBnb was booked tonight so we looked for another home for $478.41 and two days of car rental for $342.34,' she said.

'[Spirit said] they will refund only half of what trip costs which is not an option since prices with other airlines skyrocketed. We have to wait it out.'
Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday expressed confidence Democrats would keep control of the House in the 2022 election.

'I'm very confident that we will win the House,' she said during her weekly Capitol news conference.

Her comments came after a report that Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, the head of the House Democrats' campaign arm, warned if the midterm elections were held now, the Democrats would lose the majority.

He partnered his bleak forecast with new polling that showed Democrats falling behind Republicans by a half-dozen points on a generic ballot in battleground districts, Politico reported.

Pelosi dismissed the warning.

'There are several scenarios here,' she said. 'That was one of them.'

She said Democrats would use the odds to run even harder.

'I always run from behind,' she said.

'We always want to be cautious,' Pelosi said. Maloney's message to lawmakers last week, she noted, was 'always run scared.'

Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed confidence Democrats would keep control of the House in the 2022 election

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (center) has taken to calling Pelosi a 'lame duck's speaker

Pelosi holds a slim majority in the House: 220 Democrats to 212 Republicans and three vacant seats.

Historically, the president's party tends to do badly in the first midterms after they talk office. Both Barack Obama and Donald Trump saw their respective parties lose control of the House of Representatives in their first midterms - 2010 and 2018.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, who would be the presumptive speaker if Republicans win the House next year, has expressed confidence of his own he'll take the top job.

McCarthy has called Pelosi a 'lame duck speaker' - an insult to her power and his way of declaring he will occupy the office next. Pelosi would be a lame duck only if Republicans win control of the House in the November 2022 election.

He has doubled down on that, causing outraged Democrats to demand McCarthy apologize or resign for a comment he made over the weekend where he threated to hit Pelosi with the speaker's gavel should he replace her in the House's top job.

'Dear @GOPLeader McCarthy: Don't you think America has had enough political violence? You should never be encouraging or threatening or joking about causing violence to anyone, including the Speaker of the House. You need to apologize for your statement, or resign,' wrote Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California.

Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Jim McGovern also called on McCarthy to resign.

Several other Democratic lawmakers took to Twitter to defend Pelosi and accused McCarthy of inciting violence against women. Several women noted McCarthy voted against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. McCarthy was one of 157 Republicans who voted against it in April 2019 although it did garner enough support to pass the House.

'Shocked to hear this language coming from the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. Not shocked to hear it coming from someone who voted NO on the Violence Against Women Act. Violence is never a joke. Kevin McCarthy should be ashamed,' wrote Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire.

McCarthy's office shrugged off the criticism.

'There is no 'fallout'  it was a joke,' a McCarthy spokesman told DailyMail.com.

The GOP Leader was invited to speak to the 1,400 people attending the Statesmen's Dinner in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday - a big fundraising event for the state party.

At the dinner, McCarthy was presented with an oversized gavel. If Republicans win control of the House in the 2022 midterm election, Pelosi would hand McCarthy a large gavel to symbolize his party taking over the chamber when the new House session begins in January 2023. McCarthy gave Pelosi the gavel in January 2019 after Democrats won control of the House in the 2018 election.

McCarthy said he'd invite everyone at the dinner to attend.

'I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel,' he added, before adding: 'It'll be hard not to hit her with it, but I will bang it down.'

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was presented with a large gavel at a Statesmen's dinner in Nashville on Saturday where he said: 'I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel. It'll be hard not to hit her with it, but I will bang it down'

The audience roared and applauded his comment.

Audio of the remarks from McCarthy were captured by Main Street Nashville.

With control of Congress at stake next year, along with Joe Biden's ability to pass his legislative agenda, Democrats have invested heavily in the president, establishing party embeds in some of the major battle ground states as part of the coordination effort with the White House as they double down on this presidency as their midterm message.

That coordination includes a united messaging strategy, specifically promoting Biden's legislation agenda, including the Child Tax Credit and his American Rescue Plan. Last month, the three Democratic campaign committees released a rare joint ad touting the Child Tax Credit and its benefits on the middle class.

The economy will be a key talking point.

A White House official told DailyMail.com the focus is on 'the strength of our agenda, and the impact that it is already having  through things like the Child Tax Credit  and will have through more jobs, tax cuts, and lower costs for working families.'
New York City's beloved 'Barry the owl' died early Friday when he was struck and killed by a Central Park maintenance vehicle while searching for food.

The Central Park Conservancy group confirmed the death of a barred owl in a Tweet, saying he had been flying low to the ground, probably hunting, when he made contact with one of their vehicles.

'The barred owl's presence in Central Park brought so much joy, reminding all of us that the Park is a vital greenspace for all New Yorkers, including the wildlife that call it home,' the conservancy said.

Barry the owl was photogenic bird who appeared to pose for photos of his fans in Central Park. Pictured above is one of the last photos of him before the park announced the death of a beloved barred owl

Central Park's official Twitter account broke the news that a 'beloved barred owl' had died

Barry's Twitter fan account later confirmed that he was the owl that had been killed

Photos of Barry were incredibly popular on social media as dozens of fans would flock to the park to take pictures of him. One fan even did this painting of him

The hyperlocal news site, Patch, identified the owl as Barry, the park's resident star.

An unofficial Twitter account set up to chart Barry's adventures also confirmed the dead bird's identity.

People on social media paid their respects to Barry, who despite being nocturnal, surprised passersby with daytime appearances in Central Park.

The owl was first spotted in Central Park last October by devoted bird watcher Robert DeCandido, The New York Times reports.

With its intense black eyes and poufy feathers, Barry's photogenic looks quickly made him a star, star as dozens flocked to the park to take photos of the owl for social media.

Barry even had his own Twitter page, which featured photos and videos of him and his fellow owls in Central park.

One fan. Wendy Iraheta, of Harlem, even waited for more than an hour just to take a video of Barry tending his feathers.

''It melts your heart,' she said. 'It's pretty much one of the cutest things I've ever.'

Barry was first spotted in the park in fall 2020, with his brief spell in the spotlight coming to a tragic end on August 6

Another fan joked they would hunt down Barry's killer and said they'd do a 'John Wick on them' - a reference to the vigilante film character played by Keanu Reeves.

DeCandido said he was glad to have discovered Barry and said the owl's popularity was helping conservation efforts.

'The more people see this, the more they'll like owls, and the less they'll want ice-skating rinks and things that reduce what owls need, which is woods.'

According to the Audubon Society, barred owls enjoy wooded lands and swamps and have been known to hunt in the daytime.

The barred owl is characterized for its less aggressive attitude compared to its fellow owls.

This type of owl is known is known to fly low through the forest when hunting, and it may hover before dropping in on its prey.
Ron DeSantis on Friday mocked Joe Biden for saying 'governor who?' when asked about Florida's no-mask policy and said he 'wasn't surprised' the president 'doesn't remember me'.

'Well I guess Im not surprised that Biden doesnt remember me. I guess the question is what else has he forgotten?' DeSantis said at a press conference in Tampa.

The Florida Republican and the White House have been in war of words since he announced he was banning mask mandates in schools.

It also came just hours after Biden said 350 million Americans had been vaccinated - more than the entire population.

DeSantis then listed what Biden had 'forgotten' in including the southern border, the Cuba crisis and the 'constitution itself'.

'Im the governor who protects parents and their ability to make the right choices for their kids education,' he said, referring to his executive order banning mask mandates in schools, which has sparked backlash in Washington.

'I'm the governor who protects the jobs and education and businesses in Florida by not letting the federal government lock us down.

Ron DeSantis on Friday mocked Joe Biden for saying 'governor who?' when asked about Florida's no-mask policy and said he 'wasn't surprised' the president 'doesn't remember me'. I guess the question is what else has he forgotten?' DeSantis fired back

'Im the governor who answers to the people of Florida, not to bureaucrats in Washington.'

DeSantis' comments on Friday came just hours after Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki took aim his policies again in the ongoing tit-for-tat.

Psaki took a dig at DeSantis' executive order by saying politicians should not be deciding mask policy and insisted the 'vast majority' of Republican governors were doing a 'good job' when it came to COVID.

She highlighted Arkansas's Asa Hutchinson and Maryland's Larry Hogan for praise as she continued her attacks on DeSantis.

Hutchinson said recently he regretted signing a law banning local mask mandates. Maryland has a 78% vaccination rate and Hogan was one of the first governors in America to require face masking.

'I want public health officials to make decisions about how to keep my kids safe, not politicians,' Psaki said

'Not only is Gov. DeSantis not abiding by public health decisions, he is fundraising off of this.'

Fox News' Peter Doocy asked Psaki if she was worried about 'harmful emotional damage and psychological effects' making young children mask up in school could have, as DeSantis has highlighted experts who say this could be the case.

'No,' the press secretary said. 'I will tell you from personal experience my rising kindergartener told me two days ago she could wear a mask all day. She's just happy to go to camp and go to school.'

'Parents in Florida, parents across the country, should have the ability and the knowledge that their kids are going to school and they're in safe environments that shouldn't be too much to ask,' she added.

'Governor who?' Biden joked with reporters when asked about the Florida Governor at an electric vehicle event at the White House

DeSantis has threatened to withhold funds from Florida school districts if they mandate that students wear face coverings. He said the new CDC recommendations for masks in classrooms 'lacks' scientific justification.

Amid rising cases due to the Delta variant of Covid-19 the CDC did an about-face and said that in high-risk areas - which is much of the country - even vaccinated people should mask up in public. It also recommended universal masking in schools.

This prompted cries from some that telling vaccinated people they still needed to wear masks could undermine perceptions of the jab's efficacy.

On Friday Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., wrote a letter, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, to CDC director Rochelle Walensky asking that the CDC release the data it used to come to the latest recommendation.

DeSantis then listed what Biden had 'forgotten' in including the southern border, the Cuba crisis and the 'constitution itself'

'After 15 months of abiding by public health safety guidelines, vaccinated Americans were able to rejoice and to return to some semblance of normalcy. However, the CDC has elicited increasing confusion with its recent reversal, failing to be fully transparent with the data it is using to amend its latest mask guidance,' the letter read.

The CDC had cited a recent outbreak in Barnstable, Mass., where following the July 4th weekend there were 469 cases of Covid-19 - 74 per cent among fully vaccinated people and most showing symptoms. Garbarino's letter noted that a different study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found the rate of breakthrough cases in fully vaccinated people is less than one percent.

'Furthermore, the concept that children must now wear face coverings while attending school ignores and rejects available scientific data on the issue, given that countless studies have shown that children experience lower infection and transmission rates than adults,' the New York Republican wrote.

Meanwhile, White House and DeSantis have traded barbs all week after the governor directed schools to break from guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and leave the choice up to parents whether they send their kids to school wearing a mask.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona also warned Thursday there could be more closures if the war over face masks in schools continues.

'I'm worried that the decisions that are being made, that are not putting students at the center and student health and safety at the center, is going to be why schools may be disrupted. We know what to do,' he said.

'We can either have a free society or we can have a biomedical security state,' DeSantis said about coronavirus restrictions.

'And I can tell you, Florida, we're a free state. People are going to be free to choose.'

'I want public health officials to make decisions about how to keep my kids safe, not politicians,' the press secretary, above, told reporters on Friday

Biden warned on Friday that the number of coronavirus cases would go up before it came down but insisted America could beat the Delta surge and that the economic plan was working after the U.S. economy added 943,000 jobs in July.

The numbers surpass expectations but come amid warnings that the rapid spread of the Delta variant could reverse gains amid fears of fresh lockdowns and closures.

Even as he celebrated the jobs figures as proof that his policies were working, the president voiced fears of tough times ahead.

'Cases are going to go up before they come back down,' he said at the White House. 'It's a pandemic of the unvaccinated.'

He also garbled his words when he said 350 million Americans had been vaccinated, more than the entire population of the US.

Speaking just before he flew out to his Delaware home for the weekend, he wore a tan suit - triggering a wave of jokes on social media as commentators remembered the furore set off by President Obama's tan suit in 2014.

Biden added that the country was better prepared with vaccinations and masks this time around, so that the economic damage would not be as severe as it was last year.

'America can beat the Delta variant. Just as we beat the original COVID-19,' he said.

'We can do this.'

After delivering remarks, Biden left the White House without answering reporters questions, for a summer weekend at his home in Wilmington, Delaware

Florida will PAY parents to move their kids to private schools if they're 'bullied' for not wearing face masks a week after Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed he'd banned compulsory face coverings in schools

Florida officials have promised to pay for parents to move their children to private schools if they are 'bullied' for not wearing face masks in schools.

The Florida Department of Education approved an emergency rule Friday to hand out private school vouchers to any parent wanting to take their children out of public schools that have enforced mask mandates.

Such vouchers, offered through the Hope Scholarship, are usually used to move children from schools where they are the victims of bullying.

Under the emergency measure, the vouchers can now be used to move students out of school if they are subjected to so-called 'COVID-19 harassment' - where parents say a school's mask mandate or other COVID-19 restrictions amount to harassment and discrimination of their children.

This marks the latest round of the fight between Governor Ron DeSantis and local school boards in Florida.

Last Friday, DeSantis issued an executive order banning schools from issuing mask mandates for students when they return to class next month and vowed that Florida will not introduce any new COVID-19 restrictions.

The governor threatened to withhold state funding from school districts if they did not comply.

COVID-19 cases are surging across the Sunshine State with officials recording the highest tally of new infections Friday since the start of the pandemic and children accounting for around a fifth of all new cases.
The White House is tightening its restrictions visitors seeking to enter the building amid rising cases nationwide and the proliferation of the highly transmissive Delta variant  guests required say whether they are vaccinated and pay for their own tests starting Sunday.

Reporters, who are overwhelmingly vaccinated, will not be exempt from the new policy.

Under the new policy, visitors are being asked to sign an 'attestation of vaccination' prior to entering the building  which includes a large but crowded indoor workspace for members of the working press, as well as outdoor areas on the North Lawn of the White House where TV reporters shoot stand-up shots.

The White House is tightening vaccination policies for guest, and requiring reporters to sign forms attesting to their vaccination status  with visitors paying for coronavirus testing if they do not attest to being vaccinated

Visitors are to indicate whether they are fully vaccinated, are not fully vaccinated, or if they 'decline to answer.'

Those who aren't vaccinated or who decline to answer are instructed to complete a test conducted by the White House, wear a mask at all times while on White House grounds, and socially distance. The guests are required to pay for the tests.

Federal employees are being required to make similar attestations to their vaccine status, although the White House has said taxpayers will pick up the tab for unvaccinated people who will require testing.

In June, amid dropping coronavirus cases and surveys showing a vast majority of White House reporters had been vaccinated, the White House lifted daily testing requirements for the press. Unvaccinated members of the press were still required to get tests to enter the grounds, and to pay for the tests.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the administration continues to mount a 'wartime response against the virus'

White House visitors, including reporters, must sign a form attesting to their vaccination status

Biden was seated far away from Vice President Kamala Harris at an event with Asian American leaders Thursday

President Joe Biden (L) greets Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) after delivering remarks on electric vehicles on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 05 August 2021

On Thursday, officials recorded 109,824 new cases of the virus with a seven-day rolling average of 98,518. The U.S. is almost at an average of 100,000 per day, which hasn't been seen since mid-February.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, asked about the new policy as well as other developments, said generally the administration was continuing to mount a 'wartime response against the virus.'

She said there were 'early conversations, early discussions about a range of options,' amid reports the administration was pursuing financial pressures to force vaccination requirements. She called the moves 'pre-decisional.'

It comes amid a sudden increase in vaccinations in states like Louisiana that have been slammed by the Delta variant amid overall vaccination rates well below the national average.

There have been other observable changes around the White House. At an event Thursday with Asian American leaders, Biden was seated far away from Vie President Kamala Harris at an indoor event. But he chatted up close during out outdoor event on the South Lawn with unmasked lawmakers who had been invited as guests.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about whether official guests at White House events would be paying for their own tests if they weren't vaccinated, or whether unvaccinated people would be invited to the White House.
The state mortuary is overflowing in the Namibian capital of Windhoek.

Corpses stacked three-deep in refrigeration units have to be rotated each day with those piled in the corridors, at room temperature.

Horrifying footage has circulated on social media of staff lugging leaking body bags like so many sacks of rotten potatoes.

The south-west African country is in the grip of the Delta variant-driven third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The healthcare system, such as it was, has folded under the onslaught. The country now has the second highest per capita Covid-19 mortality rate in the world, after Tunisia.

If you are a middle-aged or elderly Namibian with an underlying health problem and have caught the virus, you are in the hands of providence.

The hospitals will not take you. They have to carry out a brutal triage.

Pharmacist Netti Pitsche told the Mail that not even her extensive network of contacts in the local medical profession could prevent her from losing both her parents in the space of two weeks.

When her 75-year-old father contracted the virus and his blood oxygen level fell dangerously low, Netti spent an entire night calling everyone she knew to try to get him into a hospital and on a respirator. To no avail.

The first thing every hospital asked was how old is he? she said. If youre older than 50 and have any kind of comorbidity, they will not admit you.

A week later, her mother also died at home as result of Covid-related complications.

Neutral observers and those within the Oxford AZ programme believe the deadly perception has been caused by cynical politicking in the European Union and the U.S

Oxygen supplies to help the stricken are at a premium.

But most pressing is the supply shortage of vaccines against the virus. And the uptake.

Less than one per cent of the 2.5 million population have been double vaccinated.

Last week the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the Netherlands was sending to Namibia significant doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Hague would also be donating the British-developed inoculations to Surinam, Cape Verde and Indonesia.

The Oxford-AZ vaccines had been languishing in cold storage in the Netherlands, said the report.

This was because the Dutch people preferred the alternative jabs provided by rivals Pfizer and Moderna. No reason was given by NBC for this privileged preference.

But the inference was clear to some in Africa.

We have become a dumping site read one of the Namibian comments below the report on the NBCs news website.

And that goes to the very heart of an avoidable global tragedy.

Dumping suggests rubbish. But the Oxford-AZ vaccine is far from that. It is a brilliant achievement.

It was produced in record time to protect the world - rich or poor- from an existential threat.

It is being sold not for profit, like others which have come on the market, but at cost price.

It is the embodiment of a truly humanitarian approach to a global disaster.

This week saw the production of the billionth Oxford-AZ dose - sent now to 170 countries - and the launch of a Barbie doll figure of Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert who led the Oxford-AZ programme.

But the perception in south-west Africa, as well as other parts of the developing world ravaged by Covid-19, is that when they are getting Oxford-AZ they are getting something second rate; what the First World does not want.

Therefore dangerous. To be avoided.

The perception in south-west Africa, as well as other parts of the developing world ravaged by Covid-19, is that when they are getting Oxford-AZ they are getting something second rate; what the First World does not want. Above: Patients in hospital in Kampala, Uganda

That suspicion has led to reluctance and then rejection. And that has had fatal consequences in the fight against Covid-19.

Many neutral observers - as well as those directly involved in the Oxford-AZ development programme - believe this deadly perception has been caused by cynical politicking in the European Union and the U.S. and the critical utterances, unbacked by scientific proof, of one man in particular: French President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview last month, Adam Ritchie, project manager at Oxford Universitys Jenner Institute (which developed the vaccine with AstraZeneca) said it had been made a scapegoat at a time when the EU was floundering with its own vaccine programme.

Macrons pronouncements on the vaccine would stick forever... the one vaccine thats not for profit has been dumped on again and again.

Last night another major figure in the Oxford-AZ development programme went further.

They told me: Lots of people have died because of Macrons comments. Southern Africa is the best example [of this]. Astra have effectively given away 10-20 billion dollars voluntarily, by pricing at cost. Yet it gets nothing but criticism.

The pandemic hit at a time when post-Brexit political relations between the UK and Europe were already in a state of flux, if not mutual suspicion or hostility.

Britain left the EU in January 2020, with the transition period ending a year later. This was the period during which the Oxford AZ vaccine was fully developed.

One of the UK Governments rare, unquestionably competent decisions during the crisis was to bet on the Oxford-AZ vaccine programmes success by investing in it at an early stage and placing large-scale pre-orders for the resulting drug.

By late autumn last year, when the first Phase III trial results were publicised, this initiative offered a beacon of hope.

Another Covid-19 vaccine had emerged at the same time, developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, a German-American collaboration. But there were significant cost and storage differences.

Today, Pfizer charges the EU around $14.70 (10.59) per dose. The drug also requires long-term storage in specialised freezers at between -80c and -60c.

The Oxford-AZ vaccine could be kept long-term in an ordinary domestic fridge at temperatures above freezing.

And AstraZeneca declared that it would not seek a profit during the pandemic.

Its vaccine would cost around $3 (2.16) a shot, a fraction of the price of its rivals, and would therefore be affordable across the world (today the Moderna vaccine costs around $18 (12.97) per dose and the single shot Johnson & Johnson $8.50 (6.13).

Belatedly, the EU - acting collectively for member states - also wanted in on the Oxford breakthrough.

But their negotiating approach towards AstraZeneca was unexpected. There was a ferocious attempt to drive down the price of a drug, which was already being offered at or near cost.

And after three months they succeeded. The EU got a price of only $2.15 (1.55) per dose, below what the UK government pays. But the negotiated deal was flawed.

Overwhelmed by demand, AstraZeneca did not have the capacity to deliver in the quantity and timescale it had agreed with Brussels.

So were sown the seeds of what would become a full-blown vaccine war that would have dire reputational consequences for the Oxford-AZ jab and even more serious ramifications far beyond the boundaries of Europe.

Hostilities broke out at the start of this year when it became clear to the EU that it would not be getting even half the Oxford-AZ supplies it expected.

The manufacturers were accused of favouring orders to the UK where the public vaccination programme was outstripping that in the ponderous EU.

In the midst of the pandemic, Brussels decided to sue AstraZeneca  a morally untenable action, according to Adam Ritchie.

The EU said it would block the export of the vaccine that had been manufactured in member states.

Indeed, it did stop a shipment to Australia. The legal action continues.

There were other EU grumblings about the British wonder drug.

Only 2.7 million of South Africas 60 million population have been fully vaccinated. A Covid patient breaths oxygen in hospital in Cape Town

Not enough elderly people had taken part in earlier clinical trials to satisfy some national regulatory bodies of the vaccines efficacy among the aged.

It had since been proven perfectly efficient. But too late to prevent President Macrons disastrous intervention.

In January, only hours after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved its use on all adults, the French leader told reporters that Oxford-AZ was quasi-ineffective for over-65s and that it doesnt work the way we were expecting [it] to.

Under fire because of the huge disparity between the UK and French mass immunisation numbers, he added: The goal is not to have the biggest number of first injections.

It was a lie to tell people they were vaccinated if they had had a first dose of a vaccine that is made up of two.

Current evidence does not suggest any lack of protection against Covid-19 in people aged 65 or over who receive the Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) chief executive, Dr June Raine, responded in a statement.

The data we have show that the vaccine produces a strong immune response in the over-65s, and that it is safe.

But Macrons words had gone around the world. A doubt had been created.

By spring, French doctors were talking of a wave of panic, despite French regulators signing off the drug for use in the elderly.

Macrons communication over AstraZeneca has been totally disastrous to the extent that I personally think there were political motives behind it, such as making Britain pay for Brexit or the delay in supplies, Dr Milena Wehenkel was reported as saying at one Paris vaccine centre in April.

By then, a new Oxford-AZ scare story had come along. It was being linked to potentially fatal blood clots in the young.

The chances were minute - one fatal thrombosis had occurred following every 500,000 doses. The EMA conducted a safety review and concluded the overall benefits far outweighed possible risks.

Last month it was reported that researchers from Spain, the UK and the Netherlands compared data from more than 1.3 million people and concluded that those who had the Oxford-AZ jab developed blood clots at the same rate as those who had the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

And those who had Covid-19 developed thromboses at a higher rate than those who had either jab.

But the damage was done. A dozen European countries stopped using the British jab. Some, such as Denmark and Norway, stopped for good.

The EU thumbs-down was confirmed in June by a piece of political theatre, when the German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a Moderna jab as her second vaccination.

Her first, two months earlier, had been Oxford-AZ.

The story of her rejection went around the world. And as alternatives became more available, European nations began to dump their unfairly maligned and therefore unwanted Oxford-AZ supplies where they could.

That meant the developing world, where any protection against Covid-19 was welcome. But even that would change.

Europes leaders have behaved with a reckless condescension. As if the developing world wont discover that the vaccines they are being sent with such apparent philanthropy were the vaccines that had been rejected, as being unfit for purpose, in Europe.

Africa is facing a Covid-19 catastrophe. Only about one per cent of the continents 1.3 billion people have been fully vaccinated.

Health authorities are desperate for deliveries of the Oxford-AZ jab.

But even modest mass immunisation targets are being undermined by supply shortages, scare stories and international politicking.

In Malawi in May, 19,000 Oxford-AZ doses were incinerated after going past their use-by date.

The country had received 102,000 from the African Union. But the uptake was low. People were worried.

In capital Lilongwe a shopkeeper was quoted saying: I have heard a lot of stories about people getting blood clots and some even dying after getting immunised.

Are those people telling lies? If it is the truth, why are we being given the same vaccines?

Another factor was the EMAs delay in approving Covishield, the Oxford-AZ vaccine produced on licence for AstraZeneca by the Serum Institute of India.

The majority of EU countries independently recognised the efficacy of the Indian version, which has been given to more than five million Britons (including myself).

But France held out, not changing its stance until late July. Those who had been double-jabbed with Covishield would have to quarantine on entry in the same way as the unvaccinated.

This was noticed globally. Not just in India, where it caused outrage and was described as ugly racism, but in Africa.

In Uganda one million Covishield doses were delivered in March, but only a quarter had been administered by end of April.

People asked if they were getting a bad vaccine? Scare stories impact the confidence that people have in their vaccines, especially coming from... presidents of countries. The fear factor is out there, said virologist John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the government of the country with the highest number of cases on the continent decided it did not want Oxford-AZ even if available.

South Africa has sold on its Oxford-AZ supply - some 1.5 million doses - after local tests had suggested that the vaccine had a low efficacy against the Beta variant of Covid-19.

This was an extraordinary move given that it is the Delta variant  against which the British vaccine is proven effective  that now accounts for more than 70 per cent of cases in the country.

Only 2.7 million of South Africas 60 million population have been fully vaccinated.

A recent study found 54 per cent of South Africans say they are unlikely to get a vaccine and only 28 per cent trust the government to ensure vaccines are safe.

So no vaccine is apparently better than one of allegedly low efficiency against one minority strain? Tell that to the overwhelmed front-line staff in the health care system.

Neighbour Namibia is desperate for any vaccine. It is sticking with Oxford-AZ but for the moment supplies have run out.

They are waiting on the shipment that has been dumped by the Netherlands and other vaccines from China.

Last week global pressure group The Peoples Vaccine Alliance published a study in which they said that the cost of vaccinating the world against Covid-19 could be at least five times cheaper if pharmaceutical companies werent profiteering from their monopolies on vaccines.

The Alliance accused Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are charging governments as much as $41 billion above the estimated cost of production.

As reported in the Mail this week, Pfizer has projected an income of 21.4 billion over the full year for its vaccine and last month raised the price to countries buying booster shots.

In contrast, in the second quarter of the year AstraZeneca reported a modest 643 million revenue from its vaccine sales.

Pfizer defends its pricing structure, pointing out high- and middle-income countries pay more than low-income countries. Low and lower middle-income countries pay a not-for-profit price.

Pfizer did not receive public funding, the company told the Mail. Before we knew whether or not the vaccine would be effective, Pfizer invested approximately $2 billion at risk - meaning that if the vaccine did not work, Pfizer would have borne that entire cost. We decided to self-fund our efforts so we could move as fast as possible.

Moderna was also asked for comment but did not respond.

AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told us: We are in discussions with the EU to ensure a settlement and want to move on.

'Despite all this criticism, we are the second largest supplier of vaccine to Europe.

In the third wave of the pandemic the UK had 139 per cent more cases than South Africa, but suffered 81 per cent fewer deaths.

That is the impact of a successful vaccination campaign, founded on the Oxford-AZ jab.

I believe that many of those South African deaths are attributable to Macron and others who have sowed doubt in the minds of the vulnerable, said the figure who was involved in the Oxford-AZ development programme. For that, he should be ashamed.

Too late, of course, for the parents of Netti Pitsche and thousands of others across the world.

Additional reporting: John Grobler in Windhoek and Amrit Dhillon in Delhi
Former British forces interpreters living under Taliban death sentences wept with joy last night after the Daily Mail secured crucial new breakthroughs from the Defence Secretary to let them live in Britain.

In an exclusive interview, Ben Wallace confirmed that ex-Special Forces translators trapped in so-called third countries were cleared to come here.

They had been expected to return to Afghanistan to submit their applications  a requirement that could prove fatal given their previous employment.

In an exclusive interview, Ben Wallace (pictured) confirmed that ex-Special Forces translators trapped in so-called third countries were cleared to come here

This news is beautiful Former translators trapped in other countries after fleeing the Taliban said news that their cases will be processed in those places was beautiful, uplifting and right. One, Nabi, has lived as a refugee in Greece since 2018 while his wife and four children are in Afghanistan. The 35-year-old, who spent four years serving with the British military on the front line, said: This solution could save the lives of my family because they are not safe from the Taliban as a result of my work for UK forces. To have my case dealt with in Athens lifts a heavy load from me. Nabi (pictured), has lived as a refugee in Greece since 2018 while his wife and four children are in Afghanistan Advertisement

Last night, translators and campaigners welcomed the breakthroughs, which came as the Defence Secretary is poised to personally adjudicate in 88 highly contentious cases under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. This caseload includes interpreters facing reprisals from the Taliban who were previously rejected under ARAP, and some who were terminated by British forces for minor offences.

Mr Wallace, who in recent months has taken action that will see thousands of vulnerable Afghans brought to Britain, told the Mail he would look at these individuals with a sympathetic eye given the countrys dramatically deteriorating security situation.

The Taliban has won a series of devastating victories following the withdrawal of US and UK troops.

Since the new ARAP guidelines were launched in April, 1,400 Afghans  including more than 300 families  have arrived in the UK on nine specially chartered freedom flights. A further 14 flights, carrying around 1,700 more Afghans, are due to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks.

Following the latest concessions won by the Mail, interpreters who worked for Special Forces will be able to come to Britain. They were previously rejected under the ARAP scheme due to issues with their contracts.

They worked at Camp Juno, home to the elite Task Force 444, which worked on top-secret operations that included running spies inside the Taliban. The refusal to grant sanctuary to around a dozen men enraged many UK commanders who recognised their remarkable bravery and skill.

The Camp Juno interpreters will be joined by translators previously trapped in third countries.

Having fled Afghanistan, they felt it was too dangerous to return there to apply for sanctuary  but this stipulation has now been revoked. Mr Wallace said: We have now looked into these cases and we are in a position to bring these people back. I will be putting my signature to a list of those Camp Juno interpreters on Monday.

I think six have been approved and six are pending.

This was a long process because there was not much paperwork to support their applications and we were required to find British officers who had worked with these interpreters to vouch for them.

We have also now changed the law to ensure Afghans are no longer required to go back to the country to submit their paperwork. Credit for this initiative should go to the Home Office. There are around 20 cases which can proceed following this change.

This coming week I will also adjudicate personally on 88 contentious cases, including applicants who were previously rejected by ARAP or were terminated from service for a minor offence. I will look at these cases with a sympathetic eye and an understanding of the perilous situation many of them are in and their contribution to us. But I must balance that, as will the Home Secretary, with protecting British security. Last night an interpreter trapped in Greece thanked the Government and the Mail for the removal of ARAP criteria which meant he would have had to return to Afghanistan to submit his application.

A matter of life or death The close-knit group of interpreters who worked with Special Forces said news that they will be allowed sanctuary was life-saving. Habib, 39, who worked for the Triple Four group at Camp Juno, Helmand, for 16 months, said: This is wonderful news and could honestly be the difference between life and death. I thank the Defence Secretary for his compassion in making the right decision  and especially [the Mail] for raising our voice and never giving up on us. They often operated with the SAS and intelligence officers, making them a high-priority Taliban target. Shane, 34, who worked at Juno from 2007 to 2010, said the UK had recognised its moral obligation. It is understood 12 ex-translators and families are likely to be rescued. Close: The camp interpreters Advertisement

Nabi, 35, who has lived there as a refugee since 2018, is one of 20 former translators stuck in Europe. Others are thought to be living in India, Pakistan and Australia. Nabi, who has suffered death threats, said: This is beautiful and uplifting. This solution could save the lives of my family. The moves were also welcomed last night by retired Major General Charlie Herbert, a former commander of UK forces in Helmand who has campaigned for more interpreters to come to Britain.

He said: I am absolutely delighted with this decision. It has taken too long to come, and only serves to highlight the injustice of rejecting those who were employed on third party contracts. I am so grateful to the Daily Mail for their support to these men. I am also grateful to the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary for their support  they have done far more than their predecessors.

But there is still so much more to do; not least for those dismissed and those who the MoD considers to have been in non-exposed roles. The Taliban make no such distinction. Last week dozens of former British commanders wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister asking him to expand the ARAP scheme and warning that the UK would face dishonour if any of its former translators were killed by the Taliban.

Seven ex-Coalition translators are feared to have been murdered by the militants this year.

But Mr Wallace hit back, suggesting they should share the blame for any ARAP issues because his officials are being forced to adjudicate on cases involving incomplete files and a lack of clarity over the reasons why translators were dismissed.

UK forces terminated the employment of 35 per cent of its translators, in many cases without due process or the right of appeal. The Defence Secretary said: Funnily enough, the people in charge of some of those processes were some of those who wrote that letter.

Mr Wallace also called on councils to do more to assist vulnerable Afghans. He said 34 local authorities had declined to take part in the ARAP scheme, even though it costs them nothing.

A shortage of housing means Afghan families will be put in big hotels, which isnt ideal.

Now military officials will review Afghan translator's rejected relocation bid as crucial documents are provided

EXCLUSIVE By David Williams and Mark Nicol for the Daily Mail

Military officials are to review the rejected relocation bid of an Afghan translator after the Daily Mail provided crucial documents in his favour.

Latif Hottak, 36, was denied the right to come to the UK because the Ministry of Defence said he had been dismissed from his job as an interpreter in January 2011.

But salary records handed to the MoD raise disturbing questions about the case, and suggest that Latif was still working  and being paid  a year later.

Both Latif and his brother, Rafi, himself a former supervisor of Afghan interpreters who now campaigns from the UK, have maintained that his role as an interpreter did not finish until summer 2012.

Front line: Latif Hottak, right, with a colleague in Afghanistan

The emergence of the crucial evidence has serious implications for many other ex-translators who are at risk  along with their families  of Taliban revenge attacks.

Rafi, 34, who was blown up in a Helmand raid that killed a British officer, said: I welcome the review, it is an important step but there are many unanswered, unexplained questions about Latifs case which will have devastating and probably ultimately fatal consequences if he is wrongly denied relocation.

He is hoping Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will intervene following his promise to personally review contentious claims.

In his letter, Rafi told Mr Wallace he represented a final chance of resolving a situation that could lead to my brothers death at the hands of the Taliban.

Looking from the outside, something appears very wrong, he wrote.

Latif is languishing in the near darkness of a Kabul basement  frightened, depressed and convinced he will be left to the Taliban by the country he risked his life for.

Rafi is hoping Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) will intervene following his promise to personally review contentious claims

At the heart of the case is a claim by the MoD that his employment was terminated for a serious offence in January 2011 while he was working at a special forces base known as Fort Hunter.

The dismissal means he is not entitled to relocate to the UK. But Latif insists he found out about it only last year when he applied to Britain for sanctuary.

Latif categorically denies the sacking in January 2011, as does Rafi, who insists it cannot be true as he was working with him until that June.

In a claim confirmed by officers in the UK, Latif says he continued to work until the summer of 2012, and left only when Fort Hunter was handed over to Afghan forces. Certificates from the time and a pay log support this, Rafi says.

The Daily Mails award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign has highlighted Latifs case. This paper was told his employment was terminated in January 2011 for helping to provide false English test results for Afghan soldiers. Both Latif and Rafi are adamant this is untrue.

They have produced certificates from named officers praising Latif and his work, dated July 2011 and January 2012.

At the heart of the case is a claim by the MoD that his employment was terminated for a serious offence in January 2011 while he was working at a special forces base known as Fort Hunter. Pictured: File image of the Ministry of Defence building in Whitehall, London

These were put to the MoD and remain unexplained, although defence officials insist their records are correct.

But the militarys payment files suggest Latif was in fact employed and paid during 2011.

His name is the second of 21 on the pay list, verified by his British military identity number, his job and in a column marked UK Top Up Pay the sum of US$850.

The last of the forms seen by the Mail is dated November 24 to December 23, 2011, apparently supporting the claim he was employed for a year after he is said to have been sacked.

Rafi wrote: For Latif and others this is literally a matter of life and death, for the Government it is a test of their moral responsibility and what Britain stands for.

Meanwhile, in Kabul, Latif waits wondering if what he says is the truth will emerge. He said: I feel like giving up. I am depressed, scared and live in hiding, I do not know if I have a future but I want the truth and to know why and how this has happened.

I am being punished every day and if I remain in Afghanistan it is a matter of time before the Taliban will come again for me. My blood will be on their hands but some will be spilt on those who turned their backs.

An MoD spokesman said: Every dismissal was for a valid reason. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy allows officials to review all cases of dismissal on a case-by-case basis and relocate them if there are no other concerns.

Those who were dismissed for the most serious offences, including those that constitute a crime in the UK, or would be a security concern, will not be eligible for relocation.
I am a flat owner looking to buy the freehold - what is the section 5 notice I've been issued with and how does it work? VP

Have you been served a section 5 notice? A section 5 notice is the landlords offer to sell the freehold

Myra Butterworth, MailOnline's Property expert replies: A section 5 notice is the landlords offer to sell the freehold.

The right to buy the freehold can be extremely valuable for leaseholders.

Leaseholders who buy the freehold can give themselves 999 year leases - removing clauses such as uncapped ground rent increases and high permission charges for things like keeping pets.

Liam Spender, of law firm Velitor Law, replies: The Section 5 is a Right of First Refusal that requires the freeholder to offer the freehold to leaseholders at the same price he could potentially offer to a third party.

Qualifying tenants - who are typically leaseholders but the term includes others - have the right of first refusal to buy their freehold.

That is if they live in the right type of building and if the freeholder wants to sell the freehold. The right is set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.

The law also covers other types of transactions. It is a criminal offence for a freeholder to sell the freehold to a third party without first offering to sell it to the leaseholders at the same price. A sale in breach of the 1987 Act may also see the purchaser forced to sell the freehold to the leaseholders.

The right is extremely valuable. Leaseholders who buy the freehold can give themselves 999 year leases at no ground rent and without high permission fees for things like keeping pets.

They can also take over the management of the property. That means no longer having to rely on a third party landlord and having much greater control over their buildings. Unfortunately, the law is often legitimately avoided in relation to new build flats.

Two examples are developers agreeing forward sales while the building is still under construction, or developers including more than 50 per cent non-residential floor space in the building.

Leaseholders who buy the freehold can give themselves 999 year leases at no ground rent and without high permission fees for things like keeping pets

EVALUATING A FREEHOLD OFFER Adrian Lowery of Thisismoney says: I know from personal experience that buying a freehold can be a tricky and sometimes confusing experience. However, receiving a section 5 at least clears the first hurdle, in that it shows the freeholder is willing to sell! Whether of course the price is agreeable to the leaseholders or not is a different matter, and that will in part determine how you respond to the notice. It may be that the third party is willing to pay a price that you are not. You can get an estimate of the value of a freehold by using calculators that can be found online. For a valuation with more weight (which will almost certainly be necessary in any negotiations with a freeholder) you will need a chartered surveyor. It is also worth bearing in mind that where there are just two leaseholders (as in, say a house that has been converted into flats), setting up a company to buy the freehold might not be necessary: the process can often be managed with a Declaration of Trust, which is less hassle. An excellent  and free  resource for all leaseholders confronting various issues is the Leasehold Advisory Service. Advertisement

A section 5 notice is the landlords offer to sell the freehold. The landlord must serve the notice on 90 per cent of all leaseholders. If someone proves that the notice is not served on 90 per cent of all qualifying tenants, the landlord may still potentially be prosecuted.

The 1987 Act does not define what service means. The Interpretation Act 1978 says that a notice served by post is deemed served in the ordinary course of post. This is the second working day after posting a first class letter and the fourth working day after posting a second class letter.

Lease terms also often include notice clauses that say when a notice from the landlord is deemed served, typically two to three days after posting, which may assist where the landlord is the freeholder.

Once leaseholders are deemed served with the section 5 notice, they have to decide whether to accept the landlords offer. They have two months to decide.

While the price is mentioned in the Section 5 notice, that is the price at which the freeholder is looking to sell to a third party.

But the freeholder cannot sell the freehold to someone else until after the end of the two month period. More than 50 per cent of all leaseholders must accept the offer. If there are 10 leaseholders then at least six must agree.

The freeholders offer must be accepted within two months of service of the section 5 notice. Once more than 50 per cent of the total number of leaseholders agree there is no need to wait for further leaseholders to join.

The accepting leaseholders must accept by sending a section 6 notice containing all of the information set out in the 1987 Act.

The accepting leaseholders must also nominate a purchaser to buy the freehold. This can be done at the same time as sending the section 6 notice. It must also be done within two months of service of the section 5 notice.

Usually the nominated purchaser is a company in which all accepting leaseholders take a share. The accepting leaseholders provide money to the company to buy the freehold. All of the money must be in place by the time of exchange of contracts for the purchase.

Once the leaseholders have nominated a purchaser and sent their section 6 notice the freeholder cannot sell to anyone else, unless the nominated purchaser withdraws. The freeholder still has the right to decide not to proceed with the sale of the freehold at any point up to exchange of contracts.

The process can take months and disputes in this area can be lengthy and costly to resolve.

This area of law is highly complicated. Specialist advice is a must. It is advisable to have a specialist lawyer and chartered surveyor in place. This article is not a substitute for specific legal advice.
Indonesia is moving forward with construction of its $4.8 million resort dubbed 'Jurassic Park,' despite a warning from United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that it could have a negative environmental impact.

The project, located on Rinca Island, seeks to cater to visitors of the Komodo National Park, where visitors can walk among Komodo dragons in the wild.

Work on a series of tourism projects in Indonesia's Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began last year, sparking concerns about threats to the local economy and the fragile habitat of the park's namesake, the Komodo dragon.

Last month, UNESCO told a World Heritage Committee conference that the project required a new environmental impact assessment over illegal fishing concerns and the potential risk to the Komodo dragon's natural habitat.

'This project will proceed... it's been proven to have no impact,' Wiratno, a senior official at Indonesia's environment ministry, told Reuters.

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The project, located on Rinca Island, seeks to cater to visitors of the Komodo National Park, where visitors can walk among Komodo dragons in the wild

UNESCO officials told last month's meeting that they had requested an updated assessment from the Indonesian government but received no response.

Wiratno said a new assessment was being drafted and could be sent in September.

It was not clear exactly what the project entails, but last year, the government said it was building a 'premium tourism spot' on the island.

In a separate statement, Wiratno said the project mainly included renovation work on existing structures and did not pose any danger to the rare Komodo dragons.

Indonesia is home to around 3,100 Komodo dragons, according to government data. The unique lizards grow up to 10 feet long and have a yellow forked tongue

Rima Melani Bilaut of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), an environmental group, said the project could impact the local community, as well as disturb the dragons.

'We urge the government to develop tourism that's based on the people. There are people living there,' she said.

Last year, social media users likened the project to one on a dinosaur island featured in the 'Jurassic Park' films after photos of a dragon standing in front of a big vehicle were widely shared online.

Indonesia is moving forward with construction of its $4.8 million resort dubbed 'Jurassic Park,' despite the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) warning could have a negative environmental impact

Indonesia is home to around 3,100 Komodo dragons, according to government data. The unique lizards grow up to 10 feet long and have a yellow forked tongue.

The fearsome beasts can weigh up to 200 pounds and are known for preying on much larger animals such as water buffalo.

Komodos have venomous bites and use their trunk-like necks to slash at their prey until they fall weak enough to go for the jugular.

As well as Rinca, another roughly 2,000 Komodos live on the islands of Komodo, Flores and Gili Motang.

Authorities last month unveiled their plans for Rinca with a promotional video of the project set to the theme music from Jurassic Park.
Skeletal remains of ten people found at the Sobibor death camp in occupied Poland have been identified as Ashkenazi Jews that may have been 'shot by guards'.

Between 1942 and 1943, up to 180,000 people are thought to have been killed by the Nazi's at the death camp in Sobibor operating in German-occupied Poland.

Ten skeletons at the camp unearthed in 2013 have been studied in more detail by researchers at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland.

As testimonies of guards and survivors suggested victims of the camp in Sobibor were cremated, the discovery of skeletal remains in this location was unexpected.

When they were first discovered, it was assumed the buried remains were from later, in the 1950s and belonged to Polish opponents of the Soviet Union.

However, the team from Pomeranian say their study of mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA extracted from the remains suggested they were from Ashkenazi Jewish populations, and suggested they were killed by Nazi guards in WW2.

Ten skeletons at the camp unearthed in 2013 have been studied in more detail by researchers at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland

TEN PEOPLE OF ASHKENAZI JEWISH BACKGROUND FOUND IN CAMP GRAVES The remains were distributed across four graves at the camp location. One containing six people, along with a range of items suggesting they were clothed when they were killed. The remains of a seventh were discovered in a shallower, separate nearby grave. The authors speculate that this individual was killed after being made to bury the first six individuals. A third grave containing the remains of an eighth individual was found near a mass grave, along with buttons and remnants of shoes. The remains of the ninth and tenth individuals were found together in a fourth grave. The remains belonged to men aged 20 to 60 and 5ft 1 inch to 5ft 7in tall. Four had evidence of gunshots to the head and one to the chest. The other five weren't clear, but it could have been gunshots. They were all lying down with heads pointing down when they were shot in the head or neck. Advertisement

Sobibor was an extermination camp built and operated by Nazi Germany, located in the forest int he General Government region of German-occupied Poland.

It existed with the sole purchase of killing Jewish people and operated until it ceased operations after a prisoner revolt in October 1943.

Researchers from Pomeranian Medical University discovered the remains in 2013 after previous archaeological excavations had uncovered mass graves containing cremated remains and the walls of gas chambers.

As the remains did not show signs of cremation and because of historical reports of Polish state security activities in the area after the Second World War, the remains were initially assumed to have belonged to Polish opponents of the Soviet Unions influence over Poland, who were killed in the 1950s.

This assumption was further supported by evidence that burial of the skeletal remains disturbed older cremated remains, indicating that burial took place after the end of mass killings in the death camp.

However, the authors conducted analyses of mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA extracted from the remains and identified groups of genes commonly found in modern Ashkenazi Jewish populations but not non-Jewish populations.

This indicates that the individuals were likely Ashkenazi Jews, rather than Polish partisans protesting Soviet influence, the authors predicted.

The study has been led by the genetic results, in combination with the non-genetic findings, such as artefact analysis and anthropological assessment.

'In the light of these results, the prosecutor of the Institute of National Remembrance in Lublin, who incited the identification process, ordered the reburial of the remains.

'Following Jewish rite, the ceremony was led by a Rabbi and the victims were buried in separate graves at the places of their discovery.'

The remains were distributed across four graves, the Polish researchers said, with one containing six people, along with a range of items including buttons, knives, spoons, belt buckles and leather shoes.

The remains of a seventh were discovered in a shallower, separate nearby grave, with authors suggesting they were killed after being made to bury the first six.

A third grave containing the remains of an eighth individual was found near a mass grave, along with buttons and remnants of shoes that they were likely wearing at the time of burial.

The remains of the ninth and tenth individuals were found together in a fourth grave.

Between 1942 and 1943, up to 180,000 people are thought to have been killed by the Nazi's at the death camp in Sobibor operating in German-occupied Poland

Analysis of the shape, structure and length of the skeletons indicates that the remains belonged to men aged 20 to 60 years old and 5ft 1 inch to 5ft 7in tall.

The skeletons of four of the individuals showed evidence of injuries consistent with gunshots to the head and a fifth skeleton showed evidence of injuries consistent with a gunshot to the chest.

The skeletons of the other five individuals showed evidence of injuries that could have been caused by either gunshots or poor preservation conditions.

Due to the angles and locations of the injuries, the authors suggest that all ten individuals were kneeling or lying down with their heads pointing downwards at the time of their deaths, and that they were shot in the back of the head or neck.

Sobibor was an extermination camp built and operated by Nazi Germany, located in the forest int he General Government region of German-occupied Poland

A bullet and two pistol shells discovered during excavations were found to be similar to those commonly used by German guards in concentration and death camps.

This suggeests that the individuals may have been killed by guards, although the exact circumstances that led the deaths of these ten individuals are unknown.

The remains have now been reburied in separate graves in the presence of a Rabbi, at the location of their discovery.

The study has been published today in the open-access journal Genome Biology.
Water levels at Lake Powell have declined 50 feet over the past year, as the US southwest continues to deal with the ongoing 'megadrought,' prompting many to cancel recreational activities at the popular vacation spot.

According to the National Park Service, the elevation of the water was just over 3,553 feet as of August 4, down from nearly 3,600 feet in October 2020.

For comparison purposes, Lake Powell's water level was over 3,700 feet in 1983.

A white band of newly exposed rock is shown along the canyon walls at Lake Powell near Antelope Point Marina on Friday, July 30, 2021, near Page, Ariz. Water levels have declined 50 feet in the past year due to the ongoing megadrought in the US west

 Slide me  A Google Earth comparison of Lake Powell's water elevation from 2020 (left) to 2021 (right), detailing the 50 foot decline

 Slide me  A look at Lake Powell from NASA's Earth Observatory comparing April 20, 2012 (left) to May 2, 2019(right)

According to the National Park Service, the elevation of the water was just over 3,553 feet as of August 4, down from nearly 3,600 feet in October 2020. For comparison purposes, Lake Powell's water level was over 3,700 feet in 1983

A newly exposed, thick white band of rock is high above boater's heads at the lake, which is situated on the Utah-Arizona border, providing a stark contrast to the red dessert terrain.

It's also a glaring reminder that many who use the locale for houseboats have had to grapple with low water levels, amid the climate change-fueled drought that has gripped that portion of the country.

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Water elevation was just over 3,553 feet as of August 4, down from nearly 3,600 feet in October 2020. For comparison purposes, Lake Powell's water level was over 3,700 feet in 1983

In addition to houseboats having to worry about the drastically lower water levels, some boat ramps have closed, pushing them off the lake.

In addition to houseboats having to worry about the drastically lower water levels, some boat ramps have closed, pushing them off the lake. As a result, some people have had to carry kayaks and paddleboards down a steep cliff to get to the surface

As a result, some people have had to carry kayaks and paddleboards down a steep cliff to get to the surface.

Tents have popped up on the shorelines that have not seen water for years, while jet-skis, kayakers and other recreational activities take place under sweltering temperatures.

Companies that rent houseboats have canceled their August bookings after the National Park Service closed multiple launch ramps in July due to low water levels.

'Since 2001, declining water levels due to climate change and 20 years of drought have reshaped Lake Powells shoreline,' NPS wrote on its website. 'Today we are experiencing low lake levels and their effects on boat ramp access points, on-lake facilities, and the landscape.'

A 'NO LAUNCHING HOUSEBOATS' sign is shown at the Wahweap launch ramp on Lake Powell Saturday, July 31, 2021, near Page, Arizona

A family's houseboat is pulled from the Wahweap launch ramp after a three-week vacation at Lake Powell

The Wahweap Main launch ramp explicitly forbids the launch of houseboats, though retrieving them is allowed, the NPS added.

Other motorized vessels are still allowed to use the ramp, with four-wheel drive vehicles recommended due to the low water launching conditions.

The NPS added, however, that all motorized watercraft will not be able to use the lake once water levels reach 3,551 feet, a level that is rapidly approaching.

In addition to its destination for recreation, Lake Powell is also the second-largest reservoir in the US, behind only Lake Mead in Nevada.

Both lakes are losing water faster than expected, a concern given that 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for water, as well as a $5-billion-a-year agricultural industry.

The water levels at the Hoover Dam hit their lowest levels ever in June, reaching a level of 1,071.61 feet, the lowest since record keeping started in the 1930s.

In addition to these two lakes, others in the US have also hit record lows, including the Great Salt Lake, which hit its lowest levels since records began in 1847 last month.

California's Lake Oroville could hit a historic low later this month, despite the state's reservoirs normally reaching levels of 50 percent capacity during this time of year.

Government officials had to begin releasing water from sources upstream last month to keep the lake's level from dropping so low it would have threatened hydropower supplied by the dam.

The megadrought going on throughout the US west, a phrase that was recently coined, has been linked to climate change and may be the worst to hit the area in some 1,200 years, researchers said in April 2020.

Fluctuating water levels have long been a staple of Lake Powell, but National Park Service officials say the usual forecasts werent able to predict just how bad 2021 would be.

Finger-pointing has started as boaters, local officials and the park service debate what to do now.

Finger pointing has started, with some blaming the park service. 'The park service has failed to plan,' 53-year-old area homeowner Bill Schneider said

'The park service has failed to plan,' 53-year-old area homeowner Bill Schneider, who bought a retirement home in Page, Arizona, said in an interview with the Associated Press.

'If it gets to the point where we're so low that you can't put boats in the water and you cant come up with a solution to put boats in the water, why would you come to Lake Powell?'

Officials say there are solutions, as the severity of the drought becomes clearer.

William Shott, superintendent of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, said officials are figuring out how to allow boats to get access to lower water levels at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where Lake Powell is located.

A houseboat rests in a cove at Lake Powell Friday, July 30, 2021, near Page, Arizona

They may be able to reservice an old ramp on Wahweap Bay, with a $3 million project could be finished by Labor Day weekend to support houseboats and smaller motorboats.

Another old, asphalt ramp will be opened to allow smaller boats access to the water while the one on Wahweap Bay is updated.

Page Mayor Bill Diak said the city could see exceptionally negative financial consequences if boats lose access to the lake.

He added local leaders were 'slow' to address dropping water levels and limited boat access but he is working closer with park officials and concessionaires on solutions.

'We could have been a little bit more proactive on planning ... but were moving in the right direction now working together,' Diak told the AP.

He stressed that the impact of climate change needs to be addressed, noting that the US West could be facing far more pressing issues than lake access if the drought continues for another 20 years.

One silver lining, Shott says, is the park service can build boat ramps that are usable even during record drought years. Over $8 million in other low-water projects also are underway.

'Even if we did have a crystal ball and we saw that these lake levels were going to get this low, we couldnt have prevented it anyways,' Shott added. 'With that said, we're taking advantage of the low water now.'

Troy Sherman, co-owner of a business renting environmentally friendly anchors to houseboats, said the marina housing Beach Bags Anchors shut down shortly after his company launched in spring 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It relaunched this year but had to cancel 95% of its bookings in July when ramps closed to houseboats.

'Until theres really access to a ramp again to put houseboats in, my business is kind of in a holding pattern,' Sherman said. 'But well totally persevere; it's what you have to do.'
Seabirds are coming under increasing threat from plastic waste, with thousands of nests across Britain and Europe found to contain the pollutant, researchers warned.

Over four years data on 10,274 nests across the UK, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands were studied by the University of the Highland and Islands.

Observers visiting seabird colonies for other monitoring activities were asked to help gather data as a cost effective and environmentally friendly way to conduct the study, which discovered 12 per cent of them contained plastic debris.

Information was collected from 14 seabird species in 84 colonies between 2016 and 2020, with Atlantic puffins most affected by plastic in their nests, they found.

In total 67 per cent of Atlantic puffin nests were found to contain plastic by the Scottish researchers, using data from people studying nests for other purposes.

The research found Atlantic puffins were the most affected species with 67 per cent of their nests containing some amount of plastic pollution

ATLANTIC PUFFINS WORST AFFECTED BY PLASTIC IN NESTS TABLE TITLE Species Nests studied Containing plastic Atlantic Puffin 130 87 Herring Gull 1728 450 European Shag 1243 312 Great Black-backed Gull 348 61 Great Cormorant 216 27 Lesser Black-backed Gull 894 82 Arctic Tern 108 8 Little Tern 49 3 Black-legged Kittiwake 3681 139 Common Eider 338 11 Common Guillemot 20 0 Black-headed gull 214 0 Common Gull 119 0 Common Tern 26 0 Advertisement

No data was collected on Atlantic Puffins in the UK as they tend to breed in deep burrows rather than more open nests.

This means that it is difficult to record the contents of the nests compared to the shallower nest cavities in places like Norway and Svalbard.

Although Atlantic Puffin typically nest in burrows, they can line their nest with small items such as vegetation.

Occasional fragments of paper and fishing net have also been reported in burrows in the UK, although that wasn't confirmed by this study.

Monitoring burrow nesting species for debris presents different challenges to those nesting on the surface.

However visual observation could be made of individuals returning to the burrow with nesting material, whilst endoscope cameras could be used to investigate the presence of debris within accessible burrow nests in future.

Dr Neil James, a post-doctoral research associate at the Environmental Research Institute, was one of the scientists involved in the project, and said marine plastic pollution is an increasing global environmental issue.

He said it poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity and 'seabirds are particularly affected because of the risk of entanglement or ingestion.'

'Our study found that a significant number of nests included plastic debris, with some species more likely to incorporate it than others,' Dr James explained.

'As well as providing important information about our seabird populations, this type of study can also reveal valuable insights into the prevalence of plastic in the marine environment.'

Over four years data on 10,274 nests across the UK, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands were studied by the University of the Highland and Islands

The extent to which seabirds incorporated debris into their nests across the UK, and northwest Europe, varied by species and location.

Cormorants and shags, and the three large gull species, showed a greater tendency to incorporate debris into their nests than other species.

Conversely, despite a large number of monitored nests and colonies, only a small number of Black-legged Kittiwake nests were found to contain debris.

Although, four colonies had more than 10 per cent of their nest made of debris, indicating that at a local level, particularly where thread-like debris is available, kittiwakes will incorporate debris into their nests.

Data was collected from 84 seabird colonies and analysed for evidence of plastic pollution

One nest, found on an oil rig in the Norwegian Sea, was nearly half plastic debris, likely due to a lack of local vegetation.

The team behind the study said using people already visiting seabird colonies for monitoring purposes to gather scientific data was an effective sollution.

It allowed them to study the spread of 'debris over a large geographical scale, and wide range of species' that wouldn't otherwise be possible

'Collecting data in this opportunistic way reduced the time and cost that would be required if all the seabird colonies included in this study were visited independently, especially colonies which require considerable planning and effort,' they wrote.

The extent to which seabirds incorporated debris into their nests across the UK, and northwest Europe, varied by species and location

It also considerably reduced the amount of carbon emissions that would have been produced if they had to send a researcher to study each nest independently.

The cost of collecting the data included in this study by a single researcher would have been about 18,000 and would have involved travelling 13,000 miles.

This would have resulted in carbon emissions of 3.76 metric tons, all of which was avoided by using people already visiting the nests to gather extra information.

'This approach also removed the potential of additional disturbance to breeding seabirds from extra visits to colonies during the breeding season,' the team said.

The results of the study are published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.
The Psyche asteroid is packed full of precious metals and could be worth more than $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion), new measurements of its surface temperature have confirmed.

Psyche is a 124 mile-wide space rock that orbits the sun in the asteroid belt, a donut-shaped region of space between Mars and Jupiter containing over a million rocks.

NASA is sending a mission to study the metal rich asteroid in 2026 in an effort to determine its origins, with some speculation it was the core of an early planet.

To help in this mission, a new temperature map has been created of Psyche by a team from Caltech in Pasadena, California to provide insight into its surface properties.

Normally, infrared images of a space rock provide a single pixel of data, but using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, researchers were able to get 50 pixel resolution and learn more about the surface of the space rock.

They were able to determine it has a metallic surface made up of at least 30 per cent metal and that the rocks on the surface are peppered with metal grains.

It is hoped this will help NASA in its mission, as it will have a more detailed starting point in its observations.

The first high-resolution measurements of the surface temperature of asteroid Psyche confirms it is packed full of $10,000 quadrillion worth of precious metal

To help in this mission a new temperature map has been created of Psyche by a team from Caltech in Pasadena, California to provide insight into its surface properties

NASA PSYCHE MISSION: TIMELINE AND KEY EVENTS KEY EVENTS Launch: 2022

Solar electric cruise: 3.5 years

Arrival at Psyche: 2026

Observation Period: 21 months in orbit, mapping and studying Psyche's properties TIMELINE 2022 - Launch of Psyche spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center, Florida

2023 - Mars Flyby of Psyche spacecraft

2026 - Psyche spacecraft arrives in asteroid's orbit

2026-2027 - Psyche spacecraft orbits the Psyche asteroid Advertisement

Psyche 16 was originally discovered in 1852 and is believed to be the remnants of a protoplanet destroyed by 'hit-and-run collisions' when the solar system was forming.

Unlike other rocky or icy bodies, Psyche 16 is suspected to be made of mostly iron and nickel, and could be worth quadrillions of dollars in potential mining value.

Ahead of the NASA mission, the team from California carried out a close examination of the millimeter-wavelength emissions from the asteroid.

This allowed them to produce the first temperature map of the space rock, providing new insight into its surface properties.

'The findings are a step toward resolving the mystery of the origin of this unusual object, which has been thought by some to be a chunk of the core of an ill-fated protoplanet,' according to the study authors.

Psyche is the largest of the M-Type asteroids, an enigmatic class of asteroids that are thought to be metal rich and therefore potentially may be fragments of the cores of proto-planets that broke up as the solar system formed.

'The early solar system was a violent place, as planetary bodies coalesced and then collided with one another while settling into orbits around the sun,' says Caltech's Katherine de Kleer, assistant professor of planetary science and astronomy.

'We think that fragments of the cores, mantles, and crusts of these objects remain today in the form of asteroids. If that's true, it gives us our only real opportunity to directly study the cores of planet-like objects.'

Studying such relatively tiny objects that are so far from Earth, with Psyche as far as 200 million miles away, poses a significant challenge to planetary scientists.

Typically, thermal observations from Earth - which measure the light emitted by an object itself rather than light from the sun reflected off of that object - are in infrared wavelengths and can produce only 1-pixel images of asteroids.

However, that single pixel contains a lot of information on an asteroid, such as the thermal inertia, or how fast it heats up in sunlight and cools in darkness.

An artists' depiction of what the 16 Psyche spacecraft will look like. It is slated to launch in August 2022

Nasa plans to explore a $10,000 quadrillion asteroid that could cause the world's economy to COLLAPSE It may be 230 million miles (370 million km) away from Earth, but this asteroid could be worth a small fortune. 16 Psyche is one of the most mysterious objects in our solar system, and scientists could soon be getting a close-up view thanks to a newly confirmed Nasa mission. If the asteroid could be transported back to Earth, the iron alone would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). It's value would be large enough to destroy commodity prices and cause the world's economy - worth $73.7 trillion (59.5 trillion)  to collapse. Lindy Elkins-Tanton the lead scientist on the Nasa mission and the director of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration, said: '16 Psyche is the only known object of its kind in the solar system, and this is the only way humans will ever visit a core. 'We learn about inner space by visiting outer space.' Dr Elkins-Tanton has calculated that the iron in 16 Psyche alone, would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). Assuming the market for asteroid materials is on Earth, this could cause the value of precious metals to plummet, completely devaluing all holdings including those of Governments, and all companies involved in mining, distributing and trading such commodities. Ultimately, it could lead to the collapse of the entire economy. Advertisement

'Low thermal inertia is typically associated with layers of dust, while high thermal inertia may indicate rocks on the surface," says Caltech's Saverio Cambioni.

'However, discerning one type of landscape from the other is difficult.'

Viewing the each surface location at many times of day helps to providee greeater levels of detail and an interpretation with less ambiguity.

This in terms provides a more reliable prediction of the landscape before the arrival of the NASA probe - allowing the mission to gather more reliable data.

De Kleer and Cambioni, together with co-author Michael Shepard of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, took advantage of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to obtain such data.

The array of 66 radio telescopes enabled the team to map the thermal emissions from Psyche's entire surface at a resolution of 18 miles (30 kilometres).

In the dataset each pixel is 18 miles x 18 miles, and when combined generate an image of the asteroid composed of about 50 pixels.

This provides significantly better resolution and data than the typical single pixel images obtained of the surface of these asteroid belt space rocks.

It was possible as ALMA observed the space rock at millimeter wavelengths, longer than the infrared wavelengths used in previous observations of the rock.

The use of longer wavelengths allowed the researchers to combine the data collected from the 66 telescopes to create a much larger effective telescope; the larger a telescope, the higher the resolution of the images it produces.

The study confirmed that Psyche's thermal inertia is high compared to that of a typical asteroid, indicating it has an unusually dense or conductive surface.

When de Kleer, Cambioni, and Shepard analysed the data, they also found that Psyche's thermal emission, that is the amount of heat it radiates, is 60 per cent of what would be expected from a typical surface with thermal inertia.

Because surface emission is affected by the presence of metal on the surface, their finding indicates that Psyche's surface is no less than 30 per cent metal.

Normally infrared images of a space rock provide a single pixel of data, but using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, researchers were able to get 50 pixel resolution and learn more about the surface of the space rock

An analysis of the polarisation of the emission helped the researchers to roughly determine what form that metal takes.

A smooth solid surface emits well-organised polarised light, but the light emitted by Psyche was scattered - suggesting surface rocks are peppered with metallic grains.

'We've known for many years that objects in this class are not, in fact, solid metal, but what they are and how they formed is still an enigma,' de Kleer says.

The findings reinforce alternative proposals for Psyche's surface composition, including that Psyche could be a primitive asteroid that formed closer to the sun than it is today instead of a core of a fragmented protoplanet.

It is hoped this will help NASA in its mission due to launch next year and arrive at the rock in 2026, as it will have a more detailed starting point in its observations

WHY IS IT WORTH SO MUCH? Dr Elkins-Tanton has calculated that the iron in 16 Psyche alone, would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). Assuming the market for asteroid materials is on Earth, this could cause the value of precious metals to plummet, completely devaluing all holdings including those of governments, and all companies involved in mining, distributing and trading such commodities. Ultimately, it could lead to the collapse of the entire economy. Speaking to Global News Canada, Dr Elkins-Tanton said: 'Even if we could grab a big metal piece and drag it back here  what would you do? 'Could you kind of sit on it and hide it and control the global resource  kind of like diamonds are controlled corporately  and protect your market? 'What if you decided you were going to bring it back and you were just going to solve the metal resource problems of humankind for all time? This is wild speculation obviously.' Advertisement

The techniques described in this study provide a new perspective on asteroid surface compositions.

The team is now expanding its scope to apply these techniques to other large objects in the asteroid belt.

The study was enabled by a related project by the team led by Michael Shepard at Bloomsburg University that utilised de Kleer's data in combination with data from other telescopes, including Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, to pin down the size, shape, and orientation of Psyche.

That in turn allowed the researchers to determine which pixels that had been captured actually represented the asteroid's surface.

Shepard's team was scheduled to observe Psyche again at the end of 2020, but damage from cable failures shut the telescope down before the observations could be made.

Psyche was discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis on March 17, 1852. He named the asteroid for Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul who was born mortal and married Eros (Roman Cupid), the god of Love.

This intriguing asteroid is now the primary target of NASA's Psyche mission, launching next year and arriving at the rock in early 2026.

Over 21 months in orbit, the spacecraft will map and study 16 Psyches properties using a multispectral imager, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, a magnetometer, and a radio instrument (for gravity measurement).

The missions goal is, among other things, to determine whether Psyche is indeed the core of a planet-sized object or a large metal asteroid.

The findings have been published in the Planetary Science Journal.
Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo spacecraft will make history next week when they fly past Venus within 33 hours of each other, the European Space Agency confirmed.

They are both using the gravitational pull of Venus to help them drop a little bit of orbital energy to reach their destinations at the centre of the solar system.

BepiColombo is heading to Mercury on a seven year mission to study the structure and atmosphere of the innermost planet in the solar system, whereas the Solar Orbiter is making its way to the sun to measure solar winds and the heliosphere.

The double flyby offers ESA astronomers a chance to study Earth's sister-planet Venus from different locations at the same time, and places rarely visited by probes.

Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo spacecraft will make history next week when they fly past Venus within 33 hours of each other, the European Space Agency confirmed

They are both using the gravitational pull of Venus to help them drop a little bit of orbital energy to reach their destinations at the centre of the solar system

VENUS: THE BASICS Venus, the second planet from the sun, is a rocky planet about the same size and mass of the Earth. However, its atmosphere is radically different to ours - being 96 per cent carbon dioxide and having a surface temperature of 867F (464C) and pressure 92 times that of on the Earth. The inhospitable planet is swaddled in clouds of sulphuric acid that make the surface impossible to glimpse via the visible light spectrum. In the past, Venus likely had oceans similar to Earth's - but these would have vaporised as it underwent a runaway greenhouse effect. The surface of Venus is a dry desertscape, which is periodically changed by volcanic activity. The planet has no moons and orbits the Sun every 224.7 Earth days. Advertisement

Solar Orbiter, a partnership between ESA and NASA, will fly by Venus on August 9, coming about 5,000 miles from the planet at 05:42 BST that morning.

This isn't the first time the sun-observing satellite has visited Venus.

It is scheduled to make repeated gravity assist flybys of the planet in its bid to get close to the star at the heart of the solar system.

During the Venus flybys it is changing its orbital inclination, boosting it out of the ecliptic plane, to get the best  and first  views of the sun's poles.

BepiColombo, a partnership between ESA and the Japanese space agency JAXA, will fly by Venus at 14:48 BST on August 10, coming just 340 miles from the surface of the planet.

The probe is on its way to the mysterious innermost planet of the solar system, Mercury.

To get there it has required flybys of Earth, Venus and even Mercury itself to get close enough.

These flybys, coupled with the spacecraft's solar electric propulsion system is what is required to steer into Mercury orbit against the gravitational pull of the sun.

It is not possible to take high-resolution imagery of Venus with the science cameras onboard either mission, so there won't be new pictures of Earth's 'evil twin'.

Solar Orbiter must remain facing the sun, and the main camera onboard BepiColombo is shielded by the transfer module that will deliver the two planetary orbiters to Mercury, according to ESA officials.

However, two of BepiColombo's three monitoring cameras will be taking photos around the time of close approach and in the days after as the planet fades.

The cameras provide black-and-white snapshots in 1024 x 1024 pixel resolution, and are positioned on the Mercury Transfer Module such that they also capture the spacecraft's solar arrays and antennas.

BepiColombo, a partnership between ESA and the Japanese space agency JAXA, will fly by Venus at 14:48 BST on August 10, coming just 340 miles from the surface of the planet

HOW WILL BEPICOLOMBO GET TO MERCURY? BepiColombo's two orbiters, Japan's Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter and the ESA's Mercury Planetary Orbiter, will be carried together. The carrier will use electric propulsion and gravity-assists at Earth, Venus and Mercury in its 7.2 year journey. Once at Mercury, they will separate and move into their own orbits to make complementary measurements of Mercury's interior, surface, exosphere and magnetosphere. The information will tell us more about the origin and evolution of a planet close to its parent star, providing a better understanding of the overall evolution of our own Solar System. BepiColombo features three components that will separate: Mercury Transfer Module (MTM) for propulsion, built by the European Space Agency (ESA) Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) built by ESA Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) or MIO built by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Advertisement

During the closest approach Venus will fill the entire field of view, but as the spacecraft changes its orientation the planet will be seen passing behind the panels.

The images will be downloaded in batches, one by one, with the first image expected to be available in the evening of August 10, and the majority on August 11.

It may also be possible to get further images of Venus using the Solar Orbiter SoloHI imager, particularly of the nightside of the planet a week before the flyby.

SoloHI usually takes images of the solar wind  the stream of charged particles constantly released from the sun  by capturing the light scattered by electrons.

Even though both spacecraft will be flying within a few thousand miles of Venus and just a day apart, they will be separated by over 350,000 miles of open space.

'It is  unfortunately!  not expected that one spacecraft will be able to image the other,' the European agency said in a blog post.

Solar Orbiter has been acquiring data near-constantly since launch in February 2020 with its four instruments that measure the environment around the spacecraft itself.

Both Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo's Mercury Planetary Orbiter and Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter will collect data on the magnetic and plasma environment of Venus from different locations.

At the same time, JAXA's Akatsuki spacecraft is in orbit around Venus, creating a unique constellation of datapoints.

It will take many months to collate the coordinated flyby measurements and analyse them in a meaningful way, so information won't be available straight away.

Solar Orbiter, a partnership between ESA and NASA, will fly by Venus on August 9, coming about 5,000 miles from the planet at 05:42 BST that morning

The data collected during the flybys will also provide useful inputs to ESA's future Venus orbiter, EnVision, which will launch to the planet in the 2030s.

Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo both have one more flyby of Venus this year.

BepiColombo will see Mercury for the first time overnight on October 1, making its first of six flybys of Mercury  with this one from just just over 100 miles.

The two planetary orbiters will be delivered into Mercury orbit in late 2025, tasked with studying all aspects of this mysterious inner planet.

Even though both spacecraft will be flying within a few thousand miles of Venus and just a day apart, they will be separated by over 350,000 miles of open space

Both NASA and the European Space Agency are sending spacecraft to study Venus in more detail in the 2030s, where they will explore how it became so different to the Earth, despite having a similar origin

This includes its core to surface processes, magnetic field, and exosphere, to better understand the origin and evolution of a planet close to its parent star.

On November 27, Solar Orbiter will make a final flyby of Earth, coming just under 300 miles from the surface, kicking off the start of its main mission.

It will continue to make regular flybys of Venus to progressively increase its orbit inclination to best observe the sun's uncharted polar regions.

Solar scientists say understanding and imaging the polar regions of our star is key to understanding its 11 year activity cycle.

Both NASA and the European Space Agency are sending spacecraft to study Venus in more detail in the 2030s, where they will explore how it became so different to the Earth, despite having a similar origin.
Elon Musks SpaceX is another step closer to sending humans to Mars  the firm stacked its Starship onto of the Super Heavy booster for the first time on Friday.

The combined craft measures a towering 400 feet tall, making it the tallest rocket in history. And with the orbital launch stand that measures 75 feet, the entire system is larger than the Great Pyramid in Giza.

A massive crane picked up Starship Serial Number 20 (SN20) and slowly lowered it on top of booster early Friday morning, after Super Heavy was brought to the launch pad at SpaceXs site in Boca Chica, Texas on Wednesday.

Super Heavy is the first stage of SpaceX's two-stage, fully reusable Starship system, which will be used to send people and cargo to Mars and other distant planets.

The upper, or second stage, is the 165-foot-tall Starship.

Musk, the CEO and cofounder of SpaceX, has calculated that to reach his very ambitious goal of putting one million humans on Mars by the mid-2020s, his Starship rockets would need to conduct around three flights a day and a total of 1,000 flights a year.

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Elon Musks SpaceX is another step closer to sending humans to Mars  the firm stacked its Starship onto of the Super Heavy booster for the first time on Friday. The combined craft measures a towering 400 feet tall

SpaceX's Starship Serial Number 20 (SN20), which is set for an orbital launch later this year, was rolled out Thursday, a day after the Super Heavy booster was lowered onto the launch pad.

On Wednesday, Musk tweeted three pictures of a giant crane hoisting the booster, including its 29 massive Raptor engines, onto the pad, noting 'Mechazilla will do this for future rockets, but it's not quite ready.'

Mechazilla will eventually be the Starship tower that catches the giant booster following a launch.

The Super Heavy, also known as Booster 4, is set to perform a series of pressurization and engine tests, and if all goes to plan, will eventually launch with SN20 at its helm, Space.com reports.

A massive crane picked up Starship Serial Number 20 (SN20) and slowly lowered it on top of booster early Friday morning, after Super Heavy was brought to the launch pad at SpaceXs site in Boca Chica, Texas on Wednesday

SpaceX's Starship Serial Number 20 (SN20), which is set for an ambitious orbital launch rolled out to the firm's in Boca testing facility in Chica, Texas Thurs, a day after the Super Heavy was lowered onto the launch pad

SpaceX has yet to announce a date for the launch, but a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states it is targeting a six-month period as of June 20.

However, the Musk-led firm is still waiting on an environmental review from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which could take months to be cleared.

The filing also revealed how the orbital launch would play out, starting with the Super Heavy Booster taking off and firing for 169 seconds, before allowing Starship to take its own journey, SpaceNews reports.

The booster would 'softly land' in the Gulf of Mexico, about 20 miles from the shore.

Starship would use its Raptor engines to soar into orbit and splash down in the Pacific Ocean, 62 miles northwest of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

CEO Elon Musk proudly shared three pictures Wednesday of a giant crane hoisting the booster, including its 29 massive Raptor engines, onto the pad

Musk's dream, however, is on hold until SpaceX receives approval from the FAA, but that has not stopped the billionaire from preparing for the mission.

SpaceX has completed several tests on the 160-foot Starship upper stage, with the most recent, SN15, landing on the launch pad after a short high-altitude flight.

However, this will be the first test of the full Starship system, including the booster stage.

Super Heavy is the first stage of SpaceX's two-stage, fully reusable Starship system, which is will be used to send people and cargo to Mars and other distant planets - and the upper stage is a 165-foot-tall Starship

In 2020, Musk told SpaceX employees that Starship progress was a top priority, with progress accelerating 'dramatically and immediately.'

That resulted in a rapid increase in Starship prototypes being built, often with a new prototype ready before the previous one had even been tested.

The test flights have ranged from static firing the engines, to launching up to six miles into the air and attempting to land back down on the launch pad.

SpaceX is working with the FCC, US Air Force, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration for the flight to arrange the safest time to launch.

One of SpaceX's key goals is to ensure that the Starship rockets are reusable, and future tests will see both stages return to the launch pad, rather than the ocean.
Researchers have found evidence that a flood which happened more than 12,000 years ago and drained an ancient lake at the speed of more than 800 Olympic swimming pools per second may have pushed the Earth back into an ice age.

A team of experts - led by the researchers at the University of Alberta - found evidence that Glacial Lake Agassiz started to spill out to the northwest in a channel known as the Clearwater-Athabasca Spillway.

This spillage may have caused the Younger Dryas cooling event, some 13,000 years ago.

The ancient lake, which no longer exists, covered an area of 580,000 square miles in modern-day southern Manitoba, central Saskatchewan all the way up to the Alberta border.

Researchers, including Sophie Norris (pictured), have found evidence that a 12,000 year-old flood that drained a lake at speeds of more than 800 Olympic swimming pools per second may have pushed Earth back into an ice age

The ancient lake, which no longer exists which covered an area of 580,000 square miles in modern-day southern Manitoba, central Saskatchewan all the way up to the Alberta border

The researchers - using sedimentary evidence, more than 100 valley cross sections and a model of the bedrock's erodibility and size of the lake- estimated that at the height of the spillage, 2 million cubic meters of water were discharged every second

'One suggestion is the drainage of meltwater from glacial Lake Agassiz, a large ice-dammed lake in central North America, into the surrounding oceans may have affected ocean circulation, contributing to this climatic event,' researchers wrote in the study.

It's likely that the 'catastrophic meltwater to drain to the Arctic Ocean' occurred over a 69 month period during the Younger Dryas, but they are not yet clear if this happened during the beginning of the event.

'We know that a large discharge has gone through the area but the rate of the discharge or the magnitude was pretty much unknown,' the study's lead author, Sophie Norris, said in a statement.

Over the span of roughly nine months, approximately 5,000 cubic miles (21,000 cubic kilometers) were drained from the lake, roughly the equivalent of all the Great Lakes combined

Using sedimentary evidence, more than 100 valley cross sections, and a model comprised of gradual dam failure with the bedrock's erodibility and the size of the lake, the researchers estimated that 2 million cubic meters of water were discharged every second at the height of the spillage, making it one of the largest floods known to occur on Earth.

For comparison purposes, this is roughly 10 times what the Amazon River spills every second.

Over the span of roughly nine months, approximately 5,000 cubic miles (21,000 cubic kilometers) were drained from the lake, roughly the equivalent of all the Great Lakes combined.

The ancient lake was formed after the Laurentide Ice Shield started to melt around 16,000 years ago, creating a dam that prevented meltwaters from entering the Hudson Bay

The ancient lake was formed after the Laurentide Ice Shield started to melt around 16,000 years ago, creating a dam that prevented meltwaters from entering the Hudson Bay.

'What I find deeply satisfying is that modern hydraulic modeling, when applied to the evidence preserved in the landscape, shows how a phenomenal flood propagated 12,000 years ago,' said University of Southampton researcher and study co-author Paul Carling.

'When all the uncertainties are considered, the outcome remains pretty solid.'

Although scientists are not sure what caused the Earth to slip back into an ice age, the lake flooding theory is certainly plausible, study co-author Froese added.

WHAT IS THE YOUNGER DRYAS IMPACT HYPOTHESIS? The Younger Dryas impact hypothesis proposes that fragments of a disintegrating comet struck the Earth around 12,800 years ago. These fragments bombarded North and South America, Europe and western Asia. This generated a thin layer of detritus covering around 19.3 million square miles (50 million square kilometers). This layer contained concentrations of platinum, meltglass and nano-diamonds from the impactors. Experts argue that this episode saw large-scale biomass burning, an impact-induced winter, longer-time climatic shifts and the extinction of late Pleistocene megafauna. Advertisement

'We don't know for sure that the flood caused the Earth to slip back into the ice age, but certainly if you put that much water into the Arctic Ocean, the models show you get cooling of the northern hemisphere climate.'

The researchers will next try to find out whether the flood happened at the start of the Younger Dryas climate event, which may have been the root cause of it, or if it was just a part of other events.

It's also possible the floods resulted in the region's expansive oil sands, a region of loose sand, water and clay that also has a form of petroleum.

'The oil sands region is essentially within the channel that this flood formed,' Norris explained. 'There would have been a huge amount of Quaternary material on top of that, as there is in the surrounding area, but it has been exposed in Fort McMurray by this huge event.'

The study was published last month in Geophysical Research Letters.

There are several theories about what caused the Younger Dryas cooling event that lasted about 1,500 years.

In June, a separate group of researchers said that a cosmic impact, likely an asteroid, hit Earth and likely triggered the Younger Dryas climate shift.

This shift was potentially the most 'devastating impact since the extinction of the dinosaurs' and resulted in a mini Ice Age that lasted more than 1,000 years.

Several other studies over the years have supported the theory of an ancient asteroid strike.

Others, however believe the Younger Dryas cooling event was caused by other methods. In 2020, another study suggested it was caused by ancient volcanic eruptions and not meteor impacts.

Some have even suggested that an hour-long hailstorm from space plunged the planet into the mini-ice age.
NASA said on Friday it is looking for a few good men and women to help it progress in its plan to go to send humans to Mars by 2037.

The US space agency is seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in year-long Mars surface simulation, where they will live a 1,700-square-foot module 3D-printed by ICON, called Mars Dune Alpha.

The program consists of three simulations, with the first starting in 2022, and each will see four crew members spend the 365 days completely isolated in the mock habitats of the Red Planet.

The habitat will simulate the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failure, communication delays, and other environmental stressors, NASA shared in the announcement.

Crew tasks may include simulated spacewalks, scientific research, use of virtual reality and robotic controls, and exchanging communications. The results will provide important scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions.

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NASA is seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in year-long Mars surface simulations, where they will live a 1,700-square-foot module 3D-printed by ICON, called Mars Dune Alpha

Applications open today and run through September 12, 2021.

Those interested in participating must be within the ages of 30 to 55, possess a masters degree in a STEM field and have at least two years of related professional experience.

Individuals will have to pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut simulation and are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination, reads the application website.

But they won't end up going to the actual Red Planet when a mission, with that honor initially reserved for highly-trained astronauts

The habitats will be constructed at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and will include workstations, medical facilities and a place to grow food.

The habitats will be constructed at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and will include workstations, medical facilities and a place to grow food.

Each mission will include four crew members who will have their own sleeping quarters located on one end of the habitat and on the other side of the habitat is dedicated to workstations, medical stations and food-growing stations

The missions aim to provide valuable insights and information to assess NASAs space food system, as well as physical and behavioral health and performance outcomes for future space missions.

NASA will also use research from the Mars Dune Alpha simulations to inform risk and resource trades to support crew health and performance for future missions to Mars when astronauts would live and work on the Red planet for long periods of time.

Grace Douglas, lead scientist for NASAs Advanced Food Technology research effort at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, said in a statement: This is a rare and unique opportunity.

The missions aim to provide valuable insights and information to assess NASAs space food system, as well as physical and behavioral health and performance outcomes for future space missions. Pictured are the workstations

NASA will also use research from the Mars Dune Alpha simulations to inform risk and resource trades to support crew health and performance for future missions to Mars when astronauts would live and work on the Red planet for long periods of time

'The analog is critical for testing solutions to meet the complex needs of living on the Martian surface.

Those selected will have a historic role in preparing humanity for the next giant leap in space.

Each mission will include four crew members who will have their own sleeping quarters located on one end of the habitat and on the other side of the habitat is dedicated to workstations, medical stations and food-growing stations.

A shared living space will be constructed in the center.

The habitat will include a mix of fixed and movable furniture, and customizable lighting, temperate and sound control.

Each mission will include four crew members who will have their own sleeping quarters located on one end of the habitat and on the other side of the habitat is dedicated to workstations, medical stations and food-growing stations (pictured)

Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO, ICON, said in a statement: This is the highest-fidelity simulated habitat ever constructed by humans.

Mars Dune Alpha is intended to serve a very specific purpose--to prepare humans to live on another planet.

We wanted to develop the most faithful analog possible to aid in humanity's dream to expand into the stars.

3D printing the habitat has further illustrated to us that construction-scale 3D printing is an essential part of humanity's toolkit on Earth and to go to the Moon and Mars to stay.
A minke whale carcass that washed on the shores of a private Plymouth, Massachusetts beach last month will now head to a landfill, wildlife officials said on Thursday.

'The level of decomposition of this carcass would likely result in the whale breaking apart as its being pulled off the beach, spreading the problem rather than solving it,' the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Northeast/Mid-Atlantic office wrote in an August 5 Facebook post.

'For this particular case, due to the condition and smell of the carcass, we have been coordinating with [Homeowners Association] on how to bring it to the Bourne landfill.

'As of Monday, the HOA was working on arranging the heavy equipment required to remove it.'

A minke whale carcass that washed on the shores of a Plymouth, Massachusetts beach last month will head to a landfill

NOAA said the whale was initially spotted bobbing up and down on July 17, approximately 1.4 miles off Manomet Point in Plymouth, Massachusetts

NOAA said the whale was initially spotted bobbing up and down on July 17, approximately 1.4 miles off Manomet Point.

The following day, the 21-foot male minke washed up on shore at the private beach and it has lain there since as there was a 'lack of a disposal plan at the time.'

According to NBC Boston, a Plymouth resident said the smell was so bad it was 'like death in a dumpster.'

Another local told the news outlet that it was more than just an aesthetic problem and that it was 'interfering with our ability to enjoy our homes.'

The International Fund for Animal Welfare externally examined the carcass and determined it was likely killed by a ship's propeller, NBC Boston reported.

Minke whales have experienced an unusual mortality event for the past four years, but the cause is unknown

NOAA explained in the post that documenting this whale helps the better understand the Unusual Mortality Event for minke whales that has gone on for the past four years.

In a separate post on its website, NOAA said the whales have been stranded up and down the Atlantic Ocean, from Maine to South Carolina since January 2017.

The cause is unknown, but full or partial necropsy examinations were performed on 60 percent of the whales.

Preliminary findings on several whales show evidence of human interaction or infectious disease, NOAA added.
Tom Daley put the knitting needles down momentarily to return to the diving board for the individual 10 metre contest on Friday - but couldn't help himself from working on his latest garment in between rounds.

Daley, 27, fresh from his Olympic triumph in the synchronised event with Matty Lee, has spent a whirlwind few days setting about on his knitting projects - including a Tokyo-themed cardigan - but is back in action for the individual event.

The Team GB star made a shaky start to the preliminary round, causing a big splash with his opening dive to score 52.20, but his dives improved as the rounds progressed, easing his way into the semi-final.

Daley earlier revealed that the hobby keeps him 'sane' and it certainly appeared to have an effect on his performances as he came on strong in the final three rounds in Tokyo.

18 of the 29 divers advanced to the semi-finals, with Daley one of two British stars competing in Tokyo, alongside Noah Williams.

Williams, 21, endured a tough day at the office, with two expensive mistakes in the fourth and fifth rounds costing him his his place in the semi-final.

Tom Daley has returned to the diving board to compete in the men's 10metre platform

He was spotted knitting in between rounds on Friday, having revealed that the activity helps keep him 'sane' in high pressure situations. After a shaky start, he went onto finish fourth

Daley has made a Team GB, Tokyo-inspired cardigan during his time in the athletes' village

The 27-year-old has spent a whirlwind few days knitting following his triumph in the synchro

After six rounds, Williams finished with 309.55 points, putting him in 27th position. Daley ended with 453.70 points in fourth position. China's Jia Yang finished top of the standings with 546.90 points.

On his newfound hobby, Daley said on Instagram: 'One thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching.

'When I got to Tokyo, I wanted to make something that would remind me of the Olympics to look back on in the future,' Daley said of his cardigan. 'I designed a pattern for the colour work that would signify everything about these games.'

Daley is raffling his Tokyo-inspired knitwear to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity, with each entry costing 2. The 27-year-old began donating his pieces to the charity last September.

The Team GB hero finished fourth in the men's 10m platform preliminary stage in Tokyo

Meanwhile, it was a bad day at the office for Noah Williams, who crashed out in 27th position

While flaunting another raffle sweater, he teased 'I will be raffling off lots of things over the coming months so keep your eyes peeled.'

Daley finally ended his gold medal wait last week when he and Olympic debutant Lee clinched gold in a nail-biting final in Tokyo. The British pair saw off Chinese favourites Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen by 471.81 points to 470.58.

'I still can't honestly believe what is happening,' Daley told BBC Sport. 'That moment, being about to be announced as Olympic champions, I was gone. I was blubbering.'
Greece has now overtaken Spain as the most popular summer 2021 destination for Britons, according to booking statistics from a leading travel company.

Top-rated independent firm Travel Counsellors revealed that it has received the most bookings for Greece from UK travellers, with Spain a close second.

This means that for the firm, two amber list countries are now the top-rated holiday destinations for sun-starved tourists this summer.

Greece has now overtaken Spain as the most popular summer 2021 destination, according to an independent travel firm. Above is the picturesque town of Oia on the island of Santorini

Travel Counsellors discovered that 16 per cent of new bookings made in the last week of July were for Greece, known for its ancient ruins and scenic islands.

Spain, which attracted around 18 million UK visitors each year before the pandemic, ranked in second place, earning 15 per cent of new bookings.

The government lifted the 10-day home quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated Britons returning from amber list countries on July 19.

Spain has long been a favourite for UK holidaymakers, and its status on the amber list hasn't deterred tourists. Pictured is the popular port city of Valencia

However, tourists making their way to both Spain and Greece still need to adhere to strict travel regulations.

According to the FCDO, those arriving in Spain need to show proof of double vaccination or a negative PCR test upon entry, and must fill out a Health Control Form within 48 hours before they travel.

Similarly, for Greece, UK visitors need to show evidence of a negative PCR, a negative rapid antigen test or proof of a double jab, and must complete a Passenger Locator Form in advance of their arrival.

Another 15 per cent of bookings came from Britons looking to stay at home, searching for a staycation to see the summer out.

Croatia is another popular European holiday hotspot for summer 2021.

After it was moved to the green list on Wednesday, July 14, Skyscanner recorded an immediate daily surge in bookings of up to 50 per cent for 2021 holidays there.

The travel site also charted a 199 per cent increase in searches week on week for Croatia in the wake of the announcement.

Once Croatia was added to the green list, UK holidaymakers planned their summers around trips to destinations like the island of Hvar, pictured

Travel Counsellors, meanwhile, also experienced a 39 per cent upsurge of new bookings for summer 2022  with the top destinations being Greece, the USA and Spain  as well as a 20 per cent increase in new bookings for winter 21/22  led by the USA, the Maldives and Barbados.

Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director at Travel Counsellors, explained: 'With Spain and Greece remaining on the "amber list", we are experiencing considerable demand for both countries, in particular Greece, which has become our most popular summer sun destination.

'We also expect an upsurge in bookings to France now it's moved from "amber plus" to "amber", as well as the UAE, which has moved from red to amber, meaning that Britons will no longer need to quarantine on return.

'On the whole, we feel the latest news is certainly a positive step forward, as the green list increases and there are more countries turning to amber from red.

'However, people still need to ensure they are aware of the FCDO advice on entry requirements, as we await the UAE to align with the latest traffic light news, for example.'

The news comes as Britons holidaying in Mexico were left facing travel nightmares following the government's declaration that the country would move from amber status to red on Sunday, August 8.

Rebecca Dean and her family are scrambling to get home from Mexico

Rebecca Dean and her family are among the thousands of British holidaymakers now scrambling to get home before 4am on Sunday to avoid a ten-day stay in a UK quarantine hotel costing 1,750 per person, rising to 2,285 from next Thursday.

Dean, who was en route to Cancun when the announcement was made, learned she would need to travel home immediately as soon as the plane landed in Mexico.

The nurse told Good Morning Britain: 'There was nothing to suggest that Mexico would be going on the red list and we found out after a really long flight from other passengers. It was complete devastation'.
If you're a keen photographer and fancy a free trip to Iceland - this offer is worth a shot.

The country's Hotel Ranga is searching for its first official 'Northern Lights catcher', who will be tasked with capturing breathtaking shots of the Aurora Borealis's vibrant colours for a month.

In return, the luxury resort will provide room and board and flights to and from Iceland will be covered.

Hotel Ranga, pictured above, is on the hunt for a resident 'Northern Lights catcher,' who will be tasked with capturing breathtaking shots of the Aurora Borealis's vibrant colours for a month

A haven for those hoping to catch sight of the Aurora, Hotel Ranga (above) has 50 bedrooms

To be in with a chance of snapping up the role, candidates must have a strong social media presence and a good deal of photography experience.

The winning photographer will be granted access to the Ranga Observatory each night, which features a roof that rolls down to showcase views of the Milky Way.

The 50-bedroom hotel is in South Iceland and faces out on the East Ranga River, known for its abundance of salmon. And the Mount Hekla volcano is visible in the distance.

Rooms at the luxury resort start at 271 (320) per night

Miles away from the light pollution of the cities, Hotel Ranga is frequented by those who are keen to catch a glimpse of the legendary Aurora Borealis.

Rooms at the hotel start at 271 (320) per night.

The Northern Lights are created by disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere, caused by a flow of particles from the Sun, and are usually concentrated around the Earth's magnetic poles.

A phenomenon of science and nature, the Northern Lights are created by disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere, caused by a flow of particles from the Sun

Though the phenomenon can occur all year round, the Northern Lights typically appear between August and April, lighting up the skies anytime between sunset and sunrise.

The aurora can be seen near the poles of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

In the north, the display is known as the Aurora Borealis, and in the south, the Aurora Australis.
Dorothy Wang cut a casual figure in a neon green jacket as she was spotted filming Bling Empire for the first time in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

While strutting down the sidewalk in a pair of open-toe silver heels, the 33-year-old reality star rocked a white tank top and a pair of light-wash jeans.

She accessorized her chic ensemble with a gold necklace and a bedazzled purse for lunch at N.10 Restaurant.

Chic: Dorothy Wang cut a casual figure in a neon green jacket as she was spotted filming Bling Empire for the first time in LA on Wednesday

Her nearly waist-long light brown tresses were styled in loose waves and she opted for a glamorous makeup look, including fake eyelashes.

Later, she shared an image of herself in the same outfit on Instagram with the caption: 'I have a secret, can you keep it?'

In the picture, she looked prepared to dine al fresco as she sat outside with a demure smile across her face.

Lunch date: While strutting down the sidewalk in a pair of open-toe silver heels, the 33-year-old reality star rocked a white tank top and a pair of light-wash jeans

In May, the USC grad was first seen shooting scenes for the hit Netflix series alongside friend Christine Chiu, according to TMZ.

Bling Empire producers reportedly reached out to Wang since she is a close friend of Christine's.

Empire co-star Kevin Kreider was also seen shooting alongside the two wealthy ladies.

Bold: She accessorized her chic ensemble with a gold necklace and a bedazzled purse for lunch at N.10 Restaurant

While it remains unconfirmed as to whether Dorothy will only appear in a guest starring capacity on Bling Empire, or become part of the core cast, she previously expressed interest in the opportunity.

Five months ago, Wang told TMZ it would be a lot of fun to join the hit series.

She also made sure to refer to how important it is to have shows on the air that give viewers more Asian cultural representation and exposure.

Teasing the news: While it remains unconfirmed as to whether Dorothy will only appear in a guest starring capacity on Bling Empire, or become part of the core cast, she previously expressed interest in the opportunity

'I have a secret, can you keep it?' she captioned a selfie of herself, taken while filming the series

The daughter of billionaire property mogul Roger Wang, Dorothy was propelled into the spotlight after starring on the now cancelled E! reality series, Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills, which followed the lives of wealthy young adults in the 90210.

Dorothy starred on the show for all four seasons 2014 until 2016, but it wasn't until after cameras stopped rolling that she was able to finally enjoy her life.

'Before, between filming scenes, I had to fit my regular life in  doctors' appointments, getting my nails done, going to a birthday party. For four years, I held my breath and just ran. Now, I feel like I'm really liking life,' she told the South China Morning Post in 2019.
Victoria will be plunged into its sixth Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday.

And footy WAG Rebecca Judd was gifted dinner to feed her family-of-six ahead of Melbourne's lockdown.

The 38-year-old influencer shared a video to Instagram, showing fans the gift box which included salad, soups, tacos and cocktails.

The perks of being an influencer: Rebecca Judd was gifted dinner to feed her family-of-six on Thursday as Melbourne is plunged into its sixth lockdown

While she may have received the food free of charge, she made sure to support the business' takeaway service with a glowing caption.

'Hey Baysiders, great news Blakeaway is opening this Saturday in Brighton. Look at all this amazing food. Just so delicious,' she said.

'There is soups and salads. I'm having pulled lamb tacos for dinner tonight but I also wanted to show you that they do premixed cocktails.'

Rebecca and her husband, Chris Judd, live in a $7.3million mansion with their four children, son Oscar, 10, daughter Billie, seven, and twin boys Darcy and Tom, four.

Dinner time: The 38-year-old influencer shared a video to Instagram, showing fans the box which included salad, soups, tacos and cocktails

Victoria will be plunged into its sixth Covid lockdown after the state recorded eight new infections.

The state-wide shutdown will start at 8pm on Thursday and last for a week.

It comes just nine days after Victorians were released from the previous lockdown.

Premier Daniel Andrews said there was 'no alternative' because the Delta strain of coronavirus is so contagious.

Family: Rebecca and her husband, Chris Judd, live in a $7.3million Brighton mansion with their four children, son Oscar, daughter Billie, seven, and twin boys Darcy and Tom, four

'None of us want to be in a situation where we have to lockdown again but the Delta variant moves so fast,' he said.

'There are no alternatives to lockdown. If you wait, it will spread. And once it spreads, you can never even hope to run alongside it.'

Residents are only allowed to leave home for exercise, essential shopping, care-giving, essential work and getting vaccinated.
Sanaa Lathan has revealed that she 'stopped drinking about three years ago' as it 'dimmed my energy' and 'was affecting anxiety.'

The 49-year-old noted that her vivacious mother Eleanor, who is a teetotaler, flew in the face of 'this whole belief that you can only have fun with alcohol.'

She told People that since she gave up alcohol 'I haven't missed it. My life has definitely become more of a morning life, but I can still go out and have fun.'

Changes: Sanaa Lathan has revealed that she 'stopped drinking about three years ago' as it 'dimmed my energy' and 'was affecting anxiety'; pictured in 2019

Sanaa explained: 'Alcohol was not going well with me physically. Just, it was not working anymore. It affects everything, and that's part of the reason why I stopped, because even if you're going out a couple of times a week and you're drinking, it was starting to affect me throughout the week.'

The Contagion actress said: 'It wouldn't be necessarily a hangover, but it definitely dimmed my energy. I didn't feel as good. It was affecting anxiety.'

Sanaa, who is the daughter of TV director and producer Stan Lathan, shared: 'You don't realize how over time it gets your brain out of balance as well. And the more I educated myself on really what it does to you....'

She then gushed about Eleanor saying: 'I have a mother who has never drank, and she's probably the funnest person, the happiest person, because there's this whole belief that you can only have fun with alcohol.'

Side by side: The 49-year-old noted that her vivacious mother Eleanor (right), who is a teetotaler, flew in the face of 'this whole belief that you can only have fun with alcohol'

Sanaa revealed: 'I had to really reprogram that aspect, because it's just all over in our culture. So, I haven't missed it. My life has definitely become more of a morning life, but I can still go out and have fun.'

In a previous interview with Health she had been open about experiencing 'panic attacks' and 'PTSD' after the sudden death of her best friend.

She talked about undergoing the attacks 'three to five times a day' until she took up transcendental meditation and the condition 'went away.'

Now in her new People interview she credited Eleanor for priming her to choose meditation as a way of coping with bereavement.

'More of a morning life': She told People that since she gave up alcohol 'I haven't missed it'; she is pictured at the 2005 Glamour magazine Women Of The Year afterparty

'I grew up with a mother who taught me about meditation so, I did it on and off. "The reason why I came to this practice was several years ago, I went through a lot of trauma. I had a best friend who died suddenly. She was not sick. It was completely unexpected. I didn't process it. I was in a shock type of situation,' said Sanaa.

'I didn't process it and just kept on being the strong girl, being a strong woman. And then several months later, I started having panic attacks. I didn't know what a panic attack was. Little did I know that it's a real thing, and I would get three to five a day, even if I was happy,' the Alien Vs Predator actress recalled.

A doctor attributed the attacks to 'trauma that you did not process correctly' and gave her the option of 'medications' or a 'holistic' approach.

Sanaa acknowledged that she will 'always tend to do the holistic thing first, before I go a traditional route,' so she turned to meditation.

The way she was: Sanaa is pictured attending the Critics' Choice Awards at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in 2006

About three years ago Sanaa also had to staunchly deny a persistent rumor that she had bitten Beyonce at a party.

She told Health that the conjecture was 'the most absurd thing Ive ever been involved with. Thank God Ive been in this business for 20 years and have had so many rumors about me. They used to devastate me in my 20s, but in order to survive in this business, you just have to let it roll.'

Sanaa insisted that 'I adore Beyonce. I would never do anything malicious like that - to her, or to anyone. Its so bizarre.'

Comedian Tiffany Haddish initially told GQ a story about an unnamed 'actress' who 'bit Beyonce in the face' at a party in December 2017.

Runs in the family: Sanaa also credited Eleanor, whom she is pictured with in 2008, with introducing her to meditation

After the GQ article appeared online in March 2018 the internet abounded with speculation as to who the mystery woman was.

Later on during a Hollywood Reporter interview Tiffany was confronted with the rumor that the actress was Sanaa and grinned without offering confirmation.

She did note the impact of the speculation, saying Sanaa's father and stepmother 'were mad at me' and accused her of attempting 'to ruin' their daughter's 'career.'
Denham Hitchcock has revealed his plan to sail from Sydney to the Gold Coast with his family fell to pieces because of NSW's Covid-19 lockdown.

The Channel Seven journalist, 44, said in an Instagram post earlier this week they'd departed Sydney just before the restrictions came into effect on June 26.

'We sailed out of Sydney - bound for the Gold Coast just before the NSW restrictions started. Good timing. But the lockdown storm caught up to us anyway No matter,' he wrote.

Smooth sailing? Denham Hitchcock has revealed his plan to sail from Sydney to the Gold Coast with his family fell to pieces because of NSW's current Covid lockdown. Pictured with his wife, Mari, and daughter, Kaia

Denham also shared a photo of himself doing a push-up on the boat's deck, hovering over his one-year-old daughter, Kaia, whom he shares with his wife, Mari.

'Tiny one and I are up to 300 push-ups every morning before breakfast and work A lockdown proof workout who needs a gym anyway' he wrote.

NSW's strict lockdown has seen many other states, including Queensland, close their borders to Greater Sydney.

Stopped in their tracks: In a post on Instagram earlier this week, the 44-year-old Channel Seven journalist said they'd departed Sydney just before the restrictions came into effect on June 26

Making the most of it: Denham also shared a photo of himself doing a push-up on the boat's deck, hovering over his one-year-old daughter

Despite the disruption to his family's plans, Denham - who describes himself as an 'ocean explorer' in his Instagram bio - has taken it all in his stride.

The keen sailor regularly updates his Instagram followers with photos and videos from his beloved boat.

'Just a few weary sailors watching the sun rise on the NSW coast. Our first overnight sail with tiny one and she was a superstar,' he captioned a series of photos with his family on their vessel on July 7.

'We sailed out of Sydney - bound for the Gold Coast just before the NSW restrictions started. Good timing. But the lockdown storm caught up to us anyway No matter,' he wrote

Life at sea: The keen sailor regularly updates his Instagram followers with photos and videos from his beloved boat

'Squealed at dolphins and whales all day - then slept through a rocking rushing speeding noisy sailboat all night. 6pm to 5.30am in her own room. Leaving mum and dad to take care of business through the night'

On May 1, Denham revealed he 'can't wait' to return to the sea with his young family whenever he's away on work assignments.

'No wonder I can't wait to get home from work trips... my two girls... this little boat... and a big Harbour,' he wrote on Instagram.
Scott Cam has dished out more details on The Block's biggest scandal ever.

The 58-year-old host of Nine's popular renovation series spoke to Nova's Fitzy & Wippa on Thursday as the upcoming 17th season draws near.

Scott started the conversation by discussing his plans to keep fit in lockdown from workouts in his backyard gym, walking and cutting out alcohol, something he says he hasn't done 'since 1974'.

'What the hell is going on here?' Scott Cam, 58, has spoken to Fitzy & Wippa about The Block's cheating plot and why it's 'the biggest reality TV scandal ever'

The conversation then diverted to the cheating scandal on the forthcoming season of The Block: Fans vs Faves, which was first revealed in late July.

Radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald asked about the cheating plot and referenced how returning couple Ronnie and Georgia Caceres had described it as 'the biggest scandal that you'll see on a reality show ever'.

'This is beyond a normal cheating scandal,' Scott replied. 'It's pretty big.'

Big call: Returning couple Ronnie and Georgia Caceres have described the moment as 'the biggest cheating scandal that you'll see on a reality show ever'

'Even we were shocked by it and of course we sort of know whos done this, but its up to the contestants to find out who that is,' he continued.

Scott then explained the scandal takes place within the first few episodes.

'It ruffles a lot of feathers right from the beginning. Its happening on, like, day one or two. We stood back and thought, "What the hell is going on here?'"

Scott revealed to TV Week on Monday that the scandal was 'the biggest in the franchise's history' and would 'change everything'.

Fiery start: Scott explained the scandal takes place within the first few episodes of the new season. Pictured with The Block co-host Shelley Craft

It will be one of several shake-ups this season as the contestants renovate homes in a cul-de-sac in the Melbourne suburb of Hampton.

The former contestants returning include season seven's Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie, and season 13's Ronnie and Georgia.

They will compete against Love Island Australia twins Josh and Luke Packham, Tanya and Vito Guccione, and Kirsty Lee Akers and Jesse Anderson.

The new season of The Block: Fans vs Faves premieres on August 8.
The latest trailer for The Walking Dead's eleventh and final season appeared to tease the death of Lauren Cohan's beloved character Maggie Greene.

In the final seconds of the action-packed preview, released Thursday, the 39-year-old actress could be seen dangling by her fingertips for dear life.

Eventually, however, she loses her grip, and no further footage is shown of her plummeting or possibly getting saved from a potentially fatal fall.

The latest trailer for The Walking Dead's eleventh and final season appeared to tease the death of Lauren Cohan's beloved character Maggie Greene

The opening of the teaser begins with her saying: 'What we have compared to everything that's out there, it's rare.'

'That's why we need to take it back,' she adds, before receiving a gun from her old enemy Negan Smith (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).

Footage then pans to Aaron (Ross Marquand), who exclaims: 'This is our home, and we'll fight to save it.'

Terrifying: In the final seconds of the action-packed preview, released Thursday, the 39-year-old star could be seen dangling by her fingertips

'What we have compared to everything that's out there, it's rare. That's why we need to take it back,' she adds, before receiving a gun from her old enemy Negan Smith (Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

War: Footage then pans to Aaron (Ross Marquand), who exclaims: 'This is our home, and we'll fight to save it'

With tensions at an all time high, Judith (Cailey Fleming) helps train her fellow children to fight with swords.

'I don't leave anybody behind, not ever,' says Daryl (Norman Reedus), while raising his crossbow to an attacker.

Before the preview ends, Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) seemingly addresses a crowd as he reminds everyone what they're fighting for.

'I don't leave anybody behind, not ever,' says Daryl (Norman Reedus), while raising his crossbow to an attacker

Inspiring: Before the preview ends, Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) seemingly addresses a crowd as he reminds everyone what they're fighting for

Passionate: Aaron gave a passionate speech

'We live for them,' he declares as a montage of survivors, including Rosita (Christian Serratos), Ezekiel (Khary Payton) and Kelly (Angel Theory), is shown. 'If we die, we die for them.'

Just two days ago, Reedus revealed there will be a wild plot twist in season 11 that will leave fans shocked.

'It's kind of mind-blowing where we're going,' he told ComicBook.

Attack! With tensions at an all time high, Judith (Cailey Fleming) helps train her fellow children to fight with swords

'We live for them,' he declares as a montage of survivors, including Rosita (Christian Serratos), Ezekiel (Khary Payton) and Kelly (Angel Theory), is shown. 'If we die, we die for them'

Just two days ago, Reedus revealed there will be a wild plot twist in season 11 that will leave fans shocked

'It's kind of mind-blowing where we're going,' he told ComicBook

He continued: 'We did the first ten episodes kind of in one direction, and that involved Maggie's story mostly, and us trying to deal with what's going on with that as a group'

'And then all of a sudden, we did a one-eighty, and now it's kind of like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory all of a sudden,' the star teased

He continued: 'We did the first ten episodes kind of in one direction, and that involved Maggie's story mostly, and us trying to deal with what's going on with that as a group.'

'And then all of a sudden, we did a one-eighty, and now it's kind of like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory all of a sudden,' the star teased.

Reedus also stated that the next 24 episodes will be 'completely different' than what viewers may expect.

Plot twist: Reedus also stated that the next 24 episodes will be 'completely different' than what viewers may expect

Surprises to come: Speaking of his own character Daryl, Reedus said 'he's taking care of people and he's protecting people, but he's also with everybody else kind of protecting [their home]'

Farewell: Last September it was confirmed that the show will end following season 11 after ten years

Long run: AMC revealed the news in September, explaining that the final season will feature 24 episodes, stretched out over two years, whereas previous seasons have only had 16 episodes

Speaking of his own character Daryl, Reedus said 'he's taking care of people and he's protecting people, but he's also with everybody else kind of protecting [their home].'

Last September it was confirmed that the show will end following season 11 after ten years.

AMC revealed the news in September, explaining that the final season will feature 24 episodes, stretched out over two years, whereas previous seasons have only had 16 episodes.

The zombie-heavy series - from creator Robert Kirkman - will continue airing through to late 2020, with the show getting a fittingly slow and painful death.

More to come: The zombie-heavy series - from creator Robert Kirkman - will continue airing through to late 2020, with the show getting a fittingly slow and painful death

Spinoffs: However, true to form, the zombies are never really dead - as AMC has said it still plans to expand the Walking Dead universe, with two more spin-offs, including a straight-to-series order for a drama that will follow Daryl (Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride)

Beloved series: At the time, Ed Carroll, chief operating officer of AMC Networks, said in a statement: 'The Walking Dead made television history, and is one of those rare creative works that has given life to an entire content universe that is still in the early stages of growing and entertaining both new and established fans'

'We cant wait to bring viewers this expanded final season of The Walking Dead over the next two years, and launch the fourth series in the history of the franchise, focused on the beloved Daryl and Carol characters, with the incredibly talented Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Angela Kang and Scott M. Gimple'

'There really is so much 'walking' ahead, in a number of very exciting directions, for this extraordinary creative universe we call The Walking Dead'

Soon: The Walking Dead returns August 22 on AMC

However, true to form, the zombies are never really dead - as AMC has said it still plans to expand the Walking Dead universe, with two more spin-offs, including a straight-to-series order for a drama that will follow Daryl (Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride).

At the time, Ed Carroll, chief operating officer of AMC Networks, said in a statement: 'The Walking Dead made television history, and is one of those rare creative works that has given life to an entire content universe that is still in the early stages of growing and entertaining both new and established fans.'

'We cant wait to bring viewers this expanded final season of The Walking Dead over the next two years, and launch the fourth series in the history of the franchise, focused on the beloved Daryl and Carol characters, with the incredibly talented Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Angela Kang and Scott M. Gimple.'

'There really is so much 'walking' ahead, in a number of very exciting directions, for this extraordinary creative universe we call The Walking Dead.'

Over of a decade: The Walking Dead first premiered on October 31, 2010
Sofia Richie looked stylish as ever when she was spotted stepping out in sunny Beverly Hills this Thursday.

The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie slipped into a flowing pair of beige high-waisted trousers that featured fashionable pleats.

It appeared she was indulging in a spot of retail therapy as she could be seen swinging a small shopping bag as she sauntered up the sidewalk.

Off she goes: Sofia Richie looked stylish as ever when she was spotted stepping out in sunny Beverly Hills this Thursday

Sofia, whose siblings include The Simple Life star Nicole Richie, emphasized her trim figure in a fitted white t-shirt.

Sweeping her blonde hair tightly back behind her head she warded off the California rays with a pair of cat-eye tortoiseshell shades.

Slinging a black bag from one shoulder she added a splash of dazzle to the ensemble with a butterfly pendant.

On the move: The 22-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie slipped into a flowing pair of beige high-waisted trousers that featured fashionable pleats

The showbiz legacy is currently involved with one Elliot Grainge who joined her and her brother Miles for their 4th Of July celebrations last month.

Last year Sofia ended her relationship with Scott Disick, 38 - who has three children with Kourtney Kardashian - and she has been with Elliot for months.

Elliot, whose father Lucian Grainge is the CEO of Universal Music Group, has joined the family business and started an indie record label.

Out and about: It appeared she was indulging in a spot of retail therapy as she could be seen swinging a small shopping bag as she sauntered up the sidewalk

Sofia dated Scott for more than two years before they broke up last year, briefly reunited and then split for good.

Kourtney and Scott have retained a famously close and amicable relationship as they co-parent their children Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six.

During the current season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Scott revealed that his close co-parenting bond with Kourtney caused problems for him and Sofia.
Kim Kardashian matched outfits with Kanye West yet again at his second Donda streaming event after bringing their children to Atlanta for the occasion.

Like the first launch event last month, the second one was held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and saw Kim and her estranged husband dressed in the same color.

Once again Kim, 40, had to watch from the stands as Kanye, 44, performed his track Love Unconditionally in which he pleaded with her to 'come back' to him.

He also introduced a new song in which he goaded her: 'Time and space is a luxury but you came here to show that you're still in love with me.'

Show of support: Kim Kardashian matched outfits with Kanye West yet again at his second Donda streaming event after flying from Los Angeles to Atlanta for the occasion

Coordination: Like the first launch event last month, the second one was held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and saw Kim and her estranged husband dressed in the same color

Kim could be glimpsed in the audience of Thursday's event chatting with her and Kanye's eight-year-old daughter North.

During the first Donda streaming event last month Kanye was wearing loose-fitted scarlet gear from his own brand.

Kim could be seen in the audience for that launch wearing a skintight red ensemble as she sat beside her and Kanye's children, as well as her sister Khloe.

By the time the second launch was held this Thursday, with a more polished version of the album played for the audience, Kim and Kanye were both in black.

To hear him tell it: He also introduced a new song in which he goaded her: 'Time and space is a luxury but you came here to show that you're still in love with me'

Family support: Kim could be glimpsed in the audience of Thursday's event chatting with her and Kanye's eight-year-old daughter North

Kim was in a strikingly similar look to the one she wore last time, with the color being the main distinguishing feature.

Meanwhile Kanye was wearing a getup that emphasized his toned arms, as well as a matching mesh mask that obscured his entire face.

His outfit was completely black with the exception of a gold necklace and the word: 'DONDA' written on both sides of his top in white.

Donda is named after Kanye's late mother who died in 2007 aged 58 of heart disease and post-operative complications after having multiple cosmetic procedures.

Now she's in black: Kim was in a strikingly similar look to the one she wore last time, with the color being the main distinguishing feature

What Kim heard: When it came to the children Kanye was optimistic, rapping: 'God got us, baby, God got the children, the Devil run the playground but God own the building'

During both listening parties he played a song called Love Unconditionally in which he sang: 'I'm losing my family' amid his divorce from Kim.

He begs his lost love to 'come back to me' and includes audio of Donda recalling that her father taught her to 'love unconditionally' and 'never abandon your family.'

However as the evening wore on he also performed a track in which he appeared to be taking a more philosophical view of his collapsing marriage.

Kanye referred the relationship as the 'best collab since Taco Bell and KFC' and recalled 'when you used to come around and serenade me.'

Backdrop: Kim finally filed for divorce this February after months of rumors that her marriage to Kanye was on the brink of collapse

He acknowledged: 'Whoa, but I guess its going different in a different direction lately. Tryna do the right thing with the freedom that you gave me.'

Despite his calmer tone he did dredge up some of their old disagreements, fuming in one verse: 'How you gon' try to say sometimes its not about me? Man, I dont know what I would do without me.'

When it came to the children he was optimistic, rapping: 'God got us, baby, God got the children, the Devil run the playground but God own the building.'

Near the end of the number he argued: 'Time and space is a luxury, but you came here to show that you're still in love with me.'

Meanwhile: Kanye was wearing a getup that emphasized his toned arms, as well as a matching mesh mask that obscured his entire face

Touch of glitz: His outfit was completely black with the exception of a gold necklace and the word: 'DONDA' written on both sides of his top in white

The song asserted that it was 'feeling like you ain't been happy for me lately, darling,' and told God: 'I give up on doing things my way.'

He said of his divorce: 'Youre gone off safety. Speak first. Dont break me. Harsh words - youre angry. Lord, dont take me.'

His fans were left crestfallen after Kanye failed to release the album after the first release party, and shortly thereafter he announced it would drop August 6.

Kanye was then said to have taken up residence in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as he put the final touches on Donda, TMZ reports.

Backstage pass: Kim attended the first Donda launch at the same location in a skintight red jumpsuit that threw her hourglass figure into relief

He was claimed to have enlisted a chef for the duration of his stay at the venue, where a living space and a studio had been cobbled together for his use.

Kim finally filed for divorce this February after months of rumors that her marriage to Kanye was on the brink of collapse.

They have reportedly agreed to split custody of their four children - North, eight, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two.

Last year while campaigning for President Of The United States Kanye tearfully revealed during a rally that he and Kim considered aborting North.

The way he was: During the first Donda streaming event last month Kanye was wearing loose-fitted scarlet gear from his own brand

He fired off a series of furious Twitter tirades accusing his wife of adultery and referring to her mother Kris Jenner as 'Kris Jong Un.'

In response Kim, who was rumored to be livid about the abortion disclosure, posted a statement about Kanye's struggles with bipolar disorder and pointed out 'that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor.'

Eventually late last summer the couple traveled to the Caribbean with their four children in what was widely reported as a make-or-break trip to save the marriage.

However apparently their relationship proved irreparable as the onetime couple are currently in the midst of divorce proceedings.
Vanessa Bryant has settled her lawsuit with her mother Sofia Laine, eight months after blasting her for attempting to 'extort a financial windfall from our family' with the suit.

Laine filed a lawsuit against Kobe's estate back in December, claiming that the late Lakers player had promised to support her for life.

While she claimed Vanessa, 39, left her out to dry after her son-in-law and granddaughter died in January and attempted to back charge her $96 an hour for 18 years of babysitting work, her daughter refuted the accusations in a fiery statement posted to Instagram.

The terms of the settlement have not been revealed, according to TMZ, which reported the settlement on Thursday.

Vanessa Bryant has settled her lawsuit with her mother Sofia Laine, eight months after slamming her over the accusations made in the case

Vanessa asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit back in March, claiming her mother had previously said she and Kobe had no obligation to support her during spousal supporting hearings from 2004 to 2008, according to TMZ.

In her March filing, Vanessa zeroed in on Sofia's statements from her spousal support hearings against her ex-husband.

At the time, her ex told the court that he wasn't required to pay spousal support to Sofia because her daughter Vanessa and Kobe were supporting her with his wealth.

But she claimed at the time that her daughter and son-in-law were not obligated to support her, and that anything she had received from them was merely a gift.

Sofia's ex-husband also cited reports that Vanessa had purchased a $1 million home for her mother, which he claimed meant that she wasn't in need of support from him as well.

Receipts: Sofia (R) claimed that Vanessa and Kobe weren't required to support her in 2004 and 2008 spousal support hearings with her ex. She also shot down rumors that Vanessa bought her a $1 million home at the time; seen in 2015

But Sofia denied those reports in court, calling them 'absolutely false.'

'I would never permit Vanessa to do such a thing. I have not and do not (nor should I be required to) rely on Vanessa for my support,' she said at the time.

Vanessa also pushed back against her mother's claim that Kobe had promised to 'take care of her financially.'

Vanessa's team says that even if the star athlete said that, the statement is too vague, making it unenforceable.

Too vague: Vanessa's legal team said that even if Kobe had promised to 'take care of [Sofia] financially,' the statement was too vague to be enforceable; pictured together in 2017

Fighting back: Vanessa shot down Sofia's claims that she was owned back pay for babysitting her children, calling her 'a grandmother who, at times, helped her daughter and son-in-law by spending time with her grandchildren'; pictured in November 2019

Sofia is also seeking compensation from Kobe's estate because she claims he and Vanessa violated California labor law because she babysat for their children without being paid at least minimum wage.

She also says she should be compensated for not being given legally required meal breaks and and rest periods.

In her filing, Vanessa legal team wrote that, '[Sofia] was never an "employee,"' calling her 'a grandmother who, at times, helped her daughter and son-in-law by spending time with her grandchildren.'

To cap everything off, Vanessa says all of her mother's claim to Kobe's estate are baseless because she didn't file a creditor's claim to it within one year of his death, which she says Sofia would have been required to do.

Her side: Vanessa took to her Instagram stories in December to defend both her and Kobe's treatment of her mother over the past two decades

Different realities: 'She now wants to back charge me $96 per hour for supposedly working 12 hours a day for 18 years for watching her grandchildren,' she wrote. 'In reality, she only occasionally babysat my older girls when they were toddlers '

Back in December, Vanessa addressed her mother's legal claims on Instagram with a lengthy text post.

'My mother is continuing to find ways to extort a financial windfall from our family,' she said in the post. 'I have supported her for nearly twenty years, and she was never my or Kobe's personal assistant, nor was she a nanny.'

She claimed she and Kobe had always had 'full-time caregivers' and she called herself a 'stay-at-home mother,' implying she wouldn't have needed the amount of childcare Sofia claimed to have provided.

'For nearly two decades, we arranged for my mother to live in our nearby properties, at no cost to her because she claimed that she didn't have money to buy her own home after her divorce,' Vanessa continued.

'She now wants to back charge me $96 per hour for supposedly working 12 hours a day for 18 years for watching her grandchildren,' she wrote. 'In reality, she only occasionally babysat my older girls when they were toddlers.

'As of ten years ago, our kids were full time students and athletes and I didn't have another child until 2016.'

Kindness: Vanessa added in her post that she had still been voluntarily supporting her mother, despite not being required to; seen in February 2020

Hurtful: Vanessa said that she did still try to work things out with her mom. 'Because I did not give in to her hurtful threats and monetary requests, she has spiraled out of control and is making false and absurd claims,' she wrote

Vanessa added in her post that she had still been voluntarily supporting her mother, despite not being required to.

'Earlier this year, I was looking for a new home for her and, a week later, she went on television and gave an interview disparaging our family and making false accusations while living rent-free in a gated apartment complex in Newport Coast.

'Even after that betrayal, I was willing to provide my mother with monthly support for the rest of her life and that wasn't good enough. She instead contacted me through intermediaries (contrary to what she claims, my phone number hasn't changed) and demanded $5 million, a house and a Mercedes SUV.

'Because I did not give in to her hurtful threats and monetary requests, she has spiraled out of control and is making false and absurd claims. She is now trying to get more money than my husband and I ever spent to provide for her while he was alive,' she wrote.
She's a successful actress busy raising an eight-month-old baby boy.

And Emma Roberts enjoyed a breath of fresh air as she enjoyed some time to herself in Manhattan on Thursday.

The actress, 30, was spotted walking on her own in the Big Apple, embracing a boho chic vibe in her flowing floral Hunter Bell NYC maxi dress with black combat boots.

Taking time for herself! Emma Roberts enjoyed a breath of fresh air as she enjoyed some time to herself in Manhattan on Thursday

The star swept her blonde locks into a chic yet relaxed bun, putting her radiant complexion on show.

Allowing her smooth complexion to breathe, she appeared to be wearing just a minimal amount of makeup.

She jazzed up the look with hoop earrings and a playful blue 'Vibes' face mask dangling on her wrist.

Emma has been staying busy as of late.

Good vibes: She jazzed up the look with hoop earrings and a playful blue 'Vibes' face mask dangling on her wrist

On top of raising her bouncing baby boy Rhodes with partner Garrett Hedlund, she has been working on her book club Belletrist.

Last week the actress attended a launch event for Belletrist at the Whitby Hotel Reading Room in NYC.

The actress was celebrating a partnership between Belletrist and Bookclub.com in an effort to get more readers for select titles, including novel Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith.

Open book: Emma Roberts took part in a fun looking launch event for her book club Belletrist at the Whitby Hotel Reading Room in New York City last week

She wore a smart and fetching chartreuse blazer to the event, which she layered over a black Celine crop top with branded band giving a peek at her flat abdomen.

Her boxy, tweed jacket featured large pockets and two rows of gold buttons.

She paired this with formfitting medium wash bluejeans.

Stylish: She wore a smart and fetching chartreuse blazer to the event, which she layered over a black Celine crop top with branded band giving a peek at her flat abdomen

On her feet, the American Horror Story actress also wore white $118.95 Sam Edelman 'Evita Geometic' heels featuring gold chain detail.

She accessorized with some low-key jewelry touches, including a ring on her index finger and one chain bracelet.

Emma wore her blonde hair down, parted at the middle, and posed with her Belletrist partner, Karah Preiss.

Partners: Emma wore her blonde hair down, parted at the middle, and posed with her Belletrist partner, Karah Preiss

Readers and authors: The actress was celebrating a partnership between Belletrist and Bookclub.com in an effort to get more readers for select titles novel Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith (far right); seen with Lisa Taddeo, author of novel Animal (left)

The Scream Queens star frequently recommends various books on her Instagram, tagging the account for Belletrist when she does so.

Emma shares baby boy Rhodes with her partner Garrett.

The pair has been dating since 2019, and are frequently spotted out for walks and coffee runs in their neighborhood of Los Feliz within Los Angeles, California.

Chatting about books: The Scream Queens star frequently recommends various books on her Instagram, tagging the account for Belletrist when she does so
Kanye West hosted a second listening party for his highly-anticipated album Donda on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

And all four of the 44-year-old rapper's children were in attendance, along with their mom Kim Kardashian, as reported by TMZ and fans in attendance.

Prior to the event's start, the estranged couple's eldest son Saint, five, was seen getting in some much needed playtime.

Family affair: Kanye West's children were in attendance, along with their mom Kim Kardashian, as reported by TMZ and fans in attendance

As captured by a fan, Saint was seen running around his family's designated seating area as they awaited their father's grand entrance.

He was being momentarily chaperoned by Tracy Romulus, who happens to be the Chief Marketing Officer of KKW.

Saint's playmates for the night were Tracy's three children Ryan, Remi and Raf, who were also featured in the in-stadium video shared to Twitter.

It was also revealed on Twitter that guests at the listening party were offered the Pfizer vaccine to fans attending.

Kim, 40, eventually made her way back to her family's seats with her and Kanye's eldest daughter North, eight, by her side.

Best seats in the house! As captured by a fan, Saint was seen running around his family's designated seating area as they awaiting their father's grand entrance

Just like her little brother and mother, North was dressed in all black for the listening party.

The entire family, as well as their guests, appeared to be coordinating with Kanye who emerged in a black Donda top, baggy pants, and combat boots for the event.

Kim and Kanye's youngest children, daughter Chicago, three, and son Psalm, two, were not pictured.

In typical Kardashian fashion, the SKIMS CEO could not help but share a clip of her favorite Donda moment with her social media following.

She uploaded a brief video fo the listening party's final moment, which saw Kanye 'ascending' to the heavens surrounded by beams of light.

Watchful eye: He was being momentarily chaperoned by Tracy Romulus, who happens to be the Chief Marketing Officer of KKW

Playmates: Saint's playmates for the night were Tracy's three children Ryan, Remi and Raf, who were also featured in the Twitter video

Kim and Kanye have been amicably co-parenting their brood amid their ongoing divorce proceedings, with Kim and the kids attending the very first Donda listening party in late July.

It was announced back in February that the pair would be splitting up after nearly seven years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences' in court docs.

Despite the show of support, sources tell TMZ that 'this is not some sign that Kim and Kanye are getting back together.'

Donda is the rapper's long-awaited tenth studio album, named after his late-mother who passed away in 2007.

Dynamic duo: Kim, 40, eventually made her way back to her family's seats with her and Kanye's eldest daughter North, eight, by her side

Coordinated: The entire family, as well as their guests, appeared to be coordinating with Kanye who emerged in a black Donda top, baggy pants, and combat boots for the event

Proud: Kim uploaded a clip from the listening party to her Twitter

Woah! She uploaded a brief video fo the listening party's final moment, which saw Kanye 'ascending' to the heavens surrounded by beams of light

The event took place at the Mercedes Benz Stadium where West has reportedly been living for the past two weeks in an effort to perfect the record.

A tweet issued out by the stadium on Thursday revealed that Pfizer vaccines would be made available 'to fans attending tonight's listening party.'

'Vaccines will be offered in sections 340-347 until 9:30pm,' the tweet revealed.

Arriving one hour past the scheduled 6:30PM start time, a masked Kanye appeared at the center of the stadium in a Donda-themed getup.

To close out the listening party, West ascended to the heavens - with a little help from a suspension cord - as the final song came to a dramatic close.

NOT back together: Despite the show of support, sources tell TMZ that 'this is not some sign that Kim and Kanye are getting back together'; Kim and Kanye pictured with (L-R) daughter North, Chicago, and sons Saint and Psalm in 2019

His entrance was set to the tune of a song, seemingly titled Glory, which features powerful narration by his late-mother Donda West.

He stood motionless before a camping-inspired stage setup on Instagram, featuring a mattress, bedding, a glowing lantern, and several articles of clothing.

Resting atop the mattress, dressed in a white sheet, pillow, and black comforter, were several sheets of paper featuring the rapper's handwriting.

Round two: Kanye West hosted a second listening party for his highly-anticipated album Donda on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Grand finale: To close out the listening party, West ascended to the heavens - with a little help from a suspension cord - as the final song came to a dramatic close

Setting: Kanye took in the music on a camping-inspired stage setup, featuring a mattress, bedding, a glowing lantern, and several articles of clothing.

It proved to be a heavy contrast to the barren stage West paced around on when he debuted a first draft recording of Donda to a crowd of fans, friends, and family at the 71,000 seat stadium on July 22.

Though no specific reason was ever given, Kanye decided to scrap the album's originally scheduled July 23 release date following the listening party.

As Thursday's continued, a large group of people - donning ensembles reminiscent of Kanye's - emerged from the shadows to circle West and his spotlit stage set-up.

One track that was met with major excitement was the song featuring West's longtime pal Jay-Z. It marks the pair's first collaboration in five years, having last teamed up on Drake's 2016 track Pop Style.

Donda: Arriving one hour past the scheduled 6:30PM start time, a masked Kanye appeared at the center of the stadium in a Donda-themed getup

Glory: His entrance was set to the tune of a song, seemingly titled Glory, which features powerful narration by his late-mother Donda West

As revealed during the previous listening party, the album includes several rap features, including late Pop Smoke, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Pusha T, Baby Keem, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk.

The Weeknd also appears on one anthemic track.

Donda happens to be Kanye's first album release since 2019's Jesus Is King.

Last month it was claimed that the hitmaker had been asked by his team to host another Donda listening party in Atlanta after the smash success of his first one.

The rapper was thinking up ways to make it 'different' with a 'twist' from the first jam-packed event, according to TMZ.

Large production: As Thursday's continued, a large group of people - donning ensembles reminiscent of Kanye's - emerged from the shadows to circle West and his spotlit stage set-up
Fans who attended an early screening of the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect in Chicago got quite the surprise when Jennifer Hudson showed up.

The 39-year-old actress and Chicago native put in an unannounced appearance to introduce her new film at the AMC River East Theater in Chicago on Thursday.

The film, which follows the life story of the legendary Queen of Soul, is slated for release in theaters nationwide on August 13.

Surprise: Fans who attended an early screening of the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect in Chicago got quite the surprise when Jennifer Hudson showed up

Hudson rocked a colorful mini-dress with a black hem and a slightly low-cut look as she introduced the film.

She wore a gold necklace with a gold pendant that read 'Respect' along with a grey choker and other necklaces.

Her curly hair fell to her chin as she accessorized with a number of bracelets and rings, completing her look with a pair of silver pumps.

Jennifer's look: Hudson rocked a colorful mini-dress with a black hem and a slightly low-cut look as she introduced the film

Crowd: Her curly hair fell to her chin as she accessorized with a number of bracelets and rings, completing her look with a pair of silver pumps

Hudson was joined at the screening by Chaz Ebert, the widow of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, who passed awatay in 2013.

The actress has been travelling across the country to promote the film, spotted last week at a special screening in Martha's Vineyard.

Just two days before her Chicago appearance, Hudson was spotted at a special screening in Atlanta as well.

Jennifer and Chaz: Hudson was joined at the screening by Chaz Ebert, the widow of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, who passed away in 2013

Respect follows the life story of Aretha Franklin, as she rose from humble beginnings, singing in her traveling preacher father's 'gospel caravan' to international stardom.

The biopic also stars Forest Whitaker as her father C.L. and Audra McDonald as her mother Barbara, with Marlon Wayans as her first husband Ted White and Marc Maron as record producer Jerry Wexler.

Liesl Tommy makes her feature film directorial debut with Respect, after directing episodes of Insecure, The Walking Dead, Mrs. Fletcher and more.

Life story: Respect follows the life story of Aretha Franklin, as she rose from humble beginnings, singing in her traveling preacher father's 'gospel caravan' to international stardom

Hudson is currently filming a new anthology project dubbed Women's Stories, teaming up with Taraji P. Henson, who will direct her segment.

The segment is called Pepcy & Kim, telling the true story of Kim Carter, a former addict who created the Time for Change Foundation to help homeless women get their lives back.

Hudson is also voicing Ophelia in the upcoming animated movie Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk.
Carmen Electra looked amazing as she donned an eye-catching red dress at the Marcel Remus charity night in Mallorca.

The actress, 49, put on a very busty display as she wore the stunning floaty scarlet gown which also had sequins at the waistband.

Making sure she oozed sultriness, the dress had a thigh skimming slit which allowed for her toned pins to be revealed.

Wow: Carmen Electra, 49, looked amazing as she donned an eye-catching red dress at the Marcel Remus charity night in Mallorca

The American media personality wore her blonde locks in a middle parting and in soft waves which were placed neatly over her shoulders.

Finishing off the look, she elevated her height by wearing very high nude coloured heels.

The event, which took place on the Spanish Island, was hosted by the German Real Estate agent, Marcel Remus.

Stunning: The American media personality wore her blonde locks in a middle parting and in soft waves which were placed neatly over her shoulders.

Gorgeous: The actress put on a very busty display as she wore the stunning floaty scarlet gown which also had sequins at the waistband, pictured her with Marcel Remus

Marcel sells luxury villas in Mallorca, with some fetching prices as high as 24 million (20 million).

The star studded affair saw the famous faces of the likes of the actress Joan Collins, actress Hayley Hasselhoff and journalist Maximillian Arland.

They all looked in high spirits as they posed for photos at the party.

Later on in the evening, the real estate mogul could be seen letting loose as he danced on a white chair.

Looking good: Making sure she oozed sultriness, the dress had a thigh skimming slit which allowed for her toned pins to be revealed

The event raised 64,000 (54,000) and was in aid of those who have been affected by flood disaster.

Carmen's visit to the event in Majorca is not the first time she's crossed paths with a real estate agent.

She picked a property professional to go out on a date with on an episode of The Celebrity Dating Game on ABC in the US last month.

Formal: Finishing off the look, she elevated her height by wearing very high nude heels.

The guests looked in high spirits later on in the evening as they were snapped for photos, Carmen is pictured here with Hayley Amber and Maximillian Arland

The star chose Mark Harris after quizzing three bachelor contestants on the revival show.

Carmen asked them to describe themselves to her as rollercoasters.

Mark, bachelor number 2, told her he would be called 'colossus, easy' and Carmen looked intrigued. Bachelor number 1, Nathon Verdugo, a marketing director, said 'typhoon for sure.' Bachelor number 3, Daniel Colvin, a real estate agent, said 'top thrill because I will take you from zero to 120 in four seconds.'

Carmen told them she took on a stage name when she came to Hollywood and then asked the contestants to tell them theirs.

When Carmen asked Mark to describe how he would unwrap her if she was a gift, she seemed interested in his revealing answer.

'I would take my tongue and just say thanks and gratitude that I even have you as a gift,' Mark told her. 'I would unwrap you slowly and I would cherish you forever.'

Glamorous: Carmen posed up a storm for the cameras

Famous: Other celebrities who were in attendance included Dame Joan Collins

Host Michael Bolton, 68, then stepped to help the guys guess Carmen's identity by singing out clues like 'aint no Baywatch when she's gone, Minnesota was her home and then she moved to LA' to the tune of Bill Withers 'Ain't No Sunshine.'

Nathon was the only one who guessed her identity correctly. Daniel guessed she was Pamela Anderson.

In the end Carmen chose Mark as her date. She said he was very sweet and would save her life if her house burnt down. She did think that maybe he was 'a little too perfect and I feel like he's hiding something.'
She has been keeping fans up to date on her Italian getaway.

And Vanessa Hudgens was sharing yet more insight into the stunning trip as she took to Instagram to share a series of selfies and videos.

The actress looked jaw-dropping in a plunging sheer gown with no bra underneath as she posed for the camera before larking around on a yacht in style.

Chic: Vanessa Hudgens was sharing yet more insight into the stunning trip as she took to Instagram to share a series of selfies and videos

Vanessa looked sensational in the ensemble, as she showed off her perky cleavage from beneath the sheer brightly coloured gown.

She scraped her hair into a high bun while going for a flawlessly made-up look, which only added to the glamour of the ensemble.

It comes just days after she took to the photosharing site to state that she 'missing' her recent stay on the Italian island of Capri, as well as her tight knit vacation crew.

In a slideshow shared to Instagram on Wednesday, the actress gave fans a candid look at one night of her trip where she attended the star-studded Unicef fundraiser.

Hot stuff: The actress looked jaw-dropping in a plunging sheer gown with no bra underneath as she posed for the camera before larking around on a yacht in style

Amazing: Vanessa looked sensational in the ensemble, as she showed off her perky cleavage from beneath the sheer brightly coloured gown

All eyes on me! She was dancing the night away as she enjoyed the night

Hudgens modeled a stunning Alexandre Vauthier gown while hanging out on the deck of a luxurious yacht.

She posed against the railing with one leg poking out from the dramatic slit in her designer gown for several glamorous shots. The High School Musical alum rocked a bright white pedicure and wore her raven hair in a chic updo.

As for accessories, Vanessa donned a pair of silver drop earrings, one bangle, and one shiny band on her right hand.

After getting in several solo snaps, Hudgens invited a few of her close male pals in on the photo fun.

Chic: She scraped her hair into a high bun while going for a flawlessly made-up look, which only added to the glamour of the ensemble

Reminiscing: It comes just days after she took to the photosharing site to state that she 'missing' her recent stay on the Italian island of Capri, as well as her tight knit vacation crew

Glamour girl: In a slideshow shared to Instagram on Wednesday, the actress gave fans a candid look at one evening of her trip where she attended the star-studded UNICEF gala

Yacht life: Hudgens modeled a stunning Alexandre Vauthier gown while hanging out on the deck of a luxurious yacht

She tenderly cradled the face of pal Phil Riportella, while Simon Huck and another close friend posed to Vanessa's left.

Giving her 41.8million followers a closer look at their star-studded shenanigans, Hudgens included some shots taken in the streets of Capri after the fundraiser gala.

The Princess Switch actress struck a dramatic pose in a candlelit hallway, before candidly walking arm-in-arm and letting out laughs with pals outdoors.

Vacation crew: After getting in several solo snaps, Hudgens invited a few of her close male pals in on the photo fun

Work buddies: Vanessa cozies up to industry pal Simon Huck (right)

Vanessa and her vacation crew have seemingly returned to Los Angeles after taking in Capri, as well as several other Italian destinations over the past several weeks.

Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Hudgens gave her fanbase a look at her refreshed appearance as she posed up a storm from home.

She has her brunette hair styled in voluminous curls and she donned a white shirt with the word 'Realisation' written on it in red lettering.

Taking Italy! Giving her 41.8million followers a closer look at the star-studded shenanigans, Hudgens included some shots taken in the streets of Capri after the gala

Fun times: The Princess Switch actress struck a dramatic pose in a candlelit hallway, before candidly walking arm-in-arm and letting out laughs with pals outdoors

After zooming in on her freshly styled hair and impeccable makeup, Vanessa flashed a smile for the camera.

Though it's unclear exactly when Hudgens returned from her Italian getaway, she appeared to still be vacationing in Capri on Sunday.

She uploaded a sensational swimsuit-clad snap that showed her climbing up onto her and her crew's anchored yacht.

Refreshed: Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Hudgens gave her fanbase a look at her refreshed appearance as she posed up a storm from home

Her sunbathing outfit featured a low-cut neckline that showed off her ample assets and jaw-dropping curves.

Vanessa paired her look with a white and black patterned headband.

She accessorized with a slew of gold jewelry, including large hoop earrings, a chunky choker, a long chain pendant and a sleek bangle.
She has been enjoying the sights of Rome since landing last week.

And Rebel Wilson continued in enjoying her Italian break as she nailed Riviera chic in her latest slew of stunning shots snapped during her break.

The actress, 41, slipped into a skimpy black bikini and an elegant fedora as she took a selfie for Instagram while relaxing on a boat, on Friday.

Gorgeous: Rebel Wilson, 41, slipped into a skimpy black bikini and an elegant fedora as she took a selfie for Instagram while relaxing on a boat, on Friday

While out-and-about on her adventure, Rebel donned a breton striped top as she posed for the camera alongside pals during her day of tourist fun.

Rebel looked sensational as she hit the streets in her chic ensemble, comprising a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren tee.

She wore her chic fedora worn at a jaunty angle with a brown leather handbag and elegant gold framed sunglasses to complete her stunning style.

The blonde beauty was certainly feeling snap happy during the jaunt as she wowed while enjoying the trip in style alongside her pals, who included Snapchat's Jacob Andreou, Emmy Winning Entertainment Tonight Host Carly Steel and pal Maria Bell.

Wow: The actress continued in enjoying her Italian break as she nailed Riviera chic in her latest slew of stunning shots snapped during her break

Chic: She donned an elegant fedora and breton striped top as she posed for the camera alongside pals during her day of tourist fun

All together: She posed with pals during the trip

Snapping away: She was joined by Emmy Winning Entertainment Tonight Host Carly Steel and pal Maria Bell

It comes shortly after she and enjoyed a day of sightseeing at the Colosseum in Rome on Tuesday, when she shared snaps from her day as she posed in front of the historic landmark in an aqua T-shirt and skinny white jeans.

She paraded her newly-svelte frame in her get-up, adding vintage shades and a sun hat to the look in the hot Italian sunshine.

She toted a Balmain purse and kept things comfy in boating flats as she climbed up on a wall and posed for her snaps.She shared these on Instagram, captioning them: 'Rome-ing around today!'

Rebel revealed she has recently bought a home in London and is planning to spend 'a lot more' time in the UK capital, increasing her chances of finding a British boyfriend.

Snap happy: Snapchat boss Jacob Andreou was also in attendance on the trip

'Rome-ing around!' It comes shortly after she and enjoyed a day of sightseeing at the Colosseum in Rome on Tuesday, when she shared snaps from her day as she posed in front of the historic landmark in an aqua T-shirt and skinny white jeans

When in Rome! Earlier in the week, the actress shared snaps from her day as she posed in front of the historic landmark in an aqua T-shirt and skinny white jeans

Strike a pose: She paraded her newly-svelte frame in her get-up, adding vintage shades and a sun hat to the look in the hot Italian sunshine

The actress and comedienne is quoted by The Sun newspaper's Bizzare column as saying: 'I love England. I've bought a place in London so I'm sure I'll be spending a lot more time there in the future.'

'I am someone who is established in my career so is definitely on the hunt for love  but it has to be the right person,' said the beauty.

'I've definitely found some amazing people, it just hasn't been totally right. I'm still on the hunt.'

The Australian actress - who is ready to move on following her split from billionaire Jacob Busch in February - has insisted she is not willing to interact with guys who slide into her DMs.

Social media hookups not happening: Wilson posted this photo to her Instagram, but it shouldn't encourage guys to reach out to her via the platform because the star has made it clear that she won't open direct messages from people she doesn't follow

She said: 'Don't ever DM me, guys, if you're not someone I follow, because I won't read it.

'It's just like opening a gate to things that you don't know. There could be d*** pics, there could be anything in those DMs,' she said.

'I tend to just not look at it because as a human being you get a bit sad if someone writes something mean about you.

Ignoring the randoms: Wilson said she doesn't let 'randoms' on the internet get to her. She posted this photo of her on the set of her upcoming film, Senior Year, to Instagram August 1

'Randoms on the internet don't really know you so you shouldn't get offended about what they might say.'

Meanwhile, the comedienne recently revealed she lost weight to boost her chances of getting pregnant.

The Pitch Perfect actress has shed more than 65lbs over the last year and although she was initially 'offended' that her doctors suggested her fertility would improve if she was slimmer and 'healthier', the comments gave her the motivation to tackle her eating habits.

Speaking on Instagram Live, she said: 'When I was going through and looking into fertility stuff, the doctor was like, 'Well, you'd have a much better chance if you were healthier'.

Losing weight to gain a baby: The comedienne, showing off her new physique in a photo taken earlier this year, recently admitted she was motivated to lose weight after a doctor told her it would increase her chances of getting pregnant

'I was actually a bit offended. I thought that even though I was bigger, I was pretty healthy.

'So that's what started it  that if I lost some excess weight, it would give me a better chance of freezing eggs and having better quality eggs.

'At first it wasn't even for myself, it was thinking of a future mini-me and their quality. That's what kick-started it.'

However, in May, Rebel told her Instagram followers she'd been given some 'bad news' about her fertility.

She wrote: 'I got some bad news today and didn't have anyone to share it with ... but I guess I gotta tell someone. To all the women out there struggling with fertility, I feel ya. The universe works in mysterious ways and sometimes it all doesn't make sense ... but I hope there's light about to shine through all the dark clouds.'
Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil happily got her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, on Friday.

The 28-year-old shared an Instagram post of her visit to the clinic and wrote a lengthy post about why she decided to get the jab.

She posted a video of herself getting the injection and photos of the bandage on her arm.

Doing her part! Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil (pictured) beamed after getting her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the caption of her Instagram post, she wrote: 'The face of a happy little lady who just got her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine'

'The face of a happy little lady who just got her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine,' she wrote in the caption, noting her post was not an invitation for anti-vaxxers to abuse her comments section.

The beauty queen wrote that she her post hoped to encourage people have a conversation about the vaccine with their doctor.

'I'm conscious of what a privilege it is to be experiencing this pandemic in Australia when parts of the world have been absolutely ravaged by uncontrolled outbreaks,' she said.

Vaxxed: She also posted a video of herself getting the injection. Elsewhere in the caption, she wrote: 'I'm conscious of what a privilege it is to be experiencing this pandemic in Australia when parts of the world have been absolutely ravaged by uncontrolled outbreaks'

'All I can do is share what is true for me... my appreciation for the ability to access a vaccine, to do what I believe will benefit the community and keep both myself and others safe,' she added, hoping people can 'rise above the misinformation'.

Although Maria did not disclose which vaccine she received in her post, she joins a growing list of Australian celebrities who have rolled up their sleeves.

Among those vaccinated against Covid include, Jackie 'O' Henderson, Kyle Sandilands, The Bachelor's Jimmy Nicholson, Abbie Chatfield and comedian Andy Lee.

Proudly Australian! Maria was crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2020 and represented the country at the 69th Miss Universe Pageant in Florida, back in May

Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys, former footy WAG Phoebe Burgess, comedian Celeste Barber, as well as The Project's Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar.

Maria was crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2020 and represented the country at the 69th Miss Universe Pageant in Florida, back in May.

She progressed to the Top 10 but was out of the running, with the title eventually going to Mexico's Andrea Meza.
She has been starring in All Stars Cabaret at Proud Embankment.

And Denise Van Outen kept up her appearances at the London venue on Thursday night as she was spotted heading home after another performance.

The 47-year-old TV personality was spotted making a glamorous exit from the venue in leggy gold shorts with a striped design.

Stunning: Denise Van Outen put on a leggy display in gold shorts as she left Proud Embankment after her latest Cabaret All Stars performance on Thursday

She completed her look with a shiny black bomber jacket and elongated her toned pins with leather stilettos.

The blonde beauty wore her light tresses in curls over her shoulders and opted for a glamorous makeup look including a slick of red lip.

Denise looked sensational as she made her way to a car waiting to whisk her home, flashing a smile and waving for the cameras.

Wow: The 47-year-old TV personality was spotted making a glamorous exit from the venue in leggy gold shorts with a striped design

It comes after Denise teased that something's in the pipeline to mark the 30th anniversary of Channel 4's morning show, The Big Breakfast.

Speaking about the decision to revive it for a one-off special in September as part of Channel 4's Black To Front day, Denise also weighed in on the announcement that AJ Odudu will host alongside Mo Gilligan.

'AJ is a good friend of mine. I'm thrilled she's doing it, she'll be great. And it'll be so nice to watch. It's like a trip down memory lane  back into the old house. I'm not sure what it's like in there now,' Denise said.

Style: She completed her look with a shiny black bomber jacket and elongated her toned pins with leather stilettos

Radiant: The blonde beauty wore her light tresses in curls over her shoulders and opted for a glamorous makeup look including a slick of red lip

Asked if she'd ever like to go back, she teased: 'It's the anniversary next year. So there might be something... That's all I'll say!'

Earlier this year, Denise - who hosted then show with Johnny Vaughan - told MailOnline that they were hoping to return.

Denise, who ended her 20-year feud with Johnny during the COVID-19 lockdown, confirmed she's already discussed ideas with her former co-host, saying: 'We've started having conversations. It would be nice to do something to mark the 30th anniversary.

Incredible: Denise looked sensational as she made her way to a car waiting to whisk her home, flashing a smile and waving for the cameras

'The original house has so many great memories and it would be amazing if we could return and film there, even though it's been renovated.

'We'd want to see all the old faces return and play some of the old games too. I'm sure the fans would love it and see it as a real nostalgia trip.

'It would be so much fun working with Johnny again on show which means so much to us both.'
Teresa Palmer is counting down the weeks until she gives birth to her fourth child.

The 35-year-old revealed that she has been breastfeeding her children for seven years and shared photos of herself nursing her children.

'Today is day 2728 of breastfeeding straight,' she began in the lengthy caption of Instagram post on Wednesday.

Motherhood: Heavily pregnant Teresa Palmer (pictured) revealed she has been breastfeeding for seven years straight in an Instagram post on Wednesday, as she prepares to welcome her fourth child in a matter of weeks

The actress explained that she began breastfeeding since her first son was born in 2014 and continued to 'tandem nursing' each of her children as infants and through their toddler years.

She added that she is still nursing her two-year-old daughter Poet and 'will jump in to my third tandem nursing experience in a matter of weeks.'

'Some days it's a lot, I'm utterly exhausted and just want my body back, other days I sit in a place of deep gratitude as I cherish and honour this experience with my babes,' she wrote.

'Today is day 2728 of breastfeeding straight': She explained that she has breastfeed each of her children back to back, or 'tandem nursed', each of her children as infants and through their toddler years, and is will do the same with her daughter Poet and soon-to-be born child

'Some days it's a lot': Teresa wrote, 'I'm utterly exhausted and just want my body back, other days I sit in a place of deep gratitude as I cherish and honour this experience with my babes'

The Ride Like A Girl star acknowledged that she's been 'privileged enough to have the choice to breastfeed' as some women struggle with it.

'Women should be celebrated for however they feed their babies, free from judgement,' she said.

Teresa wrote that she experienced backlash from the public about choice to breastfeed her children and hopes other women have the opportunity to try nursing without judgement.

'It's incredible to think that these debates and harmful conversations are STILL going on. Let's hope we are moving towards change in this area,' she added.

Bumping along nicely: The Warm Bodies star is currently 37 weeks pregnant and shares three children with her husband Mark Webber (pictured). They will welcomed their fourth child in August

The Warm Bodies star is currently 37 weeks pregnant and shares three children with her husband Mark Webber - sons Bodhi Rain, seven, Forest Sage, four, and daughter Poet Lake, one.

Mark is also father to older son Isaac Love, 13, who he shares with ex Frankie Shaw.

Teresa arrived in Sydney with her family in mid-June after a long-haul flight from the US, before they were whisked away into quarantine.

The actress is set to give birth to her fourth child in August with her husband Mark and their family by her side.
She was one of the bombshells in the current series of the ITV reality show.

And, Love Island's AJ Bunker, 28, was in very high spirits as she danced down the street in a skimpy mini dress during a night out in London, on Thursday.

After dining at The Ned, the hair technician from Hertfordshire looked keen to continue the evening as she boogied her way out.

Loving life: AJ Bunker, 28, was in very high spirits as she danced down the street in a skimpy mini dress during a night out in London, on Thursday

AJ showcased her slim frame in the form-fitting frock, which put her best assets on display, and boosted her height with perspex heels.

The reality star draped a longline jacket over sher shoulders and carried her belongings in an oversized tote.

She was joined by Rachel Finni, 29, who looked radiant in a black crop top which she paired with matching leggings and a shirt.

The Love Island stunner also sported a pair of gladiator sandals while she added to her outfit with hoop earrings.

Fun: After dining at The Ned, the hair technician from Hertfordshire looked keen to continue the evening as she boogied her way out

Wow! AJ showcased her slim frame in the form-fitting frock, which put her best assets on display, and boosted her height with perspex heels

Girls' night! She was joined by Rachel Finni, 29, who looked radiant in a black crop top which she paired with matching leggings and a shirt

Letting her raven tresses fall loose down her shoulders, Rachel completed her look with a black handbag.

Earlier in the day, AJ and Rachel joined fellow Love Islander Georgia Townend for lunch at Saint Aymes cafe in Marylebone.

The hairdresser showcased her jaw-dropping figure as she arrived at the venue in the figure-hugging green mini dress, and styled her blonde locks into loose waves.

AJ looked in good spirits as she caught up with Rachel and Georgia after the trio were all recently dumped from the villa.

Wow: AJ looked incredible as she joined her fellow Love Islanders Rachel Finni and Georgia Townend for lunch at Saint Aymes cafe in Marylebone earlier in the day

Looking good: Rachel (left) stunned in all-black and Georgia (right) opted for a pink outfit

Stunning: AJ showcased her jaw-dropping figure as she arrived at the venue in a figure-hugging green mini dress

Georgia opted for a pink long-sleeved shirt for the outing which she wore with a matching mini skirt.

The Essex native, 28, wore her platinum locks in a ponytail and also sported a pair of white trainers.

The trio looked thrilled to be reunited as they posed for snaps outside the venue.

AJ lasted six days inside the villa, Rachel for nine and Georgia for two.

Reunion: The trio caught up at the cafe after they were all recently dumped from the villa

Style: The ladies smiled as they were pictured heading for lunch

Fashion: The reality stars struck a friendly pose before sitting down for treats

Day out: Rachel and Georgia looked sensational as they posed with milkshakes

The outing comes after Wednesday's dramatic episode of Love Island which saw Amy and Hugo, Clarisse and Tyler and Mary and Sam all face being dumped.

The islanders received a text telling them to gather around the fire pit where they were told which couples were safe after the public voted for who their favourite pairs were.

The three couples who received the fewest votes were then told their fellow islanders would decide who stayed and who would leave in a dramatic cliffhanger.

Flawless: The trio looked thrilled to be reunited as they posed for snaps outside the venue

Pals: Georgia wore her platinum locks in a ponytail and also sported a pair of white trainers.

Stint: AJ lasted six days inside the villa, Rachel for nine and Georgia for two

Lunch: Rachel and Georgia arrived to the swanky cafe holding hands

Beauty: The pair both accentuated their natural beauty with light pallets of makeup

After the three bottom couples stood before the fire pit, the islanders got a text reading: 'Two boys and two girls are going home, who goes and who stays will be decided by your fellow islanders.'

They were then told that the boys would have to save their favourite girl while the girls would have to save their favourite boy, meaning four people will be leaving the villa on Thursday.

Love Island will continue on Thursday at 9pm on ITV2 and the ITV Hub.

Short stint: Georgia did not get to couple up during her two-day stint in the villa
NRL star Reagan Campbell-Gillard and his fiancee Alira Hoskin announced they are expecting their first child together.

On Friday, the couple made shared the exciting news on their respective Instagram posts.

The Parramatta Eels prop, 28, smiled alongside his radiant partner in the selfie as he held a sign that read: 'Baby Campbell-Gillard arriving in January.'

Baby joy: NRL star Reagan Campbell-Gillard and his fiancee Alira Hoskin announce they are expecting their first child together in an Instagram post on Friday. They revealed their baby is due in January. Both pictured

That was followed with another pictured that show a straw bassinet with a blanket, booties, toy blocks, a bracelet and a rattle, along with the ultrasound of their unborn child.

The couple's baby joy was met with well wishes from fans and friends, including Melbourne Storm star Josh Addo-Carr, who said: 'Yessss mate congrats my brother.'

Jai Field, who currently plays for England's Wigan Warriors, commented: 'Congrats Reggie unreal mate.'

Baby on the way! They also shared a picture of a straw bassinet with a blanket, booties, toy blocks, a bracelet and a rattle, along with the ultrasound of their unborn child

News: The couple's baby joy was met with well wishes from fans and friends, including Melbourne Storm star Josh Addo-Carr, Jai Field and axed Dragons star Paul Vaughan

While axed Dragons star Paul Vaughan joked: 'Can't wait to see my son.'

Reagan and Alira's exciting news comes after she revealed their engagement on April 15.

She shared a photo of his hand holding hers with a stunning diamond on her hand as they enjoyed dinner at The Restaurant Pendolino in Sydney.

Happy: Reagan and Alira's exciting news comes after she revealed their engagement on April 15

Sweet: She shared a photo of his hand holding hers with a stunning diamond on her hand as they enjoyed dinner at The Restaurant Pendolino in Sydney

The brunette beauty captioned her post: 'My person for life,' along with an engagement emoji.

The happy news was welcomed by their friends and family who congratulated them.

Affinity Diamonds, who helped the couple design the ring, commented: 'We loved to help create this ring, congratulations to you both.'
Dame Joan Collins and her husband Percy Gibson looked glamorous as they attended Marcel Remus' charity night in Mallorca on Thursday evening.

The 88-year-old Dynasty actress dressed to the nines as she donned a scarlet coloured wrap dress which puddled around her ankles.

Making sure she was shining, she matched the diamond bow detailing of the dress with a huge sparkling necklace and weighty earrings.

Well-dressed: Dame Joan Collins and her husband Percy Gibson looked glamorous as they attended Marcel Remus' charity night in Mallorca on Thursday

Her brunette locks looked glamorous as they were in her statement blown-out style.

She made sure to show off her manicured nails, which matched her gown perfectly.

Completing the look, she wore her iconic dark eye make up with pink lipstick swept across her lips.

Elegant: The Dynasty actress dressed to the nines as she donned a scarlet wrap dress which puddled around her ankles

Wow: Making sure she was shining, she matched the diamond bow detailing of the dress with a huge sparkling necklace and weighty earrings

Her husband Percy, 56, cut a very dapper figure as he opted for a white dinner jacket with a bow tie.

Matching his wife's gown, he wore a red pocket square as he posed for pictures with her at the event.

The event, which took place on the Spanish Island, was hosted by the German Real Estate agent, Marcel Remus.

Marcel sells luxury villas in Mallorca, with some fetching prices as high as 24 million (20 million).

Sophisticated: Her husband Percy cut a very dapper figure as he opted for a white dinner jacket with a bow tie

Wow: Carmen Electra, 49, was also in attendance and looked amazing as she donned an eye-catching red dress

The star studded affair saw the famous faces of the likes of the actress Carmen Electra, actress Hayley Hasselhoff and journalist Maximillian Arland.

Carmen looked amazing as she donned an eye-catching red dress at the Marcel Remus charity night in Mallorca.

The actress, 49, put on a very busty display as she wore the stunning floaty scarlet gown which also had sequins at the waistband.

Making sure she oozed sultriness, the dress had a thigh skimming slit which allowed for her toned pins to be revealed.

Stunning: The American media personality wore her blonde locks in a middle parting and in soft waves which were placed neatly over her shoulders.

Gorgeous: The actress put on a very busty display as she wore the stunning floaty scarlet gown which also had sequins at the waistband, pictured her with Marcel Remus

The American media personality wore her blonde locks in a middle parting and in soft waves which were placed neatly over her shoulders.

Finishing off the look, she elevated her height by wearing very high nude coloured heels.

The star studded affair saw the famous faces of the likes of the actress Joan Collins, actress Hayley Hasselhoff and journalist Maximillian Arland.

They all looked in high spirits as they posed for photos at the party.

Later on in the evening, the real estate mogul could be seen letting loose as he danced on a white chair.

Looking good: Making sure she oozed sultriness, the dress had a thigh skimming slit which allowed for her toned pins to be revealed

Pals: She posed with many famous friends, including actress Hayley Amber Hasslehof (pictured here)

The event raised 64,000 (54,000) and was in aid of those who have been affected by flood disaster.

Carmen's visit to the event in Majorca is not the first time she's crossed paths with a real estate agent.

She picked a property professional to go out on a date with on an episode of The Celebrity Dating Game on ABC in the US last month.

Formal: Finishing off the look, she elevated her height by wearing very high nude heels.

The guests looked in high spirits later on in the evening as they were snapped for photos, Carmen is pictured here with Hayley Amber and Maximillian Arland

The star chose Mark Harris after quizzing three bachelor contestants on the revival show.

Carmen asked them to describe themselves to her as rollercoasters.

Mark, bachelor number 2, told her he would be called 'colossus, easy' and Carmen looked intrigued. Bachelor number 1, Nathon Verdugo, a marketing director, said 'typhoon for sure.' Bachelor number 3, Daniel Colvin, a real estate agent, said 'top thrill because I will take you from zero to 120 in four seconds.'

Entrepreneur: Marcel (middle) sells luxury villas in Mallorca, with some fetching prices as high as 24 million (20 million)

Good cause: The event raised 64,000 (54,000) and was in aid of those who have been affected by flood disaster

Carmen told them she took on a stage name when she came to Hollywood and then asked the contestants to tell them theirs.

When Carmen asked Mark to describe how he would unwrap her if she was a gift, she seemed interested in his revealing answer.

'I would take my tongue and just say thanks and gratitude that I even have you as a gift,' Mark told her. 'I would unwrap you slowly and I would cherish you forever.'

Glamorous: Carmen posed up a storm for the cameras

Host Michael Bolton, 68, then stepped to help the guys guess Carmen's identity by singing out clues like 'aint no Baywatch when she's gone, Minnesota was her home and then she moved to LA' to the tune of Bill Withers 'Ain't No Sunshine.'

Nathon was the only one who guessed her identity correctly. Daniel guessed she was Pamela Anderson.

In the end Carmen chose Mark as her date. She said he was very sweet and would save her life if her house burnt down. She did think that maybe he was 'a little too perfect and I feel like he's hiding something.'
Love Actually and Game Of Thrones star Thomas Brodie-Sangster put on a giddy display with his Pistols co-star Talulah Riley in London.

The child star, 31, who was most recently known to be dating model Gzi Wisdom, was dressed in his usual retro-inspired garb as he stepped out with the actress, 35, who divorced Elon Musk in 2016, for a giddy outing on Thursday.

The duo were feeling playful as they stepped out laughing and playing, having recently kicked off shooting on the new Danny Boyle Sex Pistols show where they will play Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood.

Sweet: Love Actually and Game Of Thrones star Thomas Brodie-Sangster put on a giddy display with his Pistols co-star Talulah Riley in London

Thomas opted for high-waisted brown trousers with an off-white tee and striped shirt while he kept a pair of round glasses hooked in his collar.

Talulah looked incredibly chic in a white mini dress as she joined her beau on the day out, where they were stopped by a fan for a snap.

Thomas was snapped with Gzi last year although little else was known of their romance. Meanwhile Talulah's marriage to Elon was well-documented. They first wed in 2010 and first divorced in 2012 and remarried July 2013.

The billionaire then filed for divorce in December 2014 but withdrew in summer 2015 before she sued for divorce again in March 2016 - which was then finalised.

Hold me close: The child star, 31, was dressed in his usual retro-inspired garb as he stepped out with the stunning model and photographer for a giddy outing on Thursday

Trendy: Thomas opted for high-waisted brown trousers with an off-white tee and striped shirt while he kept a pair of round glasses hooked in his collar

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Thomas and Talulah for comment.

The actor has enjoyed film success in Nanny McPhee, Nowhere Boy - in which he played a young Paul McCartney - and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Elsewhere Thomas won a new legion of fans thanks to his recurring role as Jojen Reed in hugely popular HBO drama Game Of Thrones.

Talking to the Guardian about his youthful appearance in 2015, he reflected on the difficulty he faced in trying to buy alcohol during a trip to Canada.

Hey there! Talulah looked incredibly chic in a white mini dress as she joined her beau on the day out, where they were stopped by a fan for a snap

Then: Thomas was last known to be dating model Gzi Wisdom (pictured in October)

Back then: Talulah was married to Elon Musk until 2016 (pictured in 2009)

He said: 'For the first time in my life I got out my phone and looked myself up on IMDb. They laughed and even got me to sign my autograph. But they wouldnt serve me that pint.'

However, his youthful appearance also works in his favour as despite the fact he's in his mid-20s, Thomas is still cast in child roles.

The actor starred as Thomas Cromwell's 15-year-old protege in the BBC's adaptation of Wolf Hall in 2015.

He has also loaned his voice to two characters in the reboot of cult classic TV series Thunderbirds Are Go!

On-set: Thomas is pictured on the Pistols set

Star: Elsewhere Thomas won a new legion of fans thanks to his recurring role as Jojen Reed in hugely popular HBO drama Game Of Thrones
Ash K Holm uses her skills as a makeup artist to perfect one of the world's most famous faces.

Kim Kardashian, 40, is Ash's biggest client, and she revealed on Friday that the reality star's iconic look is surprisingly quick to achieve.

Ash told Adelaide Now that a session with Kim as last as little as one hour - or as many as three.

Star power: Ash K Holm (pictured) uses her skills as a makeup artist to perfect one of the world's most famous faces. Kim Kardashian, 40, is Ash's biggest client, and she revealed on Friday that the reality star's iconic look is surprisingly quick to achieve

'I was at Kim's a few days ago and she was like, 'it's a one-hour glam.' There's days where they [the Kardashians] don't have the time,' Ash told the paper.

'They're like, 'you know what? I just want to spend an hour on everything  nails, hair, makeup', and we knock it out.

'If it's a red carpet, we may have like 2.5 hours, sometimes three.'

Quick work: Ash told Adelaide Now that a session with Kim as last as little as one hour - or as many as three. 'I was at Kim's a few days ago and she was like, 'it's a one-hour glam.' There's days where they [the Kardashians] don't have the time,' Ash told the paper. Kim is pictured

What a girl wants: Ash adds that the KKW Beauty brand owner knows what she wants and her look is always 'very Kim'. 'She's the queen of fashion and is like, 'I have an idea! Let's keep it in this direction but put your twist on it,'' Ash explains

Ash adds that the KKW Beauty brand owner knows what she wants and her look is always 'very Kim'.

'We like to get creative but I like to keep it in like the world of what Kim would love. There are some days where she's like, 'do whatever you want.'

'There are other days that she knows exactly what she wants. She's the queen of fashion and is like, 'I have an idea! Let's keep it in this direction but put your twist on it,'' she explains.

Details: Another member of Kim's glam squad, makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic (left), recently revealed he uses a technique called micro-concealing to create a 'flawless' yet very natural complexion on the beauty

Another member of Kim's glam squad, makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, recently revealed he uses a technique called micro-concealing to create a 'flawless' yet very natural complexion on the beauty.

'Micro-concealing is technique used to precisely conceal blemishes or pigmentation using a small amount of product and a brush,' he told Byrdie.

'This technique works best for those who are looking to use a minimal amount of product and a fresher more natural looking face.'

Clever: 'Micro-concealing is technique used to precisely conceal blemishes or pigmentation using a small amount of product and a brush,' he told Byrdie

Mario said you use a thin makeup brush to place the product gently into small dots throughout the face.

You then feather out the product by applying minimal pressure on the brush and pat your fingers softly to set the concealer.

Mario says that for this look to work, you'll need to find a colour 'as close to your exact shade as possible'.

He also explained that a common mistake is not blending or setting your under-eye concealer.
Jock Zonfrillo has spoken candidly about overcoming his addiction to heroin.

The MasterChef judge, 45, decided on a clean start at age 23, when he left Glasgow, Scotland, for Australia.

He decided to kick the bad habit to the curb on New Years Eve in 1999.

Moves: Jock Zonfrillo (pictured) has spoken candidly about overcoming his addiction to heroin. The MasterChef judge, 45, decided on a clean start at age 23, when he left Glasgow, Scotland, for Australia

He writes in his memoir, Last Shot: 'I remember thinking: 'This is the last-ever time. This is the last shot.' I would never take drugs again. When the plane landed in Sydney I'd be free of all of that.'

Jock had managed to keep his addiction a secret until an article had outed him in 2014.

That forced him to admit his problem to his family, which he told The Daily Telegraph was one of his darkest hours.

Recovery: He writes in his memoir, Last Shot: 'I remember thinking: 'This is the last-ever time. This is the last shot.' I would never take drugs again. When the plane landed in Sydney I'd be free of all of that'

'I think it was one of the most horrible days of my life, without question,' he told the paper on Friday.

'I had to sit the kids down and tell them. And tell my mum and dad. And my ex-wife. Just the feeling of that was absolutely horrid.'

The award winning chef noted that having to relive that moment for his book was difficult as it was a highly emotional time in his life.

Hard: Jock had managed to keep his addiction a secret until an article had outed him in 2014. That forced him to admit his problem to his family, which he told The Daily Telegraph was one of his darkest hours. Pictured with his children

Difficult: 'I think it was one of the most horrible days of my life, without question,' he told the paper on Friday. 'I had to sit the kids down and tell them. And tell my mum and dad. And my ex-wife. Just the feeling of that was absolutely horrid.' Pictured with wife Lauren Fried

'That was the hardest part to write because it brings back all of those emotions. Once I got over how vulnerable I was, all of a sudden there was a sense of relief that that secret that was mine for so long was now revealed,' he said.

Jock recently revealed that he began using drugs when he was just 11-years-old - and purchased them from ice cream vans.

The chef divulged the details about his wild childhood in Glasgow in a candid interview on The Project last week.

Past: Jock recently revealed that he began using drugs when he was just 11-years-old - and purchased them from ice cream vans

He said: 'Maybe 11 or 12, smoking pot, that was the first time I ever did drugs but that leads to other stuff, whether it's speed, you know, or you are drinking.

'If you go to an ice cream van in Glasgow and if you say the right thing you get the right thing.

'There is a thing that plays children's music to attract kids towards it and everyone knows that there's drugs being sold out of it, do you know what I mean? It's not a secret,' he added.

Jock lost a childhood friend during an altercation, and it inspired him to get off the streets and pursue his dream of becoming a chef in his mid teens.

Candid: He divulged the details about his wild childhood in Glasgow, Scotland, in a candid interview on The Project on Monday. The 44-year-old said: 'Maybe 11 or 12, smoking pot, that was the first time I ever did drugs but that leads to other stuff, whether it's speed, you know, or you are drinking'

He explained: 'If you go to an ice cream van in Glasgow and if you say the right thing you get the right thing. There is a thing that plays children's music to attract kids towards it and everyone knows that there's drugs being sold out of it, do you know what I mean? It's not a secret'. Pictured as a pre-teen

'A car rolled up past us and wound the window down and said 'give us your jacket' to my mate. He looked and them and he was like - you know, he told them to eff off. They started piling into him and there was five of them.

'It was bad news. He passed away. And for what? A jacket? And that was Glasgow.'

In the past, the cooking show judge has revealed his teenage heroin addiction almost ended his culinary career before it even started.

Recovery: In the past, the cooking show judge has revealed his teenage heroin addiction almost ended his culinary career before it even started

The star, who moved from the UK to Australia in the year 2000, began using smack at the age of 15, just as he was starting out at restaurants.

He told The Australian Women's Weekly he used to be a high-functioning addict who was 'always in the kitchen on time, ready to work' - but everything changed when he didn't show up one day and was fired from his job.

'I was high functioning. I was always in the kitchen on time, ready to work. Except this one time during my apprenticeship... when I turned up for work four days late. In hindsight, I was lucky to be alive,' the Scotsman said.

After being sacked at the age of 17, Jock was given a second chance when he packed his bags, headed to London and knocked on the door of the Hyde Park Hotel.

Struggles: The 44-year-old, who moved from the UK to Australia in 2000, began using smack at the age of 15, just as he was starting out at restaurants

Second change: After being sacked from a restaurant at the age of 17, Jock got a second chance in London when Marco Pierre White (pictured) gave him a job at the Hyde Park Hotel

World-famous chef Marco Pierre White was running the place, and Jock said he was the 'last person' he expected to give him a job - but that's exactly what happened.

'Marco was amazing because he understood what was going on with me as a young man,' Jock said.

'People were very quick to judge a drug addict. He didn't. I was on my last chance, there's no doubt about it, but he treated me exactly the same as everybody else.'

Jock is joined on the MasterChef panel by celebrity chef Andy Allen and respected food critic Melissa Leong.
Actress Alicia Vikander was spotted filming scenes for the upcoming HBO series Irma Vep in Paris on Thursday.

Surrounded by an entourage of three, the Swedish star, 32, sported a navy shirt and black jeans while carrying a mobile phone charger on the set.

She continued her casual appearance with a pair of white trainers and a makeup-free look as she stood street-side in the French capital.

Leading lady: Alicia Vikander wore a navy shirt and black jeans while shooting scenes for the upcoming HBO series Irma Vep in Paris on Thursday

The Tomb Raider actress looked to be deep in conversation as she wore her naturally brown tresses in a side parting, allowing her waves to fall in front of her ears.

The series follows Alicia playing Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup who travels to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic.

However, she struggles to differentiate between herself and her role.

Casual: Surrounded by an entourage of three, the Swedish star sported a navy shirt and black jeans while carrying a mobile phone charger on set

On Monday, Alicia's husband Michael Fassbender, 44, was pictured cradling a baby as he supported his wife while she was at work.

The X-Men actor looked in good spirits as he held onto the tot while watching his Academy Award winning wife.

While Michael walked around the set with the baby, Alicia was seen making her way to her trailer in a fluffy white robe and sliders.

It is the first time Michael has been seen out with a baby and no further details are known.

Sweet: Michael Fassbender was seen cradling a baby on Monday as he supported Alicia on the set

Michael and Alicia have lived in Lisbon, Portugal, since marrying three years ago and have not previously spoken about whether they would have children together.

The couple were last pictured together in October 2020 when they were seen enjoying a stroll in Alicia's native Sweden.

MailOnline contacted Michael and Alicia's representatives for comment at the time.

Alicia and Michael met when they starred together in the romantic drama The Light Between Oceans, released in 2016.
She jetted off to the Greek island of Milos on Thursday, along with a group of models, where they have been professionally shooting her swimwear collection.

And Montana Brown, 25, looked incredible as she took to Instagram on Friday to show off her toned physique in a skimpy green and white print bikini.

The former Love Islander filled her followers with envy with the jaw-dropping snap, taken at the five-star Milos Cove Resort where she is currently staying with her entourage.

Smiling: Montana Brown looked incredible as she showed off her slim waist in a skimpy green bikini on Instagram on Friday during a trip to Milos to shoot her swimwear collection

Montana wore her beautiful caramel tresses in shiny waves, which cascaded over her shoulders, as she flashed a smile while walking towards the camera.

Tash Hall, 31, Breeny Lee, 30, Francesca Whyte, 27 and Sydney May Crouch, 24, make up the models who will feature in the Swim Society campaign, shot by photographer Catherine Harbour.

Breeny took to her own Instagram Story on Thursday to give her 177k followers an insight into the sun-filled trip.

Lavish: The former Love Islander filled her followers with envy with the jaw-dropping snap, taken at the five-star Milos Cove Resort (pictured) where she is currently staying with her entourage

In action: Breeny (far right) could be seen frolicking pool-side with Montana (centre) while Catherine (far left) took their shots with a DSLR

The brunette beauty could be seen frolicking pool-side with Montana while Catherine took their shots with a DSLR. A stunning mountain-lined view acted as the perfect backdrop.

Giving fans a sneak peek into the project, Breeny shared a professional photo from the shoot, where Montana and her models could be seen gracefully leaning against a wall.

They each donned a classic black bikini while gazing into the distance.

Work it! Sydney (right) and Montana (left) put on quite the show as they modelled for the camera

Chesca and Sydney shared their own slew of snaps, where they posed with Montana and put their modelling skills to good use.

Sydney wrote, 'Life is so beautiful,' alongside an impressive paradisaical photo of the sea view from the squad's hotel.

She followed up with a shot of her 'second glam of the day', which showed a makeup artist's chair and a collection of professional products in front of a row of bi-fold doors, opening up onto a balcony with a scenic sea view.
She was reported to have taken a $75,000 loss last month after selling the mansion she lived in with her ex-husband Channing Tatum.

But Jenna Dewan took her mind off the disappointing development on Thursday when she stepped out for a relaxing stroll in Los Angeles with her one-year-old son Callum.

The 40-year-old dancer and actress looked casual and youthful in a charcoal graphic T-shirt and the two got some fresh air.

Getting some air: Jenna Dewan, 40, looked cool and casual in a graphic T-shirt as she took a walk on Thursday in Los Angeles with her one-year-old son Callum in his stroller

Jenna paired her T-shirt with a similarly low-key pair of frayed cut-off jeans to highlight her toned dancer's legs.

She stayed comfortable in black sandals and wore her voluminous brunette hair styled down across her shoulders.

Little Callum looked adorable in a black patterned onesie with tiny white shoes as he was chauffeured around.

The Step Up star shares her youngest child with her fiance, fellow actor and Broadway star Steve Kazee.

Stunning figure: Jenna paired her T-shirt with a similarly low-key pair of frayed cut-off jeans to highlight her toned dancer's legs

Her future husband regularly takes walks with his family, though he wasn't present for Thursday's outing.

She and the Shameless actor, who hasn't been able to return to the stage yet due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, welcomed Callum in March of last year, just as the virus was spreading quickly across the globe.

The two were confirmed to be dating back in October 2018, and they announced Jenna was expected in September of the following year, before getting engaged in February 2020.

Prior to partnering up with the actor, Jenna was married to A-lister Channing Tatum until announcing their separation in the spring of 2018.

Growing family: The Step Up star shares her youngest child with her fiance, fellow actor and Broadway star Steve Kazee

Loved up: She and Steve were confirmed to be dating back in October 2018, and they announced Jenna was expected in September of the following year, before getting engaged in February 2020

Earlier this week, Jenna seemed to suggest that she had a difficult time raising their daughter Everly, whom they welcomed in 2013, because Channing wasn't around much at first due to his work commitments.

'I had to travel with her and at the time, Chan wasn't available to be with us for the most part. So, it was me, my doula and Evie all by ourselves traveling at six weeks,' she said on the Dear Gabby podcast.

She was working as well and brought her daughter to set so they could spend as much time together between takes as possible, but that didn't make the work and parenting any less stressful.

'That was really hard because that was long hours. I did have her on set with me constantly...It was just really difficult,' she continued, adding, 'And I had a lot of postpartum anxiety I would say. It was like, I just never stopped.'

However, on Tuesday she tried to clarify on social media that she wasn't trying to paint her ex in a bad light by saying he 'wasn't available' immediately after their daughter's birth.

Difficult times: Earlier this week, Jenna seemed to suggest that she had a difficult time raising their daughter Everly, whom they welcomed in 2013, because Channing wasn't around much at first due to his work commitments; seen together in 2017 in Las Vegas

All by herself: She said it was 'really hard' not having Channing by her side in the early days after Everly was born because he was away at work

'Its unfortunate that countless media outlets have taken an important conversation on a woman's experience with postpartum issues and pulled quotes to make it appear that I was slamming my daughter's father, something I would never do,' the Soundtrack star wrote on Twitter.

'As two working parents, we both face challenges at the time but I speak only for myself and not about him.'

'Anyone who actually listens to the interview, something I will encourage everyone to do, will clearly see that my words have been distorted for collection to push false, salacious gossip with no regard for the actual people involved, or the message intended.'

Despite his early parenting experiences, Channing has spent plenty of time with Everly in recent years, and she even inspired his children's book Sparkella, which he published in May.

Walking it back: But on Tuesday she clarified that both parents were working and said she 'would never' publicly slam her daughter's father

'It really has turned into kind of one of my favorite projects I've ever done,' he told Forbes that month. 'I really didn't intend to be an author ever, especially a kids' book author. And then you have a kid and life changes and things teach you and they teach you.

'My experience with having a daughter, I was really nervous about being a dad and being a girl dad,' he explained. 'Not knowing so much what her experience in this world is going to be and how was I going to relate to her.'

In order to better related to her, he had to embrace her young passions.

'Wear the boa, let her paint your nails and do your makeup,' he admitted. 'It's fun and just have fun with it.'
Chloe Sevigny was seen out for a stroll with son Vanja and a friend in New York City on Thursday.

The trio walked casually as the actress pushed her tot in a black Yoyo stroller with a taupe hood.

The mother of the one-year-old wore her blonde hair down and sported a knee-length jersey dress with the number five on it.

Three blondes: The trio walked casually as the actress pushed her tot in a black Yoyo stroller with a taupe hood

The Kids actress had on a cross-body bag and a white mask could be seen in an unusual spot, wrapped around her elbow.

She also had on a pair of sunglasses. The cool outfit was completed with a pair of strappy black sandals.

The friend of the star loosely pulled her blonde hair up for an undone look, wore a black button-down blouse, and slacks.

Son Vanja wore a yellow onesie and sipped from a bottle as the friends chatted.

A walk for three: Son Vanja wore a yellow onesie and sipped from a bottle as the friends chatted

Chloe Sevigny tied the knot with Sinisa Mackovic in secret last year.

The 46-year-old actress took to Instagram back in March to celebrate her one-year anniversary with her partner Sinsia, which also marked the very first time she has ever spoken about their marriage.

Writing alongside a snap from their wedding, she revealed: 'Married on a Monday March 9th 2020. Happy one year anniversary my love...'

Love and marriage: The Kids actress tied the knot with Sinisa Mackovic in secret last year

Chloe is heavily pregnant in the picture, as their wedding took place just two months before they welcomed their son Vanja on May 2.

The actress also confirmed the couple tied the knot at City Hall in New York City, as that's where she tagged the location of the wedding photo.

Chloe and Sinsia have been dating since 2019, and the couple revealed they were expecting their first child in late April of 2020, just days before Vanja was born.

Family time: Chloe and Sinsia have been dating since 2019, and the couple revealed they were expecting their first child in late April of 2020, just days before Vanja was born; the couple in NYC, July 2021

Speaking in a Q&A for Homme Girls on Instagram, she said, 'Our baby's due in eight days and we don't have a name yet.'

The Boys Don't Cry star confessed she was feeling 'distressed' that social distancing guidelines imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic meant she'd have to give birth alone.

New York Presbyterian hospitals announced: 'At this time, no visitors including birthing partners and support persons are permitted for obstetric patients.

'We understand that this will be difficult for our patients and their loved ones, but we believe that this is a necessary step to promote the safety of our new mothers and children.'

In response to the news, Chloe wrote on Instagram, '#pregnantincoronatime I hope all expecting families are finding some calm. Today's news in NY was very distressing for all. #support #prayers...'

The policy was later changed.
Jack Fincham has jetted to Portugal alone, following his split with Frankie Sims - and the reality star says he'd rather be on his own than in a dead end relationship.

Former Love Island star Jack, who is in the Algarve, where he was spotted shopping in designer outlets, admitted he was receiving stares seemingly for being on his own as he drank a daiquiri in a local restaurant.

The star, who recently had a brush with police, told fans on his Instagram story: 'I've come on holiday on my own and that alone I think is quite brave, walking into a restaurant full of couples and families, sitting down.'

Hitting out: Jack Fincham has jetted to Portugal alone, following his split with Frankie Sims - and the reality star says he'd rather be on his own than in a dead end relationship

'People are looking at me like I'm a nutter, but I have seen so many couples sitting here where I'm sitting and they're not even talking. I'm having more fun in my own than they are having.'

Jack then said he'd rather be single than in a relationship where there is no communication.

He explained: 'I'm looking at a couple now over there and they are not even talking to each other. What is the point?...

'Just end the relationship, go home and meet someone else. Why sit opposite each other not even talking. I watched this couple for about half an hour.'

Chilled out: Former Love Island star Jack, who is in the Algarve, where he was spotted shopping in designer outlets, admitted he was receiving stares seemingly for being on his own as he drank a daiquiri in a local restaurant

Do not judge: Jack who recently appeared in court to deny driving while high on cocaine and Valium also told his followers online: 'Never judge someone without knowing the whole story. You may think you understand but you don't'

He added: 'I'm having a whale of a time on my own with my daiquiri and they are sitting and not talking. It's cr*p so if that's your relationship mate, it's got to end.'

Jack who recently appeared in court to deny driving while high on cocaine and Valium also told his followers online: 'Never judge someone without knowing the whole story. You may think you understand but you don't.'

On Friday afternoon, he then shared a video from inside a swanky spa.

Jack's holiday comes just weeks after he was pictured speaking with four police officers in a car park at 5am last week following their recent split.

Lavish: On Friday afternoon, he then shared a video from inside a swanky spa

Sad: It was revealed shortly before Jack and Frankie, who started dating in April, were said to have parted ways after fighting

According to reports from The Mirror, Jack spoke with officers after they got a call claiming he was acting suspiciously.

In the image, Jack can be seen speaking with four men in uniform in a car park in south east London, five miles from his family home in Bexleyheath.

It was revealed shortly before that Jack and Frankie, who started dating in April, were said to have parted ways after fighting.

Insiders told OK!: 'Jack and Frankie have split. They've had a couple of rows and have unfollowed each other on Instagram.'
Vogue Williams marked her husband's birthday on Friday by sharing a selection of sweet photos from over the years.

The presenter, 35, even posted a throwback of the pair 'wayyyyyy back before any babies' to celebrate Spencer Matthews' 33rd birthday.

The couple, who have been married for three years, looked relaxed on a beautiful beach as a candid shot showcased their golden skin.

Happy birthday: Vogue Williams marked her husband Spencer's birthday on Instagram on Friday with a slew of sweet snaps including some throwbacks

In the first part of the birthday message, the Irish media personality was seen planting a kiss on her husband's lips on what appeared to be their wedding day.

Wishing Spencer a happy birthday, she referred to him as her 'very best bestie.'

In another iconic 'way back when' photo, Vogue posted a dazzling red carpet snap where the pair sported 'very spicy suits.'

Many happy returns: In the first part of the birthday message, the Irish media personality was seen planting a kiss on her husband's lips on what appeared to be their wedding day

Throwback: In another iconic 'way back when' photo, Vogue posted a dazzling red carpet snap where the pair sported 'very spicy suits'

The pair share two children, Theodore, two, and Gigi, who has just turned one.

The stunning family-of-four also appeared in the birthday snaps, with Vogue sharing a snap with 'master Theodore', followed by a shot of the whole family.

'Then there were four!' she captioned sweetly.

Happy family: The pair share two children, Theodore, two, and Gigi, who has just turned one

All together: The stunning family-of-four also appeared in the birthday snaps, with Vogue sharing a snap with 'master Theodore' followed by a shot of the whole family

Photo opportunity: The podcast host also hinted at a love for lift selfies, as she shared a spruce photo of them taking the time to pose in one

The podcast host also hinted at a love for lift selfies, as she shared a spruce photo of them taking the time to pose in one.

'Endless lift selfies to keep me happy,' she wrote.

The successful duo, who wed at Spencer's family's Glen Affric Estate back in 2018, looked especially loved up in Vogue's last post, as they gave beaming smiles into the camera alongside the caption: 'Love you...'.

Sweet: The successful duo, who wed at Spencer's family's Glen Affric Estate back in 2018, looked especially loved up in Vogue's last post, as they gave beaming smiles into the camera alongside the caption: 'Love you...'

Workout: Spencer, who rose to fame on Made In Chelsea, got his birthday off to a sweaty start as his wife informed her 869,000 Instagram followers that they'd been out for a run

Spencer, who rose to fame on Made In Chelsea, got his birthday off to a sweaty start as his wife informed her 869,000 Instagram followers that they'd been out for a run.

'Birthday run done! Look at your face,' Vogue joked, tagging her husband.

The entrepreneur traded the gym wear for dapper attire later on during his special day, donning a smart khaki jacket and brown trousers.
She's famed for her sensational figure and career as a model.

And Daisy Lowe, 32, put her incredible curves on display once again in a red lace-front bustier and skinny jeans on Friday.

The British model headed up to Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire wearing the daring ensemble to take part in a talk with the community organisation Hey Mothership.

Wow! Daisy Lowe, 32, put her incredible curves on display once again in a red lace-front bustier and skinny jeans on Friday. Pictured with (left-to right): Laura Brand, Samantha Moyo, Jessie Brinton and Hey Mothership platform founder Jessie Brinton and Jessie's daughter Aluna

The raven beauty took to Instagram on Friday to upload a picture wearing the sweetheart plunging top which depicted a broken heart with a white outline.

Daisy stood confidently in a pair of light-wash denim jeans, while she paired the statement lace-up top with an oversized white shirt.

The fashion mogul styled her jet-black shoulder length locks in a volumized wavy do, while she kept her makeup pared down as she beamed for the photo op.

Daisy kept her look simple, accessorising with a pair of silver hoop earrings and stepping out for the outdoor event in what looked like a pair of black ankle boots.

'Incredible mamas': The Femme podcast host took to The Forum stage with her co-stars to discuss 'mother energy for our planet'

The fashionista took to Instagram, posing arm-in-arm at the music, arts and wellbeing festival with fellow Mothership speakers Laura Brand, Samantha Moyo, Jessie Brinton and Mothership platform founder Jessie Brinton and Jessie's daughter Aluna.

She captioned the female-forward snap: 'Feeling so much love after our @heymothership talk @jessiebrinton @mysticmoyo @thejoyjournal god it feels so good to be back @wildernesshq'.

In turn, Mothership posted an empowering quote to the social media platform in light of the event, captioning their post: 'About to get on stage at @wildernesshq with three kick ass mamas @daisylowe @thejoyjournal @mysticmoyo and our flags to talk about joyful change. Here we go!'

Empowering: Mothership posted an empowering quote to the social media platform in light of the event

The Femme podcast host took to The Forum stage with her co-stars to discuss 'mother energy for our planet'.

A representative of Daisy said that the event was 'open to everyone who loves kids and wants to help the next generation'.

'Its very much open to everyone who loves kids and wants to help the next generation which is why Daisy spoke on the panel today not just mums,' they said.

They added: 'Mothership is a group of Mums, grannies, step mums, god mums and future mums and dads who want to figure out if theres anything else that can be done to help make a healthy planet for todays kids to grow up on.'

Wilderness Festival penned the talk on their website: 'A shout-out to all Wilderness mothers! We are calling a very important meeting of mother energy for our planet. A mothers meeting if you will. If youre a mother, or know or love a mother, this is where you need to be.'

Wilderness also saw DJs Wilkinson, Jamie XX and drum and bass band Rudimental share the spotlight at the boutique event in the Cotswolds.

The four-day-festival requires attendees aged 11 and over to demonstrate their COVID-19 status before they're allowed to enter the site.
Comedian Andrew Dice Clay recently suffered a health scare that lead to a diagnosis of Bell's palsy but it's not stopping him from getting on stage and performing.

The 63-year-old has been looking a bit different on social media as of late with one side of his face appearing to droop and he quipped in several Instagram's that he has 'Some Bell Palzy Face.'

A rep for the actor confirmed that Clay sought medical attention several weeks ago after noticing the changes in his appearance and was told he had Bell's Palsy, TMZ reported on Friday.

Health issues: Comedian Andrew Dice Clay recently suffered a health scare that lead to a diagnosis of Bell's palsy but it's not stopping him from getting on stage and performing (pictured this week with Lady Gaga's mom)

When he first noticed his face drooping to one side, Clay reportedly didn't think he had suffered a stroke since he wasn't exhibiting any other symptoms.

His rep told TMZ that the doctor informed the Casual Sex star that what he was dealing with was a temporary condition called Bell's palsy.

The seemingly harmless medical issue hasn't prevented the Dice Man from living his regular life and performing his comedy routine.

He is even integrating his facial drooping and slightly slurred speech into his standup routine.

What's going on? The 63-year-old has been looking a bit different on social media as of late with one side of his face appearing to droop and he quipped in several Instagram's that he has 'Some Bell Palzy Face.' (Pictured with his girlfriend)

Andrew Dice Clay also recently attended Tony Bennett's 95th birthday party and final show ever, performed with Lady Gaga.

Clay rubbed elbows with the Bennett family, Gaga herself and attendee's like Boardwalk Empire's Steve Buscemi. In the 2018 remake of A Star is Born, Andrew played Gaga's on-screen father.

In an Instagram post on Friday, ADC shared a news article about this Bell's palsy and called it 'no big deal', adding that he's been joking about it on stage in his routine for a few weeks now.

Can't stop! The temporary medical issue hasn't prevented the Dice Man from performing his comedy tour or attending events like Tony Bennett's birthday concert this week along with former co-star Lady Gaga

It's all good: In an Instagram post on Friday, ADC shared a news article about this Bell's palsy and called it 'no big deal', adding that he's been joking about it on stage in his routine for a few weeks now (pictured with Steve Buscemi)

Bell's palsy is characterized by an 'unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis,' according to John's Hopkins Medicine.

The condition is typically only temporary, beginning suddenly and getting worse over the course of a day or two. It can cause some pain on the side of the face and typically effects pregnant women or people with 'diabetes, influenza, a cold, or another upper respiratory ailment.'

In extremely rare cases the paralysis is permanent but - despite having no cure - cases tend to resolve in two to six weeks.

Clay is currently on tour, performing Monday in New York City and then traveling to Texas for a handful of shows.
They formed in 1985, and it seems 36 years later Guns N' Roses are still going strong.

On Friday, the band released their first 'new' song in 13 years, which is an official audio version of the track 'Absurd' which they performed live at Boston's Fenway Park on August 3, Rolling Stone reports.

The song is a previously unreleased track that was originally titled 'Silkworms' but the live recording has now been re-titled 'Absurd.'

Guns N' Roses release first new song in 13 YEARS titled Absurd... amid their world tour

'Some of you might have heard this under another name, but this is really kind of absurd to try this,' front man Axl Rose said at the time of the performance, per the report.

The lyrics to the fiery track see the band still in fine form, which lyrics including: 'Listen motherf*****s to this song that should be heard/Dragged down in the gutters/Its more than you deserve,.'

After performing the track live, Axl is said to have told the crowd: 'That was fun. So you heard it here first, a new Guns N Roses song.'

Main man: Axl Rose onstage in Paris in 2017

Iconic: The band first formed in 1985 (Pictured here in 1992 playing Wembley)

The band are currently on tour and will next play at Comercia Park in Detroit on August 8.

They will be playing North America until October 12, when they play at Estadio de Beisbol in Monterrey, Mexico.

Next stop for the classic group will be Australia and New Zealand in November, and following that, Europe in June 2022.
They both opted for show-stopping florals for their Smooth Radio shifts on Friday.

Myleene Klass looked radiant in a plunging orange dress when she arrived for her stint on the airwaves, while Kate Garraway donned a frock stamped with red and black flowers as she left the radio station's London headquarters shortly afterwards.

Myleene, 43, teamed her floaty gown with a towering pair of open-toe heels, while Kate, 54, rocked a stylish pair of lace-up boots and kept warm beneath a cropped denim jacket.

Florals: Myleene Klass, 43, and Kate Garraway, 54, both opted for show-stopping florals for their Smooth Radio shifts on Friday

Stylish: Kate rocked a stylish pair of lace-up boots and kept warm beneath a cropped denim jacket

Wearing her hair in loose bouncy curls, Myleene - who recently returned from a sun-drenched trip to Spain - showed off her sun-kissed complexion and beamed from ear to ear while posing for photographers.

Doting mother Kate was also in high spirits as she went about her day, flashing cameras a smile as she strolled through the capital with a suitcase in tow.

Former TOWIE star Mark Wright was also spotted at the radio station on Friday, heading into Global's offices in a pair of jeans and a crisp black T-shirt.

It comes four days after Kate gave GMB viewers an update on her husband Derek Draper's road to recovery, admitting: 'All the time there are more issues!'

Hair down: Wearing her hair in loose bouncy curls, Myleene - who recently returned from a sun-drenched trip to Spain - showed off her sun-kissed complexion

Standing tall: Myleene added height to her frame in a towering pair of open-toe pink heels

Derek, 53, is still recovering at home from his lengthy battle with COVID-19 which previously proved near-fatal and left his body ravaged, and Kate has now revealed that 'more symptoms are presenting'.

Kate's co-host Ben Shephard, 46, asserted: 'Long Covid is a very real issue for a lot of people who have caught the virus.'

And Dr Amir Khan agreed, confirming: 'It is very real. It's estimated two million people across the UK are suffering from Long Covid.

High spirits: Doting mother Kate was also in high spirits as she went about her day, flashing cameras a smile as she strolled through the capital with a suitcase in tow

On the go: Kate appeared to hold a cup of soup in her right hand and sported her go-to long bob hairstyle

Dapper: Former TOWIE star Mark Wright was also spotted at the radio station on Friday, heading into Global's offices in a pair of jeans and a crisp black T-shirt

Comfort: Mark opted for comfort in a pair of trendy black trainers when he arrived at work

'And symptoms can include extreme fatigue, brain fog, problems with vision problems with pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, chest pain, all sorts of things.'

Kate added: 'And that's only the ones we know, isn't it Dr Khan? Because more and more are emerging of different bits of the body that have damage.

'I know Derek is an extreme example, but there are more Long Covid symptoms emerging. All the time there are more issues. Initially it was exhaustion but more are presenting.'

Oh no! On Monday, Kate warned 'there are MORE long Covid symptoms emerging' as she gave GMB viewers an update on her husband Derek Draper's road to recovery
Television personality Sandra Lee has found love once again and is reportedly dating actor and interfaith leader Ben Youcef, who is 13 years her junior, Page Six reported on Friday.

The 55-year-old former Food Network star is said to be a 'good match' with the 42-year-old divorced father of two said a source who added Lee 'needed someone completely different from Andrew [Cuomo]'.

Her new romance comes as her ex, New York governor Andrew Cuomo, is facing bombshell sexual harassment allegations and calls for his resignation across party lines.

New romance: Television personality Sandra Lee has found love once again and is reportedly dating actor and interfaith leader Ben Youcef, who is 13 years her junior, Page Six reported on Friday (pictured in June)

Ben Youcef, Sandra's new beau, is an actor, producer and nonprofit interfaith leader in Los Angeles. He split from his wife and mother of his two children in 2019, finalizing the divorce at the start of 2020, People reported.

'They became friends when they met at a Santa Monica restaurant in March,' a source told the outlet. 'It's very early but they seem to have an undeniable connection.'

They added: 'But both are taking things slowly and enjoying getting to know each other. Meeting each other during COVID was challenging. He's become her friend and loving confidante quickly.'

There is more than a decade in age between the newly minted couple and an insider said that the large gap was a turn off at first for Lee but she eventually came around.

'They became friends when they met at a Santa Monica restaurant in March,' a source told the outlet. 'It's very early but they seem to have an undeniable connection.'

It's been some time since the Semi-Homemade mogul was in the dating game after she took some time off following her 14-year relationship with Gov. Andrew Cuomo that ended in 2019.

'I think she needed someone completely different from Andrew,' the source said. 'It took her two years for her to even consider dating again as she wanted to be sure she could make herself happy and to heal before she brought someone in her life.'

Sandra and Ben are currently on a romantic summer holiday together in St. Tropez, France.

Page Six reported that Youcef's acting career was spearheaded by Steven Spielberg who discovered the Algerian actor and gave him his first break in his 2005 film Munic and later mentored him.

'I think she needed someone completely different from Andrew,' the source said. 'It took her two years for her to even consider dating again as she wanted to be sure she could make herself happy and to heal before she brought someone in her life.' (pictured in 2020)

'Ben is a serious and accomplished nonprofit Interfaith leader providing the call to prayer heard all around the world,' a source told the outlet. 'He is as beautiful inside as he is outside  they make a gorgeous couple. They're both extremely spiritual.'

Meanwhile Sandra's longtime ex, Andrew Cuomo, is in the midst of political upheaval as he deals with sexual harassment allegations.

Lee and Cuomo dated for nearly 15 years after first meeting a cocktail party in the Hamptons in the fall of 2005. Their relationship became public the following year when she left California and moved to New York.

Sandra is reportedly very concerned about the impact that Andrew's sexual harassment scandal will have on his three daughters, Michaela, 23, Cara and Mariah, both 26, whom Lee considers as her own.

Ex: Sandra Lee and Andrew Cuomo dated for 14 years after first meeting a cocktail party in the Hamptons in the fall of 2005 (seen in 2018)

A source told The New York Post: 'Sandra has spent her whole life advocating for women, and her thoughts are obviously with these women who have bravely brought these issues to light.

'She is a woman's woman and a mother first and foremost and her love is with Andrew's daughters, that's the thing that she truly is concerned about.'

Cuomo, now 63, divorced his ex and the girls' mother Kerry Kennedy  Bobby Kennedy's seventh child  in 2005 two years after he said he discovered she was having an affair with his close friend, polo player Bruce Colley. They had been married for 15 years.

He refused to resign on Tuesday despite growing calls to step down and the increasing likelihood of impeachment.

Problems: New York governor Andrew Cuomo is facing bombshell sexual harassment allegations and calls for his resignation across party lines

He is contesting a damning report from AG Letitia James which found he sexually harassed 11 women, claiming it omits facts and is a political attack on him. James released her long-awaited report into the allegations against embattled Cuomo on Tuesday morning.

It says he sexually harassed 11 women including some whose allegations were not previously known, like two state troopers and an executive assistant who said he groped her breast at the Governor's Mansion in Albany in November 2020.

James said all of the allegations are corroborated but she has not recommended any criminal charges against him, saying the scope of her work didn't include prosecution.

Family: Sandra is reportedly very concerned about the impact that Andrew's sexual harassment scandal will have on his three daughters, Michaela, 23, Cara and Mariah, both 26, whom Lee considers as her own

There has since been an onslaught of calls for him to resign afterwards on both sides of the aisle, including from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio who went as far as to call for him to be impeached.

President Biden said Tuesday that he stood by remarks he made in March that Cuomo should resign if the report substantiates the women's allegations.

Before Biden's remarks and shortly after the report was released, Cuomo addressed the accusations in a recorded statement, saying he is a 'warm' person who sometimes 'slips' and calls women who work for him 'sweetheart and darling', but insisting he has never been predatory or physical in his interactions with staffers.

His attorney has also released an 85-page rebuttal to the report which she says she will continue to update.

In his televised address, Cuomo used a slideshow of images of him hugging and kissing people throughout his life to demonstrate what he described as an affectionate and tactile personality, that he says the women have confused for a sexual predator.

'This has been a long and painful period for me and my family as others feed stories to the press. I never touched anyone inappropriately. The facts are much different to what has been portrayed.

'I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public service. That is just not who I am or who I ever have been,' he said.

He went on: 'Trial by newspaper and biased reviews are not the way to find the facts. I welcome the opportunity for a full and fair review before a judge and jury because this just did not happen.'
Hugh Sheridan claims that a false-positive test for COVID-19 last year left has him with PTSD.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Packed to the Rafters actor reflected on the traumatic experience.

'I was sitting in that hotel room by myself and spiralling, crying because I was waiting for my body to change,' the 35-year-old said.

Shattered: Hugh Sheridan claims that a false-positive test for COVID-19 last year left has him with PTSD

'I was expecting to get so very sick,' he continued.

'So while I feel so much safer now I've had J & J [Johnson & Johnson]  last week on that last day in quarantine I was ringing the police, doctors, the nurse in the hotel from early that morning, I just wanted to know my result.'

Hugh tested positive for coronavirus at the end of August last year after returning to Australia from Los Angeles.

However, just a week later, he tested negative for the virus, meaning that the first test was a false-positive.

'I was sitting in that hotel room by myself and spiralling': Hugh tested positive for coronavirus at the end of August last year after returning to Australia from Los Angeles

At the time, the star described the whole ordeal as a 'rollercoaster of emotions' and incredibly confusing.

'I've been on the phone all night with the RPA Virtual hospital, it looks very much like it was a false positive on the 28th of August, which makes a lot of sense.'

He continued: 'The process has been a rollercoaster and it's caused whirlwind of emotions.'

Trauma: At the time, the star described the whole ordeal as a 'rollercoaster of emotions' and incredibly confusing

'It's late now so I won't know the next steps till the morning, but I wanted to share with you as so many people have shown SO MUCH kindness.'

Before finding out that it was a false positive, Hugh admitted his mental health had suffered as a result of the diagnosis.

'I wanted to be honest with you because we all have good days and not so good days and without days like my last few the good ones wouldn't feel as good!' he explained.

'To everyone that received a positive Covid test, I now know how that feels, I wish we could all be together so we could offer each other a shoulder or even better a HUG!'
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)  South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Friday that he sees a city-enforced school mask mandate - intended to cover children not eligible for the coronavirus vaccine - as a violation of state law.

As educators across the state mull how to handle a resurgent coronavirus ahead of the upcoming school year, South Carolinas capital city ratified an ordinance Thursday mandating the use of masks in Columbia elementary and middle schools for at least the beginning of the school year. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, the Democrat who proposed the move, said that it will help protect children who are too young to be vaccinated against.

But a state budget proviso that went into effect July 1 prohibits South Carolina educational institutions from using appropriated funds to mandate masks. It's that provision that McMaster  who served two terms as South Carolinas attorney general and was U.S. attorney during the Reagan administration  said preempts the city's action.

I don't see how those two can coexist, McMaster told The Associated Press during an interview on Friday.

Benjamin, who is also an attorney, told the AP that he believes the mandate doesnt violate state law because he plans to use city, and not state, funds to provide masks to the citys schools. But McMaster said Friday that it's nearly impossible to entirely separate activity within public schools from state-appropriated funds.

The state law, as part of the budget, says that funds cannot be used ... to facilitate required masking, and state funds permeate just about everything that the school does," McMaster said. I think the state law is very clear."

McMaster, a Republican seeking reelection to his second full term next year, has long shied away from comprehensive mask mandates, refusing to issue one during the peak of the pandemic last year, but for a time ordering face coverings be worn in restaurants and state buildings.

This spring, he called it the height of ridiculosity for a school district to require a mask over any parents wishes that their child go without one. But, with the delta variant again pushing case counts upward, McMaster has continued to stress personal responsibility, acknowledging the current danger but saying government-mandated action isnt the answer.

The Medical University of South Carolina said this week the variant is now responsible for 92% of its positive COVID-19 tests as hospitalizations from the disease have more than quadrupled across the state over the past five weeks.

The proviso in question has already been tested. Prompted by Attorney General Alan Wilsons declaration that, while inartfully worded, the proviso made an on-campus, indoor mask mandate illegal, the University of South Carolina this week reversed its plan for the fall semester.

This week, an attorney with the law firm of Democratic state Sen. Dick Harpootlian argued that Wilson's interpretation should be thrown out, because he saw the proviso as a ban on mask requirements.

If an attorney general can quite literally give entirely new meaning to otherwise plain words, and then use his own interpretation to coerce other departments of the government to conform to that view, then the power of that office is far greater than the legislature acting as a whole, wrote Christopher Kenney.

Wilsons office told the AP on Friday that its attorneys were still studying the legality of the Columbia councils decision. McMaster said he had not spoken to Wilson, who has a solid legal question to consider.

If Harpootlian is so sure about the intent of lawmakers when they passed the proviso, he should get them to clarify it, Wilson said in a statement.

This is a political question for the state legislature to address, not the Supreme Court, Wilson said.

After falling below 100 cases a day in June, COVID-19 has roared back in South Carolina. The state is currently seeing an average of more than 2,000 cases a day  a rate similar to the pandemics second-largest peak last summer.

Since the end of June, the number of people in South Carolina hospitals with COVID-19 has increased more than 400%, to over 700 people. Around 200 people are in intensive care with the virus, and close to 100 are on ventilators  both five times greater than the number reported at the beginning of the summer by state health officials.

About 45% of eligible people in South Carolina are fully vaccinated, while more than half have received at least one shot.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.

___

Jeffrey Collins in Columbia contributed to this report.
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb announced his candidacy for Pennsylvanias open U.S. Senate seat Friday, joining a crowded Democratic field in one of the nations most competitive races.

Lamb is seeking the nomination to replace outgoing GOP U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey. Lamb, a former Marine and federal prosecutor, rose to political prominence three years ago when he beat a Donald Trump-backed Republican in a special election that foreshadowed the 2018 Democratic takeover of the House.

The Senate race is wide open on both sides and is expected to be among the most expensive in a 2022 U.S. midterm election that will decide party control of an evenly split Senate. Toomey is retiring after two terms.

Lamb launched his campaign Friday afternoon at a union hall in Pittsburgh, making a heavy economic pitch to working and middle class voters while slamming Republicans who tried to overturn the last presidential election.

If they will take such a big lie and place it at the center of their party, you cannot expect them to tell the truth about anything else. They lie about the election and they lie about your paycheck, too, and your health care, he said.

Pennsylvania Republican Chair Lawrence Tabas panned Lambs entrance into the race, asserting Lamb  considered a Democratic moderate  has a reckless track record of putting liberal interests over Pennsylvanians.

Lamb has to make it through a tough Democratic primary if he hopes to tangle with the eventual Republican nominee next year.

He faces a diverse lineup of Democratic candidates. They include the states lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, who also hails from western Pennsylvania and has a high media profile; Philadelphia state House Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who made history as the first openly gay Black man to be elected to the state General Assembly; and anesthesiologist Val Arkoosh, a woman who chairs the board of commissioners in Montgomery County outside Philadelphia, the state's third-most populous county.

Lamb, a veteran of three congressional campaigns in as many years, argued he has shown the ability to win on tough political terrain.

As Democrats, we fight for every single vote across our state, on every single square inch of ground. We do not give up on anyone and we leave no one behind." he said Thursday. "Thats what I learned in ... some pretty tough territory for most Democrats.

Lamb, who represents a district in the Pittsburgh suburbs, has walked something of a tightrope between the partys centrist and progressive wings.

Hes in favor of eliminating the Senates filibuster rule, as progressives want and moderate Democrats like Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have opposed.

But he has taken middle-of-the-road positions on guns and has pushed back on calls to defund the police and to ban fracking, the oil and gas extraction technique that environmentalists blame for polluting water. His congressional district is located in the nations most prolific natural gas reservoir.

Lamb has urged Democrats to broaden their appeal to white, working class voters in once solidly Democratic areas who went for Trump in a big way in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

It's unclear how that pitch, or Lambs more moderate positions, will resonate in a Democratic primary in a state where urbanites and swing voters in the fast-growing suburbs propelled Joe Biden to statewide victory last November.

Lambs entry adds a layer of intrigue to the race, said Joe Foster, the Democratic Party chair for Montgomery County. But Foster argued Lambs more conservative profile is not as popular with younger, suburban Democratic voters in the suburbs.

He voted against Nancy Pelosi (for House Speaker), and there are people here who remember that, Foster said. So I just think that in the grand scheme of things hell get some votes here because he bright, articulate and personable, and some people will support him. But I dont think hell rock the vote here in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Lamb is relatively well-funded, reporting $1.8 million in his campaign account as of June 30, trailing Fetterman but ahead of everyone else in the race.

Also running on the Democratic side are John McGuigan, a software executive; Dr. Kevin Baumlin, the chair of emergency medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital; and Eric Orts, a climate change activist and professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. Meanwhile, Philadelphia state Sen. Sharif Street, the son of former Mayor John Street, has said he is considering running.

There is an equally long list of GOP candidates for the seat, some with ties to Trump.

They include conservative commentator Kathy Barnette, running to become the first Black Republican woman in the Senate; Jeff Bartos, a real estate investor who was the partys nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018; Carla Sands, Trumps former ambassador to Denmark; and Sean Parnell, a friend of Donald Trump Jr. who launched a career as an author after writing a memoir of his tour of duty as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan.

Parnell unsuccessfully challenged Lamb in last years close election for Lambs House seat, raising the prospect that the two men could once again face each other on a bigger stage.

Pennsylvanias primary is May 17.

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Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this story.
BANGKOK (AP)  Thai authorities have ordered heightened security measures on the resort island of Phuket after the discovery of the body of a 57-year-old Swiss tourist amid signs of foul play, officials said Friday.

The woman's partially clad body was found face down in water in a rock crevice near a waterfall Thursday afternoon by an island resident, police said.

From the condition of the body, it appeared she had been dead for several days, Phuket regional police commander Kitirath Phanpetch told local MCOT television.

From what we saw at the scene, the body was covered with a black sheet, which suggests it was done by someone and she did not die of natural causes, he said.

At a news conference in Bangkok on Friday, national police deputy spokesman Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen said investigators were still awaiting autopsy results to determine a cause of death.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed his condolences to the family of the woman, identified as Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, and urged police to devote all efforts to quickly solving the case.

The prime minister ordered concerned agencies to expedite the investigation to identify and arrest the culprit, he said.

He also ordered other government agencies to increase support for tourists in Phuket and to tighten safety and public health measures.

Swiss media reported that Sauvain-Weisskopf was a member of the country's diplomatic service but Thai officials did not comment on her job.

Switzerland's Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of a female citizen, but refused to release any details about her on privacy grounds.

Investigations into the circumstances are underway, the ministry said, adding that the Swiss Embassy is keeping in contact with the local Thai authorities about the case.

The incident casts a pall over Thailand's so-called Phuket Sandbox program to try and bring fully vaccinated foreign tourists to the previously popular tourist destination, which has been struggling massively during the coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of the program at the beginning of July through the end of the month, 14,055 visitors traveled to Phuket, generating an income of 1.925 billion Thai baht (about $58 million), according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The top five nationalities of visitors were American, British, Israeli, German and French.

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Associated Press writers David Rising in Bangkok and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.
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Greenland has the second biggest ice sheet on Earth after Antarctica. It has been estimated that it has caused about 25% of global sea level rise.(Sarah Das / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Greenland: As the world wrestles with global heatwave and high temperatures reign over the Arctic due to climate change, Greenland loses a huge amount of ice about 22 gigatonnes.

This melting of ice is a huge loss in the history of Greenland, marking itself as the countrys third highest loss since 1950. The other two records were recorded in the same decade 2012 and 2019.

According to Xavier Fettweis, a climate scientist at the University of Liege in Belgium, 22 gigatonnes of ice was lost with 12 gigatonnes flowing into the ocean and 10 gigatonnes being absorbed by the snowpack where it can refreeze.

To put this loss in retrospect, 22GT of ice is enough to cover the U.S. state of Florida in 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water. Scientists have said that the rapid melt was followed by warm air being trapped over the Arctic island by a change in atmospheric circulation patterns, and more ice could be lost.

Marco Tedesco, a climate scientist at Columbia University told Reuters that such events can create feedback loops, leading to more global warming and melting. Melted snow leads to the exposure of dark ice that absorbs more sunlight instead of reflecting it back. Tedesco told Rueters that this positions Greenland to be more vulnerable to the rest of the melting season. He also pointed out that models used to predict ice loss don't accurately capture the environmental variables and circulation patterns, and might end up underestimating the melting capacity of Greenlands ice for the future.

Greenland has the second biggest ice sheet on Earth after Antarctica. It has been estimated that it has caused about 25% of global sea level rise. Further, the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the regions on Earth, particularly because of the darker ice and its radiation absorbing capabilities.
Doctors maintain that as the state government is getting ready to face the third wave of Coronavirus pandemic, services of these experienced doctors will come in handy in case the situation deteriorates. (Photo:PTI)

VIJAYAWADA: With nearly 150 government doctors scheduled to retire by end of 2021, certain senior medical professionals have suggested to Andhra Pradesh government that it enhance their retirement age to 65 years, so that delivery of health services is not adversely affected, especially if the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic strikes.

AP health department, with over 7,000 doctors, comprises three wings  Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Directorate of Health, and Andhra Pradesh Vaidya Vidhana Parishad. The state government had already revised retirement age of doctors having post-graduation degrees/diplomas to 63 years in May, 2017; while undergraduates retire at 60 years. From DME alone, nearly 65 professors out of 150 are retiring through the current year.

Doctors maintain that as the state government is getting ready to face the third wave of Coronavirus pandemic, services of these experienced doctors will come in handy in case the situation deteriorates.

They further support their point referring to state government embarking on its ambitious programme of putting in operation 16 medical colleges with attached hospitals right from academic year 202122. This means faculty members will be required to teach and train medical students at under, post graduate and super speciality levels. As these 16 colleges have an intake of nearly 2,000 students, lack of adequate number of faculty members, as per National Medical Commission norms, may affect the number of students who can be enrolled in these colleges.

Doctors refer to centre enhancing the age of retirement of its doctors to 65 years in 2017. It had then advised states also to do the same for providing better healthcare. Some states like Telangana, West Bengal and others enhanced retirement age of only teaching doctors to 63 from 60 years. AP too followed suit.

The Supreme Court, however, in its recent order, said all doctors, including those working in AYUSH department, should retire at 65 years with no discrimination; because all doctors provide healthcare to patients in their respective modes of treatment.

The professor of a government medical college said, As AP is setting up 16 new medical colleges, it is better to give opportunity to our own doctors having a lot of experience and expertise by enhancing the age of retirement to 65. Otherwise, these people may retire at 63 years, draw pension, and also work in private medical colleges up to 70 years while getting handsome pay, he remarked.

A senior doctor maintained that the government must revise retirement age by fixing time-bound promotions for avoiding any injustice to juniors.
HYDERABAD: Thousands of crores of rupees are being spent for construction of new irrigation projects in Telangana state but there are no funds for maintenance and repairs of existing projects. Worse still, there is no dedicated budget to maintain irrigation projects.

When on one side, paucity of funds is leading to non-repair of seepage and cracks in canals, on the other, poorly maintained and ageing dams are posing safety risks. The latest incident of collapse of Pulichintala project gate brought to fore the lapses in the maintenance of irrigation projects.

After the formation of Telangana in 2014, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao accorded top priority to the irrigation sector, which is getting highest allocations of nearly Rs 20,000 crore every year. This year, the sector got nearly Rs 17,000 crore. But all these funds are spent for construction of Kaleshwaram project at a cost of Rs 1 lakh crore, Palamuru Ranga Reddy project at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore and Sitarama project at Rs 14,000 crore.

In September 2020, the right canal gate of Nagarjunasagar broke which led to wastage of water for seven months until it was repaired. The project's spillway was damaged due to worst-ever Krishna floods in 2009, the repair works of which were not completed totally even after 12 years due to lack of funds.

Musi project's gate No.5 washed away in October 2019 resulting in wastage of 4.46 tmc ft of water. Sarala Sagar project in Wanaparthy breached in December 2019 which led to wastage of 0.45 tmc ft of water. Kadem project's gate No.2 collapsed in September 2018 resulting in wastage of 5 tmc ft. The government incurred Rs 5 crore for repair works later.

The budgetary allocations are spent only to pay bills for contractors, land acquisitions and R&R packages, which are not sufficient resulting in the government owing huge arrears to contractors and others leaving no funds for maintenance and repairs of existing projects.

The state government is totally dependent on the Centre for funds for operation and maintenance. The state government has sought Rs 40,169 crore from 2021 to 2026 for maintenance of projects under various Central schemes, which are awaited.

On May 26 this year, the Chief Minister announced that the funds required for taking up maintenance works would be made available with the principal secretary of irrigation department shortly but did not materialise even after two months.

Officials have stopped maintenance works due to lack of funds for the past few years. This is leading to frequent incidents of seepage and cracks in canals, dams posing safety risks to all.
Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif's application for visa extension has been turned down by the UK Home Office with the right to appeal, according to media reports on Friday.

Sharif, 71, convicted in two corruption cases in Pakistan, has been living in London, UK, since November 2019 after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to go abroad for four weeks for medical treatment.

"The UK Home Office has excused itself from further extending Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's visa," Dawn News quoted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb as saying.

Aurangzeb said the Home Office decision could be appealed against and that till such time the PML-N supremo will continue to live in the UK.

The former three-time prime minister's son, Hussain Nawaz Sharif confirmed to Geo News that the Home Office's decision has been appealed against at the Immigration Tribunal, UK.

A foreign citizen cannot stay in the UK for more than six months at a time, pending visa extension. It is believed Sharif was applying and receiving these extensions till now.

It is unclear when Sharif's current UK visa will be valid till, the report said.

While the UK Home Office directive is a blow to the politically powerful Sharif family, legal experts believe he has a strong case to remain in the UK, citing his health condition -- a view which has been clearly stated by the PML-N leadership.

Sharif's spokesperson Mohammad Zubair said the party would "exhaust" all judicial options to keep Sharif's treatment in the UK uninterrupted.

Speaking to Geo News, UK-based immigration lawyer Hateem Ali said: "If the previous visit visa extensions were on the basis of medical grounds (which seems to be the case here) then typically you can keep extending for a total of 18 months. In this particular case it would appear that the Home Office was no longer willing to keep extending on that basis."

He said the entire process could be appealed against which could take over 12 months to determine.

"So although Mr Nawaz Sharif has been refused it is not necessarily the end of the process," he was quoted in the report.

Similarly, legal experts say the pandemic has caused a huge backlog of cases at the immigration tribunal and that Sharif's case may take a year or more to get a verdict. Till such time, he is expected to stay in the UK.

Sharif, convicted in two corruption cases -- Avenfield properties and Al-Azizia Steel Mills -- was declared a proclaimed offender in December 2019 by the Islamabad High Court after he failed to appear before it with regard to other cases against him.

An accountability court in Pakistan in 2018 had sentenced Sharif to 10 years in prison for owning assets beyond his known sources of income and one year for not cooperating with in the investigation of the Avenfield case.

In the same year, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case, where illegal investments were detected. All sentences were to run concurrently.
Pakistans Supreme Court on Friday pulled up authorities for failing to stop an attack on a Hindu temple in a remote town in Punjab province and ordered the arrest of the culprits, observing that the incident has tarnished the image of the country abroad.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, who took note of the attack on Thursday, presided over the hearing in Islamabad.

The apex court took suo motu notice of the case after patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council Dr Ramesh Kumar met the Chief Justice on Thursday.

Hundreds of people, carrying sticks, stones and bricks attacked the temple, burning parts of it and damaging the idols, in Bhong area of Rahimyar Khan district of the province in protest against the release by a court of a nine-year-old Hindu boy, who was arrested for allegedly urinating in a local seminary.

A police officer said the boy was arrested last week and booked under the blasphemy laws but subsequently released on bail for being a minor. "The situation got out of control after the court granted bail to the boy," he said.

What were the administration and the police doing when the temple was attacked?" Chief Justice Ahmed asked Inspector General of Police (IGP) Inam Ghani, who was specially summoned to appear before the court.

Read | Dewan of Ajmer dargah condemns attack on temple in Pak

The Chief Justice said that the attack has done serious damage to Pakistan's reputation globally, Geo News reported.

Ghani said that the "administration's priority was to protect 70 Hindu homes around the temple.

The assistant commissioner and assistant superintendent of police were present at the scene, Ghani added.

The Chief Justice was not satisfied with the answer and remarked: "If the commissioner, deputy commissioner and the district police officer can't perform, then they should be removed."

He observed that it showed that the police did nothing except watch the incident, without realising that it would damage the image of the country abroad.

A Hindu temple was demolished, and just think what they must have felt. Imagine what would have been the reaction of Muslims, had a mosque been demolished, the Chief Justice said.

The IGP tried to pacify the bench by saying that the case was registered and clauses of terrorism were added in the first information report (FIR), prompting Justice Qazi Amin, who was also part of hearing, to ask if any arrests were made so far.

When the IGP responded in negative, Justice Amin said that it showed that the police failed in fulfilling its responsibility.

The Chief Justice said, "three days have passed and not even one person has been arrested" which showed lack of enthusiasm on the part of police.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the attack. It was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan.

"This House strongly condemns the ransacking of the temple," the resolution stated.

"The Constitution of Pakistan provides complete protection to the rights of minorities and this House also affirms that rights of minorities and their places of worship will be fully protected. The whole nation and government are united on this point, it said.

It said that the House reassures the Hindu community and Pakistan Hindu Council of their safety."

The parliamentary affairs minister said, "whoever has done this action in Bhong has nothing to do with Islam or humanity.

I want to state on behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government, the opposition and our senior leadership that at this time the whole country, government and this House express sympathy and grief with the minority community, particularly the Hindu community, and reassure them of every kind of protection," he said.

Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry, addressing the media, said those who hurt the religious sentiments of our Hindu brothers should be meted exemplary punishment.

Earlier, the Supreme Court also expressed dissatisfaction at the performance of Commissioner Rahimyar Khan Division and sought a progress report from the IGP and the chief secretary within a week.

When the Additional Attorney General Sohail Mahmood tried to intervene that Prime Minister Imran Khan had taken notice of the incident and ordered police to take strict action against the attackers, the Chief Justice responded that the court would look into the legal aspects of the case.

He also asked police for the formation of village committees for peace and religious harmony and to probe who instigated the mob to attack the temple.

The hearing in the case has been adjourned till August 13.

India on Thursday summoned the Pakistani charge d'affaires in New Delhi and lodged a firm protest, expressing grave concerns at this reprehensible incident and the continued attacks on the freedom of religion of the minority communities and their places of religious worship in Pakistan.

In December 2020, a century-old Hindu temple was vandalised by a mob in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.
In a big relief to e-commerce giant Amazon, the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the Singapore's emergency arbitrators order restraining the Kishore Biyani-led Future group from going ahead with its Rs 24,713-crore deal with Reliance Retail.

The top court said the emergency arbitrator's order is enforceable in India and the Indian Arbitration laws also allowed it. It declared that the Futures Groups appeal against the Delhi High Courts single judge order that stalled the deal was not maintainable.

Read | Intend to pursue all avenues to save deal with Reliance: Future Retail on SC ruling

A bench of Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai set aside the Delhi High Court division benchs February 8 and March 22 orders that lifted stay on the Future Retail-Reliance Retail deal. The top court said the Delhi High Courts single judge was right in upholding the EAs October 25 order.

It also held that no appeal would lie under Section 37 of the Arbitration Act against an order of enforcement of an EAs order made under Section 17(2) of the Act.

After the Friday's judgement, the Future group may approach the top court and seek stay on the single judges order that stalled the Reliance deal.

Notably, during the pendency of the appeals in the SC and HC, the SIAC had constituted a three-member tribunal which has reserved its final judgment. Once the tribunals final judgment comes, all the cases arising from the EAs order will become invalid.

Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC and Future Retail Ltd have been locked in a bitter legal battle over the deal.

Dealing with the issue of emergency arbitrator's order, the court in its 103-page judgement said, Such orders are an important step in aid of decongesting the civil courts and affording expeditious interim relief to the parties."

The court said that it is wholly incorrect to say that Section 17(1) of the Act would exclude an EAs orders.

Rejecting the Future groups stand that the EA's order is a "nullity" in absence of an arbitration agreement, Justice Nariman, writing for the bench, said, a party (the Future group) cannot be heard to say, after it participates in an Emergency Award proceeding, having agreed to institutional rules made in that regard, that it will not be bound by an EAs ruling."
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Police had to use CS Spray on a number of men during an incident in Derry yesterday.

Details of the incident emerged during a bail hearing today at the local magistrates court.

A police officer told the court that 30-year-old Harry Boyle was arrested during the incident.

The officer said that police received a report from a woman shortly after 2am yesterday to say that three men had forced their way into her house and were demanding drugs.

When police arrived at the scene, the men became aggressive and officers deployed CS Spray.

Boyle, whose address was stated as Four Seasons Apartments at Foyle Road in Derry, was arrested at the house.

The police officer told the court that Boyle was currently on bail in relation to a 'very serious case' in which he faces a number of charges, including aggravated burglary and causing grievous bodily harm.

The officer said Boyle had been bailed to an address in Belfast and had been ordered not to drink alcohol and maintain a strict curfew.

However, the police officer said Boyle had been 'extremely intoxicated' during this week's incident and had also breached his curfew.

Boyle's history in relation to keeping to bail conditions was 'horrendous', the officer added.

A defence solicitor said Boyle had serious addiction issues but had been doing 'his very best' to address them.

The solicitor added that his client had also been the victim of a shooting.

However, an application for Boyle to be released again on bail was rejected.

Judge Barney McElholm highlighted that Boyle had been bailed to an address in Belfast but had failed to take up this opportunity.

Judge McElholm said the defendant had shown a 'deplorable' attitude towards bail conditions and he was not willing to readmit him to bail.

As a result, Boyle was remanded in custody.
A man has been banned from all public buses in Northern Ireland after he threatened to killer a driver in Derry.

Christopher McCloskey, who is 30 years-old and from Springhill House in Limavady, threatened the driver after he was refused entry on to the Limavady bus at Foyle Street bus depot on Wednesday afternoon.

A PSNI officer told Derry Magistrates Court today that police were called to the bus depot around 3.25pm after reports of a driver having an altercation with a man.

The man had threatened to kill the driver after being refused entry on to a bus.

The driver told police that McCloskey and another man were drunk and were being abusive in the depot.

When told that they would not be allowed on the Limavady bus, McCloskey swore at the driver and members of public.

The driver said McCloskey moved towards him and he felt intimidated and believed he was going to be assaulted.

McCloskey shouted at the driver, 'you are nothing but a f*****g wanker I am going to kill you'.

The driver told McCloskey he was contacting police at which point McCloskey left the bus depot.

Officers were able to locate him through the CCTV in the city centre and he was arrested a short time later.

Officers searched McCloskey and a knife sheath was located in one of his pockets along with 67 Pregabalin tablets.

When being arrested, he struggled with officers and kicked one of them on the leg.

The court was told that McCloskey had pleaded guilty to the charges.

Police said they would oppose McCloskey being released on bail.

However, making a case for bail, a defence solicitor said McCloskey was a carer for his father and played an important role in looking after his father.

The solicitor added that McCloskey realised that he has addiction issues but has been taking steps to address them.

He added that the defendant had a flat in Limavady to which he could be bailed to.

District Judge Barney McElholm agreed to release McCloskey on bail of 500 along with a cash surety of 500 from his father.

He is to reside at the address in Limavady and has been banned from travelling on all Translink bus services.

Judge McElholm said that if McCloskey has to attend an appointment, he should take a taxi or get someone to give him a lift.

He is also banned from drinking alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.

Judge McElholm adjourned sentencing until September 17 to facilitate the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Ananya Panday on her relationship with social media: "It's like that of a couple who has taken a long break and then gotten back together"

Gen Z star Ananya Panday is the talk of the town for spreading kindness around like confetti. She recently extended her initiative 'So Positive', and launched a campaign 'Social Media for Social Good' to hail the Samaritans who have used social media to help the ones in need during the second wave of Covid 19.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya  (@ananyapanday)

Speaking about the her relationship with social media in an interview with a leading magazine, Ananya shared, Currently, my relationship with social media is like that of a couple who has taken a long break and then gotten back together so its pretty good right now. When it comes to social media, I think its important to set boundaries with yourself."

She further adds, "You need to recognize when its getting too much, or when its affecting your mental health, and Im not very good with that. I tend to indulge once I start scrolling, I just keep scrolling and dont know where to stop. So Im really trying to monitor that.

Ananya then talked about her initiative, a series titled Social Media For Social Good to spread positivity on social media. Recently, I launched this initiative on social media, where we feature the stories of social media heroes, and how theyve helped their followers. Thats something that really shows the positive side of social media, she said.

On the work front, Ananya is on a roll with different projects from multiple genres. She has Shakun Batra's next and Pan-India film 'Liger' in the pipeline.
Ranveer Singh lauds government's decision to include ISL as subject in schools

While appreciating the Central Government's move regarding the recent announcement to include Indian Sign Language (ISL) as a subject in schools, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh said that my country has taken such progressive step towards fostering inclusivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that ISL will be introduced in the country's education system, giving students an opportunity to study it. PM Modi said it will promote ISL and will help over 3 lakh differently-abled people in the country, who are currently dependant on sign language for learning. This move has received an overwhelming response across the country.

For the unversed, Bollywood actor Ranveer has been constantly urging authorities to consider and declare Indian Sign Language (ISL) as the 23rd official language of the country. The Padmaavat star has always raised his voice on social issues and he also, recently, signed a petition aimed at furthering awareness of this cause. Ranveer is ecstatic about the government's decision towards recognising ISL. He said, "For the first time, Indian Sign Language (ISL) has been given the status of a language and I'm proud that my country has taken such a progressive step towards fostering inclusivity."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

He added, "This is going to tremendously benefit scores of people and mark a monumental shift regarding their rights. This step will create a ripple effect in providing equal access for them and empower the community to conquer the world." Ranveer's independent record label IncInk, which he has formed with Navzar Eranee, also released sign language music videos - the only record label to initiate this progressive step. He said, "The fact that students can learn ISL as a language will possibly help in removing taboos that society has towards the deaf citizens of our country. I would say that it was high time that this happened. We at IncInk Records, have tried our best to raise as much awareness about the importance of ISL being declared a recognized language by lending support for the petition & ISL music videos for the Deaf and hard of hearing community to feel more inclusive."

Ranveer credited the citizens of the country for constantly raising awareness on this important issue. He said, "We are delighted that the government has taken such a prominent and positive stance. I'm thankful to all the citizens of the country who participated in signing the petition to urge the government to declare ISL a recognized language." The actor who worked in the film Lootera added, "They have all participated in their own way in ushering this day. It's a solid start towards addressing the issues concerning the Deaf community and we will keep on working towards raising as much awareness as possible in the days to come."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

His partner in the cause, Navzar stated, "We started IncInk to create art that inspires us, and with our song Vartalap we had the opportunity to feel beyond our senses and took our first step to include the Deaf community in our journey. We soon were educated about their struggles and used our platform to share their simple ask, to declare Indian Sign Language a recognized language in the country." He further said, "The Government's undertaking to include ISL in Indian Education is a step toward fulfilling this ask and we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this first step possible. IncInk continues to pledge our support to make our art and all privileges that the hearing population receives accessibility to the Deaf community."

Meanwhile, Ranveer, who has treated his fans with some powerful performances in movies, is all set to make his TV debut by hosting Colors' quiz show The Big Picture. Apart from this, the actor will be seen in movies like 83, Sooryavanshi, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Cirkus, and the Hindi remake of blockbuster hit Anniyan. He will also star in filmmaker Karan Johar's next directorial venture titled Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. The movie will reunite Ranveer with his Gully Boy co-star Alia Bhatt.
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Four days before that, Paul Allen's estate on the Big Island sold for $43 million.



By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER

Associated Press

HONOLULU  A San Francisco investment banker recently sold his Maui mansion to a retired hedge fund CEO and a Hollywood actress for $45 million.

The cash sale of the oceanfront house in Kihei reflects a hot Hawaii real estate market fueled by a pandemic that has made the islands a desirable place to isolate and work remotely. According to property records, it has eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and two half bathrooms and features a pool and jacuzzi.





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SEATTLE (AP)  Amazon has pushed back its return-to-office date for tech and corporate workers until January as COVID-19 cases surge nationally due to the more contagious delta variant.

Unlike its Seattle-area rival Microsoft and other tech giants, Amazon will not mandate employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to the office. Instead, the company said Thursday that unvaccinated employees will be required to wear masks in the office.





. . .
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By DAVE KOLPACK

Associated Press

FARGO, N.D.  An oil company that waited more than five months to investigate and report a 2014 pipeline spill in North Dakota that discharged more than 29 million gallons of drilling wastewater has agreed to pay more than $35 million in civil and criminal fines, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday.

Federal officials said it's the largest inland drilling spill of produced water, a waste product of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The spill from the 96-mile underground pipeline contaminated more than 30 miles of Missouri River tributaries as well as land and groundwater, the complaint said. It was visible in photographs taken by satellites.





. . .
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KENT  An industrial property, at 26330 79th Ave. S. in Kent, sold for a bit over $6.1 million, according to King County records.

The buyer was LIFT II 79th Ave 26330 LLC, which is associated with Lift Partners of San Francisco.





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All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is calling on people in Donegal to become more informed about palliative care and its benefits as part of Palliative Care Week. Now in its eighth year, Palliative Care Week takes place next month from September 12-18.

Palliative Care Week 2021 aims to raise awareness across the island of Ireland about the difference palliative care can make to peoples quality of life.

This years theme is Palliative Care: Its more than you think.

It reflects AIIHPCs commitment to raising awareness of the positive impact that palliative care has on the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families; allowing them to live their lives as fully as they can.

It also recognises the role of health and social care professionals in providing palliative care support to people across the island of Ireland.

AIIHPC Director, Karen Charnley, said palliative care is more than some people realise.

"Often people think that palliative care is only available at the end of life, but palliative care can benefit people at all stages of illness and people of all ages.

"Support can be provided at home, in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices and be for days, weeks or years. People can move in and out of palliative care services depending on their needs.

It also involves a team of professionals who, alongside the persons family and friends, provides them with physical, psychological, social and spiritual supports tailored to their situation.

Throughout most peoples lives they will know someone who needs palliative care  often a family member. So, this year for Palliative Care Week we want as many people as possible in Donegal to be better informed about all aspects of palliative care and its benefits.

It is important that people talk to their health or social care professional and communicate their concerns and ask questions about palliative care and how it could help them or someone important to them, Ms Charnley said.

To find out more about Palliative Care Week

- Visit thepalliativehub.com/public-awareness



For those with an interest in promoting a better understanding of palliative care:

- Download the leaflet, poster and other resources from thepalliativehub.com/public-awareness and share it with your family, friends, colleagues, fellow members of local groups, or your online community

- Talk to your family and share your wishes in the event that you have palliative care needs in the future, and encourage others to do the same

- Share your own palliative care experience story on social media during Palliative Care Week 2021 using #pallcareweek.

AIIHPC is encouraging people to get informed and to share this information with their family and friends, and any local groups they are in, during Palliative Care Week 2021.

Any groups or individuals wishing to obtain leaflets and/or posters can contact AIIHPC by calling (01) 4912948 or by e-mailing info@aiihpc.org.
Wyoming hospitals are treating as many COVID-19 patients now as they were in early January, which experts say is a concerning trend as a more contagious and likely more dangerous variant of the virus circulates through the state.

It very much feels like it did in early fall, Dr. Andy Dunn said.

Dunn is chief of primary care at Wyoming Medical Center, the states largest hospital, and has overseen a variety of pandemic programs at the facility.

At one point last November, Dunn had spent three weeks straight at the hospital treating dozens of virus patients with no end in sight. When the pandemic peaked here, just under 250 people were hospitalized statewide.

Conditions have not deteriorated to that level, and Dunn said he feels hospital staff are ready and bracing for another surge.

Still, he called the current trend terrifying.

Eighty-seven people Tuesday were being treated at Wyoming hospitals for COVID-19. Of those, nearly 20% were at Wyoming Medical Center.

Dunn has often lamented Wyoming and Natrona Countys low vaccination rates and said its a major driver of the current increase. Just 37% of the state is fully inoculated, despite vaccines being available to the general public since late March.

With the Delta variant now considered the dominant strain in Wyoming and nationwide, and with the unvaccinated driving new cases, Dunn said hes worried about what could come this fall, particularly when school resumes.

Not only is the Delta variant more contagious, but evidence suggests it can cause more severe illness. Dunn said that tracks with what hes been seeing both at the hospital and at regular doctors appointments.

We still see some people complain of loss of taste or smell, but were seeing more of the constellation of respiratory symptoms upfront, Dunn said. Theyre definitely sicker, and theyre also getting worse (faster) in my opinion or their deterioration seems to be a little bit quicker than the previous variants.

He added those hospitalized are more frequently in their 20s, 30s and 40s, whereas older residents were the bulk of hospitalizations before the vaccines became available.

Vaccination rates are higher for residents 65 years and older, which Dunn partly attributes to the shift.

Despite Deltas dominance, State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist is stressing vaccines are still the best tool to thwart the virus.

We are deeply concerned. The Delta variant has really changed the COVID fight we have on our hands. Unfortunately, Wyomings low vaccination rate makes our state more vulnerable to this highly contagious variant, she said in a Wednesday statement.

The health department has not been publishing raw data on the vaccination status of newly infected and hospitalized individuals, but in a release Wednesday gave an overview of those figures.

Roughly 95% of more than 5,000 confirmed and probable new cases between May 1 and July 28 were among unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated residents, according to the health department.

Just under 94% of the roughly 300 people hospitalized with the virus during that time did not report being fully vaccinated.

However, no vaccine can prevent all infections and thats why we see a small percentage of what we call breakthrough cases, Harrist said. The overwhelming majority of breakthrough cases that are identified do not involve serious illness. In other words, vaccines certainly help keep you from getting COVID-19 in the first place, but if you do get it you are far less likely to get severely ill.

She added, The Delta variant must be taken seriously because it spreads much more easily between people than the COVID-19 weve become familiar with. There are also concerns from experts that as the Delta variant spreads the number of breakthrough cases will increase  because the Delta variant is essentially like COVID-19 upping its game against us, we have to fight back a little harder for now.

Harrist told the Star-Tribune last week she recommends people in areas with moderate to high transmission rates don face masks again regardless of vaccination status.

Eight counties including Natrona are excluded from that condition based on state-specific metrics.

No counties are excluded when referencing the CDC guidance, which calculates transmission using a shorter timeframe.

Dunn said he recommends residents in Natrona County wear face masks regardless of their vaccination status, and added that those with questions about vaccines should call their doctor.

We need to change our course, and we need to do it quickly, he said.
A Louth social enterprise has been awarded business supports by Rethink Ireland under their Genesis Programme.

The successful Louth organisation is Culture Connect.

The project is an intercultural, community social enterprise that addresses the barriers that new communities and the host community experience in working and living together.

Their services focus on facilitating culturally appropriate services that ensure ongoing support for new communities by promoting mutual understanding, cultural awareness and building positive relations.

Using a holistic approach, their services include: advice and support in different languages, english language classes, afterschool support, intercultural mediation, interpreting and translation services to schools, agencies and community groups and more.

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, who said: We would like to congratulate Culture Connect on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland.

"Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society  and Irish businesses  were delighted with this good news story for Louth.

"Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to become a more inclusive and equal society.

"Organisations like Culture Connect, are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.

Rethink Irelands Social Enterprise Development Fund has awarded 400,000 to 16 projects around Ireland, while a further 18 projects have been awarded a place on the organisations Genesis Programme which provides strategic business support to organisations.

The Genesis Programme is an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.
Claremont, NH (03743)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
North Andover, MA (01845)

Today

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Bookland promotes reading and green thinking

On the outskirts of Tbilisi, Georgias capital city, thousands of books are crammed into a huge warehouse. From classical prose to mystery thrillers, romance novels to poetry collections, there is something here for even the most discerning reader. Bookland lives up to its name.

For Irakli Sebiskveradze, owner and chief executive of this large Georgian book distribution firm, the infatuation with books began at an early age. He turned his passion into a thriving business and is now on a mission to embrace green thinking. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union are helping him to realise his goals.

Early days

Entrepreneurship can happen at any stage of life. For Irakli, inspiration struck during his student years. It is hard to say whether he chose his occupation or his occupation chose him.

My mother is a journalist and a writer, he says. I wanted to help her promote her books and, back in the early days, I would visit various institutions and organisations, offering them her books. That is how the Bookland story began.

Iraklis efforts did not go unnoticed. Soon, street booksellers were approaching him and requesting his services. Buoyant demand prompted Irakli to buy a used car so he could get around the city quicker and, when demand exceeded capacity, he decided to take his operation to the next level, setting up his company in 2005.

Fast-forward 15 years and Bookland now supplies more than 150 bookshops in the Georgian capital, as well as another 100 or so across the country. The company employs 15 people across 8 bookstores and an online business, which also exports books. The online shop was particularly helpful after Georgia introduced lockdown measures in 2020 to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Georgians are avid readers. When all of the shops closed last year and we were in lockdown, many people reached out to our online shop to stock up, says Irakli. Translated prose, the classics are still the most popular genres among our readers.

Embracing solar energy

Ever the trendsetter, when Irakli came across an advertisement for rooftop photovoltaic panels, he decided he wanted to power his business with clean, efficient solar energy.

Bookland is one of around 170 companies in Georgia that have received funding from the flagship EBRD-EU programme to date. The EU4Business-EBRD credit line helps local companies invest in new technologies, become greener, grow their digital presence and expand into new markets. Bookland secured a loan from the EBRDs partner financial institution, ProCredit Bank Georgia, to acquire solar panels and storage, which now fully meet the energy needs of Booklands warehouse and offices.

The EBRD loan was complemented by a grant and support from local and international advisers on implementing the investment project, also funded by the EU4Business initiative. The programme is currently available in Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine, helping local companies become more competitive, both at home and abroad.

Going solar for Bookland means fewer expenses, but the move goes far beyond saving money.

For us, it was very important to position ourselves as a small business that is reducing its negative impact on the environment, Irakli explains. We hope that more entrepreneurs will step up their green commitments and that we will together lead the way in introducing more sustainable ways of doing business.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Georgia. To date, the Bank has invested more than 4 billion in the financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 79 per cent of those investments in the private sector.
 

EBRD loan and EU guarantee to support green car dealer Winner

Ukrainian company to invest in green car dealerships and repair centres

Financial package delivered in partnership with Team Europe

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are promoting the expansion of the sustainable car market in Ukraine with a loan-and-guarantee package to Winner, one of the countrys leading vehicle importers and retailers.

The EBRD is providing a 20 million loan to complement the companys 23 million investment in a sustainable expansion programme. This will include the construction of new car dealerships for the Renault and Volvo brands, as well as an expansion of the companys logistics capacity and distribution and service infrastructure, including for electric vehicles.

The EU is providing a first-loss guarantee through the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) for the municipal, infrastructure and industrial sectors, delivered under Team Europe, a joint approach by the European Union and its partners in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new car dealerships will be designed and built according to BREEAM or EDGE green building standards, boosting the companys energy performance. Green buildings are still rare in Ukraine and, to date, there is only one BREEAM-certified building in the entire retail sector. Winner will be the first auto dealership in Ukraine to achieve green-standard certification. The investment will also help Winner to construct a green collision repair centre, the first of its kind, in Kyiv.

Winner is promoting cleaner technologies and socially responsible corporate policy in the Ukrainian car retail sector. Since 1992, it has invested more than 100 million in the country and is committed to significant new investments. It was the first auto importer and seller of electric vehicles in Ukraine and is currently the national market leader in the sector. It has undertaken an energy audit, supported by the TaiwanBusiness  EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, and due diligence, funded by the EU.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Managing Director, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, said: We are delighted to join forces with the EU to promote a foreign direct investment-driven and environmentally conscious business in Ukraine. I am particularly glad to see the company expanding into electric vehicles. This will eventually lead to cleaner streets, making cities a better place for pedestrians and cyclists too.

Katarina Mathernova, Deputy Director-General for EU Neighbourhood and Enlargement and Head of the Support Group for Ukraine (SGUA), commented: The European Union is happy to guarantee this EBRD private-sector operation, which enables an innovative Ukrainian company to make investments that will allow its business to grow in a green and sustainable way. This follows the virtuous path undertaken by Ukraine with the Green Agenda, which the EU commends and supports.

The investment is part of EBRD and EU efforts to build more competitive businesses and preserve the environment in the EU neighbourhood. The EBRD and other private-sector lenders are providing more than 500 million in loans for this purpose, while the EU is supporting these investments with a guarantee of 100 million.

Ukraine is a top-three investment destination for the EBRD. In the past two years alone, it has committed 2 billion to the economy. The Bank finances infrastructure, energy efficiency and energy security, agricultural and industrial projects, as well as smaller businesses. The investments are combined with support for policies that promote a more enabling business environment. Greening the economies where it invests is among the EBRDs top priorities.
Gardai in Cork are warning people to be extra vigilant when it comes to parking their cars either at home or in car parks.

The warning comes as a number of people in the North Cork area had catalytic converters stolen from their vehicles last weekend.

The cars being targeted are older models of the Toyota Yaris.

Speaking to JohnPaul McNamara on C103s Cork Today, Sergeant John Kelly of Fermoy Garda Station said that the theft of catalytic converters from cars was back in a big way.

He said there was an attempted theft made in Nad on July 27 where the occupants of a blue Skoda was seen acting suspiciously in the area.

The areas targeted in recent weeks were Milford, Churchtown, Effin South, and Ballyclogh.

Sgt Kelly said that in each case, it was an older model of Toyota Yaris that was targeted.

He said that some of the catalytic converters could cost up to 700 to replace, which in many cases could be more than the price of the car it is stolen from.

hen you consider that the replacement of a catalytic converter could be 600 or 700, that could be more than the price of what the car is worth.

He said that it is the metal used within these converters that thieves are interested in

Its the precious metals contained within the catalytic converter that they target, the price of which has gone through the roof in the last 12 months, he said.

Sgt Kelly said that it is likely that the thieves plan ahead and know what cars to target.

Its quite likely that there is a bit of homework done in advance, that they already know the locations of the cars, and then on a particular night come and maybe do two or three in the same general area, he said.

He advised owners of this type of vehicle to ensure that it is safe as possible, and also to reverse into their driveway.

He also advised people to make neighbours or friends living in the same area aware that their car may be a target.
Senator Jerry Buttimer has challenged the Chief Executive of Ryanair on comments made in relation to the runway works due to take place at Cork Airport next month.

The Fine Gael politician said that Eddie Wilson should stop playing silly games with the livelihoods of people and jobs in Cork following his comments that Cork could miss out on post-pandemic recovery due to the planned closure of the airport for the essential runway works.

Speaking following a visit to Shannon Airport on Thursday to announce plans to restore two aircraft at the airport for the winter season, Mr Wilson said a decision to reopen the airline's Cork base has been impacted by the need for a recovery package and by the planned airport closure for a 10-week period from September 13.

Ryanair closed its two-aircraft base at Cork late last year but currently operates 12 flights to and from Cork from other bases in Europe.

Senator Buttimer said that Mr Wilson should be ensuring the base returns to Cork Airport and not playing silly games which he said is unfair to Cork, to the people in Cork, and to the staff in Cork.

We must understand that Cork Airport requires its runway reconstruction project. It has been brought forward and now we need to market Cork Airport and ensure it returns to its place as the second busiest airport in the country, he said.

Senator Buttimer said there is also an obligation on the Government and DAA to support route development at Cork Airport going forward and that an aviation recovery plan that recognises the need to develop new routes and attract airlines is needed.

A Ryanair plane at Cork Airport getting ready for its flight to Malaga. Picture Dan Linehan.

'MASSIVE INVESTMENT'

Independent councillor Paudie Dinnen, who last year called for the Government and DAA to examine the potential for renovating the airports old terminal building for use as an airline hub said there is massive investment due to come into the airport that will bring it up to the standard that we need it to be for the delivery of service for the next 30 to 40 years.

Without doubt, going forward and for the post-Covid era, we need to work together as a team, he said.

Around 250 construction and supply jobs will be created during the runway project, including several local specialist sub-contractor roles over the 10-week period from September 13, with construction set to be completed by November 22 in advance of the busy Christmas travel period.

Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan said it would be a massive blow to Cork Aiport if Ryanair made a decision not to reopen the airline's Cork base but said he cannot see it happening as it is a no brainer for both Cork Airport and Ryanair that services would return to pre-pandemic levels.

In a statement issued to The Echo, a spokesperson for Cork Airport said: Cork Airport has attractive incentive schemes in place now which offer 30% discounts on airport charges plus base incentive grants for airlines to re-instate bases.

Cork Airport is delighted that six airlines serving over 20 routes are operating out of Cork in August this year. This makes us firmly the second biggest and best-connected airport in the State.

We plan to grow that connectivity significantly further in 2022 working with our airline partners and with strong growth incentives.
Effingham, IL (62401)

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Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable..

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Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.
Washington, MO (63090)

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Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

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Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Washington, MO (63090)

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Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable..

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Scattered thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Washington, MO (63090)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
CM urges eligible adults to get jab

More than 8,000 people who are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine haven't come forward to be vaccinated.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle yesterday pleaded for them to 'think carefully about the decision you make'.

Mr Quyale said: "It estimated that, up to the 23 July of this year, 60,000 deaths and more than 22 million infections in the UK have been prevented as a result of the COVID-19 vaccination programme."

"Extrapolating this for the Isle of Man, we estimate that 91 deaths have been prevented on our Island along with more than 33,000 infections. "

"Those figures put the power and importance of vaccinations into stark perspective. Vaccinations save lives."

"Despite the huge strides made through our vaccination programme, it is concerning that around 8,000 eligible adults on our Island have not come forward to be vaccinated against COVID-19."

"To those 8,000 people I would say this: vaccines are saving lives, every day, right here in the Isle of Man. Please think carefully about the decision you make."
Roy Len Taylor, 79, of Athens, died Monday, August 9, 2021, at his residence. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Spry Funeral Home Chapel in Athens with Rudy Evers officiating, burial at Antioch Cemetery. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. - until service Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearer
After previously announcing it expected corporate employees to return to the office on September 7th this year, Amazon has announced a further delay until January 3rd, 2022, Reuters has reported. The change of plans comes amid a surge of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant across the US. "As we continue to closely watch local conditions related to COVID-19, we are adjusting our guidance for corporate employees," the company said in a statement.

Shortly after the pandemic started, Amazon said it expected employees to return to the office in October of 2020. That date was pushed back to 2021 as multiple waves of the virus forced lockdowns and business closures across the US.

Google and Microsoft also recently announced that they'd be pushing back office returns until October 2021, later than the September date that Microsoft originally planned. However, while both Google and Microsoft require that any employees returning to the office be vaccinated, Amazon has said that unvaccinated employees may return as long as they wear masks.

Like other tech companies, Amazon has allowed for a hybrid office/home work structure due to the pandemic. However, in March this year, it seemed eager to get everyone back to the office. "Our plan is to return to an office-centric culture as our baseline. We believe it enables us to invent, collaborate, and learn together most effectively," the company said in its vaccination and testing blog. Now, that will be delayed for at least another five months.
Last month, Facebooks Oversight Board chastised the company for losing an important policy for three years. At the center of the ruling was an Instagram post about Abdullah Ocalan, which encouraged people to talk about his political imprisonment. Ocalan is one of the founding members of the Kurdistan Workers Party. The PKK is a Kurdish militia Facebook classifies as a dangerous organization.

The company had initially removed the post because of a rule that prohibits Facebook users from expressing support for groups and individuals that fall under that category. At the same time, Facebook also had internal guidance in place  which came out in part around discussions the company had about Ocalans imprisonment  that carved out an exception to that policy to allow people to discuss conditions of confinement for individuals designated as dangerous. However, Facebook did not apply that rule to Ocalans case due to an oversight that occurred when it moved to a new review system in 2018.

In examining what happened, the Oversight Board issued 12 recommendations to Facebook, which the company responded to today. To start, it will immediately re-implement the misplaced policy at the center of the case. Facebook says it has begun training its content reviewers on implementing the rule and expects the guidance to be fully in place within the next two weeks.

By the end of the year, it also plans to clarify the Dangerous Individuals and Organizations policy. Out of the 12 recommendations put forward by the Oversight Board, Facebook plans to fully or partially implement most of them. However, one its not sure on would involve the company sharing more comprehensive information on its enforcement of those policies. The company says its still examining the feasibility of creating a system that provides a country-by-country breakdown of enforcement and error data. It says it will share an update on that work in one of its upcoming quarterly updates.
Google offered the first official details about the Pixel 6 just a few days ago, and it seems the company is gearing up to release the Pixel 5a as well. Previous leaks suggested the phone would be a revamped Pixel 4a 5G and a new report has shed some more light on the possible specs.

The device will reportedly have the same camera as the Pixel 5, as well as a headphone jack and an IP67 rating, according to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech. The report suggests the Pixel 5a will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset and have 6GB of RAM. There'll be a 4,650mAh battery but no wireless charging support, according to Prosser. The phone's expected to have a 6.4-inch display and a single Mostly Black color option.

If all of that grabs your interest, you might not have to wait too long to get your hands on the Pixel 5a. The report suggests Google will release the device on August 26th for $450.

Google said in April it was still making a Pixel 5a with 5G, contrary to rumors at the time. It said the device would only land in the US and Japan and that it would be "announced in line with when last years a-series phone was introduced." It revealed the Pixel 4a in September 2020, so an August announcement and release date just about matches up. It's unclear whether Google plans to release a non-5G Pixel 5a.
Spotify has shelved plans to add AirPlay 2 support to its iOS app for the time being. "We've discussed this Idea internally and while we are working on supporting AirPlay2 in a proper way, we have decided to close it for now," a Spotify representative wrote on the community forums, as reported by MacRumors.

The company has pinned the blame on audio driver compatibility issues. Because of those, "this seems like a bigger project that we won't be able to complete in the foreseeable future."

Apple rolled out AirPlay 2 three years ago as part of iOS 11.4. The company also enabled support for third-party music services on HomePod and HomePod mini last year. In 2019, Spotify filed a complaint with the European Commission that accused Apple of locking it and other companies Apple competes with out of the likes of Siri, HomePod, and Apple Watch. Spotify still doesn't offer native support for HomePod speakers, though you can play music from the app through Siri and download Spotify tracks on Apple Watch.

You can still connect Spotify to speakers and smart TVs over AirPlay or Spotify Connect. Spotify users won't officially be able to harness AirPlay 2 capabilities like reduced latency, multi-room audio and Siri control anytime soon. However, because AirPlay is fully integrated with iOS, it should still work with any audio app as long as you use the OS-level playback controls, rather than the Spotify app.
Sertec Group, a UK-based automotive component manufacturer, has invested 1.7m (US$2.36m) into its research and development (R&D) programs, to enable the UKs first mass production assembly line for electric vehicle batteries.

The new assembly line will be fully operational in September 2021 and when in place will have the capability to produce in excess of 40 million electric vehicle battery busbar assemblies per year. Alongside the busbar assemble line is a fully equipped pre-production facility and testing lab. The Lab, built at a cost of 500,000 (US$696,000) alone, has been invaluable in developing the companys abilities to design and test busbars in modular battery production, Sertec says. The production cell is currently being used to prove design concepts for assemblies requiring welding of dissimilar Busbar materials.

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Grant Adams, group CEO, Sertec, said, The investment we have made in new technology facilities are vital to the automotive industrys ever evolving requirements for lightweight material production, which is set to become critical in future vehicle structures. As a UK first, the busbar assembly line is integral to taking electric vehicle production forward both in the region and across the UK.

It will help establish Sertec as one of the sector leading companies for this type of battery technology and put us at the heart of a regional manufacturing hub renowned for meeting the new technologic challenges of the future.
Enid, OK (73701)

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Isolated thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Isolated thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
2021-08-05

Maeci

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, today held a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Foreign Minister confirmed Italy's willingness to maintain constant and structured bilateral dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the interest in further intensifying the economic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Di Maio confirmed to his interlocutor the attention with which Italy is following the recent developments in Tunisia. In particular, he reiterated the need to ensure respect for the Constitution and the rule of law and emphasised Italy's ongoing support for the country's economic and political stability.

Regarding regional dynamics, Minister Di Maio reiterated the importance that Italy attaches to the safety of shipping in the Persian Gulf and more generally to the stability of the region. He called for a constructive commitment on the part of all regional players to dialogue and cooperation, so that there would be no incidents that could aggravate tensions and undermine the stability of the regional framework.
C. Valenciana

Autorizados el toque de queda y la limitacion de las reuniones sociales a 10 personas en 68 localidades valencianas
There are down sides to the recent global increase in government regulation of misinformation, explains Marystella Simiyu from the University of Pretoria.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is under siege.

Last December, a number of women came forward with claims of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The state attorney general launched an independent investigation and the legislature began impeachment proceedings.

On Tuesday, the attorney general announced the report findings, which found the charges to be substantiated. She called for the governor's resignation, as have other leading Democrats, including President Biden, both US senators from New York, the governors of PA, NJ, Connecticut, and RI, and the leader of the NY state Democratic Party.

While Cuomo continues to defend himself, his arguments are weak. Right now, it looks like he has the choice to resign or be forcibly removed from office. There are enough votes in the state legislature to impeach him.

Not all harassment allegations are taken this seriously. But just like it was impossible to watch the tape of George Floyd's killing without questioning the actions of the police officers involved, looking at the evidence here is overwhelming. The investigation was thorough, and it appears to be non-partisan.

Cuomo's long-time MO has been to bully people into doing what he wanted. Many former staffers talk of an ongoing culture of intimidation. Managing through fear does not create loyalty or encourage staffers to stand up for the boss when his misdeeds are exposed.

Just as importantly, this investigation sends a clear message: If you're engaging in this behavior, it's time to go. To quote Kenny Rogers, in The Gambler, you've got to know when to hold 'em, how when to fold 'em, how when to walk away, and know when to run.

Governor Cuomo--leave now. This is one gamble you've lost big time.

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Steak n Shake has been reopening its dining rooms after shuttering many of them a couple of years ago, but it hasnt stemmed the drop in revenue at the restaurant chain known for its burgers and shakes.

The chain, owned by San Antonio-based Biglari Holdings Inc., reported $65.2 million in revenue in the three months ended June 30, down $13 million, or 16.6 percent, from $78.2 million in the same period last year.

Biglari attributed the revenue decline primarily to Steak n Shake transitioning company-owned restaurants to franchise-partner units, which led it to temporarily close some of its locations a couple of years ago. Only Steak n Shakes share of the franchise partners profits, along with certain fees, are recorded as revenue.

Because we derive most of our revenue from our share of the profits, revenue will continue to decline with each transition of a company-operated unit to a franchise partner unit, Biglari warned in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Friday.

Franchise partner fees generated $12.4 in revenue in the latest quarter compared with $4.5 million in the same period last year. Steak n Shake had 131 franchise partner units as of June 30, up from 51 in the same period last year.

As of June 30, 49 of the companys 230 Steak n Shake stores remained closed. More than 100 were closed two years ago. The pandemic also caused the chain to close stores. It recorded $261,000 in impairment charges mostly related to store closures in the second quarter, compared with $7.8 million in charges a year ago.

Biglaris restaurant businesses, which also include the Western Sizzlin steak chain, generated $2.5 million in net earnings for the second quarter. The businesses lost $1.5 million a year ago.

Steak n Shake is Biglari Holdings largest operating business. Biglari Holdings other operating businesses include two insurance companies, an operator of oil and natural gas properties, and mens magazine Maxim.

Biglari lost $20.7 million, or $64.04 per Class A share, on $90.8 million in revenue in the second quarter. By comparison, it earned $42.5 million, or $121.51 a share, on $96.5 million in revenue in the same period last year.

The red ink in the latest quarter was due to about $35 million in investment losses. In last years second quarter, Biglari reported nearly $61 million in investment gains.

A person who answered the phone at Biglaris San Antonio office said it had no comment on its financial results.

In the past, the company has said its businesses are best analyzed before the effect of investment results.

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Biglari Holdings has two investment partnerships, known as the Lion Funds. The partnerships are managed by hedge fund Biglari Capital Corp., which is solely owned by Biglari Holdings Chairman and CEO Sardar Biglari.

He has majority control of the company, owning about 64 percent of the shares and holding nearly 70 percent of the voting interest.

The partnerships largest investment has been Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc., the Tennessee-based restaurant and retail chain thats been in operation for more than 50 years.

Biglari Holdings insurance businesses, First Guard Insurance Co. and Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Co. reported earnings of almost $3.4 million in the second quarter, up from $2.3 million in the same quarter last year. Written premiums were almost $13.6 million in the latest quarter from $13.3 million a year ago.

Southern Oil Co., which has properties in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, rebounded nicely from the pandemic  when oil demand slackened.

Southern Oil earned $2.3 million on almost $8.4 million in revenue in the second quarter. In the same period last year, it lost $1.3 million on almost $2.2 million in revenue.

Maxim, which has been focusing on generating non-magazine revenue, experienced a drop in its top and bottom lines in the latest quarter. It earned $225,000 on $709,000 in revenue, versus $376,000 in earnings on $982,000 in revenue in last years second quarter.

Bigarli Holdings Class A shares rose $14.97, or almost 1.9 percent, Friday to close at $810. The shares have risen 38.5 percent this year. Its Class B shares increased $2.77, or 1.7 percent, to close at $167.06. The shares have soared 50 percent this year.

pdanner@express-news.net
As San Antonios number of newly diagnosed COVID-19 infections soar to the highest level since February, a White House official appeared at City Hall on Friday to plead with those reluctant to get vaccinated.

We know that the vaccines work, said Dr. Bechara Choucair, White House vaccinations coordinator. They are tremendously effective. Theyre really, really safe. Theyre very effective at preventing infection. And theyre particularly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.

He spoke on a day when San Antonio reported 1,354 new cases of the coronavirus  and 1,002 inpatients being cared for at local hospitals after becoming infected.

Nearly a quarter of all patients admitted to San Antonio hospitals  24 percent  have tested positive for COVID-19, city officials said Friday. The vast majority of those hospitalized didnt get vaccinated, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.

Some hospitals have put elective surgeries and other routine medical procedures on hold as coronavirus patients are again filling up beds, the mayor added.

The citys risk level is classified as severe and worsening. Severe is one step below critical, the worst possible risk level.

COVID-19, as we all know, is once again spreading through our community at an alarming rate, Nirenberg said. We cant overemphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. The vaccines are our best tool to fight against COVID-19 and ultimately put this pandemic behind us.

The data are clear  vaccinations are preventing serious illness and hospitalizations. And they are preventing death.

On ExpressNews.com: Amid surging COVID risk, school already has started in San Antonio area  with no masks required

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases spike in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada and Georgia, more people in those afflicted areas are getting vaccinated to protect themselves, Choucair said.

The silver lining is we are seeing an uptick in vaccinations across the country, including here in Texas, he said. And wed love to see this continue to happen.

At the end of the day, there are still a lot of people who have a lot of questions about the vaccine. And we want to make sure that we are giving people facts, we are giving people answers. And I have no doubt when those folks who are still doubtful about the vaccine, when they get the answers, they get the facts, theyll be more inclined to get vaccinated.

Choucair joined Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff for a news conference, during which they implored people to get their shots as the number of COVID cases and the number of patients hospitalized continue trending upward.

Of the 1,002 COVID patients hospitalized in San Antonio on Friday, 273 were being monitored in intensive care units, while 158 were on ventilators to help them breathe.

The seven-day moving average of newly diagnosed cases rose from 1,291 to 1,346, city officials said.

One additional death of a patient who contracted the virus also was reported.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio plans to offer $100 gift card for unvaccinated to get COVID shot

Since the pandemic began more than a year ago, nearly 250,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Bexar County, while more than 3,600 county residents have died after contracting the illness.

San Antonios current number of COVID hospitalizations is eight times greater than in mid-June, when a weekly average of 125 patients were hospitalized for the virus.

Across Texas, more than 8,500 patients who tested positive for the virus remained hospitalized Friday  the highest number recorded statewide since February.

The delta variant of the virus driving the spike is among those that seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants of COVID-19, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Because of this, getting vaccinated is more important than ever, officials said.

Some 348 million vaccines have been given across the nation in the last few months, Choucair said. To date, more than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. have received at least one dose. Meanwhile, 165 million U.S. residents have been fully vaccinated, including 80 percent of the senior population, he said.

But there are still millions of Americans who have not been vaccinated at all, Choucair said.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio comedian Cleto Rodriguez discharged from ICU and doing better after contracting COVID-19

We are at a point in the vaccination effort where its all about the ground game, he said. It is about going community by community, block by block, census tract by census tract  engaging with people, having conversations with people, he said.

University Health, Bexar Countys hospital system, will receive a $1 million federal grant that will fund the hiring of 13 people to make personal contact with those still unvaccinated in Bexar, Atascosa, Guadalupe and Wilson counties and encourage them to get the shots, Wolff said

Unvaccinated people are in real danger, Wolff said. I dont know how else we can say that.

Its so easy to get the vaccine. Its free.

In Bexar County, more than 1.2 million residents 18 or older  or 81 percent of people in that age group  have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Districts vaccine dashboard. Among county residents in that same age group, more than 1 million people  67 percent  have been fully vaccinated.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to be fully effective, while the Johnson & Johnson shot is given in a single dose.

Among county residents 12 and older, more than 1.3 million people  78 percent of people in that age group  have received at least one dose, while more than 1 million people  64 percent  have been fully vaccinated, Metro Healths dashboard shows.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
TURKMENBASHI, Turkmenistan (AP)  Leaders from five ex-Soviet Central Asian nations on Friday voiced concern about instability possibly spilling out of Afghanistan and discussed their response to potential security threats, while Russian heavy bombers carried out practice strikes in joint drills near the Afghan border.

The leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea to talk about the regional challenges.

A quick settlement of the situation in Afghanistan is a key factor for preserving and strengthening security and stability in Central Asia, the five leaders said in a statement after the talks.

Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks give a boost to regional cooperation. The five leaders talked about expanding trade and economic ties and establishing a permanent regional security dialogue.

The fighting between the Taliban and Afghanistans government forces has escalated recently as U.S. and NATO troops complete their pullout from the war-torn country. The Taliban currently control more than half of Afghanistan's 421 districts and district centers after pressing their offensive at unexpected speed and are aiming to seize provincial capitals.

Regrettably, the Taliban has taken control of the entire length of the border with our country, Tajikistans President Emomali Rakhmon said during Fridays summit.

Rakhmon said that more than 2,000 Afghan army soldiers have fled to Tajikistan following the Taliban offensive. It's quite surprising that they retreated and abandoned their positions without offering any resistance to the Taliban, he added.

He also expressed concern about the concentration of terrorist groups in Afghanistan along the border with Tajikistan that together number more than 3,000 militants from the ex-Soviet states and China.

These are extremists who are well-trained in sabotage, terrorism and propaganda activities and have far-reaching plans concerning our region, Rakhmon said, noting that Tajikistan has moved to strengthen the protection of its border with Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also emphasized that stability in Central Asia hinges on the situation in Afghanistan.

Russia, which has a security pact with Central Asian nations and military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, has pledged to provide military assistance in order to fend off any potential threats coming from Afghanistan.

On Friday, Russian and Uzbek troops wrapped up joint war games involving 1,500 troops and 200 military vehicles. The maneuvers featured four Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers flying from a base in western Russia to strike mock militant camps at the Termez firing range in Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan.

Another joint military exercise that began Thursday in Tajikistan near the Afghan border involves 2,500 Russian, Tajik and Uzbek troops as well as 500 military vehicles.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the war games were intended to train for joint action to destroy invading enemy forces.

___

Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Marvin Pfeiffer, San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer

The inaugural event of a New Braunfels music festival has been postponed because of COVID-19 concerns, organizers announced on Friday.

The River Rodeo Fest was set to be held Aug. 14 along the Guadalupe River in Gruene but will now not take place until 2022. Organizers did not provide a new date.
Convicted murderers, a violent sexual predator and alleged drug traffickers are among the most wanted by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Six individuals on the department's Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list are still on the run. The other four have been captured and, so far, DPS has not added other individuals to the list.

For those still on the run, there are thousands of dollars of reward money for information leading to their arrests.

Anyone with information on any of the suspects can submit an anonymous tip through Texas Crime Stoppers at 800-252-8477 or by visiting its website.

Below are the fugitives on Texas' 10 Most Wanted list who are still at large.

Ernesto Alonso Garcia

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Murder, aggravated assault and marijuana trafficking

Garcia, 38, is a member of the Texas Syndicate gang with ties to the Rio Grande Valley. He has multiple warrants out for his arrest, including an incident in which he allegedly stabbed another man in Harlingen, according to DPS.

Garcia is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Garcia has 96 different aliases, including nicknames "Rooster" and "Gallito," and variations of Ernesto Alonso Garcia Gomez.

Description: He weighs 155 pounds and is 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a scar on his left arm and a tattoo on his upper left arm. "Garcia" is tattooed on his back

Last known address: Edinburg, Texas

Reward: $7,500

Raul Ambrosio Jimenez Jr.

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Sexual assault of a child, trafficking of a person under 18, probation violation for manufacturing/distributing herion

Jimenez, 54, is a member of the Texas Syndicate gang. He has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1987 and in the past has been charged with prostitution, burglary, vehicle theft, counterfeiting and more. In 2006, he was convicted for the manufacture and delivery of herion and sentenced to federal prison but was released after a suspended sentence.

In 2011, he was involved in the sexual assault of a female juvenile, DPS says.

He has family in Bexar County and authorities believe he may be in the area. Jimenez is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Rail Ambrosio Jimenez, Junior Jimenez

Description: He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds with a scar on his left eyebrow. He has a female figure, scroll and dragon tattoo on the upper right arm and a male face and tower on the upper left arm.

Last known address: San Antonio

Reward: $7,500

Margaret Lorrain Smith

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Capital murder

Smith, 62, is accused of hiring a hitman to kill her husband George Smith on Aug. 6, 2007. She allegedly lured him to Surfside Beach, located south of Galveston, and left him sitting in the sand as a man she hired beat her husband to death with a metal object, according to DPS.

Smith was indicted for the slaying and has been on the run since 2007. She was last seen on video footage at a Walmart in San Antonio.

She is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Lorraine Womble Smith, Margaret Lorraine Smith

Description: She is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. She has a mole on he bottom right eyelid.

Last known address: Angleton, Texas

Reward: $12,500

Benjamin Dominguez

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Indecency with a child by exposure and a probation violation for possession of controlled substance and resisting arrest

Dominguez, 54, is a member of the Barrio Azteca gang and is described as a "sexually violent predator" by DPS. He has a lengthy violent criminal history with arrests in Texas and New Mexico, including the indecency charge involving a 14-year-old child.

Dominguez is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Francisco Rodriguez, Ben Dominguez, Francisco Dominguez, Rogelio Morales, Rogelio Lopez Morales, Rogelio Mendoza Morales, Rogelio Ramirez, Johnny Rodriguez, Roger Rodriguez, Francisco Sanchez, Javier Zuniga, Chino

Description: He is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds. His tattoos on his left arm include skulls, a scorpion and a prison. He has tattoos of a female holding a shotgun and an eagle on his right arm. He also has "Yvette" tattooed on his neck. He is also said to have scars on his chin, left elbows and right-hand fingers.

Last known address: El Paso

Reward: $7,500

Joshua Dee Daniels

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Sexual assault, parole violation in connection with a burglary and engaging in organized criminal activity

Daniels was convicted of 11 counts of burglary and assault on a police officer but released on parole in 2018. He has ties to Aransas Pass, Rockport and Midland. Daniels should be considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Joshua Lee Daniels, Dee Daniels, Christopher Lawrence Reeder, Chris Reeder, Lawrence Reeder, David Reagan

Description: He is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He also has tattoos on his forehead, face, neck, left shoulder, chest, abdomen, left wrist, left hand, right leg, left foot and on both arms. There are scars on his abdomen, left foot and both arms. He has a pierced left nipple.

Last known address: Aransas Pass, Texas

Reward: $7,500

Carlos Alberto Gonzalez-Barahona

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Murder, aggravated kidnapping

Gonzalez-Barahona, 30, is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang. He has been deported several times because of his lengthy criminal history.

In 2017, he allegedly shot and killed his estranged girlfriend in their Houston apartment. After he fled from the Harris County area, he kidnapped a truck driver at gunpoint before later abandoning the truck off of Texas 59. Gonzalez-Barahona is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Gonzales, Carlos Alberto Gonzalez, Carlos Alberto Gonzales Barahona, Carlos Barahona

Description: He weighs 170 pounds and is 5 feet, 10 inches tall. His tattoos include "TEXAS" on the back of his upper right arm and "GONZALEZ" across his upper back. He also has the name "Trina" tattooed on the back of his right ear and "Salvador" on his abdomen. "Maria" is tattooed on his front right lower leg. He also has a cross, wings a ribbon and "Houston" tattooed on the back of his upper left arm. There are also various other tattoos on his chest and both wrists.

Last known address: Houston

Reward: $10,000

Jose Fernando Bustos-Diaz

Texas Department of Public Safety

Wanted on suspicion of: Unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on a homicide charge

In 2005, Bustos-Diaz, 32, allegedly beat to death and stabbed a woman while working as a ranch hand at The Oaks of Kendalwood stables in Harris County. He pleaded guilty and received a 35-year-sentence but escaped from a Dilley prison  about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio  in 2010 by crawling through a hole in the fence.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

Aliases: Jose Fernando Diaz, Jose Fernando Bustos, Jose Fernando Bustos-Dias, Fernano Bustos-Diaz

Description: He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. Bustos-Diaz also has birthmarks on his upper right and left sides of his chest and acne scaring on face. His tattoos include a a cross on the webbing of his left hand, "Vanessa" with one dot on the inside of his left wrist and "Lizeth" on the inside of his right wrist.

Last known address: Dilley, Texas

Reward: $5,000
Now Playing: President Joe Biden's administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all international visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus. (Aug. 5) Video: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all foreign visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, a White House official said.

The requirement would come as part of the administrations phased approach to easing travel restrictions for foreign citizens to the country. No timeline has yet been determined, as interagency working groups study how and when to safely move toward resuming normal travel. Eventually all foreign citizens entering the country, with some limited exceptions, are expected to need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the U.S.
Rachel Leija and Ismahan Abdi sat on the rug in their classroom at Converse Elementary School, laughing cheerfully as they played a math game with a deck of cards.

Ismahan, who was not wearing a mask, said she could barely breathe when she did wear one. Rachel, who was masked, said, My mom doesnt want me to get sick because we have a little one at home, referring to her younger sister, less than a year old.

For the two fifth-graders, school started July 26, a lot earlier than usual, and they reveled in the high-energy environment of a classroom full of children for the first time in more than a year. It was like pre-pandemic times, with students once again sharing supplies, working in groups and squirming in their seats.

But only about one in three was wearing a mask.

Hundreds of thousands of Bexar County children will start the school year in person in August  San Antonio Independent School District starts Monday, Aug. 8  and many of their parents are worried about the still out-of-control coronavirus.

Only a small handful of innovative schools in Bexar County start their school year in July. They adopt year-round or extended-day calendars as a strategy to avoid the learning loss associated with the long summer break.

Now they are bellwethers for the 2021-22 school year, which the pandemic has plunged into uncertainty amid fears that public education has lost its ability to protect students and their families.

A year ago, masks were required at virtually every local school, and many students started the fall semester learning at home. But Gov. Greg Abbott, by executive order, has barred public school districts from mandating masks.

Most schools have abandoned remote learning options due to the states inability to fund it without an emergency decree by the governor. And there is no COVID-19 vaccine for those younger than 12.

The resulting tension over how to handle the risk of infection during the latest surge of a deadly pandemic is playing out at Converse Elementary, a Judson ISD campus now embarking on a year-round schedule.

A majority of parents at Converse are said to have enough confidence in the schools safety protocols to send their children to class without masks. Despite their proven effectiveness against virus spread, some consider masks a stifling inconvenience that gets in the way of learning.

On ExpressNews.com: Concern for children rises as latest COVID surge worsens

Soon, almost every student in Bexar County will be back in a classroom  and without masks, local officials say, they will make the pandemic worse.

Hands tied

In a second grade class at Converse Elementary, 8-year-old Jedediah Campos sat at the back of the room looking at the white board from behind his mask.

Its serious now, so my mom told me I have to, Campos said of the face covering.

On ExpressNews.com: How various San Antonio school districts are handling COVID-19 protocols

Jessica Phelps /San Antonio Express-News

He and his classmates all had their own supplies and were sitting at desks spaced three feet apart  in keeping with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  rather than in clusters like in a normal year.

Their teacher, Ramona Merriam, led a lesson on identifying different types of coins. She was not wearing a mask, she said, because she was vaccinated and it made it easier to teach, especially reading and phonics.

I am a little concerned because I dont want to get sick and I dont want any of my kids to get sick, but I think if we are just vigilant and just try to keep them as distant as we can, I think its good, Merriam said. We just try to be real positive and very flexible. Thats our key word for this year: flexible.

School leaders and teachers are trying to find ways to work around the risk factors and not impede learning, which suffered last year from the challenges of the pandemic. But without the ability to require masks and without remote learning for students who are immunocompromised or have to quarantine, their hands are tied, they said.

Schools like Converse Elementary and Castle Hills Elementary in North East ISD, which also started the school year weeks before most other schools, are the pioneers, said Cynthia Davis, principal at Converse.

The uncertainty with COVID lies in: From week to week, what kinds of changes are we going to make? That is one area of uncertainty that we really have no control over, she said.

Davis said Converse Elementary does not require parents to notify the school if their child tests positive for the virus.

Last Thursday, the Texas Education Agency released a new public health guidance that said in part: Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms or is test-confirmed with COVID-19.

The guidance said nothing about a parental obligation to inform the school about a childs COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test.

Abbott has preached personal responsibility as the key tool for slowing transmission of the coronavirus, but as the school year begins, many parents are skeptical.

The problem is that sending your kids in person, theres so much control that youre relinquishing, said Sarah Marquez, a substitute teacher in North East ISD whose two young children, including a son with Type 1 diabetes, will start the school year on Aug. 16  wearing their masks.

My childrens health is going to be largely in the hands of the people theyre with every day, she said. And no child at the elementary level has gotten a vaccination.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff have sharply criticized Abbott for leaving local officials and school administrators powerless to require basic precautions against the pandemic.

Were talking about infecting young children, with the governor saying, You cant mandate a face mask, Wolff said recently. Schools should be able to do that.

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics both issued guidance for schools in July that recommend in-person learning as long as students who arent vaccinated wear masks.

On ExpressNews.com: Pandemic damage - especially in math - makes summer school in San Antonio busier than ever

Bexar Countys coronavirus test positivity rate has jumped to 20 percent this month after having dropped below 2 percent in the spring. About 10 percent of the beds at the Childrens Hospital of San Antonio were occupied by children with COVID-19 in early August, said Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer at Santa Rosa Health Systems and senior vice president of pediatrics at CHRISTUS Health.

Jessica Phelps /San Antonio Express-News

Asked why schools are being barred from requiring masks as local case numbers rise, Renae Eze, Abbotts press secretary, said by email:

Governor Abbott has been clear that the time for government mandating of masks is over  now is the time for personal responsibility. Every Texan has the right to choose whether they will wear a mask, or have their children wear masks.

No middle ground

Mariana Nieto is one of many parents who have sent their children to Converse Elementary without masks. She said she trusts the schools safety protocols, which include frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and she fears that masks could be a distraction or could hinder her childrens breathing.

I am worried, but Im not really stressing too much, Nieto said, recalling the schools quick action and communication last year whenever students tested positive. I think they kind of know what to do.

But she said she was not aware that the school does not currently have plans to test students on campus, as it did last year, or that parents were not required to inform the school if their child tests positive for the virus.

She said she might consider sending her children to school with the three-layered masks their grandmother made for them.

I know that cases are rising, Nieto said.

Principals are having to navigate an often contentious climate among parents who have different and changing views on mask-wearing in school.

Betsy Asheim, principal at Castle Hills Elementary, said she supports and praises students who wear a mask  but thats only about 15 to 20 percent of them so far.

Its difficult for me to take sides right now, she said. Just because it is so political and theres so many families who arent wearing them.

Davis, the Converse principal, agreed.

Its very hard to find middle ground, she said.

San Antonios school districts have not developed a unified stance on the issue  each district is creating its own safety plans and is approaching the topic of masks differently. Some are actively promoting mask-wearing even if they cant mandate it.

Marquez, the North East ISD substitute teacher, said the onus is on principals and superintendents to get as many parents as possible to send their children to school with masks for the sake of those who are immunocompromised or have vulnerable family members at home.

We need the adults to be the adults, and that means the adults have to make the hard decisions and the adults have to be enforcing things, Marquez said. I dont really care whose feelings they hurt because this isnt about what anybody wants to do. I dont want my son to be diabetic and I dont want to be still dealing with the pandemic, but I want the adults to be adults.

Asked whether they would impose mask requirements at their schools if they could, Davis and Asheim both vacillated. Davis said she thinks she would for employees, but that young children become distracted by masks and take them off anyway.

I just dont feel I could enforce it, because it really is an individuals choice and I cant cross that boundary, Asheim said. I would never want to hold that burden.

With Abbott so far unwilling to change his policy and many school leaders unwilling even to recommend masks, some parents said theyve resigned themselves to the idea that they must deal with some level of avoidable risk this school year.

Were doing what we can, said Carolyn Cowling, whose granddaughters are wearing masks at Converse Elementary and Judson Middle School. I cant control what other parents decide to do. I can only do what I think is best for the girls at this point.

andy.picon@hearst.com | Twitter: @andpicon
Join the Express-News Editorial Board as they speak with local superintendents about back-to-school plans amid a surge in delta-variant COVID cases.

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.
In the five months Britney Griffin has lived in her Northwest Side home, plants have been taken from her yard three times. The latest incident happened Aug. 4. But unlike the first two times, she caught the latest alleged theft on camera.

The video shows an individual pulling Griffin's hibiscus bush from the roots and riding off on their bike at around 4:40 a.m. Wednesday on Spring Brook drive, not far from the University of Texas at San Antonio's main campus.

"I posted (the video) on Nextdoor in hopes that someone may recognize this person, and luckily, I was able to obtain the (suspected) person's name and address, which I have given to the police," Griffin said.

On ExpressNews.com: Trinity student murder suspect accuses prosecutors of misconduct; asks judge to bar new trial

San Antonio Police said they have not yet made an arrest, but say they have identified a possible male suspect.

Griffin, who is in her 30s, said she finally decided to install six cameras after someone took an expensive rose bush from her home in April and two hibiscus bushes in June.

Growing frustrated, she hadn't planted new bushes in the same spot after the second incident until Aug. 1, three days before someone took the hibiscus bush on Wednesday.

"I just moved to San Antonio about five months ago and never have I had something like this happen, especially repeatedly," she said.

After posting the video on the networking app, she believes plant theft may be common in her neighborhood.

"As people on Nextdoor stated, they also have had plants stolen, so I know mine is not an isolated event," she said.

Malak.Silmi@express-news.net
San Antonio comedian Cleto Rodriguez has been discharged from the ICU on Thursday at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan after spending more than a week there for COVID-19 treatment.

Rodriguez, 50, is still being treated at the hospital but has shown significant progress.

"He is now out of the ICU and doing better, but still hospitalized," said a Methodist Healthcare spokesperson.

On Expressnews.com: San Antonio comedian Cleto Rodriguez shares tearful update as he battles COVID-19

"Going through what I've gone through this last week and a half, I wouldn't wish this on anybody," Rodriguez said in a video released by the hospital.

Rodriguez, who is unvaccinated, said he regrets not taking the COVID-19 vaccine and was "uneducated" on the importance of the vaccine. He said he plans to take the vaccine as soon as he can, and encouraged others to do so.

Rodriguez is not allowed to have visitors because he is still in the hospital's COVID-19 unit, his wife, Lynette said in an update on their GoFundMe page.

On Thursday, Rodriguez and his wife urged people online to keep Lynette's father, who is also battling COVID-19, in their thoughts and prayers.

"One of the hardest things for me while in ICU is knowing my father-in-law was just two doors down from me and I couldn't even see him or comfort him," Rodriguez said on Facebook.

Malak.Silmi@express-news.net
Otis McKane was sentenced to death late Friday for killing San Antonio police Detective Benjamin Marconi, a beloved officer who the defendant had insisted was simply a convenient and random target of his anger.

Prosecutors were equally insistent that the execution-style slaying downtown was planned and calculated, requiring hours of stalking. The jury deliberated more than seven hours in a case that horrified San Antonians because it was caught on video, witnessed by several bystanders on a busy street and seemed so predatory.

McKane, 36, had shot Marconi, 50, twice in the head after approaching a parked patrol vehicle where the 20-year police veteran was writing a traffic citation while working an overtime shift.

When jurors convicted him of capital murder on July 26, they deliberated only about 25 minutes.

McKane told investigators and news media he had lashed out at the first police officer he saw because no one at the police department would help him when he tried to report that the mother of his son had violated a visitation order.

Prosecutor Mario Del Prado, in closing arguments for the death sentence, said McKane had deliberately planned a heinous and unspeakable crime.

He reminded the jury that surveillance video taken from Public Safety Headquarters downtown showed McKane circling the complex for hours. He made a U-turn on South Santa Rosa Street when Marconi stopped a motorist, ran up to shoot the officer and finally crashed his vehicle through two traffic barriers in a parking lot as he fled.

Prosecutors played dozens of videos, taken from Public Safety Headquarters and from inside Marconis patrol vehicle, that presented the shooting as if watching a movie. They displayed transcripts of witness testimony from the four-week trial describing domestic violence and McKanes criminal record, which included terroristic threats, cocaine possession and drug sales.

The assault of a court bailiff right after his capital murder conviction was part of that list  also on video.

Defense lawyers brought in experts to portray McKanes upbringing and circumstances  oldest child of a single mother responsible for younger siblings, the product of a poor neighborhood who grew to resent the system because the mother of his child would not let him see his son  as key to his escalation to a killer.

Jurors had to answer two questions: whether McKane would pose a continuing threat, or if there were sufficient mitigating circumstances  regarding the offense, his character, background or personal moral culpability  to warrant a sentence of life in prison rather than death.

A gasp was heard in the gallery as state District Judge Ron Rangel read the panels yes answer to the first question, and no to the second.

McKane showed no reaction to the sentence as he was handcuffed. McKanes mother, Sandra McKane, sitting with two of her adult children and a family friend, covered her face and wept. The four left the room, embracing. A male supporter yelled, Love you Otis, as the prisoner was led away.

The Trial of Otis McKane Listen to courts reporter Elizabeth Zavala elaborate on the capital murder trial of Otis McKane for the shooting of Police Det. Benjamin Marconi. Click here for more of EN-Depth

Jurors began deliberating at 12:48 p.m., directed by Rangel to stay in the cleared courtroom to maintain social distancing because of COVID-19. They reached a verdict at about 8:30 p.m.and the gallery was packed with observers when the sentence was read 30 minutes later.

The Marconi family, San Antonio police officers and Bexar County Sheriffs deputies were in attendance. So was District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales, who afterward called Marconis killing a cold-blooded assassination and said he recognized the difficulty faced by the jury  chosen during a pandemic to decide Bexar Countys first death penalty case in nearly six years.

An SAPD spokeswoman relayed the Marconi familys request for privacy and their statement thanking court officials, the jury, law enforcement officers and the friends and relatives who had attended the trial or supported them in other ways.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are extremely proud of all the hard work you put into bringing justice for Ben and finding closure for our family, the statement said, naming all three prosecutors and District Attorney Joe Gonzales.

And finally, to Detective Benjamin Edward MarconiTHANK YOU for making our lives better, and the lives of everyone you touched. You are eternally missed and we will NEVER forget yourest easy sweet Ben, the statement concluded.

Del Prado, chief of the DAs major crimes division, said prosecutors took no pleasure in the verdict, and that the decision to seek death was not done lightly, but that in Marconis case, it was more than called for.

Benjamin Marconis 50 years on this earth matter. Benjamin Marconi mattered to his friends and family and coworkers at the police department. He mattered because hes the kind of man who went in and saved a child, Del Prado said.

Its so easy to forget that, because hes not here. He hasnt met the rest of his grandchildren. His family, for the rest of their lives, theyre going to mourn him.

Del Prado praised the work of his team, assistant district attorneys Tamara Strauch and Jessica Schulze, saying they spent years preparing the case. He touted their expertise, which he said they needed because they faced quality opposition, the defense team of Raymond Fuchs, Joel Perez and Daniel De La Garza.

In his argument to the jury, Del Prado noted that McKane, almost as soon as the jury found him guilty last week, had lashed out again and elbowed a bailiff in the face. It took 12 deputies to get him in control in a secured lockup near the defense table.

You heard when yall returned your verdict  that empowered him, Del Prado said, referring to the attack on the bailiff. Can you imagine in TDC (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) with 143 of his new friends?

Del Prado reminded the jurors that a prison official testified that 143 inmates serving life without parole are watched by only one guard.

In his closing argument, defense attorney Fuchs disputed that the state met its burden in showing that McKane was a continuing danger.

The murder of Benjamin Marconi is tragic, wrong and evil, he said. No one disputes that  he didnt deserve it. But what happens now to Otis McKane?

Fuchs argued that in the years he has been in confinement in the Bexar County jail, and since the panel first met him back in March 2020 when they were chosen to serve on the jury, McKane had caused no other problems.

It wasnt like he never had an opportunity, Fuchs said.

Another defense lawyer, Perez, said the killing of a police officer in the line of duty is handled differently from other serious crimes.

If someone committed murder, killed a mother and her kids, the most we could do is give them life without parole, he said. When they (prosecutors) are saying, he must die, he must die, keep that in mind.

Perez had barely finished his last sentence when McKane raised his hand and began to stand and wave, attempting to speak.

Perez and Fuchs went into the secure lockup with McKane for a few moments and returned to tell the judge that their client would not be testifying.

Strauch playd the video taken from Marconis patrol vehicle, showing the officer being shot  once in the left cheek, as he grabbed his face, then McKanes left arm just inches from his head with the second shot.

This defendant targeted him because of his uniform, Strauch told the jury. He feels justified in what he did because the system wronged him.

Strauch showed snippets of McKanes interview after his arrest just 28 hours after the shooting, in which he denied more than a dozen times that he shot Marconi.

Once he admitted he shot the officer, McKane balked at expressing regret.

I want to say I apologize, to the police and the family, but something in my heart wont let me apologize, he said in the video. I wanted the police station to feel the burn I felt in my heart.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
The man suspected of shooting and killing a 6-year-old girl during an argument at a car club gathering was indicted this week on a felony murder charge.

Andrew Ray Elizondo, 23, is accused of fatally shooting 6-year-old Saryah Perez, who was in her familys car on May 9 when an argument broke out in a retail strips parking lot near Our Lady of the Lake University.

While officials have not provided details on what caused the violence, Kassandra Mendoza, the girls mother, told the Express-News that a fight started after her husband steered his car close to a Chevrolet Silverado and several men in the pickup took offense.

Among the occupants in the pickup was Elizondos brother-in-law, who had dated Mendoza.

The men got out of the Silverado and accused Mendozas husband, Julio Garcia, of scraping the truck or coming too close to it.

Mendoza said the men began pounding on the windows of their Mazda, causing the children to scream. At one point, the men opened the car door and punched Garcia in the face, she said.

On ExpressNews.com: They knew there were children  mother of slain 6-year-old girl describes West Side shooting

They had seen her (Saryah) in the car with us. They knew we had our kids, Mendoza said at the time.

Garcia put the Mazda into reverse to leave the parking lot. As they exited onto the street, Mendoza heard gunshots and said felt something graze her back. It was a piece of shrapnel.

The indictment alleges that Elizondo fired a weapon while committing a felony, killing Saryah and seriously injuring Mendoza. In Texas, a person can be charged with murder when a death occurs under such circumstances.

If convicted, Elizondo faces five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Elizondos case was among 246 felony indictments, including four others for murder, handed down this week by Bexar County grand juries.

Xavier Carlos Arteaga, 21, was indicted on a murder charge. He is accused of fatally shooting Rene Galan during an argument over missing car parts, according to news reports.

On ExpressNews.com: Suspect arrested, victim identified in deadly East Side argument

Keith Corley, 26, is facing a murder charge in the shooting death of Delon Lamont Weaver, 24, following an argument May 24 at an East Side apartment complex.

Also indicted this week on a murder charge was 42-year-old Jason Anthony Huron, who is accused of shooting and killing his father on May 13. Police have not said what led to the shooting.

Darryl Johnson, 27, was indicted on a murder charge in the fatal shooting on May 2 of his girlfriends roommate, Ramona Rodriguez, who reportedly accused him of stealing her cellphone and phone charger. Rodriguez had walked outside to call police when Johnson followed her outside and shot her, according to news reports.

On ExpressNews.com: Man arrested in connection with hit-and-run death of a prominent San Antonio developer's daughter

Joel Angel Zaragoza, 23, was indicted for allegedly failing to stop and render aid following a car crash that resulted in the death of Lisa Rosenstein.

Officials said the 53-year-old woman was jogging along the Loop 1604 access road at about 7 a.m. on May 2 when a man  later identified as Zaragoza  hit her with his Ford Focus. The impact knocked Rosenstein into a grassy area along the access road, where a bicyclist later saw her body, called 911, and attempted to perform CPR until paramedics arrived, according to an arrest affidavit.

Rosenstein later died of her injuries. She was the daughter of David Starr, a local developer and one of the biggest low-income housing landlords in the state.

Failure to stop and render aid causing death is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

eeaton@express-news.net
If you are ever caught doing something you shouldnt have done, please dont respond the way Jessica Gonzalez did this week.

The Democratic state representative from Dallas has been one of the driving forces behind two quorum-breaking walkouts in the Texas House to prevent the passage of restrictive voting legislation championed by Republican lawmakers.

Three-and-a-half weeks ago, House Democrats decamped to Washington D.C. to effectively shut down the Legislatures special session while making the case for a federal voting-rights bill that would supersede any election changes in Texas.

On Tuesday, rumors began circulating that Gonzalez and Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, had bolted to Portugal for a vacation.

Jonathan Tilove, who has covered the quorum break for Texas Monthly, tweeted Tuesday afternoon: Can confirm @juliejohnsonTX and her wife & @jessicafortexas and her fiance are in Portugal for a vacation they had been planning, with non-refundable tickets, for a year-and-a-half. Still participating in caucus meetings via ZOOM.

When questioned about it, Gonzalez texted the following response: No one has shown proof. These are rumors, period. End of story.

Thats not an answer. Its an evasion.

If the report had been false, Gonzalez would have wanted to debunk it immediately  and could have done so easily enough, with a quick FaceTime call in which shes standing next to a couple of her fellow quorum breakers in D.C.

If the report were true, the most honorable reaction would be to own up to it and explain your actions.

Gonzalezs unwillingness to answer a straightforward question suggests she realized a Portugal vacation in the middle of a special-session quorum break was not an appropriate move.

Theres an argument to be made that this purported Portugal trip is no big deal. After all, neither Gonzalez nor Johnson is abandoning the parliamentary tactic employed by House Democrats. They continue to break quorum, regardless of whether theyre doing it in the nations capital or in Southern Europe.

Thats the defense provided by their friend and colleague, Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, who tweeted, Every Democratic member who isnt on the floor of the Texas House is helping kill this voter suppression bill. None of us have any obligation to be (Gov.) Greg Abbotts hostages.

Thats true. Its also true, however, that the reason House Democrats even contemplated the rare move of breaking quorum is because they have no real legislative power in this dynamic.

Democrats cant stay in D.C. forever. At some point, they must return to Texas. And Republicans will be ready, with a bullet-proof majority in the House, to pass their election bill.

Texas House Democrats were realistic enough to know they merely delayed the inevitable with the quorum break. Sure enough, Abbott followed through Thursday on his stated commitment to call a second special session.

Ultimately, the D.C. getaway has been about symbolism and messaging, not parliamentary obstructionism.

The purpose for Texas Democrats has been to attract media attention, energize progressives and convince Democrats in the U.S. Senate to set aside the filibuster for the cause of voting rights. If the quorum breakers cant maintain a tight, focused narrative, they have nothing.

As Texas Republicans made the case that the quorum breakers were abrogating their duties, House Democrats pointed out that they were not on some fun excursion; they were making personal sacrifices for the cause of voting rights.

This narrative came into play during a July 19 MSNBC special on the quorum break.

There was the story of Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, driving 23 hours with his pregnant wife and 17-month old daughter to join his colleagues in D.C.

There was the story of Zwiener bringing along her 3-year-old daughter.

All of us, every single one of us in this delegation, has a day job. We have to struggle, we have to work and we have to make ends meet just like everyone else, state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, said on MSNBC.

He added: Were sacrificing a lot more than just time away from our families, but all that sacrifice is worth it.

A vacation in Portugal doesnt fit this sacrifice narrative.

Both Gonzalez and Johnson did honorable work during this years legislative session. Gonzalez, as the vice chair of the House Elections Committee, spoke out against the underhanded manner in which Republicans shaped their voting legislation.

Johnson worked hard, though unsuccessfully, to bring about long-overdue Medicaid expansion in this state.

They have a right to take a vacation, just like the rest of us. But this wasnt the right time, and they probably know it.

ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
Today, everywhere Gov. Greg Abbott goes, he will be protected by government employees, some of whom will be armed.

Tonight, when Abbott goes to bed, the Governors Mansion will be locked, and he, his family and their home will be protected by government employees, some of whom will be armed.

This is how it should be. Nothing is done with the assumption that the personal responsibility of others is enough to protect the highest elected official in Texas. Nothing is left to chance, the decision of others or belief in the innate goodness and wisdom of all people.

Why, then, shouldnt that same proactive protection be given to every other resident of the state, including the youngest and most vulnerable, during a resurgence of the deadliest pandemic in our lifetimes?

But Abbott has decided that his presidential ambitions are best served if Republican primary voters see him as the face of freedom, the leader whos done everything within his power to keep masks off the faces of Texans in the time of COVID.

As the delta variant has raced across Texas with Olympian speed, Abbott has reiterated that agencies and other political subdivisions in Texas are prohibited from mandating vaccinations and that local governments cant require face masks, including in public schools attended by children younger than 12 who arent eligible to be vaccinated. All of which goes against the messaging from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eric Gay /Associated Press

Abbott tweeted: I issued an executive order providing uniformity in Texas COVID response  we must rely on personal responsibility, not govt mandates.

Texans will decide for themselves whether theyll wear masks & open businesses.

Vaccines are the best defense & will always remain voluntary.

Abbott reaffirmed his ban on mask mandates Wednesday, the same day the Texas Department of State Health Services tweeted, Texas is facing a new wave. Delta has erased much progress to end the pandemic.

Compared to the week before, new cases were up 92 percent, hospitalizations up 49 percent and fatalities up 15 percent.

Yet banning mask mandates is the hill on which Abbott is willing to have Texans die. It continues to be a stunning reality  not that the governor of Texas chooses to not enforce a mask mandate but that he bans local governments from enforcing mask mandates.

Hes saying that not only will he not do all within his power to minimize the transmission of the virus and keep people from dying, but that mayors and county judges are forbidden from using their power to minimize the transmission of the virus and keep people from dying.

Its like a lifeguard refusing to save a drowning child, then preventing anyone else from saving the child.

Abbott thinks banning local mask mandates, and saying it repeatedly, makes him look tough. It doesnt. It makes him look cruel, craven and small  like a man moved by personal ambition rather than public interest, a man more concerned with getting elected than serving.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas recently expressed regret for signing a bill banning state and local mask mandates. Its difficult imagining Abbott admitting he was wrong about anything.

This is the same governor who lied about the reason for the states power outages during the winter storm and who, at best, exploited never proven allegations of abuse of child immigrants at a shelter set up at the Freeman Coliseum.

How can the thought of an unmasked, unvaccinated teacher in a classroom with unvaccinated children not move Abbott into rethinking his ban on mask mandates?

On Wednesday, COVID expert Dr. Peter Hotez told the Express-News Editorial Board: You have to believe as schools open this is going to accelerate. We have to give our kids a chance.

Murray Kempton, the legendary New York newspaper columnist, once wrote of Martin Luther King Jr.: A great man is one who knows that he was not put on this earth to be part of a process through which a child can be hurt.

By not exercising personal responsibility through the power of his office, Abbott is aiding a process through which children will be hurt.

cary.clack@express-news.net
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus demanded to know how Samantha Lopez-Champoux, who continuously reported violence by her estranged husband, was now dead. She was shot to death May 24 in front of her three children, ages 2, 6 and 10, who were in the back seat of her truck. Months have passed, but no one has been charged in her death.

McManus called her death an absolute tragedy and an outrage.

We tell victims that we can protect them, that they need to come forward and report family violence, and here we are, with another family violence murder, McManus said from the scene.

Despite a massive effort to address domestic violence, tragic headlines persist. Stakeholders say the system is overburdened and weighed down by bureaucracy, turf wars and funding challenges. It operates in silos and ultimately fails some victims. One failure is one too many.

In another recent death, police said that when Angel A. Sanchez pointed a gun at officers during a hostage standoff July 26, they accidentally shot and killed his common-law wife, Neida Tijerina, 29. Police were there after a report that Sanchez, who had a history of family violence and six days earlier had removed his GPS monitor, was threatening to kill her and himself.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Taking a public health approach to domestic violence

More attention has been devoted to the issue in recent years, and yet family violence remains pervasive. Miranda Sage Milowski, Marisela Cadena and many others have died violently since the May 2019 Status of Women in San Antonio Report by University of Texas at San Antonio professor Rogelio Saenz and graduate student Lily Casura. The report found the homicide rate of women in Bexar County doubled from 2.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2015 to 4.8 in 2017  the highest rate in the state.

Watershed moment?

Anyone in San Antonio who advocates for domestic violence victims talks about that landmark report. They also frequently cite July 2019, when U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Lloyd Doggett held the first-ever town hall meeting about domestic violence in San Antonio. About 200 survivors and advocates crammed into a sweltering Mennonite Fellowship sanctuary and spoke about how domestic violence in San Antonio had reached epidemic proportions. The year before, 35 people died because of family violence, 21 of them women slain by intimate male partners.

Patricia S. Castillo, the co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit P.E.A.C.E. Initiative who has devoted 41 years to advocating for women, moderated the town hall, calling it a watershed moment. Raw survivor stories were shared, tinged with statements of hope and blame. This was the day San Antonio would finally own the damage of domestic violence. This was the day there would be a commitment to change.

Castillo shared a wish list of systemic changes and wanted to know: Why do so many people end up dead?

A question that is essentially the same as the one McManus asked about 28-year-old Lopez-Champoux. Its a question I asked when I reported about domestic violence 12 years ago, the first time I worked at the Express-News as a reporter. Back then, I kept my opinions to myself, but I internally blamed police, judges, even some victims. While there are gaps and disconnect in our system, I see now its more nuanced. Police cant be in every home at all times. The judicial system must work within the confines of the law, the case and evidence. Add into the mix emotions victims have about their abusers or their fears about leaving and seeking justice, and its incredibly complex.

My husband is a San Antonio Police Department detective and although he doesnt share confidential information with me, I have witnessed his commitment and frustration in trying to help survivors.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Protective orders one tool in ending domestic violence

Still, without change, survivors are at risk. During the town hall, one of the survivor stories came from Rena Castro. She spoke of her daughter Erin Rios Castro, who was murdered in 2018 by her on-and-off boyfriend Joshua Garcia. On June 30, Garcia pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He stabbed her in the neck while they were on the way to a nightclub and ran over her several times. She was found dead just hours after her 19th birthday. Castro shared that after the first time Garcia beat and hit her daughter with his car, he received only probation, and the light sentence scared Erin into silence.

Did the town hall really turn out to be a watershed moment? Yes and no. There have been myriad initiatives since then, and the domestic violence effort in San Antonio is massive, involving many public entities. Yet the issue remains a frustrating, persistent scourge. Police, prosecutors, judges, health care workers, politicians and advocates have all told me they are afraid the next victim killed at the hands of a loved one will be someone on their caseload or docket.

In 2019, District Court Judge Peter Sakai created the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, or CCDV, saying it was what our community needed. This is a city/county commission of judges, prosecutors, policymakers and leaders in health care, law enforcement and nonprofits created to address an alarming spike in fatalities. The CCDV is co-chaired by Judge Monique Diaz and Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez. The two have written an op-ed chronicling the commissions work on reducing domestic violence.

The CCDV released a five-year domestic violence plan with 10 initiatives for the first year. On March 15, it gave its one-year report via Facebook Live. Jenny Hixon, violence prevention manager at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, said COVID-19 slowed some efforts.

Since 2020, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County have invested more than $13 million in federal and local funding in domestic violence prevention programming, courts and jail costs. Health care organizations and nonprofits also invest in these efforts.

The grim statistics

Statistics dont tell the emotional tragedy of domestic violence and abuse, but they do give context about the scope of the problem, and the statistics for San Antonio are overwhelming.

Consider: In 2020, the San Antonio Police Departments Crisis Response Team served 14,542 family violence victims and conducted 2,672 home visits, although home visits were limited due to COVID-19. The district attorney reported an increase of 15 percent in felony cases and 7 percent in misdemeanor cases compared with 2019. There are various ways of collecting homicide data, but Express-News reporter Emilie Eaton tallies 38 people in 2020 who died from domestic violence in Bexar County. Metro Health Violence Prevention has 2020 deaths at 36, and in 2021, it has counted 15 deaths.

In what could be the most important of its initiatives, the CCDV has begun a pilot domestic violence high-risk team in partnership with the Bexar County Family Justice Center, but similar assessment tools and processes were already in place. Citing the ongoing investigation, no official would say if Lopez-Champoux was identified through any of the high-risk programs. Was she on their radar? If not, why not?

Marta Pelaez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, the agency that oversees the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter, said it is important for every part of the system to recognize domestic violence deaths are failures of a safety net that should be fortified with predictions based on progressive violence.

On ExpressNews.com: Castillo: Governor's veto of domestic violence education an epic failure

Many domestic violence victims are too afraid to ask for help, but not Lopez-Champoux. While no one has been charged with her death, records show she repeatedly asked for help and was responsive to advocates, and yet the system failed.

Police and court documents show that for three years, Lopez-Champoux alleged brutal violence, intimidating threats and continuous contact despite multiple protective orders. Her estranged husband posted bond, and served probation and less than three months in jail. Bexar County court officials, speaking on background, said Lopez-Champoux requested that the court not give her estranged husband jail time, a dynamic that reflects the complications of these cases.

Over the years, the Police Department has changed policies and increased efforts and resources for family violence cases, yet many suspects regain their freedom as allegations of abuse pile up and, in some cases, victims (mostly women) are killed.

Weeks after Lopez-Champuxs death, McManus told me he didnt believe the same level of accountability is spread across the system and that too often, victims who were abused over months and years are killed.

Look at escalated patterns that have finally resulted in a murder. It happens all the time, he said. So, youve got to ask yourself, Where did these cases fall through the cracks? What leaves these victims vulnerable to murders?

Are prosecutors and judges making decisions based on risk? Bexar County District Court Judge Ron Rangel, an administrative judge with 13 years experience, said yes. But courts also must balance the rights of the accused and accuser, and many cases include long histories of alleged violence. Not all allegations are true, and for various understandable reasons, some survivors stop cooperating with the court.

County Commissioner Trish DeBerry, who vowed she would continue to be aggressive in finding solutions, recently wrote and passed a resolution to spread cases among more than the two specialty family violence courts. This is to help clear a backlog of more than 5,000 misdemeanor court cases.

District Attorney Joe Gonzales told county commissioners on July 13 he supported the change, calling the decision 30 years ago to separate family violence cases into specialty courts a failed experiment. If the new approach reduces the backlog of misdemeanor family violence cases, its possible it would prevent some family violence and deaths.

More to do

What else can be done to stop cycles of abuse and save lives?

Higher bonds and more jail time for repeated offenders could help. So would tracking more domestic violence suspects with GPS ankle monitors; at about $10 per day, it would be significantly less than the $80-per-day jail costs.

There needs to be more state support instead of policies that make matters worse. It doesnt help that Texas lawmakers recently made it easier than ever to carry guns and that conditions of bond that restrict guns is on an honor system.

Studying what went wrong in domestic violence homicides is also key. DeBerry also supported commissioners May 18 designation as the authority of the Adult Fatality Review Team, which has been in existence through the Family Violence Prevention Services since at least 2012 and is required to submit biennial reports to the state. The team reviews death cases that have been adjudicated.

Rangel, Crystal Chandler, executive director of the Bexar County Family Justice Center, and many other local leaders say they are hopeful the new synergy will, over time, lead to more lives saved.

Hixon, of Metro Health, also said more robust changes are coming that further reflect a shift to a best practice approach that emphasizes education and wraparound services for survivors. The CCDV is planning a new hotline this month that will pilot using telephone support for law enforcement to strengthen screening for cases most at risk for ending in homicide.

Will the changes and continued efforts be enough to prevent more tragic domestic violence headlines? Is it even possible? Heres my promise: I will keep asking questions.

Nancy.Preyor-Johnson@express-news.net
This Veterans Day was different for me.

Besides pandemic-induced parade and ceremony cancellations, the holiday marked two milestones for my family.

This was the first Veterans Day in uniform for our daughter, Carlee, who enlisted in the Coast Guard in July and started a journey to the Coast Guard Academy via the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I.

It was also the first in 24 years  more than half my life  that I was not in the Air Force. I retired as a lieutenant colonel in May from Joint Base San Antonio and transitioned into a new path of writing and journalism. For most of my career I worked as a public affairs officer, helping tell the militarys story, and now Im experiencing life on the other side of the notepad.

Veterans Day is a time to celebrate service, and todays volunteers have raised their right hands in a chaotic period. The decision to serve is an act of selflessness and sacrifice that most dont fully consider until well after theyve taken the oath.

The world was different in 1996 when I left home for the Air Force Academy. With operations in the Balkans wrapping up and Iraq no-fly zones droning along, we were not a nation at war and the prospect of a forever war was hardly a concern.

9/11 changed that.

While teaching English at the Air Force Academy during the Iraq and Afghanistan surges, I told cadets how I respected their decision to serve in the midst of two wars.

We should have the same reverence for those whove joined today, during a pandemic against the backdrop of a divided nation thats still at war.

When Carlee left, there were  and still are  many unknowns. Ive been impressed with her units leadership, which has navigated the pandemic while balancing peoples needs and safety with their mission.

As the institution fights the virus with a bubble model, the class has endured two 14-day periods of 23-hour-a-day dorm room restrictions. At times, theyve had limited food or only Meals Ready to Eat, or MREs. Classes have wobbled from in-person to virtual and back. Holiday leave schedules remain in flux, and until recently they couldnt leave the base.

Several parents have said this adversity is good and its not as hard as a deployment or combat. While that may be true, we cant discount the hardships.

Unfortunately, the Department of Defense has hidden from public view some realities of the COVID-19 fight, most notably installation case rates. The Pentagon releases consolidated numbers, and as of Monday, nearly 92,000 DOD people  military, civilian, dependents and contractors  have tested positive.

Its the latest in a subtle slide toward opaqueness that I noticed during my time in the military. Leaders increasingly rely on classification and operational security as reasons to veil information, and while much of that is legitimate, theres also a tendency toward overclassification and baseless secrecy.

I recall the public affairs guidance for media embeds during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which said: The standard for release of information should be to ask why not release vice why release. Decisions should be made ASAP, preferably in minutes, not hours.

I fear weve retreated from that position.

With fewer than one-half of 1 percent of Americans currently serving, according to DOD, theres an ever-growing civilian-military divide. They also noted that only 27 percent of todays youth can name all five services.

Shielding citizens from military endeavors does not help bridge the gap. The Pentagon continues to turn down the volume of its communications on operations, and, if the public doesnt maintain the conversation, it gets easier for the military to say less.

There are many examples. The Defense Department canceled weekly press conferences for 15 months. The Air Force stopped monthly reports on airstrikes. The Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said most data on success or failure in Afghanistan is now classified or nonexistent. Theres little accounting of how many Americans are serving in war zones. The military reported 3,000 in Iraq and 8,000 in Afghanistan, but the figures are misleading because untold numbers travel in and out on temporary duty.

If the services arent forthright on basic information, how can we trust them to grapple with more insidious problems of sexual assault, mental health, dignity and respect, diversity and inclusion or a global pandemic?

When I raised my right hand, I trusted my leaders to be transparent and honest. Now, as a father of someone whos serving, I expect it even more.

While we did not have parades and ceremonies this year, we can always listen to what our vets and those still in uniform have to say.

We dont need the militarys official perspective on their stories, we just need to listen.

Brandon Lingle writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. brandon.lingle@express-news.net | Twitter: @Brandlingle
There is no question the 36 lives lost to domestic violence in our community last year could have been prevented and that such tragedies are ongoing. The children and families who witnessed those horrific acts of violence will live with that trauma for the rest of their lives.

We cannot bring back those precious lives, but we can intervene to break the generational cycles of abuse their children, family members and our community face.

How do we accomplish that? By acknowledging domestic violence is a public health crisis that requires a public health approach to prevention. Upstream public health solutions  such as supporting positive parenting, and increasing stability for families facing economic and legal stressors  for downstream problems  such as domestic violence-related homicide  take intentional and persistent change.

Violence, including domestic violence, is often rooted in childhood trauma; and survivors of one form of violence are more likely to be victims of other forms of violence. A public health approach is not a simple one-step solution but a profound, deep change to systems and communities that requires sustained, multisector commitment and transparent evaluation of what is and isnt working.

Yes, prevention of domestic violence is a monumental undertaking, but evidence shows it can be accomplished by a coordinated community response that convenes all domestic violence stakeholders to communicate, collaborate and implement evidence-based strategies. That is the mission and ongoing work of the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence, or CCDV.

On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Protective orders one tool in ending domestic violence

The commission is organized around the belief that violence is not inevitable, and that together, we can change the course of domestic violence in San Antonio and build healthy, safe futures. Taking a family-centric approach to reducing domestic violence, the commission understands that breaking generational cycles of abuse requires improving stability, education and healing for every member of a family experiencing abuse: victims, children and, yes, abusers.

Judge Peter Sakai created the CCDV on July 31, 2019, to implement a public health strategy for addressing and preventing domestic violence as delineated in the city of San Antonio Domestic Violence Comprehensive Plan. The CCDV became the first joint city-county collaboration convening local leaders in government, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecution, nonprofits, health care and education agencies.

Through this coordinated approach, the commission has embarked on building bridges to work together as a community rather than in individual silos. The work of the CCDV supplements and supports the ongoing individual efforts of community members and their teams, who continue to bring funding, expertise and training to our community and those working to end domestic violence.

During the past two years, in consultation with local and national experts, the CCDV has implemented a targeted communications strategy to bring awareness of available programs and resources; expanded support to families in civil courts; developed processes to ensure compliance with laws prohibiting firearm possession by perpetrators; hosted community-based events to educate the public, including an annual symposium; supported increased investments for the Bexar County District Attorneys Offices handling of domestic violence cases; and supported the expansion of city resources for violence prevention programs and additional San Antonio Police Department detectives.

On ExpressNews.com: Castillo: Governor's veto of domestic violence education an epic failure

We all play a role in ending domestic violence; we all play a role in preventing another tragic outcome. The pandemic of domestic violence can be addressed with commitment, accountability, resources and, most of all, selfless and sustained collaboration.

Judge Monique Diaz and Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez co-chair the CCDV. Diaz presides over the 150th Civil District Court in Bexar County. Villagomez oversees the Police Department, Fire Department and budget office.
Communities across Texas and much of the United States are grappling with the latest spike in COVID-19. Too many of us let our guards down, and, in turn, let one another down. Now, government officials and medical leaders are sounding alarms as hospitalizations and deaths again spike.

It didnt have to be this way; unlike previous surges, we have a key tool to stop it: Vaccines. If more Americans were vaccinated, and embraced masks to limit the spread of the delta variant, we wouldnt be seeing this surge. We must all take brave actions to turn this around, starting with Gov. Greg Abbott.

Abbott, who has banned mask and vaccine mandates, can still do the right thing. He must be guided by science and drop his overreaching order against mask and vaccine mandates. This isnt a political game. He must empower local leaders  mayors, county judges, school districts  to make the public health decisions needed to save lives.

Science is evidence-based, which means it changes. Yes, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has, at times, been confusing, but our understanding of COVID-19 and variants is evolving. We have to adjust as variants emerge, and case counts rise and fall.

San Antonio/Bexar County has moved to a severe threat level as hospitalizations surge. According to Metro Health data, the seven-day average in new daily cases Thursday was 1,291 up from 1,146 Tuesday.

The delta variant is highly contagious  comparable to chickenpox and measles, according to the CDC. Yet despite an abundance of vaccines, vaccination rates, until recently, had mostly plateaued.

President Joe Biden condemned Abbotts mandates and tweeted last week: Right now, too many people are dying  or watching a loved one dying  and saying if I just got vaccinated. Its heartbreaking, but its preventable. This is about life and death  and the vaccine will save your life.

If personal responsibility were enough, we wouldnt be in this crisis. If GOP leaders cant lead, they must stop impeding others.

Other GOP leaders have shifted their positions. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson reversed course on his mandate. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told the Associated Press he has urged former President Donald Trump to press his supporters to get the COVID-19 vaccine, calling it the antidote to the virus thats wreaking havoc on our hospitals.

So far, Abbott has refused to heed advice from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Texas Medical Association, teacher unions and many others who recommend K-12 mask mandates. The CDC now recommends universal masks, including for those who are vaccinated, while indoors and vaccines beginning at age 12.

For children younger than 12, who are too young to be vaccinated, masks are all we have.

City Council recently decided to encourage vaccines with $100 gift cards. District 9 City Councilman John Courage questioned if the city should consider defying Abbotts orders, something Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is doing in requiring masks for city staff. Houston ISD is also considering a mask mandate. I strongly urge that we consider taking the strongest possible action, or maybe some impossible actions, if need be to protect the health and safety even of the vaccinated, Courage said.

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told us in an Editorial Board meeting last week that the unvaccinated are overwhelmingly responsible for transmission of the virus. He said hes concerned about rising cases, low vaccination rates, especially among the young, and rampant disinformation.

Fear is fueling COVID-19. While its right to be fearful of a virus that has killed more than 3,600 in Bexar County, 51,000 in Texas and 612,900 in the United States, its wrong to be fearful of vaccines and masks that help keep people out of the hospital and morgue.

To save lives, we must all make brave decisions. That starts with you, governor.
The scenes out of Texas are again bleak: coronavirus infections surging, hospitals overwhelmed and understaffed, and local school districts scrambling to prepare for the return of millions of unvaccinated students, many of them unmasked.

But you might not know it by listening to Gov. Greg Abbott.

The second-term executive, a Republican preparing for a heated re-election campaign, has doubled down this month on his unwillingness to return to interventions he reluctantly deployed earlier in the pandemic.

Five months out from all but declaring victory against the virus, Abbott has abandoned the full stable of medical advisers he assembled early on, fielding information now primarily from officials he has appointed within his own health and emergency response agencies.

The governor has spent nearly as much time lately reminding Texans that vaccines are not required as he has promoting their efficacy in stopping one of the states worst outbreaks, driven by lower than average vaccination rates and the highly contagious delta variant.

In a video Friday touting vaccines as the best defense we have against getting the COVID virus, he stressed, vaccines are always voluntary and never forced.

THE LATEST: Houston-area hospitals suspend elective surges as delta variant rages, hospitalizations increase

Just a few days earlier, President Joe Biden had called out Abbott and other Republican governors for banning mask mandates as the COVID spike worsens: If you arent going to help, at least get out of the way of people who are trying to do the right thing, Biden said.

It is a narrow path for a governor who has faced scrutiny from all sides throughout the pandemic, trying at once to relay information about a proven medical intervention while avoiding derision from a vocal faction within his own party that distrusts vaccines and feels oppressed by mask mandates.

Abbotts press secretary, Renae Eze, said state and local officials continue working to vaccinate eligible Texans, especially seniors and other vulnerable populations. As of Friday, 53 percent of people over age 12 had been fully vaccinated and 63 percent had received at least one dose. Children under 12 are not eligible to receive the vaccine.

Gov. Abbott has been clear that we must rely on personal responsibility, not government mandates, Eze said in an email. Every Texan has a right to choose for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses or get vaccinated.

Some of the medical experts who were advising the governor earlier in the pandemic said the focus now should be on increasing vaccination rates statewide and finding noncoercive solutions that protect people in high-exposure environments and those with children too young to be vaccinated.

The most important thing right now is still engaging people, making it easy to get vaccinated and hopefully getting those vaccination rates up, said Dr. Mark McClellan, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner under President George W. Bush. And there are choice-based ways to do that.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

In an open letter this week, McClellan and a bipartisan group of health and science experts called on business owners across the country to create #COVIDSafeZones, where routine virus testing and other safety protocols are required for employees who choose not to be vaccinated. President Joe Biden announced a similar plan this week for federal employees.

Other states have tried cash prizes and giveaways to induce people to get vaccinated, an approach that Abbott has mostly avoided.

Dr. John Zerwas, a former Republican state representative who heads health affairs for the University of Texas System, said most Texans understand the risks of the pandemic at this point, without needing requirements from the government.

I think we just need to try to employ as many conscientious public health measures as we can, to continue to kind of ride this out and hopefully get to the place where our health care systems dont get overwhelmed, Zerwas said.

Others have said urging people to be careful is not enough.

There have to be consequences for not getting the vaccine, Catherine Troisi, an epidemiologist at the UT School of Public Health, told the Houston Chronicle this week. You cant just put other people at risk.

Abbott has prohibited local officials from requiring masks, a move that some local leaders are protesting. This week, Mayor Sylvester Turner required city employees to mask up, and superintendents in Houston and Dallas are considering mask requirements for students and employees.

We know that we are going to get pushback for this, Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II said at a school board meeting Thursday. We are not going to be able to please everybody. But what we have to understand is: If we have an opportunity to save one life, it is what we should be doing.

Children have generally been less at risk for serious illness throughout the pandemic, though not much is known yet about the delta variants effect on them.

The risk of death is very low in children, McClellan said. But unfortunately we are seeing deaths around the country in unvaccinated kids right now, because of all the spread that goes along with the limited vaccinations.

Cayla Harris contributed to this report.

jeremy.blackman@chron.com

twitter.com/jblackmanchron
Elon Musks Boring Company wants to build an underground transportation loop in Central Texas to help make its point  that ferrying people through tunnels in fast, self-driving Tesla sedans can ease a citys traffic congestion and reduce pollution.

The Boring Company digs tunnels for a living. It lacks the flash of Musks other brainchildren, SpaceX and Tesla, and what its selling isnt nearly as interesting as big rockets or all-electric cars and trucks. But the Los Angeles-based infrastructure firm is making progress on its transit projects, albeit in stops and starts.

Its first loop, 40 feet beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center, opened to the public in June. And Dean Trantalis, the mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said in a July 6 tweet that the city had accepted a Boring Company proposal to build an underground loop from its downtown to the beach; competing bidders had 45 days to submit their proposals.

On the other hand, the companys big plans for loops in Los Angeles, Chicago and the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., corridor have either evaporated or are nowhere close to being realized, according to a scathing piece in Slate.

San Antonio officials are more than a little interested in what The Boring Company is up to.

Greater: SATX, formerly known as the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, and a small constellation of other local agencies have been in talks with the company for at least two months, according to people involved in the back and forth but not authorized to publicly discuss the developing proposal.

Theyre considering a variety of potential routes. At the outer limits of the possible, those include a loop linking San Antonio International Airport to downtown. Say the terminus is the Convention Center; that would be a distance of nearly 10 miles.

Its early in the process. Nobodys conducted traffic studies or gauged demand. But San Antonio parties are in think-big mode. Starting with a modest loop, some envision a network of tunnels connecting San Antonios major economic engines, such as Port San Antonio on the Southwest Side and the South Texas Medical Center on the North Side.

How much would such an undertaking cost? Many millions, but without a defined route its impossible to put a price tag on the project.

Its also too soon to tell whether San Antonio officials could tap funds from President Joe Bidens $1 trillion infrastructure bill, if it becomes law, to offset the expense.

Im told The Boring Company is also talking with Austin officials, as youd expect.

On ExpressNews.com: Jefferson: S.A. and Austin perfect together? Believe it

Musk is infatuated with our cooler, busier sister city  maybe it started with his frequent visits to South By Southwest. The media-savvy (manipulative?) billionaire has moved to Austin, and Tesla is building a $1.1 billion electric-truck factory on the citys far East Side.

Indeed, several signs point to Austin as the likely location for The Boring Companys first Texas demo project.

On Nov. 9, the company tweeted: Rumor has it that Austin Chalk is geologically one of best soils for tunneling. Want to find out? Austin jobs now available.

On Thursday, The Boring Company had 19 job openings posted on its website, including electrical and mechanical engineers and machinists.

Maja Hitij /TNS

It also has been renovating two leased buildings on 14 acres in nearby Pflugerville, according to Teslarati, a website that obsessively tracks Musk and his ventures.

I reached out to the company for comment but didnt hear back.

To get some idea of what all the interest is about, its best to look to Las Vegas.

What happens in Vegas

The Boring Company built two tunnels that link the four exhibition halls that make up the Las Vegas Convention Centers 3.2 million-square-foot, 200-acre campus. End to end, the ride takes less than two minutes. Walking the same distance is good for your step count but eats up about 25 minutes.

Passengers ride free in Tesla sedans, 62 in all, with drivers from The Boring Company behind the wheel, the tech website CNet reports. The speed limit is restricted to 35 mph. Eventually, however, the cars will be self-driving and zooming through the tunnels at speeds up to 150 mph.

The LVCC Loop, which includes three stations and 1.7 miles of tunnels, cost taxpayers $52.5 million. It has the capacity to move more than 4,000 people an hour.

Clearly, this is a small project  more of a demonstration of how the transportation loops would work. But The Boring Company has grander plans for Las Vegas. Its reportedly secured government approval to expand the loop to include the Strip and faraway downtown, home of Old Vegas on Fremont Street.

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The Boring Company on Thursday had 16 job openings in Las Vegas posted on its website, including loop technicians, a part-time driver, a software engineer and a security guard.

Origins

Musk founded The Boring Company five years ago. It was his answer to Los Angeles nerve-wracking gridlock.

In 2013, Musk garnered a ton of attention for his 58-page white paper titled Hyperloop Alpha. In it, he made the case for shooting passengers through tubes at super-fast speeds. Theyd be wedged into autonomous electric pods capable, for example, of reaching San Francisco from Los Angeles in 35 minutes, a 381-mile trip. The drive time is nearly six hours.

The Boring Company is a distant, humbler cousin of Musks Hyperloop concept. The components of the Las Vegas loop are utterly conventional  Teslas whizzing through narrow tunnels  though future plans would have the vehicles placed on high-speed electric skates to cut more of the travel time.

Like Tesla and SpaceX, Musks tunnel firm has its fanboys and fangirls, and its share of critics.

In that Slate article I mentioned earlier, posted July 7, staff writer Henry Grabar savaged the companys big idea, starting with its demonstration loop in California.

My opinion about these tunnel projects has not changed since Musk invited reporters into his test tube in Hawthorne, California, two and a half years ago: They combine the constraints of transit with the inefficiencies of the automobile, Grabar wrote.

Referring to the Vegas loop, he added: I still dont see the point of a circuit that combines low ridership, low speed, and high cost.

If San Antonio officials and The Boring Company move past the discussion stage, theyll deserve a fair hearing.

As part of the public vetting, theyd have to address concerns like Grabars  and explain why San Antonio needs tunnels with Teslas snaking through them.

greg.jefferson@express-news.net
Sterling, VA (20165)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
BEIJING  Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged that 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines would be supplied to the world through this year, increasing Chinas commitment as the largest exporter of the shots.

Xis announcement was delivered late Thursday at a vaccine forum China hosted virtually.

The figure likely includes the 770 million doses China has already donated or exported already and its not clear if it includes a COVAX agreement for Chinese producers to supply 550 million doses.

Xi also promised to donate $100 million to the UN-backed COVAX program, which aims to distribute vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. Vaccine distributions have been starkly unequal, as wealthy countries now consider issuing booster shots to their citizens and poorer nations struggle to get enough vaccines for a first dose.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese shots, the vast majority of which are from Sinopharm and Sinovac, have already been administered to people in many countries across the world. However, there are concerns about whether they protect adequately against the new, highly transmissible delta variant.

___

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Florida, Georgia, Louisiana account for nearly 40% of U.S. hospitalizations

 Tokyo hits record 5,042 daily cases as infections surge during Olympics

 US plans to require COVID-19 shots for international travelers

___

 Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

___

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

MANILA Thousands of people have jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown.

Officials placed Metropolitan Manila under lockdown until Aug. 20 as a new spike in COVID-19 infections that health officials say could be due to the highly contagious delta variant threatens to overwhelm hospitals.

The fake news reports that spread a day before Fridays lockdown start sent large crowds heading for vaccination centers in the cities of Manila, Las Pinas and Antipolo even without prior registrations.

In Manila alone, up to 22,000 people showed up outside vaccination centers before dawn.

Police were forced to stop vaccinations in at least one of the shopping malls and asked the crowds to return home.

Critics partly blamed President Rodrigo Duterte for the confusion. Duterte warned Filipinos last week that those who refuse to get vaccinated will not be allowed to leave their homes as a safeguard against the spread of the delta variant. He acknowledged that there was no specific law for such a restriction.



BEIJING  China recorded another 80 locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 on Friday, as the country seeks to control its widest flare-up since the original outbreak with a combination of lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions.

Of the new cases, 58 were found in the eastern city of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province, where the highly contagious delta variant spread among airport workers in the provincial capital of Nanjing. Other cases were found in six provinces from tropical Hainan in the south to Inner Mongolia bordering on Russia.

That has taken the number of cases linked to the Nanjing outbreak to more than 460 since the middle of last month, prompting renewed travel restrictions, community lockdowns and the sealing off of Zhangjiajie, a city of 1.5 million.

Such measures have been implemented with much success following local outbreaks under Chinas zero tolerance approach to the pandemic, although they are being seen as taking a major toll on society and the economy, stirring speculation that a new approach may be needed that allows for the virus to circulate to some manageable degree.

China says it has administered more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccine, although questions have been raised about the efficacy of the domestic jabs.

Another 44 imported cases were reported on Friday and 1,370 people are currently being treated for COVID-19, 34 of them in serious condition, according to the National Health Commission.

China has reported 4,636 deaths out of 93,498 cases.



SEOUL, South Korea __ South Korea says it will extend the toughest distancing rules imposed on the greater Seoul area for two more weeks as its worst COVID-19 outbreak at home has no immediate signs of abating.

South Korea on Friday reported 1,704 new cases over the past 24-hour period, taking the countrys total to 207,406, including 2,113 deaths from COVID-19. Its the 31st day in a row for South Koreas daily tally to be above 1,000.

Senior health official Lee Ki-Il said the average number of daily infections this week is 1,451, a decrease from last weeks 1,506. Lee still calls the size of the ongoing outbreak big and says its unclear if the outbreak will display a downward trajectory soon.

Lee says authorities will continue to place the Seoul area under the toughest distancing restrictions until Aug. 22. He says the second highest distancing guidelines enforced on non-capital regions will also be extended for two additional weeks.

In Seoul and nearby cities and towns, private gatherings of three or more people are banned after 6 p.m. High-risk facilities such as nightclubs are not allowed to operate, and weddings and funerals can be attended by up to 49 people. ___

TRENTON, N.J.  New Jersey students from kindergarten to 12th grade will be required to wear masks in schools when the new year begins in a few weeks, Gov. Phil Murphy is set to announce Friday as COVID-19 cases rise in the state.

Murphy, a Democrat seeking reelection this year, will formally announce the decision Friday, according to spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna.

The decision to require masks is an about-face from just a few weeks ago when Murphy said it would take a deterioration of COVID-19 data to require masks.

The states figures, like many across the country, have been trending up in recent weeks. The seven-day rolling average of new cases climbed over the past two weeks from 512 on July 20 to 1,104 on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The surging figures are part of a nationwide struggle with the contagious delta variant, which has been leading  along with vaccination holdouts  to higher hospitalization rates across the country.

___

HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday signed an executive order that allows municipal leaders to require both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear face coverings indoors at public places within their respective cities and towns.

This latest order lets municipal leaders move beyond Lamonts current edict, which requires only unvaccinated people to wear masks while in indoor public places. It also requires everyone to wear them in specific settings, such as health care facilities, prisons, day care sites and public and private transit.

There are some pockets of the state that are lagging behind others and some leaders in those areas have requested the option of requiring everyone to wear masks until they can get their vaccination rates higher, the Democrat said in a written statement.

Also Thursday, Lamont signed an order that will ultimately enable Dr. Deidre Gifford, the acting public health commissioner, to require all unvaccinated nursing home staff to be tested weekly for COVID-19. This move comes as public health officials plan to visit every nursing home to check on the number of employees whove been vaccinated.

___

ANNAPOLIS, Md.  Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has announced new vaccination requirements for state employees who work in settings where they interact with the vulnerable  or else face strict face-covering requirements and regular coronavirus testing.

The governor said Thursday that the requirements taking effect Sept. 1 apply to employees at 48 different state facilities. They include 11 state health care facilities and 12 facilities under the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. They also include six detention centers and 18 correctional facilities as well as the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

Hogan adds that we are also strongly urging the private operators of the states 227 nursing homes to institute similar vaccination requirements for their employees.

___

SEATTLE  Amazon has pushed back its return-to-office date for tech and corporate workers until January as coronavirus infections rise nationally due to the more contagious delta variant.

Unlike its Seattle-area rival Microsoft and other tech giants, Amazon will not mandate employees receive a coronavirus vaccine before they return to the office. Instead, the company said Thursday that unvaccinated employees will be required to wear masks in the office.

The surge of cases has upended many companies plans to bring office workers back this fall, a drive already complicated by efforts to accommodate widespread employee preference for flexible remote work policies, and debates over how to handle vaccine and masking policies.

Other companies that have postponed reopening plans include Microsoft, Google, Twitter and Lyft.

___

BALTIMORE  Baltimore is the latest U.S. city to return to indoor mask requirements as coronavirus infections rise.

Mayor Brandon Scott said Thursday that indoor masking regulations will take effect Monday, giving businesses and citizens a few days to adjust. The indoor mask rules are mandated for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

The order came as the city health commission said new virus cases have increased 374% over the past month. As is the case across the nation, the delta variant is driving those infections.

___

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Oklahoma has topped 900 for the first time since February, which a University of Oklahoma doctor says is his biggest concern due to a lack of nurses.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health said Thursday that there are 954 hospitalizations, with 274 patients in intensive care.

Dr. Dale Bratzler at University of Oklahoma Health says that back in January, February, we handled the capacity with the big numbers of cases. We cant do it now because we dont have enough nurses and personnel to take care of all of those patients.

OU Health has three hospitals plus clinics around the state and says its nursing staff is 19% below what is needed, with about 400 positions unfilled.

___

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  One of Iowas largest health care provides has announced it will require its more than 33,000 employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus  or lose their jobs.

The West Des Moines-based system announced the vaccine requirement Thursday.

CEO and president Clay Holderman says the vaccination requirement is meant to protect the systems employees and patients. The requirement applies to all employees, regardless of whether they provide direct patient care.

UnityPoint employees must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1. Those who refuse must resign or be fired.

Employees can request an exemption for medical or religious reasons, and pregnant employees  while strongly encouraged to get vaccinated  can request a temporary deferral.

___

TOPEKA, Kan.  Kansas most populous county has ordered masks worn by students and staff in elementary schools in hopes of checking the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus.

The Johnson County Commission voted 5-2 Thursday to impose the requirement for schools from kindergarten through the sixth grade.

The commission faced criticism both from health care providers who urged members to go further and from parents and other residents who opposed a mask mandate.

Johnson County, in the Kansas City area, has six public school districts with about 96,000 students or 20% of the states total. The mandate affects roughly 50,000 students

____

MILAN  Italy will require a vaccination pass on long-distance transportation, including high-speed trains and ferries between regions, beginning Sept. 1.

Government ministers met Thursday to decide additional requirements for the so-called Green Pass, which will be required from Friday to access indoor dining, theaters, indoor swimming pools, gyms, museums and other gathering places.

Under the new restrictions, access will be granted to anyone who has had at least one dose of vaccine in the last nine months, who has recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, or has tested negative in the previous 48 hours.

Ministers also say school will resume in September with all students present in classrooms, after a year and a half of at least part-time distance learning. All students over age 6 will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  President Joe Biden is nominating two major Democratic donors to serve as ambassadors to Argentina and Switzerland.

The White House announced Friday that Biden has picked LGBT rights activist and philanthropist Scott Miller to serve as his administration's envoy to Bern and trial lawyer Marc Stanley to serve in Buenos Aires. The U.S. ambassador to Switzerland also serves as the chief envoy to Liechtenstein.

Miller, a former account vice president at UBS Wealth Management in Denver, and his husband, Tim Gill, are prominent philanthropists and generous backers of Democratic candidates and causes.

Stanley, a prominent Dallas attorney, was chairman for the Lawyers for Biden arm of the 2020 campaign, recruiting lawyers across the country to donate legal services to the president's run for the White House.

Miller and his husband have donated at least $3.6 million to Democratic candidates and causes since 2010. That includes $365,000 given to Bidens general election fundraising effort, according to federal fundraising disclosures. Though they donated at least $1.1 million to support Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential bid, they also gave $50,000 that election to a group called Draft Biden, which sought to get Biden to run in that years primary, the records show.

Stanley has contributed nearly $1 million since 2010, records show. That includes a $35,000 contribution made in April 2020 to Bidens general election fundraising effort, as well an additional $5,600 max-out donation he gave to Bidens Democratic primary bid in 2019.

Presidents often dispense prime ambassadorships as rewards to political allies and top donors. Those appointments often come with an expectation that the appointees can foot the bill for entertaining on behalf of the United States in pricey, high-profile capitals.

About 44% of Donald Trumps ambassadorial appointments were political appointees, compared with 31% for Barack Obama and 32% for George W. Bush, according to the American Foreign Service Association. Biden hopes to keep political appointments to about 30% of ambassador picks, according to an administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk about internal discussions.

To be certain, most political appointees from the donor class, a small population thats made up of predominantly white men, have historically had little impact on foreign policy.

Occasionally, such political appointees have caused headaches.

Trumps appointees included hotelier and $1 million inaugural contributor Gordon Sondland, who served as chief envoy to the European Union. Sondland provided unflattering testimony about Trump during his first impeachment, which centered on allegations Trump sought help from Ukrainian authorities to undermine Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Sondland was later fired by Trump.

Other major donors to receive ambassadorial nominations from Biden include Denise Bauer (France and Monaco), David Cohen (Canada) and Cynthia Telles (Costa Rica).

The White House also announced Biden is nominating career senior foreign service officer David Gilmour to serve as ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. Gilmour has held a series of high-ranking State Department positions and is a former ambassador to Togo.



Slodysko reported from Washington.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. military and the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations on Friday accused Iran of being behind last weeks deadly attack on an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea.

The U.S. Central Command said it had collected and analyzed substantial evidence that the July 29 attack on the HV Mercer Street in international waters in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman that killed two people was carried out by an Iranian drone loaded with a military-grade explosive.

U.S. experts concluded based on the evidence that this UAV was produced in Iran, it said, using the military term for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Britains U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward identified the drone as a Shahed-136 UAV, telling reporters after the U.N. Security Council discussed the tanker attack behind closed doors that these are manufactured only in Iran.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States said the attack was a clear violation of international law. They added that all available evidence clearly points to Iran. Iran has denied being involved.

Iran's deputy ambassador at the United Nations, Zahra Ershadi, told reporters her government "categorically rejects the accusation, first made by Israel.

She accused Israel of trying to divert world opinion from its crimes and inhumane practices in the region, claiming it has attacked over 10 commercial vessels in less than two years, threatening maritime security and disrupting freedom of navigation.

Israels defense minister threatened on Thursday to use force against Iran, and Ershadi responded Friday saying: "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests.

Central Command said the ship had been targeted by three drones but that the first two were unsuccessful. The investigative team determined that the extensive damage to the Mercer Street ... was the result of a third UAV attack.

It said the drone attack had caused an approximately 6-foot-diameter hole in the pilot house of the vessel and had badly damaged the interior. It said an analysis of the explosive concluded that the drone had been rigged to cause injury and destruction.

Left unsaid in the Central Command report was that the triangle-shaped Delta wing drones used in the Mercer Street attack were also used in 2019 strikes on the heart of the Saudi oil industry, which temporarily halved the kingdoms production and sent markets spiking.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed those attacks, but the distance from their territory to the two sites hit likely was too great for them to have launched the attacks, analysts and U.N. diplomats said. In January, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard appeared to use the same kind of Delta drones in a drill aired on state television.

Fridays military analysis was released concurrently with a statement from the G-7 foreign ministers condemning the attack that killed a Briton and a Romanian.

We condemn the unlawful attack committed on a merchant vessel, the foreign ministers said in a joint statement. This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law.. All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack.

The ship is managed by a firm owned by an Israeli billionaire, and Israel  along with the U.S. and Britain  had previously pointed the finger at Tehran.

In their statement, the G-7 countries said Irans behavior, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security.

We call on Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace, they said.

The ministers called for vessels in the region to be able to navigate freely in accordance with international law.

We will continue to do our utmost to protect all shipping, upon which the global economy depends, so that it is able to operate freely and without being threatened by irresponsible and violent acts, they added.

Woodward, Britains U.N. ambassador, asked about possible U.N. Security Council action, said the door for diplomacy and dialogue remains open, but if Iran chooses not to take that route, then we would seek to hold Iran to account and apply a cost.

___

Jordans reported from Berlin. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  Oklahoma's new attorney general asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday to overturn it's own historic ruling on tribal sovereignty, saying the high court's 5-4 decision last year was wrongly decided and has led to a criminal-justice crisis."

Attorney General John O'Connor filed the petition with the high court one day after an Oklahoma death row inmate whose challenge led to the ruling, later dubbed McGirt, was reconvicted in federal court for murder and kidnapping.

O'Connor argues the ruling has led to thousands of state prisoners challenging decades' worth of convictions, many of which can't be prosecuted again.

The decision in McGirt now drives thousands of crime victims to seek justice from federal and tribal prosecutors whose offices are not equipped to handle those demands," the petition states. Numerous crimes are going uninvestigated and unprosecuted, endangering public safety."

The petition also asks the Supreme Court to consider narrowing the application of its decision by allowing violent felons convicted before the ruling to remain in state prisons. It also asks the court to grant the state the authority to prosecute non-Native Americans who commit crimes against tribal citizens on reservation land.

Attorneys for the some of the tribes have argued the state's dire warnings are overblown and that federal and tribal courts are working to handle the additional caseload.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. accused O'Connor and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, himself a Cherokee Nation citizen, of advancing an anti-Indian political agenda."

The governor has never attempted to cooperate with the tribes to protect all Oklahomans," Hoskin said in a statement. It is perfectly clear that it has always been his intent to destroy Oklahomas reservations and the sovereignty of Oklahoma tribes, no matter what the cost might be."

Stitt, who began clashing with the tribes over casino gambling shortly after taking office in 2019, appointed O'Connor to the attorney general post after former Attorney General Mike Hunter resigned suddenly in May. Hunter also was a fierce critic of the McGirt decision.

O'Connor's petition was filed in the case of another death row inmate, Shaun Bosse, whose conviction in the killings of his girlfriend and her two children was tossed by a state appeals court. Bosse is not a tribal citizen, but his victims were, and the killings happened inside the Chickasaw Nation reservation. Bosse is awaiting a new trial in federal court, and in May the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to keep Bosse on death row while they considered reviewing the questions about criminal jurisdiction.

In a separate case on Thursday, a federal jury in Muskogee found another death row inmate, 52-year-old Patrick Murphy, guilty in the 1999 killing of George Jacobs in McIntosh County in eastern Oklahoma. Murphy faces up to life in federal prison when he is formally sentenced, but will avoid the death penalty.

A citizen of the Muscogee Nation, Murphy's was the original case in which federal public defenders first argued the state didnt have jurisdiction to prosecute him since he was a tribal citizen and the killing happened within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation.

A telephone message left Friday with Murphy's attorneys wasn't immediately returned.

Murphy's case ended up being named for another criminal defendant, Jimcy McGirt, in a case involving similar jurisdictional issues. McGirt also was retried and convicted in federal court.

The Muscogee Nation's reservation encompasses 3 million acres (12,100 square kilometers), including most of the city of Tulsa. Based on the high court's ruling, the decision has since been expanded to include the reservations of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole nations, which cover essentially the entire eastern half of the state. It has led to hundreds of criminal convictions being thrown out, including several death penalty cases, and those cases being refiled in federal or tribal courts.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia lawmakers tasked with reconciling House and Senate spending plans for $4.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief money reached an agreement Friday on a proposal that would preserve most of a plan crafted by Democrats but would also include some changes proposed by Republicans, including raising bonuses for sheriffs' deputies and regional jail officers from $1,000 to $3,000.

Details of the proposal were provided to The Associated Press by Democratic Del. Luke Torian, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Republican Sen. Emmett Hanger, two members of a conference committee assigned to hash out a compromise. Torian and Hanger said all 14 members of the committee have agreed to the proposal, which is expected to be debated and possibly voted on Monday.

Earlier this week, the House of Delegates approved a spending plan crafted by Gov. Ralph Northam and fellow Democratic leaders. The Senate also approved the bill but made a handful of amendments after angry protests from Republicans who said they had been shut out of the budget process.

Both the Senate and House bills call for spending most of Virginias $4.3 billion share of the American Rescue Plan funding on initiatives aimed at helping small businesses, improving air quality in public schools, bolstering mental health and substance-abuse treatment, increasing broadband access and replenishing the states unemployment trust fund.

Among the amendments by the Senate was a provision to raise a $1,000 bonus proposed in Northam's bill for sheriff's deputies and regional jail officers to $5,000, the same amount state police will receive under the Democratic plan. Hanger said the conference committee decided on a compromise that, if approved, would give sheriffs' deputies and jail officers $3,000 bonuses and maintain the $5,000 bonuses pledged to state police.

Another Senate-proposed amendment approved by the committee would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to resume walk-in service at its customer service centers throughout the state. Because of the pandemic, the DMV has instituted an appointment-only system for in-person services.

In a win for Northam, the conference committee also decided to leave in the budget a provision that would allow student athletes  including students at four-year universities and community colleges  to receive compensation from outside parties for use of their name, image and likeness in sponsorships, paid partnerships and advertisements. The Senate had stripped that language from the bill, arguing that the measure should not be considered during a special legislative session called to focus on how to spend federal coronavirus relief funds.

The committee also agreed to keep an amendment proposed by Hanger that will extend a 12.5% Medicaid rate increase for providers of services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

In an email to conference committee members late Thursday, state Finance Secretary Joe Flores urged the committee to leave Northam's spending plan intact, without any amendments.

But on Friday, after details of the plan approved by the conference committee began to circulate, Northam's spokeswoman, Alena Yarmosky, said Northam supports the compromise.

This bill makes critical investments in small businesses, public health infrastructure, first responders and law enforcement, universal broadband, and college affordability, Yarmosky said. It will move our Commonwealth forward, and we look forward to seeing it passed.

The budget plan, as written by Northam and fellow Democrats, sets aside about $800 million to use later as the state continues to deal with the pandemic's impact on the economy. Hanger said the plan approved by the conference committee reduces the amount of unallocated money to about $700 million.

Democratic Sen. Janet Howell, chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
The Biden administration and its advocates have never hidden their contempt for Trumps policy of maximum pressure on Iran. According to Robert Malley, the lead U.S. negotiator at nuclear talks in Vienna, we've seen the result of the maximum pressure campaign. It has failed. A few days later the New York Times editorial board declared Maximum Pressure on Iran Has Failed. The administrations plan was to revive Barack Obamas 2015 nuclear deal by demonstrating its good will and flexibility. Yet with little progress to show after six rounds of negotiations, Bidens team appears to be discovering that leverage is an indispensable part of diplomacy.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday questioned whether Tehran really wants to return to the nuclear deal, stating, this cant be an indefinite process. One day earlier, the administration appeared to lay the groundwork for a potential pivot back to pressuring Iran. An unnamed senior U.S. official said Biden may consider an alternative policy especially as Tehran continues its nuclear advancement. If Iran makes it impossible to go back to the nuclear deal, the administration will return to the dual track strategy of the pastsanctions pressure, other forms of pressure, and a persistent offer of negotiations.

The unnamed official also warned Iranian negotiators that they may believe they have taken the best punch the Americans can give, and that now they will be ok. But that would be a mistake. The official noted that if Biden increased the pressure on the Islamic Republic he would benefit from an international consensusthat there is no deal because of Iran, they will face the situation of 2012, not 2019. In other words, Washingtons tougher stance would have European support, as it did during the pre-nuclear deal phase of Obamas Iran policy.

But it will take a lot more than warnings from unnamed officials to persuade Tehran that Biden is less eager for a deal. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday criticized outgoing Iranian President Hasan Rouhani, saying: In this government, it was shown up that trust in the West does not work. Khameneis remarks were broadcast on state television and come a week before Ebrahim Raisi ascends to the presidency. Raisi is Khameneis hand-picked hardliner. His likely foreign minister believes that intransigence extracts concessions from U.S. negotiators. The first six months of Bidens tenure showed that to be true, so his first challenge, if he is serious about changing course, will to be undo the mistakes already made.

First, the International Atomic Energy Agencys monitoring of the Islamic Republics nuclear program has been significantly degraded. Despite growing evidence of illicit nuclear activity, Tehran knew it would face few consequences for stonewalling inspectors.

Biden can take the first step toward fixing this error by building a coalition with the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) and other likeminded countries to increase diplomatic pressure on Tehran at the agencys Board of Governors meeting in September. The U.S. should lead an effort to pass a resolution that supports the agencys director general and urges the Islamic Republic to comply. If it does not, Biden should push the issue to the United Nations Security Council.

The odds of both Russia and China supporting punitive action are lower than low, so the Biden administration should be ready to pivot to a new maximum pressure campaign in coordination with the E3. The good news is many of the Obama officials who devised the original pressure campaign are in the Biden administration. They can build on the Trump administrations maximum pressure initiatives, most of which the new administration has not yet dismantled. This reversal would have strong bipartisan support among former Republican officials and in Congress.

Reportedly the administration is considering tougher enforcement of sanctions on Chinas imports of Iranian oil, a major source of revenue for Tehran. This is a good start, but Biden must go further, including signaling a willingness to target Chinese individuals, companies, and banks. One-time advocates of engagement both inside and outside the administration may be unwilling to go this far, but thats what it may take. We need to return to the mantra of you can do business with the United States or Iran, but you cannot do business with both.

Irans nuclear activities have expanded, including the production of uranium metal, which is a crucial step in the development of nuclear weapons. And Tehran has already increased uranium enrichment to 60 percent purity, a level close to what is needed for making nuclear weapons. And there is no known civilian use in the country for such material.

Israeli officials are reportedly visiting Washington this week to prepare for Bidens first meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, possibly in late August. This is an opportunity for Biden to signal publicly that his administration is embarking on a new course designed to prevent the clerical regime from developing a nuclear weapon. And Biden should mean it.

Anthony Ruggiero is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). He previously served in the U.S. government for more than 19 years, most recently as senior director for counterproliferation and biodefense on the U.S. National Security Council. Follow Anthony on Twitter @NatSecAnthony. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. The views expressed are the authors own.
A 'rare combination' of farm, forest, river and residential property has come onto the market in one of Scotlands most productive and accessible forestry regions.

The Auchenlongford Forestry Portfolio is located within East Ayrshire, an area well known for both forestry and farming.

This sale is made up of a number of individual forestry plantations and a farm brought together into a single ownership, located either side of the River Ayr.

The land holding extends to over 2,000 acres in total, of which 1,463 are forestry and 569 are farmland.

The land holding extends to over 2,000 acres in total, 569 of which is farmland (Photo: Savills)

Although the portfolio is available as a whole, it has also been split into five lots.

Lot 1 includes a compact livestock unit of around 569 acres and a traditional four bedroom farmhouse along with a range of both modern and traditional farm buildings.

Lot 2 comprises 836 acres of commercial forestry within Auchenlongford Forest situated both north and south of the B743 down the Merkland Burn to the River Ayr.

Woodside Cottage, a modern detached three bedroom bungalow set in a plot of 9.6 acres, is included in Lot 3.

(Photo: Savills)

Lot 4 comprises 54 acres of forestry at Upper Heilar of which around 80% is coniferous. As well as timber production there may also be opportunities here for peatland restoration.

Finally, Lot 5 comprises a 1.9 mile stretch of the River Ayr extending to around 13 acres including salmon and fishing rights on the North Bank.

James Adamson, of Savills, said the sale of Auchenlongford Forestry Portfolio represented a 'rare and exciting investment opportunity'.

"The sale of this unusual mix of farm, forest, river and residential property is an opportunity in one of Scotlands most productive and accessible forestry regions.
British oat milk producer Glebe Farm has won the legal case brought against it by oat drink giant Oatly for trademark infringement.

Swedish firm Oatly took legal action against family-run Glebe Farm Foods, seeking an injunction to stop the Cambridgeshire-based farm from selling its PureOaty brand.

Oatly, which went public in the United States earlier this year, claimed Glebe Farm's brand was too similar to its own.

But in a judgement passed this week, a judge dismissed all of Oatlys claims of trade mark infringement and passing off.

Phillip Rayner, owner of Glebe Farm, said the business had the threat of the court case looming over the family for more than a year.

"We have always felt certain that we have done nothing wrong, and we were determined to fight Oatlys claims that our brands were similar - something that is now proven to be wrong.

You only need to look at the two products and packaging side by side to appreciate how different these brands are, and how unnecessary this legal action was."

The farm had received support from around the world, including 130,000 signatures on a change.org petition, and many comments online had described the case as a David and Goliath battle.

Mr Rayner said Oatly had claimed that the legal action was just standard business practice, but he said it was 'very clear' to that this was not the case.

"We decided it was time to stand up to this behaviour, and that in our view corporate might does not make right'," he said.

The court hearing occurred on 9 and 10 June 2021 and examined wide ranging aspects of alleged relevant intellectual property.

This included choice of language and typefaces, the use of the colour blue and the detail of a coffee cup appearing on the PureOaty pack.

Glebe Farms counsel took time to question the originality of Oatlys wackaging and expressed surprise at the paucity of evidence Oatly brought of any consumer confusion between the brands before heading to court.

Ultimately the judge found that there was no likelihood of confusion between the PureOaty name and look of the carton, and any of the Oatly trade marks.

Further, the judge ruled against Oatlys allegation that Glebe Farm intended to gain some unfair advantage, ruling that there was no intention as attributed by Oatly.
Police have issued farmers a warning to keep livestock safe from rustlers after around 140 sheep were recently snatched in Cheshire.

The county's police force recently issued a warning to farmers to be 'ever vigilant' as cases of large-scale livestock thefts continue to occur.

Recently, Cheshire has experienced two reports of theft of livestock from the east of the county, in Sutton and in Rainow.

"A total of approximately 140 sheep have been taken, what is also apparent is that the sheep that have been taken appear to have been selected as opposed to randomly picked," the force said.

"We ask you are ever vigilant around your farms and report any suspicious vehicles parked or loitering near fields containing livestock.

"We will continue to proactively stop vehicles carrying livestock at all times of the day and night."

Anyone with any information have been asked to assist the force by contacting 101 quoting IML 1049669.

It comes as police in Powys urged the public for more information after 64 mixed ewes and lambs were stolen from a farm in Llandinam, near Newtown.

Despite the recent surge in thefts, NFU Mutual recently shared figures which showed that livestock thefts fell sharply in 2020, down 25% compared to 2019.

The rural insurer said emptier roads due to lockdown restrictions made it harder for thieves to make off with vehicles full of stolen animals.
Emergency services have released photos showing the moment a tractor towing a slurry tanker overturned on a road in Cornwall.

The road traffic collision happened on the B3274 in Padstow on Monday (2 August).

The police had closed the road following the incident due to spilt slurry.

The farmer suffered no injuries in the crash, emergency services confirmed.

The farmer suffered no injuries in the crash (Photo: Padstow Community Fire Station)

A spokesperson from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: Crews from Padstow Community Fire Station are in attendance at a road traffic collision involving a tractor and slurry trailer on its side.

?? Shout 17:41 Bogee Farm - Tractor and slurry trailer turned over on the B3274. Working with @DC_Police we closed the road whilst the tractor was recovered. Following its removal the crew washed down the road with hose reels. ???? pic.twitter.com/BSaSX0GeS4  Padstow Community Fire Station (@PadstowCFRS) August 3, 2021

The crew worked with the farmer, Devon and Cornwall Police and Highways to resolve the incident.
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
Image: Shutterstock



Marriage is a social and cultural phenomenon where two people come together and make a commitment to be by one anothers side for a lifetime. There are several of factors that influence the decision to get married, and to whom. Some of these include culture, financial or emotional motivation, and personality, among others. There is also an increasing body of evidence, clinical psychologist Dr Prerna Kohli, founder of MindTribe.in notes, that suggests that marriage is likely to help men more than it would help women. Some of the benefits of marriage include emotional stability among women and more conscientiousness among men.

Understanding And Evolving

According to a research study published by the University of Windsor, marriage also reduces the likelihood of mental illness such as depression and alcoholism in both men and women. However, recent data is also indicating that millennials are not likely to get married as they are likely to give more importance to cohabitation. This development also indicates that marriage is not viewed as essential but it does appear to have certain benefits.





Researchers are thus trying to understand the secret to have a healthy marriage. A healthy marriage does not mean that there won't be any disagreement among partners; rather, it suggests a marriage without the probability of a divorce. As per some experts, mental health prior to marriage, age, education levels and financial status are some factors that together influence the outcome of most marriages. A paper published by the University of Warwick talks extensively about the same. It suggests having good mental health prior to marriage increases happiness levels on the happiness index; reduces the likelihood of alcoholism; improves mental as well as physical well-being, etc.







Image: Shutterstock

Look For The Right Age

While studying the varying patterns leading to marriage and understanding the outcome of a marriage, experts are of the view that there lies a magic number that allows individuals to reap the benefits of marriage. The number appears to be between 25-32 years of age for both men and women. Experts at the University of Alberta suggest that individuals who marry early are more likely to get depressed than people who marry late or at the culturally assigned age. This indicates that marriage at a specific age is important.





Sociologists and psychologists, through years of research and extensive data analysis, believe that if one marries before mid-twenties, they are more likely to reject the spouse. This could be because, before 25 years of age, their individual identity is still not developed. This means that their personality is changing and evolving till 25 years of age. While people who marry after 32 years of age, marry for reasons other than financial motivators, among them, personality clash, low frustration tolerance could be some reasons for an unsuccessful marriage. Thus, there is concurrence that marriage between the age range of 25-32 years is most likely to not end in divorce.



Also Read: 5 Ways You Can Practise A Happy Married Life
Photograph: Vaibhav Nadgaonkar

Photograph: Vaibhav Nadgaonkar

Next Story : Kalpana Kundu provides medical cover to soldiers along Chinese border

Four years ago, when artist Indu Harikumar used Tinder in Vienna for the first time, little did she know it would be the experience that would shape a major part of her future life. I was there for an art residency, and I had never used an app to meet people. My Russian flatmate suggested the idea, says the Mumbai-based artist.Even if a bit hesitant, she experimented. I had those little worries. If something goes wrong, whom do I call? Not speaking the language was a big drawback. I wasnt even sure if I matched with someone, will I have to say yes to sex? But I downloaded the app anyway and started to swipe, she says. At a time when most people wanted to meet at bars, she was asked by a date on a walk. He asked me what it was that I wanted to see in Vienna. And I am a huge fan of artist Gustav Klimt, so I told the guy I wanted to see Klimt, she says, and his reply, Did you know he lived in our neighbourhood? sealed the deal for her. So on an overcast and lazy Sunday afternoon, she ended up walking and talking with him, for over six hours, touching upon their lives, growing up, and past relationships. The walk brought the realisation that one can have a connection with someone from a completely different culture in a land so far away.A fashion graduate, Indu had worked in publishing before she went to Vienna, had a few picture books to her credit. She was a regular feature at schools and childrens literature festivals talking about art and books. Since I was neither great at drawing nor at writing, I wanted to do a mix of both. I did my first picture book in 2010, which was well-received. That is also the time when I started volunteering with Mumbai mobile creches, teaching art, she narrates. Devoid of any sort of budgets, she would just pick up and bring things to the children, asking them to put their creative heads together. The innovative ideas that the kids came up with fed her classes, and she started blogging about it. A retweet by Pratham Books had more people recognising her work, which opened up a new world, one in which she had tremendously nourishing experiences for many years. Post that, she then went to Vienna for three months.Cut to 2016, back in Mumbai, Indu was looking at doing something that involved her creativity and offered her the freedom to work on her own terms. She was also consciously looking to do other content, not just childrens content. It was the time when the hashtag of taking up an activity for 100 days was trending. A friend suggested I do something inspired by my Vienna encounter, coupled with that hashtag. Thats how 100 Indian Tinder Tales was born, she remembers. It was an online crowdsourced project, where Indu asked people to share their Tinder experiences, which she would illustrate and put up.Sceptical at first, wondering Why would anyone be vulnerable to a stranger? she found people opening up to her like never before, only after she put up the ninth story. No prizes for guessing, it was her own Vienna date story. Until then, I was not sure of my agenda, I hadnt expected the project to see an end since I didnt expect a hundred people to share their stories. I didnt even think I would get twenty. But then I was doing it for eight months straight, without a clue what it would mean for my career. I got completely sucked into it. It was a draining experience, since I had never done anything on such a large scale before but it also opened several doors for me, she says.It also opened the doors of the media spotlight, since her art project garnered a lot of press traction, something she admits she didnt know how to handle. I was talking to the national and international press and was faced with several questions on feminism and the like. I feel it is better reflected in my work. It was a bit daunting for me in the beginning!Indu has worked on several projects since, including Body of Stories, tackling body image issues and ways of experiencing the human body and Girlisthan, where she gets women to talk about what they love about themselves, putting the focus on the female gaze. When I wrapped up 100 Indian Tinder Tales, I was left with many stories and people wanted me to continue, but I was ready to move on. Most of my projects stem from the previous ones with where followers suggesting what conversations I should spark next. Deep down, we are all looking for validation, and sharing their stories with me brings that to people.Thats exactly how her current project Identitty came up. I am mostly led through my projects from what people have to say. When doing all the other projects, I came to realise that your body plays a major role not only in dating, but how you perceive yourself. This time, the artist wanted to take forward the narrative around womens breasts, since there is a discreet shame attached to them. Identitty was an outcome of a chat she had with another woman on social media, who narrated what it meant to have larger breasts, whereas growing up, Indu always faced jibes for being flat-chested. Thats when I thought of turning it into a project, since the experiences felt so familiar, she says.Not knowing what to expect, she put the question out on Instagram. From sharing compliments received for them to terming their breasts as a source of pain and embarrassment, the project has explored all kinds of stories narrated by women on their breasts, which Indu illustrated.Her work process after asking people for their stories has been illustrating them the way the stories were narrated. Aside from her own creativity, she lends no personal opinion to any of her posts. I put out open-ended questions stating what I am looking for. Like for Identitty, I asked women to share a picture and story around their breasts, and dress them in what they want. Of course, they have to be comfortable with it. This time, I have asked them to specify in what setting they want to be drawn, and I have stuck to the references they have sent. In my earlier projects, I would pick a central theme and draw, but this time I have asked for references, she says.Each project is a learning experience in art for Indu. She says her understanding of the world is limited and her approach is that of a curious person looking for inspiration. Tinder Tales was her way of looking at European Art, learning about artists she didnt know or looking at an artists work with a new lens. It was my way of understanding art from around the world and making it accessible to me. With Identitty, I was introduced to a host of references again, by other people which only expanded my horizon. And amazingly, I have people coming up to me saying they know more about art because of my work, and thats a feeling of immense satisfaction.So, whats one of her memorable moments from her projects? There are numerous stories to tell, but this one is a personal favourite. I had put out a post for Tinder Tales in May, around the time when I has started getting more eyeballs. Lots of people were commenting on it. Since the person whose story it was did not want to be named, I was very careful not to. Anyway, there were many comments, and on a particular thread, I noticed two people were commenting continuously, one from Delhi and the other from Mumbai, including whose story it was. To cut a long story short, I attended their wedding in November that year, and the mother of one of them took my hand saying, Thank you, beta, I didnt know either of them, it all started over that comment thread, she smiles.That she didnt meet the Vienna guy a second time due to personal reasons is a memory best left behind, but when he took her for cake after their walk, he did say something that inspired the title of her self-published colouring book. We had been to all these museums and parks and he was telling me the history of the place on our walk when he ordered cake. I said I was not going to have any since Europe was making me fat. And he said simply, But beauty needs space. That became the title of my colouring book, she shares.One to immerse herself completely in a project, Indu is keeping her mind open as to what life might bring next. Until then, she is basking in the glory of four of her pieces going to Kunstahlle Bremen, a museum in Germany and being displayed alongside Pablo Picasso and Edvard Munch last year.
Statewide articulation agreements are formal contracts between the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Office of Career and Technical Education and Ferris State University. These agreements were developed based on the secondary state-approved programs curriculum that meet all of the required technical skills and standards.

Ferris faculty determine the criteria a student must meet to be granted articulated credit.

Benefits

Ferris State is able to strengthen its collaboration with career technical education centers and high schools through statewide articulation agreements.

Agreements also assist in maintaining consistency when awarding articulated credit.

Partners

Ferris State is proud to partner with the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Office of Career and Technical Education, Michigan High Schools, and Michigan Career and Technical Education Centers.

Agreements

Read the Statewide Articulation Partnership between Ferris State University and the Michigan Department of Education.

Secondary Statewide Articulation Agreements

Ferris is in the process of renewing its statewide articulation agreements for 2019-2022. Renewed agreements will be posted online as they become available.
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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2021) - StageZero Life Sciences, Ltd. (TSX: SZLS) ("StageZero" or the "Company") announces that it is extending the expiry date ("Warrant Extension") of 202,343 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") issued to a broker in connection with the Company's convertible debenture financing closed February 19, 2020.

The Company and holder of the Warrants have agreed to the Warrant Extension whereby the current expiry of the Warrants being August 19, 2021, will be extended by six (6) months to February 19, 2022. All other terms of the Warrants, including the exercise price of $0.56 per common share, will remain unchanged. None of the Warrants are held by insiders of the Company. The Warrant Extension will be effective August 19, 2021, subject to approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About StageZero Life Sciences, Ltd.

StageZero Life Sciences is dedicated to the early detection of multiple diseases through whole blood tests. The Company's next-generation test, Aristotle, is the first-ever multi-cancer panel for simultaneously screening for 10 cancers from a single sample of blood with high sensitivity and specificity for each cancer. StageZero's full service, telehealth platform includes access to physicians and phlebotomists who can prescribe and draw samples for individuals and groups, and the Company operates a CAP accredited and CLIA certified high-complexity reference laboratory in Richmond, Virginia. In addition, leveraging its specialty in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for the early identification of cancer through blood, StageZero also provides both COVID PCR testing (swab and saliva) and blood test analysis (Antibody testing). For more information, please visit www.stagezerolifesciences.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

STAGEZERO LIFE SCIENCES LTD.

James Howard-Tripp

Chairman & CEO

For further information please contact:

Rebecca Greco

Investor Relations

Tel: 1-855-420-7140 ext. 1838

rgreco@stagezerols.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92255
Reachdesk, the leading global direct mail and corporate gifting company, has announced its expansion to Australia and New Zealand following continued growth in Europe and the US. This is a major move for Reachdesk on its mission to help B2B companies deliver moments that matter at scale, globally.

With offices in New York, London and Lisbon, Reachdesk empowers businesses to build deeper connections through direct mail and corporate gifting, while driving results and ROI. The company powers revenue generating direct mail and corporate gifting campaigns for some of the world's leading brands, including ZoomInfo, Hootsuite, Sendbird and Zscaler.

"This is a huge milestone in our global expansion plan. After seeing over 900% growth in Europe and US over the past few years, we're thrilled to grow our presence in an exciting new territory. We're already working with customers and local partners in the ANZ region while growing our world-class team in Australia and New Zealand." said CEO Temy Mancusi-Ungaro.

With a warehouse in Australia, a growing number of local partners on its marketplace, and dedicated customer service teams, Reachdesk is servicing clients in Australia and New Zealand to deliver moments that matter at scale globally.

Reachdesk was founded in 2018 and in 2020 raised $6 million in funding and is recognized as one of the top 5 fastest-growing companies on G2 Crowd. The business is focused on investing in their customers and people, as well as expanding further around the globe, with a large focus on the US.

Reachdesk: www.reachdesk.com

Learn more about Direct Mail and Corporate Gifting: https://go.reachdesk.com/direct-mail-and-corporate-gifting-guide

Reachdesk in real life: https://www.reachdesk.com/case-studies

About Reachdesk

Reachdesk enables B2B companies to deliver moments that matter at scale, globally, throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Through Reachdesk companies can deliver gifts and direct mail that build deeper connections with customers, prospects and employees at the click of a button. Our integrations to your tech stack power a clear and quantifiable ROI; the direct channel is no longer a guessing game.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210805005863/en/

Contacts:

Christy Steward

Christy@reachdesk.com
Summary: The hashrate output per unit has risen substantially as mining difficulty declines. The currency-based incomes of mining rigs operating in mining farms outside China are rocketing. BitFuFu's existing mining farms are available for immediate mining, and users can share the dividends from increasing output within the window period with lower mining difficulty.

Hong Kong, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - Since May 30, the BTC mining difficulty has lowered for 4 times in a row. The mining rig migration is continuing, leading to a surge of incomes in mining farms outside China. With early layout of mining farms outside China, BitFuFu takes the lead to restart running plan and restock new mining plans. As the first cloud mining platform that restarts running plan in the industry, BitFuFu provides users with a mining feast from a drop of difficulty.

Early move makes BitFuFu the industry-first platform to restart running plan

Thanks to its forward-looking layout in the mining farms outside China, BitFuFu outpaces other platforms to restart running plan.

As early as the beginning of this year, BitFuFu has started its expansion to mining farms outside China. On April 16, affected by outage in some areas, the BTC network hashrate suffered a plummet. With fast response, BitFuFu transferred affected hashrates to other mining farms within 12 hours and its users were barely affected. From this, BitFuFu becomes more aware of the importance of mining farms outside China and accelerates its layout efforts.

From the end of May, the shutdown of numerous mining rigs has resulted in 4 consecutive declination of mining difficulty since May 30. The cloud mining industry has not been spared and several platforms refunded affected mining plans. Related loses were borne by users, and some platforms even directly took related businesses off the shelves.

At this point, BitFuFu has signed a ten-year strategic cooperation agreement with Bitmain and pre-booked loads from several mining farms outside China to quickly switch mining plans purchased by users to these mining farms for operation and safeguard their interests.

BitFuFu speeds up its mining rig migration and strives to restart running plan. One aircraft can transport about 4,000 sets of mining rigs. To migrate mining rigs at the fastest speed, BitFuFu takes comprehensive actions and charters planes to deliver mining rigs to Kazakhstan, North America and other places for several times. In addition, this platform assigns special persons to maintain 24h communication with logistics, airports, customs and mining farms for timely negotiation and handling of problems in any link. All these efforts ensure seamless, efficient and smooth connection between transportation, customs clearance, and installation of mining rigs.





BitFuFu restarts all running plan



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/92273_cad98ab3a418ebfa_001full.jpg

It takes only around one week for the first batch of BitFuFu mining rigs sent to North America from takeoff to power-on. BitFuFu has successfully migrated tens of thousands of mining rigs in less than one month to restart all running plans with little impact on sold operating orders. All delivered mining rigs are latest Antminers S19i, including 20,000 sets and 80,000 sets to mining farms in North America and Kazakhstan respectively.

Thus, BitFuFu becomes the first cloud mining platform that restarts all running plans in the industry.

Let users experience the amazing mining service from difficulty drop

The hashrate output per unit has risen substantially as mining difficulty declines. According to BTC.com, before the plunge on May 30, the income of per T (PPS) was 0.00000502 BTC, which soared to 0.00000920 BTC on July 20 by 83.27%. The currency-based incomes of mining rigs operating in mining farms outside China are rocketing.

Currently, loads in mining farms outside China are basically saturated, and newly-built or expanded mining farms won't be put into operation until the end of this year. BitFuFu's existing mining farms are available for immediate mining, and users can share the dividends from increasing output within the window period with lower mining difficulty. The new mining plan restocked by BitFuFu are sought after among users.

In addition to hashrate plans, this giant platform also unveils the combined service of spot and mining, which is sold out within 1 hour after pre-sale. Users can deliver a series of operations to BitFuFu, such as selection of mining rig, transportation, putting on shelf, operation and maintenance and accessing to pools. BitFuFu not only makes mining simpler but also offers users with advantageous prices and low electric charges through platform batch purchase.

Bitmain strategy

Benefiting from full support of the mining behemoth Bitmain, BitFuFu can ensure mining rig supply with a beforehand layout of mining farms outside China and become the first platform to restart running plan in the industry. In February 2021, BitFuFu announced a strategic partnership with Bitmain to receive premium mining rigs and pools from Bitmain. In April of the same year, BitFuFu gets Bitmain's strategic investments and gains further fund and resource supports. In the future, BitFuFu and Bitmain will joint hands to debut and supply new generation of knock-out products across the world.

Official website: https://www.bitfufu.com/

Official group: https://t.me/bitfufu

https://twitter.com/BitFuFu1

Media Contact

Company Name: BitFuFu

Contact: Yu qing

Email: contact@bitfufu.com

Website: https://www.bitfufu.com/cn

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92273
- Deep brings more than two decades of technical experience with a specialization in driving enterprise-wide transformations

- His onboarding will help the company execute key strategies and business decisions to march ahead with its expansion plans

GURUGRAM, India, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipsy, a leading SaaS-based intelligent supply chain and logistics solutions provider, has announced the onboarding of Deb Deep Sengupta as its Board Advisor. This comes as a major development for the company proactively involved in expanding and expediting its international outreach.

Deep is a Senior Executive with more than 25 years of experience in the technology industry having spent his career with global companies like HP, IBM & SAP. He has a proven track record of driving enterprise-wide transformations and was instrumental in the success of SAP in India & South Asia for close to two decades. During this period, SAP acquired around 14,000 clients and built a network of 500+ partners. He has been personally involved in some of the largest Digital Transformation projects such as Reliance and Tata.

Deep served as the President & Managing Director of SAP India & South Asia from 2015 to 2020. During his tenure, SAP India was voted as the No.1 "Best Places to Work in India," by Great Places to Work for two consecutive years. Under his leadership, SAP India was one of the fastest growth regions globally, winning the "Top Performing Region of the Year of Asia" in 2016 and 2018. It also won the "Golden Peacock" award by the Ministry of Skill Development in 2019 for its social contribution to improving digital literacy among rural women and youth through the Code Unnati program.

Deep is now a Board Advisor to Venture backed SaaS companies as well as an Early Stage Investor.

Commenting on the onboarding, Soham Chokshi, CEO & Co-Founder of Shipsy, said, "Going forward, we need a strong suite of advisors to drive our growth at a global stage. With a strong command over technology and organization building, Deep will be a valuable asset to our team. We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to building stronger roots and expediting our global expansion efforts."

The Gurugram-based smart logistics management company has been aggressively charging towards its expansion goals. Shipsy has made several leadership hirings and increased its talent pool by almost 25% this year. They have also recently set up their regional headquarters in Dubai.

About Shipsy:

Shipsy is an end-to-end Saas-based supply chain and logistics management platform. Founded in 2015 in Gurugram, the company leverages AI and big data to design and develop low-code SaaS solutions to improve operational efficiency across Manufacturing, QSR, Retail, CEP, and Global Trade. The brand has its regional headquarter in Dubai (UAE). Last year the company raised USD 6 Mn in Series A round led by Sequoia Capital India's Surge and existing investor Info Edge.

Media Contact : media@shipsy.io | +91-9867999866

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1589098/Deb_Deep_Sengupta_Shipsy.jpg
DGAP-News: CPI PROPERTY GROUP / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision/Real Estate

CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Strategic Partnership with DeA Capital in Italy



06.08.2021 / 08:32

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



CPI PROPERTY GROUP

(societe anonyme)

40, rue de la Vallee

L-2661 Luxembourg

R.C.S. Luxembourg: B 102 254



Press Release

Corporate News



Luxembourg, 6 August 2021



CPI PROPERTY GROUP - Strategic Partnership with DeA Capital in Italy



CPI PROPERTY GROUP ("CPIPG" or the "Group") is pleased to share an important milestone in the Group's investment strategy in Italy.



On 5 August 2021, a framework agreement was signed between CPIPG, certain companies of the DeA Capital Group ("DeA Capital") and Nova RE SIIQ S.p.A. ("Nova RE").



CPIPG is the majority owner of Nova RE, which is an Italian SIIQ (REIT) listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. DeA Capital is the leading independent platform for alternative asset management in Italy, with combined AUM of nearly 25 billion including more than 10 billion invested in real estate.



The framework agreement includes a plan to transform a rebranded Nova RE into Italy's leading SIIQ, with attractive potential returns, a strengthened equity investor base, improved liquidity, and a conservative capital structure. DeA Capital Real Estate SGR S.p.A., will become Nova RE's exclusive external asset management advisor and will provide a broad range of services to enhance the investment, financial and operational capabilities of Nova RE.



"A key near-term goal of our partnership is a primary offering of Nova RE shares for up to 1 billion," said David Greenbaum, CFO of CPIPG. "Fresh equity investment and active cooperation with DeA Capital will allow CPIPG to capture attractive growth opportunities in Italy going forward."



In connection with the framework agreement, DeA Capital has agreed to purchase approximately 1.1 million shares (about 5%) of Nova RE from CPIPG and intends to remain a long-term and supportive shareholder for the future growth and capital raising of Nova RE.



"DeA Capital is excited to work with CPIPG and Nova RE to develop a market-leading Italian REIT with strong appeal to investors," said Emanuele Caniggia, CEO of DeA Capital Real Estate SGR. "Our combined expertise is certain to lead to a fruitful partnership."



For further information regarding the framework agreement and the strategic partnership with DeA Capital in Italy, please see Nova Re website www.novare.it/news-comunicati/comunicati and/or contact:



Investor Relations



David Greenbaum

Chief Financial Officer

d.greenbaum@cpipg.com



Joe Weaver

Director of Capital Markets

j.weaver@cpipg.com



For more on CPI Property Group, visit our website www.cpipg.com

Follow us on Twitter (CPIPG_SA) and LinkedI CPI PROPERTY GROUP ("" or the "") is pleased to share an important milestone in the Group's investment strategy in Italy.On 5 August 2021, a framework agreement was signed between CPIPG, certain companies of the DeA Capital Group ("") and Nova RE SIIQ S.p.A. ("").CPIPG is the majority owner of Nova RE, which is an Italian SIIQ (REIT) listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. DeA Capital is the leading independent platform for alternative asset management in Italy, with combined AUM of nearly 25 billion including more than 10 billion invested in real estate.The framework agreement includes a plan to transform a rebranded Nova RE into Italy's leading SIIQ, with attractive potential returns, a strengthened equity investor base, improved liquidity, and a conservative capital structure. DeA Capital Real Estate SGR S.p.A., will become Nova RE's exclusive external asset management advisor and will provide a broad range of services to enhance the investment, financial and operational capabilities of Nova RE."A key near-term goal of our partnership is a primary offering of Nova RE shares for up to 1 billion," said David Greenbaum, CFO of CPIPG. "Fresh equity investment and active cooperation with DeA Capital will allow CPIPG to capture attractive growth opportunities in Italy going forward."In connection with the framework agreement, DeA Capital has agreed to purchase approximately 1.1 million shares (about 5%) of Nova RE from CPIPG and intends to remain a long-term and supportive shareholder for the future growth and capital raising of Nova RE."DeA Capital is excited to work with CPIPG and Nova RE to develop a market-leading Italian REIT with strong appeal to investors," said Emanuele Caniggia, CEO of DeA Capital Real Estate SGR. "Our combined expertise is certain to lead to a fruitful partnership."For further information regarding the framework agreement and the strategic partnership with DeA Capital in Italy, please see Nova Re website www.novare.it/news-comunicati/comunicati and/or contact:Chief Financial Officerd.greenbaum@cpipg.comDirector of Capital Marketsj.weaver@cpipg.comwww.cpipg.com

06.08.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Arch Reinsurance Ltd. ("Arch Re"), a subsidiary of Arch Capital Group Ltd., today announced the completion of the previously disclosed acquisition of Somerset Bridge Group Limited, Southern Rock Holdings Limited and affiliates ("Somerset"). Arch Re originally announced its plan to acquire Somerset on June 23, 2021.

"We are pleased to complete this transaction," said William Soares, Head of Specialty for Arch Re. "Clients will continue to benefit from Somerset's quality insurance solutions and customer service, which are now backed by the financial strength and innovation of Arch Capital Group. I want to thank the teams on all sides for their dedication to successfully completing this acquisition."

About Arch Reinsurance Ltd.

Arch Reinsurance Ltd., part of Arch Capital Group Ltd., is a global leader in the specialty property and casualty reinsurance marketplace. With an experienced management team, industry-leading underwriting talent and substantial capacity, Arch Reinsurance Ltd. provides a sound, flexible market for large lines on selected property, casualty, specialty and multi-line reinsurance contracts. Arch Reinsurance Limited employs expert underwriting, skilled claims management and outstanding service to expand the possibilities for its clients worldwide.

About Arch Capital Group Ltd.

Arch Capital Group Ltd., a publicly listed Bermuda exempted company with approximately $16.7 billion in capital at June 30, 2021, provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This release or any other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Arch Capital Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in or incorporated by reference in this release are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or their negative or variations or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements involve our current assessment of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. A non-exclusive list of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements includes the following: adverse general economic and market conditions; increased competition; pricing and policy term trends; fluctuations in the actions of rating agencies and the Company's ability to maintain and improve its ratings; investment performance; the loss of key personnel; the adequacy of the Company's loss reserves, severity and/or frequency of losses, greater than expected loss ratios and adverse development on claim and/or claim expense liabilities; greater frequency or severity of unpredictable natural and man-made catastrophic eventsincluding pandemics such as COVID-19; the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war; changes in regulations and/or tax laws in the United States or elsewhere; the Company's ability to successfully integrate, establish and maintain operating procedures as well as integrate the businesses the Company has acquired or may acquire into the existing operations; changes in accounting principles or policies; material differences between actual and expected assessments for guaranty funds and mandatory pooling arrangements; availability and cost to the Company of reinsurance to manage the Company's gross and net exposures; the failure of others to meet their obligations to the Company; changes in the method for determining the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and the potential replacement of LIBOR and other factors identified in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included herein or elsewhere. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Arch Reinsurance Ltd.

Tag: arch-reinsurance

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005068/en/

Contacts:

Arch Capital Services LLC

Greg Hare 336 333 0416 ghare@archgroup.com

FTI Consulting

Ed Berry +44 (0)7703330199 edward.berry@fticonsulting.com

Colette La Pointe +44 (0)7976713690 Colette.lapointe@fticonsulting.com
Total Telecom has conducted an interview with research director at Strategy Analytics, Guang Yang, to discuss the unique characteristics of 700 MHz spectrum and what the spectrum could mean for 5G deployments worldwide.

According to Guang, the majority of 5G networks globally are currently deployed in C-band, followed by mmWave and 700 MHz. Yet, this balance is gradually shifting. While the mid-band clearly remains the most popular for 5G, deployments of both mmWave and 700 MHz spectrum are becoming increasingly common.

Undoubtedly, mid-band spectrum can provide excellent data experience for customers, but its range is relatively limited. A new focus will be needed if 5G services are going to be delivered on a nationwide scale cost-effectively, and the 700 MHz spectrum could present a solution. Guang explained that the band has much better signal propagation and building penetration than higher frequency bands, allowing operators to provide nationwide coverage in a very cost-effective way. Guang also added that 700 MHz spectrum provides better indoor coverage, which is important to improve user experience as more than 70% of traffic today takes place in indoor environment.

Operators are quickly coming to realise the value of 700 MHz spectrum. For instance, China Mobile and China Broadcasting Network have recently issued a joint tender to purchase more than 480,000 700 MHz 5G base stations. China Mobile's rivals, China Telecom and China Unicom, have also launched a joint tender for 5G base stations in the 2.1 GHz band, and they will purchase around 230,000 base stations to improve their coverage. The local competition between Chinese operators has been a great news for Huawei, who were recently announced as the largest winner for the China Mobile-China Broadcasting Network tender process, with around 60% market share. Guang expected Huawei will achieve an even higher market share in this project.

With operators battling to become the first to achieve national coverage, Total Telecom reports that there will be more low-band deployments globally in the coming years. Guang concludes that there will be more than 30 new countries auctioning or allocating the 600 MHz or 700 MHz spectrum in the next one to two years.

About Total Telecom

Total Telecom offers daily online news with the option to sign up for headlines by email and monthly analysis. Total Telecom organises the annual World Communication Awards, Asia Communication Awards and a range of conferences and networking opportunities, including Submarine Networks EMEA, 5GLIVE, Connected Italy, Connected Britain, Connected Germany and the Total Telecom Congress. Find out more at www.totaltele.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005105/en/

Contacts:

Media

James Llewellyn

james.llewellyn@totaltele.com
MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon television program, Copyright MMXXI, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $6,950.00 to $11,995.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by Donald Baillargeon, the producer, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Polpharma Biologics Group announces that its joint venture company with Santo Holding (Strungmann Group), Bioeq, has submitted a biologics license application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their biosimilar candidate of the ophthalmological drug Ranibizumab (Lucentis

The reference product is a monoclonal anti-angiogenic antibody fragment (Fab) used to treat various types of macular-degenerative diseases such as neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edemas and myopic choroidal neovascularization. Worldwide, at least 25 to 30 million people are affected by age-related macular degeneration. The launch of a biosimilar Ranibizumab can increase market competition, reduce cost and expand patient access with proven analytical and clinical similarity to the original product. It works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is responsible for the excessive formation of blood vessels in the retina.

Subject to FDA's approval of this BLA, the product will be exclusively commercialized by Coherus BioSciences, Inc. in the United States.

Said submission represents the most recent milestone for Bioeq's ranibizumab biosimilar program and compliments marketing authorization applications submitted to EMA and UK MHRA already in July this year.

Dr Joerg Windisch, CEO of the Polpharma Biologics Group, commented:

"The submission of a BLA to the FDA is a major milestone for any therapeutic and brings hope to patients across the US. This announcement carries a tangible promise of treatment choice and improved access to those who suffer from debilitating vision loss, including age-related macular degeneration. This is another representation of our commitment to providing safe and effective medicines to patients."

1)Lucentis is a registered trademark of Genentech Inc.

About Ranibizumab biosimilar

The Ranibizumab biosimilar, previously designated as FYB201 (and also known as CHS-201), has been originally licensed from Formycon AG (FRA: FYB/ WKN A1EWVY), a leading German biosimilars company, and subsequently developed by Bioeq AG, a joint venture between Polpharma Biologics and Santo Holding AG (Strungmann Group). Phase III clinical trials for FYB201 have clinically demonstrated that the efficacy of FYB201 in patients with nAMD is comparable to that of Lucentis

About biosimilars

Biosimilars are intended for use in place of existing, branded biologics to treat a range of chronic and often life-threatening diseases, with the potential to reduce costs and expand patient access. Biosimilars exhibit proven analytical and clinical similarity to their respective branded reference products.

About Polpharma Biologics Group

The Polpharma Biologics Group creates quality biosimilars with a passion to improve lives of patients. The group has built an extensive and growing pipeline of biosimilars to treat a number of medical conditions across major therapeutic areas. Several of these biosimilar assets have already been commercially partnered with the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies.

The group operates a network of state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facilities across Europe, actively investing in technology, people and know-how, employing over 800 specialists from around the globe.

Learn more at www.polpharmabiologics.com

About Bioeq

Bioeq is a Swiss biopharmaceutical joint venture between the Polpharma Biologics Group and the Strungmann Group. Bioeq develops, licenses and commercializes biosimilars.

www.bioeq.ch

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005187/en/

Contacts:

Joseph Reeds

Head of Marketing, Polpharma Biologics

Joseph.reeds@polpharmabiologics.com
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks were flat to slightly higher on Friday as investors looked ahead to U.S. jobs data due later in the day for clues to the pace of economic recovery and the rate outlook. Investors shrugged off data showing that Germany's industrial production declined unexpectedly in June. German industrial output dropped 1.3 percent in June from May, when production was down by revised 0.8 percent, Destatis reported. Economists had forecast production to grow 0.5 percent in June. Year-on-year, industrial output grew 5.1 percent, but slower than the 16.6 percent increase seen in May. The benchmark DAX edged up 20 points, or 0.1 percent, to 15,764 after closing up 0.3 percent in the previous session. Insurer Allianz rallied nearly 3 percent after it posted a better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and issued a rosier outlook for the full year. Meal-kit delivery company HelloFresh tumbled 3.3 percent after lowering its 2021 profitability forecast. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The "Russia Upstream (Oil and Gas) Fiscal and Regulatory Guide" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

"Russia Upstream (Oil and Gas) Fiscal and Regulatory Guide", presents the essential information relating to the terms which govern investment into Russia's upstream oil and gas sector.

The report sets out in detail the contractual framework under which firms must operate in the industry, clearly defining factors affecting profitability and quantifying the state's take from hydrocarbon production. Considering political, economic and industry specific variables, the report also analyses future trends for Russia's upstream oil and gas investment climate.

Following the prolonged low oil prices and the suppressed oil demand due to covid-19 pandemic, Russia has moved forward with new fiscal changes as part of state's efforts to protect revenues and balance federal budget deficits.

Mineral Extraction Tax incentives related to extra-viscous and depleted fields have been removed as of January 1, 2021, whilst the phase out of Export Duty and the introduction of the Tax on Additional Income (NDM) have also been introduced during the last few years. The measures are part of a wider structural fiscal change in Russia aiming to incentivize high capital and greenfield developments in the Russian Artic and to simplify the regime by gradually transferring fields currently under the complicated MET towards the simplified NDM tax system.

The Ministry of Finance is currently working out the potential inclusion of unconventional and extra-viscous oil fields under one of the existing NDM categories, although this is not expected to be implemented prior to 2024, the year in which the OPEC+ deal expires.

Enforced sanctions by the EU and the US, and structural changes in the energy sector of Russia's key markets such as the EU and China with the acceleration towards low-carbon energy technologies are few of the long-term challenges for Russia's oil and gas sector.

Scope

Overview of current fiscal terms governing upstream oil and gas operations in Russia

Assessment of the current fiscal regime's state take and attractiveness to investors

Charts illustrating the regime structure, and legal and institutional frameworks

Detail on legal framework and governing bodies administering the industry

Levels of upfront payments and taxation applicable to oil and gas production

Information on application of fiscal and regulatory terms to specific licenses

Outlook on future of fiscal and regulatory terms in Russia

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

1.1 Regime Overview Concession Agreements

1.2 Regime Overview Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs)

1.3 Timeline

2. State Take Assessment

3. Key Fiscal Terms Concessions

3.1 Royalties, Bonuses, and Fees

3.2 Mineral Extraction Tax (MET)

3.3 Export Duty

3.4 Tax on Additional Income (NDM)

3.5 Direct Taxation

3.6 Indirect Taxation

3.7 Land Tax

3.8 Excessive Flaring Fee

4. Key Fiscal Terms Production Sharing Agreements

4.1 Royalties, Bonuses, and Fees

4.2 Cost Recovery

4.3 Profit Sharing

4.4 Direct Taxation

4.5 Fiscal Stability

5. Regulation and Licensing

5.1 Legal Framework

5.2 Institutional Framework

5.3 Licensing Process

5.4 Restrictions on Foreign Investments

6. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vnk4eg

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005224/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
To: RNS

Date:6 August 2021

From: BMO Real Estate Investments Limited

Publication of a circular and notice of general meeting

The board of directors of BMO Real Estate Investments Limited (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has published a circular containing details of the proposed changes to the Company's investment policy and notice of a general meeting to be held on 9 September 2021.

The Board, together with the Company's investment manager, has recently undertaken a review of the Company's investment policy in the light of the current trends and outlook of the UK's commercial property market, the recent growth in value that has been experienced in the Company's industrial, logistics and distribution ('industrial') portfolio and the strategy of selling some of the assets in the retail portfolio to reduce exposure to this sector.

As a result of such growth, the Company may risk exceeding the maximum weighting of 50 per cent. to industrial property in the Company's existing investment policy. The Board is therefore of the view that these maximum weighting limits have become unduly restrictive and is proposing that they are removed from the Company's investment policy in order to ensure flexibility in managing the existing portfolio and to facilitate appropriate decision making in the future (the "Proposal"). The full text of the proposed new investment policy is set out in full in the circular.

The Listing Rules require any proposed material changes to the Company's published investment policy to be submitted to the FCA for prior approval. The FCA has approved the new investment policy. The Listing Rules also require the approval of shareholders prior to any material changes being made to the Company's published investment policy. The Proposal is therefore subject to shareholder approval at the general meeting to be held at 10.00 a.m. on 9 September 2021 at the offices of BMO Global Asset Management, Quartermile 4, 7a Nightingale Way, Edinburgh EH3 9EG.

Copies of the circular have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism or on the Company's website at www.bmorealestateinvestments.com.

Enquiries to:

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Trafalgar Court,

Les Banques,

St Peter Port

Guernsey GY1 3QL

Tel: 01481 745001

Fax: 01481 745051

P Lowe, S Macrae

BMO Investment Business Limited

Tel: 0207 628 8000

Fax: 0131 225 2375
GKSD responded to a call for assistance from His Excellency Ahmed Boutache the Ambassador of Algeria to Italy, with 12 palettes of PPE and oxygen concentrators.

MALPENSA, Italy and ALGIERS, Algeria, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, Algeria received a generous donation of anti-Covid medication and equipment.



In Algeria, from 3 January 2020 to 6:44pm CEST, 4 August 2021, there have been 175,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4,370 deaths, reported to World Health Organization.

In the context of continuing support and solidarity between Italy and Algeria, GKSD President Kamel Ghribi responded to a call for assistance from His Excellency Ahmed Boutache the Ambassador of Algeria to Italy and the Hon. Mr. Ali REDJEl the Consul General of Algeria in Milan in the ongoing fight against Covid-19. The GKSD Chairman reiterated his belief that, "We have a duty to support all nations if we are to dominate COVID-19. His donation of essential medical equipment, oxygen supplies and medical oxygen concentrators will support Algeria to help fight the pandemic."

Included in the 12 palettes received, there were oxygen concentrators, which are devices that concentrate the oxygen from a gas supply by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream and several oxygen cylinders, which are high-pressure, non-reactive, seamless tempered steel containers for compressed gas (O2) used for medical, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. It gives the provision of supplemental oxygen to maintain aerobic metabolism during patient transport. Badly needed PPE kits were also part of the shipment.



GKSD has recently also donated to Tunisia during the government transition, as violent Covid protests escalated in the streets.

About GKSD

GKSD offers expert insight and advice to clients at every stage of the project across a range of sectors from healthcare, engineering & construction, project monitoring and sustainable energy to fiscal, administrative and insurance consulting.

Vision

We believe that everything starts with the client. At GKSD we have an 'end to end' approach to project engagement and offer expert insights and advice to clients from the planning stage through to execution and completion. By offering our expertise across all sectors we assist the client in identifying their desired outcome and implement the best resources that will guarantee delivery.

Media contact

info@gksdholding.com

https://www.gksdholding.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/145209da-eed1-4631-875d-7de2490207e9




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - HIRE Technologies Inc. (TSXV: HIRE) ("HIRE" or the "Company"), a company focused on modernizing and digitizing human resources solutions, announces that it has entered into a definitive arm's length share purchase agreement dated August 5, 2021 (the "Agreement") with the shareholders of Leaders and Co., Consulting in Governance and Leadership Inc. ("Leaders"), to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Leaders (the "Acquisition").

Acquisition Highlights

The proposed addition of a high margin premier executive search firm to the HIRE network will enhance HIRE's geographic reach into Quebec and boost its EBITDA performance.

For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2021, Leaders recorded $3.9 million in Revenue and $1.0 million in EBITDA. For the trailing twelve months ending March 31, 2021 EBITDA was $1.3 million.

HIRE was provided with a term-loan facility of $5.0 million from FirePower Capital to continue its acquisition strategy.

HIRE concurrently announces a non-brokered private placement to directly support the Acquisition in an amount of up to $3.0 million.

Leaders is an innovative and trusted executive search firm with clients across Canada, strong national and international alliances, and a leading Diversity and Indigenous recruitment practice.

"The Partners at Leaders have created a successful practice based on deep research and exceptional customer service. I am convinced that they will contribute long-term value to HIRE as well as to our clients and existing portfolio companies," said Simon Dealy, HIRE's CEO. "We also look forward to collaborating closely with the other Leaders International affiliates in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary and its international network through Penrhyn International."

Richard Joly, Managing Partner of Leaders remarked, "It is imperative that executive search firms operate with a view to broaden their networks to remain competitive in our industry. First with our national alliances in 2018, then with our international network at Penrhyn International, and now with our partnership at HIRE, our team of 17 professionals can continue to grow their practices and leverage proprietary tools, including the Leaders Report, all while being supported by HIRE's shared services."

The purchase price for the Acquisition is payable as to $4.4 million in cash, 3,559,871 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.309 per share (the "Consideration Shares"), and $1.0 million in an earn-out payable over three years in cash subject to meeting prescribed financial thresholds. The entire leadership team of Leaders, Richard Joly, Cynthia Labonte, Laurie Sterritt, Yanouk Poirier, and Philippe Burton, will be continuing in the business following the Acquisition.

Closing of the Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of any necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the closing of the Loan and Concurrent Financing.

FirePower Capital Term-Loan Facility

HIRE is also excited to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement with FirePower Capital (the "Lender") for a $5.0 million non-revolving term loan facility (the "Loan"). Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, the disbursement of $3.0 million will be made to finance the Acquisition (the "Initial Draw"). The balance of the Loan may be drawn in two $1.0 million increments for future acquisitions ("Subsequent Draws").

The Loan will have a three-year term and will bear interest at 12% and is secured over all of the present and future property of the Company and its current operating entities. The Loan and Subsequent Draws is subject to customary financial and other covenants for a transaction of this type.

Concurrently with the release of the Initial Draw, HIRE has agreed to issue 2,613,493 share purchase warrants ("Facility Warrants") to the Lender. Pursuant to the terms of the certificate representing the Facility Warrants, each Facility Warrant will entitle the Lender to purchase one Company common share at a price of $0.383 for a period of 3 years with a cashless exercise feature. With each Subsequent Draw, HIRE has agreed to issue that number of additional warrants such that the aggregate value is equal to 5% of the Loan at an exercise price equal to the 5 day volume weighted average market price of the Company common shares at the time of a Subsequent Draw plus 10% ("Future Warrants"). The issuance of the Facility Warrants and Future Warrants are subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Private Placement Financing

HIRE intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing of up to $3.0 million at $0.30 per unit with each unit consisting of one common share and one half of one share purchase warrant with each whole warrant exercisable for one common share for a period of 24 months at $0.45 per common share (the "Concurrent Financing").

The Company may pay eligible finders a fee consisting of: (i) a cash payment equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised from the Concurrent Financing and (ii) non-transferable finders' warrants entitling the holder to purchase that number of common shares as is equal to 7% of the units, in each case, attributable to units purchased by subscribers introduced to the Company by eligible finders (the "Finder Warrants"). Each Finder Warrant is exercisable for one common share at a price of $0.30 per common share until 24 months after closing of the Concurrent Financing.

The Consideration Shares, the Facility Warrants, Future Warrants and all securities issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing will be issued pursuant to an exemption from applicable securities laws and be subject to a four-month and one day hold period from their date of issue under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Concurrent Financing and the Loan for the completion of the Acquisition. The Concurrent Financing is integral to the proposed Acquisition and therefore the Company expects to rely on the "part and parcel pricing" exemption outlined in Section 1.7 of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 4.1. The balance of proceeds from the Loan will be used to advance the Company business plan and for working capital purposes.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Payment of Debenture Interest in Equity and Engagement Agreement

The Company also announces that it issued a total of 204,501 common shares in satisfaction of its obligations to pay $73,620 in interest to the holders of its 9% unsecured debentures issued August 21 and 24, 2020. For further information, please see the Company press release dated July 19, 2021.

The engagement agreement announced by the Company on May 12, 2021 between the Company and Eight Capital was mutually terminated on August 5, 2021.

About HIRE Technologies Inc.

HIRE is investing in and shaping the future of human resource management with a technology- first focus, by consolidating and modernizing the staffing marketplace. The Company owns and operates staffing firms as well as platform technology that it uses to help those firms become more technologically advanced. The Company is a disciplined capital allocator due to its technology DNA and extensive experience in building and growing staffing companies of all types. HIRE has a large recurring revenue base and helps our clients manage change in the workplace in order to achieve success.

www.hire.company

About Leaders

Leaders is one of Canada's top executive search firms. Leaders offers clients an extensive global database, unprecedented leadership in diversity-centric and indigenous executive recruitment, bilingual capabilities, and the Leaders Report - a unique research methodology that has created a new standard in search transparency. As a member of Penrhyn International, Leaders also has access to a global network of talent.

www.leadersinternational.com

About FirePower Capital

FirePower Capital is the private capital and M&A advisory firm built for Canada's entrepreneurs. Its team of 30+ deal professionals help their mid-market businesses complete mission-critical transactions by advising them or investing in their companies directly.

www.firepowercapital.com

For further information, please contact:

HIRE Technologies Inc.

Simon Dealy, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (647) 264-9196

Email: investors@hire.company

Web: hire.company

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.

All statements that address activities, events, or developments that HIRE expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including statements about HIRE and Leader's business prospects, future trends, plans, strategies and HIRE's acquisition strategy, the satisfaction of conditions to and the closing of the Acquisition and related transactions and the expected benefits to HIRE and Leaders resulting from the Acquisition, the satisfaction of conditions to and closing of the Loan and Concurrent Financing and related transactions, involvement of finders and use of proceeds, and TSX Venture Exchange approval to close the Acquisition, Loan and Concurrent Financing and related transactions and issuances of securities are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "intends", "proposes", "anticipates", "targeted", "continues", "forecasts", "designed", "goal", "anticipate" or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words.

Although the management of HIRE believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of HIRE to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting it and the staffing industry can be found in the Company's Annual Information Form dated June 8, 2021 and its continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR.

Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this press release. HIRE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR

DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92274
JAKARTA (dpa-AFX) - Iceland's jobless rate declined marginally in June, figures from Statistics Iceland showed on Friday. The jobless rate rose to a seasonally adjusted 5.6 percent in June from 5.7 percent in May. In the same month last year, unemployment rate was 5.1 percent. The number of unemployed persons decreased to 11,600 in June from 11,800 in the preceding month. The number of employed persons rose to 196,300 in June from 194,400 in the prior month. On an unadjusted basis, the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in June. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DGAP-News: Mogo Finance S.A. / Key word(s): Half Year Results/Half Year Results

ELEVING GROUP (FORMER MOGO FINANCE) REPORTS UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2021



06.08.2021 / 13:50

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS Record-breaking performance in Q2 2021 driven by significant loan issuance volume (EUR 77 million in Q2 2021) and strong q-o-q portfolio growth by 4.9% to EUR 211.5 million. Strong demand for personal mobility was observed in all the vehicle finance active markets[1] resulting in an average loan ticket for a car increasing by 4% q-o-q. Also, the number of car loan applications increased by 12.6% q-o-q. Historically the highest consolidated vehicle finance issuances with record-high numbers of disbursed loans in Romania, Uganda, and Kenya, where motorcycle financing continued its successful run focusing on productive lending, for example, financing taxi drivers, thus creating jobs. Premium car financing solution Primero[2] showed strong growth and development in Latvia. Also, as product brand, Primero was launched in Moldova focusing on premium car segment. Sales agreements were signed for on-hold markets of Albania and Bulgaria with regulatory approvals still pending. Stabilized sales have been achieved following the Covid-19 related slowdown in the Group's consumer finance markets[3] with historically highest issuances in North Macedonia. Also, continued strengthening of both - online and offline - sales channels to foster financial inclusion and client service quality. Being a responsible citizen of the international business community, Eleving Group continued to implement its corporate strategy, including: implementation of vaccination motivation program and hybrid work model in the group's HQ;

launch of a new corporate website;

first group-wide non-financial statements for 2020 and several social initiatives, focusing on helping vulnerable societies.









FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND PROGRESS Record profitability characterized by: record-high six months EBITDA of EUR 28.2 million (6M 2020: EUR 15 million) and normalized EBITDA[4] of EUR 31.1 million;

Net Profit before forex of EUR 7.6 million (6M 2020: EUR 0.3 million) and normalized 4 - EUR 10.5 million;

- EUR 10.5 million; Net Profit after forex of EUR 7.8 million (6M 2020: EUR 3.8 million loss) and normalized4 - EUR 10.7 million. Record-high product portfolio of EUR 211.5 million; an EUR 11.3 million increase q-o-q, of which vehicle finance accounted for EUR 8.5 million and consumer finance - EUR 2.8 million. Strongest-ever capitalization ratio (24.2%) resulting in a growth of 9.6% or EUR 4.2 million q-o-q. Receivable from the sale of Longo Group further decreased by EUR 5 million and now stands at EUR 2.9 million (Q1 2021: EUR 7.9 million). Based on strong financial results and general resilience of capital markets, the Group is considering a range of Eurobond refinance opportunities during the second half of 2021. Modestas Sudnius, CEO of Eleving Group, commented: "Eleving Group has produced sturdy performance in the first half of 2021, boosted by the Group's strategic focus on its existing markets and leaner organizational structure. The strong performance of the Group was driven by a record-high consolidated loan issuance volume, in particular, by record-high numbers of disbursed vehicle loans in Romania, Uganda, and Kenya and consumer loans in North-Macedonia.

The used car market became increasingly active during the pandemic, and our industry know-how allowed us to react swiftly to the growing demand for safer, more cost-efficient personal mobility. The growing demand for personal vehicle across all of the Group's markets increased both the average size of a Mogo loan (up by 4% q-o-q) and the number of applications for car loans (up by nearly 13% q-o-q).

During the first six months of 2021, we also focused on our corporate identity and took steps to boost the Group's new brand awareness across the international business community - we launched our new website and strengthened our ESG approach. To pursue our ESG goals, we published the first group-wide non-financial statements and launched several social initiatives, for example, an e-signature solution in Romania and a motorcycle riding school for women in Kenya.

To encourage strong employee engagement in building business resilience and innovation culture, we have launched a vaccination motivation program and hybrid work model in the Group's headquarters, including flexible working mode and engagement culture.

While headed towards the best financial year in the Group's history, Eleving Group will pursue gradual growth in the next quarters, maintaining a keen focus on sustainable business development. "





Maris Kreics, CFO of Mogo Finance: "The record profitability achieved in the first half of 2021 provides conclusive proof that the revised strategy has largely been implemented as intended and is bearing fruit. The core profitability evidenced by the highest ever quarterly EBITDA with more than a 50% year-over-year increase and record-high portfolio of EUR 211.5 million, contribution to which was made by both of our business lines - vehicle and consumer financing.

The Group's consistent financial performance is reflected in the strongest equity position in the Group's history - total equity in the first six months of 2021 grew by 39.1%, reaching total equity of EUR 48 million at the end of the first half of 2021.

Also, our funding position has remained strong, with continuously decreasing costs of capital on the Mintos peer-to-peer marketplace (weighted average funding rate for the whole portfolio funded through Mintos is below 10%) and our Eurobond and Latvian bond secondary market prices are trading comfortably above par.

The Group's bonds will mature in the second half of 2022, and we plan to evaluate a range of refinancing options during the second half of 2021. "











The full unaudited report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 is available under: https://eleving.com/investors/









Conference Call: A conference call in English with the Group's management team to discuss the results is scheduled for 10 August 2021 at 15:00 CET.

Please register: http://emea.directeventreg.com/registration/2934356

Contact: Eleving Group

Maris Kreics, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Email: maris.kreics@eleving.com



About Eleving Group

Eleving Group comprises a number of financial technology companies with a global presence. The Group operates in the vehicle and consumer finance segments in 3 continents, providing financial inclusion and disruptively changing financial services industries in its countries of operation. Founded in 2012 as Mogo in Latvia, the Group has revolutionized the way people purchase cars. Having expanded all across the Baltics within its first year in business, the Group continued expansion in the following years, servicing a total of 14 active markets.

With its headquarters in Latvia, the Group operates in the Baltics, Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa.

For two consecutive years since 2020, the Group has appeared on the Financial Times list of Europe's 1000 fastest growing companies.



Read more: www.eleving.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION The information contained herein is not for release, publication, or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions.

This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

This announcement does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the "Prospectus Directive") and does not constitute a public offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA").

This announcement does not constitute an offer of bonds to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the bonds. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY - Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the bonds do not constitute packaged products and will be offered to eligible counterparties and professional clients only. [1] Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Romania, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Uganda. [2] A Premium car financing solution created through a strategic partnership with a local bank, which allows to achieve a combination of bank-level product pricing with FinTech speed, exceptional customer service, automation, and flexibility. Primero Finance is bridging the gap between conventional banking/leasing sector and subprime consumer financing. [3] North Macedonia, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine. [4] Adjusted with amortization of fair value gain EUR 1.8 mln and Albania write-off EUR 1.1 mln. Record profitability driven by the historically highest loan issuances and consistent financial performance"Eleving Group has produced sturdy performance in the first half of 2021, boosted by the Group's strategic focus on its existing markets and leaner organizational structure. The strong performance of the Group was driven by a record-high consolidated loan issuance volume, in particular, by record-high numbers of disbursed vehicle loans in Romania, Uganda, and Kenya and consumer loans in North-Macedonia.The used car market became increasingly active during the pandemic, and our industry know-how allowed us to react swiftly to the growing demand for safer, more cost-efficient personal mobility. The growing demand for personal vehicle across all of the Group's markets increased both the average size of a Mogo loan (up by 4% q-o-q) and the number of applications for car loans (up by nearly 13% q-o-q).During the first six months of 2021, we also focused on our corporate identity and took steps to boost the Group's new brand awareness across the international business community - we launched our new website and strengthened our ESG approach. To pursue our ESG goals, we published the first group-wide non-financial statements and launched several social initiatives, for example, an e-signature solution in Romania and a motorcycle riding school for women in Kenya.To encourage strong employee engagement in building business resilience and innovation culture, we have launched a vaccination motivation program and hybrid work model in the Group's headquarters, including flexible working mode and engagement culture.While headed towards the best financial year in the Group's history, Eleving Group will pursue gradual growth in the next quarters, maintaining a keen focus on sustainable business development. ""The record profitability achieved in the first half of 2021 provides conclusive proof that the revised strategy has largely been implemented as intended and is bearing fruit. The core profitability evidenced by the highest ever quarterly EBITDA with more than a 50% year-over-year increase and record-high portfolio of EUR 211.5 million, contribution to which was made by both of our business lines - vehicle and consumer financing.The Group's consistent financial performance is reflected in the strongest equity position in the Group's history - total equity in the first six months of 2021 grew by 39.1%, reaching total equity of EUR 48 million at the end of the first half of 2021.Also, our funding position has remained strong, with continuously decreasing costs of capital on the Mintos peer-to-peer marketplace (weighted average funding rate for the whole portfolio funded through Mintos is below 10%) and our Eurobond and Latvian bond secondary market prices are trading comfortably above par.The Group's bonds will mature in the second half of 2022, and we plan to evaluate a range of refinancing options during the second half of 2021. "The full unaudited report for the six months ended 30 June 2021 is available under: https://eleving.com/investors/Conference Call: A conference call in English with the Group's management team to discuss the results is scheduled for 10 August 2021 at 15:00 CET.Please register: http://emea.directeventreg.com/registration/2934356Contact:Maris Kreics, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Email: maris.kreics@eleving.comEleving Group comprises a number of financial technology companies with a global presence. The Group operates in the vehicle and consumer finance segments in 3 continents, providing financial inclusion and disruptively changing financial services industries in its countries of operation. Founded in 2012 as Mogo in Latvia, the Group has revolutionized the way people purchase cars. Having expanded all across the Baltics within its first year in business, the Group continued expansion in the following years, servicing a total of 14 active markets.With its headquarters in Latvia, the Group operates in the Baltics, Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa.For two consecutive years since 2020, the Group has appeared on the Financial Times list of Europe's 1000 fastest growing companies.Read more: www.eleving.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION The information contained herein is not for release, publication, or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions.This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.This announcement does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the "Prospectus Directive") and does not constitute a public offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA").This announcement does not constitute an offer of bonds to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the bonds. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY - Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the bonds do not constitute packaged products and will be offered to eligible counterparties and professional clients only.

06.08.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


First commercial implantations of the HAART 200 Device for Bicuspid Aortic Valve repair performed by Professor Marek Jasinski at the Wroclaw Medical University

BioStable Science Engineering, Inc. announced today that the first commercial implantations of its HAART 200 Aortic Annuloplasty Device were performed on Monday, August 2nd by Professor Marek Jasinski, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Wroclaw Medical University (Wroclaw, Poland). Additional procedures were completed on Thursday, August 5th by Professor Marek Deja, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the Medical University of Silesia (Katowice, Poland). These two respected heart centers were the first selected to receive the HAART 200 Aortic Annuloplasty Device as part of the limited European commercial launch of the technology announced by the company in April.

Professor Jasinski commented, "The HAART 200 Aortic Annuloplasty Device is a great addition to our aortic valve repair tool kit providing a new option for the most common congenital heart defect, bicuspid aortic valve disease. Our experience with the HAART 300 Aortic Annuloplasty Devices in trileaflet aortic valve repair has shown us how the devices simplify aortic valve repair and at the same time provide durable annuloplasty. This allows us to expand the benefits of valve repair to more patients. The availability of the HAART 200 Device is critically important because patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease are younger, multiplying the benefits of valve repair vs. replacement."

Although compelling long-term clinical data suggest that almost all bicuspid aortic valves should be repaired[1], current repair techniques are complex and not widely adopted. The HAART 200 Device simplifies bicuspid aortic valve repair by stabilizing the annulus and remodeling the valve into a symmetric, 180-degree leaflet orientation, eliminating the need for extensive dissection of the aortic root, and facilitating leaflet repair.

John Wheeler, President and CEO, concluded by saying, "BioStable is very pleased to initiate commercialization of the HAART 200 Aortic Annuloplasty Device alongside the HAART 300 Devices. With the commercial availability of the HAART 200 and HAART 300 Aortic Annuloplasty Devices, BioStable can offer surgeons within the European a comprehensive portfolio of aortic valve repair solutions that addresses all forms of aortic valve insufficiency."

About BioStable Science Engineering

BioStable Science Engineering is a cardiovascular device company focused on developing and commercializing proprietary valve repair technologies that provide an alternative to valve replacement for patients with aortic valve disease. The company's HAART Aortic Repair Technologies are designed to simplify and standardize aortic valve repair, enabling surgeons to offer the recognized clinical benefits of valve repair to patients undergoing surgical correction of aortic insufficiency or aortic aneurysm. To learn more visit www.biostable-s-e.com.

1. Miyahara S, Schneider U, Morgenthaler L, Schafers HJ. (Almost) All Nonstenotic Bicuspid Aortic Valves Should Be Preserved or Repaired. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Winter;31(4):656-660. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2019.03.008. Epub 2019 Apr 10. PMID: 30980934.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005095/en/

Contacts:

John Wheeler

President CEO

john.wheeler@biostable-s-e.com

512-386-1996
Company Engages MGA for Contract Mining

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. (the "Company" or "GSilver") (TSXV:GSVR)(OTCQX:GSVRF) is pleased to announce that crews have begun stockpiling mineralised material from its El Cubo mine in anticipation of the recommencement of operations at the El Cubo mill. In addition, the Company has signed a mine development and production agreement with contract mining group MGA to execute contract mining services at El Cubo until December 31, 2022.

Re-commencement of mining at El Cubo:

GSilver is pleased to announce that mining, mucking, and stockpiling of mineralised material at its El Cubo mine has re-commenced ahead of schedule. Crews have begun removing previously blasted material from the 2175 and 1850 stope areas (Click here and scroll to bottom for latest long section) within the mine. This material is now being stockpiled at the El Cubo mill patio (Click and scroll to bottom for photos). These areas will be two of the three stope areas (the other area being 'Cebolletas') where GSilver intends to focus its El Cubo mining efforts for the next 12-18 months.

Reasons for mining 2175, 1850, and Cebolletas Stopes (the "Villalpando Stopes"):

These stopes are readily available with infrastructure consisting of 4x4m wide access and ramps; Crews have cleaned these access routes, installed new lighting and ventilation services, and have cleared and re-established emergency exit routes from within the mine.

These stopes have previously been drilled and sampled by former owner/operator Endeavor Silver Corp.; GSilver engineers have concluded that ample drilling and sampling has been conducted to date to establish areas to blast mineralised material and begin stockpiling that material on surface. The Company is planning to conduct additional infill and expansion drilling in these areas soon, details of which will be reported on and described in a subsequent news release. Additional drilling will be conducted primarily for grade control purposes.

These are just a few of the stopes where mining had previously occurred prior to shutdown of the mine in November 2019; There are numerous other areas of the mine where GSilver believes it will be able to take the same approach. The three current areas of interest exist within the main Villalpando vein structure; other areas in which the Company plans to focus its mining in the months and years ahead include the Dolores North, Dolores South, La Loca, San Eusebio, and Asuncion vein structures.



The Company's engineers believe that the Villalpando Stopes could consistently provide up to 15,000 tonnes of mineralised material per month once mining ramps up to full capacity and milling re-commences in Q4, 2021.

Engagement of MGA Mine Contractors:

GSilver is very pleased to announce that it has signed a comprehensive 17-month contract with MGA Mine Contractors (MGA Contratista Mineras S.A de C.V.) of Durango, Mexico, to be the Company's primary mine contactor. MGA has over two decades experience in providing quality mine contracting expertise to some of the leading companies in Mexican mining including Grupo Mexico, Goldcorp., Fresnillo PLC., Endeavour Silver, and First Majestic Silver.

Hernan Dorado, GSilver's Chief Operating Officer commented: "At GSilver we have always planned to use an experienced and specialized mine contracting group as we restart El Cubo. In this way we can defer significant amounts of capital expenditures and rely on the experience of our contracting partners. We plan to have our 'in-company' workers commence El Cubo operations in parallel with our contract miners from MGA."

Hernan Dorado Smith, Chief Operating Officer and director of GSilver and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Guanajuato Silver Co. Ltd.:

GSilver is a mining development company engaged in reactivating past producing silver and gold mines near the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. The Company is focused on the refurbishment and swift re-commencement of production from its El Cubo mine and mill and its nearby El Pinguico project, as well as the delineation of additional silver and gold resources through underground and surface drilling. Both projects are located within 11km of the city of Guanajuato, which has an established 480-year mining history.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"James Anderson"

Chairman and CEO

For further information regarding Guanajuato Silver Co. Ltd, please contact:

James Anderson, Director, +1 (778) 989-5346

Email: james.anderson@GSilver.com

Continue to watch our progress at: www.GSilver.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to successfully refurbish the El Cubo mill, procure equipment, hire personnel and supply and process sufficient mineralised material and resources from the El Cubo mine through the El Cubo mill to successfully begin commercial production of silver and gold in Q4 2021 at the projected amounts, grades, costs and revenues and the success related to development and production activities; the estimates of mineral resources; the accessibility, attractiveness, mineral content and volume of mineralized material within the Villalpando Stopes; the opportunities for future exploration, development and production at El Cubo and El Pinguico and the proposed exploration, development and production programs therefor and the timing and costs thereof; and the success related to any future exploration, development and/or production programs.

Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to and assumptions made by the Company; which assumptions, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our mineral resource estimates at El Cubo and El Pinguico and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of mineralized material to be mined and processed; resource grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to production estimates; success of the Company's combined El Cubo / El Pinguico operation; prices for silver and gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements and information are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, currency rate fluctuations, actual results of exploration, development and production activities, actual resource grades and recoveries of silver and gold, unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics, environmental risks, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, equipment or personnel delays, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, inadequate insurance, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that GSilver will be able to successfully re-start the El Cubo mill to process mineralized materials to produce silver and gold in the amounts, grades, recoveries, costs and timetable anticipated. In addition, GSilver's decision to begin processing mineralized material from its above and underground stockpiles at El Pinguico and estimated resources at El Cubo through the El Cubo mill is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and therefore is subject to increased uncertainty and risk of failure, both economically and technically. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them, and may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, and other relevant issues. There are no assurances that the results of the Company's recently announced preliminary economic assessment and projected production of silver and gold will be realized. There is also uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern and the impact they will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access El Pinguico and/or El Cubo or procure equipment, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by law.

Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd.

PH: +1(778) 989-5346 E: info@GSilver.com W: GSilver.com

CA: Suite 578 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver B.C. V6C 3E1

MX: Carretera - Guanajuato - Silao km 5.5, Int 4, Col. Marfil CP36250, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico

SOURCE: Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658664/GSilver-Begins-Stockpiling-Vein-Material-at-El-Cubo
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Wikisoft Corp. (the "Company," "we," and "our") (OTC PINK:WSFT) today announced that its Registration Statement on as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on July 30th 2021, as amended, has become effective as of 4:00 pm EST August 5th, 2021.

The Purchase Agreement provides that White Lion Capital is committed to purchase the Company's Ordinary Shares with an aggregate offering price of up to $20,000,000 ('Commitment Amount') from time to time during the Commitment Period, which starts on the date of the filing of the initial registration statement covering the resale of securities issued under the Purchase Agreement and shall terminate on December 31, 2022 of the filing of such initial registration statement and terms as specified in the agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this transaction for the expansion of working capital and other general corporate purposes in accordance with its strategy.

Under the Purchase Agreement, on any trading day selected by the Company, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to present White Lion Capital with a purchase notice, directing White Lion Capital (as principal) to purchase up to a certain amount shares of the Company's Ordinary Shares ('Purchase Notice') at a certain price as defined in the agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Purchase Agreement for the expansion of working capital and other general corporate purposes in accordance with its business strategy.

The Company's Chief Executive Officer, Carsten Kjems Falk commented: 'We are pleased to announce effectiveness of the purchase agreement with White Lion Capital. This marks our first capital raise since becoming a public company and therefore demonstrates both the validity of our business as well as our positive long-term outlook. Looking ahead, we remain focused on laying the foundation for continuous technological development by diversifying our product offerings, enlarging our customer base, and increasing our global footprints. We believe the capital raise, will help to generate lasting shareholder value.'

ABOUT WIKISOFT CORPORATION

In line with increasing globalization, we believe that there is a growing demand for access to credible company and employee information worldwide. Wikisoft's flagship online platform, Wikiprofile.com , aims to be a powerful solution with tools and resources for businesses and business professionals to find valid information quickly and easily so that they can make informed career and hiring decisions.

Our vision is to create opportunity globally for business professionals and businesses to make informed career and hiring decisions. Manifesting this vision requires scaling information technology with high data validity across the key pillars: business professionals, businesses, job opportunities and professional skills. By pursuing this vision, we believe Wikisoft Corp. can enable users to connect to business opportunities on a global scale. In line with increasing globalization, there is a growing demand for access to credible business and employee information worldwide.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature about the Company. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as 'may,' 'will,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'aim,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'is/are likely to,' 'future' or other similar expressions. The Company has based these forward-looking statements primarily on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect Company's financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. There is no assurance that the Company's current expectations and projections are accurate. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on the Company's information on the date hereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law. This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, nor any solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, issue, subscribe for, sell, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company. The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

CONTACT:

WikiSoft Corp.

315 Montgomery Street, San Francisco,

CA 94104, USA

Phone: +1-800-706-0806

Email: investor@wikisoft.com

Investor site: www.wikisoft.com

SOURCE: WikiSoft Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658682/Wikisoft-Corp-OTCWSFT-Announces-Effectiveness-of-S-1
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - LaSalle Exploration Corp. (TSXV: LSX) is pleased to announce the closing of the initial tranche of the private placement of Units announced July 13, 2021 (the "Offering"). To date a total of $1,296,000 has been raised through the issuance of 8,100,000 Units at $0.16 per Unit, each comprised of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant being exercisable into one common share for 24 months from issuance at $0.24 per share. The shares and warrants issued in the Offering will be subject to a four-month resale hold period in Canada ending November 28th, 2021.

As announced July 13, 2021, the Company has agreed to apply $500,000 of the $1,000,000 invested by Crescat Portfolio Management LLC. on exploration of the Company's Egan Property in Ontario. The remainder of the funds will be used for exploration work on the Company's properties, and for general corporate purposes.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Crescat as a significant new shareholder to LaSalle. This financing will provide LaSalle with the resources to escalate our exploration campaign at Egan while we continue to advance the Radisson and Blakelock properties," said Ian Campbell, President and CEO.

The Company has also granted Crescat the right to participate in any future financings in order to maintain its percentage interest in the Company as at the date of the future financing, for so long as Crescat holds at least 3% of the outstanding shares of the Company.

A finder's fee of 6% cash and 6% warrants is payable to GloRes Securities Inc., and Marco Polo Securities Inc. in respect of their assistance in placing $1,120,000 of this tranche of the Offering.

About LaSalle Exploration Corp.:

LaSalle Exploration Corp.is an exploration company focused on less explored districts of the Abitibi, recognized for mining investment based on mineral potential, policy and success, and the developing Eeyou Itschee-James Bay region in Quebec. LaSalle Exploration Corp. is listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the symbol "LSX".

Additional information about LaSalle can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.lasallecorp.com.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Ronald Stewart, P.Geo., Vice-President, Corporate Development of LaSalle Exploration Corp., who is a non-independent qualified person for the technical disclosure as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

On behalf of the Board of Directors

LASALLE EXPLORATION CORP.

"Ian Campbell"

President and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (604) 647-3966

About LaSalle Exploration Corp.:

LaSalle is an exploration company focused on less explored districts of the Abitibi, recognized for mining investment based on mineral potential, policy and success, and the developing Eeyou Itschee-James Bay region in Quebec. LaSalle is actively exploring Radisson as well as the Blakelock and Egan high-grade gold properties located in northeastern Ontario. LaSalle trades on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the symbol "LSX". Additional information about LaSalle can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.lasallecorp.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92229


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New coronavirus infections in the United States returned to the 100,000-plus mark after a gap of one day.



With 109824 additional cases reporting on Thursday, the national total has increased to 35,440,509, as per the latest data from Johns Hopkins University.



From an average of around 18000-plus cases reported on July 5, the seven-day average has multiplied by more than five times to 10199 within a month, according to data analyzed by the New York Times. This is the highest weekly average recorded since February 12, and marks a 119 percent increase in two weeks.



Over the past seven days, Florida and Texas have accounted for about one third of new cases and more than one third of new hospitalizations nationwide, COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients said at a routine press briefing by White House COVID-?19 Response Team.



Seven states alone - Florida, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi - account for about half of new cases and hospitalizations in the past week, he told reporters. These states have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.



The seven-day average of hospital admissions is about 7,348 per day, an increase of about 41 percent from the prior seven-day period. 'Across the board, we are seeing increases in cases and hospitalizations in all age groups,' CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at the same news conference.



The number of people hospitalized due to coronavirus infection in the country has risen to 52,636.



535 additional casualties recorded on Thursday took the national COVID death toll to 615,320.



Florida accounted for the most number of cases reported nationally - 20,133. The state also led in most COVID-related deaths - 84.



As of August 5, 193.19 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



165.63 million people, or 49.9 percent of the U.S. population, are fully vaccinated.



80.3 percent of people above 65 have received both vaccine doses.



A total of 29,805,593 people have so far recovered from the disease in the country.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc. (CSE: VEGI) (OTC Pink: VGGIF) ("Boosh" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Vejii Holdings Ltd. to commence home delivery services throughout Canada and the US in September, 2021. Vejii will fulfill Boosh's e-commerce and third-party orders through their strategically located fulfillment centers throughout North America.

"We're extremely pleased to begin offering home delivery of Boosh products in Canada and the US through ShopVejii.com, and to expand our reach and customer base throughout North America," states Connie Marples, founder and president of Boosh. "We believe home delivery is going to perfectly compliment our recently hired US food broker, Thrive, in our quest to create an expansive footprint throughout America."

"We're delighted to incorporate the Boosh entrees of 100% plant based, non-GMO, gluten free, frozen and refrigerated onto our home delivery platform. Operating one of the leading north American vegan and plant-based marketplaces through ShopVejii.com gives us a unique advantage to showcase Boosh to our growing north American customer base who are seeking high quality, tasty, plant-based and vegan options, without having to leave the comforts of their home," states Vejii Holdings Inc. CEO Kory Zelickson.

About Vejii Holdings:

Headquartered in Kelowna B.C., Vejii Holdings Inc. owns and operates a digital marketplace for plant-based and sustainable-living products at ShopVejii.com. The company is focused on providing its customers with easy access to thousands of vegan and plant-based products in one place. Vejii leverages technology integrations like smart lists, reorders features, subscription programs, AI, and is always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the customer experience.



Information on the Company and its many products can be accessed through ShopVejii.com and VejiiHoldings.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Jim Pakulis

Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (833) 882-6674

Investor Relations

Contact - Edge Communications Group

Email: invest@booshfood.com

Telephone: (236) 237-1315

www.Booshfood.com

About Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc.:

Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary, Boosh Food (www.booshfood.com), is the gateway to experiencing high quality, non-GMO, gluten free, 100% plant-based nutritional comfort foods for the whole family. We currently offer six frozen meals which are sold throughout Canada, and now we're expanding our meals to include three refrigerated products. Boosh, good for you and good for planet earth.

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's proposed use of the proceeds of its initial public offering. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92277
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - Tesoro Minerals Corp., (TSXV: TES) ("Tesoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of up to $250,000 through the sale of up to 5,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit (all dollar amounts in Canadian dollars). Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.10 per Share for a period of two years from the closing date. The Shares, Warrants and any Shares issued on the exercise of the Warrants, will be subject to a four month restricted resale period in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and applicable securities laws.

A finder's fee, comprising cash, broker's warrants, or a combination thereof, may be paid on a portion of the Private Placement in accordance with TSXV policies. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to certain customary conditions, including the receipt of TSXV approval.

The net proceeds of the offering are expected to be used by Tesoro for general working capital and operating expenses to support business efforts.

About Tesoro

The Company has assembled a team of experienced geoscientists with extensive exploration experience in the Americas with the aim of acquiring further assets. For further information on the Company please contact Scott McLean, Interim President & CEO at info@tesorominerals.com or (604) 710-2140.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Scott McLean"

Scott McLean

Interim President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially.

All statements including, without limitation, statements relating to the ability to complete the offering on the proposed terms or at all, anticipated use of proceeds from the offering and receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the offering as well as any other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar health crisis, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

(Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States of America)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92286
SUFFERN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Kenneth J. Torsoe of Suffern, Rockland County, New York, announced today that he is offering, through a to-be-formed holding company, $20.00 per share to purchase all of the shares of stock of Sunnyside Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Sunnyside Federal Savings and Loan Association of Irvington, New York. This offer is a substantial premium over the $18.75 offered by Rhodium BA Holdings LLC in a transaction that Sunnyside publicly announced on June 16, 2021.

Mr. Torsoe explained, "I have made multiple proposals to acquire Sunnyside going back almost two years, including a proposal almost immediately after the Rhodium announcement at a higher price. Instead of Sunnyside engaging in good faith negotiations with me, Sunnyside has pursued inferior proposals while continuing to run the bank into the ground. The most recent quarterly report filed by Sunnyside Federal Savings shows that, through June 30, the bank continues to lose money and management is doing nothing to stem the tide. That must stop."

Because Sunnyside continues to hemorrhage capital with massive losses while other bank stocks are doing so well, time is wasting. If this continues, Sunnyside may no longer be able to survive as a community bank and everyone who has the bank's best interests at heart will suffer. Therefore, Mr. Torsoe has decided to take his interest in Sunnyside public.

Mr. Torsoe listed a number of important advantages to his offer:

He is a local real estate and bank investor who has had substantial investments in local community banks for decades, where he has been a member of the board of directors for over 40 years. As he already explained in a conference call with the federal regulators for both Sunnyside Bancorp and Sunnyside Federal Savings, his commitment is to provide service to the community. That is why he wants to acquire Sunnyside. Mr. Torsoe is not trying to take a local bank away from the local community.

Mr. Torsoe can pay the entire purchase price in cash and has already submitted brokerage statements to the attorney for Sunnyside proving his ability to do so. Rhodium, in its definitive agreement, has only agreed to use its "reasonable best efforts" to raise the money to fund the purchase price. If Sunnyside continues to lose money, and Rhodium decides to walk away because it cannot raise funds to buy a bank that is losing money, the shareholders will suffer and the value of the stock may collapse.

Mr. Torsoe has been involved in community banking as a non-officer director and major outside investor for over 40 years and is experienced in growing local community bank franchises to increase their ability to serve the local community.

Sunnyside's financial results for the first half of 2021 reflect extremely poor performance and there is no apparent effort by management to reduce the trend as value dissipates. The delays in dealing fairly with Mr. Torsoe have just further run down the value of the bank, to the detriment of shareholders. In contrast, Mr. Torsoe has, in both cases in which he was involved as a principal investor and a leading outside director of community banks in the northern New York City suburbs, participated in the process of turning around an unprofitable bank and making it a significant financial force to benefit the community.

Mr. Torsoe was approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to acquire control of what was then known as The Community Bank of Orange County, N.A. and should be able to obtain prompt approval from bank regulators to acquire Sunnyside. In a conference call already held with the two federal regulators to discuss his interest in Sunnyside, in which management and attorneys for Sunnyside were participants, he received no negative indication from them.

In this time of economic stress, all existing employees and officers of Sunnyside will be offered continued employment at Sunnyside. Mr. Torsoe is committed to the idea that Sunnyside customers will not face a reduction in the banking services that they rely upon.

Mr. Torsoe explained to those with interest in Sunnyside, "I had hoped that the board of directors of Sunnyside would recognize its fiduciary duty to all the Sunnyside constituencies. For reasons that I do not understand, that has not occurred. Eight days ago, after we spoke to federal bank regulators, we requested a discussion with the attorneys for Sunnyside to move this forward. The response was that there was no need to talk at that time. When my attorney heard nothing since then, he tried to contact Sunnyside's attorneys yesterday to tell them that I am issuing this press release, but they did not return phone messages and an email request for a call. Thus, I have no choice but to make this public announcement of my interest in Sunnyside."

Press and other inquiries regarding Mr. Torsoe's interest in Sunnyside should be sent to SaveSunnysideNow@Gmail.com. Mr. Torsoe is represented by Jay L. Hack, Esq. of Gallet Dreyer & Berkey, LLP (JLH@GDBLAW.COM) and Rudolph Zodda, Esq. of Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP (RZODDA@BPSLAW.COM).

Nothing contained herein should be interpreted as creating an obligation to commence a tender offer, but in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, please be advised as follows:

Stockholders of Sunnyside Bancorp, Inc. should read the tender offer statement when and if it is available. It will contain important information. Stockholders can get the tender offer statement and other filed documents for free at the Securities and Exchange Commission web site as part of the SEC EDGAR filing system. All documents that may be filed by Mr. Torsoe or by the holding company to be formed may also be obtained from them for free, when filed, by requesting them at the email address: SaveSunnysideNow@gmail.com.

SOURCE: Kenneth J. Torsoe

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658641/Offer-to-Purchase-Sunnyside-Bancorp-Inc-by-Local-Investor
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Tree of Knowledge International Corp. (CSE:TOKI) (the "Corporation" or "TOKI"), is pleased to announce that has reached an agreement to settle the claim brought by Chu de Quebec-Universite Laval ("Chu"). Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Chu has agreed to dismiss the action as against TOKI. Aspects of the settlement remain subject to Court approval and, as such, further details will be provided by the Corporation at that time.

In addition, further to its press releases dated May 14, 2021, May 28, 2021 and June 15, 2021, TOKI is pleased to announce that it has filed its audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and related management's discussion and analysis and its first quarter financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2021 and related management's discussion and analysis and, as such, the management cease trade order pursuant to the initial default, now lifted, has been revoked.

Finally, TOKI has scheduled its 2021 annual general and special meeting for September 22, 2021. An information circular outlining proposed AGM business will be circulated later in August.

TOKI is looking forward to expanding its wellness operations and playing an active role in providing health care services to its clients. Further details with respect to TOKI's evolving business plan will be provided over the coming weeks.

For further information

Please Visit: www.tokicorp.com

Contact: Tree of Knowledge International Corp. (CEO - Ommid Faghani)

About Tree of Knowledge International Corp.

TOKI is a public company that delivers pathways to innovative, science-based health and wellness solutions. The Company is a leader in pain management, spanning from seed to patient. Built upon an extensive network of scientific and medical research, TOKI is an advanced leader in the development, processing, and distribution of focused products and treatments for pain relief. Tree of Knowledge spans the globe with its multidisciplinary pain clinics, research partners, consumer CBD products, and education and advocacy programs - all working in harmony to bring health and wellness to the world, while creating value for shareholders and partners.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein relating to the timing of the filing of financial statements constitutes forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Tree of Knowledge International Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658642/Tree-of-Knowledge-Announces-Proposed-Settlement-of-Chu-de-Quebec-Action-and-Revocation-of-Management-Cease-Trade-Order
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Core Assets Corp., ("Core Assets" or the "Company") (CSE:CC)(Frankfurt:5RJ WKN:A2QCCU) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at the Blue Property (the "Property") located in the Atlin Mining District of British Columbia.

Highlights

Core Assets has successfullycompleted it's 2021 ground fieldwork program that consisted of the collection of 247 grab samples from mineralized carbonate replacement pods, gossanous outcrop and quartz veins with 13 samples collected for petrographic analysis to help vector towards a potential porphyry feeder stock.

The Geotech Ltd. Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) geophysical survey has been slowed due to poor weather conditions at high elevations and is currently at 90% completion.

Drilling has been postponed until summer 2022 due to a lack of diamond drills and personnel available. This will give the Core Assets technical team time to compile newly acquired data and amend potential new drill locations to the drill permit.

Preliminary VTEM results and grab sample assays from the 2021 field program are expected by late September 2021 and will be instrumental in moving forward.

Core Assets' President and CEO Nick Rodway comments, "Project excitement remains high, we are very happy with our technical teams' efforts in the 2021 field program. We are eager to receive assays back to further solidify our carbonate replacement-porphyry geological model and begin to plan for the 2022 drill program".

Map of 2021 Sampling Locations at the Blue Property

About the 2021 Field Program

The helicopter supported ground program was executed during the last two weeks of July, 2021. A crew of four geologists were based in Atlin, BC and utilized Discovery Helicopters for daily access to the Property. The program focused on verification sampling of historically documented mineralization at the Silver Lime Prospect as well as reconnaissance prospecting of the Company's newly staked ground to the west of the prospect (see Company news release dated June 11, 2021).

A total of 247 grab samples (Table 1) were collected from the Property over the duration of the program. The historically mapped and sampled massive sulfide carbonate replacement pods were located and resampled at the Silver Lime prospect. Multiple days were also spent traversing locations to the north and west of the Silver Lime prospect in an attempt to locate additional massive sulfide carbonate replacement pods. Based on the carbonate replacement-porphyry model, mineralization should be continuous and zoned from a central porphyry source. Therefore, crews focused on extending mineralization of the carbonate replacement pods at the Silver Lime prospect and searching for typical porphyry style alterations. Overall, the program was successful based on initial visual results and field interpretations and the Company eagerly awaits the impending assay and petrographic results.

Table 1: 2021 Ground Program Sampling Summary

Area Outcrop Float Total Silver Lime 57 0 57 Reconnaissance 169 21 190 Total 247

QA/QC & Sampling Procedures

All rock samples were collected in the field using a hammer and chisel. Locations were obtained using a GPS and samples were placed in pre labelled sample bags. Metal tags with the sample numbers scribed into them and flagging tape were left at each sample location. Samples were stored in 5-gallon pails in a secure location until ready for shipment. Quartz blanks were inserted approximately every 25 samples as part of QA/QC procedures. All rock samples and quartz blanks were shipped by ground to ALS Geochemistry in Whitehorse, YT for multielement analysis (including Ag) by four-acid digestion with ICP-AES instrumentation (package ME-ICP61) and Au, Pd, Pt by fire assay (package PGM-ICP27). Any overlimits for Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn will be analyzed using the applicable assay package ME-OG62. Ag values reporting >1000 ppm after additional analysis will be resubmitted for gravimetric fire assay (package Ag-GRA21). No certified reference materials were submitted for analysis with the Company relying on the laboratories internal QA/QC in this regard.

About The VTEM Survey

The Versatile Time Domain Electro Magnetic (VTEM) system is currently being conducted by Geotech Ltd. of Aurora, Ontario. This state-of-the-art-system has a proven record of locating conductive anomalies, as well as mapping lateral and vertical variations in resistivity. Full waveform recording is employed to achieve very clean early-time measurements that can resolve near surface structures. It has a high-sensitivity cesium magnetometer for mapping geologic structure and lithology and a cesium magnetometer base station for diurnal correction. The radar altimeter has an accuracy of approximately one meter. The survey will consist of a total of ~2,000 line kilometres at 150 m spacing across the entirety of the Blue Property.

About the Blue Property

The Blue Property consists of two main high grade mineral prospects (Laverdiere and Silver Lime) in a total contiguous land package of approximately 26,119.61 Ha (261.2 Km). The project is located 48 km southwest of the town of Atlin, British Columbia. In 2018, the Company sent a geological team to the Blue Property for preliminary surface sampling. Three areas of skarn exposure with massive and disseminated sulfide were observed along the western side of the Llewellyn Fault Zone, known as the Laverdiere Prospect. A total of 28 grab samples were collected and sent for analysis with values of up to 8.46% copper, 1.57 g/t gold and 46.5 g/t silver reported.

The Silver Lime Prospect is located just 10 km southwest of the Laverdiere Prospect. The Silver Lime Prospect encompasses two significant historical mineral occurrences, the Falcon and Jackie showings. The Falcon showing was discovered by Carmac Resources in 1990 and consists of several northwest trending limestone beds and the Jackie consists of a series of altered quartz veins. Mineralization often consists of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and stibnite. The system is exposed in multiple areas on the property with one more significant outcrop that is visible for 25 metres with strike extensions covered by talus. Individual pods are up to 2.2 metres wide. To the northwest, a quartz-feldspar porphyry breccia contains smaller quartz veins with semi-massive arsenopyrite and stibnite. Sample 88339 taken from a 2.20 metre vein system assayed 3.3 g/t gold, 2,641 g/t silver, 0.15% copper, 2.5% lead and 3.32% zinc, 5.0% arsenic and 2.56% antimony (ARIS 21162*).

In 2018, Zimtu Capital Corp., as part of a helicopter reconnaissance program, prospected the Silver Lime Prospect and collected eight samples. The results confirmed the historic work of Carmac (1990), having returned values of 1.16 g/t gold, 913 g/t silver, 12.45% zinc and >20.0% lead.

The Silver Lime Prospect has the potential to represent a carbonate replacement deposit model (CRD). Massive sulphide pods occur in limestone and biotite-muscovite-sericite schists near the contacts between the units. Large zones of limonite alteration, cut by alaskite and hornblende porphyry dikes, surround these pods. The lenses appear to be widest near the porphyry dikes. Several faults follow the general direction of the dikes, suggesting structural control on the mineralization. Sulphides at the Jackie Showing often comprise galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. The pods can be up to 30 metres long and 6 metres wide. The smaller pods host sphalerite and galena mineralization and the larger pods vary mineralogically along length. Galena, quartz and calcite dominate the northwest changing to pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pyrite in the centre and border areas (Minfile 104M 031*).

The 2021 prospecting and sampling program focused on resampling the Silver Lime prospect and evaluating the newly staked ground by Core Assets Corp. to the west of the prospect (See News Release dated June 11, 2021).

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

Nicholas Rodway, P.Geo, is President, CEO and Director of the Company, and qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Rodway supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.

*Historical technical numbers are not compliant with NI 43-101 and are provided as an indication that mineralization is present. Historical information is relied on by the Company only as encouraging further exploration and assessment of the properties. All references listed under Minfile and ARIS can be found at the following British Columbia database links:

Minfile: https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/searchbasic.aspx

ARIS: https://aris.empr.gov.bc.ca/

About Core Assets Corp.

Core Assets Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in B.C., Canada. The company currently holds the Blue Property, that covers a land area of26,100 Ha (261 km). The project lies within the Atlin Mining District, a well-known gold mining camp. The Property hosts a major structural feature known as the The Llewellyn Fault Zone ("LFZ"). This structure is approximately 140km in length and runs from the Yukon border down through the property to the Alaskan Panhandle Juneau Ice Sheet in the United States. Core Assets believes that the south Atlin Lake area and the LFZ has been neglected since the last major exploration campaigns in the 1970's. The LFZ plays an important role in mineralization of near surface metal occurrences across the property. The past 50 years have seen substantial advancements in the understanding of porphyry, skarn, and carbonate replacement type deposits both globally and in BC's Golden Triangle. The company has leveraged this information at the Blue Property to develop an exploration model and believes this could facilitate a major discovery. Core Assets is excited to become one of Atlin Mining District's premier explorers where its team believes there are substantial opportunities for new discoveries and development.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

CORE ASSETS CORP.

"Nicholas Rodway"

President & CEO

Tel: 604.681.1568

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include the goals, scope and timing of the VTEM survey; that Core Assets will drill in 2022; that the Blue Property has substantial opportunities for a discovery and development; that work on the Blue Property could potentially lead to a new porphyry/CRD style discovery; and that there may be a commercially viable gold or other mineral deposit on our claims. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that further permits may not be granted timely or at all; the mineral claims may prove to be unworthy of further expenditure; there may not be an economic mineral resource; methods we thought would be effective may not prove to be in practice or on our claims; economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices; our specific plans and timing drilling, field work and other plans may change; we may not have access to or be able to develop any minerals because of cost factors, type of terrain, or availability of equipment and technology; and we may also not raise sufficient funds to carry out our plans. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . Except as required by law, we will not update these forward looking statement risk factors.

SOURCE: Core Assets Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658649/Core-Assets-Provides-Update-on-Exploration-Activities-at-the-Blue-Property-Atlin-BC
PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Erickson Inc. announces it has retained Houlihan Lokey, Inc. to explore strategic alternatives to accelerate the company's growth and maintain its industry leadership position.

"We are seeking a strategic partner who shares our vision, our commitment to customers and employees and can add strategic and operational value in the aviation and aerospace industry," stated Doug Kitani, CEO and Director.

Founded in 1971, Erickson's Manufacturing and MRO services include manufacturing the S-64 Air Crane helicopter as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as well as manufacturing key aerospace parts for aerospace OEMs. The commercial aerial services include the operation of 20 Erickson owned and operated S-64 Air Crane helicopters to perform firefighting, powerline construction, timber harvesting, HVAC, and specialized heavy-lift for oil and gas.

"Our aim is to upgrade Erickson's great assets, including technology advances in the S-64 Super Air Crane, and expand our capabilities in MRO. A new strategic partner will complement our strengths, propel Erickson to the next level, and position the company, with its legacy and expertise, as the first-choice leader in the most demanding, air operations and OEM-level, MRO support," added Kitani. "As a proven and resilient company, our people and partnerships enable and empower us to serve our mission to the highest standard."

We Are Erickson. Tested and Trusted.

ABOUT ERICKSON

Erickson is a leading global provider of aviation services specializing in defense and national security, manufacturing, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and Civil services. Erickson Manufacturing and MRO services include manufacturing the S-64 Air Crane helicopter as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as well as manufacturing key aerospace parts for aerospace OEMs. Erickson is also the Type Certificate holder for the Bell 214ST & B/B1 Helicopters. Commercial aerial services include the operation of 20 Erickson owned and operated S-64 Air Crane helicopters to perform firefighting, powerline construction, timber harvesting, HVAC, and specialized heavy-lift for oil and gas. Founded in 1971, Erickson is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and maintains operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Australia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES VISIT ERICKSONINC.COM

Contact: HL@ericksoninc.com
RAIPUR, India, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Spray Polyurethane Foam Market by Cell Structure Type (Open Cell Structure and Closed Cell Structure), by Application Type (Roofs, Walls, Floors, and Others) by End-Use Type (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2021-2026.

This strategic assessment report, from Stratview Research, provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today's spray polyurethane foam market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period of 2021 to 2026. The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for the market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as formulate growth strategies.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Market: Highlights

Over the years, building insulation products have evolved enormously with constant development in technologies. Growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and stricter building energy codes are the fundamental growth drivers, necessitating the usage of insulation products. When compared to standard insulating materials, spray foam insulation (SPF) is more efficient, making it a good choice for the building industry. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation accounts for 10%-12% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Spray polyurethane foam provides great thermal resistance, lower utility costs, and can reduce heat transfers significantly, making them an effective choice for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also acts as a barrier to air and bulk water, as well as a moisture vapor retardant.

Spray foam insulation currently holds a niche share (<10%) of the overall insulation market (fiberglass, flexible foam, glass wool, rock wool, elastomeric foams, etc.). However, it has a strong growth roadmap in the future propelled by its superior performance, durability, and seamless installation. The global spray polyurethane foam market has been witnessing excellent growth over the past decade. The market recorded a huge decline amid the pandemic, creating a lag of 2 years in the annual market size. The market is estimated to rebound in the coming years, expected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 8.1% over the next five years to reach US$ 4.4 billion in 2026.

Click Here for Running Through the Table of Contents: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/toc/1852/spray-polyurethane-foam-market.html

Based on the cell structure type, closed-cell structure is expected to remain the larger and the faster-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. There is high preference of closed-cell structure SPF in exterior applications such as roofs and walls. On the contrary, open-cell structure is mainly preferred in interior applications such as ceiling and floors.

Based on the application type, walls are estimated to remain the most dominant users of spray polyurethane foams during the forecast period. Increased energy conservation needs, superior wall thermal performance, fire protection, termite control, and moisture control are key requirements fueling the segment's market. Roofs also account for a sizeable opportunity in the market.

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In terms of region, North America is expected to remain the largest market for spray polyurethane foams during the forecast period. The region has high focus on building insulation with strong reliance on spray polyurethane foam due to regional government incentives and laws that promote energy-efficient infrastructure. North America and Europe have higher penetration of spray polyurethane foam compared to the Asian and African markets. However, there exists a strong growth potential in the emerging Asian and African economies in the coming years.

Key players in the spray polyurethane foam market are:

Huntsman International LLC

Carlisle Companies Inc.

BASF SE

Dow Chemical Company

Covestro AG

Johns Manville

CertainTeed

Nippon Aqua Foam

Henry Company

NCFI Polyurethanes

Changsha Firm Bond New Material Co. Ltd.

INOAC Corporation

Soprema

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

Market trend and forecast analysis.

Market segment trend and forecast.

Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc.

Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

Emerging trends.

Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

Key success factors.

This report studies global spray polyurethane foam market and has segmented the market in four ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the four ways in which the market is segmented:

Spray Polyurethane Foam Market, by Cell Structure Type

Open Cell Structure (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Closed Cell Structure (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Spray Polyurethane Foam Market, by Application Type

Roofs (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Walls (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Floors (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Spray Polyurethane Foam Market, by End-Use Type

Residential (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Commercial (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Industrial (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Spray Polyurethane Foam Market, by Region

North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , Spain , the UK, and Rest of Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: India , China , Japan , and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil , The UAE, and Others)

Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the advanced materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

https://www.stratviewresearch.com/market-reports/Advanced-Materials.html

About Stratview Research

Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas.

We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies.

Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making.

Stratview Research has launched 'Composights', an online portal which offers free thought leadership reports, whitepapers, market report synopsis and much more for Composites and allied industries, worth US$ 20,000 every year.

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Direct: +1-313-307-4176

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 435,000 incentive stock options under the Company's stock option plan (the "Option Plan") to certain directors of the Company, such awards being granted annually to Directors elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting (the "Director Grant"). All incentive stock options issued under the Director Grant are exercisable for a period of ten years at $0.28 per share and vest as to 50% on the date of grant and 50% on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

The Option Plan allows for the issuance of up to 10% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Company in the form of incentive stock options. As of the date hereof, a total of 32,755,087 common shares of the Company are allocated for issuance in respect of outstanding incentive stock options granted under the Option Plan, representing approximately 3.4% of the issued and outstanding share capital.

For information on this press release, please contact:

Dragos Tanase

President & CEO

Phone: +40 730 399 019

dt@gabrielresources.com

Richard Brown

Chief Financial Officer

Mobile: +44 7748 760276

richard.brown@gabrielresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Gabriel

Gabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Ro?ia Montana gold and silver project in Romania. The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Ro?ia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Ro?ia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company.

Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration claim against Romania. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.

In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of further funding noted above) or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "is of the view", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) may affect the Company's operations and/or the anticipated timeline for the ICSID Arbitration;

the duration, required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration;

Romania's actions following inscription of the "Rosia Montana Mining Landscape" as a UNESCO World Heritage site;

changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and/or the group of companies of which it is directly or indirectly parent;

access to funding to support the Group's continued ICSID Arbitration and/or operating activities in the future;

equity dilution resulting from the conversion or exercise of new or existing securities in part or in whole to Common Shares;

the ability of the Company to maintain a continued listing on the TSX Venture Exchange or any regulated public market for trading securities;

the impact on business strategy and its implementation in Romania of: any allegations of historic acts of corruption, uncertain fiscal investigations; uncertain legal enforcement both for and against the Group and political and social instability;

regulatory, political and economic risks associated with operating in a foreign jurisdiction including changes in laws, governments and legal regimes and interpretation of existing and future fiscal and other legislation;

volatility of currency exchange rates; and

the availability and continued participation in operational or other matters pertaining to the Group of certain key employees and consultants.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in the Company's affairs since the date of this press release that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with or furnished to the relevant securities regulators or documents presented on the Company's website. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to the Company's disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies which can be viewed online at www.sedar.com.

ENDS

SOURCE: Gabriel Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658706/Gabriel-Resources-Ltd-Incentive-Scheme-Issuance
2nd Chance Investment Group Can Now Help Homeowners Throughout California Who Need to Sell their Home as Quickly as Possible

ONTARIO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / 2nd Chance Investment Group LLC is pleased to announce that they have expanded their service area to include all regions of California.

To learn more about 2nd Chance Investment Group LLC and the services that they offer, please visit https://www.homebuyerca.com/our-company/.

As a company spokesperson noted, while 2nd Chance Investment Group originally focused their services in the San Diego area, they realize that many homeowners throughout the entire state are in bad financial situations and need to sell their home quickly.

This knowledge inspired 2nd Chance Investment Group to expand their services and help homeowners in Palm Desert, Hemet, Sacramento, San Pedro, Fresno and dozens of other cities throughout California to sell their house for cash.

"We buy houses near you to ensure that you work with a company that is local," the spokesperson noted, adding that the friendly and experienced team from 2nd Chance Investment Group is able to help with liens, foreclosures, expensive moving costs, high taxes and other situations.

"We provide honest and fair solutions without hassles, the run-around, or judgments. Our process is transparent and straightforward."

From people who are in the process of getting divorced and need to sell their house right away and those who are behind in their mortgage payments, to people who are facing extensive home renovations that they simply cannot afford, 2nd Chance Investment Group offers more than a quick sale-they also provide invaluable peace of mind.

As a bonus, by going with a direct sale through 2nd Chance Investment Group, homeowners who are already under a great deal of stress do not have to worry about cleaning the house and showing it to potential buyers.

As part of their commitment to customer service, 2nd Chance Investment Group strives to be on the premises within 24 hours of getting a call from a new client-regardless of where the person lives. The company will tour the property when it is convenient for the homeowner and will provide an offer within a day or less.

About 2nd Chance Investment Group LLC:

2nd Chance Investment Group LLC buys houses all over California. They buy distressed properties, helping homeowners when they need it most. They can help with foreclosure, liens, code violations and more. For more information, please visit https://www.homebuyerca.com/.

2nd Chance Investment Group LLC

4295 E. Jurupa St., Unit 209

Ontario, CA 91761

Media Contact:

Ray Foster

info@homebuyerca.com

(866) 593 7012

SOURCE: 2nd Chance Investment Group LLC



View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658705/2nd-Chance-Investment-Group-LLC-Expands-Service-Area-to-Include-All-Regions-of-California
CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Single use Bioprocessing Market by Product (Media Bags and containers, Bioreactors, Mixers, Assemblies), Application (Cell Culture, Mixing, Storage, Filtration, Purification), End User (Biopharma Companies, CROs, CMOs) - Global Forecast 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to reach USD 20.8 billion by 2026 from USD 8.2 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 20.5% during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Single use Bioprocessing Market"

486 - Tables

46 - Figures

369 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=231651297



the Single-use bioprocessing is a rapidly evolving technology used to develop disposable bioprocessing equipment and accessories to manufacturing biopharmaceutical molecules such as recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and stem cells. Bioprocess utilizes living cells or their components such as enzymes, bacteria, and others to obtain preferred products. The central idea behind using single-use bioprocessing technology in the bioprocess is to decrease the cost associated with complicated steps such as cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of steel-based bioreactor systems.

The single-use media bags and containers segment accounted for the largest share of the product segment in the single-use bioprocessing market in 2020.

Based on product, the market is categorized into single-use media bags and containers, single-use assemblies, single-use bioreactors, disposable mixers, and other products. The other products segment includes single-use vessels, tubing, connectors. In 2020, the single-use media bags and containers segment accounted for the largest share of 30.7% of the global single use bioprocessing market by product. Single-use bioprocessing systems offer benefits such as lower capital investment, lower operating expenses, and lower environmental footprint, thus driving the growing adoption of these systems in biopharmaceutical applications.

The filtration segment accounted for the largest share of the application segment in the market in 2020

Based on the application, the single-use bioprocessing market is categorized into five segments based on applications: filtration, mixing, purification, storage, and cell culture. Over the years, technological advancements and the growing adoption of single-use technologies have played a crucial role in widening the applications of single-use bioprocessing systems. Single-use bioprocessing systems are mainly used in upstream and downstream processes in life sciences R&D and biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

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The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing region of the single-use bioprocessing market in 2020.

Based on the region, the market is divided into five major regions-North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America (LATAM), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The single use bioprocessing market in the APAC, particularly in China, Japan and India, is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. Growth in these markets will be fueled by significant investments by key market players, increasing government support, developing R&D infrastructure, increasing outsourcing, and growing expertise & academic excellence.

The single-use bioprocessing market is highly consolidated with majority of the market share taken up by key players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. (France), and Merck KGaA (Germany). The key players in this market are increasingly focusing on strategic expansions, partnerships, and product approvals to expand their manufacturing capabilities and increase market presence.

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Browse Adjacent Markets: Biotechnology Market Research Reports & Consulting

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Single-use Assemblies Market by Product (Bag Assembly, Filtration Assembly, Bottle Assembly, Mixing Assembly), Application (Filtration, Storage), Solution (Standard, Customized), End User (Pharmaceutical, Biopharma, CMOs, CROs) - Global Forecast to 2026

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/single-use-assemblies-market-46226549.htmlSingle use Bioreactors Market by Product (System, Media Bag, Filtration Assemblies), Type (Stirred tank, Bubble column), Type of Molecule (MAbs, Vaccine), Cell Type (Mammalian, Bacteria), Application (R&D), End User (CROs & CMOs) - Global Forecast to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/single-use-bioreactor-market-49113750.html

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Xinte's parent company - TBEA - has agreed to buy new shares issued by the company for RMB2.3 billion and these funds will be used to implement its 100,000 MT expansion plan. Furthermore, EVA solar film manufacturer Bbetter Century and 8 GW factory in the Shaanxi Province.TBEA-owned polysilicon maker and renewables developer Xinte Energy has raised RMB2.3 billion ($355.9 million) for its plan to expand its polysilicon capacity by 100,000 MT. The company has signed an agreement with TBEA, which agreed to purchase 167 million new shares at a price of RMB13.73 per share. Xinte said around 87.22% ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar spiked higher against its major counterparts in the European session on Friday, as the nation's job growth exceeded forecasts in July, intensifying hopes for a reduction in bond purchases by the Federal Reserve in the near future.



Data from the Labor Department showed that U.S. employment soared more than expected in the month of July.



The non-farm payroll employment spiked by 943,000 jobs in July after surging by an upwardly revised 938,000 jobs in June.



Economists had expected employment to jump by 870,000 jobs compared to the addition of 850,000 jobs originally reported for the previous month.



With the stronger than expected job growth, the unemployment rate slid to 5.4 percent in July from 5.9 percent in June, falling to its lowest level since March of 2020.



Economists had expected the unemployment rate to dip to 5.7 percent.



Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday that the central bank could withdraw stimulus measures amid rapid progress on economic recovery.



He repeated his view that a strong labor market recovery would enable the Fed to pull back policy support sooner than expected.



The greenback firmed in the Asian session, as U.S. treasury yields rose ahead of U.S. jobs data that could offer clues on the Fed's policy moves.



The greenback gained 0.4 percent against the yen, approaching a 9-day high of 110.18. The pair had closed Thursday's deals at 109.76. Should the greenback strengthens further, it is likely to test resistance around the 112.00 region.



Preliminary data from the Cabinet Office showed that Japan's leading index increased to the highest since February 2014.



The leading index, which measures the future economic activity, rose to 104.1 in June from 102.6 in May.



The greenback moved higher to a 9-day high of 0.9114 against the franc, registering a rise of 0.5 percent from yesterday's closing value of 0.9068. Further rally in the currency may find resistance around the 0.95 region.



The greenback was up by 0.5 percent against the euro, at a 9-day high of 1.1776. The pair was worth 1.1832 when it closed deals on Thursday. Next immediate resistance for the greenback is likely seen around the 1.15 level.



Data from Destatis showed that German industrial production declined unexpectedly in June.



Industrial output dropped 1.3 percent in June from May, when production was down by revised 0.8 percent. Economists had forecast production to grow 0.5 percent in June.



The greenback reached as high as 1.3890 against the pound, up 0.3 percent on the day. The pound-greenback pair had ended yesterday's trading session at 1.3927. The greenback may face resistance around the 1.36 region.



The greenback appreciated to a 2-day high of 0.7371 against the aussie from Thursday's New York session close of 0.7400. Next near term resistance for the greenback is found around the 0.70 level.



The greenback firmed to a 2-day high of 0.7024 against the kiwi from yesterday's trading close of 0.7052. Extension of the greenback's uptrend may lead it to a resistance around the 0.68 region.



The greenback was higher against the loonie, at a 2-day high of 1.2554. The greenback was trading at 1.2498 against the loonie at yesterday's close. The greenback may test resistance around the 1.28 region, if it gains again.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH ITS DISTRIBUTION MAY BE UNLAWFUL

BH MACRO LIMITED

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 46235)

LEI: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29

6 August 2021

Completion of Tender Offer



The Company announces that the acquisition by the Company of 1,334,099 Sterling shares and 125,163 US Dollar shares pursuant to the tender offer launched by the Company on 2 June 2021 (the "Tender Offer") has now been executed with all being repurchased by the Company and held in treasury.

Payment to shareholders of the Tender Offer consideration is expected to be despatched to tendering shareholders today, 6 August 2021.

Following the above transaction, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company is as follows:

Class of shares Shares in issue Shares in treasury US dollar shares 1,968,239 375,391 Sterling shares 13,750,456 2,346,302

The number of votes each share in the Company is entitled to on a poll at any general meeting of the Company was published by the Company on 9 March 2007 and will not change as a result of the transaction. These are:

US Dollar Share 0.7606

Sterling Share 1.4710

From today, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded down to the whole number) is 21,723,963.

Enquiries

Richard Horlick

Chairman

William Simmonds

J.P. Morgan Cazenove

020 7742 4000

Edward Berry / Tom Blackwell

FTI Consulting

07703 330 199 / 07747 113 919

Important notices

J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking activities as J.P. Morgan Cazenove ("J.P. Morgan Cazenove"), which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Tender Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to customers of J.P. Morgan Cazenove or for providing advice in relation to the Tender Offer or any other matter referred to herein.

This announcement does not constitute an offer or solicitation to acquire or sell any securities in the Company. Any acceptance or other response to the Tender Offer should be made on the basis of the information contained in the Circular. The Tender Offer will not be extended into any jurisdiction where to do so may be unlawful or which may otherwise subject the Company or any other person to any unduly onerous obligation.

This announcement is not for distribution in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its distribution may be unlawful. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or elsewhere. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from such registration. The Company has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors are not entitled to the benefits of that Act. There has not been and there will be no public offering of the Company's securities in the United States.
Regulatory News:

On 8 June 2021, Remy Cointreau (Paris:RCO) announced the launch of its first employee share ownership plan, "My Remy Cointreau", in France.

More than 630 subscribers, equating to 68.4% of eligible current and former employees, signed up for the plan via the My Remy Cointreau employee investment fund (FCPE).

Remy Cointreau's Chief Executive Officer, Eric Vallat, said, "This first employee share ownership plan demonstrates how keen employees are to participate in value creation and confirms how confident they are in the Group's ability to deliver sustainable growth. This show of commitment to Remy Cointreau gives us confidence for the future.

Consequently, 23 457 new shares were issued on 6 August 2021. The new shares will vest on 1 April 2021 and will be identical in all respects to Remy Cointreau shares already admitted to trading on Euronext.

Following this issue, the My Remy Cointreau employee investment fund's equity interest equates to 0.05% of the company, based on the share capital at 6 August 2021.

Disclaimer:

More information about the "My Remy Cointreau" plan is available in the detailed brochure, which can be viewed at www.myremycointreau2021.com.

This press release constitutes the information document required to qualify for exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus laid down in paragraphs 4 (i) and 5 (h) of Article 1 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of 14 June 2017. This information document is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered a form of canvassing or solicitation for employees and former employees to participate in the "My Remy Cointreau" plan. No advice or investment recommendation is given by Remy Cointreau or any employer in relation to this plan. The decision to invest is a personal one to be made by eligible employees taking into consideration their portfolio diversification requirements.

About Remy Cointreau:

There are clients all over the world seeking exceptional experiences clients who know that a wide range of terroirs means a variety of flavours. Their exacting standards are in keeping with our expertise the finely-honed skills we pass down from generation to generation. The time these clients devote to savouring our products is a tribute to all those who have laboured to develop them. It is for these men and women that family-owned French group Remy Cointreau protects its terroirs, cultivates centuries-old premium spirits and is committed to keeping them forever modern. The Group's portfolio spans twelve exceptional brands, including Remy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs and Cointreau liqueur. Remy Cointreau has just one ambition: to become the global leader in premium spirits. To this end, it draws on the commitment and creativity of its 1,850 employees and on its distribution subsidiaries based in the Group's core markets. Remy Cointreau is listed on Euronext Paris.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005440/en/

Contacts:

Celia d'Everlange: +33 6 03 65 46 78
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - Value Capital Trust (TSXV: VLU.P) ("Value") and AIP Yield Fund, LP ("AIPYF") announce that they have updated the terms of the proposed brokered private placement of subscription receipts of AIPYF ("Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to US$20,000,000 (the "Offering") announced on February 18, 2021 (the "February Announcement").

AIPYF and Value entered into a letter of intent dated December 18, 2021, as amended by a first amending agreement dated January 31, 2021 and a second amending agreement dated April 29, 2021 (the "Letter of Intent"). Pursuant to a third amending agreement dated July 26, 2021, AIPYF and Value have agreed to further extend the term of the Letter of Intent to September 30, 2021.

Following the completion of the Offering, AIPYF and Value plan to complete the previously announced transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Value by AIPYF (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Proposed Transaction will also result in the name of Value being changed to AIP Realty Trust. The Proposed Transaction will be an arm's length transaction, and, if completed, will constitute Value's "Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in TSXV Policy 2.4).

For further information, please contact:

Value Capital Trust

Name: Nathan Smith

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (345) 926-4915

AIP Yield Fund, LP

Name: Leslie Wulf

Title: Capital Markets and Finance

Phone: (214) 679-5263

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Value and AIPYF with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding the completion of the Offering.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect Value and AIPYF's respective management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Value and AIPYF believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Resulting Issuer. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to complete the Offering; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the diversion of management time on the Offering. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Value and AIPYF and market conditions.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Value and AIPYF have attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Value and AIPYF do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92358
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Recently, Walleteum has announced the launch of its highly secured wallet and operation system, with a smart contract technology that helps users exchange one cryptocurrency for another using a centralized intermediary.

In the past couple of years, we have seen radical changes in the field of technology. Startups have been taking over all across the world and we have seen new inventions that have literally changed the lives of people.

Crypto has been on the rise and so is the technology that plays a supporting role. Walleteum is a highly secure wallet for managing all of users' crypto assets. With Walleteum, users don't need specific digital wallets to manage every cryptocurrency separately.

Walleteum is very pleased to announce its secured wallet and operating system backed by a private blockchain network, enabling things to simplify for daily businesses and personal uses.

Walleteum Vision

It is a smart contract technology that helps users exchange one cryptocurrency for another using a centralized intermediary. The Walleteum Operating system and the patented deep-centralized private blockchains network technology aims to change it fundamentally and make it more useful for businesses and everyday life.

These technologies can unite to enhance further security in addition to reducing operating costs and automated business processes. Walleteum is a successful member of the Linux foundation, hyper ledge, and RDS partner Network.

The walleteum allows the user to create an account where they can save all of their sensitive data by private key. This data includes usernames and passwords, credit details, bank accounts details, and any other information they want to add in finally all integration with other networks.

Also according to Bitdotcoin: "The Walleteum token (EUM) based on the Ethereum network is one of the most important high-potential digital currencies introduced for investment."

The design of the Future

Gone are days when the only way to keep users' money secured was in a bank account. With the increase in the money variations, there is something new on the horizon. With the doors of cryptocurrency opening on the people, it is taking the people by storm; a considerable percentage of people and investors seem to be taking an interest in investing and becoming financially independent and secure.

All those who worry if their money is safe or not, in 2021, this digital currency is becoming more significant, more powerful, and more secure than ever allowing everyone to keep their assets safe.

It is a cryptocurrency providing instant exchanges and synchronizations with countless decentralized exchanges. It not only can be accessed from anywhere but it makes the cashless world look more flexible and easier to keep an account of the money while spending it as per requirement. The worries of carrying around cash are now far gone.

Online wallet features

The online wallet has a lot of features, making it one of the best choices for people all over the world. These features include cross-chain compatibility, support for multiple devices, whether iOS or Android, support for the hardware, desktop, and mobile wallets. Furthermore, with the support for various blockchains, self-custodial wallets, the app also has a swap feature where users can exchange cryptocurrencies and can generate a wallet free of cost.

People are mostly concerned about how secure the transactions are. The wallet features a highly secure layer. Walleteum uses two NSA-grade cryptographic layers that protect the Keystore and the data.

Bitdotcoin, one of the Walleteum partners, has named EUM Walleteum Token as one of the top 10 investable tokens.

Meet the CEO: Ben Jalilian

Ben Jalilian is the founder of Walleteum Crypto. He is a usersng entrepreneur and a full-stack developer. Ben Jalilian has been working for more than 20 years on managing RD, IT, Programming, with around 9 technology-related patents which are being used in more than 100 Apps.

Ben is also an inventor in the field of mobile technology, blockchain ecosystem, digital marketing, AI, and ERP-related business. Ben has also cofounded Banigig, Radiostylo, and Khanecinema (a VOD based blockchain technology) while actively working on the upgrades on the protocols of Walleteum.

"I have the opportunity to interact with engineers, mathematicians and economists sublime in their fields, to aid build business and tools base transparently that already affect tens of millions of users and business around the world."

He further mentioned that: 'Building cool ecosystem things hoping to impact millions of lives in the freedom world."

Ben has been working in the field of IT technology since 2010 with the bootstrapping business. Ben considers himself a crypto enthusiast and has been self-educating on blockchain and cryptocurrency since 2015.

Later in 2017 (aliencamp.com), he was able to launch the first-ever crowdfunding platform with the help of cryptocurrency payment so the entire world could be accessed for contribution. Unfortunately, this effort was not at all supported by the community and had to be eventually stopped after running for 18 months.

Alek Farjandi, the CMO of the Project stated: "I was employed by a company in the field of financial services and banking for more than 10 years. Now I work in the field of crypto and blockchain technology, and I consider it a pristine market with high potential."

Currently, he is working in the Non-Executive Director role within the blockchain and the cryptocurrency Ecosystem making better and improved upgrades to the system and technology.

Walleteum indeed intends not just to create but to develop Blockchain in the near future by the addition of all the possible services that will be provided in the blockchain network. In addition to this, another aim is to move with other Blockchain presents in the world of free world integration through the use of big data and Artificial intelligence.

Walleteum plans to unveil Multi-China in 2023 based on the support of art producers and producers, which is itself a breakthrough in the artist community to preserve their artwork.

However, in today's time, the people can easily change their world; therefore, they require a decentralized structure so they can build their future with the help of their own votes and choices. In these modern times, centralized structures are losing their popularity. They are moving to a decentralized world steadily so the people can contribute to the successful creation of the future.

Social Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/walleteum

Telegram: https://t.me/walleteum

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walleteum

Smart contract: https://etherscan.io/token/0x3071a55a0f7916d796b54a2d095db85df693d956

Media contact

Company: Walleteum

Contact: Ben Jalilian (CEO)

E-mail: info@walleteum.com

Website: https://walleteum.com/

SOURCE: Walleteum

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658697/Walleteum-Announces-the-Launch-of-the-Highly-Secured-Wallet-and-Operation-System
SHERMAN OAKS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Petroteq Energy Inc. ("Petroteq" or the "Company") (TSXV:PQE) (OTC:PQEFF) (FSE:PQCF), an oil company focused on the development and implementation of its proprietary oil-extraction and remediation technologies, announces the resignation of Mr. Alex Blyumkin as an officer and director of the Company. The board of directors of the Company has appointed R G Bailey, current director and former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as the Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Vladimir Podlipsky, current Chief Technology Officer of the Company, has been appointed as a director of the Company.

Mr. Blyumkin is the Founder of Petroteq. It was his vision that led the Company to bring the extracted oil to market. Mr. Blyumkin stated, "I have given my time and energy over 10 years to see the Company become on the cusp of commercial success. Now I want to move away from the daily obligations of running the business and focus more on my family. I continue to believe and support Petroteq and am confident the new leadership can accomplish my goals and spread the word to others of the advantages of the technology and how Petroteq developed a true green oil company. There comes a time when one should turn the daily effort over to other experienced team members, and those at Petroteq can take it into its second decade to even more achievements and growth".

Dr. Bailey commented, "I am honored to accept this appointment, as I have been on this journey with Alex, Petroteq and many shareholders for over nine years, from the startup through building the first plant in Vernal, Utah. Petroteq has a good record of development, through some tough economic times, and is poised to move forward with continued emphasis in deploying its eco-friendly, waterless extraction technology in not only larger scale production operations, but also in oily sand remediation efforts on a global scale. I trust my executive experience in the oil industry will enhance this effort. I thank our shareholders and the directors for their support during our growth years and for their continued support as we grow even stronger."

About Petroteq Energy Inc.

Petroteq is a clean technology company focused on the development, implementation and licensing of a patented, environmentally safe and sustainable technology for the extraction and reclamation of heavy oil and bitumen from oil sands and mineable oil deposits. The versatile technology can be applied to both water-wet deposits and oil-wet deposits - outputting high-quality oil and clean sand.

Petroteq believes that its technology can produce a relatively sweet heavy crude oil from deposits of oil sands at Asphalt Ridge without requiring the use of water, and therefore without generating wastewater which would otherwise require the use of other treatment or disposal facilities which could be harmful to the environment. Petroteq's process is intended to be a more environmentally friendly extraction technology that leaves clean residual sand that can be sold or returned to the environment, without the use of tailings ponds or further remediation.

For more information, visit www.Petroteq.energy.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. and Canadian securities laws. Words such as "may," "would," "could," "should," "potential," "will," "seek," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet the Company's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of the Company to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the "risk factors" that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: failure by the Exchange or the directors of the Company to provide necessary approvals; all closing conditions being satisfied or waived; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of resources, including whether any reserves will ever be attributed to the Company's properties; since the Company's extraction technology is proprietary, is not widely used in the industry, and has not been used in consistent commercial production, the Company's bitumen resources are classified as a contingent resource because they are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable; full scale commercial production may engender public opposition; the Company cannot be certain that its bitumen resources will be economically producible and thus cannot be classified as proved or probable reserves in accordance with applicable securities laws; changes in laws or regulations; the ability to implement business strategies or to pursue business opportunities, whether for economic or other reasons; status of the world oil markets, oil prices and price volatility; oil pricing; state of capital markets and the ability of the Company to raise capital; litigation; the commercial and economic viability of the Company's oil sands hydrocarbon extraction technology, and other proprietary technologies developed or licensed by the Company or its subsidiaries, which currently are of an experimental nature and have not been used at full capacity for an extended period of time; reliance on suppliers, contractors, consultants and key personnel; the ability of the Company to maintain its mineral lease holdings; potential failure of the Company's business plans or model; the nature of oil and gas production and oil sands mining, extraction and production; uncertainties in exploration and drilling for oil, gas and other hydrocarbon-bearing substances; unanticipated costs and expenses, availability of financing and other capital; potential damage to or destruction of property, loss of life and environmental damage; risks associated with compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations; uninsurable or uninsured risks; potential conflicts of interest of officers and directors; risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents, filed with United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov (including, without limitation, its most recent annual report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), and with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward- looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Gerald Bailey

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Petroteq Energy Inc.

Tel: (800) 979-1897

SOURCE: Petroteq Energy Inc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658785/Petroteq-Announces-Management-Changes
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / GATLING EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:GTR)(OTCQB:GATGF) (the "Company" or "Gatling) is pleased to announce that its ongoing drill program at the Larder Gold project has added significant value leading up to its mineral resource estimate in Q3 2021. Drilling at the Bear deposit has returned 7.7 g/t Au over 17.0 m including 25.3 g/t Au over 4.0 m up plunge from the core of the Bear deposit, connecting it to near-surface lenses identified in Gatling's 2019 drill campaign. The Fernland deposit has completed the 13,500 m drill program targeting near-surface gold mineralization and recent drilling from all three zones has added to both open pit and underground resource potential. Gatling has now entered the resource update phase utilizing its large drill database highlighted by more than 60,000 m of drilling completed by the company across all three high-grade gold deposits over the past 2.5 years, plus 70,000 m of historical drilling including 37,000 m to support Fernland's initial resource estimate.

Jason Billan, President and CEO for Gatling, commented, "The 25,000 m exploration program outlined at the beginning of the year is nearly 90% complete and has continued to deliver impressive results across the Fernland and now Bear deposits, which bode well for the upcoming mineral resource estimate at the Larder project. One of the primary objectives of our program this year was to close the gap between two main lenses at Bear which begin at roughly 100 m below surface and the core of the Bear deposit, which commences at approximately 500 m depth. We have now accomplished this significant achievement in a timely manner. In addition, Fernland continues to grow in size following the completion of its drill program, demonstrating further upside at depth and beneath a potential starter pit. We look forward to updating the market during a catalyst-rich second half of the year for the Company, while being laser focused on meeting or exceeding our 2021 goals."

Gatling Drill Update Highlights

Bear Deposit:

High-Grade Gold Intersections Extend Core of the Deposit Up Plunge by 150 m. The recent drilling at Bear has proven continuity from the core of the deposit to known near-surface mineralized zones drilled in 2019 (Figures 1 & 2). Drillhole GTR-21-127 intersected 6.6 g/t Au over 5.0 m and GTR-21-132 intersected 7.7 g/t Au over 17.0 m including 25.3 g/t Au over 4.0 m with visible gold (Figure 5). These results extend the deposit up plunge by 150 m vertically and 350 m along strike to ultimately add a material amount of data to the upcoming mineral resource estimate. Demonstrating the continuity up plunge from the core of the Bear deposit now provides excellent potential to trace the gold mineralization to surface similar to the Fernland and Cheminis deposits.

The recent drilling at Bear has proven continuity from the core of the deposit to known near-surface mineralized zones drilled in 2019 (Figures 1 & 2). Drillhole GTR-21-127 intersected and GTR-21-132 intersected (Figure 5). These results extend the deposit up plunge by 150 m vertically and 350 m along strike to ultimately add a material amount of data to the upcoming mineral resource estimate. Demonstrating the continuity up plunge from the core of the Bear deposit now provides excellent potential to trace the gold mineralization to surface similar to the Fernland and Cheminis deposits. Recent Drillholes Add Significant Value to the Upcoming Resource at the Bear Deposit. These recent drill intercepts completed by Gatling at the Bear deposit have filled in a large gap across drillholes GTR-21-125, GTR-21-127 and GTR-21-132, which represent approximately 350 m in strike and 150 m vertically between the 2011 historic resource model and 2019 drill intersections (Figures 1 & 3). Filling in this gap met a key objective for the 2021 exploration program and marked a significant achievement at the Bear deposit ahead of the resource update as it will add significant ounces and tonnes up plunge from the high-grade core of the deposit.

These recent drill intercepts completed by Gatling at the Bear deposit have filled in a large gap across drillholes GTR-21-125, GTR-21-127 and GTR-21-132, which represent approximately 350 m in strike and 150 m vertically between the 2011 historic resource model and 2019 drill intersections (Figures 1 & 3). Filling in this gap met a key objective for the 2021 exploration program and marked a significant achievement at the Bear deposit ahead of the resource update as it will add significant ounces and tonnes up plunge from the high-grade core of the deposit. Exploration to Continue at Bear Along Strike and Within Plunging Zones. Drilling at the Bear deposit has identified similar south-easterly plunging chutes to the Fernland and Cheminis deposits. These plunging directions are becoming more predictable and allowing the exploration programs to methodically advance with increased levels of confidence and success rates. East of the Bear deposit, Gatling has a high level of confidence that this same style of structurally-controlled gold mineralization will repeat itself, which may result in a significant addition of targets along strike. Gatling will continue to explore the Bear deposit along strike and at depth leveraging all data collected from previous drill programs as it is open in all directions.

Fernland Deposit:

Completion of Near-Surface Drill Campaign of 13,500 m. Gatling has now completed its drill campaign designed to target gold mineralization within the upper 300 m at the Fernland deposit and has sent the drill rig up to its Kir Vit prospect. The program was a success in identifying three new mineralized zones striking over 1 km, starting at surface down to approximately 250 m with gold intersections such as 1.5 g/t Au over 200.7 m including 6.1 g/t Au over 23.7 m , which will all be incorporated in Fernland's initial resource estimate in Q3 2021.

Gatling has now completed its drill campaign designed to target gold mineralization within the upper 300 m at the Fernland deposit and has sent the drill rig up to its Kir Vit prospect. The program was a success in identifying three new mineralized zones striking over 1 km, starting at surface down to approximately 250 m with gold intersections such as including , which will all be incorporated in Fernland's initial resource estimate in Q3 2021. Fernland Drilling Continues to Prove Widespread Gold Intervals within Zone 2. Recent drilling has extended previously discovered near-surface gold mineralization with 1.4 g/t Au over 16.0 m in drillhole GTR-21-120 (Figures 1 & 4). This intersection is relevant as it sits 250 m below surface and beneath the potential open pit scenario, which could be included in the upcoming resource estimate. This provides excellent opportunity to extend the potential pit further at depth.

Recent drilling has extended previously discovered near-surface gold mineralization with in drillhole GTR-21-120 (Figures 1 & 4). This intersection is relevant as it sits 250 m below surface and beneath the potential open pit scenario, which could be included in the upcoming resource estimate. This provides excellent opportunity to extend the potential pit further at depth. Upcoming Initial Resource Estimate at the Fernland Deposit. The Fernland deposit strikes approximately 1.5 km with a depth component of approximately 600 m and hosts multiple mineralized lenses within three main gold zones. Thesuccessful drill campaign completed by Gatling at the Fernland deposit has outlined both near-surface open pit and underground gold zones that will be integrated into the initial resource estimate.

Upside Potential at the Larder Gold Project

Swansea Zone. The Swansea zone hosts over 4 km of favorable Cadillac-Larder Lake Break geological units and has approximately 19,000 m of drilling along strike, whereas the Fernland, Cheminis and Bear have seen approximately 300,000 m of drilling. The Swansea zone is significantly underexplored considering its location along the break and permitting is underway with exploration planned in early 2022.

The Swansea zone hosts over 4 km of favorable Cadillac-Larder Lake Break geological units and has approximately 19,000 m of drilling along strike, whereas the Fernland, Cheminis and Bear have seen approximately 300,000 m of drilling. The Swansea zone is significantly underexplored considering its location along the break and permitting is underway with exploration planned in early 2022. Bear East. Gatling has approximately 1.5 km east of the Bear deposit that has less than 2,500 m drilled along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break. This strike extension of the current high-grade Bear deposit is an excellent target to further expand the mineral resource.

Gatling has approximately 1.5 km east of the Bear deposit that has less than 2,500 m drilled along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break. This strike extension of the current high-grade Bear deposit is an excellent target to further expand the mineral resource. Fernland and Cheminis at Depth. Both the Fernland and Cheminis deposits have exhibited near-surface gold mineralization that extends at depth with predictable high grade south-easterly plunging chutes. The deposits are still open at depth with minimal exploration completed below 500 vertical meters, providing an excellent opportunity for zone expansion.

Both the Fernland and Cheminis deposits have exhibited near-surface gold mineralization that extends at depth with predictable high grade south-easterly plunging chutes. The deposits are still open at depth with minimal exploration completed below 500 vertical meters, providing an excellent opportunity for zone expansion. Kir Vit North. The current exploration program at Kir Vit is focused along the intrusion-related gold system identified in 2019, which is mostly at the southern end of the Kir Vit domain. The northern part of Kir Vit consists mostly of the Timiskaming Conglomerate that has proven to host high-grade gold in Phase I of drilling. Current follow-up of this type of mineralization is underway, and if Gatling can continue to exploit this mineralized horizon, the entire northern portion of Kir Vit will become highly prospective.

The current exploration program at Kir Vit is focused along the intrusion-related gold system identified in 2019, which is mostly at the southern end of the Kir Vit domain. The northern part of Kir Vit consists mostly of the Timiskaming Conglomerate that has proven to host high-grade gold in Phase I of drilling. Current follow-up of this type of mineralization is underway, and if Gatling can continue to exploit this mineralized horizon, the entire northern portion of Kir Vit will become highly prospective. Regional Exploration. Multiple priority targets are being evaluated by the Gatling technical team and will be explored in future programs. Some of the high priority targets include intrusion-related gold zones, conglomerate/unconformity horizons and structural trends identified in both AI targeting and LiDAR structure detection.

Nathan Tribble, Vice President Exploration for Gatling, commented, "These recent results from the ongoing drill program at the Bear deposit are very significant in connecting the high-grade core of the deposit to lenses identified in our 2019 drill campaign by tracking the plunging mineralized zones. It is expected that these latest holes will add a large amount of volume and ounces to our upcoming resource update as the gap prior to these drillholes was 300 m in strike and 150 vertically. Having also completed our very successful program at the Fernland deposit, we have now shifted gears to continue to explore aggressively at our Kir Vit prospect, by targeting the high-grade shear zones identified last year in our outcrop stripping campaign."

Table 1. Drill Hole Highlights

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Rock Type Zone/Target GTR-21-117 217.5 218.9 1.4 4.7 Ultramafics Fernland Zone 3 313.0 314.0 1.0 4.2 North Volcanics Fernland Zone 3 GTR-21-120 285.0 301.0 16.0 1.4 South Volcanics Fernland Zone 2 Including 291.0 293.0 2.0 5.7 South Volcanics Fernland Zone 2 GTR-21-125 433.0 435.0 2.0 4.0 Mafic Volcanics Bear Up Plunge 457.0 488.0 31.0 1.4 Porphyry Intrusion Bear Up Plunge Including 457.0 459.0 2.0 8.7 Porphyry Intrusion Bear Up Plunge Including 486.0 488.0 2.0 6.8 Porphyry Intrusion Bear Up Plunge GTR-21-126A 531.0 538.0 7.0 1.4 Graphitic Argillite Fernland Zone 1 GTR-21-127 434.0 438.0 4.0 3.7 North Volcanics Bear Up Plunge Including 434.0 436.0 2.0 5.1 North Volcanics Bear Up Plunge 522.0 527.0 5.0 6.6 South Volcanics Bear Up Plunge GTR-21-132 391.0 408.0 17.0 7.7 Komatiites Bear Up Plunge Including 393.0 395.0 2.0 8.2 Komatiites Bear Up Plunge Including 403.0 407.0 4.0 25.3 Komatiites Bear Up Plunge

** Note true widths are estimated at 75 - 90% of the reported core length interval

Figure 1. Larder project long section showing the new gold mineralized zones identified from recent drill results at the Bear and Fernland deposits during the ongoing 2021 drill campaign.

Figure 2. Geological plan map of the ongoing drill campaign at the Larder Gold Project with multiple mineralized lenses at each zone and recent drill hole traces.

Figure 3. Bear long section showing the location of recent drill results, new mineralized zones and gold contours connecting the core of the Bear deposit up plunge to near-surface mineralized trends.

Figure 4. Fernland long section showing the location of recent drill results, new mineralized zones, and gold contours connecting Fernland mineralization with Cheminis.

Figure 5. DrillholeGTR-21-132 with visible gold at 404.9 m within quartz-carbonate vein

The Company also announces that, further to its news releases of June 11, 2021 and July 12, 2021, it will not be closing any additional tranches of its private placement.

About Gatling Exploration

Gatling Exploration is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on advancing the Larder Gold Project, located in the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt in Northern Ontario. The Larder property hosts three high-grade gold deposits along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break, 35 km east of Kirkland Lake. The project is 100% owned by Gatling and is comprised of patented and unpatented claims, leases and mining licenses of occupation within the McVittie and McGarry Townships. The 3,370 ha project area is positioned 7 km west of the Kerr Addison Mine, which produced 11 million ounces of gold. All parts of the Larder property are accessible by truck or all-terrain vehicles on non-serviced roads and trails.

QA/QC

Drill core is logged and sampled at the Larder Gold project site. Core samples from the program are cut in half, using a diamond cutting saw with half sent for assay at SGS lab in Cochrane, Ontario. The other half is secured and retained on site. All samples are analyzed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning greater than 5.0 g/t gold are analyzed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. Certified reference standards and blanks are routinely inserted into the sample stream as part of Gatling's quality control/quality assurance program.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Tribble, P. Geo., VP Exploration of Gatling Exploration, and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Jason Billan, President and CEO

Gatling Exploration Inc.

For further information on Gatling, contact Investor Relations

Telephone: 1-888-316-1050

Email: ir@gatlingexploration.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements: Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainness and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

SOURCE: Gatling Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/658725/Gatling-Delivers-Drilling-Update-77-gt-Au-over-170-m-Extending-the-Bear-Deposit-and-Additional-Positive-Drilling-Continues-at-the-Fernland-Deposit
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - LevelJump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) (OTCQB: JMPHF) (FSE: 75J) ("LevelJump" or the "Company"), a Canadian leader in B2B telehealth solutions, is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered private placement financing of 250,000 common shares at a price of $0.40 per share for gross proceeds of $100,000 (the "Offering").

The net proceeds from the financing will be used for general working capital purposes.

The securities issued under the Offering have a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date and will become free trading on December 5th, 2021, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Investor Communications

The company has also announced that it has engaged two firms to assist with investor communications and marketing to reach potential new investors.

The Company has entered into a six-month marketing and consulting contract with Toronto based marketing firm, North Equities Corp. North Equities Corp. specializes in various social media platforms and will be able to facilitate greater awareness and widespread dissemination of the Company's news. The Company will pay North Equities $100,000. North Equities currently owns 250,000 shares of the Company.

The Company has also engaged Winning Media to provide strategic digital media services, marketing, branding, and data analytics services. The Company has agreed to an initial budget of $100,000 with Winning Media and may wish to continue for additional services with Winning Media but is under no obligation. Winning Media will handle specific functions of digital distribution of public information relating to the Company. Winning Media and its principals do not have any direct or indirect equity interest in the Company and will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation for their services. The Company and Winning Media act at arm's length.

Winning Media is a Houston, Texas based marketing agency that specializes in digital and corporate brand marketing services to enhance corporate visibility and retail investor awareness.

The Investor communications is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, if applicable.

About LevelJump Healthcare

LevelJump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) is building a national medical diagnostic imaging company and brand, primarily by providing teleradiology (remote radiology) services to its client hospitals and imaging centers. Additionally, JUMP plans to expand through the acquisition of independent healthcare facilities focused on diagnostic imaging as well as acquiring new disruptive imaging technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

LEVELJUMP HEALTHCARE CORP.

Mitchell Geisler, Chief Executive Officer

info@leveljumphealthcare.com

(833) 840-2020

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92381
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2021) - Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) ("Antler" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a binding letter agreement with an arm's length vendor (the "Vendor") to acquire a greenfields rare earth project (the "Project") in Zambia ("Agreement"). The Company also announces a non-brokered private placement financing to raise gross proceeds of $500,000 from the sale of 5,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") priced at $0.10 per Unit (the "Financing").

The Project being acquired from the Vendor is a carbonatite which was first identified in the 1960's in the Kafue district in southern Zambia. The Project is located within the Vendor's currently held mineral license. Under the Agreement, Antler has the right to create a new license and to transfer it into a newly incorporated joint venture entity ("Newco") once certain terms and conditions are met, including (i) a payment of C$5,000 to the Vendor on signing of the Agreement, (ii) C$25,000 of exploration work in respect of the Project within 6 months of expiration of the 30 day due diligence period commencing on the date of the Agreement, and (iii) an additional C$10,000 payment to the Vendor should Antler decide to proceed to establish a joint venture with the Vendor and transfer the license to Newco. Terms of the proposed joint venture between Antler and the Vendor will include, among other things, an initial 75% interest for Antler and 25% for the Vendor in Newco. Antler will act as the operator of the Project and each party will be expected to contribute its proportionate share of exploration expenditures in respect of the Project. In the event that either party's interest in Newco is diluted to 10% or less, that party's interest will automatically be converted into a 5% carried interest.

Antler also announces the Financing to raise gross proceeds of C$500,000 by the sale of 5,000,000 Units at a price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of Antler (a "Common Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to purchase one common share of Antler at the price of $0.15 per share for a period of two years from the closing date of the Financing (the "Closing Date"). Insiders intend on subscribing for a portion of the Financing to be determined.

Antler intends to use the net proceeds of the Financing to advance exploration work on its Erongo Gold Project in Namibia and the Project in Zambia as well as for general working capital purposes. Completion of the Financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a four-month hold period commencing on the Closing Date.

Qualified Person

Peter Hollick, BSc. (Hons), is a Consulting Geologist at Remote Exploration Services (Pty) Ltd. and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Hollick is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No. 400113/93) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About Antler Gold Inc.

Antler Gold Inc. (TSXV: ANTL) is a Canadian company, focused on the acquisition and exploration of gold projects in Namibia. Antler's Erongo Gold Project covers areas of the Navachab-Damara Belt, which is highly prospective for gold, and shares geologically similarities to the areas containing the known Namibian Gold mines (QKR's Navachab and B2 Golds' Otjikoto) as well as Osino's recent Twin Hills discovery. Namibia is recognized as one of Africa's most politically stable jurisdictions, with an extremely well-established national infrastructure.

The Company continues to assess new opportunities to expand its Namibian and Zambian portfolio.

Further details are available on the Company's website at www.antlergold.com.

Cautionary Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information, such as statements regarding the completion of the work in Namibia by Antler and future plans and objectives of Antler, including the acquisition of a new project in Zambia. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions in connection with the continuance of the applicable company as a going concern and general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of exploration programmes and work in Namibia and Zambia and risks related to the Company's ability to complete the Financing. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Antler assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings made by Antler with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact Daniel Whittaker, President and CEO of Antler Gold Inc., at (902) 488-4700 or Chris Drysdale, VP at +264 81 220 2439.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92382


DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Luxury electric car maker Tesla Inc. (TSLA) has not been invited to the White House for an EV summit. This, seen in a cluster with Musk's previous clash with the FAA and his tumultuous relationship with the United Auto Workers, is raising questions on the billionaire's relationship with the government.



The meeting, in which President Joe Biden was supposed to unveil a big push for the automakers to make a shift to the electric vehicle, went ahead without Tesla. Other than the American brand, Nissan Motors, Toyota Motor Co and Honda Motors were also not in the list of invitees. Significantly, Honda was the first company to announce a complete shift from combustion engines. German automakers, Volkswagen AG who recently invested $2 billion in EV engine research and development, also didn't make the cut.



Among the attendees were General Motors (GM), Ford Motor Co (F) and Stellantis N.V. (STLA). All top members of the UAW.



Musk took to Twitter to share his bewilderment, saying, 'Yeah, seems odd that Tesla wasn't invited.'



Jen Psaki, White House spokesperson, said about the incident, '(invited companies) are the three largest key players of the United Auto Workers. So I'll let you draw your own conclusion.'



Musk has been in trouble with his opposition to unions with the UAW before after he fired a union member and tweeted anti-union opinions. His decision to keep the Tesla plants open even in heights of the Covid pandemic has drawn in a lot of flak.



While the pro-union approach of the Biden administration is a surprise to none, Psaki ruled out Tesla's exclusion being intentional. 'I would not expect this is the last time we talked about clean cars, the move for electric vehicles, and we look forward to having a range of partners in that effort,' she added.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

TESLA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Bird Canada, which operates an electric vehicle sharing program, closed an additional round of funding of undisclosed amount.

The round was led by new investor MKB, with participation from existing investors Obelysk, Relay Ventures, and Alate Partners.

The company will use the funds to expand into additional markets, extend its reach to new cities, double the size of its team, and acquire more e-scooters and e-bikes to support its growth.

Led by Stewart Lyons, CEO, Bird Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated company that offers an electric vehicle sharing program, powered by Bird, to avoid congestion and get around urban areas. The company currently operates in six Canadian towns/cities  four in Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks, and Red Deer; and two in Ontario: Ottawa and Windsor  and continues to expand into new markets each year.

FinSMEs

05/08/2021
Stride Ventures, an Indian venture lending fund, announced the first close of Stride Ventures India Fund II, securing commitments of INR 550 crores out of its target corpus of INR 1,000 crore, with an additional greenshoe option of INR 875 crore.

The firm will be continuing its strategy of working closely with founders and fundamentally strong companies backed by venture capitalists.

The firm aims to ramp up deployment in late stage startups across sectors like B2B Commerce, Healthcare, Agritech, Fintech and D2C brands with average ticket size upto INR 75 crores.

In addition to family offices and institutional investors, the firm will diversify its investor base outside India for Stride Ventures India Fund II, on the lines of the maiden fund.

Led by Ishpreet Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner, Stride Ventures is focused on providing tailor-made debt solutions to growth-stage companies in India and enabling them to strategically allocate capital.

Previously, the firm has invested in late stage and growth stage startups such as Infra.Market, Spinny, HomeLane, SUGAR Cosmetics, Zetwerk, Bizongo, Pocket Aces, MyGlamm, DocsApp etc

Stride Ventures has been one of the most active venture debt companies this year, having made disbursals of over INR 400 crores in 2021 through 20 investments. The firm remains on track to announce the final close of the second fund by the end of 2021. With its ability to recycle capital, Stride will effectively have more than INR 3,000 crore for funding startups across the tenure of the fund.

FinSMEs

05/08/2021
Tampa, FL (33646)

Today

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
After rumours, the press images of the Galaxy A52s 5G (SM-A528B) smartphone has surfaced, and the phone has also been certified by the FCC. According to the images, it will have a similar design as the A52 5G. It is also said to feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ (10802400 pixels) Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display with 120Hz refresh rate display, same as the A52 5G.

Based on a recent Geekbench listing, the phone will be powered by Snapdragon 778G SoC, a major upgrade from the Snapdragon 750G in the A52 5G, pack 8GB of RAM and run Android 11 with One UI 3.1. Some listing also hint at 6GB RAM version of the phone, so it might vary depending on the market.

It is expected to feature 64MP rear camera with Sony IMX682 sensor, 12MP ultra-wide angle, 5MP macro and 5MP portrait cameras and a 32MP front camera with Sony IMX616 sensor. It should feature IP67 water resistant ratings and feature hybrid dual SIM slot, same as the A52. The phone is also said to feature the same 4500mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is expected to come in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Mint and Awesome Purple colours and launch sometime in early September. It is rumoured to be priced at about 449 Euros (US$ 531 / Rs. 39,410 approx.) for the 8GB RAM with 128GB version. The phone has already surfaced on Samsung Germany support page, so we can expect the official announcement soon.

Source 1, 2, 3
ANDERSON, SC (FOX Carolina)- On Tuesday, the FBI's Columbia branch confirmed that it took an Anderson man into custody on multiple charges connected his actions at the U.S. Capitol building.
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No, Im unvaccinated, but I still feel like I should go out and live my life

Yes, even though Im vaccinated Im going to start staying in and being more cautious of limiting the spread. Also going back to the mask.

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Fort Wayne, IN (46808)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
An angel wrote in the book of life my baby's date of birth, then whispered as she closed the book, "too beautiful for Earth." Walker Scott Wood, infant son of Krysta Wood was stillborn on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, TX. Baby Walker will always be remembere
North Texas Medical Center in Gainesville has seen an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent days, according to spokesperson Kristi Rigsby. Visitor access will be restricted for the short-term and anyone seeking treatment in the emergency room must be masked. Call (940) 665-1751 for more information.
Sonys virtual reality ambitions for the PlayStation 5 apparently go quite far, and new details of them have emerged from a private developers conference held yesterday.

According to YouTube channel PSVR Without Parole and UploadVR, Sony showed off more details on the upcoming headset, including that it will reportedly contain an HDR OLED display, has an increased field of view of 110 degrees, and will feature new controllers that use capactive touch sensors for the thumb, index, and middle finger.

The devices displays will also apparently support a resolution of 4000x2040 pixels, split into 2000x2040 for each players eye, along with eye-tracking support for foveated rendering.

Sony apparently doesnt want VR on the PlayStation 5 to be a niche affair, and explained that its looking for triple-A titles to support the headset. The goal is apparently to build in VR support for pre-existing games, similar to how Resident Evil 7, Hitman 3, and No Mans Sky all included optional support for the first PlayStation VR headset.

If Sonys able to get more developers on board with that plan, itll do a lot to boost the next PSVRs market chances. Support for virtual reality development has smoldered as expensive PC headsets have given more way to cord-free platforms like Oculus Quest.

To expand the market, more VR headsets probably need to be easier to purchase, install, and set up regularly, and have access to a large library of titles. Expanding the PlayStation 5s VR-friendly library by just getting more developers to include support for the headset could be a big shot in the arm for the technologys future.
Niantic has assembled an "internal cross-functional team" to address recent fan concerns regarding interaction distances in Pokemon Go.

The move comes after baffled Pokemon Go players petitioned Niantic to make some of the AR title's pandemic-enforced changes permanent -- primarily that of increased PokeStop and Gym interaction distances -- after the company announced plans to roll back those tweaks.

Voicing their frustrations online, fans explained the changes had not only made the title safer to play during the ongoing pandemic, but also made it infinitely more accessible to players with disabilities.

Despite being called out by thousands of players -- including over 160,000 who signed a Change.org petition in a bid to veto the move -- Niantic ultimately started rolling back its pandemic alterations earlier this month.

Just a few days after reverting interaction distances in the U.S. and New Zealand, however, Niantic has published a statement telling fans it has heard their input "loud and clear."

"To address the concerns you have raised, we are taking the following actions: We are assembling an internal cross-functional team to develop proposals designed to preserve our mission of inspiring people to explore the world together, while also addressing specific concerns that have been raised regarding interaction distance," wrote the company in a blog post.

"We will share the findings of this task force by the next in game season change (September 1). As part of this process, we will also be reaching out to community leaders in the coming days to join us in this dialogue."

Niantic said it wants to revert its pandemic changes to help players "connect in real places in the real world," but acknowledged that it must consider the "thoughtful and constructive feedback" of its players.

Although the Pokemon Go developer now appears to be making all the right noises, those behind the Change.org petition aren't convinced the company is actually committed to meeting fan demands, and have branded Niantic's statement "deliberately ambiguous."

"Niantic has finally responded, but their response is not satisfactory. Their are purposefully ambiguous, hoping to put out the fire that they created without actually making a decision," they wrote. "I urge you to continue to cut or stop spending altogether until they increase interaction distance back to what it was. Thank you for all of the support. Keep the pressure on."
Critical race theory encourages academicians to explore the role the social construct race has played and continues to play in our nation.

In her book The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America, historian Carol Anderson reviews original documents from the debate surrounding the approval of the Constitution. She recounts the two compromises necessary to get Southern colonies to sign on.

For these colonies, slavery was central to such an extent that their representatives refused to agree to any drafts of the Constitution that did not provide protection for slavery.

Southern slave owners did not consider the enslaved as persons except when considering how to determine representation the new Congress. The first compromise was embodied in the Constitution in the phrase and three-fifths of all such other persons to be included in the census used for determining how many representatives each state would have.

The other compromise concerned the fear Southern colonies had that the Northern colonies, which opposed slavery, would forcefully move to end it. Southerners also feared repeated insurrections by the enslaved, as had occurred several times in past within these colonies, and as had successfully occurred in Haiti.
Britons who have received the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab may not need a booster because they should have longer term protection against COVID-19 infection, the head of the drugs company has said.

T cell immunity

Pascal Soriot, chief executive of the UK pharmaceutical giant, told the Daily Mail that he is hoping for concrete data this autumn that proves its jab produces strong T cell immunity.

T cellsa type of white blood cell in the immune systemprovide a different type of immunity to antibodies, and it may last for longer.

The elderly and vulnerable are currently due to receive COVID booster shots this autumn on the NHS amid fears that the protection afforded by vaccines may wane over time.

Should the data on the T cell response be confirmed, it may mean that some of those who received the AstraZeneca jab do not need one.

Mr Soriot said:

We hope that the Oxford-AstraZeneca will provide longer term protection. The science so far suggests that our vaccine provides a strong T cell response which I hope means its effects will last longer. So, it looks good but we dont yet know for sure whether you will need a booster. Time will tell.

Relief for NHS

AstraZeneca believes it will have authoritative data by October or November. If the science proves correct, it could relieve the NHS of the great burden of delivering millions of urgent booster injections before the winter sets in and save hospitalisations and countless lives.

A Birmingham University study shows that the AZ jab, based on traditional immunisation science, triggers the T cells, which fight infection, more than its America counterparts produced by Pfizer and Moderna.

Data collected by another pharma group, Johnson & Johnson, based on the same vaccine technology as Astras Covid jab and used against the Zika virus in Africa, shows it provides years of protection Mr Soriot said. Pfizer has acknowledged that the efficacy of its mRNA jabs shows a decline in levels of protection after six months which is why the company is recommending a booster.

Mr Soriot also revealed that authoritative data shows that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is very effective against the rampaging Delta variant. And an increasing number of studies show that someone receiving the Pfizer vaccine was just as likely to experience rare side-effects as those receiving the AZ dose.

Earlier this year European leaders Angela Merkel of Germany and Emanuel Macron of France made disparaging comments about the AZ vaccine and launched court action against the company over supply bottlenecks.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Plentiful sunshine. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 86F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NXT Energy Solutions Inc. (NXT or the "Company") (TSX:SFD; OTC QB:NSFDF) is pleased to announce it is receiving advisory services and funding of up to $50,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to support the research and development of the Stress Field Detection (SFD) technology for geothermal applications. The objective of this project will be to test, identify and analyze the desired elements of the SFD geothermal sensor response over known geothermal areas with the ultimate goal of providing a green upstream geophysical service for advancing renewable power initiatives in Canada and abroad.



George Liszicasz, President and CEO of NXT Energy, noted, We are extremely pleased to have support from NRC IRAP to advance the application of SFD to geothermal energy resources. Deploying SFD for geothermal projects will allow our clients a singular focus on the most favorable subsurface conditions for heat and fluid circulation. We believe that this will increase the chance of success while optimizing the overall time and costs in an ESG friendly manner. When combined with the existing SFD hydrocarbon application a number of distinct advantages arise such as investment decisions related to early stage geothermal prospecting, drill / no-drill calls, and mixed-use geothermal / hydrocarbon cogeneration projects. NXT believes that geothermal power generation and direct use applications will play an outsized role in the evolving energy sector due to its non-intermittent and baseload nature.

To date, the SFD technology has been exclusively deployed in the upstream hydrocarbon sector to identify potential hydrocarbon traps onshore and offshore and in a wide variety of worldwide geological settings, including thrust-fold belts, foreland basins, sub/pre-salt plays, and extensional regimes. SFD surveys have been executed in North and South America, South Asia and Africa.

About NXT Energy Solutions Inc.

NXT Energy Solutions Inc. is a Calgary-based technology company whose proprietary SFD survey system utilizes quantum-scale sensors to detect gravity field perturbations in an airborne survey method which can be used both onshore and offshore to remotely identify traps and reservoirs with exploration potential. The SFD survey system enables our clients to focus their exploration decisions concerning land commitments, data acquisition expenditures and prospect prioritization on areas with the greatest potential. SFD is environmentally friendly and unaffected by ground security issues or difficult terrain and is the registered trademark of NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. provides its clients with an effective and reliable method to reduce time, costs, and risks related to exploration.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Eugene Woychyshyn George Liszicasz Vice President of Finance & CFO President & CEO 302, 3320  17th AVE SW 302, 3320  17th AVE SW Calgary, AB, T3E 0B4 Calgary, AB, T3E 0B4 +1 403 206 0805 +1 403 206 0800 nxt_info@nxtenergy.com nxt_info@nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information provided in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "will", "expect", "plan", "schedule", "intend", "propose" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, information regarding: completing additional phases of the geothermal project, the SFD technology will reduce geothermal exploration time and costs, that the stated distinct advantages that will arise in investment decisions related to early stage geothermal prospecting, and that geothermal power generation and direct use applications will play an outsized role in the evolving energy sector. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including those related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV/COVID-19), and the potentially negative effects thereof on the Company's workforce, its supply chain or demand for its products. Additional risk factors facing the Company are described in its most recent Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2021, which have been filed electronically by means of the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) located at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Highlights:



Resolution Minerals Partnership  64North Gold Project.

Resolution Minerals reported that it had received assay results from a recently completed, shallow, reverse circulation drilling program conducted at prospects within the East Pogo block of the 64North Gold Project near Pogo Mine.

No significant gold intersections were realized, but Resolution Minerals reports strong gold pathfinder element signatures in a target area measuring 1,600 meters by 2000 meters.

Resolution states that pathfinder results from drill hole 21EP008 indicate potential for gold at depth and that a follow-up deeper drilling program is warranted.



Felix Gold Partnership

Major soil sampling program continues: 2,000 samples collected to date.

Drill plans are being formulated.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Millrock Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MRO, OTCQB: MLRKF) ("Millrock" or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities at its Goodpaster and Fairbanks gold district projects (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Millrock gold project locations within the Tintina Gold Province, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b5fb4cc-149c-41a4-93db-7cf98565e411.

Goodpaster District Projects

Millrock owns a 70% interest in a very large claim block surrounding the Pogo Mine in Alaska. Pogo is a high-grade gold mine operated by Northern Star Resources Ltd. The 64North claims, which are subdivided into eight different blocks, are the subject of an option agreement with Resolution Minerals Ltd (Resolution). Recently, a 30% interest was earned by Resolution by virtue of exploration expenditures plus cash and share payments made to Millrock in the first year of the project.

64North Gold Project  East Pogo block: Millrock partner Resolution has recently completed a drilling program at gold prospects located on the East Pogo block (Figure 2). A reverse circulation drill was used to test shallow, gently-dipping conductive zones detected in 2020 by ZTEM and CSAMT geophysical surveys. A total of 1,663 meters was drilled over 12 holes. Gently-dipping altered, graphitic zones with quartz and sulfides were reported in several holes. Assay results indicate only anomalous gold values. However, gold pathfinder elements detected indicate possible proximity to a gold-bearing vein system. At the nearby Pogo Mine, rocks close to the gold-bearing veins are enriched in the pathfinder elements bismuth, tellurium, sulfur, and arsenic. From the recent drilling at East Pogo, Resolution has identified a target area measuring 1,600 meters by 2,000 meters for follow-up, with a CSAMT conductive zone beneath. Drill hole 21EP008 intersected sericite and biotite alteration including minor quartz veining with strongly elevated geochemical pathfinder elements. The hole had a trend of increasing gold and alteration intensity over the last 50 meters drilled with sericite alteration present in the last few meters. This signifies potential for gold mineralization at greater depth, perhaps at the level of the CSAMT conductor. The hole unfortunately had to be terminated prior to reaching target depth. Resolution indicates it is considering drilling deeper with a core rig to test the CSAMT target below the geochemical anomaly detected through the shallow reverse circulation drilling program (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Reverse circulation drill rig in operation on the East Pogo block, 64North Gold Project, Goodpaster District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba0e9725-565f-42eb-a88a-37e1ebaa28f5.

Figure 3. CSAMT Line 2 Cross Section on the East Pogo block, 64North Gold Project, Goodpaster District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87dc5d06-21ea-4d01-82fa-37a7ddcd0e80.

Fairbanks Gold District Projects

Millrock is in a strategic alliance agreement with Felix Gold Ltd. (Felix Gold), a private Australian company that intends to become a public company listed on the Australia Stock Exchange (ASX). Millrock is assigning its existing mineral rights in return for Felix Gold shares and royalty interests. Felix Gold is funding exploration work and paying the costs of acquiring claims by staking and by agreements with claim holders. All new properties within the strategic alliance Area of Interest become subject to royalties in favor of Millrock (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Blue shading indicates Millrock / Felix Gold mineral land holdings in the Fairbanks Gold District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c2f7c64-0f82-4201-ace9-af5c7736a207.

A major soil sampling program is well underway. To date, 2,000 soil samples have been collected across the claim holdings. The planned work will be completed at the end of August. Samples are being collected using a small auger Figure 5). The goal is to get uniform, modern soil sample coverage across the claims. Once the soil data is merged with all historic data which has been compiled in a database, drill targeting will be done.

Figure 5. Soil sampling team in action, Fairbanks Gold District, Alaska is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c150b2e-cb92-4eb2-8111-3843e1621c99.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed within this document has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Gregory A. Beischer, President, CEO, and a director of Millrock Resources. Mr. Beischer is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.

About Millrock Resources Inc.

Millrock Resources Inc. is a premier project generator to the mining industry. Millrock identifies, packages, and operates large-scale projects for joint venture, thereby exposing its shareholders to the benefits of mineral discovery without the usual financial risk taken on by most exploration companies. The company is recognized as the premier generative explorer in Alaska, holds royalty interests in British Columbia, Canada, and Sonora State, Mexico, is a significant shareholder of junior explorer ArcWest Exploration Inc. and owns a large shareholding in Resolution Minerals Limited. Funding for drilling at Millrocks exploration projects is primarily provided by its joint venture partners. Business partners of Millrock have included some of the leading names in the mining industry: EMX Royalty, Centerra Gold, First Quantum, Teck, Kinross, Vale, Inmet and, Altius as well as junior explorers Resolution, Riverside, PolarX, and Felix Gold.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gregory Beischer

Gregory Beischer, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations

Toll-Free: 877-217-8978 | Local: 604-638-3164

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including without limitation the intention to mount further exploration including drilling in 2021. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements.
Bank Norwegian ASA will exercise its right to call BANKN15 PRO (NO0010774318) and BANKN16 PRO (NO0010774326) on the first possible call date 21 September 2021. The call rate is 100.00 for both issues. Exercise of the calls without reissuance by Bank Norwegian ASA has been approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority.





Contact persons:

Interim CEO and CFO Klara Lise Aasen; phone +47 47635583; kaa@banknorwegian.no

Head of Treasury Mats Benserud; phone +47 95891539; mbe@banknorwegian.no





This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
English Finnish

Marimekko Corporation, Press release, 6 August 2021 at 10.30 a.m.

Marimekko will premiere its Spring/Summer 2022 ready-to-wear collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week with a digital film on 12 August 2021. The first Spring/Summer collection designed under Creative Director Rebekka Bay explores Marimekkos theme for 2022, NEW FOLK, referencing the similarities between folk wear around the globe, and this season focusing on botanical expressions seen in fashion and nature alike.

I am increasingly drawn to the idea of finding meaning in repetition  for example in music, the way songs are built on patterns and themes that repeat. It is present in nature too. At Marimekko, we add to the building blocks of the brand each season, everything working together as wardrobe over time and for years to come. Its about seeing the beauty in perfect imperfections, says Rebekka Bay, Creative Director at Marimekko.

Copenhagen Fashion Week will also mark a new era for the Finnish design house in the city as Marimekko unveils an experiential space in collaboration with studio x, a local design studio and store. During the fashion week, the space will showcase Spring/Summer 2022 ready-to-wear collection pieces, and in the fall, it will become an ever-evolving experience and meeting place for the local community.

We are very excited and honored to work together with studio x on this new special project that starts a new chapter for Marimekko in Copenhagen. This experiential pop-up space will feature curated themes and events for the local community to experience the world of Marimekko in a whole new way, says Rebekka Bay.

The Marimekko Spring/Summer 2022 film can be viewed at marimekko.com on 12 August at 14.30 CEST.

During the Copenhagen Fashion Week, the Marimekko space at studio x will be open from 10 to 21 August at Dronningens Tvrgade 50, Copenhagen (closed on Sundays).

Copenhagen Fashion Week, renowned for its sustainability focus, is the leading Nordic biannual fashion week.

Further information:

Sylvia Sene, Marimekko PR

Tel. +358 45 632 1091

press@marimekko.com

DISTRIBUTION:

Key media

Marimekko is a Finnish lifestyle design company renowned for its original prints and colors. The companys product portfolio includes high-quality clothing, bags and accessories as well as home decor items ranging from textiles to tableware. When Marimekko was founded in 1951, its unparalleled printed fabrics gave it a strong and unique identity. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. In 2020, brand sales of the products worldwide amounted to EUR 286 million and the company's net sales were EUR 124 million. Roughly 150 Marimekko stores serve customers around the globe. The key markets are Northern Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and North America. The Group employs about 420 people. The companys share is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.marimekko.com
Dublin, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook, 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



A kitchen hood, exhaust hood, or range hood is a device containing a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. It removes airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. Although largely overlooked, a range hood is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen. They are designed to remove odors, heat, and smoke that can occur while cooking. The Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook, 2026 report beings from an overview of industry structure, and analyses market size and forecast of the market by product, region, sales channel, and company. In addition, this report introduces the market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report. The trend growth to keep the kitchen well-managed, clean, and elegant looking space is to allow the market to grow over an anticipated CGAR of 4.9%.



Based on product type the range hood market is classified into wall mount hood, under cabinet type hood, ceiling mount, and others like island mount hood, downdraft ventilation hoods, ventilator power pack hoods, and others. The wall mount product segment is anticipated to expand at over 5.6% CAGR through 2026. The range hoods with their ability to be placed in the walls with needing extra space in the kitchen cabinets is the major factor for the market growth. These systems assist in getting rid of smoke and lingering smell completely as they are installed directly above the cooking range in commercial and residential kitchens. While the under cabinet segment is likely to show a decline in the forecasted period, others are expected to have an incline in the market share. Kitchen hoods are steadily replacing exhaust fans as they are more effective in the ventilation process. Hence, the need to effectively reduce the excess heat in the kitchen and demand for advanced home appliances that support efficient and convenient cooking habits is increasing the installation as they are capable of smoke and odor through baffle and mesh filters.



First, the concentration degree of the Kitchen Hood industry is not high, with North America leading with a market share of 33.93% in the year 2020. There are more than a hundred manufacturers in the world, and high-end products mainly from Germany, America, Italy, and China. Italy has a long history and unshakable statuses in this industry, like Elica and Faber (though it is a part of FRANKE now), both have the perfect design. As to Germany, the Bosch Group has become a global leader, which has two main brands (Bosch and Siemens), and several special brands, such as Thermador. The import and export percent of this industry is high. Chinese products mainly export to Oceania, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and take a big market share of underdevelopment regions market, like Vietnam, Brazil, and Pakistan. Hong Kong is the biggest export market of China, more than 80% of kitchen hoods are from China mainland. On the developed market, like America, Canada, Germany, and France, Italy is the empire. Mexico also has a large number of exports due to its geographic advantage. By the end of the forecasted period, Latin America along with Middle East & Africa regions together is likely to cross over a market share of 12%.



Market leaders are introducing new models of wall mount range hoods in various sizes and shapes to cater to the growing demand. For instance, in January 2019, Elica launched its new Varna Black Vent Hood with enhanced aesthetic appeal and a black stainless steel finish. The system includes multifunctional and intuitive electronic touch controls that enhance user convenience. The hood is integrated with an advanced HUSH Sound Suppression System that ensures low noise and provides a quiet working environment in the kitchen. Stringent regulations by various regional governments regarding the cleanliness and hygiene in restaurants and food chains have mandated the installation of range hoods, which is also boosting the market growth. Moreover, these devices offer added advantages, such as heat reduction, maintenance of air quality, and increased safety. On the other hand, high maintenance costs and availability of substitutes, such as exhaust, are anticipated to hamper the growth of the market.



This report forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2026. For this study, the publisher has segmented the Global Kitchen Hood Market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Report Methodology



3. Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

3.1. Market Size by Value

3.2. Market Share

3.2.1. By Product Type

3.2.2. By Sales Channel

3.2.3. By Region

3.2.4. By Country

3.2.5. By Company



4. North America Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.1. Market Size by Value

4.2. Market Share

4.2.1. By Product Type

4.2.2. By Sales Channel

4.2.3. By Country

4.3. US Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.3.1. Market Size by Value

4.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

4.4. Canada Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.4.1. Market Size by Value

4.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

4.5. Mexico Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.5.1. Market Size by Value

4.5.2. Market Share by Product Type



5. Europe Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size by Value

5.2. Market Share

5.2.1. By Product Type

5.2.2. By Sales Channel

5.2.3. By Country

5.3. Germany Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.3.1. Market Size by Value

5.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.4. UK Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.4.1. Market Size by Value

5.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.5. France Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.5.1. Market Size by Value

5.5.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.6. Spain Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.6.1. Market Size by Value

5.6.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.7. Italy Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.7.1. Market Size by Value

5.7.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.8. Russia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.8.1. Market Size by Value

5.8.2. Market Share by Product Type



6. Asia-Pacific Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size by Value

6.2. Market Share

6.2.1. By Product Type

6.2.2. By Sales Channel

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. China Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.3.1. Market Size by Value

6.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.4. Japan Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.4.1. Market Size by Value

6.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.5. India Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.5.1. Market Size by Value

6.5.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.6. Australia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.6.1. Market Size by Value

6.6.2. Market Share by Product Type



7. Latin America Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size by Value

7.2. Market Share

7.2.1. By Product Type

7.2.2. By Sales Channel

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Brazil Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.3.1. Market Size by Value

7.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

7.4. Argentina Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.4.1. Market Size by Value

7.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

7.5. Columbia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.5.1. Market Size by Value

7.5.2. Market Share by Product Type



8. Middle East & Africa Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size by Value

8.2. Market Share

8.2.1. By Product Type

8.2.2. By Sales Channel

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. UAE Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.3.1. Market Size by Value

8.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

8.4. Saudi Arabia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.4.1. Market Size by Value

8.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

8.5. Qatar Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.5.1. Market Size by Value

8.5.2. Market Share By Product Type

8.6. South Africa Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.6.1. Market Size by Value

8.6.2. Market Share by Product Type



9. Market Dynamics

9.1. Key Drivers

9.2. Key Challenges



10. Market Trends and Developments

10.1. Artificial Intelligence

10.2. Alarm Feature

10.3. Dishwasher-Safe Baffle Filters

10.4. Environmental Variability

11. Company Profiles

11.1. Asko Appliances

11.2. Broan Inc

11.3. BSH Home Appliances

11.4. Elica S.P.A

11.5. Faber S.P.A

11.6. Falmec S.P.A

12. Strategic Recommendations

13. Disclaimer



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xc3e9v
MIAMI, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joblio CEO Jon Purizhansky was recently honored by the Abrahamic Business Circle in Dubai for his outstanding humanitarianism in the field of global migration (related link: https://youtu.be/cgvBoSQSRG0 ). Purizhansky was granted the "Excellence Innovation Award in Human Rights Protection" and esteemed for his innovative talents which have greatly bolstered migrant well being around the world.



Purizhansky's pioneering of ethical recruitment in the global migrant labour industry was praised by the Abrahamic Business Circle at an event in the United Arab Emirates centered on humanitarian accomplishments. Representatives of the Circle praised Joblio as a revolutionary platform that secured human rights in a crucial economic sector in dire need of ethical reform.

"I am honored to receive the Excellence Innovation Award in Human Rights Protection from the Abrahamic Business Circle," Purizhansky noted. "Our team at Joblio, Inc. is dedicated to cleaning up the global migration industry and helping migrant labourers achieve their full potential."

The Abrahamic Business Circle was formed as the result of the Abraham Accords - a joint statement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, reached on August 13, 2020. The organisation promotes global peace through commerce and recognizes innovative business leaders and humanitarians each year with its prestigious awards.

About Jon Purizhansky: Jon Purizhansky is the CEO of Joblio and a New York lawyer with years of international business experience. Jon is committed to upholding humanitarian standards in the international migrant labour industry through Joblio's digital platform. He is focused on leveraging technology to bring transparency and efficiency into otherwise non-transparent ecosystems globally.

About Joblio, Inc: Joblio is a leading technology platform in the global migrant labour industry based in Miami, FL. Founded by Jon Purizhansky in 2020, Joblio prevents fraud and ensures compliance with labour laws in the processes of human capital relocation across the world. By directly connecting migrant labourers with their employers, Joblio removes middlemen from the hiring process to ensure fair and prosperous employment.

Media Contact

Company: Joblio, Inc.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joblio

E-mail: cmo@joblio.co

Website: https://joblio.co/en/

SOURCE: Joblio, Inc.
MALPENSA, Italy and ALGIERS, Algeria, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yesterday, Algeria received a generous donation of anti-Covid medication and equipment.



In Algeria, from 3 January 2020 to 6:44pm CEST, 4 August 2021, there have been 175,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 4,370 deaths, reported to World Health Organization.

In the context of continuing support and solidarity between Italy and Algeria, GKSD President Kamel Ghribi responded to a call for assistance from His Excellency Ahmed Boutache the Ambassador of Algeria to Italy and the Hon. Mr. Ali REDJEl the Consul General of Algeria in Milan in the ongoing fight against Covid-19. The GKSD Chairman reiterated his belief that, We have a duty to support all nations if we are to dominate COVID-19. His donation of essential medical equipment, oxygen supplies and medical oxygen concentrators will support Algeria to help fight the pandemic.

Included in the 12 palettes received, there were oxygen concentrators, which are devices that concentrate the oxygen from a gas supply by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream and several oxygen cylinders, which are high-pressure, non-reactive, seamless tempered steel containers for compressed gas (O2) used for medical, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. It gives the provision of supplemental oxygen to maintain aerobic metabolism during patient transport. Badly needed PPE kits were also part of the shipment.



GKSD has recently also donated to Tunisia during the government transition, as violent Covid protests escalated in the streets.

About GKSD

GKSD offers expert insight and advice to clients at every stage of the project across a range of sectors from healthcare, engineering & construction, project monitoring and sustainable energy to fiscal, administrative and insurance consulting.

Vision

We believe that everything starts with the client. At GKSD we have an end to end approach to project engagement and offer expert insights and advice to clients from the planning stage through to execution and completion. By offering our expertise across all sectors we assist the client in identifying their desired outcome and implement the best resources that will guarantee delivery.

Media contact

info@gksdholding.com

https://www.gksdholding.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/145209da-eed1-4631-875d-7de2490207e9




TORONTO, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IBI Group (TSX:IBG) has been selected by the City of Toronto to operate the Road Emergency Services Communications Unit (RESCU) Traffic Operations Centre (TOC) for a period of up to five years. In addition to operations, the firm will provide professional services and traffic management solutions, enhancing the management of the street and highway traffic networks throughout one of North Americas largest cities. IBI will leverage its extensive experience in traffic management, alongside its smart city product offerings  including its CurbIQ and Travel-IQ solutions  to address Torontos multimodal transportation landscape; supporting improved road safety and the efficient movement of goods and people across the city.



This notable award brings together expertise from across our Intelligence sector, and demonstrates the benefit our smart city products are bringing into our more traditional service offering, said IBI Group CEO, Scott Stewart. Through automation, machine learning and robust analytics, our solutions are creating efficiencies and solving problems for clients like the City of Toronto that will ultimately lead to more sustainable and resilient cities.

IBI Groups expertise in the management of city operations and urban software systems will combine to assist the City of Toronto in achieving enhanced data analytics and increased operational efficiency, leading to improved traffic management. The firm will leverage its suite of smart city products to automate the process of monitoring and managing high-volume highways and urban arterial roadways to support the City in addressing recurring commuter congestion.

As part of the contract, the City will have the opportunity to employ IBIs Travel-IQ solution to provide real-time traffic and incident data to travellers. IBIs CurbIQ solution will allow the City to analyze and manage curbside data to improve arterial road management. Further, IBI Group will provide technical and strategic advice on operational enhancements to make the traveller experience safer and more efficient, with the associated benefit of reducing carbon emissions.

IBI Groups transportation management and operations teams have been active in the Greater Toronto Area for 35 years, currently consulting on traffic operations for the region of York, and operations centre design for the regions of Halton and Durham. Drawing on the firms global resources and capabilities managing cost-effective and sustainable mobility projects, IBI recently provided architectural and engineering design services for the Metrolinx Network Operations Centre in Oakville, Ontario, and is currently working on a five-year operations assignment for the Bridgeport Transportation Management Center in Connecticut.

For more information and/or to connect with IBI Group, please contact Julia Harper at Julia.harper@ibigroup.com or 1-647-330-4706.

About IBI Group

IBI Group Inc. (TSX:IBG) is a technology-driven design firm with global architecture, engineering, planning, and technology expertise spanning over 60 offices and 3,000 professionals around the world. For nearly 50 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities thrive when designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. Follow IBI Group on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Julia Harper, IBI Group

julia.harper@ibigroup.com

1-647-330-4706
Miami, FL, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smartt Inc., (OTC Pink: CRSM), is pleased to announce the acquisition of Immobilfin S.P.A., a Real Estate company with an asset value of $47.6 Million and generates approximately $1.5 Million per year in revenues. Mr. Roy Capasso, CEO of Smartt, Inc., commented Smartt, Inc. has signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Immobilfin S.P.A., Inc. The company owns a commercial building in the center of Naples Italy in front of the Napless Harbour. The building is leased to the Italian government, who pays approximately $1.5 million a year. The property is approximately 100,000 square feet with 95 parking spaces. The transaction has closed on August 6, 2021.

The First deposit for the acquisition will be 50,000,000 restricted shares for two years that is equivalent to a value of approximately $1.5 Million. The balance due will be a determinate of the performance of share price during the next two years from future forecasted growth. Smartt, Inc. will have the option to pay in cash before the 2-year restriction has matured.

Mr. Capasso, CEO of Smartt, Inc. added this is just the beginning for Smartt, Inc. to grow exponentially in the real estate market. We are planning to invest and dedicate more time and resources in closing on new real estate deals in Europe, LATAM and the United States. We are also working on several deals in the Technology Industry, the Fintech and Crypto sectors to be exact. " As we are now establishing a global presence, we believe this is the perfect time and opportunity to introduce our growing international network of investment professionals and investors to our exciting emerging company to the world. We look forward to continuing to grow in all sectors, with the goal of delivering value to our long-term investors.

About Smartt, Inc.:

Smartt, Inc. is a Holding company with different subsidiaries in the fields of Technology (Fintech, Crypto, Blockchain, Software), Real Estate and Construction.

About Immobilfin S.P.A.:

Immobilfin its a real estate company with approximate assets of $47.6 Million and annual revenues of $1.5 Million. The physical office is located in Naples Italy.

CONTACT

Smartt, Inc.

2828 Coral Way

Miami, FL 33145

Website: http://www.smarttholdings.com

Phone: 786-409-7439

Email: info@carsmartt.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Statements in this press release that are not historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although SMARTT, Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, SMARTT, Inc. is unable to give any assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the company's ability to meet the conditions necessary to, among other matters, obtain a public listing on a major national exchange.

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WESTPORT, Conn., Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HMG Strategy, the Worlds #1 digital platform for enabling technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world, is excited to be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 8. HMG Strategys highly interactive events bring together the worlds most distinguished and innovative business technology leaders to discuss the most pressing leadership, strategic, cultural, technology and career challenges and opportunities that business technology executives face today  and into the future.



Timely topics to be explored at the 2021 HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Executive Leadership Summit will include recommendations for providing greater resiliency to companies' global supply chains to protect their businesses today and into the future as well as recommendations for designing the workplace of the future and the key considerations that executive teams need to identify and act on.

Supply chain disruptions have been a top business concern for CEOs and line-of-business leaders for the past year and continue to be problematic, said Hunter Muller President and CEO at HMG Strategy. Thanks to their unique view across the enterprise, CIOs and business technology executives can offer valuable recommendations for providing greater resiliency to global supply chains to help protect businesses today and into the future.

World-class CIOs and business technology executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 8 will include:

Autumn Bayles , SVP Global Supply Chain, Aramark

, SVP Global Supply Chain, Aramark Lawrence Bilker , EVP & CIO, Pyramid Healthcare

, EVP & CIO, Pyramid Healthcare Richard M. Entrup , Managing Director, Enterprise Innovation and 5G Solutions, Verizon

, Managing Director, Enterprise Innovation and 5G Solutions, Verizon Francisco Fraga , Chief Technology and Information Officer, Campbell Soup Company

, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Campbell Soup Company Hugo Fueglein , Managing Director, CIO/IT Practice, Diversified Search

, Managing Director, CIO/IT Practice, Diversified Search Joseph Gimigliano , CTO, Mount Sinai Health System

, CTO, Mount Sinai Health System Mario Maffie , Corporate CIO, VP, Digital Technologies, Mars, Incorporated

, Corporate CIO, VP, Digital Technologies, Mars, Incorporated Tom Nogles , SVP & Head of Technology, Hartford Funds

, SVP & Head of Technology, Hartford Funds Anne Plese , Senior Director, Product Marketing, Rimini Street

, Senior Director, Product Marketing, Rimini Street Joseph Puglisi , Former VP IT, Nice-Pak Products, Inc.

, Former VP IT, Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Donna Ross , SVP & CISO, Radian

, SVP & CISO, Radian Atul Sahai , SVP, Strategy and Operations, Ally.io

, SVP, Strategy and Operations, Ally.io Gary Sorrentino , Global Deputy CIO and Chairman, Zoom CISO Council, Zoom

, Global Deputy CIO and Chairman, Zoom CISO Council, Zoom Muddu Sudhakar , CEO, Aisera

, CEO, Aisera Rhonda Vetere, EVP & CIO, Herbalife



Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 8 include Aisera, Akamai, Ally.io, Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Horizon3.ai, Illumio, Insight, Rimini Street, Inc., RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Philadelphia, Skybox Security, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here.

HMG Strategys 2021 HMG Live! Detroit CIO Executive Leadership Summit will be held on September 14. Timely topics to be discussed include are the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and how to apply lloT, edge computing and other advanced technologies to enable manufacturers to make the pivot to Industry 4.0 while applying these technologies securely; the benefits of embracing a low-code approach to application development and the challenges that must be overcome; along with mastering soft skills for leadership success.

Top-tier CIOs and business technology executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Detroit CIO Executive Leadership Summit on September 14 include:

Mohamed (Mo) Abuali , Managing Partner/Chief Evangelist, IoTco

, Managing Partner/Chief Evangelist, IoTco David Decker , Director IT, American Axle & Manufacturing

, Director IT, American Axle & Manufacturing Arun DeSouza , Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer, Nexteer Automotive Corporation

, Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer, Nexteer Automotive Corporation Tamara Faber-Doty , Chief Digital Officer and VP IT, Consumers Energy

, Chief Digital Officer and VP IT, Consumers Energy Maru Flores , Global Collaboration and Productivity Technology Services, Ford Motor Company

, Global Collaboration and Productivity Technology Services, Ford Motor Company David Franco , Director of Exceptional Academy, Living and Learning Enrichment Center

, Director of Exceptional Academy, Living and Learning Enrichment Center Dennis Hodges , CIO, Inteva Products LLC

, CIO, Inteva Products LLC Mike Homant , Director, Enterprise Technology Operations, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit

, Director, Enterprise Technology Operations, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit David Jackson , Partner, Mercer

, Partner, Mercer Tony Kaczmarek , VP, Product Management, Plex

, VP, Product Management, Plex Adriana Karaboutis , Chief Information and Digital Officer, National Grid

, Chief Information and Digital Officer, National Grid Thomas Kelly , Executive Director and CEO, Automation Alley

, Executive Director and CEO, Automation Alley Kelly Knepley , CIO, Dexco Global

, CIO, Dexco Global Sanjay Kumar , Senior Principal, Siemens Digital Industries

, Senior Principal, Siemens Digital Industries Miroslav Samoylenko , Director of Integration Architecture, Trane Technologies

, Director of Integration Architecture, Trane Technologies Matthew Thomas, Managing Director, Accenture

Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Detroit CIO Executive Leadership Summit include, Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Horizon3.ai, Illumio, NPower, Rimini Street, Inc., RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Detroit, Skybox Security, and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Detroit CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here.

HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Global CISO Executive Leadership Summit on September 15. Key topics to be explored by CISOs and security leaders at this event will include recommendations for educating the board on cybersecurity and risk, the evolving role of the CISO along with the types of skills needed by cyber professionals to defend the organization on a go-forward basis.

World-class CISOs and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Global CISO Executive Leadership Summit on September 15 will include:

Abhishek Agarwal , CISO, Fresenius Medical Care North America

, CISO, Fresenius Medical Care North America Mike Coogan , Director of Information Security and CISO, Waste Management

, Director of Information Security and CISO, Waste Management Anthony DeCristofaro , CEO, Qnext

, CEO, Qnext Arun DeSouza, Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer, Nexteer Automotive Corporation

Chief Information Security & Privacy Officer, Nexteer Automotive Corporation Wanda Jones-Heath , CISO/DAF Principal Cyber Advisor, U.S. Air Force

, CISO/DAF Principal Cyber Advisor, U.S. Air Force Steve Katz , Owner, Security Risk Solutions, LLC

, Owner, Security Risk Solutions, LLC Susan Koski , Head of Security & Enterprise Response, The PNC Financial Services Group

, Head of Security & Enterprise Response, The PNC Financial Services Group Frank Price , SVP & Chief Information Risk Officer, Hudsons Bay Company

, SVP & Chief Information Risk Officer, Hudsons Bay Company Melissa Vice, Chief Operations Officer, Vulnerability Disclosure Program, DoD Cyber Crime Center



Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Global CISO Executive Leadership Summit include Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, Code42, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Horizon3.ai, Illumio, Qnext, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, Skybox Security, and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Global CISO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here.

HMG STRATEGYS UPCOMING WEBINARS AND DIGITAL ROUNDTABLES

On August 11, HMG Strategy will be hosting a webinar powered by Blue Prism on `Building a Resilient Digital Supply Chain with Intelligent Automation. In this event, which will feature Jon Walden, CTO for the Americas at Blue Prism, Patrick Thompson, CIO at Albemarle Corp., and Hunter Muller, President and CEO of HMG Strategy, the speakers will explore the challenges that companies in manufacturing, hospitality and other industries have faced with supply chain disruptions and how the use of intelligent automation can help make digital supply chains more resilient.

To learn more about this event and to register, click here.

To learn more about HMG Strategys archived and upcoming webinars, click here.

HMG STRATEGYS 2021 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AWARDS

The HMG Strategy 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards honor exemplary technology leaders and leadership teams who are delivering exceptional value to their organizations. This award recognizes those who have reimagined and reinvented themselves to place their organizations on the fast track to groundbreaking transformation in dynamic times. Technology executives and their teams who receive these awards are being recognized for accomplishments in the following areas: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Leading into the C-suite; Creating New Go-to-Market Business Models; Modernizing Enterprise Architecture; and Building a Culture of Trust.

To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards and to nominate a deserving executive, click here.

About HMG Strategy

HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for connecting technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. Our regional and virtual CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, authored books and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven research from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs and technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy offers a range of peer-driven research services such as its CIO & CISO Executive Leadership Alliance (CELA) program which bring together the worlds top CIOs, CISOs and technology executives to brainstorm on the top opportunities and challenges facing them in their roles.

HMG Strategy also produces the HMG Security Innovation Accelerator Panel, a new webinar series thats designed to connect enterprise CISOs and security leaders with the most innovative cybersecurity companies from across the world.

The HMG Strategy global network consists of over 400,000 senior IT executives, industry experts and world-class thought leaders.

To learn more about the 7 Pillars of Trust for HMG Strategy's unique business model, click here.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fa58b34-7958-43dd-8545-2f6c1ffe106a
Newport, Rhode Island, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This year, Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is highlighting a new automotive class in the Concours dElegance: Open Wheeled Legends  a non-judged class event that will feature a type of racecar, the Open Wheel, that can be identified by its single seat design and wheel placement, alongside its significant standing as a pinnacle of historic motorsport racing throughout the past century, particularly speaking to that of Grand Prix racing.

Coming this fall, the Open Wheeled Legends class will showcase the seamless union of design with utility, as it progressed over the course of several decades of racing. Included will be racecars from dates as early as the dawn of the 20th century, spanning all the way to that of the 21st century.

Guests will have the pleasure of viewing a multitude of Open Wheel cars, like the phenomenal Aston Martin from the first ever British Grand Prix held at Brooklands in 1921, while the modernists of the group can enjoy the beautiful 1988 McLaren MP4/4 from the ever-impressive Audrain Collection, piloted by Alain Prost to three first place finishes and three second place finishes during the 1988 Formula One season. Looking back to the 1950s  an incredibly important decade for the history of Open Wheeled cars with the introduction of disc brakes and ever more powerful engines  the Concours will have on display the 1951 Marchese Special Indianapolis race car which competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times; the 1954 Lancia D50, Lancias first Formula One car powered by an innovative dual overhead camshaft V8; and the 1956 Italian Grand Prix winning Maserati 250F. From grand prix Aston Martins to McLarens, legendary Ferraris to Dan Gurneys race winning Eagles, and everything in between, there will be a wide variety of appropriately named Legends hitting the lawn of the Breakers this October - surely something for everyone.

The annual Audrain Newport Concours dElegance celebrates the diversity, elegance, and timelessness of classic and modern vehicles. With a weeks worth of incredible car showcases, alongside a plethora of fun gatherings, seminars, and other luxurious events, the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is sure to entertain, with all events leading up to the finale of the week, the Concours dElegance. The Concours features multiple classes of meticulously cared for cars that have had a significant impact on automotive history.

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week will be taking place this fall, beginning on September 30th, and concluding on October 3rd, 2021. The Concours dElegance, which will feature the dazzling Open Wheeled Legends class, will be held on the final day of the Motor Week, Sunday, October 3rd. Tickets can be purchased at www.audrainconcours.com for the Concours dElegance, and all other Motor Week events.

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New York, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turbine Control System Market Overview: According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Turbine Control System Market Research Report, Component, Function, Type and Region - Forecast till 2027 the market is projected to be worth USD 21.65 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.73% during the forecast period (2021 - 2027), The market was valued at USD 14.15 billion in 2020.

Adoption of Automation Technologies to Drive Global Turbine Control Market

Turbine control systems are digital systems responsible for control and management of turbines such as gas turbines, wind turbines, steam turbines, and hydro turbines. It is used to control power surges in grids and power stations and provide a steady supply of power to clients. The global turbine control market report by Market Research Future (MRFR) provides an unbiased analysis of the industry with projections for the forecast period (2021-2027) supported by relevant drivers and restraints. The COVID-19 outbreak and its effect on the market is a part of the report.



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Competitive Analysis

Prominent players of the global turbine control market profiled are:

Rockwell Automation (US)

Honeywell International Inc. (US)

Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

HPI LLC. ALL (US)

Spica Technology Aps (Denmark)

DNV GL (Norway)

ABB (Switzerland)

In no way Future Solutions Pte Limited (Singapore)

Mita-Teknik (Denmark)

General Electric Company (US)

Woodward Inc. (the US)

Siemens AG (Germany)

Emerson Electric Co. (US)

Partnerships and collaborations are on the uptick as manufacturers aim to dominate the market.

Industry Update

Harbin Turbine Company Limited Automation Control Company has signed a contract with Westinghouse Electric Company to supply units 3 and 4 of the Changjiang nuclear power plant in Hainan province.



Browse In-depth Market Research Report (165 pages) on Turbine Control System

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/turbine-control-systems-market-6675





Market Scope

The global turbine control market is poised to register a superb growth rate over the forecast period.

Environmental Concerns to Encourage Market Growth

Government initiatives for renewable energy projects and efforts to shift from fossil fuels can drive the turbine control market. Development of micro-hydro projects and investments in hydropower projects can bode well for the market. Adoption of renewable energy and surge of wind power projects will induce market demand. This is exemplified by development of 14 MW offshore turbines and proximity of load-centers and wind conditions.

Automation of Turbine Systems to Drive Market

Automation of turbine systems can increase life of the equipment, improve safety, and reduce operating costs and human errors. Utilization of artificial intelligence and digital twins to virtualize hardware and remote-control operations can foster market growth. Utilization of data for predicting machine shutdowns and attrition due to damage can assist the turbine control market. Recently, researchers at General Electric have developed human AI, a safe mode for the machines to fall back in case of not recognizing certain events and scenarios. The human AI can accumulate data from human engineers and simulations to identify irregular patterns.

High Installation Costs to Hamper Market Growth

High installation costs of turbine control systems as well as move to solar power generation can hamper market growth. Uncertainty in support of energy transitions laws and economic downturns can all play a role in restraining market growth.

Lack of Green Investments due to COVID-19 to Negatively Impact Market

The COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted the turbine control market as renewable projects have stopped gaining funding and the focus shifted to the healthcare sector. Delay of various wind energy projects and insufficient release of capital by leading conglomerates can hamper market growth. Slow recovery of economies and no relief in electricity prices can be detrimental to the market in the coming years.

This is evident by the rollback of onshore wind energy projects by Siemens Gamesa, decline of wind blade production, and dip in orders.



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Segmentation

Temperature Control Function to Lead Global Market Demand

By function, it is segmented into pressure control, speed controls, load control, temperature control, and others. Temperature control systems is expected to command the demand share of the turbine control market due to its capability of preventing the exhaust temperature from damaging the turbine. Integration of steam turbines in developing economies can drive the segment demand.

Steam Turbine Control Systems to Capture Massive Market Share

On the basis of type, the market comprises gas turbine control systems, steam turbine control systems, and others. Steam turbine control systems can capture a large market share owing to surge in power generation from sources of oil, coal, and gas. Steam turbines contains an overspeed protection feature and controls speed and capacity.

Hardware Component to Capture the Lions Share

By component, the market is divided into hardware and software. The hardware segment is further divided into sensors, controllers, HMI, etc. The hardware component is set to capture the lions share owing to its ability to control various aspects of turbine control systems. Among hardware, sensors are likely to command a huge share owing to its ability to minimize errors and increase output.

Regional Analysis

APAC to Lead Global Turbine Control Market

APAC is set to dominate the global market owing to demand by the large populace in China and India and collaborations between oil producers and refineries. Shift to renewable power, modernization of aging plants, and large consumption of power can drive regional market demand. Rapid industrialization and urbanization coupled with investments in coal plants can favor the market.

Segmentation of Market covered in the research:

Information by Component (Hardware (Controller, Sensors, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and others) and Software ), by Function (Speed Control, Temperature Control, Load Control, Pressure Control and others), by Type (Gas Turbine Control System, Steam Turbine Control System and others) and Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, and Middle East & Africa)



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About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.

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Orange, CA & Detroit, MI, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBT, woman-owned Domain Expert Integrator, and Guardhat, a pioneer in IoT safety solutions, announced today they are joining forces to deliver next-generation, end-to-end connected safety and productivity solutions for the global industrial workforce, including frontline and emergency workers.

As a Domain Expert Integrator, CBT brings unique value in information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) convergence, IoT, and advanced data capture and analytics to drive business transformation. With over 20 years in strategic enterprise IT solution design with Fortune 50 clients and groundbreaking IoT implementations such as the award-winning Refinery of the Future project at Texmark Chemicals, CBT has a proven track record delivering solutions that unite the unique IT and OT business cultures for collective success in todays data-driven economy.

With Guardhat, industrial operations gain a new paradigm for worker safety and collaboration. With innovative, ruggedized wearable devices and a human-centric IIoT platform and software, the Guardhat system helps operators understand and act on the hazards and challenges workers face in real-time. Frontline workforces can collaborate amongst each other and with remote teams from anywhere. And, data  to improve worker safety and work experience, and reduce operational and brand risk  is available, at depth, and ready to integrate with other platforms and data streams to drive digital transformation. Guardhat is scaling quickly as demand for connected worker technology grows. Collaboration with CBT will accelerate both speeds of adoption by end-users and Guardhat ecosystem growth with new integrations.

CBT and Guardhats relationship was forged at the aforementioned Refinery of the Future project, where an ecosystem of customer-centric partners came together to integrate advanced Industrial IoT technologies into a live chemical production environment. The synergy between the two companies is creating new innovative and safer work environments that assure employees safe return to home each night.

Guardhat and CBT are a perfect match, said CBT Founder, CEO, and CTO, Kelly Ireland. At CBT we take pride in our mission to deliver technology with a human touch, which syncs flawlessly with Guardhats goal to keep the brave people that make, power, and move the world around us safe and productive in every shift, every day.

CBT President and COO, Rob Schaeffer added, With our experience in integration engineering and their worker safety and productivity technologies, the impact is changing the way companies execute on employee safety. This partnership ensures that the work environment foundation, employee protection, and technology leverage come together for the benefit of all. Customer executives are re-thinking employee productivity, employee safety, and cost management.

Those of us that come from industrial operations understand both the moral and business imperative in putting people first, said Saikat Dey, Guardhat co-founder, and CEO. CBT shares our mission on this front. The facilities we both serve are highly technical and often dangerous. The headquarters that run them are fully networked and deploy new IoT and SaaS solutions regularly, but the front workforce is too often outfitted with tech that looks about the same as the stuff people used 50 years ago. Our customers see the need and the opportunity in doing things differently. When you invest in, safeguard, and empower your people, thats an investment that pays out in operational efficiency and resilience. You see the impact in your bottom line, in the communities where you operate, and in your companys very sustainability.

Customers can now purchase Guardhat solutions from CBT, and leverage the companys deep deployment experience and expertise. The companies plan additional integrations across hardware, software, and services in the future.

About CBT:

CBT is an unparalleled design-thinking and integration-engineering company. It utilizes unique expertise to bridge the gap between OT and IT and accelerate smart operations in manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas, and healthcare. CBTs solutions are powered by next-generation innovations from an industry-leading partner ecosystem, led by Guardhat, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, PTC, Intel, ABB, NVIDIA, and many more. As a first mover and Domain Expert Integrator, CBT has a proven track record of taking customers from ideas to execution in production environments. Its solutions go beyond the data center to deliver business transformation across the enterprise. For more information, visit www.cbtechinc.com .

About Guardhat:

Guardhat is pioneering end-to-end connected worker safety solutions for industrial workers. The company offers cutting-edge, wearable technology; a proprietary connected worker platform  unrivaled in its ability to ingest, manage and analyze unstructured data; easy to deploy monitoring and reporting software; and a growing ecosystem of partner integrations. With Guardhat, companies can monitor worker location, health, and work environment to speed reaction time and help proactively solve safety challenges. Guardhat is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and operates globally. The company holds 12 patents in real-time location systems, wearable solution design, and connected worker software. For more information, visit www.guardhat.com .

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TORONTO, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims (the Association) organized a rally through downtown Toronto on August 5 to express the belief that Justice is Not Negotiable. Thousands of Torontonians attended and called for direct action from the Government of Canada and RCMP, including the continued ask to launch a domestic criminal investigation.



With pictures of the 176 victims of Flight PS752 being carried at the front end of the crowd, participants also carried slogans calling on the Government of Canada to hold Iran to account, demanding truth and justice for the downing of the flight. The Association has been advocating for over a year that the RCMP and Commissioner Lucki start a criminal investigation, as well as that the IRGC of Iran, the armed forces responsible for firing the missiles at the aircraft, be listed as a terrorist organization.

Additional demands included that the Government of Canada lead the negotiations with Iran and, as soon as it is clear that negotiation will not result in full disclosure of the true facts and proper prosecutions of all individuals responsible, or that Iran is not engaging in good faith to provide satisfactory answers in a timely manner, appeal through the relevant mechanisms to the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Court of Justice; The ICAO Council, including Canada, condemn the Iranian regime in the strongest terms for the crimes committed and breaches of ICAO conventions.

The date, August 5, coincided with the inauguration of the new president of the Islamic Republic, Ebrahim Raisi. Mr. Raisi is a key member of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, which was the entity that made the decision to keep the airspace open on January 8, 2020, according to Canadas forensic report. Mr. Raisi has also overseen the judicial system in Iran as the countrys Chief Justice. In this capacity, he has systematically blocked all paths to truth and justice for victims of PS752 by exonerating the top military and government officials, while arresting and incarcerating protestors who spoke against the perpetrators of this crime.

At Nathan Phillips Square, several prominent guest speakers expressed support for families and victims. Mayor John Tory sent remarks that were read out at the start of the event. Other guest speakers included: MP Ali Ehsassi, MP Han Dong, MPP Michael Parsa, and former Ontario MPP and cabinet minister, Dr. Reza Moridi. The President of Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto Branch also delivered his speech in support of and solidarity with the victims of Flight PS752 and Flight MH17, the Malaysian aircraft shot down over the Ukrainian skies by rebel forces.

The Associations statement was read in both Farsi and English by Association Directors Mr. Hamed Esmaeilion and Mr. Nima Neyestani. The victims' names were read in between the speeches to commemorate their lives. Among the many emotional moments, a special tribute was paid to the family of Dr. Farhad Niknam, one of the victims of the flight, whose birthday coincided with the day of the rally.

The organizers took precautions to ensure social distancing and masking, considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ae5d7f0-fc8e-4e72-88e0-2e4992681376

Media Contacts

Oliveah Friesen

ofriesen@sussex-strategy.com

519-770-2991

Hamed Esmaeilion

Email: speaker@ps752justice.com

Website: https://www.ps752justice.com
LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQX: TOBAF) (FRANKFURT: 2TP) (the Company or TAAT) is pleased to announce that independent of sales from its regular channels, the Company has closed a total of 68 new initial purchase orders from contacts established at two Las Vegas trade shows where the Company exhibited in late July 2021, with additional buyer leads currently in the pipeline. At The HQ Event, a specialty lifestyle products trade show held at Caesars Palace, votes from buyer attendees recognized TAAT as the Best New Product at the show, as well as the second-place winner for the Best in Show award. TAAT also exhibited at CHAMPS Las Vegas the following week, a significantly larger trade show with a greater emphasis on tobacco products, which sold out of exhibitor spaces well in advance of the events opening day. These two events were the Companys first B2B convention appearances following the launch of TAAT in Q4 2020, and the Company is planning to exhibit at several additional trade shows in 2021.



In a press release dated July 16, 2021 , the Company detailed its progress in setting up its new facilities in the Las Vegas, Nevada area which are set to launch this month and will considerably increase bandwidth for producing the Beyond Tobacco base material of TAAT. To optimize order processing, the Company has more than tripled the size of its fulfillment station in its new facilities compared to its original site on West Post Road. The Company anticipates that it will begin to benefit from these facility expansions as more orders of TAAT are placed resulting from trade show leads in addition to wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales to smokers aged 21+ as part of the Companys existing commercialization initiatives.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb769832-9fc9-4407-9d11-09baeb0e25e6

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella was present at the Companys booth for the CHAMPS Las Vegas trade show from July 27 to July 30, 2021. Video footage from the trade show featuring TAAT can be seen by clicking here .

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

Following these purchase orders, the total count of U.S. retailers carrying TAAT has grown to approximately 500 points of sale, reflecting significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 points of sale on record as of mid-July 2021. The TAAT store locator map displayed below from the Companys TryTAAT webpage ( http://trytaat.com ) shows a well-established retail footprint in eastern regions of the United States around urban centres to include Cincinnati (population 301,000), Columbus (population 878,000), Chicago (population 2.71 million), and Atlanta (population 488,000).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd4d2e15-ea23-40b4-971c-6ae69a19330b

As of early August 2021, TAAT is sold in approximately 500 stores in the United States, representing significant short-term growth compared to approximately 300 stores as of mid-July 2021. Through its wholesale partners, the Company has established TAATs presence around urban centres such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, and Atlanta.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

TAAT Chief Executive Officer Setti Coscarella commented, At this time last year, I was in my first week with TAAT after resigning from Philip Morris International as a Lead Strategist and not only were we still focused on perfecting TAAT and Beyond Tobacco then, there were also no trade shows or in-person events where we could introduce the product to commercialization partners before launching. Despite that limitation, we were able to place TAAT in hundreds of stores in multiple states, launch our e-commerce platform making TAAT available to the majority of U.S. smokers aged 21+, and land our first international purchase order from a wholesaler who distributes to the United Kingdom and Ireland. At the end of July, we had our first two trade show exhibits since launching TAAT, and we are more than pleased to have closed these 68 initial purchase orders as a direct result of the connections we made at these events, many of which we expect to convert into repeat orders based on the performance of TAAT since its launch in Q4 2020.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

TAAT GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES INC.

Setti Coscarella

Setti Coscarella, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

TAAT Investor Relations

1-833-TAAT-USA (1-833-822-8872)

investor@taatusa.com

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

About TAAT Global Alternatives Inc.

The Company has developed TAAT, which is a tobacco-free and nicotine-free alternative to traditional cigarettes offered in "Original", "Smooth", and "Menthol" varieties. TAAT's base material is Beyond Tobacco, a proprietary blend which undergoes a patent-pending refinement technique causing its scent and taste to resemble tobacco. Under executive leadership with "Big Tobacco" pedigree, TAAT was launched first in the United States in Q4 2020 as the Company seeks to position itself in the $814 billion1 global tobacco industry.

For more information, please visit http://taatglobal.com .

References

1 British American Tobacco - The Global Market

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated performance of TAAT in the tobacco industry, in addition to the following: Potential additional purchase orders from sales leads obtained at trade shows in July 2021, potential continued sales performance of TAAT in the United States. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the tobacco markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees.

Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, Delivers a Speech to Commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima.



LOS ANGELES, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- August 6, 2021 marks the 76th anniversary of Hiroshima Day. To comfort the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for lasting peace in the world, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), delivered a video message , noting that on the special occasion, people reflect on the past tragic events, warn against repeating the same mistakes, and commit themselves to a vision of peace for the future. He emphasized, In trying times, only humanity's precious love and conscience can heal the pain, inspire hope, reshape the future, and bring peace to the world while encouraging everyone to pray for the Earth and the people of the world with a pure and sincere heart.

As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the planet, Dr. Hong emphasized the significance of conscience in his prayer, which reads:

The passing of life and the suffering,

The scars of war,

The devastation caused by natural and man-made disasters,

We contemplate these and come to the conclusion that

All evil stems from the devils in our hearts and selfish desires.

How are we going to save all the living creatures in time?

How do we immediately atone for our mistakes and ensure the continued existence of humanity and our planet?

The answer lies in our hearts.

Our hearts hold the key to salvation.

We need to listen to our inner voice, the calling of conscience, and follow the guidance of our conscience to move toward a brighter future.

We see the light of hope and are motivated by love.

Seizing windows of opportunity, we take actions to fulfill our wishes.

We are willing to better ourselves, learn from others, and get rid of our bad habits.

We are willing to strengthen our interpersonal relationships and treat others with kindness.

We are willing to safeguard the Earth and protect the environment.

Global citizens' thoughts and actions of conscience are like timely rain after a drought and like auspicious light illuminating the world.

Love of the world

A wish for peace

Love for life

Love for the people of the world

Calming our hearts will help stabilize the world.

Promoting the culture of peace with love and conscience

Nourishing life of all forms with love and conscience

Fostering unity and harmony with love and conscience

Pure sky, pure land, and pure hearts

When Heaven, Earth, and humans are all in harmony,

all living creatures will be blessed.

May peace prevail on Earth.

We pray

that the pandemic will end soon, that conflicts will cease,

that peace and prosperity will prevail,

that justice and human rights will be realized,

that conscience will be widely promoted, that the truth is always unveiled,

and that love, peace, and the world will last forever!

By constantly spreading positive energy, FOWPAL has strived to restore balance in the environment and bring solace to all living things. In addition to this prayer, FOWPAL has been sharing Dr. Hongs another prayer for the world , which has been translated into over 70 languages and shared widely: We pray that the pandemic will end soon and that beautiful days and hope will return. We pray that there will be no more disasters or man-made calamities and that all beings in the world will be safe and no longer fearful. We pray that people's conscience will be awakened, and that the world will be transformed with our kind hearts and good deeds.

Because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, FOWPAL has been sharing a video featuring the ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love to spread the energy of love and peace to comfort people's hearts, heal their emotional wounds, and inspire them to return to a harmonious world in which there is no sorrow, fear, war, or suffering.

FOWPAL has also been sharing an educational and uplifting video titled " Antiviral Combat ," which encourages people all over the world to improve their immunity by adopting a positive mindset.

FOWPAL will continue to foster positive energy and encourage everyone to think kind thoughts and do good deeds to transform the world and prevent similar tragedies from happening again. They encourage people to endorse the Declaration of International Day of Conscience, which was launched by FOWPAL at the United Nations in New York on February 5, 2019 and has been endorsed by people in 195 nations!

The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL): Established in 2000 in the United States by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, FOWPAL is an international love and peace organization. Guided by the principle of Changing the world for the better starting with one good thought, it aims to promote world peace and love through various activities such as world summits of love and peace, ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, and cultural exchange performances. FOWPAL members come from 137 countries; presently 399 prominent figures from 122 countries have rung the Bell, made their wishes for love and peace, and pledged to work for the worlds sustainable future. Among them are heads of state and government, seven Nobel Peace Prize laureates, UN ambassadors, and other visionary leaders.

Media Contact:

Lily Chen

Representative

info@fowpal.org

626-202-5268

www.fowpal.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2cebe69-7076-4a4f-b1eb-119d6c94e572
Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
A recent wedding at Sandy Knoll County Park in West Bend. It is one of the three county park locations with a few dates still available for weddings this summer, according to Krystal Wangerin, parks business services manager. She said the other two sites are fully booked for 2021.
Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one.
Where Charles Leclerc already lost his chances in Hungary after the first corner, Carlos Sainz drove past all the damage. For a long time he had a view on the podium, seemed to lose it when Lewis Hamilton passed him in the final phase, but finally saw his name back on P3 after the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel.

During the race, there was some discussion between Sainz and his team on the radio. The Ferrari members behind the pit wall wanted to bring the Spaniard in for new tyres, but he made it clear that he still had speed. After the race team principal Mattia Binotto told Motorsport.com that it was good that Sainz went against the call of his team.

Open communication important

"They are conclusions that we reach together, that's how we look at it. By having open communication over the on-board radio, we make sure we reach the right conclusion together," Binotto explained. According to the Italian, Ferrari has come up with that method of working specifically. "It was not a misunderstanding, because the final decision is made by the strategists," he said.

"The driver gave his suggestion with the feeling he has, then we look at our simulation and our evaluation. In the end we concluded that it was the right decision". Sainz too recognises that his call was the right one. "At that point, the team and I did not expect the overcut to be so fast on those two drivers (Latifi and Tsunoda, ed.)", the Spanish driver concludes.
Hungary has secured its long-term future on the Formula 1 calendar.

The country's national innovation minister Laszlo Palkovics was at the Hungaroring last weekend for talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Incredibly, although the race near Budapest already had a contract until 2032, that has now been extended for a further five years - all the way to 2037.

"I assured Stefano Domenicali that the Hungarian government wants to continue hosting F1 in Hungary," said Palkovics.

"We have a financial agreement until 2032 and I suggested that we would like to extend it for five or ten years. It was accepted that after 2032 we have this option until 2037, and therefore we would like to have F1 in Hungary until 2037."

FIA president Jean Todt even met with controversial Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in the previous days.

Local reports suggest part of Hungary's new deal with Formula 1 involves substantial upgrades to the facilities at the 35-year-old circuit in Mogyorod, 20kms from Budapest.

"Of course there is a lot to do, as this track was built in 1986 and is a relic of the past," said the minister. "It is no longer up to modern standards."

Circuit boss Zsolst Guylay said the renovation works, including a new main grandstand and paddock, will begin soon.

Minister Palkovics, meanwhile, says he has asked Formula 1 to look into whether a self-driving Mercedes safety car could even lead the field in 2022.

"As autonomous driving is important for Hungary, I made that suggestion," he confirmed.

"Obviously we would have to work that out, but the manager of the Mercedes plant in Kecskemet was previously head of AMG, so it could be done."

(GMM)
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President Biden issued an Executive Order (EO) that sets a goal that 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel-cell-electric vehicles.

The EO also directs the EPA to begin working on a rulemaking to establish new new multi-pollutant emissions standards, including for greenhouse gas emissions, for light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2030. The EPA has issued its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the MY 2024-2026 standards. (Earlier post.)

EPA is also to begin work on a rulemaking under the Clean Air Act to establish new NO x standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2030. The agency is also to update the existing greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2029.

The EPA is also to work on a rulemaking to establish new greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles to begin as soon as model year 2030.

The EO also directs the USDOT to begin working on new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks beginning with model year 2027 and extending through and including at least model year 2030. (Earlier post.)

USDOTs NHTSA is also to begin working on a rulemaking to establish new fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans beginning with model year 2028 and extending through and including at least model year 2030.

NHTSA is also to begin work on a rulemaking to establish new fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty engines and vehicles to begin as soon as model year 2030.

EPA is to coordinate its activities with California on the regulations.
The US Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it will soon propose robust new fuel economy standards. The new standards would increase fuel efficiency 8% annually for model years 2024-2026 and increase the estimated fleetwide average by 12 miles per gallon for model year 2026, relative to model year 2021.

NHTSAs proposal comes as the automobile industry is retooling future models in response to market demand for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Nearly all auto manufacturers have announced new electric vehicle models, and five manufacturers have voluntarily agreed with California to achieve stricter greenhouse gas requirements.

More robust fuel economy standards will encourage the industry to continue improving the fuel economy of cars powered by internal combustion engines as the transportation sector transitions to electrification, NHTSA said.

The proposal considers a range of regulatory alternatives and is significantly different from the conclusion that NHTSA reached in the 2020 final rule. Contrary to the 2020 final rule, NHTSAs proposal would achieve a fleet average almost nine miles per gallon higher than the 2020 rule by 2026, and would slash greenhouse gases by 1.8 billion tons over the next three decades. NHTSA estimates that total benefits from the new proposed standards will exceed program costs by $132 billion.

NHTSA will also begin work, under a new Presidential Executive Order, to develop fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light duty trucks for model years 2027-2030. In addition, the agency will develop medium and heavy-duty fuel efficiency standards beginning as early as model year 2027.
70 Years Ago Walter Plywaski Fought For Atheists' Right To Become Citizens  Here's Why His Story Is Worth Remembering
Green River Police Department reports for July 27

At 7:45 a.m., officers observed a delivery truck that was stuck blocking the lane of travel at the intersection of Hitching Post Drive and Illinois Court. While getting the truck unstuck, it caused surface damage to the roadway. The truck was cleared of the roadway and officers completed a report of the incident.

At 9:53 a.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary on East Flaming Gorge Way. Officers met with an individual who reported items missing. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 4:01 p.m., officers responded to a report of a collision. It was reported a vehicle was traveling southbound on Indian Hills Drive, navigating the rounded corner of the roadway. As the vehicle veered to the right hand side of the roadway, it struck a flatbed utility trailer that was parked on the right side of the roadway. Officers issued the driver , a juvenile, 16, of Green River, a citation for alleged improper lane use. Officers met with the owner of the trailer and completed a report of the incident.

At 4:17 p.m., officers responded to a report of property damage at Lincoln Middle School. Officers met with an individual who reported damage to the window of their vehicle. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 5 p.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism at the LDS Stake Center. It was reported the glass insert of an exit door was shattered on the west side of the church. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 9:33 p.m., officers responded to a report of an animal bite on Shoshone Avenue. It was reported an individual was bit on the leg by a friends dog at the friends residence. Current vaccination records could not be verified and the dog was taken to the Green River Animal Shelter to be held on a 10-day rabies quarantine. Officers completed a report and forwarded the case to animal control.

July 28

At 1:27 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding near the intersection of East Flaming Gorge Way and Uinta Drive and issued the driver, Charles Deptula, 35, of Salt Lake City, a citation for an alleged compulsory auto insurance violation.

At 3:22 p.m., officers responded to a report of threats and harassment. Officers met with an individual who reported being threatened by another individual. Officers completed a report of the incident, the suspected individual has not been contacted at this time. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to.

July 29

At 9 a.m., officers responded to a report of suspicious circumstances on Iowa Avenue. Officers met with an individual who reported their vehicle had been rummaged through but no items were reported missing. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 10:16 a.m., officers responded to a report of fraud. Officers met with an individual who reported monetary losses. It was reported the individual sent funds to a possible fraudulent investment company and has since been receiving threatening messages. Officers completed a report of the incident. The Green River Police Department did not release the address officers responded to.

At 11:57 a.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of West Teton Boulevard. It was reported a vehicle was stopped in their driveway waiting to pull out onto West Teton Boulevard while a second vehicle was traveling south on on the street. As the first vehicle pulled out into the roadway the front of the vehicle struck the rear drivers side of the second vehicle. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 2:04 p.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision. It was reported a vehicle was traveling east on East Flaming Gorge Way and entered the left turning lane to turn onto Uinta Drive, before coming to a stop behind a vehicle. A second vehicle, traveling behind the first, came to a stop behind it. The driver of the first vehicle reversed the vehicle, resulting in it colliding with the front bumper of the vehicle behind it. The driver of the first vehicle, Kevin Elkin, 31, of Green River, was issued a citation for alleged improper backing and officers completed a report of the incident.

July 30

At 3:56 p.m., officers responded to a report of a larceny on Iowa Avenue. Officers met with an individual who reported their vehicle had been rummaged through. No items were reported missing and officers completed a report of the incident.

At 4:59 p.m., animal control officers responded to a report of an individual who had been bitten by a dog on Uinta Drive. It was reported the individual was walking past a parked vehicle when the dog, inside the vehicle, bit the individual on the arm through the open window of the vehicle. Animal control officers met with an owner of the dog and ascertained the dog was not current on its rabies vaccination and would need to be held on a 10-day rabies quarantine. The owners were advised to bring the dog to the shelter. It was later learned that the dog brought to the shelter was not the dog that had bit the victim. Officers again met with the owner of the dog, the suspected dog was then booked into the shelter for the rabies quarantine, and the owner Delynne Gipson, 58, of Green River, was issued citations for alleged vicious animal, immunization required, and interference with an animal control officer.

At 11:11 p.m., officers responded to a report of domestic violence. Officers met with an individual involved in an altercation. Officers attempted to locate the other involved party, that had already left prior to the officers arrival. Officers completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to.

July 31

At 9:22 a.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism on Utah Place. Officers met with an individual who reported a window of their camper had been broken by a rock. Officer completed a report of the incident.

At 12:26 p.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism on West Teton Boulevard. Officers met with an individual who reported their mailbox had been vandalized. Officers completed a report of the incident.

At 3:11 p.m., officers responded to a report of a juvenile runaway. Officers met with an individual who reported a juvenile, age 13, as a runaway. The juvenile was later located, officers met with the juvenile and parents, then completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to.

Aug. 1

At 5:31 p.m., officers responded to a report of a physical altercation between two males at the Flaming Gorge Motel. Officers met with the two individuals involved in the altercation and completed a report of the incident. No arrests were made at this time.

Aug. 2

At 2:01 a.m., officers responded to a report of an agency assist. Officers met with individuals that were involved in a domestic altercation. Rachel Louise Harris, 38, of Tomball, Texas, was placed under arrest for alleged domestic assault and interference with a peace officer.

At 9:25 a.m., officers responded to a report of stolen jet skis on Logan Street. Officers met with an individual who reported their two jet skis and trailer were missing. Officers completed a report of the incident, the case is still under investigation.

At 1:56 p.m., officers responded to a report of threats and harassment. Officers met with an individual who reported a verbal dispute and harassment. Officers met with the individual and completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to.
Sweetwater County is one of 90 groups supporting a federal bill its proponents say will help clean up national forests and reduce the severity of forest fires.

The Resilient Federal Forests Act was initially introduced to the U.S. House July 22 by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., a ranking member of the House Committee on National Resources. The bipartisan bill was introduced with 70 cosponsors, including Wyomings Rep. Liz Cheney.

For years, the federal government has mismanaged our forests, resulting in more catastrophic fires. We must take action now to implement effective forest management. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation, and will continue to work to find solutions to protect Wyoming from the threat of wildfires by ensuring that our forests are properly managed, Cheney said in a statement.

The bills proponents say it aims to improve the health of federal forests by addressing problems with overgrown forests, the impact beetles and other insects have had, as well as curtailing what a House Committee on National Resources press release about the bill refers to as frivolous and obstructionist litigation that has tied up forest management projects. The bills supporters also claim the bill would help revitalize the economies of rural communities.

The bill received support from multiple Wyoming counties. Amongst the supporters are Sheridan, Carbon, Fremont, Uinta, Lincoln, Converse, Washakie, Park and Sublette counties. Sweetwater County Commissioner Mary Thoman said the Wyoming County Commissioners Association initially contacted the county and asked if commissioners would support the bill.

Other supporters include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Intermountain Forest Association and the Society of American Foresters.

Thoman said the county gave verbal support for the bill, saying it comes from the countys status as a cooperating entity with the Ashley National Forest, which includes the Flaming Gorge National Recreation area.

She also said the county has concerns about the impacts forest fires have downstream from where they occur, saying dirt and mud get carried into waterways after a fire and impact water quality downstream.

Thoman, who had been a longtime member of the Sweetwater County Conservation District before being elected as a county commissioner, also agrees with the bills assessment of the federal forests.

Theyve fallen into disrepair, she said.
SUNDANCE  Crook County Treasurer Mary Kuhl was arrested on Friday on criminal charges related to her conduct as an elected official.

The allegations include that she listed a customers license plate tabs as lost in the mail but then placed them on her own vehicle; that she adjusted the tax system to hide missing money; and that she issued a false certificate so that a personal friend could avoid paying registration fees.

The investigation was headed by a special agent of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

According to County Attorney Joe Baron, this is not the first time an investigation has been launched into Kuhls behavior within her office, although the first did not lead to any charges.

Speaking on Monday morning, he also confirmed that an FBI investigation into Kuhl is ongoing.

The special agent reports that he was notified on May 21 of a criminal allegation concerning the license plate tabs on Kuhls vehicle. Though the tabs were current, the vehicles registration showed that the license plates had expired.

The tabs themselves meanwhile showed in the registration system as having been lost in the mail. The registration system also showed that Kuhl had not paid to register the vehicle for the current year.

The special agent spoke with County Clerk Linda Fritz, who was able to show him pertinent information on the countys vehicle registration system.

The tabs were allegedly originally issued to a customer on January 29. On March 3, the system showed that the sticker was lost in the mail and a new sticker had been issued.

The special agent asked if it was possible for Kuhl to change the system to show the vehicle as having current registration. Fritz responded that it would be possible; however, the date and time on the bottom of the screen would show when it was changed.

The special agent conducted a non-custodial interview with Kuhl in her office. Kuhl was advised that she was not under arrest and could choose not to answer any questions. When asked about the license plate tabs, Kuhl allegedly responded that she has several vehicles registered to her and her husband and that she must have placed the wrong tabs on this vehicle.

Kuhl advised agents that she did not remember purchasing current registration [for the vehicle] and that she had no explanation of how the tab ended up on her vehicle, said the agents report.

Kuhl allegedly confirmed the information about the tab originally being issued to someone else and then being listed as lost in the mail.

The agent asked Kuhl about the process for renewing registrations and was told that, after someone pays for his registration, he is issued a receipt and the tabs. She confirmed that this is how she receives her own registrations when she renews her license plates.

Kuhl further advised that, after she was involved in a previous investigation, Kuhl changed protocols in her office, said the agent in his report. Part of the changes were that employees of the Treasurers Office were not allowed to renew their own registrations.

The agent again asked how the tabs that had been registered as lost in the mail ended up on Kuhls vehicle, and again she allegedly could not provide an answer.

However, Kuhl did admit that the tabs would have had to come from the Treasurers Office and that was on her, said the agent in his report.

The license plates were seized as evidence. The agent spoke with employees at Kuhls office and was allegedly told that, when the tabs were returned to the office, Kuhl took them and placed them in her office, which was contrary to common practice.

On June 25, the agent was informed of a new allegation against Kuhl. The complaint appears to involve changes made to the offices system to hide a discrepancy in the days cash balance.

According to the complaint, on June 14, a member of the public transferred his old vehicles registration to register a new vehicle and paid tax liability of $859.20. Due to a credit on his previous registration of $467.38, the customer owed the difference of $391.82.

Around 30 minutes later, Kuhl allegedly voided the transaction and re-entered the registration amount, increasing the credit amount. With the new credit entered, the agent reports that the registration liability was reduced by $360.01.

The affidavit appears to suggest that the transaction was performed in an effort to reconcile a discrepancy in the offices cash balance.

The agent notes that the actual cash reported on June 14 was $360.01 lower than the days transactions should have totaled, but this was not caught during the daily reconciliation because that amount had been removed from the system through the changes to the customers credit.

This allegedly occurred the day before Kuhl was interviewed by the agent and became aware her actions were being scrutinized.

On June 23, nine days later, Kuhl allegedly once again made changes to the system to re-enter the $360.01 in the county fees portion of the registration field.

On that same day, a cash transaction was placed into the Treasurers cash box in the amount of $360.01, said the agent in his report. This caused the transaction amounts to match between the system and the accounting spreadsheet.

On July 15, the special agent was advised of a third allegation against Kuhl from an employee of the Treasurers Office.

The employee provided documents that appeared to show Kuhl had issued a false certificate  a temporary registration  to a personal friend that resulted in the friend not having to pay registration fees.

The friend allegedly paid $230.37 in registration fees on July 12, 2019.

In December, 2019, the friends boyfriend registered a new vehicle under his own name that he had purchased for the friend to drive. He paid the sales tax and registration. The boyfriend was given a transfer credit from the friends prior registration of $33.40. According to the employee, it is against Wyoming statutes to transfer registration credit to a vehicle that is not registered to the same person as the original credit, and it is also against statute to provide a credit when the first vehicle is still owned.

The employee also provided documents showing the registration on the original vehicle was never paid for.

In addition, the employee shared documents showing that, on February 25, 2021, the friend came to the Treasurers Office and Kuhl entered a name change into the system on the new vehicle to show that the boyfriend had sold it to the friend.

Kuhl then allegedly issued the friend a 60-day temporary registration for which the friend paid $163.16; the sales tax amount was set at zero.

The employee noted several issues with this, including that it is in violation of statute to issue a temporary registration for a vehicle that had previously been registered to the same owner.

The employee advised the agent that the sales tax receipt was simply used to change the owners name in the system so a temporary registration could be issued to the friend.

The employee shared additional documents showing that the boyfriend came to the office on May 14 and paid for the registration on that vehicle in his own name. Some time after this, according to the employees complaint, the friend totaled the new vehicle and needed to re-register her old one so as to have something to drive.

On July 13, she was issued a new registration and the license plate from the new vehicle was transferred to the old one. The friend was allegedly given a transfer credit from the new vehicle, which was registered to her boyfriend, offsetting the registration for the old one.

The friend allegedly only paid a $25 fee to the State of Wyoming.

The employee advised again that it is against statute to transfer registration credit to someone not on the registration. The friend should have had to pay $333.96 for the transaction.

Kuhl faces four individual charges, the first of which is a felony. Unauthorized use of monies carries a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a $5000 fine or both; it may also result in removal from office.

In addition, Kuhl has been charged with three misdemeanors: one count of official misconduct and two of issuing false certificates. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 12 in Circuit Court.
CASPER  As COVID-19 variants emerge globally, Wyoming is by a wide margin leading the nation in work to identify those mutations.

Nearly 19% of COVID-19 tests in Wyoming are being genetically sequenced, meaning the department is analyzing the genetic base pairs that make up the virus DNA to identify mutations.

Washington state places second, with fewer than 8% of tests sequenced, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of states are analyzing fewer than 3% of virus tests.

As more virus mutations have emerged globally, the ability to identify those outbreaks locally has become increasingly important, said state health officer and epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist, who also oversees the state public health laboratory.

But how did Wyoming become a national leader?

They had the foresight, Harrist said. We do use sequencing for other areas of public health, like identifying different strains of salmonella and E.Coli.

It was for those purposes the state lab began acquiring equipment and training staff to conduct the sequencing  well before the pandemic arrived here.

The existing infrastructure combined with federal pandemic relief dollars enabled the lab to bolster its program even further, which Harrist credits for Wyomings position ahead of other states.

Just because the state is able to analyze the tests doesnt mean its a simple process, though. Harrist said it can take weeks to sequence a single sample. When DNA is sequenced, it tells researchers the exact order of the chemical base pairs that make up the DNA molecule, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.

By learning the order, or sequence, of those base pairs, researchers can identify different mutations, or variants, from the original genome.

The process creates a lot of data. The SARS-CoV-2 genome (the virus that causes COVID-19) has about 30,000 base pairs. When its sequenced, researchers get data for each of those base pairs.

Analyzing the data takes time. That also means data available now about COVID-19 variants is likely out of date.

We should assume there is a delay, Harrist said, adding that at this point, (sequencing) really is an epidemiological tool. (Rather than something that can provide real-time data.)

Despite the delay, Harrist said theyre able to infer a good deal of information from the tests that are already sequenced. Harrist reiterated information shared by the health department last week  that the more contagious Delta variant is already considered the dominant strain now in Wyoming.

Nationally, the variant is estimated to make up more than 80% of new virus infections.

The state has so far identified more than 300 Delta infections here. The outbreak is concentrated in Laramie County, but cases have begun cropping up in almost every county.

That variant is considered between 50%-60% more contagious than its predecessor the Alpha variant, which was already about 50% more contagious than the original virus strain.

It is also believed to be better at thwarting vaccines, though Harrist emphasized vaccinated individuals who do contract the Delta variant are far less likely to experience severe illness.

Harrist is now recommending vaccinated residents in counties with moderate to high virus transmission mask up again.

In addition to identifying the Delta variant, the public health laboratory has confirmed nine other notable virus mutations in Wyoming since the pandemic emerged here, though Delta is now considered the dominant strain.

Those other variants include the Alpha, or B.1.1.7, and the Gamma, or P.1 mutations. Both are considered more contagious than the initial virus strain, but neither are currently driving cases in the U.S.
Greensburg, IN (47240)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible overnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible overnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  A pledge by China to supply 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to other countries this year expands the commitments made by a nation that is already the largest exporter of the shots by far.

President Xi Jinping made the announcement Thursday in a message to an international forum China organized on vaccine cooperation. He also promised to donate $100 million to COVAX, the program that aims to distribute vaccines to low- and middle-income countries,

This means that China stands ready to provide safe and effective vaccines for nearly 10% of the population in the rest of the world," said Wang Xiaolong, the director general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of International Economic Affairs.

China has already delivered 770 million doses to foreign countries since September last year, Wang said at a briefing for foreign media Friday. Most of those have been exported under bilateral deals. Wang said that donated doses are in the tens of millions, but did not provide a precise figure.

The U.S. has donated 110 million doses, mostly through COVAX, the White House said earlier this week.

China's two biggest COVID vaccine makers, Sinopharm and Sinovac, have entered agreements to deliver up to 550 million doses through COVAX by the middle of next year. Wang said the first deliveries under the U.N.-backed program will be made this month to Bangladesh, Pakistan and Algeria.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese shots have been administered to people both in China and around the world. However, there are concerns about whether they protect adequately against the highly transmissible delta variant.

In Indonesia and Thailand, which have relied heavily on Sinovac's shot, the governments are planning to give a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine to health workers after reports that some had died despite being fully vaccinated with the Chinese shot.

The Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, which both use inactivated viruses, have shown lower effectiveness against the delta variant but still provide some protection, according to Feng Zijian, an official at China's Center for Disease Control, who spoke to state broadcaster CCTV in June.

Most of the more than 1.7 billion vaccine doses that have been administered in China are from Sinopharm and Sinovac. China is currently fighting a widespread outbreak driven by the delta variant, which has infected people who have been vaccinated.

Sinovac published a study online in July, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, that showed a third booster shot given at least six months after the second shot could greatly increase antibody levels.

The company has submitted clinical research data to regulators for emergency use approval for new variations of its CoronaVac shot designed for the newer delta and gamma variants, CEO Yin Weidong announced at China's vaccine forum, which was held virtually.

CanSino, another private company whose one-shot vaccine is in use in Pakistan, Mexico and other countries, said it is working on adapting it for the variants. Its founder, Zhu Tao, said at a separate forum Thursday that the vaccine did show declines in effectiveness in lab tests against the delta variant, but that it is still protective.

Zhu said the company's latest research data show that a third booster shot would significantly raise antibody levels.

State-owned Sinopharm has told state media that it is developing vaccines tailored to four major variants, including the delta one.

Globally, vaccine distributions have been starkly unequal, as wealthy countries consider issuing booster shots to their citizens and poorer nations struggle to get enough vaccines for a first dose.

Over 4 billion vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 75% of those have gone to just 10 countries, World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the Chinese vaccine forum.

China has been accused of using vaccines as leverage in diplomatic dealings. In June, diplomats told The Associated Press that China had threatened to withhold vaccines to pressure Ukraine into withdrawing from a statement calling for more scrutiny of China's treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in its Xinjiang region.

U.S. President Joe Biden made a point of saying that American vaccine donations would come without pressure for favors or potential concessions" when announcing U.S. donation plans in June.

Japan has also stepped up its donations in the region, pledging 30 million doses through COVAX and other channels. It has already donated several million doses through bilateral deals.

Taiwan was one beneficiary of Japan's aid, after the island faced an outbreak that stressed its health system in May and June. Taiwan accused China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory, of interfering in deals to buy the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

___

Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed.

___

This story has been corrected to say that China's announcement was made Thursday, not Wednesday.
GREENWICH  Greenwich Emergency Medical Service  better known around town as GEMS  held a course Thursday, teaching participants about CPR, automated external defibrillators and first aid, at its headquarters in Greenwich.

Participants learned lifesaving skills, including adult, child and infant CPR/AED and first aid  even taking turns putting bandages on each other.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico will step in to ensure a timely chile harvest after growers and producers raised concerns about an inadequate supply of labor, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales announced.

The state will funnel up to $5 million in federal pandemic relief toward enhanced wages for laborers who harvest New Mexico's renowned green and red chile crop in the late summer and early fall, along with cabbage and onions, Morales said Wednesday.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture on Thursday was grappling with strategies for effectively distributing aid.

Chile is a roughly $50 million annual cash crop for farmers in New Mexico that would ideally employ about 3,000 people at farms and processing plants during the harvest, said Joram Robbs, executive director of the New Mexico Chile Association.

We're 40% to 60% short on labor, he said. Nobody is looking or actively searching for jobs right now.

Some Republican state legislators this week urged the state to cut off a $300 weekly federal supplement to unemployment benefits, asserting that the income is keeping workers at home rather than in the fields. The supplement expires in early September.

One of those legislators, state Sen. Crystal Diamond of Elephant Butte, applauded the idea of providing temporary economic aid to the harvest.

While we cannot spend our way out of this problem, I hope this temporary aid will assist the family farms in desperate need of workers, she said in a statement. "This is a small step toward recovery.

Morales said the local farm-labor shortage predates the pandemic and that many agricultural laborers aren't eligible for unemployment benefits because of their immigration status. He said minimum wage is no longer enough to attract workers to pick chile pods and that as much as $17 an hour may be necessary to attract workers.

The harvest of New Mexico's most famous crop started a few weeks early this year amid a shift in planting techniques.

Instead of starting from seed, more farmers are planting seedlings that have sprouted in a greenhouse to get their fields going faster. For some, its a hedge against increasing labor costs, while others see the method as a way to save water.
The upcoming Pixel 5a has surfaced a bunch of times so far, including when Google had to rebuke a report that said this device was cancelled. The company said it's not and it would arrive "later this year".

Today a new rumor tells us what that actually means, and apparently the affordable smartphone is due to launch on August 26. It will allegedly be priced at $450.

In terms of specs, you should expect a 6.4-inch screen, the Snapdragon 765G SoC, 6GB of RAM onboard, and a 4,650 mAh battery. Unsurprisingly there will be no wireless charging, and you'll only be able to purchase the Pixel 5a in one color: Mostly Black.

The camera will be the same found on the Pixel 5, and the 5a will have a headphone jack and be IP67 rated for water and dust resistance.

The specs make for a huge upgrade in battery capacity over the Pixel 4a 5G, and a decent jump in screen size too. We're comparing it to that model because that's what makes sense, despite Google's confusing naming scheme - the 4a non-5G was much smaller and, well, lacked 5G, which the 5a will have - using the same chipset as the 4a 5G, no less.

The Pixel 5a will launch in just two markets, which is around six less than the ones that will see the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. These two markets are the US and Japan, clearly both countries which are desperate for some decently priced mid-rangers - unlike in other parts of the world where there's plenty of choice.

Hey, maybe Google doesn't want to release the 5a in, say, Europe or India, because no one would buy it based on its specs to price ratio? We can only speculate, of course. Anyway, expect to only be able to grab one online or from physical Google Stores, of which so far there is one.

Source
Master carver Greg Pangelinan keeps busy by creating traditional CHamoru jewelry and by sharing his skill and knowledge with aspiring carvers during the pandemic.
One of the biggest developments from the recent trip to Washington, D.C. was an offer from the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with the design of the new medical campus, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said.

Im meeting with Lt. Col. Eric Marshall, and he suggested to do a planning, working session for about a week, she said. Help would be included for the whole facility, which incorporates Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

Del. Mike San Nicolas extended an invitation to senators on Friday to attend a meeting with Marshall regarding the needs and costs of the facility, though the governor did not say whether this would be the same session she was planning.

Leon Guerrero initially asked the Corps to help build the facility.

They dont have the logistics or the people out here. However, they offered to help us with planning, they offered to help us with oversight and construction management, she said. Those costs were included in the $748 million estimate for building the new hospital that the Corps previously provided, she added.

Guam Economic Development Authority Chairman David John had previously said that the administration had a goal of funding at least 20% of the facility from federal granting agencies, but according to Leon Guerrero, the goal was really 100%.

I want to seek 100% of the funding ... but if I cant, the debt service is where I would go. I will go out into the capital market and do it in such a way that it wouldnt affect the debt ceiling, she said.

As for a recent piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Joe San Agustin to fund the complex, Bill 121, she stated was on target.

Another interesting development brought up in talks with the Pentagon was the possibility of looking at economic diversification on the island through additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. The Department of Defense made the technology a more prominent part of its mission in January, and there was a company interested in setting up a manufacturing industry here, she said.

So the beauty of that, knowing that we have such a complicated way of routing supplies in, and it might not be that reliable, and its not that quick, is DOD uses them to get those supplies right away, so theyre trying to come out the governor said.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said previously that the Navy had already integrated the technology into ships.
Residents, line the second floor railing surrounding the center court of the Micronesia Mall, on Thursday, August 5, 2021, as they wait for their opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Guam Memorial Hospital on Friday demonstrated how its telemedicine system is helping doctors from across the country virtually monitor Intensive Care Unit patients.

The technology uses live video streaming on iPads so physicians, such as Dr. Michael Switzer in Seattle, can assist ICU medical teams by monitoring patients and asking for information they can assess, such as heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

Telemedicine at Guam Memorial Hospital was started as a response to the second wave of COVID-19 cases in the fall of 2020 by pulmonary and critical care physician Dr. Joleen Aguon.

We learned a lot from COVID-19. Having 28 COVID-19 patients at one time and having to be in different places, to being able to have a tele-doctor and myself during the same shift,  Guam Memorial Hospital has come a long way to managing medicine at the bedside, said Aguon.

There are six telemedicine doctors at the hospital who take shifts covering the 14 beds in the ICU when Aguon is off duty, mostly during evenings and weekends.

We know that attracting specialists to our island can be challenging, but at GMH, that just fuels us to find new and innovative ways to get past this challenge, said Guam Memorial Hospital CEO Lillian Perez-Posadas.

The equipment for the program is from telemedicine company Innovator Health, which works to give high-quality medical care for rural and underserved populations.

We know Guam is far and isolated. Knowing our nationally-recognized doctors can reach and treat Guam Memorial Hospitals most critical patients means that were fulfilling our mission, said Innovator Health CEO Dr. Darren Sommer.

The hospital is looking to expand the telemedicine program to other specialty departments.
Guams vaccination tourism program, which has brought more than 1,500 visitors from Taiwan during the past month, now faces stiff competition 
The United Kingdom is looking to have an increased footprint in the Indo-Pacific Region moving forward, according to Cdre. Steve Moorhouse, commander of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group.

Moorhouse held a press conference Friday aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship of the Royal Navy. The Queen Elizabeth and strike group visited Guam as part of a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region  Britains first deployment of a carrier strike group to the region in almost 25 years.

The Indo-Pacific was of growing importance to England, Moorhouse said, given that the economies in the area were growing faster than any place in the world. The visit was the first of a more consistent presence. Two warships from the Royal Navy will soon be based in the region and remain on a full-time basis.

Guam status

Crews would probably be rotated out on a three- to four-month basis, he said, and Guam was an attractive port for supporting the resupply of the ships because of its COVID status.

We can get people and equipment from the United Kingdom into Guam much, much easier than we can in other nations in the region because of your, your vaccination status. So its been a huge magnet, he said.

In touring the region, the strike group was looking to develop military, diplomatic and economic relationships with allies in the Indo-Pacific region with over 74 visits to 40 countries on the agenda, Moorhouse said.

Maintaining the free flow of trade through the South China sea was one of the primary aims of the move, he said.

For those that believe, you know, in that rules-based system, upholding international law, its really important that we work with like-minded allies and partners in the region to support that, Moorhouse stated.

One historic aspect of the trip was the mixed airwing of the Queen Elizabeth, with the U.S. Marine Corps embedded on the flight deck.

It is the first time since the 1940s that we have a mix of United States aircraft and United Kingdom aircraft. So the F-35 Bs that youll see on the flight deck, eight of them are from the United Kingdom, 10 of them are the United States Marine Corps, Moorhouse said.

COVID-19

Even though 100% of the strike group was fully vaccinated, crew members contracted COVID-19 along the deployment.

Our last port visits were in the Mediterranean, some six or seven weeks ago. And when we sail from there, we detected cases on three of the ships that are with the group, Moorhouse said.

The outbreak, to a large extent, was contained as of Friday. Two of the ships havent had a positive case for the last two weeks; the other ship was down to a single digit cases.

Those who tested positive were isolated on the ship and wouldnt be stepping ashore for liberty. Part of the ability to quickly adapt to fighting the pandemic was studying the situation aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which had an outbreak last year and ported on Guam.

What we found incredibly reassuring about the vaccine is that close to 50% of those that ... tested positive had no symptoms at all.  And then the other 50%, their symptoms were very mild; they had a flu and a minor headache, he stated.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero thanked Moorhouse and extended hospitality to the strike group. There would be a continuing effort to support military partners in the region, she said, in the interest of supporting national security.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero ordered mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for all government of Guam executive branch workers Friday evening.

The executive order, which goes into effect Monday, requires workers to be fully vaccinated with either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Sept. 24. This includes full-time and part-time employees and volunteers with all executive branch agencies.

According to the governors Director of Communications Krystal Paco-San Agustin, that includes all agencies that do not fall under the Judiciary of Guam or the Guam Legislature, including autonomous agencies of the government.

This means that all employees of the Department of Education, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Police Department, Guam Power Authority, among others within the executive branch, must be vaccinated. Paco-San Agustin said that around 80% of employees were already vaccinated.

If workers decline to get one of the three vaccines, they will be required to test for COVID-19 once a week. Any non-exempt workers who do not get vaccinated, or comply with the weekly testing requirements may be subject to disciplinary action.

Each agency will be required to coordinate with Public Health and the National Guard to schedule vaccination clinics. Individuals may also make personal arrangements to get vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination by the Sept. 24 deadline. Executive branch agencies are required to maintain records of their workers vaccination status, declination forms, or testing results and provide the record to Public Health upon request.

Records must be consistent with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

According to the executive order, despite the efforts to achieve the goal of 80% vaccinations, tens of thousands of people still remain unvaccinated and vulnerable to COVID-19. The new daily case average is at 17.6, according to the executive order with the number of cases in the last week rising to over 100, according to reports from the Joint Information Center. The CAR score is also at 5.4 as of Friday evening, after having been below 5.0 since November 2020, and below 2.5 since the second week of December of 2020 until recently. Some 21 positive cases were reported by the JIC on Friday night.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero stated on Friday that the spike in cases was to be expected, given the lifting of restrictions on gatherings, occupancy, and social distancing on Aug. 1.

The executive order also contemplates the recent spread of the Delta variant strain in the United States.

It cites Title 10 Chapter 3 Section 3322 (b) of the Guam Code Annotated, which states that the director of Public Health may direct the general population to be vaccinated against a disease in the event of a possible epidemic. The Department of Justice also ruled on July 26 that it was not in violation of federal law for employers to require vaccinations of their employees.

A similar policy was instituted by the state of Hawaii for all state and county workers.




Haiti - FLASH : Initiation of public action against dozens of businessmen, officials and former officials





On Wednesday August 4, 2021, the 10 investigation reports carried out by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) submitted by Me Hans Jacques Ludwig JOSEPH, the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) to the Commissioners of Government of Port-au-Prince and Croix-des-Bouquets https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34406-haiti-corruption-ulcc-handed-70-lawsuits-against-former-mayors-and-personalities.html index several dozen businessmen and women, civil servants, ex-civil servants and many companies for which the ULCC recommends the setting in motion of public action in summary :



The ULCC in the case of loans to the Office National d'Assurance-Vieillesse (ONA) recommends initiating public action for embezzlement of public property, complicity in the misappropriation of public property, laundering of the proceeds of crime, criminal association, each as far as it is concerned the named : Jean-Henry Ceant, Pierre Reginald Boulos, Isabelle Valme, Urcile Pierre, Emelyne Girovana Brice, Sebastien Boulos, Melissa Regine Boulos, Natacha Blanc and Prima Emilia Giordani for having diverted 65 million gourdes from ONA.



As part of this ONAMART/ONAPHARMA loan file, ULCC recommends the initiation of public action against Pierre Reginald Boulos, Youri Latortue and Albert Christian Jean Louis and the restitution by the debtors to ONA of the sum of 17 million 869 thousand 500 gourdes.



The Investigation of the expenses of the commemoration of October 17, 2017 at the town hall of Cite Soleil revealed, in addition to the violation of the elementary rules on public accounting, made it possible to prove that the vast majority of expenses were made in cash and in a veiled manner. "The justifications on the ten million twelve thousand five hundred gourdes the commemoration of October 17, 2017 only two million three hundred and twenty-two thousand five hundred gourdes are truly and completely justified. The ULCC is certain that an amount of two million ten thousand was not used for the commemoration of October 17, 2017." The ULCC recommends bringing a public action against Jean Hislain Frederic (Principal Mayor), Bellande Petit-Frere (Accountant) and Nathanael Jean Mary, (Administrator).



As part of a grant of 1.5 million gourdes granted to the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) in an abuse of office by Patrick Norame the former Director General of the Office of monetization and aid program development (BMPAD), "the ULCC recommends the setting in motion of public action against Patrick Norame, Pierre Esperance, Marie Gesly Damas Jean as well as the NGO RNDDH, taken in its moral quality relating to the prevention and repression of corruption."



The ULCC recommends the initiation of public action against David L. Brandt and Caroline Marie T. Brandt Coles for prohibited commercial practices and complicity in illegal public procurement and against the companies CARRIBEX SA and CHDM SA for prohibited commercial practices.



As part of the "special Port-de-Paix plan" file, the ULCC recommends that sanctions be taken against the former Executive Director of the Housing and Public Buildings Construction Unit (UCLBP), Harry Adam for have signed contracts with companies without the tax clearance. On the penal level, the ULCC recommends that public action should be set in motion against Gregory Saliba for embezzlement of public property, Harry Adams for abuse of office and illegal procurement of public contracts, Lucien Francur and Louyst Amyot Francois as author and influence peddling, Gregoire Desravines as instigator of influence peddling, Evelt Senatus for insider trading and the managers of the firms Thierry Erns Serres, Adrien Cine, Daltius Dugue, Gregoire Desravines, Evelt Senatus, Joris Dorsainvil, Fred Liazaire, Gregory Saliba and Rodolphe Nemorin, as an accomplice in illegal public procurement.



In the investigation on the management of a rice donation offered by Japan to BMPAD in 2016 "the ULCC recommends the setting in motion of public action against : Ralph CAZE, Evens LAINE, Patrick NORAME, Eveline CHERY DELIMA, Johanne Dessalines CHERY, Nadege RIGUEUR and Dieusibon VOLSAN. The following companies and institutions KAY CLAUDY SA, O Bon Prix Distribution, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, PJMEX, DU'S INTERNATIONAL SA, LID PROVISIONS ALIMENTAIRES, LIORA FOOD SA must pay the State the sum of 124 million 355 thousand and 146 Gourdes.



In the investigation of the contract concluded between the Haitian State and the Chinese firm "China National Automation Control System Corp CACS" the ULCC recommends the setting in motion of public action against the following personalities: Irving MEHU, Jacques ROUSSEAU and Marie-Camelle JEAN-MARIE.



In the investigation of the complete fundamental school of Breda de Canaan, the ULCC recommends the setting in motion of public action against Savoi Thelusme for concussion and embezzlement of public property. The investigation showed that the latter improperly collected amounts from students other than the fees imposed by the MENFP and misappropriated them for personal purposes.



In the investigation into the Saint-Jean Bosco de Mergerconduite congregational school, the ULCC, administratively, recommends "the immediate dismissal of director Alliotte Jean Remy and censor Dieunet Moralus. On the criminal level, public action must be set in motion against these two officials for abuse of office, misappropriation of public property, complicity in the misappropriation of public property, theft and criminal association."



Rockefeller Vincent the Minister of Justice reminded the agents of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) that under the decree of September 8, 2004 creating the ULCC they have the obligation to execute in compliance with the law research orders issued by the ULCC.



To be continued...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34406-haiti-corruption-ulcc-handed-70-lawsuits-against-former-mayors-and-personalities.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Justice : The Chancellery asks the UN for help in the investigation into the assassination of President Moise





The Embassy of Haiti in the Dominican Republic informs us that the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the assistance of the United Nations to conduct an international investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.



The request was formally presented to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Gutteres, by the Chancellor of Haiti Claude Joseph in a correspondence dated August 3, 2021 "I stress to your attention the fact that the presumption of the participation of nationals of foreign countries in the financing, planning and implementation of this heinous and villainous act makes it an international crime, the clarification and repression of which calls for the international solidarity. While reaffirming my confidence in the integrity, the seriousness, the professionalism of the agents involved in the conduct of the investigation, I also draw to your attention to the limits and weaknesses as well as the lack of experience of the Haitian judicial system in in the handling of cases of such a scale which cast serious doubts on its ability, on the one hand, to carry out this investigation properly, and on the other hand, to prosecute, judge and condemn the perpetrators and accomplices in an exemplary manner, in accordance with the laws of the Republic."



The assistance requested from the United Nations consists on the one hand in setting up an international commission of investigation in support of the work of national bodies and on the other hand in creating a special tribunal for the prosecution of the culprits.



Special tribunal similar to what was done for Lebanon after the terrorist attack of February 14, 2005, which caused the death of 22 people, including that of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Claude Jospeh recalls in his correspondence. "The modalities of the implementation and functioning of these bodies will be the subject of decisions of the Security Council," said Joseph in his letter.



In addition, in a second letter addressed to Gaston Browne, President of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, Minister Claude Joseph requests the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Chancellor underlines that the assassination of President Moise constitutes an international crime given the presumption of the participation of foreign citizens in the planning, financing and implementation of the attack.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Hannibal, MO (63401)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Hannibal, MO (63401)

Today

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Michigan City, IN (46360)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Hastings, NE (68901)

Today

Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable.
I havent weighed in on the whole cancel culture business for a variety of reaso
The Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Havre Middle School.

The agenda for the meeting is:

A. Call to order

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll call

3. Welcome to visitors

4. Agenda deletions or corrections, and additions allowed by policy, if any

B. Unanimous consent agenda

C. Old business

1. Consideration of new and revised polices 1000: Legal Status Operations and Organization; 1105: Membership and Terms of Office; 1240: Duties of Individual Trustees; 1310: District Policy and Procedures; 1420: School Board Meeting Procedure; 1420F: Notice regarding Public Comment; 1441: Attendance Participation; 1610: Annual Goals and Objectives, on second and final reading.

2. Consideration of new and revised policies 2000L Goals; 2105: Grade Organization; 2132: Student and Family Privacy Rights; 2150: Suicide Awareness and Prevention; 2160: Title ! Parent and Family Engagement; 2161: Special Education; 2161P: Special Education (Child Find); 2162P: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504); 2168: Distance, Online and Technology-Delivered Learning; 2309: Library Materials; 2310: Selection of Library Materials; 2310P: Selection of Library Materials; 2311: Instruction Materials; 2311P: Selection, Adoption and Removal of Textbooks and Instructional Materials; 2312: Copyright; 2312P: Copyright Compliance; 2333: Participation in Commencement Exercises, on second and final reading.

3. Consideration of new and revised policies 3300: Suspension and Expulsion; 3311: Firearms and Weapons, Option 3; 3413: Student Immunization; 3413F2: Affidavit of Exemption on Religious Grounds from Montana School Immunization Law and rules; 3413F1: Medical Exemption Statement; 3415: Management of Sports-Related Concussions; 3415P: Management of Sports-Related Concussions; 3520: Student Fees, Fines and Charges; 3612: District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks; 3612F: Internet Access Conduct Agreement, on second and final reading.

4. Final budget Fiscal Year 22 for elementary district, elementary only

5. Final budget Fiscal Year 22 for high school district

D. New business

1. Consideration of new and revised policies 3120: Compulsory Attendance; 3123: Attendance Policy  Truancy; 3125: Education of Homeless Children; 3600F1: Student Records; 3600P: Student Records  Maintenance of School Records; 3612P: District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks;3650: Pupil Online Personal Information Protection; 3650F: Montana Data Privacy Agreement, on first and final reading.

2. Consideration of new and revised policies 4330: Community Use of Facilities; 4330F: School Facilities/Grounds Use and Liability Release Agreement; 4330F1: Waiver and Assumption of Risk, on first and final reading.

3. Consideration of new and revised policies 5002: Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 5325: Breastfeeding Workplace; 5336: Compensatory Time and Overtime/Classified Employees; 5510: HIPAA; 5510F: Request for Protected Health Information, on first and final reading.

4. Consideration of new and revised policies 6610: Superintendent Duties and Authority; 6110P: Superintendent  Board Job Responsibilities, on first and final reading.

5. Consideration of new and revised policies 7220: Use of Federal Title I Funds Methodology, on first and final reading.

6. Consideration of new and revised policies 8200: Food Services; 8205: Meal Charge Policy; 8210: Procurement Policy for School Food Purchases; 8301: District Safety; 8411: Water Supply Systems and Wastewater; 8425P: Service Animal Allowance Procedure, on first and final reading.

7. Montana School Board Association membership electronic ballot

8. Consideration of Havre High School marching band and flag team out-of-state travel.

9. Consideration of Havre High School Close-Up out-of-state travel.

10. Consideration of Havre Paraprofessionals Education Association bargaining agreement.

11. Consideration of memorandum of understanding between Havre Public Schools and Havre Paraprofessionals Education Association.

12. Consideration of memorandum of understanding between Havre Public Schools and Teamsters.

13. Consideration of memorandum of understanding between Havre Public Schools and non-union and administrators.

Public comment  An opportunity for any member of the audience to bring to the attention of the board questions or relevant comments concerning district matters not on the agenda. The board will not discuss or take action on items not on the agenda, but may refer a matter presented to a future agenda.

E. Superintendents report

F. Announcements/communications/information

G. Executive session

1. Personnel issue.

H. Closing

The next special board meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Havre Middle School.

A special board meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 12:15 p.m. p.m. at Robins School Administration Building.

The next board meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m at Havre Middle School
Author Craig Lancaster poses for a photograph. Lancaster will be at the Havre Book Exchange Wednesday holding a book-signing for his latest novel, "And It Will Be a Beautiful Life."

Billings-based author Craig Lancaster is coming to the Havre Book Exchange Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. for a reading and signing of his latest release, "And It Will Be a Beautiful Life."

"I'm hoping that my friends in Havre, I have several, will help me get out the word. ... The main thing for me is that Derek and Jessica, the owners of Havre Book Exchange, they deserve the support of the community they serve (and) writers in the state. I really feel like it's a partnership with them," Lancaster said.

"I want them to be healthy, because it's good for the community, I also want them to be healthy, because I would like to sell books there, he added." And so part of the compact is that they're up there selling books and so I should get in the car and come and help them sell some books and that's what I'd like to do."

Lancaster said he feels bookstores are very important to the communities they're in and he feels people will see that based on where he is having other readings and signings.

Following his stop in Havre, Lancaster said he will have events at Cassiopeia Books in Great Falls Aug. 12 at 6 p.m and Montana Book Company in Helena Aug. 13 at 6:15 p.m.

"I really value independent bookstores and how vibrant they make lives in the communities where they are. So that's what I'm really looking forward to," Lancaster said.

Lancaster said the new book is his ninth, his first solo effort in four years.

Lancaster said "And It Will Be a Beautiful Life" is about a traveling pipeline inspector named Max Wendt who lives in Billings, but he's almost never there. As the book opens, Max's life is falling apart.

"His wife has had enough. She's ready to bolt, his daughter has grown up. And she's off on her own thing. He's thought he's held it together all these years, and he really hasn't. So you know, just kind of family drama, human drama. You know? No superheroes or monsters or anything like that, just ordinary folks trying to get to the other side," Lancaster said.

Lancaster said he's had a hard time pinpointing his inspiration for the book but said he's done some of the work Max does, which informs the book, but Lancaster said it isn't directly based on himself.

"What Max does, who he is, who his family is, who his co-workers are, that's all more imagination than anything else. But, you know, I've always felt like good fiction, there's some combination of the direct influence of memory and then what happens to those memories when you apply imagination to them," Lancaster said.

"And I'd be willing to bet that anybody creative in the storytelling realm, whether it's a songwriter, or a filmmaker, or whatever, would suggest that combination in some form, you know, comes to bear on what they do," he added.

Lancaster said his new book comes a little more than a year after moving back to Montana after two years living in Maine and being creatively fallow.

He said he and his wife moved back right at the outset of the pandemic, early April 2020.

"It was, to say the absolute least, a bizarre experience. Soon after getting back, I found the groove with this book, joined up with a new publisher, The Story Plant, and now it's out. Montana has been good to me and for me," he said.

Some of Lancaster's other books include: "600 Hours of Edward," a 2010 High Plains Book Award winner for Best First Book and a 2009 Montana Honor Book, "The Summer Son," a 2010 Utah Book Award finalist, and "The Art of Departure," a 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards gold-medal winner and High Plains Book Award finalist.

"And It Will Be a Beautiful Life" is available now in hardcover, e-book and audiobook formats.

For more about Lancaster, "And It Will Be a Beautiful Life," his other books and where to purchase them, people can visit https://www.craig-lancaster.com .
Listing of recommendations and resources go out

Bare banks and a dry boat dock show the low water levels at Fresno Reservoir. With drought continuing in the area, more calls are going out for federal assistance and recommendations and offers of assistance are being made to agricultural producers in the state.

With drought continuing to dry up Montana, listings of resources for agricultural producers are going out around the state and calls for more assistance are again being made.

Drought and problems like grasshoppers and blister beetles have decimated hay crops and are pushing cattle producers to sell off herds, and also are hitting the grain production of many Montana farmers.

Sen, Steve Daines, R-Mont., renewed a call Wednesday for U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide drought assistance to producers in all of Montana.

"Montana farmers and ranchers in every corner of our state are struggling because of the extreme drought conditions we're facing in our state," he said in a release Wednesday. "I will not stop pressing USDA for additional assistance and will work to ensure all of our counties receive necessary relief. We must do everything we can to support Montana ag, especially right now under these conditions."

The drought also is impacting irrigators with low water levels.

Levels at Fresno Reservoir west of Havre have dropped from more than 55,000 acre feet of stored water July 1 to 12,075 acre feet now as water was released for a final irrigation discharge.

U.S Bureau of Reclamation lists that as 25 percent of the average storage.

The drop in water levels is persistent around the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports drought conditions continue to impact the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa. July runoff in the upper Basin was 34 percent of average. July runoff above Fort Peck Dam was the lowest in 123 years of record-keeping.

The updated 2021 upper Basin runoff forecast is 14.6 million acre-feet, 57 percent of average, Army Corps reports. If realized, that runoff amount would be the 10th driest year in the upper Basin since 1898.

System storage Aug. 1 was 53.9 MAF, 2.2 million acre-feet below the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use Zone, the Corps reports. System storage is expected to decline further into the Carryover Multiple Use Zone during the remainder of 2021.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, available online at http://droughtmonitor.unl/edu, shows most of the state, including much of Hill and Blaine counties, in extreme drought with two patches of exceptional drought listed. The remainder of the state is listed as in severe drought except for two small patches of moderate drought.

The entire state now is listed in drought conditions.

Montana State University Extension issued a release Saturday reminding ag producers of resources available, telling them to contact the county Extension agent for more information or listing where resources are available. The full alert is available online at https://apps.msuextension.org/mtagalerts .

Montana Department of Agriculture has reminded ranchers of its Hay Hotline, an online tool that connects people interested in buying, selling, or donating hay or pasture.

The Hay Hotline is housed on the MDA website at agr.mt.gov/Hay-Hotline. For more information on the Hay Hotline, contact the Agricultural Development & Marketing Bureau at 406-444-2402 or [email protected]

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks also is taking public comment on a proposal to open multiple wildlife management areas, including Rookery Wildlife Management Area near Havre, to haying and grazing. See a related story on Page A3.
The Hill County Commission discussed the possible implementation of a tool that would allow the public to see a great deal of data about county budgets, increasing transparency regarding how the county collects and spends money.

This system is already used by a number of counties in Montana and Hill County Treasurer Sandy Brown said during the commissions weekly business meeting Thursday that the tool would be a benefit to virtually everyone.

Brown said the system would pull data from county systems displaying budgets, budgeting processes, receivables, payables, expenses, tax collection broken down by district and more, online so people can look at data more easily.

She said she thinks it is a great tool, but cautioned that, like all data, people have to ask the right questions and know what theyre looking for or they will have trouble understanding it.

It is data, she said, and  youre only going to get what you ask for.

Brown said the data would be updated once a month, and can be used to create data visualizations like pie charts and other graphs.

Hill County Commissioner Mark Peterson asked how the commission would benefit from the project and Brown said, while she and Hill County Clerk and Recorder Sue Armstrong have been some of the most positive voices in favor of the project, it is something everyone should be on board with.

She said collating all of that data into one place in a transparent way benefits everyone.

Brown said the system would need to pull data from the past year to create a baseline for this years data.

Armstrong said because the process is fairly complicated they want to get started as soon as possible.

The commissioners decided to place the issue on next weeks agenda so they have some time to discuss and gather more information about the system, and whether it is worth the expense of setting it up.

The commission also unanimously approved a pair of resolutions to adjust county budgets to account for new grant funds received.

One adjustment was for the Hill County Council on Aging budget to receive more CARES Act funds for their Meals on Wheels Program.

Hill County Commissioner Diane McLean said the senior center just opened up to in-house dining but is still doing a lot of meals on wheels and this money will certainly be helpful to them.

The second resolution increased the countys general fund budget to receive a grant from the Center for Tech and Civil Life for election purposes.

McLean said the budget for the general fund was completed before the county was aware it was receiving this funding so an adjustment needs to be made.

The third resolution also adjusted the general fund to allow for the Hill County Sheriffs Office to receive a grant from the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.

McLean said the vests the grant will be used to purchase are very expensive and shes glad the department is getting some help for these necessary pieces of equipment.

The commission also unanimously approved a Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation grant authorization that will allow Bear Paw Development Corp. to apply for a $15,000 grant from the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program to address erosion in the area below the Beaver Creek Dam.
North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Aug. 9-13

Senior Center is now open

Menu

Monday  Ham with cabbage, beans, cornbread, fruit

Tuesday  Salad, meat loaf, au gratin potatoes, green beans, rolls, cake

Wednesday  Ham and turkey club sandwich, macaroni salad, pickle spear, cookies

Thursday  Polish sausage, sauerkraut, crunchy onion potato bake, dessert

Friday  Soup, salad bar, chefs choice, dessert,

The Senior Centers doors are open to the public, and crowds have been growing. We are all very excited to be open and seeing our senior friends again. Marci wants everyone to remember to make an appointment if you need help from her. Also, everyone must be wearing a mask to go back and meet with her. We are still providing limited services by phone with individuals bringing their paperwork down to the center only if they have an appointment. Help is also being given over the phone whenever possible. For those still a little worried about eating out, our grab-and-go bags are still available. Remember to call for the to-go bags before 10 a.m. that morning.

Reopening: With the increase of COVID-19 cases in Hill County, we did delay our reopening of the center. The reopening plan was taken to the commissioners and they agreed it was time to open our doors. When we opened, many things had to change. The center will be open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Upon entering the building, you will have to wear a mask and your temperature will be taken at the door. The number of occupants in the building will be limited. We will seat only four guests to a table. When they came in they kept mask on until they began eating. Meals were served at their table. Our new hours for the Senior Center will now be Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Transportation: The Senior Center will provide Senior Transportation Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Friday is medical transportation only and you must give 24-hour notice. Shopping trips are still set as call ahead for Walmart, the first Thursday of the month, 1:30-3:30 p.m.. There will be no more grocery delivery.

Bingo: We will be playing bingo at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm. Everyone welcome. Come try it and see what you think.

Silver Sneakers Membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging, also known as the Senior Center, is excited to say we are working with Down Under Fitness Center for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for August. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10:00 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and in addition also 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time the Wednesday classes will be limited to ten participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill county Senior Center.

We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to work on your agility, balance, and physical health. This is an activity that will continue if the community uses the opportunity to attend the Silver Sneakers program and shows support. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships. Let us know if youre enjoying these memberships and want them to continue.

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we have some openings now. Come to Senior Center and fill out application. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

Important phone numbers

 Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 259-2558 (local) 1-888-816-4702 (toll free)

 Friendship Line by Institute on Aging  The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: (800) 971-0016

 For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montanas Warm Line.

Medicare open enrollment has come to an end. However, if you are having problems with prescriptions you can call Marci and see if she can help you. For those on Medicaid and Big Sky she can still make changes. For an appointment Call Marci at 406-265-5464.

Improving care through telehealth: Technology can be especially valuable for people in remote areas or places with few medical professionals. Using portable devices, health care providers can test and treat patients without them coming into the office. This practice is called telehealth. A doctor in a rural area can consult on a patients scan with a specialist in another state if need be. Someone with diabetes can monitor their blood sugar in real-time and have the data sent to their health care provider. Wearable sensors can alert a caregiver if a person with dementia leaves the house. These are all examples of how telehealth is changing medical care. Researchers are developing new ways to analyze blood samples for patients at home. Through advances like this, telehealth is helping medical professionals deliver effective, long-distance care.
With the upswing in new cases and the Delta variant hitting Montana including being confirmed in a Blaine County case, local health departments are urging everyone to mask up if needed.

Due to the circulation and increased contagiousness of the Delta variant, even fully vaccinated people should mask up in areas with significant community transmission. Metrics for levels of transmission can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view, local COVID-19 updates are saying.

People can find online where vaccines are available in their area through https://vaccinefinder.org, operated by Bostons Childrens Hospital and supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Digital Service.

The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Montana on the state map after todays update was 117,882 with 272 new cases, 1,973 active. The number of active hospitalizations was 137. The number of deaths was 1,722.

Blaine County Health Department reported Thursday evening being notified of no new cases, 879 total, 4 active, no active hospitalizations, 46 deaths.

Hill County Health Department reported Thursday evening that 8 new cases were reported with 2,088 total, 27 active, no active hospitalizations listed, 24 deaths.

Rocky Boy, last updated last Friday, also reported on either Chouteau or Hill County numbers, had 9 active, 8 active on Rocky Boys Indian Reservation, no active hospitalizations. It has had 7 deaths.

Fort Belknap reported Thursday evening, also reported on either Blaine or Phillips County numbers, no new cases, 511 total, none active, no active hospitalizations, 12 deaths.

Liberty County, reported on the state update this morning, had 2 new cases, 125 total, 4 active, 1 death.

Chouteau County, reported on the state update this morning, had no new cases, 519 total, none active, 7 deaths.

People can visit the state tracking map, normally updated between 10 and 11:30 a.m. each day, online through links at https://montana.maps.arcgis.com and at https://covid19.mt.gov .
ZZ Top have paid tribute to bassist Dusty Hill as they played their first concert since his passing.

The musician sadly passed away at the age of 72 earlier this week and was acknowledged by guitarist Billy Gibbons as the 'Sharp Dressed Man' rockers performed in Alabama on Friday (30.07.21).

Billy explained how Dusty would've wanted the band to continue playing and introduced his replacement Elwood Francis to the audience.

He told the audience following the opening tune: "We're gonna have a good time in here tonight.

"Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive. My friend, your pal, Elwood Francis is gonna hold it down behind me."

Later in the show, Gibbons added: How about that Elwood, tearing up that bottom there for Dusty."

Dusty had been forced to pull out a number of shows across the US just weeks ago after suffering an injury to his hip and it was confirmed earlier this week that he had died in his sleep in Texas.

Billy admits that the "waterworks (have been) coming and going" since Dusty's passing but spoke of the musician's desire to see the group - which also features Frank Beard - continue.

The 71-year-old rocker said: "I had a couple of moments with the waterworks coming and going, and I really felt a sense of relief. I said, Gee whiz, maybe I am human after all, This is coming from a very deep and glorious place, with respect to knowing that after 50 years with the guy, we were all joined at  no pun intended  joined at the hip.

"But knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect You know, he was adamant. He said, 'Im going to go down and see whats up. In the meantime, the show must go on. Dont forget it.'And he was pointing his finger and shaking it."
On Aug. 3, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) announced that the 2020 Overdose Fatality Report was released, and said the report shows that the death toll from overdoses has greatly increased, driven by a rise in opioid abuse, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.

The report indicates more than 1,964 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses in 2020, a 49 percent increase in drug overdose deaths compared with the year prior. The national number of overdose deaths for 2020  more than 93,000  is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. According to resident cases autopsied by the Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner and toxicology reports submitted by Kentucky coroners, the increase in the death toll was driven mostly by a rise in opioid abuse, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which were found in 1,393 cases, accounting for approximately 71 percent of all overdose deaths for the year.

In addition to the stress caused by the pandemic, we believe the increase in overdose deaths for 2020 is due to a rise in illicit fentanyl and its analogues within the drug supply. The problem is also exacerbated by the widespread availability of potent, inexpensive methamphetamine, said Van Ingram, executive director of ODCP. ODCP is committed to changing the way substance abuse is handled in Kentucky, reducing the problem and making the commonwealth a model for other states.

In Perry County, there were 17 overdoses included in the report, and Perry County had an age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rate of 68.58 percent. Due to the large increase of overdoses across the state, particularly in Appalachian counties, local healthcare officials said they are alarmed by the data shown within the report.

Scott Lockard, public health director of the Kentucky River District Health Department, said many of the overdoses could be because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The overall increase in overdoses, it has come as no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on people who have substance abuse disorder. People have been having to social distance and not engage with others, and many times the support networks that many people depend upon for their sobriety, those meetings have been altered and theres been challenges. So it comes as no surprise we saw some uptick in overdoses, said Lockard.

The KRDHD, he said, has also seen changes in the types and pattern of drug usage over the past year as well.

The patterns of drug use in the community as well, said Lockard. Weve seen the fentanyl and carfentanyl make its way into our communities more. That has just been very, very alarming.

Throughout the pandemic and the increases of overdoses in the area, Lockard said local healthcare providers have worked alongside law enforcement agencies and other community partners to combat the drug epidemic the region is facing.

Weve been working with our community partners to try to get as much narcan distributed as possible. We continue to work to try to link people to treatment and other resources, Lockard said.

Perry County, he said, has several wonderful resources available for people who are battling substance abuse.

I have to give credit to Sheriff Joe Engle (and the sheriffs office) and our City of Hazard police officers here and Minor Allen, chief of police. Tony Eversole, of course, is now the city manager, but Tony would contact me and we would have very open communication, said Lockard. The police department here and the sheriffs office are more about getting people help and getting people treatment They have been great partners.

Lockard continued, adding that the Kentucky State Police Post 13 has also been vital in helping fight overdoses in the area.

The Kentucky State Police up here, Capt. Jennifer Sandlin with her Angel Initiative, said Lockard. We really have got some great resources here but we have got a huge issue with substance abuse disorder.

Perry County, said Lockard, is facing a large number of overdoses and challenges, however, with continued community outreach and support from community partners, the area will remain strong in their fight.

Weve seen a lot of challenges but weve got a lot of positives too, said Lockard. Its just a challenging time for us but we have to double down and make sure that people that are in addiction know regardless of the pandemic they can get help, they can get treatment.

State officials have also expressed concern over the reports results. The Beshear administration, said state officials, is committed to combating the states drug epidemic, and over the past year, has awarded grant funding across the commonwealth to increase access to treatment services and recovery programs targeted at reducing addiction, preventing re-incarceration, increasing the distribution of the life-saving drug naloxone and removing barriers to treatment.

One life lost to an overdose death is one too many. This past year has been devastating  between the battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis, Kentucky has been hit hard, said Gov. Andy Beshear. Now more than ever, we need every resource and everyone working together to stop this scourge, which continues to shatter families and ravage our communities.

In 2020, ODCP awarded more than $23 million in grant funding to 21 programs across the commonwealth to increase access to treatment services and recovery programs, and to help retain employment for persons in recovery seeking employment and job training. By the end of 2022, ODCP estimates that over a three-year period the office will have awarded more than $69 million in grant funding across the commonwealth, focused on aiding all Kentuckians in need of recovery help and preventing future generations from falling prey to addiction.

The commonwealth is continuing to take many aggressive steps to end this crisis by using a multi-disciplinary approach with a team comprised of health care experts, law enforcement, advocates and public policy experts, said Ingram. Kentucky cannot continue to lose our citizens to overdoses, which not only causes thousands of families heartbreak but brings devastation to our communities. There is no simple answer to how we combat this public health crisis, but we must treat addiction as a medical issue, not just a criminal issue.

Deaths attributed to overdose in 2020 are a somber reminder that the opioid epidemic continues to deeply impact our commonwealth and reaffirms our commitment to the investments we have made in opioid response. We know that we must continue to expand what is working, which includes community-based overdose prevention and harm reduction initiatives, said Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Secretary Eric Friedlander. To date, we have distributed over 70,000 naloxone kits, saving thousands of lives. Opioid response is complex and our success will be dependent on our willingness to unite in a shared responsibility to end the stigma and discrimination against substance use disorders and build an equitable system of care that engages and empowers individuals and their families to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Several treatment resources are available state-wide and locally.

 The KY Help Call Center, created in 2017 through a partnership with Operation UNITE, remains available to those with a substance use disorder, or their friends or family members, as a quick resource to information on treatment options and open slots among treatment providers. Individuals may call, 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak one-on-one with a specialist who will connect them with treatment as quickly as possible.

 The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health manages a vital website, www.findhelpnowky.org, for Kentucky health care providers, court officials, families and individuals seeking options for substance abuse treatment and recovery. It offers real-time information about available space in treatment programs and guides users to the right type of treatment for their needs. The site provides a search engine for drug treatment, helping users locate treatment providers based on location, facility type and category of treatment needed.

 The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Angel Initiative is a proactive program designed to help people battle addiction. Anyone suffering from a substance use disorder can visit one of KSPs 16 posts located throughout the commonwealth to be paired with a local officer who will assist with locating an appropriate treatment program. The Angel Initiative is completely voluntary, and individuals will not be arrested or charged with any violations if they agree to participate in treatment. For more information about the Angel Initiative, visit the KSP website, http://kentuckystatepolice.org/angel-initiative/, or call KSP Post 13 at, (606) 435-6069.
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Madison Shakespeare Company (MSC) presented its production of the play All's Well That Ends Well this past weekend, at the Madison Country Day School amphitheater in Waunakee.

A comedy that hasn't been fully staged for area audiences in more than a decade, the play has been considered one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" and tells the story of a young woman infatuated with a man who does not wish to marry her. The woman would do anything to be together, and facing rejection, must rely on her creativity and help from others to make it happen.

MSC had originally planned to present All's Well That Ends Well in 2020, but the production had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, the theater company was able to pick up where it left off and bring the show to Waunakee for a series of six performances.

All's Well That Ends Well premiered July 23, and ran through Aug. 1 at Madison Country Day School.

The two-week show was the first public performance MSC has ever held at the Madison Country Day School amphitheater, a performance space that's little-known throughout the community.

Last weekends performance was directed by Waunakee resident Kendra C. Thompson. A self-proclaimed "Shakespeare geek," Thompson has directed plays for Waunakee Middle School since 2014 and recently joined MSC as director. Those interested in more information about the theater company or reserving tickets to a future show should visit its website, at https://madisonshakespeare.org/.

Opening scene An ailing king One character's poor health is another character's chance for happiness Choosing a husband An arranged marriage The bed trick A happy ending
Illinois bridges, public transportation and high-speed internet would get funding as part of the Biden administration's $1 trillion national infrastructure plan.

The 2,700-page bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has been debated for days and negotiated for weeks and is a first part of Biden's infrastructure agenda.

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Omer Yurtseven, who has excelled in summer league play, has signed a two-year contract with the Heat, according to a team press release.

Luke Glass, the son of Yurtsevens agent Keith Glass, told ESPNs Bobby Marks of the big mans agreement with the team (Twitter link). Yurtseven will receive about $3.5MM across two seasons, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets, which likely means its a minimum-salary deal. Just the first year is guaranteed, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel tweets.

Yurtseven averaged 26 PPG and 13.5 RPG in two California Classic Summer League games. Glass received multiple phone calls from other teams during and after those games, according to Jackson. However, remaining with Miami was always Yurtsevens first choice.

Miami declined its $1.5MM option on Yurtseven, a 23-year-old center, at the beginning of free agency. However, that was at the seven-footers request.

I asked them when we signed to not exercise the August 1 option, so that when they gave me the option, they could go back to me and do a new deal, Glass said to Jackson. They kept their word.

Miami signed Yurtseven at the end of the last season, allowing him to travel with the team for its first-round series against Milwaukee in May. Yurtseven, a member of Turkeys national team, went unselected in the 2020 draft.

Yurtseven appeared in 14 G League games last season with Oklahoma City, averaging 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest. He also recorded five double-doubles during that span.
Pipeline

6 August 2021

Hilton today announced plans to bring its DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Kingdom of Bahrain. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences has been signed together with Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate and is due to open its doors in 2022.

Featuring 113 serviced apartments, 61 one-bedroom and 52 two-bedroom apartments, DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences will be located just a short drive from Bahrain International Airport. Situated close to Bahrain Bay, a waterfront business district and mixed-use community with unique offerings of dining, and nearby several other attractions including The Avenues Bahrain mall which holds 120 stores and F&B outlets at its seafront location.

Guests will be able to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views in a number of apartments, an all-day dining restaurant and a sophisticated rooftop cafe and outdoor pool with views across Bahrain. The hotel will be located at Al Sayh, Manama, walking distance to Al Sayh Island, National Heritage Site of Bahrain. Its proximity to Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Causeway will provide guests with easy access to King Fahd Causeway to reach Saudi Arabia.
Now Open

6 August 2021

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the debut of Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York, which marks the lifestyle brand's second hotel in New York City. The 22-story property features 162 modern guestrooms, including six spacious suites, which seek to showcase the vibrancy of New York City, with the playful layering of textures, graphics, and curated curiosities.

Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York is centrally located in New York City's Midtown East neighborhood, providing a launchpad for those travelers looking to be in the heart of the action. Through enriched design and shareworthy experiences, Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York offers guests a window into the historic and charming Midtown East and inspires exploration of the neighborhood and the endless playground that is New York City.

The hotel's modern architecture and interiors, designed by New Jersey-based VLDG, reflect the spirit and elegance of the Gilded Age in New York City, which encompasses opulence and romance. The stylish Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York boasts artful touches that pay homage to the city's historic 5th Avenue neighborhood, and features a vibrant color palette, floral motifs throughout, unique velvet pieces and Art Nouveau-style gold steel light fixtures.

Guestrooms & Suites

The hotel is nestled among some of New York's iconic sights and the 162 guest rooms, which include six suites, feature a jewel-toned color palette, leather headboards, illuminating lights underneath the bed and behind the headboard, antique gold floor length mirrors, velvet plush seating, and a floral stitched curtain design. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, dedicated reading lights on either side of the bed, USB outlets for device charging, large 55" HDTVs, rainfall showerheads, and a salon-quality Drybar Buttercup blow dryer to ensure that guests look and feel their best while exploring everything the city has to offer.

Additional amenities and services include Hyatt Stayfit Gym, a complimentary, 24-hour health club outfitted with the latest equipment, restaurant-to-go service, 24-hour Lobby Market opening with a variety of beverages and snacks and will offer a full barista bar in the coming months, full-service concierge, multilingual staff as well as laundry and dry-cleaning services to fulfill every need.
Pipeline

6 August 2021

Accor is stepping up its ambition in the lifestyle market with the expansion of the TRIBE hotel brand in Europe. The Group has established a partnership with Futureal for the first TRIBE hotel not only in Hungary, but also in Eastern Europe. The new property will be located in the vibrant city centre in Kertesz Street, one of the capital's most frequented tourist areas. The construction work of the complex is expected to start at the end of 2021 with opening forecast for 2023.

The first TRIBE in Hungary will offer over 250 rooms and spaces designed by the Puhl and Dajka Architects Studio to provide inspiring state-of-the-art technology and comfort. Guests and locals will benefit from a vibrant community experience including a sky bar with spectacular view and intimate atmosphere, bicycle rental, a fitness centre and a coworking office. Distinguished international design studios have contributed to the Hungarian hotel's unique concept including DeSallesFlint Interior Design, as well as Nina Weinstein Lighting Design and Hilla Mayer Lighting Design. The investor of the hotel is Futureal Group, one of the leading real estate developers and investors in Central and Eastern Europe.
Appointment

6 August 2021

Hyatt Centric SouthPark Charlotte, which recently opened in June, is pleased to announce its leadership team. Erin Dennis, CPCE (Certified Professional in Catering and Events), has joined the property as Director of Group Sales & Celebrations, where she is responsible for all marketing and coordination of wedding, social and non-profit groups and will oversee all celebratory events.

Erin Dennis, CPCE, has more than 30 years of wide-ranging experience in the hospitality field, including positions at hotels, catering companies and event-planning businesses. She has worked for various hotel brands such as Radisson, Omni and Hilton as Director of Catering and Director of Sales. Dennis was an adjunct instructor at Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, in the Hotel & Restaurant Management School for 18 years. A charter member of the 25-year-old Charlotte Chapter of NACE (National Association for Catering & Events), Dennis has held various committee and executive board positions, including President, and in 2020 she earned her CPCE designation. Visit Charlotte's Partners in Tourism, The North Carolina Business Travelers Association, ILEA (International Live Events Association) and the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce also count Dennis as a member. Dennis' continual dedication to the hospitality industryand her passion for sharing her knowledge with both young people starting out in the industry and seasoned professionalshas been honored with multiple awards, among them the 2009 Spirit of NACE Mary Margaret Traxler Award and the 2018 CRVA Partners in Tourism Hospitality Professional of the Year Award.
Press Release

6 August 2021

HSMAIs Marketing Strategy Conference on Sept. 28, 2021, in Dallas will feature experts from the hospitality industrys leading brands, destinations, management companies, and partners. Co-located with HSMAIs ROC as part of HSMAIs Commercial Strategy Week, the Marketing Strategy Conference will address the latest data, research, and new developments in marketers efforts  online and off  to connect with, track, and influence changing consumer sentiments throughout all phases of travel.

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Were excited to host the Marketing Strategy Conference in conjunction with ROC as commercial leaders navigate recovery, said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO, HSMAI. We look forward to safely gathering professionals from across the hospitality industry during this important week.

MMGY Global executives Katie Briscoe, global president, and Clayton Reid, global CEO, will deliver a keynote address on Travel Recovery Promises More Surprises Ahead. Other general sessions include:

Drive Leisure Demand and Engage the Leisure Traveler. Experts will share tips, tactics, and strategies to continue to attract leisure travelers. Dan Wacksman, CHDM, CRME, CHBA, principal, Sasatto LLC, will moderate. Panelists include:

Ashish Arya, global head of strategy and marketing, travel, Pinterest

Marina MacDonald, CHDM, CMO, Red Roof, and chair of HSMAI

Americas Board of Directors

Andrew Kandel, head of sales, Waze

Romina Rozensztajin, global vice president, ResortPass

Executive Insights: View From The Top. Leading marketing executives will bring their perspectives to discuss current events in hotel marketing and what the future holds in this discussion. Panelists include Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Caroline MacDonald, group vice president of sales and marketing, Rosewood Hotel Group.

The Lightning Round: Insights Worth Sharing. Marketing executives will share their interesting ideas and case studies for driving revenue and profit in under seven minutes. Speakers include:

Jessica Davidson, CHDM, senior vice president of digital, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Monty White, CHDM, director of marketing, Irving Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau

Holly Zoba, CHDM, principal, Scout Simply

Jeff Brainard, vice president, sales and marketing, Southern Management

Stuart Butler, CHDM, chief marketing officer, Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend additional breakout sessions throughout the day on the most important issues facing hotel marketers, including:

They Said What?! Using Social Media to Tap Into Current Trends and Ensure Your Customers are Heard

Beyond Rooms: Positioning Ancillary Assets to Drive Revenue

Avoiding Post-Pandemic Legal Landmines

Capitalize on Commercial Strategy to Drive Market Share

Defining Success in the New Market

COLLABORATE: Deep-Dive Discussions on Strategic Issues

CRM 2022: The Miracle Vaccine for What Ails Your

Marketing  Make the Most of Automation Efficiencies in Paid Media

First-Party Data: Optimizing the Opportunities and Mitigating the Challenge

Industry professionals also have the opportunity to participate in the CHDM Review Course on September 27 and the CRME Review Course on September 28. Both courses review the key concepts covered in the certification study guide for the respective designated certification and allow participants to take the exam onsite immediately following the review course if they have submitted their application in advance.

A Partner Insights workshop will be held on the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 27, and is included in all conference registrations. A post-conference reception will be held on Sept. 28 to conclude the Marketing Strategy Conference and kick off ROC. Executive Roundtables (by invitation only) will be held throughout the week for select groups to convene and share their insights with one another.

Thank you to the partners sponsoring HSMAIs Marketing Strategy Conference events and programs:

Preferred: BCV

Platinum: Tambourine

Silver: TINT

Bronze: Expedia Group Media Solutions, IDeaS Revenue Solutions, Milestone, Women in Travel Thrive

Supporters: AZDS Interactive Group

Media: Hospitality Upgrade

To learn about partnership opportunities, contact Elise Rhinehart at [email protected].

Visit the Marketing Strategy Conference website for additional details on the educational programs, speaker profiles, a list of attending companies, and an ROI calculator for getting company approval to attend.

Access Marketing Strategy Conference registration to reserve your seat. Group discounts and combination conference discounts are available.
Press Release

6 August 2021

After just three months of announcing its Brazilian launch, Casai has acquired the Brazilian operations of Q Apartments, multiplying its portfolio in Sao Paulo immediately.

Casai also recently announced a partnership with a leading hedge fund to issue a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focused on the short-term rental market in Brazil.

According to Casai, these partnerships will contribute to an overall 33x annual 2021 growth rate.

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Casai , a tech startup serving the hospitality market in Latin America, is today announcing the acquisition of the Brazilian operations of Q Apartments , a global leader in the corporate serviced apartment industry. This acquisition will allow Casai to multiply its Brazilian portfolio immediately and leverage its expertise in short-stay operations to meet the quickly recovering demand in the B2B segment. In addition, Casai will become the primary operating partner for Q Apartments business throughout the rest of Latin America.

Casai launched its brand in Brazil in May of this year, first in Sao Paulo, then in Rio de Janeiro two months later. Casai also teamed up with Navi , a leading hedge fund with >US$1.8B assets under management and extensive experience in equity and real estate strategies, and XP Investimentos to issue a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focused on short-term rentals. The REIT is expected to float on the Brazilian stock exchange by the end of 2021.

Even though these investment vehicles are common in the United States, REITs represent only 1% of investments in Brazil. For this reason, Casais partnership with Navi and XP sets a precedent in the Brazilian market. This will allow Casai to bring its seamless guest experience to more neighborhoods and cities in the country and prove to existing and future investors that the company is in it for the long haul.

"Brazil will be our biggest operating market by the end of the year. We have closed these long term alliances to bring us one step closer to our goal of redefining the way the world travels. We are honored that our partners have seen potential in our vision and recognize our shared standards for excellence, explains Nico Barawid, CEO of Casai.

Casai stated that last quarter (Q2 2021) alone, its footprint in Brazil grew 5.5x. Leveraging this growth rate as a stepping stone, the tech company is now expanding further with the Q Apartments Brazilian portfolio acquisition and by managing the new properties monetized by the REIT with Navi. Casai operates hundreds of units across Sao Paulo's most exclusive commercial and residential districts including Jardins, Itaim Bibi, Pinheiros and Vila Olimpia. In addition, Casai operates in well-known areas like Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro. According to the company, this yields an overall 33x annual growth rate in the country in 2021.

With more than 65,000 apartments in its portfolio spread across 81 countries and 147 cities, Q Apartments combines industry expertise with local knowledge to create tailored solutions for a diverse range of businesses in its main markets, including Latin America and Europe. We will combine our strength in corporate relocations with Casais operational expertise to continue to provide current and future guests with the best experience. We believe that Casai is the ideal partner thanks to its high quality portfolio and operational excellence, in addition to its exponential growth in Latin America, explains Thiago Hahn, Chief Operating Officer for Q Apartments.

Casais business model consists of working directly with real estate developers and funds to deliver beautifully designed apartments in the best neighborhoods. Each unit is carefully curated and equipped with smart-home technology and local art to provide a unique experience to every Casai guest. Backed by world-class investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Kaszek Ventures, and Monashees Capital, the company has around 600 apartments in its global portfolio operating in additional cities like Mexico City and Tulum.
Opinion Article

6 August 2021

This year, travel consumers will spend more time on digital media  6:41 hours/day  than all other media (TV, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines) combined  5:30 hours/day (eMarketer). With the explosion of the digital way of life, the customer journey has turned into a digital customer journey that is becoming increasingly complex, forcing hoteliers to overhaul their technology and digital marketing stack and corporate strategies in order to engage, acquire, service, and retain these digitally savvy travel consumers across multiple digital touchpoints and across all digital channels and devices.

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Google defines this Digital Customer Journey as a fluid series of interconnected stages: Dreaming, Planning, Booking, Experiencing, and Sharing/Retention Phases, in which every phase both influences and is being influenced by the other steps of the journey.

What should hoteliers do to reassert themselves in the customer journey and get in front of travel consumers and win the direct booking?

To begin with, hoteliers must understand that digital marketing consists of three distinct, but interconnected and interdependent categories: Guest Engagement Marketing, Guest Acquisition Marketing, and Guest Retention Marketing. Second, hoteliers must play in all of these three categories: i.e. not in one or two, but all three.

Lets review the three categories of digital marketing:

Guest Engagement Marketing

This category includes brand marketing, social media, public relations, influencer marketing, B2C and B2B content marketing, and more. These marketing initiatives help hoteliers connect with the online traveler in the Dreaming and Planning Phases and steer them in the right direction toward the next phase: Booking.

These marketing initiatives help hotel marketers engage and connect with much-desired customer segments: leisure travelers, SMERF group planners, social event planners, wedding coordinators, unmanaged and managed business travelers, corporate group planners, and convention travelers.

According to Google, in the Dreaming Phase, 82% of leisure travelers are undecided on the accommodation they will book, which provides independent hoteliers with ample opportunities to grab the attention of the traveler and ignite interest in the hotel location, product, and value proposition. Only by engaging and intriguing travelers in the Dreaming and Planning phases, hoteliers can ensure a fresh supply of potential bookers to the next stage in the customer journey: The Booking Phase.

Guest Acquisition Marketing

This category includes all Performance Marketing. These include ROI-focused direct-response marketing formats, such as: SEO, paid search/SEM, display advertising, retargeting, metasearch, email marketing, affiliate marketing, omni-marketing campaigns as well as all of the hotel website related marketing initiatives  promotional slides, special offers banners, and promo tiles, limited-time offers, and personalization marketing offers. These initiatives build upon the successful customer engagements in the Dreaming and Planning Phases and help hoteliers close the deal  convince the online traveler to select the hotel and enter the Booking Phase. These performance marketing initiatives are ROI-centric, focusing on seasonal and ad hoc occupancy needs, and acquiring first-time guests.

Guest Retention Marketing

This category includes guest recognition marketing, CRM marketing in the pre-, in-, and post-stay, loyalty marketing, drip campaigns (sending pre-written marketing over time), and marketing automation initiatives aimed to turn that guest into a repeat guest and loyal customer.

This marketing category reinforces the brand values, enhances and deepens the customer relationships, and wins guest loyalty in the Experiencing and Sharing Phases to establish a steady supply of repeat guests and brand ambassadors.

Today acquiring a new guest is 15-20 times more expensive than retaining an existing guest. Increasing the number of repeat guests from the current levels could bring enormous benefits to any hotel and help lower marketing and distribution costs (eMarketer). According to Phocuswright, 79% of hotel website bookings are made by travelers who belonged to a guest recognition or loyalty program.

What is the situation today?

Unfortunately, our industry is vastly unprepared for this new digital reality and the digitally savvy travel consumer. Most hoteliers, especially the independents, focus only on a single digital marketing category, Guest Acquisition Marketing, while completely ignoring the other two marketing categories: Guest Engagement and Guest Retention.

The OTAs, on the other hand, have been investing heavily in digital marketing initiatives and technology solutions to engage the traveler throughout the customer journey, acquire them as OTA customers, and keep them engaged throughout their lifetimes. As a result, the OTAs have de facto monopolized the guest relationships and left independent hoteliers to handle the clean up. Only when hoteliers re-establish relationships with the digitally savvy customer in all phases of the customer journey: Dreaming, Planning, Booking, Experiencing, and Sharing will they win the direct booking, resulting in decreased OTA dependency and lower distribution costs.

How can hotels ensure their success in the post-pandemic era?

Invest Adequately in Digital Marketing

In March 2021, STR released a set of disturbing data; due to the pandemic, in 2020 hoteliers slashed their marketing spending by 51.5% compared to 2019 (STR, 2021). Many hoteliers are continuing with similar budgeting decisions in 2021 without considering the long-term implications.

Systemic underinvestment in marketing has always been a noticeable issue in hospitality. In 2019, the last normal year before the pandemic  Expedia spent 42% of its revenue on marketing, while Booking.com spent 33%. Compare these numbers to the 2.5% of room revenue hoteliers spent on marketing, and it becomes obvious why the OTAs own the travelers throughout their digital customer journey.

In the post-pandemic years, hoteliers should budget a minimum of 6%-8% of room revenue on digital marketing.

Prioritize Past Guests

Focusing on past guests and repeat business should become a top priority rather than chasing new customers. Past guests and loyalty members are already familiar with the property, its location, and product. What must also occur now is the need to communicate that the property is safe for a stay. Past guests and repeat business will rule the next 24 months.

Independent hoteliers must focus on bringing back their past guests and creating a guest recognition program to reward any repeat guests. A simple program based on offering complimentary nights based on X number of room nights stayed will go a long way today. Hotels.com has 50 million members in its simple, but a very effective rewards program, which gives one free night with every 10 nights stayed at any hotel. Independents should also strongly consider implementing a cloud-based CRM technology and create a CRM program to increase repeat business, engage last and current guests, and turn them into future guests.

Sell Value Rather Than Price Alone

Selling value rather than solely price can compensate for the budget limitations and online dominance by the OTAs. Hoteliers must remember and relearn how to sell value and not price alone. The OTAs are masters of selling on price, and thus hoteliers have no chance to outwit or outspend them in their marketing efforts. But selling on value? This is where hoteliers can truly overshadow the OTAs and provide real value to customers.

Remember, the OTAs have one significant disadvantage: in spite of all of their technology and marketing might, they do not know the actual hotel product or the destination nearly as well. By positioning the hotel as the hero of the destination, it will result as the logical choice when visiting local attractions, attending events or participating in activities.

If an accommodation offers cooking classes, weekend specials, coronavirus de-stressing packages, spa experiences, family packages, activities, special occasion amenities, wine tastings, F&B promotions, work-from-hotel offerings, these features should all be utilized to target local, short-haul, and drive-in feeder markets.

Dominate the Short-haul Feeder Markets

STR recently released data about the severely shrinking booking windows. Over 60% of guests book their hotel within 7 days, and 80% within 14 days of arrival. These guests are not arriving in New York City from Europe, Australia or China. They are coming from short-haul and drive-from feeder markets.

In the post-pandemic world, hoteliers must own their short-haul and drive-from feeder markets and delegate to the intermediaries only the long-haul and foreign feeder markets. Effective practices include employing solid revenue management and RMS technology, enforcing strict rate parity, implementing CRM programs and technology to engage and retain repeat customers, and investing in digital marketing initiatives for those local markets.

Reach Out to New Digital Converts

The pandemic subjected millions to a very rigorous online planning and purchasing education. This situation created millions of converts and believers in online services, which will inevitably affect how they research, plan, and book travel in the future. To benefit from this forced conversion from offline to online, continue to invest in digital marketing, cloud technology, and applications, and reach out to these new online travelers. Do not shutter marketing and technology budgets.

Communicate

Communication with customers means spending on content marketing. If cuts or pauses are implemented in the marketing budget, it will be near impossible to communicate with customers about cleanliness protocols, contactless guest experiences, new or newly opened amenities, services, promotions, experiences, and special offers. The absence of communication during or post-crisis with past guests, loyal customers, group planners, tour operators or distribution partners will result in long-lasting and devastating repercussions. Continue the communication with customers, provide clarity and information about the propertys and destinations current situation, municipal guidelines or regulations, vaccination rates, and assure them that the property is ready and safe for their stay.

*Article originally published in the Boston Hospitality Review, Digital Marketing Edition, August 2021.
Texas prides itself on being a business-friendly state with limited red tape. It has no corporate or personal income tax and in places like Houston, zoning laws are nearly non-existent.

This makes it enticing for businesses to set up shop here. But lately, it seems that polarizing comments around mask mandates, and policies such as bans on vaccine passports are putting business owners in uncomfortable, maybe even precarious positions as the delta variant spreads and threatens a fourth wave.

Most recently, the CDC renewed its guidelines urging people to wear masks indoors. Yet, Gov. Greg Abbot has resisted a statewide ask mandate. Hours after the CDCs mask guideline reversal, the governor sent a Tweet: The time for government mask mandates is over  now is the time for personal responsibility. In May, I signed an executive order prohibiting mask mandates by govt entities.

Such statements have helped turn a public health issue, into a political one. For business owners, though, its an economic issue or at least it should be.

Most want to do what they can to keep their staff, customers and businesses healthy after a tumultuous year. But Abbott and other politicians have left business owners with tough choices that can make it appear that they are choosing sides.

Some business owners have said they will continue to ask staff to wear masks, but dont feel like they can require their customers to do the same since there is no state mandate.

On HoustonChronicle.com: What would a fourth COVID wave mean for the economy?

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

How do we make our customer base feel comfortable? I have guests that wear masks and dont wear masks, Greg Gatlin, owner of Gatlins BBQ on Ella Boulevard previously told the Houston Chronicle. The governor has said what he will do for the state, so I understand what the CDC is saying, but the state mandate is what we have to be governed by.

The vast majority of Houston-area employers  nearly 9 of 10  are encouraging vaccinations against COVID-19 among their workers, according to a June Greater Houston Partnership survey. About 55 percent of companies said they require non-vaccinated employees to wear a mask.

More companies across the country are starting to require it. Disney, Walmart and Google have begun mandating their employees get shots to protect against COVID. Federal employees are required to get a shot or be frequently tested.

Although companies in Texas can require employees to be vaccinated, they dont have much choice about their customers. Abbott signed a law in June designed to discourage businesses from requiring their customers to be vaccinated against COVID. Texas businesses that require customers to be vaccinated will be denied state contracts and could lose their licenses or operating permits under the legislation.

Texas is open 100 percent, and we want to make sure you have the freedom to go where you want without limits, Abbott said in a video he posted on Twitter before he signed the law. Vaccine passports are now prohibited in the Lone Star State.

Stumbling block

One company didn't agree with this policy. Carnival cruise line is requiring passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and is asking passengers to show proof. Carnival was able to find a work around in the law because it was following protocols consistent with federal law and recommendations specific to the cruise industry. It also may help that its a part of an industry that generates $125 million of onshore spending in Galveston.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Galveston's vaccinated cruises sidestep Florida-style standoff over vaccine passports

Most economists agree that taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus is what's best for businesses and the local economy. They fear the spread of the delta variant could be another setback for the economic recovery.

One of the stumbling blocks in the recovery is a fourth wave, Patrick Jankowski, the economist at the Greater Houston Partnership said during an event in July. I'm almost positive we won't have another government shutdown, but it will change consumer behavior.

Will Waldron, Staff Photographer / Albany Times Union

becca.carballo@chron.com
The Biden administration, Congress and the Supreme Court have whipsawed landlords in recent weeks, imposing, debating, lifting and then reimposing a ban on residential evictions.

The whirlwind in Washington, though, is the least of the challenges property managers are facing. Balancing the demands for empathy from tenants, fiscal responsibility from banks and patience from charities is the real challenge.

Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ive been checking in with Ashford Communities Vice President Amer Kumar and Maduforo Eze, the director of business development for the company, which owns and operates 15 complexes for the working class. They make decisions that impact their investors and tenants every day.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: Landlords tackle COVID-19 crisis

Sometimes it can be a little frustrating being kind of the bad guy in the room when were trying not to be the bad guy, Kumar told me. (Outsiders) are only seeing the people that cant pay, whereas we also have expenses. And some of those people that cant pay just dont care about us.

Renters are a third of U.S. households, according to the Census Bureau. Young people, racial and ethnic minorities and those with lower incomes are the majority of tenants, and that is true of Ashfords 5,200 units that operate on very thin profit margins.

The federal government estimates that 11 million Americans are behind on rent and could lose their homes and credit ratings in an eviction proceeding. Congress has authorized $45 billion in rent relief, but state and local agencies have distributed only a sliver of the funds.

Ashfords tenants tend to work in the service sectors most upended by the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a moratorium on evictions last September to keep people in their homes. By December, a quarter of Ashfords tenants were not paying rent, Kumar said.

We knew that they were going to be financially hit, losing jobs, losing their contracts and things like that, Eze explained. We created these road maps where we had our onsite teams helping our residents to get rental assistance.

Kumar added a new employee whose sole job is to help residents get rental assistance. Ashfords management team found itself learning the complicated world of nonprofit groups, assistance applications and the long wait between when a renter is approved and the day the check arrives. Sometimes it takes months.

The drop in revenue has taken a toll on Ashford. The company has not paid dividends to investors since the pandemic began. The founder and CEO, Ashok Kumar, has spent his personal savings to keep Ashford up to date on mortgages, property taxes and salaries at some properties.

July was the best month since the pandemic began, Amer Kumar said. Unpaid rents totaled only $400,000, or about 10 percent less than what was due.

Were not complaining because a lot of people are suffering a lot worse than us, which is unfortunate, but then its kind of frustrating because people are spending money on other stuff thats not their rent or food, Kumar said. One delinquent tenant recently asked for a parking pass for a new car.

Eze said between 3 percent and 5 percent of tenants had ignored his entreaties to apply for rental assistance. Ashford staff offer to help with rental relief applications and other forms of assistance, including for noncitizens, but some tenants simply refuse.

Some residents just do not want to cooperate and just dont want the help, Eze said. They are taking advantage of the system because they know theyre not going to get evicted because of the CDC moratorium or because of the local moratoriums that we had in the early stages of this pandemic.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: COVID makes the rich even richer - and takes away from workers

Kumar and Eze said they were looking forward to the moratorium lifting, not because they want to evict tenants, but because they believe it will encourage the recalcitrant to finally apply for assistance. They say they need leverage to get people to help themselves and their landlord.

The worst thing in the world for us to do is file for an eviction because it affects the rest of their lives on their credit report, Kumar explained. It costs us more money to evict somebody than it would cost to keep them and work with them to get them rental assistance.

The CDC on Tuesday extended the eviction moratorium to Oct. 3. The stated goal is to give nonprofits and local agencies more time to distribute the aid approved by Congress. But thats another two months of financial distress for landlords such as Ashford that are trying to do the right thing.

Everyone understands that increasing homelessness is bad, but demanding too much from landlords is too.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics.

twitter.com/cltomlinson

chris.tomlinson@chron.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  Hiring surged in July as American employers added 943,000 jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.4% another sign that the U.S. economy continues to bounce back with surprising vigor from last years coronavirus shutdown.

The July numbers exceeded economists forecast for more than 860,000 new jobs. Hotels and restaurants, reopening and doing brisk business, added 327,000 jobs last month. Local public schools added 221,000.

The number of people who reported they had jobs surged by 1 million, pushing the jobless rate down from 5.9% in June. Last month, 261,000 people returned to the job market.

Scrambling to find workers as business surges back, companies raised wages: Average hourly earnings were up 4% last month from a year earlier.

The coronavirus triggered a brief but intense recession last spring, forcing businesses to shut down and consumers to stay home as a health precaution. The economy lost more than 22 million jobs in March and April 2020. Since then, though, it has recovered nearly 17 million jobs, leaving a 5.7 million shortfall compared to February 2020.

RELATED: New businesses surge in Houston's black neighborhoods

Things are undeniably moving in the right direction, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

The rollout of vaccines has encouraged businesses to reopen and consumers to return to shops, restaurants and bars that they had shunned for months after the pandemic struck. Many Americans are also in surprisingly strong financial shape because the lockdowns allowed them to save money and bank relief checks from the federal government.

As a result, the economy has bounded back with unexpected speed. The International Monetary Fund expects U.S. gross domestic product  the broadest measure of economic output  to grow 7% this year, its fastest pace since 1984.

Employers are advertising jobs  a record 9.2 million openings in May  faster than applicants can fill them.

Some businesses blame generous federal unemployment benefits  including an extra $300 a week tacked on to regular state jobless aid  for discouraging Americans from seeking work. In response, many states have dropped the federal unemployment assistance even before it is scheduled to expire nationwide Sept. 6.

Many Americans may be staying out of the job market because of lingering health fears and trouble obtaining childcare at a time when many schools are closed.

The outlook is clouded by a resurgence of COVID-19 cases caused by the spread of the highly contagious delta variant. The United States is reporting an average of more than 75,000 new cases a day, up from fewer than 12,000 a day in late June  although still well below the 250,000 levels of early January.
The tone in global commodity markets in the coming days will be set in large part by Chinas battle to tame its fast-spreading delta coronavrius outbreak, with much at stake for oil to agriculture markets as the worlds top raw materials buyer struggles to get the flare-up under control.

Fears over the more infectious variant helped drive U.S. crude below $70 a barrel this week, as investors track efforts by Beijing, and other Asian governments, to halt serious outbreaks. In China, sweeping lockdowns, traffic curbs, and other restrictions are already hitting fuel consumption.

A triptych of key reports on crude oils outlook, including one from OPEC, will offer more grist on demand risks. Elsewhere, watch gas markets after a 1,000% price-surge. And on the earnings front, the diary includes numbers from No.2 gold miner Barrick Gold Corp, a swathe of European power utilities including Germanys RWE AG, plus meat giants Tyson Foods Inc. and Brazils JBS SA.

Delta Blues

Asian nations from Indonesia to Thailand and Japan are grappling with surging caseloads, but its Chinas flare-ups causing the biggest concern for commodity markets. The past years price rally has been underpinned by a Chinese economy that recovered because the country escaped the worst of the pandemic. Now, the delta variant will test its largely successful zero-tolerance approach. Investors will be on alert next week for signals that Beijing has managed to turn the tide or will impose even tougher restrictions.

RELATED: Demand signals set tone for crude

Heading into the weekend, cases in China jumped to a six-month high on Friday, and delta has reached regions that together account for 38% of the countrys gross domestic product. So far, the restrictions are hammering transport activity, with road traffic in affected cities down to just 70% of normal levels, and daily flights lower by a third. Elsewhere, falling hog prices point to possible ripples for food demand as more people stay at home.

Crude Setback

Oils the clearest early casualty of deltas rapid spread. West Texas Intermediate prices are heading for their worst week since March as the highly infectious variant threatens recoveries across Asia. This weeks surprise expansion in U.S. inventories didnt help either. In one sign of the weaker dynamic, Saudi Arabias attempts to push up the price of its oil in Asia are backfiring as demand slows down while supply competition stiffens.

The demand headwinds come just weeks after OPEC and its allies agreed to go on easing the supply curbs imposed last year. The risk is that more prolonged or broader curbs on activity in China and Asia might leave the cartel moving too quickly. No doubt that Riyadh and the other oil capitals will be scrutinizing demand data more than ever. OPEC releases its latest monthly market outlook on Thursday, the same day as an offering from the International Energy Agency, and the monthly take from the U.S. Energy Information Agency.

Gasping for Gas

Energy prices are rising around the world as the global economy emerges from the pandemic, fueling concerns about inflation and power shortages. European gas surged to a record Friday amid tight supplies from Russia. In the U.S., natural gas reached 31-month highs as a global supply crunch and hot summer weather limit the restocking of inventories for winter. Deliveries of gas to Asia are near all-time highs for this time of year.

Higher commodity prices are giving a boost to power utilities -- usually a boring corner of the market -- as they pass higher costs through to electricity consumers. Germanys RWE AG, which reports earnings on Thursday, is up has already lifted its outlook for the year, as did Frances Engie SA. Adding to the power earnings, Uniper and E.ON SE also report next week.
NRG Energy, one of the state's biggest generators and sellers of electricity, said Thursday it made a profit in the second quarter of 2021, despite an impairment cost of $306 million on the value of its assets.

NRG reported an $1.1 billion profit in the second three months of the year, compared with a $313 million profit during the same period in 2020. Revenues rose 133 percent to $5.24 billion from $2.24 billion in the second quarter of 2020.

EARNINGS: Tellurian reports $30.6 million loss in second quarter 2021

The companys second quarter results were largely driven by favorable weather in the east that resulted in strong performance by both NRGs electric and natural gas businesses.

Second quarter results were also driven by the companys Direct Energy acquisition in the first quarter of 2021.

NRG in January completed a $3.6 billion deal to buy British-owned Direct Energy, a move that further consolidated the Texas retail electricity market under the banner of NRG, whose brands also include Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Cirro Energy.

The Direct Energy deal added 3 million retail customers to NRG in the United States and Canada, nearly doubling its footprint.

Partially offsetting second quarter results was lower residential demand in Texas as a result of weaker weather as well as stay-at-home trends stemming from the pandemic, the company said.

On June 17, NRG announced the retirement of 55 percent, or 1,600 megawatts, of its PJM coal fleet by June 2022 resulting in a second quarter impairment loss of $306 million. PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

NRG said it expects Februarys winter storm 2021 loss to be about $1.1 billion attributed in part to the financial impact of settlement data as well as to system-wide defaults among the buyers who participate in the market.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the states power grid, saw a shortfall of more than $3 billion after the widespread generator outages during the winter storm. That cost is being shared among market participants.
Land Tejas

Land Tejas has lined up 15 to builders to build homes in the first phase of Sunterra, a community in the Katy area planned for 2,200 homes. The 1,039-acre community, along Clay and Pitts roads, will have a Crystal Lagoon, an amenity that has helped drive sales at its Balmoral and Lago Mar communities.

Were excited to have so many well known and reputable home builders opening in the first phase of development in Sunterra, James Henrie, partner and chief operating officer of Land Tejas, said in an announcement. Interest in Sunterra has been extremely high and because of that, we wanted to offer a broad mix of home designs and builders so we can accommodate as many potential homeowners as possible.
A newborn's first sickness can be tough for new parents.

But rather than a common cold, Houston native Kristy Callaway's son was hit with COVID-19 first.

"We didnt get a training-wheels illness to start with out of the gate," Callaway said.

She said she and her husband, who now live in Corpus Christi, first noticed a difference in their five-month old son, Emmett, after a recent trip to Galveston County where they stayed with family.

He wasn't his normal happy, silly self, Callaway said. Instead he was really lethargic.

Suddenly, things escalated.

"It was like a switch flipped," she said.

"His fever spiked to almost 103 out of nowhere. His appetite decreased dramatically to where he was eating less than half of his usual daily amount. He had one day of almost nonstop vomiting and diarrhea."

His pediatrician tested him for COVID and it came back positive. Five of their six relatives in Galveston County received the same diagnosis, all of whom are vaccinated.

NOT ENOUGH ROOM: As COVID-19 strains Houston hospitals, small facilities scramble to transfer patients out of state

Thursday marked Day 12 for Emmett.

With the help of Tylenol, Callaways says they have been able to control his fever and symptoms, and saline spray, a nasal aspirator and humidity helped clear his congestion during the day.

"We could hear the crackling of fluid in his lungs, and we took turns staying awake with him, holding him up at an incline so he could breathe easier and get some sleep" Callaway said.

As a new mom, she feels helpless seeing him struggle but understands he needs to "ride it out."

Her biggest fear is the unknown.

"What could this virus be doing to his tiny body that we dont even know about yet?" she said.

"How could this impact him down the road when hes older? We just dont know."

It's even harder to fathom when they have no idea when he might be eligible for a vaccine, she said, and at a time when the delta variant, which is proving to be even more explosive, is picking up steam.

"DARK TIMES:" Houston's fourth COVID-19 wave to be the largest yet, medical leaders predict

COVID-19 cases in children and teens have increased significantly in recent weeks.

As of July 29, nearly 4.2 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Almost 72,000 cases were added the past week, a substantial increase from the prior week, when about 39,000 cases were reported.

A Houston pediatrician says she's seen a "tremendous uptick in COVID-19 infections in children at her private practice.

"I was on call this weekend, and we had far more positive test results for COVID-19 among our patient population than I had an any other call weekend of this entire pandemic," Christina Propst said.

"Its a combination of the delta variant and of the virus seeking the vulnerable. Ages 12 and under are not eligible to be vaccinated, and unfortunately, a fair number 18 and under are not vaccinated."

BACK ON TOP: Hidalgo moves Harris County back to highest COVID threat level, urging unvaccinated to stay home

"Theres a coalescence of vectors. Children are coming back to town. Theyve been traveling all over the place. In many cases, babies or infants have been on flights, and obviously, theyre unmasked, since children under 2 cannot be expected to wear a mask."

Callaway and her husband both previously tested positive for COVID when she was pregnant, but have since been fully vaccinated.

"Moderna is being put to the ultimate test with a teething COVID-positive baby slobbering all over us 24 hours a day," she said, "but my husband and I have been testing negative so far."

Now, they look forward to the day Emmett is eligible for the vaccine. But still, they will be extremely cautious.

"If we could vaccinate Emmett today, we still wouldnt take him into crowded public places," she said, "and we still would be really careful about his exposure to others."
United Airlines will require employees in the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late October, perhaps sooner, joining a growing number of big corporations that are responding to a surge in virus cases.

Company leaders called it a matter of safety and cited incredibly compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the vaccines.

BACK TO SCHOOL: New TEA rules allow limited remote instruction, no contact tracing in schools

We know some of you will disagree with this decision to require the vaccine for all United employees, CEO Scott Kirby and President Brett Hart told employees Friday. But, they added, the facts are crystal clear: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated.

United, which has 67,000 employees in the United States, is the first major U.S. airline to announce it will require vaccination for workers. The airline has been requiring vaccination of new hires since mid-June. Unvaccinated workers are required to wear face masks at company offices.

The Chicago-based airline estimates that up to 90% of its pilots and close to 80% of its flight attendants are already vaccinated. They get incentives to do so.

THREAT LEVEL RED: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is urging unvaccinated people to stay home

The airline told U.S. employees Friday that they will need to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 25 or five weeks after the Food and Drug Administration grants full approval to any one vaccine  whichever date comes first. So far, the FDA has only granted emergency-use approval of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Full approval is expected soon.

Each employee will have to send an image of their vaccine card to the company. Those who don't will be terminated, with exemptions granted only for religious or health reasons, officials said.

JUST THE BEGINNING: According to Houston's wastewater, the surge of COVID-19 is only going to get worse

Employees who are already vaccinated or do so by Sept. 20 will get an extra day of pay, according to the memo from Kirby and Hart.

Like United, Delta Air Lines has operated vaccination center for employees and recently began requiring the shots for new hires. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said this week that 73% of the airline's workforce is vaccinated. Executives at other airlines have similarly encouraged their workers to get vaccinated, even offering bonuses and paid time off to get the shots, but haven't made them mandatory.

Airlines and other companies in the travel business have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, which led to sharp travel restrictions. The United States requires people entering the country, including U.S. citizens, to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and the Biden administration plans to require non-U.S. citizens to be vaccinated before entering the country.

A United executive said the airline has no plans to require that passengers be vaccinated, calling that a government decision. The CEOs of Delta and American have similarly ruled out a mandate for passengers.

Microsoft, Google and Facebook have said they will require proof of vaccination for employees and visitors to their U.S. offices starting this fall.

This week, Tyson Foods announced it will require all U.S. employees to get vaccinated by November  notable because unlike the tech companies, Tyson relies on many lower-paid workers who cannot do their jobs remotely. The president of the United Food and Commercial Workers criticized Tyson for imposing the requirement while the vaccines still have only emergency FDA approval.

A few governments are getting involved. California and New York City will require employees to be vaccinated or face weekly testing, and the California mandate extends to workers in public and private hospitals and nursing homes.

The new rules come as the U.S. struggles with a surge in infections driven by the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19. The 7-day average of new reported coronavirus cases has jumped to more than 90,000 a day from around 12,000 a month ago, although hospitalizations and deaths have risen more slowly.

___

David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
During a year of pandemic, Missouri City saw an increase in domestic violence and robberies but maintained an overall low crime rate in 2020, according to a news release.

Police Chief Mike Berezin presented the departments annual report during a July regular City Council meeting.

More by Tracy Maness: Fort Bend County Judge KP George questions governor for COVID policies ahead of back to school

Berezin said the city did not have the increase in violent crimes that Houston and other major cities had experienced. He pointed to stay-at-home orders as a cause for some of the physical violence and noted that family-related incidents made up most of the 71 percent increase in aggravated assaults.

People are home, and I guess they could only put up with each other for so long. We tried to do as much as we can to mitigate that, so theyre not repeat offenders, Berezin said.

According to 2020 data provided in the release, there were two murders, up one (or 100 percent) from one murder in 2019; 15 rapes, a decrease of seven (or 32 percent) since 2019; 41 robberies, an increase of 17 (or 71 percent) from 2019; and 72 aggravated assaults, an increase of 30 (or 71 percent) over 2019.

The large increase in robberies, Berezin said, came as thieves seized the opportunity of wearing masks. But he explained that compared with five years of violent crime rates, 2020s rates were mostly lower than the five-year low. We dont see a whole lot of crimes against persons routinely. We actually have had an uptick in those types of crimes, but as a matter of practice, we really dont have it compared to some of our neighboring cities.

According to the release, Missouri City experienced an 11 percent decrease in the property crime rate overall. This included a 10 percent decline in burglary, a 12 percent decline in larceny (theft) and a 1 percent increase in motor vehicle theft.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Lamar CISD principal welcomes 2 former students as new teachers

We have such a low crime rate in Missouri City, Berezin said. In a five-year comparison, many of our incidents (last year) are well below our five-year high. Property crimes either stayed flat or had a downward trend.

He said policing during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging on multiple fronts. During 2020, police dispatches answered approximately nearly 111,600 calls for service.

There are two areas, Berezin said, that set the community apart from surrounding cities. He said one is in self-initiated activity, where officers see criminal or suspicious behavior and take it upon themselves to get out and do police work instead of waiting to be directed.

Berezin explained that residents storing their personal items in their garages rather than their vehicles could be a reason for the slight rise in car thefts. He suggested getting a storage facility to keep the $300 worth of stuff and parking the $50,000 vehicle inside the garage.

The Police Department works hard to maintain positive relationships with the community, Berezin said. He added the city is ranked as Texas 34th safest city by Alarms.org, the National Council for Home Safety and Securitys official site.

According to the news release, during 2020 the Missouri City Police Department has:

Taken in more than 556 pounds of prescription drugs through its Drug Take Back program.

Worked with the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office in the Take Me Home program, which identifies and assists special persons in need, especially individuals who have issues communicating.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Fort Bend ISD ready to provide students free meals this school year

Received a more than $30,700 grant from the Texas Department of Public Safety for a STEP program that provides overtime to home in on speeders, impaired drivers and distracted drivers.

Wrapped up a two-year, nearly $93,800 grant for Crime Victim Liaison.

Started Domestic Violence Lethality Screening for officers, which helps with gathering evidence and prosecution in domestic violence cases.

A Youth Explorer program offers career-oriented leadership and exposes high school students to law enforcement careers. It currently has 12 participants.

Adopted the Open Data Initiative, which places the departments raw data on the citys website to create full transparency. Residents can see information including criminal offenses, use of force incidents, automobile crashes, citations, arrests, racial profiling data and department demographics.

Used money obtained during drug seizures, under the Texas Chapter 59 statute, to purchase the following:

A $240,000 Flock camera system with 32 cameras that assist neighborhoods, businesses and law enforcement to fight crime, guard privacy and mitigate bias. The system can identify license plates and makes and models of vehicles. Since its start, the system has decreased crime by 70 percent, the release stated.

A Faro camera for more than $67,100. It is a laser scanner applied in crime scene analysis, vehicle crash scene documentation and 3D mapping systems.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Fort Bend Junior Service League busy preparing for new league year

Live 911, at more than $11,200 during the first year and $8,700 for each year thereafter, lets officers hear 911 calls in real time and cuts down on delays in information.

A hearty drone program regularly aids other area agencies in searches.

tracy.maness@hcnonline.com
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP)  A former Nevada prison inmate was convicted Friday of first-degree murder in the long-unsolved 1984 hammer and knife slayings of three Colorado family members, including a 7-year-old girl.

Alex Ewing, 60, was found guilty by a jury, The Denver Post reported, after a trial in which prosecutors argued DNA evidence pointed to Ewing as the suspect.

Prosecutors alleged Ewing used a hammer and a knife to kill Debra Bruce Bennett, 27, his wife Debra, 26, and their daughter, Melissa, in the Bennetts' home in the Denver suburb of Aurora. Melissa Bennett also was raped, prosecutors said.

Another daughter, 3-year-old Vanessa, was beaten in the head with a hammer as were her parents and sister but survived the attack.

Ewing is also charged with the hammer killing of Patricia Louise Smith, 50, in her home in suburban Lakewood about a week before the Aurora killings. Smith also was sexually assaulted. Ewing's trial in that case is set for October.

Ewing was identified as a suspect in 2018 through DNA evidence while in imprisoned in Nevada, where he was convicted of attacking a couple in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson in 1984 with an ax handle in their bedroom. The results of a DNA sample taken from Ewing were linked with DNA developed years later from evidence taken from the scenes of the Colorado killings.

Ewings attorneys argued that the prosecution's evidence in the Aurora case had been tainted over the decades.

Public defender Stephen McCrohan also told jurors that evidence from the Bennetts' home pointed to people other than Ewing being responsible. He faulted investigators for working without gloves and not properly securing the crime scene at the home after the killings.

Bruce Bennett's mother, Connie Bennett, 87, testified that she discovered her son's bloody body inside the home after her son and his wife did not show up for work.

A weight was lifted off today, she said after the verdict. Weve been waiting a long time for this.

Ewing faces life in prison without possibility of parole when he is sentenced later this month.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Elizabeth Englander, Bridgewater State University

(THE CONVERSATION) As a child, I had a great deal of anxiety. If youve ever seen me speak in public, that might surprise you. But anxiety among children is extremely common and affects almost all children, to varying degrees.

During pre-pandemic times, researchers noted that as many as 7% of children had a diagnosable anxiety disorder that disrupted their everyday functioning. In addition, 20% had a tendency to feel anxious that didnt rise to the level of a clinical disorder. And all children feel anxious at some time or another.

As a researcher whos studied childrens mental health for decades, I know that predictability helps prevent anxiety in children. Predictability means things going along as theyve always gone: sleep at night, up in the morning, cornflakes for breakfast, off to school, activities in the afternoon, dinner with the family. In Louise Fitzhughs childrens novel Harriet the Spy, Harriets mother cant believe that her daughter always takes a tomato sandwich to school. Always. Harriet has no interest in variety. Shes perfectly happy with the same sandwich, year after year.

Given childrens fondness for sameness and predictability, it should be no surprise that a global pandemic that halted school as kids know it, slammed the brakes on seeing friends, stopped extracurricular activities and banished all but immediate family members would have a profound impact on childrens anxiety.

A to-be-published study I conducted on 238 teens between January and May 2021 at the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center found that an astonishing 64% reported increased anxiety over the course of the pandemic. Even back in the spring of 2020, researchers were finding increased levels of anxiety among children in China. Similarly, a large-scale survey by the nonprofit Save the Children found significant increases in negative emotions including anxiety, in 48 countries around the globe.

To whatever extent the delta variant affects in-person instruction in the fall of 2021, back-to-school this year will be different from pre-pandemic years. Anxiety may be a challenge for many more children than usual, and it can be intertwined with other feelings, such as excitement and shyness.

Here are steps parents can take to help reduce their kids back-to-school anxiety and encourage a better start to the fall term.

1. Look for general symptoms of anxiety

Ask your kids how theyre feeling about going back to school, and keep an eye out for headaches, stomachaches, sleeping troubles, persistent what if questions, crankiness, excessive concern about very distant events, problems focusing on schoolwork and persistent concerns that arent alleviated by logical explanations. An example of this might be worrying that there has been no progress in fighting the pandemic, despite widespread information about the development of effective vaccines and better treatments.

Whats tricky, of course, is that any of these can potentially be an indication of many different problems, so take a second step. Talking to your kids about their thoughts may help you unravel whether theyre feeling anxious.

2. Encourage activities that reduce anxiety

Playing outside, playing with friends or even just hanging out can be powerful ways to reduce negative feelings. Outdoors, people often feel more relaxed  the antithesis of anxiety. Playing in an unstructured way  that is, without someone else telling them what or how to play  allows kids to work through their feelings successfully and reduce anxiety.

3. Help your kids understand the pandemic

Look for books and activities that can educate kids about the pandemic and post-pandemic life to help them feel like they understand what is happening around them. Children may not understand what a vaccine is, for example, and how it can protect against disease. People who know more about cataclysmic events or relevant facts typically feel less helpless, and children are no exception. There are several age-appropriate books that use pictures and humor to explain to kids what is happening.

4. Focus on family activities

The emotional connection that children have with their families is their psychological anchor during difficult times. At a time when so much of everyday life has changed, spending time with family can be an antidote for uncertainty. Take a walk or a hike together, eat dinner together, play board games.

5. Embrace distraction

Distraction isnt a cure for anxiety, but it can diminish its intensity and help sufferers think more clearly about the source of their worries. When children are feeling very anxious, its fine to talk to them about how watching an engaging program, or reading a funny book, can help them feel calmer.

6. Get professional help when needed

If your childs anxiety is interfering with sleep, eating, socializing or school attendance, and it persists beyond a few days, its a good idea to call your pediatrician or family doctor and report whats going on. Medical professionals who work with children are seeing anxiety skyrocket among kids, and they know how to get your child the necessary help.

As with any back-to-school season, you may find yourself shopping for binders and backpacks. This year in particular, though, children and their anxiety may need more of a focus. Practicing simple prevention and intervening when necessary can get your kids off to a great school year.

[The Conversations newsletter explains whats going on with the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe now.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-parents-can-help-kids-deal-with-back-to-school-anxiety-165273.
OCONTO FALLS, Wis. (AP)  An Oconto Falls police officer was in stable condition Friday after she was shot while responding to a call to an apartment building in the northeastern Wisconsin town, authorities said.

Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban said a 29-year-old Oconto Falls woman was arrested in the shooting at about 10:30 a.m. and was being held on suspicion of attempted homicide.
Chronicle file

Three thieves on this day in 1940 broke into a service station at 901 Smith and made off with a safe, a cigar box containing $66 and $10 worth of sparkplugs.

They would have gotten away with it all had Houston's streets been a little more smoother.
Courtesy

A judge on Friday reinstated bail at $350,000 for the Houston man charged in the suspected road rage shooting death of a teenager following an Astros game.

Gerald Williams, 34, received the bail amount, set by District Judge Marc Brown, after he was ordered Tuesday to be held without bail until the results of a bail review hearing. He surrendered to police on Monday.
Houston ISD Superintendent Millard House II said Thursday he plans to bring a mask mandate for ratification to the districts board meeting next week, setting the stage for the states largest district to potentially buck a gubernatorial executive order banning such mandates.

Under the proposed mandate, all district students and employees would be expected to wear masks in facilities and buses, House said during Thursday evenings board meeting.

On HoustonChronicle.com: New TEA rules allow limited remote instruction for students sick with COVID, but no contact tracing

If approved, the mandate would be among the first of its kind issued by a public school district in the Houston area, and apparently the state, since Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting such directives.

Earlier this week, Mayor Sylvester Turner told city employees that they again must wear masks when they are at work and unable to practice social distancing.

Following that announcement, the Houston Chronicle surveyed 32 area school districts about their masking plans. At least 17 districts said they would not challenge the governors order by instituting mask mandates in spite of a surge of COVID-19 cases that is filling area hospitals and increasing concerns among some parents as the start of the school year approaches.

It was not clear Thursday night if other districts plan to follow Houses initiative.

We know that we are going to get pushback for this, House said. We are not going to be able to please everybody. But what we have to understand is: If we have an opportunity to save one life, it is what we should be doing.

In revealing the proposal, House noted Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Thursday returned the county to the highest COVID-19 threat level and cited an increasing two-week positivity rate in the county and skyrocketing hospitalizations.

As superintendent of schools of the largest school system in the state of Texas, that concerns me, House said. It concerns me greatly.

If approved, the mandate will bring the district closer to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which in updated guidance suggested all individuals in schools not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 wear a mask indoors.

Children younger than 12 remain unable to get vaccinated.

Abbotts order prohibited governmental entities from requiring masks. Any local governments or officials who tried to impose such an order could be subjected to a fine of up to $1,000, according to Abbotts office.

It was not clear how the fine would be given to school districts that challenged the order or whether any entities that announced mandates this week had been fined already.

A spokeswoman for the governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night.

On HoustonChronicle.com: With delta 'picking off' Houston's unvaccinated, Hotez and other experts say 3 things can stem tide

Earlier this week, spokeswoman Renae Eze told the Chronicle in a statement that Abbott has been clear now is the time for personal responsibility.

Every Texan has the right to choose whether they will wear a mask or have their children wear masks, Eze said. Vaccines are the most effective defense against contracting COVID and becoming seriously ill, and we continue to urge all eligible Texans to get the vaccine.

Houses announcement arrived in the wake of mounting anxiety among some parents who have expressed frustrations about the order banning mask mandates. Some say they have been writing the states top elected official, pleading with him to reverse course, while others have started virtual petitions urging the mandates.

Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson, leader of the districts largest employees union, said Thursday night the group applauded Houses announcement.

Our members have been clear that there needs to be clarity and leadership on this issue and the superintendent is moving in the right direction, Anderson said. We strongly believe that getting vaccinated and wearing a mask is crucial to protecting the health of our students and everyone who works in our schools.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com

twitter.com/serrano_alej
Schools may offer up to 20 days of remote instruction for students who are sick with COVID-19, the Texas Education Agency announced Thursday, offering school districts across the state some much-sought flexibility amid rising infections that have area parents and staff nervous about the start of school in the coming weeks.

The change, included in new guidelines for the upcoming school year, comes after TEA previously said districts could not offer virtual learning because the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have funded it in the 2021-22 school year. The new guidance now allows up to 20 days of remote instruction to be counted as attendance for funding purposes. Schools can apply for a waiver for additional distance learning time if needed in certain circumstances.

The guidelines also require districts to bar students who test positive or are sick with COVID from attending class in person. Students may not return to campus until they no longer are sick or testing positive for the virus, the agency said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: As COVID-19 strains Houston hospitals, small facilities scramble to transfer patients out of state

It remains unknown whether the new directives will assuage the concerns of parents who still are trying to decide whether to send their children back to school amid rising COVID infections and hospitalizations that medical experts said have been driven by the highly contagious delta variant and low vaccination rates across the state. Children under 12 have not been approved for any vaccinations.

The start of the new school year  next week in some districts  comes just three months after the 2020-21 year ended with as many as half the students in some districts still learning from home.

Theresa Rieber, a mother of four in Fort Bend ISD, said she is glad the state came up with a plan for students who will have to miss in-person class to quarantine.

That was a question on everyones minds, she said. It wasnt properly addressed before today.

Rieber, who worked as a registered nurse in a COVID unit in the Texas Medical Center last summer, said a plan for COVID-positive students is essential because transmission in schools is inevitable.

We will have kids (who have) to stay home, she said. Were just bracing to see how bad it gets and how fast.

Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina called the guidance a start, but said it failed "to relieve the anxiety and fears many face going back to school in light of the inability of districts to mandate masks."

"Allowing districts to serve students remotely for up to 20 days if a student tests positive for COVID-19 may help in limited cases, but the approach outlined in TEAs new guidance fails to holistically address CCOVID-19 outbreaks at a campus level," Molina said in a statement. "Districts wont be able to simply address COVID-19 cases on a case by case basis and, in fact, will have to approach one positive case from a campus-wide perspective due to the rapid transmission of the Delta variant.

Under the new guidance, districts will be required to notify the state health department of test-confirmed COVID cases in students and staff.

The guidelines say that parents should be notified if their child has been in close contact with someone who tested positive and that they can choose to keep their kids home to quarantine and learn virtually during that period.

Districts, however, will not be required to conduct contact tracing when positive cases are identified.

Given the data from 2020-21 showing very low COVID-19 transmission rates in a classroom setting and data demonstrating lower transmission rates among children than adults, school systems are not required to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing, the TEA said in a release announcing the guidelines.

Masks remain optional

The new rules keep masks optional in schools due to Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order barring school districts and other government entities from requiring anyone to wear a mask.

Districts may conduct recurring COVID testing on staff to mitigate the spread of the virus, the guidelines say. Students can be regularly tested, as well, with prior written permission of parents.

Houston-area districts had been waiting for the new guidance as they finalized plans for the upcoming school year. A handful of districts the Chronicle asked for comment on the guidelines said administrators are still reviewing them.

"We are still working through this," said Emily Conklin, spokeswoman for Sheldon ISD.

Our health mitigation protocols will be updated, said Dayna Owen, executive director of communication for Friendswood ISD in an email.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Hidalgo moves Harris County back to highest COVID threat level, urging unvaccinated to stay home

Most districts in the state will not offer a virtual option to all students due to the lack of state funding. However, some districts, including Humble ISD, still plans to offer remote learning despite the monetary setback.

"Humble ISD is moving forward with offering virtual classes to the students whose parents chose it for the 2021-2022 school year. We are doing what is best for students and staff," spokeswoman Jamie Mount said. "If we must, we will use fund balance or (federal relief) funds to fund it."

Officials from Leander ISD north of Austin said it would use federal COVID relief funds to pay for virtual learning for a limited number of kids with health-related concerns.

Many area parents also have expressed concerns about the start of the school year as COVID cases in Harris County have risen sharply. Some say they have considered homeschooling their children because their districts will not offer remote learning.

According to the Texas Home School Coalition, the nonprofit advocacy groups call and email volume doubled the last week of July. More than 1,000 families contacted the group that week compared to 536 the week prior. Those numbers represent an all-time high for the organization.

No good answer

Jennifer Bergland, director of government relations for the Texas Computer Education Association, said the guidance will offer a temporary solution for students who become sick, but will not address the needs of parents whose children performed well in a remote environment and want to continue.

It does not solve the problem of those parents who do not want to put their children in school right now," Bergland said.

Kate Simpson, a Houston ISD parent and a teacher, said the guidance appeared to be a step in the right direction, giving districts room to be flexible without losing funding.

The kid can still be at home and still be interacting and learning and not losing time or credit, Simpson said.

Regardless, Simpson said she still worries about the return to in-person instruction as her son Peter, who has a heart condition, is scheduled to attend fifth grade at Ella J. Baker Montessori School.

It feels like there is no good answer, Simpson said. What do we have, two more weeks before they go back? Are things going to change? Am I worried about, I dont know, nothing? Would we be able to keep him home? Will the surge that we have lessen at some point? I think part of it is watching the curve go up.

Local medical authorities said this week they expect the number of infections and hospitalizations to grow throughout the month of August.

Lee Nelson, a mother of two Katy ISD students, said the allowance for some virtual learning is a step in the right direction. However, she said the policy ultimately is counterproductive because it will amount to waiting for children to get sick instead of preventing the spread of the virus.

They are not taking care of the problem, she said. Actually preventing the illness in the first place should be the priority.

Nelson said it also is worrisome that districts will not be required to trace the spread of the virus.

Theyre doing a disservice to the children, she said. Theyve got to control the spread and theyre not doing that.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
LUMBERTON  For the past week, Brooke Hale has been told no about 80 times a day. The executive assistant at Altus Lumberton Hospital has spent her shifts on the phone in a windowless office, repeatedly asking other facilities within an 800-mile radius the same question: Can you take one of our critical COVID-19 patients?

On Thursday, there were three. They needed intensive care, and without it they could die. Hale tried hospitals in Texarkana and Tyler, Lubbock and Lufkin, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. None had room.

I feel helpless, Hale said through her green N95 mask. I feel like I cant help patients like I need to.

VACCINE TRACKER: Interactive map shows where you can get vaccinated in Houston

Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The same scene is being repeated throughout Southeast Texas, as rural hospitals and freestanding emergency rooms are scrambling to send critical patients to other regions and states because Houston medical centers, full with COVID-19 patients, refuse to accept transfers.

For small facilities, what once was a routine transport to local hospitals has become a frantic process of cold calling and cajoling health care providers in hopes of securing an open bed. In the meantime, patients who must receive intensive care languish in places that are unable to provide it.

By Thursday afternoon, 543 patients in the 25-county hospital region anchored by Houston were waiting for staffed hospital beds, according to the SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council; 62 more waited to be admitted to an ICU. The gridlock also extends to ambulance crews, who wait longer outside of crowded ERs to admit patients.

And health officials predict the regions COVID-19 hospitalizations, which have grown for three straight weeks to more than 2,500, will swell further through August.

The result is a strained health care system that is more dangerous for anyone in need of acute care, from a critically ill COVID-19 patient to a car accident victim who requires surgery. And like last summers surge, researchers fear this wave will bring an increase in non-COVID deaths, attributable to delays in care caused by the pandemic.

Typically, it takes less than an hour to find a bed, said Dr. Swapan Dubey, chief medical officer at Texas Emergency Care Center, which has two Houston-area freestanding ERs. Nowadays in my own centers, were hearing cases that are taking 30 to even 50 hours.

Finding beds to transfer patients is more difficult now than the previous two surges of COVID-19 in Texas, administrators at small facilities said. On paper, the Houston hospital region reports 93 available ICU beds, but that figure does not consider hospitals ability to staff them.

Darrell Pile, CEO of SETRAC, said the region is reaching a crisis because of a nursing shortage exacerbated by the state health departments decision to no longer provide supplemental staff to virus hot spots, as it had in previous surges.

A hospital is able to increase its capacity pretty quickly, and they have plans to do that, Pile said. But never have we anticipated a complete loss of this supplemental staffing.

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Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Harris Countys safety net hospitals, Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson, are short 250 nurses, limiting their ability to treat existing patients, let alone accept transfers. Better-resourced Texas Medical Center hospitals, including St. Lukes and Houston Methodist, say they remain able to staff all beds.

Altus Lumberton is the only hospital in Hardin County, east of Houston and home to 51,000 residents. Though it has no ICU, it serves as a nearby emergency room where local patients can be stabilized and transferred to a larger facility for critical care.

That system has broken down. By 9 a.m. Thursday, the three critical COVID-19 patients had been stranded in the emergency room for 96, 72 and 36 hours. Staff found beds in New Mexico and North Dakota for the two patients waiting the longest, but airlifting the fragile man and woman proved to be too expensive.

Dr. Adriano Goffi is making do, improvising along the way. He does not have respiratory therapists or advanced breathing machines like an ICU would. He does have orthopedic pillows, which staff use to prop patients in positions that allow them to breathe more easily. Still, the level of care is lower than they would receive elsewhere.

These patients, for us to feed them, they have to take off a mask thats keeping them alive, Goffi said. So, fatigue sets in, dehydration and starvation.  We sit with them and see if we can just get some bread in for a second, and then replace the mask.

Richelle Blackburn, Lumbertons administrator, worries about the hospitals ability to accept many more COVID-19 patients. The highly transmissible delta variant has caused an explosion of new infections across Texas, and just 26 percent of residents in Hardin County are fully vaccinated, well below the state average. Lumberton serves many communities in its swath of East Texas forest.

If people cant come here, theyre in a bind, Blackburn said.

The transfer problem extends beyond virus patients. Dubey, from the Houston freestanding ERs, said he faced long waits to transfer two patients with appendicitis and another with a ruptured bowel.

At Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac, staff have been trying for 10 days to transfer an elderly woman with a serious heart and lung condition. Nurse Felicite Louviere said that because Texas currently has no central database of available beds at all hospitals, she recently found an online directory and began calling Oklahoma hospitals at random, without success.

TRY THE APP: Get alerts, breaking news and in-depth coverage on what's happening in Houston through our mobile app

Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Bayside CEO William Kiefer said he has an affiliation agreement with a Pasadena hospital, but that facility has refused transfers, citing its own patient overload. Kiefer said even if he could secure a bed out of state, the travel may be too expensive for a patient or their family.

When we have indigent patients in rural Texas, if we were to send them far out, how do they ever get back? Kiefer said. The transport is quote-unquote covered  but the same is not true for the return trip.

The lack of available beds has compounding consequences: Patients across the region wait longer to be moved from emergency rooms, which leaves ambulances waiting longer outside to deliver new ones.

So far in August, Houston Fire Department crews have reported waiting an average of 29 minutes to drop off patients at hospitals, 10 minutes longer than June and longer than any other month of the pandemic. Four crews waited more than two hours on Thursday, said Dr. David Persse, the citys health authority.

At Lumberton, Hale continued working the phones. Dallas said no. So did Austin. Tiny Cuero, near San Antonio, offered to take patient information in case a bed opened up.

As 4 p.m. approached, a breakthrough: A hospital in Beaumont called to say it had a tentative opening. Staff prepared the woman for transport and crossed their fingers.

An hour later an ambulance arrived. Within minutes, she was gone. Goffi and the ER staff cheered and high-fived. Upstairs, Hale exhaled in relief.

Two days earlier, the patient was close to needing intubation. Now, Blackburn said, she stands a better chance of surviving.

Shes going to get the care that we cant provide, Blackburn said. Getting her out  thats a big accomplishment right now.

The woman had been in Lumbertons emergency room for 104 hours.

zach.despart@chron.com
Gov. Greg Abbott delivered Friday on a recent promise to use his political weight to try to halt medical interventions for transgender children, which are considered standard of care for adults. He wants state officials to redefine reassignment surgery  which is very rarely used for children  as a form of child abuse.

The governor said he intended to craft his own approach after state lawmakers failed a second time this year to pass an array of laws that would penalize health care providers for providing and parents for seeking gender affirming care and curtail transgender childrens medical and educational rights.

Abbotts new plan came in the form of a letter to the state agency tasked with protecting children from abuse. Abbott asked the director of the Department of Family and Protective Services to please issue a determination of whether genital mutilation of a child for purposes of gender transitioning through reassignment surgery constitutes child abuse.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Some Texas families flee 'toxic environment' they say targets their transgender children

The term genital mutilation is traditionally used among human rights workers to refer to a procedure for young girls that prevents them from experiencing sexual pleasure. Abbott  who does not have a medical background  reframes the definition, stating as fact that subjecting a child to genital mutilation through reassignment surgery creates a genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child.

If the child protection officials ultimately determine these surgeries to be a form of child abuse, Abbott goes on to say, DFPS would be duty bound to investigate a childs parents, and other state agencies would have to investigate medical practitioners who carried out the surgeries.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 'I finally feel right in my body': Houston kids confront anti-trans legislation that targets them

The governors office did not respond immediately to a request for comment on his inquiry.

Adri Perez, a policy and advocacy strategist for the ACLU of Texas, said trans kids in Texas are continually forced to advocate for their very right to be who they are.

No child should have to fight for their right to exist as their authentic selves, said Perez, who is transgender. Every major medical association agrees that gender-affirming care is critical health care that saves lives. Its unconscionable that the governor would seek to endanger the mental, emotional, and physical health of our children to score cheap political points by distorting the truth.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
Harris County Sheriffs Office has released body-worn camera footage of a July 27 incident where deputies punched and kicked a 19-year-old woman who they were arresting for trespassing.

Relatives learned that Isis Calderon Garcia, who they say struggles with mental illness, was arrested after watching a 13-second video posted to Instagram. The video, which begins in the middle of the altercation, shows the woman struggling against three deputies at a gas station in the 12300 block of Interstate 69 in east Aldine.

As two deputies watched, two other deputies can be seen punching Calderon Garcia, who appears to be flailing her arms. One deputy, who punched her several times, appears to swing a knee into her face. The video, filmed from across a parking lot, is partially obscured by a sign.

The video set off a social media uproar and prompted condemnations of the deputies from organizations including FIEL Houston, an immigrant rights group, and the NAACP Houston Branch.

At a July 30 news conference held by FIEL Houston, relatives of Calderon Garcia called for transparency, including the release of body-worn camera footage, and disciplinary actions against the deputies for using excessive force.

Sintia Calderon said her sister suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which cause her to wander outside her home. Most police in the area were familiar with her, Calderon said.

Cesar Espinosa, FIELs executive director, said Calderon Garcias family wanted to know why the sheriffs office did not dispatch a mental health unit and why they had not been updated on the health of Calderon Garcia, who is listed as Ester Gonzalez in police records that declare her to be homeless.

The sheriffs office on Wednesday afternoon released a 36-minute community briefing video, including a message from Assistant Chief Mike Lee and footage from three deputies. The footage shows deputies speaking with Calderon Garcia in a mix of English and Spanish outside the convenience store for almost 20 minutes before moving to arrest her. Immediately before deputies punched Calderon Garcia, she appears to swing an arm at one deputy, allegedly causing his body camera to fall to the ground, said Lee.

The footage also reveals one deputy saying Calderon Garcia has no weapons to the deputy who shortly afterward punched and kicked Calderon Garcia as she struggled. The video initially did not include footage from the deputy who kicked Calderon Garcia.

When contacted about the missing footage, sheriffs office spokesperson Jason Spencer said it was mistakenly left out. Spencer, who has viewed the footage, said it contained nothing new and does not show the deputys strikes, punches or kicks due to how the body cam was positioned. The sheriff's office on Friday uploaded a new version of the video including the footage.

Spencer also said Calderon Garcia did not strike the deputy who kicked her. She didnt strike him, he was reacting to what she had done to the other deputy and (that) she had broken free, he said.

The deputies involved have been assigned administrative duties during the investigation, Lee said in the video.

Calderon Garcia suffered minor injuries and received a medical evaluation and treatment after booking, Lee said. She was later charged with assaulting a public servant, resisting arrest and failing to identify as a fugitive. According to court records, she was previously charged on May 22 with assaulting a public servant for allegedly striking a nurse while awaiting mental health treatment, and there was a warrant out for her arrest on the charge. She is in jail with combined bail set at $21,000.

At a FIEL news conference Thursday morning before Calderon Garcias first court appearance, her sister said she was finally able to visit Calderon Garcia on Wednesday evening, a week after her arrest.

Calderon Garcias family members, who are seeking an attorney for her criminal case, called for the immediate termination of the deputy who kicked her.

Ninety percent of the conversation occurred in Spanish, but when it came time to take Isis into the control of the Harris County Sheriffs Office, all the commands were given in English, Espinosa said. In the video, one deputy instructed an agitated Calderon Garcia to relax in Spanish, but deputies mostly spoke to her in English as she struggled.

The family expressed concern about Calderon Garcias health and is worried she may have signed documents in custody while not in a clear mental state, Espinosa said.

She was beaten on the right side of her face, said Espinosa, translating for the womans sister. There really is no change to her emotional state or her mental state; shes still rambling on about things.

This article has been updated to reflect the addition of body-worn camera footage from the deputy who kicked Calderon Garcia.

Staff writer Hannah Dellinger contributed to this report.

charlie.zong@chron.com
Mayor Sylvester Turner is asking City Council to set a referendum on a charter amendment for 2023, prompting accusations that he is trying to delay the measure intended to give council members more power.

Turner previously had promised to let Council decide when to set the election date, but the agenda item posted Friday includes only the November 2023 option. At least one member said he will offer an amendment to change the election date to this November when Council takes up the measure at its Wednesday meeting.

The organizers of the charter amendment decried the agenda item as gamesmanship meant to delay the election, and said the city is ignoring its responsibility to act promptly on the matter.

Charles Blain, president of the conservative advocacy group Urban Reform, which helped collect petition signatures to get the proposal on the ballot, said the mayor was flat-out dishonest when he said he would leave the matter to council. He pointed out the mayor placed the item on the last possible council agenda before the Aug. 16 deadline to order an election for this year, meaning council cannot delay a vote if the 2021 date is not included in Wednesdays language.

I just think its frustrating. Its pure gamesmanship, Blain said. Its clear what he wants. Its clear this was entirely a game.

Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341, which also helped organize the petition, likened the move to voter suppression. More than 20,000 people signed the petition to indicate they want to vote in an election promptly, he said.

Its not that they want to weigh in on this two or three years from now, Lancton said. The question is, why is the city continuing to do this and how are they continuing to get away with it.

The proposal would allow any three council members to place an item on the weekly council agenda, a power almost entirely reserved for the mayor under the citys strong-mayor format. Turner has said it would lead to chaos and waste council time with frivolous proposals.

By state law, the city must verify a petition has enough valid signatures and then call an election for the next uniform election date, Nov. 2 in this case, or the next municipal elections, which would be November 2023. The latter would coincide with the end of Turners final term at City Hall.

Turners office issued a statement from City Attorney Arturo Michel that a 2023 election permits any other timely proposed charter amendment to be placed on the ballot on that election date without having to delay it further because of the constitutional prohibition against amending the Charter more frequently than every two years.

He said the cost of a citywide election could run as high as $1.3 million.

At-Large Councilmember Michael Kubosh said he will propose an amendment to put the referendum on the ballot this November. He said the council has a ministerial duty to put the issue on the ballot, and Turner reneged on his promise to leave it up to members.

The people that signed that petition, do you think they thought it was going to be 2.5 years (until they can vote)? Kubosh said. If the mayor is going to play a game and push this down the road until his term is over  the council should act immediately.

District A Councilmember Amy Peck, who supports an election this year, said she hopes the 2023 item is a starting point and the mayor is open to amendments.

She also said the city needs to adopt an explicit policy and timeline for how it handles future charter amendments.

I think the problem is that there are no standard procedures in place for this, even for counting the ballots, and giving a timetable of deadlines and how long it should take, Peck said.

The fire union is pushing a separate charter amendment that would make binding arbitration the automatic resolution to a contract dispute. The union submitted that petition on July 9, and Lancton alleged the mayor is stalling the effort to validate those signatures, too.

Turner said it takes three months for the city to count and verify signatures, but other cities are able to do it much quicker. Austin verified a charter amendment petition Wednesday that was submitted July 19, 10 days after the Houston fire union submitted its measure to City Hall. It took Austin 15 days to verify the signatures. Earlier this year, it verified a separate proposal in 11 days.

It took San Antonio a little more than a month to approve three separate petitions in 2018.

Austin uses a process known as statistical sampling, or random sampling, that the Texas Election Code authorizes to verify petitions. Using that process, the clerk only had to verify a quarter of the signatures.

Houston does not use that process, though it has in the past. Turner has said the city secretary will use the process  verifying each individual signature  that it has used since he was elected.

Were not changing from what weve done. Were going to count them just like we counted the last one: We will count them as they come in, Turner told the Chronicle last month. Thats been the process Ive used since Ive been here. If I change the process, people will say I changed the process to meet certain purposes.

The secretarys office has just seven full-time workers. Turner said he has authorized additional personnel to help them count the signatures. According to Michel, the office is halfway through the firefighters petition signatures.

The second charter amendment is not listed on the agenda item for Wednesday and is all but certain to miss the Aug. 16 deadline.

dylan.mcguinness@chron.com
Texas House Democrats say they arent rushing back to Austin on Saturday for the first day of the new special session called by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

More than 50 House Democrats fled to Washington, D.C., last month to derail a GOP-led elections bill. They initially planned to return to Texas this weekend, after the special session that began July 8 came to a close. But then Abbott on Thursday announced that another special session would start immediately, putting pressure on the fugitive lawmakers to return.

At least some Democrats plan to remain in the nations capital until the U.S. Senate recesses next week, they said during a Friday news conference. But its unclear whether enough of them will stay in Washington or at least refuse to return to Austin to keep the Legislature at a standstill.

If youre looking for us to telegraph exactly what were going to do over the next couple days, were not going to do that at this time, said Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie and the head of the House Democratic Caucus. The governor would love us to do that, but were not going to.

A significant number of representatives will stay in Washington at least until the Senate heads out for a planned August recess Monday, said Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio. Democrats have spent their time in Washington lobbying members of Congress in the hopes that theyll pass federal voting rights legislation, which could supersede some of the provisions in Texas voting bill.

ABBOTTS AGENDA: Governor unveils 17 agenda items as second special session begins Saturday

Such legislation has stalled in the Senate, where Republicans have used filibuster powers to block the measure from advancing. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has reportedly told members to expect another attempt at a voting bill before the recess, though Republicans are likely to thwart it again.

Do not be fooled: If Congress is in session, were in session, Martinez Fischer said. Our job is here, and we will have a significant number of members staying here and waiting day by day and engaging day by day and finishing the fight.

In an interview after the news conference, Martinez Fischer said the caucus is considering all available options for the next special session and that the important thing is by now the Republicans know we dont bluff. He declined to say how many Democrats are still in Washington; a couple dozen attended Fridays news briefing.

We know exactly what it takes to deny quorum, Martinez Fischer said. We know exactly how many Republicans are playing hooky, we know how many Republicans have COVID, we know how many Republicans arent on the floor, we know theres a new Republican whos a member of Congress. So we can count, and were managing that count on an hourly basis.

The House needs 100 members present to resume business. There are 82 Republicans and 67 Democrats in the chamber.

Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, said shell probably return to Texas but that I dont know if Im going to the floor right now.

Were just going to take it one day at a time, and as a group well make a decision, she said.

If a quorum is not present Saturday, GOP lawmakers could again issue a call of the House, which compels all members to the chamber and allows law enforcement officers to track down the missing representatives. Texas state troopers have jurisdiction only within the state, though, which prevented them from arresting Democrats after they left for Washington.

Either way, Democrats stalling tactics are unlikely to prevent Republicans from passing their elections bill, a priority measure for all the states GOP leaders. Supporters of the legislation say it would weed out fraud and standardize elections administration across the state. Democrats have said the bill will make it more difficult for all Texans  but especially Black and Latino voters  to cast their ballots.

With a second special session beginning tomorrow, the Texas House remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as soon as our Democratic colleagues return from Washington or from their vacations abroad, House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, said in a Friday news release.

Abbott has pledged to keep calling legislators back to Austin until the elections measure and other GOP priority bills pass. For the next session, hes tasked legislators with 17 agenda items  including some new charges, such as COVID-19 regulations in public schools and 2022 primary election dates.

I will continue to call special session after special session to reform our broken bail system, uphold election integrity and pass other important items that Texans demand and deserve, Abbott said Thursday as he announced the agenda. Passing these special session agenda items will chart a course towards a stronger and brighter future for the Lone Star State.

cayla.harris@express-news.net

ben.wermund@chron.com
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Record labels are finally becoming less dependent on Spotify [Mark Mulligan]

Record labels and rightsholders may become more willing to stand up to Spotify as new revenues sources like Peloton, TikTok, and Facebook begin to positively affect their bottom lines.

By Mark Mulligan of MIDiA and the Music Industry blog

The major labels had a spectacular streaming quarter, registering 33% growth in Q2 2020 to reach $3.1 billion. Spotify had a less impressive quarter, growing revenues by just 23%. After being the industrys byword for streaming for so long, Spotifys dominant role is beginning to lessen. This is less a reflection of Spotifys performance (though that wasnt great in Q2) but more to do with the growing diversification of the global streaming market.

Spotify remains the dominant player in the music subscription sector, with 32% global subscriber market share, but streaming is becoming about much more than just subscriptions. WMGs Steve Cooper recently reported that such emerging platforms were running at roughly $235 million on an annualized basis (incidentally, this aligns with MIDiAs estimate that the global figure for 2020 was $1.5 billion).

The music subscription markets Achilles heel (outside of China) has long been the lack of differentiation. The record labels showed scant interest in changing this but instead focused on licensing entirely new music experiences outside of the subscription market. As a consequence, the likes of Peloton, TikTok, and Facebook have all become key streaming partners for record labels  a very pronounced shift from how the label licensing world looked a few years ago.

The impact on streaming revenues is clear. In Q4 2016, Spotify accounted for 38% of all record label streaming revenue. By Q2 2021 this had fallen to 31%.

Looking at headline revenue alone, though, underplays the accelerating impact of streamings new players. Because Spotify already has such a large, established revenue base, quarterly dilution is typically steady rather than dramatic. Things look very different though when looking specifically at the revenue growth, i.e., the amount of new revenue generated in a quarter compared to the prior year. On this basis, streamings new players are rapidly expanding share. Spotifys share of streaming revenue growth fell from 34% in Q4 2017 to just 26% in Q2 2021. Unlike total streaming revenue, the revenue growth figure is relatively volatile, with Spotifys share ranging from a low of 11% to a high of 60% over the period  but the underlying direction of travel is clear.

the streaming world is changing, fuelled by the record labels focus on supporting new growth drivers

Spotify remains the record labels single most important partner both in terms of hard power (revenues, subscribers) and soft power (ability to break artists, etc.). But the streaming world is changing, fuelled by the record labels focus on supporting new growth drivers. The implications for Spotify could be pronounced. With so many of Spotifys investors backing it in a bet on distribution against rights, the less dependent labels are on it, the more leverage they will enjoy. From a financial market perspective, the last 18 months have been dominated by good news stories for music rights  from ever-accelerating music catalog M&A transactions to record label IPOs and investments.

Right now, the investor momentum is with rights. Should the current dilution of Spotifys revenue share continue, Spotify will struggle to negotiate further rates reductions and will find it harder to pursue strategies that risk antagonizing rightsholders. Meanwhile, rightsholders would be surveying an increasingly fragmented market, where no single partner has enough market share to wield undue power and influence. That is a place where rights holders have longed dreamed of getting to, but now  divide and conquer  may finally be coming to fruition.

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Twitter announces bug bounty programme to tackle unconscious bias

Twitter has launched a bug bounty competition to reward hackers who find and report instances of unconscious bias affecting its image-cropping algorithm, as reported by the Metro. In the past, Twitters image-cropping algorithm has been slammed as racist and sexist because it automatically cropped images of black people and women more than photos containing white men.

The firm has partnered with bug bounty platform HackerOne to run this competition, and cash prizes of up to $3500 are on offer. Twitter will announce the winning teams on August 8th.

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, explained Twitter in a blog post.

We want to take this work a step further by inviting and incentivizing the community to help identify potential harms of this algorithm beyond what we identified ourselves.

Huawei unveils $100 funding boost for Asia Pacific startups

Chinese technology giant Huawei has announced a three-year $100 million funding boost for its Spark Asia Pacific startup support scheme, as reported by ZDNet.

With the extra funding, Huawei is planning to build four new startup hubs in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia. The scheme, which launched last year, has already provided support to startups located in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand.

In addition to the creation of four new startup hubs across the Asia Pacific region, Huawei also plans to add 1000 startups to its accelerator program and help to generate 100 new scaleups over the next few years.

Catherine Chen, senior vice president and board member of Huawei, said: Startups and SMEs are the innovators, disruptors, and pioneers of our times. 34 years ago, Huawei was a startup with just 5,000 dollars of registered capital.

Recently, we have been thinking: How can we leverage our experience and resources to help more startups address their challenges? Doing so would allow them to seize the opportunities posed by digital transformation, achieve business success, and develop more innovative products and solutions for the world."

The announcement comes as Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou attended a Canadian court hearing on Wednesday to determine whether she can be extradited to the US to face charges for allegedly violating American economic sanctions against Iran. A verdict will likely be reached by September.

Amazon accused of breaking US employment laws

Amazon has been accused of breaking American employment laws over the way it handled a recent union vote in Alabama, as reported by Engadget.

A representative at the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is advising employees of Amazons Bessemer, Alabama-based warehouse to arrange a fresh vote because the previous one was fundamentally flawed. In April, employees working at the warehouse held a vote on creating a trade union but the proposal failed to pass.

The RWDSU disputes the result of the April union vote, claiming interference by Amazon, and identifying 23 different issues with it. In one complaint, RWDSU accuses Amazon of holding the vote in a work car park without gaining the permission of the NLRB regional director. Additionally, the ballot box used in the vote was allegedly put in full sight of security cameras operated by Amazon to make voters think they were being watched by their bosses.

The ecommerce giant rejects these accusations and insists that the union vote was fair. A spokesperson for the firm said: Our employees had a chance to be heard during a noisy time when all types of voices were weighing into the national debate, and at the end of the day, they voted overwhelmingly in favor of a direct connection with their managers and the company.

UK government could block Nvidia-Arm acquisition

The UK Government is currently investigating American semiconductor giant Nvidias $40 billion takeover of Cambridge-based chipmaker Arm to determine whether it should go ahead.

Reuters reports that British officials may intervene and stop the acquisition from taking place over national security concerns.

Last month, the UK Competition and Markets Authority completed its first-stage investigation of the Nvidia-Arm deal and submitted the findings to the UK government.

The report is believed to outline a plethora of security challenges posed by the deal and could trigger a wider-ranging national security review led by the UK government.

Nvidia, which is headquartered in California, has indicated that its prepared to work with British regulators to resolve any security concerns arising from the deal.

Tencent sees market value plummet following electronic drugs comment

A number of Chinese online gaming firms saw their shares tumble when they were called spiritual opium and electronic drugs by a government-run media organisation.

According to a report by Sky News, the Chinese Government-backed Economic Information Daily wrote an article accusing the sector of causing online gaming addiction in young people and calling for tighter regulation in the area.

The newspaper warned in its article that no industry, no sport, can be allowed to develop in a way that will destroy a generation, criticising Tencent-developed online video game Honour of Kings specifically.

These comments had damaging effects on several Chinese online video game makers, with Tencent experiencing a 10% fall in the value of its stock at the start of the week. As a result, its market capitalisation decreased by nearly $60 billion. NetEase, XD Inc and GMGE Technology Group Ltd also saw their market valuation and stock fall.

These comments could perhaps signal that Chinese lawmakers are planning to introduce new regulations to curb the countrys booming online games market, which has been the case across other areas of Chinas technology industry.

Security roundup

Video conferencing platform Zoom is to settle a class-action lawsuit centered around user privacy for $85 million, according to a report by ZDNet. The settlement is in relation to allegations that Zoom wrongly shared the personal information of its users with other online platforms via third-party integrations. The lawsuit also accused Zoom of misleading users over its encryption technology and failing to protect users from so-called Zoombomings, when unauthorised individuals or groups join Zoom calls.

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a range of vulnerabilities affecting two domestic electric vehicle chargers, according to a report by the BBC. Experts at Pen Ten Partners were able to exploit the Wallbox and Project EV chargers so that they turned on or off and restricted user access. The researchers also demonstrated how cyber criminals could use the chargers to hack into a domestic internet network. Since identifying these security flaws, the researchers have reported them to the respective manufacturers to be fixed.

T he vast majority (86%) of international businesses believe that theyll fall victim to a serious cyber attack over the next year, as reported by IT Pro. Another significant finding from Trend Micros biannual Cyber Risk Index (CRI) report is that 80% of global organisations anticipate a cyber attack affecting customer data in the coming 12 months. Meanwhile, the top three ramifications of cyber attacks identified by organisations are customer churn, lost intellectual property and critical infrastructure damage.

New research from security software company Egress found that 73% of organisations were impacted by a data breach following a phishing attack over the past year. This threat has been exacerbated by the rise of remote working during the coronavirus pandemic, with 53% of IT leaders blaming it for a surge in phishing-related data breaches. Over half of IT leaders believe that the prospect of full-time remote and hybrid working will make it harder to fight future data breaches linked to phishing. The report also shows that, in 23% of businesses, employees who got hacked due to phishing emails were either sacked by their employer or resigned from their role.

The UK Ministry of Defence has rewarded hackers who discovered security flaws impacting its computer infrastructure by paying them bug bounties, according to a report by Sky. Run with the help of US bug bounty platform HackerOne, 26 ethical hackers participated in the 30-day scheme aimed to identify serious cybersecurity issues.

M&A

Square, the digital payments firm set up by Twitter CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey, has announced its to acquire Australian financial technology firm Afterpay in a $29 billion deal. As reported by the BBC, this is the largest acquisition ever made in Australia.

US cloud software giant Salesforce is set to acquire robotic process automation company Servicetrace in an undisclosed deal. When the acquisition concludes by October 2021, Servicetrace will be merged with Salesforce brand MuleSoft.

Hootsuite, a social media management application, has acquired Canadian conversational artificial intelligence company Heyday for 35 million. According to Hootsuite, the acquisition will enable it to help companies provide an improved customer experience by leveraging conversational AI.

British cybersecurity firm Sophos has acquired DevSecOps automation platform Refactr for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will enable Sophos to add more automation capabilities to its adaptive cybersecurity platform, which is used across all of its products and services.

Feedzai, a cloud financial risk management platform, is acquiring behavioural biometric platform Revelock just several months after it closed a $200 million funding round. According to Feedzai, its acquisition of Reveleck will result in the creation of the worlds largest AI-powered financial risk management platform with native, integrated behavioral biometrics.

Deloitte Canada is to acquire Montreal-based early-stage engineering and applied artificial intelligence firm Dataperformers in a bid to expand its AI and machine learning capabilities. This is one of several acquisitions made by Deloitte Canada in 2021.

TikTok amassed 660 million downloads in 2020

Chinese social media giant TikTok became the worlds most popular mobile video app last year, according to data acquired by Finbold. In 2020, it amassed 660.12 million downloads across the globe.

While YouTube has been around for a lot longer than TikTok, it was only the fourth most downloaded mobile video app in 2020. The Google-owned app was downloaded 222.7 million times last year.

Other popular mobile video apps in 2020 were Likee (270.3 million downloads), SnackVideo (233.57 million downloads), TikTok Lite (141.89 million downloads), Moj (93.87 million downloads), Zili (84.11 million downloads), MX TakaTak (81.7 million downloads), Josh (78.13 million downloads) and Uvideo (74.95 million downloads).

Google announces self-developed mobile processor

Googles upcoming smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, will be powered by self-developed processors for the first time.

As reported by CNBC, the US tech giant has decided to make its own mobile CPU and move away from processors developed by semiconductor firm Qualcomm. The processor will be called Google Tensor, paying homage to the Google Tensor Processing Unit.

Its not the only major US technology company to produce self-made processors. Apple abandoned a long-standing relationship with Intel to manufacture its own computer chip, called the M1.

Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services at Google, explained in a blog post: Tensor was built for how people use their phones today and how people will use them in the future. As more and more features are powered by AI and ML its not simply about adding more computing resources, its about using that ML to unlock specific experiences for our Pixel users.

The team that designed our silicon wanted to make Pixel even more capable. For example, with Tensor we thought about every piece of the chip and customized it to run Google's computational photography models. For users, this means entirely new features, plus improvements to existing ones.
UK media organisations and the IFJs affiliate the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab asking them to offer assistance to Afghan media workers as Taliban violence intensifies. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) backs the call for urgent support for Afghan media workers in danger.

In the open letter, sent on 4 August, the organisations called for the introduction of a special visa programme to allow Afghan media workers working for UK news outlets and their families to leave Afghanistan and stay in the United Kingdom safely.

According to the letter, such a programme would concern a few dozen people including their family members and is more than urgent as media workers risk their lives reporting from Afghanistan for British media. Throughout the years, their reporting has been vital, but is now too dangerous amid the rising violence in the country since the withdrawal of NATO troops.

Journalists are being particularly targeted by the Taliban. On 16 July, Danish Siddiqui, an Indian photojournalist with Reuters news agency, was killed in crossfire while covering a fierce battle between the Afghan security forces and Taliban militants. He was wearing his press jacket at the time of the killing. His body was then mutilated while in the custody of the Taliban.

The open letter said: If left behind, those Afghan journalists and media employees who have played such a vital role in informing the British public by working for British media will be left at the risk of persecution, of physical harm, incarceration, torture, or death.

The UK foreign secretary, Dominic Raab MP, has indicated that he recognises the bravery of Afghan journalists and will consider allowing those who worked for UK media outlets to access a scheme that would enable them to come and live in the UK.

In the United States, Joe Biden's administration announced on 2 August that they were extending access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to at-risk Afghans who are or were employed in Afghanistan by a U.S.-based media organisation or non-governmental organization. The signatories of the open letter called on the UK to follow similar steps.

NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: The situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating quickly and it is time for the authorities here to step-up and offer support and assistance to those who are threatened.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: The IFJ and its Afghan affiliates are closely monitoring the situation of media workers in Afghanistan, which is getting worse day by day. No story is worth risking a life. We call on the international government and national authorities to do everything in their power to protect all journalists, staffers and their families.
Following the governments implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region from August 6-20, 2021, Grab Philippines is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Filipinos on three (3) key areas: 1) Ensuring that its suite of everyday services ranging from mobility, deliveries, and cashless payment solutions continue to operate smoothly and reliably to support the needs of consumers, 2) Platform safety and hygiene, and 3) Helping local businesses and partners grow amidst the lockdown.

As key parts of the Philippines enter stricter community quarantine, Grab Philippines continues to support Filipinos on safety and hygiene, everyday value and convenience, and growth

We believe that by supporting our consumers, partners, and our broader communities, and doing right by them, we are able to help our kababayans better cope with the challenges that come with another lockdown, support our countrys socio-economic recovery, and create a lasting impact in the lives of many Filipinos who rely on our platform to improve their quality of life, said Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

Ensuring that its suite of everyday services ranging from mobility, deliveries, and cashless payment solutions continue to operate smoothly and reliably to support the needs of consumers

Mobility: GrabCar services will continue to provide safe and convenient transport solutions 24/7 to support those who need to commute and perform essential activities. To highlight its commitment to safety, GrabCar Bayanihan - a dedicated fleet composed of vaccinated driver-partners and priced 15% lower than regular GrabCar rides, will continue to provide mobility solutions going to and from vaccination sites to support the ongoing vaccination efforts against COVID-19.

GrabCar services will continue to provide safe and convenient transport solutions 24/7 to support those who need to commute and perform essential activities. To highlight its commitment to safety, GrabCar Bayanihan - a dedicated fleet composed of vaccinated driver-partners and priced 15% lower than regular GrabCar rides, will continue to provide mobility solutions going to and from vaccination sites to support the ongoing vaccination efforts against COVID-19. Deliveries: With dine-in options suspended across restaurants and food establishments in Metro Manila, GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress will continue to operate throughout the ECQ, and support consumers with access to their everyday essentials such as food, groceries, and medicine, while creating livelihood opportunities for local businesses and delivery-partners.

With dine-in options suspended across restaurants and food establishments in Metro Manila, GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress will continue to operate throughout the ECQ, and support consumers with access to their everyday essentials such as food, groceries, and medicine, while creating livelihood opportunities for local businesses and delivery-partners. Cashless Payments: To help minimize the risk of transmitting the virus through physical cash exchanges, GrabPay has made significant strides in helping Filipinos better adapt to cashless payments, while helping them make the most out of their money. Apart from using GrabPay to pay for Grab services, consumers can also now use GrabPay as a payment method for various online and offline merchants. In addition, consumers also earn GrabRewards Points whenever they use GrabPay. They can then use these GrabRewards Points to also pay for their purchases or redeem perks offered in the GrabRewards catalog.

Reinforcing our commitment to platform safety and hygiene

GrabProtect: With many Filipinos wary of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Grab Philippines continues to implement GrabProtect - a robust suite of tools, policies, and procedures aimed to ensure utmost safety and hygiene standards across the Grab platform - helping minimize the risk of contracting the Delta variant on Grabs mobility and delivery services. As part of GrabProtect, contactless deliveries will continue to be implemented across GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress.

With many Filipinos wary of the COVID-19 Delta variant, Grab Philippines continues to implement GrabProtect - a robust suite of tools, policies, and procedures aimed to ensure utmost safety and hygiene standards across the Grab platform - helping minimize the risk of contracting the Delta variant on Grabs mobility and delivery services. As part of GrabProtect, contactless deliveries will continue to be implemented across GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress. Vaccination: Through our Vacc to Normal Campaign, Grab Philippines is continuously encouraging its driver- and delivery-partners to get inoculated at the soonest possible time so that they can confidently go out to earn a living and continuously provide for their families.

Through our Vacc to Normal Campaign, Grab Philippines is continuously encouraging its driver- and delivery-partners to get inoculated at the soonest possible time so that they can confidently go out to earn a living and continuously provide for their families. Zero-tolerance on Fraud: Grab Philippines encourages Filipinos to use Grab responsibly to ensure the safety and security of the platform, and stakeholders who rely on it for essential services and economic empowerment.

Grab Philippines encourages Filipinos to use Grab responsibly to ensure the safety and security of the platform, and stakeholders who rely on it for essential services and economic empowerment. Addressing Consumer No-Show (Hoax orders): Grab Philippines immediately conducts an investigation for reported incidents, and will block the mobile phone IMEI of the fraudulent account to avoid similar incidents from happening in the future. Grab Philippines continues to implement its reimbursement policy on consumer no-shows, whereby delivery-partners who have fallen prey to any fraudulent activities on the platform are reimbursed within 24-hours upon receipt of claims.

Grab Philippines immediately conducts an investigation for reported incidents, and will block the mobile phone IMEI of the fraudulent account to avoid similar incidents from happening in the future. Grab Philippines continues to implement its reimbursement policy on consumer no-shows, whereby delivery-partners who have fallen prey to any fraudulent activities on the platform are reimbursed within 24-hours upon receipt of claims.

Safeguarding from Phishing Attacks: As fraudsters are known to constantly evolve and find new ways to target users, Grab Philippines urges everyone to remain vigilant and to never disclose their personal information, login details, bank details, and SMS OTP with anyone else. Should anyone receive any suspected phishing email or messages, do not click on any links in the email or message, download or open any of its attachments, or reply to the email or message. Instead, download the email or screenshot the message, and email it to phishing@grab.com for investigation.

Leveraging its superapp strategy and platform to help local businesses and partners grow amidst the lockdowns:
If you want your company to be mission-driven yet scalable, every employee you hire and every action you take must be fully committed to the cause.

It's this all-or-nothing mentality that Shilpa Shah, co-founder of San Francisco-based sustainable retailer Cuyana, attributes to her brand's success for the past 10 years, as the entire company has embraced Cuyana's "fewer, better" ethos. The brand has gained a cult following, particularly for its classic leather tote. First introduced in 2012, it's still the brand's bestseller.

One decade ago, Shah and co-founder Karla Gallardo asked themselves: Is it possible for a retail company to have a mission-driven model that's both profitable and scalable? At that time, Shah saw businesses treating missions as an add-on; you would be considered sustainable if you had a carbon offset program but didn't make any other changes to your supply chain, for example. So in creating their direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce brand, Gallardo and Shah focused on how the handmade products were sourced, manufactured, and delivered--not just how they sold and were marketed.

At Cuyana, production happens in small batches to prevent overproduction, and the brand encourages its customers to wear garments at least 50 times--when the global average is just seven times. The company doesn't overlook its products either-- every item has a two-year warranty policy to handle complimentary repairs for issues resulting in manufacturing defects.

"It's not enough just to have lip service, a department, or a group that focuses on [a cause]. It has to actually be inherent and throughout the company because [consumers] are demanding more," Shah says.

Cuyana, which was honored by Inc. as Best in Business last year for staying true to its mission even amid the pandemic, says it sells 90 percent of the products the company makes, which is high for the industry, with an average sell-through rate of just 60 to 70 percent. From a two-person DTC operation in 2011, the retailer now has seven stores across the country and 150 employees, and it just completed a $30 million private funding round in 2019.

"It should never be a question of whether you should make an impact or make a better business decision," Shah says, adding that nuanced conversations may come up over time, but if you're able to tie mission into the model, then you don't have to make tradeoffs along the way.

Here, Shah shares lessons she's learned about effectively marketing a mission-driven company over the past 10 years.

Don't discount other customer interests

In watching other brands make the mistake of focusing too hard on their mission and not enough on the product at customer touch points, Shah learned that you can't push aside the basics. In other words, you don't want to overcompensate on information about your mission on product listings, social media posts, or labels to the point where a customer isn't sure if what they're buying looks cool and fits their needs.

In Cuyana's marketing, there's balanced information for customers' questions about a product being stylish and sustainable. "We wanted to show you could be both, and this is how we message it to the consumer--that you can indeed be both," Shah says.

Don't instruct your customers

Shah says she sees many other mission-driven brands make the mistake of instructing customers too harshly without giving the customer room to decide if a purchase makes sense on their own. Many brands explain a social issue and communicate to their customer that the only way to make a difference is to buy from them. Instead, it's more authentic to the customer if the value comes through strongly enough that they end up choosing to buy on their own.

While Cuyana's messaging intentionally provoked the question of buying fewer things, Shah says the company was careful to not position its products as the sole answer. "It's easier to say, 'This is what you should buy,' and be more instructional. But for us, what's worked is to leave it more open and showing the customer more how she can use it in her life, rather than telling her," she says.

Get specific
As the world continues to open up, travel is once again becoming a thing. As someone who has traveled frequently before--and during--the pandemic, there are a few apps that I consider must-haves. If you find yourself in that situation, these apps can save you time, anxiety, and in many cases, money.

Here are the seven best iOS apps for traveling in 2021:

1. TripIt

TripIt has been one of my favorite travel-oriented apps for a while. The idea is pretty simple. Any time you get an email confirmation for a flight, hotel, or rental car, you just forward it to TripIt, and it will parse the information and organize it by trip. It's a great way to be able to keep track of all of the different reservations you might have for a trip in one place.

That would be enough of a reason to recommend TripIt, but recently, it got even more useful. Now the app will provide you with detailed information about Covid-19 restrictions for your destination. For example, if you're headed to Portugal, it will tell you whether a test is required, what restrictions are in place for travelers, and whether you'll have to quarantine.

TripIt is available for free on both iOS and Android. TripIt Pro is $49 a year, and well worth it for push notifications about check-in times and connections.

2. Flighty

The best thing about Flighty is that it monitors your flights and provides you with updates, usually in real time. In fact, it's so good it almost always notifies you of delays, changes, or cancellations before whatever airline you're flying with.

The paid version of Flighty lets you choose what types of notifications you want to receive. It also syncs automatically with your TripIt itineraries, making it easy to track your flights without having to enter them manually.

Flighty is available on iOS only, and Flighty Pro is $50 per year.

3. Hotel Tonight

If you travel a lot, there's a good chance that you belong to a hotel rewards program like Marriott's Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. Sometimes, however, you just want to score a great hotel room at an even better price. For that, there is Hotel Tonight.

I've been a fan of Hotel Tonight ever since it launched in 2012, and I use it a lot, especially for last-minute hotel bookings. In addition to having great deals on really nice hotels, the app is also beautifully designed and easy to use. The only drawback worth mentioning is that you usually won't earn points toward your hotel loyalty program. That said, Hotel Tonight does have its own program with a decent set of perks.

Hotel Tonight is a free app on both iOS and Android.

4. Google Translate

If you're traveling somewhere you don't know the language, Google Translate is a must. It allows you to type in phrases and it will give you the translation, or it can speak it out loud for you. The interpreter mode is even better. Simply set your device between two people speaking and it will automatically detect the languages and translate back and forth.

Maybe the best feature is the ability to point your camera at text, and it will instantly translate it into your language. This is especially useful when you're trying to read a sign or printed information.

Google Translate is free on iOS and Android.

5. Uber

There are other ridesharing apps, but Uber is by far the most widely available. In the past two months, I've used it to get between the airport and hotels in New York, Barcelona, and Dubai.

It's hard to beat the convenience of opening an app, typing in where you want to go, having a driver meet you a few minutes later, and avoiding having to deal with pulling out your credit card or cash when you arrive. Everything is handled in the app. The fact that it's that easy to use almost anywhere makes it a must-have app for travelers.

Uber is available on both iOS and Android.

6. Hopper

Hopper is a booking app that tells you when you should book a flight or hotel on the basis of pricing trends. You can even set up push notifications to be sure you lock in the best price for your trip. If finding flights or hotel rooms at the best price is your top priority, Hopper is a must-have.

Hopper is free on iOS and Android.

7. ExpressVPN

Whenever you travel, there's a good chance you'll spend a decent amount of time on airport, coffee shop, or hotel Wi-Fi networks. That's convenient, but most hotel Wi-Fi networks aren't nearly as secure as you might think. Using a VPN protects your data and internet activity from prying eyes. Because it masks your IP address and location, and encrypts the information sent through the network, the Wi-Fi operator can't see what you're doing or track you.

It's also useful when traveling abroad since some apps or websites may not work unless you're in your home country. ExpressVPN lets you choose different servers around the world, making it look as though your traffic is coming from that source.

ExpressVPN is available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, for $12.95 per month or $99.95 a year.

Honorable Mention: Google Maps

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Foo Fighters have trolled the anti-LGBT+ Westbro Baptist church on their latest tour.

The group, which has targeted Foo Fighters shows on various occasions in the past, turned up at the bands concert at the Azura Ampitheater in Kansas on 5 August. Some of the group shouted homophobic chants, while others held placards.

To drown out the chants, the Foo Fighters turned up on a truck dressed as their recent disco alter egos, The Dee Gees. Earlier this year, the group released an album of covers as the Dee Gees titled Hail Satin.

The 10-track album features four Bee Gees covers, a new re-imagined version of Andy Gibbs Shadow Dancing, and five live renditions of songs from their last album, Medicine At Midnight.

Addressing the protesters outside the gig, frontman Dave Grohl said: Alright now, ladies and gentlemen, I got something to say. Because you know what, I love you.

He continued: I do! The way I look at it, is that I love everybody. Isnt that what youre supposed to do? Cant you just love everybody? Cos I think its about love! Thats what I think, were all about love. And you shouldnt be hating, you know what you should be doing? You should be dancing!

Soon after, they performed their own version of the Bee Gees classic, You Should Be Dancing, to drown out the chants.

The group later responded on Twitter, writing: Foo Fighters Dave Grohl claims he loves everybody and Westboro Baptist does not. Hello! Theres no love in encouraging sin. Someone might accuse Dave of being a ... Pretender.

In 2015, the Foo Fighters arrived at a gig on the back of a truck to rickroll the anti-LGBT+ group, playing Rick Astleys Never Gonna Give You Up to counter their protest.
For Nas acolytes, the rappers story is practically scripture. His journey from baby-faced teenager growing up in the Queensbridge projects to prodigious MC is well-known. While most of todays prominent rappers were not yet born when a 20-year-old Nasir Jones was coming up in New York City, youd be hard-pressed to find one that doesnt cite his 1994 benchmark debut Illmatic as an inspiration. A wordsmith, revered elder statesmen, teacher, storyteller: the legend around Nas is all-encompassing  and with Kings Disease 2, continues to be well-deserved.

On his latest album, Nas revels in his role as an educator. His music has long been driven by a desire to teach stories you wont find on school curriculums. He deals out history lessons on Death Row East  in which he claims the shooting of Tupac in an attempted robbery in 1994 wasnt organised by Queens rapper Stretch (who was killed himself in a shooting the following year)  as had been rumoured. The song closes on a powerful note  Nass address abruptly gives way to a 1996 recording of American rapper Ed Lover interrupting one of Nass New York performances to announce the sudden death of Tupac, requesting a moment of silence for one of the greatest rappers that will ever live.

Elsewhere on the album, his lessons are living and breathing. On My Bible, he laments the way the world is set up to fail working-class black people: I pray for the day when they lay down their Ks / Make their way up out the maze. These sentiments are nothing new for the Queensbridge rapper. On his seminal 1994 track NY State of Mind, Nas rapped about how each block is like a maze/ full of black rats trapped.

The album is produced with Southern California native Hit-Boy, who made his mark with N****s in Paris and has been riding a 10-year high since, supplying beats to everyone from Drake to Beyonce. Last year, he produced Nass 13th studio album Kings Disease. The Grammy-winning record was a welcome return to form for the rapper, and in the eyes of his fans righted the wrongs of his previous Kanye West-produced Nasir. This latest release is a strong argument for their continued collaboration.

Carefully selected features only ever add to Kings Disease 2. A long-awaited Nas-Eminem collaboration is souped up further with an appearance from EPMD on EPMD 2  a joint effort that makes for some of the albums most impressive and emphatic bars. Ms Lauryn Hill reunites with Nas for the first time in 25 years on Nobody. The beloved MC enters midway through with a stark reminder of both her greatness and her prerogative to deny us of it (All my time is spent focused on my freedom now/ Why would I join them when I know that I can beat them now?). The features lend themselves well to a record that captures nostalgia without devolving into anachronism or retrograde  a fine line that Nas is well-versed in toeing.

As ever, Nas is his own lynchpin. Tracks including Store Run and Moments demonstrate the rappers gift as a lucid narrator of his own experience. Reflection has been common practice in his music (2012s Life is Good) but its the interrogation of his youth that saves such tracks from being a mere trip down memory lane. Take Store Run, in which Nas reminisces about looking at the New York skyline, shootouts with my guys, pouring this white wine. Elsewhere in the song, he asks: What happens when dealers reduce to addicts?/ What happens when kings dont see their potential status?/ Whats your exit plan?

Kings Disease 2 finds Nas where he has always been  comfortable in himself and at ease with confronting his past. As he puts it: Face to face with my omens, I never ran.
China has launched a stern attack against the US over a decision to provide Hongkongers with a safe haven, in a direct rebuke to the National Security Law imposed by Beijing that threatens to strip the city from its autonomous status.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Hong Kong condemned the decision as a plot to oppose China and stir up trouble in the city.

Chinas anger came hours after US President Joe Biden issued an order allowing people from Hong Kong, who are already US residents, to stay in the country for 18 months as a response to Beijings crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in the city.

There are several thousand people from Hong Kong in the United States who would be eligible to remain and avoid being deported under what is formally known as deferred enforced departure, according to the Department of Homeland Security, cited by AP.

The unidentified foreign ministry spokesperson said that Bidens order blatantly interferes with Hong Kong affairs and Chinas domestic policies, and tramples on the basic principles of international law and relations.

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the Beijing-aligned Hong Kongs local government said: The US has prolific laws on national security but chooses to smear the Hong Kong national security law out of political motivation. This is clear hypocrisy and demonstrates double standards.

China imposed a National Security Law on Hong Kong in 2020.

Since coming into effect last summer, Chinese officials have used the legislation to round up more than 100 politicians and activists, infringe over the longstanding judiciary independence, and force pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, to shut down.

In response, the US has taken several steps, including suspending the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, issuing a warning against doing business in the city, and banning Chinese officials from entering the US and cutting them off from its financial system.

Given the politically motivated arrests and trials, the silencing of the media, and the diminishing space for elections and democratic opposition, we will continue to take steps in support of people in Hong Kong, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

The US has stepped up pressure on Beijings repressive policies in Hong Kong under President Donald Trump administration by imposing sanctions on a selective group of Chinese officials. But critics said these measures stopped short of targeting influential names and the real decision-makers on the Hong Kong issue in the inner circle of President Xi Jinping.

Since taking office in January, China observers say the Biden administration has been focused on implementing legal and financial policies that hit the heart of the citys echelon.

Last month, Hong Kong activists in the US urged Congress members to pass legislation to provide residents from the city with permanent refugee statutes and the ability to stay temporarily.

Thursdays decision by President Biden perhaps was aimed as a preemptive move prior to an important meeting by Chinas top legislative body, the NPC Standing Committee, to discuss the incorporation of anti-sanctions legal measures in the citys constitution.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Mr Bidens move slandered and smeared Hong Kongs national security law, nakedly intervened in Hong Kong affairs and Chinas internal affairs, and blatantly trampled on international law and the basic norms of international relations.

The statement said China is determined to implement Hong Kongs governing one country, two systems principle.

The principle provides Hong Kong with a degree of autonomy and certain freedoms under the Sino-British joint declaration, the legal basis for handing over Hong Kong to China by the UK in 1997.

Mr Trump said last year that: China has replaced One Country, Two Systems with One Country, One System.

In March, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK considered China to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the legally binding declaration. This came after mainland China created a pro-Beijing powerful committee to appoint more council members and scan candidates for the citys legislative council before the upcoming elections in December.
Thai authorities have ordered heightened security measures on the resort island of Phuket after the discovery of the body of a 57-year-old Swiss tourist amid signs of foul play, officials said Friday.

The woman's partially clad body was found face down in water in a rock crevice near a waterfall Thursday afternoon by an island resident, police said.

From the condition of the body, it appeared she had been dead for several days, Phuket regional police commander Kitirath Phanpetch told local MCOT television.

"From what we saw at the scene, the body was covered with a black sheet, which suggests it was done by someone and she did not die of natural causes," he said.

At a news conference in Bangkok on Friday, national police deputy spokesman Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen said investigators were still awaiting autopsy results to determine a cause of death.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said r Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister, expressed his condolences to the family of the woman, identified as Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, and urged police to devote all efforts to quickly solving the case.

"The prime minister ordered concerned agencies to expedite the investigation to identify and arrest the culprit," he said.

He also ordered other government agencies to increase support for tourists in Phuket and to "tighten safety and public health measures."

Swiss media reported that Sauvain-Weisskopf was a member of the country's diplomatic service but Thai officials did not comment on her job.

Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmed the death of a female citizen, but refused to release any details about her on privacy grounds.

"Investigations into the circumstances are underway," the ministry said, adding that the Swiss Embassy is keeping in contact with the local Thai authorities about the case.

The incident casts a pall over Thailand's so-called Phuket Sandbox program to try and bring fully vaccinated foreign tourists to the previously popular tourist destination, which has been struggling massively during the coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of the program at the beginning of July through the end of the month, 14,055 visitors travelled to Phuket, generating an income of 1.925 billion Thai baht (about $58 million), according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The top five nationalities of visitors were American, British, Israeli, German and French.
A man stabbed at least 10 passengers on a commuter train in Tokyo, just five miles away from the Olympic stadium.

One passenger was seriously injured in the incident but the suspect was captured by police after fleeing the scene of the attacks, according to officials.

The Tokyo Fire Department says that nine of the victims were taken for treatment at nearby hospitals, while one person was able to walk away.

Authorities say that all of the victims remained conscious throughout the incident.

A witness at a nearby station where the train eventually stopped, said that panicked passengers had streamed out of carriages when it came to a stop.

NHK public television said a witness told them that passengers were smeared with blood, and an announcer had called for doctors on board and any passengers with towels to help.

The television station added that the suspect was caught after walking into a convenience store and telling people inside that he was tired of running away.

The stores manager saw that the man, who is said to be in his 20s, was covered in blood and called the police.

The stabbing occurred near Seijogakuen station, according to railway operator Odakyu Electric Railway Co.

The Tokyo 2020 games are set to conclude on Sunday after 16 days of competition carried out at empty venues and stadiums because of the Covid pandemic.

Police has so far declined to comment on what exactly happened.

Although Japan generally has a low crime rate, it has seen a string of mass-casualty knife attacks in recent years.

In May 2019 a 51-year-old man went on a stabbing spree in the city of Kawasaki, in which he killed a 39-year-old man and a 12-year-old schoolgirl, and injured 15 other school children as they waited for a bus.

And in 2016, 19 residents at a care home for people with mental disabilities were stabbed to death by a former employee who confessed to the killing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
There was a reassuringly familiar feeling for Haji Sher Ahmed Ahmadi as he aimed the RPG launcher at the Taliban position behind a derelict building. He had fired an older version of the same weapon three decades ago, as a young man fighting the Russians.

He would much rather have been at his farm tending to the crops, which needed attention, he says, but felt he could not ignore the call of duty with the insurgents at the gates of Herat and threatening to storm the city.

Pointing out that he was an experienced mujahideen, Haji Sher Ahmed had requested to be on the front line and, according to his comrades, acquitted himself so well that Talib snipers started seeking him out. After a dozen attempts, they eventually managed to hit him in the head.

It wasnt a very serious injury, luckily; it was one of the Talibs the Pakistanis had not trained that well, not like when the Russians shot me all those years ago  they did a good job, says the old warrior, his craggy face breaking into a grin.

So I went back to the front line the next day. But Commander Khan told me to go and rest. I went back again the following day, but again he sent me back, saying I should rest and be fit for the next battle, as this thing is going to go on for a long while.

The Commander Khan in charge of operations is Mohammed Ismail Khan, a redoubtable former mujahideen leader against the Russians and the Taliban, who has now organised the citys defences, mobilised volunteer forces, and is leading the fight at the age of 70.

It is, says the man known as The Lion of Herat, one of the most important campaigns of his life.

Believe me, if this new Taliban take over they will be worse than the Russians. We need to stop them. I didnt have to ask my sons to join, they just did. I have friends, neighbours who did the same Haji Sher Ahmed Ahmadi, experienced mujahideen fighter

The Taliban are also carrying out relentless attacks on Kandahar and Lashkar Gah. Those two cities, however, are in the Pashtun south, from where the Islamist group traditionally draw their support. Capturing Herat in the west, a traditional stronghold of adversaries, would be a huge boost to the Talibans claim to be establishing an emirate over the whole of the country.

With soldiers and weapons in short supply from the government in Kabul, which was apparently caught by surprise at the speed of the Taliban advance following the hasty withdrawal of US-led forces on the orders of President Biden, Haji Sher Ahmed and eight of his nine sons are among around 6,000 who volunteered and are now taking part in the fighting.

Believe me, if this new Taliban take over they will be worse than the Russians. We need to stop them. I didnt have to ask my sons to join, they just did. I have friends, neighbours who did the same, he wants to stress. This is our country, our Herat; we are not going to let these people come and take it over. Everyone wants to contribute: we have stopped them coming into Herat city, and now we are pushing them back.

Haji Sher Ahmed (Kim Sengupta)

At the start of the week it was Herat that seemed likely to be the first of the three cities to fall, with the UN organising an airlift of its local staff and families, and reports of local government officials shredding documents in panic.

Fierce fighting is still going on in the suburbs, but the jihadist surge to the city centre has been pushed back. There are said to be a number of factors behind this: the insurgents being further away from their reinforcement lines in Pakistan; the resilience of the volunteer and government forces; and air strikes by Afghan and US warplanes, including the use of B52s from Diego Garcia, which have had a significant impact.

The Taliban still come into the city to carry out lethal attacks. On Wednesday evening a popular and effective police commander, Wahid Kohastani, was killed after being tracked down at his office in the latest in a series of assassinations of public officials and others who have spoken out against the Islamists.

What is happening in Herat is having repercussions elsewhere in the country.

The war in Herat is being led by Pakistan: this is not the Talibans war, they are just being used as tools Commander Mohammed Ismail Khan, former mujahideen leader

Volunteer battalions are being formed in other cities and towns. President Ashraf Ghani has announced a national mobilisation plan. Even evening chants of Allahu Akbar, from people gathered in the streets and on the rooftops in defiance of the insurgents, are being emulated in other cities. The Taliban have complained about infidels using sacred slogans. They have also complained about the ferocity of the tactics used by Herati forces, and the western bombing.

The losses suffered by the Islamist group in Herat and elsewhere are said to be one of the reasons for a change in Taliban tactics, after they used a suicide bomber and gunmen in this weeks attack in Kabul, killing 13 people and injuring two dozen more.

While the Taliban complain about western air strikes, Ismail Khan  while stressing he had no fondness for either the Russian or the American military presence in his country  has no doubt about the real foreign enemy now.

The war in Herat is being led by Pakistan. This is not the Talibans war, they are just being used as tools, he declares. This is a war between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We didnt accept Russian occupation of our country, why should we accept Pakistani occupation? We have to fight for our country, just as we did against the Russians.

The Taliban claim they have changed. But just look at what they are doing in the areas they have taken, the killings and the oppression. People dont want that, and that is the reason they are volunteering to defend their homes and their country.

Gul Mohammed Husseini wishes that people did not have to take up guns, but says what is happening leaves little choice. So the 58-year-old businessman took out his Kalashnikov AK-47, kept wrapped in oilcloth in a trunk, and volunteered to fight.

Like many of the others in the force, he was once part of the resistance against Soviet forces. We are all getting on in years now, but some of the skills are still left I think, says Mr Husseini. There are also a lot of young people as well. I do not have any sons, but I have three daughters and they are one of the reasons why I am fighting. They wont be able to stay in this country if the Taliban take over. If they cannot get away abroad, their lives would be unbearable. My wife supports me totally in what I am doing; everyone knows what is at stake.

Haji Sher Ahmed also speaks of the importance of his wifes support. I have only had one wife: this may not seem strange to you, but I am from a generation and an area where this was not common, he says. Despite the problems we have, we are happy with all we have achieved  in our family, in our city, she knows what we have to do.

Lifting his shirt to show scars left from when he was shot fighting the Russians  the bullet entering beside his heart and exiting through his back  he continues: We have had tough experiences. I survived this, there are risks, but we cannot be afraid now when we face such a dangerous time for our country.
 Close Related video: Former British Army head Gen Sir David Richards warns of 20-year geopolitical failure in Afghanistan

The Taliban has captured the Afghan provincial capital of Zaranj, according to reports, and assassinated the governments top media officer in Kabul, on a day of high-profile setbacks for the countrys Western-backed administration.

A police spokesperson in southern Nimroz province said on Friday that Zaranj had fallen to the hardline Islamist group due to a lack of reinforcements from the government.

The insurgents have intensified their campaign to defeat the US-backed government in recent weeks, taking dozens of districts and border crossings as foreign forces complete their withdrawal following 20 years of war.
The Taliban have captured their first provincial capital after a sustained offensive, following the hasty and contentious departure of US-led international forces from Afghanistan.

Zaranj, in Nimroz province on the Iranian border, fell after a siege and a prolonged assault, and its capture has been claimed as a great victory by the insurgents as they move their operations into the cities following sweeping gains in the countryside.

Zaranj is a commercial hub and the administrative centre of Nimroz province.

On the same day, a senior official was murdered in Kabul, the latest in a series of assassinations of public figures, with warnings from the Taliban that others would be targeted. Insurgents also captured Jowzhan, in Mazar province, along with the home and headquarters of the veteran anti-Taliban warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum.

The Talibs have, so far, failed to capture the main urban prizes they have sought  Kandahar, Herat and Lashkar Gah  where government forces and, in Herat in particular, local militias led by veteran mujahideen leader Ismail Khan, have made some gains.

But the Islamists appear to have taken advantage of the fact that the government force providing protection, the 205 Maiwand Corps, was moved to Helmand, with no replacement arriving and with resources stretched.

Local officials were bitter at the lack of support from Kabul. Haji Baz Mohammad Naser, the head of the provincial council, said the decision was taken to let in the Taliban to avoid civilian casualties. He denied reports that members of the provincial government had been allowed to leave the city with their families for Iran.

A senior Afghan security official claimed, however, that strategic choices had needed to be made with limited resources, and that securing Lashkar Gah was the priority.

Zaranj, being in a remote part of the country, would be recaptured in the future, he held, pointing out that the Taliban had seized the northern city of Kunduz in 2016 but had failed to hold on to it.

The Taliban issued a statement saying: This is the beginning; see how provinces fall in our hands very soon, with photos on social media showing their soldiers outside the governors palace. Other pictures showed government buildings being looted by members of the public.

The group also posted videos of heavily armed fighters walking in the corridors of the governors compound, where offices that once hosted government officials could be clearly seen.

The Taliban has also claimed credit for the murder of Dawa Khan Meenapal, the head of the governments media and information centre, who was gunned down on his way home from Friday prayers.

Mr Meenapal, a former journalist and the deputy presidential spokesman from 2016 to 2020, was well known to the international media and diplomats in Afghanistan. He had used his official position and his large Twitter following to criticise human rights abuses by the Taliban.

One of his last campaigns was to encourage people throughout the country to emulate the people of Herat, and to take to the streets and rooftops to shout Allahu Akbar in defiance of the insurgents. The Taliban complained that infidels were demeaning Islam with their chanting.

The killing of Mr Meenapal followed a suicide bombing and gun attack in Kabul earlier in the week, which killed 13 people and injured two dozen others.

An Afghan journalist, who has received death threats from the Taliban, said: There is real fear among many of us now; they want to silence us by killing us. This is pure terrorism.
A Hindu temple was set fire to and ransacked by a mob in Pakistan, prompting the country to deploy paramilitary forces in a conservative town in the province of eastern Punjab on Thursday to check for communal unrest.

A mob in the town of Bhong in Rahim Yar Khan district attacked a hindu temple after a court granted bail to an eight-year-old Hindu boy who had been accused of urinating on the carpet of a madrassa, or religious school, earlier in the week.

In their fury, the mob damaged statues, burned down the temples main door and, for a brief time, even blocked a nearby road.

Police are apparently on the hunt for those responsible for the unrest.

The boy was arrested on charges of intentionally urinating on a carpet in the Islamic seminarys library where religious books were housed. The crowd claimed that he had committed blasphemy, an act punishable by death in Pakistan.

The countrys prime minister, Imran Khan, took to Twitter to condemn the attack. He explained that he has ordered the provincial police chief to take action against any members of the police whose negligence may have been a contributing factor.

Mr Khan also promised that the government would repair the temple.

Asif Raza, a police official, said that the police have a list of 50 suspects. He added that security had been provided for members of the Hindu community.

Police were told on 24 July by a cleric that he had discovered a young Hindu boy in the Islamic seminary building, in the process of urinating on the ground. A case of blasphemy was registered but a suspect was not named.

Hindus make up a minority of the population in Pakistan and their temples frequently become targets of mob violence. Muslims and Hindus have however mostly lived peacefully in Pakistan although attacks on temples have increased in number in recent years.

The country ranked the highest in the world for incidents of mob violence as well as criminal charges against those accused of blasphemy, according to a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
There can be no long-term peace in Afghanistan while US troops are present and they should leave as quickly as possible, according to a celebrated activist who made history as a female member of parliament.

Malalai Joya says even though the security situation in the country may get worse in the short term as Taliban forces seize more territory, the American military is the root cause of many problems and act as a cancer to her country.

History shows no nation can donate liberation to another nation  they come to Afghanistan for their own interests, Joya tells The Independent.

Speaking from an undisclosed location in Kabul Joya, who has survived at least four assassination attempts, says she has repeatedly urged US forces to depart with all their lackeys.

Get rid from my country. They are a cancer in the body of my society, in the body of my beloved country, she says. They are like Covid-19.

The comments by Joya come as the last of a once 100,000-strong continent of US forces is leaving Afghanistan. While the US President, Joe Biden, said the troops  other than 650 who will remain to protect the US Embassy  will depart by the end of August, reports suggest the bulk have already left.

We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build, Biden said last month, as the United States ended a 20-year-old war and occupation that began in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.

The peace deal being pursued by Biden was actually brokered by his predecessor, Donald Trump, who also did not believe US troops should be fighting there.

Some have criticised the move, especially as the Taliban has continued to seize more territory every day, most recently launching attacks on the southern city of Lashkar Gah. It is the capital of Helmand province, which was the focus of the British militarys operations, until the bulk of its combat troops withdrew in 2014. More than 450 British personnel died serving in Afghanistan.

Former US president George W Bush, who ordered the invasion of Afghanistan and then Iraq as part of his so-called war on terror, told a German broadcaster he believed the move was a mistake because I think the consequences are going to be unbelievably bad.

In recent days, the leader of the US-backed Afghan government, which did participate in the deal signed with the Taliban, condemned the US militarys hasty withdrawal.

[The process] not only failed to bring peace but created doubt and ambiguity, Afghanistans president, Ashraf Ghani, told parliament.

 Biden feared continued US military presence in Afghanistan would never end

Joya dismissed Bushs comments, saying he was a warmonger who could not be trusted.

The catastrophic situation of women was a very good excuse for the US and Nato to occupy our country, and replace the barbaric regime of the Taliban with the warlords, she says.

Joya, who is from Afghanistans Farah Province, made headlines in 2003, in a speech at Loya Jirga talks organised by the US to vote on a new constitution. In a speech, she condemned the nations tribal military leaders or warlords, many of whom the US was siding with against the Taliban, despite their appalling record of human rights abuses.

My criticism on all my compatriots is that why are they allowing the legitimacy and legality of this Loya Jirga come under question with the presence of those felons who brought our country to this state, she said, before being thrown out of the meeting.

Two years later she was elected to the national assembly, one of the few elected women politicians in the country, and again created a stir with an attack on the same individuals.

After the swearing in of the parliament  the first in at least 30 years  in the presence of the new Afghan leader, Hamid Karzai, and US vice-president, Dick Cheney, Joya held her own press conference.

I offer my condolences to the people of our country for the presence of warlords, drug lords and criminals [in the parliament], she said

[The people of Afghanistan have recently] escaped the Taliban cage but still they are trapped in the cage of those who are called warlords.

Joya was elected to the Afghan parliament in 2005 (AFP via Getty Images)

Two years later, Joya was expelled for three years after she was accused of breaking a rule that prevented politicians criticising each other. Her expulsion triggered outcry from international human rights groups.

Afghanistan is requesting billions of dollars in assistance from donors next month and presenting itself as an emerging democracy, Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said at the time. If Malalai Joya remains suspended for exercising her right to free expression and has to keep moving around because of threats for which the government does nothing, what does this say about the state of human rights and democracy?

Joya has continued the criticism, throughout the 20 year-occupation by US and Western forces, condemning not only the foreign military, but the Afghan non-governmental groups that take Western money.

Estimates suggest at least 250,000 Afghans lost their lives during that period, with 3 million displaced internally and 2.1 million leaving the country.

Has there been any positive element about the US military presence  for instance, the expansion of education for women and girls?

For [the] justification of the occupation, they did some humanitarian projects, especially in big cities like Herat, Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad they built some schools, some hospitals, some roads. But it was for justification of their occupation, she says. And in rural areas and most part of Afghanistan, they did almost nothing.

She says the US also oversaw the installation of a corrupt puppet system, which resulted in artificial schools that did not exist and where the money set aside for such projects went to the pocket of the corrupt warlords.

Millions of dollars comes under the name of womens rights projects, [the] reconstruction of Afghanistan, [and] education, she says. But most of this money goes to the pockets of corrupt people.

Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump vowed to end the USs longest war (Getty Images)

Joya, who in 2010, was included on Time magazines 100 most influential people in the world, says the mood among ordinary Afghans as they watch the US withdrawal is one of anxiety.

She says the population has suffered from decades of angst and war, most recently with the US occupation. Now the US had done a deal with the Taliban, claiming they could be trusted, while it was obvious to Afghan people they had not changed whatsoever.

Its a nightmare in the mind of Afghan people; everybody is worried about the future, she says.

They know that [the Talibans] nature didnt change  that theyre still beheading people, are still beating woman publicly with the lash, are still stoning people in the rural areas where they have power.

Joya says that while she does not think there is a role for foreign players in Afghanistan, including the UN, she felt other activists around the world could still help and offer support. We need more support, especially for educational support projects.

She says she is inspired by civil society movements in Europe and the US, including the Occupy movement. She also praises Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, whose organisation exposed many of the worst atrocities of the war on terror.

He is a hero. In my view, he exposed the wrong policies, the disgusting policies of the US government and Nato, she says. Now hes living in the hearts of all the justice-loving people.

She adds: He should not be put in jail. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, all these warmongers, should be in jail, not Julian Assange, not Chelsea Manning They are brave and raise their voices for justice and peace.

George W Bush has said advances on womens education will be lost once US forces leave (Getty Images)

Despite the huge challenges confronting Afghanistan and the perilous threat of an ever-expanding Taliban, Joya insists she does have some hope.

My voice is the small voice of the voiceless, suffering people of Afghanistan, especially the women of my country, who are the victims, she says.

So we have a lot of dreams. I wish in every corner of Afghanistan, in the villages and the districts, there will be schools that have literacy courses, computer courses, [and] we are living in the 21st century. I want my people to be empowered by education.

Imagine if all the population of our country was educated; they do not do self-immolation, they will not be disappointed, they will not allow these extremists to continue their barbarism.

She says it is the actions of ordinary Afghans seeking a better life that inspire her  a woman in Bamyan province, a child on her shoulder, completing the test for university entrance, or an uneducated man in Uruzgan province taking his daughter to another village so she can attend school.

This will take time. This is a prolonged risky struggle. People are fed up of the war, and terrified of the war, she says. We are the ones with the responsibility to be fearless, to be tireless, to be more active, to work for the other people and to lead them in the right direction.
Three men in Pakistan have been arrested for forcibly making a child lick a smouldering axe in order to prove his innocence in a theft case, local media reported.

The Border Military Police of Fazala Kachh in Tuman Buzdar in the country said that the three men accused a shepherd named Tehseeb of stealing a teapot. They then forced him to prove his innocence by licking the tip of a hot axe.

Dawn reported that Tehseeb suffered burns on his tongue and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The exact age of the victim was not clear from the reports. The childs father, Jan Muhammad, later filed a complaint with the police against the three men.

The three, identified as Siraj, Abdul Raheem and Muhammad Khan were later arrested by the police.

The Dawn reported that the tribal Baloch sometimes use the draconian water and fire tests to prove the innocence of someone suspected to be involved in any crime. It said that as per these tests, if a suspect remains underwater for a specified time and comes out alive, he is considered innocent and if he comes out before time, he is considered guilty.

Similarly, it reported that a person is considered innocent if they remain unscathed after licking hot iron. Otherwise, they are punished.

As per the latest statistics, eight children in Pakistan were abused every day in one form or other in 2020. The data showed that in more than 80 per cent of the cases, the abuser was known to the child.

As many as 2960 cases of major crimes against children were reported in the four provinces of Pakistan in 2020, as per data.

Meanwhile, on social media, many reacted with disgust to the news. One user said: This is what happens when you normalise violence and glorify beastly behaviour in a country.

Another said that this was a shame.
The head of the Afghan governments media department has been shot dead in Kabul, the latest in a series of assassinations by the Taliban of those who oppose them as the Islamist group insists it is committed to peace talks to end the conflict.

A persistent critic of human rights abuses by the Taliban, Dawa Khan Menapal was murdered on the Darul Aman Road in the capital as he left Friday prayers.

Mr Menapal, who was the deputy presidential spokesman from 2016 to 2020 had more than 142,000 Twitter followers. He had been warned by jihadists in the past that he would face retribution if he continued to attack them.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the killing in a statement. Mujahid, in his statement in the local language, wrote Menapal was killed in a special attack by the Mojahedin and was punished for his actions.

In tweets posted just two days before his death, he could be seen lending his support for chants of Allahu Akbar by Afghans in defiance against the Taliban.

In a tweet, US Charge dAffaires Ross Wilson wrote: We are saddened & disgusted by the Talibans targeted killing of Dawa Khan Meenapal, a friend and colleague, whose career was focused on providing truthful information to all Afghans about #Afghanistan. These murders are an affront to Afghans human rights & freedom of speech.

The incident is one of the latest in a series of attacks against journalists and government officials in Afghanistan as the Taliban strengthens its stronghold on its expanding territories.

Last week comedian Khasha Zwan was killed by Taliban militants who kidnapped him and recorded a video abusing and assaulting him before shooting him. A few weeks ago, award-winning Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed while reporting on missions against the Taliban by Afghan Special Forces.

On Tuesday, a suicide-bomb and gun attack in Kabuls Green Zone targeted Afghanistans acting defence minister killing thirteen people. The Taliban later claimed responsibility.

Afghanistan has been witnessing a surge in violence by the Taliban in recent months amid the ongoing withdrawal of troops by the US, as the insurgent group gained control of much of the rural areas of the country since early May. It now controls roughly half of the entire area, and has increased its attacks on major cities like Kabul and Herat, while the Afghan military is trying to regain control as the conflict intensifies.

Recently, President Ghani blamed the abrupt withdrawal of the US forces for the deteriorating security situation, and added that he had warned the US president of these consequences.
Construction will continue on a tourism project in Indonesia that has drawn both official and unofficial comparisons to Steven Spielbergs Jurassic Park, the southeast Asian countrys tourism ministry said on Thursday.

The announcement comes even as Unesco warned against the potential negative environmental impact of the as-yet officially unnamed project, and called for a fresh environmental impact assessment to be undertaken.

Construction for the tourism project  centred around the Komodo National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site  began last year, even as locals and environmental activists raised concerns.

The park is home to and named after the Komodo dragon, the worlds largest lizard, a species distinguished not just by its 10-foot-long size but also razor-sharp teeth and the strength to hunt the regions water buffalo for food.

The 3,000-strong lizard population has inhabited three Indonesian islands for millions of years, according to estimates. This is where a host of tourism construction projects have been taking place.

Activists claim the dragons have never been used to the large-scale construction activities and will be disturbed by the project.

Locals, who take pride in coexisting with the large lizards, said they are concerned the government is not paying attention to the fact that the lizards will not get accustomed to the reduced habitat space they will have once the projects are complete.

We urge the government to develop tourism thats based on the people. There are people living there, Rima Melani Bilaut of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), an environmental group, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

The Indonesian government, however, said the project will change the perception of how national parks are seen around the world and is being carried out carefully.

The construction is being done very carefully  we havent even cut down a single tree, Kita Awang Nistyantara, the head of the Komodo National Park, told news channel Al Jazeera last year.

Officials from Unesco told a World Heritage Committee conference last month that a new environmental impact assessment will be needed to assess alleged illegal fishing and the fragile habitat of the Komodo dragons, according to Reuters.

This project will proceed... its been proven to have no impact, Inung Wiratno, a senior official at Indonesias environment ministry, told the news agency on Thursday.

It is also unclear exactly what the project will entail. It is reportedly focused around Rinca island, that has the second-largest Komodo dragon population by some accounts. The project, according to government authorities last year, is going to be a premium tourism spot.

An artists impression video of the project went viral last year. It showed what the government planned the final project to look like, and was set to the theme of Hollywoods Jurassic Park science fiction film franchise.

In December last year, not long after construction had begun, a worker was reportedly attacked during the construction of a 4.8 million resort at Rinca.
The British government is, for the first time, trying to put a number on how much it will cost the country to adapt to climate change.

The business department announced Friday that it would launch a 5 million effort to step up the UKs resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, heatwaves and extreme weather storms.

It comes two weeks after The Independent reported experts concerns over this missing number . They said there had never been sufficient funding to establish how expensive it will be for the UK to defend itself from climate-linked events from rising sea levels to extreme weather.

The potential economic toll could be considerable as the cost of launching emergency responses to extreme weather events such as floods and drought mount across developed and emerging economies. Estimates run as high as 9.9 billion a year for extreme heat events by 2050.

The governments new research will ensure the UK is able to respond to the impacts a warming planet will have on national infrastructure. This includes heat waves causing record temperatures in buildings, extreme weather damage to power stations and electricity networks, and flooding impacting our communities, the government release said.

Kathryn Brown, head of climate adaptation at the Climate Change Committee, a statutory independent body set up under the powers of the 2008 Climate Change Act told The Independent last month said she could not put a number on how much such steps would cost.

The reason we dont have it is largely just because the government hasnt funded a study with enough resources to find out what that number is, says Ms Brown.

Asking not to be named, officials at the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Environment Agency shared Ms Browns concerns, and added that so far, climate adaptation work had been woefully underfunded.

Changes to the countrys critical infrastructure, from power stations to trainlines will be required whether or not global effort to keep warming below 2, or even 1.5 degrees centigrade is achieved, experts believe.

From flooding to wildfires  the extreme weather events weve recently witnessed show how crucial it is for communities to build resilience and protect their futures, COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said in response to the new research effort.

The study will last four years and help regional and national authorities understand and respond to [climate changes] impacts, according to Gill Wilkins, a programme director at environmental and engineering consultancy Ricardo. Ricardo will lead a consortium of institutions, including University College London and the British Antarctic Survey.

It follows the Met Offices annual report on the UKs climate which showed that the last 30 years in the country have been 6 per cent wetter and almost 1 degree centigrade hotter than the same period prior. The study also found that the UKs 10 hottest years on record have all taken place since 2002.

Scientists have also issued fresh warnings over the fate of the Gulf Stream, an ocean current in the Atlantic. The study of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), which contains the Gulf Stream, found system which influences key weather patterns might be weakening.

This could have serious implications for the UK, as the Gulf Stream helps support milder temperatures in the country and across Europe. It is also an important trigger for the West African Monsoon, a critical weather pattern for avoiding drought and famine in the region.
Climate minister and Cop26 president Alok Sharma has flown to 30 countries this year  including six on the governments Covid red list  without isolating on his return.

More than half of the trips took place while international travel was all but banned for Britons, according to an audit by the Daily Mail.

Mr Sharma, who is currently visiting Bolivia and Brazil  both red list countries  is tasked with securing commitments from key countries as he prepares to host the climate change summit in Glasgow this November.

His previous red list trips include Qatar, the UAE, Bangladesh and Turkey.

Instead of the mandatory hotel quarantine faced by anyone entering the UK from red list countries since February, the cost of which has just risen from 1,750 to 2,285, Mr Sharma used a ministerial exemption available to Crown servants such as diplomats and essential workers.

The exemption requires a negative Covid test.

Days after returning from an early June trip to Bangladesh, Mr Sharma met the Prince of Wales indoors before visiting a primary school.

The Daily Mail also reported Mr Sharma was able to avoid having to isolate at home following his return from amber list countries.

Sarah Olney, a Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson told the newspaper: As usual with this government, its one rule for them and another for everybody else.

While Alok Sharma flies to red list countries with abandon, hard-working families can hardly see loved ones or plan holidays as the government changes travel rules on the hoof.

And Labour shadow cabinet minister David Lammy told LBC: Thats hugely worrying. I mean, the lack of self-isolation is bizarre and dangerous. And I think that it is probably impossible not to fly, of course, but I think he should be leading by example clearly.

Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb added: I do understand its very good to meet people in person, but this is excessive. When youre in charge of Cop26, to take this many flights is hypocritical.

Mr Sharma and Cop26 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A government spokesperson told the Daily Mail that Mr Sharma had hosted many video calls but that it was important that he met world leaders in person ahead of the climate summit.

Sustainability will be at the core of Cop26, the spokesperson said. The UK will be offsetting all carbon emissions associated with running the event and working closely with sustainability experts to make this happen.
 Close Hundreds rescued by boat from Greek island as flames reach shore

Two people have died in Greece and eight killed in Turkey amid extreme wildfires, fanned by unpredictable winds and soaring temperatures  described as the worst in southern Europe in decades.

A volunteer firefighter has died after being struck by a falling electricity pole in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said on Friday.

Flames swept through a residential town outside the Greek capital overnight as wildfires burned across the country for a fifth day, while hundreds of people were evacuated by ferry from the island of Evia.

More than 700 firefighters, including reinforcements from Cyprus, France and Israel, have been deployed to fight the blaze north of Athens, assisted by the army and water-bombing aircraft.

In neighbouring Turkey, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated after flames swept through the countrys southwestern coastal regions.
Last month was the worst July for wildfires across the world in at least 18 years, scientists have said.

Parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Siberia caught on fire as a result of extremely hot and dry weather.

The fires in July released 343 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, and is the highest since our records began, according to Mark Parrington, senior scientist at the EUs Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)  which estimates how much carbon is released into the atmosphere by forest and grassland infernos.

CAMS does not have wildfire carbon emissions data prior to 2003, which is when the records had started to be kept.

More than half of Julys wildfire carbon emissions came from the US, Canada, and Siberia, which have had unusually hot and dry weather.

It has been estimated that wildfires emit between 5 and 30 tonnes of carbon emissions per hectare depending on the intensity of the fire and the type of matter burned.

In California, which has been the worst-affected US state by wildfires, there are 16 active blazes that have yet to be contained  according to data on the website of fire service Cal Fire on Friday.

A wildfire called Dixie has burned through 322,000 acres and reduced the small town of Greenville, in Sierra Nevada, to ashes. Its cause is currently under investigation.

Californias Beckwourth Complex Fires  consisting of fires named Dotta and Sugar  were sparked by lightning and temperatures hitting 54C  the highest since 57C recorded in 1913, that is said to be the highest temperature on Earth.

The two fires had collectively burned through 105,670 acres until they were almost completely contained this week.

Across the Mediterreanean, at least eight people have died and hundreds of people have been taken to hospital as a result of wildfires ripping through southern Europe. A large number of animals have also died and been injured.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and from holiday resorts as fires spread in Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, and some of islands including Rhodes, Sardinia, and Sicily.

Among the worst affected European nations was Italy as, since 15 June, firefighters have been called out more than 37,000 times. Italys central government has requested support from other nations through the EU civil protection mechanism.

Virginijus Sinkevicius, the EUs environment commissioner, said the global fires and extreme weather shows that there is a need to address climate change.

He tweeted on Thursday: We are fighting some of the worst wildfires weve seen in decades. But this summers floods, heatwaves and forest fires can become our new normality.

We must ask ourselves: is this the world we want to live in? We need immediate actions fo nature before its too late.

Morocco in north Africa, and Lebanon in the Middle East, have also experienced wildfires as a result of hot dry weather.

The threat of new fires continues for the whole month of August, and many fires that are still raging are feared to possibly spread as they have not been fully-contained and extinguished.

The number of huge blazes on the continent are increasing and the area vulnerable to such fires is widening, according to the EUs Disaster Risk Management Unit.

Finlands sharp increase in the number of wildfires has been cited as an example of such destruction taking place outside of the warmer Mediterranean region.
A politician from central India had to be airlifted by an army chopper after he was left stranded while on a rescue mission in a flood-ravaged district on Thursday.

Narottam Mishra, home minister of the local Madhya Pradesh state government and a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was in the states Datia district to survey the flood situation and help those stranded.

Mr Mishra received information that at least nine people were stranded on the rooftop of a completely submerged house, reported the Hindustan Times.

As the minister reached the spot, however, rough weather resulted in a tree falling on the boat he was on, after which the boats motor was rendered inoperable.

Finding himself in an unexpected situation, Mr Mishra dialed authorities. An Indian Air Force helicopter was sent soon after to rescue him and those stranded.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Mr Mishra can be seen tied to a harness and braving strong gusts as he is airlifted.

The situation drew criticism from the states local opposition leaders, including those from the Congress party. One local leader mocked Mr Mishra by referring to him as the superhero Spider-Man and dubbed the incident a publicity stunt.

The way our home minister tried to act like Spider-Man was dangerous for himself, the stranded people and those who had gone with him. It was only a publicity stunt that went wrong, Congress leader Bhupendra Gupta told news channel NDTV.

The situation in Madhya Pradesh remains grim, as parts of the state have been battered by incessant rains since Sunday. At least 12 people have died and seven have been injured in rain-related incidents, officials said on Thursday.

More than 30,790 people were evacuated to safer places in Gwalior and Chambal cities, while 6,000 have been sent to 126 relief camps, state revenue secretary Gyaneshwar B Patil told news agency Press Trust of India.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan undertook an aerial survey of Sheopur, Datia, Gwalior, Guna, Bhind and Morena, the districts that have been impacted the most by the floods. At least 25 bridges have been damaged in Sheopur and Datia.

The chief minister has asked for assistance from Indias prime minister Narendra Modi and the federal home minister Amit Shah.

Mr Chouhan said the state has not seen such devastation from floods in the past 70 years. Several experts have cited such monsoon-related incidents and linked them to the climate crisis, pointing out that the crisis has likely contributed to a more volatile monsoon season.
Satellite imagery has shown the extent of wildfires raging in California, with the images revealing how the blazes can be seen from space.

Recordings shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite West satellite.

As wildfires continue to consume portions of the western US NOAA satellites are closely monitoring the situation, the agency said in a tweet on Thursday.

They added: This imagery of several large ones and the smoke theyre producing in Northern California was captured yesterday.

The satellite imagery showed wildfires billowing out from multiple areas in Northern California, with smoke stretching across the state.

On Friday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), three active fires of interest were still burning.

The biggest of the three, the Dixie Fire, covered 43,2813 acres and was 35 per cent contained as of 7am that morning.

Dixie exploded in size overnight, becoming the third-largest wildfire in state history and the largest wildfire currently raging in the nation.

The blaze tore through Greenville on Wednesday evening, destroying businesses and homes and casting an orange glow over the sky.

If you are still in the Greenville area, you are in imminent danger and you MUST leave now!! the Plumas County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook in a dire warning on Twitter earlier on Wednesday.

The fire department said that the River fire was 2600 acres and 30 per cent contained as of 8.23am while the House Fire was 40 acres and 45 per cent contained as of 6.58am.

On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Siskiyou County due to the Antelope Fire and for Nevada and Placer counties due to the River Fire.

The fires collectively have burned thousands of acres, destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of thousands of residents, a release from the governors office said.

Mr Newsom announced the same day that he secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support the states response to the River Fire.
The US government has said that Facebook is invoking privacy  as a pretext after the social media giant blocked misinformation researchers access to data.

Facebook has repeatedly come under criticism due to its decision not to fact-check political advertising, despite CEO Mark Zuckerberg telling congress that it does not allow misinformation in our ads.

Such polices were notable during the last presidential election after Facebook was forced to pull nearly 50 ads from Donald Trumps campaign. Although Facebook will remove ads that violate certain policies, lies that do not violate its rules remain up and could influence voters.

It was also recently found by The Independent that companies can use fake testimonials attributed to Twitter accounts that do not exist to advertise on Facebook and Instagram, despite Facebooks ad policies forbidding deceptive, false or misleading claims.

Researchers at New York University with the Ad Observatory Project had for several years been looking into Facebooks Ad Library, where searches can be done on advertisements running across Facebooks products.

The access was used to uncover systemic flaws in the Facebook Ad Library, to identify misinformation in political ads, including many sowing distrust in our election system, and to study Facebooks apparent amplification of partisan misinformation, Laura Edelson, the lead researcher behind NYU Cybersecurity for Democracy, said Wednesday.

Facebook agreed in a 2019 consent decree settlement with the FTC to pay a record $5 billion for alleged violations of the privacy of users personal data.

However, the FTC received no notice that Facebook would be publicly invoking our consent decree to justify terminating academic research earlier this week, said Samuel Levine, acting director of the FTCs consumer protection bureau.

Had Facebook honoured [its] commitment to contact us in advance, Levine continues, we would have pointed out that the consent decree does not bar Facebook from creating exceptions for good-faith research in the public interest.

He continued: While it is not our role to resolve individual disputes between Facebook and third parties, we hope that the company is not invoking privacy  much less the FTC consent order  as a pretext to advance other aims.

Facebooks action against the NYU project also cut off other researchers and journalists who got access to Facebook data through the project, according to Edelson, the NYU lead researcher.

The researchers offered Facebook users a web browser plug-in tool that let them volunteer their data showing how the social network targets political ads.

But Facebook said the browser extension was programmed to evade its detection systems and vacuum up user data, creating privacy concerns.

In a blog post late Tuesday, Facebook said it takes unauthorized data scraping seriously, and when we find instances of scraping we investigate and take action to protect our platform.

Levine wrote that after Facebook wrongly asserting its actions against the researchers were required under the consent decree, it later acknowledged that was inaccurate. While I appreciate that Facebook has now corrected the record, I am disappointed by how your company has conducted itself in this matter, he told Zuckerberg.

Facebook says it makes information on political ads available through its Ad Library and provides privacy-protected data sets to researchers through other means.

Facebook didnt admit wrongdoing in the 2019 settlement.

The FTC opened an investigation into Facebook in 2018 after revelations that data mining firm Cambridge Analytica had gathered details on as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission.

In addition to privacy concerns, the FTC and Facebook have been wrangling over antitrust issues. The agency and 48 states and districts sued Facebook in December, accusing the tech giant of abusing its market power in social networking to crush smaller competitors. They were seeking remedies that could include a forced spinoff of the social networks Instagram and WhatsApp messaging services.

A federal judge recently dismissed the antitrust lawsuits, saying they didnt provide enough evidence to prove that Facebook is a monopoly. The ruling dismissed the FTCs complaint but not the case, giving the agency a chance to file a revised complaint.

Facebook did not respond to The Independents request for comment before time of publication.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Theres a bigger push than ever to persuade younger people to get the Covid-19 vaccine, with even nightclubs broadcasting the benefits of the jab. Clubs like Ministry of Sound and Heaven will be pushing messaging around their venues  before double jabs become a requirement for nightclub entry in September. A new social media campaign launches too  including on TikTok Snapchat and Instagram  urging uptake of the vaccine among young adults.

While the Department of Health and Social Care say more than two-thirds of young adults aged 18 to 29 have received one dose of the vaccine, there are concerns over the uptake among younger people.

So if one of your friends is unsure about getting the vaccine, what can you do to help ease their mind?

Check where they get their information from

Professor Susan Michie health psychology and director of the centre for behaviour change at UCL, says misinformation about Covid vaccines is a recognised problem globally, but especially misinformation from the US and the UK.

The anti-vax sentiment is said to be strongest amongst people who get their news through social media, so naturally, many are young. Although its important to say that not every vaccine-hesitant person is a conspiracy theorist  of course, its reasonable to have worries about the unknown.

Michie says: Reassure about side-effects of the vaccine and explain how it works and dispel any myths. Side-effects seem to be the biggest subject of misinformation, as well as what exactly is inside a vaccine.

Try not to patronise

Sorting fact from fiction isnt entirely straightforward in the all-consuming world of social media  especially if friends or people you admire are sharing the information. So try to understand where the other person is coming from and do listen to them  even if you completely disagree with everything theyre saying.

Instead, ask them about whats in the video, graphic or article theyve seen and get them to think more deeply about where its originally come from, who could have created it and why it might be shared.

People queuing at a vaccination centre in Dublin (Damien Eagers/PA) (PA Wire)

Suggest they talk it through with someone they trust

It can be easy to go down a rabbit hole of scary-sounding information online, without actually talking through worries with someone. And sometimes a friend isnt the best person to try and counteract their beliefs or worries.

Suggest they raise any concerns with someone they respect and who will listen to and address their concerns in a supportive way, e.g. a GP, faith leader or someone in their family network, says Michie.

Make sure they understand that young people can get seriously ill too

NHS medical director of primary care and deputy lead for the NHS vaccination programme, Dr Nikki Kanani, says: While thousands of people continue to come forward every week, we must not forget that there are more than 5,000 people who are seriously ill in hospital with Covid and more than a fifth of those are young people.

Michie says to share accessible information about the relative benefits and risks versus getting infected with Covid, especially that they may be incapacitated for months, and the increasing evidence about the dangers of long Covid in young people  with the possibility of long-term damage to organs, including the brain.

(Alamy/PA)

Explain how it helps others, including their loved ones

Stress how vaccination is not just about protecting them but reduces the chance of them being infected, even without knowing, and passing on the infection to loved ones, friends, community including those vulnerable at risk of serious disease or even dying, says Michie.

Remind them the vaccine is the best way to prevent more lockdowns

Health secretary Sajid Javid called having the vaccine one of the most important things you will ever be asked to do. No one wants to go back into lockdown or have any further restrictions placed on our freedoms, and returning to normality will take a huge collective effort. But it may help to focus on the positives and all the fun things were now able to get back to doing.
Madonnas daughter Lourdes Leon has spoken candidly about her dedication to making it on her own while addressing public opinions of herself as a talentless rich kid.

The 24-year-old, who is featured on the cover ofVogues 2021 September issue along with seven other models, discussed her experience as the pop stars daughter in the accompanying interview, where she revealed: People think Im this talentless rich kid whos had everything given to her, but Im not.

Leon, the daughter of Madonna and her ex Carlos Leon, then went on to list the ways shes independent from her famous mother, with the dancer explaining that she paid for her own college tuition and lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Elsewhere in the interview, Leon addressed some of the other criticism she faces as a result of being in the public eye, such as social media comments from trolls about her choice not to shave her armpits.

Her response was simple, with Leon telling the outlet that her reaction is: Yeah, come at me, bro.

While speaking with Vogue, Leon also discussed her passion for dance, and how it was sparked by a teacher who made her understand movement in a whole new way.

Youre using your body to define the space around you - to change it. Thats a very naked form of expression, Leon said.

The model, who has starred in campaigns for Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs, briefly attended the University of Michigan before transferring to the dance conservatory at SUNY Purchase.

As for her hopes for the future, Leon previously told Vanity Fair that her goals include obtaining her drivers license and motivating a person or two to realise their dreams.

I would just like to be of use, she told the outlet in April.

For the September cover issue, titled: Generation America: The Models Changing an Industry, Leon appeared alongside Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Precious Lee, Anok Yai, Ariel Nicholson, Sherry Shi and Yumi Nu.
A New Jersey gym owner on Friday became the first person to plead guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Scott Fairlambs deal with federal prosecutors could be a benchmark for dozens of other cases in which Capitol rioters clashed with police. Fairlambs attorney said prosecutors will recommend a prison sentence ranging from about 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 years, but the judge isnt bound by that term of the plea agreement.

His plea comes less than two weeks after a group of police officers testified at a congressional hearing about their harrowing confrontations with the mob of insurrectionists. Five officers who were at the Capitol that day have died, four of them by suicide. The Justice Department has said that rioters assaulted approximately 140 police officers on Jan. 6. About 80 of them were U.S. Capitol Police officers and about 60 were from the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department

Fairlamb, a former mixed martial arts fighter whose brother is a U.S. Secret Service agent, was one of the very first rioters to breach the Capitol after other rioters smashed windows using riot shields and kicked out a locked door, according to federal prosecutors. After leaving the building, Fairlamb harassed a line of police officers, shouting in their faces and blocking their progress through the mob, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

A video showed him holding a collapsible baton and shouting, and shouting, What (do) patriots do? We f disarm them and then we storm the f Capitol!

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth accepted the plea for Fairlamb, who has been jailed since his Jan. 22 arrest at his home in Stockholm New Jersey.

Fairlamb, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer. The counts carry a maximum of more than 20 years in prison.

He had been indicted on 12 counts, including civil disorder, assaulting a police officer and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds.
The Covid-19 vaccination roll-out must be further extended to children aged 12 and over to achieve herd immunity in the UK and suppress the virus, scientists have warned.

The countrys 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered their first dose of Pfizer vaccine within weeks after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised they should be included in the roll-out.

But leading experts have warned that it will not be possible control transmission of the coronavirus through herd immunity unless the roll-out is expanded to include 12 to 15-year-olds.

Herd immunity  the point at which the spread of the disease is controlled after enough people become immune  requires around 85 per cent of a population to be protected through vaccines or antibodies, according to epidemiologists.

Its not going to be possible to get herd immunity without vaccinating younger children, Dr Deepti Gurdasani, epidemiologist at Queen Mary University London, told The Independent.

She criticised the unnecessary delay in rolling the vaccine out to all teenagers  and pointed out that many 16 and 17-year-olds would not get the jab before returning to school at the start of next month.

We could have had all of this age group [16 and 17-year-olds] vaccinated before September. And because we are not expanding [to over-12s] schools will remain places where children get infected and pass it on. So we need to do more and expand to a wider age group.

Republic of Irelands health authorities announced on Thursday that children aged 12 to 15 can register to get the Covid vaccine from next week. France, Canada and the US have already started vaccinating those from 12 years upwards.

Urging the UK to follow suit, Dr Gurdasani added: Even if we do vaccinate more children, it will be quite hard to achieve herd immunity. We dont know quite how much immunity we will get when the variants keep evolving. But we certainly wont have any chance if we dont vaccinate children.

Dr Stephen Griffin, associate virology professor at Leeds University, said the JCVI had failed to make clear why they had changed the advice for 16 and 17-year-olds, but not for children of a younger age.

We cant get to herd immunity by doing this [vaccinating 16 and 17-year-olds] alone, said Dr Griffin. We need to get further along the road of vaccination to break more transmission chains.

He added: Weve never achieved herd immunity purely through natural immunity for any infectious disease, so I dont see why you would start now. If you dont have a vaccination programme that comprehensively covers children and young people, youre never going reach thats sort of threshold.

It comes as the roll-out for children was labelled frankly shambolic by the head of one of the countrys leading medical colleges  who said doctors were still in the dark over the details.

On Thursday the JCVI announced that 16 to 17-year-olds  around 1.4 million people  will offered a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine without parental consent within weeks. But it is not year clear when they will be offered a second dose.

It follows a recommendation two weeks ago that those children over 12 at increased risk of illness from Covid because of underlying conditions are offered the Pfizer vaccine.

Dr Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the planning for the roll-out was not good enough. She said Englands national vaccine booking system was still not accepting bookings for anyone under the age of 18.

Our members are constantly being asked questions by young people or their parents for which they dont have the answers because the systems arent in place and the detailed advice has not been provided, she said.

The Scottish government said the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine to 16 and 17-year-olds will begin as soon as Friday, and is expected to be complete by the end of September.

Beyond the practical difficulties ahead, Professor Lawrence Young, vice president of Warwick Medical School, said that all children 12 would eventually need to be included in the roll-out for the UK to get a wall of immunity.

He told The Independent: The statements from the JCVI yesterday suggested they were considering it  so why dont we just go for it? It would be morally wrong not to and let the virus rip through our young people. Why would we do that?

Prof Young pointed out that current Covid vaccines do not give long-lasting, sterilising immunity offered by jabs for the measles and other diseases. But widening the roll-out remained important to suppress transmission, the Warwick expert argued.

He added: I think its about protecting the well-being of children, as well as making sure schools arent having to shut down, or send home large numbers because of infection. The safety data is there [for over-12s]. Its important we get on with expanding the roll-out. I suspect in time we will.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Englands deputy chief medical officer, said there was no time to waste and that he expects the roll-out for 16 and 17-year-olds to start in a short number of weeks, which will coincide with the reopening of schools after the summer break.

The deputy chief medical officer hinted the roll-out could be extended to 12 to 15-year-olds at some stage in future. My sense is that it is more likely, rather than less likely, that the list will broaden over time, as more data becomes available, he said.
Thousands of junior doctors are to be consulted on action after they were excluded from the governments NHS pay offer.

In 2019 the British Medical Association agreed a four year pay deal with the government that would give junior doctors a 2 per cent pay rise every year until 2023.

Announcing the recent 3 per cent pay rise this year for other NHS staff, ministers left out the 53,000 junior doctors.

Now the BMA is to issue a survey to its members to gauge their feelings on the pay award and what if any steps the union should consider.

This is not a ballot for strike action, which would be needed later if industrial action is to happen.

The 3 per cent pay award for more than a million NHS staff will cost around 1.5 billion and was an increase on the original 1 per cent offer made by ministers which sparked widespread anger from NHS unions.

The BMA says take home pay for junior doctors has fallen in real terms by 23 per cent compared to 2009.

BMA junior doctors committee chair Dr Sarah Hallett said: Given the significant lengths that junior doctors have gone to throughout the pandemic and the profound impact this has had on their personal and professional lives, the governments decision to exclude them from the pay uplift announced last month is nothing short of insulting.

Three per cent is not an adequate uplift for any of our vital NHS staff, but in refusing to award the additional one per cent to junior doctors in England above their multi-year pay deal, ministers have effectively devalued their enormous and lifesaving contributions over the last 18 months.

Last month, the Department of Health and Social Care said it was accepting the recommendations of the independent pay review body on NHS pay which called for a three per cent rise.

The increase will apply to most NHS staff including nurses, care assistants, and consultants. Salaried GPs and dentists will also see their pay rise by 3 per cent.

For the average nurse, this will mean an additional 1,000 a year, while many porters and cleaners will receive around 540.

But the government has said the money for the pay rise will come from existing health budgets instead of new money provided by the Treasury.
Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho was a 37-year-old leftist Portuguese army captain when he led the Carnation Revolution on 25 April 1974  in reality an almost bloodless military coup that restored democracy to Portugal after almost half a century of right-wing dictatorship.

It was so called because ecstatic people in the streets placed red carnations in the rifle barrels of equally jubilant soldiers. The uprising effectively ended Portugals colonial rule over the African nations of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, all of which became independent within a year.

Four decades later, an NBC News report from Portugal described the revolution as the worlds coolest coup.

Saraiva de Carvalho, who was offered the rank of four-star general after the revolution but turned it down and retired as a lieutenant colonel, has died aged 84.

Otelo, as he was widely known, was considered a hero to many Portuguese and Africans for uniting the army with the people to restore democracy and for helping Portugals African colonies gain their independence. But that did not translate to political power; he twice ran unsuccessfully for president in the years following the revolution.

He also drew the ire of those who believed he tried to take the revolution too far and had become a radical leftist, even a terrorist. He was accused by some in the right-wing media of trying to turn Portugal into what they feared would be a European Cuba under the influence of his friend Fidel Castro.

In 1987, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for being the intellectual author of crimes committed by the shadowy left-wing terrorist group called the Popular Forces of 25 April, known as FP-25, which carried out about 20 bomb attacks that killed a dozen people in Portugal between 1980 and 1986.

During his 19-month trial, Saraiva de Carvalho had said history will absolve me, a phrase famously used by Castro.

Saraiva de Carvalho always said he had zero involvement with FP-25, only with the legal leftist political party the Popular Unity Force, although he said the party may have been infiltrated against his knowledge by FP-25 extremists. Two members of FP-25 testified against him in return for immunity, witness protection and plastic surgery. More than 50 others were jailed for their alleged involvement with FP-25.

Saraiva de Carvalho was released from the Caxias military fort outside Lisbon after five years and eventually pardoned by parliament in 1996 at the urging of president Mario Soares as a gesture of democratic reconciliation.

Otelo Nuno Romao Saraiva de Carvalho was born 31 August 1936, in Lourenco Marques, now Maputo, the capital of the African state of Mozambique. His father was an official in the colonial postal and telecommunications service CTT. His mother, from what was the Portuguese colony of Goa in western India, was a railway clerk and theatre-lover who named their son after the Shakespearean character Othello.

Saraiva de Carvalho attended state schools in Lourenco Marques at a time when Portugal was engaged in several wars against independence groups in its African colonies. He enrolled in the military academy in Lisbon in 1955, at the age of 19, and was assigned to Angola as an artillery captain in 1961. In 1960, he married Dina Maria Afonso Alambre  also Portuguese and born in Lourenco Marques.

Saraiva de Carvalho had dreamed of a socialist state (AFP/Getty)

After teaching cadets at a training school in Agueda, Portugal, from 1964 to 1968, he returned to Africa to fight independence insurgents in Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau) from 1970 to 1973. Throughout his youth and early military career, he had built up a respect for the guerrillas he was fighting, many of them trained by Cubans sent by Castro. He increasingly identified with Africans struggle for independence from his own country.

That thought was very much with him when he returned to Portugal as an army captain in 1973, where he sought out like-minded junior officers and began plotting to oust the right-wing dictatorship he said was oppressing not only its own people but the peoples of Portugals African colonies.

His home in Lisbon became the centre for secret meetings of what became known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA to the Portuguese), which elected him as head of its executive committee.

He was also inspired by Antonio de Spinola, a cavalry officer noted for his monocle and who had written a book around that time, Portugal and the Future, saying Portugal should end its wars in Africa. Saraiva de Carvalho had rightly assessed that the vast majority of Portuguese would back a friendly military coup to oust right-wing prime minister Marcello Caetano, who had taken over the country's leadership in 1968 after 42 years under dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar.

At 25 minutes past midnight on 25 April 1974, on Saraiva de Carvalhos instructions, a radio station played the stirring folk song Grandola, Vila Morena, a signal for the coup to begin.

He sent his most trusted troops to Lisbons Quartel do Carmo, a police and military barracks where Caetano, having got wind of an uprising, had retreated. Had Caetano resisted, and the barracks backed him, bloodshed would have been inevitable, even a civil war possible.

An armoured vehicle rumbled up to the barracks and pointed its machine-gun at the building before Captain Fernando Salgueiro Maia got out, walked up to the defending soldiers and demanded their surrender along with Caetano. It emerged later that the young captain had a grenade in his pocket, ready to die for the revolution. A brigadier general in front of the barracks shouted: Shoot that man! No one fired, the brigadier general realised his men were not with him, and he and Caetano surrendered.

In another area of the city, members of the political police, known as the PIDE, fired on civilian demonstrators, killing four. Otherwise, it was a bloodless coup, and people took to the streets in joy, embracing young soldiers and sticking red carnations in their automatic rifles.

Portugal flourished after the revolution, with improved education and a thriving economy, but debt gradually surged and the country would have to be bailed out by international creditors including the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, with severe austerity measures introduced. Saraiva de Carvalho had dreamed of a socialist state, but the troubled economy, plus the fact that Portugal was a strongly Catholic nation, fearful of communism, meant his presidential ambitions went nowhere.

Confirming his fathers death, his son, Sergio Bruno Carvalho, spoke of his courage, selflessness and service to the homeland, according to the news service Lusa. He deserved much more from Portugal, much more recognition. One of the main causes of my dear fathers death was sorrow and bitterness; by the untrue narratives that were created about him, and by the death of his wife, Dina, who loved him devoutly.

His wife died in December 2020. He is survived by his son and a daughter, Paula. Another daughter, Claudia, died aged nine of malaria in Portuguese Guinea (Guinea-Bissau) while her father was based there.

While at Caxias in the late 1980s, he established a personal relationship with a prison official, Maria Filomena Morais, who became a longtime companion.

Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, military officer, born 31 August 1936, died 25 July 2021

 The Washington Post
The teenage mother who left her 20-month-old daughter to starve to death while she partied in London and Coventry has been jailed for nine years.

Throughout the trial, a court heard how Verphy Kudi attended a concert in Elephant and Castle in London, and had a DJ announce her birthday in the days after she left her daughter alone in her Brighton flat.

While she was absent, prosecutors told the court that the toddler, Asiah Kudi, died of starvation and influenza.

Paramedics were called to the flat on 11 December 2019, after Ms Kudi had returned to Brighton, and the toddler, Asiah Kudi, was taken by ambulance to Royal Alexandra Childrens Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

The court also heard how Ms Kudi was incoherent, distressed and distraught when paramedics arrived at her flat.

Ms Kudi, now 19, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On Friday, she appeared at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing.

Before her sentence was delivered, Prosecutor Sally Howes QC detailed the final days of Asiahs life.

Ms Howes said that CCTV footage covering Ms Kudis flat showed that she had left the flat on 5 December 2019, and did not return for five days, 21 hours, and 58 minutes.

The court heard how Ms Kudi first went to London to celebrate her birthday with her boyfriend, before attending the 7 December concert in Elephant and Castle.

On 9 December, she attended a birthday party in Coventry, before returning to London on 10 December, and finally returning to East Sussex on 11 December.

At 6.12pm the day she returned, ambulance staff arrived at Ms Kudis flat and rushed Asiah to the hospital, but the toddler was sadly confirmed dead on arrival.

Ms Kudis defence lawyer, Peter Wilcock QC said that it was truly a tragic and devastating case.

She herself, the defendant, is both very young and we should submit very vulnerable, he said, citing her age at the time of the offence and her history of vulnerability as factors to be considered in her sentencing.

Judge Christine Laing QC said: Asiah was alone in that flat for six days  less two hours  unable to do anything to draw attention to her plight.

She was a helpless child and relied completely on you as her mother to provide for her needs.

It is almost unbearable to contemplate her suffering in the final days of her life, suffering that she endured so that you could celebrate your birthday and the birthdays of your friends as a carefree teenager.

While Judge Laing acknowledged the tragedy in the case, she made clear that it was manslaughter and not a higher charge for which Ms Kudi was being sentenced. She added that it was accepted that Ms Kudi did not intend to cause Asiahs death, or to cause her serious harm.

Ms Kudi stood motionless as she was sentenced to nine years in prison and removed by court staff.

A statement from Ms Kudis family, released by the Sussex Police, spoke of their heartbreak, and requested privacy for the time being.

It said: We are saddened by the current situation and as a family we have many unanswered questions.

Verphy has experienced so much at such a young age and we have always done what we can to support her.

As a family we are in the midst of an unbearable tragedy. Not only are we coming to terms with what has happened today but we are also still grieving for our beloved Asiah.

We would be grateful if our privacy can be respected at this moment.

With additional reporting from PA
A healthy man who died of Covid after refusing to get the vaccine made a terrible mistake, his partner has said.

Leslie Lawrenson, 58, died at his home in Bournemouth on 2 July, after downplaying his symptoms and declining to go to the hospital.

His long-term partner Amanda Mitchell, 56, who was severely ill with the virus at the time, said he believed the vaccines were too experimental and put his family at risk.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, she explained that Cambridge University-educated Lawrenson decided against the jab after reading material on social media.

It was a daily thing that he said to us: You dont need to have it, youll be fine, just be careful.

He said to me: Its a gene thing, an experimental thing. Youre putting something in your body that hasnt been thoroughly tested.

Lawrenson posted a vlog on social media just nine days before his death, describing how he spent six hours in the fetal position, trying to block out the pain.

He explained: Every part of my body was racked with pain. The fever ramped up incredibly hot - you could have fried an egg on me.

 Anti-vaxxer dies of Covid nine days after saying virus is nothing to be afraid of

Despite the symptoms and having difficulty breathing, he said he did not want to call an ambulance, instead held on as he didnt think he was in any danger.

These are things we have to suffer, its part of living. You have to trust your immune system. If the alternative is we live in fear, we create a Bogey Man, out of something that isnt anything to be afraid of for 99.9 per cent of us, weve got to deal with that.

He likened his state to the flu, insisting Covid was nothing different. However, the potential dangers from taking the experimental jab were not worth the risk.

He added: Id rather take my chance with my immune system.

On July 2, Ms Mitchell - who had also refused the vaccine despite having diabetes and hypertension - called paramedics to the family home after she became seriously ill. She was later hospitalised.

They were called back 10 minutes later when her 19-year-old son found Lawrenson dead in bed.

She said: I feel incredibly foolish. Les died unnecessarily. Les made a terrible mistake and hes paid the ultimate price for that.

Ms Mitchell insisted she would receive the jab as soon as doctors deemed her fit enough.
The prevalence of Covid infections in England is estimated to have fallen to one in 75 people last week, official figures show, down from one in 65 the week before.

In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) has decreased in the week ending 31 July 2021, the the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

One in 75 is the equivalent of 722,300 people, down from 856,200 in the previous week.

But infection rates rose in Northern Ireland, where it was estimated one in 55 people had the virus.

In Scotland, the prevalence was lower, estimated at around one in 120 people, while in Wales it was lower still, at one in 230.

The percentage of people testing positive is estimated to have decreased in the northwest, East Midlands, West Midlands, London and the southeast, the ONS said.

Northeast England had the highest proportion of people of any region likely to test positive for coronavirus last week: around one in 40.

Yorkshire and the Humber had the second highest estimate: around one in 55.

Southeastern England had the lowest estimates: around one in 120.

In northeast England, teams of staff battling the pandemic will take to the streets this week to encourage people to get the vaccinated.

In a scheme in South Tyneside, workers will knock on doors and visit areas with high footfall to talk to residents about getting the jab.

The plan could be extended to other areas in the northeast as part of the plan to reduce infection rates in the region.
The U.S. military and the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations on Friday accused Iran of being behind last weeks deadly attack on an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea

The U.S. Central Command said it had collected and analyzed substantial evidence that the July 29 attack on the HV Mercer Street in international waters in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman that killed two people was carried out by an Iranian drone loaded with a military-grade explosive.

U.S. experts concluded based on the evidence that this UAV was produced in Iran, it said, using the military term for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Britain Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States said the attack was a clear violation of international law. They added that all available evidence clearly points to Iran. Iran has denied being involved.

Central Command said the ship had been targeted by three drones but that the first two were unsuccessful. The investigative team determined that the extensive damage to the Mercer Street ... was the result of a third UAV attack.

It said the drone attack had caused an approximately 6-foot-diameter hole in the pilot house of the vessel and had badly damaged the interior. It said an analysis of the explosive concluded that the drone had been rigged to cause injury and destruction.

Left unsaid in the Central Command report was that the triangle-shaped Delta wing drones used in the Mercer Street attack were also used in 2019 strikes on the heart of the Saudi oil industry, which temporarily halved the kingdoms production and sent markets spiking.

Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed those attacks, but the distance from their territory to the two sites hit likely was too great for them to have launched the attacks, analysts said. In January, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard appeared to use the same kind of Delta drones in a drill aired on state television.

Friday's military analysis was released concurrently with a statement from the G-7 foreign ministers condemning the attack that killed a Briton and a Romanian.

We condemn the unlawful attack committed on a merchant vessel, the foreign ministers said in a joint statement. This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law.. All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack.

The ship is managed by a firm owned by an Israeli billionaire, and Israel  along with the U.S. and Britain  had previously pointed the finger at Tehran.

In their statement, the G-7 countries said Irans behavior, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security.

We call on Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace, they said.

The ministers called for vessels in the region to be able to navigate freely in accordance with international law.

We will continue to do our utmost to protect all shipping, upon which the global economy depends, so that it is able to operate freely and without being threatened by irresponsible and violent acts, they added.

___

Jordans reported from Berlin. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed.
A supporter of President Joe Biden was asked to cover up a sign displaying his name by airline staff, who told her passengers found it offensive.

Jenny Grondahl was flying from Phoenix to San Diego on Southwest Airlines last week, carrying a cardboard sign that that read: Arizonenses Con Biden.

Designed by an artist, it was a memento of the volunteer work shed done in Arizona before the election. She told the Washington Post the sign was important to her because I worked very hard to register Latino voters.  And Latinos showed up, Arizona went blue.

Ms Grondahl said she she got to the gate, a Southwest Airlines agent told her: Many customers are offended by your sign. She was asked to either cover it up with white paper and tape or to fold it and put it underneath her seat.

The Southwest Airlines employee also told her that if shed been wearing a Biden t-shirt, shed have been asked to turn it inside out.

Ms Grondahl was extremely upset by the incident and said she found herself shaking. She explained:Im looking around at the gate, and Im thinking, how many of you was it  20 out of 110 people? And how offended were you? What did you say? How could people have such a visceral reaction to seeing the name of our president on a sign?

Last Friday I was told by Southwest Air staff many passengers complained and were offended by the @joebiden sign I was carrying under my arm. I was told to cover it up or not bring it aboard. I asked what if I was wearing a @potus tee told Id be asked to turn it inside out. pic.twitter.com/Mvm0mdz7u1  Jenny Grndahl (@JennyGrondahl) August 2, 2021

Its in Spanish Ms Grondahl continued. I just looked around, and I thought about humanity in general. How devastatingly horrible that someone saw a name, or a different language, on a sign that Im carrying, and stood in line to complain to the airline staff to the point that they then had to come complain to me, and asked me not to bring this on board?

Airlines do have control over passenger dress code and what they can bring onboard, under the contract of carriage which passengers agree to when they buy a ticket. Enforcing or interpreting the rules can be at the discretion of airline staff.

Southwest has not commented directly on how their policy applies in this situation, but spokesman Dan Landson said in a statement:

We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for all Customers and Employees regardless of political beliefs. Were in conversations with the Customer to address her concerns and we hope to welcome her back on a future Southwest flight.
Six people have been left dead after a sightseeing plane crashed in southeast Alaska, the US coast guard has said.

The plane crashed in the area of Misty Fjords National Monument, near Ketchikan on Thursday, prompting an emergency alert beacon to activate.

The Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration said that crew members found the wreckage around 2.40pm the same day.

Two rescue swimmers were lowered to the site but they reported no survivors. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

The Coast Guard was told by the planes operator that five passengers and a pilot were on board, Coast Guard Petty Officer Kip Wadlow said.

Our hearts are shattered at the loss of six people today, the company that owned the plane involved, Southeast Aviation LLC, said in a statement.

They added: We are thinking of and grieving with the families of the five passengers and our dear friend and pilot aboard the aircraft.

The company said they are cooperating with the first responders and agencies involved, including the Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board and Alaska State Troopers.

Alaska State Troopers and volunteers from the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad are said to be coordinating recovery efforts on Thursday and Friday.

The five passengers on the flight were from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, the company said in a statement.

The float plane excursion was offered by an independent tour operator and not sold by Holland America Line, a statement from the company said.

Cruise ship passengers often take various sightseeing excursions while in Ketchikan to Misty Fjords National Monument and bear-viewing sites.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a crew to investigate the crash and is expected to arrive in Alaska on Friday.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
A war of words has erupted between lawyers acting for the family of Ashli Babbitt and the unnamed Capitol police officer who fatally shot her during the January 6 insurrection.

Babbitts family are planning to file a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against the officer who shot her as she tried to force her way through a broken window near to where lawmakers were being evacuated.

The officer has already been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Department of Justice.

A lawyer acting for the Babbitt family, Terry Roberts, alleged she was ambushed by the officer, and that the officer had failed to issue a warning prior to firing the shot.

"Its not debatable. There was no warning," Mr Roberts told the Washington Examiner .

"I would call what he did an ambush. I dont think hes a good officer. I think hes reckless."

The lawyer representing the unidentified officer, Mark Schamel, emphatically rejected that version of events, telling Real Clear Investigations : "He was screaming, Stay back! Stay back! Dont come in here!"

Mr Schamel added: "Lethal force is appropriate if the situation puts you or others in fear of imminent bodily harm.

"There should be a training video on how he handled that situation. What he did was unbelievable heroism."

Video footage of the shooting shows dozens of rioters on one side of a glass door , having already breached the Capitol building and trying to force their way through into the debating chamber.

The agitated rioters chant break it down, we dont want to hurt you.

They break a window and Ms Babbitt tries to force her way through. Rioters can be heard shouting, Theres a gun moments before a shot is fired.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old military veteran from California, was shot in the shoulder and later died in hospital.

Her death has become a cause celebre among Republican lawmakers and rightwing pundits, many of whom are seeking to minimise the severity of the January 6 insurrection, which President Joe Biden this week called the worst attack on US democracy since the Civil War.

Thousands of rioters chanting hang Mike Pence overwhelmed the Capitol police force and breached the House chamber, forcing lawmakers who had gathered to certify the 2020 Presidential election to flee for their lives.

Four Washington DC police officers who defended the Capitol have since died by suicide. Officer Brian Sicknick died from a stroke the next day after suffering severe injuries during the riot.

A select committee has begun hearing evidence from other police officers who faced down the mob.
Colonel Dave Severance, the commander of an American marine company who raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi at the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during the Second World War, has died at the age of 102 at his home in the La Jolla area of San Diego.

The news was confirmed by his family on Wednesday.

An iconic photograph of the moment that was clicked by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, became a symbolic image of the Second World War.

Col Severance, who commanded the Easy Company of the 28th Marine Regiment during the war, is survived by two daughters Nina Cohen and Lynn Severance, two sons, Dave Jr and Mike, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Col Severance served in the marines for three decades and held the rank of Captain during the Second World War. He was one of the 70,000 marines who tried to gain control of Iwo Jima, a volcanic island about 750 miles from Japans mainland, during the war in 1945. The effort to take control of the island was to secure a base for American fighter planes.

The island was defended by 21,000 Japanese troops because of which the marines suffered heavy casualties. Col Severances battalion was assigned to secure the mountain top of Mount Suribachi.

Rosenthal captured the moment six marines, led by Col Severance, mounted a giant American flag at the mountain top on 23 February 1945, to replace a smaller flag that was already planted by the marines.

It was the image of this flag, clicked by Rosenthal, that remains one of the most iconic photos from the war.

The battle of Iwo Jima was far from over at that point. The photo, however, struck an emotional chord and was on the front page of all the newspapers, including becoming a symbol of Iwo Jima, the Marine Corps and American pride.

In an interview in February 2021 with Coffee or Die magazine, Col Severance said he did not realise how iconic the photograph had become in the US, until the 1949 film The Sands of Iwo Jima came out.

It wasnt until 1949, when The Sands of Iwo Jima came out, I realised the impact that moment and battle had on the nation, he said.

He was awarded with the Silver Star for his service at Iwo Jima. Col Severance afterwards flew more than 60 combat missions during the Korean War and was an assistant personnel director at the marine corps headquarters in Arlington, before retiring as a full colonel in 1968.

Almost 7,000 Marines died on Iwo Jima, according to the National World War II Museum, with another 20,000 wounded.
Prosecutors in Idaho plan to seek the death penalty against a doomsday cultist who is accused of murdering his wifes two children and his previous wife.

Chad Daybell, 52, has been charged with conspiring with his second wife Lori Vallow to murder two of her children, seven-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow, and Tylee Ryan, 17, and his first wife, Tammy Daybell.

Mr Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Documents released on Thursday by the Fremont County Prosecutors Office revealed it will seek the death penalty should he be convicted of any of the deaths.

It said that the murders were especially heinous and cruel, and that Mr Daybell has exhibited a propensity to commit murder, which will probably constitute a continuing threat to society.

In separate charges in Arizona, Lori Daybell is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of her previous husband.

Charles Vallow was shot and killed by Lori Daybells brother, Alex Cox, who claimed it was self-defene. Cox later died of what police said was natural causes.

Lori Daybell has not yet entered a plea in the Idaho or Arizona cases, and was ordered to undergo treatment at a mental health facility in Idaho in hopes of making her competent to stand trial.

In the Idaho indictments, prosecutors said the Daybells promoted their apocalyptical religious beliefs in order to justify the killings.

A friend of Lori Daybell told investigators that the pair believed people could be taken over by dark spirits that turned them into zombies and that the only way to free that persons soul was by killing them.

Chad Daybell also ran a publishing company and wrote books that were focused on the biblical end times and loosely based on the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The shocking timeline of events began in September 2019, when Ms Vallows children Joshua JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan were last seen alive.

In October 2019, Daybells first wife Tammy died aged 49 at their Idaho home.

Her death was not treated as suspicious at the time and an obituary said she died peacefully in her sleep.

Three weeks after Tammy Daybells death, Chad Daybell and Vallow married.

In November, relatives raised concerns about their welfare, prompting police to search the Callow property and appeal to the public for information about their whereabouts.

The next month Rexburgh police exhumed Tammy Daybells body and reclassified her death as suspicious. They issued a press release linking the disappearance of the two children and Tammys death.

Their burnt remains were discovered buried in Chad Daybells home in Salem, Idaho, in June 2020 after an extensive police investigation.

In May 2021, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell were charged with first degree murder in the deaths of the children. Chad is also charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife Tammy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
A female cartel boss known as La Dona has been sentenced to 22 years in prison in the US after her two sons were murdered in killings that could have been a warning not to cooperate with US prosecutors.

Luz Irene Fajardo Campos was also referred to as La Comadre and La Madrina, words denoting a big female boss.

Some of her collaborators also called her Jenca, the name she stamped into some of the cocaine packages that were sent off to the US.

Fajardo Campos received her sentence late last month after running an international drug-trafficking network along with her adult sons. They obtained their cocaine in Colombia and imported precursor chemicals to Mexico. They then sent off cocaine and meth to the US, according to prosecutors.

She was sentenced on 27 July in the US District Court for the District of Columbia for her role in a conspiracy to transport thousands of kilograms of cocaine and dozens of pounds of methamphetamine into the United States, the Department of Justice said in a press release.

She was convicted of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and to manufacture and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, as well as other places, while being aware that the substances would make their way to the US. Her trial lasted seven days in December 2019.

An image included in court documents shows a package of cocaine with Jenca emblazoned on the front. (US Court Documents)

The organisation she ran with her sons was a prolific ally of the Sinaloa cartel, according to the DOJ.

She hired pilots and made deals to buy jets to fly the cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America and partnered with traffickers from the Sinaloa cartel to get the drugs into the US.

Her meth lab was located in the desert outside Hermosillo in northwestern Mexico, from where the drugs were transported to several US locations, including Tucson, Arizona, and Jackson, Mississippi.

She bribed law enforcement officials in Mexico and Colombia in order to use an international airport to import cocaine. She also tried to bribe other officials to secure the arrest of rival drug traffickers and the release of precursor chemicals seized at Mexican shipping port,, the DOJ said.

Fajardo Campos was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and to forfeit $18m.

Just as the role of women is growing in legitimate businesses as women have demonstrated they are every bit as capable as men if not more so, the same trend is occurring in the drug world, Bonnie Klapper, an attorney who has represented several female drug traffickers, told Vice.

The 57-year-old was arrested at the international airport in Bogota, Colombia in April 2017 before being sent to the US. Officials said during her sentencing on 27 July that they had cut the head off of the snake.

Drug traffickers like Fajardo Campos tear at the very fabric of our communities, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz said. She made millions of dollars from pushing thousands of pounds of poison into Americans communities while at the same time fuelling violence and crime across the United States.

Following her arrest, Fajardo Campos sons were both murdered in Hermosillo in the Mexican state of Sonora, which neighbours the state of Sinaloa.

The last name of both men was Aviles Fajardo, but their first names remain unknown. They were abducted and their bodies were later found dismembered and burned in a vehicle, Vice reported.

Court documents show that Fajardo Campos mental health has taken a turn for the worse since she was taken into custody, which could be related to the deaths of her sons. Its possible that the killings were a warning to Fajardo Campos from the Sinaloa Cartel to not collaborate with US prosecutors on investigations into other Mexican cartels.

If so, the violent hint was noted, because Fajardo Campos pleaded not guilty and proceeded to trial.

Luz sacrificed herself by going to trial because of what happened to her children, her defence lawyer Robert Feitel told Vice. It was like a Greek tragedy.

Fajardo Campos parents and siblings still live in Sinaloa.

Who is going to see two of their kids kidnapped and murdered and then do anything to put the rest of their family at risk? Nobody is going to do that, Mr Feitel added.

Fajardo Campos was raised around the drug business but went to school to become a lawyer before entering the narcotics trade. She had connections from Colombia all the way to Mexico via Panama and Ecuador.

Women are just as powerful and just as diabolical and just as organised as men. And at some level women are underestimated by people in society, Mr Feitel told Vice.

Ms Klapper said that Fajardo Campos was no different from any other trafficker except that she happened to be female.

Many male traffickers actually prefer to deal with a serious woman as they believe she will be more responsible, less likely to consume the product, and more trustworthy as she may be more concerned for the safety of her children, she added.
The well known Hall of Presidents attraction in Floridas Walt Disney World resort officially reopened on Wednesday, with several social media users pointing out a few subtle snubs allegedly targeted at former US president Donald Trump.

A highlight reel, that plays before the main attraction and features several recent presidents, reportedly left out Mr Trump.

The reel features clips of every president since Dwight Eisenhower delivering lines from some of their famous speeches and includes audio from John F Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama.

It, however, ignored Mr Trump, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George HW Bush, all belonging to the Republican party. None of Mr Trumps speeches figured, even though his name was announced just before Mr Bidens, according to news website SFGate.

Once the reel ends, a stage presentation reveals animatronics made in the likeness of several of these presidents. The animatronics speak, mimicking their real-life counterparts. Each sitting president, starting from Bill Clinton in 1993, has lent his voice for their animatronic counterpart.

Reports said in order to make room for current president Joe Bidens animatronic, Mr Trumps was put in the back row of the presentation. Some social media users observed it was put next to Andrew Jackson, considered by many to have been a highly controversial historical figure.

Guests visiting the attraction may notice the table next to President Biden is adorned with a few special items, each with their own significance to the President  including peach blossoms to represent his home state of Delaware and a pair of aviators as a nod to his proclivity for the sunglasses, noted the Disney Parks Blog.

The Hall of Presidents attraction has now been around for nearly 50 years, according to Disney World.
Parents in Florida who believe public school mask mandates are Covid-19 harassment will now be eligible to get state funding to send their children to private schools, the latest measure the state has taken to blunt the effectiveness of proven public health measures even as it becomes the national epicentre of the Delta surge.

The Florida Board of Education on Friday authorised school vouchers for children who have experienced any threatening, discriminatory, insulting, or dehumanising verbal, written or physical conduct that are substantially interfering with a students educational performance, which apparently includes local decisions about mask mandates and testing requirements.

Were not going to hurt kids. Were not going to pull money thats going to hurt kids in any way, board member Ben Gibson said of the decision. If a parent wants their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right. If a parent doesnt want their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right.

Floridas Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has clashed frequently with local governments, which often want to impose more stringent Covid guidelines than the conservative stalwart. The governor has previously asked his staff to come up with ways to pressure school districts not to impose mask mandates, ABC News reported, and has threatened to withhold money from them if they do so anyway.

Just two Florida school districts are aligned with recently revised CDC guidelines and will require masks when school restarts in coming weeks.

The state is quickly becoming the worst Covid hot spot in the nation. On Friday, more than 12,000 people were hospitalised with Covid, and on Thursday the state had its highest single day count of cases, 22,783, since the pandemic began.

So far the governor has resisted calls from medical experts to impose stricter public health policies.

In terms of imposing any restrictions, thats not happening in Florida. Its harmful. Its destructive. It does not work, Mr DeSantis said at a news conference on Friday. We really believe that individuals know how to best assess their risks. We trust them to be able to make those decisions. We just want to make sure everybody has information.

On Friday, a group of parents filed a lawsuit against Mr DeSantis and state education authorities in a Miami federal court, arguing that the efforts to torpedo mask mandates violate disability rights protections because they mean their disabled children cant attend school safely.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota has returned despite last years rally being derided as a superspreader event.

This years event started on Friday amid a rise in Covid-19 cases as the Delta variant of the virus spreads rapidly among the unvaccinated. The state health department reported a 68 per cent rise in infections in South Dakota last week.

Sturgis organisers expect more than 700.000 people to attend during the 10-day event. Only about 46 per cent of adults who live in the county that hosts Sturgis are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared with 60.6 per cent nationwide.

Around 7.000 people live in Sturgis in western South Dakota, but the town is transformed into a huge motorcycle hub around this time each year, after being held for the first time in 1938.

A review of cellphone data found that more than half of the counties in the US were visited by someone who attended Sturgis during last years event. Hundreds of rally-goers were infected, and a team of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control found that the rally resembled a superspreader event.

The event is expected to be even bigger this year, and few wear masks.

Were out in the wide-open, one rally-goer told the AP. If you want to wear a mask, thats your business. If you dont, thats your business.

A lot of that, I dont worry too much about, JJ Vilella said about the pandemic. Hes unvaccinated. If it happens, it happens.

Living in Sturgis, I do hear [of] people that live here that dont love the rally, Sturgis emergency-room nurse manager Rikki Plaggemeyer, 46, told The Daily Beast. If you dont like to live in Sturgis, and you dont like the Sturgis Rally, you shouldnt live here. It gives us great experiences in the ER and in the hospital, and I spend most of my time during the rally here.

Motorcycles cruised through downtown Sturgis, S.D., on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts Friday, even as coronavirus cases rise in South Dakota. (AP)

We generally can talk them into wearing a mask Ms Plaggemeyer said of Sturgis attendees who end up in the hospital. Some have been told that the hospital could refuse to treat them if they didnt put on a face covering. Most of the time they will comply. I dont think weve ever had issues of people not getting treatment because of it.

Registered nurse Jamie Lascelles, 30, told the outlet: We do have some that dont approve of it. And its unfortunate, but thats just kind of where we live.

The vice president of medical affairs at Monument Health in Rapid City south of Sturgis, Dr Shankar Kurra, told The Daily Beast that theres a very high risk that many will be infected during the rally.

My concern would be with the Delta variant, which as we know is highly transmissible, the 54-year-old said. The fact is, its a mass gathering event. It puts people at risk. Thats the nature of this virus.

Dr Halie Anderson, an allergist and immunologist in Rapid City, said the rally has a lot of benefits for the area, and it benefits the economy. But I think this has the potential to do a lot of harm.

People sing and dance at a rock concert on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Sturgis, S.D. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts Friday, even as coronavirus cases rise in South Dakota. (AP)

Marketing firm owner and Rapid City resident Natalie Slack told The Daily Beast: I think the big concern is that this is a gathering of mostly anti-vaxxers or people who are so intent on celebrating freedom that they sometimes neglect the care and concern for the community theyre visiting/invading.

I feel some level of safety in the vaccine  in knowing that even IF we get sick, we likely wont get as ill as we may have otherwise.

She said she was concerned for her 65-year-old parents who are being treated for cancer.

My concern is primarily for them as they navigate how to be and where to go through this mayhem, she said.

Five people died during last years rally, four of whom passed following vehicle crashes. But many times in the past, more than 10 people have died.

Unless its a member of your family or social circle, locals might pause for a too bad moment, but otherwise its just another biker, retired journalist David Super, 74, told The Daily Beast. In years past, where there were more violent or drug-related deaths, then locals would spend a few more moments, but we dont dwell on the topic.

The Sturgis rally is about hopping on your bike and exploring this great country through our open roads, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem tweeted on Wednesday. Bikers come here because they WANT to be here. And we love to see them! Theres a risk associated with everything that we do in life. Bikers get that better than anyone.

Im going to go every year until I die, whether Covid kills me or a head-on collision, Steve Sample, 67, a land surveyor from Arizona, told CNN. Thats the way I am.

The owner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground Rod Woodruff told the outlet: People come here because theyre free of all that unnecessary political government control exercised over their lives.

All these people here... know all the crap, all the baloney that has gone back and forth about how dangerous all this unseen stuff is and the viruses, he added. Everybodys aware of all that and they have assumed the risk of getting out of their home and getting away and going someplace else and hanging out with people that are like-minded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
An 11-month-old girl suffering severe symptoms from Covid-19 was flown by helicopter from Houston to a hospital 150 miles away due to a lack of paediatric beds.

The infant was suffering seizures and having trouble breathing after testing positive for Covid-19, a spokeswoman for Lyndon B Johnson Hospital said.

She needed to be intubated, but Lyndon B Johnson Hospital where she had been taken did not offer paediatric services.

And due to a severe shortage of paediatric beds in the Houston area due to the surging case of the Delta variant in Texas, five hospitals in the area were unable to take her, hospital administrator Patricia Darnauer told KKTV .

A video of the girl being airlifted to a hospital 150 miles away in Temple was released by Harris Health, which runs several hospitals in Houston.

We are back beyond our pre-pandemic volumes at LBJ, Ms Darnauer said.

Cases of the respiratory illness RSV were also placing pressure on hospitals in Houston.

Cases of Covid-19 have exploded in Texas in recent weeks, with the Lone Star State and Florida accounting for a third of all cases nationwide.

There were 17,534 new cases reported on Thursday, mostly in counties with low vaccination rates, while the rolling seven-day average had reached 11,582.

Harris Health alone admitted 336 Covid-19 patients on Thursday, according to figures released on its site.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has refused to impose statewide mask mandates and has banned the state government from requiring vaccines.

This is time for individual responsibility, Mr Abbott told KPRC.
US Capitol Police said they are aware of a proposed rally that supporters of former president Donald Trump are planning in support of people who were arrested in connection to the insurrection on 6 January.

Matt Braynard, who was the data chief for Mr Trumps campaign, told former White House strategist Steve Bannon on Mr Bannons podcast about a planned rally at the Capitol on behalf of political prisoners who were arrested for their actions on 6 January.

Were going back to the Capitol, right where it started. And its going to be huge, Mr Braynard said. Were going to push back on the phony narrative that there was an insurrection.

A spokesperson for the US Capitol Police said they cannot provide permits or details about security plans.

We are aware of the proposed rally, the spokesperson said.

The announcement comes after news this week that two additional officers who responded to the Capitol insurrection died by suicide.

Mr Braynard told Mr Bannon that the day was largely peaceful and that rioters were egged on in many cases by the Capitol Police.

Police officers who tried to push back against the rioters testified last week at the first hearing of the select committee to investigate the events of 6 January.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo buffeted by sexual harassment allegations, is increasingly looking like he could be impeached and removed from office  something that hasn't happened to the state's governor in nearly 108 years.

A majority of members of the state Assembly, the legislative body that has the power to start impeachment proceedings, have already said they favor removing Cuomo if he won't resign. Pressure has built since a team of independent investigators hired by the state attorney general concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women.

Cuomo, a Democrat, has vowed to stay in office, rejecting the allegations against him as either fabricated or a misunderstanding of gestures and comments meant to convey warmth.

If the Legislature goes ahead with an impeachment, it will follow procedures that have some parallels  and some important differences  to the process the U.S. Congress uses for impeaching presidents.

Heres a look at how impeachment might work:

THE PROCESS

Like at the federal level, New York impeachments start in the lower house of the legislature  in this case, the Assembly.

The states constitution says the Assembly can impeach officials with a simple majority vote for misconduct or malversation.

If a majority of members vote to impeach, a trial on Cuomo's removal from office would be held in whats known as the Impeachment Court.

The court consists not only of members of the state Senate but also judges of the states highest court, the Court of Appeals who would also cast votes.

There are seven appeals court judges and 63 senators, though not all would serve on the impeachment court. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (HOH-kull) and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins would also typically be members, but they are excluded when a governor is on trial.

At least two-thirds of the jurors must vote to convict in order to remove Cuomo.

HISTORICAL PRECEDENT

New York has only impeached a governor once, in 1913, when Gov. William Sulzer was bounced after just 289 days in office in what he claimed was retribution for turning his back on the powerful Tammany Hall Democratic machine.

Sulzer was accused of failing to report thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and commingling campaign funds with personal funds. He blasted the courts secret deliberations, complaining: A horse thief in frontier days would have received a squarer deal.

SIDELINING CUOMO

If Cuomo were impeached by the Assembly, the state constitution forces him to step aside immediately, according to some legal experts, and remain on the sidelines until his trial is complete.

Thats a dramatic difference from what happens when the U.S. president is impeached.

When Sulzer was impeached, Lt. Gov. Martin Glynn was appointed acting governor. Sulzer, however, didnt accept his suspension, arguing that the state constitution allowed him to continue performing his duties until he was convicted.

The dispute was never decided by a court, but Gerald Benjamin  an expert on the New York Constitution and a political scientist at SUNY New Paltz  said he believed the rules governing impeachment are clear: Cuomo would have to temporarily relinquish power to Hochul.

The constitution is clear. He remains governor until he is impeached, Benjamin said. Once they impeach him, she (Hochul) acts as governor."

If Cuomo were to be acquitted by the Impeachment Court, he would return to office. If he's convicted, Hochul would serve out the remainder of Cuomos term  through the end of 2022. The court could also opt to disqualify him from holding office in the future.

THE TIMELINE

How quickly could this all happen? It's not clear.

The Assembly's judiciary committee has scheduled its next meeting for Aug. 9. A law firm representing the committee has given Cuomo until Aug. 13 to turn over evidence to bolster his defense.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has said he wants to wrap up the investigation as quickly as possible."

But drafting articles of impeachment could take time.

One issue is that the Assembly, when it first began contemplating impeachment, asked investigators to look into a range of issues beyond sexual harassment. Theres a discussion among lawmakers now about how to handle other parts of the inquiry, including an examination of Cuomos handling of data on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, his use of state employees to help him with a $5 million book deal and even potential safety issues on a newly built bridge.

As far as Im concerned, there are a lot of things that are on table, and what would happen is wed have to see what the committee thinks the articles of impeachment should include, said Judiciary Committee member Phil Steck, a Democrat. It gets complicated and I dont see how were going to do this in a couple of hours.

Lawmakers have yet to agree on key questions, like whether there will be public hearings.

Are the witnesses willing to testify? Judiciary Committee member Tom Abinanti, also a Democrat, said. Do the written documents support what were going to allege? Were almost in the role of a grand jury and the prosecutor. Weve got to decide: is the evidence sufficient and does it in fact constitute an impeachable offense? Its not so easy.

In the meantime, many elected officials in New York are hoping that Cuomo will save the legislature the trouble and resign.

So far, Cuomo has insisted he isn't going anywhere, saying Tuesday he would focus on doing more for New Yorkers, even as other leaders called for his ouster.

I will not be distracted from that job. We have a lot to do, Cuomo said.
A group of House Democrats has publicly called on President Joe Biden to speed up his efforts to close down the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay and humanely transfer its detainees elsewhere as quickly as possible.

The letters top signatories include Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, and Ilhan Omar, one of the members of the progressive squad.

The letter , co-signed by a total 75 members of Congress, gives strong support to the administrations stated goal of shutting the prison, but also calls on the White House to act faster in the interests of everyone concerned  as well as the USs international standing.

We ask that as you take the steps necessary to finally close the prison, it reads, you act immediately to further reduce its population, ensure that the remaining detainees are treated humanely, and increase the transparency of military commission proceedings at the Guantanamo detention facility.

In a tweet after the letters release, Ms Omar wrote: The prison at Guantanamo is a moral stain on our country. Its way past time we end this monument to cruelty and torture.

The letter singles out 10 detainees whose cases have been cleared for release but are still in custody at the prison, and calls on the administration to immediately re-establish the office of the Special Envoy for Guantanamo Prison Closure at the State Department or create an analogous position.

The prospect of re-establishing that office after the Trump administration scrapped all efforts to close the base has been floated by the administration before , with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying he was keen to make sure his department had a full-time officer dedicated to getting the camp shut down.

The letter to the president also calls on him to give detainees and their legal representatives access to their medical records, which are apparently being withheld or redacted because of sensitive information  raising the spectre that the records might contain evidence of abuse or torture while in detention.

The Biden administration transferred its first detainee out of Guantanamo this summer. Asked for comment by The Independent, a White House spokesperson said that the Biden administration remains dedicated to a deliberate and thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing of the Guantanamo facility.

Closing the Guantanamo detention facility was a major part of Barack Obamas agenda when he took office in 2009, and an order to shut it down was one of the first executive actions he signed after being sworn in. However, the legal implications of transferring its prisoners, whether to the US or elsewhere, proved difficult because of the legal circumstances of their apprehension, which has always presented the problem of what will happen if they are transferred to bona fide American soil.
A top aide to First Lady Jill Biden has been accused of behaviour so toxic hes reduced White House staffers to tears.

In a report byPolitico, Anthony Bernal was described as the most powerful person in Ms Bidens office. The report quoted numerous staffers, colleagues and campaign aides who painted a painted an ugly picture of Mr Bernals work conduct.

The adviser to the first lady is said to have called people stupid in meetings on more than one occasion, and routinely berated others. Many said he talked about colleagues behind their backs, and was trusted by no-one.

According to sources, his behaviour has been so unpleasant that staffers went as far as to compare him to Meryl Streeps character in The Devil Wears Prada or Littlefinger from Game of Thrones.

The First Ladys chief of staff, Julissa Reynoso, released a staunch defence of Mr Bernal, which read: Anthonys loyalty to our team and the first family is unrivalled, and he holds himself, and all of us, to the highest standards.

There is no one at the White House with a bigger heart than Anthony, which is one of several reasons why so many in the First Ladys office have worked with him for years. He cares deeply about the personal and professional growth of his colleagues.

Mr Bernal has worked for the Bidens since Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign, and many sources acknowledged his effectiveness. One official said he was warm, generous, and brilliant, but added he was as quick with a compliment as he is with a critique.

Another former colleague said Mr Bernal was the most loyal staffer Ive ever seen but said even if youre his friend, you know hell talk s*** about you.

Asked about the Politico report at a White House briefing, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: Ive worked with him now over the last six months, even as a newbie into the Biden orbit, the individual named by anonymous source. He has been nothing but supportive and communicative and thats been my experience.
Footage has emerged showing far-right Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene telling a sympathetic crowd of Alabamans that they should use guns to scare off government volunteers trying to encourage vaccination.

You lucky people here in Alabama might get a knock on your door because I hear Alabama might be one of the most unvaccinated states in the nation, she said to applause.

Well, Joe Biden wants to come talk to you guys. Hes going to be sending one of his police-state friends to your front door, to knock on the door, take down your name, your address, your family members names, your phone numbers, your cellphone numbers, probably ask for your social security number, and whether youve taken the vaccine or not.

The government already has most of this information, and there will be no need for the door-knockers to ask for the addresses of houses whose doors they have just knocked on.

Yeah, well, the congresswoman continued, what they dont know is in the South, we all love our second amendment rights, and were not real big on strangers showing up at our front door, are we? They might not like the welcome they get.

Conspiracy theories about the Biden administrations door-knocking initiative have circulated since it was first announced. Some of these false claims have been promulgated by other right-wing members of Congress; North Carolinas Madison Cawthorn, a hardcore supporter of Donald Trump, suggested that the initiative could be the prelude to a mass confiscation of guns and bibles.

As Ms Greene herself celebrated, Alabama has one of the lowest Covid-19 vaccination rates of any state. Only around 35 per cent of the population has been fully inoculated against the disease, as opposed to more than 50 per cent of the US population at large.

The state is now seeing a surge in both positive test results and hospitalisations, with some hospitals already suffering from high admissions numbers and staffing shortages. The number of admissions looks set to surpass the record set last winter in the coming days and weeks.

Along with her comments on frightening vaccine promoters with guns, Ms Greene also restated the false conspiracy theory that Dr Anthony Fauci funded Covid-19 by funnelling money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for gain-of-function research. Again, the crowd applauded her.

That is his baby, she said. That is his experiment. And hes getting to watch it in the real world like a live television show where he has the front row seat. Ms Greene emphasises that the virus really is killing people before the leaked video ends, leaving it a mystery as to what she thinks should be done to end the pandemic besides vaccinating people.
Washington DC police officer Michael Fanone wont be stripping out of his riot gear any time soon.

Claims he turned down a nude photoshoot from Playgirl were denied by its publisher after Time magazine buried the lede in its in-depth profile of the "hero cop".

Following the 6 January attack at the US Capitol, Mr Fanon went on something of a media blitz with the major TV networks and newspapers like CNN and The Washington Post to dispute criticisms that police hadnt used sufficient force to repel the rioters. He became a public face of the police response to the riot.

"The response was overwhelming. Thousands of letters, tens of thousands of emails, poured into the Metropolitan Police Department. Men wanted to thank him. Children said they looked up to him. Women swooned. (Fanone turned down a request to pose nude in Playgirl.)," wrote journalist Molly Ball.

Hungry for heroes, Ms Ball wrote, adoring liberals posted worshipful memes, made oil paintings of his face, and random people hugged him at gas stations.

What didnt happen, however, was an offer to bare more than just his heart and soul in the pages of the recently relaunched adult magazine.

"I can confirm that Playgirl Magazine never sent any request for Michael Fanone to pose in the publication, Jack Lindley Kuhn told Insider.

The Independent reached out to Ms Ball for comment on whether the Playgirl denial could be demonstrably disputed.

Mr Fanone has been one of the most high-profile officers to have responded to the riot, recently giving testimony to the House commission into the events of 6 January. Video footage from his body camera has become the visual low point of the violence.

During the riot, Mr Fanone had a heart attack after being swarmed by the mob of Donald Trump supporters who beat him with a pole, tased him and threw him to the ground.

He told Time that in addition to his life-threatening physical injuries, the attack led to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Theres people on both sides of the political aisle that are like, Listen, Jan. 6 happened, it was bad, we need to move on as a country, he told Time.

What an arrogant f****** thing for someone to say that wasnt there that day, he says. What needs to happen is there needs to be a reckoning.
Washington DC continues to make peoples skin crawl.

Just when they thought they were safe from the swarm of cicadas, residents have been experiencing mysterious bug bites leaving distinctively itchy welts all over their skin.

The search for whodunnit went viral after people began posting images of the bites on the Facebook group Arlington Neighbors Helping Each Other Through Covid-19 around 25 July.

Arlington Countys Department of Human Services assistant director Kurt Larrick told The Independent they have a prime suspect  pyemotes, a type of oak leaf itch mite  but that theyre still monitoring and investigating.

Tough to find a definitive cause with bites you dont notice and the bug is long gone (eg, not attached like a mature tick), he said.

The microscopic mites feed on the cicada eggs, which were left behind in their billions after Washington was recently overrun by the screeching insects.

Since bugs began chomping on people, especially if theyve been sitting beneath oak trees, the Facebook group has been inundated with people looking for relief.

Has anyone found any relief that works from these oak mite bites? wrote one member of the group. I am being tortured by the itch and Benadryl isnt cutting it. I dont want to scratch and risk infection. I have bites all over my neck, collarbone and breast area. Not sure how it even happen.

One facebook user recommended tree oil to reduce itching, while another advocated haemorrhoid cream with lidocaine.

There have been hot spoons, hairdryers, and fresh aloe proposed, while one Facebook user recommend a healthy dose of vodka, though doesnt clarify if it should be administered topically or internally.

Mr Larrick said people should consult their health care provider for any concerning skin irritation, but that there were some quick fixes to ease the pain.

Our continuing advice is prevention  FDA registered repellant and proper dress, and treatment for itchiness  Benadryl and hydrocortisone, Mr Larrick said.

Gene Kritsky, dean of behavioural and natural sciences at Mount St Joseph University, told The Washington Post the mites infestation would eventually end once they were done with the eggs laid during the surge of Brood X cicadas this summer.

I want to let people know theyre not crazy, Kritsky said. Its a phenomenon related to cicadas being there, and it will dissipate. And eventually, you wont have it next year, because the cicadas will not be emerging.
An investigation by the US Department of Defense has found the drone used to attack the MV Mercer Street ship was made in Iran.

The Pentagons Central Command released the findings of its investigation into the 30 July attack on the commercial vessel which blasted a hole in the vessels bridge, killing two crewmen including a British citizen.

A Romanian crew member was also killed in the attack off the coast of Oman.

The statement said that an investigative team was sent to inspect the vessel from the USS Ronald Reagan supercarrier.

It found the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that hit the Mercer Street was loaded with a military-grade explosive that had been built in Iran.

U.S. Central Command Statement on the Investigation into the Attack on the Motor Tanker Mercer Street, August 6th, 2021 @US5thFleethttps://t.co/Hy0TkNLKZ2 pic.twitter.com/jkx1YKP7Hp  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 6, 2021

The use of Iranian designed and produced one way attack kamikaze UAVs is a growing trend in the region, the reports executive summary said.

They are actively used by Iran and their proxies against coalition forces in the region, to include targets in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

An executive summary of the US Central Command investigation into the MV Mercer Street (US CentCom)

The Pentagon investigation found that the ship had been targeted by two UAV attacks the day before 30 July.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday it was highly likely that Iran was responsible for the fatal attack, the first after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal.

We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran, Mr Raab said, adding his thoughts were with the family of the British victim.

Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law.

The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.

The British national who died was an employee of maritime security firm Ambrey.

The G7 Foreign Ministers also released a statement condemning the attack, and blamed it on Iran.

As part of the US investigation, material from the Mercer Street was taken to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain and on to a US national laboratory for further testing and verification.

The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group, and owned by Taihei Kaiun, which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group.

British officials said that Iran was also almost certainly responsible for attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman in the summer of 2019.

Last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied responsibility for the attack.
Lionel Messi has spoken to Mauricio Pochettino about a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the French club now looking to find a way to make the transfer work.

Barcelona sensationally declared that the Argentine legend would not be continuing at the Nou Camp due to the prohibitive economic restrictions of La Liga, leading Messis camp to immediately start investigating what was possible.

There had finally been agreement between the 34-year-old and Barcelona, only for that to break down over the fact the Catalan hierarchy couldnt register any new players, due to their prohibitively high wage bill. Since Messi officially became a free agent when his previous contract ran out earlier in the summer, he was also classed as a new player.

While there is anger within Barcelona about the situation, it is largely of their own making, and has left Messi looking to quickly sort out his future.

That led to direct talks with Pochettino late on Thursday night. While PSG had previously indicated that Messis demands might be too high, they are now keen to make the transfer work.

Manchester City have also been explored as an option, but they are much more reticent this time. The Independent has been told that the English champions came within hours of signing Messi last summer, and the feeling at the club is the chance has gone.

PSG currently look like the most viable option, as one of the few clubs able to afford Messis wages. It is unlikely he will get the wage he was paid at Barcelona, but he could still earn up to 500,000 a week, depending on the economic opportunities he offers.

Any club signing Messi would ultimately be signing one of the most commercially attractive figures in sport, offsetting the high cost of any wage package.

Another option is MLS, with Inter Miami having already had extensive talks with Messis camp in the past.
What the papers say

Lionel Messis potential move to Manchester City is back on again following Barcelonas announcement he will leave the club as a free agent. City moved for the Argentinian great last year before he was forced to stay at Barca due to contractual clauses and a prohibitive pricetag. But the Catalan outfits news that they cannot re-sign the 34-year-old under La Liga finance regulations means City are now back in the hunt to secure him, the Manchester Evening News reports. Paris St Germain, however, have also been linked to Messi.

This all appears bad news for another big name striker  Harry Kane  who has been holding out for a transfer to City, according to the Daily Express. Kane appeared to say his farewells at Tottenhams last match of last season, and has made a bold move by not reporting to Spurs training this week. City were the highest bidders for his services, but even then the clubs 130million offer fell short of Tottenhams 160m valuation of Kane. If City sign Messi, it appears even more clear that Kane will be forced into an embarrassing climbdown and stay at Spurs.

Belgiums Romelu Lukakus potential return to Chelsea may have struck a hurdle (PA) (PA Wire)

Romelu Lukakus mooted return to Chelsea might also have hit the doldrums, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Lukaku has been linked this week with a switch from Inter Milan back to his old London home, with Chelsea reportedly willing to raise their bid from 87m to 100m. But Inter chairman Steven Zhang now says he wants to take more time to consider whether he wants to sell the 28-year-old Belgium striker.

Manchester United are still keen to sign England defender Kieran Trippier but his club Atletico Madrid will not budge on their 34m asking price, according to The Sun. The 30-year-old is reportedly keen to return to the Premier League and United would love to have him, but the Old Trafford side feel 18m is a more realistic price.

Lazios Joaquin Correa could be headed to Arsenal if the Gunners increase their offer (John Walton/PA) (PA Archive)

Arsenal want to sign Lazios Argentina striker Joaquin Correa but the two clubs are wide apart on a price, Corriere dello Sport reports. The Gunners have bid 17m for the 26-year-old, but Lazio consider this inadequate and would prefer a figure closer to 28m. Everton are also said to be interested.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Houssem Aouar: The 23-year-old Lyon midfielder is keen on a move to Arsenal this summer, The Sun reports.

Blackburn Rovers Adam Armstrong could be London-bound (Richard Sellers/PA) (PA Wire)

Adam Armstrong: Blackburns 24-year-old striker could be off to Crystal Palace, with talks between the two clubs at an advanced stage, according to Sky Sports.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa: Fulhams 25-year-old Cameroon midfielder could be off to Jose Mourinhos Roma, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The latest update to the governments travel lists sparked fury in some quarters, after India was bumped up to the amber list while Pakistan remains red.

A petition demanding that Pakistan be taken off the high-risk list has garnered over 114,000 signatures, with more than 50,000 of those added within the last 24 hours.

It has reached the threshold of 100,000, meaning the issue will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Thousands of people are stuck in Pakistan! reads the petition, which was launched in April after the country was first included on the red list.

Families are struggling financially and dont have enough to come with! No direct flights are being run! Help us come home!

Indias inclusion on the amber list in the traffic light list reshuffle on 8 August, while its neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh are stuck on red, prompted frustrations to resurface within the Pakistani community in the UK.

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Pakistans rate of Covid cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days is 21.72; Indias is currently almost double that, at 39.98.

Two Labour MPs have led the charge in calling for Pakistan to be removed from the red list, which necessitates hotel quarantine for all arrivals when they reach the UK, at a cost of 1,750, rising to 2,285 from 12 August.

Yasmin Qureshi, MP Bolton and South East and chair of the All Parties Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan, said it was clear and blatant discrimination towards Pakistan and accused the government of making public health decisions based on securing future trade agreements.

I am dismayed at the governments decision to keep Pakistan on the travel red list whilst removing other countries in the Middle East and South Asia region, she said.

Pakistan has no variant of concern reported and cases remain relatively low when compared with India and the UK yet is punished unnecessarily.

These changes point to one thing and one thing only  government politicking. The government has opted to remove India now to best prepare them for trade negotiations and is not based on data nor science.

Meanwhile Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West, called the governments behaviour callous and accused them of favouring political choices rather than science.

The UK is gearing up to start trade negotiations with India in the next few months. The Department of International Trade told Bloomberg that the two countries are currently in the pre-negotiation scoping phase of an FTA with the aim of starting negotiations proper in autumn of this year.

The Department of Health and Social Care said in response to the petition: The government has made it consistently clear it will take decisive action, if necessary, to contain the virus and Pakistan has been added to the red list to protect public health.

The government recognise the impact that the decision to place Pakistan on the red list will have on individuals. However, it is right that the government does all it can to reduce the risk of new strains of Covid-19 being imported into the UK.
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As the University of Rhode Island continues preparations for the upcoming fall semester -- including a looming deadline this Monday for students to submit proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or apply for an exemption -- the town of Narragansett's proposal to limit rental properties to a maximum of three students will head to a public hearing next Wednesday that is sure to draw spirited debate from those in support and opposed to the measure. The divisive 'three-student ordinance,' which was approved in August 2020 on a 4-1 vote, was struck down in Washington County Superior Court in June after a judge sided with a group of local property owners and landlords who argued the town did not follow proper procedure in passing the measure. Proponents of the change complain that single-family home ownership has been degraded over the past several decades and argue the demand placed on the rental market by URI students makes finding housing much more difficult and expensive for non students in the area. Opponents of the ordinance say that so-called quality-of-life issues such as arrests, nuisance reports and orange sticker violations, which prompted the current regulations limiting properties to four students, had significantly decreased in the past several years and another rule change is unwarranted. Do you believe the University of Rhode Island has a responsibility to increase on-campus housing for its students, either to alleviate pressure on the local housing market or to ensure students have adequate housing options should this revised ordinance pass? Let us know in this week's poll question.

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India is to end retrospective tax of capital gains from sale of assets located in the country by entities registered abroad. The development comes after major setbacks in arbitration cases involving retro tax demands contested by Cairn Energy and Vodafone. The Indian government will also refund the money collected on the basis of retrospective taxation, but without any interest, subject to certain stipulated conditions. An end to retrospective taxation has been long demanded by the international business community, and will remove unnecessary uncertainty over triggering corporate tax liabilities for an MNC in India. Previously, the Finance Act of 2012 enabled Indias tax department to impose tax on gains arising from the sale of shares of a foreign company  if such shares derived their value from assets located in India.



On August 5, 2021, the central government introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the lower house of parliament that seeks to withdraw tax demands made using the 2012 Finance Act, which enabled the collection of retrospective tax on indirect transfer of Indian assets. The bill is an outcome of Indias long-time tax disputes with UK firms Cairn Energy PLC and Vodafone Group.

On Friday, August 6, the bill was approved by the lower house. On Monday, August 9, the bill was returned from the upper house amid a walk-out from opposition parties, and since no objection has been recorded, the bill will move to receive the Presidents assent.

Once the bill receives the Presidents assent, which is only a matter of procedure, the Indian government aims to settle the pending tax disputes. As per a senior Finance Ministry official speaking to the media, Among the four main companies which are to get refund, Cairn is the largest one and it is already in touch with the government. Still, we will communicate to it about the new law. We will also talk to the other three.

The other three cases involve New Singular Wireless (INR 1.19 billion / US$16.03 million), WNS Capital (INR 470 million / US$6.33 million), and Vodafone (INR 447.4 million / US$6.03 million).

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairperson JB Mohapatra told media this week that the Indian government will have to pay INR 80 billion (approx. US$1.075 billion) to four companies, including Cairn Energy, Vodafone, and WNS Capital. The refund amount will not include interest.

What is the tax amendment bill proposing and will there be any future scope for retrospective tax in India?

The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to amend the Income-Tax Act, 1961 so that no retrospective tax demand shall be raised on any indirect transfer of Indian assets if the transaction was undertaken before May 28, 2012 (that is, the date on which the Finance Bill, 2012 received the Presidents assent).

The bill proposes that tax demand raised for indirect transfer of Indian assets made before May 28, 2012 shall be nullified on the fulfillment of specified conditions, such as the withdrawal or furnishing of undertaking for the withdrawal of pending litigation and furnishing an undertaking that no claim for cost, damages, interest etc. shall be filed.

The bill proposes to refund the amount paid in these cases without any interest thereon. Given this intention, the Indian government will have to refund US$1.2 billion to Cairn Energy for the shares of the company it had sold, tax refund withheld, and dividends that had been confiscated by the tax department.

The bill also proposes to amend the Finance Act, 2012 to provide that the validation of demand, etc. under section 119 of the Finance Act, 2012 shall cease to apply on the fulfillment of specified conditions, such as the withdrawal of pending litigation and furnishing an undertaking to the effect that no claim for cost, damages, interest, etc. shall be filed.

In its objectives, the bill said, Pursuant thereto, income-tax demand had been raised in 17 cases. In two cases assessments are pending due to stay granted by High Court. In two cases, the Arbitration Tribunal ruled in favour of the taxpayer and against the Income Tax Department [referring to the Cairn Energy and Vodafone cases].

Why is the bill being introduced now?

The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is a major effort towards ensuring the principle of tax certainty in India, which has been long asked by foreign investors and multinational enterprises operating in India.

Moreover, the high profile Cairn Energy and Vodafone retrospective tax arbitration cases have done much damage to Indias reputation as a business-friendly jurisdiction, neutralizing gains made through bureaucratic reforms and the push to expand Indias industrial production and infrastructure upgrades.

India wants to settle the pending cases by the fiscal year end.

Background

On December 21, 2020, the Indian government lost an international arbitration over the retrospective levy of taxes on Cairn Energy PLC. The three-person Hague-based tribunal, which includes an Indian representative, unanimously invalidated Indias claim of INR 102.47 billion in past taxes over a 2006-07 internal reorganization of Cairns India business. In a 582-page order, the tribunal stated that India had failed to accord the Claimants (Cairn Energys) investments fair and equitable treatment under its bilateral investment protection pact with the UK. The tribunal ordered India to return the value of shares it had sold, dividends seized, and tax refunds withheld to recoup the tax demand. The government was also asked to compensate Cairn for the total harm suffered along with interest and cost of arbitration. Based on this order, Cairn Energy has claimed that it has been awarded US$1.2 billion damages plus interest and cost. According to sources, this would be US$200 million of interest and US$20 million of arbitration cost, with the total amount payable by the Indian government US$1.4 billion (about INR 105 billion).

Prior to the Cairn Energy arbitration order, on September 25, 2020, the Netherlands-based Vodafone International BV won its international arbitration award against the Indian governments retro tax demand of INR 221 billion. The international arbitration court ruled that the Indian government seeking INR 221 billion in taxes from the company using retrospective legislation was in breach of the guarantee of fair and equitable treatment guaranteed under the bilateral investment protection pact between India and the Netherlands. The Indian governments liabilities  covering legal costs  are significantly less in this case since it did not take action to recover the retro tax demand from Vodafone.


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In a shocking incident, 45-year-old associate professor of MS Ramaiah Medical College & Hospital ended his life by jumping from the 8th floor of a building, on Wednesday morning. Though the reason for the extreme step is yet to be investigated, the police have suspected that work pressure could be the reason.

Spoke to colleagues normally

The deceased has been identified as Dr. Ambarish Vijay Raghav, who was an associate professor in the department of physiology and a resident of Banashankari. Police said that he had logged in for work at 9.30 am on Wednesday, as usual, and reportedly talked with his colleagues normally.

ms-ramaiah-hospital

"At around 11.45 pm, he fell from the Ramaiah Memorial Hospital building's terrace, which is on the 8th floor and the guards rushed to his rescue but he had passed away. He was last seen at around 10.30 am when he was discussing over the phone about getting his car repaired. It is suspected that he fell from the terrace as other places are covered with grills for safety. No one has seen him going to the terrace," the police added.



doctor

No suicide note

Police said Ambarishs wife is also a doctor and the couple has two children. He did not leave behind any suicide note and his family members are not aware of what pushed him to take the extreme step.

The police have recorded his wife's statement, who has reportedly told them that her husband had not shared any problem with her. "As per his wife, Dr. Ambarish was stressed out due to the overload of work pressure after the onset of the pandemic. Though the exact cause is yet to be known, it is suspected work pressure might have driven him to take the extreme step," an official said.

Representational image/iStock

The Sadashivanagar police have registered an unnatural death case in this connection. The body was handed over to family members after the autopsy was conducted at MS Ramaiah hospital.



If you know anyone battling with depression or other mental health issues, please reach out to someone who can help. AASRA Foundation: 022 2754 6669 Samaritans Mumbai: +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530 Sanjivini Society for Mental Health: +911124311918


516856-prescription-drugs-controlled-chemicals-are-fuelling-indias-illicit-drug-trade-reports-610cdd2909c6a

In a major drug bust, a joint raid by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police, prohibited drugs worth around Rs 686 crore were recovered from a warehouse in a village on the Indo-Nepal border in neighbouring Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh. The raids were carried out on Wednesday, based on specific inputs. The warehouse belonged to one Ramesh Kumar Gupta who has been arrested. Read more

Here are the top stories from across the world that made headlines today.

'Irreversible Transition' In Ocean Currents That Could Rapidly Freeze Parts Of US, Says Study

AFP

A large system of ocean currents in the Atlantic  which includes the Gulf Stream  has been disrupted due to human-caused climate change, scientists reported in a new study published. If that system collapses, it would lead to dramatic changes in worldwide weather patterns The Atlantic Oceans current system, an engine of the Northern Hemispheres climate, could be weakening due to climate change, which could have severe consequences for the worlds weather including extreme cold in Europe and parts of North America and rising sea levels in parts of the United States, according to the scientific study. Read more



What Is The Retrospective Tax Amendment, And How Will It Help Some Of The Biggest Corporates

TOI

A bill that seeks to do away with the contentious retrospective tax provision has been introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha. The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced by the Finance Minister in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill proposes to amend the Income Tax Act, 1961 to provide that no tax demand shall be raised in future on the basis of the retrospective amendment for any indirect transfer of Indian assets if the transaction was undertaken before May 28, 2012. Read more



Sand Turns Black In Mumbai's Juhu Beach From An Oil Spill, Source Still Unknown

Juhu Beach Oil Spill

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a clean-up drive in Mumbai's Juhu Beach after an oil spill was reported there. Traces of oil were first noticed on the beach on Wednesday evening but by Thursday, sand on over 5 kilometre stretch of Mumbai's Juhu Beach turPeople, who came for a walk in the morning said that the oil in the seawater was flowing towards the shore that has turned sand in black. Read more



Pakistan Govt To Renovate Temple, Punish Culprits After A Mob Attacked Its Premises

ARY

A day after a Hindu temple was attacked by a mob in Bhong city of Pakistans Punjab province, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to state that the government will renovate the damaged temple. Condemning the incident, PM Imran Khan tweeted, "Strongly condemn attack on Ganesh Mandir in Bhung, RYK yesterday. I have already asked IG Punjab to ensure arrest of all culprits and take action against any police negligence. The government will also restore the Mandir." Read more


In a major drug bust, a joint raid by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police, prohibited drugs worth around Rs 686 crore were recovered from a warehouse in a village on the Indo-Nepal border in neighbouring Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.

The raids were carried out on Wednesday, based on specific inputs.

The warehouse belonged to one Ramesh Kumar Gupta who has been arrested.

ANI

The search is on for another accused identified as Govind Gupta.

SSB Commandant Manoj Singh said, "This was a joint raid conducted along with the local police and drug Inspector. Drugs seized are worth 686 crore rupees. Some of them were sold in medical stores here and some were smuggled to Nepal since the borders are open."

"It is a big operation, hoping that the nexus will break and youth will be able to leave addiction behind. It was a well-coordinated raid. SDM Pramod and SSB Commandant Sanjay Kumar planned the operation together," Singh said.

ANI

Seized items include 104 injections, 18,782 syrup bottles, 3,13,384 capsules, 1,24,897 tablets and 1,34,460 printed price labels.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Maharajganj, Pradeep Gupta said that a lot of material was seized from the spot and a case has been registered against the accused.

Representational Image

"We recovered addictive injections, syrups, capsules, tablets and labels in lakhs. One of the accused is Ramesh Kumar Gupta and drugs were seized from his home and godown. Another accused named Govind Gupta is on the run and the search for him is still on. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Copyright Act and IPC sections 419, 429, 467, 468 and 471," said Pradeep.
The Afghan Taliban which is fast gaining ground in the battle-torn country has forcefully removed Nishan Sahib, a Sikh religious flag, from a gurdwara in the Paktia province in eastern Afghanistan.

According to reports, the Taliban allegedly forced the caretaker of the Gurdwara Thala Sahib in the Chamkani area of the Paktia province to remove the flag from the rooftop.

#FLASH :- The #NishanSahib , Sikh religious flag removed by #Taliban Forces from the roof of Gurdwara Thala Sahib , Chamkani , Paktia , #Afghanistan : sources pic.twitter.com/VSxFoLjOhy  Ravinder Singh Robin     (@rsrobin1) August 6, 2021

Gurdwara Thala Sahib has a significant place in the history of the Sikh religion as it was once visited by Guru Nanak.

While the Taliban is yet to acknowledge the development, it adds to the fears of religious minorities in Afghanistan who had long suffered when the insurgents were ruling the country.

Under their strict Islamic rule, non-Muslims were seen as second-class citizens and several of their religious places and monuments were also destroyed.

The most shocking of them was the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan - two 6th-century statues of Gautama Buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley of central Afghanistan.

The Taliban which viewed the statues as idols blew them up using explosives in March 2001.

Meanwhile, the Taliban on Friday confirmed that it has assassinated the Afghanistan government's top media and information officer in the capital city of Kabul.

AFP

Dawa Khan Minapal, who was the head of Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC), had been killed, an official in the federal interior ministry confirmed, without saying who was responsible.

On Friday Taliban also launched violent attacks on the outskirts of Jowzjan's provincial capital Sheberghan in an attempt to capture it.

AFP

Nine of the 10 districts of Jowzjan were now controlled by the Taliban and the contest to control Sheberghan was underway.

In Helmand province too the Taliban and the Afghan Army are engaged in a battle to control the capital of Lashkar Gah.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' reign as the world's richest person has ended after Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, surpassed him to take the top spot.

According to Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Arnault had a net worth of $199.1 billion on Thursday. Meanwhile, Bezos' real-time net worth stood at $193.8 billion, while that of Musk was $184.7 billion.



LVMH

Arnault, 72, is one of the leading authorities in fashion around the world. The billionaire runs LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world leader in luxury goods. The company oversees 70 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Moet, Fendi, Christian Dior, Givenchy and Sephora.

The group's reported 10-fold increase on annual basis in its bottom-line net profit soared at 5.3 billion euros ($6.3 billion) between January and June this year.



Credit: Romuald Meigneux

His net worth took a giant leap after LVMH completed a deal with American jeweller Tiffany & Co in January 2021 for $15.8 billion, which is believed to be the biggest luxury brand acquisition ever.



In 2019, LVMH completed the acquisition of luxury hospitality group Belmond, which owns or manages 46 luxury hotels, restaurants, trains and river cruises.



Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos' net worth suffered a hit last week as Amazon shares fell after reporting second quarter earnings.

Both billionaires went back and forth for the top spot on the Forbes rich list between May and June.




He sure can shake a leg! A 38-year-old Mumbai cop has become a social media sensation with his dance videos that have left people asking for more.

Amol Yashwant Kamble, who is posted at Naigaon police headquarters, dances after his duty hours or on his days off, and his talent came to light after he posted one of his dance videos on Instagram.

A video of him dancing to the song "Aya hain raja" from the film "Appu Raja" has made him an instant star on social media.

Talking about the video, Kamble told PTI, The dance was based on the theme of an on-duty policeman asking a two-wheeler rider to wear his mask properly, and later both of them show their dance moves."



For Kamble, who joined the police force in 2014, dancing has become a passion and he has been performing since he was a child.

Screengrab/Instagram

"My elder brother is a choreographer and I did some dance shows with him before joining the police force," the policeman said.



"As a policeman, I have a responsibility to maintain law and order and to protect citizens first, but on my weekly offs, I dance with my children, my sister's children and have fun," Kamble added.

ANI

Kamble has also shaken a leg with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan during a police event.



"Some people comment on my videos and say my dance inspires them. These comments make me happy. People should pursue their hobbies and take some time out to follow their passion and think positively," he said.


File photo of children of the Blue Mountain Gurdwara in Bethel Township leading a musical tribute at the memorial service in the wake of the shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara, on Aug. 12, 2012. (Harold Hoch/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)
Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 72F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 72F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has released a consumer alert for users of respiratory devices manufactured by Philips.

An estimated four million Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BiLevel PAP) devices, as well as mechanical ventilators manufactured before April 26, 2021, are being recalled due to potential health risks associated with the sound abatement foam in the devices that may degrade and be inhaled and could contain cancer-causing chemicals.

The Delaware Department of Insurance issued a notice after the companys recall notification and lack of communication to consumers and facilities has caused concern, particularly due to the necessity of devices in the treatment of both chronic conditions as well as facility-based usage, the department said in the notice. Recalled devices include those listed as providing respiratory treatment or support for COVID-19 patients.

While the recall notice urges immediate discontinuation of device use if possible, some individuals require the use of CPAP, BiPAP and ventilator devices and may face serious medical issues, including the possibility of death, if they do not have access to a machine. Residents using these medically necessary devices should contact their physician to discuss the best path forward for their individual needs and register in the Philips recall system online to begin a claim for replacement or financial restitution.

Users should not make any changes to their equipment or treatment plan without discussing with a physician. Doctors are encouraged to proactively communicate with their patients, and facilities should check all machines.

At this time, the company has not provided a replacement or repair timeline after issuing notice in June that the sound abatement foam in these devices may degrade, be ingested and create additional respiratory problems and could be releasing carcinogenic or otherwise hazardous chemicals into the air pathway.

The Delaware Department of Insurance is encouraging insurers to assist policyholders in any way possible during the situation.

Source: The Delaware Department of Insurance
Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

As additional support arrived from Greeces military and European Union countries, water-dropping planes and helicopters swooped over blazes near the capital, on the island of Evia and near Ancient Olympia to the south.

The country is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, with multiple large fires, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after visiting the site where the Olympics were held in antiquity every four years from 776 B.C. for more than a millennium. More than a dozen villages were evacuated in the area.

A heat wave baking southeast Europe for a second week has also triggered deadly fires in Turkey and Albania and blazes across the region.

North Macedonias government on Thursday declared the country in a state of crisis for the next 30 days due to wildfires.

The EU Commissioner for the environment, Virginijus Sinkevicius, said the fires and extreme weather globally over the summer were a clear signal for the need to address climate change.

We are fighting some of the worst wildfires weve seen in decades. But this summers floods, heatwaves and forest fires can become our new normality, he wrote in a tweet.

We must ask ourselves: Is this the world we want to live in? We need immediate actions for nature before its too late.

The EU bolstered assistance to fire-stricken countries, sending 40 French firefighters and eight tons of material to help Greece.

Greeces Civil Protection Agency said the risk of fires across southern Greece would increase further Friday, with windy weather forecast for parts of the country, despite an expected slight dip in temperatures that reached 45 C (113 F) earlier this week. The heat wave was described as Greeces worst since 1987.

Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos said the armed forces would expand their role in fire prevention, with ground patrols, drones, and aircraft over areas vulnerable to wildfires.

Outside Athens, a forest fire that broke out on the northern fringes of the capital Tuesday and damaged or destroyed scores of homes rekindled, triggering fresh evacuations, threatening homes and sending thick smoke over the capital.

The EU Atmosphere Monitoring Service said smoke plumes from the regions wildfires were clearly visible in satellite images, adding that the estimated intensity of the wildfires in Turkey was at the highest level since records started in 2003.

On the island of Evia, a major fire that broke out Tuesday was ravaging forests, leading to the evacuation of villages and a camping site, sending people fleeing in cars and by sea. More than 160 firefighters, three planes and three helicopters, as well as five ground teams and 57 vehicles, were deployed.

The fires have not caused any deaths or serious injuries. But Greek scientists said the total destruction in just three days this month in Greece exceeded 50% of the average area burned in the country in previous years. An Athens Observatory report said an estimated 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres) went up in smoke between Sunday and Wednesday, compared to 10,400 hectares in the whole of last year.

The causes of the Greek wildfires were unclear, but authorities say human error and carelessness are most frequently to blame.

However, arson was suspected in the blaze near ancient Olympia, with officials noting that seven fires broke out in quick succession in the region on Wednesday.

The mayor of the local town of Pyrgos, Panagiotis Antonakopoulos, told Open TV that one person had been spotted moving suspiciously in nearby woodland on a motorbike, stopping every so often and a fire breaking out shortly after his stops. The person, he said, had not yet been arrested.

Becatoros reported from Argostoli, Greece. Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, contributed.

Top Photo: An aircraft operates as flames burn a forest during a wildfire in Kourkouloi village on the island of Evia, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Forest fires fueled by a protracted heat wave raged overnight and into Thursday in Greece, threatening the archaeological site at the birthplace of the modern Olympics and forcing the evacuation of dozens of villages. (AP Photo/Thodoris Nikolaou)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
A former Iowa insurance producer was recently sentenced after pleading guilty to an insurance fraud scheme.

Dustin French of Red Oak, Iowa, pled guilty in July to one count of Theft 3rd Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor).

The Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau began an investigation of Frenchs actions in April 2020. The investigation concluded French received compensation from his insurer on multiple occasions following claims to his insurance provider.

The documentation supporting the claims was not accurate, investigators found, and French received benefits to which he was not entitled.

In February 2021, French was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud  Presenting False Information (Class D Felony) and one count of Theft in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony).

French received a deferred judgement and was ordered to serve two years probation. French was also assessed a civil penalty of $855 and ordered to pay $1,800 in victim restitution.

Source: Iowa Insurance Division

Topics Fraud Iowa
Gov. Tim Walz and a top state lawmakers say they will support an emergency financial relief package for farmers in Minnesota, where most of the state is in a severe or extreme drought.

Walz says he would support an aid package in a special session next month, when lawmakers will also decide how to spend $250 million in COVID-19 pandemic pay for frontline workers.

The governor got an earful at Farmfest in Redwood County from farmers and ranchers seeking drought relief, KMSP-TV reported.

There will be some farmers that will be driven off the farm through no choice of their own, said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish.

Agriculture officials said livestock and specialty crop farmers are hardest hit because their insurance generally covers less than corn and soybean farmers.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman said a financial relief package could be modeled after previous aid that lawmakers approved after flooding.

This drought is clearly a natural disaster that merits a state response, said Hortman. How we distribute aid and who exactly needs aid really depends on the market and the harvest and as soon as we know enough, well start to put a package together. There are lot of unanswered questions right now.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agribusiness Minnesota
HCI Group, Inc. announced that its insurtech subsidiary, TypTap Insurance Group, Inc., a Florida-based writer of private market homeowners and flood insurance, has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement for a proposed initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The size and price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The IPO is expected to take place after the completion of the SEC review process, subject to market and other conditions. There is no assurance that the IPO will be completed.

TypTap was launched in 2016 as a Florida private flood insurance alternative to the federal governments flood insurance plan. Today its website says it also writes flood in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina.

In 2018, TypTap expanded into homeowners insurance in Florida. It reported that it hit the $100 million mark in homeowners premiums in 2020.

TypTap has been expanding with the help of $100 million in financing from investment firm Centerbridge Partners it received in March. Centerbridges investment reflects about 11.75 percent of TypTap, based on post-money valuation for the company of about $850 million.

We will immediately begin preparing TypTap for future growth, Paresh Patel, CEO of HCI and TypTap, said at that time.

The insurer, which plans to go national, has already obtained regulatory approval to write homeowners business in 12 states outside Florida: New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, South Carolina, Mississippi, Indiana, West Virginia, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The company uses an online platform to quickly quote and bind policies. Algorithms and artificial intelligence drive the platform, which the company said helps identify policies that deliver profitable results while mitigating risk..

Despite TypTap falling under the insurtech umbrella, Patel said the company is very agent friendly. Currently, 90% of TypTaps business is sold by agents through the TypTap website.

TypTap is the latest insurtech looking to go public. Metromile, Lemonade and Root have gone public; Hippo was slated to do so this week.

HCIs largest subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance, provides homeowners insurance primarily in Florida. HCIs real estate subsidiary, Greenleaf Capital, owns and operates multiple properties in Florida, including office buildings, retail centers and marinas.

Topics Flood InsurTech Tech
Liability insurers on both sides of the Atlantic are scaling back the cover they offer companies ahead of an expected wave of discrimination claims as employers call staff back to their desks after 18 months of pandemic-induced home working.

There have been around 2,950 COVID-19-related employment lawsuits in the United States since the start of the pandemic, ranging from disputes over remote working to workplace safety and discrimination, law firm Fisher Phillips says.

Now industry sources say companies are starting to trigger policies which protect them against the cost of defending discrimination lawsuits and compensation awards, so-called employment practices liability insurance (EPLI).

That is making underwriters nervous.

Adrian Cox, chief executive of Beazley, a large Lloyds of London insurer, calls this a high exposure area, particularly in North America.

How you dont discriminate, how you deal with vaccination and testing  those are all difficult things for employers to work through, he told Reuters.

Karen Cargill, management liability specialist at insurance broker Marsh in London, said a fifth of notifications by its insurer clients of possible EPLI claims in Britain have been COVID-related in the past six months.

Jabs for Jobs

Insurers, employers and lawyers see mandatory vaccinations as a small but growing area of contention.

Tech giants such as Alphabet Inc.s Google and Facebook Inc. are among firms that have told all U.S. employees to be inoculated against COVID-19 before stepping into offices or onto campuses to help protect the health and safety of colleagues.

U.S. vaccination-related claims amount to less than 5% of total COVID-19 suits  or fewer than 150  said Kevin Troutman, partner and co-chair of Fisher Phillips Healthcare Industry Team. But that is expected to rise.

The vaccine mandates conundrum is just the next version of COVID claims that were going to see, said Kelly Thoerig, who oversees Marshs U.S. EPLI practice.

According to the preliminary results of an ongoing pulse survey of more than 200 American employers launched on July 19 by consultants Mercer, 14% now require staff to be vaccinated in order to work at a company site.

A number of U.S. employers with such policies have already faced court hearings. Workers at a Texas hospital alleged the vaccinations are experimental and that staff are being used as human guinea pigs.

The case was dismissed in June and some lawyers say this type of case is unlikely to be viable.

Medical or Religious Reasons

But workers could have protection if they are unable to be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons  unless this would pose an undue hardship on the business, the U.S. Insurance Information Institute says.

Vulnerable workers could also sue employers because a lack of a mandatory vaccination policy puts them at risk.

However, even if cases are thrown out, defense costs would fall to the employers  and their insurers.

Employment lawyers in Britain have seen fewer discrimination lawsuits so far.

In one case in Scotland, a chef won his unfair dismissal claim after being fired without notice having raised concerns about a lack of personal protective equipment and the risk of passing on the coronavirus to his vulnerable father.

On vaccination, lawyers say that no jab, no job contracts  such as those offered by London-based Pimlico Plumbers  risk discriminating against younger staff, who may not yet have been offered their second vaccine, or pregnant women, who might prefer to be vaccinated after childbirth.

If an employee has decided to refuse the vaccine through personal choiceit would be possible to exclude them from the premises on the grounds of health and safety, said Jo Keddie, a lawyer at Winckworth Sherwood.

(But) if an employee refuses to have the vaccination because of a health condition or a religious belief, they could argue that a mandatory vaccination policy is disability or religious discrimination.

Priced Out?

Many insurers are cutting their exposure by adding restrictions to new or renewed policies, requiring employers to bear more of the costs, and increasing premium rates, according to Jason Binette, EPLI product manager at AmTrust Exec in Windsor, Connecticut.

Lloyds of London insurers are among those to strip EPLI cover out of broader insurance packages they offer businesses, to keep a lid on prices. But specialist insurers in Bermuda, for example, still offer such cover, brokers said.

Business is booming for those who still sell EPLI, and premium rates are surging.

AmTrust has recorded a 22% increase in requests for cover since the pandemic started, driven in part by new small business customers.

Im seeing companies that have been around for 40 years that havent had coverage  and now want it, Binette said, adding that premium rates had jumped by 10-20%.

Sam Vardy, associate director at insurance broker Howden in London, puts the rate rise at 25-75% over the past 18 months.

Some employers simply say the price of EPLI is too high to risk bringing staff back to offices, according to Julia Graham, CEO of UK insurance buyers association Airmic.

They cant get (insurance) at the price they are willing to pay, she said.

(Additional reporting by Muvija M. in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Topics COVID-19 Carriers Claims Commercial Lines Business Insurance
A Texas water park says a chemical exposure that sent dozens of people to hospitals was caused by improper installation of a water filtration system.

Six Flags officials said a third-party service company improperly installed the system at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, causing pool-sanitizing chemicals to be released in an outdoor kiddie pool area on July 17.

We have determined that the vapor release involved a low-level mixture of the pool-sanitizing chemicals which was discharged from the bottom of the pool through the water filtration system, said Jason Freeman, Six Flags vice president of safety. The vapor was well below any reportable quantity.

About 30 people were hospitalized as a result, and 200 people have joined a lawsuit against Six Flags, which owns the water park, the Houston Chronicle reported. Those who fell ill complained of headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sore throats.

Six Flags did not identify the company that installed the system. The park was set to reopen to the public on Aug. 5.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Texas Chemicals
A crash that killed 10 people, including nine children, on a rain-slicked Alabama interstate happened after a tractor-trailer truck slammed into vehicles that had slowed down because of minor crashes, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday.

The National Highway Safety Boards initial findings on the fiery June 19 crash that involved 12 vehicles present a chronology of events but dont assign a cause or blame as the agency continues to investigate.

Eight of the victims were in a van from a youth home for abused or neglected children. The report said the van was hit by two commercial trucks. A Tennessee man and his baby in another vehicle were killed.

The report says a commercial truck hauling an empty trailer used for moving cars came upon a queue of traffic on Interstate 65 that had slowed and stopped because of earlier minor crashes. The commercial truck, operated by Hansen & Adkins, hit a 2020 Ford Explorer SUV before veering to the left and striking the youth home van.

The SUV overturned and struck several other vehicles in the line of stopped vehicles.

A tractor-trailer truck operated by Asmat Express then came upon the stopped vehicles, veered left, struck and mounted the bridge rail and then struck the van. The van and the truck came to rest in the median.

The multiple collisions caused a fire that burned the trucks, the van and three other vehicles, the report says.

Neither Hansen & Adkins, based in Los Alamitos, California; or Asmat Express, located in Clarkston, Georgia, responded to phone messages and emails seeking comment.

The report notes that the National Transportation Safety Board is still working on determining the probable cause of the crash with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes.

Four girls from the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, a home for abused and neglected children, were killed in the crash. The only survivor in the van was the homes director, Candice Gulley, who was driving. Two of Gulleys children and two of her nephews also died in the crash.

Gulley had taken the group to the Alabama coast for an annual trip sponsored by the girls ranch.

The pileup was the most devastating blow from a tropical depression that also claimed three other lives and destroyed dozens of homes in Alabama as it unleashed flash floods and spurred tornadoes.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Alabama
A former mayor in West Virginia has pleaded guilty to stealing federal relief funds meant to rebuild his city after a massive 2016 flood.

Ex-Richwood Mayor Bob Henry Baber, 70, pleaded guilty Monday in Nicholas County Circuit Court to one count of obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses, state Auditor John B. McCuskey said. He was accused of pocketing $2,444 from the city of Richwood.

Baber isnt the only local official who got in trouble. The city had received more than $3.1 million in federal flood recovery money from 2016 to 2018, and a portion of that was diverted by city officials for personal use, McCuskey said in a statement.

A trial on similar charges for another former Richwood mayor, Chris Drennen, was postponed indefinitely in April while she continues to cooperate with authorities.

When the charges were announced in March 2019, McCuskey described his investigation as a whirlwind that began by looking at Babers actions and quickly grew into a citywide accounting of where the federal flood recovery money went.

According to an audit, the city didnt keep track of the federal money, diverted funds away from their intended use and shelled out almost a quarter of a million dollars for consultants to help the city with the grant, according to audit. It also says Drennen and others were allowed unfettered discretion to pay themselves, family and friends nearly $500,000 after the flood.

In June 2016, thunderstorms drenched the region with as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain. A river that runs alongside Richwood swelled over, leading to flooding of more than 5 feet (1.5 meters). At least 23 people died statewide, and homes and infrastructure throughout the city were damaged or destroyed, according to the audit.

Baber led Richwood in the wake of the flood. In 2018 a three-judge panel approved the city councils request to remove Baber from office.

I regret my actions from the bottom of my heart, Baber said. It was a terrible lapse of judgment to press for payment for volunteer flood recovery work performed before I was sworn in as mayor. I clearly and unequivocally recognize it was illegal, wrong, and unethical.

Baber faces up to 10 years in prison along with being ordered to pay restitution. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 12.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Fraud Flood Virginia West Virginia
Norwegian Cruise Line heads to federal court on Friday in a battle that pits the companys plan for returning to the seas against Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss vow to oppose COVID-19 vaccine passports.

The court battle comes as big business and some government entities are responding to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus with vaccination requirements, prompting legal challenges from vaccine skeptics and civil libertarians.

Norwegian plans to make its first post-pandemic departure from Miami, the main port for Caribbean cruises, on Aug. 15. As part of its plan to guard against a COVID-19 outbreak, it will require passengers to prove they have been vaccinated. Norwegian says the Florida law violates the companys First Amendment rights. Florida says Norwegian is free to ask for proof of vaccination but cannot deny entry to the ship for anyone who declines to provide documentation. Banning anyone who refuses to prove their vaccine status will run afoul of Floridas law, which forbids businesses, government entities and schools from requiring proof of COIVD-19 immunity in return for a service. The law has certain exceptions, such as for healthcare.

The ban on vaccine passports took effect on July 1 and Norwegian faces a fine of up to $5,000 for each violation.

The law essentially codified an executive order signed in April by DeSantis, who is staunchly against COVID-19 restrictions, even as the Republican governors state has become a hotbed of infections and hospitalizations have hit record levels.

Norwegian has said in court papers that enforcing the law would be devastating to its passengers, employees and suppliers by forcing the cancellation of the cruise, and condemned the law as doing nothing for passenger safety.

What this ban really does is score political points, it said in court papers.

Norwegian is ramping up its return to cruises, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shut down in March 2020 with its No Sail order.

On Saturday, Norwegian will make its first post-pandemic sailing from a U.S. port with an Alaska cruise from Seattle.

In order to sail, Norwegian has attested to the CDC it would confirm that at least 95% of passengers have been vaccinated.

The company has urged U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami to block the Florida law, saying it is pre-empted by the CDCs authority.

Norwegian said in court papers that the Florida law violates the companys First Amendment rights by restricting the flow of information with customers and interferes with interstate commerce.

The state has responded that Norwegian is free to ask for proof of vaccination and its customers are free to provide it, but the cruise line cannot deny entry to the ship for anyone who declines to provide documentation.

It argued that Norwegian could have opted, as rival cruise operators did, to seek CDC approval through a process of running simulated voyages and applying other COVID-19 protocols such as masking indoors.

Norwegians arguments face an added wrinkle. The CDC cruise restrictions were temporarily blocked in Florida late last month after the state sued.

Norwegian argued the preliminary injunction against the CDC requirements is not final and the cruise line still must comply outside Florida.

DeSantis has been dismissive of the plight of Norwegian, which he called one of the smaller cruise lines and has said the companys niche could be filled by other operators if it left Florida.

Royal Caribbean said on Wednesday it will be requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated https://www.reuters.com/business/royal-caribbeans-cruise-bookings-jump-tourism-industry-recovers-2021-08-04, although the policy will not apply to cruises departing from Florida.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; editing by Noeleen Walder and Jonathan Oatis)

Topics Florida
The state of Washington has reached a settlement with Gebbers Farms Operations, LP to spend more than $2 million improving housing, quality of life, safety and access to health care for farm employees and their families.

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries announced the settlement Wednesday in a case that involved one of the largest workplace safety and health fines in state history.

Gebbers Farms, located in Brewster, Washington, was fined $2 million and $13,200 after two inspections in 2020 found 24 egregious willful violations  12 for unsafe sleeping arrangements in temporary worker housing and 12 for unsafe worker transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two farmworkers died from coronavirus while living and working on the farm. Gebbers was also cited for six other serious violations, including not reporting a fatality.

The other investigation found the farm was not ensuring adequate social distancing by allowing workers to sleep in both top and bottom bunks and there were no barriers in the kitchen/cooking areas.

Real, on-the-ground improvements for farmworkers and their families are a fitting way to honor the memories of the Gebbers workers who died, said L&I Director Joel Sacks.

An effort to reach Gebbers for comment wasnt immediately successful.

Under the settlement, Gebbers will make approximately $1.4 million in capital improvements to temporary worker housing. That includes demolishing and rebuilding one of its older, temporary worker housing camps. Three new living units with all new amenities will be built in its place.

The company will also build a cell tower so workers have reliable communication with family, upgrade electrical to support washing machines and dryers for workers, buy new mattresses for temporary worker housing, and install air conditioning units and make power upgrades

The company will also donate $513,000 to improve access to health care for workers and their families. The money will go to area hospitals, health care centers, emergency medical services, day care and recreational centers serving the workers and their families.

Gebbers Farms will also spend $150,000 to hire a full-time employee for three years to supervise worker safety and health. The officer will have authority to stop any activity deemed unsafe or in violation of the safety and health rules.

In exchange for these actions, the fines resulting from the citations will be reduced to $10,000.

Sacks said the settlement will end what could have been years of expensive court fights.

This settlement means the company will put significant money where it will help the most: improving health, safety, and quality of life for farmworkers and their families, Sacks said.

Topics COVID-19 Washington Agribusiness
A federal judge in Nevada has revived elements of a securities fraud lawsuit seeking class-action status for allegations that executives at Wynn Resorts Ltd. knew about, but disregarded, reports of sexual harassment and misconduct against company founder Steve Wynn.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled the case can go forward alleging that Steve Wynn, board members and top executives at his Las Vegas-based company violated Securities and Exchange Commission laws and rules through material misrepresentations and omissions.

Wynn has denied allegations that became public in January 2018 with a Wall Street Journal report about dozens of casino employees describing, as the judge noted, behavior that cumulatively would amount to a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct.

The former casino mogul, now 79, resigned as company chief executive and board chairman shortly after the Journal article appeared and has multiple ongoing court fights.

His attorneys in the current case, Colby Williams in Las Vegas and Michelle Johnson and Colleen Smith in California, declined to comment about Gordons order.

A different federal judge dismissed the complaint in May 2020, but allowed plaintiffs led by John Ferris and Joann Ferris to amend and refile the case.

It seeks unspecified damages for unnamed holders of Wynn stock that plunged in value more than 17% after misconduct allegations became public.

The courts decision underscores the fact that alleged sexual misconduct and harassment by corporate executives are material issues for investors, especially when management turns a blind eye to reports of wrongdoing, said Murielle Steven Walsh, attorney for the plaintiffs. This type of misconduct poses a threat to a companys financial success.

Gordon, in his 42-page order issued July 28, said the revived case should focus on two statements made by the company:

One, a press release responding to allegations raised in a legal filing by Wynns ex-wife, Elaine Wynn, regarding serious misconduct and misuse of company resources by (Steve) Wynn.

Second, statements by the company and Steve Wynn responding to the Journal article.

At this stage, the judge said, plaintiffs sufficiently alleged that Steve Wynn, current company president and CEO Matt Maddox, and two other executives, Kimmarie Sinatra, former executive vice president general counsel and secretary, and Stephen Cootey, former chief financial and accounting officer and treasurer, were aware of information contradicting their statements that denied misconduct allegations.

The inference that these defendants were aware of Wynns alleged misconduct at the time of their statements is cogent and compelling, Gordon wrote.

Wynn Resorts spokesman Michael Weaver said in a statement that the company looks forward to the case moving beyond the allegation stage.

Wynn Resorts owns and operates casinos in Las Vegas, Massachusetts and the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau.

Its statement said similar allegations were investigated in 2018 and 2019 by Massachusetts and Nevada gambling regulators and both affirmed the companys and its current executives licensure and good standing.

In February 2019, the Nevada Gaming Commission ended a year-long probe and fined the company a record $20 million for failing to investigate claims of sexual misconduct against Wynn before he resigned.

Then-Commissioner Philip Pro, a former federal judge, said investigators found a failure of a corporate culture to effectively govern itself as it should.

In April 2019, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined Wynn Resorts $35 million for executives failure to disclose years of allegations of sexual misconduct against Steve Wynn. It also fined Maddox $500,000 for a clear failure to investigate at least one misconduct complaint.

Massachusetts regulators said they were troubled by the systemic failures and pervasive culture of non-disclosure at Wynn Resorts.

The company agreed in November 2019 to accept $20 million in damages from Steve Wynn and $21 million more from insurance carriers on behalf of current and former employees of Wynn Resorts to settle shareholder lawsuits accusing company directors of failing to disclose misconduct allegations.

The agreements made no admission of wrongdoing.

In another ongoing legal case, the Nevada Supreme Court is considering Steve Wynns appeal of a decision last December by the Nevada Gaming Commission to consider fining him up to $500,000 and declare him unsuitable to renew his gambling ties to the state.

Steve Wynn also has a pending defamation lawsuit against The Associated Press and an AP reporter based on a story about accounts to Las Vegas police from two women who alleged sexual misconduct by Wynn.

Wynn owned, built and operated notable Las Vegas properties including the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island and Bellagio before building the Wynn and Encore resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Nevada
The Restaurants Association of Ireland has said new guidelines for the hospitality industry from Failte Ireland are "unworkable".

The guidelines published this morning allow live music and performances and multiple tables to be booked in outdoor areas for up to 200 people.

While allowing multiple tables to be booked is a departure from the original guidelines, intermingling between the tables is not permitted and the 11.30pm curfew remains.

The new guidelines state that customers should wear face coverings/masks when moving around the outdoor dining area.

The capacity of the outdoor event area must be reviewed and the "overall capacity will depend on the size of the outdoor event area where customers will be seated," the new guidelines state.

Live music will be permitted at weddings outdoors, but dancing will continue to be prohibited.

The changes to the guidance come after the Tanaiste attended a private outdoor party for former Minister Katherine Zappone in Dublin's Merrion Hotel in July.

The Attorney General has since clarified that this event was within the law, but was not reflected in the Failte Ireland guidelines given to pubs and restaurants.

After meetings between government officials and the tourism board on Thursday, the new guidelines were sent to businesses on Friday.

The management of the bar or restaurant is responsible for minimising the number of arrival and departure points for customers and dedicated employees must always monitor and manage physical distancing rather than simply rely on signage.

Queueing procedures must be implemented if customers cannot be seated immediately.

Customers must remain seated at their table except when availing of the food counter service, using the toilet, paying, arriving, and departing.

Customers can use a food service counter, a BBQ, or buffet but are not permitted to access bar counters to order drinks.

As previously outlined, a maximum of six people aged 13 or over are permitted at a table. This limit of six does not include accompanying children aged 12 or younger and the total combined capacity at a table cannot exceed 15 overall.

Social distancing of at least one metre should be maintained between people seated at tables.

The guidelines state an outdoor area must not be "wholly enclosed or substantially enclosed" which in practice means it must not have sides (including windows, doors, gates or other fittings that can be opened or shut) that enclose more than 50% of the perimeter of that area.

For example, a marquee or gazebo with a roof and four sides would not be an outdoor space and would be required to have at least 50% of its wall area open to the external air.

The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting the following key areas and items must be at a minimum twice daily.

Adrian Cummins of the Restaurant Association Ireland says the new guidelines are "unworkable".

"We're not happy. These will be very difficult to implement," he said. "Trying to police the intermingling of tables will be a big issue straight away.

"It's very unworkable for the industry.

If you have 33 tables of six, how do you stop people moving from table to table? Have someone to mind them?

"You could have 200 people on a street and no one cares. They should've spoken to the industry in the last 48 hours and we would've explained that.

"We've been outside the door again. We'll be looking for a future meeting with government to discuss how to police this."

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the publication of new Failte Ireland reopening guidelines.

In a statement, the VFI said it hoped the new rules would "bring clarity to a number of issues" including the numbers permitted to attend outdoor events and parties.

We welcome the clarity these new guidelines offer our members," said Padraig Cribben, VFI Chief Executive.

"Pubs are now permitted to facilitate outdoor parties for up to 200 people while live music makes a welcome return also in outdoor settings.

Mr Cribben said the new guidelines "make clear were moving towards a full reopening of society."

"Its now only a matter of time before all restrictions in pubs such as mandatory table service and the ban on people sitting at bar counters are removed," he added.

Confusion

A government minister has admitted the messaging around hospitality rules has been confusing.

Malcolm Noonan has said the new rules should go some way towards allaying any misunderstanding.

"It certainly has been confusing to people, I think that's why today is important that we have that clarification," he said.

"I think it's not just the event in the Merrion Hotel that sparked this is. There have been events and situations where people have not been clear. I think we needed that clarity, and today we have it and I think it's a positive step forward.

"It was needed, it was needed by the hospitality sector, and needed by those who are working the hospitality sector and people who just go out and enjoy what are gradually easing restrictions."
The level of terrorism in Northern Ireland dropped over the last 12 months while some police seizures and arrests were up, official figures show.

There was one terrorist-linked murder in the last year  the shooting of 54-year-old Danny McLean in north Belfast in February. Dissident republicans were among the lines of inquiry followed by police.

This one death recorded between August 1 2020 and July 31 2021 is a drop from two recorded in the previous year, according to a bulletin compiled by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).

A police cordon off Cliftonville Road in north Belfast, where a man was murdered on Tuesday (Rebecca Black/PA)

There were 13 bombing incidents, down from 19 the previous year, and 34 shooting incidents, down from 46.

Most of the shootings happened in the Causeway Coast and Glens council area and Derry City and Strabane (10 in each district), followed by Belfast (nine).

The number of paramilitary-style shootings  so-called punishment attacks  remained at the same level (18) over the two years, but there were 37 victims of paramilitary-style assaults, down from 52 in the previous year.

Northern Ireland security figures compiled by Nisra (Nisra/PA)

Meanwhile, there were successes for police, including the finding of 39 firearms in 2020/21, up from 25 in the previous year.

Nisra noted the increase resulted from a large quantity of firearms found during May 2021.

The haul of handguns, machine guns, machine pistols and an assault rifle in a rural area close to Newry was described as the most significant firearms find in Northern Ireland in a decade.

A haul of 11 firearms including machine guns and an assault rifle which were been recovered in Co Down as part of a National Crime Agency investigation (National Crime Agency/PA)

It followed a search carried out as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into organised crime, supported by the PSNI.

Some 120 arrests under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act were made in 2020/21, up from 80 in the previous year, and 22 people were subsequently charged, up from eight in the previous year.
Business owners in Belfast city centre have described scenes of panic as their premises were flooded following torrential rain.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain across Northern Ireland, which will remain in place until midnight on Friday.

Following heavy rain on Friday afternoon, incidents of flooding were recorded in a number of locations.

One of the worst affected areas was Berry Street at the rear of CastleCourt Shopping Centre, where business owners said ankle-deep flood water entered their premises

Ann McAloon, from the Absolute Beauty Salon, said she had not witnessed scenes like it in 25 years in business in the area.

She said: Within 15 minutes the salon was flooded, we had no way of keeping the water out.

The traffic was still going up and down so it was making a tidal wave and it was coming in, we could hardly even get the door closed.

Everything was floating up and down the street. The council have arrived with the sandbags but we could have been doing with them a few hours ago, just to save what we could in the premises.

Ann McAloon in the Absolute Beauty Salon, which was flooded in Belfast (Rebecca Black/PA)

Ms McAloon added: We had clients in at the time, Friday is always our busiest day so we had to cancel all the clients for tomorrow as well, because the place is filthy.

The business hasnt come back up again from the pandemic because a lot of the people are still working from home, we dont even know where you would start dealing with this.

For Belfast city centre it is a disgrace. It was half an hours rain and within 15 minutes everything was just flooded.

Stephen Conley from the Foggy Brew coffee shops begins to clean up after his business was flooded (Rebecca Black/PA)

Stephen Conley, owner of the Foggy Brew coffee shop, said the rain started about noon and within 15 minutes his business was knee-deep in water.

He added: There were a couple of customers sitting out the front and they saw the water was starting to flood. Five minutes later customers started leaving.

Then it started coming through the door and got worse and worse and worse, it started getting up to shoe level. There was a woman with a baby in a pram that we had to lift out.

Sandbags at the Foggy Brew coffee shop (Rebecca Black/PA)

The damage is starting to sink in now. I dont know how long it is going to take to get back.

It has never happened before. There were customers in the shop and we didnt know what to do.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said about 50 homes were flooded in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast.

He told the BBC: The water was knee deep, it entered a lot of the properties but thankfully the residents responded very quickly and we got on to the council and the Department of Infrastructure did provide sandbags.

We were able to limit the damage but it has left a lot of sewage in and around the gardens. It has had a huge impact on Ardoyne. This particular area has flooded before but this is the worst we have seen in many years.

The Met Office said the heavy rain was expected to continue into the weekend.

A tweet said: Loads of heavy showers around N. Ireland at the moment, indeed torrential in a few places. Watch out for sudden flooding of transport networks. Unfortunately high rainfall intensities may also risk local property flooding. More of the same on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it was dispatched to an incident of flooding across two main roads in Belleek, County Fermanagh, in the early hours of Friday morning.

A tweet said: Last night Firefighters from Belleek and Enniskillen Fire Station responded to reports of significant flooding across 2 main roads in Belleek. Firefighters from Ballyshannon Fire Station also attended the incident

A male had become trapped in his car but was out of the vehicle when Firefighters arrived. Firefighters used a light portable pump and 10 lengths of hose to clear the flooding.

While Firefighters were clearing the floodwater a member of the public informed them that a 65-year-old man had had a heart attack nearby. 2 Firefighters attended the casualty, they provided oxygen therapy & used a defibrillator until an ambulance arrived.

He was then taken to hospital and the Firefighters returned to continue clearing the floodwater. The road was cleared and left safe.
Cutting carbon dioxide is not enough to solve the climate crisis  the world must act swiftly on another powerful greenhouse gas, methane, to halt the rise in global temperatures, experts have warned.

Leading climate scientists will give their starkest warning yet  that we are rushing to the brink of climate catastrophe  in a landmark report on Monday.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will publish its sixth assessment report, a comprehensive review of the worlds knowledge of the climate crisis and how human actions are altering the planet. It will show in detail how close the world is to irreversible change.

One of the key action points for policymakers is likely to be a warning that methane is playing an ever-greater role in overheating the planet.

The carbon-rich gas, produced from animal farming, shale gas wells, and poorly managed conventional oil and gas extraction, heats the world far more effectively than carbon dioxide  it has a warming potential more than 80 times that of CO2  but has a shorter life in the atmosphere, persisting for about a decade before it degrades into CO2.

Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development and a lead reviewer for the IPCC, said methane reductions were probably the only way of staving off temperature rises of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, beyond which extreme weather will increase and tipping points could be reached.

Cutting methane is the biggest opportunity to slow warming between now and 2040, he said. We need to face this emergency.

Zaelke said policymakers must heed the IPCC findings on methane before the UN climate talks, Cop26, in Glasgow in November. We need to see at Cop26 a recognition of this problem, that we need to do something on this.

Cutting methane could balance the impact of phasing out coal, a key goal at Cop26 because it is the dirtiest fossil fuel and has caused sharp rises in emissions in recent years. However, coal use has a perverse climate effect: the particles of sulphur it produces shield the Earth from some warming by deflecting some sunlight.

That means the immediate effect of cutting coal use could be to increase warming, although protecting the Earth in the medium and long term. Zaelke said cutting methane could offset that. Defossilisation will not lead to cooling until about 2050. Sulphur falling out of the atmosphere will unmask warming that is already in the system, he said.

Climate change is like a marathon  we need to stay in the race. Cutting carbon dioxide will not lead to cooling in the next 10 years, and beyond that our ability to tackle climate change will be so severely compromised that we will not be able to run on. Cutting methane gives us time.

Levels of methane have risen sharply in recent years, caused by shale gas, poorly managed conventional gas, oil drilling and meat production. Last year, methane emissions rose by a record amount, according to the UN environment programme.

More than 40% of EU gas is methane heavy gas from Russia, which is worse than coal for the climate, said Paul Bledsoe, a former Clinton White House climate adviser. AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov

Satellite data shows that some of the key sources of methane are poorly managed Russian oil and gas wells. Gas can be extracted from conventional drilling using modern techniques that all but eliminate fugitive or accidental methane emissions.

But while countries such as Qatar take care over methane, Russia, which is a party to the 2015 Paris climate agreement but has made little effort to cut its emissions, has some of the leakiest infrastructure.

Today more than 40% of EU gas is methane heavy gas from Russia, which is worse than coal for the climate, said Paul Bledsoe, a former Clinton White House climate adviser now with the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington.

The EU should begin to measure and then regulate methane emissions from all its natural gas imports to begin a cleanup of global natural gas.

Reducing methane emissions can save money. The UNs assessment found that about half of the reductions in methane needed could be achieved with a quick payback.

Zaelke urged governments to consider crafting a new deal, alongside the Paris agreement, that would cover methane and require countries to sharply reduce their gas. I predict we will have to have a global methane agreement, he said.

Methane is also produced by melting permafrost, and there have been indications that the Siberian heatwave could increase emissions of the gas. However, large-scale emissions from permafrost melting are thought to be still some way off, while emissions of methane from agriculture and industry can be tackled today.

 Guardian Service
The Taliban has shot dead the director of Afghanistans Government Information Media Centre in the latest attack on journalists and human rights activists in recent months.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the groups fighters had killed Dawa Khan Menapal, who ran the governments press operations for the local and foreign media.

In a statement, Mujahid said that Mr Menapal was killed in a special attack of Mujahideen and was punished to his deeds.

Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

A mortar shell hole is seen in a shipping container (Abdul Khaliq/AP)

Several recent attacks against civilians have been claimed by the Islamic State, although the government most often holds the Taliban responsible.

The war between the Taliban and Afghan government forces has intensified over the past few months as US and Nato troops complete their pullout from the country.

The Taliban are trying to seize provincial capitals after already taking smaller administrative districts.

The killing of Mr Menapal occurred as weekly Friday prayers were being said, Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Said Hamid Rushan said.

On Tuesday, a Taliban bombing attack targeting Afghanistans acting defence minister killed at least eight people and wounded 20 in a heavily guarded upmarket neighbourhood of Kabul. The deputy minister was unharmed.

The blast was followed by a gun battle that left four militants dead. The Taliban said it was to avenge its fighters killed during government offensives in rural provinces.
Burma Abandoned by Junta, Myanmar People Forced to Rely on Each Other

Flannel Box sells basic food items at 50 kyats per unit, such as rice, onions and instant noodle packs to those struggling during the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. / Flannel Box / Facebook

Its sad but true that most of the time when Myanmar people face life and death situations, they cant rely on their government. Take Cyclone Nargis, which devastated the countrys Ayeyarwady Region in 2008 and killed more than 130,000 people. It was well-wishers from other parts of the country who rushed down with aid to the delta when the countrys then regime stubbornly rejected international humanitarian assistance.

Fast forward to 2021. With the Southeast Asian country being ravaged by the deadly COVID-19 outbreak under the countrys latest military regime, people find themselves depending on each other for their survival once again, as the ruling military is doing a poor job of easing the suffering of the people and controlling the pandemic, instead continuing to escalate their crackdown on civilians who oppose its rule.

In short, nothing more truly reflects the spirit of for the people, by the people than Myanmars situation today.

Recently, when Yangon was reeling from the impact of COVID-19, some well-wishers launched a campaign by selling basic food items at greatly reduced prices, as little as 100 kyatsor five times less than you pay for a cup of tea todayfor those in need, as many face hunger amid staple food price spikes and rising unemployment due to the pandemic.

When poultry product prices spiked recently as people rushed to buy more eggs to boost their immune system against the virus, Flannel Box, a clothing store in Yangon, started selling eggs at only 5 kyats each in late July.

The price of eggs jumped to two or three times their normal price of under 150 kyats to 200-300 kyats each at that time, leaving poor people unable to afford them. When it was reported, regime leader Min Aung Hlaing just said the military had been poultry farming for nearly six years and would get his troops to sell eggs to the people. But so far it hasnt happened.

This is the time that we need to share what we have and help the needy residents, Ko Ye Zaw from Flannel Box told The Irrawaddy.

The shop has also begun selling other basic food items at 50 kyats per unit, such as rice, onions and instant noodle packs, to help people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

His reason for selling them at hugely discounted prices was simple: he didnt want youths who lost their jobs and were struggling with the cost of living, as well as poor people, to feel ashamed or reluctant to come. Thus, instead of giving them out for free, he decided to sell them at a new reduced price.

The campaign has been hugely praised and inspired many people to follow suit in other townships in Yangon and in other cities in Mandalay Region, Shan State and Kachin State.

In Kachin States jade town Hpakant, young people put basic food items including rice and canned fish on sale at 100 kyats per item on Wednesday in an effort to help low-income families during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Sunni Jame Mosque Welfare Society in South Okkalapa Township in Yangon is also selling one bag of rice for 100 kyatsnearly freeto those who are in need this week.

Contrary to what people are facing now, in the previous first and second waves of COVID-19, the countrys elected civilian government, which was ousted by the junta in a Feb. 1 coup, provided basic food and cash handouts for those struggling across the country during the COVID-19 shutdown. The food distribution came after the countrys first fatality was reported during the first wave, followed by cash handouts and reduced power bills to encourage people to stay at home.

This time the regime made a few so-called donations at a handful of placesjust enough to be photographed and aired on its propaganda channelsover the past month.

Myanmar managed to cope with the previous two waves, but as the country saw its deadliest month of the pandemic so far in July, the junta failed to provide health assistance to the sick.

And even well-wishers who sought help for those who are struggling faced obstructions from junta forces and its appointed local authorities in some places, claiming those seeking aid were breaking bans on mass gatherings under COVID-19 rules as long queues formed at places where needed items were being sold.

Mazely Flannel, a clothing store in Yangon, began selling four basic foods together for only 100 kyats but had to call off its first sale recently when junta forces came and broke it up.

Ko Min Zan Re from the shop said an army truck arrived in haste nearby as crowds gathered and the regime forces and local authorities came and told him repeatedly that the sale was a violation of COVID-19 rules.

As a final warning, he was threatened with a jail term if he failed to call off the sale within 30 minutes.

In Tamwe Township, a shop selling rice for only 100 kyats was also threatened with a ban by an official for not seeking his approval for the event.

To avoid similar obstructions, the sellers chose to go mobile, selling door to door.

Mazely Flannel sold door to door to 500 households in a ward in South Dagon and to 150 households in a ward in Kyit Myin Daing Township, and plans to sell to another 3,000 households.

Ko Min Zan Re from Mazely Flannel said many families are struggling to feed themselves as they have no income after losing their jobs, forcing many to skip meals or eat less nutritious food.

We cant stop because were obstructed. We must help residents who are in serious trouble in this time of political, economic and health crisis, he said.

Flannel Box is also planning to use cars to reach 1,000 people in its third mobile sale, in order to avoid further obstruction and to continue to reach residents who are truly in need.

As with basic food items, the prices of pulse oximeters, commonly used medicines and medical gadgets have skyrocketed amid a sharp rise in demand; some items are even out of stock.

In several cities in Myanmar, generous groups in the community including the New Aye Sunni Jame Mosque Welfare Society have also stepped in and offered such items at low prices or free to the sick and those who need help.

People are caring for each other. I have seen many willingly give up their places in queues to people needier than them, Ko Ye Zaw said.

With peoples collective effort, I believe this difficult time will also be over soon, he added.



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Burma Campaign Links Myanmars 8888 Uprising With 2021 Anti-Regime Movement

People gather in downtown Yangon to protest against military rule at the onset of the Spring Revolution in February 2021. / The Irrawaddy

The Four Eights uprising, a historic protest movement in which the Myanmar peoples cry for democracy was heard around the world, will mark its 33rd anniversary on Sunday. It coincides with the six-month point since the start of the ongoing Spring Revolution to overthrow the new military regime.

Myanmar people are launching a campaign to mark the 8888 uprising anniversary in connection with the ongoing anti-regime movement, in which more than 900 civilians have been killed since the February coup. The campaign slogan is Blood feuds from 88 must be settled by 2021.

The uprising in 1988 toppled General Ne Wins one-party military dictatorship, but the democracy struggle failed as the country fell into the hands of another military dictatorship. The Sunday campaign slogan conveys the idea that the democracy that could not be achieved in 1988 must be achieved in 2021, as Myanmar is under military rule again.

The campaign has two partsan eight-finger strike and a red campaign. The former asks the people to share photos of themselves showing eight fingers on social media, representing the revolutionary spirit of the 8888 Uprising. The latter asks the people to wear red clothes and throw red paint in the streets, representing the bravery and strong spirit of the 8888 movement.

In 1988, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to oppose the Burma Socialist Programme Party led by military dictator Gen Ne Win, which destroyed the countrys economy over 26 years of repressive rule.

Some 3,000 people were killed in the movement as Ne Wins henchman Sein Lwin, who was dubbed the Butcher of Yangon, ordered violent crackdowns on protesters. The fatal crackdowns continued after General Saw Maung seized power in September of that year. The military continued to rule the country until early 2011.

What is different from the 1988 uprising is that this time, peaceful protesters have taken up arms after the new military regime killed hundreds following its coup in February this year. Six months into military rule, anti-regime protests remain so strong around the country that coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has still not been able to impose his rule.

Anti-regime protests have taken different forms in Myanmar, including banging pots and pans, wearing the traditional Myanmar cosmetic Thanakha, the Milk Tea Alliance, wearing flowers for detainees and detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis birthday, cursing Min Aung Hlaing on his birthday and street protests.

The eight-finger strike campaign is not just a protest against coup leader Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and his military council and caretaker government, but an act of opposition against the entire mechanism of the military regime that has persecuted the Myanmar people since 1962.



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Burma Myanmar Charity Secretary Detained After COVID-19 Vaccination

U Kyaw Aung, Hanthawaddy U Win Tin Foundation's secretary.

A former political prisoner and the Hanthawaddy U Win Tin Foundations secretary, U Kyaw Aung, was detained on Wednesday at a COVID-19 vaccination center in Yangon.

U Tun Kyi, another member of the foundation and political prisoner, said the foundation received a phone call from U Kyaw Aung reporting his detention in Pazundaung Township.

U Kyaw Aung, around 70, had been told by an administrator that he was eligible for vaccination because of his age, U Tun Kyi said. He was detained after being vaccinated, U Tun Kyi said.

I told him before not to trust the regimes vaccination process. But as he was sick and anxious about COVID-19 and wanted to be vaccinated, U Tun Kyi said.

Founded by late democracy activist and journalist Hanthawaddy U Win Tin, the foundation aims to support former political prisoners and their families.

The ousted civilian government launched a no one left behind vaccination program for over-18s and purchased 30 million Covishield doses from India and received 1.5 million vaccines as a present in an initial bath.

But the program was disrupted by the February coup. The regime recently restarted the vaccination campaign, starting with over-65s.

A family member contacted by The Irrawaddy confirmed the arrest and said he was being held at the township police station.

U Kyaw Aung, who is also the National League for Democracys (NLD) Pazundaung Township vice-chairman, was charged under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code soon after the Feb. 1 coup, the relative said.

Hundreds of activists, politicians, medics and civil servants, who joined the civil disobedience movement, also face incitement charges under Article 505(a), forcing them into hiding. Many citizens have seen the vaccination program as a trap to make arrests.

Since the Feb. 1 coup, at least 948 civilians have been killed by the regime and more than 7,000, including more than 100 NLD members, have been detained, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Informants and Officials Killed in Yangon Attacks

Junta forces arrive at a shop in Yangons Hlaing Township where a married couple were shot by unknown gunmen on Thursday. / Office of the Commander in-Chief of Defense Services

Two people were killed and another two injured in Yangon on Thursday in a series of attacks apparently targeting informants and officials working for the military regime.

On Thursday afternoon, a married couple were shot at their shop in No.16 Ward in Yangons Hlaing Township by two unidentified gunmen wearing personal protective equipment and posing as COVID-19 volunteers.

U San Win, 53, was shot three times and died at a military hospital, according to junta-controlled media. His wife, Daw Thi Da, survived despite being shot twice.

It remains unclear why the couple were targeted, but the regime blamed terrorists  the militarys euphemism for civilian resistance fighters and the Peoples Defense Forces (PDF).

However, many people claim that junta forces are behind the attacks in an effort to blacken the name of the PDFs. Anti-regime protesters have pointed out that regime troops and police are using ambulances and civilian vehicles in their shootings and crackdowns on the pro-democracy movement.

On Thursday evening, a junta-appointed ward administrative official was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen at his house in Yangons Dagon Seikkan Township.

A blast was also reported on Thursday morning at a teashop in Yangons North Dagon Township whose owner has been accused of being a junta informant. The owner was injured in the explosion and is being treated at a military hospital.

Also on Thursday morning, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the administrative office of No. 53 Ward in Yangons South Dagon Township, according to media.

Junta informants, regime-appointed ward and village administrators and their offices have been under attack by civilian resistance fighters for cooperating with the military regime in raids and the arrests of anti-coup protesters.

Members of the National League for Democracy party and anti-regime activists have also been slain by members of the Pyu Saw Htee groups, set up and armed by the junta to counter the civilian resistance fighters and opponents of military rule.

The military regime has used the Pyu Saw Htee groups to raid villages and fight with PDFs in several areas, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magwe and Tanintharyi regions.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Pushing Ahead with China-Backed Kyaukphyu SEZ and Port

A crude oil tanker docks at Maday Island in Kyaukphyu Township in 2019. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

The military regime is inviting bids to provide legal services to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (KPSEZ) and deep-sea port project in western Rakhine State, a key strategic component of China s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The juntas invitation to tender comes as China is pressing Myanmar to implement its ambitious infrastructure projects under the BRI, but while the country is struggling to cope with both the political turmoil created by the militarys coup and the deadly third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Junta-controlled media announced that both local and foreign law firms have until August 10 to submit their expression of interest to provide legal services to the management committee of the KPSEZ.

The State Administration Council (SAC), as the military regime describes itself, has made several efforts to move forward Chinas infrastructure projects in Myanmar following their takeover in February. In May, the junta reorganized the KPSEZ management committee.

Beijing considers the KPSEZ and the deep-sea port especially vital to the BRI, as they will give China direct access to the Indian Ocean, so allowing Chinese trade to bypass the congested Strait of Malacca near Singapore, while boosting development in landlocked Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar.

The project is to be developed by the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone Deep Seaport Co. Ltd, a joint venture between the Chinese consortium CITIC Myanmar Port Investment Limited and the KPSEZ management committee.

Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the vice chairman of the SAC, said in June that the successful implementation of the KPSEZ could enhance China-Myanmar cooperation and so create jobs and help Rakhine State develop.

Under the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government, the project was delayed because of the previous shareholder agreement negotiated under President Thein Seins quasi-civilian government, which gave the Chinese developer an 85 percent stake.

After several rounds of negotiations, the NLD managed to increase Myanmars stake to 30 percent. The initial agreement estimated the project to be worth US$9-10 billion. However, both sides agreed to begin the project on a smaller scale after Myanmar raised concerns about the possibility of being caught in a debt trap. The first phase of the port development cost around $1.5 billion, according to the NLD government.

During Chinese President Xi Jinpings trip to Myanmar in 2020, both sides signed concession and shareholders agreements for the project. One week before the military staged its coup, CITIC invited proposals to provide consultancy services and field investigations for environmental and social impact assessments of the project. There have been no new announcements on the KPSEZ by CITIC since then.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Vaccinating Prisoners Against COVID-19

Inoculation underway at Mandalay Central Prison on August 3. / GNLM

Myanmars military regime has been inoculating inmates in prisons and labor camps against COVID-19 and 6,260 people had been vaccinated by Tuesday, according to junta-controlled newspapers.

The regime has received 3 million doses of the Chinese Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines and has been inoculating inmates since July 28.

According to the Correctional Department, 5,042 prisoners from 13 jails and 1,218 labor camp inmates received jabs between July 28 and August 3.

COVID-19 outbreaks were reported in Myanmars prisons after the country was hit by a fresh wave of coronavirus in June followed by soaring death tolls in July.

By July 26, 566 prisoners were infected with coronavirus, resulting in nine deaths, said the regime.

U Nyan Win, a central executive committee member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis long-time lawyer, died of COVID-19 on July 20 in Insein Prison.

Another senior NLD leader, U Han Thar Myint, and well-known military critic Shwe Nya War Sayadaw were infected with COVID-19 in Insein and sent to Yangon General Hospital.

Inmates in Insein, where thousands of political prisoners are being held for anti-regime activities, protested on July 23, complaining about overcrowding, COVID-19 infections, the lack of protection and inadequate treatment.

Myanmar officially recorded 319,250 COVID-19 cases with 10,988 deaths between Thursday and March last year, according to the junta-controlled Ministry of Health and Sports.

An estimated 3,216 people died between March 2020 and late May 2021. Since then, Myanmars COVID-19 death toll has more than doubled. The junta is also accused of heavily underestimating the fatalities.

Charities and volunteers in Yangon say thousands died per day in July.



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Buddhist monks and laymen show their support for Myanmar's shadow government, the NUG, during a protest against the regime in Mandalay in April. / CJ

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke on Wednesday with a representative of Myanmars government in exile, the first announced contact between a senior US official and the rival administration to the generals who overthrew the countrys democratically elected government.

The US State Department said Sherman spoke with Daw Zin Mar Aung, who has been appointed acting foreign minister in the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) for Myanmar, also known as Burma. Zin Mar Aung is an elected MP of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and a former political prisoner.

They discussed ongoing efforts to return Burma to a path to democracy, including continued US support for the pro-democracy movement, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The NUG is composed of members of the elected government (now ousted) and other activists and ethnic leaders. It was founded in April, three months after the coup.

Myanmar now faces a humanitarian crisis and third wave of deadly coronavirus infections and the economy has collapsed.

The State Department also said in its press release, In addition, they discussed efforts to combat rising COVID-19 infections in Burma and to provide critical humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma.

The US has imposed sanctions on the military and some of its business interests.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met virtually with counterparts from ASEAN and called on them to take joint action to urge the military to end its violence, the State Department said.

Blinken welcomed the blocs appointment of Bruneis second minister for foreign affairs, Erywan Yusof, as special envoy to Myanmar.

The secretary of state urged ASEAN foreign ministers to push for Myanmar to release all those unjustly detained, and restore Burmas path to democracy, the earlier statement said.



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Anti-regime protesters in Mandalay prepare to burn an ASEAN flag in June. / Time for Revolution

It is rare to see the United States and China in simpatico about anything. But on Myanmar the two superpowers agree. Its a mess. And the designated cleanup crew is the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The appointment of Bruneis second foreign minister Erywan Yusof as ASEANs special envoy, is a key component of the Five-Point Consensus reached at the special summit in Jakarta in April to address Myanmars post-coup crisis. That it has taken three months to reach an agreement on who the point person should be serves as irrefutable evidence of ASEANs lack of urgency in addressing the challenges.

As over 940 people have been killed by junta forces, and over 5,000 are in prison and tens of thousands exiled or displaced, while armed conflict is raging in multiple locations, there is widespread flooding and the Covid-19 pandemic is devastating communities nationwide, the appointment of a special envoy might seem redundant.

There was evident discord within the ten-member grouping, after coup leader and head of the State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing indicated in his speech marking the six-months of the coup on August 1 that he had accepted former Thai deputy foreign minister Virasakdi Futrakul. Indonesia evidently wants a more robust approach towards the junta and put forward former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda. Malaysias efforts to promote former United Nations Special Envoy Razali Ismail was tantamount to political exhumation and was never taken seriously: he was an abject failure at every turn when he tried to negotiate between the military and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from 2000 to 2005.

The special envoy has been tasked with building trust and confidence with full access to all parties concerned and providing a clear timeline on the implementation of the five-point consensus. In an ASEAN setting, that basically means talking with the SAC and other engaged regional governments. It doesnt appear that there is any appetite for formally talking with the shadow National Unity Government or the many other opposition forces that have emerged as a result of the violent military takeover. Erywan Yusof must report back to the regional grouping in September. Once again, ASEAN has crafted a compromise to ensure their policy of appeasement.

The West has already endorsed this squalid farce. The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement, The United Nations (UN) looks forward to continuing its cooperation with ASEAN on a coherent response to the crisis in Myanmar, noting the complementary roles of the ASEAN special envoy and the UN special envoy.

The UNs response to the violence in Myanmar has been anything but coherent. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demonstrating serious discord by condemning the Myanmar military and the coup, but then solely entrusting ASEAN with its solution, also welcomed the appointment. In a speech to the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting Blinken also called the grouping key to the future of the Indo-Pacific, indicating that massaging ASEANs ego to counter Chinas influence is more important than saving Myanmar. The cognitive dissonance of condemning the coup and subcontracting its solution to ASEAN was echoed by the European Union, who made the hopeful observation that meaningful political dialogue remains key with all stakeholders including the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic groups and other pro-democracy forces committed to working towards a peaceful resolution of the current crisis. One can envisage mass Macarena dancing for joy in the halls of foreign ministries from Canberra to Ottowa: finally, ASEAN has saved the day! Were off the hook!

But what is equally distracting to the envoy appointment is the evocation of ASEAN as the decisive diplomatic solution, similar to the response to tropical Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in May 2008. This comparison is profoundly misplaced.

Responding to the scale of multiple needs throughout Myanmar is markedly different to the challenges of scaling up aid to displaced communities in the Ayeyarwady Delta, after Nargis killed more than 140,000 and displaced several hundred thousand people. The then ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) responded with callous disregard, baulking at efforts to permit international assistance. There were outcries for R2P then as well, and while American, British and French warships were off the coast waiting to airlift relief supplies, the UN fumbled and the West not for the first time confronted the then juntas truculence over the welfare of Myanmars people.

The breakthrough, such as it was, was almost single-handedly the result of efforts by then ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, a former foreign minister of Thailand, a skillful diplomat and intellectual, not a droning bureaucrat. Knowing that the SPDC had a deep mistrust of the West and their human rights moralizing, Surin maneuvered to promote ASEAN as a trustworthy focus point. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon travelled to Myanmar in late May, and with Surin they created the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) comprising SPDC officials, ASEAN and the UN. A Post-Nargis Joint Assessment preliminary report in June estimated that US$303.6 million in urgent aid was needed. Several weeks after the cyclone, due to the regimes dithering, half of the victims had still not received assistance. Soon after the TCG started operations, the SPDC started imposing new restrictions on humanitarian space, but by then the worlds peripatetic attention span had moved on. The current military regime knows they only have to endure a limited media cycle before international outrage wanes.

This narrative of ASEAN exceptionalism was propagated by scholars Pavin Chachavalpongpun and Moe Thuzar in an ASEAN-sponsored book Myanmar-Life After Nargis. That hagiographic study was interesting as much for what it omitted as for what it included. The truly exceptional role in response to the cyclone was played by thousands of Myanmar people, from the staff of national and international aid agencies, local philanthropists, faith-based organizations and many normal people dedicated to helping Nargiss victims.

They traversed the juntas roadblocks and obstructions, whilst the foreign disaster relief workers stranded in Bangkok dominated the news. Also often overlooked in evoking the Nargis spirit is the fact that Myanmar remained a military dictatorship for the next three years until Thein Sein pseudo-civilian government replaced it. In the uncanny ability of the Myanmar military to inspire mental contortions in westerners, many diplomats believed Thein Sein to have been transformed by witnessing the suffering of civilians after Nargis. This Grinch theory of compassion was as unconvincing as many other aspects of the discipline-flourishing democracy system Thein Sein maintained.

There are echoes here of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when so many Western aid and development donors staged a pivot, more aptly termed a panic, to provide assistance to the healthcare departments of ethnic armed organizations for coronavirus mitigation. Some observers hailed this moment as a potential breakthrough for government and insurgent cooperation, a transformative moment akin to the post-2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami peace accord between Indonesia and the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (Free Aceh Movement) resistance group. That comparison is misplaced to the point of intellectual indolence: there were far more complex factors at play than some magical post-calamity epiphany. Many of the commentators and consultants who evoked this canard of a comparison in 2008, and in April and May of 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic, are now lazily raising a similar opportunity for ASEAN.

A similar attempt to reanimate the Nargis spirit was attempted in the aftermath of the mass expulsion of the Rohingya from Northern Rakhine State in 2017. With deep mistrust of the UN and international NGOs, many of whom had been actively complicit in the repression of the Rohingya, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Kyis government turned to ASEAN for help. ASEANs Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Center) was recruited to assist. Little was known about the center, but it is essentially a coordinating body for regional disaster response. This is a very different approach to life-saving humanitarian assistance in a war zone.

The ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment preliminary report was produced in 2019 to prepare for the potential return of 500,000 refugees from Bangladesh. Clearly, this was another case of ASEAN taking a lead role whilst everyone knew the majority of work would be borne by international donors and UN compliance with the authorities. To date, only a trickle of people have returned from the camps in Coxs Bazaar, and many of them informally, not through bilateral repatriation. The report included plans for constructing potential transit centers for Rohingya returnees, producing a pamphlet with plans for structures that resembled an IKEA-designed concentration camp. It is a humanitarian reprieve that ASEANs efforts were not needed.

Point Four of the Five Point Consensus promises humanitarian assistance through the AHA Center. But how viable is this? The SAC is actively blocking assistance from local and international aid workers and targeting healthcare workers. Can a largely untested disaster response coordinating body, quite likely more gripped by the rapidly spreading Covid-19 cases in the region, actually have any meaningful impact? Or is once again a convenient lead fiction for the UN and international agencies who cannot accept the SAC?

Given the urgent needs throughout Myanmar, anything is worth a try. But ASEAN, being a deeply conservative inter-governmental body with no appetite for risk, is unlikely to pursue the humanitarian solidarity-based approach to aid that is so urgently needed in Myanmar. The junta-controlled Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has already convened virtual meetings to discuss the ASEAN Secretariat proposal for aid, including COVID-19 vaccines, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

A more apt Nargis-moment came in 2015 when widespread flooding in Myanmar affected millions, sparking massive donation drives and civil society assistance. That widespread spirit of humanitarian concern had nothing to do with ASEAN. In the same year, ASEAN was once again displaying its institutional ineptitude by its ineffective reactions to the Rohingya boat crisis, or what the UN calls irregular maritime movements. For several years, as the volume of people fleeing Bangladesh and Rakhine State for Malaysia slowly grew, ASEAN had studiously avoided any comprehensive regional response. Encouraged by Australia, one of ASEANs ardent admirers, the crisis was punted into the Bali Process, one of those inoffensive regional talking forums where human tragedies go to die. Appealing to ASEAN to take the lead in the interests of regional stability are often unrewarded.

Comparing the efforts of Surin during Nargis to ASEANs latest appointment is farcical. There is a sharp contrast between the efforts of a seasoned, compassionate, secular Muslim diplomat such as Surin and a mediocrity from a medieval Muslim micro-state. For raw power brokers such as Min Aung Hlaing, an empty suit from a country hes barely heard of, a fundamentalist state of a religion he despises, is the perfect material for the juntas tried and tested diplomatic rope-a-dope. The newly self-appointed prime minister already won round one in Jakarta in April when he agreed to the Five Point Consensus, then blew off the regional grouping soon after.

The rent-an-academic crowd of sage analysts soon endorsed this strategy as the only viable path forward, but it all smacked of cynical resignation. Putting faith in the regional bodys attempts at transformative interventions is always like choosing the cheapest prophylactic. ASEANs diplomatic spirit is more a melange of Caddyshack and Crazy Rich Asians than serious mediation skills. It is one of those fictions we have to live with.

But hiding behind all of this multi-sided mendacity is one singular logic: greed. ASEAN, as much as the West, wants to prioritize trade and security over the welfare of 54 million people in Myanmar. They want the nationwide meltdown to calcify into something that can be managed, not solved. People in Myanmar should brace for the inevitable justification for supporting a new envoy and evoking the mirage of post-Nargis magic as progress in the right direction. Post-pandemic economic regeneration and containment of China have doomed Myanmar to be ASEANs next inevitable failure dressed as a conditional success.

David Scott Mathieson is an independent analyst working on conflict, peace and human rights issues on Myanmar.



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On Thursday, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced the hiring of former Florida's Director of Emergency Management Jared Moskowitz to advise Miami-Dade County on its COVID-19 response.

His new position is paid; however, the amount of his pay was not disclosed.

On a Twitter post, Cava said, Im proud to share that Miami-Dade County is bringing on board Jared E. Moskowitz, former Director of FLSERT, as a special advisor on COVID-19. He will work closely alongside all our COVID leadership to advise on our vaccination, testing, and overall pandemic response strategy.

At a Thursday televised news conference on COVID response, Cava said, "He is our special adviser on COVID and he is with us today," adding that Moskowitz was a seasoned emergency management professional. According to Mayor Cava, Moskowitz will advise county emergency management on vaccinations, testing and overall strategy.

He led the state through the pandemic, and we are glad to have him," Cava said.

Moskowitz Tweeted Thank you Mayor. I look forward to assisting the great work that Miami-Dade County and Mayor Cava has done in combating Covid 19. We are all in this together! closing with the hashtags #getvaccinated #WearAMask.

Moskowitz, earned the name Master of Disaster when he, as the States main disaster response official, guided the states response through two hurricane seasons and led Floridas response to the pandemic. He stepped down in February to spend more time with his family.
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Fans of Vivid Sydney will be livid at the news that Vivid Sydney 2021 has been washed out by the decidedly unriveting and deathly dull COVID virus, in what has been a "difficult decision" by the NSW Government.

The NSW Government reports having made the difficult decision to cancel Vivid Sydney 2021, but it says "the worlds largest festival of light, music and ideas will shine brightly again in May-June 2022."

Of course, that all depends on whether or not the endless lockdowns infecting Australia are actually over by then, but clearly, given the ongoing uncertainty of present day 2021, we're told "the decision has been made to cancel Vivid Sydney 2021 to minimise the impact on event attendees, partners, artists, sponsors and suppliers."

So, planning is now underway for next year, with Vivid Sydney to return from 27 May to 18 June 2022.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney would be a shining light for the community to look forward to next year.

Ayres said: As we work together to contain the current outbreak and get our community vaccinated, we can all look forward to the return of major events like Vivid Sydney that bring us together in celebration.

Vivid Sydney 2022 will shine brighter than ever  our artists and creative industries are so eager to put on a show and we cant wait to see the Harbour City shining brightly again.

We thank everyone who has contributed to the planning for Vivid Sydney 2021. Of course, its incredibly disappointing to cancel for the second year but the most responsible decision was to cancel early, giving everyone certainty and minimising impacts where possible.

The health and safety of our community is our highest priority, which is why were encouraging everyone to get vaccinated so we can get back to enjoying COVID-safe events again soon, Ayres rocked.

Expressions of interest for Vivid Sydney 2022 Light, Music and Ideas programs will open next week.
Australian OT cyber security firm Secolve is partrnering with US-based security software specialist SecurityGate.io in a move they say streamlines the complicated process for critical infrastructure businesses scrambling to get ahead of sweeping changes to national cyber security laws.

In what they say is an Australia-first partnership Secolve says its clients will be able to access SecurityGate.ios risk and compliance management platform, fast-tracking compliance with the new legislative requirements for Australian businesses operating in the 11 sectors now deemed critical.

Secolve says the amendments to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth), expected to be passed in Parliaments next sitting, significantly expand the scope of prescribed business entities, which will now be required to adopt risk management programs, reported to the government annually.

Secolve CEO Laith Shahin said many companies would be unaware of the new obligations and unprepared for the changes.

Experience shows cyber security is a low priority for many companies, even among those operating in the area of critical infrastructure, so its very likely many will be left scrambling to be across all the changes and requirements, Shahin said.

If we take the energy sector as an example, its compliance requirements with the Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF) can be an overwhelming and time-consuming activity. Having the ability to now streamline the assessment process by making it digital, scalable and with the ability to track progression and provide constant management reporting, will help overcome many of the challenges that sector faces.

Secolve is the first Australian organisation SecurityGate has partnered with.

The software platform steps businesses through the complex process of risk assessments and regulatory reporting. The automated software cuts paperwork and the time to compliance, enabling businesses to:

 provide key team members with at-a-glance real-time views to see intelligent risk scoring, missing controls, and potential impact of a cyber security threats;

 generate reports on the completion of each step in the process, from regulatory and client requirements to risk assessment and any associated correction activities; and

 allow assigned stakeholders to remotely monitor compliance management across multiple data sources, internal assets, and operational sites.

Cyber security is incredibly complex, particularly in the area of operational technology, with each sector required to comply with different frameworks, some of which can necessitate oversight of 250 controls, with responsibilities shared across teams, Shahin said.

Through the platform, we streamline everything into one portal, tracking risk posture against compliance obligations, with all of the framework questions and evidence uploaded into one source. And because its accessible to all team members, it eliminates staff silos and multiple spreadsheets, and assists with transparency by generating real-time reports to update risk committees and boards.

SecurityGate.io CEO Ted Gutierrez said the Secolve partnership was an important first step in the companys expansion plans in Australia to meet the intersecting demands of critical infrastructure security and digital transformation.

It demonstrates the fact that cyber security is a global issue that requires a global response to defeat threat actors., said Gutierrez.

We have seen many recent examples of Australian businesses coming under attack and the Australian government responding with legislation to more comprehensively combat the problem. Were excited to partner with Secolve to help businesses comply with the new obligations and uplift their security maturity to prevent future attacks.
COMPANY NEWS: Aussie Broadband has been ranked 16 th in the 'Best Workplaces in Australia 2021' list (medium business), by Great Places to Work.

The company was the only telco to make it to the prestigious list, which features companies such as Adobe, CISCO Australia, and DHL.

The rankings are based on an independent employee trust survey carried out by Great Place to Work, a global authority on workplace culture, as well an audit of company culture.

Aussie Broadband managing director Phillip Britt said he couldnt be prouder and thanked his team for making Aussie Broadband a great place to work.

I'm super proud of the team - they are the ones changing the telco game every day, and the ones to continue to champion and generate our culture. We don't always get it right - but this ranking shows that we're giving it a good crack! Brit said.

Being recognised as one of Australia's "Great Places To Work" is a real honour. It helps to demonstrate that we really care about building a company that is better for our people, better for our customers and better for our community. We strongly believe that when our staff feel valued and empowered, theyre far more engaged and invested in helping our customers and the broader community, Britt said.

The companys Trust Index survey results from Great Place to Work show 91% of staff believe that management is honest and ethical in its business practices.

Great Place to Work recognised Aussie Broadband's inclusive work culture, and its focus on employee wellbeing, as being important factors to creating a high level of trust among its employees.

Weve more than doubled our staff in the last 2 years from 300 to 620 people. Even with hybrid working becoming the norm, weve managed to maintain our culture and stay committed to our core values, said Britt

The company offers a range of initiatives to support its employees, such as well-being programmes, free lunches, generous study leave, free counselling, paid community service leave, and subsidised gym membership.

Head of People and Culture, Fiona Blackmore said being a great place to work can be an important factor when trying to attract good talent.

Our people truly make Aussie a great place to work, they are the bedrock of our culture. Our culture really is driven from our values (dont be ordinary be awesome; think big; no bullshit; be good to people; and have fun). Its something that distinguishes us from other organisations when candidates are looking for a new role, but more importantly, it reflects the lived experience of our current staff, Blackmore said.

Learning and Development Advisor, Claire Morrisey said it reflects the great work that is done at Aussie Broadband.

I haven't worked anywhere like Aussie before, that really goes out of their way to make sure that we give back to our customers and community. Everyone comes to work feeling like youre part of something that's bigger than you every day. Its feels good to be a part of that, Morrisey said.

In the Trust Index survey, 89 % of staff said they feel good about the ways in which Aussie contributes to the community.

Speaking during the online event, Great Place to Work Australia general manager, Samantha Huddle highlighted the importance of purpose.

The best companies are those that have clarity in their values and can lean on them when they need to. The best care about their communities and their people. They trust their people. And they operate for purpose, not just profit. That is what makes a great place to wor,. Huddle said.

For the full list of winners, head to the Great Places to Work website here.




Telecoms industry peak body Communications Alliance has welcomed the push by the Federal Parliaments security committee to rein in the sweeping new hacking powers proposed to be handed to national security agencies under the Identify and Disrupt Bill.

In the report of its inquiry, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has recommended 34 amendments to the controversial legislation, which CA says would allow agencies to covertly hack and disrupt the networks, accounts and devices of Australians where there is suspicion of a crime being committed.

The PJCIS recommendations include changes to strengthen the oversight of the activity of agencies, allow for review of how the proposed powers are used and to better protect the privacy of Australians whose devices could be hacked and/or confiscated under the planned new laws.

Communications Alliance CEO, John Stanton, praised the comprehensive nature of the PJCIS scrutiny of the legislation and the fact that the Committee had supported and included several recommendations that were put to the PJCIS by Communications Alliance in its submission to the inquiry on behalf of Australias telecommunications sector.

Such sweeping proposed new powers for security agencies must come with appropriate checks, balances and protections, Stanton said.

The PJCIS recommendations would provide at least some protection for Australians against the intrusive nature of the framework proposed by the legislation and the potential for such powers to be abused by agencies. They also offer some protections for the employees of companies when they are being asked to cooperate with agencies.

The PJCIS recommendations  including restricting the powers to only apply to serious offences and mandating judicial authorisation of warrants  should be accepted by the Government and incorporated by Parliament before the legislation is passed.

Stanton also called on the Government to respond to the PJCIS recommendations for reform and improvement of the Governments mandatory two-year Data Retention regime.

The Government makes a lot of noise about the urgency of each of the many new national security powers it proposes, emphasising what it describes as the dire nature of the threats Australia is facing,

It is now nine months since the PJCIS made sensible and well-considered recommendations to address problematic aspects of the Data Retention laws, and 13 months since the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor made vital recommendations on the Assistance and Access (encryption) Bill, but the Government has simply failed to respond and offered no explanation for its lack of action.

If a balanced approach to national security and law enforcement actually matters to Government, it should behave accordingly, Stanton concluded.
DGtek, an independent provider of ultra fast, full fibre broadband services and an alternative to NBN, has raised more than $7m, in a Series A round, to further expand its network reach across Australia.

The investment round was led by MA Financials (formerly Moelis Australia) Growth Capital Fund alongside investment from clients of Treia Capital, including one of Australias leading family offices.

DGtek founder and CEO David Klizhov said the capital will enable DGtek to further expand its network across eastern Australia, and continue to deliver superior ultra fast broadband connectivity for its residential and commercial customers.

The capital will help us reach 1 million homes and businesses by 2024. Moreover, we are proud to be able to deliver superior connectivity, capacity and speed for our customers, at a fraction of the cost of the NBN.

The NBN continues to fail its customers across inner Melbourne and beyond. We are determined to meet the needs of businesses and residents - where unconstrained connectivity is an essential requirement during these times of increased work from home, Klizhov said.

DGTek said the Series A round comes two years after the last raise in June 2019 and follows a period of rapid expansion of the companys network and customer base. A portion of the Series A capital has enabled the acquisition of FG Telecom, a fibre network company serving business customers in and around Port Melbourne and the Melbourne CBD, which expanded the companys network coverage by over 25 per cent.

MA Financial managing director Jaron Yuen said, We are pleased to be able to support DGTek in its growth ambitions. We have been impressed with the teams focus on delivering a superior service to wholesale customers supported by deep expertise in building and managing ultrafast broadband networks on a cost effective basis.

For Treia Capital, who originally invested back in 2019, the successful Series A raise is further vindication of the performance and potential of the company, as well as an opportunity to increase its shareholding.

Treia Capital principal Michael Robinson said "The investment in DGtek fits perfectly for Treia and our clients. Through its end-to-end full fibre network, DGtek is offering an increasingly essential service to business and residential customers.

"Were excited to support the company in its organic and acquisition growth strategies, with the aim to deploy significantly more capital over the coming years."

FG Telecom former CEO now DGTek enterprise and commercial sales lead Dev Oza said, the acquisition of FG Telecom has positioned DGtek to further target the commercial sector, expanding its reach beyond the current 100,000 residential and business connection footprint.

FG Telecoms primary goal, much like DGtek's, has always been to provide customers with a quality product. Unlike a lot of the big players, we arent under constant pressure to streamline and cut corners in an effort to boost up the share price.

"The capital raise which facilitated DGteks acquisition of FG Telecom is evidence of the fact that even investors are becoming more confident about the tremendous value and growth potential that challenger brands like FG Telecom and DGtek bring to the market. Im very excited to be a part of this journey and lead DGteks foray into the enterprise and commercial space, Oza said.
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Los Angeles, CA (August 6th, 2021)  Today, Equippers Worship releases another new track off of their upcoming live album, All Glory titled Meet Me Here. The live track was produced by Joshua Huirua & Alicia Lineham and was recorded in Aukland, New Zealand at Equippers Church. The group also announces that the All Glory album pre-orders begin today. All Glory is a LIVE album from Equippers Worship, the sound of the Equippers Churches Movement. The project was recorded LIVE across 2 worship nights in Auckland and London, since the team could not record together in one location, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Listen to Meet Me Here here and Pre-order, Pre-Add and Pre-Save All Glory here.

Connect with Equippers Worship:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube







ABOUT EQUIPPERS WORSHIP:

Equippers Worship is the sound of the Equippers Churches Movement. Equippers is a global network of Churches with the mission of "Equipping people for life, through faith in Jesus Christ" and worship has always played an important role in that.

ABOUT DREAM WORSHIP:

DREAM provides artists with a genuine approach to how real artist development should be done. By allowing for a partnership as a business model, DREAM artists empower themselves to develop and carry out a real vision for their lives as they affect other peoples lives with their music and message. Incorporating social media, press, radio and touring, DREAM is helping its artists grow together as a family. DREAM was founded in 2008 and has grown into multiple la- bels and a publishing company.

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We Are Leo & Neon Feather Release New Song "You Show Me Love"

August 6, 2021

Los Angeles, CA (August, 6th, 2021)  Dream Records artists We Are Leo and Neon Feather have joined forces to create a new song titled You Show Me Love releasing today to all digital retail outlets. This fresh pop sound was produced by Neon Feather and lends a lyrical worship style of encouragement that God loves his children. The best way I can describe what You Show Me Love means to me, is to think about the final scene from the 1st episode of season 1 of The Chosen, where Jesus shows up and meets someone who was in a dark place. I see myself in that story: I was lost and afraid, but Jesus met me there, redeemed me, and showed me love. Neon and I had been talking about doing a song together. Last year, I sent him over a demo of me playing piano and humming some melody parts. He took it and turned it into this pulsing, mesmerizing beat. After being inspired by the You Show Me Love theme, I got to work to craft lyrics that expressed my story of redemption and Gods love, that would vibe with the feel of Neon Feathers work. - David Duffield With close to 30 Million Global streams to date, We Are Leo is currently working on a series of new single titles going into 2022. Listen or buy You Show Me Love here. Connect with We Are Leo: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Connect with Neon Feather: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook ABOUT WE ARE LEO: We Are Leo is a creative, Christ-centered music project from the Chicago area led by producer David Duffield  currently living and working from his home studio on Lake Michigans waterfront. The group currently features contributions from vocalist Joseph Sanborn, bassist Howard Lalgee and guitarist Matt Gainsford. Since 2011 We Are Leo has released 4 albums, 10 singles and has toured extensively appearing at most major Christian Festivals, Youth Conferences such as Acquire the Fire, and over 125 schools with faith based non-profit Remedy Live. ABOUT NEON FEATHER: North Carolina native Neon Feather, aka Ben Thompson, is a uniquely skilled musician who blurs the line between artist and producer. Having crafted innovative remixes for a variety of artists (TobyMac, Lecrae, Switchfoot, Francesca Battistelli, Mandisa, Jordan Feliz, Britt Nicole, etc), as well as Dove Award nominated production and writing behind the scenes, and his own string of exciting original tracks, Neon Feather displays both versatility and a distinct fingerprint throughout his work. His heart is to reflect his Creator with a pursuit of beauty, originality and excellence, continually directing attention back to the Source. ABOUT DREAM RECORDS: DREAM was founded in 2008 to provide artists with a genuine approach to how real artist development should be done. By allowing for a partnership as a business model, Dreams artists empower themselves to develop and carry out a real vision for their lives as they affect other peoples lives with their music and message. Incorporating social media, press, radio and touring its allowing its artists grow together as a family.

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For more info on We Are Leo, visit the JFH Artists Database.

For more info on Neon Feather, visit the JFH Artists Database.






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Living Reporter and Theatre Critic

Tim covers leisure and arts, and he is also a theater critic. He interned for the JI in 2015, and was hired in 2016. Tim graduated from UConn, Central College of McPherson, Kansas, and American Musical & Dramatic Academy. His favorite movie is "Jaws."
As the Taliban capture Zaranj, the first provincial capital to fall since US-led foreign forces began pulling out of Afghanistan, we look at their growing offensive.

 Fierce fighting 

In early May, NATO begins a withdrawal of its mission in Afghanistan involving 9,600 soldiers, 2,500 of them American.

Intense fighting breaks out between the Taliban and government forces in the southern Helmand province and the insurgents capture Burka in northern Baghlan province.

A bomb blast outside a girls school on May 8 in Kabul kills 85, mostly students of the school.

The deadliest attack in a year is blamed on the Taliban though they do not claim it.

Mid-May, US forces withdraw from the air base in Kandahar, one of the largest in the country.

 Taliban advances 

The insurgents seize districts in Wardak province, 40 km (25 miles) from Kabul, and take control of districts in restive Ghazni, a key province between two roads connecting Kabul to Kandahar, the second-largest city.

In mid-June, the Taliban claim to have captured several districts in the northern provinces of Faryab, Takhar and Badakhshan, forcing military leaders to strategically retreat from a number of areas.

 Key borders 

The Taliban takes control of the main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan, prompting the Central Asian country to check the combat readiness of its armed forces on June 22.

The insurgents seize other routes to Tajikistan, as well as the districts leading to Kunduz, capital of the eponymous northern province, about 50 kilometres from the Tajik border.

 US leaves Bagram 

Officials on July 2 announce the departure of all US and NATO troops from Bagram, Afghanistans biggest air base, which served as the linchpin of US-led operations in the country for the past two decades.

Two days later, the Taliban seize the key district of Panjwai in Kandahar, the insurgents birthplace and former bastion.

 Iran crossing 

On July 9 the Taliban announce the capture of Afghanistans biggest border crossing with Iran, Islam Qala.

 Airport 

Two days later Afghan authorities install an anti-missile system at Kabul airport to counter incoming rockets.

On July 14, the insurgents take control of Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan, a key trade route between the two countries.

On July 22, the Taliban claim they control 90 percent of Afghanistans borders. They had earlier said they held 85 percent of the countrys territory, figures disputed by the government and impossible to verify independently.

US General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Army Central Command, says on July 25 that it will carry out more air strikes in support of Afghan forces to stem the Taliban offensive.

 Urban centres 

In a sharp escalation over the first weekend of August, the Taliban offensive focuses on urban centres, with the insurgents assaulting at least three provincial capitals  Lashkar Gah, Kandahar and Herat.

The US and Britain say the Taliban may have committed war crimes, accusing the insurgents of massacring civilians in the town of Spin Boldak.

Eight people are killed on August 3 in a coordinated Taliban-claimed bomb and gun attack targeting the Afghan defence minister and several lawmakers in Kabul.

On August 6, the Taliban shoot dead the head of the Afghan governments media information centre at a mosque in the capital.

The Taliban capture their first Afghan provincial capital, the city of Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz, taking it without a fight.

burs/jmy/fg/bgs
Across the country, cannabis companies and advocates are cheering Marijuana Regulation and Opportunity Act As the future savior of cannabis (a copy of the bill is here). If the bill is passed, we will finally achieve federal legalization, and the consequences of the current federal conflict will end, or at least will be reversed in the few states that continue to ban the factory locally.

Of course, such development will be hugewith IRC 280E No longer a problem; cannabis companies will have an unconstrained ability to secure banking outside the bank 2014 FinCEN Guidelines, Which means there will be no more cash transactions; they will be able to raise institutional capital without the threat of criminal liability; etc. However, even if the bill passes (and the likelihood of this happening seems to be getting smaller within a month), what will not change (perhaps forever) is the power of local governments to create or disrupt U.S. cannabis businesses.

For a long time, I have been advocating that the states have complete control over these unique democratic experiments, and they are definitely where they control license types, compliance standards, taxes, reporting requirements, etc., but this power is ultimately subject to cities and counties. The bill gives great respect to states maintaining independent cannabis systems.The problem is that all states pay some (or more a lot of of) The trust in local control is given to cities and counties to protect the health and welfare of their citizens due to their inherent police powers. I cannot name a state where local control has not primarily caused major problems for cannabis operators (especially the retail industry, which has been affected in most cities and counties). Cannabis companies now need to realize that even if the bill is passed, even if the states maintain the current licensing system, cities and counties will still be one of the biggest barriers to entry.

The notorious trend among cities and counties is to either adopt an open all policy that allows the establishment and operation of all types of permits, restrict business only through property buffer requirements and/or zoning restrictions, or impose incredible permits on permits. It is their right to select the types they allow for use within their borders, creating high barriers to entry (or, worse, not allowing any commercial cannabis activities at all).

The following are some local barriers to entry, regardless of whether the federal government is legalized or not, operators may encounter these barriers indefinitely:

License limit. Even if the state government does not set caps by license category, cities and counties often set caps to prevent major environmental and other impacts caused by too many license holders or too many specific license types.

Local rights. If a city or county permits the establishment and operation of cannabis businesses, it will have a local rights procedure that must be cleared for cannabis businesses to operate. In each city and county, this process will be different in terms of timetable and cost.

In addition to obtaining traditional permits such as building permits and/or conditional use permits based on the property involved, some jurisdictions may require simple cannabis permits. Other jurisdictions may require permits and local permits, which will be a parallel track, requiring submission of various information about businesses and related properties.Nevertheless, other jurisdictions may also require the applicant to sign a development agreement (see here, here, and here), which includes a series of performance obligations. This could include anything from developing more parking lots to beautifying a block near the property where the cannabis business operates. It can also include compensation agreements to protect the city/county from third-party claims caused by the project. To understand your objection, you must take the time to read the ordinance of the city or county on the subject.

Competitive licensing. In order to ensure that only operators with the most capital and wealth can gain a foothold in certain jurisdictions, certain cities and counties implement competitive licensing, which makes operators have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to apply for/opportunistic operations. Typically, these applicants must submit hundreds of pages of information about themselves and their business, which is beyond the information that any ordinary company must provide in order to obtain a city business licenseincluding odor plans, capitalization plans, etc. (and supporting these Proof of funds for the plan), inventory management plan, supplier lists for certain product types, community liaison plans, etc. West Hollywood, California It may be the most competitive local license application I have seen in more than ten years of practice.

Increase the crime tax. Although state tax rates may (hopefully) be nominal, locals do not necessarily have to be rational. In countless cities, operators are facing aggressive gross revenue taxes and other taxes that only apply to the cities and/or counties in which they operate (and on top of state and federal taxes).

Regulations used only by locals. Even if a state does not have a residence requirement, its city or county may have one. Operators must carefully read the local laws and regulations to see who can occupy their limit tables and inventory ledgers if they want to operate in certain cities or counties. Sometimes, the local governments instructions are that a certain percentage of business ownership must be composed of city/county locals (or, if you have locals, your scorecard will get more points), which will force some industries Hasty business marriage.

Increase the distance requirement. State laws or regulatory agencies may (and usually do) impose certain distance requirements between cannabis businesses and sensitive uses such as schools, parks, and youth centers. Locals are free to impose more restrictions and can add other sensitive uses, such as chapels or rehabilitation facilities, and of course they can also increase the buffer distance (this can effectively eliminate the establishment of cannabis companies in the entire community).

Objections from neighbors/arguments with neighbors. State cannabis laws do not consider disputes between cannabis companies and their neighbors.However, the local laws governing cannabis businesses will always have an angry mechanism Nimbys Appealing the issuance of any local rights to cannabis businesses can cause massive and costly delays for cannabis operators (in all states, you need local rights and state permits to open the door).

Prohibition/suspension. Although cities and counties are free to regulate cannabis business (including more stringent than the state), many cities and counties still completely ban commercial cannabis activities in states where cannabis is legalized or medicalized. This will only promote the illegal market and hinder the success of these democratic experiments, which largely depends on the ability to provide consumers with reasonable and convenient access to cannabis and cannabis products.

To make matters worse, cities/counties usually implement rolling suspensions to study the effects of cannabis, which may take years to resolve, and cannabis operators are in trouble. Alternatively, a city or county may decide that it no longer wants to have any cannabis businesses within its borders, and under existing local laws, may declare that cannabis businesses are not in compliance with the prescribed use, and have a timetable to shut them down and shut them down .

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Here, in California, local control has Bondage Regarding the implementation and overall success of the Law on Regulation and Safety of Medicinal and Adult Use of Cannabis. As more and more cities and counties realize that the establishment of cannabis businesses can bring significant economic benefits without causing major social harm, this control is loosening. According to MJ Biz Daily, More cities Work is now underway to allow marijuana businesses (although the total number of dispensaries in the state is very small compared to citizens).

Im sure that California is not the only state where this trend of tolerance has appeared. Still, cannabis operators should not be happy about pending federal legislation-locals can be very demanding on cannabis companies and their budgets, and even if the bill is passed, it will not change (for better or worse) in the foreseeable future.
OPELOUSAS - The City of Opelousas has lifted the boil water advisory for the areas (Residential and Commercial) Southbound of Creswell Lane.

City of Opelousas, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, issues boil water advisories out of an abundance of caution for areas where water quality could possibly be compromised. We at the City are confident that our water is safe. Our mission is to validate that confidence.
BATON ROUGE, La. Gov. John Bel Edwards and Interfor Corporation announced that the wood products company plans to invest up to $8 million to revive the idled Georgia Pacific sawmill near DeQuincy. The project will create 170 direct new jobs, with average wages of $62,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 505 indirect jobs, for a total of 675 new jobs in Louisianas Southwest region.

On behalf of the State of Louisiana, I encourage and welcome Interfors investment near DeQuincy, said Gov. Edwards. Louisianas lumber industry is one of our most profitable agricultural exports, and the market for lumber is red hot right now. Interfor brings industry leadership and know-how to this project, and I am excited to say this new investment will create hundreds of new direct and indirect jobs to Louisiana.

Interfor is one of North Americas largest lumber producers. Interfor recently acquired the Georgia Pacific facility, which was idled in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mill near DeQuincy has an annual lumber production capacity of 200 million board feet, and Interfor plans to restart operations in the first half of 2022. The revived plant will also support significant logging and logistics activity in the region.

We greatly appreciate all the support in getting this mill back up and running, said Bruce Luxmoore, Interfors Senior Vice President of Southern Operations. The warm reception, collaborative approach and valuable incentives package have reaffirmed our decision to invest in Louisiana.

Many of the jobs at the plant are expected to be filled by employees of the sawmills legacy owner who will assist in preparations to restart the facility. The company will hire additional positions in the coming months. Individuals interested in joining the Interfor team should visit the companys careers webpage at www.interfor.com/careers.

We are very excited for the new economic activity heading to DeQuincy, said DeQuincy Mayor Riley Smith. I am looking forward to working with Interfor, and we will do everything we can to make their entry into the community as easy as possible. I feel like this project will provide a much-needed boost to our economy, providing great new opportunities not only for our residents but also the surrounding area.

To secure Interfors project in DeQuincy, the State of Louisiana is providing a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart  ranked the No. 1 workforce development program in the nation for the past 12 years. Additionally, the company is expected to use the states Quality Jobs program and Industrial Tax Exemption Program for the new jobs created.

Beauregard Parish and southwest Louisiana have always welcomed economic development projects big and small, said Mike Harper, Beauregard Parish Police Jury President. This is a big one, and is very exciting for an area that can benefit from a project of this scale once again.

The restart of the lumber mill at DeQuincy by Interfor is a huge economic win for southwest Louisiana, said George Swift, President and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. Interfor purchased the shuttered lumber mill from Georgia Pacific, and is investing millions of dollars in preparation of restarting the mill. This investment would create an estimated 45 construction jobs. When the mill is fully operational, Interfor plans to employ 170 permanent workers in quality jobs. We welcome Interfor to southwest Louisiana and thank them for reopening the lumber mill in DeQuincy.
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A new petition calls for the University of Kansas to require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or wear a mask. While masks are not required on campus, Chancellor Douglas Girod has doubled down on the universitys mask recommendation.
As parents and staff in Olathe wait to hear the district's decision on masking, some parents don't need to know the result. Instead, 300 children who would have gone to school in person chose a new option.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on August 5 due to fires burning in Northern California. The declaration applies to Siskiyou County due to the Antelope Fire, and Nevada and Placer counties impacted by the River Fire.

The declaration orders: All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan. Also, all residents are to obey the direction of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.

More details on Newsoms order can be found here.

Today, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert against price-gouging following Governor Newsoms state of emergency for several counties in Northern California.

California law generally requires prices not be raised by more than 10% of what they were prior to the declaration of a state of emergency. The law applies to people selling food, emergency or medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. Violations carry potential fines, penalties, or criminal prosecution.

More details on Bontas alert can be found here.
The COVID-19 infection rate in BC has leaped to 536, a figure not seen since mid-May. There are more than 3,500 active cases in the province and more than half of those are in the Interior Health region.

You voted:
Infrastructure is now barreling down the political highways of Washington, D.C. Bipartisanship clearly is working in current negotiations, which is not surprising, since the subject is of fundamental importance. Enormous sums of money are involved, exceptional even amidst todays aggressive government spending.

However, what is the significance for the average American?

The answer is this initiative is of universal importance, whether or not you realize it. The current legislation will have a major impact on everyone, and not just as taxpayers.

Think of our infrastructure as reinforcing and strengthening, literally, the foundations of the American economy, which is the largest, richest and most influential on our planet. Please keep that in mind. Todays nonstop media and almost-nonstop politicians talk constantly about our alleged weakness, and even decline.

In specific terms, the important bill just agreed upon by both parties in the United States Senate as well as the White House will substantially strengthen and modernize the nations bridges and roads, highways and waterways, railroads and ports. There is sensible inclusion of communications infrastructure, in particular important cybersecurity.
Ketchikan, AK (99901)

Today

Rain likely. High 66F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
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For those working in the health care profession, life has been a nightmarish existence for the past 18 months. COVID-19, originally billed as an illness no more severe than the flu, has devastated America and most other world countries. Loss of life due to the virus has been astounding, often attacking the most vulnerable of our population. Now, more than 1 1/2 years later, the virus is still in our midst with the emergence of the Delta variant. This variant has proven to be more contagious than earlier forms, making victims of those individuals who remain unvaccinated either by choice or by unavailability.

Often health care workers who were and are serving on the front lines of this battle, our doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc., have physically and emotionally been pushed to the brink. Their lives, so greatly impacted by the pandemic, have been scarred by witnessing the deaths of loved ones or patients under their care. To somehow survive, they have tried to detach themselves from all the sadness that surrounds them. Emotions are set aside so that they can continue healing the sick and comforting the dying. They ask themselves why wont the unvaccinated get vaccinated so that this all can be put behind us. Meanwhile, hospital beds are again filling up with COVID patients. Those political figures who hold seats of authority and influence should be promoting vaccination, but more often than not, are remaining silent on the issue. The politics of the day seemingly takes precedence over saving lives and halting the spread of COVID.

The burdens are numerous and weighty, and there appears to be no let-up. But the job of tending to the sick with compassionate care takes no break. The signs and shouts proclaiming you heroes have faded into the background, but still, the war rages on. You search for a lifeline that you can hold onto so that you can make some sense of all that has happened.

Where is this lifeline?

Within your body, synapses are flashing, and your heart is racing. You try to bottle up all your emotions so that you can perform your job, a job for which you have taken an oath to do no harm. But life is disjointed, and you try your best to separate whats happening at work and what happens when youre at home with family. Often this does not succeed.

In your mind, you question the choices youve made, the road taken that has led you to this particular point in time. You have been making sacrifice after sacrifice, but does anyone understand how worn and frustrated you are? You ask yourself, Who am I? Where am I?

Revisit the story of these times, the heartaches, and the successes. Revisit your story and what decisions and choices you have made to bring you to this moment in time. Revisit those motivational factors and goals that brought you to this career path. Are those fires still burning brightly within you? Lastly, revisit the stories of those who sit before you, those patients who are scared and anxious, hoping that you will help them get through this life-challenging situation. For them, you are indeed their heroes.

Always remember your humanity. You are not super-human. Make connections to your heart, to your mind, to others. Look closely at the situation that lies before you, listen carefully to all that is around you, and calm the pounding heart.

Dig deep within your psyche, ask the big questions, and most importantly, listen to the answers. Rediscover the reasons that have been your motivation, your driving force. Uncover those layers you have put in place for your protection to cushion against the harshness. Open your eyes. Open your heart. Your lifeline is within your grasp. This lifeline is tethered to your core, to those you care for, to those who care for you.

Once lost, you are now found. You are at equilibrium. You have found your way back.

Michele Luckenbaugh is a patient advocate.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Your zip code is a better predictor of your health than your genetic code. For residents in the Pacific Northwest who recently faced a record-breaking heatwave, this statement hits close to home. The World Weather Attribution initiative, an international team of climate researchers, conducted a rapid analysis of the Pacific Northwest heatwave. The climate scientists from seven countries determined that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

The Pacific Northwest heatwave is a prime example of how climate change is a public health crisis that disproportionately affects people who suffer from socioeconomic inequalities, including many people of color. The New York Times reported that, as socioeconomic status decreased, both the temperature and deaths due to the heatwave increased in different zip codes of Portland, Oregon. Dr. Vivek Shandas from Portland State University studies urban heat islands, metropolitan areas where buildings and pavement increase the temperature relative to outlying areas. Especially in urban areas, concrete will absorb and retain the suns heat before radiating that heat back into the surrounding air.

To make matters worse, Dr. Shandas reports that people with lower socioeconomic status and communities of color tend to live in neighborhoods that lack urban green spaces (with trees providing shade) and access to cooling centers, further intensifying the effects of the heatwave. The Pacific Northwest heatwave is just one of many examples of how environmental racism and climate change are closely intertwined.

Climate change and extreme weather events strain health system resources. Driven by a strong heat dome and ongoing drought, the unprecedented temperatures in the Pacific Northwest pose risks of dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion. High temperatures also transform air pollution into smog, exposing people to the damaging effects of ozone. These effects of climate change lead to more hospitalizations for acute and chronic care.

In Portland, inadequate infrastructure for high temperatures caused public transportation to be shut down when it was needed most. This made it especially hard for people with no other means of transportationmostly the homeless and people from poorer backgroundsto get to cooling centers. Clearly, the negative health effects of climate change, whether direct or indirect, tend to affect people with fewer resources. As a result, structural inequities in society are translated into disparities in health outcomes.

Beyond the changes in the anthroposphere, the biosphere was also heavily impacted by the Pacific Northwest heatwave.

The Scientific American reported that more than one billion sea creatures were killed, a devastating maritime massacre that could destabilize marine ecosystems. Facilitated by climate change, high temperatures in marine systems may directly lead to changes in species distribution and mass mortalities.

Any catastrophe for marine life has the potential to create ripple effects for terrestrial life. For example, many birds that play an important role in terrestrial food webs rely on fish for food. Notably, the loss of keystone species in a particular ecosystem will impact all other ecological niches, leading to the disappearance of that ecosystem or the emergence of a dramatically different one. Research supports that declines in biodiversity can lead to ecosystem collapse, threatening our food and water supply in addition to the commercial fishing and seafood industry.

The effects of climate change are nothing new. What is new, however, is the accelerating rate at which we see climate change unfold.

Just in the Pacific Northwest, the CDC reports that (for now) the health impacts of climate change include:

Temperature-related death and illness

Air quality impacts

Vector-borne diseases

Water-related illnesses

Negative impacts on mental health and well-being

The already strained U.S. health care system is being increasingly threatened by climate change.

In addition to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, and taking other actions to reduce climate change, a climate lens to assess climate change-driven health risks must be added to our health policy to promote a more resilient health care system. To protect our Earth and vulnerable communities, we must make a commitment to mitigating climate change.

Leonard Wang is a medical student.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
COQUILLE, Ore. -- The suspect in four murders in North Bend was booked into Coos County Jail early Friday morning after being extradited from Wisconsin.

Oen Nicholson allegedly killed his father and struck a couple in a hit-and-run incident at the Mills Casino RV Park before killing a woman at Herbal Choices Marijuana Dispensary. He then reportedly kidnapped a woman in Springfield and fled to Wisconsin, where he turned himself in to officials.

According to a press release from Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier, Nicholson was served extradition warrants in a Wisconsin court on Jul 23. He indicated that he did not want to contest extradition during another court appearance on July 26.

Frasier said officers from Coos County traveled to Wisconsin and returned him to Oregon.

Officials said that Nicholson will make his first court appearance in Oregon at 1 p.m. on Friday.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) -- An ex-Oregon schools supterintendent says the people who ousted her never spoke to her, and the district's work on equity - which she championed - is now languishing.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports board members at the Greater Albany Public Schools District fired Superintendent Melissa Goff soon after new members took over.

According to board chair Eric Aguinaga, Goff was fired because she had become a polarizing figure in the Albany community.

Goff says she was fired over differing values. The conflict is not the only example of recent friction between school administrators and elected school board members.

The Newberg School Board is facing pushback after announcing plans to repeal state policies aimed at equity.
MEDFORD, Ore.- (KDRV) The Medford Police Department says that a now-former custodian at South Medford High School had made significant steps toward carrying out a mass shooting before he sought help several weeks ago.

On July 20, 24-year-old Kristopher Clay came into the Medford Police Department lobby and requested to speak with an officer. MPD said that Clay told the officer he was having "homicidal thoughts" and had plans to follow through with them. The officer took Clay to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center's Behavioral Health Unit.

MPD launched an investigation into Clay, leading to a series of searches covering at least three locations in Jackson County, including Clay's residence in the 700-block of W McAndrews in Medford. Investigators found ammunition, rifles, gun parts, tactical gear, and "written material." Lieutenant Mike Budreau said that the recovered evidence included manifestos, maps, and a journal that Clay allegedly tampered with while in the hospital.

Clay worked as a custodian at South Medford High School at the time that he turned himself in. MPD said that police contacted officials from the Medford School District and school officials worked with School Resource Officers on a sweep of the school. The District also ensured that Clay's employment was quickly terminated.

On Wednesday, police took Clay into custody at Asante Rogue Regional just before he was to be discharged from the mental health unit. Medford Police charged him with a number of counts: Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

"It should be noted that Clay was in protective custody up to the point he was placed under arrest," MPD said. "The Medford Police Department would like to thank the many agencies involved in this case, and we are relieved a potentially catastrophic event was prevented."

According to police, Clay had marked out several potential sites for shootings  including South Medford High School. However, Clay had reportedly not identified any specific individuals as targets, with Lt. Budreau saying that Clay had chosen "areas, not people."

Though Clay ultimately came to the police station and told the officer about his alleged homicidal urges, Lt. Budreau underlined that the investigation had produced significant evidence of the custodian's planning, including a possible date for the attacks.

"Everything was culminating to the point where the only next step would be a mass shooting event," Budreau said.

Clay had no prior criminal convictions, but he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a court determination of mental illness under Oregon law, which Budreau said occurred in 2019. Police said that he obtained the guns through "various channels," ordering parts online and sourcing intact guns from people he knew.

Medford School District hired Clay in February of this year, according to spokesperson Natalie Hurd. MSD conducted the usual background and reference checks that they do for District employees, Hurd said, but there were no red flags during Clay's hiring process. The court determination was not a criminal case and did not appear on the background check.

Budreau said that Medford Police officers had one interaction with Clay in 2019, when he was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge. Though he was taken into custody, he was not prosecuted for the charge and it does not appear on his criminal record.

Regardless, Clay's mental state was not entirely obscure. Budreau said that police have now interviewed several people who heard concerning statements from Clay, but did not take the threats seriously and did not report them to authorities.

"When we asked them why they didn't contact us or didn't do anything about it, it was their impression that it wasn't serious, that he was just being goofy or . . . there wasn't a real threat," Budreau said. "I'd just like to remind folks that any time you hear talk of mass or school shootings or anything that should be of concern, don't discount it  report it, let us look into it and see if it has any veracity, because what we saw in this case was that it absolutely did."

While Budreau said that it's common for people to disclose to Medford Police that they want to harm themselves, he reflected that the circumstances in this case are "very unusual," considering how Clay surrendered himself into protective custody within the context of a purportedly detailed plan for violence.

"Sometimes people indicate that they are a danger to others, but never to this extent, and never to this . . . being planned out, with this many specifics, and this many steps going towards that," Budreau said.

Clay appeared in court via video feed for his arraignment on Thursday. For the attempted murder charge, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $375,000.

When asked for his initial plea, Clay told the judge that he wanted to plead guilty to all charges. Judge Cromwell advised that he speak with an attorney before entering a guilty plea.

"These are extremely serious charges that are mandatory prison," Judge Cromwell said. "So I have a little bit of a concern, based on preliminary information that I've received, that would cause me some concern for you doing that today. If you want to just at least talk to an attorney to discuss your rights . . . it's not to say you can't plead guilty."

"Yes, your honor," Clay replied. " . . . I would like to discuss with an attorney."

The judge referred Clay to the public defender's office for representation. Prosecutors requested that Clay's bail be set at $2 million, which Judge Cromwell approved. If Clay were to post bail, he'd be placed on supervised release with relatively stringent requirements, including GPS monitoring.

Budreau said that there is still an ongoing investigation into the case, and some details that investigators have gathered so far are being withheld as the Jackson County District Attorney's Office pursues its case against Clay.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Following the dog attack on Wednesday that severely injured a Springfield couple, the controversy surrounding the pit bull breed is sparking up once again.

Springfield Police said an American Staffordshire Terrier nearly chewed off a woman's foot at Jenna Village in Springfield.

RELATED: Dog attacks owners in Springfield

According to a Level One Trauma study, pit bulls were responsible for 269 out of the 551 pediatric dog bite victims at a hospital in Philadelphia. And across the country, pit bull bans have been proposed.

Also according to the study, pit bull breeds were 2.5 times more likely than any other breed to bite a person.

Pupgrade founder and Eugene dog trainer Nicole Prince said there are multiple factors that could go into a dog attacking its owners.

"I guess the bottom line is that there are way too many factors for it to be one thing or another. That usually can be said in any bite, regardless of breed, regardless of any of this stuff," said Prince.

Prince told KEZI 9 News that pit bulls are bred more frequently than other dogs, so for the most part the dog's temperament and their personalities are basically a luck of the draw. She said you never know what you're going to get.

Rocalie Reynolds, a pit bull owner and former breeder in Eugene, said a pit bull she had in the past did turn out to be aggressive. And while she decided against keeping him, she hasn't had another bad experience.

"I've owned like a handful of dogs at once and they all have their own temperaments, you know? It's just a matter of learning them and recognizing them for what they are," said Reynolds.

She also said it comes down to how the owner responds to these different tendencies.

According to a study at a Pennsylvania children's hospital, throughout a 12 year period, 25% of injuries were caused by pit bulls.

This has some people questioning the overall safety of the breed, but not Savannah Morrison. She said her 9-month-old pit bull/boxer mix, Flood, is not aggressive. She told KEZI 9 News it's because of the way she trained him.

"I think one of the best things that I've come to find is I don't really like negative reinforcement with him specifically because he's just so happy all the time. So you know if I show him all of the good things, he tends to just not do the bad ones," said Morrison.

Morrison also said she's owned several pit bulls in her time as a pet owner, and she hasn't had any problems. She said it's because of that positive reinforcement training she uses.

KEZI 9 News did reach out to the Springfield Police Department regarding the couple's condition, but they have not given any updates at this time.
CHESTERFIELD  Dr. Steven M. Brown, who manages care for critically ill patients in several states from his living room, watches with frustration as the list of those with red boxes by their names, signifying they have COVID-19, grows longer.

It wasnt supposed to be this way  not now.

Only a few months ago, Brown and his colleagues at the Mercy Virtual Care Center had reason to believe things were returning to normal. People were getting vaccinated. COVID-19 cases were declining.

Then everything went into reverse.

Vaccination rates inexplicably slowed, people took fewer precautions and cases began to surge again as a highly infectious variant of the coronavirus was allowed to take hold.

After experiencing so many lives lost and seeing signs the pandemic was nearing its end, Brown said the latest setback is inconceivable.

Back in early 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Brown stopped working at the virtual care center, a 125,000-square-foot Chesterfield building where roughly 300 clinicians provide around-the-clock telemedicine to more than 600,000 patients in seven states.

He was 64 and overweight, placing him at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. He had Mercy set up the equipment he needed to do his 12-hour night shifts from the safety of his Chesterfield home.

I just didnt expect I would still be here a year-and-a-half later, said Brown, now a month away from his 66th birthday.

Hopes have been somewhat crushed again because of the delta variant, which is an entirely new virus practically in the way its behaving, how sick people are getting, said Brown, an internist who specializes in lung disease and critical care.

Research from other countries that dealt with the delta variant before the U.S. suggests it is two to three times more likely to put an unvaccinated person in the hospital than the earlier strains of the coronavirus.

Brown, like other medical professionals and public health experts, is frustrated.

We really, really, really had an opportunity to crush this, he said. And knowing infections like I do, I knew that was a rare opportunity, and we squandered it.

Have hope

In a corner next to Browns wraparound sofa is a large folding table where he faces four 24-inch computer screens. He can watch heart monitors, check X-rays or scans, message nurses and doctors, access patient records, check lab results and order tests and medications.

The doctor can use a camera in a patients room to zoom in so close that he can look down a patients throat as a nurse holds a flashlight.

He constantly fields calls from nurses, who consult with him on everything from delirium to stubbornly high blood pressure.

He has two laptop computers open on each end so he can quickly access the latest research articles as scientists learn more and more about treating COVID-19.

When the pandemic first hit hospitals, it reminded Brown of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, when doctors knew little of the disease and many were dying. He watched the oxygen levels of COVID-19 patients drop as he desperately tried to get them through the night.

There was a great sense of futility because we didnt have anything to fix them, Brown said. I could comfort them and support them, but they had unrelenting illness, and they were dying. It was very scary.

He remembers losing four patients in one hour. He cared for married couples on ventilators in the same unit. He treated four siblings in Oklahoma who all died within a few weeks of each other.

Brown had to talk young new nurses through the unimaginable, as they held cellphones next to patients on ventilators so loved ones could say goodbye.

They were faced with things they couldnt have possibly been trained for, he said.

But his decades of experience taught him to have hope. He knew scientists would learn new ways to prevent, treat and care for COVID-19 patients  and that promise got him and his co-workers through the darkest days of the pandemic during winter as holiday gatherings and doubts in mask-wearing pushed daily death totals in the U.S. above 3,000.

More hope arrived when vaccines became widely available by April. More than 1,000 people at a time were getting shots at mass vaccination events. Cases and positivity rates dropped. Patient beds opened up. Brown got a haircut and visited an out-of-town grandson.

At the start of one shift, a 36-bed intensive care unit in Oklahoma City had just 24 patients.

How wonderful, Brown thought at the time.

Crashing faster

Then practically overnight, the intensive care unit he supported in Springfield filled with COVID-19 patients. Hospitals in Arkansas and Oklahoma were not far behind. It happened so quickly in Springfield, they had to scramble for ventilators, cooling blankets, oxygen masks as well as contract nurses and respiratory therapists.

Brown gets calls from half a dozen nurses in one minute. Despite being just 15 feet from his kitchen, he can't get up for meals. His wife, Jean Millner, a former chef, takes his favorite enchiladas or frittatas to his spot in front of his busy screens. He has Alexa play classical music or Broadway tunes to stay calm.

People are sicker. They were coming in and crashing faster, Brown said. From the time they enter the door and the time they wind up on ventilators with serious consequences is much shorter.

They include younger and otherwise healthy adults, pregnant women miscarrying or delivering babies too early. They are nearly all unvaccinated. Its horribly tragic, he said.

Some deny they have COVID-19, he said. Family members of patients he talks with still refute the need to get vaccinated. Others are just misinformed. So many people say I didnt know it was this bad, he said.

While its stressful, the face-to-face doctors are once again bearing the brunt, he said. Im not at the bedside. Im not masked the entire time and having to change gloves and wash hands 40 times a shift or more.

Brown tries hard to lighten the mood. When a nurse asks him to order a pint of blood, he asks if she wants fries with that. If she brings up a complicated medical problem, hell say, Well, we really need to call the doctor. Oh wait, Im the doctor.

The rewards of caring for people remotely are great, he says. He can help busy doctors and nurses better focus on their patients, helping to improve care and prevent staff burnout. His expertise helps patients stay near those who give them comfort, such as relatives and clergy, instead of transferring to a more heavily staffed hospital farther away.

With surging cases, protests over wearing masks and lagging vaccination rates, Brown said hes not sure when hell return to the virtual care center.

Im happy to just stay at home. The food is a lot better, he said. I just assume I'll stay here until everything dies down.

Hes not sure when that will be. Hes worried that uncontrolled spread could lead to another, even more dangerous variant.

The average number of new cases in Missouri topped 3,000 on Thursday for the first time since the middle of January. At the start of June, it was just 400. In the past three days, 131 deaths have been reported.

Not only for yourself, but for the community, people need to get vaccinated, Brown said. If you get vaccinated, Im not going to be taking care of you. Im not going to be managing you on a ventilator.
Weather Alert

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology in Spokane Washington Department of Ecology in Yakima Colville Confederated Tribes The Washington Department of Ecology has announced an Air Quality Alert for all of Washington east of the Cascade crest through 10 AM Monday August 16th, due to increasing levels of wildfire smoke. A cold front on Sunday is expected to begin clearing smoke across much of Eastern Washington, but air quality concerns will continue for Okanogan, Ferry, and Yakima counties. 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 in Unhealthy, everyone should limit their time outdoors, and people with asthma, respiratory infections, diabetes, lung or heart disease should stay indoors. 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.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon temperatures in the upper 90s to 105 degrees. * WHERE...Some of the lower elevations of the north and north central Idaho Panhandle as well as all valleys of central and eastern Washington. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Sunday. * 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. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned rooms, and check up on relatives and neighbors. &&
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Police in Des Moines say a resident shot an armed intruder who broke into an apartment overnight.

Police say the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Friday, when a man armed with a handgun broke into an apartment along Lincoln Avenue. Police say the intruder assaulted and threatened residents inside the apartment before he was shot by one of the residents. Investigators say the intruder fled the scene and later showed up with a bullet wound at an emergency room.

He is expected to recover. Police did not release the names of the victims or the accused intruder and have not announced any arrests in the case.
ANAMOSA, Iowa (AP)  One of two inmates accused of killing a prison nurse and correctional officer during an escape attempt has pleaded guilty to murder and other counts and confessed in court to fatally beating both with a hammer.

Thomas Woodard Jr. pleaded guilty Friday in Jones County to two counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of attempted murder. The 38-year-old Woodard and his co-defendant, 29-year-old Michael Dutcher, had each pleaded not guilty in April to the counts in the March 23 deaths of nurse Lorena Schulte and correctional officer Robert McFarland.

Investigators have said the pair used hammers to beat Schulte and McFarland to death and to seriously injure an inmate who tried to stop the attack at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The judge overseeing the trial of a former suburban Minneapolis police officer who is charged in the death of Daunte Wright has denied a request to broadcast the proceedings.

Judge Regina Chu ruled Thursday that there will be no recording or livestreaming of the trial of former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter. Potter, who is white, fatally shot Wright, a 20-year-old Black motorist, on April 11. The city's former police chief said he believed Potter meant to use her Taser instead of her handgun. She's charged with second-degree manslaughter.

Chu also rescheduled the trial to start about a week earlier. It will now begin on Nov. 30.
Mason City, Iowa -- With so many great things going on in Mason City, there's no better way to celebrate by showing your appreciation and gratitude.

The event will be this Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon. The event will be hosted by KCMR and Main Street Mason City.

The goal of the event is for people to express a word or two reflecting the community's appreciation. Signs will be given away at the conclusion of the event for anyone who wishes to take the signs home.

A limited number of Project Gratitude window signs will be given away at the event as well.

for more information  contact Ozzie Ohl at ozzie@kcmrfm.com.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  A stolen vehicle was involved in a Thursday night collision that seriously injured one driver.

The Rochester Police Department says it happened just after 11:30 pm on Highway 63 near the Highway 52 overpass. Officers say a black Ford Explorer crashed into a Hyundai Elantra. Police say they arrived at the scene to find the Explorer empty and the driver of the Elantra, a 65-year-old man from Rochester, suffered from serious head injuries. He was taken to St. Marys Hospital for treatment.

Investigators say the Explorer had been stolen and it appears whoever was driving left the area before police arrived. A witness told officers he was driving north on Highway 63 and as he was going under the 40th Street bridge, the stolen Explorer passed him and well over 100 miles per hour before slamming into the rear of the Elantra. Police say the Explorer then flipped onto its side and went off the road.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Worried parents with children too young to be vaccinated called on the the Iowa State Board of Education on Thursday to implore Governor Kim Reynolds to reverse a state law passed in May that bans schools from requiring masks.

With virus infections accelerating again as the more infectious delta variant sweeps though communities, public health officials are advising mask wearing indoors in public places, even for vaccinated people. Several parents and a local school board member asked the state board to seek a reversal of the state law. It's unlikely as a spokesman for the governor says she is proud of the mask mandate ban.

The aide notes masks can be worn in school but just can't be required.
Minnesota State Representatives Tina Liebling and Liz Boldon held a virtual town hall meeting Thursday night at 6 p.m.

Both lawmakers covered a range of issues, stemming from COVID-19 surges and the upcoming 2020 Census data.

Boldon said she is upset at the pace of current vaccinations.

"It does not have to be this way. We have a vaccine that is safe and effective and works. That is how we get past this and through this together. People are getting sick and dying and they do not need to. It does not need to be that way," Boldon said.

Liebling said she hopes the upcoming 2020 Census data establishes a new congressional district for the City of Rochester.

"Rochester city really does not get its interests heard because it does not have anybody whose interests are not divided and as Rochester is growing. It has more of the kinds of issues that other big cities have and I believe it really needs representation that is not divided," Liebling said.

The virtual session lasted until 7:30 p.m.
People line up to enter the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles in Schaumburg, Ill., Thursday, July 15, 2021. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver's licenses and ID cards have been extended until Jan. 1, 2022.
Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush is coming under fire after spending $70,000 of her own campaign money on private security -- despite her calls for defunding the police. Bush spoke to CBS News and said she can't work to defund the police if her life is in danger.
MOUNT VERNON -- Adam Mowery has come full circle. After being born in Mount Vernon, he lived in various towns in Ohio and spent a portion of his life in North Carolina.

Mowery has returned to Mount Vernon with a new role: principal of Twin Oak Elementary School.

Really what led me into education was I had great educators growing up, Mowery said. They really served as role models for me.

While Mowery has previously worked as a teacher and principal, he comes to Twin Oak from a curriculum coordinator role based out of Middletown, Ohio.

Over the past several years, Mowerys focus has been on overseeing school curricula and ensuring adherence to state and local standards, first as a 6-12 curriculum coordinator for Graham Local Schools and then for Middletown City Schools.

The past four years Ive been a curriculum coordinator, but my love and my passion is at the elementary level, Mowery said.

Mowery grew up in Delaware, Ohio, and began taking on educator and childcare roles at an early age. Throughout his youth, he worked at daycares and summer schools.

Upon his graduation from Rutherford B. Hayes High School, he attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio to obtain a bachelors degree in early childhood education.

He began his education career in North Carolina, where he worked as a first, third and fourth grade teacher. During his time in North Carolina, Mowery was recognized as regional teacher of the year.

After the birth of his first child, he and his wife decided to move to Ohio to be closer to family. Upon his return to his home state, he received a master's degree in educational administration from Ashland University, as well as his principal licensure.

Having seen the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on school children and their wellbeing as a curriculum coordinator last school year, Mowery said he plans to prioritize student wellness in his new leadership position.

The pandemic has presented challenges, but it has also presented opportunities too, Mowery said. It really has been a constant reminder that we have to ensure the social and emotional wellbeing of our students are placed at the forefront of decision making.

In one of Mowerys previous roles, as a principal in the Marion City School District, he and his staff were recognized for their implementation of positive behavior intervention supports, methods used to identify and support desired behaviors in school settings.

Rather than punishing students for not knowing how to behave, students are taught positive and appropriate behavior through PBIS.

We saw a significant decrease in the number of discipline referrals, Mowery said.

Mowery and his staff were recognized by Ohio as bronze and silver recipients for PBIS implementation, along with other nearby districts, including Knox County Career Center and Mount Vernon City School District.

Mowery believes an educator's role is to develop students who are life-long learners, he said. Mowery seeks to focus on developing the whole student.

I also think it's important that we are providing students with leadership opportunities within the building, Mowery said. It develops a sense of belonging when students feel that theyre a part of something thats greater than themselves.

Mowery is excited about Twin Oak Elementarys outdoor learning space, a classroom set up in the field behind the gymnasium.

Mowery hopes to use the space to expand science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics programming, creating what he called real-world experiential learning opportunities.

Mowery officially assumed the role of principal Aug. 2, and he said he has an open door policy.

One of the big goals I have this year is to listen a lot, Mowery said. Being new to the building, Im going to be listening to our parents, to our staff, to our students and to the community.

I dont believe in setting goals alone. I think they should be shared goals and common goals.
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Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Here's what you need to know today: Friday, Aug. 6




North Korea slammed a British decision to deploy the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in Asia ahead of the carrier's port call in South Korea later this month.







Pyongyang's foreign ministry published on Tuesday a statement from Choe Hyon-do, a researcher with the North Korea-Europe Association, accusing Britain of escalating tensions in the region.







"Britain, which intensifies the situation by pushing warships into the distant Asia-Pacific region, is using the move as an excuse to use [North Korea] as a threat," Choe said. "It is a kind of provocation."







The Queen Elizabeth and a fleet of warships embarked on a world tour in May. The Carrier Strike Group has so far conducted joint exercises with Indian and Singaporean forces, and is expected to take part in drills with the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea.







"The days when the British Empire threatened various countries around the world with 'inclusion diplomacy' and colonized them at will have passed forever," the North Korean statement read. "Better to pay attention to the troublesome aftermath of Brexit."







Choe also addressed a recent statement from British Defense Minister Ben Wallace confirming plans to keep two warships permanently in the Asia-Pacific region.







Britain has accused North Korea and China of trying to isolate Japan and South Korea, and of threatening freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, the North Korean official claimed.







British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last month that his country intends to show "our friends in China that we believe in the international law of the sea ... [in] a confident but not confrontational way."







Commodore Steve Moorhouse, commanding officer and captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth, tweeted in Korean on Sunday that the Carrier Strike Group had arrived in the Western Pacific.







"The mission of the British Carrier Group is centered on cooperation and it looks forward to strengthening the partnership between the United Kingdom and [South] Korea for regional security and prosperity," Moorhouse said.







Britain's military said in June the aircraft carrier is to visit South Korea with 18 F-35B stealth fighter jets. (UPI)






North Korea has been taking flooding prevention measures in major farming areas in the country's southwest in an effort to minimize damage to grain production amid forecasts of heavy downpours, state media reported Thursday.







"Emergency steps have been taken to prevent damage from flooding at cooperative fields in Jaeryong County," the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, said. "Anti-flooding efforts have been seriously undertaken basically to prevent farming areas in Anak County from inundation."







The counties located in South Hwanghae Province are known as major rice-producing areas.







Various anti-flooding measures, such as the repair of reservoirs and streams, have also been taken in Sariwon, Hwangju and other areas of North Hawnghae Province, according to the paper.







Hwanghae provinces are in the country's southwestern region and were among those hard hit by last summer's back-to-back typhoons and floods.







North Korea is known for chronic food shortages, which appear to have been aggravated by last year's flooding. In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged that the country is facing a "tense" food shortage.







Experts say that North Korea needs to produce around 5.5 million tons of food every year to feed its population. A think tank in Seoul earlier said the North could face a food shortage of around 1.3 million tons this year. (Yonhap)






By Kim Bo-eun







Samsung Electronics for the first time gave the global No. 1 smartphone sales ranking to Xiaomi in June. While the Chinese vendor's rise is attributed to temporary factors, Samsung is facing an increased threat from its competitor, given that Xiaomi for the first time also overtook Apple to clinch second place in the global smartphone market share in the second quarter.







According to market tracker Counterpoint Research, Thursday, Xiaomi accounted for 17.1 percent of global smartphone sales in June, followed by Samsung with 15.7 percent and Apple with 14.3 percent. Xiaomi's sales grew 26 percent in June from the previous month.







Counterpoint Research attributed this to Xiaomi's aggressive expansion and Samsung's smartphone supply constraints due to production disruptions at its Vietnam plant amid the COVID-19 pandemic.







"Ever since the decline of Huawei commenced, Xiaomi has been making consistent and aggressive efforts to fill the gap created by this decline. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has been expanding in Huawei's and Honor's legacy markets like China, Europe, Middle East and Africa," Counterpoint Research's director Tarun Pathak noted.







"In June, Xiaomi was further helped by China, Europe and India's recovery and Samsung's decline due to supply constraints."







Samsung's smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam's province of Bac Ninh was affected by a nationwide lockdown in the second quarter.







Xiaomi's sales were propelled by a shopping promotion event in June that sparked consumption in China  June 18 is the day for mid-year e-commerce promotions for retailers there.







"China's market grew 16 percent in June from May, driven by the 618 event, with Xiaomi being the fastest growing OEM, riding on its aggressive offline expansion in lower-tier cities and solid performance of its Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9 and the Redmi K series," Counterpoint's Senior Analyst Varun Mishra said.







"Xiaomi, with its strong mid-range portfolio and wide market coverage, was the biggest beneficiary from the short-term gap left by Samsung's A series."







Regarding Xiaomi's monthly sales achievement, an industry official said "Samsung inevitably continues to feel a threat as the leader of the global smartphone market, regardless of how its competitors are doing."


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
TURNER, OR (KPTV)  Just off Interstate 5 in the Willamette Valley, a theme park has brought joy to Oregonians and other visitors for 50 years. Enchanted Forest will celebrate its landmark anniversary this weekend.

On Sunday, the attraction will mark five decades of magical memories. According to Enchanted Forest, founder Roger Tofte and his wife put up a piece of butcher paper as an "open" sign and welcomed the first 75 visitors on Aug. 8, 1971. Admission on opening day was one $1 for adults and $0.50 for children.

Tofte, now 91, will be at Enchanted Forest on Sunday, saying in a statement It is time to celebrate and remember the incredible journey."

He and members of his family will be at the Tofteville Western Town at 12:45 p.m. for a cake cutting event. Question and answer sessions with the Tofte family will be in the town at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online until all are sold. Enchanted Forest did not say how many tickets are available.

Enchanted Forest to reopen this weekend after delay TURNER, OR (KPTV) - After delaying its reopening last month, the Enchanted Forest is set to reopen this weekend.

The year and a half leading up to the theme parks 50th anniversary included many challenges for its operation. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Enchanted Forest to close. The historic icy weather that swept across northern Oregon in February 2021 caused damage to the park. It finally reopened in June.

Sheriff confirms two deaths in Santiam Fire; family says 12-year-old boy, grandmother died MARION COUNTY, OR (KPTV) - A grandmother and young boy were killed in the Santiam Fire on Wednesday, with a family member saying both died whi

The Tofte family also faced personal tragedy in 2020. Wyatt Tofte, the 12-year-old great-grandson of Roger Tofte, and his grandmother, Peggy Mosso, died last September while trying to escape the Santiam Fire that ripped through their home in the North Fork area of Mehama.

Enchanted Forest survived all those hardships thanks to thousands who gave to a GoFundMe page. Over $466,000 was donated to keep the park afloat.

Roger Toftes daughter and park co-manager, Susan Vaslev, says, "Our family is so grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from the community, both financially and in heartfelt letters of support. We were able to survive the challenges because of the many people who came to our aid to make sure Enchanted Forest could continue for future generations to enjoy."
PORTLAND, OR (KPTV)  Portland Public Schools said students and staff will have to be masked indoors for the upcoming school year. That follows the governors mandate, based on CDC recommendations.

As in-person school becomes the normal again, and the Delta variant surges, health and education officials have been concerned about the safe return to the classroom. The answer from federal, state and local officials so far is a policy of masks for everyone.

I'm feeling so relieved, Rashelle Chase, a Portland Public Schools parent, said. I think it's the right decision.

Brown: Masks will be required in all Oregon K-12 schools this fall SALEM, OR (KPTV) - Governor Kate Brown announced Thursday that all K-12 schools statewide will be required to implement an indoor mask rule be

In Southwest Washington on Friday morning, there was a rally to end the mask mandate.

Last week, Governor Jay Inslee also directed all school districts to require students and employees in K-12 schools to mask up in school buildings. He said it was a legal requirement and not up for debate at the local level.

The locally elected school board is your voice on how your schools are run, Washington state representative Jim Walsh said. We are for the rights of families and parents to decide whats best for their kids.

Other parents showed opposition to a mask requirement.

I have come here today as the mother of seven, parent Heidi St. John said. I have seven children and three grandchildren. I can tell you the time to stand up for our children is now.

But at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview, teachers, students and local school board candidates said children deserve to learn in a mask-free environment.

We are not going to put masks on our children, St. John said.

The Longview School District will take up the mask issue Monday in a Zoom meeting.

Children under 12 are not eligible to be vaccinated. Officials said the mask mandate will keep them safe.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The City of St. Joseph Health Department and area Mosaic Life Care clinics which serve youth have selected August 10th to focus on giving 8th and 12th grade vaccinations in preparation of the first day of school.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department has ample supply of the vaccines recommended for all children and youth preparing for school including COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer for those 12 and older.

The clinic accepts walk-in clients, and clients with health insurance or without are served. The health department clinic is open Monday through Friday; check-in for service occurs during the hours of 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department and Mosaic Life Care are working together to give as many opportunities as possible to youth on August 10th with all clinics accepting walk-in clients

Mosaic clinics at Mosaic Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Mitchell Woods, Mosaic Family Care N. 36th St. and Mosaic Family Care North Pointe will accept walk-ins for established patients. Contact your child's health care provider at the appropriate clinic at Mosaic Life Care to determine hours of operation for immunizations. All regular clinic activity will be available, and clients who have other business or scheduled appointments at the clinics will be served.

While August 10th will focus on teens, there is no need to wait until that day to get the required immunizations as clinics are currently accepting patients for vaccine administration.

Likewise, the clinics will offer vaccines to youth after the Teen Day. Also of note, kindergarten students need boosters as well and are being seen daily between now and the beginning of school.

Please bring the following if available: insurance card (there is no charge for immunizations to those without insurance at the City of St. Joseph Health Department), current immunization record(s), child(ren) needing immunizations.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is the county office for Missouri Birth and Death Certificates.

Students new to a school district are often required to provide a certified birth record, and all kindergarteners entering school in the St. Joseph area must meet this requirement. The City of St. Joseph Health Department administrative office can supply Missouri birth certificates during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a fee of $15.00 per certified copy.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is located at 904 South 10th Street and accepts new and established clients.

Call the health department clinic at 816-271-4725 for vaccine information and immunization records. Mosaic Life Care parents/guardians should contact their childs health care provider at the appropriate clinic or call 816-271-6000 to reach the Mosaic Life Care operator.

8th Grade Vaccinations:

 Required: Tdap and Meningococcal ACWY

 Recommended: Gardasil 9 and COVID-19

12th Grade Vaccinations:

 Required: Meningococcal ACWY

 Recommended: Meningococcal B, Gardasil 9, and COVID-19
MONTANA - One of our viewers reached out to us with a question about COVID-19 case numbers as displayed on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) website. We spoke with a representative for the answer.

Magdalena Scott, a supervisor of the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section with DPHHS, says a case could be reported to the state well after a person gets sick, it just takes time for the state to get the data.

Once the state gets the confirmed test result, the case is reported as a new case the following day. The state will then allocate cases to the day the person got sick, instead of the day the test results were received by the state.

As cases continue to rise, access to this data is more important than ever.

"It's important to know that COVID is still here and we've really seen an uptick in cases this week, an uptick in hospitalizations and we are seeing a number of people go out and get vaccinated. We think because of that uptick in cases, we've had an 18% increase in COVID vaccines administered last week over the previous week," Scott said.

With cases on the rise and kids going back to school this month, the department has several resources to help you stay safe and informed about COVID-19 activity in your county.

"If you kind of know what's going on in your community and you know how to protect yourself and those around you, you just really encourage folks to get vaccinated and try to be safe and stay healthy," Scott said.

You can visit the DPHHS COVID-19 page by clicking here.
Update, Aug. 7 at 5:00 pm:

The Missing Endangered Person Advisory for Kaylee Jane Barber issued by Missoula Police Department has expired, however, Kaylee has not been found yet.

If you have any information about Kaylee Barber please call Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300 or 9 1 1.

MISSOULA, Mont. - Police are searching for a girl who has been missing since Thursday, Aug. 5 in Missoula.

According to the Missing Endangered Person Advisory from the Montana Department of Justice, Kaylee Jane Barber, 14, was last seen at Hellgate High School.

Kaylee is described as 5-feet, 7-inches tall, weighing 140-pounds, has green eyes and red hair. She was wearing a black tank top and black ripped jeans at the time she was last seen.

DOJ said she does not have her medication and is suicidal. She may possibly be with another runaway named Johnathan (John) Brent Nelson.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Missoula Police Department at (406) 552-6300 or call 9-1-1.
UPDATE: AUG. 6 AT 10:57 A.M.

The Yellowstone County coroner identified the 19-year-old woman who died in the crash on First Avenue N and N Twelfth Street Tuesday night.

Alexus "Lexy" Pyle, of Laurel, died of multiple blunt force injuries.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds for Lexy's memorial service and her family. You can donate to "support her little sister Taylor, and provide lost income support for her mother" by clicking here: Fundraiser by Julie Mavencamp : Love for Lexy (gofundme.com).

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

BILLINGS, Mont.  Two men are in custody after a 19-year-old woman was killed in a crash on First Avenue N and N Twelfth Street Tuesday around 8:35 p.m.

The Billings Police Department say a preliminary investigation reveals a driver of a 2500 Dodge Ram, identified as Payton Hunter, 19, of Billings was driving west on First Avenue with the 19-year-old woman passenger.
MONTANA - A unit aviation manager with the Bureau of Land Management shared aerial views of firefighting efforts in Montana.

"I think people would be surprised at the amount of fires we have had in Eastern Montana from Billings all the way to Miles City," Unit Aviation Manger with the BLM Rick Lang said. "I think since this Spring we've had over 400 fires. A lot of them kind-of go unnoticed. We put them out and move on to the next one."

Lang is based in Miles City. He manages a tanker base and does air attack for firefighting efforts in Montana. That means he coordinates efforts so people on the ground and in the air stay safe as they fight wildfires.

"If we get a smoke report, we're pretty much launching everything with air resources and sending everything on the ground," he said. "An example just two days ago: there was a some kind of a truck dragging a chain along one of the highways. It sparked a fire along the side of the road and it went 1300 acres within 20 minutes. So, it's bone dry out there."

Lang said fire season started a month ahead of when it usually starts.

"Our firefighters have been maxed and taxed this season," he said.

Lang said the fuel shortage has been a challenge as well:

"Across the Western United States, there's been a huge fuel shortage. And, there have been planes that go to Helena for fuel and retardant. Sometimes, if they are out of fuel, they have to fly to Pocatello, Idaho to get fuel. It's been a logistical struggle."

Lang says people are respecting the no fly zones. He said he hasn't seen a drone on any of the fires he's worked on this summer.
With three weeks left in August, whats something you are sure to do before the summer ends?
The smells of a fresh lobster dinner filled the air on Saturday, July 31 as the Big Foot Lions Club hosted its 37th annual Lobster Boil & Steak Fry at Reid Park in Fontana. Volunteers served up plate after plate to eager patrons, while live music from the Mr. Myers band and more accompanied the celebration.

By the end of the night, about 3,000 people had joined in on the food and fun, just a hair under the turnout at the last lobster boil in 2019, event co-chair Andy Pearce said.

It was a huge success, Pearce said.

Pearce has been involved with this local tradition for over 30 years. Planning begins in January, he said. About 150 volunteers come together to make the event possible, including those from the Lions Club as well as athletes from Big Foot High School.

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The Big Foot Lions Club is associated with the Wisconsin Lions, District 27-A1 and is a member of Lions Club International. The Lions Club is known for working to end preventable blindness worldwide. Much of the money they raise is donated back to schools, parks and families in need.
The village of Schuld was flooded at about 5 p.m., causing large-scale damage to buildings but no loss of life, Kruse told reporters at a news conference. However, the town of Sinzig  where the Ahr flows into the Rhine River  wasn't hit until 2:30 a.m., he said.

Authorities issued an evacuation warning for certain areas shortly after 11 p.m. While the warning was transmitted by at least one smartphone app, many people were not aware of it and there were only sporadic siren alerts in the valley.

Kruse said the investigation to date had focused on the death of twelve residents of an assisted-living facility in Sinzig. But he said that possible culpability for the deaths of other people that night would be included in the probe as more information becomes available.

At least eight bodies were found in a single underground parking lot, Kruse said. Some people had tried to drive their cars to safety on the advice of authorities only to drown when the floodwater rushed in.

Every human life that was lost is one too many, said Kruse.
After taking a year off due to COVID-19, AJ Sams flew in from Tulsa, Ok., to take part in his familys tradition of showing Jerseys at the Bedford County Fair.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agricultures Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services has gone mobile with a retrofitted trailer testing for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases where there appears to be an imminent risk.
As the growing season for soybeans gets going, it is useful to review the risk posed by bean leaf beetle, one of the crops primary early-season pests.
The U.S. Coast Guard has offloaded $1.4 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Thursday, following a three-month patrol.

According to a press release, the more than 61,000 pounds worth of cocaine and marijuana was the largest offload in Coast Guard history.

Vice Admiral Steven Poulin, commander of the Atlantic area, said the offload resulted from the combined efforts of their inter-agency partners and an international coalition, CBS News reported.

Coast Guards' Historic Seizure

In particular, around 59,700 pounds of cocaine and about 1,430 pounds of marijuana were offloaded. These illegal narcotics were double the amount they seized in the fall of 2020.

The Coast Guard noted that there were 27 incidents in which various American, Dutch and Canadian ships in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea stopped suspected drug smuggling vessels.

In a press conference on Thursday, Captain Todd Vance, who is the commanding officer on the Cutter James, said every bale of cocaine on the flight deck that did not make it to the shores represents lives saved in the cities and towns in the U.S. that's dealing with pandemic levels of drug overdoses this year.

He noted that his crew and his Canadian allies dealt a "significant blow" in the agency's fight to stop illegal drugs, New York Post reported.

Officials said the sailors had used small boats, helicopters, and people on land to conduct the apprehension of the illegal narcotics.

USCG Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Centerno said it just shows that they are doing their jobs, but a lot more has to be done, KIRO 7 reported.

The seized narcotics will be transferred to an interagency team that will work with the U.S. Attorney's Office to prosecute the alleged drug traffickers. So far, the Coast Guard noted that this was also the most historic drug bust of the agency.

READ NEXT: Man With Ties to Jalisco Cartel Arrested For Drug Trafficking In Massachusetts

Drug Trafficking

Heroin seizures worldwide have reached a record level of 73.7 metric tons in 2018, with much of the heroin being seized in the Middle East and South-West Asia, according to a United Nations fact sheet. It was followed by South-East Europe and Western and Central Europe.

Meanwhile, cocaine was used by some 16 to 17 million people in 2007 and 2008 across the world, with North America accounting for more than 40 percent of global cocaine use.

Some 27 European Union and four European Free Trade Association countries accounted for more than a quarter of total consumption.

Cocaine is commonly transported from Colombia to Mexico or Central America. It would then travel onwards by land to the United States and Canada. In Europe, the illegal narcotic is being traveled mostly through the sea, usually in container shipments.

Colombia is still the main source of the drug in Europe. On the other hand, United States imports its shipments from Peru and the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

In 2016, the top five districts for drug trafficking were Texas, its western and southern district; Arizona; southern district of California; and District of New Mexico, according to a Drug Abuse fact sheet. The majority of traffickers were male in 2016, with an average age of 36.

READ MORE: 2 Spring Breakers Arrested for Drugging, Raping a Woman Who Later Died

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WATCH: Coast Guard Grabs Historic Haul of Coke and Pot - From CNBC Television










A woman in San Francisco was caught on camera leaning out of a car's window while brandishing an AK47, police said.

The San Francisco Police Department revealed some information about the road incident in a press release released on Friday, The Independent reported. Police disclosed that the shocking image was taken during "an illegal exhibition of speed event" on July 11.

Woman With AK47 on San Francisco Highway

The San Francisco Police Department noted that the woman was seen leaning out of a Cadillac while holding an AK47. The department added that the incident took place on Barneveld and McKinnon.

A photo shared to the police department's social media account showed what appeared to be a woman with long brown hair wearing a black hoodie while holding one of the deadliest firearms.

On 7/11/2021, During an illegal exhibition of speed event at Barneveld & McKinnon, a passenger leaned out of a Cadi holding an AK47; see photo. SFPD Traffic Company personnel worked up a case, and seized this particular vehicle today. @SFPD @sfmta_muni @SFPDPerea pic.twitter.com/4disQpzziY  SFPDTrafficSafety (@SFTrafficSafety) August 5, 2021

Officers investigated the photo and eventually identified the gray Cadillac. Another photo shared by the San Francisco Police Department showed the vehicle being towed away by police officers.

The San Francisco Police Department said the "Traffic Company personnel of the department worked up a case," and they were able to seize the particular vehicle. However, the department did not mention if the AK47 was found inside the vehicle.

The department also did not specify whether anyone or the gun-toting woman had been arrested in the incident. The identity of the person in the image was also not released.

READ NEXT: 2 Women in Colombia Caught Smuggling Cocaine Hidden in Their Vaginas

Act Against California's Vehicle Code

Under the California Vehicle Code 23109, the incident was considered an exhibition of speed, a crime related to speed contests, KRON reported.

Based on the Shouse California Law Group, an "exhibition of speed" is the acceleration of a motor vehicle at a dangerously high rate of speed. The group noted that it was "often done for amusement or to draw the attention of bystanders."

The group said the the act is also commonly referred to as reckless driving, "speed ex," "flooring it," or street racing. Unlike ordinary vehicular speeding, the group noted that "speed ex" can be charged as a California misdemeanor.

However, it still carries significantly lighter penalties than driving under the influence or driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

The group said if you are arrested for exhibition of speed, the arresting officer has the right to seize your vehicle and impound it for up to 30 days. It noted that California's basic speed law prohibits motorists from driving at a dangerous and unsafe speed.

Photo Quickly Went Viral Online

Meanwhile, the photo quickly went viral on social media. The shocking photo not only triggered a series of questions but also jokes. Some individuals who saw the photo reacted.

A Twitter user said: "She's taking 'riding shotgun' too literally."

Another one wrote: "Proving, once and for all, that not everyone who hangs out the passenger side of their best friend's ride is a scrub."

READ MORE: Indiana Wife Shoots Husband, Chops His Corpse, and Orders Her Kids to Help Get Rid of Remains

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Woman Leans Out of Car, Holds AK47 in San Francisco - From KRON 4
The camp of former President Donald Trump would soon offer the "Trump cards" for his supporters to carry in their wallets to signify their loyalty.

According to Daily Mail, the Trump cards were unveiled to supporters in a fundraising email on Thursday, August 5. The Trump team, in its latest bid for fundraising, said the special cards, which look a lot like credit cards, would be available only for the former president's "STRONGEST supporters."

The Save America political action committee (PAC) of Donald Trump sent out two emails to his loyal supporters on Thursday, asking for their input regarding the design of the red card, which will bear the signature of Donald Trump.

The first email said that "the card you select will be carried by Patriots all around the Country." It added that the Trump cards would be a sign of dedicated support "to our movement to SAVE AMERICA." However, it was not mentioned if what a card-carrier is entitled to.

The email sent out by the PAC further noted that they recently met with Donald Trump in his Florida office and showed him the four designs.

The committee said they were initially planning on releasing just one design. However, when Donald Trump saw the cards on his desk, he said, "these are BEAUTIFUL," and "let the American People decide" because "they always know best."

The new "Trump cards" was the latest item in a series of Trump campaign merchandise. Last week, the PAC also announced that it would offer signed photographs of the former president for only a price of $45.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Backs Ken Paxton Over George P. Bush in Texas Attorney General Race

'Typo' on Trump Cards

One of the four drafts of the loyalty card that Donald Trump asked his supporters to vote on misspelled the word "official."

The former president's PAC has emailed his supporters about the card's details and gave them a say in the design of the red and gold card. However, the Trump cards have been ridiculed on social media.

There were four different designs available to choose from. The first card has a gold bald eagle in the center printed on a solid red background. Below it were the phrases "Official Trump Card" and "Member Since 2021."

The second card has the U.S. seal on the lower right-hand side and had the former president's signature. The phrase "Save America" could also be seen in the card.

The fourth and final choice for the supporters had a solid red background with "Official Trump Card" printed in the middle. The third card option had the obvious spelling mistake, with "Trump Offical Card" printed over the U.S. flag.

When the Trumps send us their cards, they're not sending their best! Some are racist, some are shit-brown, and some, I guess have been spell-checked.#TrumpCard #TrumpCards #Offical pic.twitter.com/T3ccei26L7  Tomi Ahonen Upgraded To Moron Level Trump Card (@tomiahonen) August 5, 2021

Proposed 'Trump Cards' with Nazi-Like Designs

Critics compared one of the Trump cards with an eagle design to a Nazi symbol. They compared the bird design to the Nazi War Eagle.

The Nazi Eagle was a symbol popularly used under Adolf Hitler's Third Reich in Germany.

READ MORE: Former US President Donald Trump's Supporters File FCC Complaints Against SNL, NBC, and Other Comedian Impersonators

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Former President Donald Trump Vows to Make America Great Again - From WKYC Channel 3
The United States embassy in Moscow is demanding to be told where's the location of ex-U.S. marine Trevor Reed, who was imprisoned in Russia.

Previously dubbed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a drunk and troublemaker, the 29-year-old former U.S. marine reportedly disappeared from Russia's prison system. He was last known to be in a Moscow prison.

U.S. State Department Has No Clue Where Trevor Reed is Being Held

According to Daily Mail, Reed's attorneys informed his family that the former marine from Texas had been moved to a prison camp in Mordovia, some 400 miles southeast of Moscow.

But the U.S State Department noted that they do not have any information on Reed's whereabouts. The State Department added that their requests for access to the prisoner have repeatedly been rejected.

In a tweet, the spokesman for the U.S. embassy in Moscow, Jason Rebholz, said it had been 19 days since Reed's transfer, and the Russian government has yet to inform the embassy of his location, Local News8 reported. Rebholz also demanded that the foreign ministry permits U.S. officials to see Trevor Reed.

The Arrest of Trevor Reed

Trevor Reed was arrested in Russia in August 2019 after attending a party with his girlfriend at her colleagues' home. The former U.S. marine was reportedly drunk and was causing trouble.

Police were then called to take Reed to jail in order to sober up. However, he reportedly assaulted two Russian intelligence agents who came to speak to him. He was then charged for the attack on the agents.

Trevor Reed was then sentenced to nine years jail time in July 2020, almost a year after the incident. U.S. officials found Reed's trial absurd.

They said the police officers were unable to recall the events of the alleged incident and had contradicting statements during a hearing. The U.S. officials called the conviction "ridiculous" and demanded his release.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Says 'Governor Who?' in Respond to Ron DeSantis' Criticism, Florida Governor's Office Fires Back

Ex-U.S. Marine Moved to Prison Camp

Russia's President Vladimir Putin earlier described Trevor Reed as "a drunk and a troublemaker" who "got himself s_ _ _ faced and started a fight."

According to ABC News, Trevor Reed is just one of the two ex-marines that the U.S. claims are being held hostage by Russia. A prison rights monitoring group also said that Reed had been transferred to a prison camp outside Moscow.

In a statement by the Moscow's Public Monitoring Commission of Moscow's official, Alexey Melnikov, he said Reed was indeed in the Mordovia prison camp on Friday.

Reed, alongside ex-Marine, Paul Whelan has been detained in Russia on charges that the U.S. officials claim are made up. The U.S. officials noted that the charges were filed in order to turn Reed and Whelan into bargaining chips.

President Joe Biden had brought up the case of Reed and Whelan when he met Putin during a summit in Switzerland last month. Russia has already named several Russian prisoners in the U.S. that they want to be released.

The names include notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout; and Konstantin Yaroshenko, a pilot who was imprisoned on charges of drug smuggling. However, the U.S. is still contemplating the exchange due to the severity of the crimes of the Russians.

READ MORE: Donald Trump to Offer 'Trump Cards' for His Supporters to Carry in Their Wallets as a Sign of Loyalty

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Ex-Marine Remains a Hostage in Russia, Parents Speak Out
The defense team in Kristin Smart's murder trial is planning to call Scott Peterson to the stand.

The legal team for Paul Flores, the man accused of killing Kristin Smart, wanted to bring Peterson to the stand to testify. However, it is still unclear what he may testify for, CBS Sacramento reported.

According to Flores' lawyers, Scott Peterson and Kristin Smart knew each other while they both attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) more than 20 years ago.

At one point, investigators looked at Scott Peterson as a potential suspect in Smart's disappearance. However, they could not find a connection.

Scott Peterson has been in jail since 2005 after he was given a death sentence for allegedly murdering his wife, who was pregnant with their child at the time.

But last summer, the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence after ruling that the jury selection was impartial and the sentencing was unfair.

Kristin Smart's Disappearance

Kristin Smart was 19 years old at the time of her disappearance. She was last seen on May 25, 1996, walking back to her dorm after an off-campus party. No remains were found after many years.

Smart was a freshman at Cal Poly at the time of her disappearance. Based on a timeline compiled by the New York Times, Smart left the party at around 2:00 a.m. with Paul Flores.

Flores was also a student at the university and is currently charged with Smart's murder. Flores told investigators at the time that he only walked with Smart to his dorm, and they parted ways.

Three days after she was last seen, a missing-person report was filed with the campus police for Kristin Smart. Police investigators noted that Flores was the last person to see Smart before she disappeared 25 years ago.

The case became quite since Smart's family declared her legally dead in 2002. But on April 13, 2021, police announced that they had arrested two men from California for the disappearance of Kristin Smart, and they were Paul Flores and his father, Ruben Flores.

READ NEXT: [VIRAL] Woman Holding AK47 Seen Leaning Out of a Cadillac Speeding Through the Streets of San Francisco

Who is Scott Peterson?

Scott Peterson is a convicted murder who was initially sentenced to death for the murders of his wife Laci and their unborn child in 2002.

On Christmas Eve of 2002, Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant, was reported missing. Her husband, Scott Peterson, caught the eye of investigators for his seeming lack of interest in his lost wife.

According to Rolling Stone, Peterson seemed to not be concerned and refused to cooperate with the police in the investigation.

He also refused to take a polygraph test that could prove his innocence. He then became the prime suspect for the murders of his family.

On April 18, 2003, authorities arrested Scott Peterson in La Jolla, California. On the same day, two bodies washed ashore in San Francisco Bay were confirmed to be Laci Peterson and their son.

While Peterson's death sentence has been overturned, his conviction still stands.

RELATED ARTICLE: Scott Peterson Wants a New Trial in His Murder Case

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Days Following Kristin Smart Disappearance Subject of Third Day of Preliminary Hearing - From NewsChannel 3-12
Nearly 70 community organisations in Laois are to share out more than 135,000 for community funding.

A total of 136,524 is going to 68 local projects in Laois under the Community Enhancement Programme.

The biggest grant is on its way to Emo to help fund the work of the Sportfield Committee Emo which is getting 7,800.

GAA clubs are among those getting large sums. Kilcotton GAA Club Borris in Ossory is in line for 6,653 while Annanough GAA in Vicarstown is getting 5,000.

The Treo Nua community centre in Knockmay Portlaoise is getting 5,800 while the Laois Domestic Abuse Services Portlaoise  5,696. The Rosenallis Development Association reveives 5,629.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe OBrien TD, announced the successful projects in Laois under the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme on August 6.

Laois Offaly TD Sean Fleming T.D., Minister of State said the funding is needed.

"Following a very difficult time due to COVID it is important that we support these smaller community groups and help them reopen and get up and running successfully. These groups and their volunteers play a vital role in providing services in their local communities.

"Well done to the successful applicants and thank you to all involved in these projects," said the Fianna Fail TD.

MORE BELOW GRANT TABLES.

MORE DETAILS BELOW LINK

The 2021 Community Enhancement Programme was launched in May 2021 with funding of 4.5m to provide small grants to local community groups across the country. Laois received an allocation of 136,524 from the Department under the programme. The key theme of this years programme was supporting groups as they re-open facilities which have been closed due to COVID-19. These could include facilities such as community centres, mens and womens sheds, parish halls and youth centres.

The Community Enhancement Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from their Local Authority, in each area.

Announcing the successful projects for Laois today, Minister Humphreys said:

"I am delighted to announce funding for 68 local projects across County Laois today as part of my Departments Community Enhancement Programme.

Through Our Rural Future, I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.

I want to thank the Local Community Development Committee, and the Local Authority in Laois who administer the Community Enhancement Programme on behalf of my Department, she said.

Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister OBrien said:

The Community Enhancement Programme provides a range of invaluable small grants to help the smaller community groups and facilities that support communities at a grassroots level.

I know that this funding is an important tool in helping these groups and we were especially conscious this year given the impact of COVID-19 that many groups would need supports to help them reopen and get back up and running fully. I want to congratulate the successful projects and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities, he said.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities. It provides small grants to community groups in a manner consistent with each areas Local Economic and Community Plan.

The Programme was launched for the first time in 2018. Between 2018 and the end of 2020 the CEP has provided funding to over 8,000 projects across the country.

The funding is administered locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority.
A plan by the Land Development Agency (LDA) to build 221 homes on part of the site of the former Devoy Barracks in Naas has been rejected by An Bord Pleanala.

The LDA, which was established in 2018, is a commercial state body with a specific mandate to accelerate the delivery of new homes throughout Ireland.

An Bord Pleanala inspectors had concerns about the lack of sufficient vehicle parking included in the designs.

If permission had been granted for the Naas development, construction was due to begin in 2022 with a build period of three years.

The 4.14-hectare (10.2 acres) site is situated on the grounds of the former Devoy Barracks which was decommissioned in 1998.

The proposed development was due to include social and affordable homes.

Being planned were 36 three-bedroom terraced houses, 63 one-bedroom homes, 111 two-bedroom homes and 11 three-bedroom homes in apartment/duplex layout.

The homes would be set across two to five storeys and provision was made for car parking, green open spaces and a 59-place creche.

The main access to the proposed development was to be from the existing entrance on John Devoy Road.

The LDA is expected to review the ruling by the LDA and may re-submit a fresh application to address the issues raised.
Today, Irelands national autism charity AsIAm has, in partnership with Aviva Ireland, launched a new content series that is aimed at supporting children with autism ahead of the new school year.

The objective of this new programme is to enable children to develop and maintain key skills over the remainder of the summer in preparation for their return to school. The content series will also build on the content launched last year that included back to school sensory packs that were distributed to families throughout the country.

Developed in collaboration with educational practitioners, the content series of 15-20 videos can be accessed through the Aviva website at www.aviva.ie/summerchallenge. Each video will focus on a particular skill such as confidence building exercises, cooking demonstrations, art-based activities, and physical exercises, providing several activities to help develop the featured skills.

While the series was developed in the context of the autism community, the activities can be enjoyed by all members of the family and were specifically designed to be inclusive for all.

The video series will also be accompanied by a 73-page resource booklet that will act as an additional support. In addition, the content series will supplement the Governments summer programme of 40 hours to help support autistic young people, and other children with additional needs, with on average 70% of children accessing the programme at home, which often doubles as a respite for families.

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm said today: The long break from the routine of school during the summer holidays poses a number of challenges for families in the autism community. The lengthy period without school and the routine that it provides can lead to increased stress and anxiety and result in some children not retaining the hard-learnt skills from the previous year. Over the past number of months families in the autism community have highlighted their serious concerns regarding the impact this is having on their childrens existing skills and further development. We are delighted to once again partner with Aviva Ireland to address this issue. This years partnership builds on the success of last years back-to-school sensory packs that were designed to keep children stimulated and active in line with their sensory needs.

Brian ONeill, Head of External Communications, Brand & Sponsorship at Aviva Ireland said: We recognise the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion, both within our business and externally. In 2020, working with AsIAm, we installed a sensory hub in Aviva Stadium that offers a multi-sensory space for both children and adults that can be adapted to the individual needs of each user.

"We also work with our charity partners, Temple Street and Shine Centre for Autism in Cork on a number of inclusivity projects. We have learned a lot about the additional challenges facing the autism community over the last number of months and we wanted to continue to provide support for children and their families as they return to school after yet another challenging year.
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An interim care order is being sought for two children whose mother died recently.

A Naas District Court hearing was told that the whereabouts of the father of the children, who comes from a European country, is unknown,

The court was told that the family is originally from Europe and the father may be living there in the country of origin.

A social worker told the court that the gardai went to the house where some of the family are living on August 2 and found the mother dead.

The social worker said that conditions in the house were very poor.

Efforts had been made to contact the father of the children, one of whom has Downs syndrome.

The court was also told no funeral arrangements had been made pending the arrival of the maternal grandmother.

The matter was adjourned to August 26.
Two Leitrim towns will share 220,000 for street enhancement works following the announcement of Government funding this week.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced a new 7 Million Fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts in over 50 rural towns and villages.

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative will provide funding to property owners to improve the facades of their buildings.

Local TD and Minister Frank Feighan is encouraging local community development organisations like tidy towns and development groups to consider an application through their local authority.

The types of projects that could be supported include:

Strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or

shopfronts in vibrant colours

shopfronts in vibrant colours Commissioning of murals in towns and villages

Upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts

Provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes

Illumination and lighting of architectural features

Installation of canopies and street furniture

Decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires

Communities across Ireland in towns like Westport and Kinsale for example have

undertaken work to de clutter their towns main streets, revive traditional shop fronts,

illumination of certain areas along the streets and engage is planting and the

provision of flower boxes in particular areas

This new initiative is about Local Authorities thinking strategically and working in

collaboration with local businesses and property owners to add colour and vibrancy

to our rural towns and villages suggested Minister Feighan.

Minister Heather Humphreys stated; Outdoor Dining is here to stay and I believe that will only be a positive for towns and

villages across the country. Through this fund, we want to make sure that people ar looking out at vibrant, colourful and welcoming streets in our rural towns.

The Streetscape Enhancement Measure will be administered by Local Authoritie who will be requested to nominate at least two towns per county. Participating towns and villages will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

There is 220,000 being made available for Leitrim towns through Leitrim County Council.
A man with an appalling record had his case put back for a Probation Report with a view to a Community Service Order, at Carrick- on-Shannon District Court.

Brian McQuaid, (55), Graigue, Ballinamuck, County Longford pleaded guilty to drunk driving, driving with no insurance and licence, no NCT and not displaying tax on September 19 last year at Anskert, Mohill.

The court was told the defendant had an alcohol breath reading of 120 mcgs per 100 mls of breath.

The court was told the defendant had a number of previous convictions for road traffic offences.

He had been jailed for five months for having no insurance and driving a dangerous defective vehicle and was also serving 180 hours CSO in lieu of 5 months in jail

He had a total of 20 previous convictions with four for no insurance and five for drunk driving between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland, where he is from, the court heard.

The defendant was currently banned from driving.

Defence solicitor John McNulty the defendant was a married father of two and had been out of work for five years and had been compliant.

The solicitor said the defendant was out of work, had financial pressure had depression and had been drinking.

He was now working as a digger driver in Dublin and earning a good wage, he was engaging with his mortgage and supports his wife and children.

The defendant said he was now sober and had left the demon drink behind and a Probation Report was ordered in Cavan District Court.

The defendant knew he was facing a jail sentence.

But he was holding his hand up and had no excuses.

He was wrong and he knew it. But he was a different man when off the drink and was supporting his family and was working six days a week.

The solicitor asked for a chance for his client and he would obey the driving ban.

Mr McNulty said a Probation Report would help his client.

Judge Sandra Murphy noted that the defendant had only served a week of a five months jail sentence.

She was told the defendant was working in Dublin and got the bus to the city.

The defendant was in the job since last October.

Sergeant Michael Gallagher asked if there had been any attempt by the defendant to address his alcohol issues.

There had been a Probation Report from Cavan District Court but it was not available.

Judge Murphy said the defendants record was appalling.

Mr McNulty said that from 1966-2013, the defendant had a clear record.

His re-offending was as a result of depression and financial difficulties and his employment seems to have straightened him out.

Judge Murphy said she was going to order a Probation Report with a view to a CSO in lieu of prison.

She adjourned the case to September 21 for mention.
MOTORISTS on the M20 must have done a double take when they saw four men dressed up as the Jamaican bobsleigh team heading for Croom on Sunday!

However, locals will be well aware of funny goings on Sunday mornings. It is the latest quirky social media video from the team at Broderick's Spar in Croom.

They have been getting a great reaction with some of the short clips getting up to 30,000 views and from as far away as Australia. They aim to promote the locality, the shop and have a bit of craic along the way.

Titled "The day the Olympics came to Croom", Padraig Broderick said they try and keep their videos current and have lots of different characters.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brodericks Spar Croom (@brodericksparcroom)

"It's one of many we've done. We've been at this for the last three or four years. We generally manage to do one every two weeks.

"They are just a bit of light hearted fun and are poking fun at ourselves really. It's not all about pricing, there is a good element of humour," said Padraig, one of the four on the bobsleigh team with Gary McInerney, Michael Mackessy, Michael Curtin.

"The have been very well received over the last year and a half especially when there wasnt much going on with the lockdowns. We generally do them on a Sunday morning when the street is nice and quiet," said Padraig.

It's a team effort coming up with the ideas and all ages enjoy them.

"They just kind of come naturally to us. As long as they keep getting well received we will keep doing them. It's all innocent fun.

"We'd often have a grandmother and her grandchild in the shop and they both would be following them so it is age appropriate. Local people who have relations abroad said they like to see more of a Croom so we head outdoors and use the drone. We do enjoy doing them and we do have a good laugh doing them," said Padraig, who wouldn't put the bobsleigh video in his top ten.

When he isn't busy dressing up for the camera he is overseeing the store's expansion into the former Ulster Bank. At the end of July they were 70% complete of the "bigger better Brodericks Spar Croom" project.
The second round of walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics will begin in Limerick later today.

The free clinic, at Limerick Racecourse is open anyone over 16 and will see those who attend receive their first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine

Clinics will also take place in Nenagh and Ennis over the weekend as part of a national effort triggered by the HSE nationally.

Friday, August 6: Limerick Racecourse (2pm-7pm); and Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh (2pm-7pm).

Saturday August 7: West County Hotel, Ennis (8.15am-12.30pm)

Sunday August 8: Limerick Racecourse (10am-12.30pm and 1pm-6pm), and Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh (2pm-7pm)

According to the UL Hospitals Group, a total of 2,649 people received first-dose Pfizer vaccines by attending walk-in clinics over the bank holiday weekend.

Covid remains a real threat, and it was wonderful to see so many people taking time during a holiday weekend to play their part in the collective battle against the disease. I would hope for a similar response this weekend, and were asking everyone aged 16 and over who hasnt been vaccinated to take this golden opportunity to get a First Dose Pfizer vaccine. No appointment is necessary, and every single person who is vaccinated is playing a major part in enhancing our societal immunity to Covid-19, said Colette Cowan, CEO of UL Hospitals.

For identification purposes, anyone attending the walk-in clinics must bring their birth certificate, or a photo ID. They must also supply their PPSN and a mobile phone number.

There is no requirement for a parent or guardian to accompany a 16 or 17 year old.
JUDGE Carol Anne Coolican was welcomed to Newcastle West court by state solicitor Aidan Judge on her first day sitting as newly appointed judge for the district.

Judge Coolican replaces Judge Mary Larkin who now sits in County Clare.

Judge Coolican was educated at University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College and the Law Society.

She enrolled as a solicitor in October 1982 and has been the managing solicitor at the Tralee Law Centre of the Legal Aid Board since 1994, with wide experience in family law, child care and civil law

She was chair of the Law Society's Family and Child Law Committee from 2012-2014.

Welcoming her to the district, Mr Judge assured her of his support and co-operation adding that previous judges had enjoyed their years in the area.

I am delighted to be here, Judge Coolican said. She was familiar with many of those practicing in the district, she said.

I have soldiered with you for many years. I look forward to working with you all.
AT least one hospitality venue in Limerick was forced to deactivate its social media channels after co-ordinated online abuse from those opposing the use of vaccine certificates.

From the start of last week, restaurants, pubs and cafes have been allowed to seat people who have had two jabs, or recovered from Covid-19, indoors.

To verify this, customers have been asked to present relevant documentation. 

However, a Facebook group has been established, flagging venues which are doing this and encouraging its members to boycott said businesses.

While only one local restaurant appeared to have been targetted through this site as of this Tuesday, a city pub found itself on the end of what has been described as vile abuse following a posting they made.

One industry source  who did not wish to be identified for fear of reprisal  said: The pub put out a simple tweet, saying they were looking forward to re-opening to indoor diners. But then they had vile messages sent in reply. Words like segregation, apartheid and discrimination were used. Ultimately, they had to go to ground.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has already written to government on the matter, pointing out that fraudulent posts on Facebook and Google are causing its members businesses to suffer  with many also reporting multiple no-shows.

Facebook has already said the reviews do not violate its policies.

Sabrina Amodeo, who owns three branches of the Italian Tuscany Bistro, in Annacotty, Dooradoyle and Ballina said she believes the public will be able to tell the difference between honest and dishonest reviews.

She said a marginal number of customers have told her that they would boycott her restaurants if she requested a vaccine certificate  but shes referred them to the national Covid-19 complaints line.

We have no choice but to get back up and running. Everyone has to put food on the table, and we all have mortgages and rent to pay. We have to get back to some semblance of normality and we have to comply with government guidelines, Ms Amodeo said.

She also urged people to think about the potential damage people might be doing by posting fake reviews.

They are hurting the owners. But whats important is our kitchen porters, our chefs, our serving staff and supervisors who have families at home and cannot survive on the PUP payment. They need to bring a decent income home to survive and live. That's the reality of it, she said.
A PENSIONER who went missing in a remote area of County Limerick yesterday afternoon was located safe and well following a major search operation involving several agencies.

The alarm was raised at around 3pm on Thursday after the 70-year-old man, who suffers from dementia, left his home in the east of the county to go for a walk.

Gardai believe he became disorientated a short time later when he went to take shelter after being caught up in a thundery downpour.

Given the location where he was last seen, gardai in the Bruff District became concerned for his safety and a search operation was quickly mounted.

Assistance was sought from Rescue 115 - the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter, the garda dog unit and the Limerick Land Search Team.

Several local organisations and GAA clubs were also contacted but, thankfully, the man was located safe and well around three hours after he was reported missing.

Gardai have welcomed the positive outcome and they have thanked all of those who assisted in the search operation.
Thousands of homeowners in County Clare, including many on the outskirts of Limerick city. are being advised that elevated levels of manganese have been detected in their water supply.

In a notice, issued this Friday evening, Irish Water has confirmed the issue relates to the Shannon/Sixmilebridge regional water supply scheme.

Elevated manganese levels may be observed as a cloudy appearance to water coming from the cold kitchen tap.

The Limerick Leader understands around 20,000 customers may be affected in areas including Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Cratloe, Quin, Kilkishen and surrounding areas including group water schemes

Water quality sampling results received for the Shannon/Sixmilebridge regional water supply scheme are showing elevated levels of manganese. Water coming from the cold kitchen tap may have a cloudy appearance. Further sampling to follow. See https://t.co/8CxUkHj77n for more.  Irish Water (@IrishWater) August 6, 2021

Irish Water says it is is carrying out further sampling of the water supply and that it is in consultation with the HSE in relation to this issue.

"Please note that high manganese levels in drinking water can be a risk to health. Some groups in the population are more vulnerable such as babies in the womb, infants and young children," reads the notice.

The State utility says it will notify customers of any additional advice in relation to their local water supply and that further updates will be issued over the weekend.

Details will also be provided via social media (@IWCare) and its customer contact centre at 1800 278 278.
The Reserve Bank on Friday allayed the fears of lenders about the rising delinquency levels among small business loan borrowers, who are hit hard by the COVID-19 second wave, saying the numbers are not alarming yet.

The government and the central bank push to support MSMEs during the pandemic through credit measures like the emergency credit line guarantee scheme (ESLGS) saw lending to them jumping to 9.5 lakh crore in the pandemic-hit FY21 from 6.8 lakh crore in FY20, while the asset quality deteriorated to 12.6 per cent as of March 2021 from 12 per cent in December 2020.

Addressing reporters virtually at the customary post-policy presser on Friday when the central bank left the key policy rate unchanged at 4 per cent, RBI Deputy Governor Mukesh Jain said there is no crisis now on this front, as the stress level among small business borrowers are not very high, even though slippages and loan restructuring are rising of late.

The situation is not very bad as many accounts are going in for restructuring under the COVID package version 2 announced in May, which allowed crisis-ridden borrowers to opt for up to two years of the moratorium, he said.

Yes, there is a visible increase in slippages among MSME borrowers, but the quantum of slippages has not reached an alarming level, Jain said.

We are constantly monitoring all the regulated entities, particularly banks and large NBFCs to check their asset quality. Our stress tests also prove that there is nothing alarming as of now, he added.

A July 28, 2021, report by Sidbi-Cibil said the NPA levels among MSME borrowers have surged to 12.6 per cent in the March 2021 quarter, from 12 per cent in December 2020, while loans to them have jumped to 9.5 lakh crore in FY21 from 6.8 lakh crore in FY20.

After the first wave, the RBI had asked all banks and systematically important NBFCs to take the stress tests, and their pre-COVID and March 2021 numbers show that there is an all-round improvement on all parameters, be it capital adequacy ratio, NPAs/slippages or the provision coverage ratio -- all have improved and are better than the pre-pandemic levels, Jain said, adding there is also an improvement on their profitability numbers.

It can be noted that since the pandemic hit the nation in March last year, the government and the central bank have been encouraging lenders to offer easy credit to small businesses, numbering over 6.3 crore, as they are the backbone of the economy in terms of employment and contribution to the GDP. But most of the support is in the form of credit, a portion of which was guaranteed by the government in case of defaults.

Last week, Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane had told the Lok Sabha that around 1.09 crore MSME borrowers were given the promised guarantee support of 1.65 lakh crore under the emergency credit line guarantee scheme up to July 2, 2022, which was announced as part of the first COVID package in May 2020 to help them meet their operational liabilities and resume businesses.

But, the number shows that only less than a sixth of eligible MSME borrowers could avail of the facility, as there are over 6.3 crore MSMEs in the country as of May 2021. Many reports said many of them have downed the shutters due to the pandemic.

The overall cap of admissible guarantee of ECLGS was raised from 3 lakh crore to 4.5 lakh crore in late June 2021. The government on its part had cleared the dues of 55,863.30 crore to MSMEs between May 2020 and July 2021.

The Cibil-Sidbi report said the credit demand from the MSME segment surged, courtesy of the interventions like emergency credit line guarantee scheme, specifying that loans worth 9.5 lakh crore were disbursed to MSMEs during the pandemic-hit FY21 as against 6.8 lakh crore in FY20.

The jump in credit led to stability in the overall NPAs level when compared to 12.5 per cent in FY20. The commercial lending exposure stood at 74.36 lakh crore in March 2021, with a growth rate of 0.6 per cent, while the MSME segment's credit exposure grew 6.6 per cent to 20.21 lakh crore.

Credit disbursement to new-to-bank MSME customers had dropped 90 per cent in April 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic levels and had gradually recovered to be 5 per cent higher than the pre-pandemic levels in March 2021.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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(Image credit: Bruce Rolff/Stocktrek Images via Getty)

Scientists have created key parts of synthetic brain cells that can hold cellular "memories" for milliseconds. The achievement could one day lead to computers that work like the human brain.

These parts, which were used to model an artificial brain cell, use charged particles called ions to produce an electrical signal, in the same way that information gets transferred between neurons in your brain.

Current computers can do incredible things, but this processing power comes at a high energy cost. In contrast, the human brain is remarkably efficient, using roughly the energy contained in two bananas to do an entire day's work. While the reasons for this efficiency aren't entirely clear, scientists have reasoned that if they could make a computer more like the human brain, it would require way less energy. One way that scientists try to replicate the brain's biological machinery is by utilizing the power of ions, the charged particles that the brain relies on to produce electricity .

Related: Inside the brain: A photo journey through time

Artificial neurons

The researchers' artificial neuron prototype uses nanofluidic slits to mimic ion channels and allow neurons to communicate like they do in the brain. (Image credit:  Paul Robin, ENS Laboratoire de Physique (CNRS/ENS-PSL/Sorbonne Universite/Universite de Paris))

In the new study, published in the journal Science on Aug. 6, researchers at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique in Paris, France created a computer model of artificial neurons that could produce the same sort of electrical signals neurons use to transfer information in the brain; by sending ions through thin channels of water to mimic real ion channels, the researchers could produce these electrical spikes. And now, they have even created a physical model incorporating these channels as part of unpublished, ongoing research.

"To my knowledge, it's the first time that people [have done] this with ions," said study co-author Lyderic Bocquet, a physicist at the Ecole Normale Superieure.

At a finer level, the researchers created a system that mimics the process of generating action potentials spikes in electrical activity generated by neurons that are the basis of brain activity. To generate an action potential, a neuron starts to let in more positive ions, which are attracted to the negative ions inside of the cell. The electrical potential, or voltage across the cell membrane, causes doorways on the cell called voltage -gated ion channels to open, raising the charge even more before the cell reaches a peak and returns to normal a few milliseconds later. The signal is then transmitted to other cells, enabling information to travel in the brain.

To mimic voltage-gated ion channels, the researchers modeled a thin layer of water between sheets of graphene, which are extremely thin sheets of carbon. The water layers in the simulations were one, two, or three molecules in depth, which the researchers characterized as a quasi-two-dimension slit. Bocquet said that the researchers wanted to use this two-dimensional environment because particles tend to react much more strongly in two dimensions than in three, and they exhibit different properties in two dimensions, which the researchers thought might be useful for their experiment.

"In physics, two dimensions is very weird," said Bocquet. "So you expect new things to occur."

Testing out the model in a computer simulation, the researchers found that when they applied an electric field to the channel, the ions in the water formed worm-like structures. As the team applied a greater electric field in the simulation, these structures would break up slowly enough to leave behind a " memory ," or a hint of the elongated configuration.

When the researchers ran a simulation linking two channels and other components to mimic the behavior of a neuron, they found the model could generate spikes in electrical activity like action potentials, and that it "remembered" consistent properties in two different states  one where ions conducted more electricity and one where they conducted less. In this simulation, the "memory" of the previous state of the ions lasted a few milliseconds, around the same time as it takes real neurons to produce an action potential and return to a resting state. This is quite a long time for ions, which usually operate on timescales of nanoseconds or less. In a real neuron, an action potential equates to a cellular memory in the neuron; our brains use the opening and closing of ion channels to create this kind of memory.

"We have similar memory in the end, but the reason for the phenomenon is very different," Bocquet said.

Making a 'memory'

The new model is a version of an electronic component called a memristor, or a memory resistor, which has the unique property of retaining information from its history. But existing memristors don't use liquid, as the brain does.

"The typical memristors that I work with, and other people in the literature work with, are solid-state memristors," said Gina Adam, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at George Washington University, who was not involved in the study. This new research on creating fluid memristors is "very promising and very intriguing," Adam added.

She also said that while practical brain-like computers are likely a long way away, this research could also help scientists better understand how the brain processes information and develop new theories of brain-like computing.

Since conducting this research with computer simulations, Bocquet says he and collaborators at the University of Manchester in the U.K. have brought their theory to life, using it to create an artificial synapse, the part of a neuron that passes on electric signals, and they have started performing experiments with it.

"It's exciting because it's a playground now," Bocquet said. "We can explore these things actively."

Originally published on Live Science.
A group of six emperor penguins standing on the ice. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announce d a proposal to list the emperor penguin as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). (Image credit: Peter Kimball  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Emperor penguins  the largest species of penguin on Earth  are unlikely to survive past the end of the century if current rates of greenhouse gas emissions and melting sea ice continue, according to researchers.

A new study by an international team of penguin experts has revealed that 70% of emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica could become extinct by 2050 if the current rate of sea ice loss continues and that 98% of colonies could be wiped out by 2100 under the most extreme scenarios. This would make the species "quasi-extinct," meaning that, despite having remaining individuals, the species would not recover and would eventually die out.

"Given rapid climate change and projected loss of sea ice, it's not really surprising," lead author Stephanie Jenouvrier, a seabird ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, told Live Science.

Related: 8 ways global warming is already changing the world

The findings have led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to propose listing the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If conservation measures linked to that listing are successful, the species could still survive the coming decades, Jenouvrier said.

Melting sea ice

The main problem facing emperor penguins is a loss of sea ice in Antarctica resulting from rising global temperatures.

"Emperor penguins depend upon sea ice for breeding, molting and feeding," Jenouvrier said, so it is vital for their survival.

A trio of emperor penguins standing on the ice. These iconic birds need reliable sea ice for breeding and raising their chicks. (Image credit: Peter Kimball  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Especially when breeding, the penguins also rely on a certain amount of sea ice that researchers call the Goldilocks zone. For penguin parents, ice within this "just right" zone provides the perfect balance between safety for raising chicks and ample food.

"If there is too little sea ice, chicks can drown when sea ice breaks up early," Jenouvrier said. "If there is too much sea ice, foraging trips become too long and arduous, and the adults and chicks may starve."

But computer simulations predict that if current rates of ice loss continue, the Goldilocks zone will disappear in most places on the Antarctic coastline, which could cause widespread breeding failures and prevent populations from recovering, Jenouvrier said.

Certain colonies have already experienced breeding failures due to melting sea ice. For example, in 2016, melting sea ice led to a massive breeding failure in the colony at Halley Bay, when 10,000 chicks drowned after an early ice melt dumped them in the water before they had grown their waterproof feathers, the researchers noted in the paper.

The new findings will also have implications for a wide range of other species. "Emperor penguins are indicator species whose population trends can illustrate the consequences of climate changes for other species," Jenouvrier said. These species include Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddel seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).

WHOI associate scientist and seabird ecologist Stephanie Jenouvrier working out in the field with emperor penguins. (Image credit: Stephanie Jenouvrier  Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

New listing

The USFWS has now taken the step of calling for emperor penguins to be listed as threatened under the ESA.

This move is notable because the USFWS lists very few species that are not native to the U.S. under the ESA. In addition, the current emperor penguin population is relatively stable, and the ESA generally covers species that are in dire need at the time of listing. Across 61 emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica, between 625,000 and 650,000 emperor penguins are estimated to be alive, according to the USFWS .

However, the risk the melting sea ice poses to emperor penguins is so great that steps to protect them have to be taken, the researchers said in the paper.

If listed as threatened, the species could no longer be imported into the U.S. for commercial reasons and fishing companies would be banned from targeting the penguins' prey around Antarctica, which include krill, small fish and squid. Federal agencies would also be required to ensure that their actions, including carbon emissions, do not jeopardize the penguins or their habitat. However, this last measure has been hard to enforce for other climate-impacted species, Jenouvrier said.

"I think it is a significant step because the USFWS has not consistently decided to list species that are threatened by climate change, and particularly sea-ice loss, so this decision can add to the precedent," Jenouvrier said.

Polar bears are the only other sea-ice-dependent species currently protected under the ESA.

Hopefully, the new listing will increase the emperor penguins' chances of survival "by increasing awareness about the impact of climate change and the need to take climate actions," Jenouvrier said.

The study was published online Aug. 3 in the journal Global Change Biology .

Originally published on Live Science.
This reconstruction shows how the grave may have looked sometime after the person was buried. They have a sword on their left side and another sword that was placed above the burial at a later date. (Image credit: Veronika Paschenko)

A medieval grave in Finland that was thought to hold the body of a female warrior or ruler has revealed a surprise  the person buried there may be non-binary.

An archaeologist excavated the 900-year-old grave in 1968, finding inside the remains of an individual wearing oval brooches on top of woolen textiles  a style of dress that is "a typical feminine costume of the era," a team of researchers wrote in a paper published online July 15 in the European Journal of Archaeology . A sword was found on the left side of the individual, and another sword, likely deposited sometime after the person was buried, was buried above the burial.

Related: Photos: Viking warrior is actually a woman

"Since then, the grave has been interpreted as evidence of powerful women, even female warriors and leaders in early medieval Finland," the researchers wrote. However, new DNA tests have revealed that the person is anatomically male and had Klinefelter syndrome, a condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome . Each cell normally holds a pair of sex chromosomes  XX for female and XY for male  that determines a person's sex. A person with Klinefelter syndrome has cells with XXY chromosomes, according to the Mayo Clinic . This condition can cause breast enlargement, infertility and a small phallus. After finding this genetic surprise, the researchers said it's possible that the person may have identified as non-binary, they wrote in the study.

This sword was likely placed in the grave sometime after the person was buried. (Image credit: Photo courtesy The Finnish Heritage Agency)

The fact that the person was buried with swords and jewelry suggests that people in their community accepted this identification and did not treat them as an outcast, the research team wrote.

"It has been suggested that, in the ultramasculine environment of early medieval Scandinavia, men with feminine social roles and men dressing in feminine clothes were disrespected and considered shameful," the researchers wrote, noting that the new finding casts doubt on this idea.

Because swords and jewelry cost a sizable amount of money, this person likely came from a wealthy and possibly influential family, the research team wrote.

"The individual could have been a respected member of a community because of their physical and psychological differences from the other members of that community; but it is also possible that the individual was accepted as a non-binary person because they already had a distinctive or secured position in the community for other reasons; for example, by belonging to a relatively wealthy and well-connected family," the researchers wrote.

Another possibility is that the person was a shaman or magic user. Surviving texts from the time suggest that some shamans and magic users were men who wore women's clothes because the Norse god Odin "was associated with feminine magic," the research team wrote.

The researchers noted, however, that the DNA sample was small and to analyze it they were only able to read a relatively small number of genetic sequences. This meant that the researchers had to develop a system of mathematical modeling to determine that the person was anatomically a male with Klinefelter syndrome, said lead study author Ulla Moilanen, a doctoral student in archaeology at the University of Turku in Finland. The modelling system the researchers developed had never been used before they said in the paper.

The grave is located at the site of Suontaka in southern Finland. At the time of the burial, the area around Suontaka had a hillfort, sacrificial stones, cemeteries and settlements surrounded with fields, the researchers wrote in the paper.

Convincing discovery

Scholars not affiliated with the research were generally supportive about the Suontaka findings.

"The team had a minuscule amount of data to work with but convincingly show that the individual likely had an XXY karyotype," said Pete Heintzman, a professor at the Arctic University of Norway, who is an expert in ancient DNA analysis. (A person's karyotype describes the number and appearance of chromosomes in their cells.)

"Moilanen and colleagues showed the [burial] was that of an individual who had Klinefelter's syndrome with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, and was genetically male" said Nic Rawlence who is director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Another DNA researcher was a bit more cautious. "The [DNA] results are not great, as the authors note, but the possible interpretation that the individual had Klinefelter's is reasonably well supported based on the patchy data" said Lisa Matisoo-Smith, who is head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Archaeologists and historians also supported the team's findings. "I find it exciting to see new work engaging with complex questions of gender, bodies and identities," said Marianne Moen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History. "It's great to see the expansion of knowledge available to us through scientific analysis, especially when it is placed in context with a wider societally relevant debate, as this article does."

"I think it is a well researched study of an interesting burial, which demonstrates that early medieval societies had very nuanced approaches to and understandings of gender identities," said Leszek Gardea, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark. Gardea said that it is interesting that there was a sword buried on the left side of the person's body, noting that there are a few examples in Scandinavia where women had a sword buried on the left side of their body despite the fact that swords were usually laid on a person's right side. This unusual placement of the sword seems to imply "some kind of 'difference' of the deceased." Gardea said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Officials in Canada are racing to find the cause of a mysterious brain disease that has afflicted more than 40 people in the New Brunswick province, according to news reports.

Symptoms of the mystery illness resemble those of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) , a rare and fatal brain disorder; and include memory loss, hallucinations and muscle atrophy, according to The Guardian .

Earlier this month, Canadian officials alerted doctors in the New Brunswick area that they were monitoring a cluster of 43 cases of neurological disease of unknown cause, The Guardian reported. The first identified case dates back to 2015, but officials have noted a rising number of cases in recent years, with 24 cases reported in 2020 and six so far in 2021, according to CBC News . Five deaths have been linked with the disease.

Related: 10 things you didn't know about the brain

Doctors first suspected the cases were CJD, which is caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. But tests conducted so far show no evidence of CJD, nor of any other related prion disease.

"There is no evidence, not a hint  even in the three autopsies that have been performed  of a human prion disease," Dr. Neil Cashman, a professor at the University of British Columbia who studies prion diseases and is involved in the new investigation, told CBC News . "That came as a surprise to me, frankly."

Multiple research teams are now investigating the cause, which could be a brand-new illness or several different disorders that are already known. "This was a call to arms to identify the cause," Cashman said.

Patients with the illness have developed progressively worse symptoms over 18 to 36 months, from unexplained pains and spasms to cognitive decline, muscle wasting and teeth chattering, The Guardian reported.

Most cases so far have been identified in the Acadian Peninsula in northeast New Brunswick and near Moncton, a city in southeast New Brunswick, according to CBC News.

Given that the cases appear to be limited to a certain region, it's possible these cases are due to an environmental toxin, CBC News reported.

Some possible suspects include B-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and domoic acid  both toxins that sometimes accumulate in fish and shellfish, Cashman said. However, he stressed that this was just speculation for now and that finding the true cause could take time.

"It's possible ongoing investigations will give us the cause in a week, or it's possible it will give us the cause in a year," he said.

Originally published on Live Science.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A man in Arizona went nearly a month without knowing he had contracted the plague , which can be deadly if not treated promptly, according to a new report.

The man recovered, but his case underscores the need to identify infections with serious and potentially contagious pathogens, such as Yersinia pestis  the bacterium that causes plague  in a timely manner, according to the report, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The 67-year-old man first went to the emergency room on June 18, 2020, with symptoms of dehydration, nausea and weakness, according to the case report, which was published Thursday (Aug. 5) in the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . Doctors treated him with IV fluids and released him shortly thereafter. But he came back the next day with three painful red bumps on his leg that he thought were bug bites. This time, doctors suspected he had cellulitis , a skin infection caused by bacteria. He was given prescriptions for two antibiotics and again released from the hospital.

Related: Pictures of a killer: A plague gallery

The man came back the next day with more serious symptoms, including fever, dizziness, chills and "swollen glands." He was admitted to the hospital and treated with antibiotics for suspected sepsis , potentially life-threatening body-wide inflammation that can result from an infection.

He tested negative for COVID-19 twice, and a blood sample was sent to a commercial laboratory to help identify the cause of his infection. On June 30, 2020, the lab reported that the man tested positive for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a bacterium that can spread from animals to people and can cause fever, abdominal pain and, in some cases, a rash and blood infection. It's closely related to Yersinia pestis. The man started a two-week course of the antibiotic vancomycin and was allowed to leave the hospital on July 1, 2020.

But the diagnosis of Y. pseudotuberculosis would turn out to be wrong. On July 10, 2020, the hospital sent a sample of the man's blood to Arizona State Public Health Laboratory, which identified Y. pestis in the sample. Health officials confirmed the diagnosis of plague on July 15, 2020, nearly a month after the man first experienced symptoms.

The man was diagnosed with septicemic plague, a type of plague that causes fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain and sometimes bleeding into the skin and other organs, according to the CDC . (People with septicemic plague have sepsis caused by Yersinia pestis.)

He was then prescribed the appropriate treatment, which in this case was a 10-day course of the antibiotic doxycycline. The delay in diagnosis could have threatened the man's chances of survival. "This patient did not receive high-efficacy antibiotic treatment ... until approximately 30 days after symptom onset," the report said.

The man's eventual recovery may have been due, in part, to his early treatment with antibiotics; although they were not the best antibiotics to treat plague, they do have some effectiveness against plague bacteria, the report said.

Plague is perhaps best known for causing the Black Death in Europe in the 1300s. The infection still occurs today, but it is very rare, with about seven cases of plague occurring in the U.S. each year, on average, according to the CDC. The man's case was the first reported case of plague in Arizona since 2017, the authors said.

Humans can catch the plague through fleabites or contact with the tissue or bodily fluids of an infected animal. The man reported handling a dead pack rat (a rodent belonging to genus Neotoma) while wearing gloves before he became ill.

Early and prompt treatment with antibiotics is important to avoid serious complications, including death. Before the advent of antibiotics, the death rate from plague in the U.S. was about 66%, but today the rate is around 11%, according to the CDC.

In Arizona, hospitals and labs that identify any bacterium within the Yersinia genus are required to submit the samples to the state public health lab for further testing within one business day, the report said. But in this case, there was a 10-day delay in submitting the sample. The reason for the delay is unclear, but the laboratory staff underwent re-education about this requirement, the report said.

"Rapid reporting might have led to timelier diagnosis of his acute illness and initiation of a more effective antibiotic therapy closer to disease onset," the report concluded.

Originally published on Live Science.
Chubby, resilient tardigrades  arguably the cutest of all microscopic life  can survive punishing temperature extremes, exposure to the vacuum of space and even being shot out of a gun .

But there's one thing tardigrades can't do: see in color.

Tardigrades are related to arthropods (invertebrates with segmented bodies and exoskeletons), and arthropods can see colors because of light-sensitive proteins called opsins, which play a role in vision and circadian rhythms . Tardigrades have opsins too, but little was known about what they do, so scientists recently conducted genetic analysis in two species of tardigrades, to discover how opsins affected sight in these rotund little moss piglets.

Related: 8 reasons why we love tardigrades

"In general, vision in tardigrades is not particularly well understood," said study lead author James Fleming, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oslo's Natural History Museum in Norway. Scientists have previously analyzed tardigrades' eyespots, which are simple structures made of only a handful of cells (though some species are eyeless) and have tested how those tardigrades responded to light, Fleming told Live Science in an email.

"Their visual response really varies from 'directly moves away from dark towards light or vice versa' to 'begins to move when exposed to light, trying to search for a place that is not light,'" he said. Tardigrade eyes have no lenses, which suggests that they can't form images. That means their response to light "might be more directional, or intensity-based rather than image- or space-based," Fleming said.

In the animal group Ecdysozoa  "molting animals," which includes arthropods, worms such as nematodes, and tardigrades  the opsin group that's primarily associated with vision is rhabdomeric opsins, or r-opsins. Animals with color vision typically have multiple copies of these so-called visual opsins, because "each opsin responds to a specific range of wavelengths of light ," Fleming said.

"In humans, most eyes have one visual opsin that best responds to red, one to green and one to blue  the remaining colors that we see are shades and mixes of them," he said. (Color blindness can result from the absence of one or two of these opsins.)

In 2018, Fleming and other researchers discovered that tardigrades had multiple copies of visual opsins, suggesting that tardigrades "might be able to distinguish colors," the scientists reported July 13 in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution .

From egg to adult

In the new study, the authors looked at genetic data in two tardigrade species, Hypsibius exemplaris and Ramazzottius variornatus, and went opsin-hunting in the tardigrades' transcriptomes  collections of DNA information that are transcribed as RNA , which means they will eventually be translated into proteins that serve a purpose in the body. Transcriptome analysis can tell researchers when genes are activated and when they're dormant in an organism's cells, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

H. exemplaris and R. variornatus both had very well-documented transcriptomes, the authors reported. They identified multiple r-opsins in tardigrades that were associated with vision, and they tracked opsin activity in the two tardigrade species during three stages of their life cycle: egg, juvenile and adult.

Though both species had multiple copies of active visual opsins, the opsins weren't responsive to different wavelengths of light. Rather, certain visual opsins were activated in different amounts during a given life stage, the study authors reported.

Surprisingly, some of those opsins were most active when tardigrades were still eggs  not exactly a time when you'd expect tardigrades to have much use for vision at all, Fleming said.

"Like a lot of work with tardigrades, this raises loads more questions," he explained. "It suggests that tardigrades might be using some of these opsins for non-visual purposes," but what those purposes might be are unknown, Fleming said.

The scientists concluded that even though they confirmed that tardigrades had multiple visual opsins, "we find it unlikely that they are capable of color vision." However, the presence of multiple and diverse opsins in tardigrades suggests that light sensitivity could influence tardigrade behavior more than previously thought, the researchers added.

"The more we find out about these really lovely creatures, the more questions keep coming up," Fleming said. "They interact with the world around them in a way that is very different to us, and we are still adjusting the focus on our microscope to really see their environment clearly."

Originally published on Live Science.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A California woman who thought she had COVID-19 turned out to have typhus.

The woman, Margaret Holzmann, of Monrovia, California, said that when she started to experience symptoms of fatigue, fever and headache, she suspected she had COVID-19, according to local news outlet KTLA . But a COVID-19 test came back negative.

However, Holzmann continued to feel sick for weeks. She finally went back to her doctor, who asked if she had recently had any contact with wild animals. Holzmann remembered she had disposed of a dead rat in her backyard, KTLA reported.

That information eventually led doctors to diagnose her with typhus, a bacterial disease spread by fleas and lice.

Related: 11 (sometimes) deadly diseases that hopped across species

One form of typhus, called epidemic typhus, is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii and spread by lice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The disease caused millions of deaths in previous centuries, but it is now rare worldwide; cases are occasionally seen in areas with poor hygiene and extreme overcrowding, the CDC says.

But the most common form of typhus in the U.S. is called murine typhus, which is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and spread by fleas, according to the CDC . Although relatively rare in the U.S., the disease still pops up in tropical and subtropical climates, including areas of Southern California, Texas and Hawaii, the CDC says. Indeed, in 2018, an outbreak of flea-borne typhus infected dozens in the Los Angeles area, Live Science previously reported .

Holzmann's doctors said she likely contracted typhus from infected fleas carried by the rat. When Holzmann posted her story to the social media site Nextdoor, she discovered that another person in her neighborhood had also recently been diagnosed with typhus after disposing of a dead rat, KTLA reported.

Symptoms of murine typhus typically start within two weeks of infection, and include fever , chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting and rash. The disease is treatable with the antibiotic doxycycline, according to the CDC. Most people completely recover, sometimes even without treatment, the CDC says.

People can reduce their risk of murine typhus by avoiding exposure to fleas, for instance by using flea medication for pets and keeping rodents away from their home, according to the CDC.

After her experience, Holzmann advises people not to take a do-it-yourself approach to disposing of dead animals. "If you see something in your yard, call someone who can dispose of it safely and don't try to do it yourself," she told KTLA.

Originally published on Live Science.
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Stefan Ruzowitzky, who won an Oscar for The Counterfeiters, is at the Locarno Film Festival on Friday for the world premiere in the iconic Piazza Grande venue of his crime thriller Hinterland. He speaks to Variety about the film, which Beta Cinema is selling worldwide.

Hinterland centers on a former Austrian prisoner of war, Peter Perg, who returns home to Vienna in 1920. Everything has changed. The once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire has crumbled, the imperial dynasty has been replaced by a republic, and myriad artistic, political and intellectual movements are questioning the old certainties. When a serial killer starts to pick off military veterans, Perg, a former detective, is brought in to investigate.

Hinterland was shot almost exclusively on blue screen, with the background depicting a distorted vision of Vienna inspired by Expressionist classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, reflecting Pergs jaundiced view of Austrian society. Ruzowitzky comments: In these new times after the Great War, nothing feels right and straightforward to men like Perg; everything seems deformed and out of kilter.

One of the things that attracted Ruzowitzky to the project was the aesthetic approach. I was tempted to try something completely new and really use VFX  not to mimic reality  but to create a stylized reality, he says.

Another factor that attracted him was the period. If you do some research, you find out that the First World War was culturally a much bigger shock for people [in Austria] than the Second World War. And after the First World War, all these new political ideas, National Socialism, Communism came along as well as new ideas like Dadaism and Surrealism in art and literature. People said, What weve seen so far, its not true. And, We cant trust in the values and the ways of before the First World War; whereas after the Second World War, it was the 50s, Doris Day and Marilyn Monroe  everything clean, and Lets not talk about [the war] anymore.

After the First World War, this was super interesting. So much changed. And to have a protagonist whos faced with these changes, and has to deal with them, and to find out that they are not only a change to the world, but that theres also something in it for him, I think that was interesting to work with.

There is a renewed interest in the 1920s in Germany and Austria, Ruzowitzky says, as it is seen as an important period in terms of understanding what happened afterwards.

In the last 30-40 years, for good reason, we have been obsessed with the Second World War, the Nazis and the Holocaust, because this generation was still alive, and it was absolutely necessary for society to deal with National Socialism while these people were still around, politicians who had a Nazi past, and judges and artists and whatever. And so it was all about that period of time. Because of that, the First World War, and the years right after that were never really an issue here, but in a way, its coming back.

Unlike in Western Europe and the U.S., where the 1920s are known as the Jazz Age or the Swinging Twenties, in Austria it was more complicated and darker. It is the biggest breaking point in our history, because the House of Habsburg had been here for, what, 800 years, and Franz Joseph was Emperor for almost 70 years, so the idea was nothing ever changes. Its just as it is, and theres no alternative and its not bad, but there is no dynamics in society whatsoever, and then World War One, and, boom, everything falls apart. We have a democracy, we have a republic, and I think in the States or in England, you dont have this. It wasnt such an important point in history. But here, in Germany and Austria, it definitely was. And we lost everything.

This is sort of the story of the movie. When Perg goes to war, he leaves behind an empire, one of the superpowers of the world. It was Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, parts of Ukraine, parts of Poland  an enormous empire. Then he comes back, and its this tiny little thing in the middle of Europe. That was a cultural shock for the German-speaking world.

Ruzowitzky sees parallels between that period of instability and confusion, and today when public discourse is being tainted by doubt and division. Twenty years ago, the world was a safer place, in terms of there were values and facts, and society was sort of agreeing on certain things, he says. Nowadays, whether its Trumps fake news or the whole coronavirus denial, we dont agree on what has been true for the last 200 years  believing that theres scientific proof. Nowadays, who cares? Now, we have fake news, alternative news. You can make up whatever you like, with conspiracy theories, and its the lizard people, and everything is possible in social media. You can say whatever.

In the film, the tormented Perg, played by Murathan Muslu (recently seen in Netflix series Skylines) finds an ally in the cool-headed forensic expert Theresa Korner (played by Babylon Berlin star Liv Lisa Fries), with whom he shares a dark past. Korner represents a more intelligent, nuanced approach to the complexity of the brave new world, whereas Perg is more simplistic in his nostalgic hankering after the certainties of the old world.

Ruzowitzky says: I see him as an alpha male, deeply wounded and disappointed. He feels all these new developments are like an attack on him. He believed in God, the Emperor and the Fatherland, and his sort of basic values dont exist anymore. Its a hard time for him to accept that this new world is changed for the better. And thats what is represented by Dr. Korner, who says, Well, it wasnt all good what we had before, and now things break up and there are possibilities for everybody. For women, for example. I think in the beginning he just refuses to see that that theres also something good about these changes.

In Hanno Pinters original version of the script the story of the love affair between Perg  who finds it impossible to get back together with the wife he left behind  and Korner didnt exist, but Ruzowitzky saw a need to add it, as Korner represents something far bigger than just a lover. His wife represents his old life and hes not ready to face that, hes not ready to face his wife. And then he meets this other woman, and she represents these modern times, and then I just felt it makes sense that this is not only a professional relationship, but also an emotional one, he says.

There have been plenty of films that have utilized visual effects to create new worlds, but for Ruzowitzky it provided a chance to create something that had never been seen before in cinema in terms of artistic expression, with a montage of images forming the background. The guy who designed that [Oleg Prodeus] would combine images from different angles to create this unreal world. I have not seen this done before. Of course, what you have are movies that use VFX to create fantasy worlds, but I think there are no real role models for what we have or not that I would know of.

Developing the look was not straightforward. We did a test shoot, only to find out that our first ideas did not work. We tried too much to just mimic reality. And then we realized, the whole endeavor only makes sense if we really create something completely new, and we just go for it. Recreating what you could shoot on location wouldnt make any sense.

The influence of early Expressionist films, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, was crucial. The basic idea of Expressionism is that theres not just one perspective to the face. You show several perspectives at the same time and include movement. The Expressionists wanted to show something beyond what the eye can see, and this is what we tried as well  not to show a house as it is, but to show it in the way a traumatized person would perceive it. And this is why we have the same approach as the Expressionists had. Dr. Caligari is famous because the set designs were stylized in an Expressionist manner and we do sort of the same thing, but with contemporary technologies.

All the scenes had to be storyboarded three months prior to the shoot so that the cast and crew were fully prepared. We had to know exactly what they are touching. Because whatever the actors had physical contact with, these items had to be on set. And we had to know where the light was coming from. So all this had to be decided early on. In the beginning, we tried to have the designs first and then make the actors move in these pre-produced designs. But that didnt work, because those designs were unreal. And so we had to do it the other way around. We had the basic idea of the background, and then we shot the scene and then the visual effects designers had to adapt the background to the acting.

Ruzowitzky says making the film taught him that VFX technology can be used for more artistic endeavors that just retouching shots or creating fantasy worlds. This is not a fantasy superhero movie, but an arthouse movie, and we really used it to bring across a message and create a very specific visual style, and this technology is also good for that, and not only for superheroes, and wire removal.

Ruzowitzky says he would like to make another film like Hinterland, and that the lead producer, Oliver Neumann, is even considering producing a sequel.

Yes, it was an interesting process. And, for me, the most interesting thing was to learn that usually you have all these limitations. You cant do this. You cant do that. And then you find the location, but its too small. Whereas here, doing Hinterland, everything is possible. And you have to invent a whole world from scratch, and usually you have an existing location with all its limitation. Here, could say, Yeah, whatever. I want to have two more cathedrals in the background, and then click, click, here you have two more cathedrals in the background. And this is a burden in a way, having no limitations, but youre free to do whatever you want.

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After performing in internationals film for five decades, the German-born character actor Udo Kier is getting rave reviews for a rare Hollywood leading role in Swan Song. And at age 76, Kier says hes hoping the role is no swan song for him: its just the beginning of a new phase of his career.

I am really, really, a little bit surprised but pleasantly surprise that I made 50 years of movies, and now everybody writes: After 50 years, finally Udo Kier is a leading man! Kier told Variety on Thursday night at the Los Angeles premiere of the film at iPic Theaters in Westwood. Which is very nice of you all, the press. But for me, its going to be difficult because now in the future, I only want to do leading roles  unless its David Lynch or some great director. Thats a different story. Im very, very, very happily surprised.

During a chat on a sofa with a glass of wine in the theater lobby, Kier shared memories of being unexpectedly discovered during an airplane flight after being seated by chance next to director Paul Morrisey. He found mainstream attention playing the monster in 1973s avant garde Andy Warhols Frankenstein, going on to appear in films helmed by distinctive visionaries including Lars von Trier, Gus van Sant, Werner Herzog, Dario Argento and Alexander Payne.

In Swan Song, Kier plays Mr. Pat, a gay hairdresser who dared to live his life out loud in a less enlightened time and place; now grappling with challenging senior years he returns to his former home to honor the last request of a long-estranged client (Linda Evans), whos asked that he style her hair for her funeral and discovers the unexpected impact hes had.

Kier was attracted to Mr. Pats colorful late-life reflection of the gender-norm-challenging glam of 70s icons like David Bowie and Elton John, as well as the opportunity to commenting on the changes hes seen in the country since first arriving in 1991 to shoot My Own Private Idaho. If you would have said then a man or women who love each other can get married and adopt children, they would have said, Youre crazy? In America? And that is why I was interested in this film.

Writer-director Todd Stephens based Mr. Pat on a real man from his own hometown. He gave me hope, because he was different and I felt different, and when I finally got up the nerve to go to the he local gay bar, I saw him there and I felt like I was home, like I had found my family, my tribe, said Stephens. Pat had no clue that he changed anybodys life, and Im sure he felt like his life didnt mean that much, but he had the courage to be himself at a time when that was when that was like changing the world.

Stephens, whod admired Kiers work since My Own Private Idaho, said he was completely sold on casting him when he journeyed to the actors Palm Springs home, where he introduced me to his dog Liza Minelli  that was like a done deal. And the real Mr. Pat had really big, beautiful blue eyes just like Udo. So as soon as I met him, I knew he was the one.

The thing thats so cool about this is that hes a legend that is having a resurgence of being a legend, said co-star Jennifer Coolidge, who plays Mr. Pats former protege turned bitter rival, of Kier. Hes done like 250 movies! Theres a reason everyone wants him, and theres a reason he works so much. Because he has incredible presence  in person, but on-screen too, just this incredible command of energy. I cant even describe what it is. Its just a magical thing.

Coolidge has no shortage of credits herself, and her recent, ambitious turns in Swan Swong, Promising Young Woman and The White Lotus have, she admitted, sparked a bit of an unexpected Jen-aissance in Hollywood. To be honest, it is so weird the timing of them all and them all coming out  it just looks like I did them all in a row, she revealed. Then of course, we got all frozen for a year, and now this great moment comes and theyre all like bang, bang, bang. How exciting is that?

Coolidge said the sudden rush of renewed visibility has, career-wise, opened some doors  and some things that I probably wouldnt want to do also! It opens the whole gamut, she laughed. If all of this wasnt happening, maybe I wouldnt be getting all these calls, but it sort of puts your name out there, for all sorts of interesting things  or not!

She admitted that she appreciates some downtown in between projects, in contrast to her early days performing in The Groundlings improv troupe, constantly grinding our new comedy sketches and characters, then coming back to square one.

You could do something and feel like youve really scored, she remembered. Everything changed every week, so youd have one show that would just be probably your best, you thought. And then the next week youd go back to being Cinderella, just really scrubbing the floor.

I used all my bad experiences as my Grounding sketches, so Im like, Oh, I have to find another bad experience, have to put it on stage and get revenge on that horrible restaurant owner that treated me like garbage or something, she chuckled. Because all my best characters, I think, were people that werent nice.

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Rolling Stone and Variety are pleased to announce additional programming for the inaugural Truth Seekers virtual summit on August 26th, presented by Showtime Documentary Films. RZA will participate in a keynote conversation about creating, executive-producing, and composing Wu-Tang: An American Saga, a series that examines the Wu-Tang Clans formation, mega-success, and cultural influence.

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Todd Haynes will take part in a keynote conversation about his new documentary feature, The Velvet Underground, and give an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his creative process in telling the story of the legendary rock band.

Community organizer Dolores Huerta  one of the most influential labor activists of the 20th century and president and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation  will take part in a keynote conversation covering her decades-long advocacy for civil rights, education reform, voter registration, and economic justice for low-income communities, as well as her recent work to encourage Covid-19 vaccinations.

Crooked Medias Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor will join a conversation about co-founding the massively popular politics and culture podcast, Pod Save America, and building a podcasting empire.

The Weapons of Mass Disinformation panel will explore the January 6th insurrection and the challenges of truth-telling in a politically polarized society, featuring insights from John Podesta, former White House chief of staff; PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor; writer, director, and producer Billy Ray (The Comey Rule); and Anna Merlan, author of Republic of Lies.

Previously announced programming includes a keynote by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris (The Fog of War), and esteemed documentarian Stanley Nelson will receive the first Truth Seeker Award.

The Vocabulary of Verite: How to Construct the Language of Documentaries panel will feature filmmakers R.J. Cutler (Billie Eilish: The Worlds a Little Blurry; Belushi), Sacha Jenkins (Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men; Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James), Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI; Why We Hate), Liz Garbus (Ill Be Gone in the Dark; What Happened, Miss Simone?), and Dawn Porter (Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer).

And the True Crime as an Agent of Change panel will take attendees behind the scenes with writers, producers, and directors discussing how they develop a true-crime project and how those films can impact their real-world participants. Panelists include Joe Berlinger (Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel), Amy Ziering (Allen v. Farrow), Donald Albright (Up and Vanished), and Zackary Drucker (The Lady and the Dale).

The virtual experience is free to attend with registration, but availability is limited. To secure your spot to attend, register here.

In conjunction with the Truth Seekers Summit, Variety and Rolling Stone have partnered to create a special print magazine that expands on the Truth Seekers theme with both original and archival investigative features that demonstrate the brands decades-long dedication to rigorous journalistic storytelling. The special issue will be sent to a select list of Variety and Rolling Stone subscribers on August 25th.

On July 1st, both publications created new website verticals devoted to documentary and investigative storytelling. Varietys new section, accessible from the navigation bar and titled Docs, features documentary reviews, reporting about classic documentaries culled from the Variety archives, and documentary coverage from the worlds leading film festivals.

Rolling Stones new section, Rolling Stone Reports, includes new investigative reporting, original photography, classic articles  from Rolling Stone greats like Hunter S. Thompson, Kurt Loder, Tom Wolfe, Matt Taibbi, and more  and coverage from within political and cultural events as they unfold.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Florida hospitals slammed with COVID-19 patients are suspending elective surgeries and putting beds in conference rooms, an auditorium and a cafeteria. As of midweek, Mississippi had just six open intensive care beds in the entire state.

Georgia medical centers are turning people away. And in Louisiana, an organ transplant had to be postponed along with other procedures.

We are seeing a surge like weve not seen before in terms of the patients coming, Dr. Marc Napp, chief medical officer for Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida, said Wednesday. Its the sheer number coming in at the same time. There are only so many beds, so many doctors, only so many nurses.

Coronavirus hospitalizations are surging again as the more contagious delta variant rages across the country, forcing medical centers to return to a crisis footing just weeks after many closed their COVID-19 wards and field hospitals and dropped other emergency measures.

The number of people now in the hospital in the U.S. with COVID-19 has almost quadrupled over the past month to nearly 45,000, turning the clock back to early March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That's still nowhere close to the nearly 124,000 people who were in the hospital at the very peak of the winter surge in January. But health experts say this wave is perhaps more worrying because it has risen more swiftly than prior ones. Also, a disturbingly large share of patients this time are young adults.

And to the frustration of public health experts and front-line medical workers, the vast majority of those now hospitalized are unvaccinated.

Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi alone account for more than 40% of all hospitalizations in the country.

Mississippi has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation, with less than 35% of its population fully inoculated, and Louisiana and Georgia aren't much better, at around 38%. Florida is closer to the national rate at 49%, but none of the four Southern states comes close to the New England region, where most states are well over 60%.

The variant has sent new U.S. cases surging to 94,000 a day on average, a level not seen since mid-February. Deaths per day have soared 75% in the past two weeks, climbing from an average of 244 to 426. The overall U.S. death toll stands at more than 614,000.

Across Florida, more than 12,500 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, over 2,500 of them in intensive care. The state is averaging nearly 18,000 newly confirmed infections per day, up from fewer than 2,000 a month ago. In all, Florida has recorded more than 39,100 coronavirus deaths.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a hard line against mask rules and other compulsory measures, saying it is important to keep Floridas economy moving.

Florida is a free state, and we will empower our people. We will not allow Joe Biden and his bureaucratic flunkies to come in and commandeer the rights and freedoms of Floridians, DeSantis, who has been exploring a possible bid for president in 2024, said in a fundraising email Wednesday.

The reversal in fortune at some hospitals has been stark.

In central Florida, AdventHealth hospitals had 1,350 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, the most ever. The health care system has postponed non-emergency surgery and limited visitors to concentrate on treating coronavirus patients.

Less than two months ago, Miami's Baptist Hospital had fewer than 20 COVID-19 patients and was closing down coronavirus units. By Monday, hospital officials were reopening some of those units to handle an influx of more than 200 new virus patients.

As fast as we are opening up units, theyre being filled with COVID patients, said Dr. Sergio Segarra, the hospitals chief medical officer.

In Georgia, more than two dozen hospitals said this week that they have had to turn away patients as the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 has risen to 2,600 statewide.

Mississippi reported that its hospitals were overwhelmed with nearly 1,200 COVID-19 patients as of Thursday. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the delta variant is sweeping across Mississippi like a tsunami" with no end in sight.

In Louisiana, with roughly 2,350 coronavirus patients in hospitals, any non-emergency surgery that might require an overnight stay is being delayed at the states largest hospital system. Dr. Robert Hart, chief medical officer at Ochsner Health, said an organ transplant involving a live donor was postponed.

You can imagine the expectations both the recipient and the donor had leading up to the surgery, and then to have to put that off, he said, declining to disclose the type of transplant.

The swift turn of events has been disheartening for health care workers who just weeks ago thought the battle was in its final stages. The crisis is also making it harder for hospitals to provide other crucial types of medical care.

If you dont get vaccinated, you are taking resources from people who have diseases or injuries or illnesses, said Dr. Vincent Shaw, a family physician in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. COVID doesnt call people who have had strokes, who have had heart attacks, who have had other horrific or traumatic things happen and say, Yall take the week off. I am going to take over the ER and the ICU.'

In Florida, Judi Custer said she and her husband did everything they were told to do to ward off the virus. The Fort Lauderdale retirees got vaccinated and wore masks, even when the rules were lifted. Still, they fell ill with COVID-19 a few weeks ago, and 80-year-old Doug Custer was hospitalized for five days.

Judy Custer said she still believes more people need to get vaccinated.

Weve had it long enough to know it is helping people, even if they get sick with it, she said. Youre less likely to be put on a ventilator. Youre less likely to be hospitalized.

__

Marcelo reported from Boston. Associated Press reporters Leah Willingham in Jackson, Mississippi; Kevin McGill and Melinda Deslatte in Louisiana; Adriana Gomez Licon and Frieda Frisaro in Miami; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this story.
A United States District Judge ruled Thursday that the City of Laredo has not yet provided enough clarity to move forward with its recent request for an emergency hearing to get a temporary restraining order to halt migrant buses coming into the area.

Judge Diana Saldana stated in an order that the court must be provided further clarification that the City of Laredos suit is necessary to ensure an efficient and correct resolution on this matter.

The order goes on to state that while the city listed a variety of statutes, it did not state or explain the actual legal basis for its claim in the original complaint.

Plaintiffs Complaint begs the question: what is it likely to succeed on the merits of? the order reads. The Complaint does not claim a legal right based in the Constitution, statute or the common law.

Ultimately, the judge is ordering the city to file a clarification of the particular claim or claims it asserts against the defendants.

The judge gave the city until noon on Friday to provide clarification, otherwise its request from Wednesday for an emergency hearing would be precluded and the original schedule would remain.

The U.S. currently has until Aug. 12 to file its response to Laredos threat to sue and filing of a TRO. Additionally, it has until Aug. 19 to file its reply brief. The defendants have already successfully requested and been given a one-week extension on two different occasions.

Meanwhile, the City of Laredo announced on Thursday evening that it would hold an emergency city council meeting. And the agenda featured a request from Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz:

An urgent, public necessity exists for calling this emergency meeting, as immediate action is required of the city council to address urgent matters of public health and welfare of the city and its residents regarding the release of an alarmingly substantial number of immigrants into the City of Laredo, Texas, including many individuals positive for COVID-19, states Saenzs request.

The city announced in a release on Wednesday night that it was requesting the judge give it an emergency hearing regarding the TRO, stating that Saenz had signed a Local Disaster Declaration regarding the migrant influx.

In the citys request, it stated that the transport of refugees, immigrants and/or migrants, or RIMs, has recommenced and the circumstances have changed to the extent that the city is in worse condition than at the time of the original filing of the lawsuit.

The city is oversaturated and cannot accept any more RIMs, the request states, adding that the Holding Institute and Catholic Charities are overburdened. The city faces particular harm because the two local hospital trauma centers are currently under diversion and unable to admit patients as the citys underserved medical community cannot accommodate new patients medical needs due to the depletion of medical staff and limited bed capacity.

In Wednesdays COVID-19 media briefing, Saenz claimed that locals should have first rights to the hospital facilities, stating that this is really the argument for the judge to rule on.

Its not that we dont want to treat the migrants, we have so limited capacity, Saenz said in the briefing. I truly feel that, without offending anyone, the hospital system  we should have a preferential right for us as residents here to take care of ourselves and to use the hospital. The federal government has a choice. They can take them to another city where theres ample facilities, maybe even more hospital space than what we have here locally.

However, Laredo Health Director Richard Chamberlain shortly after clarified stating that no migrants were inside local hospitals at that time.

In the citys press release later that night, it stated that a 3-month-old migrant girl was sent to a local hospital with COVID symptoms.

The citys request to the judge did not mention any medical resources migrants were using at local facilities. It did state that the Holding Institute was placed under a new quarantine on Aug. 2 and that it had 73 positive COVID cases  the latter which was mentioned earlier in the briefing.

As a whole, Laredo had 653 active cases as of Wednesday  its highest total since Feb. 15.

Local medical professionals also continue to state that the citys largest current issue is the areas unvaccinated population. And while the city ranks as the No. 1 metro in Texas with its fully vaccinated eligible population at just above 76.2%, its lack of overall medical resources as well as staffing concerns at those facilities has taken much of the impact away from the current vaccination success.

This is why Laredos hospitals have stated they are already using overflow areas despite reporting 41 hospitalizations Wednesday. The city has been asking the state for medical assistance but announced in the briefing those requests were denied. This help was vital during earlier surges locally, as Laredo Fire Chief Guillermo Heard stated that they previously had around 400-500 medical care providers who had come to the city for help. Thats how the areas hospitalization figures were able to reach as high as 249 during January.

Thus all local leaders continue to state that any who havent already must get vaccinated, and all locals for now should start wearing masks regardless of their vaccination status.

We respect your rights, but the evidence and science truly indicates to us the unvaccinated people are really the ones that are now perpetuating and promoting this medical health crisis that we have here locally and throughout other areas in the state and nation, said Saenz to the unvaccinated population Wednesday.

zdavis@lmtonline.com
The U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector announced on Thursday that a Mexican Mafia gang member was discovered in a vehicle in Freer.

The USBP stated that Freer agents received a report of a gray Ford F-350 which was driving through a private ranch.
Despite COVID-19 levels increasing in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Gov. Greg Abbott isn't budging on his COVID-19 response in Texas.

On Wednesday, the governor reaffirmed his stance on local or state government mandating any coronavirus protocols during his speech at Asian-American Hotel Owners Association's National Convention and Trade Show in Dallas.

"One thing we've learned along the way is lockdowns are wrong during the course of the pandemic," he says. "...In Texas, there will not be any government-imposed shutdowns or mask mandates. Everyone already knows what to do. Everyone can voluntarily implement the mandates that are safest for them, their families, and their businesses."

Abbott says the state will encourage everyone to implement the safest strategies to help slow the spread of COVID-19, including making sure everyone who wants the vaccine can get one. He says that's the surest way to "end the pandemic."

The governor's remarks come a day after President Joe Biden criticized how Texas and Florida have handled the COVID-19 spike. The two states accounted for one-third of all new cases in the U.S. last week, according to White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients.

On July 29, Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting schools, governments, and other jurisdictions from instituting mask mandates. The order also doesn't allow any of those agencies to require proof of vaccination.

In the speech, Abbott says the Texas economy is booming due to keeping businesses open during the pandemic. By comparison, he says Texas has a larger economy than Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Russia. Abbott joked (hopefully) shortly after that the economic boost makes him more powerful than Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.

Funny.
Steven entered into rest on August 10, 2021 at the age of 39. Beloved husband of Mathew Palombo. Loving son of Nancy Voutour. Brother of Sean (Elizabeth) Empson. Beloved son-in-law of Sherry and the late Paul Palombo Jr. Preceded in death by his doting grandparents Donald and Ruth Beutel, an
Senator Micheal Carrigy is to release a video later today featuring his sit-down interview style based in the Backstage Theatre in Farneyhoogan, Longford.

The purpose of the event is to highlight the arts within the area and shine light on the talent in Longford and the issues they faced throughout the pandemic. Five guests joined Senator Carrigy at the event, these included These include Writer filmmaker Robert Higgins and his directorial partner Paddy McGivney, Paul Hennessy from Evolution Stage School, Ronan O Toole director of still voice film festival and Mona Considine.

Speaking on the event Senator Carrigy disclosed that "The arts are a crucial part of any community. This fact has sadly been forgotten throughout the hardship of the pandemic and constant lockdowns. Each artist deserves a voice, to be heard and given a platform to express how they feel.

"This event wants to envelop how arts and culture shape a community and that we need to create a conversation and recognize this fact nationally."

Mona Considine, head of communications at the Backstage Theatre spoke on how "Events like these is what the arts and culture sector needs to be heard. It is a long uphill battle to restore our sector, but step by step we can create conversation and rebuild the community."

The event is prerecorded by videographer, Shane Crosson and will be distributed across Senator Micheal Carrigy's Facebook page. Links to the video can be found via Twitter, Instagram at @campaign4carrigy. Please note, as the event is prerecorded, viewers are welcome to rewatch or catch at a later date, if Friday, 6th August is not suitable.
During the Second Stage Public Consultation of the Draft Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027, a submission was made to re-zone Ardagh House and the two gate lodges from Tourism to Residential.

It also asked for the lands of Ardagh Demesne to be re-zoned from Tourism to Agriculture.

Longford County Council Chief Executive has recommended the re-zoning be approved by Longford councillors.

Ardagh Village is a multi-award-winning heritage village and is one of two Architectural Conservation Areas in Longford.

The extensive (re)designing of the demesne and village carried out by James Rawson Carroll in the early 1860s allows Ardagh to boast the very unusual for Ireland claim of being a planned village.

Ardagh House is considered to have been built during the 1730s. The current gate lodges, the West Lodge and the Villa Maria Lodge, were constructed c. 1863 and formed part of the overall work led by James Rawson Carroll.

379 structures are listed in the Record of Protected Structures in County Longford excluding Longford Town. Of them, 46 (12.2%) of the structures are in Ardagh, and 14 (3.7%) of them are part of Ardagh Demesne.

Ardagh House and the two gate lodges are listed in the Record of Protected Structures.

Landed estates, heritage, and/or protected structures across the country have successfully shown the key roles they play in encouraging (domestic) tourism and providing employment opportunities.

In 1989, four acres of land were donated by two landowners to the Ardagh Tidy Towns Committee. Dr. Christy Boylan, the former President of the Tree Council of Ireland, oversaw the planning and design of the Ardagh Neighbourhood Park.

However, when Ardagh Demesne was sold in 2012, the Ardagh Neighbourhood Park was included in the sale. As such, should the Longford councillors approve the re-zoning, there is a real and substantial risk access to the park would be lost. And the trees that form this mature woodland felled.

The Ardagh Neighbourhood Park is a vital community amenity. It has been enjoyed by community residents and thousands of visitors to Ardagh for over thirty years. Its loss would be devastating.

The Third Stage Public Consultation of the Draft Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 closes next Tuesday, the 10th of August, at 16:00 (4pm).

Submissions/observations can be made online at www.longfordcoco.ie/cdp or by email to cdp@longfordcoco.ie
Community, Charity & Cause

By Chris Boyle Published: August 06 2021

Legislator Mule presented COVID-19 service bars to the leaders and members of these agencies in recognition of their tireless efforts.

Since March 2020, members of the Oceanside and South Hempstead Fire Departments have continued to selflessly serve and protect the public at great personal risk amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a token of her unwavering appreciation for their efforts, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule (D - Freeport) recently presented COVID-19 service bars to the leaders and members of these agencies in recognition of their tireless efforts throughout the public health crisis.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, local firefighters were among the countless first responders who selflessly stepped up to serve our communities and lead us through the darkest days of the crisis, Legislator Mule said. These pins are but a small token of our appreciation and a symbol of our everlasting gratitude for their commitment to community service.
Local News

By Ls Cohen Published: August 06 2021

Family of eight went overboard; all wearing life vests.

After a wave capsized their boat on Sunday August 1, a Huntington Station family of eight was rescued from the water in Huntington Bay by the bay constables.

Huntington Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci praised the Harbormasters team on duty that day.

Great work by the Huntington Harbormasters Bay Constables on duty this Sunday, he said. We are very lucky to have the team of professionals patrolling Huntingtons waterways that we do  this boating emergency could have turned out very differently with overcrowding and a strong wave.

Senior Bay Constable Ryan Sammis and Bay Constable Roy Mathison on the Marine 1 response boat and Bay Constables Tim Lutz and Don Dizomba on Marine 3, responded to a call from a good Samaritan that came in at approximately 4pm.

The 16-foot boat had 4 children (ages 1 to 10) and 4 adults on board. A 4-year-old child was initially caught under the vessel for approximately one minute; the father rescued the child. All eight family members were rescued and accounted for by the Harbormasters team.

Senior Harbormaster Fred Uvena reported that the family of eight were wearing life jackets, which he said saved their lives while they were waiting for rescue.

After towing the boat to the Town ramp at Mill Dam Marina, the Harbormasters office issued a summons to the owner of the boat for overcrowding; the capacity plate on the 16-foot boat allowed for six passengers, including the captain and all children and infants.
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Esken Ltd - London Southend airport operator - Notes Irish carrier Ryanair Holdings PLC has stated its intention to close its base at London Southend Airport with effect from the start of the winter season this year. As a result, Ryanair will cease operations based from London Southend Airport from November 1.

"Esken is currently in the process of reviewing the impact of such decision on its forecasts. However, the financial impact of Ryanair's base closure will be mitigated by a reduction in costs directly associated with serving Ryanair's base and the low level of passengers expected during the winter season," it says.

Current stock price: 16.36 pence

Year-to-date change: down 29%

By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Jubilee Metals Group PLC said on Friday it delivered another "exceptional" financial performance performance, posting strong production and earnings.

These results included both an unaudited operational statement for six months ended June 30 and operational results for the full financial year to June 30.

The London-based metals processing company said attributable operational earnings rose 36% to GBP40.1 million for the six-month period, compared to GBP31.2 million last year. For the full-year, combined attributable operational earnings jumped to GBP69.6 million from GBP25.1 million.

For the six months, revenue increased 46% to GBP75.6 million from GBP51.9 million in the prior year, while revenue grew sharply to GBP127.6 million for the full year from GBP54.8 million.

Jubilee said it had achieved its stated target of 50,162 platinum group metals ounces for the annual period, up 23% from 40,743 PGM ounces last year.

"Jubilee's operational growth continuous to exceed expectations despite the challenges of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic and the significant expansion programme undertaken at both its PGM & chrome as well as copper business units," said Jubilee Chief Executive Leon Coetzer.

"The Jubilee team has yet again delivered another exceptional performance, where we have achieved growth in each of our core business units; PGMs and chrome and also generating maiden earnings from our new Zambian Copper portfolio," Coetzer said.

Zambia copper production contributed maiden earnings to the group. Project Roan's integrated copper concentrator is on track for commissioning by January, the company said.

The company said it has undertaken construction and commissioning phase, in particular at its PGM and chrome operations in South Africa.

"We have seen the commissioning of two new chrome beneficiation facilities, as well as commencing with the construction of the expanded PGM Inyoni operations," Coetzer said.

Shares in Jubilee climbed 5.0% to ZAR3.59 on Friday morning in Johannesburg. In London, shares were up 5.4% to 17.92 pence.

By Artwell Dlamini; artwelldlamini@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

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A possible fix for traffic backups would create a flyover exit ramp from southbound Highway 169 over Riverfront Drive and close the current exit ramp (and eliminate the traffic signals). With most traffic on the ramp looking to go toward downtown, the new design would allow those drivers to make a right turn instead of a left.
Trent C. Bluhm died 8/9/2021. Son of Thane and Bernice Bluhm of Pemberton. Trent was a very generous and caring man, as many of his friends and family knew. His good sense of humor will be missed.
Joan Laporta has spoken out. The Barcelona president delivered a press conference on Friday to explain the reasons behind Lionel Messi's Camp Nou exit.

Despite a contract being all but signed for weeks, the club confirmed on Thursday, August 5, that the player's renewal had become impossible to finalise and that the Argentine's time at the club had come to an end.

"The club's figures are worrying," Laporta said. "We've inherited a disastrous situation and the salary bill is 110 percent of the total income.

"The management of the club has been dire. We have no margin to manoeuvre with salaries. We have to comply with Financial Fair Play. We know the regulations and we have no margin.

"The numbers are worse than what we had been told and what we had predicted based on the official figures."

Laporta continued to point fingers at LaLiga, whom he said he expected to be more flexible, and also criticised the recently announced deal with CVC.

"We expected LaLiga to be more flexible," Laporta explained. "But we had pressure because other clubs wanted the rules to be complied with, which we knew and respected.

"We cannot mortgage half a century of television rights to comply with Financial Fair Play. I'm not willing to do that. We have a club with 122 years of history and it is above any player, even the greatest player in the world.

"We've been happy to have him here, but we aren't interested in this deal. Barcelona are above everything else and the club has to be protected. We've done all we can and we've moved on. I'm convinced we can still be successful."

Despite the failure to keep Messi at the club, the president acknowledged and appreciated how much the Argentine wanted to stay at the Camp Nou.

"He has done everything possible to stay," Laporta said. "The fact that he wanted to stay played a big part. It was important. I'm personally sad but I know we've done the best thing for Barcelona.

"He leaves an excellent legacy behind him. He made history. I hope we can overcome this and start a new era. There's a before and after. He's left a lot of joy, success and historic images.

"We have eternal gratitude. But I won't give false hope that there could be a turnaround. With him our salary was 110 percent of income, without him it's 95 percent."

Barcelona have signed four players this summer - Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Emerson Royal - but the president couldn't guarantee that those players will be able to be registered to play in 2021/22.

"Hopefully there aren't any problems," Laporta said. "According to our calculations, they will be able to be registered because Messi's salary is not the same as theirs."

Laporta visited the squad on Friday morning to explain the situation to the players himself, and he feels as though Ronald Koeman and the dressing room are understanding.

"The players are expectant, but they have enormous talent and dream of playing for Barcelona," Laporta said. "The challenge is to win the competitions that we're playing in."
Real Madrid have let their stance on CVC's investment in LaLiga Santander be known this Thursday evening, issuing a statement showing their opposition to the proposed move.

CVC have agreed to invest as must as 2.7 billion euros in LaLiga Santander clubs, which would have offered Los Blancos a helping hand in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, but the 13-time European Champions are not keen on the idea, calling it "an opportunistic fund".

"In light of the announcement of the agreement between LaLiga and CVC Capital Partners," began the club's statement, "Real Madrid states the following:

"This agreement was reached without the involvement or knowledge of Real Madrid and today, for the first time, LaLiga has given us limited access to the terms of the agreement.

"The clubs have signed over their audiovisual rights exclusively for their sale on a competitive basis for a period of three years. This agreement, by way of a misleading structure, expropriates 10.95 percent of the clubs' audiovisual rights for the next 50 years, in breach of the law.

"The negotiation was carried out without competitive proceedings and the financial conditions agreed with CVC Capital Partners give them annual returns of over 20 percent. This opportunistic fund is the same which tried and failed to reach similar agreements with the Italian and German leagues.

"Real Madrid cannot support a venture which hands the future of 42 Primera and Segunda Division clubs over to a group of investors, not to mention the futures of those clubs who qualify over the next 50 years.

"Real Madrid will convene the Assembly of Representative Members to debate the agreement and discuss the significant loss of equity, unprecedented in our 119-year history."
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Jerry Wayne Deaton, 77, of Moore, formerly of Savanna, passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, at his home in Moore. The family will welcome friends at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for visitation. Memorial services will be Wednesday, Aug. 18., at 2:00 p.m. at th
Sweet Arts Bake House owner Rob Skala recently underwent a cardiac ablation. He is at the emergency room at Northeastern Health System where he has been told that there are no beds for him in the entire state of Oklahoma due to the influx of COVID-19 cases.
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Atlanta, GA (30303)

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A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Meadville, PA (16335)

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low around 65F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
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Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Fund established for local community associations working with partners helping on the ground in Indonesia

More than 97,000 COVID-19 deaths recorded in Indonesia

The McGowan Government has allocated $2 million to assist Indonesia as it manages its second wave of COVID-19.

Western Australia's closest international neighbour is working to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with more than 22,000 new cases a day following last month's peak of 56,750.

The Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Fund will be similar to the model announced by the State Government for India in May, allowing local community organisations to work with partners to provide on-the-ground support.

The $2 million Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Fund will be administered as a single closed application process, available to Indonesian community associations based in Western Australia.

The grant program will be administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Eligible applicants will be required to directly partner with a registered, not-for-profit Australian charity with operations in Indonesia, or affiliated with a reputable and officially registered not-for-profit Indonesian charity.

More information will be available soon on the Office of Multicultural Interests website.

Western Australians can also donate to the Indonesian COVID-19 Emergency Response through a fund set up by the Australia Indonesia Business Council and Save the Children.

Donations can be made through the fund's website at https://aibcsavethechildrencovid19response.raisely.com

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"Indonesia is our closest international neighbour - an important international partner and a place close to many Western Australian hearts.

"Right now, Indonesia is attempting to contain its second wave, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.

"Similar to the support provided to India recently, this funding will provide essential on-the-ground assistance to badly affected communities."

Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti:

"The stories from Indonesia as it battles its second wave have been harrowing and demonstrate just how quickly things can escalate during this pandemic.

"Western Australia is home to around 11,000 people of Indonesian ancestry, most who have family and friends affected by the pandemic right now in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has been a big part of many Western Australians' lives - through trade, culture and as a popular place for many of us to visit. It is important we assist in their recovery."

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister's office - 6552 6400
In another episode of this happens only in India, a couple faced moral policing from the locals after they were seen indulging in a public display of affection on their moving Royal Enfield bike.

From the video, that has now gone viral, it seems the locals were more furious about the couple's unusual PDA, instead of being concerned for their safety.

The entire incident was recorded on camera and has been doing the rounds on social media.

The locals got extremely angry when they saw a man riding a motorcycle with his partner sitting on his lap with the couple facing each other.

Check out the video here-





The couple was seen driving through the countryside in Bihar, where some commuters behind them noticed the couple kissing while riding the bike.

After some time, the girl realized that they were being filmed and raised concerns.

Soon, the villagers stopped the couples bike and started criticizing them for their 'behaviour' in public. Being surrounded by so many people, the couple got scared and apologized and said they will never return to this village again.

The video also showed an old man lecturing the couple over their outing.

Naturally, people had a lot to say about this and the reactions were rather mixed:

 YouTube

 YouTube

The location of the incident is still unknown and the man in the video is seen telling the locals that he is from Gaya district.



Some people on Twitter started calling the locals part of the 'anti-Romeo squad' while others questioned the couples behaviour. Some also pointed out that the couple were endangering their lives and that their stunt was also a violation of traffic laws.

In 2015, a couple was captured on their bike in the same way.

The couple, who was travelling from Madhya Pradesh to Goa and were riding the motorcycle on a busy stretch, was caught by the Goa police and were slapped with a Rs 1000 challan for dangerous driving.

At the end of the day, one can't help but wonder that why are people so interested when it comes to couples and what they do in public. Live and let live!
Manipurs Chief Minister N Biren Singh recently revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped two Indian athletes and helped them in getting better medical care and training in the US before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games.



Talking to ANI, the Manipur CM said that he had met PM Modi this week and thanked him for helping Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu.

He then elaborated what Mirabai Chanu had told him at a public function meant to felicitate her, about the help she had received from the Prime Minister's Office.

Singh said, I was surprised at her revelation about the help she had received from the Prime Minister. She disclosed that if she wasn't given an opportunity to go to the US for her muscle operation and practice, she wouldn't be able to achieve this goal. She narrated how PM Modi helped her directly. The Prime Minister helped the athlete and micromanaged the issue. People of Manipur were overjoyed to know how PM Modi helped her.



The CM further elaborated, PM Modi kept smiling when we thanked him for helping Chanu. He also helped one more athlete. This is the greatness of the leader.

Chanu was having back pain and this message went to PMO, and PM Modi directly intervened and all expenditure on her treatment and training abroad was taken care of by the PM, the CM further said.



Stating that Chanu was not the only athlete PM Modu helped, Singh stated, "the Prime Minister never mentioned it even once anywhere. I won't name but there is another athlete who PM Modi had sent to the US for medical attention and training. Being an Indian and under PM Modi we feel so proud.

Mirabai Chanu won a silver in the womens 49kg category in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics and she was the first athlete to open Indias medals tally.
Xiaomi has now become the worlds fastest smartphone company in the world after dethroning the likes of Samsung and Apple.

The smartphone manufacturer reached the milestone, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. The most surprising bit was that the companys flagship phone i.e. the Mi 11 Ultra managed to capture 17.1 per cent of the global smartphone market.

 Unsplash/mateusz-tworuszka

The company managed to grow by 26 per cent despite the COVID-19 pandemic and was also the worlds number two smartphone brand for Q2 2021.



The company has now shipped over 800 million smartphones in the last decade. Xiaomi currently leads the global smartphone sales charts followed by Samsung at second place and Apple at third.

Ever since the decline of Huawei commenced, Xiaomi has been making consistent and aggressive efforts to fill the gap created by this decline. The OEM has been expanding in Huaweis and Honors legacy markets like China, Europe, Middle East and Africa. In June, Xiaomi was further helped by China, Europe and Indias recovery and Samsungs decline due to supply constraints, Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, said in a press statement.

The companys growth has been attributed to aggressive offline expansion in China and India, where products such as the Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9 and the Redmi K series have been most successful.

Samsung suffered the most due to supply constraints in Vietnam which helped Xiaomi dethrone the South Korean giant. In order for the South Korean tech giant to reclaim its top spot, Counterpoint Research says that the situation in Vietnam needs to improve.

 Reuters

Apple, on the other hand, has now slipped to the third position even though the company has enjoyed massive growth thanks to the iPhone 12 series.



It is worthy to point out that both Samsung and Apple are gearing to launch new smartphones in the coming days and months. Samsung is expected to announce two new foldable smartphones that will be the replacement of the Galaxy Note series.

Xiaomi has been a leader in the Indian smartphone market for a while and now the company is also the top smartphone company in Europe after a remarkable June quarter. Xiaomi is also expected to launch its latest smartphone i.e. the Mi Mix 4 a day before Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked event.

Source: Counterpoint Research.
Private graveside services for Minnie Anne Allen Darsey, 92, who died in Meridian, Miss. on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at 11 a.m., at the Fayette Cemetery in Fayette, Miss. with Bro. Baryant Reed of Fayette United Methodist Church officiating. Services will b
HICKORY  On a sweltering summer day, descendants of Dee Dawkins, William Fielder and Frank Johnson gathered at a tiny church in rural Newton County.

Even though the occasion had a somber atmosphere, Aug. 1 was joyous for Joyce Salter Johnson, one of several descendants of the three men who met to unveil a historical marker documenting a tragic event.

In the fall of 1908, a mob of white citizens brutally murdered Johnson, Dawkins and Fielder, who were Black.

There's no better time than now to embrace the opportunity to confront the things faced by our community, and to capitalize on the present-day opportunity that was hard fought for, justly won and yet to be fully-realized, said Ms. Johnson, a descendent of Frank Johnson. We commit individually and collectively to memorializing this event. It's something that we had to do. 

The marker at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, part of the Community Remembrance Project, was made possible by the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama.

During the summer of 2019, descendants of the men gathered near the church to collect jars of soil, which were sent to be displayed in The Legacy Museum, a part of the Equal Justice Initiative. EJI also helps erect historical markers in public places where racial violence took place.

We know it matters to honor their lives, to say their names and to know their history and their stories, EJI project manager Trey Walk told the audience at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. That is what these remembrance projects are about."

Salter Johnson said the journey to erect the marker started when she was researching her family history and learned about the 1908 lynchings. After starting the project in 2018, it took about three years for the families of Johnson, Dawkins and Fielder to complete the process, she said.

We could no longer keep it some big secret, she said.

Historical background

The tragic events of Oct. 10, 1908 are documented in detail on the historical marker near the church. Dee Dawkins, Frank Johnson and William Fielder were shot, tortured and lynched in the Good Hope Community.

On Oct. 8, a Black sharecropper named Shep Jones had a disagreement with his white employer about his work schedule. The man assaulted Jones, leading to an altercation that resulted in the man's death.

Knowing that he was at risk of being lynched, Jones left Newton County. For two days, a white mob terrorized the Black community, destroying property and burning a church.

On Oct. 8, William Fielder, who was the father-in-law of Jones, was found hanging from a tree near his home. The next day, when the mob was unable to find Jones, they lynched Dawkins and Johnson because they were associated with Jones.

The marker notes that white officials didnt hold anyone accountable for the racially- motivated killings.

The men had prosperous lives before they were killed by the lynch mob, said Darrell Fielder, the great-great-grandson of William Fielder. The three men were friends, neighbors and valued members of the community, he said.

They were family members who were brutally silenced almost 113 years ago," he said.

According to the EJI website, Dawkins, Johnson, and Fielder were three of 655 reported lynchings that took place in Mississippi from 1877 to 1950. Their deaths were three of the six reported lynchings in Newton County during that time.

The racial terror lynching was intended to send a broader message of white intimidation and to instil fear within the entire African-American community," said EJI project manager Elliot Spillers.

Next steps

Spillers said the discussion of history shouldn't end with the erecting of markers. The monuments should create an experience where the community can reflect on important historical events, he said.

As we memorialize and erect this marker, I want everyone to be reminded that this is not the end of this experience, but a continuation of the journey that started over two years ago, he said.

Alice Dawkins, a descendant of Dee Dawkins, said that even though history can be painful, confronting a tragic past can help a community move forward.

Its so important that we tell our children and they tell their children about the history of their family, she said. This place right here  Good Hope Baptist Church  is where it all started, hundreds of years ago."

Salter-Johnson's daughter, Jacquelyn Boggess, agreed.

"Our place in history is clear, but having a marker to talk about how your family fits into that larger story is satisfying," she said. "It's that acknowledgment of our place in history and what we have to do with the larger history of the United States and how enslaved people made families, beauty and joy out of what they were faced with."
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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
News

Legislative panel supports enhanced criminal penalty for fentanyl traffickers

Rep. Chris Fugate

A state legislative committee expressed its support Thursday to a proposal that would increase the criminal penalty for people charged with trafficking in drugs that include the highly potent synthetic opioid fentanyl.

At least one member of the Interim Judiciary Committee said Thursday that the state has gone too far in amending criminal laws to reduce incarcerations. But a lawmaker who supports criminal justice reform said increasing the penalty against fentanyl traffickers would be supported among reformers because it penalizes the trafficker rather than a person addicted to drugs.

The proposal was brought to the committee by Rep. Chris Fugate, a Chavies Republican. A bill has not yet been filed, but Fugate said the idea is to increase the criminal penalties for people who traffic in fentanyl or drugs containing fentanyl by requiring them to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole.

Fugate, who represents Perry County and part of Harlan County, said Hazard police responded to multiple overdoses earlier this year, including four that were fatal. Media reports say the fatal overdoses were discovered by Hazard police on March 4.

Perry County Commonwealths Attorney Scott Blair said two police officers also had to be treated for fentanyl overdoses after coming into contact with the drug at the scene.

Both of them had to be Narcaned, one of them twice, Blair said. Narcan is used to treat people having an opioid overdose.

In 2020, overdoses went up almost by 50% statewide, he said.

According to the state Office of Drug Control Policys 2020 overdose fatality report, there were 1,964 fatal overdoses statewide last year. Seventy percent of those deaths did involve fentanyl, and an opioid was found in 90% of all overdose deaths.

In Daviess County, 21 people died last year of drug overdoses, according to the report.

Fugate, a former Kentucky State Police trooper and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force member, said law enforcement has dealt with multiple drugs over the years, and, it was dangerous. (But) when you start talking about fentanyl, it rises to a whole new level because just exposure could result in death.

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance is a Class C felony in most circumstances, requiring a person to serve 50% of the sentence before being eligible for parole. Fugate said the penalty should be increased to 85% because dealers know what theyre selling but people purchasing the drugs dont know what theyre buying.

When asked if the problem stemmed from the control of the southern border with Mexico, Fugate said many things could be blamed.

I dont have any control over the border. But, hopefully, we can do something in Kentucky that would discourage (dealers) from bringing this to our state.

Rep. John Blanton, a Saylersville Republican who also retired from KSP, said the General Assemblys effort to change some criminal laws to reduce incarcerations has resulted in taking penalties away from offenders.

The way to fix this is to get tougher on these people, Blanton said, adding that some previous reforms were not supported by law enforcement.

We are either going to stand by and protect the citizens of the commonwealth ... or were not, he said. We need to stop being soft on crime. We need to build more prisons.

Sen. Johnnie Turner, a Harlan Republican, said substance abuse treatment should be a required component of drug sentencing.

We ought to mandate some kind of rehab because these people are going to be back out on the street, he said.

Rep. Jason Nemes, a Louisville Republican, the proposal was the kind of bill advocates for criminal justice reform would support.

Im a criminal justice reformer, and I support this bill, Nemes said. Reformers want to treat the addict different than a trafficker.

He said the goal of reform is to reduce the number of crime victims. Addicts need substance abuse treatment, while traffickers should face criminal penalties, he said.

This is right in line with what criminal justice reformers support, to go after serious crime and reduce future victims, he said.

James Mayse, 270-691-7303, jmayse@messenger-inquirer.com, Twitter: @JamesMayse
Russias Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel (MMK) continued to sell material into Vietnam, however.Early-November-shipment pipe-making grade material from the mill was sold at $905 per tonne cfr Vietnam by East Asian traders, compared with offers at $910 per tonne cfr Vietnam this week. More than 30,000 tonnes of material, including that of 2mm thickness, were sold.There are still ongoing negotiations, with sellers looking to sell at $900 per tonne cfr Vietnam also.

The transactions and ongoing negotiations have negated any chance of other steelmakers selling SAE1006 HRC...
Large Chinese steelmakers drop domestic scrap purchase prices

Japans Tokyo Steel reduces buy prices for most grades at most factories

South Korea closes deals at lower prices for Japanese scrap.

Two major mills in Jiangsu province lowered their domestic scrap purchase prices by 50 yuan ($8) per tonne on August 6 amid continuing production cuts.Jiangsu province is also battling with a resurgence in the numbers of Covid-19 infections, with the key Jiangyin port heard to be in a soft lockdown on Friday, which may badly affect the unloading of steel cargoes.Fastmarkets weekly price assessment for steel scrap heavy scrap, domestic, delivered mill China , was 3,770-3,810 yuan ($584-590) per tonne on August 6, down by 20-50 yuan from 3,790-3,860 yuan on July 30.Disregarding VAT, that puts the China domestic scrap price $51 per tonne below the lowest import offer price in the market at $570 per tonne cfr.Offers from South Korea for cargoes of HRS101 scrap continued to undercut competition from Japan, with Korean sellers offering at $570-580 per tonne cfr China and Japanese suppliers at $600 per tonne cfr.Unsurprisingly, buyers bids were far below this level, heard at $500-510 per tonne cfr northern China and $510-520 per tonne cfr eastern China on Friday.We havent been actively seeking offers recently. It is hard to clinch any deals when the sellers are offering much higher prices than we could accept, a mill source in Hebei province told Fastmarkets, with a trading source in Zhejiang province agreeing.Fastmarkets daily price assessment for steel scrap, heavy recycled steel materials, cfr China , which takes into account prices at ports in eastern China, was $520-530 per tonne on Friday, unchanged from a day earlier.Key scrap buyer Tokyo Steel reduced its purchase prices for steel scrap on Friday, the second drop it has announced this week.The mill reduced buy prices by 500 ($5) per tonne, except for Shindachi grades at its Tahara and Okayama works. The reductions meant that the Utsunomiya mill will pay 47,000 ($429) per tonne for H2-grade material from August 5.The decision to leave the Shindachi price unchanged at Tahara and Okayama came ahead of the Obon holiday on August 13-16, during which market sources expected that Shindachi generation would become even tighter amid closures at Japanese carmakers.Deals were heard concluded between a major South Korean steelmaker and Japanese sellers recently at lower prices, after bids were lodged earlier in the week , market sources said.One Japanese scrap trading source told Fastmarkets that around 100,000 tonnes of scrap was offered to the South Korean mill, with around 50,000-60,000 tonnes of that total being the lower-grade H2 material. A Taiwanese trading source believed that around 40,000 tonnes of scrap was actually traded.Sources said that a small volume of Shindachi busheling was sold to the Korean mill at 64,000 per tonne fob Japan, which would work out at 68,500 per tonne cfr South Korea after freight costs are added.HS was also sold to the mill at 58,500 per tonne fob, while shredded was sold at 55,000 per tonne fob and H2 at 45,500 per tonne fob Japan, sources said.Fastmarkets weekly price assessment for steel scrap H2, Japan origin, import, cfr main port South Korea , was 50,000-50,500 per tonne on Friday, down by 1,500 per tonne from 51,500-52,000 per tonne last week.Decarbonization complicates an already complex marketplace. Our latest analysis, The true price of green steel, takes a deep dive into the ripple effects that overhauling the markets will have on the steelmaking process and supply base. Get a free copy via this link
Prices for seaborne pulverized coal injection (PCI) material inched upward in both the cfr and fob markets in the week to August 6, amid continuous supply tightness and necessary restocking demand, market sources said.$221.15 per tonne, up by $4.36 per tonne$329.59 per tonne, up by $1.05 per tonne$189.41 per tonne, up by $3.00 per tonne$283.61 per tonne, up by $1.29 per tonneThe fob Australia coking coal market remained strong on Friday, with firm buying interest from Asia, market sources said.A 75,000-tonne cargo of premium mid-volatility (PMV) hard coking coal was traded at $222 per tonne fob Australia on August 6, with September laycan.Another brand of PMV was traded at $215 per tonne fob Australia for 75,000 tonnes on August 6, with September laycan, market sources said.Several market sources said that the price of premium low-volatility (PLV) hard coking coal was usually $1 per tonne lower than the corresponding PMV in the fob Australia spot market. PMV cargoes are mainly preferred outside China for their fluidity content, especially in India, Fastmarkets understands.Some market sources said that restocking activity among Indian end-users, while they prepare for production after the July-September monsoon season, would continue to support prices in the short term.In China, seaborne coking coal prices were largely stable on Friday. Offers for both premium hard coking coal (PHCC) and hard coking coal (HCC) cargoes from North America were unchanged at elevated levels although buying interest was weak.A mill source from east China said that prices for imported coking coal were about 600 yuan ($93) per tonne higher than for domestic long-term cargoes.We plan to keep the supply of long-term cargoes from large domestic suppliers and slowly reduce the ratio of imported coking coal consumption to get through in the short term, the same source said.Some market sources said that Chinas coking coal prices for long-term contracts with large state-owned mills were broadly stable because of the governments moves to stabilize commodity prices.I heard that major coal mines only increased [prices by] 100 yuan per tonne for the quarter-term contacts in July. That is much lower than spot cargoes or imported cargoes, an industry source from Tangshan said.Offers for United States-origin HCC were in the range of $285-290 per tonne cfr China on Friday. The demand for seaborne HCC cargoes was lower than for PHCC because of the relatively sufficient supply of the former cargoes, Fastmarkets heard.The seaborne PCI market in China in the week to August 6 increased amid limited tradable resources.Chinas steel mills were procuring on a demand basis, but domestic supply remained tight in the week.Offers for Russia-origin low-volatility PCI were heard at $180-190 per tonne cfr China during the week, market sources said.The elevated offers have scaled back speculative buying activity among traders, a trader source from Shanghai told Fastmarkets.Fastmarkets index for PCI, low-vol, cfr Jingtang , was $184.34 per dry metric tonne on August 6, up by $4.70 per tonne from a week earlier.The fob Australia PCI price was stable in the week but with new buying interest, market sources said. A few end-users from southeast Asia showed interest for Russia-origin PCI because of the shortage of Australian cargoes in the spot market.But buyers are still conservative [given] the current high prices, an international trader source said.A September-loading Australia PCI cargo was traded at $155 per tonne fob Australia this week, confirmed by several sources on August 6.Fastmarkets index for PCI, low-vol, fob DBCT , was $156.74 per dmt on August 6, up by $0.46 per tonne from last week.The most-traded September coking coal futures contract on the DCE closed at 2,374.50 yuan ($367.53) per tonne on August 6, up by 49.00 yuan per tonne day on day.The most-traded September coke contract closed at 2,980.00 yuan per tonne on August 6, up by 35.50 yuan per tonne day on day.
Travel restrictions updated for U.S. entry into Canada; Blue Water Bridge debuts new commuter pass program

Jocelyn Hall, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-245-7117 Transportation

Fast facts:

- As travel restrictions are updated, Blue Water Bridge (BWB) customers are encouraged to reach out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to verify travel criteria.

- BWB now offers a commuter pass program (Edge Pass Program) for eastbound travel of the BWB to Canada.

- Congestion and wait times are expected to increase as traffic volumes rise.

August 4, 2021 -- Travel restrictions remain largely in effect for Blue Water Bridge (BWB) customers as the Government of Canada has announced the easing of some border restrictions, effective Aug. 9. While fewer restrictions will remain in place for fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and legal immigrants traveling to Canada, border restrictions for U.S. entry are not expected to change before Aug. 21. Both U.S. and Canadian residents using the BWB for travel should reach out directly to U.S. Customers Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to verify all travel criteria.

For questions regarding travel restrictions into the U.S., contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection or call 810-989-8800.

For questions regarding travel restrictions into Canada, contact the Canada Border Services Agency or call 506-636-5064.

Changes to border restrictions are expected to continue. However, some COVID-19-related changes will be permanent. BWB tolls will continue to operate without the use of cash. Commercial accounts, debit/credit cards, and the new Edge commuter pass program will remain the only accepted forms of payment for customers using the eastbound BWB span.

"Our commuter pass program is a newer addition and one we are thrilled to now be offering our customers," said BWB Administrator Amy Winn-VanHoeck. "The reduced toll rate using this commuter pass makes it very reasonable for customers, and the ease of using the pre-paid pass automated toll lane will help to streamline processes and offers a different method of payment now that we have opted to continue to forgo the use of cash."

Customers are encouraged to explore the option of the Edge commuter pass to help streamline payment at BWB tolls and ensure a reduced rate of $2.50/toll for non-commercial vehicles with no more than two axles. Questions regarding the Edge commuter pass can be directed to MDOT-BWB-CustomerCare@Michigan.gov.

As border restrictions continue to change, BWB traffic volumes will likely increase. It is important for all motorists to understand this may lead to additional congestion. Border clearance criteria will remain strictly enforced and will likely require additional time on the part of border security agents. Motorists should expect additional wait times at the BWB toll plazas to allow border security agents ample time to verify security clearance.

BWB staff will continue to work diligently to provide a safe environment for both staff and customers. This will include following recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Michigan Education Trust Pizza Party Raises More Than $1,300 for Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

Michigan Education Trust Pizza Party Raises More Than $1,300 for Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

Aug. 6, 2021

The roughly 250 people who attended the Michigan Education Trust's ninth annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn got their fill of pizza and helped fill the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which awards scholarships to students enrolled in Michigan college and universities who have experienced foster care.

The $1,300 raised at the Thursday, Aug. 5, Pizza Party of the Capitol Lawn will help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who otherwise might lack resources to pursue higher education when they age out of the foster care system.

For a minimum donation of $5, attendees received pop and pizza provided by Hungry Howie's and cookies.

In addition, 100 pillows were collected during the Pizza Party for The Pillow Effect, a Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) project. The MYOI - a partnership involving the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative and other local partners - aims to ensure successful outcomes for young adults as they transition out of foster care.

Because children entering foster care often don't have their essential personal items with them, The Pillow Effect provides pillows to foster care youth in Berrien, Calhoun, Clinton/Eaton, Ingham, Ionia/Montcalm, Jackson, Livingston and Macomb counties.

The Pizza Party on the Capitol Lawn was sponsored by Hungry Howie's, Independent Bank and MSU Federal Credit Union.

About MET Charitable Tuition Program

The MET Charitable Tuition Program is a way for an organization or individual to purchase from one to four years of college for a deserving individual in Michigan at a discounted price. Charitable tuition contracts cost less than a traditional MET contract, but still enjoy the benefits of locking in tomorrow's tuition at today's rates. Individuals also have the opportunity of helping eligible foster care students attend college. Contributions of any dollar amount can be made and will go toward providing scholarships to foster care students at Michigan public colleges who meet academic and/or need-based criteria established by the colleges.

About MET

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is Michigan's Section 529 prepaid tuition program that locks future tuition at any of the State's public universities and colleges, at today's rates. Contributions are eligible for a Michigan income tax deduction and grow tax-free if used for qualified expenses. MET contracts are portable to Michigan private and out-of-state colleges and universities and may be transferred to other eligible family members. More than 90 percent of high school graduates with MET contracts have attended a college or university.

More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).

# # #

Press Contacts: Danelle Gittus or Ron Leix, Treasury Public Information Officers, at 517-335-2167
Michigan Department of Civil Rights Issues Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling that Transgender Residents are Protected by Ethnic Intimidation Law

Michigan Department of Civil Rights Issues Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling that Transgender Residents are Protected by Ethnic Intimidation Law

Vicki Levengood levengoodv@michigan.gov Civil Rights

August 6, 2021

LANSING, MI--John. E. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, has issued the following statement on the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling that transgender individuals are protected under Michigan's Ethnic Intimidation Act.

"We applaud the Michigan Court of Appeals for ruling that transgender individuals are protected under Michigan's Ethnic Intimidation Act. The transgender community faces discrimination, harassment and hate with staggering frequency. While this one ruling will not end gender-based intimidation on its own, it means those who target transgender individuals can face legal consequences for their actions, and it provides transgender people with some comfort knowing that the law protects them. With its recognition that our understanding of gender has evolved to recognize that discrimination based on transgender status necessarily implicates sex, the Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the humanity of the transgender community and transwomen in particular."

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, genetic information, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disability. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights serves as the operational arm of the Commission.

# # #
File photo

MANISTEE  An incident at Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital was resolved peacefully, according to a news release from the Manistee County Sheriff's Office on Thursday afternoon.

At about 4:02 p.m.,deputies from the sheriff's office were called to the hospital for a report that a person who was armed had walked up to the emergency entrance on Thursday.
MASON COUNTY  A Department of Natural Resources conservation officer rescued an injured Ottawa County man in Mason County this week.

According to a news release from the DNR, dispatchers in Lake County received a 911 emergency call from a man who said he had fallen and broken his back, at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The call then dropped due to poor reception and dispatch was unable to track the caller's location.

Deputies at the Lake County Sheriffs Office began trying to determine whom the phone number was registered to.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Josiah Killingbeck was on patrol when he heard about the distress call from Lake County Dispatch personnel. Consulting other officers, Killingbeck learned the phone number belonged to a Hudsonville man.

The mans son told police that his dad had gone to the Whiskey Creek area, southeast of Ludington, where he planned to ready tree stands for the upcoming deer hunting season. The son said his dads truck should be parked alongside the road.

Killingbeck went to the location and discovered tire tracks on a two-track road heading east. He followed the tracks to an unmarked road. At 9:39 p.m., Killingbeck found the mans parked, red GMC pickup truck.

The GPS system in Killingbecks truck was not providing road names for the remote area, and he had no cellphone service.

I had Report All Poaching dispatch take the GPS coordinates from my radio and give them to Mason Dispatch to assist in getting other resources into the area, Killingbeck said.

Killingbeck searched the area surrounding the truck and found a faint walking path heading north. Soon after he found a set of footprints on a dirt bike trail. Killingbeck had been told the man should be off the west side of the trail.

The officer called out for the man through the woods. He heard nothing back until he got to within 50 yards from him, when he heard the mans voice calling out weakly.

At 9:53 p.m., nearly 11 hours since he fell, the man was found at the base of a large oak tree, lying on his right side. A tree stand was on the ground just above the mans head.

The man told Killingbeck he was about 30 feet above the ground attempting to get the tree stand out of the oak, when he grabbed a dead branch and fell. He told Killingbeck he could not call for help sooner because he did not have cellphone service.

Emergency support arrived in the area and a Michigan State Police trooper helped direct personnel to the place where Killingbeck was attending to the man. An initial inspection found no obvious fractures or open tissue injuries.

At 11:30 p.m., the man was carried out of the woods on a backboard, complaining of significant pain in his lower back, buttocks, right shoulder, leg and knee. He was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment of his injuries.

Whether you are hunting, hiking or trail riding you should always share your plans with a family member or friend, said Lt. Joe Molnar of the DNR Law Enforcement Division in a news release.

In the plan, you should list where you are going to be and when you expect to return. You should also include any alternate locations you may be at, in case weather or other conditions change your plans. Sharing this information could be the difference between life and death if you are injured and cannot call for help, he continued.

Learn more about Michigan conservation officers at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers. Safety information is also available at the DNR website.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A sightseeing plane crashed Thursday in southeast Alaska, killing all six people on board, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The plane's emergency alert beacon was activated around 11:20 a.m. when the plane crashed in the area of Misty Fjords National Monument, near Ketchikan, the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration said. A helicopter company reported seeing wreckage on a ridgeline in the search area, and Coast Guard crew members found the wreckage around 2:40 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter lowered two rescue swimmers to the site, and they reported no survivors, the agency said.

The identities of those killed in the crash were not immediately released. The Alaska State Troopers and volunteers from the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad will coordinate recovery efforts Thursday and Friday.

The plane involved Thursday, a de Havilland Beaver, was owned by Southeast Aviation LLC.

Our hearts are shattered at the loss of six people today. We are thinking of and grieving with the families of the five passengers and our dear friend and pilot aboard the aircraft, the company said in a statement. We are cooperating with the first responders and agencies involved, including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board and Alaska State Troopers.

The five passengers on the flight were from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, the company said in a statement. The ship stopped in Ketchikan on Thursday and delayed its afternoon departure after the plane crash. The company said it was making counseling services available to guests and crew.

The float plane excursion was offered by an independent tour operator and not sold by Holland America Line, the statement said.

Ketchikan is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting Alaska, and cruise ship passengers can take various sightseeing excursions while in port.

Popular among them are small plane flights to Misty Fjords National Monument, where visitors can see glacier valleys, snow-capped peaks and lakes in the wilderness area.

In 2019, two sightseeing planes collided in midair, killing six of the 16 people on board the two planes.

Southeast Aviation on its website says it provides sightseeing tours to Misty Fjords National Monument and bear-viewing sites, along with air charters to other communities in southeast Alaska.

The Coast Guard was told by the plane's operator that five passengers and a pilot were on board, Wadlow said.

Wadlow did not have details on when the plane took off. Weather conditions were a cloud ceiling of 900 feet (274.32 meters) with mist and light rain. Visibility was 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) and winds were 8 mph (12.87 kph), the Coast Guard said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a crew to investigate the crash. The team is expected to arrive in Alaska on Friday.

The FAA is also investigating.

____

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
Longtime Sanford resident Rod Barringer wanted to use his construction talents to address the housing shortage in the village, but after residents balked at multi-family housing, he eyed another direction.

Barringer, who owns BCG Construction, Inc. with his brother, saw the housing need, with the village losing more than 25 housing slots in last years flood. His proposal was to build an apartment complex around Smith and West Irish. But he was blindsided by some area residents objections, which included the posting of signs citing, No Rezoning, and making sure village government heard their cries.

I expected some objection, people always have reservations about apartments, Barringer said. I didnt expect this much, where the housing shortage is in crisis.

The developer mostly works in commercial construction, an apartment complex was a first for he and his brother. He said they werent even doing it to make money, they were just hoping to break even.

Our goal was to help out in the housing crisis, Barringer said.

He said a few days ago, his company was marching forth in the direction to build a multi-family housing facility. Then on Friday, he learned from Village President Dolores Porte that the area residents didnt want it. He said all appeared to agree that they wanted additional housing: Just not in their neighborhood in the form of apartments. Barringer said Wednesday that he understands the reservations.

Its a bit of a conundrum, said Porte, who said first residents in the proposed area protested. Then other village residents began voicing objections to the objections from the proposed apartment area residents. Porte said some deemed them selfish on social media.

Barringer said he understands the reservations about the proposed 14-unit single story housing plan, having been in the commercial construction business for a long time. He said he isnt upset with the residents against the plan for their area. But it's going to cost him.

Weve been working on this plan for three months and have money into drawings, surveys and civil engineers, Barringer said.

While that money is lost, he isnt dropping the plan to build something that will help the housing need and appeal to residents. Instead of proceeding with the rezoning request to have the area designated multi-family from single family, the developer withdrew the request and vowed to change the plan. He said he didnt want to cause unrest with the neighbors. After going back to the drawing board, Barringer came up with a plan to build six or more single family homes on half-acre lots.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday, Porte tossed a wrench in Barringers rebound plan.

It sounds like the Land Division Act only allows for four splits, Porte said.

Porte said the extra housing would be good for the whole community.

We need the housing, Porte said.

Porte said Barringers only motive was to do something good for the community. Something like increasing housing that she said is much needed for the community to bounce back.

We have to figure out whats permissible and wanted, Porte said. We need to sort it out right now.

"Its going to be interesting to see how we can make it work, she added.

Barringer remains optimistic.

We want to be building on something in the next couple of months, he said, noting his interest in the proposes location was due to being within walking distance to the beach (which he said will come back) and to the downtown area. He said it would be a great perk for families.

While the original apartment proposal may be dead, Barringer isnt abandoning a multi-family endeavor. Barringer said if he can find a piece of property in Sanford, he would like to pursue the concept. The developer said the dampened hopes of the venture was for the people that wouldnt be able to move into the village without such housing. While the single-family housing would help homeowners, it might not aid those more challenged, such as single mothers.
The 17th Heritage Festival at the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Park will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7.

The event will include free musical entertainment for the entire family, a gift shop, a bake sale, a corn roast as well as an opportunity to see the unique third fresnel lens, and learn about Lake Huron history.

An adults admission is $5 and a child's admission is $3. To climb the lighthouse tower, the admission is $4 for adults and $2 for a child.

To tour the museum and climb the tower the fee is $8 for an adult and $4 for a child.

Proceeds from the event will be used for the restoration of the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse and Lifesaving Station, which is located at 7320 Lighthouse Road, Port Hope.

For more information, go to the website www.pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org, or call 586-243-1838.

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse ranks among the 10 oldest lighthouses in Michigan. It is an active lighthouse maintained remotely by the U.S. Coast Guard.

This historic site is entirely supported through the collection of camping fees by Huron County and funding by the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Society.

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that raises funding through donations, membership dues, gift shop sales, special events and grants.

Lighthouse museum and gift shop will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Besides during the Heritage Festival, the lighthouses tower can be climbed Aug. 21, Sept. 4 and 5, and Sept. 25 and 26.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russia saw mortality rise at a faster pace last month amid a surge in coronavirus infections, a senior official said Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, who leads the governments coronavirus task force, told the Tass news agency that Russia saw a 17.9% increase in mortality in July, year-on-year. She attributed the rise to swelling COVID-19 infections blamed on the more contagious delta variant.

In June, mortality rose by 14.1 over June 2020, according to the Rosstat state statistics agency.

Rosstat said 27,118 people who had coronavirus died in June, about 43% more than the previous month. It marked the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths since January, when the agency reported about 37,900 deaths of people with COVID-19.

Of the total number of deaths of people with coronavirus in June, COVID-19 was the primary cause of death for 23,372 people while 3,746 others who tested positive for coronavirus died of other causes.

Russia has been struggling with a surge of infections since early June, with daily new cases rising from about 9,000 at the beginning of the summer to over 23,000 in early July.

On Friday, the task force reported 22,660 new infections and 792 coronavirus deaths.

Overall in the pandemic, the government's coronavirus task force has reported a total of about 6.4 million confirmed infections and 163,301 deaths.

However, reports by Rosstat that tally coronavirus-linked deaths retroactively reveal much higher numbers. According to Rosstat, last year alone COVID-19 was the cause of 144,691 deaths.

Russian officials ascribe the difference to varying counting methods. They note that the government task force only includes deaths where COVID-19 was the main cause and uses data from medical facilities, while Rosstat takes its numbers from civil registry offices where registering a death is finalized, which allows for a fuller picture.

Rosstat recorded a total of 1.1 million deaths of all causes in the first six months of the year, 16.2% more than during the same period last year. Russia's population, which fell by about 689,000 last year further declined by some 422,000 in January-June.

Russias vaccination rates have lagged behind other nations. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Thursday that 38.9 million Russians  or about 27% of the 146 million population  have received at least one shot of a vaccine.

Facing a surge in new infections and low vaccine uptake, authorities in many Russian regions have made vaccinations mandatory for certain groups, like those employed in health care, education, retail, public transport, government offices and the services sector.
BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

It was the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs Hezbollah, occasionally play out. But comments by Israeli officials and Hezbollahs actions suggested the two were seeking to avoid a major conflict at this time.

Israel said it fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the country's top defense officials. No casualties were reported.

We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that, said Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel has long considered Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, its most serious and immediate military threat. Friday's exchanges came a day after Israels defense minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on a oil tanker at sea that his country blamed on Tehran.

The tensions come at a politically sensitive time in Israel, where a new eight-party governing coalition is already trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an 11-day war with Hamas militant rulers in Gaza.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit open fields in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The group said it fired 10 rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. Israel said those strikes were in response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon in recent days that was not claimed by any group.

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.

This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire, the force known as UNIFIL said. Force commander, Gen. Stefano Del Col, said the force was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security measures in the area.

Hezbollahs decision to strike open fields in a disputed area rather than Israel proper, appeared calibrated to limit any response.

Shefler, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Friday that three of the 19 rockets fired fell within Lebanese territory. Ten were intercepted by the defense system known as the Iron Dome.

Israel estimates Hezbollah possesses over 130,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the country. In recent years, Israel also has expressed concerns that the group is trying to import or develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Lebanese border villages where it accuses Hezbollah of hiding rockets. An Israeli security official said Friday the military was carrying out airstrikes unlike any in years and was planning for more options. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military policy.

The attack sparked tensions between locals and Hezbollah. Videos on social media after the rocket attack showed two vehicles, including a mobile rocket launcher, being stopped by residents of Shwaya village. The windshield of one vehicle was smashed.

Some of the villagers could be heard saying: Hezbollah is firing rockets from between homes so that Israel hits us back.

The Lebanese army said it arrested four people who were involved in the rocket-firing and confiscated the rocket launcher. It said Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are taking all the measures to restore calm.

Hezbollah issued a statement saying that the rockets were fired from remote areas, adding that the fighters were stopped in Shwaya on their way back.

We lived a similar period in the 1970s, when Palestinian fighters were carrying out guerrilla attacks against Israel. We are now to the same status and this is causing tension, said Ajaj Mousa, a resident of nearby Kfarchouba.

The escalation also comes at a sensitive time in Lebanon, which is mired in multiple crises including a devastating economic and financial meltdown and political deadlock that has left the country without a functional government for a full year.

___

Kellman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed reporting.
The ticket window is open again for space flights at Virgin Galactic, with prices starting at $450,000 a seat.

The space-tourism company said Thursday it is making progress toward beginning revenue flights next year. It will sell single seats, package deals and entire flights.

Virgin Galactic announced the offerings as it reported Thursday that it lost $94 million in the second quarter on soaring costs for overhead and sales. The company posted revenue of $571,000, barely enough to cover one seat on a future flight.

The companys most noteworthy recent achievement came last month, after the quarter ended, when founder Richard Branson and five crewmates soared to 53.5 miles (86 kilometers) above the New Mexico desert.

CEO Michael Colglazier said the company resumed sales on Thursday to take advantage of a surge in consumer interest after the flight by Branson, who beat rival billionaire Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin ship into space by nine days.

The company based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, won regulatory approval in June to fly people into space.

Virgin Galactic said early hand-raisers will get first priority to book seats, and another list will be created for new customers.

The companys next spaceflight is scheduled for late September in New Mexico with the Italian air force.

Virgin Galactic said it ended the quarter with cash and equivalents totaling $552 million.

The results were released after the stock market closed. The company's shares were up nearly 5% in after-hours trading.
Contributed / Connecticut State Police

WESTBROOK  Connecticut State Police have arrested a Chester resident in a stabbing last week they said left an 82-year-old man with significant injuries.

Ricky Loveland, 37, was charged with second-degree assault on an elderly person. He was held in lieu of $150,000 bond and will appear for his arraignment Friday in state Superior Court in Middletown.
Police departments across the state have been forced to use old-school paper-and-ink fingerprinting techniques after they werent able to connect to a new $22 million fingerprinting system that went live on July 25.

State police and teams from Idemia, the European-based technology company that designed the system, will be crisscrossing the state this week, helping to get police departments connected. Meanwhile, officials have been working with Idemia representatives to create short-term solutions while they determine why the system is not working. Police departments have been told that the system may not be fully operational until Aug. 9.

Officials said a number of issues arose when police werent able to connect to the system. The first was identifying arrested suspects. Many departments took ink impressions and brought the prints to state police to run through the system, which slowed the criminal background-check process considerably, officials said.

But police also do background checks on potential employees, from teachers to security guards to school bus drivers and nursing-home workers, and those services were delayed in several towns.

Due to technical difficulties, the Danbury Police Department has discontinued all fingerprinting services until further notice, we apologize for the inconvenience, read a notice on the Danbury police website.

Some departments have had their connections restored, such as the South Windsor police, who alerted residents late Thursday that their fingerprinting system was back on-line and appointments could be made to get fingerprints.

South Windsor Sgt. Mark Cleverdon said the department initially couldnt access the new system with the special code they had received. Each department is assigned a code that is supposed to be entered to access the system and download fingerprint data.

We had to go old school for a few days and use ink and fingerprint cards for anyone we arrested, Cleverdon said Friday. Its like with any new system  there are going to be some glitches, but we are back scheduling appointments for residents.

We are still doing fingerprinting, but some departments are down because of user errors, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella said.

We have focused on getting the biggest police departments online and will have teams visiting smaller departments this week to get everybody access, Rovella said. All state police barracks are able to use the system and do fingerprinting if necessary.

Rovella said at least five teams from Idemia will be in Connecticut today to fan out and visit police departments still not on-line.

Secret deal alleged

The slow rollout is the latest issue with the contract that was approved by former Department of Emergency Services and Public Safety Commissioner Dora Schriro back in 2017.

The program is already a year and a half behind schedule and is costing the state significantly more than the original contract, according to court records. The previous contractor, Gemalto Cogent, has also filed a lawsuit still pending in state court that alleges that state officials illegally skirted regulations and awarded the contract to Idemia without putting it out to bid.

So far, the state has paid Idemia more than $14 million, according to state records.

The new system is supposed to streamline the entire process by allowing each state agency or police department to access the database themselves without the help of the state police. Every state agency will have its own machine that will allow them to download fingerprints and check them, as will each price department.

Rovella said the old system was outdated and needed to be replaced.

Rovella is named as the defendant in the lawsuit filed in 2019 by Gemalto, even though he was not the commissioner at the time the new firm was hired. The lawsuit alleges the contract wasnt properly out out to bid and that Gemalto was denied an opportunity to bid on it, even though they had been running the states AFIS fingerprinting system since 2004.

The lawsuit alleges that state officials made a secret deal with Idemia that will cost the state millions and millions of dollars.

The contract is for $22.2 million but calls for the state to renew it for an additional five years if they choose to do so.

The state is asking a Superior Court judge to dismiss the lawsuit because state officials followed the proper procedure and got permission to seek the contract under emergency authorization from the state Standardization Committee.

That committee is made up of the commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, the Office of State Treasurer, Office of the State Comptroller, and several others designated by the governor, and they determine when a state agency can waive the competitive process for emergency reasons for any contract over $50,000.

In this case, that committee waived the standing bidding process in December 2016, records show.

The waiver of the competitive bidding process was authorized by a committee of various agency representatives in accordance with the statute after DAS diligently worked with DESPP to ensure a waiver was appropriate, Assistant Attorney General Christine Jean Louis wrote in a summary judgment motion.

Any alleged mistakes or misinformation along the way reflect an intent to comply with the statute out of good faith and does not rise to the level of fraud, favoritism or corruption, which is the standard necessary for the court to intervene to protect the general public, Louis wrote.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Floridas Board of Education decided Friday to provide private school vouchers to parents who say a public school districts mask-wearing requirements amount to harassment of their children.

The move to take private tuition costs from public school funding created yet another flashpoint in the fight between local school boards and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over coronavirus safety measures in schools. DeSantis has long supported efforts to expand school privatization and says parents should be able to decide how to provide for their childrens health and education.

DeSantis had ordered the state education department to come up with ways to pressure school districts against creating mask mandates and punish them if they do. He said the rules could include withholding money from school districts or other actions allowed under Florida law.

The board then invoked an existing law to clarify eligibility for the Hope Scholarship, which is meant to protect children against bullying, adding COVID-19 harassment as a prohibited form of discrimination. It defined this as any threatening, discriminatory, insulting, or dehumanizing verbal, written or physical conduct students suffer as a result of COVID-19 protocols such as mask or testing requirements and isolation measures that have the effect of substantially interfering with a students educational performance.

Were not going to hurt kids. Were not going to pull money thats going to hurt kids in any way, said board member Ben Gibson.

But he said the rule the board approved has the effect of law, and that if school districts dont comply, the board could hold up the transfer of state money.

If a parent wants their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right. If a parent doesnt want their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right, Gibson said.

In response to the governor's order, the Department of Health approved a rule saying students can wear masks, but school districts must allow parents to opt their children out of any local mandates.

So far, three Florida school districts have decided to follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and require masks when they restart classes next week, citing Florida's dramatic rise in coronavirus infections.

More than a dozen Florida parents filed a lawsuit Friday in Miami federal court against DeSantis, the state Department of Education and some of the largest school districts, alleging that the ban on mask mandates violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. They say their disabled children will be unable to attend public schools with unmasked classmates because they are at high risk of COVID-19 infection.

Florida leads the nation in COVID-19 related hospitalizations, rising from 12,516 on Thursday to 12,864, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Hospital data shows 2,680 of those patients required intensive care, using about 42% of the ICU beds in the state, compared with less than 20% they were using two weeks ago.

The Florida Department of Health published its weekly statistics showing a rise of seven-day average cases from 15,817 last Friday to 19,250, the highest average in the pandemic for the third time this week. The state tallied 616 deaths in one week, raising the total COVID-19 death toll to 39,695.

The number of people getting vaccinated is also rising, with more than 380,000 people getting them in the last seven-day period, compared with 334,000 the previous week.

At a news conference Friday, DeSantis reiterated his general opposition to restrictions, such as lockdowns, business closures and mask mandates.

In terms of imposing any restrictions, thats not happening in Florida. Its harmful. Its destructive. It does not work, he said, noting that Los Angeles County had a winter surge despite all its restrictions. We really believe that individuals know how to best assess their risks. We trust them to be able to make those decisions. We just want to make sure everybody has information.

For years, Republicans have pushed to expand the school voucher programs, which include vouchers for low-income families and students with disabilities. The board said it was appropriate to expand the vouchers to protect children from bullying to include COVID-19 protocols. Voucher opponents say money is diverted from public to private schools once the child transfers.

School boards in Orange County, home to Orlando; Duval County, home to Jacksonville; and Alachua County, home to Gainesville, decided this week to require mask-wearing indoors.

The Duval and Orange boards are allowing parents to submit paperwork if they want their children not to wear masks. The Alachua board said it had voted to require masks for the first two weeks of school, a decision that will be reevaluated in two weeks. Students in all three districts go back to school Tuesday.

South Florida districts remained undecided Friday on their mask directives.

The Broward County School Board, which covers Fort Lauderdale and suburbs, had voted to require masks after hours of contentious debate that included a screaming match from angry anti-mask parents who set fire to masks and held picket signs outside. The board reversed course Monday over fear of losing funding, but on Wednesday said on Twitter that they are waiting for guidance in light of the governors orders.

The Miami-Dade school district hasn't said whether masks will continue to be optional, as they were, or required.

Separately, late Thursday, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that weekly COVID-19 testing will be required for all 29,000 non-school county employees unless they show proof of vaccination amid a surge of infections from the delta variant of the coronavirus. The policy takes effect Aug. 16.

Weve endured too much and seen too many families hurting. We have the power to avoid what is truly preventable, the mayor said in a tweet on Thursday urging people to get the vaccine, Cava said.

___

Associated Press Writer Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this story.
3 1 of 3 Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Middletown Police / Contributed Show More Show Less 3 of 3





MIDDLETOWN  A man was taken into custody in New Jersey on Thursday in connection with the May homicide of Tylon Hardy, according to police.

The 25-year-old Hardy, who had a last known address on Hubbard Street, was fatally shot in the area of Highlands Crescent and Stirling Court on May 16. The shooting also injured a 17-year-old.
A new report released by U.S. Central Command on Friday says that last week's deadly attack on a shipping vessel in the Arabian Sea was conducted with an Iranian-made drone.

The oil tanker Mercer Street was targeted by three explosive unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, attacks between July 29 and July 30 while off the coast of Oman, U.S. Navy investigators found.

The first two attacks were unsuccessful, with the drones landing in the sea, according to the statement from Central Command.

The last attempt struck the vessel, killing the master of the ship, a Romanian citizen. A United Kingdom national who was part of the security detail also was killed.

The attack comes as tensions with Iran continue to grow over the increasingly beleaguered nuclear deal between the country and western nations. Iran has long used its position near critical shipping lanes to conduct asymmetric or grey-zone warfare as a way of exerting its influence on adversaries like Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States.

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The blast from the drone that hit the Mercer Street created a 6-foot diameter hole in the topside of the ship's pilot house and badly damaged the interior, the statement added.

Damage from the alleged July 29, 2021 UAV attack on the tanker Mercer Street. (Image: CENTCOM Report) Damage from the alleged July 29, 2021 UAV attack on the tanker Mercer Street. (Image: CENTCOM Report)

The incident marks the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region. The attack led to threats of retaliation from Israel -- the tanker was managed by a firm owned by an Israeli billionaire -- as well as condemnation from the European Union and NATO.

U.S. Navy explosives experts were able to recover several pieces of the UAV that struck the ship, including a vertical stabilizer and internal components. The Central Command statement said that the parts were "nearly identical to previously-collected examples from Iranian one-way attack UAVs."

In presentation slides shared with the media, Capt. Bill Urban, a command spokesman, noted that "the use of Iranian designed and produced one way attack 'kamikaze' UAVs is a growing trend in the region."

Despite the evidence pointing to the drone's Iranian origins, Central Command did not explicitly say Iran conducted the attack.

Damage from the alleged July 29, 2021 UAV attack on the tanker Mercer Street. (Image: CENTCOM Report) Damage from the alleged July 29, 2021 UAV attack on the tanker Mercer Street. (Image: CENTCOM Report)

In fact, Urban noted that Iranian drones "are actively used by Iran and their proxies against coalition forces in the region, to include targets in Saudi Arabia and Iraq."

Israeli and U.K. experts agreed with the findings that the drone was produced by Iran, according to the Central Command statement.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart about the incident on Friday, the Pentagon press secretary, John Kirby, told reporters. Kirby said the two men expressed concern about Irans proliferation and employment of one-way attack UAVs across the region and that they agreed to work together alongside allies and partners in condemning Irans aggression that undermines freedom of navigation.

The Defense Department also said its investigating reports of other merchant ships being hijacked by armed men near Irans coast in the last several days.

We are aware of the reported incidents, Army Lt. Col. Thomas Campbell, a defense department spokesman, told Military.com in an email.

We are currently coordinating with our international partners on the next steps, he added.

Explosive drones have been a threat in the region since at least 2015, when Kurdish fighters were killed by a small drone that blew up while they were taking it apart in Iraq.

In 2019, U.S. Marines on a Navy warship used an air-defense system on an all-terrain vehicle to take down an Iranian drone targeting troops at sea.

In February, Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., the head of Central Command, said that small, weaponized drones pose the most concerning tactical development since the rise of the improvised explosive device in Iraq and Afghanistan.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Tiny Drones Are the Biggest Threat in the Middle East Since IEDs, Top General Says
More than five years after a helicopter crash off the coast of Oahu claimed the lives of 12 Marines, the Navy has released a "lessons learned" document on the incident that urges pilots to be realistic about their training and their proficiency at flying.

A routine night training flight on Jan. 14, 2016, ended in tragedy when two CH-53E Super Stallions attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 out of Hawaii collided in midair.

Four officers and eight enlisted crew members were killed.

A command investigation released later that year blamed pilot error, but noted that exhaustion and low pilot and aircrew practice time also contributed to the crash.

The squadron was short on functional helicopters and under pressure to get more choppers and pilots ready to fly, while pilots were not getting the flight hours needed to maintain their skills, the new safety document found. Several months before the collision, the squadron failed a maintenance inspection. Plus, the squadron's commanding officer was relieved days before the crash. His bosses said there was a loss of confidence in his abilities stemming from inadequate improvement in the squadron between the failed inspection and the first days of the new year.

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Now, the Naval Safety Center says that a cultural shift is necessary to prevent future casualties.

The safety document emphasizes that "current does not equal proficient," noting that simply being up to date on training is not the same as being comfortable with a particular situation or conditions.

The Marines in the crash caught up on their flight requirements with a training flight immediately before the one that ended in tragedy.

"Naval aviators (particularly Marines) tend to be hardwired to accomplish the mission," the document adds -- with the emphasis included. "It takes moral courage for us to admit when -- in real-time -- we are not proficient in executing a training or operational mission as it was designed."

However, safety experts argue that the myriad challenges and changes the squadron experienced leading up to the deadly flight should have set off more alarms.

"Failed inspections, the relief of the CO [commanding officer], and the arrival of a new CO days later should have been enough to hit pause," the document adds.

Ultimately, the report urges aviators to "remember that a training flight is just that: a training flight" -- and should have lower risk.

"Have the assertiveness to make the call, and live to fly and fight another day," the document said.

Military.com reached out to the Marine Corps for a reaction to the report but did not immediately get a response.

Maj. Jorge Hernandez, a spokesman for the Marine Corps, explained that the branch is part of the Naval safety center and contributed to the development of this publication. Hernandez said that the safety document is the posture/reaction of the Marine Corps and that the branch is adapting and implementing mitigating factors to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

The report comes after another investigation that found Marine leadership is not doing enough to prevent training accidents and deaths.

Last month, a Government Accountability Office report found that 123 U.S. soldiers and Marines died in non-combat tactical vehicle accidents in the last decade, most of them in the United States, because the services didn't do enough to enact their own safety measures.

That report was mandated by Congress following the 2019 death of a 24-year-old Marine platoon commander when his 12-ton vehicle rolled during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California. After the incident the Marine's father, his mother, and the Marines fiancee lobbied members of Congress to dig into the troubling trend of military rollover deaths.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Army and Marines Aren't Doing Enough to Prevent Deadly Vehicle Accidents, Watchdog Say
If you havent seen one of Carvanas car vending machines in your area, just wait. Theres likely one coming. The company is expanding as fast as it can, given the manpower it has. To meet the needs of its planned expansion, it needs good people. It wants U.S. military veterans.

In fact, Carvana wants to hire veterans so much that its hiring recruiters to go out and seek veteran talent. The companys range isnt limited to its vending machine locations, since it also sells vehicles on its website -- so it needs people almost everywhere.

Were expanding like no other, says Ben Morens, Carvanas director of logistics. We're in hundreds of markets across the country, and we have thousands of jobs out there. Everything from truck drivers to mechanics, to customer advocates. There's essentially a job for every type of veteran.

Morens is an Army veteran who joined the Army Special Forces after the Sept. 11 attacks. He says the mindset of veterans is a perfect fit for Carvana, so the company is going all-in to hire as many as they can.

The values of veterans align with the values of Cavana, he says. It's just a win-win.

Ben Morens served in the U.S. Army for 8 years, leaving in 2010. He joined Carvana in 2018 and is the company's director of logistics and founder of Carvana CarVets, an internal veterans' network. (Courtesy of Ben Morens)

Carvana already has hired hundreds of veterans, and implemented resource programs and an internal support network, Carvana CarVets, to support veteran causes and foster the spirit of community and teamwork veterans once enjoyed during their military service.

Morens founded that group to promote diversity and inclusion inside Carvana, something the company is focused on heavily as it continues to grow.

I can't think of a more diverse organization than the military, right? he says. Its something that we embrace heavily here at Carvana. Hiring veterans and staying active in the veteran community is something near and dear to my heart.

After five years of active service and three years on Independent Ready Reserve (IRR), Morens entered the corporate world. In 2018, he began working at Carvana and saw a company willing to embrace the same dedication toward hiring veterans. When he pitched the idea of starting the CarVets community, the results were almost immediate.

Carvana recently received the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award, recognizing it as one of the best companies for supporting Guard and Reserve troops as theyre called to duty. But Morens says it has a lot more to give to the community.

The company is hiring recruiters not only to go and seek veteran talent to fill its most critical roles. Theyre also creating positions to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian equivalents and place them in roles within Carvana.

Carvana is also in the final stages of qualifying for the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which will allow them to shepherd service members still in the military into their company through an apprenticeship during the last six months of their service.

Carvana supports the American Legion with its sponsorship of Jimmie Johnson and the #48 IndyCar Team. Johnson's car features real unit patches from around the military, representing every branch. (Courtesy of Carvana Racing)

For vets looking to apply to Carvana right now, the company has a special portal just for veterans, a way to get their foot in the door at one of Americas fastest-growing and most valuable car companies.

Carvana made the Fortune 500 in nine years, Morens says. The only two companies to do it faster were Amazon and Google. So it's a very good platform to pursue veteran causes. We will be doing a lot more, a lot faster as we leverage Carvana's scale, growth, values and culture.

To check out the benefits Carvana offers veterans, read veteran employees testimonials and see what jobs currently are open to veterans, visit the Carvana Veterans website.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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The Reds signed Ender Inciarte to a minor league deal, according to a club announcement. The outfielder was recently designated for assignment and then released by the Braves. He will now report to the Triple-A Louisville Bats and attempt to earn his way back up the show.

That seems to be a somewhat unlikely scenario at this point, given that the Reds already have superior outfield options such as Nick Castellanos, Jesse Winker, Tyler Naquin and Aristides Aquino. The return of Nick Senzel, who is currently on a rehab assignment, would only further crowd the picture and make it harder for Inciarte to barge his way in.

Inciartes offence was near league average for the first six years of his career. From 2014 to 2019, his wRC+ was never higher than 100 and never lower than 86 in a given season. Combined with his excellent defence, that made him a valuable player, contributing 14.2 fWAR in that time. But since then, his production has fallen off a cliff, with a wRC+ of 48 since the start of the 2020 season.

This is a no-risk move for Cincy because Inciartes salary is being paid by Atlanta as part of the five-year extension they signed with him after the 2016 season. Even if Cincinnati eventually calls him up to the big leagues, they will only have to pay him the prorated league minimum, with that amount being subtracted from what Atlanta pays.
Rockies utilityman Chris Owings will miss the rest of the 2021 season after undergoing surgery to insert a pin in his injured left thumb, manager Bud Black told reporters (including Thomas Harding of MLB.com). The 29-year-old has been on the 10-day injured list since July 20 and seems likely to wind up on the 60-day IL whenever Colorado needs to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Its a difficult development for Owings, who also missed three months earlier this year on account of an injury to the same thumb. He went on the IL in mid-April, returned to action in late June, but ended up back on the shelf a few weeks later. Altogether, Owings will only pick up 50 plate appearances this season. A hamstring issue kept him to just 44 trips to the dish in 2020 as well, making for a frustrating couple years in Colorado.

Owings has appeared in the big leagues in every season since 2013, compiling a cumulative .243/.288/.372 line in a little under 2400 plate appearances. The longtime Diamondback is slated to hit free agency this winter and should find interest from teams on potential minor league deals if he returns to health.
In a big win for Amazon, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the emergency award passed under the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) rules can be enforced in India under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996. With this ruling from the SC, the transaction between Future Retail and Reliance Retail will continue to remain on hold.

In February this year, Amazon has reached the apex court after the Delhi High Court stayed implementation of status quo ordered by a single-judge bench on the Rs 24,713-crore deal between Future Retail Ltd (FRL) and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. A week before, the HC had turned down a request from Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings to suspend the order for a week.

A division bench of chief justice DN Patel and justice Jyoti Singh observed that Future Retail was not a party to an arbitration agreement with Amazon. The bench prima facie opined that 'group of companies' doctrine could not be invoked in this matter.

"...there was no reason to seek a status quo order from the single judge... Statutory authorities like Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Competition Commission of India (CCI) could not be restrained from 'proceeding in accordance with law'," the bench had stated in its order.

After this, Amazon approached the Supreme Court, contending that the division bench at Delhi HC should have waited for a detailed single-judge order, while urging the apex court to stay this order.

In January 2021, despite exhortations by Amazon, market regulator SEBI approved the deal between Future Group and Reliance Industries. SEBI, in a letter, had approved the deal subject to several conditions in the composite scheme of arrangement. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on its part said that it has no adverse observations on the transaction.

After securing approval from SEBI, CCI and the exchanges, Future Retail had moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the nod to its deal with Reliance Retail.

On 11 January 2021, Amazon wrote a letter to SEBI chairman Ajay Tyagi informing that the regulator should not give no-objection to the Future Retail transaction with Reliance as the SIAC had constituted an arbitral tribunal.

In a letter to Mr Tyagi, Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings said, "We write to inform you that the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has constituted the arbitral tribunal in the Arbitration Proceedings initiated by Amazon against inter alia FRL, Kishore Biyani and Rakesh Biyani."

"We wish to highlight that in view of the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, the interim award passed by the EA stands automatically extended for the duration of the arbitration proceedings unless it is reconsidered/modified/vacated by the arbitral tribunal," Amazon had communicated to Mr Tyagi.

In August 2020, Kishore Biyani and Future Group had entered a Rs25,000 crore agreement with Reliance Retail. As part of the pact, Future Group was to sell its retail, wholesale, logistics and warehouse businesses to Reliance Retail Ventures.
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THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE MISSOULA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ISSUING A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR THOMAS JACOB PERLMAN. THOMAS IS A 59-YEAR-OLD WHITE MALE, PARTIALLY BALD WITH GREEN EYES. HE STANDS 5 FEET 11 INCHES AND WEIGHS 180 POUNDS. THOMAS LEFT HIS HOME ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE SOMETIME BETWEEN LAST NIGHT AND THIS MORNING BEFORE 6:00 AM. HE MAY BE WEARING A BLACK HELMET AND RIDING THE TRAILS AROUND MISSOULA. THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HE MAY HARM HIMSELF. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THOMAS PEARLMAN, PLEASE CONTACT THE MISSOULA POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 4 0 6, 5 5 2, 6 3 0 0 OR CALL 9 1 1.

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT... The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powder River, Ravalli, and Sanders counties, in effect until further notice for extremely high particulate concentrations. This alert will be updated again at 9 AM MDT on August 14th. An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedence of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard has occurred or may occur in the near future. As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Thompson Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Lincoln are Unhealthy. As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Broadus and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Columbia Falls, Dillon, Missoula, Seeley Lake, West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
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THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR DENISE ANN MCGADY HAS BEEN CANCELED. DENISE HAS BEEN LOCATED AND IS SAFE. MISSOULA PD THANKS EVERYONE FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.
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Lansdale, PA (19446)

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Partly cloudy skies. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable..

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Curecanti joins ranks of Dark Sky Parks; is first NCA to be so designated
August 06, 2021

From The Periphery To The Core - Taliban Capture First Provincial Capital

With regards to Afghanistan the Russian Foreign Ministry seems to be a tad too optimistic:

MOSCOW, August 5./TASS/. The offensive by the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) in Afghanistan is losing steam and it has no resources for seizing major cities, including Kabul, Russian Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Alexander Bikantov told a briefing on Thursday. "The Taliban has no resources to capture and hold the major cities, including the countrys capital city Kabul. Their offensive is gradually running out of steam," he said. Government troops have managed to regain control over the lost districts in some provinces, the diplomat stressed.

As of July 26 the Taliban controlled 223 districts and contested another 110. The government controlled 74 districts.

That some district centers change hands more than once does not say much about Taliban resources. They certainly seem to have all they need and are gaining more with each district and province they take.

As for Mr. Bikantov's claim that the Taliban can not gain and hold major cities: The Taliban are currently contesting Lashkar Gar, the capital of Helmand province and also Kandahar. The recent attacks on those cities only slowed down because the U.S. has broken its agreement with the Taliban and is bombing their positions around those cities with B-52 bombers.

But the U.S. can not bomb everywhere and so today the first province capital, Zaranji of Nimruz province at the Iranian border, fell without much resistance. As of 2015 the city had some 160,000 inhabitants. It is not a big one but certainly significant.

Another city that is on the verge of falling is Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan province and the hometown of the Uzbek warlord 'General' Dostum. Earlier today the Taliban entered Dostum's house and later burned it down. Fighting within the city continues.

Dostum is well known for his brutality (and drunkenness). When the CIA in 2001 helped the Northern Alliance warlords to defeat the Taliban some several thousand Taliban surrendered in the northern provinces. Dostum brutally killed many of them:

More than 3,000 Taliban prisoners--who had surrendered to the victorious Northern Alliance forces at the fall of Konduz in late November--were crammed, sick and starving, into a facility with room for only 800.

...

However awful their conditions, they were the lucky ones. They were alive. Many hundreds of their comrades, they said, had been killed on the journey to Sheberghan from Konduz by being stuffed into sealed cargo containers and left to asphyxiate.

...

The militia leader whose forces allegedly carried out the killings is Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, one of Afghanistan's most ruthless and effective warlords.

Up to 200 prisoners were put into each 40 foot shipping containers and transported for days without opening the doors. Up to a thousand are said to have died.

But not all of Dostum's prisoners were suffocated:

A witness close to General Dostum's inner circle said he had seen three or four bullet-ridden containers and blood running from them. He blamed ethnic Hazara soldiers, but soldiers now guarding Qala Zeina said it had been Uzbek troops belonging to General Dostum.

The U.S. rejected to investigate the prisoner massacres and later made Dostum the Afghan defense minister. But in this round of the war Dostum, who only yesterday came back to Kabul from Turkey to direct the defense of his hometown, will be on the receiving side of revenge.

The Taliban are winning. Only where Afghan special forces, who can call in U.S. air support, defend the cities do the Taliban have difficulties. But there are not many special forces battalions around and the Taliban will concentrate on those cities that receive no additional government support.

With each city they take they gain in resources and men. Army and police units surrender and change over to the Taliban side. The first the Taliban did in Zaranji today was to open the prison gates. All previously arrested Taliban will rejoin their troops. Each army post and police station they overrun leaves them with more Humvees, ammunition and weapons.

There are also persistent rumors that a significant number of Pakistani Pashtun men are now fighting on the Taliban's site. Some officers of the Pakistani military may have laid off their uniforms to slip into Taliban dresses. It would not be the first time for them to do that. It may explain the very methodical operations during this Taliban offense.

The Taliban still need a large number of troops to gain the towns, districts and provinces all over the country. But after each such win they can reorganize. They leave a few administrators and a small number of troops behind and then move their main forces elsewhere. The more towns and cities have fallen the bigger is the concentration of forces the Taliban can achieve.

That Zaranji in the very west and Sheberghan in the very north are in the news today is because the Taliban work from the periphery to the center. That is why the big cities will only come under serious attack after the smaller are under Taliban control. Kabul will be the last city that will be fought over and the Taliban will likely be able to concentrate some 50,000+ men to fight that battle.

Kabul is already infiltrated and unsafe. Earlier this week some Taliban attacked the home of the Afghan defense minister. Today they assassinated the top government spokesman. There will be many more such incidents before the big push for the city will come.

The Russian foreign ministry spokesman seems to have not understood the Taliban's approach.

Posted by b on August 6, 2021 at 15:58 UTC | Permalink

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MOULTRIE, GA.- Allison Usry Reid, 48, of Moultrie, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at her home due to complications of Covid. Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cobbfuneralchapel.com.
Bloomberg

Oil prices suffered their worst week since October 2020 as a surging delta variant of the COVID-19 virus globally raised concerns about future oil demand.

West Texas Intermediate on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell four of the five trading days, starting with Mondays $2.69 decline and a $2.41 drop on Wednesday. Prices fell another 81 cents or 1.2 percent, ending the week at $68.28 per barrel, down 7.7 percent for the week and from $71.26 at Mondays close. The posted price ended the week at $64.76, according to Plains All American.
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Shelton Douthit and his team at the Feather River Land Trust in Northern California have been working to restore the lush natural habitat and protect Indigenous artifacts around Lake Almanor. Now, after a ferocious wildfire tore through the area, he knows nothing's safe."

Driven by fierce winds and bone-dry vegetation, the Dixie Fire destroyed most of downtown and dozens of homes in the gold rush-era community of Greenville, growing to become the third-largest in California history. The museum, medical offices, fire equipment and structures significant to a Native American tribe were lost in the town of about 1,000.

This fire is so intense that I think were learning as a community, as a region, that this is not a normal fire. Its a beast, said Douthit, who is the trust's executive director.

The Dixie Fire, named for the road where it started, was still raging Friday and now spans an area of 676 square miles (1,751 square kilometers), greater than the size of New York City. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but the fire continued to threaten more than 10,000 homes Friday. It is just 35% contained.

Fire officials said the gusts were so strong on Thursday they uprooted a tree and knocked it over a garage.

This is going to be a long firefight, said Capt. Mitch Matlow, spokesperson of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

About a two-hour drive south, firefighters are gaining the upper hand on the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near the town of Colfax and destroyed nearly 90 homes and other buildings. More than 5,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, state fire officials said.

Dale Huber walked into the fire zone Friday to check on his brothers home, which was reduced to rubble.

It used to be a bunch of cool stuff, and now its just trash, Huber said. You cant fix it. We can tear it out and start over again or run away. I think hes decided he wants to rebuild here.

The three-week-old Dixie Fire was one of 100 active, large fires burning in 14 states, most in the West where historic drought has left lands parched and ripe for ignition.

The fires cause was under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric utility has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of the utilitys power lines.

Heavy smoke produced by the fires intense, erratic winds was impeding firefighters efforts Friday to look for hot spots from the air, forcing them to instead rely on infrared technology. The smoke also blanketed central California and western Nevada, causing air quality to deteriorate to very unhealthy levels.

By midday, the air quality index in Chester, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Greenville, shot up to 998, more than triple the amount where hazardous levels begin, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index.

In Susanville, Randy Robbins watched quarter-sized pieces of ash fall as the fire crept 6 miles (10 kilometers) from his home.

Its crazy to think this fire started 50 miles (80 kilometers) from our house, easily, he said. You cant imagine how big it is. You look at a map, and youre like, How is that possible?

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

The flames heavily damaged Canyondam, a hamlet with a population of about three dozen people, and also reached Chester, but crews managed to protect homes and businesses there, officials said.

The fire was not far from the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire sparked by PG&E equipment that killed 85 people, making it the nations deadliest U.S. wildfire in at least a century.

Eva Gorman said she managed to grab photos off the wall, her favorite jewelry and important documents before fleeing. She was told that her home burned down but is waiting until she can see it with her own eyes to believe its gone.

How could another California town could be reduced to ashes, she asked herself.

Thats what I keep thinking. Its happening, again, she said. Its unfathomable.

___

Nguyen reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press writers Terry Chea in Colfax, California, Christopher Weber and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report.
H Scott Apley, a Dickinson city council member and member of the Texas Republican Party, has died after being hospitalized with COVID-19. He was 45.

According to his GoFundMe page, Apley admitted himself into a Galveston hospital on August 1 after experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms. He later tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on a ventilator.

Apley leaves behind his wife and 5-month-old son, both of whom tested positive for COVID-19. According to his GoFundMe page, Apley's wife has not been admitted to the hospital. The page has raised more than $30,000 as of Thursday morning.

It's unclear if Apley was vaccinated. However, in social media posts, Apley rallied against vaccines and masks. On July 30, Apley shared a Facebook post that mocked COVID-19.

It read, "In 6 months, we've gone from the vax ending the pandemic to you can still get Covid even if vaxxed, to you can pass Covid onto others even if vaxxed, to you can still die of Covid even if vaxxed, to the unvaxxed are killing the vaxxed."

On May 15, Apley published a Facebook post about a "mask burning" party 900 miles away in Cincinnati. "I wished I lived in the area," he said in the post.

In a Facebook post, the Galveston County Republican Party shared the following statement regarding Apley's death.

"On behalf of the Galveston County Republican Party, I wish to express our deep sense of loss following the passing of our friend and colleague  Scott Apley. This indeed is a tragedy; it is magnified by his youth, his young family especially his very young son. Our hearts mourn for him and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Melissa and their families. Scott was a hard worker; and deeply committed to the betterment of his community, including his activities with the Republican Party. He was an advocate for liberty, limited government and the highest ideals of American Exceptionalism. We will celebrate his life and be thankful for his contributions to Galveston County, Texas, and our Nation. Rest in peace, my friend."

Apley was elected to the city council Position No. 1 in November 2020 when he bested Trey Rusk for the seat, according to the Galveston Daily News. He previously had run unsuccessfully for Position No. 6 in 2019.
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Horry County on Tuesday announced it had reached a settlement agreement with the estates of Wendy Haywood Newton and Nicolette Tanyja Eugenua Green (also known as Nicolette French), who drowned on Sept. 18, 2018 while locked in the back of a Horry County Sheriff's Office vehicle that drove through floodwaters during Hurricane Florence.

State Sen. Luke Rankin, one of the attorneys for Green, confirmed they settled for $6.3 million for each plaintiff to drop claims against Horry County.

"Horry County regrets and acknowledges these tragic deaths, and changes have been implemented to better protect the safety of mental health patients in Horry County," the county said in a statement. "These changes will help ensure that mental health patients are transported in a more safe and responsible manner. Horry County extends its sincere condolences to the families of Ms. Newton and Ms. Green. As part of the resolution of all pending claims involving Horry County, Horry Countys sincere hope is that the families of Ms. Newton and Ms. Green will experience some sense of closure to their grief."

The county itself did not announce the terms of the settlement, but it comes after the plaintiffs each won a $1 million settlement in late July against American Aluminum Accessories, which designed and manufactured the inmate transportation modules that held detainees inside the sheriff's van.

And on July 1, a judge cleared the way for Horry County Councilman Gary Loftus to sit for a deposition in the case.

According to the two lawsuits, Horry County Sheriff's Office deputies Stephen Flood and Joshua Bishop were transporting the women, who were mental health patients, to a mental health facilities in Lancaster and Darlington.

They were detained in a modified inmate transportation van with only one entry and exit point for detainees, according to the lawsuits. The van was equipped with a metal cage designed for transporting inmates, and it originally had an opening on the side and and opening in rear of the cage, but the rear point of egress had been eliminated, the suits said.
South Jacksonville Village Hall was filled with almost 60 residents Thursday wanting to address  and express their objection to  the termination of Police Chief Eric Hansell.

After an hour-long budget meeting during which a village budget was not approved, the town hall meeting began with public comments and, upon the advice of village attorney Rob Cross, quickly was moved to executive session because of the nature of opinions expressed toward city employees.

Four residents then requested to speak during the executive session, which lasted almost two hours.

Once the executive session ended, trustee Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart addressed the audience, saying no action was taken to reinstate Hansell but an executive session at 6 p.m. Monday will include an action item for trustees to consider overturning the Hansells termination. That announcement ignited a wave of cheers and applause.

Even though discussion of Hansells termination was moved to Monday, audience members still expressed their opinions, mostly directed toward Mayor Tyson Manker.

Im appreciative of the support from the community, Im appreciative of the council, the support from the (Fraternal Order of Police), and Im also appreciative of you, the Journal-Courier, and WLDS, Hansell said Friday, adding his family, wife and God to the list.

Hansell plans to attend Mondays meeting.

As the meeting moved past discussion of Hansell, the subject of approval of past minutes was brought up. Trustee Tom Jordan raised an objection about Manker not opening village board meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Citing his experience in the military, Manker defended his patriotism and said he felt Jordan was questioning his dedication to his country.

I watched friends die, Manker said. I have cleaned the blood out of a Hummer.

We have always done it, trustee Stacy Pinkerton said of reciting the pledge to start meetings.

Manker defended his decision not to start meetings by reciting the pledge.

Why do I not conduct the Pledge of Allegiance? Manker said. Because we have business to conduct.

Manker reversed his decision after much debate from trustees Pinkerton and Belobrajdic-Stewart.

Damn it, were doing the Pledge of Allegiance from now on, Manker said.

The day after the contentious meeting, an online petition started circulating calling for the mayor to resign.

Saying he has been ineffective and not whats best for South Jacksonville, the petition called on him to resign within 30 days. Manker took office in May after staging a successful write-in campaign to win the seat with eight more votes than candidate Dick Samples.

The petition at the site ipetitions.com was started by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of South Jacksonville. The petition contends Manker has fostered an environment of hostility and distrust since becoming mayor and has brought undue and unwanted attention to the village for his actions since becoming mayor, needlessly causing embarrassment for its residents and his constituents.

Manker was unavailable for comment Friday.
The pandemic called closing time on Jacksonville Main Streets annual Craft Brew Festival in 2020, canceling the event amid stay-at-home orders, but the taps will flow again from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Jacksonville.

I think its an opportunity for people in Jacksonville to taste something different, see what they like and tell their bar owners, Hey, can you stock this? moving forward, said Jeff DeGeal, whos overseeing the festival for Jacksonville Main Street.

According to the national Brewers Association, an American craft brewer is a person or business who produces less than 6 million barrels of beer in a year, typically uses innovative methods to interpret historic styles, and uses both traditional and non-traditional ingredients to create a distinctive beer.

Saturdays festival will feature eight microbreweries, two beer distributors and a beer-collecting club.

We also have four home brewers that will be bringing their homebrew out for (participants) to try, DeGeal said. It has a lot of appeal for people that are searching for craft beer these days.

For a $25 fee, participants will get a tasting glass and 20 tickets that they can present to the brewers for samples of the available brews. Extra tickets also are available once the initial fee is paid, DeGeal said.

All these people are donating their beer to the Jacksonville Main Street project, he said. Its a fundraiser to keep (the Downtown Concert Series) going for next year. These guys are coming out and giving away their beer to benefit Main Street.

One of those guys is Ryan Kunkle of Springfield Beer Co., which celebrated its second anniversary in July. During that time, Kunkle has brewed 33 beers and tries to keep 15 of the 20 taps at his brewery at 3788 Wabash Ave. in Springfield filled with his beers, he said.

More Information Getting started Home brewing is an increasingly popular hobby, but there are a few tricks to having success with it, said craft brewer Ryan Kunkle of Springfield Brewing Co. "You have to learn the basics before you just jump in and start brewing," Kunkle said. "There's a lot of information in books and online that kind of teach you." It's also important to pay attention to proper sanitation, especially for the brewing equipment, and to take good notes, he said. "If something turns out great, you want to be able to remember what you did," Kunkle said. "Brewing is not instantaneous" and you're likely to forget the details before you know whether you like a particular brew. See More Collapse

We plan on bringing four different varieties of beer and serving up samples until we run out, Kunkle said earlier this week.  Im hoping to have a new one thats never been on tap before, if its ready. Im going to bring that as something special, but I dont know if it will be ready.

Kunkle got his start as a craft brewer soon after he started drinking craft beer about a decade ago, he said.

I found it interesting, all the styles and flavors available at the time, he said. I was intrigued to find out what made each beer different. I started brewing in my garage, tried to replicate what I had tasted.

As his hobby began taking up more and more space in his garage, Kunkle got to the point where I was either going to stop doing it completely or open the brewery I had been talking about wanting to do.

His personal tastes tend to bounce between a West Coast (India pale ale) style and a big, bold stout, he said. It kind of depends on my mood. Sometimes I rotate in a good light lager. I dont always want to drink the same thing. Its one of the reasons I started drinking craft beer.

Those attending the Craft Brew Festival wont lack for variety. Participating brewers, along with Springfield Brewing Co., will include Anvil & Forge, Buzz Bomb, Destihl, Hand of Fate, J.T. Walkers, Limerick, and Obed & Isaacs. There also will be live music and food trucks.

Typically, most of us think of beer as a light lager, a light golden lager, like a Bud Light or a Coors Light, DeGeal said. Thats typically what we consider beer. But there are so many different styles of beer.

Among them are IPAs, stouts, porters, farmhouse ales, Belgians, wheat beers, he said.

There are four basic pieces to a beer, DeGeal said. Water, yeast, grain and hops. By modifying everything but the water, we can come up with thousands of different options on how that beer will taste.
NEW YORK (AP)  Meghan McCain made a low-key departure from The View after four years on Friday, joking that she wanted to apologize to show producer Brian Teta for making his blood pressure rise as much as I did.

Her mother, Cindy McCain, and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema appeared as guests for the farewell.

McCain was hired to offer the conservative viewpoint on a talk show where she was outnumbered politically, a role she took to with gusto. She frequently got into onscreen tiffs with co-hosts Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg.

Yet it was smooth sailing for her finale. McCain said at one point that I feel like I died and this is a memorial.

She perked up for a taped message from former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said the show will not be as lively without you. McCain hooted, my boyfriend!

McCain got married and had a baby daughter, Liberty, during her time on The View, and, with a regular return of the cast to its New York studio nearing, said she didn't want to commute from her Washington-area home.

Her mother said she's looking forward to seeing more of her, and her granddaughter.

I'm glad she chose a little bit of family over so much work at this time, Cindy McCain said.

ABC has not said who will replace Meghan McCain in the show's conservative chair.
Imagine being faced with the choice to give up your home or your beloved pet. It seems unimaginable, yet many Americans are facing this decision every year. The reason for it is a commonplace issue: The insurance industry uses arbitrary dog breed lists to deny homeowners and renters coverage and to discriminate against individuals.

Racism and classism underlie this discriminatory practice against certain pet owners  and it is reflective of a history of racism in the insurance industry. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners made a commitment to address racist and discriminatory underwriting practices, admitting racial discrimination has been part of the insurance sector landscape for more than 250 years.

Dog breed restrictions in the insurance industry are steeped in discrimination against the people society associates with the targeted dogs. In many areas of the country, this means lower-income Black and brown people. Ann Linder, a legislative policy fellow with Harvard Law Schools Animal Law and Policy Program, in her report on The Black Mans Dog: The Social Context of Breed Specific Legislation, discussed how pit bull dogs became associated with gang violence by urban youths, as well as the hip-hop music scene. Results from a survey in Linders report also found that pit bull dogs were perceived as most commonly belonging to people of color  specifically, young, Black males.

If we were to believe what insurance companies tell us, we would think that dogs are a threat to everybody, including their own bottom line. In fact, the number of dog bite claims declined in the last 20 years, despite the pet dog population increasing during the same period. While the numbers tell us there are more dogs than ever before and that people are increasingly responsible, the insurance companies continue to defend their exclusionary targeted breed lists to deny dog owners much-needed coverage. Yet dog bite claim payouts total only a small fraction of the liability payouts when compared to falls and accidental poisonings. In addition, according to NAIC, homeowners insurance losses for property damage made up more than 98 percent of losses in 2018 while total liability losses  where dog incidents fall  were less than 2% of the amount.

The insurance companies purport to have data to support excluding populations of dog owners, but will not disclose the data, algorithms, or even resources used to justify its discrimination. Since our organization conducts and publishes research on dog bites (and dog bite hysteria) we would be well aware if there was data supporting the targeting of dog owners based on their pets breed label. No such data exists. In fact, if the body of literature were to be considered by insurance actuaries, they would learn that attempting to identify dangerous dogs and reckless owners by what they look like or where they live is a failed public policy that is akin to redlining.

During a recent Nevada legislative session, a bill was passed by both houses to prevent insurance providers from excluding dog owners without evidence of increased risk for loss. The Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Association submitted an opposition letter that was rife with unsubstantiated claims lifted from a tabloid website. The incorrect information in the opposition letter was initially assumed by legislators to be true. But it was not correct and the APCIA, a supposed insurance trade leader representing major insurance providers, did not even bother to fact check.

Insurance fights hard against government regulation, but until the industry is willing to effectively self-regulate an act as simple as fact-checking a source, insurance consumers need protection. In her testimony before Congress, Sonja Larkin-Thorne, a consumer advocate and retired insurance executive, articulated concern about the insurance industrys use of unregulated algorithms for collecting big data with no transparency for how that information is used, no disclosure of sourcing, and no stop-gap for avoiding unintentional bias and discrimination.

If you have been denied rental housing or homeowners insurance because of your dog, please tell your insurance commissioner by visiting dogspeopleandhousinginsurance.org to share your story. The NAIC is committed to protecting insurance consumers from discriminatory practices  lets take them up on it.

Stacey Coleman is the executive director of Animal Farm Foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings dogs and people together to end discrimination. She wrote this for InsideSources.
Raging wildfires in Greece, Turkey, force thousands to flee View Photo

DROSOPIGI, Greece (AP)  Wildfires raged uncontrolled through Greece and Turkey for yet another day Friday, forcing thousands to flee by land and sea, and killing a volunteer firefighter on the fringes of Athens in a huge forest blaze that threatened the Greek capitals most important national park.

Eight people have died in Turkeys blazes, described as the worst in decades, that swept through swaths of the southern coast for the past 10 days.

In Greece, which had suffered a record heat wave, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said firefighters faced exceptionally dangerous, unprecedented conditions as they battled 154 wildfires Friday, with 64 still burning into the night.

Over the past few days we have been facing a situation without precedent in our country, in the intensity and wide distribution of the wildfires, and the new outbreaks all over (Greece), he said in an evening briefing. I want to assure you that all forces available are taking part in the fight.

Evacuation orders were issued for dozens of villages on the mainland and the nearby island of Evia, as well as outlying settlements on the forested fringes of Athens. Scores of homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged, although authorities have been unable yet to provide detailed figures.

Shifting winds and new flashpoints Friday afternoon caused the blazes outside Athens and Evia to repeatedly change direction, in some cases returning to threaten areas that had narrowly escaped destruction earlier this week.

After burning through forests and houses towards Lake Marathon, the capitals main water reservoir, a branch of the fire headed off into the Mount Parnitha national park  one of the last remaining substantial forests near Athens, which already bore deep scars from wildfires in 2007.

A 38-year-old volunteer firefighter died after a falling utility pole struck his head in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said. At least 20 people have required treatment nationwide.

The causes of the fires are under investigation. Hardalias said three people were arrested Friday  in the greater Athens area, central and southern Greece  on suspicion of starting blazes, in two cases intentionally. Police said the suspect detained north of Athens had allegedly lit fires at three separate spots in the area ravaged by the large blaze, which first broke out Tuesday.

In the village of Limni on Evia, residents and vacationers were urged to hasten to the harbor and await embarkation after flames cut off all other means of escape. Two ferry boats picked up about 1,000 people, and one more would remain at Limni to take on later arrivals, the coast guard said.

Earlier in the day and late Thursday the coast guard evacuated nearly 700 people from other parts of the island, using patrol vessels, fishing boats and other private vessels.

Were talking about the apocalypse, I dont know how to describe it, Sotiris Danikas, head of the coast guard in the town of Aidipsos on Evia, told state broadcaster ERT, describing the earlier sea evacuation.

A coast guard vessel also rescued 10 people trapped on a beach by another fire near the town of Gythio in the southern Peloponnese region.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed deep gratitude to all involved in the firefighting effort during a visit to the Fire Service headquarters Friday. She added: We are all vulnerable to fire. There is much that needs to be done, both on a large and a small scale. But now we must display self-restraint and unity.

Greek and European officials have blamed climate change for the multiple fires burning through southern Europe, from southern Italy to the Balkans, Greece and Turkey.

In Italy, firefighters battling a wildfire in the province of Reggio Calabria found the bodies of a man and a woman in an olive grove. LaPresse news agency said they died of smoke inhalation.

Massive fires have been burning across Siberia in Russias north for weeks, while hot, bone-dry, gusty weather has also fueled devastating wildfires in California.

Greece has been baked by its most protracted heat wave in three decades, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), although it was cooler Friday.

At least 20 people have been treated for injuries from the fires. Two firefighters were in intensive care in Athens, while another two were hospitalized with light burns.

More than 1,000 firefighters and nearly 20 aircraft are now battling major fires across Greece, while extra firefighters, planes, helicopters and vehicles were arriving from France, Switzerland, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, Israel, Sweden and the U.S. Some 80 French and 40 Cypriot firefighters joined in efforts to fight the blazes north of Athens.

In Turkey, authorities on Friday evacuated six more neighborhoods near the Mugla province town of Milas as a wildfire fanned by winds burned some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from a power plant. Two other neighborhoods were also evacuated as a precaution later in the day, as another fire spread from the region of Yatagan, in Mugla, toward the edge of the neighboring province of Aydin, further north.

At least 36,000 people were evacuated to safety in Mugla province alone, officials said.

Excavators formed firebreaks to keep flames from the Yenikoy power plant, the second such facility to be threatened in the region.

Wildfires near the tourism resort of Marmaris, also in Mugla, were largely contained by late Thursday, while by Friday afternoon the two main fires in neighboring Antalya province were brought under control.

In Greece, the Athens fire halted traffic on the main highway connecting the capital to the north of the country and damaged electricity installations. The power distribution company announced rolling cuts in the wider capital region to protect the electrical grid.

In the Drosopigi area, resident Giorgos Hatzispiros surveyed the damage to his house Friday morning, the first time he was seeing it after being ordered to evacuate the previous afternoon. Only the charred walls of the single-story home remained, along with his childrens bicycles, somehow unscathed in a storeroom. Inside, smoke rose from a still-smoldering bookcase.

Nothing is left, Hatzispiros said.

In the southern Peloponnese region dozens of villages and settlements were evacuated, and a blaze was stopped before reaching monuments at Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

The fires also disrupted COVID-19 vaccinations. The Health Ministry announced the suspension of vaccinations at centers in fire-affected areas.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address Thursday that the wildfires display the reality of climate change.

In 2018, more than 100 people died when a fast-moving forest fire engulfed a seaside settlement east of Athens.

____

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey, and Paphitis from Lemnos, Greece. Elena Becatoros in Argostoli, Greece, Mehmet Guzel in Mugla, Turkey, and Frances DEmilio in Rome contributed.

___

Read stories on climate issues by The Associated Press at https://apnews.com/hub/climate

By THANASSIS STAVRAKIS, NICHOLAS PAPHITIS and SUZAN FRASER

Associated Press
Haiti boosting security for judges amid assassination case View Photo

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Haitian authorities have secured armed guards to bolster security for court personnel as they prepare to announce the judge who will oversee proceedings involving the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, a judicial official said Thursday.

Magistrate Bernard Saint-Vil, who is dean of the Court of First Instance in Port-au-Prince, said some judges he recently contacted about the case had told him they were worried about their safety.

He said he is not obligated to take such concerns into consideration as he decides who will be assigned the case, saying that the first characteristic of a magistrate is courage, because a judge is called upon to make decisions.

But Saint-Vil added that officials recognize additional security measures are needed since some judicial officials have already gone into hiding amid death threats. Court clerks have reported receiving threatening demands that they revise names and other details in reports on the July 7 attack that killed Moise and seriously wounded his wife.

We demanded that these means be available because even before choosing the judge, we must check that everything is in place, Saint-Vil said after meeting privately with several judges.

Saint-Vil did not say whether any judges had refused to take on the Moise case.

The boost in security that he requested comes amid concerns over the wellbeing of suspects in the case who have been transferred from police holding cells to a prison where conditions have been likened to torture by the United Nations and where thousands of inmates remain held for years without so much as a court hearing, let alone a trial.

The conditions of detention are generally appalling, defense attorney Samuel Madistin told The Associated Press. I hope everything will be done to allow justice to do its job.

Madistin represents two of the more than 40 suspects detained in the assassination case. He said that he had not been allowed to meet with his clients and that one one of them, Reynaldo Corvington, is diabetic and has high blood pressure.

There are judges who have refused to take the case. Pre-trial detention is likely to be prolonged, Madistin said.

Similar concerns have come from human rights activists as well as Colombias government, which is worried about the health of 18 former Colombian soldiers arrested in the case. Colombia has said they have limited access to water and some are exhausted and have lost weight. It says one was limping and another couldnt stand without help from a colleague.

Colombias government also has said the majority of former soldiers were duped into their participation.

U.S. and Haitian authorities continue to investigate the assassination as new details keep emerging.

Attorneys for Antonio Intriago, the owner of a small Miami-based private security company that authorities say hired the former Colombian soldiers for the mission, said he is innocent and the victim of what they called an elaborate scheme.

In a statement Wednesday, the lawyers said Intriago, of CTU Security, was led to believe that he was helping with a redevelopment and humanitarian project in Haitis southern coastal city of Jacmel. They said that prior to Moise being killed, Intriago was told that security had a change in direction and was being requested to accompany a judge and Haitian police to serve the president with an arrest warrant.

At the time of President Moises murder, Mr. Intriago thought that his unarmed security contractors were still awaiting official security and firearms permits from the Haitian police, his attorneys said. Mr. Intriago was not in any way involved in the plotting to or killing of President Moise.

The lawyers said the security contractors did not kill Moise and were told their role was to guard officials while police carried out the arrest warrant.

When they entered the presidential residence, they found the president deceased, his wife wounded and the house ransacked. It is our belief that the presidents own bodyguards betrayed him, the attorneys said.

None of the presidents security detail was injured in the attack, and at least a dozen police officers have been arrested while several top security officials remain detained.

Intriagos attorneys also provided documents alleging that Wendelle Coq Thelot, a former Haitian Supreme Court judge, was involved in the plan to supposedly arrest Moise. A person alleging to be Thelot wrote in an Aug. 1 tweet: I firmly denounce the political persecutions of which I am the object at this time.

Police have issued arrest warrants for Thelot and others including a former judicial official and an ex-Haitian senator.

___

Associated Press writer Evens Sanon reported this story in Port-au-Prince and AP writer Danica Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. AP writer Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed to this report.

By EVENS SANON and DANICA COTO

Associated Press
Update 5:14pm: Calaveras reports 30 new cases since yesterday, 78 active cases and one hospitalization. Since the pandemic began they have had 256 Covid-19 positive people who are 17 and under and 478 Covid-19 positive people 65 and over. Their previous highest active cases peaked at 123 the week before New Years Day (December 28, 2020) and after New Years Day (January 7, 2021).

Original Post 3:42pm: Sonora, CA  Tuolumne County Public Health is reporting 46 new COVID-19 cases in the county today. A total of 5 of todays cases are Sierra Conservation Center inmates. There are 263 active cases including 16 who are hospitalized. The image compares yesterdays cases by episode date to todays. The episode date is the earliest available date a case may have been positive based on symptom onset, test sample collection date, or lab result date and shows a few of the newly reported cases were identified today but several go back to July 26. The chart demonstrates a known wait of three or more days for an individual and the county to get results from COVID tests. A second chart in the (image box) compares active cases during the November-December surge to current active cases.

Tuolumne Public Health has added an additional age category dividing the 0-17 group into two groups with ages 0 to 11-year-olds and 12 to 17-year-olds. There have been 86 cases among children in the past couple of weeks including 6 more today with 38 cases age 0-11, and 48 cases age 12-17.

The gender and age breakdown for the 41 community cases is 2 females and 1 male age 0-11, 0 females and 3 males 12-17 years of age, 8 females and 3 males age 18-29, 4 females and 1 male age 30-39, 4 females and 3 male age 40-49, 1 female and 2 males age 50-59, 2 females and 3 males age 60-69, 2 females and 2 males age 70 to 79.

A total of 3 of the 41 new cases were vaccinated, 2 with Moderna, 1 with Pfizer. Out of 537 cases since June 15 when the first vaccinated individual was reported to have a break-through Covid infection 55 total have been identified; 29 Moderna, 17 Pfizer, 5 J&J, 2 not identified and 2 others partially vaccinated. Public health notes that 72% of the vaccine doses administered by Public Health have been the Moderna vaccine. They state The small number of cases among vaccinated individuals does not necessarily demonstrate a lesser level of protection of one vaccine over another.

A total of 21,987 Tuolumne residents are fully vaccinated and 3,573 are partially vaccinated.

The California department of corrections reports 123 active cases at the Sierra Conservation Center (SCC). A total of 68% of the 3,317 inmates the prison manages, which includes all southern fire camps, are fully vaccinated and 1,417 inmate cases have been resolved. The associated staff of 1,178 is 39% are fully vaccinated.

There are two new State Public Health Orders, the first order requires workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by September 30, 2021. The second public health order directs hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 in the prior 72 hours before indoor visits.

The State testing site at the Tuolumne Memorial Hall is open Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Expanded days of operation are expected to be implemented next week and will include testing Friday through Tuesday from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. In addition, the site is in the process of being relocated to Sonora, Tuolumne Public Health says they will release more information as details are confirmed. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted. Please note that the site may close briefly for meal breaks. Appointments can be scheduled at www.lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123. Testing is also available through Rapid Care or the hospital emergency department if you are experiencing any symptoms, or contacting your healthcare provider.

Vaccine appointments can be made at local pharmacies and through myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Anyone 12 and older is eligible for the COVID vaccine, Pfizer is approved for children ages 12 to 17. If you have questions about MyTurn and the registration process, call Tuolumne Public Health at 533-7440 or email Health@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov

Public Health continues to strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, as the most important step we can take to reduce the spread of disease and prevent serious illness and death. In addition, the continued practice of other preventive actions like wearing a mask in public, keeping your distance, avoiding crowds, washing hands, and staying when sick will help slow the spread of the virus. The California Department of Public Health and local COunty Health Department issued statewide masking guidance for universal masking indoors as detailed here. Adventist Health detailed their response to the situation here. Tuolumne County has reinstated the mask mandate for those entering its county government buildings detailed here.

Mariposa has 7 new cases, 46 active cases and two residents hospitalized with COVID-19. Mariposas highest active case count was 54 on January 4th.

County/Date

Tier Color Active

Cases New Cases

Total Cases COVID

Deaths Amador 8/4 98 25 2,063 39 Calaveras 8/5 78 30 2,389 58 Mariposa 8/5 46 10 547 7 Mono 8/5 34 0 1,088 5 Stanislaus 8/5 1,272 288 60,162 1,098 Tuolumne 8/5 263 46 4,731 73 For other county-level statistics view our page here.
CCSO patrol car View Photo

Arnold, CA  An Arnold man admitted to a burglary after being confronted with video evidence of the crime.

A report of a stolen generator from inside a residence on Circle Drive in Arnold Wednesday (August 3rd) around 8:30 a.m. brought a Calaveras County Sheriffs Deputy to the residence to investigate. The homeowner provided proof of the theft as security camera footage showed the suspect, 52-year-old Craig James Smith, taking off with the generator.

The deputy headed to Smiths residence to investigate further. During questioning, Smith admitted to entering the residence and taking the generator. It was later found hidden in a trailer. Smith was arrested without incident for felony burglary and grand theft and placed on $30,000 bail.

Sheriffs officials relay that the generator was returned to the victim. They cite that this incident is an excellent example of a home security system providing usable information that led to an arrest. Sheriffs officials offer the following essential home security tips:

 Make sure you lock your doors and vehicles.

 Install motion lighting near the entry points to your residence and outbuildings.

 Install a home security system. Post security signs in your yard

 Cut back bushes and trees near windows and doors. This will reduce areas where suspects can hide and also assist with defensible space for fires.

 Have a neighbor or friend collect your mail and packages if youre going to be away from your home for an extended period of time.

 Create an inventory of your valuables that include serial numbers, photographs and other identifying information: smartwatercsi.com

 Post vacation photos after you return home from your trip.

 Participate in a Neighborhood Watch program

 Dont leave spare keys in typical hiding locations (doormat/flowerpot on front porch). Instead, leave them with a trusted neighbor or use a realtor-type lockbox.
Hezbollah, Israel trade fire in dangerous Mideast escalation View Photo

BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

It was the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs Hezbollah, occasionally play out. But comments by Israeli officials and Hezbollahs actions suggested the two were seeking to avoid a major conflict at this time.

Israel said it fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the countrys top defense officials. No casualties were reported.

We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that, said Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel has long considered Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, its most serious and immediate military threat. Fridays exchanges came a day after Israels defense minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on a oil tanker at sea that his country blamed on Tehran.

The tensions come at a politically sensitive time in Israel, where a new eight-party governing coalition is already trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an 11-day war with Hamas militant rulers in Gaza.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit open fields in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The group said it fired 10 rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. Israel said those strikes were in response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon in recent days that was not claimed by any group.

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.

This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire, the force known as UNIFIL said. Force commander, Gen. Stefano Del Col, said the force was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security measures in the area.

Hezbollahs decision to strike open fields in a disputed area rather than Israel proper, appeared calibrated to limit any response.

Shefler, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Friday that three of the 19 rockets fired fell within Lebanese territory. Ten were intercepted by the defense system known as the Iron Dome.

Israel estimates Hezbollah possesses over 130,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the country. In recent years, Israel also has expressed concerns that the group is trying to import or develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Lebanese border villages where it accuses Hezbollah of hiding rockets. An Israeli security official said Friday the military was carrying out airstrikes unlike any in years and was planning for more options. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military policy.

The attack sparked tensions between locals and Hezbollah. Videos on social media after the rocket attack showed two vehicles, including a mobile rocket launcher, being stopped by residents of Shwaya village. The windshield of one vehicle was smashed.

Some of the villagers could be heard saying: Hezbollah is firing rockets from between homes so that Israel hits us back.

The Lebanese army said it arrested four people who were involved in the rocket-firing and confiscated the rocket launcher. It said Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are taking all the measures to restore calm.

Hezbollah issued a statement saying that the rockets were fired from remote areas, adding that the fighters were stopped in Shwaya on their way back.

We lived a similar period in the 1970s, when Palestinian fighters were carrying out guerrilla attacks against Israel. We are now to the same status and this is causing tension, said Ajaj Mousa, a resident of nearby Kfarchouba.

The escalation also comes at a sensitive time in Lebanon, which is mired in multiple crises including a devastating economic and financial meltdown and political deadlock that has left the country without a functional government for a full year.

___

Kellman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed reporting.

By LAURIE KELLMAN and ZEINA KARAM

Associated Press
Brazils chief justice nixes peace talks with Bolsonaro View Photo

SAO PAULO (AP)  The Brazilian Supreme Courts chief justice said Thursday he cancelled a meeting that had been intended to mollify President Jair Bolsonaro and avert institutional crisis after the far-right leader continued railing against the courts justices.

Analysts said justices decision to scrap the sit-down between himself, Bolsonaro and the leaders of both congressional chambers ratchets up the temperature and brings the nation a step closer to full-blown institutional crisis.

The president has repeated insults and attacks on members of this court, Chief Justice Luiz Fux said from the bench. His Excellency insists on mistaken interpretations of this courts rulings, and on sowing doubt about the health of Brazils electoral process.

The precondition of dialogue between branches of government is mutual respect between institutions and its members, Fux continued. Unfortunately, we have not seen that.

Fux spoke hours after Bolsonaro said Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been playing outside the four edges of the Constitution for a long time. De Moraes on Wednesday night made Bolsonaro a target of the courts investigation into the dissemination of allegedly fake news at the request of the nations electoral court.

Bolsonaro, who polls say is trailing ahead of his 2022 reelection bid, has embarked on a crusade to discredit the nations electronic voting system and authorities who defend it as reliable.

The electoral court has rebuffed his assertions as baseless, saying the system is trustworthy and there are several means of checking results. It also approved opening its own investigation of Bolsonaro, who has failed to present proof of his claim that past votes were wracked with fraud.

This week, Bolsonaro repeatedly insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, who is both a Supreme Court justice and the electoral courts president. Following the chief justices comments, which were televised, Bolsonaro escalated his complaints, charging on a live social media broadcast that Barroso doesnt want clean elections next year and is working to benefit the expected election run by former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who leads in early polling.

We know about (Barrosos) love for Lula. It is his right. But he is using his powers to influence, Bolsonaro said. There is no attack on the Supreme Court here.

Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo, said Fux made it clear in his comments that there is no use talking to the president.

Bolsonaro is applying pressure, so this is a moment of great tension, Melo said. We have to see what happens over the next few days, how the political system reacts. But this moment is very bad.

One prominent conservative pundit and Bolsonaro backer, Rodrigo Constantino, wrote on Twitter that Fux had effectively declared war.

The verbal vitriol comes after more than a year of friction between the top court and the president, who fervently opposed governors and mayors restrictions on activity aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. At one point, he led a group of business leaders on an impromptu march to the Supreme Court to air his grievances face-to-face, and he also attended a demonstration where many were protesting the court.

As his government came under fire for its pandemic response, Bolsonaro has frequently repeated the false claim that the top court prohibited him from adopting measures to limit the virus spread. In fact, the court ruling ensured mayors and governors also had jurisdiction to act.

Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society/Council of Americas, said the chief justices statements on Thursday are definitely an escalation of an institutional crisis that has been building throughout 2021.

Everybody in Brasilia knows where this is headed, Winter added. Bolsonaro is laying the groundwork to question, or perhaps try to reverse, the election result in 2022 at a time when polls show him losing badly.

By MAURICIO SAVARESE

Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A former Western regional official with a nonprofit formed in 2008 to help homeowners during the Great Recession has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison in a bribery case.

U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware II in Las Vegas told Sergio Barajas on Tuesday hell also serve three years of federal supervision following prison, 1,000 hours of community service, and cant do real estate, finance or grant-funded work.

Barajas, 54, of Chino Hills, California, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, a felony.

He avoided trial and prosecutors dropped two other felony counts in an indictment filed in September 2017 against Barajas and six other people.

Court records show attorneys who represented Barajas have withdrawn from his case. Hes due to surrender for prison in January.

Prosecutors said Barajas was a National Community Stabilization Trust official who identified homes for purchase by non-profits using federal Housing and Urban Development funds.

From 2011 to 2014, prosecutors say Barajas reaped more than $380,000 in deals to purchase 825 properties in Nevada, Arizona and California.

Another defendant in the case pleaded guilty in March to the same charge. He was sentenced in June to two years probation. Charges were dismissed against five others.
One of the Alamo City's longtime bars just cleared a big design hurdle for a second location in Hemisfair, and a leader on the redevelopment project says they're not done bringing local concepts into the historic site.

Andres Andujar, CEO of the the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, says the property's revamp is coming along nicely, especially as they move forward with bringing tenants like Bombay Bicycle Club to the Yuanaguana Gardens area.

Hemisfair's redevelopment is overseen by HPARC, a nonprofit formed in 2008 to provide the city council guidance on the project. The plans are ambitious, including a $200 million development led by Zachry Corp.

Andujar says Hemisfair is ready to move forward with the next two phases of the redevelopment, the first of which focuses on the civic park.

HPARC will go before the city council in the coming weeks to approve a general contractor to begin work on the park, which will serve as the central gathering place for Hemisfair and will fit over 10,000 people.

Incoming tenants, like Bombay Bicycle Club, will receive most of those visitors. The bar recently received approval for its design from the Historic and Design Review Commission,and Andujar says the new Bombay location will embody the spirit of its vibrant original location near Brackenridge Park.

Bombay Bicycle Club founder and owner Bill Leighton says plans for expansion were kicked off when HPARC announced it was redeveloping the site of the 1968 World's Fair. Tenants are limited as to what they can do to the exterior because they are settling into historic homes, but Leighton says a lot of the layout and geometry of the original Bombay Bicycle Club will be in the interior. That includes a central parlor lounge and dining area with a focus on a big bar.

"But operationally, we'll try to keep it simple and do the same things that we've been known for  good value and good products," Leighton says.

Bombay's second location also brings a new generation of leadership for the bar with the additions of Paula Sullivan of Carmen de la Calle and Satchie Seidlits, Leighton's daughter.

"It's time that we get some of the new, younger generation and more inclusive group," Leighton says.

Hemisfair already has local names lined up to come into Hemisfair like Jerk Shack and Box Street as well as Lick Honest Ice Creams, which has already opened.

But Andujar says HPARC is in the middle of its selection process to bring another new concept into a property on South Alamo Street.

"We're excited. That should be another great tenant to bring in as we pick our partners," Andujar says.
An Anderson Cooper interview with Bill Gates is making its rounds after the topic of Gates having dinner with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein came up in conversation.

The interview began with Cooper giving Gates the opportunity to speak about his divorce, which was finalized on Monday, from former wife Melinda French  something Gates admitted was a very sad milestone for their relationship.

That partnership coming to an end is a source of great personal sadness, he admitted.

The billionaire shared that he and French will continue to work together on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, giving it a two-year trial period to ensure that they can continue to work together amicably.

Related: Bill Gates and Melinda French officially divorce

Melinda has incredible strengths that she brings that help the foundation be better, Gates told Cooper in conversation.

Bill Gates explains his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying they shared several dinners in which he hoped to raise billions of philanthropy.



When it looked like that wasnt a real thing, that relationship ended it was a huge mistake to spend time with him. pic.twitter.com/ljBMYD94Ei  Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) August 5, 2021

The conversation then shifted to commentary on reports that Gates began having dinners with Jeffrey Epstein in 2011, after Epstein had already been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The reports also claimed that French hired divorce attorneys when Gates and Epstein's relationship was made public around two years ago.

Related: Bill Gates Says Lazy People Make the Best Employees

I had several dinners with [Epstein] hoping that what he said about getting billions of [dollars of] philanthropy for global health through contacts that he had might emerge, and when it looked like that wasnt a real thing, that relationship ended, Gates explained. But it was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there. There were lots of others in that same situation, but I made a mistake.

Cooper also acknowledged reports of Gates creating an uncomfortable work environment at Microsoft and addressed his affair with a former employee.

At this point I need to go forward, Gates said. My work is very important to me; within the family well heal as best we can and learn from whats happened.

Gates net worth was $131.8 billion as of August 5, according to Forbes.

Related: Bill Gates admits to 'ruining' his marriage: report

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Allissa Nicole Isner spent most of her weekends on the trails near the Belton area with her trusty pups, Apollo and Beau, by her side. After an early July hike, Isner noticed a marked difference in Apollo.

It would take several weeks of testing and veterinarian specialists in Austin for Isner to learn her 2-year-old Husky would never see out of his right eye again.

She tells MySA her veterinarian diagnosed Apollo with Leptospirosis, a deadly infectious disease, on July 22.

Leptospirosis or Lepto is caused by a type of bacteria called Leptospira. It causes serious damage to the kidney and liver and may be fatal in severe cases, according to Dr. Danette Schweers, a veterinarian with My Pet's San Antonio on Huebner. It can be treated with aggressive supportive care, IV fluids, and antibiotics. Some symptoms include loss of appetite, increase or decrease in urine and or vomiting.

Isner says she noticed Apollo's eyesight, which was affected by cataracts in utero, worsening before taking him to the veterinarian. She thought it was something else, as he's vaccinated for Lepto. However, like all vaccines, it does not provide 100 percent protection and does not provide immunity against all strains, Schweers says.

Allissa Nicole Isner

Dogs are most at risk if they are active outdoors or in rural areas with wildlife, including skunks, raccoons, deer, wolves, opossums, and rats, Schweers says. The bacteria can be found in the urine of infected animals or stagnant water.

Isner says Apollo frequently hikes with her at local parks, such as Belton Lakeview Park and other places near her home in Harker Heights. She says her veterinarian explained the disease attacked Apollo's cataracts that caused him to go blind in one eye. Isner says the symptoms could have been worse if Apollo wasn't vaccinated.

"I was shocked by it all," she says. "I didn't learn about the disease because Apollo has always been vaccinated. I didn't know that it was possible to get other strains of the disease even with a vaccine. It's a pretty gnarly [bacteria]. I've learned a lot about it since this whole thing happened. We are fortunate that his vision is the only thing that seems to have long-term effects from the [bacteria]. It's been a wild, long ride."

Allissa Nicole Isner

At her office, Schweers says she hasn't seen an uptick in Lepto cases. She adds she can understand how the heavy rainfall might cause more movement in wildlife and the spread of the bacteria. While the vaccine doesn't cover all strains, she says it's important for dogs to get this vaccine, and its accompanying booster every year, especially if they hike or go outdoors.

After going through the ordeal with Apollo, Isner says she now knows to follow several safety precautions to make sure it doesn't happen to Apollo again or her other dogs. She also is urging others to as well.

"I want to help spread the message to prevent any other dog from passing away or becoming blind," Isner says. "If I can help other people not have the same issues, that's all that really matters to me."

Schweers and Isner recommend the following tips for those who hike with their dogs:

Avoid letting your pets drink out of standing water.

Avoid interaction with urban or wildlife.

Bring your own water bottles and travel bowls for your pets.

Don't let them lick their paws as much when outdoors in rural areas.

Clean their feet off when done walking or hiking.

Get them vaccinated.

The Animal Care Shelter does not include the Lepto shot in their vaccinations, according to public information officer Lisa Norwood. She says the shelter has a diverse population of dogs with an unknown vaccine history, and they administer shots on what they commonly see in the community, such as distemper, intestinal parasites, parvo, and rabies.

Norwood adds they aren't testing for Lepto as they aren't discovering dogs with clinical signs of the disease. She says they are finding more cases of distemper, parvo, and ringworms at this time.

However, ACS does recommend meeting with a private veterinarian for those concerned about Lepto. For those looking for a veterinarian, ACS has a search tool to find your closest one. Click here for more info.
From the founder of a famed dating app to the leader of a jewelry empire, these Texas moguls have made Forbes' most recent list of Americas Richest Self-Made Women.

If you've got stock market FOMO, Motley Fool might fix that

The annual list, published August 5, looks at the country's 100 most successful women entrepreneurs and executives. The cutoff to make the list climbed to $225 million, up from $150 million last year.

These Texas women join the ranks of big names like Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, and Rihanna.

Thai Lee  No. 6

Coming in highest among Texas women is Thai Lee, the Austin-based CEO of IT company SHI International. Lee's $4.1 billion fortune earned her the No. 6 spot. Her net worth has increased by $2.6 billion since March 2017.

SHI International accounts for $11.1 billion in sales and has over 20,000 customers that include other big company names like AT&T and Boeing.

Lee was born in Bangkok and grew up in South Korea. She moved to the U.S. for high school and eventually earned her MBA from Harvard. SHI International's beginnings trace back to when Lee and her now ex-husband bought a software reseller for less than $1 million in 1989.

Whitney Wolfe Herd  No. 21

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Bumble

Austin-based Whitney Wolfe Herd, CEO and co-founder of gender norm defying dating app Bumble, had perhaps the biggest leap in net worth among the Texas women in the top 50, coming in at No. 21 with a $1.3 billion empire.

That net worth is up nearly $11 million from February this year when Bumble went public on the stock market. (Its closing share price soared 63 percent on its opening day.) She became the youngest self-made billionaire with Bumble's initial public offering, according to Forbes.

Wolfe Herd founded the dating app in 2014 after leaving Tinder. Bumble, Bumble Biz, Bumble BFF, and its secondary dating app Badoo operate in 150 countries with 2.8 million paid users as of March 2021.

Robyn Jones  No. 21

Robyn Jones, the vice chairmen and co-founder of Fort Worth-based Goosehead Insurance, ties for No. 21 with Whitney Wolfe Herd with $1.3 billion.

Jones is an Alberta, Canada, native that founded a property and casualty insurance agency in 2003 while also raising her six children.

Her husband joined her company in 2004, and the couple took Goosehead public in 2018. The company now owns 46 percent of the $739 million in Goosehead's 2019 written premiums business, which has nearly 1,000 franchises, according to Forbes.

The company is named after her granddaughter, Lucy "Goosehead" Langston.

Kendra Scott  No. 35

Rick Kern/Getty Images for Kendra Scott

Her name really needs no explanation, but for those who don't know Kendra Scott, she is the founder of the Austin-based jewelry brand of the same name.

Scott comes in at No. 35 on the Forbes list with a net worth of $800 million, a fortune that comes from her majority stake in the company that has annual sales of about $360 million, according to Forbes.

She started making jewelry out of her spare bedroom in Austin in 2002, and the company now has over 100 stores and is sold in retailers across the country.

Scott stepped aside as CEO in February 2021, but continues her role as executive chair.

April Anthony  No. 37

Coming in at No. 37 is April Anthony, founder of Dallas-based Encompass Health Home and Hospice, who has a net worth of $760 million.

Anthony founded Encompass in 1998 and then later sold the company for $750 million to publicly traded HealthSouth in April 2021, when she also stepped down. From 1998 to 2021, Anthony built up Encompass by acquiring 17 home health care providers, according to Forbes.

Before Encompass, she bought her first home health company, Liberty Health Services, in 1992 while just 25 years old.

She also started enterprise software provider Homecare Homebase that was bought by Hearst at a valuation of $625 million in 2013.

Other Texans in the top 100:

Coming in at No. 52 is Lisa Su. The Austin-based CEO of semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices has a net worth of $600 million, according to Forbes.

With a $480 million fortune is No. 66 Kathleen Hildreth, who cofounded aviation-maintenance company M1 Support Services in 2003. Hildreth is based in the DFW area.

Rounding out the top 100 is Gwynne Shotwell at No. 69. President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell has a net worth of $460 million, and is based in Jonesboro.
You know the work of the Houston tiger... Now meet the Grand Prairie cobra.

Officials are warning residents of the Dallas suburb about a pet venomous West African Banded Cobra that has gotten loose from its home.

FOX 4's Macy Jenkins reports that the cobra's owner called animal services on Tuesday to report that his cobra had escaped while building an in-home enclosure for the snake. The cobra has been missing since 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

"If we would have just had a lock on the cage There wasn't a lock," the unnamed owner told FOX 4. "And it could have simply been handled."

Grand Prairie Animal Services, the owner and a venomous snake apprehension professional could not locate the snake that night after searching in and around the house.

Grand Prairie police are asking residents to call and report any snakes they see believed to be the missing cobra without approaching or attempting to capture the snake.

Luckily, the snake is unlikely to bother anyone that doesn't bother it and is probably just out chilling in the shade somewhere.

"Dont get overhyped. Its not going to chase you down, anything like that," Randall Kennedy with Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife told FOX 4. "If you step on it, its going to bite you. If you grab it, its going to bite you. Other than that, youre pretty safe."

But if it does get you... the bite is possibly fatal depending on your body type, and there is no antivenom available for the cobra's poison.

This isn't the first time a cobra has gotten loose in Texas. Back in 2015, a cobra bit and killed its owner before getting loose in Lowe's parking lot in Austin. The cobra was found after several days and the owner's death was eventually ruled a suicide.

Avoid running into any snakes if you're headed to Grand Prairie anytime soona good rule for anywhere in Texas, in fact.
On Thursday, the Texas Education Agency issued new guidance for districts on how to handle positive COVID-19 cases in schools.

The TEA, the state agency that oversees primary and secondary education in Texas, reaffirmed Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order that prohibits school systems from mandating masks on campuses.

Schools also don't have to inform parents of a positive COVID-19 case or conduct contact tracing, according to the latest guidelines. If a school does contact tracing, parents can still choose to send a child to school if they are in close contact with an infected student.

While districts can't enforce masks, the TEA states school districts can conduct recurring COVID-19 testing using rapid tests provided by the state. Tests can be done with staff, or with students if their parents have given permission for them to be tested.

After the guidance was released, many Texas Democrats commented on their disappointment via Twitter. Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin (District-47) writes she doesn't have words to express how wrong the guidance is.

Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro tweeted the guidance shows Abbott rhetoric, writing "Schools unable to require masks. Parents left in the dark about COVID infections in their children's schools. His politics are putting the heath of Texas families in dire risk.

Below are more reactions from Texas leaders and Texans:
Good lord, what is happening to the airline industry?

We just wrote about the debacle that is Spirit Airlines this week. Concurrently, American Airlines delayed or canceled 3,100+ flights between Sunday and Tuesday of this week (and those numbers were as of Tuesday morning only). According to the travel site One Mile at a Time, that means that there were moments when over half of the scheduled flights by American were either late or not flying at all.

The culprits here? Start with weather issues at Dallas, where the airline has its largest hub. Add in a surge of travel demand but a lack of employees and spare planes (all due to, yes, fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic) and you have a perfect storm, which includes actual storms. When there are delays, cancelations, etc., airlines often need to find new crews to work flights, since crews will time out (meaning they cant work anymore, because theyve exceeded their maximum hours), writes Ben Schlappig of One Mile at a Time. Well, those crews simply arent available right now.

According to the Dallas Morning News, more than three-quarters of Americans flight cancellations on Tuesday were due to crew availability.

So, what if this happened or happens to you? Schlappig suggests that the airline will probably claim weather as the cause and attempt to avoid any sort of compensation (those long lines at customer service desks at the airports arent going to help you, either). The American Airlines website offers no help whatsoever, as their lead story (from Monday) is American Airlines Takes TikTok to New Heights with Free Inflight Access for Customers. And while tagging American Airlines on Twitter might provide some emotional release, it didnt appear to help anyone who was stuck.

Just go over to the rebooking line, they said. The rebooking line for American Airlines at DFW. Pilot/crew shortage is real. Flights getting cancelled left and right. Delays everywhere. A line of planes just sitting on the tarmac. @AmericanAir @DFWAirport pic.twitter.com/8EedLy4FYq  Political Masquerader (@politicalmask) August 2, 2021

One suggestion offered by Schlappig: Call Americans foreign call centers, where wait times might not last hours. And hope that your credit card offers some sort of travel delay coverage.

If you feel like postponing your upcoming American Airlines flight, the carrier has no change fees for domestic, short-haul international and select long-haul international flying on Premium Cabin, Premium Economy and Main Cabin fares. Basic Economy fares bought on or after April 1, 2021, however, are non-refundable and non-changeable.

For more travel news, tips and inspo, sign up for InsideHook's weekly travel newsletter, The Journey.

The post Why American Airlines Canceled or Delayed Over 3,100 Flights This Week appeared first on InsideHook.
International

Iran welcomes Indias role in ensuring security in Afghanistan

Tehran, Aug 6 | Publish Date: 8/6/2021 11:48:59 AM IST

Iran and India can play a constructive and useful role in ensuring security in the region, especially in Afghanistan, and Tehran welcomes New Delhis role in the war-torn country, newly-elected President Ebrahim Raisi told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Friday. Raisis comments came during his meeting with Jaishankar, a day after the 60-year-old Iranian leader was sworn in as the countrys president.

This was the second meeting between the leaders of the two nations in one month. Jaishankar had met Raisi, then president-elect, on July 7 during a stopover at the Iranian capital on his way to Russia. During Fridays meeting, the Iranian President stressed the importance of close cooperation and coordination between the two countries in developing peace and stability in the region.

Iran and India can play a constructive and useful role in ensuring security in the region, especially Afghanistan and Tehran welcomes New Delhis role in the establishment of security in Afghanistan, Raisi was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the presidents office.

The fate of Afghanistan must be decided by the Afghans themselves, and we believe that if the Americans do not sabotage the situation, this issue will be resolved quickly, Raisi added. Emphasising that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches special importance to establishing extensive relations with India, Raisi said: From today on, we should take new and distinct steps in the development of bilateral, regional and international relations with a new perspective.

He said that the Iranian government will pursue a policy of developing relations with neighbouring countries and the region, especially India. There are various sectors, especially in the economic and commercial fields, as well as new technologies, that we should use to promote the level of our relations, he said.

Emphasising the need for a joint programme to increase the level of Tehran-New Delhi relations, Raisi said: By moving in the direction of a joint cooperation programme, we can take steps to bring about different conditions at the level of relations between the two countries in the interests of the two nations.

Welcoming Raisis speech at the swearing-in ceremony on the Iranian governments will to develop relations with neighbouring countries, Jaishankar said: I will convey your views to the President and Prime Minister of India, and we will try to maximise our cooperation, the Iranian Presidents Office quoted Jaishankar as saying.

Jaishnkar on his Twitter handle said he held a warm meeting with Raisi after he assumed office.

Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi, Jaishankar tweeted.

Raisi, the former judiciary chief who is believed to be close to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was sworn in during a ceremony held at the Majles (Parliament).

Raisi won a landslide victory in Irans presidential election in June.

His commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship was manifest. So too was the convergence in our regional interests, Jaishankar said, adding that he was looking forward to working with his team.

Along with Russia, Iran has been playing a major role in the Afghan peace process that has witnessed a renewed momentum in the wake of the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan.

India has been a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. It has already invested nearly USD 3 billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the war-ravaged country.

India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

It has also been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in the country, including those from the minority communities, for a prosperous and safe future.

Indias ambassador to the UN TS Tirumurti announced that the UN Security Council will meet on Friday under Indian Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in Afghanistan.

The decision to hold the UNSC meeting over Afghanistan came two days after Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Hanif Atmar spoke to his Indian counterpart Jaishankar on the convening of an emergency session of the UNSC on the deteriorating security situation there.

India holds the presidency of the UNSC for August.

The Taliban has been making rapid advances across Afghanistan by resorting to widespread violence since the US began withdrawing its troops from the country on May 1.

The US has already pulled back the majority of its forces and is looking to complete the drawdown by August 31.

Raisi assuming Irans presidency comes at a time of growing challenges for Tehran, whose economy has been crippled by US-led sanctions.

There are also heightened tensions with foreign powers who have blamed Iran for a deadly drone attack on a tanker near Oman last week, which Iran has denied.
I dont care if the headline is arguably inflammatory. Since when does Apple have the right to root about in my files with no warrant or probable cause? Oh, yes, theyll have the obligatory consents to spying buried deep in their software updates.

I hope Apple users vote with their feet. I was already planning to move over to Linux when my current hardware became too memory constrained to use. Apple repudiating its (thin) claims to respect privacy only confirms this decision.

Here is a high level summary of the Apple scheme, courtesy the Financial Times:

Apple intends to install software on American iPhones to scan for child abuse imagery, according to people briefed on its plans, raising alarm among security researchers who warn that it could open the door to surveillance of millions of peoples personal devices. Apple detailed its proposed system  known as neuralMatch  to some US academics earlier this week, according to two security researchers briefed on the virtual meeting. The automated system would proactively alert a team of human reviewers if it believes illegal imagery is detected, who would then contact law enforcement if the material can be verified. The scheme will initially roll out only in the US. Apple confirmed its plans in a blog post, saying the scanning technology is part of a new suite of child protection systems that would evolve and expand over time. The features will be rolled out as part of iOS 15, expected to be released next month. It is an absolutely appalling idea, because it is going to lead to distributed bulk surveillance of . . . our phones and laptops, said Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at the University of Cambridge. Although the system is currently trained to spot child sex abuse, it could be adapted to scan for any other targeted imagery and text, for instance, terror beheadings or anti-government signs at protests, say researchers. Apples precedent could also increase pressure on other tech companies to use similar techniques. This will break the dam  governments will demand it from everyone, said Matthew Green, a security professor at Johns Hopkins University, who is believed to be the first researcher to post a tweet about the issue. Alec Muffett, a security researcher and privacy campaigner who formerly worked at Facebook and Deliveroo, said Apples move was tectonic and a huge and regressive step for individual privacy.

Other technology experts were up in arms:

No matter how well-intentioned, @Apple is rolling out mass surveillance to the entire world with this. Make no mistake: if they can scan for kiddie porn today, they can scan for anything tomorrow. They turned a trillion dollars of devices into iNarcs*without asking.* https://t.co/wIMWijIjJk  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) August 6, 2021

The changes Apple announced today create a backdoor, so that iMessage will no longer provide #E2EE. They also create a dangerous precedent for allowing one account to essentially surveil another, leaving it vulnerable to abuse & scope-creep not only in the US, but around the .  Center for Democracy & Technology (@CenDemTech) August 5, 2021

Porn is always the lead excuse to deploy privacy-crippling technologies. CSAM today, classified material next, and eventually, whatever any power deems "objectionable" tomorrow. This playbook is so tired. Not fooled, @Apple https://t.co/IazmnCCXrB  ean Mlroy  (@SeanMcElroy) August 5, 2021

Oh, and this part from the pink paper is lovely. Apple makes clear it will scan all your photos:

According to people briefed on the plans, every photo uploaded to iCloud in the US will be given a safety voucher saying whether it is suspect or not. Once a certain number of photos are marked as suspect, Apple will enable all the suspect photos to be decrypted and, if apparently illegal, passed on to the relevant authorities.

The claim that Apple will look only at hashes of existing photos is ridiculous, or more accurate, close to useless in practice and therefore clearly not even close to the full story. The people who are in the porn and underage human trafficking business are generating new images all the time. They cant be found by comparison to an existing database. So fresh images will have to be examined for this program to deliver on its policing promises.

This tweet confirms the notion that Apple hasnt come clean about what it is up to:

Porn is always the lead excuse to deploy privacy-crippling technologies. CSAM today, classified material next, and eventually, whatever any power deems "objectionable" tomorrow. This playbook is so tired. Not fooled, @Apple https://t.co/IazmnCCXrB  ean Mlroy  (@SeanMcElroy) August 5, 2021

Given that Apple will have to look at new photos for its spyware to deliver on its promise of finding illegal images, how will Apples software tell the difference between kiddie porn and parents and relatives photos of children in swimsuits at the beach or pool? Or toddlers splashing in a bathtub?

Those of you who put your faith in AI surely remember that facial ID databases have been found to suck at identifying people of color because they were trained on whites. The variables involved in looking at photos of bodies (partial, full, partially to not clothed, from many angles, in many settings) are at least a couple of orders of magnitude more than matching faces, even before you get to trying to discern sexual versus benign intent.1

And if you think the real pros, the ones with large databases of dirty kiddie photos, wont easily be able to circumvent Apples spying, you are smoking something strong. Remember, Apple claims to be relying substantially on hashes of existing photos. All the bad guys need to do is create an analogue gap. Print the images, photograph them with actual film, and then scan the new clean replicas. I am sure the mavens could find less a less time-consuming approach that would also defeat hash-searching.

Twitterati are concerned about abuses. Accusing an ex of pedophile tendencies is a slam dunk winner in custody battles. And this isnt an idle concern. One colleague, who was blowing the whistle on top level financial players who also had spook connections, was most worried about a target planting kiddie porn on his laptop and filing a criminal report. Hed done enough research to conclude that this was a real point of vulnerability and he could do nothing to prevent it. Apple is about to make this easy.

And how long until someone spoofs pictures that generate the same fingerprints as porn in the database, but are not? Either to grief the recipients or law enforcement. This is gonna be an interesting one to follow. Especially coming from privacy hero Apple.  #BLM EricBrophy (@emb3rz) August 5, 2021

Experts also pointed out that it would be easy for Apple to increase the scope of its data hoovering:

All it would take to widen the narrow backdoor that Apple is building is an expansion of the machine learning parameters to look for additional types of content, or a tweak of the configuration flags to scan, not just childrens, but anyones accounts. https://t.co/Ou87E69IXG  Paul Mozur  (@paulmozur) August 6, 2021

Others were put off at the idea that Apple was putting itself in the porn acquisition business to do its new job properly:

Either apple has copious amounts of child porn that they used to train their algorithm, or they're going to just be making shit up to go through your phone.  Kodahn Barbaric (@KodahnB) August 5, 2021

Your humble blogger is arguably less exposed to this new Apple spying than anyone in the US who has opened up and turned on their Apple devices. I do not take photographs except very rarely with film. I do not have a tablet. I dont use any cloud, including iCloud or cloud backup for this website because there is no reason to think any company providing me free or cheap services will do other than treat me as the product. I have only a dumbphone and eagerly look forward to getting a new improved dumbphone soon:

Even so, I find the very premise of this scheme, despite my lack of immediate exposure, to be so offensive than I am hastening my plans to abandon Apple products permanently. Once Apple uses law enforcement as an excuse to root around in your digital files, you are kidding yourself if you think you have anything resembling privacy left.

.@tim_cook @Apple Broad, 1984-style surveillance of the masses is wrong, no matter how good your intentions may be. It is a vile betrayal of Apple's very soul.https://t.co/zAAGptDPZZ  Bryan Jones (@bdkjones) August 5, 2021

I hope Apple customers depart en masse. Apple has asked for it.

___

1 Apples solution is to have real humans review photos flagged by the AI. Um, it was humans at Facebook who decided to remove the Pulitzer Prize winning Vietnam War photo of a naked napalmed girl running towards the photographer as porn? Do you really want Apple employees or worse contractors rooting through photos of your children?
With drones and bananas, China coaxes wayward elephants home ENCA

Squirrels Use Gymnastics to Navigate Treetop Canopies Scientific American

Macaques at Japan reserve get first alpha female in 70-year history Guardian

Observation-based early-warning signals for a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Nature. Abstract only (for [family blog] sake). Press release. Science Alert. See post here.

How the Northern Sea Route will change the worlds major traffic flows Nikkei Asian Review. Mobile-friendly, and takes forever to load. That said, its a very good visualization and worth the wait.

How the Feds digital currency could displace crypto Gillian Tett, FT

Are households indifferent to monetary policy announcements? (PDF) Bank of International Settlements. Yellow card for the Betteridges Law violation.

#COVID19

China?

Myanmar

Vietnam emerges as Southeast Asias next fintech battleground Nikkei Asian Review

Vietnamese manufacturer puts nasal spray, injection vaccine against COVID-19 into final clinical trial Tuoi Tre News

India

Stealth investment: Chinese money finds its way into Indian tech as IPOs boom South China Morning Post

Syraqistan

Ramaphosa shows his hand as cabinet changes consolidate his power Times Live

UK/EU

Lord Bethells new phone Good Law Project

The Caribbean

New Cold War

Biden Administration

Big Brother Is Watching You Watch

Apophenia Edward Snowden, Continuing Ed

LAffaire Joffrey Epstein

Bill Gates calls divorce a sad milestone, friendship with Jeffrey Epstein a huge mistake NBC. So hows that divorce going, Bill? Good try: GATES SAYS HE WAS UNAWARE OF EPSTEIN'S ACTIVITIES BECAUSE HE USED THE BING SEARCH ENGINE  CNBC  Rudy Havenstein, Resist Actual Fascism. (@RudyHavenstein) August 5, 2021 But I dont think it worked. On another note, I assume people like Epstein, Gates, et al. would be whitelisted by Apples scanning software. Or, better, theyd be sold some sort of Platinum Service that avoided scanning, like precheck in airport security queues. After all, under neoliberalism, what is more easily purchased than trust?

Imperial Collapse Watch

After Just 11 Years in Service, USS Independence Is Taking an Early Retirement Popular Mechanics. There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today. Sailor Charged with Starting the Fire Aboard the Bonhomme Richard Maritime Executive. Sold for scrap at $3.66 million. I dont know what the replacement cost is, but youll have to move the decimal point.

Guillotine Watch

Why Covid-19s second pandemic summer is hitting differently MSNBC. The feeling that normality has slipped through our fingers  again  is overwhelming. Youd think MSNBC would have burned a hole in their belly, they gaze at their navels so hard.

Class Warfare

Homesickness for a place you havent left: A conversation with Stephanie Soileau Southerly

Antidote du jour (via):

Bonus antidote (DK):

DK writes: This is my neighbors yard, which appears to now be a fox sanctuary and breeding ground. There were a pair of foxes playing in my backyard, but by the time I got my camera, figured out that I was taking pictures of myself, turned the camera around, the second fox had disappeared.

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. One small quibble with this piece. It does not mention the degree to which the Democratic party has become fixated with the patronage opportunities of controlling the Executive branch, and has been neglecting local and state races. The party hemorrhaged representation under Obama, yet party grandees were remarkably unconcerned. So the Democrats have no one to blame but themselves for a weak bench and squillionaire candidates thinking they can take advantage of that. Mind you, that does not obviate the ways that the Republicans make hay with their minority position, but Team Dem has not played a great game, save for certain favored interest and economic groups.

By Steven Hill, the author of 10 Steps to Repair American Democracy and Fixing Elections: The Failure of Americas Winner Take All Politics and a co-founder and former assistant director of FairVote (though his opinions are his own)

After a strong start with his ambitious Covid relief bill and vaccination rollout, President Joe Bidens momentum has slowed considerably. Like President Barack Obama before him, he has now hit the buzzsaw ofRepublican minority rule.

Much attention has been focused on Senator Joe Manchins stubborn defense of the filibuster, even as Republicans have raced forward with new outrages of voter suppression of racial minorities and thwarted establishing a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 attacks on the US Capitol. But beneath the headlines lurks a deeper, more troubling and harder to fix aspect of US democracy.

Majority rule, the notion that a constituency with more than half the popular support should be able to decide policy  and should not be dominated by a group that has less than half support  is one of the bedrock principles of representative government. Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 22 said a fundamental maxim of democratic government required that the sense of the majority should prevail. Yet the US violates this sacred imperative on a regular basis. The US political system has evolved over the last several decades so that its flawed and antiquated institutions continually frustrate that Hamiltonian standard, fostering a dangerous experiment with minoritarianism.

Those structural defects manifest in several ways that threaten Americas existence as a democratic nation:

* US House of Representatives. In the Peoples House, a number of analyses have shown that, for the Democrats to win a bare majority of seats, they often must win well more than half of the nationwide popular vote in all 435 House district seats. In some election years, such as 2012 and 1996, Democrats won the popular vote but Republicans won House majorities (you have to go back to 1942 to find an election in which a Democratic majority had fewer votes than Republicans). Todays imbalance is due to natural partisan demographics, in which Democratic voters increasingly live in more concentrated urban districts, making it easier to pack them into fewer districts during partisan redistricting. Consequently, most Democrats win their seats with large victory margins and many wasted votes.

Partisan control over redistricting magnifies this effect. After the red wave election of 2010, Republicans took over many state legislatures and drew more than five times as many House districts as Democrats. With the next redistricting fast approaching, the GOP will control the drawing of lines for 2.5 times as many seats as Democrats. For that reason, a number of experts are predicting that Republicans will take back the House in 2022.

Double-magnifying this effect, with 90 percent of legislative districts often heavily lopsided in favor of either Democrats or Republicans, then the only election of real consequence is the primary election that nominates the candidate of the party that dominates that district. And those primaries usually have extremely low voter turnout, often around 20-25%, with the most motivated and hyper-partisan voters showing up. Consequently, a new report from Unite America found that just 10% of eligible voters nationwide cast ballots in those primaries in 2020 that effectively decided 83% of U.S. House races.

* US Senate. The structural bias in the upper chamber is even more severe than in the House. Because every state receives two senators, regardless of population, Wyoming with a half a million people has the same representation as California with 40 million. At our countrys founding, this large state-small state bias was around 12 to 1, now its closer to 80 to 1. Moreover, in the last few decades, the two parties have gradually undergone a dramatic urban-rural sorting that has made most low-population states reliably Republican. Consequently, while the U.S. Senate is currently split 50-50 Senators for each party, the Democratic half won over 41 million more votes than the Republican half and represents 56% of the American people. GOP senators have not represented a majority of the population since 1999, yet Republicans have held a majority of Senate seats for most of the past 20 years, passing or blocking key legislation.

Because of this anti-majoritarian potential James Madison opposed equal Senate representation as an unjustifiable limit on national majorities, proposing his Virginia Plan that granted representation based on population, like in the House. Hamilton was scathing in his condemnation of the Senate, writing It may happen that this majority of States is a small minority of the people of Americathe majority, in order that something may be done, must conform to the views of the minority; and thus the sense of the smaller number will overrule that of the greater, and give a tone to the national proceedings.

Sound familiar? It sounds like todays Senate, which in actual fact is about as representative as the UKs House of Lords. It is overwhelmingly a chamber of elderly white males, with only 24 female senators out of 100 and 11 racial minorities (six Latinos, two Asian-Americans and three African-Americans) in a nation that is 40% people of color.

* The filibuster. Add in archaic Senate procedures like the filibuster and appointment holds, and minority rule goes berserk. With the filibuster, the current Democratic-controlled Senate needs a near super-majority of 60 votes, including 10 votes from Republicans, to even debate any legislation. That means 41 GOP Senators representing a mere 20 percent of the country can stop legislation favored by Senators representing the other 80 percent. The Democrats override of the GOP filibuster to kill the January 6 commission won support from 56 Senators, including six Republicans, but that wasnt enough. This amounts to an extreme minority veto over what lives and dies. As numerous observers have said, The Senate is now the place where good legislation goes to die.

* Presidential elections. With the number of electoral votes awarded in each state partly based on two Senators per state, presidential elections also are tilted towards Republican success. FiveThirtyEight estimates that a Democratic presidential winner must win the national popular vote by a margin of at least 3.5 points in order to win a bare majority of electoral votes. Thats why Republicans have won the presidency twice in the last six elections while losing the popular vote. If 22,000 voters in the states of Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia had changed their minds and voted for Trump over Biden, Trump would have tied Biden in the Electoral College, throwing the election into the House and electing Trump, even though he lost the national popular vote by over 7 million votes.

* US Supreme Court. Because Supreme Court justices are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, that same low-population, conservative bias is also hardwired into the Supreme Court. Its no coincidence that currently the Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority, despite the Democrats winning a majority of voters nationwide for the presidency, the House and the Senate. The Republicans have been hugely successful at appointing conservative judges, with President Trump appointing 226 federal judges, including three Supreme Court justices and as many powerful federal appeals court judges in four years as Barack Obama appointed in eight. Not bad, for a president who lost the popular vote, and for a GOP Senate majority that was elected by a minority of voters.

* State legislatures. This GOP minoritarianism is not just baked into the federal government. Like in the US House, many states legislative elections are skewed by Democratic concentration in cities. In addition, Republicans have played a dominant role in the decennial redistricting process in state after state, due to their success in winning control of state legislatures, which redraw the district lines in most states. Republicans currently control 67 state legislative chambers and the Democrats only 37. In six states where Joe Biden won the statewide vote, the GOP controls both the house and senate in those state legislatures.

In short, minority rule has metastasized like a cancer and is pervasive throughout the US political system. It is like having a foot race in which one political party starts 10 meters ahead of the other. With paralysis in the Congress, rule by executive order increasingly has replaced the role of the legislature. The Imperial Presidency is in danger of transmogrifying into a toxic mutant of post-democracy, in which we will still hold elections but those democratic rituals will be increasingly less effective as a vehicle for resolving the nations challenges. At what point might a critical mass of voters in a handful of battleground states cry out for a strongman who can get things done? In 2024?

Despite appearances of the GOPs shrinking tent, Republicans dont need to expand their support base in order to win back control of the federal government in the next two election cycles, nor to torpedo the Democrats policy agenda today. The GOP has found that mobilizing its loyal base of white voters can be a winning strategy, even if that base constitutes a voting minority. And no one mobilizes that electoral constituency better than Donald Trump.

Beyond representational upheaval, the resulting policy impacts are equally alarming. A recent study from the Brookings Institution found that the 509 counties in the U.S. that voted for Joe Biden generate 71% of U.S. GDP, while the 2,547 counties that voted for Donald Trump  most of them sparsely populated  account for just 29% of the U.S. economy. So while the blue Democratic states are the economic engine of the entire country, the red GOP states hold a veto over public policy.

There are fixes to these democratic threats, but they will be challenging to enact. An ambitious effort is underway to adopt a national popular vote for president, utilizing interstate compacts instead of a constitutional amendment. The Congress also could change the method for electing the House to Ranked Choice Voting in multi-seat districts, instead of the current winner take all single-seat districts, which would ensure a proportional representation in which a majority of votes always wins a majority of seats. That also would give voters more choices and decrease some of the bitter partisanship. New York City just used RCV for the first time to elect its mayor and city council members, with dramatic results that doubled the number of women elected to the 51-seat city council from 14 to 29, with 26 of those women of color.

The Democratic-controlled Senate also could abolish the filibuster and toss it into the ash heap of history, where it belongs; or, to foster bipartisanship, gradually lower the threshold from 60 votes to a final 51 vote majority. The US also could depoliticize the appointment process for Supreme Court justices by using multiple appointing authorities and introducing reasonable term limits of 15 years, like many countries do. Unfortunately, changing the representative structure of the U.S. Senate is going to be devilishly difficult. It would probably be better to reduce its powers, making it more limited like Germanys upper chamber, the Bundesrat.

An anti-democratic minoritarianism has been unleashed, just as Madison and Hamilton had feared it would. The Republicans will never give it up because, as a structural minority party, their power depends on it. Yet minority dominance undermines the governments legitimacy, and pushes the US another step toward a future of post-democracy. Might the American republic go the way of the Roman Republic? I truly fear it might. And quicker than most Americans or our international allies would have thought possible.
I began my journalism career in Nashville in 1990, with my current position with Nashville Post having evolved since October 2000 (when I was with the now-defunct The City Paper, a sister publication of the Post starting in 2008).

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(Natural News) Australia recently deployed law enforcement helicopters to enforce Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mandates. The move is part of the countrys zero COVID strategy, which aims to eliminate coronavirus infections through lockdowns. While the country has received praise for its response to the pandemic with just over 34,000 cases and less than 1,000 fatalities, many Australians denounced the lockdowns.

One Australian man who was outside captured footage of a blue and white helicopter telling people to go home from a loudspeaker. The helicopter circled the man and warned that local police would search for him and fine him for violating lockdown orders. Australias current lockdown rules mandated a fine of almost 700 Australian dollars (US$500) for rule-breakers.

A separate report by the Daily Mail also mentioned law enforcement using helicopters to announce public health measures. Footage uploaded to social media showed officers aboard a helicopter warning people to leave Gordons Bay beach in Sydney. Its announcement said local police had been notified and warned that anyone breaching the public health order will be issued a fine.

Another report by Metro said police also ordered beachgoers at the Coogee and Bondi beaches to go home. Most Australians headed to the beach to soak up some sun despite New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian calling on people to stay home. Nearly 1,000 people were spoken to, ensuring they were complying with the local government areas requirement, a spokesman for the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) said.

Authorities in the country also mandated COVID-19 testing and mask-wearing outdoors, and issued 250 fines for these breaches. Meanwhile, around 300 unarmed members of the Australian Army helped police with door-to-door visits to ensure COVID-positive Australians were self-isolating.

Under the zero COVID order, Sydneys 5 million residents were ordered to stay at home due to 3,000 COVID-19 infections since mid-June 2021. Meanwhile, Australias COVID-19 vaccination program continued despite criticism of its inflexibility. Only 17 percent of Australian adults were fully vaccinated, and borders would remain shut until 80 percent of the Australian population were inoculated. (Related: Sydney extends lockdown as post-vaccine coronavirus outbreak surges.)

Law enforcement moved to prevent another anti-lockdown protest

Australian protesters without masks took to the streets on July 24, the Associated Press reported. Melbourne and Sydney residents fed up with the lockdowns protested against the draconian lockdowns to chants of freedom. Some protesters carried signs calling for the truth and warned against tyrannical government control.

The Sydney protesters first congregated at Victoria Park located in the citys Haymarket suburb. They then marched toward the Sydney Town Hall at the central business district. The protest began moments after NSW Ministry of Health senior official Dr. Jeremy McAnulty declared the area a virus hotspot.

NSWPF deployed mounted officers and riot police over the unauthorized protest activity. It arrested more than 60 protesters after objects were thrown at officers. These included a protester who allegedly launched a bollard at a police officer and some others who punched police horses.

NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said: We live in a democracy and normally I am certainly one who supports peoples rights to protest. [But] at the present time, weve got cases going through the roof and we have people thinking thats OK to get out there and possibly be close to each other at a demonstration.

In a statement, NSWPF said it recognized and supported Australians rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. However, it noted that the protest was a breach of public health orders. The priority for [NSWPF] is always the safety of the wider community, the statement continued. NSWPF later established roadblocks and deployed up to 1,300 officers in Sydney on July 31 to stop another anti-lockdown protest.

Tens of thousands of Melbourne residents also protested the Victoria state governments new restrictions. Some protesters lit flares as they gathered outside the states Parliament House, while others held banners condemning the lockdowns. This is not about a virus, its about total government control of the people, one of the banners read. (Related: Australia announces beginning of New World Order as harsh COVID lockdowns imposed.)

The Victoria Police warned that the protests could prompt an extension of the states current COVID-19 lockdown. Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton shared the police forces sentiments and said that the demonstrations would not free Australians from COVID-19.

MedicalTyranny.com has more stories about the tyrannical COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

DailyMail.co.uk

Metro.co.uk

APNews.com
(Natural News) After claiming for the longest time that only 70 percent of Americans needed to get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) in order to stop the spread, fake television doctor Tony Fauci is now insisting that the true figure is more like 90 percent.

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies the other day, Fauci rewrote the plandemic script once again by claiming that once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants full approval for the Trump Vaccines from Operation Warp Speed, businesses, colleges and other institutions will be free to start mandating the shots as a condition of employment and participation in society.

Fauci says that about 70 percent of adults in America are now vaccinated, but that 20 more percent will need to roll up their sleeves in order to flatten the curve in the coming weeks and months.

Id settle for 70 percent of 80 percent, but Id love to see 90 percent, Fauci stated, suggesting that a 90 percent compliance rate is the best way to keep everyone safe against the alleged infestation of Chinese Germs that just will not relent from occupying mainstream media headlines.

According to Fauci, official FDA approval will be a game-changer in terms of the medical fascists getting away with trying to force the injections on people who do not consent to them.

It is Faucis desire and hope that unwilling Americans will be medically raped with his shots in order to buy and sell. This is Faucis vision for the future of America under his and Pedo Joes rule.

Fauci is a medical fascist who wants you to be genetically raped with his deadly syringes

Keep in mind that the Biden regime used to claim that it supported freedom of choice when it came to Chinese Virus injections. Now, Hunters dad and his handlers are changing their tune and demanding total compliance with the Wuhan Flu shot agenda, or else.

The only way to avoid continued lockdowns, mask mandates and other forms of government tyranny, Fauci says, is for every last American to modify their DNA permanently with experimental gene therapy. Then, and only then, will the world be able to evolve into the new normal.

To get to the 93 million unvaccinated people, we are going to need local mandates, Fauci says.

I think youre going to see more people get vaccinated and youre also going to see enterprises feeling much more confident in local mandates for the vaccines  youre going to see more universitiesplaces of businesses, once they get the cover of the mandate  youll start seeing more vaccines. Because if you get the majority of the people vaccinated, we wouldnt be having this conversation now.

Fauci further griped about the handful of state governors across America who have signed executive orders or helped pass legislation prohibiting employers, businesses and schools from requiring face masks or vaccination as a condition of employment and participation in society.

If it were up to Fauci, every last anti-vaxxer would be lined up like cattle and injected by force  to keep them safe, of course.

How does an injection that provides no immunity create herd immunity? asked one critical thinker at Zero Hedge about Faucis erroneous claims about his Fauci Flu shots.

Have we flattened the curve yet? asked another.

They have a time-sensitive agenda; on this I am sure, speculated another as to the mad rush among certain government figureheads to get everyone mass vaccinated at warp speed. Now, why would they need a much smaller population? Answer that and you are coming close to the truth.

To keep up with the latest news about Faucis plans for America, check out Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Department of Justice and the FBI have a message for local police departments: start charging more white people with hate crimes or invite an investigation.

(Article by Eric Striker republished from National-Justice.com)

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta told an assembly of FBI agents yesterday that they are now tasked with hounding police departments in their district if they do not register any hate crimes.

Gupta and FBI Deputy Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division Jay Greenberg have declared hate crimes by racially motivated violent extremists (a euphemism generally reserved for right-wing white men) to be a national threat priority  a rare designation.

According to Greenberg, the FBI will be increasingly specialized in pursuing hate crimes through increased training in the matter, an aggressive media campaign designed to recruit victims in underrepresented and targeted populations, and putting federal pressure on local law enforcement to charge and report hate crimes when they otherwise wouldnt.

Hate crimes laws are political and racially motivated. Blacks and Jews are heavily overrepresented as supposed victims in the FBIs hate crime database, while whites are charged at higher rates than general crime rates. Blacks are rarely charged with hate crimes when they commit bias crimes against whites. For example, last month a black man who shot five white men in a multi-state shooting spree told police his sole motive was that he hated white people, yet neither local prosecutors or the FBI have charged him with a hate crime.

According to the FBIs 2019 hate crime report, blacks are 49% of victims of racial bias while Jews are 60% of crimes motivated by religious animosity. Most of the blacks in the data were victims of intimidation, an often Constitutionally dubious charge. A large number of reported hate crimes targeting both blacks and Jews are hoaxes, as seen in famous cases like the Jussie Smollett incident and the thousands of bomb threats targeting Jewish community centers that were the work of a Jew in Israel.

Just yesterday, a white man was charged with ethnic intimidation for putting up stickers that say I Love Being White. The FBI wants more police departments to exploit the legal gray area and lack of First Amendment advocacy groups for white dissidents to juke crime statistics and distort the reality of crime. Blacks commit roughly 90% of violent interracial felonies, a statistic the Critical Race Theorists at the FBI find inconvenient.

The mad rush for white racists at the FBI is bound to cause more embarrassments for the increasingly discredited agency. Last year, the theater put on by the FBI over NASCAR driver Bubba Wallaces noose, which turned out to be a hoax, served to reveal the hyper-politicization and lack of seriousness at the Bureau.

Read more at: National-Justice.com and FBICorruption.news.
(Natural News) Emmanuel Macrons big stick approach to enforcing his mandatory Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination program is already threatening some restaurant owners with possible arrest.

Restaurants that refuse to check patrons Chinese Virus injection cards or smartphone apps at the door could face prosecution by the state for failing to keep everyone safe against Chinese Germs.

After rolling out an authoritarian vaccine passport scheme that is already being widely rejected by the French people, Macron is now attempting to enforce his edict using violence if necessary.

Hundreds of thousands of people, some of them police officers, converged on Paris over the weekend to make their voices heard in opposition to Macrons Mark of the Beast initiative. Still, he is attempting to persecute those who reject his medical fascism.

According to the new law, any establishments welcoming the public that fail to check patrons vaccine passes could be imprisoned for up to year, as well as face a possible 45,000 fine.

Similarly, French citizens who refuse to show their health pass upon request could be jailed for up to six months while facing a 10,000 fine.

Come September, France will also be ceasing its non-essential free Fauci Flu testing program to further encourage vaccination. Medical workers, including those who work in retirement homes, who have not been vaccinated by Sept. 15 will be suspended from their jobs for a month, followed by full termination if they still refuse to comply after that month ends.

The French are not accepting Macrons Mark of the Beast agenda

According to the latest figures, about 66 percent of French adults have received one dose of a Trump Vaccine, while 53 percent have received both doses. This means that about half of the French are already well on their way to becoming non-human, genetically modified (GMO) chimeras, thanks to the mRNA reprogramming of their DNA.

This is still not enough for Macron, though, who wants all French people to sacrifice their image of God on the altar of science  and at warp speed, if at all possible. He is giving the remaining holdouts about a month and a half to comply, or else.

Macrons models suggest that upwards of 35,000 new cases of Chinese Germs could emerge daily if the vaccine hesitant continue to refuse injection. This, he says, warrants new coercive measures for maximum inducement in order for France to avoid a deadly fourth wave, along with corresponding lockdowns.

The choice is between another lockdown or the health pass  this is not punishment, nor blackmail, announced Olivier Veran, Frances health minister.

The mainstream media claims that about half of France is on board with Macrons agenda, while the other half still values personal privacy and civil liberty. Roughly three out of four French people supposedly also support mandatory vaccination for health workers and travelers.

Im afraid its going to be complicated, lamented Jean Hubert, a member of the hotel and catering industries association, about the practicalities of implementing Macrons Mark of the Beast plan.

Our role is to welcome people, to give pleasure. This will turn us into gendarmes.

Other business owners feel similarly, warning that if customers have to pay to get tested to have a beer, theyre just not going to come.

A collective of angry business owners is scheduled to meet with the chief of police in Paris to discuss the situation and come up with a solution. Many business owners have indicated that they simply will not comply, no matter what Macron tells them to do.

Marine Le Pen has called the vaccine passport scheme a grave assault on civil liberties, denouncing it as divisive, authoritarian, and a hygienist coup detat.

The latest news stories about Chinese Virus tyranny can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

Archive.is

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Department of Defense is testing artificial intelligence programs that could, if fully developed, see days in advance.

United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) recently conducted a series of experiments with the Pentagon and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). These tests were known as the Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE).

GIDE combined global sensor networks, artificial intelligence systems and cloud computing programs. The goal of the experiments was to achieve information dominance and decision-making superiority in simulated battlefields. (Related: Quantum computer allows you to see multiple futures.)

Artificial intelligence tech analyzes enormous amounts of data to make predictions

General Glen D. VanHerck, Commander of USNORTHCOM and NORAD, recently told reporters that the latest GIDE test was actually the third such experiment. It featured representatives from all 11 combatant commands in the Pentagon.

The Pentagon has not released a lot of specific details regarding GIDE due to security concerns. But it is known that the third test is the most expansive one undertaken yet. It focused on addressing scenarios where contested logistics might pose a problem. One simulation during the test involved what would happen if communications in the Panama Canal area were disrupted and taken over by the enemy.

What weve seen is the ability to get way further  what I call left  left of being reactive to actually being proactive, said VanHerck during a briefing with reporters at the Pentagon. And Im talking not minutes and hours  Im talking days.

The ability to see days in advance creates decision space. Decision space for me as an operational commander to potentially posture forces to create deterrence options to provide that to the [Secretary of Defense] or even the president, said VanHerck. To use messaging, the information space to create deterrence options and messaging and if required to get further ahead and posture ourselves for defeat.

VanHerck emphasized that the artificial intelligence system does not actually involve the use of any new technology. Rather, what the military is developing is simply a new approach to using existing technology to process a lot of information and to make predictions using that information.

The data exists, said VanHerck. What were doing is making that data available and shared into a cloud where machine learning and artificial intelligence look at it. And they process it really quickly and provide it to decision-makers, which I call decision superiority.

If this process is perfected, VanHerck claimed it can result in the country being given days of advanced warning before any potential threat emerges.

Predictive tech can be put to use soon

VanHerck said the artificial intelligence platform could be put into real-world use very soon. He believed the military was ready to field the software in its current battlefields and could validate it by the next GIDE test in the spring of 2022.

VanHerck explained why this kind of rapid information processing system is very necessary for todays modern warfare landscape.

Today, we end up in a reactive environment because were late with the data and information. And so all too often we end up reacting to a competitors move, he explained. And in this case, it actually allows us to create deterrence, which creates stability by having awareness sooner of what [the enemy is] actually doing.

But despite its clear advantages, the predictive artificial intelligence system still has its limitations. It has to look for data that is out of the ordinary. It is unable to say for certain what is happening. Human analysts have to be heavily involved for any of the predictions it makes to make sense.

Still, VanHerck believes the artificial intelligence system could still be worthwhile to pursue, especially if it can predict and prevent an attack.

Learn more about the latest in military technology by reading the latest articles at MilitaryTechnology.news.

Sources include:

TheDrive.com

CNet.com

EnGadget.com
(Natural News) The number of universities in the U.S. requiring their students to get the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine has increased. As of writing, more than 500 educational institutions have implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandates as a condition of academic enrollment. However, federal law has stated that vaccines granted emergency use authorization (EUA) cannot be made mandatory.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) released guidance saying that there are no legal impediments for organizations  including universities  making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory. In an opinion paper published on July 26, the DOJ said federal law does not prohibit public or private entities from imposing vaccination requirement for vaccines that are subject to [EUA].

It also pointed out that the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) option to accept or refuse condition for EUA vaccines is not absolute. According to the department, the FDA had the option to modify the condition as necessary or appropriate to protect the public health.

A report by Childrens Health Defense said more than 580 out of the roughly 5,300 higher educational institutions in the U.S. have mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for children before the fall semester. Mother-of-two Meredith shared her thoughts about the mandatory vaccination, given that her two children are currently in college.

Meredith heard about the obstacles students faced in the process of obtaining medical and religious exemptions. Her younger daughter, who will enter a Catholic university this fall as a freshman, suffered from an autoimmune disorder and other medical conditions.

Despite recently recovering from COVID-19, Merediths older daughter reluctantly got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to avoid exceedingly punitive measures when she returns in the fall. Fortunately, she felt better after three to four days of intense COVID-like symptoms after her inoculation.

Meredith said: Each child has a different set of risk factors, but these shots are one-size-fits-all. In this age group, where the evidence suggests that the greater risk of harm lies with the vaccinations, I see a violation of medical ethics.

Students and parents stand up to vaccine mandates

Fortunately, students and parents stood up to vaccine mandates ordered by universities. Some groups filed lawsuits, while others took to the streets to express their disagreement toward mandatory vaccination.

Back in June 2021, eight students sued Indiana University (IU) over its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. The students June 21 lawsuit accused IU of violating the Fourteenth Amendment and a state law banning vaccine passports. It also alleged that IU requiring vaccines granted EUA violated federal law. The Bopp Law Firm, which filed the June 21 suit, said in a statement: When a drug receives EUA, the FDA requires those taking the drug to be informed of both [its] benefits and the risks  and that taking the drug is optional.

However, U.S. District Judge Damon Leichty ruled in favor of the university and said it can require COVID-19 vaccinations for students and employees. In his July 18 decision, Leichty wrote that the Constitution allowed IU to pursue a reasonable and due process of vaccination in the legitimate interest of public health for its students, faculty and staff. The federal judge added that the eight plaintiffs have the option of applying for medical or religious exemptions to vaccination, taking the fall semester off or attending another school.

On the other hand, students in other universities assembled in protest of tyrannical COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Back in May 2021, hundreds of Rutgers University students and their parents gathered at its New Brunswick campus to speak out against the universitys COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Republican lawmakers also graced the rally organized by Turning Point USA, Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) and medical freedom advocacy group NJ Stands Up. They proposed a number of measures to ban forced inoculations and vaccine discrimination and called on university students to defend their freedom.

Later, Virginia Tech (VT) students sent a petition calling on university officials to end its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination order. Five hundred people signed the online petition organized by YALs chapter in the university. The petition said that any decision to receive a vaccine is a personal and private decision that should be made between students, their families and their doctors. An accompanying protest was also planned on June 28, but has since been postponed.

YAL Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Ryan Jacoby slammed VTs mandate in a statement. The regulations at Virginia Tech are affecting the lives of millions of students across the country. Their rights are being stripped away by an administration with no regard for privacy, Jacoby said. YAL South Regional Director Ian Escalante agreed with Jacobys remarks. This arbitrary order is a blatant violation of the students rights to medical freedom, Escalante said.

MedicalTyranny.com has more articles about COVID-19 vaccine mandates in universities.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

TheEpochTimes.com 1

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

TheDenverChannel.com

APNews.com

TheEpochTimes.com 2

TheCenterSquare.com
(Natural News) The Philippines is reimposing strict lockdowns, which is expected to affect 13 million people, beginning August 6 until August 20. The lockdown, which includes the capital city of Manila and nearby cities, aims to prevent a possible surge of COVID-19 cases fueled by the delta variant that could overwhelm hospitals in the nation.

Harry Roque, the government spokesperson, announced the reinstatement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in a televised address on July 30. He said that the decision to go back into lockdown was painful but that it had to be done to limit the more transmissible nature of the delta variant.

This is a painful decision because we know ECQ is difficult, but we need to do this to avoid a shortage of our ICU beds and other hospital requirements, if cases balloon because of the Delta variant, Roque said. In the end, what everyone put in mind was we needed to come up with this difficult situation so that more lives would be saved.

Local transmission of the variant was confirmed last July 22, and on the 29th, 97 more cases were reported, bringing the total to 216. (Related: New, more transmissible coronavirus variant from the Philippines detected in the UK.)

Philippines schedules restrictions in Metro Manila

The OCTA research group urged the government to place Metro Manila in lockdown to curb the virus infections in the countrys capital. Dr. Guido David, an OCTA research fellow, said, We recommended a stricter quarantine because if we can beat this, we should be okay.

My feeling is we should be ok until the end of the year and until next year because we will have more people vaccinated and we will have booster shots available in case some people are worried that the virus may come back, he added.

The schedule of the new restrictions began with a general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened additional restrictions from July 30 to August 5 and an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

The stricter GCQ period prohibits restaurant dining, although take-out and deliveries are allowed. Personal care establishments and outdoor tourism attractions can operate at 30 percent capacity, and only authorized persons can travel outside Metro Manila.

For ECQ, this means that only essential establishments and industries will be allowed to operate, such as hospitals, groceries, couriers and delivery services, manufacturing firms and business process outsourcing.

Other establishments such as banks, telecommunications, dental and other medical clinics, water and sanitation services and legal services can operate with a skeletal workforce. Public transportation will be suspended or limited.

Lockdowns impede freedom in democratic nations

The lockdowns impede on the freedom of individuals, especially in democratic countries like the Philippines. Since the outbreak began, conditions for democracy and human rights have grown worse in many countries, and reports point to cases where governments used COVID-19 as a pretext to marginalize minority groups, shut down the opposition, and control information.

This is certainly the case when Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a TV network shutdown during the pandemic in May 2020, sparking uproar. Police were among the most visible front liners during a health crisis, enforcing curfew and social distancing policies. Protesters and critics, despite practicing social distancing, were dispersed and arrested with the police wearing full battle gear. Cases of police brutality surfaced. Violators were locked in dog cages while others were made to sit under the sun.

These developments illustrate the reach of authoritarian practice during Dutertes reign, curtailing freedom of the people and the possibility for government accountability in what is supposed to be a democratic society during the biggest health crisis in recent times.

Get more updates about COVID-19 situations around the globe at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

News.Yahoo.com

Rappler.com 1

Rappler.com 2

News.ABS-CBN.com

Brookings.edu
(Natural News) Imagine it: a national classification system that not only categorizes you according to your health status but also allows the government to sort you in a hundred other ways: by gender, orientation, wealth, medical condition, religious beliefs, political viewpoint, legal status, etc.

(Article by John W. Whitehead and Nisha Whitehead republished from Rutherford.org)

This is the slippery slope upon which we are embarking, one that begins with vaccine passports and ends with a national system of segregation.

It has already begun.

With every passing day, more and more private businesses and government agencies on both the state and federal level are requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order for individuals to work, travel, shop, attend school, and generally participate in the life of the country.

No matter what ones views may be regarding the governments handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an unnerving proposition for a country that claims to prize the rights of the individual and whose Bill of Rights was written in such a way as to favor the rights of the minority.

By allowing government agents to establish a litmus test for individuals to be able to engage in commerce, movement and any other right that corresponds to life in a supposedly free society, it lays the groundwork for a show me your papers society in which you are required to identify yourself at any time to any government worker who demands it for any reason.

Such tactics can quickly escalate into a power-grab that empowers government agents to force anyone and everyone to prove they are in compliance with every statute and regulation on the books. Mind you, there are thousands of statutes and regulations on the books. Indeed, in this era of overcriminalization, it is estimated that the average American unknowingly breaks at least three laws a day.

This is also how the right to move about freely has been undermined, overtaken and rewritten into a privilege granted by the government to those citizens who are prepared to toe the line.

It used to be that we the people had the right to come and go as we please without the fear of being stopped, questioned by police or forced to identify ourselves. In other words, unless police had a reasonable suspicion that a person was guilty of wrongdoing, they had no legal authority to stop the person and require identification.

Unfortunately, in this age of COVID-19, that unrestricted right to move about freely is being pitted against the governments power to lock down communities at a moments notice. And in this tug-of-war between individual freedoms and government power, we the people have been on the losing end of the deal.

Now vaccine passports, vaccine admission requirements, and travel restrictions may seem like small, necessary steps in winning the war against the COVID-19 virus, but thats just so much propaganda. Theyre only necessary to the police state in its efforts to further brainwash the populace into believing that the government legitimately has the power to enforce such blatant acts of authoritarianism.

This is how you imprison a populace and lock down a nation.

It makes no difference if such police state tactics are carried out in the name of national security or protecting Americas borders or making America healthy again: the philosophy remains the same, and it is a mindset that is not friendly to freedom.

You cant have it both ways.

You cant live in a constitutional republic if you allow the government to act like a police state.

You cant claim to value freedom if you allow the government to operate like a dictatorship.

You cant expect to have your rights respected if you allow the government to treat whomever it pleases with disrespect and an utter disregard for the rule of law.

If youre tempted to justify these draconian measures for whatever reasonfor the sake of health concerns, the economy, or national securitybeware: theres always a boomerang effect.

Whatever dangerous practices you allow the government to carry out now, rest assured, these same practices can and will be used against you when the government decides to set its sights on you.

The war on drugs turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with SWAT teams and militarized police. The war on terror turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with warrantless surveillance and indefinite detention for those who dare to disagree.

The war on immigration turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with roving government agents demanding papers, please.

This war on COVID-19 is turning out to be yet another war on the American people, waged with all of the surveillance weaponry and tracking mechanisms at the governments disposal. You see, when you talk about empowering government agents to screen the populace in order to control and prevent spread of this virus, what youre really talking about is creating a society in which ID cards, round ups, checkpoints and detention centers become routine weapons used by the government to control and suppress the populace, no matter the threat.

No one is safe.

No one is immune.

And as I illustrate in my new novel, The Erik Blair Diaries, no one gets spared the anguish, fear and heartache of living in a police state.

Thats the message being broadcast 24/7 with every new piece of government propaganda, every new law that criminalizes otherwise lawful activity, every new policeman on the beat, every new surveillance camera casting a watchful eye, every sensationalist news story that titillates and distracts, every new prison or detention center built to house troublemakers and other undesirables, every new court ruling that gives government agents a green light to strip and steal and rape and ravage the citizenry, every school that opts to indoctrinate rather than educate, and every new justification for why Americans should comply with the governments attempts to trample the Constitution underfoot.

Yes, COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on the nation emotionally, physically, and economically, but there are still greater dangers on the horizon.

As long as we the people continue to allow the government to trample our rights in the so-called name of national security, things will get worse, not better.

Its already worse.

Weve been having this same debate about the perils of government overreach for the past 50-plus years, and still we dont seem to learn, or if we learn, we learn too late.

Curiously enough, these COVID-19 mandates, restrictions and vaccine card requirements dovetail conveniently with a national timeline for states to comply with the Real ID Act, which imposes federal standards on identity documents such as state drivers licenses, a prelude to a national identification system.

Talk about a perfect storm for bringing about a national ID card, the ultimate human tracking device.

In the absence of a national ID card, which would make the police states task of monitoring, tracking and singling out individual suspects far simpler, we the people are already being tracked in a myriad of ways: through our state drivers licenses, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, purchases and electronic transactions; biometrics; by way of our correspondence and communication devices (email, phone calls and mobile phones); through chips implanted in our vehicles, identification documents, even our clothing.

Add to this the fact that businesses, schools and other facilities are relying more and more on fingerprints and facial recognition to identify us. All the while, data companies such as Acxiom are capturing vast caches of personal information to help airports, retailers, police and other government authorities instantly determine whether someone is the person he or she claims to be.

This informational glutused to great advantage by both the government and corporate sectorshas converged into a mandate for an internal passport, a.k.a., a national ID card that would store information as basic as a persons name, birth date and place of birth, as well as private information, including a Social Security number, fingerprint, retinal scan and personal, criminal and financial records.

A federalized, computerized, cross-referenced, databased system of identification policed by government agents would be the final nail in the coffin for privacy (not to mention a logistical security nightmare that would leave Americans even more vulnerable to every hacker in the cybersphere).

Americans have always resisted adopting a national ID card for good reason: National ID card systems have been used before, by other oppressive governments, in the name of national security, invariably with horrifying results. After all, such a system gives the government and its agents the ultimate power to target, track and terrorize the populace according to the governments own nefarious purposes.

For instance, in Germany, the Nazis required all Jews to carry special stamped ID cards for travel within the country. A prelude to the yellow Star of David badges, these stamped cards were instrumental in identifying Jews for deportation to death camps in Poland.

Author Raul Hilberg summarizes the impact that such a system had on the Jews:

The whole identification system, with its personal documents, specially assigned names, and conspicuous tagging in public, was a powerful weapon in the hands of the police. First, the system was an auxiliary device that facilitated the enforcement of residence and movement restrictions. Second, it was an independent control measure in that it enabled the police to pick up any Jew, anywhere, anytime. Third, and perhaps most important, identification had a paralyzing effect on its victims.

In South Africa during apartheid, pass books were used to regulate the movement of black citizens and segregate the population. The Pass Laws Act of 1952 stipulated where, when and for how long a black African could remain in certain areas. Any government employee could strike out entries, which cancelled the permission to remain in an area. A pass book that did not have a valid entry resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of the bearer.

Identity cards played a crucial role in the genocide of the Tutsis in the central African country of Rwanda. The assault, carried out by extremist Hutu militia groups, lasted around 100 days and resulted in close to a million deaths. While the ID cards were not a precondition to the genocide, they were a facilitating factor. Once the genocide began, the production of an identity card with the designation Tutsi spelled a death sentence at any roadblock.

Identity cards have also helped oppressive regimes carry out eliminationist policies such as mass expulsion, forced relocation and group denationalization. Through the use of identity cards, Ethiopian authorities were able to identify people with Eritrean affiliation during the mass expulsion of 1998. The Vietnamese government was able to locate ethnic Chinese more easily during their 1978-79 expulsion. The USSR used identity cards to force the relocation of ethnic Koreans (1937), Volga Germans (1941), Kamyks and Karachai (1943), Crimean Tartars, Meshkhetian Turks, Chechens, Ingush and Balkars (1944) and ethnic Greeks (1949). And ethnic Vietnamese were identified for group denationalization through identity cards in Cambodia in 1993, as were the Kurds in Syria in 1962.

And in the United States, post-9/11, more than 750 Muslim men were rounded up on the basis of their religion and ethnicity and detained for up to eight months. Their experiences echo those of 120,000 Japanese-Americans who were similarly detained 75 years ago following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Despite a belated apology and monetary issuance by the U.S. government, the U.S. Supreme Court has yet to declare such a practice illegal. Moreover, laws such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) empower the government to arrest and detain indefinitely anyone they suspect of being an enemy of the state.

So you see, you may be innocent of wrongdoing now, but when the standard for innocence is set by the government, no one is safe.

Everyone is a suspect.

And anyone can be a criminal when its the government determining what is a crime.

Its no longer a matter of if, but when.

Remember, the police state does not discriminate.

At some point, it will not matter whether your skin is black or yellow or brown or white. It will not matter whether youre an immigrant or a citizen. It will not matter whether youre rich or poor. It wont even matter whether youve been properly medicated, vaccinated or indoctrinated.

Government jails will hold you just as easily whether youve obeyed every law or broken a dozen. Government bullets will kill you just as easily whether youre complying with a police officers order or questioning his tactics. And whether or not youve done anything wrong, government agents will treat you like a suspect simply because they have been trained to view and treat everyone like potential criminals.

Eventually, as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People, when the police state has turned that final screw and slammed that final door, all that will matter is whether some government agent chooses to single you out for special treatment.

Read more at: Rutherford.org and Biggovernment.news.
(Natural News) Every day it becomes more and more obvious that Western civilization is at an end because too few of us are willing to stand up against a true minority of forces who are destroying our culture one lunatic decision at a time.

Weve now been ordered to accept predatory men dressed as drag queens reading to our children. Weve been told that a person can identify as whatever sex they prefer  and we must accept that as truth and fact even though we know that person is not of that biological sex.

And now, were being told by a once-respected medical organization that we shouldnt be putting a newborn babys sex on their birth certificate in the off-chance that later in life as they grow, theyll decide that theyre not really the sex they were born  again, biological evidence and DNA be damned.

Sex should be removed as a legal designation on the public part of birth certificates, the American Medical Association (AMA) said Monday, WebMd tweeted last week with a link to the article.

The medical site adds:

Sex should be removed as a legal designation on the public part of birth certificates, the American Medical Association (AMA) said Monday.

Requiring it can lead to discrimination and unnecessary burden on individuals whose current gender identity does not align with their designation at birth, namely when they register for school or sports, adopt, get married, or request personal records.

Oh, but the AMA does say that the newborns biological sex should still be reported to official sources but only for statistical purposes.

Whats worse is that this lunacy is already well established in our society, meaning theres no going back. At present, 48 of 50 states (Tennessee and Ohio being the exceptions) allow people to change their sex designation on their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. But 10 states actually allow parents to put an X as the biological choice of their newborn, regardless of the type of plumbing they were born with.

Talk about starting life with a disadvantage; having morons as parents is a massive disadvantage. At one time, this kind of behavior would have been called out for what it is: Psychosis.

Assigning sex using binary variables in the public portion of the birth certificate fails to recognize the medical spectrum of gender identity, noted Willie Underwood III, MD, author of the report.

We unfortunately still live in a world where it is unsafe in many cases for ones gender to vary from the sex assigned at birth, added Jeremy Toler, MD.

Robert Jackson, MD, was a voice of reason, but a cautious one, which just goes to show you the cultural minefield the left has built around physiological absolutes we have known since the beginning of life on our planet.

We as physicians need to report things accurately, he said. All through medical school, residency, and specialty training we were supposed to delegate all of the physical findings of the patient were taking care of. I think when the child is born, they do have physical characteristics either male or female and I think that probably should be on the public record. Thats just my personal opinion.

Mark the date because you read it here first: Our culture, our society, our nation will not survive this kind of idiocy. If gender biology isnt absolute, then nothing is.

Sources include:

WebMD.com

IdentityPolitics.com
(Natural News) The Biden regime has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) eviction moratorium, which was recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, will be extended through October regardless of what the law says.

To keep the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic ruse going for as long as possible, Hunters dad, bowing to pressure from progressive Democrats, decided to allow non-paying renters to continue squatting rental properties without paying, putting property owners in a bind.

The extension will only apply to targeted areas where the CDC, a private corporation, has decided have substantial or high levels of Chinese Virus transmission. According to reports, such areas are expected to cover more than 80 percent of all U.S. counties.

The move will supposedly allow states and localities more time to distribute the roughly $47 billion in rental assistance that was disbursed by the federal government to help tenants who were harmed by the pandemic and thus require rental assistance.

As of June 30, only about $3 billion of this fund has been distributed, which Pedo Joe says is a good enough reason as any to extend the eviction moratorium, regardless of what the Supreme Court has to say about it.

I asked the CDC to go back and consider other options, Biden announced just prior to an announcement from the CDC. When asked if his decision would pass constitutional muster, China Joe responded by stating, I dont know.

Even if the move is illegal, Beijing Biden says it will allow more time for states and municipalities to distribute the money, even if the decision gets tied up in another legal fight.

CDC says it might extend eviction moratorium beyond October if deemed necessary

While the extension is set to expire on Oct. 3, the CDC has indicated that this is subject to further extension, modification, or rescission based on public health circumstances.

This suggests that it could theoretically go on forever, allowing non-paying renters the opportunity to indefinitely squat other peoples properties without paying rent until the end of time.

As unlikely as this is, the wiggle-room that the CDC and the Biden regime have put in place ultimately makes them the final arbiters of whatever happens next, granting them unlimited authority to do as they please.

Beijing Biden tried to pressure Congress into extending the eviction moratorium legislatively. When that failed, he took matters into his own hands and is now dictating from the White House that non-paying renters are free to stay put for as long as they would like.

Donald Trump put the moratorium in place last fall via an executive order, which on the surface was designed to protect tenants from being evicted and landlords from incurring financial hardship due to the plandemic. The Supreme Court later struck it down, only to have Biden resurrect it with the help of the CDC.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is livid about the decision, tweeting that Biden admits the extension is unconstitutional but is still moving forward with it like a dictator.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), on the other hand, is excited about the extension, crediting first-term Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) with getting it done by staging a protest outside the Capitol.

You are great! Schumer stated to Bush, congratulating her for her activism. You did this! One person did this!

Bush, speaking to the media, also congratulated herself by saying this is why this happened, referring to her own activism.

Being unapologetic. Being unafraid, she further stated, crediting herself for defying the Supreme Court decision.

The latest news about Chinese Virus tyranny can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

Archive.fo

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The latest data out of Israel completely annihilates the government narrative that Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines are safe and effective.

Updated daily, the figures show that hospitalizations for the Chinese Virus are up tenfold  not among the unvaccinated, mind you, but among people who obeyed the medical fascists and got the jab.

Serious new cases of the Fauci Flu have been skyrocketing ever since the beginning of July, which was right around the time when peak injection was achieved in the Holy Land.

Israel has broken out the data in various ways at various times, but throughout July most new patients were vaccinated, says independent journalist Alex Berenson.

To try to make it appear as though the non-jabbed are the ones getting sick, the Israeli government is deliberately comparing rates of serious illness among the elderly, most of whom got the jab.

This intentional skewing of the data creates the illusion, at least to the untrained eye, that unvaccinated people are getting sick from the delta variant while vaccinated people are protected. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Israel did an excellent job convincing people over 60 to be vaccinated, Berenson explains. Only about 1 person in 15 in that age range didnt receive at least one dose. Fewer than 1 in 10 is not fully vaccinated.

Why should you care? Because the tiny fraction of older people who are unvaccinated in Israel at this point are [is] almost certainly materially different than the vast majority who are. As far as I know, the Israel government hasnt broken out the differences.

JUST SAY NO to experimental drugs from the government

A lot of this stuff goes over most peoples heads, but suffice it to say that the Israeli government purposely selected a demographic that it knew was already mostly vaccinated, as well as prone to illness due to age, in order to push its pro-vaccine agenda.

Only a tiny fraction of senior citizens in Israel are unvaccinated, and the reason is that most of them are too sick to tolerate the vaccine  meaning they have pre-existing conditions that preclude their participation in the public health endeavor.

When these same non-injected people get sick and have to be hospitalized, the Israeli government uses them as a statistic to suggest that unvaccinated people are getting sick and dying.

 if they are too sick to tolerate the vaccine, they are obviously at much higher risk from Covid than the vaccinated, Berenson explains.

In other words, ability (and propensity) to be vaccinated is likely a marker for overall health. Researchers know this is true of the influenza vaccine  once they adjust for the fact that older people who get the vaccine are healthier to start than those who dont, the advantage the vaccine seems to offer mostly disappears.

A much more accurate approach would be to examine the trend of serious illness among older vaccinated people, which Berenson describes as terrible. This, of course, is why the Israeli government, which is all-in on Trump Vaccines, refuses to do it.

The rate of cases has risen 12-fold IN A MONTH, Berenson notes. On July 4th, fewer than 1 older vaccinated person in 100,000 became seriously ill. Today the rate is 10 in 100,000.

The Israeli government is now predicting a quadrupling of new, serious cases of the Wuhan Flu by the end of August  this is on top of the meteoric rise in new cases that resulted from Israels mass vaccination campaign.

 around 85 percent of adults over 30 (in Israel) are fully vaccinated, Berenson points out about the scam. Thats well above the range experts said would provide herd immunity.

The latest news about Chinese Virus injections can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

AlexBerenson.substack.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Medscape has launched a new portal where doctors can share their own personal stories about vaccine adverse events. And already there are well over 1,000 entries, many of which contain horror stories about how chemical injections are destroying peoples lives.

One doctor expressed concerns about how low-risk, healthy adults are being pressured by the government and the media to get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). Children and even babies are also now being pressured as well.

Another linked to the Health Resources & Services Administration website, which contains information for people who have suffered vaccine injuries to apply for compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program.

Entry after entry tells of how vaccines of all kinds, including the ones launched by Donald Trump under Operation Warp Speed, are damaging peoples bodies and in some cases killing them.

The medical establishment would rather us all believe that such incidents are rare, but the truth is that they are much more common than people think. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) only captures maybe one percent of all injuries and deaths caused by vaccines, which means the figures are much, much higher than what the government is reporting.

I have a hunch that every time we give the COVID vaccine we delay natural herd immunity by another 6 months, another physician wrote. I would rather contract the virus and have natural immunity.

The Cleveland Clinic has come out with a case study indicating that titers over 200 lend adequate natural immunity. This begs the question: why do we do free testing and free vaccines but not free titers? Why is that?

This same person went on to explain that if she was in charge as opposed to medical quacks like Tony Fauci, she would be putting everyone on a vitamin D supplement and telling them to drink a gallon of water every day and go outside for 15 minutes in the natural sunlight.

I would start a titer draw campaign and focus on those numbers, she added.

Hospitals are being overrun with vaccinated patients suffering cardiac events

This preventative approach is something that the American government, and really most governments, never endorse or promote. The Thai government did recently grant approval for the use of the green chiretta herb in treating the Chinese Virus, but this is certainly atypical.

The Western paradigm of medicine would rather just inject everyone with experimental mystery chemicals and keep them masked forever while pushing junk food and junk living. This, naturally, is why much of the West is now a wasteland of obesity, disease and death.

I have seen high levels of fibrinogen in vaccinated patients awaiting surgical scheduling, revealed another doctor, specifying that almost everyone has fibrinogen levels exceeding 900 mg/dl.

A massage practitioner explained that her vaccinated patients are seeing success reversing their vaccine damage by taking proteolytic enzymes. One patient claims to have peed out the spike protein upon taking proteolytic enzymes as her urine was extremely dark for 3-4 days after / while experiencing flu-like / detoxification symptoms.

A hospital worker posted that she is seeing at least triple the emergency codes we had even a year ago. It is not covid cases that the hospital is seeing, though, but rather stroke and cardiac events that appear to be linked to the spike proteins contained in the Chinese Virus injections.

There have been several anomalies where patients have no thrombotic history and present with significant clot burden and at times are also significantly anemic, this person added.

To learn more about how Wuhan Flu shots are injuring and killing people, visit ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Medscape.com

HRSA.gov

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) An elderly couple in Australia is claiming they are being treated like criminals after they were fined thousands of dollars and forced to drive nearly 300 miles to get checked in at a city quarantine hotel.

Robyn Anderson, 67, and her husband Robert Legg, 60, wanted to start their lives anew in Roma, a rural town in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland. They moved there from Melton, a suburb of Melbourne in the southeastern state of Victoria.

The couple claims they were given the green light to relocate. They filled out every required form, including the entry forms to enter the state of Queensland. They arrived in the state just one day before Queensland declared that Victoria was a COVID-19 hotspot. If they arrived in the state after this announcement, they would have been turned away. But because they made it to their new home in time, they were allowed to stay, provided they do a 14-day quarantine in their new home. (Related: Australian man escapes forced quarantine in hotel using rope made from bedsheets.)

Couple go through horrifying ordeal to be quarantined

Four days into their quarantine, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) informed Anderson and Legg that they had breached a health order. The couple supposedly filled out one of their entry forms incorrectly. The QPS officers ordered the couple to get tested for COVID-19 at Roma Hospital and then drive 470 kilometers (292 miles) east to a quarantine hotel in Chermside, a suburb of the state capital of Brisbane. They were to turn themselves in to authorities at this hotel and spend two weeks quarantining.

The couple was fined A$4,003 ($2,959) each for allegedly breaching state entry requirements by filling out the entry forms incorrectly.

If I filled the card out incorrectly, show me where Ive made the mistake, dont treat me like a criminal, said Anderson to the police officers. Ive got nothing to hide.

After their COVID-19 test, the couple was escorted from town despite pleading with QPS officers that their car would not make it all the way to Brisbane. Their car broke down near the city of Toowoomba, 351 kilometers (218 miles) from Roma. QPS officers denied them motor support and ordered them to take a taxi to Chermside.

Anderson and Legg were stuck on the side of the road for more than three hours after the couple initially called for help. They were only provided with a tow truck for their car and a taxi to pick them up after the intervention of an Australian news outlet. After arriving at the quarantine hotel in Chermside, the couple was told by Queensland Health that they had tested negative for COVID-19 and the order to quarantine them has been revoked.

But when the couple tried to leave the hotel, they were stopped by QPS officers and ordered back into the hotel, where they currently remain as of press time.

We believe we did everything right but we got slapped with $4,000 fines for breaching border orders, said Anderson. Were now stuck in hotel quarantine and our car is in a holding yard somewhere.

Anderson said the ordeal has greatly affected their mental health. Now, their thoughts are about how this entire experience will affect them financially. All our savings are gone and weve got rent due on both the Roma and Victorian houses, she said.

With the two fines, hotel quarantine costs, car towing and holding costs, Anderson and Legg are expected to spend over A$14,000 ($10,354) out of pocket.

Its like youre a criminal and youre locked up somewhere, and you cant get out, said Anderson. I just dont know why they want to treat people the way they are at the moment.

Queensland authorities defend draconian protocol

QPS Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said he was satisfied that the police acted appropriately in Anderson and Leggs case.

The investigations of the police disclosed that they had initially denied coming out of a hotspot but had, in fact, come out of the hotspot, which was a breach, he said.

They have been issued with a penalty infringement notice for that and the evidence exists that thats what was required.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr. Jeannette Young said she was very comfortable with the process Anderson and Legg went through.

We dont need test results, said Young, admitting that COVID-19 tests are unreliable. Test results are too late  please, no one out there relies on test results.

Its our job to get test results. Until anyone gets a test result, they need to isolate themselves, she added. They can do that in a car, on a drive, of course they can, if thats what theyve been directed to do.

Learn more about the state of the lockdown in Australia and other countries around the world by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

9News.com.au 1

AU.News.Yahoo.com

9News.com.au 2
(Natural News) Around the world, rogue governments are now declaring their own citizens to be hostages under medical tyranny, promising that freedom will be restored if they meet vaccine quotas that require mass injections with experimental gene therapy drugs. (Theyre not merely vaccines.)

In other words, you now have to earn your freedom from government tyranny, but the government sets the rules, and those rules are, of course, ever-changing.

As reported by the NY Post, Six million COVID vaccine shots needed to end Sydney lockdown. The NSW government is declaring that no one will be free until millions more submit to the deadly, risky injections. This is outright criminal medical tyranny, right in the open, and its the kind of tactic that might be used by professional kidnappers who demand a ransom payment to release a few prisoners.

If you comply, theyll continue to demand more and more ransom payments, holding innocent people hostage in order to maximize their gain.

Now, governments of the world are acting exactly like kidnappers, and they are holding their own people hostage, demanding ever-increasing levels of power and authoritarian control over society, ordering everyone to comply or be arrested (or worse).

We have come to the point of history where governments now behave like criminal cartels, with complete disregard for human rights, the rule of law or constitutional limitations of government power. By screaming, variants! they demand absolute authority and control over not just your life but even your physical body. In America, the CDC is even now asserting that it owns your private property and can dictate your private rental contracts.

Full-blown global government tyranny is here NOW, not merely coming soon. We are here. There is no longer any question where this heads, and its rather obvious to anyone paying attention: Mass global genocide and the culling of humanity by complicit governments.

Theyve declared war on humanity. Anyone pretending this somehow goes back to normal  and that governments will voluntarily strip themselves of all this power in the near future  is living in a delusional fairy tale that will probably get them killed.

Learn more in todays powerful Situation Update podcast via Brighteon.com:

Brighteon.com/49eca622-bc73-4556-bb91-01e82a8787c9

See powerful interview and more podcasts at:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
(Natural News) Russia and China are increasing their strategic and military ties as they watch the hapless, weak and mind-addled Joe Biden falter as president of what once was the most powerful and free nation on earth.

The two countries and one-time rivals are holding more military exercises, sharing more advanced technology (especially what they steal from America), perfecting new weapons systems, and hardening their troops.

Meanwhile, just the opposite is happening in the U.S. armed forces.

Thanks to a woke defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, and top commanders, Americas forces are losing their fighting edge and combat hardness to politically correct recruiting that includes persons with mental health issues who have been raised as left-wing political activists.

Now, Pentagon masters are going full-throttle to injure as many young troops as possible with a still-experimental COVID-19 vaccine.

CNN reported:

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to seek authorization to make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for all active duty troops as soon as this week, following President Joe Bidens directive that the military examine how and when it could make that happen.

Austins inclination is towards making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for active duty troops, a defense official told CNN.

If the Secretary makes that final recommendation, he could seek a presidential waiver to allow the vaccine to be administered to troops before full approval by the Food and Drug Administration, the network added.

Of course Austin is going to make that final decision. Thats been the plan all along: The Biden leftists, Marxists, and Communist sympathizers were always about destroying America from within, as theyve been doing now for decades. The once-patriotic military was the last institution these Marxists had to conquer. And thats coming.

In late July, the mind-addled Biden played his role and told reporters that he had asked the Defense Department to look into how and when the COVID-19 vaccine will be added to a growing list of mandatory military vaccines. He even said that he was already aware that Austin is open to it  which is silly because the Defense secretary serves at the pleasure of the president and commander-in-chief.

Since that announcement, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been meeting to discuss making the vaccine mandatory and how such a plan might be rolled out. CNN went on to report that, based on sources, Austins current view is to seek authorization to make it mandatory.

According to a July 6 Justice Department memo, troops wont have any choice because DOD has informed us that it understandably does not want to convey inaccurate or confusing information to service membersthat is, telling them that they have the option to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine if they effectively lack such an option because of a military orderDOD should seek a presidential waiver before it imposes a vaccination requirement.

And you just know that authorization will be coming.

But heres the problem with this: Younger people are more at risk of being injured by these experimental vaccines, and naturally, the military trends younger.

In mid-June, Fox News host Tucker Carlson noted during his nightly program that Israeli health officials released a report showing that vaccinated young people, particularly young men, were developing myocarditis at extremely high rates, Natural News reported then.

Myocarditis, for those who dont know, is inflammation of the heart muscle; its a condition that can become very serious very fast.

Carlson was reporting those findings in the context that a growing number of American colleges were requiring students to become vaccinated if they wanted to take in-person coursework this coming fall.

You wonder, watching this, how it could happen in a free country. Its hard to believe it is happening. As a medical decision, its reckless. What are the long-term effects of forcing these drugs on millions of young people, many of whom dont need it? We dont know the answer, Carlson said.

We dont know what the long-term effects are. Anyone who claims to know is lying. At this point, theres literally no way to tell, he added.

Now, in addition to young college students, young fighting men and women are going to get the jab too.

Sense a pattern here?

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

CNN.com
(Natural News) Most of the solar panels installed in the U.S. and Europe are produced with coal-burning plants in China.

There have been concerns that the solar industrys reliance on Chinese coal will increase emissions over time. Manufacturers rapidly scale up the production of solar panels to meet the demand of the public, making the solar industry one of the most significant polluters in the world.

Chinas low-cost, coal-fired electricity gave the countrys solar-panel manufacturers a competitive advantage that allowed them to dominate global markets. Chinese factories supply over three-quarters of the worlds polysilicon, which is essential in the production of solar panels.

Polysilicon factories refine silicon metal using a process that consumes large amounts of electricity, making access to cheap power advantageous. Chinese authorities built an array of coal-burning power plants in less-populated areas to support polysilicon manufacturers and other industries that use up a lot of energy.

Producing solar panels in China creates much more carbon dioxide than in Europe, said Cornell University energy systems professor Fengqi You. He also said that in countries or regions that dont rely heavily on fossil fuels, such as Norway and France, installing a high-carbon, Chinese-made solar panel might not reduce emissions at all.

Yes, we are clean [in the West], You said. But then the process of getting these panels from another country  China now, maybe somewhere else later  produces a lot of emissions.

However, scientists say that installing Chinese-made panels almost always results in a net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over time. This is because the panels are replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels, and the emissions avoided after the first few years can offset the emissions required to produce these panels.

Shifting from coal to solar power

Western governments and corporations are looking to shift the solar industry away from coal. For instance, companies buying renewable energy use low-carbon solar panels when financing their projects. The U.S. federal government is creating a policy to do the same. (Related: Solar panels to become future source of toxic e-waste.)

The U.S. solar power capacity jumped 48 percent in the last two years. In Europe, it is up 34 percent, translating to tens of thousands of solar panels shipped every year. Finding alternative suppliers for solar panels will not be easy. The cheaper polysilicon production harmed producers by forcing the shutdown of Western factories that have lower carbon emissions.

If China didnt have access to coal, then solar power wouldnt be cheap now, said Robbie Andrew, a senior researcher at the Center for International Climate Research in Oslo.

Is it okay that weve had this huge bulge of carbon emissions from China because it allowed them to develop all these technologies really cheaply? We might not know that for another 30 to 40 years.

Not all producers use coal. Tongwei, the worlds largest producer, has factories that run on hydropower.

France, which regulates the carbon content of solar panels, has encouraged Chinese panel manufacturers to use renewable energy in some processes, allowing them to sell into the French market. South Korea has adopted rules inspired by the French system while other European countries have expressed interest to do the same.

Italian energy company Enel S.p.A. is also planning on expanding its solar panel factory in Sicily, but it will still rely on silicon wafers from China. Think about sustainability, think about working conditions, think about logistics costs and proximity, said Antonello Iras, a factory manager in Sicily.

However, China crippled Western efforts on production by placing tariffs on U.S. polysilicon as part of a long-running trade dispute, effectively blocking producers from selling raw material to Chinese wafer manufacturers.

Read more about renewable power and energy at SolarPanels.news.

Sources include:

WSJ.com 1

WSJ.com 2

NewYorkLatestNews.com
(Natural News) The U.K. government has dialed down the National Health Service (NHS) COVID-19 app to avoid a labor shortage caused by self-isolating essential workers.

Following pressure from trade unions and businesses, Downing Street said the app will now instruct fewer people to self-isolate. It added that the NHS COVID-19 app will now instruct close contacts of COVID-positive Britons to quarantine themselves two days before a positive result  instead of the earlier five days.

The app sent out almost 700,000 alerts in England and Wales during the week to July 21. This strained many businesses whose workers were pinged by the NHS app to self-isolate. This represented the higher number sent by the app on record.

U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid stated that the adjustment aimed to reduce the impact of self-isolation notices but still protect those at risk. We want to reduce the disruption that self-isolation can cause for people and businesses, while ensuring were protecting those most at risk from [the Wuhan coronavirus.] This update to the app will help ensure that we are striking the right balance, he said, stressing that it is still important for people notified by the app to isolate to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

The U.K. Department of Health and Social Care nevertheless said the update does not impact the sensitivity of the app or change the risk threshold, and will result in the same number of high-risk contacts being advised to self-isolate. It insisted that the app continues to play a crucial role in breaking chains of transmission, preventing hospitalizations and saving lives.

U.K. Health Security Agency Chief Executive Dr. Jenny Haries said the NHS COVID-19 app has saved thousands of lives, adding that it was the simplest, easiest and fastest way to find out if people were exposed to the virus. [I] strongly encourage everyone, even those fully vaccinated, to continue using the app, she told the BBC. (Related: Englands contrived Freedom Day overshadowed by Ping-Demic food shortages and near-collapse of food infrastructure.)

The tweaks to the app came as the ping-demic impacted British industries

The tweaks came as Downing Street earlier said that there were no plans to adjust the NHS COVID-19 app. However, it walked back on its statement to bring the ping-demic under control.

Junior Shadow Minister for Social Care Liz Kendall criticized the British governments sudden change of stance. This is yet another COVID U-turn from ministers at a time when the public [needs] clarity and certainty  not chaos and mixed messages. Its shambolic and they must get a grip. Kendall also accused the government of leaving hundreds of thousands of people forced to self-isolate every day instead of driving COVID-19 cases down.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) welcomed the change to the app. According to its research, up to 1,000 pubs had been forced to close temporarily as workers were pinged by the app to self-isolate. BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: On average, each pub forced to temporarily close due to staff being pinged costs 9,500 British pounds (US$13,199) in lost trade per week and our larger venues much, much more at a critical time in their recovery.

However, the British trade union Unite said the change to the NHS COVID-19 app does not go far enough. It reiterated its earlier call for workers in the automotive and steel industries to be exempted from self-isolation rules. Unite Assistant General Secretary for Manufacturing Steve Turner said: The costs are horrific to workers and [industries] alike, and there are real concerns that work will move overseas or even that steel furnaces could be damaged  which would be devastating for this industry.

Following criticism by Unite and other entities, the British government launched a new scheme for workers in England. Under the new program, workers in key sectors would be required to undergo COVID-19 tests daily instead of isolating themselves. These included police officers, firefighters and U.K. Border Force officers. Transport and freight staff, supermarket depot workers and those working in food factories were also eligible under the testing scheme.

The daily testing scheme meant workers in England pinged by the NHS app will be able to continue working if they show negative test results each day, regardless of their vaccination status. British Home Secretary Priti Patel said daily testing would keep frontline teams safe while they continued to serve the public and communities. (Related: Tens of thousands of UK coronavirus tests rendered invalid.)

Pandemic.news has more articles about the impact of COVID-19 self-isolation on the U.K.s workforce.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BBC.com 1

BBC.com 2
Centuries ago, wildcats were nowhere to be found, but they are now back to the forests of the southern Netherlands, local conservationists revealed.



The Return of Wildcat

The wildcat possesses a flatter head and longer legs than its domestic relation, due to hunting and forest clearance this animal vanished from modern-day Dutch territories in the middle ages.

The return of wildcat, with its unique round-tipped and black-ringed tail, shows a hint of the rewilding of forests in the southern Dutch part of Limburg, as per a biologist working for the ARK conservation group, Hettie Meertens.

She said since 2013 their number has been rising in southern Limburg, as they have migrated from "saturated" habitats in the closeby Eifel mountains of Germany and the Belgian Ardennes in search of new territories.

Speaking of both numbers and the cats stretching their territory to other areas of the Netherlands, Meertens said: "The population is small but it is increasing. The situation is fragile, but we are confident in the expansion."

ARK is making plans to figure up the number of wildcats next year, this task is a difficult one and it has to do with positioning cameras on trees. Meertens places valerian oil - a scent that normally attracts the cats, on branches to make them gather under the camera lens.

Also Read: Wild Cat Brains Challenge Evolutionary Norms



Reasons for Their Return

The cats returned to the Netherlands because of the changing forest management that supports nature and not harvesting wood. Wilder forests contain trees that have already fallen and hollow spaces on which these animals like to rest.

Conservationists have also been urging farmers to cultivate "cat-kind" hedgerow in their land to provide a home for the small rodents - voles - that the cats prey on.

A weasel-like mammal, Pine martens, also came back to the forests in the region since 2015. Meertens said: "The ecosystem is complete with the carnivores. They represent the wild forest and that is very important."



Features of Wildcat

Wildcat - species Felis silvestris - is a little wild member of the cat family (Felidae) and is endemic to Eurasia and Africa. This animal has three to five subspecies.

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), the nominate subspecies, lives in forested areas from Scotland through continental Europe to western Asia.

It is almost the same as the domestic cat but possesses a larger, flatter head, longer legs, and a full, relatively short tail that ends in a rounded tip. Its covering coat is yellowish gray with dark lines and bands in the lined tabby pattern; wildcat's tail is black-ringed.

The matured wildcat is 20 to 32 inches (50 to 80 cm) long, minus a 10- to 14-inch (25- to 35-cm) tail; it stands 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs from 6.6 to 22 pounds (3 to 10 kg).

Related Article: New Brazilian Wild Cat Species Revealed by Genetic Testing

For more news, updates about wildcats and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Some beachgoers spotted an uncommon fish that possess human-like teeth in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Many internet users are interested in this discovery.

This discovery made a Facebook user - Jennette's Pier - share the photo of the mysterious fish on Tuesday. A fishing destination in Nags Head reveals the fish - weighs nine-pound - with its mouth open and displaying human-like teeth, making the creature look like it's putting on dentures.

The nine-pound fish was recognized as a sheepshead, the fish possess a number of rows of molars inside its mouth and it uses the molars to grind oysters and other prey. It is believed that the fish got its name because its mouth resembles that of a sheep.

Sheepshead fish can be found close to rocks, reefs, jetties, and even bridges. They are also referred to as the 'convict fish' since they have black and white stripes. Local media outlets quoted officials at the North Carolina aquarium as saying that it is very difficult to catch these fishes, but they taste great.

Also Read: Some Popular Fish and Invertebrate Seafood Species Rapidly Declining Worldwide

Reaction of Social Media Users

The caption of the photo is "#bigteethbigtimes" and its shows the sheepshead displaying an upper and lower set of pearly-ish whites.

The name of the person who caught the fish is Martin, and he told McClatchy News he was fishing together with his brother (his twin) on Monday when he saw a 'mouth full of teeth.' Martin said he regularly visits the pier and he went out hoping to catch a sheepshead.

McClatchy News quoted Martin, saying "It's a very good fight when you're fighting on the line, it's a really good catch, and it tastes very good."

The Facebook post that has the photo of the fish has made a splash on the internet, having more than 1200 reactions on it. In the comment, social media users showed their incredulity at what they were seeing

Lisa Drouin Martin, one commenter said: "Is this where dentures come from?"

Charlene Turner wrote: "I know people who would love to have that many teeth."

Helen Prager commented: "That fish has better teeth than me."

Features of Sheepshead

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a well-known sport fish that can be edible. It belongs to the family Sparidae and order Perciformes, they are widespread in Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters of the southern North American coast.

There was a time they were common in the New England to Chesapeake Bay area, the species has mysteriously become very uncommon.

Sheepshead are large fish that has compressed bodies and high foreheads. The colour of their body is silver with broad, dark vertical bands mostly recognizable in juveniles.

Generally, matured sheepshead range in length from 60 to 75 cm that is 2 to 2 1/2 feet. It has been known that some specimens exceed 3 feet (1 m) and weigh over 25 pounds (11 kg).

Related Article: Aquaculture Causes Stress and Suffering for Certain Fish Species This Way

For more news, updates about sheepsheads and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
A wedding party in Bangladesh ended into a fatal event when a lightning struck in Shibganj town, about 245 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, killing more than a dozen people.

According to officials, 17 people had died, while 14 people were injured and brought to the hospital, after several lightning bolts hit their boat at a bank of the Padma river in Shibganj town upon disembarkment on Wednesday. The groom was among those injured.

"We have information of 17 people who died and several others were admitted to the hospital," police official Farid Hossain told the news agency Reuters. Meherul Islam, a fire service official added that the victims were on their way to the bride's house when the lightning struck.

Bangladesh lightning kills hundreds of people every year

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief reported that 2,164 people die from lightning in Bangladesh between 2011 and 2020. The South Asian country has declared lightning strike as a natural disaster since its death surge.

In 2016, 200 people had died in May alone, with around 80 being killed on a single day. The Bangladesh's government has included lightning strikes in its list of natural disasters alongside floods, cyclones and storm surges, earthquakes, drought and riverbank erosion when the number of deaths rose rapidly.

Scientists say lightning deaths occur the most on warm months of March to July, wherein the weather is at its hottest in Bangladesh "and the moist air quickly rises upward to meet with dry north-westerly winds to cool and form large storm clouds," Dipen Bhattacharya, a physics and astronomy professor at Moreno Valley College in California, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Some specialists think that as the world warms up, we should expect more explosive lightning events rather than a gradual increase."

The government compensates families of the victims which died from such incident with around 7,500 to 25,000 takas (63 and 211).

Also read: Rare Lightning Strikes the Arctic, Scientists Warn the Planet is Warming Faster

Lightning strikes linked to deforestation

Generally, rise in lightning strikes can be blamed to lack or total loss of trees due to population growth and deforestation. Disappearance of these tall trees draws lightning strikes, which significantly reduces the chances of a person getting struck.

Because of deforestation, people themselves suffer the fatalities like "farmers using metal farm equipment in open fields, or people standing near metal cell phone towers or electrical power towers," experts said.

Atiq Rahman, executive director of the Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies, believes that "it would not be wise to blame the rise in deaths directly on climate change." However, it could be a driving range of the changing weather phenomenon, "including tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, floods, droughts and heatwaves," said A.Q.M. Mahbub, earth and environmental science professor at the University of Dhaka, although further research is needed to be certain.

To avoid getting struck by lightning, people have to be made aware of the risks of standing in open areas and should immediately seek shelter during thunderstorms.

Also read: North American Monsoon Eases Drought but Floods Southwest Areas
Climate scientists have discovered evidence of the Gulf Stream collapsing, one of the planet's major potential tipping points.

According to the study, the currents known as the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) showed "an almost total loss of stability over the previous century" the study. The currents are already at their lowest in at least 1,600 years, but new research suggests they are on the verge of shutting altogether.

Catastrophic Consequences

Such an event would have devastating global effects, interrupting the rains on which billions of people rely for food in India, South America, and West Africa; intensifying storms and decreasing temperatures in Europe; and rising sea levels in eastern North America. It would also put the Amazon jungle and Antarctic ice sheets in jeopardy.

For the time being, it is difficult to predict the date of any collapse due to the intricacy of the AMOC system and uncertainties about future degrees of global warming.

It might happen in the next decade or two, or it could take decades. However, because of the massive consequences, the experts believe it should never be permitted to happen.

AMOC Collapse

"The symptoms of destabilization being apparent now is something I wouldn't have imagined and that I find frightening," said Niklas Boers, a researcher at Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "It's something you simply can't let happen."

According to him, the exact CO2 amount that would cause an AMOC collapse is unknown. "The only option is to reduce emissions as much as possible. With every gram of CO2, we emit into the atmosphere, the chances of this potentially high-impact catastrophe occurring increase."

Related Article: The Gulf Stream is Slowly Approaching a 'Tipping Point,' and It May Eventually Vanish



Tipping Points

Tipping points - tremendous, rapid, and irreversible shifts in the climate - are causing increasing alarm among scientists. For example, in May, Boers and his colleagues revealed that a large portion of the Greenland ice sheet is on the verge of melting, posing a significant hazard to global sea-level rise.

Others have recently demonstrated that the Amazon rainforest now emits more CO2 than it absorbs and that the 2020 Siberian heatwave resulted in alarming methane emissions.

According to a 2019 study, the globe has already passed through a series of tipping points, posing an "existential threat to civilization." The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is slated to release a critical report on Monday that will detail the worsening condition of the climate catastrophe.

"Observation-based early-warning signs indicate a collapse of the AMOC," according to Boer's research, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The AMOC has two states, according to ice-core and other evidence from the previous 100,000 years: one that is rapid and powerful, as witnessed throughout recent millennia, and one that is sluggish and feeble.

According to the research, rising temperatures can cause the AMOC to flip states rapidly over one to five decades.

AMOC Status

The AMOC is caused by thick, salty seawater sinking into the Arctic Ocean, but freshwater melting from Greenland's ice sheet slows the process down sooner than climate models predicted.

To demonstrate how variations in ocean temperature and salinity might expose the AMOC's instability, Boers used the example of a chair. If all four legs stay on the floor, pushing a chair changes its position but does not affect its stability. The chair's posture and stability vary as it is tilted.

Boers proved that global warming is increasing the instability of the currents, not only changing their flow pattern, using eight independently recorded datasets of temperature and salinity dating back 150 years.

"This reduction [of the AMOC in recent decades] may be connected with an almost total loss of stability during the previous century, and the AMOC might be near to a crucial shift to its weak circulation mode," the research found.

"The study technique cannot offer us a specific timeframe of a probable collapse, but the analysis gives indications that the AMOC has already lost stability," said Levke Caesar of Maynooth University in Ireland. He was not involved in the research.

"The study method cannot give us an exact timing of a possible collapse," said Levke Caesar of Maynooth University in Ireland, who was not involved in the research. "However, the analysis presents evidence that the AMOC has already lost stability, which I take as a warning that we may be closer to an AMOC tipping than we think."

"These signals of declining stability are concerning," said David Thornalley of University College London in the United Kingdom, whose research revealed the AMOC is at its lowest point in 1,600 years. However, we still don't know whether or not a collapse will occur or how near we are to it."

Also Read: Multiple Factors for Environmental Tipping Point Reach Critical Levels

For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Several states in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South reported ill and dying birds this summer. Swollen, crusted-over eyes were the predominant symptom in blue jays, robins, grackles, and other species' fledglings.

Biologists, wildlife agencies, and conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, advised people to remove bird feeders and baths as soon as possible since these might be contributing to the spread of whatever was causing this strange sickness.

Related Article: Hundreds of Songbirds Across US Are Dying Due to Mysterious Illness



Subsiding Numbers of Fatalities

Now, there's some good news: according to the latest Cornell Lab of Ornithology update, the avian death event appears to be subsiding without having a substantial influence on overall bird numbers.

After numerous illnesses and organisms have been ruled out, we still don't know what caused the epidemic despite extensive testing.

Sick and Dead Birds and Cicada Brood X

One idea is that there is a link since the recording of sick and dead birds coincides with the duration and geographic distribution of the periodical cicadas of Brood X, which appeared this year.

t might be a natural sickness brought on by eating cicadas, or it could be the result of insecticides put on the cicadas (which is absolutely the wrong thing to do). It's worth noting, though, that the cicada link is still just that: conjecture.

Related Article: Scientists: 98% of Emperor Penguins at Risk of Extinction Due to Climate Crisis



Disinfecting Bird Feeders

With this in mind, it should be safe to reinstall bird feeders and baths. To keep the disease from spreading, keep feeders and baths clean and disinfected regularly. If you put out bird feeders and baths regularly, this should be part of your routine.

If you come across a sick or dead bird, always report it to your local or state wildlife agency.

Related Article: 'Freak Weather' Blamed for Mysterious Disappearance of Thousands of Pigeons in UK





No Definite Cause

At this time, nothing is known about the illness. Animals die in a short amount of time from what appears to be the exact cause, which scientists call a "mortality event."

The symptoms are identical to those of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a bacterial illness that caused crusty and enlarged eyes in house finches in the 1990s.

Evans writes in a study initially published on June 29 and revised on July 12 that the disease did not have a neurological component.

Birds Displaying Unpleasant Symptoms

He says, "We see birds display unpleasant symptoms, such as iss

ues with their eyes and potentially their neurological systems." "Many birds have been discovered with crusty eyes and/or blindness. In addition, they frequently appear on the ground, perplexed, with wobbly heads and are occasionally sluggish or unresponsive."

The mysterious disease has researchers stumped. Salmonella, chlamydia, avian influenza, West Nile virus, different herpes viruses, and other illnesses have been ruled out thus far.

Also Read: Next Global Outbreak? Deforestation Helps Deadly Viruses Jump From Humans to Animals

For more news update about anything wildlife related, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
According to a recent study, climate change will raise the burden of agricultural diseases in some areas of the world while decreasing it in others.

Crop disease effect is expected to decrease in tropical places such as Brazil, Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Southeast Asia as the globe warms.

Disease risk will increase at higher latitudes (far from the equator), with Europe and China "especially vulnerable."

Crop Disease Effect

According to a study published in Nature Climate Change by the University of Exeter, these changes would "closely mirror" changes in agricultural production predicted due to global warming.

According to models, rising temperatures will increase agricultural production at high latitudes while having little or no effect in the tropics.

The study also indicates that the mix of pathogens (diseases) impacting crops in the United States, Europe, and China is expected to vary significantly.

Professor Daniel Bebber of Exeter's Department of Biosciences and the Global Systems Institute remarked, "Plant diseases already inflict severe output losses internationally."

"Crop pests and diseases are migrating away from the equator, according to prior studies, and this new analysis forecasts pathogen risks in the following decades.

"Climate-driven production improvements in temperate zones would be mitigated by the higher cost of crop protection, according to our findings.

Related Article: Pesticide Cocktail: Mixed Farming Chemicals Are Killing More and More Bees





Spreading the Pathogens

"Pathogens are expected to reach all locations where circumstances are appropriate for them due to rapid worldwide spread through international trade and transportation."

The temperature has a significant impact on the rate of infection by plant pathogens.

For 80 fungal and oomycete crop diseases, the study used current data on minimum, optimal, and maximum infection temperatures.

Study Process

The authors used three crop and four global climate models to compare current yields with future (2061-80) yield estimates for 12 main crops under the RCP6.0 climate pathway.

One of the study's co-authors, Professor Sarah Gurr, believes that the shifting pathogen mix in each location might significantly influence.

Wheat Breeding

"Plant breeding and agrochemical firms concentrate on certain illnesses," she explained.

"Wheat breeders in the United Kingdom, for example, concentrate on resistance to Septoria tritici blotch, yellow rust, and brown rust - but those risks might shift."

"Agriculture must plan and prepare for the future," said co-author Thomas Chaloner, a Ph.D. student supported by the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP).

"We only have a few decades, and crop breeding takes time, so we need to think about disease resistance that hasn't yet come.

Studying Plant Diseases

"Many diseases, particularly those now occurring in tropical regions, are severely understudied.

"We must invest in studying these illnesses, which are likely to become more widespread in the world's main crop-growing regions."

SWBio DTP, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), CIFAR, and Utrecht University contributed to the research.

Also Read: Sustainable Agriculture: The Future of Green Farming

For more Agricultural News, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Weather Alert

...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PDT MONDAY... The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued an Air Quality Alert...in effect until 10 AM PDT Monday. A Smoke Air Quality Alert remains in effect until 10 AM PDT Monday. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted light winds and poor mixing conditions will keep the air quality at unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes...runny nose...aggravate heart and lung diseases...and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information about air quality is on the Washington Department of Ecology Web site at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407- 6000.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 100 to 110 expected to continue through Sunday. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central and southeast Washington and north central and northeast Oregon. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
Less than 24 hours after Gov. Ned Lamont gave cities and towns control over mask mandates in all indoor public settings including stores and restaurants, only a few local leaders seem interested in taking advantage of the new power.

The top Democrat in the state Senate and the Republican leader in the House expressed concern with leaving the decision up to local elected officials. And some town officials around the state are saying theyd prefer a mandate to come from the governors office so we dont see different rules in different places.

This is really an about face, said House GOP leader Vincent Candelora, R-Branford, who said hes concerned that local control could further politicize mask wearing.

To give local politicians this decision-making power at a time when they are entering into municipal elections I think is very dangerous, he added.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker became the first local elected official to take advantage of the new rule. Stamford Mayor David Martin said Friday he is considering a city-wide mask mandate. Both are Democrats; Martin is facing a strong challenge in the party and didnt win the endorsement for reelection.

Elicker announced Friday that masks will be required indoors at all city establishments including bars, restaurants, theaters and office building lobbies regardless of peoples vaccination status starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

This commonsense measure will help protect our residents amidst the increasing spread of the delta variant, Elicker said in Fridays statement.

Data released by the state Friday show infections and hospitalizations continue to rise, which officials have attributed to spread of the more contagious delta variant. Hospitalizations declined the previous two days, but Friday the state reported an additional 19 patients for a total of 174.

The state also reported 731 new cases out of 20,772 tests, a daily positivity rate of 3.52 percent  the highest since April 13. The weekly percent of positive tests remains at 2.7 percent.

What the order says

Local officials were already able to impose indoor mask mandates on city- and town-owned property. Lamonts executive order, issued late Thursday, gives them the power to require businesses within their borders to do the same, but only in indoor settings, not outdoors. That includes public areas in office buildings such as lobbies but not private offices on upper floors, for example.

The executive order does make it clear that no city or town can prevent a private company or property owner from requiring masks. The order also does not pertain to vaccinations, other than what was already in place  that cities and towns can require their own employees to show proof of receiving a vaccine.

Schools are also not covered under the order. Lamont has said he plans to provide guidance to public schools in the coming weeks.

The governor reiterated Friday that with varying infection and vaccination rates across municipalities, local officials are better positioned to determine how best to keep their communities safe. The move represents a shift from his approach earlier in the pandemic when he said uniform rules were needed to avoid spread of the virus across communities and to minimize confusion.

Mayors and first selectmen ought to have a little more discretion so they can have the right tools to combat Covid given the particularties of their situation. If we have to do something more broadly, time will tell. Were not there yet, Lamont said Friday after an event on affordable health care in New Haven.

Its unclear how long the local control will last as Lamonts pandemic-related emergency powers, including this executive order and others, are due to expire Sept. 30.

They cant be trusted

Some town leaders believe a statewide mask mandate would be more appropriate because it would provide greater consistency across town lines, said Betsy Gara, executive director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns. Officials in towns with low infection and high vaccination rates are comfortable making the determination on their own, Gara said.

Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said Friday that he told Lamonts office a uniform mandate would be more effective.

I would prefer to see it used at the state level, Looney said. We did tell him that if he came out with a state mandate, that I would immediately put out a statement in support of that.

Asked when and whether the state would be warranted in mandating masks indoors, Looney said, very soon.

He added that another reason to stick with a statewide policy is that some towns under the control of Trumpian leadership may never tighten restrictions. They cant be trusted to do the right thing, he said.

I would hope the governor would be open to a state mandate if the towns dont take action, Looney said.

Candelora, the House Republican leader, said none of the communities he represents have asked for this type of authority, which he said would be more appropriate for local health departments than politicians.

Control over the states indoor mask madate was one of the major reasons Lamont requested his emergency powers be extended from July 20 until Sept. 30.

He has taken that very power and has delegated it to local officials, which is exactly what he had been trying to avoid, Candelora said.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
NEW YORK (AP)  The rider of an unlicensed electric scooter involved in the hit-and-run death of Gone Girl actor Lisa Banes was well aware that he hit her, fleeing to a repair shop afterward seeking to fix a sideview mirror, authorities said Friday.

Brian Boyd was arrested Thursday and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

Boyd, 26, was released under strict supervision following a court appearance on Friday. There was no immediate response to a message left with his attorney.

Police say they built the case on security videotape showing Banes walking in a crosswalk on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in early June when she was struck by the scooter after it ran a red light  a growing hazard in the city.

A police officer who reviewed a video from the scene said in court papers that on it both the pedestrian and the operator of the electric scooter fall to the ground. After that, I further observed the operator stand up, pick up his electric scooter, walk over to the individual lying in the street, and then walk back to his electric scooter and drive away, the papers say.

Another video showed the operator of the electric scooter ride from the crash location to Bolt Bike Shop  where the operator is observed interacting with employees of the bike shop and waiting for repairs to the electric scooter, the complaint says.

The complaint claims that Boyd admitted to police that he was the person in a black hooded sweatshirt seen in the bike shop video.

Banes was hospitalized and died on July 14 at age 65. She had appeared in numerous stage productions, television shows and movies, including Gone Girl in 2014 and Cocktail with Tom Cruise in 1988. On television, she had roles on Nashville, Madam Secretary, Masters of Sex and NCIS.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The school year is days away for many kids in Utah and public health experts are worried about whether kids too young to get vaccinated will stay safe in school amid a wave of coronavirus cases.

Salt Lake County Health Department Executive Director Dr. Angela Dunn tells KUTV the state is in a surge and case counts are very concerning.
New Castle, PA (16103)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low near 65F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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AP photo/David GoldmanIn this photo Dec. 15, a droplet falls from a syringe after a health care worker was injected with the Pfizer vaccine at a hospital in Providence, R.I. Genesis Healthcare, the nations largest nursing home operator, told its workers this week they will have to get COVID-19 vaccinations to keep their jobs.
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  A woman who accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of groping her breast at the governor's state residence has filed a criminal complaint against him, the Albany County Sheriff's office said Friday.

The complaint, filed Thursday with the sheriff's office, is the first known instance where a woman has made an official report with a law enforcement agency over alleged misconduct by Cuomo. Its filing is a potential first step toward bringing criminal charges.

We take every complaint seriously, Albany County Undersheriff William Rice said Friday.

It's possible the Democratic governor could be arrested if investigators or the county district attorney determine he committed a crime, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told the New York Post.

The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest, he told the newspaper, which was the first to report on the complaint. Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it, Apple said.

Apple didn't return a phone message from The Associated Press.

The Cuomo aide who filed the report has accused him of reaching under her shirt and fondling her when they were alone in a room at the Executive Mansion last year. The woman also told investigators with the attorney generals office that Cuomo once rubbed her rear end while they were posing together for a photo.

The sheriffs office didnt immediately provide a copy of the complaint.

Cuomos lawyer, Rita Glavin, didn't immediately address the criminal complaint in an online briefing with reporters, but said the groping allegation  which was also outlined in newspaper articles and in a report released by the New York attorney general's office  was fabricated.

He is 63 years old. He has spent 40 years in public life and for him to all of the sudden be accused of a sexual assault of an executive assistant that he really doesnt know, doesnt pass muster, Glavin said.

The Albany County district attorney would not confirm that they received a complaint, saying they had no plans to release any information because "this is an ongoing matter that is under review, spokesperson Cecilia Walsh said in an email.

Calls for Cuomo's resignation or impeachment soared this week after an independent investigation overseen by the state attorney general's office concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers.

The attorney generals report describes a series of times Cuomo allegedly acted inappropriately with the aide described as Executive Assistant #1, culminating with the groping encounter at the mansion in November 2020.

According to the woman, Cuomo pulled her in for a hug as she prepared to leave the governors office at the mansion. Told that youre going to get us in trouble, Cuomo replied, I dont care, and slammed the door shut. He slid his hand up her blouse, and grabbed her breast over her bra, according to her account.

I have to tell you, it was  at the moment, I was in such shock that I could just tell you that I just remember looking down seeing his hand, seeing the top of my bra, she told investigators.

She said she pulled away from Cuomo, telling him Youre crazy.

Cuomo has adamantly denied touching her breasts, saying I would have to lose my mind to do such a thing.

Records confirm that the woman was at the mansion for several hours on Nov. 16 and had at least one interaction with the governor, but Glavin said she also sent emails to staff while she was in the building that didn't mention that anything upsetting had happened.

Mariann Wang, an attorney for two other accusers, said the governor's lawyers are ignoring any fear the employees had of being punished by Cuomo if they complained.

The fact that any assistant might try to continue with her day or act normal even after being harassed brutally is something many women who have been harassed at work understand," Wang said. "These women are trying to survive.

The woman told investigators she had initially planned to take the harassment claims to the grave.

Prosecutors in several New York counties have said they are interested in investigating claims of inappropriate touching by Cuomo, but all had said they needed the women involved in the allegations to make a formal report.

The Albany Police Department, the primary law enforcement agency for the city, had been informed of the woman's allegations regarding the encounter at the mansion several months ago and had spoken to her lawyer, but didn't open an investigation at the time because she didn't make a report.

The criminal investigation comes as lawmakers were moving toward a likely impeachment proceeding over the allegations.

Lawyers working for the state Assembly sent a letter to Cuomo Thursday giving him until Aug. 13 to respond to the allegations against him or provide documents to bolster his defense.

The state Assemblys judiciary committee plans to meet Monday to discuss the possibility of impeachment proceedings. Nearly two-thirds of the legislative body have already said they favor an impeachment trial if he won't resign.

Glavin and a lawyer representing the governor's office, Paul Fishman, criticized the attorney generals office for not providing its findings to them ahead of time and claimed the investigators didnt take a strong enough look at the accusers' credibility. They also demanded an opportunity to see transcripts of interviews witnesses gave to investigators.

Attorney General Letitia James spokesperson, Fabien Levy, said the office will be providing interview transcripts to the Assembly, and said the women's accounts were corroborated by a mountain of evidence.

To attack this investigation and attempt to undermine and politicize this process takes away from the bravery displayed by these women, Levy said.

___

AP reporter Michael Hill contributed from Albany, New York.
Newport, OR (97365)

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United Airlines will join the growing list of companies that are requiring employees get vaccinated against Covid-19, the first major US airline to implement such a mandate.

A United executive said it was not considering a similar rule for passengers, and that any such requirement would be a decision for the government.

The airline set a late October deadline for US-based employees to prove vaccination status, and said it could move earlier if a vaccine receives full federal approval sooner. Any employee who refuses to show proof of vaccination will be fired, unless they can provide proof of religious or medical reasons for not getting vaccinated.

A United spokesperson said the airline will consider on a case-by-case basis employees who seek those health or religious exemptions, and that those employees granted exemptions will have to wear masks at all times.

United said while it has had discussions with its unions on the new rules it has not reached agreements with them.

The three of the largest unions at the airline  the Association of Flight Attendants, the Air Line Pilots Association and the Teamsters, which represents 6,600 mechanics at the airline  all issued statements to their members Friday suggesting the unions will accept the mandate. The flight attendants' union said 80% of its members are vaccinated, while the pilots' union said more than 90% for its members.

"Experts agree, vaccination is our best defense against Covid-19 and the extension of harm," said the notice from the flight attendants union to its members. "We've seen a notable uptick of test positives over the last two weeks, [the] majority of which are unvaccinated Flight Attendants, though some breakthrough infections have been recorded."

The pilots union's statement was more cautious, saying it believes the mandate "warrants further negotiations to ensure our safety, welfare, and bargaining rights are maintained." The group also said it believes recent court decisions suggest that "employer mandate would be determined to be lawful" if it were to be challenged in court.

The Teamsters also said it concluded that "employers have the right to mandate vaccinations in most instances." It said it would defend the rights of members who have "bona fide medical or religious reasons for not getting vaccines." It also said that it would seek separation packages for those who do not qualify for an exemption but who refuse to get the vaccine.

The International Association of Machinists, which represents 28,000 United ground employees  including ramp workers, passenger service and reservations agents among other positions  said that while it encourages vaccinations, it is still gathering information and listening to its membership's views about the mandate.

The airline set a late October deadline for employees to prove vaccination status, and said it could move earlier if a vaccine receives full federal approval sooner. Any employee who refuses to show proof of vaccination will be fired.

'We know some of you will disagree'

United said the October deadline was driven by a sense of urgency to protect its workforce, their family members and its customers. It cited statistics that show that while there has been a surge in Covid cases among those who are vaccinated, those who have had one of the vaccines are far less likely to need to be hospitalized or die from the recent surge in the disease.

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"We know some of you will disagree with this decision to require the vaccine for all United employees," the airline said in email to staff. "But, we have no greater responsibility to you and your colleagues than to ensure your safety when you're at work, and the facts are crystal clear: everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated."

United is also offering an additional day of pay for most employees who provide proof of vaccination by mid-September. The pay does not apply to United pilots and flight attendants who already have a union-negotiated incentive to be vaccinated.

"Over the last 16 months, [CEO Scott Kirby] has sent dozens of condolences letters to the family members of United employees who have died from Covid-19. We're determined to do everything we can to try to keep another United family from receiving that letter," said the notice to United employees. "Together we'll do our our part to defeat this virus."

Growing number of companies imposing mandates

United has required vaccines for new employees since mid-June. But those new employees are not yet part one of the unions that represent most of the employees at the airlines.

United had 80,000 employees on staff as of June 30, according to a company filing, and 85% are represented by unions. After deep job cuts during the pandemic, United and other airlines have been hiring this summer to meet the surge in leisure travel and the hoped-for rebound in business travel this fall.

Vaccine requirements by employers are becoming common. Among the other companies that have announced similar moves for some or all of its employees are Google, Disney, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Netflix, Tyson Foods and Walmart, the nation's largest private-sector employer.

Walmart is requiring proof of vaccination only for corporate employees, not employees in its stores. And some of those employers, such as the tech companies and banks, have few unionized employees.

Some of the other companies with vaccine mandates, such as Tyson and Disney, are in the process of negotiating their mandates with their unions.

Labor law covering the private sector generally requires changes in work conditions for represented employees to be reached through collective bargaining agreements. And some unions, while urging members to get vaccinated, have opposed vaccine mandates as a condition of employment.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated some of the worker categories that the Machinists and Teamsters unions represent.

The-CNN-Wire

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Semantics are important for how we communicate and define issues. One who controls words controls the narrative.

So, take the words migrant and invader. Is there a difference? It's all in how they are perceived by some, and the effect their illegal border crossings have on the U.S.

One definition of invasion should focus our attention: "The entrance or advent of anything troublesome or harmful..."

Does anyone want to argue that the tsunami of humanity coming across our southern border overwhelming border patrol is not troublesome or harmful? Two motels in La Joya, Texas, are housing migrants who have tested positive for COVID-19. Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley is paying the bill and insists the migrants are being kept in isolation, though many report seeing them wandering outside of the motel. Many migrants are even getting bus tickets to fan out across the country. How many of them are carrying the virus?

Instead of securing the border, the Biden administration's Justice Department sued Texas and its governor, Greg Abbott, "seeking to block an executive order that restricts the transport of migrants through the state and authorizes state troopers to pull over vehicles suspected of doing so." On Tuesday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Abbott's order. Is the administration trying to encourage more migrants to come? And coming they are by the tens of thousands. Is there to be no end?

What about the rights of American citizens and their property along the border? Texas rancher Brent Smith, who is also an attorney for Kinney County, told Fox News he sustained thousands of dollars in damages to his property from trespassing migrants. The administration has money to help the migrants. Who will help Smith and other property owners who suffer damages?

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Gov. Abbott has ordered state police to arrest migrants as trespassers, but they are likely to have only minimal success due to the overwhelming numbers. He also has ordered a chain-link fence to be erected along some of the most porous sections of the border, but experience shows those can be easily traversed.

The problem as well as the solution begins at the top with the Biden administration. Despite Biden's claims that entire families who seek to cross the border illegally are being turned back, most are not.

It's no accident. By now it can only be called administration policy. The Biden administration appears to want to flood America with people from other countries - Central America, Mexico, even Africa. Isn't Vice President Harris supposed to be in charge of resolving the problem? Where is she?

How much more - how many more - can we take? All presidents swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of our country. President Biden is not enforcing immigration laws passed by previous congresses and signed by former presidents of both parties. If he were a Republican, especially if Donald Trump was still in office, Democrats would likely be clamoring for impeachment. With Biden, Democrats barely give lip service to the invasion and then change the subject, speak talking points, or lie.

A rose by any other name is still a rose. And an invasion by any other name is still an invasion. We cannot sustain a country with what amounts to an open border no matter what it is called.
Pikeville, KY (41501)

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Champaign, IL (61820)

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Work-life balance has always been an issue once individuals began to work out of the home, without the usual level of control over their working hours or the responsibilities allotted to them at work. With the ongoing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has caused high unemployment rates in many countries worldwide, it might seem ironic to talk of work-life balance. However, no matter how pressing the need for employment, it is essential to understand how best individuals can experience satisfaction inside and outside working hours.

Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shuttershock.com

Definition

This state, called work-life balance, can be defined as an individual's ability to meet their work and family commitments, as well as other non-work responsibilities and activities. Outside work hours, leisure relates to non-work activities, whereas free time by definition is not committed to any activity. The difficulty in defining work-life balance lies in the fact that all these factors play a role in determining whether the individual feels this balance has been achieved. Achieving a balance is not about giving equal time to each of these areas. Instead, it is having the ability to allocate enough time, labor, and thought so that individuals are satisfied.

Different countries seem to have alternative work ethics, with the Netherlands having the lowest percentage of employees who work long hours. Denmark, France, and Spain are also high on the list. The USA is 30th on a list of 38 countries where work-life balance is considered, with most full-time workers putting in over 8 hours of work a day. Over a tenth of Americans said they worked over 50 hours a week, and two-thirds perceiving a lack of balance.

Interestingly, research has suggested that this is a common problem amongst highly paid managers, despite control over this balance expected from individuals with this position.

Determinants of work-life balance

For most people, work commitments are a fundamental element of life satisfaction and are not performed for the wage alone. Researchers link this to the daily structure and social identity offered by professional positions and expectations to be met. The determinants of work-life balance include both factors that can be altered by the individual and those that need organizational initiative.

Some are satisfied to spend long hours at work for potential career progression, while others feel satisfied if their family is prioritized. Still, aligning both remains a focus for many. It may be that balance is best defined when it is absent. In any case, when the preferred type of balance is not achieved, it leads to interference or conflict.

Individual factors

Individuals may be affected by their attitude towards work  they may be overachievers, perfectionists, or compulsive workers, all of whom are generally seen as workaholics who spend more time than required, sacrificing other activities.Those overworked also commit to long hours even when not needed to, but are not satisfied by the returns. The worker's health status, personality type and degree of resilience, as well as the stage of career and period of life, and gender are other key parameters in determining a work-life balance.

Organizational factors

Organizational measures influencing work-life balance involve the work demanded in terms of the time spent at work and any intensity or pressure. In addition, the organization determines the work culture. Inflexible hours, demanding managers, incompetent colleagues, and long commutes all contribute to this problem. Connectivity has worsened this problem. Remote workers are often required to be accessible to their employers, even if these interruptions occur outside of commitment hours or during time spent with family.

Home as a source of imbalance

Work itself is poorly defined, as life outside the workplace also consists of other types of work. This is true of all who operate at home- or family-based businesses but has become a unique pandemic problem. Many at home are expected to be online or available for far longer than before. When it comes to tasks done as non-paid but necessary labor, the demands of home and its culture are seen to be determinants of work-life balance. For instance, role-related expectations are important, along with the presence of dependent children or older adults. Women may be implicitly expected to take care of domestic matters after working hours. Similarly, the care of children and elderly family members may be an unspoken or accepted obligation of one working family member.

Indicators of work-life balance

Both subjective and objective indicators of work-life balance have been suggested. For instance, working parents may be satisfied with the level of balance they perceive, but their children may feel deprived of parental company. Or, perhaps, their children's teachers perceive that parental guidance and encouragement to do their homework is lacking.

In Europe, labor laws envisage no more than 48 hours a week at work, indicating that beyond this, labor is both unhealthy and relatively unproductive. The spillover of work to the home, or vice versa, are undesirable indicators of work-life imbalance. Society values play an essential role in deciding how work-life balance is perceived. If family responsibilities are not seen as crucial, or at least not as necessary as economic productivity, it is unlikely that workaholics would face any interference.

Image Credit: Jes2u.photo/Shuttershock.com

Consequences

The consequences of such imbalance may be poor satisfaction, mental stress, unproductivity, problematic behavior at work or home, which may affect either work colleagues or family members.

Even if work hours are abridged, without an accompanying reduction in work obligations, the time spent at home may be overshadowed by constant work-related thoughts and pressure. For some, stressors at work lead to job exhaustion and decreased health, potentially impacting satisfaction in personal relationships.

Chronic stress is associated with a weaker immune response, leading to more minor illnesses, muscle aches, and headaches; they are also at a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks. They are also at a higher risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Irritability and anxiety are found to be up to 75% more common in this group. Such issues may culminate into prolonged depression, sadness, and drug or alcohol abuse. Also, if organizational loyalty is stressed at the expense of family responsibilities and expectations, family satisfaction and a withdrawal from family roles may be expected.

It is important to understand how these problems are associated with lower productivity. This occurs via low employee morale, burnout, and high employee turnover. Healthcare spending is also lower among employees who are under less stress.

The benefits

With a satisfactory work-life balance, employers can reap a range of benefits. Productivity is higher, absenteeism is lower, and physical and mental health improves with a higher commitment and motivation to work. Personal relationships can also benefit from achieving this balance.

How to improve work-life balance

Critical steps in this process include identifying causes of stress and understanding whether personal sacrifices compensate for the rewards of longer work commitments.

Changes to work hours, shifting task responsibilities, and determining flexible deadlines are all actions that could be taken. Decisions such as these might be especially impactful during certain stages of life. Establishing boundaries at work, such as knowing when tasks are complete, is another option. Balance is an ongoing process. Actions might have to be repeated when stress is experienced during or outside work hours.

Organizational initiatives can make the task of maintaining a reasonable balance much easier, as when employers take family and community obligations into account. Organizations should, for instance, allow employees to unplug from work once they are out of the office so that they cannot be contacted for work purposes until they come back the next working day.

As remote work became the norm during the pandemic, efficient productivity without personal sacrifices has become evident. Workers should keep such perspectives in mind to balance work and life responsibilities.

References

Guest, D. E. et al (2021). Perspectives on the Study of Work-life Balance. Social Science Information. http://ssi.sagepub.com/content/41/2/255.

Online.maryville.edu (2021). Achieving Work-Life Balance: The Ultimate Guide. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/work-life-balance-guide/

Bbc.com. (2021). Why it's wrong to look at work-life balance as an achievement. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210302-why-work-life-balance-is-not-an-achievement

Further Reading
In a Brief Communication, published July 29, 2021 in the journal Transplant Infectious Disease, a team of physician-scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that solid organ transplant recipients who were vaccinated experienced an almost 80 percent reduction in the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated counterparts during the same time.

Saima Aslam, MD, is professor of medicine and medical director of the Solid Organ Transplant Infectious Disease Service at UC San Diego Health.

Persons who have received an organ transplant are considered to be at increased risk for COVID-19 and for a severe outcome because their immune systems are necessarily suppressed to ensure their transplants are successful and lasting. These findings offer strong evidence that getting vaccinated provides significant protection." Saima Aslam, MD, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and medical director of the Solid Organ Transplant Infectious Disease Service at UC San Diego Health

The researchers examined clinical data from the UC San Diego Health transplant registry from January 1, 2021 through June 2, 2021, encompassing 2,151 solid organ transplant recipients, including kidney, liver, lung and heart. Of this total number, 912 patients were fully vaccinated and 1,239 were controls (1,151 were unvaccinated and 88 partially vaccinated). Nearly 70 percent of the vaccinated patients received the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna).

During the study period, there were 65 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 among the organ recipients: four among fully vaccinated individuals and 61 among the controls (two involving partially vaccinated individuals). There were no deaths among the breakthrough COVID-19 cases, but two among the 61 control cases.

"These findings are encouraging for a couple of reasons," said co-author Kristin Mekeel, MD, chief of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at UC San Diego Health. "First, it demonstrates real world clinical effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in a vulnerable population. Second, the effectiveness is better than expected, given that studies have found that only about half of solid organ transplant recipients develop detectable anti-spike antibodies after vaccination."

Aslam said the results underscore the importance for transplant patients to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to not focus on antibody levels alone. "However, vaccine protection is not perfect and so it's important to continue to mask and socially isolate as well, and to encourage household members to get vaccinated, especially given the current COVID-19 surge in San Diego."

The authors noted several limitations of the study: It involved retrospective data collection, was a single center report and there was potential for under-reporting by some patients of their vaccination status. They also noted that almost half of the study population was not vaccinated during the study period, underscoring the need for improved outreach to the transplant community regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.

The Center for Transplantation at UC San Diego Health is a national hub of clinical expertise and research, and the region's leader in transplantation. UC San Diego Health's heart, lung, liver and kidney transplant programs were all ranked among the best-performing in the nation for one-year survival rates in the latest Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients report.
At its peak, COVID-19 drastically reduced the average human lifespan  by as much as 9 years in one U.S. state  according to a new longevity metric developed at UCLA.

Sociology professor Patrick Heuveline devised the metric, called the mean unfulfilled lifespan, to assess the impact of temporary "shocks" like the novel coronavirus on average length of life. To date, the pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 4.2 million people worldwide.

The tool allows demographers to conduct fine-grained analyses in specific regions over various periods of time, offering a new and more dynamic way of gauging how different areas of the country and the world experience decreases in lifespans over the course of the pandemic, Heuveline said.

Heuveline's analysis, published online in the open-access journal PLOS One, suggests, for example, that as COVID-19 peaked in New Jersey in mid-April 2020, the average lifespan in the state plummeted by almost 9 years, the most dramatic example from the U.S.

Demographers typically calculate lifespan using a metric known as period life expectancy at birth, or PLEB, which is the average number of years a person born at a certain time would be expected to live if future death rates remained at present levels. When researchers factor in the impacts of a given cause of death  a steady increase in heart attacks or car accidents, for instance  they see how these factors can reduce PLEB.

However, calculating changes to life expectancy in this way cannot adequately capture the effect of large, temporary shocks like natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic, in which mortality conditions are rapidly shifting, Heuveline said.

To more clearly illustrate the impact of such phenomena, Heuveline's mean unfulfilled lifespan measures the difference between the average age at death of individuals who died within a given time frame and the average age these people would have been expected to reach had there not been a temporary shock.

As did a few other demographers, I initially tried to convey the mortality impact of COVID-19 by assessing how much life expectancies would decline during the pandemic. When mortality conditions are continuously changing, however, life expectancies are hard to interpret, and I wanted to provide a more intuitive indicator of that mortality impact." Patrick Heuveline, Sociology Professor

Heuveline demonstrated the mean unfulfilled lifespan by applying it to COVID-19 mortality data from regions with similarly sized populations, including New Jersey, Mexico City, Lombardy in Italy, and Lima, Peru. He compared decreases in life expectancy by calendar quarter (from March 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021) and using rolling seven-day windows (from March 15 to June 15, 2020). The latter analysis suggested that the mean unfulfilled lifespan peaked at 8.91 years in New Jersey, 6.24 years in in Mexico City, 6.43 years in Lombardy and 2.67 in Lima.

In addition, his study found that during the month of April 2020, the mean unfulfilled lifespan may have reached 12.7 years in the Guayas province of Ecuador.

Patrick Heuveline/PLOS One Graph illustrates how the average lifespan changed over three-month periods between March 2020 and 2021 in regions of Italy, the U.S., Mexico and Peru as a result of COVID-19. (Figures on the left represent the mean unfulfilled lifespan in years.)

Heuveline noted that uncertainties in calculating mean unfulfilled lifespan may arise from potential differences between deaths related to temporary shocks like the pandemic and actual or excess deaths  differences that, when accounted for, may push the peak unfulfilled lifespan figures seen in the study even higher. His analysis demonstrates how these issues can be factored into calculations.

Heuveline said he hopes the new metric will eventually be applied broadly as researchers seek to better understand the impact of epidemics, natural disasters and even violence on life expectancy.
As of August 6, 2021, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected over 201 million people and caused the deaths of almost 4.3 million worldwide.

The high transmissibility and unpredictable nature of SARS-CoV-2 has supported the rapid development of several COVID-19 vaccines that have already been distributed in many countries around the world. To date, almost 30% of the worlds population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases

After the national approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, Israel quickly became one of the first countries to initiate a large-scale vaccination campaign. Despite the fact that almost 11.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered throughout Israel, there has been a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 cases in this nation.

The rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Israel, as well as many other countries around the world, requires a better understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 immune protection can weaken over time in both vaccination individuals and those who are convalesced seropositive as a result of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. To this end, a recent study published on the preprint server medRxiv* determines whether the time elapsed since the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine is associated with an increased risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection.

About the study

The current study is a retrospective cohort study that is based on data collected from the Leumit Health Services (LHS), which is a large healthcare provider in Israel. The cohort included 33,993 individuals who had received a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test between May 15, 2021, and July 26, 2021, at least two weeks after receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

To reflect the vaccine rollout stages, the researchers included three age groups in the study, which included individuals who were 60 or older, between the ages of 40 and 59, and between the ages of 18 and 39. Importantly, at the time of their RT-PCR test, none of the study participants had any evidence of previous COVID-19 infection.

Study results

The median time between when the participants had received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and received an RT-PCR test was 146 days. However, over 50% of the participants had received an RT-PCR test over 146 days since their second dose.

Using 146 days as their cut-off, the researchers found that within the 60 and over age group, 2.19% of vaccinated individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Comparably, the positivity rate in the 40-59 and 18-39 age groups was 1.93% and 1.39%, respectively. Taken together, the increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates across all patient populations was significant.

Notably, at the time when the study was conducted, the dominant circulating variant was the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant B.1.617.2. Of the 113 isolates that were sent for sequencing in this study, 93% tested positive for the Delta variant.

Conclusion

While the incidence of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections was significant across all age groups, the strongest increase was observed for patients aged 60 and older. These results therefore support the concept that the immune response to vaccines is influenced by age-related changes of the immune system.

Since Israel was one of the first nations to initiate a large-scale national vaccination campaign, most of the participants in this study received their second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine at least six months before the study was conducted. The results described here therefore demonstrate the diminishing protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines over time from when the individual received their second dose. This study also provides information on the protection offered by the BNT162b2 vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain that is now dominant worldwide.

*Important notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Using circulating tumor DNA to identify patients at risk of urothelial cancer relapse after surgical resection could help improve post-surgery treatment, according to a study published in Nature.

Patients who test positive for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery and who were treated with immunotherapy had improved disease-free survival compared to patients who were positive for ctDNA but did not receive immunotherapy. These results demonstrate the power of personalized medicine in cancer therapy, according to Maha Hussain, MBChB, the Genevieve E. Teuton Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and a co-author of the study.

Better risk prediction allows for better individualized therapy intensification targeting micro-metastatic disease in patients who are at risk of relapse." Hussain, Deputy Director, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University

Determining whether or not a patient has remaining micrometastatic disease after surgery with or without prior pre-operative neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been historically difficult, according to the authors. Many patients who are actually cured by surgery, with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, receive additional systemic therapy based on post-surgery pathology. Other patients with residual microscopic disease presence may not receive potentially beneficial treatment until disease progression has become detectable by imaging.

"Clearly, in oncology one size does not fit all," Hussain said.

The presence of ctDNA is considered likely evidence of systemic disease and is increasingly used as a biomarker for cancer relapse in patients who've undergone surgical resection. Testing for ctDNA offers advantages in identifying patients with residual systemic micrometastasis, according to Hussain.

In the current study, investigators sequenced urothelial tumor cells and identified 16 tumor-specific mutations. If a patient sample showed evidence of two or more of these mutations, that patient was considered ctDNA-positive.

Patients were enrolled in a randomized study comparing outcomes for patients after surgical resection for urothelial cancer. One group of patients received atezolizumab, a PD-L1 immunotherapy, while the other group was simply observed after surgery.

While atezolizumab did not show a significant improvement in overall survival among all patients, those patients who were ctDNA-positive post-surgery and received atazolizumab did show improvement compared to similar patients who were ctDNA-positive but did who not receive the treatment. In fact, 18 percent of patients who were ctDNA-positive and received atezolizumab had their ctDNA completely cleared, a measure that was associated with improved outcomes.

This detection and treatment method does have limitations, according to the authors. Using ctDNA to detect cancer relapse only detected 60 percent of relapsed cancers in the observation group, likely a result of low ctDNA after resection of the primary tumor. While there is room for improvement on detection using ctDNA, this personalized approach could be a framework for post-surgical cancer care, according to Hussain.

"Better technologies in the future could further help these patients," Hussain said.

The study was sponsored by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd/Genentech.
The Labour Department today stated that if foreign domestic helpers who are currently in the Philippines and Indonesia had been fully vaccinated in Hong Kong before they left, they can come to work in the city from August 9.

The Government announced earlier this week that overseas inbound travellers will be subject to new border control measures that are also applicable to helpers coming from the Philippines and Indonesia.

The department explained that if helpers were fully vaccinated in Hong Kong previously, they will be allowed to board flights for Hong Kong under the new measures.

They must comply with the new requirements that include presenting prior to boarding proof of a negative nucleic acid test result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before their scheduled departure time.

They also need to produce confirmation of room reservation at a designated quarantine hotel for not less than 21 nights starting on the day of their arrival.

The department reminds employers and employment agencies to make preparations for their helpers beforehand.

Helpers failing to meet any of the relevant requirements may not be allowed to board a flight for Hong Kong or may be denied entry upon arrival, it added.

As to foreign helpers who do not possess a recognised vaccination record, the Government is discussing with the consulates-general of major helper-sending countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia, ways to verify the authenticity of their vaccination records.

This will allow helpers who were vaccinated in their home countries to come to work in Hong Kong.

The Government also plans to arrange for such helpers to be centrally quarantined in one to two hotels. Details are being discussed and an announcement will be made once arrangements are confirmed.
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Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 71F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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(Newser)  Authorities in Britain are looking into whether toxic cat food could be the cause of a huge surge in a rare cat iillness. The Royal Veterinary College says at least 528 cases of the blood condition feline pancytopenia have been reported to it in recent months, and around 330 of the ill cats have died. The RVC says the true numbers are probably far higher, since it only receives data from a small percentage of veterinarians. The RVC and Britain's Food Standards Agency suspect the outbreak could be linked to several brands of cat food, all from the same supplier, that were recalled in June, ABC reports. A full list can be found here.

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Pancytopenia involves a rapid decrease in all three kinds of blood cells. The RVC says the initial signs include lethargy and a lack of appetite, often followed by bleeding from the mouth. It says the condition could be caused by mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi that grow on crops including grains and vegetables, often under humid conditions, the Guardian reports. Fold Hill Foods, the British producer of the recalled brands, says it is cooperating with the investigation, and there has been no "definitive evidence" of a link between its products and the outbreak. "As cat owners ourselves, we fully understand how upsetting and stressful this situation is and the urgent need to establish why there has been an increase in cases of pancytopenia in the UK," a spokesperson said. (Read more cats stories.)
(Newser)  Child protection advocates are praising Apple's plan to roll out new anti-child-pornography features later this yearbut privacy advocates worry about what else it might lead to. The company says the software, called neuralMatch, will scan images on a user's iPhone before they are uploaded to the iCloud storage service to see if they match images in a database of child sexual abuse images, the Wall Street Journal reports. If there is a match, the phone will be disabled and the user will be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which works with law enforcement agencies.

Context. The Washington Post says the type of matching being done is something companies like Facebook already do. "But in those systems, photos are scanned only after they are uploaded to servers owned by companies like Facebook." In looking at what's on a user's device, Apple is treading into new "client-side" surveillance territory.

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Apple's reassurances. In a blog post, Apple says its technology ensures there is only "a one in one trillion chance per year of incorrectly flagging a given account," and all flagged accounts will be reviewed by a human.

In a blog post, Apple says its technology ensures there is only "a one in one trillion chance per year of incorrectly flagging a given account," and all flagged accounts will be reviewed by a human. A criticism. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, however, called the move "a shocking about-face for users who have relied on the companys leadership in privacy and security," ABC reports. Other privacy advocates warned that the technology to scan user's phones for banned content could be abused by authoritarian regimes.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, however, called the move "a shocking about-face for users who have relied on the companys leadership in privacy and security," ABC reports. Other privacy advocates warned that the technology to scan user's phones for banned content could be abused by authoritarian regimes. One worrisome scenario. The AP talks with Matthew Green, a Johns Hopkins cryptography researcher, who gives this hypothetical: Someone could manipulate the system to frame a person by sending them "seemingly innocuous images designed to trigger matches for child pornography. That could fool Apples algorithm and alert law enforcement." He said researchers have managed to do this.

The AP talks with Matthew Green, a Johns Hopkins cryptography researcher, who gives this hypothetical: Someone could manipulate the system to frame a person by sending them "seemingly innocuous images designed to trigger matches for child pornography. That could fool Apples algorithm and alert law enforcement." He said researchers have managed to do this. In support. Hany Farid of the University of California at Berkeley has developed technology to spot child pornography online and said any concerns should be outweighed by the need to protect children. Farid noted that other programs designed to protect devices against threats haven't seen the "mission creep" that privacy advocates are warning about.

Hany Farid of the University of California at Berkeley has developed technology to spot child pornography online and said any concerns should be outweighed by the need to protect children. Farid noted that other programs designed to protect devices against threats haven't seen the "mission creep" that privacy advocates are warning about. One other use. Apple also plans to add tools to its encrypted iMessage service to stop children receivingor sendingsexually explicit images, reports the Post. The images will be blurred and minors will be warned that their parents could be notified if they choose to view it.

(Read more Apple stories.)
(Newser)  CNN is not messing around when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines: Three unvaccinated employees who showed up to work have been fired, the network announced in a memo to their former colleagues Thursday. "Let me be clearwe have a zero tolerance policy on this," wrote CNN chief Jeff Zucker in the memo, which was obtained by the AP. The network requires employees who are working in the office or in the field in contact with colleagues to be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus.

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Currently, employees can go back into the office if they choose. The network was planning for a company-wide return to the office Sept. 7, but that has now been delayed to mid-October since COVID cases are back on the rise. Zucker warned in the memo that that target date could change again, and said 30 days' notice would be given, the Wall Street Journal reports. The employees who were fired were entering the New York office, the Los Angeles Times reports. (Read more CNN stories.)
(Newser)  The baby who delayed Elizabeth Holmes' criminal fraud trial was born last month. The Theranos founder gave birth to William Holmes Evans, her first child with partner Billy Evans, on July 10, ABC News reports. Holmes' trial on charges that she defrauded investors, doctors, and patients about her blood-testing startup was originally scheduled to start last month, but was delayed due to her pregnancy. Jury selection begins Aug. 31, CNBC reports. She faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted. In June, the judge in the case said Holmes, 37, would be allowed to be with her baby during breaks in the trial in a quiet room.

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As for how this will affect Holmes' prospects, a legal analyst at NBC says "being a new mother can only help get her sympathy from jurors. If convicted, even if her sentencing guidelines call for incarceration, her attorneys will place her motherhood front and central before the judge." And a defense attorney who spoke to ABC's podcast about Holmes, "The Dropout," concurs: "The fact that she is a young, new mother is going to play into any potential sentence." Also this week, the judge denied Holmes' motion to suppress evidence of customer complaints at her trial, meaning prosecutors will be allowed to call customers who received inaccurate test results to testify at the trial, BuzzFeed reports. (Read more Elizabeth Holmes stories.)
(Newser)  As a female game developer who spoke out publicly against sexism in the industry a few years back, Brianna Wu received torrentsand we mean torrentsof threats and abuse online. Now the Washington Post reports that Wu is forcing a different kind of conversation, one about forgiving the trolls who attacked her as part of GamerGate. A tweet by Wu this week sums it up:

"Over 100 Gamergaters have written me over the year asking for forgiveness, and Ive thanked them and forgiven them every single time," she wrote. "If I can understand people can grow past their worst moments, I think the rest of us can too. We need a conversation about redemption in America."

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As she explains to the Post, she's tired of the "mob justice" now prevalent online. Someone makes a mistake, apologizes sincerely, but Twitter mobs continue to punish. "For people that have messed up, what is the path back for them?" she asks. The answer might be in cutting people some slack, provided they are sincerely sorry.

In another tweet, she cites the example of Louis CK as someone decidedly not in that category. "His apologies have sucked," she wrote. "Hes turned his predatory behavior into a joke. Its clear he has no interest in accountability."

Wu, 44, is still an independent game developer, but she also has her eye on Congress in Massachusetts and has created a liberal PAC called Rebellion. And she remains a voice against gamer sexism. While she wasn't involved in a recent suit against game-maker Activision, the Wall Street Journal made a point to reach out to her for reaction. "Things wont get better in the industry until its more expensive to treat women wrong than it is to treat women right," she said.

(Read more gamers stories.)
(Newser)  A Texas appeals court on Thursday upheld the murder conviction of a former Dallas police officer who was sentenced to prison for fatally shooting her neighbor in his home, the AP reports. A panel of three state judges ruled that a Dallas County jury had sufficient evidence to convict Amber Guyger of murder in the 2018 shooting of Botham Jean. The decision by the 5th Texas Court of Appeals in Dallas means Guyger, who turns 33 on Monday, will continue to serve her 10-year prison sentence and largely dashes her hopes of having the 2019 conviction overturned. She will become eligible for parole in 2024 under her current sentence. The appeals court justices did not dispute the basic facts of the case. Guyger, returning home from a long shift, mistook Jeans apartment for her own, which was on the floor directly below his. Finding the door ajar, she entered and shot him, later testifying that she thought he was a burglar. Jean, a 26-year-old accountant, had been eating a bowl of ice cream before Guyger shot him.

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She was later fired from the Dallas Police Department. Guyger's appeal hung on the claim that her mistaking Jeans apartment for her own was reasonable, and therefore, so too was the shooting. Her lawyer asked the appeals court to acquit her of murder or substitute in a conviction for criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lesser sentence. Dallas County prosecutors countered that the error was not reasonable, that Guyger acknowledged intending to kill Jean and that "murder is a result-oriented offense." "That she was mistaken as to Jeans status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent," the judges wrote. "We decline to rely on Guygers misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jurys verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill."

(Read more Amber Guyger stories.)
(Newser)  A 45-year-old Texas GOP official who openly mocked face masks, quarantining, and the coronavirus vaccine has died of COVID. Per a GoFundMe campaign, Dickinson City Council and State Republican Executive Committee member Scott Apley died early Wednesday. He'd been hospitalized in Galveston since Sunday after being admitted with "pneumonia-like symptoms" and had been placed on a ventilator. The Washington Post reports both Apley's wife, Melissa, and their infant son, Reid, have also tested positive for COVID, though it doesn't appear either has been hospitalized. The baby is said to be in the care of Melissa Apley's mother. The Daily Beast reports that Scott Apley had for months ridiculed COVID online, promoting mask-burning events, calling incentives for getting vaccinated "disgusting," and slamming the idea of vaccine passports. Apley's last such post was on Friday, in which he put up a meme casting doubt on getting vaccinated.

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The GoFundMe for Apley's wife and son had raised more than $35,000 as of Friday morning, and many expressed condolences on Apley's social media pages. The chair of the Texas GOP put out a statement saying his group was "incredibly saddened" to hear of Apley's death, though he didn't mention Apley had died of COVID. Others, however, didn't have as much sympathy. "I can't say I feel sadness at the death of someone who mocked and bullied people who got vaccinated," one commenter noted. It's not clear whether Apley himself had been inoculated. Both the Daily Beast and the Post note that Apley joins the ranks of COVID and vaccination skeptics who've either died or changed their tunes after becoming seriously ill. (Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson this week said he regrets the ban on mask mandates that he himself signed into law in April.)
(Newser)  A sightseeing plane crashed Thursday in southeast Alaska, killing all six people on board, the US Coast Guard said. The plane's emergency alert beacon was activated around 11:20am when the plane crashed in the area of Misty Fjords National Monument, near Ketchikan, the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration said. A helicopter company reported seeing wreckage on a ridgeline in the search area, and Coast Guard crew members found the wreckage around 2:40pm, the AP reports. A Coast Guard helicopter lowered two rescue swimmers to the site, and they reported no survivors, the agency said. The identities of those killed in the crash were not immediately released. The Alaska State Troopers and volunteers from the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad will coordinate recovery efforts Thursday and Friday.

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The plane involved Thursday, a de Havilland Beaver, was owned by Southeast Aviation LLC. Our hearts are shattered at the loss of six people today. We are thinking of and grieving with the families of the five passengers and our dear friend and pilot aboard the aircraft, the company said in a statement. The five passengers on the flight were from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, the company said in a statement. The ship stopped in Ketchikan on Thursday and delayed its afternoon departure after the plane crash. The company said it was making counseling services available to guests and crew. The float plane excursion was offered by an independent tour operator and not sold by Holland America Line, the statement said. Ketchikan is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting Alaska, and cruise ship passengers can take various sightseeing excursions while in port.

(Read more Alaska stories.)
(Newser)  A high school custodian in Oregon thwarted his own plan to carry out a mass shooting at his workplace and other locations, police say. The Medford Police Department says 24-year-old Khristopher Clay went to a police station on July 20 and confessed that he was having "homicidal thoughts" and had plans to act on them, CNN reports. He was taken to the mental health unit of a local hospital, where he was in protective custody until his arrest Wednesday on charges including attempted second-degree murder. Police say they searched three residences and seized evidence including guns and ammunition, reports KATU. They also seized what police Lt. Mike Budreau described as "journals or manifestos" with plans for a "mass casualty event." Budreau says Clay had set a possible date and things were moving to the point "where the only next step would be a mass shooting event."

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Budreau says Clay's list of targets included his workplace, South Medford High School. Police say Clay has no known criminal convictions, but he was banned from owning firearms after a judge determined he was mentally ill in 2019. "Why he turned himself in is the million dollar question. I believe that he did a lot of planning and a lot of sinister thoughts, but he had that moment where he wanted help, Budreau tells the Daily Beast. "Thank goodness that happened. Had he not turned himself in, I dont think we would have figured this one out before it happened." KDRV reports that Budreau says police have spoken to people who heard concerning statements from Clay but didn't take them seriously. "Any time you hear talk of mass or school shootings or anything that should be of concern, don't discount itreport it, let us look into it," he says. (Read more Oregon stories.)
(Newser)  Residents who heeded fire warnings and fled the picturesque California mountain town of Greenville are struggling to deal with the fact that there isn't much town to go back to. The wind-driven Dixie fire swept into Greenville from two angles Wednesday, destroying much of the town, including its downtown and historic Gold Rush-era buildings. "It's like losing a loved one," resident Curtis Machlan tells the Los Angeles Times. He says his home and neighbors' homes were burned and a friend who stayed to fight the fire described what is left as a "moonscape." Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns, a lifelong Greenville resident, believes well over 100 homes in the community of around 1,000 residents were destroyed, the AP reports. "My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he says.

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Kjessie Essue, who fled nearby Taylorsville with her family Thursday, says the school where her husband works was destroyed and her parents don't know if their home survived. "Greenville is a wasteland," she tells the New York Times. "It's surreal." No casualties in the Sierra Nevada town have been confirmed, but Johns says four people are unaccounted for. Fire officials say firefighters had guns pulled on them by residents who had refused to evacuate. The three-week-old Dixie fire that devastated the town and is threatening thousands of other homes in the area has now burned more than 361,000 acres, making it the sixth-largest wildfire recorded in California history, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Fire officials say six of the seven largest wildfires in state history have occurred in the last 12 months. (Read more California wildfires stories.)
In this photo from Sunday, Aug. 1, people run away from the fire-devastated Sirtkoy village, near Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey. (AP Photo, File)

In this photo from Sunday, Aug. 1, people run away from the fire-devastated Sirtkoy village, near Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey. (AP Photo, File)
(Newser)  Prosecutors in Idaho want Chad Daybell to join the eight prisoners on the state's death row. In documents filed Thursday, prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty if Daybell is found guilty of crimes including the first-degree murders of wife Tammy Daybell and the two children of Lori Vallow, the woman he married two weeks after Tammy Daybell's death, USA Today reports. Prosecutors said any or all of the murders would qualify for the death penalty for reasons including his actions being "especially heinous, atrocious, cruel, or manifesting exceptional depravity" and Daybell's "utter disregard for human life," reports the Idaho Statesman.

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Daybell was arrested in June last year after the bodies of 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan were found on his rural Idaho property. The children had not been seen since September 2019, weeks before Daybell married Vallow in Hawaii. Vallow has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of Tammy Daybelland in connection with the death of Charles Vallow, her fourth husband, who was killed by her brother in July 2019. Daybell is a religious "end times" author, and prosecutors say the couple justified the killings with their doomsday beliefs, the AP reports. His trial is scheduled for November but Vallow's case has been paused. She was committed to a mental health facility in June in what a court said was an effort "to restore competency for trial." (Read more Chad Daybell stories.)
(Newser)  The deputy governor of Nimruz province in southwest Afghanistan says its capital city has fallen to the Taliban, making it the first provincial capital to be overrun by Taliban fighters since American forces began their withdrawal. The attack on Zaranj marks an escalation in the Taliban campaign, which has mainly focused on capturing rural areas, reports the Washington Post. The group is now believed to control more than half of Afghanistan's 421 districts and is putting increasing pressure on cities including Kandahar and Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, the BBC reports. US and Afghan government forces launched airstrikes on Taliban positions in Lashkar Gah Thursday night.

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The reported fall of Zaranj came as the director of Afghanistan's government media center was killed in a Taliban ambush in Kabul, the AP reports. The Taliban said Dawa Khan Menapal was "punished for his deeds" in a "special attack." He was assassinated days after eight people were killed in a bombing during a failed attempt to assassinate the country's acting defense minister. As the Taliban gain ground, more than 30,000 people a week are fleeing the country, and many more have been displaced internally, reports the New York Times. (Read more Afghanistan stories.)
(Newser)  Late last year, in the midst of the pandemic, the chef at a new Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco cooked up a special meal to cheer up demoralized staff: #1 Dac Biet Fried Rice, or crab fried rice with "the works." The offering at Lily ended up becoming wildly popular, a fact that Mashed calls "ironic"because it was a joke right from the start. The dish created by chef Rob Lam is a $72 (!) meal crammed with wagyu beef (from cattle that were fed olives to increase the meat's umami), two kinds of caviar, roe from sea urchins, rock shrimp, three kinds of crab, and, of course, a hefty helping of jasmine rice, all topped with black truffle garnish. "The premise was, let's do something so over-the-top and bougie," Lam tells the San Francisco Chronicle of the stunt platter that he intended to sell for only two weeks or so around the holidays.

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What Lam and crew didn't expect was that the dish would become a must-have among the city's influencer setthe three or four orders of it that they'd anticipated selling daily morphed into more than 20. To make matters worse, despite the eye-popping price tag, the restaurant was actually losing money on it due to the high-cost ingredients. Lam also feared that Lily, which had just opened in October, would get the wrong reputation. "This wasn't us," he says. "It wasn't who we wanted to be." And so at the end of June, after a six-month run, Lily pulled its unexpectedly famous dish. "We did this as a joke!" the restaurant posted on Instagram. "A stoned out, bored ass, pandemic gift. To soothe a take out nation during the holidays." The post added: "This dish isn't even Vietnamese!!!" That doesn't mean fans will never see the expensive rice again: Lily noted in its post that it may show up again during Dungeness crab season, or perhaps on some future "secret menu." (Read more weird food stories.)
(Newser)  A New Jersey gym owner and a Washington state man on Friday became the first people charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol to plead guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer during the deadly siege. The pair of plea deals with federal prosecutors could be a benchmark for dozens of other cases in which Capitol rioters are charged with attacking police, the AP reports. An attorney for Scott Kevin Fairlamb, a former mixed martial arts fighter who owned Fairlamb Fit gym in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, said prosecutors are seeking a sentencing guideline range of about 3 to 4 years in prison. Later Friday, the same judge in Washington, DC, ordered Devlyn Thompson jailed in Seattle after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon, a baton. Thompson, 28, had been free since the riot. Fairlamb, 44, whose brother is a Secret Service agent, was one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol after others smashed windows using riot shields and kicked out a locked door, federal prosecutors said.

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After leaving the building, Fairlamb harassed a line of police officers, shouting in their faces and blocking them, prosecutors wrote in a filing. A video shows him holding a collapsible baton and shouting, "What (do) patriots do? We f****** disarm them and then we storm the f****** Capitol!" US District Judge Royce Lamberth set sentencing for Sept. 27 for both Thompson and Fairlamb, who has been jailed since his Jan. 22 arrest. Thompson wasn't arrested after he was charged last month with one count of assaulting a Metropolitan Police officer. His attorneys said in a filing that he has autism spectrum disorder. They cited that as a reason for keeping him out of jail while awaiting sentencing. It wasn't immediately clear what prosecutors estimate the sentencing guidelines should be for Thompson. Fairlambs involvement in the riot has "eviscerated large parts of his life," his attorney said. "He has lost his business. The mortgage on his home where he lives with his wife is in peril. And he has been publicly disgraced."

(Read more Capitol attack stories.)
Local

Feds roll back confusing addiction funding rules that had deadly consequence in Pa.

YONG KIM/Philadelphia Inquirer Tyler Cordeiro of Bucks County was wrongly denied treatment funding because of confusion over the federal rules. He later died of an overdose.

HARRISBURG  A federal agency that sends billions of dollars to states to help them respond to the opioid crisis is rolling back part of a policy that caused widespread confusion in Pennsylvania, wrongly preventing at least one person who later died of an overdose from accessing addiction treatment.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has eliminated language that prohibited grant recipients from providing federal funding to any individual who or organization that provides or permits marijuana use for the purposes of treating substance use or mental disorders.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs highlighted the change in a public bulletin on Monday. A spokesperson said the agency had no insight into what led to the change, but we are happy to see that the updated term no longer includes the prohibition.

The new guidance eliminates the more restrictive language that was really confusing, said Michele Denk, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of County Drug and Alcohol Administrators.

The federal agency previously told Spotlight PA the language wasnt supposed to prevent providers from serving people who used cannabis for substance use disorders, as long as those patients were willing to work toward alternatives. Federal money could still pay for addiction treatment, the agency said, but not to purchase cannabis.

But in Pennsylvania, the language was widely interpreted as a ban on spending federal money to treat those who used medical marijuana for that reason.

A recent Spotlight PA investigation found, in at least one case, confusion and a failure by the state to clarify funding rules had serious consequences.

Tyler Cordeiro, a 24-year-old Bucks County man, was denied addiction treatment funding through a state program that promises help for all because he had a medical marijuana card, his family said. He died weeks later, in October 2020, from a drug overdose.

Cordeiros mother, Susan Ousterman, said her son was not offered any alternative sources of funding for treatment, raising questions about whether some drug and alcohol offices wrongly interpreted the federal policy as a complete ban on helping these patients.

Ousterman spent months earlier this year reaching out to state officials with concerns about whether local drug and alcohol offices were denying addiction treatment funding to others.

On Wednesday, she told Spotlight PA shes glad the federal government changed its policy. But she still doesnt understand why anyone ever interpreted the previous guidance to deny assistance to people seeking addiction treatment.

I dont have a lot of faith that anythings going to really change with them ensuring people are getting the funds that theyre entitled to, Ousterman said.

The conflict centers around Pennsylvanias medical marijuana program, competing federal and state policies, and the states system of funding addiction treatment.

Each year, Pennsylvanias Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs sends a large share of the hundreds of millions of dollars it receives in federal money to a network of 47 county drug and alcohol offices. Those offices in turn help pay for addiction treatment for people who dont have insurance.

That system became more complicated in late 2019. Under former President Donald Trump, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said its grant money may not be used, directly or indirectly, to purchase, prescribe, or provide marijuana or treatment using marijuana. The agency also warned that the money could not be provided to any person or organization that permits marijuana use for the purposes of treating substance use or mental disorders.

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states to list opioid use disorder as a standalone qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

But the ban wasnt as wide-reaching as it seemed. In January 2020, SAMHSA sent a clarification to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and agencies in other states.

I know many of you had asked for some written follow-up, a SAMHSA official wrote in a Jan. 1, 2020 email, obtained through a public records request. I hope the attached questions assist in clarifying the implementation.

A state employee forwarded that email to top department officials, documents released through the request show.

Among other things, the 2020 guidance said organizations could still serve people who used medical marijuana for substance use or mental health disorders, as long as the patient understood the risks of marijuana and was willing to work toward alternative treatments.

But many county drug and alcohol offices in Pennsylvania continued operating as if they couldnt spend federal money to serve those card-holders, and its not clear how consistently those offices used other money to make up for gaps.

The state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs included the more restrictive language in its fiscal and operations manuals, which took effect in July 2020 and which county drug and alcohol offices follow, without the clarifying guidance. The state didnt share the more lenient rules through a public bulletin until June 2021, after Ousterman reached out.

In response to questions from Spotlight PA, the department in June defended the delay, describing the January 2020 email from SAMHSA as informal  a characterization the federal agency disputed. The department said it sent out the June 2021 bulletin after receiving information on a formal SAMHSA letterhead.

This latest policy from the federal government goes even further.

In an email to Spotlight PA, the federal agency declined to say what specifically prompted the new guidance. You can see from our recent press releases that SAMHSAs priorities are to expand opportunities for people to get into treatment, as well as to grow the behavioral health workforce, the agency said.

Denk, of the Pennsylvania Association of County Drug and Alcohol Administrators, said her members hadnt yet had a chance to discuss the latest bulletin as a group. She expects her members and treatment providers will submit questions to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and that the agency will share its responses broadly. That kind of response, Denk said, could hopefully avoid confusion moving forward.

Ousterman still worries. Its not taken seriously by some people that these are lives that are on the line, she said.

WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
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Bahrain not classified in high-risk or virus mutant regions: Embassy in Germany

Bahrain not classified in high-risk or virus mutant regions: Embassy in Germany

Agencies | Berlin

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini citizens may travel to Germany after they show proof of a negative PCR test that does not exceed 72 hours, or recovery from Covid-19, or vaccination approved by the German authorities.

Bahrains embassy to Germany said that the new rule has been effective since August 1.

Bahrainis with vaccinations not approved by Germany must present a negative PCR test, bearing in mind that some airlines require two test certificates in addition to proof of vaccination, the embassy added.

The new rules come after the German authorities decided to distinguish only between high-risk and virus mutant regions.

High-risk regions are characterized by high SARS-CoV-2 virus incidence rates, thus posing a significant infection risk. Virus mutant regions, in turn, are marked by the prevalence of concerning coronavirus variants. Bahrain is not classified in either region.


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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Has the Delta variant made you more cautious?
MUNCIE, Ind. (AP)  Two more Indiana universities have announced steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on their campuses.

Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns announced in a message to faculty that masks would be required in all university buildings beginning Monday. And Valparaiso University is requiring all students, faculty and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall semester.
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 5, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada is one of over 120 countries committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In order to achieve this ambitious climate target, we must draw on a range of clean energy technologies including nuclear power.

Annick Goulet, Canada's Ambassador to Romania, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources; the Honourable Florin Citu, Romania's Prime Minister; and the Honourable Minister Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Romania's Minister of Energy, today signed an agreement committing the two countries to strengthening cooperation on nuclear energy, including collaboration on CANDU refurbishments and new build projects in Romania.

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) underscores the importance of strategic partnerships between Canada and Romania, including our common climate change objectives and our mutual interest in decarbonizing electricity systems in order to meet net-zero emissions by 2050.

This collaboration builds on existing relationships between Canada and the European Union and highlights the long-standing partnership in the nuclear energy sector and upcoming projects in Romania. The MOU also demonstrates both countries' joint leadership on advancing nuclear energy and positions Canada as a partner of choice to support nuclear development in Romania.

Nuclear energy is a major part of the Canadian energy landscape from coast to coast. With over 60 years of science and technology innovation, a world-class regulator and a vibrant domestic supply chain, Canada's nuclear industry is a leader in an emerging global market estimated at $150 to $300 billion per year by 2040. Canada is also committed to disposing of nuclear waste in a safe and responsible way, in accordance with international and domestic best practices.

As outlined in Canada's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, Canada is a willing and active partner on the international stage and remains committed to working with global partners to transition to an inclusive, net-zero future.

Quotes

"Nuclear cooperation has been a pillar of the 55-year-long CanadaRomania relationship. I am proud to have renewed our bilateral commitment by signing this MOU today and look forward to further consolidating our exchanges in all spheres, from security to trade."

Annick Goulet

Canada's Ambassador to Romania

"My mandate is characterized by two things: investments and reforms. Today, we are here to present a major investment project. To have sustainable economic growth, you need to invest. There is no alternative. The MOU signed today with Canada makes an important statement: clean energy is our common goal."

The Honourable Florin Citu

Prime Minister of Romania

"Today, we made another important step for the future of nuclear energy in Romania. We will collaborate with our partner Canada on the development of nuclear reactors of SNN, Romania's state-owned nuclear energy company, including collaboration on CANDU refurbishments and new build projects in Romania. I want to thank Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, and Annick Goulet, Canada's Ambassador to Romania, for this support. Romania, too, is committed to use more clean energy technologies."

The Honourable Minister Virgil-Daniel Popescu

Romania's Minister of Energy

Related Information

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY OF ROMANIA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OF CANADA CONCERNING STRENGTHENING THE COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY

A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

Doing business in Romania

Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

For further information: Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected]; Ian Cameron, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 613-447-3488, [email protected]

Related Links

www.nrcan.gc.ca


The committee, headed by BJP member Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, in a report expressed concern about Chinese projects in upstream areas. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources advised that the Indian govt should constantly monitor Chinese actions so as to ensure that they do not pursue any major interventions on the Brahmaputra which will be adverse to the countrys national interests.

The committees report was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and also suggested the government to renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. China is reportedly planning to construct a dam on the Brahmaputra. A number of projects related to water conservation listed under Chinas new five-year plan are going to be built very close to the border.

People of Assam have expressed apprehension over reports of the Chinese government constructing a dam on the river Brahmaputra, which is considered a lifeline for the state. Over 56 per cent of the Brahmaputra, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, which is a trans-Himalayan river, flows in Chinese territory.

China has taken control of most of the major rivers of Asia with all the sources of Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra following the annexation of Tibet. The report stated that three hydropower projects on the main stream of Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region have been approved by the Chinese authorities and a hydropower project at Zangmu was declared fully operational by Chinese authorities in October 2015.
In widely circulated video clips on social media, attackers were seen carrying sticks, stones, and bricks with which they damaged idols in the temple while raising religious slogans.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday condemned the attack on a Hindu temple in the countrys Punjab province and assured that action will be taken against the culprits. Strongly condemn attack on Ganesh Mandir in Bhung, RYK yesterday. I have already asked IG Punjab to ensure the arrest of all culprits and take action against any police negligence. The government will also restore the Mandir, Pakistan PM tweeted.

Khans remark comes as India today summoned Pakistan charge daffaires and lodged a strong protest on the attack on the temple located in Bhong city of Rahim Yar Khan district. In widely circulated video clips on social media, attackers were seen carrying sticks, stones, and bricks with which they damaged idols in the temple while raising religious slogans.

Earlier today, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that Pakistani charge daffaires was summoned and a firm protest was lodged expressing our grave concerns at this reprehensible incident and the continued attacks on the freedom of religion of the minority community and their places of religious worship.

India called upon Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities. We have seen disturbing reports on social media of a violent mob attack on a Ganesha temple in Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab province of Pakistan. The mob attacked the temple, desecrated the holy idols and set fire to the premises. In addition to attacking the temple, the mob has also attacked surrounding houses belonging to the Hindu community, he said.

Bagchi said incidents of violence, discrimination and persecution against the minority communities including attacks on places of worship have continued unabated in Pakistan.

Within the last year itself, various temples and Gurudwaras have been attacked including the Mata Rani Bhatiyani Mandir in Sindh in January 2020, Gurudwara Sri Janam Sthan in January 2020, a Hindu temple in Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in December 2020, he said.

The spokesperson added that these incidents are occurring at an alarming rate and the Pakistan government have stood by idly and completely failed in preventing these attacks.
Iran is currently amid a western crossfire as US, UK, Romania among other countries have blamed Iran for the drone attack on an Israeli company-owned ship MV Mercer Street off the coast of Oman.

External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Iran today amid a diplomatic turf. In Iran to represent India at president-elect Ebrahim Raisis swearing in ceremony, S Jaishankar will have an important role to play as Iran seeks an opportunity for some diplomatic lobbying amid a western crossfire.

The swearing in ceremony coincides with a time when US, UK, Romania among other countries have blamed Iran for the drone attack on an Israeli company-owned ship MV Mercer Street off the coast of Oman last Thursday, which killed 2 people, including a British and a Romanian. In light of the recent developments, western countries have called for a discussion in UN Security Council, which is likely to take place on Saturday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet has threatened unilateral action against Iran, stating, We know how to send a message to Iran in our own way.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab called it a deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law, stating that the attack was done by drones. US Secretary of State further emphasised, Washington was confident that Iran conducted this and an appropriate response would follow.

As trouble escalates for Iran, India, on the other hand, which assumed the rotating presidency of UNSC on Sunday, has called for a discussion on the Afghan crisis. UNSC will meet on Friday, August 6, i.e today to take stock of the situation. This comes amid Talibans heavy violence and offences in Afghanistan leading to an unfolding tragedy.
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 with the complete pullback of foreign forces just a few weeks away.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will be meeting on today under Indian Presidency to discuss the surge in violence by the Taliban in Afghanistan post US drawdown. UN Security Council will meet on Friday, 6th August, under Indian Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in Afghanistan, tweeted Indias Permanent Representative to United Nations, TS Tirumurti on Thursday.

India on Sunday assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC. Earlier on Tuesday, Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar about convening an emergency UN Security Council session on the current Afghanistan situation.

The Afghan foreign ministry said Atmar talked about the escalating violence by the Taliban and foreign terrorist groups in Afghanistan and called for a meeting of the UNSC to discuss the situation. Called Indian FM HE @DrSJaishankar to discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on AFG. UN & intl community must play a greater role to stop the unfolding tragedy due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of as current UNSC President, Atmar said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the members of the UNSC condemned the attack against a United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan, which claimed the life of Afghan security forces guard and injured other officers. This comes amid the Talibans heavy offensives in Afghanistan. Moreover, the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Wednesday that they will continue their attacks on Afghan officials, after a car bomb attack on the countrys acting defence minister General Bismillah Mohammadis house.

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 with the complete pullback of foreign forces just a few weeks away.
HAMDEN  The founder of a pharmaceutical data services company will compete with a community planner in the race to represent Hamdens 8th District on the Legislative Council.

Ted Stevens, a Democratic Town Committee member who also sits on the Planning & Zoning Commission, won the party endorsement last month, while 40-year Hamden resident and longtime business owner Pat Destito earned the Republican nomination.

Both said concerns about the towns finances motivated them to run. Hamdens tax rate neared 52 mills during the last fiscal year, and Destito said he became so frustrated by fiscal and other issues, such as crime, that he began to talk about moving.

But, I really dont wanna leave, I just want (the town) to improve, Destito said. Its my first foray into politics but I certainly do have a lot of business experience. ... My big focus is obviously on the finances of the town. The town is in dire financial shape.

Destito worked in sales for about a decade before starting a firm called Pharmaceutical Data Services in 1989, he said.

We do high-end analytics of sales information for all of the major drug companies in the United States, he said.

Though running the business has taken up most of his time, Destito also is an avid reader and gym-goer, he said.

Stevens has a background in urban planning. He grew up in Hamden and North Haven, he said, but lived for a decade in Maryland, where he earned a masters degree in community planning.

He back to the area after landing a job as a city planner for New Haven, where he worked until switching in 2017 to a private firm that specializes in city, transportation and water infrastructure planning, he said.

Stevens currently works in the transportation division, where he does traffic and revenue forecasting for mid-Atlantic tolling agencies, he said.

As a council member, he would give more focus to the transportation and planning issues that are integral to building a strong community, he said. Stevens believes the position would give him a platform to work with CT Transit and ensure bus routes go where residents need them, he said.

Like Destito, he found himself frustrated about town finances.

I would say that the (financial) situation has improved a tiny bit over the last few years but certainly not as much as it needs to, Stevens said, adding that he would seek to improve budgeting practices.

Hamden historically has struggled to balance its budgets, and a deficit in the 2019-20 fiscal year temporarily pushed the general fund balance into the red. It also suffered from years of pension underfunding, and the towns annual debt service payment is slated to increase to $30 million within the next few years.

Without another restructuring, it would stay at that level for a decade.

But Mayor Curt Balzano Leng , who took the towns top office in 2015 and is facing a contentious reelection fight, argues Hamdens finances have improved. He has pointed to a $7 million budget surplus during the last fiscal year, an increased general fund balance and the fact that the pension is fully-funded for the first time in years.

(Last years budget included a line item for outside COVID aid, which materialized with the American Rescue Plan.)

Many of Lengs critics, Democrat and Republican alike, arent so optimistic about the towns financial outlook.

Our departments have to ante up and look at their expenses really carefully, Destito said. Thats where I think that being in the private sector for so long will really help.

If elected, the GOP candidate said he would collaborate with the Board of Education to take a conscientious and concerned look at the school budget, a major driver of Hamdens overall expenses.

While state law prevents the Legislative Council from adjusting individual line items in the education budget, Destito believes he could help the board reevaluate education expenses by maintaining working relationships with the district, he said.

If budget increases benefit classrooms, he supports them, he said, but he wants to make sure the expenses are paying off.

Current 8th District Councilwoman Kristin Dolan, a Democrat, is not seeking reelection, and has said she supports all party-endorsed candidates.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
HAMDEN  Like many facilities, Irelands Great Hunger Museum closed to visitors last year as COVID-19 spread.

But while other places have since come back to life, the Whitney Avenue-based museum wont reopen.

The news comes a little more than two years after Quinnipiac University, which operates the facility, threatened the museums funding and gave it until June 2020 to become self-sufficient.

Now, Quinnipiac is working on plans to move the museums collection elsewhere, according to a statement provided by university Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan.

The University is in active conversations with potential partners with the goal of placing the collection on display at an organization that will increase access to national and international audiences about Irelands Great Hunger, the statement reads.

Quinnipiac will maintain its research program on the Great Hunger through its Irelands Great Hunger Institute, which remains open, the statement said. It also indicates that change will not affect the Great Hunger collection at the Arnold Bernhard Library.

The museum opened in 2012, and contains the world's largest collection of Great Hunger-related art, according to its website.

The artwork in the museum, by some of the most eminent Irish and Irish-American artists of the past 170 years, such as Daniel Macdonald, James Mahony, Lilian Davidson, Margaret Allen, Howard Helmick, James Brenan, Paul Henry, Jack B. Yeats, William Crozier, Hughie ODonoghue, Brian Maguire, Micheal Farrell, Glenna Goodacre, Rowan Gillespie, John Behan and Alanna OKelly, fulfill one of the obligations of memory  they honor the dead, according to the museum.

Its future came into question in 2019, when Quinnipiac reassessed future funding for the facility, news which came as a disappointment to the museums former president.

Given our many student-centric priorities, our hope is that Irelands Great Hunger Museum identifies diverse sources of support for its programs and initiatives, including philanthropy, according to a university statement from the time.

Soon after, university leadership gave the museum about 14 months to find a way to generate its own funding.

The museum, and the study of the Irish famine, drew strong financial support from brothers Murray and Marvin Lender, part of the multi-generation and philanthropic family that ran the H. Lender & Sons bagel business. Murray Lender died in 2012.

Quinnipiacs work with the Great Hunger Museum began under the leadership of former university President John Lahey, who retired in 2019.

Lahey has said the museum shares a story relevant to Irish-Americans in the United States, many of whom live in Quinnipiacs backyard in New York and Boston, and provides an international brand and identity for the school. Its themes, of a peoples encounter with bigotry and hatred, are universal, he has said. Lahey also has said Murray Lender was struck by the common relevance of these themes.

Ben Lambert contributed to this story. meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
BERLIN (AP)  German prosecutors said Friday that they have launched a formal probe into whether two regional officials failed to properly warn residents ahead of last month's deadly floods.

Prosecutors in the western city of Koblenz said investigations so far had confirmed an initial suspicion of negligent homicide and negligent bodily harm against the regional administrator in nearby Ahrweiler county.

At least 141 people died, more than 700 were injured and 17 are still missing in the Ahr valley following the floods of July 14-15. Dozens more people died in other parts of western Germany and neighboring Belgium where heavy rainfall turned streams into raging rivers that swept away houses and caused massive economic damage.

A second member of the crisis management team, who was in charge of the emergency operation for at least part of the night, is also being investigated, prosecutors said.

Residents of the flood-hit towns reported receiving little advance warning of the deadly flood that would occur, with some claiming that information from authorities was unclear or entirely absent.

Koblenz prosecutor Harald Kruse said his office had reviewed the timeline of events on the night of the disaster and found that there had been a delay of several hours between the first reports of serious flooding higher up the valley and the official order to evacuate.

The village of Schuld was flooded at about 5 p.m., causing large-scale damage to buildings but no loss of life, Kruse told reporters at a news conference. However, the town of Sinzig  where the Ahr flows into the Rhine River  wasn't hit until 2:30 a.m., he said.

Authorities issued an evacuation warning for certain areas shortly after 11 p.m. While the warning was transmitted by at least one smartphone app, many people were not aware of it and there were only sporadic siren alerts in the valley.

Kruse said the investigation to date had focused on the death of twelve residents of an assisted-living facility in Sinzig. But he said that possible culpability for the deaths of other people that night would be included in the probe as more information becomes available.

At least eight bodies were found in a single underground parking lot, Kruse said. Some people had tried to drive their cars to safety on the advice of authorities only to drown when the floodwater rushed in.

Every human life that was lost is one too many, said Kruse.

The regional administrator for Ahrweiler, Juergen Pfoehler, has denied responsibility for the deaths and told prosecutors that he delegated responsibility for disaster management to another person, who is now also under investigation. Koehler declined to name the individual, citing privacy laws and the presumption of innocence.

Meanwhile, estimates of the disaster's economic cost continued to rise.

The economy minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Andreas Pinkwart, said the damage in his state alone is expected to run to between 15 billion and 20 billion euros ($17.7 billion to $23.6 billion).

Federal and state officials are meeting in Berlin on Tuesday to discuss financial aid for the flood-hit regions.
Local police departments throughout Connecticut are expected to equip all of their officers with body cameras by July 2022 in order to increase transparency and public trust in law enforcement.

But with less than a year before that new requirement goes into effect, it remains unclear exactly how many of the states municipal police officers are already wearing cameras and how many still need to be outfitted with the technology.

Thats because nobody at the state level is currently monitoring how many police departments are in compliance with the new mandate, which was included in a sweeping police accountability bill that passed in 2020 following a wave of protests against police violence and the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn.

Officials with the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees the Police Officers Standards and Training Council, said they are not actively tracking the adoption of body cameras in Connecticut.

And the state Office of Policy and Management, which administers grants that cover part of the cost of the cameras, said the agency was only aware of which police departments had applied for that state funding to this point.

Marc Pelka, the undersecretary for criminal justice policy and planning at OPM, said the police accountability bill didnt designate a state agency to oversee the implementation of the new body camera requirement. There is no enforcement mechanism regarding compliance, he said.

The staff at OPM, Pelka added, is focused on setting up the latest grant program for body cameras and educating local police departments about how to apply for and access that state money.

There are roughly 94 local police departments scattered throughout Connecticuts 169 towns and cities, and the police chiefs at those agencies are responsible for overseeing more than 6,000 sworn officers, according to the most recent data published by the state.

Many of the departments that didnt have body cameras before the passage of the police accountability bill have worked over the past year to make those purchases.

Simsbury, Manchester, Rocky Hill and East Hartford, for instance, submitted applications for state grant funding not long after the special session ended. And local news outlets across Connecticut have documented the approval of body cameras this year in places like Suffield, Ridgefield and West Hartford.

Still, the lack of oversight by the state makes it difficult to determine whether every police department is moving quickly enough to test the cameras, find the necessary funding and outfit their officers ahead of the deadline next summer.

It also makes it difficult for Connecticut residents to know if they can expect the officers in their town to be recording during traffic stops or when they respond to domestic disputes, mental health checks and other emergency calls.

Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, said he was not surprised that some local police departments still need to acquire body cameras less than a year out from the deadline he and other lawmakers set.

The Democratic-controlled legislature, Winfield pointed out, has been trying to incentivize police agencies in Connecticut to adopt body cameras for more than five years, yet there are still agencies that have not bought into the technology.

I am unfortunately a person who believes that there will still be departments that will not do what they are supposed to, Winfield said.

Winfield recognized that it was a problem that there was no organized effort to track each police departments progress in adopting body cameras. But he said that could be corrected next year if there is any question about whether all of the local agencies are complying. He said he would consider sponsoring legislation requiring each department to certify that they purchased the cameras and were actively using the technology.

You cannot be a functioning police operation in 2021 and not have body cameras, Winfield added. Its good for the public. Its good for police. We can really see what is happening.

Money left on the table

The push for body cameras in Connecticut began in earnest in 2015, following the high-profile killings of Michael Brown in Missouri and Walter Scott in South Carolina, two Black men who were gunned down by police.

That year, Connecticut lawmakers voted to create a new grant program to help fund the purchase of body cameras for state troopers, campus police and local departments throughout the state.

More than $12 million was eventually offered up for that effort  $10 million of which was dedicated to local police forces.

The state initially promised to refund local departments 100% of the cost of the camera purchases. Even so, many departments were slow to apply for the grants.

Some police chiefs in the state voiced concerns about the recurring expenses their departments would face to digitally store thousands of hours of footage. The state might cover the startup fees, they pointed out, but that didnt help the departments cover the ongoing costs of maintaining those systems.

As a result, more than $3.5 million of the grant funding remained unused by the time Floyds murder last year reignited calls for police reforms in Connecticut.

Several leading Democratic lawmakers voiced frustrations over the fact that the grant money continued to go unclaimed while legislative reports estimated that more than half of the local police officers in the state continued to operate without body cameras.

Its amazing to me that even though the legislature has been working on this issue since at least as early as 2015, we still have as many municipalities in the state as we do that dont have body cameras, Rep. Steven Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, said during one of the committee hearings last year. You know, it seems every officer I talk to certainly tells me they want it as much for their own protection as the public wants it in order to increase transparency.

The lack of interest by some police departments helped to convince state lawmakers of the need for the statewide mandate last year.

Connecticut is not the only state to recently take that step. At least six others, including Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Carolina, now require officers to wear the recording devices, according to a 2021 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The leaders of several police departments in Connecticut who have been working with body cameras for several years said there may be some initial apprehension among officers who are using the cameras for the first time. But they believe the technology can benefit both the public and the police.

The cameras can be used as part of internal investigations. Officers can rely on the footage to help prepare their police reports. And in some instances, it can protect police from wrongful claims of misconduct.

Leon Krolikowski, New Canaans police chief, said one of the reasons his department equipped its officers with cameras in 2015 was because of the proliferation of cell phone cameras and members of the public videotaping police.

Over the past six years, Krolikowski said, theyve used the body cameras to review incidents when officers believed they were being falsely accused of something. We go straight to the video, and it diffuses things, he said.

David Wolf, a lieutenant with the Westport Police Department, said the cameras have also proved to be a valuable addition in their coastal town.

I cant say anything bad about them, Wolf said. Time and time again, they have proved to be an important tool.

Late adopters

Several of the departments that put off purchasing body cameras until this year continue to cite the cost as the primary reason for avoiding the devices to this point.

Bethel Police Chief Stephen Pugner said the decision to buy body cameras in his town was always weighed against other expenditures for the police department, like new patrol cars or hiring additional officers.

Its always been a cost issue and whether its really needed here, Pugner said, adding that incidents requiring camera footage were few and far between in the town of roughly 19,000 residents.

Pugner said he plans to go before Bethels Board of Selectmen in August to request the funding necessary to buy the cameras and bring the police department into compliance with the new state law. And he hopes to have his officers fully equipped by the fall.

Hes still frustrated, however, that state lawmakers mandated the technology throughout Connecticut without providing more money to help pay for the cameras, the ongoing storage costs for the videos and the costs of processing public requests for the footage under the states Freedom Of Information Act.

The price of outfitting his 40 officers, Pugner said, is likely to be around $170,000, which is roughly 3% of the departments overall budget from the last fiscal year.

We run across these mandates on a regular basis, Pugner said of the legislature. They shouldnt make mandates unless they are funding them.

There is at least $4 million in state money that is currently available to departments, like Pugners, that are acquiring cameras for the first time. But the state is no longer being as generous with the grants as it was in past years. Municipalities that are considered economically distressed will still be reimbursed for up to 50% of the cost, but the remaining towns and cities are only eligible for 30% reimbursement.

Pugner is not the only one dealing with the finances a year out. The legislative report estimated that with the new reimbursement rates, police departments that lacked body cameras in 2020 would need to pick up a combined $4 million in costs on their own by next year.

Dennis Woessner, the East Hampton police chief, is in the process of picking out new body cameras for his department right now.

The initial price tag for equipping his 17 officers, he said, is not a huge concern. But he is worried about the long term cost of storing video footage for months or years at a time and having the manpower necessary to review that footage and respond to requests under the states Freedom Of Information Act.

Fortunately, the town of East Hampton is very supportive of its police, he said. The town understood this was something I really didnt have a choice in.

Jacqueline Rabe Thomas and Kelan Lyons contributed to this report.
3 1 of 3 Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3





NEW HAVEN  U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, gave Mayor Justin Elicker her endorsement Thursday, citing his partnership with the citys state delegation to increase New Havens funding from the state Payment In Lieu of Taxes program, a new $8 million rail plan investment and his work to increase affordable housing, among other issues.

With new challenges continuing to arise this year, I am so grateful to have you and your team alongside to lead us through these challenges and into a transformational recovery that includes the many, not the few, DeLauro said in a release that followed a press conference on Whalley Avenue.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  At least 11 health care systems across Kentucky will require their medical workers to get vaccinated for COVID-19, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday, a day after the state reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus cases in months.

If we are going to defeat and not just delay COVID-19, there is one and only one answer, the Democratic governor said at a virtual media briefing. "That answer is vaccinations. So each decision that we make has to gauge the impact on getting the unvaccinated to take that shot.

In remarks at the Capitol, some hospital executives said the rapid increase in new cases and hospitalizations made the requirement necessary.

Just a month ago, I had three COVID patients and only one in the ICU. As of this morning, I had 43 patients in the hospital. Over a third of them are in the ICU fighting for their life, said Donovan Blackburn, president of Pikeville Medical Center. Vaccines are necessary if we are going to win the fight.

The hospital systems include Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Kings Daughters Health System, Med Center Health, Norton Healthcare, St. Claire Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, UK Healthcare and UofL Health.

Beshear also implored Kentuckians to wear masks because of the statewide spread of the highly contagious delta variant. More than 80 of Kentuckys 120 counties are reported to be in the red zone  signaling a severe level of community spread, according to state guidelines.

I dont care where you live or what county youre in, when you are out of the house, and you are indoors, you now need to be wearing a mask, he said. Thats where we are. And thats what it will take.

Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky's public health commissioner, said that more than 90% of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations were among partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Kentuckians.

The number of children infected with the virus also has risen sharply. In July, 2,092 cases were reported in children under 12, up from 534 in June.

This virus is dangerous and becoming more dangerous the longer it has the opportunity to spread rampantly, he added.

Kentucky reported 2,217 coronavirus cases and four virus-related deaths Thursday. The states positivity rate is 10.27%. Roughly 900 Kentuckians are hospitalized because of COVID-19, and 108 are on ventilators.

_

Hudspeth Blackburn 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.
Gerald Herbert/AP

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Oil companies fighting dozens of lawsuits that blame drilling for decades of coastal erosion and wetland loss in Louisiana are pleased with a new appeals court ruling that could lead to some of the cases being heard in federal court.

The oil companies want all 42 lawsuits brought by six coastal parishes to be tried in federal court, a request that federal district judges had rejected. On Thursday, however, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the judges should reexamine whether cases from two parishes that involved federally overseen oil and gas operations during World War II should be heard in federal court.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Police in Florida have arrested a 19-year-old college student on charges of possessing child pornography after a nearly yearlong investigation.

Ethan Edlund, who attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, surrendered to authorities in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, Daytona Beach police said Friday in a news release. He remained in custody in Illinois, pending an extradition hearing. Police said it's not clear when hell be transported to Volusia County Jail.

Edlund has been charged with 20 counts of child pornography.

Police in Daytona Beach began investigating him in September after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that someone in the area was using a file-sharing cloud service to store child pornography.

When investigators linked to the account, they found a video of a child involved in a sex act. The account was linked to various IP addresses that were traced to Edlund, the release said. Some of the internet addresses were assigned to Embry-Riddle, while others were traced to where Edlund was staying with family in Chicago, police said.

In December 2020, a Volusia County judge signed a search warrant that allowed access to an email account linked to Edlund. There, investigators discovered over 1,200 pornographic videos, many of which showed children involved in a variety of sex acts.

Another search warrant in March allowed investigators to search Edlund's dorm room, where officers seized a laptop and cellphone. The release said Edlund spoke briefly to officers but refused any further interviews after his Miranda rights were read.

A forensic analysis of the phone turned up more child pornography videos, and some of those are the basis for charges filed against Edlund, the release said.

Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, police said.

It was not immediately known whether Edlund has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Google co-founder Larry Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

Immigration New Zealand said Page first applied for residency in November under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million New Zealand dollars ($7 million) to invest.

As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said in a statement. Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.

Gaining New Zealand residency would not necessarily affect Page's residency status in the U.S. or any other nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the family filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.

The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand," Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament.

Little was responding to questions about how Page had managed to enter the country at a time when New Zealand had shut its borders to non-residents in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Little told lawmakers the family had abided by applicable virus protocols when they arrived.

Page's residency application was approved about three weeks later.

Immigration New Zealand noted that while Page had become a resident, he didn't have permanent residency status and remained subject to certain restrictions.

Still, the agency on its website touts the Investor Plus visa as offering a New Zealand lifestyle, adding that you may be able to bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand, free of customs charges.

Some local news organizations reported that Page had since left New Zealand.

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Forbes on Friday ranked Page as the worlds sixth-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $117 billion. Forbes noted that Page stepped down as chief executive of Googles parent company Alphabet in 2019 but remained a board member and controlling shareholder.

Opposition lawmakers said the episode raised questions about why Page was approved so quickly at a time when many skilled workers or separated family members who were desperate to enter New Zealand were being turned away.

The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers and families who are separated from their children," ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

In 2017, it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had been able to gain New Zealand citizenship six years earlier, despite never having lived in the country. Thiel was approved after a top lawmaker decided his entrepreneurial skills and philanthropy were valuable to the nation.

Thiel didnt even have to leave California for the ceremony  he was granted citizenship during a private ceremony held at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  A small but growing number of places in Kansas are requiring people to wear masks indoors, and Gov. Laura Kelly took another stab Friday at persuading more of the state's residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The spread of the more contagious delta variant across the state prompted the University of Kansas to reverse course and impose a mask mandate on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in Johnson County, in the Kansas City area. The university recently said it would strongly recommend masks but would not require them. The mandate takes effect Monday and applies whether someone is vaccinated or not.

The variant has continued to spread nationally and is now putting significant strain on healthcare systems throughout Kansas and neighboring states, said University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod.

Washburn University in Topeka also announced an indoor mask mandate Friday. Kansas State University announced last week that masks would be required indoors on its campuses.

Wyandotte County also is requiring most of its residents to wear masks indoors and on public transportation following a vote of its county commission Thursday night. And Manhattan, the northeast Kansas city that is home to the main Kansas State University campus, said staff and visitors will be required to wear masks inside city buildings.

Kelly released a 30-second public-service announcement from the state health department urging people to get vaccinated. The Democratic governor does not appear in the ad.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that 45.5% of the states 2.9 million residents had been fully vaccinated. The national figure was 49.9%, and five New England states had rates of more than 60%.

We have to do everything we can to get the virus under control and protect our communities," Kelly said in a statement.

Kelly released the new ad as U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids announced that she tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. Davids represents the Kansas side of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Numbers of new COVID-19 cases have risen steadily in Kansas over the past six weeks because of the delta variant. Kansas averaged 942 new COVID-19 cases per day for the seven days that ended Friday, state health department data showed. The seven-day average for new cases had dropped below 100 per day in June.

Delta variant cases have been confirmed in 85 of the states 105 counties, including 14 this week, with the total approaching 2,000 as of Friday.

At least 10 school districts will require at least some students and staff to wear masks indoors. The 10 districts serve more than 104,000 students, or 22% of the state's total.

The Topeka school board voted unanimously Thursday night to impose a mask mandate, WIBW-TV reported.

In Wyandotte County, the mask mandate applies to residents above the age of 5, and the small towns of Bonner Springs and Edwardsville are exempt. They have only about 12,000 of the state's 165,000 residents.

___

Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's Republican attorney general lambasted the Democratic governor for pursuing what he said was a go-it-alone strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19, as the political rivals await a pivotal court ruling in a case testing the governor's executive powers.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron, speaking to The Associated Press on Thursday, said his goal was to strike the right balance between protecting constitutional rights and public health as he defended GOP-backed laws meant to limit the governors authority to respond to the pandemic.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, too, has talked about striking the right balance, but he has clashed with Cameron and Republicans in control of the legislature over where that threshold should lie. Kentucky has had fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than some of its neighboring states, which took a less aggressive approach, and Beshear has said his tactics saved lives.

Beshear's spokeswoman, Crystal Staley, pushed back Friday against Cameron's criticism, saying the governor consulted widely with health officials  including officials from former President Donald Trump's administration. The governor had the courage and backbone to make the tough decisions, she said.

On another key issue, Cameron described a possible settlement with several pharmaceutical companies as a game-changer in Kentucky's battle against opioid addiction. Cameron also said he's considering whether to seek reelection as the state's chief law enforcement officer in 2023.

Cameron has waged legal fights against Beshear's use of his executive authority to impose pandemic restrictions. Beshear won one round last year in the state Supreme Court.

Their latest showdown revolves around new state laws to curb those executive powers.

Beshear filed a lawsuit challenging the measures, resulting in a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked the laws. The suit reached the state's high court, which heard arguments in June. Cameron's criticism of Beshear's handling of the coronavirus crisis echoed complaints from GOP lawmakers.

What the governor has done is undertake a go-it-alone strategy," Cameron said Thursday. Meaning that hes not consulted with the General Assembly. Hes certainly not consulted with this (the AG's) office or others as it relates to any of the decision-making.

Staley, the governor's spokeswoman, responded Friday that Beshear administration officials have made numerous appearances before lawmakers to testify about the virus.

At a time when we have already lost 7,300 Kentuckians to COVID-19 and the delta variant is increasing cases and hospitalizations at an alarming rate, the attorney general and other officials continue to play politics with the pandemic instead of working to protect our people, she said.

Beshear lifted virus-related restrictions on businesses and gatherings in June. The governor says Kentucky's economy has rebounded and is surging.

One of the laws under court review would limit the governors executive orders in times of emergency to 30 days unless extended by lawmakers. Under another measure, businesses and schools would have to comply either with COVID-19 guidelines from the governor or the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They could follow the least restrictive standard.

The General Assembly said, We understand that there is a health crisis, but what we want is a seat at the table so we can reflect and represent the views of our constituents,'' Cameron said Thursday. I respect and appreciate that they did that, and I think it was appropriate.

Meanwhile, Cameron was upbeat about the impact of a possible $26 billion settlement with several pharmaceutical companies, stemming from the nationwide opioid addiction and overdose crisis. Kentucky's share would be more than $460 million and could be used for intervention, treatment and recovery services.

Cameron said his office is reviewing the proposed agreement with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and three drug distribution companies  AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson. Cameron has indicated hes optimistic the settlement will go forward.

Its going to be, in many ways, a game-changer," he said Thursday.

It comes as Kentucky's opioid woes worsened. A new report said fatal drug overdoses in Kentucky surged nearly 50% last year. It pointed to the prevalence of fentanyl and the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as key factors.

The settlement money would support efforts to break the cycles of addiction with treatment and rehabilitation services that get folks back on their feet and help to restore hope, Cameron said.

Meanwhile, Cameron said he's still weighing whether he will run for reelection in 2023.

I want to be deliberate in the thought process," he said. "The conversation with my wife is paramount in these sorts of considerations. We just announced that were having a baby boy. So in terms of what is forefront of our minds in terms of priorities, having a healthy pregnancy and spending time with our newborn is going to be the most important thing that is upcoming for us.
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)  A man who killed a woman in March 2020 and left her nude body on a road in Mead, Washington, pleaded guilty in court to second-degree murder and second-degree assault.

The Spokesman-Review reports the sentencing will be in October, but the Spokane County Superior Court prosecutor recommended 29-year-old Robert F. Mead get 16 years in jail with three years of community custody. The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is life in prison with a $50,000 fine. For second-degree assault, the maximum sentence is 10 years and a $20,000 fine.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Ethiopias spreading Tigray conflict faced a dangerous escalation Friday as an Amhara regional official said Amhara forces will launch an offensive on Saturday against Tigray forces who have entered the region and taken control of a town hosting a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is the time for the Amhara people to crush the terrorist group, Sema Tiruneh, the Amhara regions head of peace and security, told the regional state-affiliated Amhara Media Corporation. "Everyone should come forward and defend themselves.

In response, Tigray forces' spokesman Getachew Reda told The Associated Press that well extend a warm welcome. The conflict threatens to destabilize Africas second most populous country, where thousands of people have already been killed in the nine-month war.

In a phone interview, Getachew said Tigray forces have crossed into the Amhara region, and the Afar region, in recent weeks in an attempt to break the blockade that Ethiopias government has imposed on Tigray. Hundreds of thousands of people face famine conditions, and the United Nations and United States this week sent high-level officials to Ethiopia to urge more access for aid.

We have to deal with anyone whos still shooting, Getachew said. If it takes marching to Addis to silence the guns, we will. But I hope we'll not have to. Civilians shouldnt fear, he said in response to allegations by ethnic Amhara that the Tigray forces have carried out attacks.

We're not after Amhara territory or the people of Amhara. ... As long as they are not shooting at our people, we have no problem," Getachew said.

Separately, Ethiopias foreign ministry warned that the Tigray forces incursion into Amhara and Afar is testing the federal governments patience and pushing it to change its defensive mood which has been taken for the sake of the unilateral humanitarian cease-fire" currently in effect. The incursions have displaced some 300,000 people, it said.

Ethiopia could "deploy the entire defensive capability of the state if overtures for a peaceful resolution to the conflict are not reciprocated, the statement said. The prime minister donated blood this week for the military and urged Ethiopians to do the same, following on military recruitment rallies in the capital and elsewhere.

Ethiopia declared the cease-fire in late June during a stunning turn in the war, as its military retreated from Tigray and the resurgent Tigray forces retook key towns and walked into the regional capital, Mekele, to cheers. The conflict erupted in Tigray in November after a falling-out between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray ruling party that had dominated Ethiopias government for nearly three decades. Since then, thousands of people have been killed.

A new offensive by the Amhara regional forces would go against the federal governments command: All federal and regional, civil and military institutions are ordered to respect the cease-fire, Ethiopia said in its declaration in June.

While the United Nations and United States raise the alarm about the Ethiopian governments continuing near-complete blockade of the Tigray region and its 6 million people, the Tigray forces have vowed to secure the region and pursue its enemies." They have said the prime minister needs to go as one of several preconditions for talks.

I personally would want him to go, but its not for us to topple him, the Tigray forces' spokesman said of the prime minister. Were not interested in occupying the corridors of power in Addis.

Despite international pressure for an immediate cease-fire by all parties, Getachew said the Tigray forces in talks with partners have rejected the idea of holding discreet talks with Ethiopia's government.

If Abiy wants peace, he has to come out in public, he has to lift the blockade, the spokesman said.

Getachew also confirmed that the Tigray forces' aim in the Afar region is to control a crucial supply line to the rest of Ethiopia from neighboring Djibouti, on a major shipping lane. He called it part of the game," saying people in Tigray are starving. It's not to spite the other parts of Ethiopia, he said. We'll cut off supply lines but we'll allow civilian supplies, won't worry.

In their most visible offensive yet, the Tigray forces on Thursday entered the Amhara town of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rock-hewn churches. While one resident told The Associated Press they arrived peacefully, Amhara regional spokesman Gizachew Muluneh on Friday said the terror group that entered the town is being routed by the public and the Ethiopian army. Several of them have now surrendered, he added.

Ethiopias government earlier this year declared the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, or TPLF, a terrorist group instead of a political party.

UNESCO on Friday expressed concern about the expansion of the conflict into Lalibela.

"We dont have firsthand information on any actual damage being done, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.

The conflict has strained living conditions for millions of Ethiopians, and more across the country now fear it will affect them.

Theres serious suffering in Tigray. (The Tigray forces) had an opportunity to stop the military offensive, Tewodrose Tirfe with the Amhara Association of America told the AP. Instead, they kept on pushing.

Ethiopias prime minister repeated his commitment to the unilateral cease-fire just days ago, U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths told reporters on Friday after his meeting with Abiy. I have no reason to doubt that at all," Griffiths said.

But regional forces vowing a new offensive could be another matter.

As the Tigray forces push on, they have become the focus of increasing warnings from the U.N. and U.S. amid pleas for an immediate cease-fire and peace talks without conditions.
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP)  A southern Indiana man charged with killing a woman whose decapitated, mutilated body was found inside her burning apartment will be evaluated by psychiatrists to determine whether he has an intellectual disability.

A Clark County judge issued an order Wednesday calling for two psychiatrists to be appointed to assess Brian Williams and report their findings back to the court.

Williams' public defender Bryan Abell had filed a motion Aug. 1 asking for the Clarksville man to be examined to determine, among other things, whether he has a significantly subaverage level of functioning," the News and Tribune reported.

Williams, 36, is charged with murder and arson in the death of 67-year-old Melody Gambetty, whose body was found by firefighters responding to a fire in her Clarksville apartment on July 26, the day after police say she was killed.

Gambetty had been decapitated and other body parts had been removed. Those body parts were later found in a suitcase at Williams home, police said.

Investigators believe Williams returned to Gambettys apartment a day after her death and started a fire to cover up evidence.

The state has not decided whether it will seek the death penalty in the case, but Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said after Williams July 28 initial hearing that the death penalty was being considered.

Under Indiana law, a defendant can file a petition alleging an intellectual disability in a death penalty case, which calls for these conditions to be determined, and whether they existed before the defendant was 22.

At Williams initial hearing, a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. He is being held without bond at the Clark County Jail in Jeffersonville, which is located along the Ohio River just north of Louisville, Kentucky.
HARTFORD, Vt. (AP)  Vermont State Police detectives are investigating the fatal shooting by a Hartford police officer of a man who was said to be attacking the officer, police say.

On Friday, police identified the man who was killed as Joseph John Howard, 35, of Bradford. An autopsy found Howard died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
NEW HAVEN  Calling it a proactive move, the bus company that services the city school district is hoping to attract new drivers with signing bonuses of up to $5,000.

The bonus, for fully-certified drivers, represents an increase from the $4,000 the school board recently was told was being offered.

We just decided that at a meeting...with the team, said Carl L Jackson, director of transportation for the school system.

District officials have told the school board they have been meeting weekly with First Student, the districts bus company.

Jackson said the $5,000 bonuses are for fully-licensed bus drivers new to the district. New, entry-level drivers will get $1,500 upon completion of a 30-day training period.

The bonuses all are on First Students dime, district officials say, and at this point, precautionary.

First Student officials did not respond to a request for comment. The company has offered signing bonuses in other markets, according to multiple media reports.

According to Jackson, the Cincinnati, Ohio-based First Student, which has a big footprint in Connecticut, has hired a human resources person in New Haven to aid in the recruitment.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

At the core, we should be able to carry the minimum number of routes.  We need a cushion, said Jackson.

Between a reported nationwide school bus driver shortage and the pandemic, the district wont know until Aug. 12 how many drivers it potentially will need.

That is when routes for the 2021-22 school year will be set and drivers assigned to routes.

Any number I give you could change, Jackson said.

The district has roughly 350 buses that transport about 17,800 students daily, including nearly 2,000 that come from out of town to New Haven magnet schools.

This is all COVID-related, Jackson added.

When schools went remote in March 2020, many drivers lost the income they were used to, even when state mandates that they be paid kicked in.

Between unemployment and stimulus and apprehension among some drivers about driving unvaccinated children to and from school, there is a gray area, district officials said.

The starting pay rate for district bus drivers is $20,110.

With all districts in the state recruiting drivers, officials say experienced drivers will go to where they can make the most.

Members of the school boards Finance and Operations Committee were assured earlier this week by Chief Operating Officer Thomas Lamb that First Student and not the district would be responsible for the incentives.

The districts five-year, $122 million contract, which began in 2018, doesnt change unless more buses are needed. Busing is offered to students living beyond a mile-and-a-half of their school.

Officials say fliers have gone out to district families in the search for new drivers. There is signage around service areas and talk of radio ads.
COVID-19 hastened its spread across eastern Connecticut this week, according to numbers released Thursday by the state Department of Public Health, with at least a dozen new towns reporting heightened levels of infection.

The worst outbreaks were reported in East Hampton, Hampton and North Stonington, each of which were shaded red in a statewide map of caseloads, indicating the highest rate of infection with more than 15 cases per 100,000 over a 14-day period.

In most areas of the shoreline and Lower Connecticut River Valley, however, caseloads were on the rise. Towns such as Guilford, Essex, Middletown, East Haddam, Colchester and East Lyme all rose into the yellow and orange color categories on the map.

Three eastern Connecticut towns that were in the red last week  Salem, Bozrah and Sprague  have since seen their cases fall, according to DPH data.

Some of the towns nestled in the river valley and the eastern hills are among the smallest in the state, meaning an outbreak among a single or a few families can cause case rates to soar. That has been especially the case with the new delta variant, which can spread through an entire household in days, according to Patrick McCormack, director of health for the Uncas Health District in the eastern edge of the state.

When you have a family of four or a family of six and they all test positive at the same time, thats where you get those high numbers in a small town, McCormack said.

East Hampton, a larger town of about 13,000 along the banks of the Connecticut River, saw its number of reported cases double in the last week, from 11 to 23. That left the town with one of the highest per capita rates of infections in the state.

East Hampton Town Manager David Cox said Thursday that he was not aware of a specific source for the new cases  such a series of infections, including some in Connecticut, linked to parties in Cape Cod  but that more information might be released by local health officials in the coming days.

In the past, they have been able to trace them to family events and those kinds of things, Cox said.

Officials in North Stonington could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

Vaccination rates around eastern Connecticut vary widely, with Middlesex County leading the state and Windham County trailing in last.

Still, many of the eastern Connecticut towns that are experiencing the highest rates of infection are also lagging behind the rest of the state in vaccinations.

For example, in North Stonington, just under 54 percent of residents were fully vaccinated compared with the statewide rate of around 60 percent. In some towns that saw greater infections this week, such as Killingly and Mansfield, fewer than half the people are fully vaccinated.

East Hampton, which had one of the highest infection rates on Thursday, was ahead of the statewide average by about a percentage point.

McCormack said vaccinations have ticked up recently in the Uncas Health District. To spur even more interest, the district has held more than a dozen vaccine clinics since mid-July, including several at a Dairy Queen in Norwich where participants were rewarded with a free ice cream cone and cookie.

I think theres a renewed interest even on the part of people who are homebound and didnt think they had a need for it, McCormack said.

As for slowing the spread, some towns in eastern Connecticut this week began requiring masks in public buildings. On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced he would give municipal officials greater leeway to extend mask orders to local businesses, though many town leaders expressed a hesitancy to do so.

In East Hampton, Cox said hes requested that people start wearing masks in town buildings, though he is not requiring it. If cases continue to rise, he said he would consider placing tougher requirements on mask wearing, including at businesses.

For the most part, however, he said people have been following the request to wear masks.

A handful of residents, at best, are problematic, he said.
Angeline Rivers, 83 of Niagara Falls, passed away at Our lady of Peace .Born March 24,1938 in Pigeon Creek,Alabama the daughter of the late Lucious and BerthaBradley. Angeline attended schools in Butler Co., AL. and moved to Niagara Falls after graduation fron High school. She married Joe Ri
The Odd Fellow & Rebekah Benefit Fund has awarded an $8,000 grant to Senior Wishes for its "iPads for Seniors" program. Here, Eugene Urban, benefit fund executive director, second from left, presents a check to Julie Sentiff, chair of Senior Wishes / the United Church Home Society board. Pictured with them are benefit fund grant committee members Tom Kazmark and Robert Laurie, and Senior Wishes executive director Wendy Miller Backman. (Contributed image)
In this file photo, the logo for Facebook appears on screens at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York's Times Square. Facebook has shut down the personal accounts of a pair of New York University researchers and shuttered their investigation into misinformation spread through political ads on the social network. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
Former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has informed the President Muhammadu Buhari government that it cannot intimidate...

Former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has informed the President Muhammadu Buhari government that it cannot intimidate Nigerians.

He said this during an interview with Arise TV at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Babangida was asked to comment on recent developments including media repression and intimidation of journalists.

The federal authorities measures against press freedom, Twitter, as well as the threat to prosecute social media users triggered local and international condemnation.

The Nigerian government, on June 4, ordered internet service providers to suspend access to Twitter.

The sanction followed the deletion of the Presidents tweet for violation of rules. The government later stopped broadcast stations from tweeting.

On June 22, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, in reference to the End SARS protests, accused Twitter of funding an uprising against the state.

On Wednesday, the United States of America said social media restrictions in Nigeria and the threat to sue defaulters weaken the rights of the people.

In his reaction, Babangida was short of saying the Buhari administration was wasting its time with actions targeted at free press and access to information.

Nigerians are wonderful people, I always say this. You cannot intimidate them, he said.

IBB, however, strongly denied the widespread view that he muzzled the media during his regime.

Babangida stressed that he deserves credit for breaking the monopoly in the broadcast industry.

I didnt stifle the media. I liberalized the media. That is why today you have several private media stations.

Reacting to his nicknames, Babangida again blamed the Fourth Estate.

I did not call myself evil genius or Maradona, the media did, he said.

But I am happy with the meaning of Maradona. The definition, according to the media, is someone with deep political moves.
It was indeed music to her ears when Annelise Cassar Tedesco recently heard the news  she has been named the 2022 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Cassar Tedesco, a Chalmette High School music teacher, watched the 15th annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Awards Gala ceremony, held virtually this year, with family members and school leaders at a viewing party at the Chalmette Cultural Arts Center.

The arts have been a formative and important part of her life. A standout performer and valedictorian during her time as a Chalmette High School student, Cassar Tedesco now seeks to create opportunities for the students at her alma mater. "I am convinced that part of my success as an adult is a result of the opportunities I had as a child, she said.

She views performance training as a way to grow in other areas, including in more traditional career paths. I strive to empower them to know that where they live now is a stepping stone to get them where they want to be tomorrow.

At the awards ceremony party, Cassar Tedesco said she was surprised and elated when her name was called.

"It was so special to hear the announcement surrounded by members of my family," she recalled. "I am so thankful to my parents, who in addition to rearing me as a daughter, are career educators. They have taught me so much of what I know, and it is a privilege to carry on their legacy of excellence and compassion in education," she said. She also thanked her sister, Arianna Cassar-Cruice.

Teacher of the Year recognition is awarded by the Louisiana Department of Education and co-sponsored by Dream Teachers, a nonprofit organization committed to recognizing and rewarding exceptional educators throughout the state and raising public awareness on the value of teaching.

In addition to earning the title and moving on to the national teacher competition, Cassar Tedesco is also the recipient of a very nice perk: Through a partnership between Dream Teachers of Louisiana and Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge, she gets to drive a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV for the next year.

Superintendent Doris Voitier said one of Cassar Tedescos biggest strengths is creating special opportunities for the students of St. Bernard. Everything Annelise does is student centered and of the highest caliber, Voitier said. Her passion, professionalism, personality, and love of music education is inspiring, and we are so incredibly proud of the work she has done and the opportunities she has created for our students and community.

Cassar Tedesco said she hopes to use her platform as a way to elevate the voice of teachers and students. "I also hope to remind everyone about the importance of art education and the positive effects it has on students' school engagement, academic success, and emotional wellness."

Creating equal opportunities for enrichment and experience within the performing arts and combating financial, social, and the emotional poverty of her students is also an area of focus.

She is committed to building well-rounded, literate, and intellectual performers in a classroom that resonates as a safe space  where creative student performance can thrive and take place in an inspired and authentic way.

Cassar Tedesco also credits the school board for investing in resources and technology to support her program. Every student that I teach now has the technology to video themselves, watch the video, and self evaluate their performance in a very meaningful way.

She said technology also helps students prepare for college scholarships, as many universities host prescreen and auditions via camera.

Teaching music during a pandemic was fraught with challenges, but it also created a new opportunity, Cassar Tedesco said. Thanks to a $26,000 investment by the district, electronic piano keyboards were purchased for every student who participates in music programs in middle or high school, so that students can use them in school and practice at home.

This visionary move is a result of COVID regulations, but has been and will continue to be a deepening of instruction and enrichment in our music education programs. This will have lasting effects and value for our students for years to come.

When she is not teaching, Cassar Tedesco enjoys performing professionally throughout the region. One of her most memorable career highlights was the collaboration with musicians from the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra when she was a featured soprano soloist in a concert engagement of Handels Messiah.  It served as an opportunity for my students to perform side by side with community members and professionals.

Cassar Tedesco said creating and witnessing these special moments continue to motivate her.

Teaching is a lifelong commitment to encourage and equip the next generation to courageously pursue their dreams.
A U.S. Coast Guard hearing into the deadly capsizing of the Seacor Power on April 13 turned Thursday to a daring but ultimately failed rescue attempt that night by a private helicopter crew as three men clung to the toppled lift boat in the Gulf of Mexico.

Bristow Group helicopter pilot Jim Peters and rescue swimmer Jason Jennison described a daunting bid to reach three men spotted on the deck of the 175-foot-long Seacor Power, which was vertical and sinking into the Gulf.

When we first got on scene, I remember them right there waving, Peters said.

But danger was everywhere as the helicopter hovered at 80 feet and Jennison was lowered toward the jackup barge. On a third try, he managed to reach a deck rail and briefly communicate with one of the men, about 15 feet below him, he said.

That man pointed to two others at a nearby bulkhead several feet away, Jennison said, as massive waves smashed up against them. Jennison said he stayed for perhaps 20 to 30 seconds but because of the oscillation and wind, there was no way to cross that railing.

He said he was 95% sure the man he communicated with was David Ledet, the Seacor Powers captain.

I believe he was the captain of the vessel at the time, Jennison said. Fifteen feet to a person who doesnt survive tends to burn itself into your brain. You dont forget it.

As the lift boat flipped, Ledet was in the wheelhouse but disappeared, first mate Bryan Mires testified earlier in the week. Asked to describe Ledets condition at the time, Jennison declined on Thursday, saying, not that Id want to do in front of the family.

Their testimony came on the fourth day of a two-week Marine Board of Investigation hearing into the circumstances surrounding the offshore tragedy, in which 13 of the 19 people on board perished, including Ledet. The Seacor Power was about seven miles south of Port Fourchon, three hours into a daylong trip to reach a Talos Energy platform east of Venice, when it ran into a fierce wake low, a rare weather event packing hurricane-force winds.

A last-ditch attempt by the crew to lower the boats massive legs to the sea floor lasted about a minute before the Seacor Power turned over.

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+3 U.S. Coast Guard officer: False info from Seacor Power's owner stymied early rescue planning When U.S. Coast Guard officials in New Orleans received the first emergency beacon alert traced to a device from the ill-fated Seacor Power, a

Peters, a rescue specialist, said the helicopter was the first aircraft to reach the crash site, after Shell Oil alerted one of the companys pilots to the wreck. Theyd left Galliano after 7 p.m., around sunset, hours after the massive lift-boat flipped. Coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, the helicopter crew dropped life jackets and radio devices to the stranded men.

But because of the conditions, Peters said, they asked the men to jump into a violent sea to be rescued away from the sinking boat. Peters said one of the men reported that he couldnt swim and that none followed the directive.

There was debris in the water, pipelines in the water, lines in the water. You cannot be certain they would have survived in the water, Jennison said. The only certainty was they had a better chance in the water than they had in the boat. If they stayed there, they were going to die, because it was going down.

Videos from the helicopter show massive waves slamming the part of the ship where the helicopter crewmen said the men were huddled. Two of them took shelter in an alcove and indicated over radio that they were going back inside through a nearby door for cover, the helicopter crewmen said.

The helicopter left to refuel, and they got word that the man Jennison had identified as Ledet was gone from the deck. By the time the helicopter returned, the Seacor Power had sunk another 15 or 20 feet, they said.

+2 'I think we're going over': Seacor Power's first mate recounts desperate moments before capsizing David Ledet, the captain of the Seacor Power, had just returned to the wheelhouse about 3 p.m. on April 13 when a squall struck the lift boat 

Peters said another rescue diver hoisted down the next morning and managed to reach the alcove where the other two men had huddled, felt around underwater but turned up nothing.

Jennison said it would be hard to describe the brutal conditions without being there and feeling how small they must have felt at the time, because there was mountains hitting them every 10 seconds.

It was a lot for them. Keep that in mind when were thinking about why they didnt jump, the diver added. Because really, it was saying, God, take me now.

Officials with Seacor Marine and Talos Energy are scheduled to testify next week, as is Brandon Aucoin, a contractor aboard the vessel who survived.
The captain of a pre-commissioned Coast Guard cutter testified on Friday that he arrived to the scene of the capsized Seacor Power on April 13 to find five men clinging to the jack-up barge.

Three of those men ended up in the Gulf of Mexico, with the first two rescued by Coast Guard vessels.

The two men who stayed on the lift boat ducked inside a hatch as the seas grew more violent through the night, said Leonard Guidry, a Bollinger Shipyards sea trial captain, testifying at a Coast Guard hearing in Houma.

Those two would be among the 13 who perished in the deadliest sea wreck off the Louisiana coast in decades.

It turned out that the best chance at survival was getting in the water early, after the hurricane-force winds that helped topple the 175-foot lift boat had eased, but before the sea grew more violent, rising above 10 feet to hobble rescue efforts by sea and air, said Guidry.

Guidry was at the helm of the Glenn Harris that night, with a Coast Guard crew aboard for training. He said hed trailed the Seacor Power out of Port Fourchon but caught up with it in transit. At the time, the crew on the Glenn Harris chatted with the Coasties about how these (lift) boats are dangerous in heavy weather conditions and how youre not supposed to run them in over 5-foot seas, he said.

At the time, the seas were low, though a thunderstorm was expected to pass through. Guidry said he expected gusts up to 35 mph, but nothing like what hit.

He said the wind went from 10 to 15 knots to what I saw on the wind gauge, 80 knots, right away. We all were taken by surprise. Wasnt expecting that heavy of a wind.

It stayed that way for 20 minutes before dying down some, Guidry said, and he soon heard a call on the VHF radio that a lift barge had flipped.

I kind of immediately knew who it probably was, because I had just followed them out, Guidry said.

The Glenn Harris was about six miles away and reached the Seacor Power about 90 minutes after it had capsized. Good Samaritan boats were already searching the water.

Guidry said an infrared camera picked up the five men on the boat, holding on to part of the cabin jutting from the water on the port side.

Guidry said he dropped down a rescue boat that tried to ease up to the Seacor Power to find a way to rescue the men they saw, to no avail.

There was just too much structure around the lift barge, including a helicopter pad that was sticking out just under the waterline, he said. Meanwhile, the seas were rising steadily.

It just got worse and worse with this 40-knot wind as the evening progressed, he said.

We sat there, and then sure enough one of the five persons got in the water.

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Zachary Louviere, a coil tubing contractor, was in the Gulf and drifting fast away from the Seacor Power, with no life jacket. Guidry said the Glenn Harris trailed him, dropped a Jacobs ladder down the side, threw Louviere a life ring and pulled him up.

A second man dropped off the Seacor Power, and a U.S. Coast Guard response boat dispatched from Grand Isle rescued him, Guidry said.

There were three left on the boat now, but it was getting dark and the wind had shifted, Guidry said.

The waves were starting to crash up against the deck and the cabin, he said. It started to get harder for the persons to hold onto that little area that they had on that piece of cabin.

A Bristow Group helicopter crew hoisted down a diver who couldnt get close enough, but the crew did manage to drop down life jackets and a radio. After the helicopter left to refuel, a third man disappeared from the Seacor Power.

Guidry said they spoke by handheld radio with one of the two men who remained: Jay Guevara of Lafayette, a contractor with Cardinal Coil Tubing.

We talked to Jay a couple of times, Guidry said. But the waves were crashing worse against the side of the cabinSo he started talking about a hatch that was where they were. He said if they could get into this hatch and be a little more protected from the waves crashing.

Guidry said he never got the name of the person who went inside with Guevara, who did come out once or twice and talked to us, but the reception got bad.

A little after 11 p.m., Guidry said, a Coast Guard helicopter crew agreed with Bristows assessment (that it was) too dangerous to try and lower a rescue swimmer and attempt a rescue of the guys who was already in the hatch, Guidry said.

Sooner would have been better, because it got progressively worse, he said of the rescue effort.

The Glenn Harris left soon after that.

Guidrys testimony came on the fifth day of a two-week Coast Guard marine board hearing inside a Houma hotel conference room. The National Transportation Board, which will issue its own assessment of the causes of the tragedy, is participating in the hearings, which continue next week.

Also testifying on Friday were auditors with the American Bureau of Shipping, who said they found no red flags in audits of the Seacor Power and its operations.

Auditor Kyle Roan said he last inspected the massive lift boat in mid-2020 and found no incidents or violations for more than a year, and an experienced and well-versed captain in David Ledet, whose remains were found near the Seacor Power.

Roan pointed to a pair of stop-work authorizations that the Seacor Power crew followed on two occasions, because of rough sea conditions.

Thats a pretty good safety record. Thats what were seeing, Roan said of the audit. I was very shocked with this situation, with this tragedy.
The Coast Guard has ended its search for a man who fell Wednesday into the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish, officials said late Thursday.

Update: Body found in Mississippi River believed to be missing dock worker

The 60-year-old man fell in the water at the Gnots Reserve fleeting and towing facility in St. Rose, the Coast Guard said. He was reaching for something when he lost his balance and fell, according to officials.

His name has not been released.

Crews searched for 36 hours over 26 square nautical miles on the Mississippi River but were unable to locate him, they said. They searched by water and air. Law enforcement agencies and multiple good Samaritan vessels participated in the search with the Coast Guard.

The river, which had been closed from mile marker 116 to 120 during the search, was reopened Thursday night.

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The following participated in the search:

 A Coast Guard Station New Orleans 29-foot response boat

 A Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter

 Charles Parish Sheriffs Office marine division

 Port of South Louisiana marine division

 Pontchartrain Levee District

 Multiple good Samaritan vessels
Louisiana's COVID hospitalizations continued a precipitous, record-breaking climb on Friday, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Hospitalizations increased by 71 for a total of 2,421 patients statewide, breaking Louisiana's all-time high record for the fourth day in a row.

The state also reported 4,950 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 41 more confirmed deaths.

Another 1,166 probable cases and 7 probable deaths were reported, for a total of 6,116 cases and 48 deaths.

Over the last week, 181 people have died from COVID-19.

Nearly every region in Louisiana has less than 20% capacity for ICU beds. Here are the ICU capacities by region:

New Orleans area: 14.66% (67 available)

Baton Rouge area: 7.96% (18 available)

River Parishes and Houma/Thibodaux: 13.92% (11 available)

Lafayette area: 3.14% (5 available)

Lake Charles area: 3.03% (2 available)

Alexandria area: 11.70% (11 available)

Shreveport area: 12.65% (31 available)

Monroe area: 30.47% (39 available)

North shore: 19.76% (33 available)

The seven-day average for confirmed cases also reached an all-time high, with 24,867 cases reported over the last week.

The number of ventilators increased by 19 patients, for a total of 277 patients in need of mechanical ventilation.

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Here are the number of hospitalizations by region:

New Orleans area: 498

Baton Rouge area: 413

North shore: 372

Lafayette area: 304

Shreveport area: 248

River Parishes and Houma/Thibodaux: 167

Alexandria area: 152

Monroe area: 134

Lake Charles area: 133

As new COVID strain rages, a look inside a packed Louisiana hospital: We havent had many wins HAMMOND  Kim Schehr didnt believe she was at much risk of getting sick with COVID-19 when she left for a family vacation to Florida in July.

Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here.

Can't see chart below? Click here.

Can't see chart below? Click here.

This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come.
As the delta variant sends record numbers of mostly unvaccinated people into the states hospitals, doctors and nurses arent the only front-line medical workers feeling the strain.

Paramedics and emergency medical technicians, already facing burnout and staffing shortages, are struggling to keep up with higher volumes of 911 calls, according to representatives from four major ambulance services in the New Orleans area.

To cope, firefighters are hopping on the back of ambulances and top administrators are responding to scenes to make up for the lack of staff. Even then, particularly in New Orleans, the number of ambulances on the streets are about half what they should be for some shifts, meaning 911 callers whose lives arent in danger are waiting for hours  if theyre seen at all.

Its definitely worse now than it has been since the beginning of Covid, said Jonathan Fourcade of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, the citys ambulance service. We are at our max.

Louisiana breaks record for COVID hospitalizations for third straight day For the third day in a row, Louisiana hospitals reported record-breaking numbers of coronavirus patients, with 2,350 hospitalized across the s

Even before the latest surge, the pandemic had thinned the ranks of paramedics and EMTs across the state, said Dr. Chuck Burnell, the medical director of Acadian Ambulance. Major providers in the metro area are no exception, including New Orleans EMS, the ambulance services for East Jefferson General Hospital and West Jefferson Medical Center, and Acadian, which has contracts to serve a number of northshore communities.

The various COVID-19 waves have required crews to work 60- to 80-hour weeks and to sacrifice days off, not unlike what they would have to do in the aftermath of a major hurricane, Burnell said. That kind of work rhythm inflicts a costly physical and emotional toll on first responders.

So far this year, 23 of the roughly 150 employees at New Orleans EMS have left their jobs. Most were paramedics, who are more highly trained than EMTs, Fourcade said.

While EMS has managed to hire 19 new workers, most are EMTs and many are still training, Fourcade said. Despite the new hires, there are 15 other full-time paramedic and EMT vacancies that remain.

Meanwhile, the number of calls EMS has responded to in the last month is up almost 10%, according to figures from the citys 911 Communications Director Tyrell Morris. Though the jump may seem moderate, its enough to exacerbate gaps in staffing, officials said. Currently, around seven employees are out because they have COVID-19 or are under quarantine.

Firefighters and New Orleans EMS supervisors  including Chief Bill Salmeron  are assisting in the field to mitigate the lack of manpower, Fourcade said. Acadian employees have also been assisting.

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But the impact of that is limited. While EMS likes to have eight crews on the streets for each morning, midday, and night shift, there was a day last week when the agency had half that in the morning, five at midday, and seven at night, Fourcade said.

The result: People calling 911 because of chronic or non-life threatening pain have to wait hours. In some cases, they arent being seen at all and instead being referred to telehealth services, doctors offices or urgent-care clinics.

When possible, Burnell said, Acadian crews are bringing non-critical patients to urgent-care clinics if they need anything beyond an assessment in the field.

Thats so paramedics can focus as much as possible on heart attack or stroke patients, or people who have had traumatic, life or death emergencies, Fourcade said.

Meanwhile, the fact that many hospitals are at or near capacity wont help response times, Burnell said.

Crews cant leave patients at hospitals until beds become available for them, so ambulances are being kept off the streets for prolonged periods.

We end up in gridlock, and calls keep coming in to 911, Burnell said. Youre dealing with the perfect storm.

A spokesperson for East Jefferson and West Jefferson hospitals confirmed its EMS service is juggling many of the same issues.

Fourcade said New Orleans EMS is confident it can respond to potentially deadly emergencies, but that could change if the delta variant spreads uncontrollably for a prolonged period.

The best thing  is if everyone wears their masks and gets vaccinated, Fourcade said. Its the only way things get back to normal.
Government, health care providers, schools and day care centers should require coronavirus vaccinations of their employees and masks for everyone on their property, according to The Times-Picayune Power Poll.

Almost three quarters of respondents in this week's survey endorsed those public health requirements. Only 11% said no.

"I have a mark on my arm from the smallpox vaccine, which was administered to me as a child. I am proud of this display, and now smallpox no longer exists!" said Sherri Tarr, chief operating officer at the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Orleans. "The same could be true for COVID. The vaccine must be made mandatory in most instances."

Which employers should require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and require everyone on their property to wear masks?

Government - 2.4%

Health care providers - 13.4%

Schools and day care centers - 0%

All of the above - 73.2%

None of the above - 11%

Respondents were allowed to choose only one answer.

The survey came as the fourth wave of the pandemic washed into Louisiana and both Gov. John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell ordered masks indoors. Some employers are mandating vaccines for their workforces even as state Attorney General Jeff Landry attacks vaccine demands for students.

But before vaccines are mandated, said Byron LeBlanc, president of LeBlanc & Schuster public relations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration "needs to fully approve the vaccine and remove the experimental status (and associated liability)."

"A better job must done vis a vis educating those who are avoiding being vaccinated," said Mike Eckert, founder and chairman of NO/LA Angel Network. "There is much misinformation on social media that plays into their fears and their resistance."

"After my wife and I got COVID and numerous family and friends have been severely sickened or died, we have no patience with non-vax arguments," said homebuilder Bryan Krantz. "Get the shot or go Darwin!

Conducted online Monday through Thursday, the Power Poll survey is not a scientific inquiry. But because it asks questions of the top Jefferson and Orleans Parish influencers in business, politics, arts, media, nonprofits and community affairs, it does afford a fascinating and non-partisan insight into the thoughts and opinions of those who steer the region. Of 352 Power Poll members surveyed this week, 82 voted for a participation rate of 23%.

The long-term threat

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If COVID-19 is Louisiana's greatest short-term threat, the state's greatest long-term challenge might be climate change, driven in large part by the greenhouse gas emissions that the state is producing at the rate of almost 217 million metric tons per year. Industry is responsible for 62% of Louisiana's total, far more than its national share, according to an LSU study.

That was the other topic of the Power Poll survey. Edwards has set a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and appointed a task force to chart the course, but most Power Poll respondents are skeptical of getting there in time: Almost 55% doubted the target can be attained, and 9% flatly said no.

Can Louisiana meet the governor's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050?

Yes - 13.4%

Probably - 23.2%

Doubtful - 54.9%

No - 8.5%

If measures must be taken, respondents ranked the most feasible as requiring emissions reductions by industry segment with fines and license restrictions for noncompliance, and conditioning industrial tax exemptions on emission reductions. Two other options that drew support were requiring industry to capture and sequester greenhouse gases and taxing carbon emissions.

Let the free market rule? It came in fifth.

Rank ways to meet the goal - (weighted scores)

Require emission reductions by industry segment - 4.5 Condition industrial tax exemptions on reducing emissions - 4.2 Require industry to capture and sequester greenhouse gases - 3.9 Tax carbon emissions - 3.6 Let the free market rule - 2.4 Other - 1.2

Logan Atkinson Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, counseled "broadly applied efficiency and electification using renewable energy.

"The Climate Task Force must have the courage to insist on the policies and technologies that work to curtail greenhouse gas emissions in order to protect our state," Burke said. "This state must stop providing sacrifice zones to industry and acknowledge that the old ways will not sustain us."

The Times-Picayune Power Poll is a partnership between New Orleans' daily newspaper and powerpoll.com, a nonpartisan survey, news and information company focused on the opinions of influential people. Powerpoll.com is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and surveys in 26 metropolitan markets.
A Metairie man accused of running over a jogger in New Orleans East then fleeing the scene was arrested Thursday after surrendering to police.

Investigators allege that Chase Hinde, 19, ran down Khristian Hamilton with a black Nissan Sentra after veering onto the sidewalk along Morrison Road near Read Boulevard on July 9.

The driver stopped for a moment but ultimately sped off, leaving the badly injured 28-year-old behind.

Witnesses called police and described both the driver and the car that struck Hamilton, who was rushed to a hospital where he received three blood transfusions and underwent a six-hour surgery. After obtaining surveillance video of the car and driver, officers released images to the public and asked for help, according to records filed by police at Criminal District Court.

Tipsters called to say the driver was Hinde, and that both he and the car were at a home in Metairie.

A detective went to the home, spotted the Sentra and ran its license plate number through a database that indicated the vehicle had passed a camera near Morrison and Read around the time Hamilton was hit, according to police. The detective spoke with the owner of the Sentra, who was related to Hinde and said the teen had access to the car, according to police.

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Additionally, police allege, both the relative and the relative's husband said they saw the picture of the hit-and-run driver that police circulated and recognized Hinde as the driver.

Police obtained a warrant to arrest Hinde on July 28. He surrendered to officers Thursday and was booked with hit-and-run driving with serious injury. Hinde later posted a $2,500 bond.

Under Louisiana law, a person convicted of hit-and-run driving with serious injury can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

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.

Hamilton was discharged from the hospital on the same day police obtained the warrant to arrest Hinde. He had a steel rod and five screws inserted into his severely injured left leg. He said closing the wound took five staples in his hip, 18 in his inner thigh and 32 in his knee.

A background actor in the film industry, he said he had missed some work but was thankful to be alive.
A 28-year-old woman was cut Thursday in the 2400 block of Dryades Street (map) in Central City, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

The victim was cut with a broken glass bottle during an argument with another woman around 4:30 p.m., police said. The victim was brought to an area hospital by paramedics, according to police. The NOPD said a person of interest has been identified in the case.

The cutting is one of several violent crimes to take place in New Orleans in a 24-hour period from 7 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday.

Here's what we know via preliminary information from the NOPD:

One shot, one stabbed during argument

A 37-year-old man was shot Thursday in the 85300 block of South Claiborne Avenue (map) near Broadmoor, according to police.

The man was arguing with another man around 5 p.m. Police said one man suffered a gunshot wound; the other a stabbing wound. Both were brought to a local hospital by paramedics. The investigation continues.

Man stabbed during argument

A 66-year-old man was stabbed by a woman Friday morning in the 2200 block of Clouet Street (map) near the St. Claude area, according to police.

The man and woman were arguing around 3:30 a.m. when the woman stabbed the man several times with a knife, police said. Paramedics brought the man to an area hospital.

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Eleanor Thomas, 58, has been arrested in connection to the stabbing, police said.

Man on bike robbed near French Quarter

A 72-year-old man on a bicycle was robbed Friday morning at the intersection of St. Peter and Basin Streets (map) in Iberville near the French Quarter, the NOPD said.

The man was riding his bike around 5:30 a.m. when another man, who was also on a bike, grabbed the victim by the back of the shirt, according to police. The man took the victim's cash and rode away, police said.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Homicide victims identified by Coroner's Office

In other matters, the New Orleans Coroner's Office has identified victims of homicides that took place over the last week.
Lawsuits filed in state court by Plaquemines and Cameron parishes to force oil and gas companies to clean up millions of dollars of environmental damage caused by their drilling activities were ordered Thursday to undergo a new set of hearings in federal court.

The petitions are among 42 suits in state courts in six Louisiana parishes against oil and gas companies, some filed as early as 2013, over damage dating from decades ago. They allege the companies violated Louisiana's coastal resources management act by failing to obtain permits or by violating the terms of the permits they did obtain. They do not allege violations of federal laws.

+11 Take a close look at this abandoned Plaquemines oil field, why it's source of major legal battle A black-headed gull stood atop an abandoned oil wellhead on a recent afternoon in a waterway known locally as Pencil Canal. Nearby, a rusted o

The companies have repeatedly tried to transfer the suits to federal courts in search of a judicial audience that might be more friendly to their arguments against paying for the cleanups. Federal courts have often returned the suits to state courts.

But a document filed in support of Plaquemines Parish's arguments triggered the latest challenge. The companies contend the document for the first time showed that some of their drilling operations were conducted during World War II at the request of the federal Petroleum Administration for War. That could put the drilling under federal regulatory law, making the suits eligible for federal courts.

The companies also argued that their actions were conducted under the direct jurisdiction of federal agents, another reason they should be heard in federal courts.

'A big deal:' Jeff Landry to sign onto potential landmark settlement with oil and gas company A potentially ground-breaking settlement with a major oil and gas company to help restore Louisianas disappearing coast will take a big step 

Thursday's ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans was written by Judge James Ho of Dallas and joined by judges Kurt Engelhardt of Metairie and Andrew Oldham of Austin, Texas. President Donald Trump nominated all three to that court.

They agreed with earlier decisions, by district judges in New Orleans and Lake Charles, that the oil companies are incorrect in saying regulatory questions involving the environmental damage fall under federal legal jurisdiction. But they also ruled that the lower courts must determine whether the companies' work was overseen by federal agents, so-called "federal officer jurisdiction," which would allow the cases to stay in federal court.

Federal appeals court: Wetland damage suits against oil and gas firms belong in state courts A federal appeals court has ruled against oil and gas exploration companies seeking to have coastal damage lawsuits that parishes and the stat

Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

John Carmouche, an attorney representing Plaquemines and Cameron parishes, and Donald Price, an attorney representing the state Department of Natural Resources, said they expect the lower courts to conclude that the federal petroleum agency did not act as a federal officer in the rehearing. Price said there's no proof the petroleum agency was in any way directly involved in overseeing drilling activities during the war.

Jefferson, Plaquemines parishes file wetland damage lawsuits against dozens of oil, gas, pipeline companies Attorneys representing Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes have filed several lawsuits in state courts demanding that dozens of oil, gas and pi

"This is a huge victory for the parishes and the state," Carmouche said, adding that at least for those cases not involving drilling dating from World War II, the oil companies must consider whether they want to face jury trials over damages.

But Melissa Landry, a spokesperson for the legal teams representing defendants BP American Production Company, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil Corporation and Shell, said the ruling was good news for the companies.

"We welcome todays ruling, which concludes removal was timely and remands these cases to federal district court for further consideration," Landry said. "The activities at issue were legally conducted and actively encouraged at every level of government, and they delivered tremendous economic benefits to federal, state and local governments and communities. This attempt to impose retroactive liability on the entire industry for lawful activities has no basis, and we look forward to presenting our case.

Tyler Gray, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, which counts a number of the defendant companies among its members, repeated his organization's past criticisms of the suits.

"While we welcome todays ruling, the opportunity cost of the lost economic benefit to the people of Louisiana is unfortunate," he said. "While the lawyers litigate, natural gas and oil companies explore and produce minerals in other states, taking the jobs and economic benefits with them. The lawsuit itself is the problem, regardless of the result.

CORRECTION: Earlier versions of this story incorrectly identified the president who nominated Engelhardt to the 5th Circuit Court.
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday pardoned thousands of people who have been summoned to court for marijuana possession and plans automatic pardons for future recipients of the citations - historic steps aimed at bringing New Orleans as close to legalizing the drug as is possible.

The unanimous vote represents an unprecedented blanket use of the council's little-known pardon authority, an exercise that members said will help thousands of people who have been penalized for small amounts of the illegal drug.

+2 Smoke weed? No big deal, under ordinance New Orleans City Council is considering New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno has proposed an ordinance that would automatically pardon people in New Orleans found in poss

They also said the move will give police more time to solve violent crimes. Officers have long been expected to issue municipal summonses for small-time pot use, which critics call busy work that keeps police away from more important duties.

Though cannabis users will avoid fines under the automatic pardons, the rules that the council approved Thursday will still ban weed smoking outside of private homes. People who light up anyway could still be ticketed by police, but the tickets will be for conventional smoking violations and not drug-related. Drug charges dim people's employment or housing prospects, council members said.

The council also moved to remove penalties for the possession of weed paraphernalia.

While pardons for an estimated 10,000 past offenses are expected to take effect immediately, the automatic pardons for future offenses, the ban on public marijuana smoking and pardons for possession of weed-related items won't happen until Sept. 15, to give police time to adjust to the new policy, council member Helena Moreno said. That means the council must come back to pardon people for any summonses issued between now and the target date.

"The time to end the criminalization of cannabis possession is now," Moreno said. "This policy will help [police] build community trust, plus aim at saving manpower hours, so they can focus on the major problems, like shootings, murders and overall preventing violence in our city."

The changes come amid a broader liberalization of public attitudes around marijuana locally and across the United States. Weed legalization was one of several big items before Louisiana legislators in the lawmaking session that ended June 10, although a bill to tax its sale died on the House floor. A second bill to legalize marijuana was tabled, but both bills had bipartisan support.

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A third bill to decriminalize use of marijuana statewide became law. It eliminates jail time for people caught with a half ounce of weed or less.

Elsewhere in the U.S., recreational weed use is now legal in 19 states, while medicinal use is legal in 36, including Louisiana. A recent Pew Research Center study found that most Americans support the drug's legalization in all instances.

New Orleans, one of Louisiana's most liberal cities, has been paving the road toward decriminalization for years. Ordinances in 2010 and 2016 let police issue summonses instead of making arrests for simple marijuana possession, and pot arrests dropped by almost 99% from 2009 to 2020 as a result, council data show.

Those who were still being arrested were overwhelmingly African American, statistics that Moreno and other council members said proved there was a need for more change. About 86% of all summonses last year were issued to Black people, according to crime analyst Jeff Asher. New Orleans' population is 60% Black.

"These laws have been enforced in a racially biased manner and have only served to incarcerate, overfine and stigmatize while failing to stem violence in our community," Moreno said.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who this year vowed to refuse most low-level drug possession charges, praised the council's decision as a win for criminal justice reform. The legislation "will certainly have meaningful impacts on the lives of residents and the efficacy of the work of the criminal and legal system," he said.

Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers, who lost his race to succeed Cedric Richmond in Congress this year, said New Orleans' action should be a lesson for other municipalities.

"I think what New Orleans is doing today is setting an example, saying, 'We are going to do the right thing, even if the state of Louisiana has yet to do so,''" he said.
Almost 40,000 students, most of them required to wear masks, headed back to campus Friday morning in St. Tammany Parish as the public school system embarked on another pandemic semester.

The relative calm of the first day of classes contrasted with a heated School Board meeting the previous night, when hundreds of parents gathered outside the board meeting in Covington to protest the student mask mandate. Inside, almost 50 parents and other residents pleaded with board members to make masking optional, a change over which schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia said he has no control.

The School Board voted in June to make masks optional, but Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered faces covered inside in a new directive that took effect Wednesday. Public school students and teachers must wear masks indoors, as well as on buses.

Contrary to social media, this mandate is not an option, Jabbia said. He suggested the opponents take their case to Baton Rouge.

Jabbia said the original coronavirus strand had a test positivity rate in school-age children of 4%, but the more recent delta variant has a positivity rate of 28%. St. Tammany Parish is responsible for all 38,000 students and 6,000 employees, and we must follow the mandate, Jabbia said.

The clash illustrates a gulf between Edwards, a Democrat, and the political preferences of a parish that gave 60% of its vote in the 2019 gubernatorial runoff to his Republican opponent, Eddie Rispone. In the 2020 presidential election, 71% of St. Tammany voters backed Republican incumbent Donald Trump, to 27% for Democrat Joe Biden.

Emotions ran high during the board meetings public comment period, which stretched more than two hours. Eight police officers blocked the doors to the meeting and for social distancing allowed in only a few people at a time to address the board.

No masks! No masks! the crowd outside intermittently chanted. Many wore U.S. flag-patterned shirts, and some held signs with anti-mask sentiments such as We the people are awake and School board members we trusted you with our children, you betrayed us.

On Thursday, for the third day in a row, the Louisiana Department of Health reported a record-breaking number of COVID-19 hospitalizations: 2,350 patients. At Childrens Hospital in New Orleans last week, 17 COVID patients were admitted; one of them, who did not have underlying conditions, died.

Several people at the School Board meeting repeated unproven assertions about masks endangering peoples immune systems and poisoning wearers with carbon dioxide. Phrases like communism, liberty and Emperor Edwards were frequently uttered.

One woman read from the Louisiana Constitution section about torture being illegal. My son has a right to not be tortured when he goes to school, she said, tears streaming down her face.

Several parents said they would home-school their children in light of the mask mandate.

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Youre treating children as if they are disease vectors, said one mother who decided to home-school her two children this year. I refuse to muzzle my children.

Christian Suprean of Slidell said mask wearing is a crime against humanity.

A Folsom man who was wearing what appeared to be a gas mask said the fact that he needed to wear a mask to enter a public building is a tragedy, and it shows just how far our nation has fallen.

He said he home-schooled his daughter for six years but that she asked him to return to public school this year. He refused when he heard about the mask mandate. The greatest lesson I can teach you as a father is that nothing is more important than your freedom and to breathe fresh air like a human being, he said.

Several students addressed the board. Joshua Bachemin, a junior at Covington High, quoted President Ronald Reagan and asked the School Board to make the mask optional.

As I would wear a mask seven hours a day all day, I would feel as if I couldnt breathe. My face would begin to feel itchy and start to burn. I would also receive headaches and feel lightheaded. I believe in this, he said, holding up a cross on a necklace. I do not believe in you."

A sixth grader at Our Lady of the Lake Elementary, a Roman Catholic school in Mandeville, said the mask makes it difficult to understand his teacher in class, and that wearing it makes him hot and uncomfortable.

A single speaker, Judith Champagne of Madisonville, spoke in favor of the mandate. She cast blame for the mask mandate on the relative lack of vaccinations in Louisiana.

Just follow the numbers. Do not play politics with this, she said. Do not listen to peoples feelings.

As she left the building, the crowd booed her.
Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Williamsport, Pa. - Pennsylvania College of Technology is partnering with Storbeck Search, an executive search firm specializing in leadership hiring for colleges and universities, to conduct a national search to replace retiring President Davie Jane Gilmour.

Storbeck Search, based in Media, Pa., is part of Diversified Search Group.

In recent years, the firm has assisted with similar searches for multiple Penn State campuses, such as the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Franklin & Marshall College, Susquehanna University, and Swarthmore College, among others.

The Storbeck Search team will be led by Jim Sirianni, managing director. Before entering the executive search field, Sirianni led professional development programming for presidents, provosts and chief business officers at the American Council on Education, and was a research consultant at EAB, which helps schools support students from enrollment to graduation and beyond, where he worked on strategic issues facing provosts and related senior administrators.

Earlier, he served as a dean and director at Stanford University, and as a researcher at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

We are pleased to have Storbeck Search partnering with us for the important task of identifying appropriate candidates to lead this unique institution into the future, said Patrick Marty, chief of staff and liaison to the Penn College Board of Directors from the institutions Presidential Search Committee.

Storbeck Search will guide the colleges Presidential Search Committee  composed of seven faculty members, six administrators, four members of the Board of Directors and one current student  as they winnow a strong pool of candidates over the fall semester.

We had an abundance of excellent firms from which to choose, but Storbeck Search stood out to our board members as the best fit for Penn College. We look forward to working with Jim Sirianni and the entire Storbeck team in this collaborative process," Marty said.

The firms search model also includes the garnering of significant input from stakeholders across campus, around the community and among the colleges industry partners, all on a timeline that results in selecting and announcing a new president between January and June 2022.

The new president will take office on July 1, 2022.

Gilmour, who has served as Penn Colleges president since 1998, announced in May that she will retire on June 30, 2022.

More information is available at the colleges Presidential Search site.
Submitted August 2, 2021

As Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, which is a tri-state legislative assembly representing Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, I have been proud to work towards the betterment of Pennsylvanias 85,000 miles of rivers and streams for the better part of a decade.

Clean water is vital to our states health, local communities, and economy. We need clean water upstream to have healthy, vibrant communities downstream. By working to restore our waterways, we will reduce the cost of drinking water treatment and invest in our top two industries  tourism and agriculture  by helping farms improve soil health and increasing recreational opportunities.

As stewards of the land, Pennsylvania farmers know that protecting the environment and natural resources is vital to the success and future of our farms and communities. Farmers all across Pennsylvania have been leaders in implementing practices to improve water quality, but we know there is more to be done. Many of the investments needed are too costly for many farm owners to afford on their own, especially in a difficult farm economy.

As a result, I have recently sponsored Senate Bill 465, which would create a new Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), providing funding and technical support to expand on-farm conservation practices throughout Pennsylvania, using a formula that benefits all parts of the state while directing additional resources to areas with the greatest opportunity for improvement. This legislation has already garnered support from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and other environmental organizations working to promote and protect Pennsylvanias waterways.

Unfortunately, almost one-third of our commonwealths streams do not meet standards for drinking, fishing or recreation, and agriculture remains one of the largest sources of impairment. If implemented, SB 465 would help meet these challenges.

The proposed ACAP would work similarly to the State Conservation Commissions Dirt and Gravel Roads program. Funding would be distributed to county conservation districts throughout the commonwealth.

Conservation districts would then partner with farmers and landowners in their communities to complete the conservation projects that make the most sense locally.

The ACAP puts decision making in the hands of the people who know best which conservation practices would have the most benefit in their communities: local farmers and conservation leaders. This locally focused approach will help ensure that our states investments in water quality will be as effective as possible.

The bill allows the programs funding to come from multiple sources, including federal and state dollars and private investment.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (aka Federal COVID Stimulus) has provided almost $7 billion to Pennsylvania for several dedicated uses, one of which is water infrastructure. We propose $250 million, a mere fraction of a percent of Pennsylvanias allocation, go toward establishing a new Clean Streams Fund to support the ACAP and other proven methods of reducing pollution in our local streams.

For every one dollar invested in local water quality, $1.60 is returned to the community through locally-hired labor and locally-sourced materials. For every mile of stream improved, over $100,000 will be generated in the local economy from improved fishing and boating opportunities.

We are at a critical juncture in cleaning up Pennsylvanias waters, and we are making progress. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to enact legislation that will provide a roadmap for meeting those goals.

--

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed in this letter to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of NorthcentralPa.com.
Forrest G. Stroble, 87, of Jersey Shore went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. He was greeted at the gates by his loving wife of 59 years, Verla I. Stroble who passed 5 years ago.

Born February 4, 1934 in Cogan Station, he was a son of the late Glen and Elsie (Kyle) Stroble.

Forrest served in the United States Army Infantry Division and was medically discharged in May 1957. He was a very hard worker, as he farmed all his life. While farming he worked at various places and retired from the Jersey Shore School District. He was a member of Salladasburg United Methodist Church.

Surviving are three children, Dwayne F. Stroble (Gail), Darleen M. Runner, and Earl Lee Stroble (Amy) all of Jersey Shore; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; a sister-in-law, Jean Stroble; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his siblings, Melvin Stroble, Lucille Meisel and Faye Stroble; and a brother in law, Norwood Meisel.

A funeral service to honor Forrests life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 10 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond Street, Williamsport. Burial will follow in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at Sanders.

Memorial contributions in Forrests name may be made to Mifflin Township Park, 106 First Fork Road, Jersey Shore, PA 17740.

Online condolences may be made on Forrests memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.

To plant a tree in memory of Forrest Stroble as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.




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Rome, GA (30161)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Franciscan Health Hammond was recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program for teaching new parents about how infants can sleep safely.

The hospital in downtown Hammond, which is about to be significantly downsized, was honored as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion for its best practices on infant safe sleep education.

Sleep-Related Death results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S., said Michael H. Goodstein, a neonatologist and the medical director of research at Cribs for Kids. We know that modeling safe infant sleep in the hospital and providing education to families has a significant effect on infant mortality. Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification Program is designed to recognize those hospitals that are taking an active role in reducing these preventable deaths.

Pittsburgh-based Cribs for Kids aims to prevent accidental suffocation of infants across the nation. It created the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program to recognize hospitals for following and training staff and caregivers on American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines.
Franciscan Physician Network just closed Lake Ridge Health Center in Griffith, so patients will need to go elsewhere to see the doctors who had practiced medicine there.

Franciscan, which also recently closed its clinic at 300 W. 80th Place in Merrillville after longtime pediatrician Clark Kramer retired and which is significantly downsizing its Hammond hospital, closed the Lake Ridge Health Center at 1573 Cline Ave at the end of July.

As a result, board-certified family medicine physicians Tanya Danner-Roberts and Raymond Loza will start seeing patients in new locations.

Beginning in August, Danner-Roberts will see her existing patients at Franciscan Physician Network Dyer at 919 Main St. in Dyer, where she also will welcome new patients.

"Dr. Danner-Roberts received her training at Rush Medical School in Chicago and did her residency at Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago," Franciscan Health said in a news release. "Her clinical interests include providing care to women and children, preventive medicine and adolescent medicine. She believes that when you know better, you do better."

Loza, who also was displaced by the closure, is now seeing patients at Franciscan Physician Network Hammond Clinic at 7905 Calumet Ave. in Munster.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also includes competitive grant programs that could provide additional funding for road and internet infrastructure.

The Senate voted 67-32 July 28 to begin debate on the bill. U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., was among the 17 Republicans voting to open the bill to debate and amendment.

As the Crossroads of America, Indiana understands the need for federal investment in our crumbling infrastructure, especially with nearly 5,500 miles of Hoosier highways in poor condition, Young said in announcing his decision. Thats why I voted today to formally begin debate on a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Weve made a lot of progress so far on an historic investment in our nations core infrastructure that will be fully paid for without raising taxes. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we sand and polish the final product.

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, also a Republican, signed onto a statement with six colleagues opposing the bill.
LONDON (AP)  Organizers of live events in the U.K., such as festivals and theaters, gave their partial support Friday to a new coronavirus-related insurance initiative aimed at easing their financial worries.

In a statement late Thursday, the government said it was backing a 750 million-pound ($1 billion) insurance scheme that will cover the cancellation costs incurred by the hard-hit live events sector in the event of further lockdowns in the year from September.

The government is partnering with Lloyds, the London-based insurance market, to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme, that will see it step in with a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer the products events companies need.

Our events industries are not just vital for the economy and jobs; they put Britain on the map and, thanks to this extra support, will get people back to the experiences that make life worth living, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said.

Industry leaders said the initiative would help theatres and festivals to plan events more confidently but said it did not go far enough. They noted that the scheme will only apply during lockdowns, meaning that costs related to the reintroduction of other restrictions that could threaten the financial viability of their events would not be covered.
VALPARAISO  While appearing confused at times and offering more information than the judge thought wise for the defense, Eric Martin was finally able to make it through an initial hearing Friday afternoon in his 14-count, 8-year-old attempted murder case.

But defense attorney Bob Harper told the judge at the end of the hearing that he intends to file a motion seeking another competency review of 53-year-old Martin.

Harper said staff at the Porter County jail feel Martin is imagining things, and Harper said his client appears unable to understand the legal proceedings or clearly disclose the facts in his case.

Martin was already found incompetent to stand trial once in October 2013 and was placed into the care of what is now the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Mental Health and Addiction to receive treatment, records show.

The state filed a competency report in June and Martin was returned to the Porter County Jail.

Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish attempted to carry out an initial hearing with Martin Monday, but Martin responded in a confused manner, repeatedly interrupted the judge and began repeating interest in a jury trial.
EAST CHICAGO  A 21-year-old woman was found shot to death behind a bullet-riddled picture window in a residential neighborhood early Friday morning, and police say a homicide investigation is underway.

The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Angelica Casares, of East Chicago.

Casares' death marks the fourth homicide in East Chicago in 2021, police said.

As of Friday afternoon, the suspect was at large, East Chicago police reported.

East Chicago Deputy Police Chief Jose Rivera said the citys ShotSpotter detection system indicated that shots were fired at 5:43 a.m. in the 4000 block of Fern Street. The system picked up three shots fired in the area followed by eight more shots.

When officers arrived at the address  a home at the end of a cul-de-sac just steps from Sunnyside Park  they found Casares dead on the living room floor with multiple gunshot wounds, lying in a pool of blood.
VALPARAISO  A Valparaiso woman who has a history of substance abuse and court violations since being convicted of causing the 2008 crash that led to a friend's death is seeking to ease the sentence she received after admitting to using methamphetamine while pregnant and on probation.

Alysha Ramos, now 31, filed a motion asking the court to release her from home detention and place her back on probation, court records show.

Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer told Ramos she could file such a petition if she successfully complies with the harsher sentencing for a period of one year.

The motion filed on behalf of Ramos by defense attorney Mark Worthley claims Ramos successfully completed a year on home detention as of July 20.

Porter County prosecutors have no objection to the request, the motion says.

The judge will consider the request during a hearing scheduled for Aug. 20, the court said.
He expects the apartments to be ready for occupancy early next year.

Last year, the previous owner was given a six-month notice to come into compliance with city code violations or to vacate the property.

A host of violations were still not addressed, though, when the noticed expired on Christmas Eve, officials said.

People still living there, hoping they could stay through Christmas, were ordered to leave.

Dermody, who described the living conditions as inhumane, said the city helped tenants find alternative housing.

We meant what we said and we backed it up, he said.

Dermody said he expects the apartments to reflect the new standard of housing established when he took over as mayor in 2020 and make a positive impact on the downtown.

Cook said the developer acquired the property from a bank acting on a default on the mortgage.

Dermody said there were 80 calls to the police for service at the apartment building during a 60-day period last year.

Some of them involved drug overdoses.
GARY  William Lofton has not been seen since he left for work Wednesday morning, and the Gary Police Department is asking for the publics help to find the 33-year-old man.

Lofton was last seen at 8 a.m. Wednesday and has not been heard from since, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said. Lofton is believed to drive a black 2003 Ford Explorer and may be in need of medical attention.

Anyone with information on Loftons whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Mark Salazar at 219-881-1209 or call the departments tip line at 866-CRIME-GP.

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Now youre vaccinated, your boss wants you back in the office at least part-time and youd like to travel. What happens to your faithful companion, the one who enjoyed the pandemic routine?
You can only play the hand youve been dealt, and theyve been dealt a difficult hand, said Bob Costas, who spent 24 years as NBCs prime-time Olympics host before leaving the network in 2017. You cant create something out of thin air. Everybody knows that this is, we hope, a one-of-a-kind Olympics.

Its like if somebody is running the 100 meters and they have a weight around their ankles, Mr. Costas continued. That is not a fair judge of their speed.

A widespread change in viewing habits, from traditional TV to streaming platforms, has been a big factor in the number of people watching. While NBCs prime-time audience has shrunk considerably from what it was for the Rio games five years ago, the Olympics broadcasts are still bringing in significantly more viewers than even the most popular entertainment shows. The most recent episode of CBSs Big Brother, a ratings leader, drew an audience of less than four million.

We had a little bit of bad luck  there was a drumbeat of negativity, said Jeff Shell, the chief executive of NBCUniversal, during a conference call last week, after NBCs parent company, Comcast, reported its second-quarter earnings. The less-than-festive atmosphere, he added, has resulted a little bit in linear ratings being probably less than we expected.
The water in the Atlantic is constantly circulating in a complex pattern that influences weather on several continents. And climate scientists have been asking a crucial question: Whether this vast system, which includes the Gulf Stream, is slowing down because of climate change.

If it were to change significantly, the consequences could be dire, potentially including faster sea level rise along parts of the United States East Coast and Europe, stronger hurricanes barreling into the Southeastern United States, reduced rainfall across parts of Africa and changes in tropical monsoon systems.

Now, scientists have detected the early warning signs that this critical ocean system is at risk, according to a new analysis published Thursday in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.

I showed that this gradual slowing down of the circulation system is associated with a loss of stability, said Niklas Boers, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, and the approaching of a tipping point at which it would abruptly transition to a much slower state.
One math lesson Prof. Edward C. Ennels taught at Baltimore City Community College was, according to prosecutors, pretty simple: $150 for a C; $250 for a B; and $500 for an A.

And in some courses, an A could go for as little as $300.

Over the course of seven months last year, Mr. Ennels, 45, solicited bribes from 112 students, and received 10 payments from nine students, totaling $2,815, the Maryland attorney general, Brian E. Frosh, said in a statement on Thursday.

In another scheme, Mr. Ennels sold online access codes that enabled students to view instructional material and complete assignments, prosecutors said. From 2013 to 2020, he sold 694 access codes for about $90 each.

Mr. Ennels, a professor at the college for 15 years who served on the faculty senates Ethics and Institutional Integrity Committee, pleaded guilty on Thursday in Baltimore County Circuit Court to 11 misdemeanor charges, including bribery and misconduct in office, according to prosecutors and online court records.
WASHINGTON  As Taliban fighters make startlingly swift advances across Afghanistan, Biden administration officials continue to pin their hopes on a peace deal that would halt the countrys relentless violence with a power-sharing agreement.

They have stressed, at least in their public statements, that the peace process could succeed, even as the U.S. military withdraws from the country and as critics say the talks should be declared a charade and scrapped.

But now even the most encouraging U.S. officials increasingly concede in public what they have previously said in private: that prospects of a negotiated outcome, which could partially salvage the 20-year American project in Afghanistan, appear to be fading fast.

President Bidens special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, offered a downbeat assessment of what he called the difficult situation in the country and the wide gaps between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators.
An extremely conservative cleric was inaugurated as president of Iran on Thursday.

The cleric, Ebrahim Raisi, won a June election that had disqualified any potential rivals. Critics said Mr. Raisis victory had been engineered to reflect the choice of his mentor and ally, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The election called attention to the role of Irans president in a system of governance dominated by clerical leaders since the Islamic revolution that overthrew the American-backed monarchy more than four decades ago.

Although the system contains some checks and balances, power has been increasingly concentrated in the hands of the supreme leader, who under Irans Constitution has more authority than the president.

Heres a closer look at the president, and the powers he does  and doesnt  possess.

Who is Mr. Raisi?

Until last month, Mr. Raisi, 60, was the head of Irans judiciary. He spent much of his career as a prosecutor and is on a U.S. sanctions list over his human rights record. In 1988, he sat on a committee that sent about 5,000 imprisoned government opponents to their deaths, according to human-rights organizations.
In 1990, when Congress passed a law that set criteria under which federally recognized Native American tribes could reclaim ancient burial remains and sacred objects, legislators hoped to encourage the return of items by museums and other institutions. But more than three decades later, some officials acknowledge that the law, known as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, has not been as effective as they had hoped.

The remains of more than 116,000 Native American ancestors are still held by institutions around the country, and the National Park Service says that, for nearly all of them, the institutions have not linked the remains to a particular tribe, a designation known as culturally affiliated that allows Indigenous groups to reclaim the bones of their forebears.

This is first and foremost an issue of Indigenous rights, said Veronica Pasfield, a NAGPRA officer for the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan. The right to protect the graves of your ancestors and relatives is one of the most fundamental human rights on the planet.

But now the Biden administration is seeking to make regulatory adjustments that would help expedite repatriation proceedings and require museums to complete the process of identifying the remains.
THE MANY MEANINGS OF MEILAN

By Andrea Wang

As a child, I read every book I could get my hands on from the childrens section of the Brooklyn Public Library, starting with A and working my way through to Z. But much as I loved Anne Shirley of Green Gables, Jo March, Harriet the Spy and Nancy Drew, a part of me was searching for another Chinese American girl like myself. I didnt find her. So it was with pleasure that I read Andrea Wangs debut middle grade novel, The Many Meanings of Meilan.

After seventh grader Meilan Huas beloved grandmother dies, a family fight erupts that results in Meilan, her parents and her grandfather moving from Bostons Chinatown to rural Ohio. They are like the water in the Niagara River  rushing away from the source of our strength and dropping over the edge only to splash down in some strange place. The only Asian American in her new school, Meilan never imagined there could still be places like this, where she is one drop of paint on a white canvas. She is promptly renamed Melanie without her consent by the principal, whom she sees as a fox demon, and becomes a new-made creature, this Melanie, half this and half that, half here and half nowhere at all.

Wang (whose picture book Watercress taps similar themes) creates a rich imaginary world for her heroine. Even as Meilan navigates microaggressions and racism in addition to the usual trials facing a new student entering an insular community, her inner landscape is populated by a Chinese phoenix, a tree spirit, a snake sprite. When she realizes there are several homophones of her Mandarin name, she adopts them, fracturing her identity into Mist, who knows how to be invisible; Basket, the carrier of her parents dreams; and Blue, who acknowledges her true thoughts and emotions. It is only at the end of the book that these variations spin and weave together, coalescing into a shimmery human-shaped form. A me-shaped form.

Throughout, I delighted in the ways Meilan is both Chinese and American. A typical packed school lunch consists of thick slices of pork belly cooked in soy sauce on a bed of white rice. Her mother spouts wise aphorisms such as Trees desire peace, but wind never stop. On the first anniversary of Meilans grandmothers death, the family cooks a ritual feast to honor her spirit. And yet the book that means the most to Meilan is one shes assigned in English class: Ursula Le Guins A Wizard of Earthsea, in which Ged (the wizard) makes himself whole by naming his shadow and knowing his true self.
10. And finally, the man in the mascot suit.

In Americas four major sports leagues, about nine out of every 10 teams have a mascot. It wasnt that way before Dave Raymond came along. For the first 16 years of his four-decade career, Raymond was the man behind the Phillie Phanatic, the Philadelphia Phillies mascot and perhaps the most iconic among Americas furry avatars.

His signature moves were such a revelation  whomping his paunch, suctioning a plunger to the head of a bald man  that they established an entire industry. In the years after he stopped performing, Raymond took the Phanatics success and distilled it into a four-step process for developing mascots from scratch. He has since used this process to help create more than 130 characters. This is how he does it.

Have a peppy weekend.

David Poller compiled photos for this briefing.
The Federal Reserve has lifted restrictions on JPMorgan Chase for its role in rigging foreign exchange rates between 2008 to 2013.

The Fed, which among its responsibilities helps to regulate banks, ended a 2015 enforcement order against JPMorgan for unsafe and unsound banking practices, such as coordinating trades with other banks via chat rooms and sharing confidential customer information, the Fed said in a statement Thursday. At the time of the order, authorities also fined JPMorgan $342 million and instructed it to improve oversight and controls.

The end of JPMorgans regulatory punishment closes a chapter in the fixing scandal, even as potential class-action lawsuits loom for banks accused of colluding to rig benchmark exchange rates. Global banks, including Citigroup, JPMorgan, Barclays, The Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS, have paid more than $10 billion in fines and settlements in the wake of the scandal. The market for currencies, in which $6.6 trillion changes hands daily, is the largest in the world.

Last year, a former JPMorgan trader, Akshay Aiyer, was sentenced to eight months in prison for his role in bid rigging. Richard Usher, another former trader at JPMorgan, was acquitted in 2018, alongside former bankers at Citigroup and Barclays who were accused of belonging to a group known as the Cartel.
When he returned, he was empty-handed. He was like, Oh, I completely forgot you were here, she said. He had an explanation for his behavior: I was drunk, the way you sometimes are in your early 20s, he said.

But the next day, he pieced together that making conversation with Ms. Muszynski felt so easy that he might not have needed the predate lubrication. That afternoon, he texted her.

I said, Hey, Im going to go food shopping later, he said. I want to try and start eating healthy. Do you want to come with me? It wasnt Ms. Muszynskis background in health care he thought might interest her in a spin around the organic section at Wegmans. It was just an excuse to see her, he said.

Ms. Muszynski liked the novelty of the suggestion. She also liked that he hadnt waited longer than 24 hours to ask her out again. I never had a guy pursue me where he wanted to see me the next day, she said. It made me feel like, wow, he must have had a good time. I wasnt expecting that.

At the store, he took the lead, unfolding what would become for Ms. Muszynski a culinary awakening. Thai and Indian ingredients were new to her. He was a Food Network devotee committed to educating himself about the flavors of the world. His family is like my family  they love their chicken fingers and French fries, she said. We both grew up eating simple stuff.
Older adults and people with some conditions that suppress the immune system are routinely given extra doses of the vaccines for influenza and hepatitis B. That experience provides a sound justification for offering additional doses to some older adults and people whose immune responses are muted, said Dr. Balazs Halmos, an oncologist at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

Being very proactive makes sense to me, Dr. Halmos said. I would love to see the F.D.A. quickly making that stand and maybe following these countries in terms of their proactive approach.

But other experts are more circumspect. Scientists are still unsure which groups of immunocompromised people will benefit from an extra dose.

I think you can justify both positions, said Dr. Helen Boucher, an infectious disease physician at Tufts Medical Center. Germany is justified in what theyre doing, but I also feel like were justified in hanging back because the information is far from perfect.

Dr. Boucher says she empathizes with patients who are immunosuppressed. But the bottom line is we need more information, she added.

That information has been trickling in far too slowly for some Americans.

Deborah Rogow, 70, has multiple myeloma and is worried about the spread of the contagious Delta variant. Ms. Rogow said having a doctor prescribe an additional dose if necessary would have been ideal.

For the moment, shes on her own, and so Ms. Rogow plans to get a third dose of the Moderna vaccine next week at a pharmacy in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Moderna vaccine is still far from full approval, she noted, but she did not want to get a Pfizer-BioNTech dose without more data on mixing the two vaccines.
Whereas the HBO approach was to dissect systemic flaws in the Soviet system that led to the disaster, the Russian film does something familiar to the countrys cultural tradition: emphasizing the role of the individual, peoples personal heroism and dedication to a higher cause.

Before the disaster, Rodnyansky had been living quite a stable life, and then something happened that made me think about the system which doesnt allow people to know about the disaster that can kill hundreds of thousands  that is not a fair system, he said, referring to the governments silence immediately after the explosion.

Thirty-five years later, Rodnyansky said it was clear that the Chernobyl explosion was one of the major events that led to the breakup of the Soviet Union. It changed the perception of life, the system and the country, he said, making many Ukrainians, if not the majority, think about the responsibility of Moscow and the need for Ukraine to be independent.

Today, the power plant site has fewer than 2,000 workers who maintain a giant sarcophagus placed over the site to ensure that no nuclear waste is released. This month, Ukraine will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. The anniversary comes as the country tries to protect itself against Russia after Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist militants in Ukraines east.

Although making this film had special resonance for Rodnyansky, he has taken on epic historical films before: He produced the 2013 movie Stalingrad, a love story set in the World War II battle of the same name, as well as Leviathan, which won best screenplay in Cannes in 2014.

In 2015, he got the script for Chernobyl 1986 and sent it to Danila Kozlovsky, a prominent director and actor who was then on the set of the film Vikings.
In the film, John Cena plays this self-described pacifist who will kill anyone he needs to in his quest to preserve peace. In this embodiment, the character is much less conflicted over the contradictions between his mission and his methods than when he debuted in the Charlton Comics series Fightin 5 in 1966. He was Christopher Smith, a diplomat who resorts to fighting crime using nonlethal tactics. DC Comics acquired Charltons characters in the 1980s, and Peacemaker was reinvented as a more lethal figure, a persona akin to Marvels Punisher, albeit more psychotic.

Peacemakers bizarre helmet originally had the ability to shoot lasers, and for a time he thought it allowed him to communicate with the souls of the people he had killed, though that was later revealed to be a symptom of mental illness. Cena will be reprising the character in a Peacemaker TV series coming to HBO Max.
The independent investigation has concluded that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so, violated federal and state law. Further, the governor and his senior team took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story, her truth. My attorney, who is a nonpolitical former federal prosecutor, has done a response to each allegation, and the facts are much different than what has been portrayed. I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. These were not isolated incidents. They were part of a pattern. The governors pattern of sexually harassing behavior was not limited to members of his own staff, but extended to other state employees, including a state trooper who served on his protective detail. One current employee who we identify as Executive Assistant No. 1, endured repeated physical violations. On Nov. 16, 2020, in the executive mansion, the governor hugged Executive Assistant No. 1, and reached under her blouse to grab her breast. The governor also several times inappropriately touched a state trooper assigned to the unit to protect the governor. In an elevator while standing behind the trooper, he ran his finger from her neck down her spine and said, Hey, you. In addition to the physical conduct, our investigation found that the governor regularly made comments to staff members and state employees that were offensive and gender-based. For example, the governor crossed the line many times when speaking with Charlotte Bennett, a briefer and executive assistant, particularly in spring of 2020. When she confided in the governor that she had been sexually assaulted in college, he asked her for the details of her assault. When talking about potential girlfriends, he said he thought he could date women as young as 22, knowing that Ms. Bennett was 25 at the time. He asked her whether she had ever been with older men. He told her that he was lonely and wanted to be touched. And what this investigation revealed was a disturbing pattern of conduct by the governor of the great State of New York, and those who basically did not put in place any protocols or procedures to protect these young women who believed in public service. I believe women, and I believe these 11 women.
Two months after a scooter driver hit and killed Lisa Banes, an actress who appeared in more than 80 roles on television and in film, including the thriller Gone Girl, a New York man was arrested on Thursday in connection with the fatal collision.

The man, Brian Boyd, 26, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failure to yield to a pedestrian, the police said. He was believed to have driven a scooter through a red light near the intersection of Amsterdam Avenue and West 64th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on June 4, striking Ms. Banes, 65, as she crossed the street.

Ms. Banes died 10 days later, on June 14, from head injuries she sustained in the crash.

The police said that Mr. Boyd fled the scene of the collision. Officers on Thursday recognized Mr. Boyd, who resides on the Upper West Side of Manhattan near the intersection where the crash occurred, from a wanted poster. They took him into custody in the lobby of a nearby building around 6:30 p.m., the police said.

It was unclear on Friday whether Mr. Boyd had retained a lawyer, and family members for Mr. Boyd could not immediately be reached. It did not appear that he had been previously arrested in New York City, the police said.
To the Editor:

Re What if There Wasnt a Coup Plot?, by Christopher Caldwell (Opinion guest essay, Sunday Review, Aug. 1):

I think Mr. Caldwell and I must have very different definitions of the word coup. He argues that the days events are ambiguous.

Let us review them: President Donald Trump, having lost a legitimate election, gathers a crowd of supporters, then he and his closest allies harangue them with stories about how he really won the election. The crowd is encouraged to assault the Capitol in order to disrupt the certification of the election  they must stop the steal.

As a result, an angry mob descends upon the Capitol, overwhelms the police and breaks into the building, seeking to harm elected representatives while Mr. Trump cheerfully watches the unfolding events on TV.

If thats not a coup, please tell me what it is. Does Mr. Caldwell believe that, had his mob been successful, had the certification process been perverted under the threat of violence, Mr. Trump would not have eagerly grasped the opportunity to stay in office?
Are we entering a new era of bipartisanship? On the surface, the news from Washington seems remarkably encouraging. The Senate is close to passing a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, with $550 billion in new spending on everything from transit to highways to broadband to climate change mitigation. Political insiders are hailing the bill as a breakthrough, with the Senate poised, at last, to overcome the partisan gridlock that has ground its legislative machinery to a halt. Many thought that President Bidens belief that he could get Republican votes was naive, but he delivered. In a surprise, even the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, voted to move the compromise to a vote.

Of course, this is the same Mitch McConnell who said of Mr. Biden, 100 percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration. The same Mr. McConnell who made sure Donald Trumps impeachment did not result in conviction, who filibustered the bipartisan plan for a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 violent insurrection until it died, who kept all of his Republican senators in line against the American Rescue Plan early in the Biden presidency. And the same Mr. McConnell who said that he would not confirm a Biden nominee to the Supreme Court if Republicans recaptured the Senate in 2022.

So why the reversal on infrastructure? Why dare the brickbats of Donald Trump after the former president bashed the effort and tried to kill it? Mr. McConnell has one overriding goal: regaining a majority in the Senate in 2022. Republicans must defend 20 of the 34 Senate seats up for grabs next year; there are open seats in Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina; and Senator Ron Johnson, if he runs again, could easily lose his seat in Wisconsin. Attempting to block a popular infrastructure bill that later gets enacted by Democrats alone would give them all the credit. Republicans would be left with the lame defense of crowing about projects they had voted against and tried to block, something that did not work at all with the popular American Rescue Plan.

You dont have to be a Machiavellian to understand another reason Mr. McConnell was willing to hand Mr. Biden a victory on infrastructure: By looking reasonable on this popular plan, claiming a mantle of the kind of bipartisanship that pleases Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema and that mollifies suburban moderate Republicans in key states, Mr. McConnell can more easily rally his troops behind their goal of obstruction and delay for every other important Democratic priority, including the blockbuster reconciliation bill, as well as voting rights and election reform.
In many ways, A.F.L.-C.I.O. President Richard Trumka, who died of a heart attack on Thursday, was an old-line union leader. His grandfather and father were coal miners. And he, too, worked in the mines before going to law school. He once led one of the nations oldest and most tradition-bound unions, the United Mine Workers. He had another old-line attribute  he was a truculent fighter who didnt give up easily, once leading a ten-month strike by 1,700 miners against Pittston Coal.

Mr. Trumka, a stocky man with a thick mustache who resembled Lech Walesa, brought the old-time religion to unionism. He talked eloquently about unsafe conditions, about miners who died underground or died of black lung. He was a powerful orator who knew how to mobilize workers: During the Pittston strike, he inspired 3,000 miners and their supporters to get arrested doing civil disobedience.

Mr. Trumka died at a hopeful moment for unions. They mobilized their troops to help Joe Biden win in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, helping vault him to the White House. Now they rejoice as Mr. Biden hails unions in speech after speech. Congress is on the cusp of enacting a trillion-dollar infrastructure plan as well as Mr. Bidens $3.5 trillion American Jobs Plan, and may well follow that up with two additional policies beloved by labor: paid parental and family leave and improved child care.

But Mr. Trumkas, and organized labors, successes can go only so far. Unions dont have nearly the political or economic clout they had decades ago. Just 10.8 percent of American workers are in unions, half the percentage of the early 1980s and down two-thirds since the 1950s. Most U.S. businesses bitterly oppose unions, far more than companies in other Western nations, as corporate America complains that unionization undercuts profits and managements flexibility. Mr. Trumkas high hopes for expanding union membership and reviving the American labor movement, then, hang in doubt.
Orbans American admirers include the political philosopher Patrick Deneen; J.D. Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, who is now running for the Republican Senate nomination in Ohio; and Rod Dreher, a popular conservative blogger and author.

Which is the only power capable of standing up to Woke Capitalists, as well as these illiberal leftists in academia, media, sports, cultural institutions, and other places? The state, Dreher wrote on Wednesday. This is why American conservatives ought to be beating a path to Hungary.

At this point, students of American political history  and specifically students with a working knowledge of the history of the conservative movement  will recognize something familiar about this story. Here we have prominent conservative writers and intellectuals using their platforms to support or endorse regimes whose politics and policies align with their preoccupations, even as the values of those regimes stand in direct opposition to the ideals of American democracy.

Weve seen this before. Many times, in fact.

In 1957, William F. Buckley Jr. published a Letter from Spain in the pages of his magazine, National Review. An admirer of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, Buckley did not hesitate to praise him in the most effusive terms he could muster:

General Franco is an authentic national hero. It is generally conceded that he above others had the combination of talents, the perseverance, and the sense of righteousness of his cause, that were required to wrest Spain from the hands of the visionaries, ideologues, Marxists and nihilists that were imposing on her, in the thirties, a regime so grotesque as to do violence to the Spanish soul, to deny, even Spains historical identity.

Five years later, in 1962, Buckley traveled to Mozambique  then under Portuguese colonial rule  where he wrote favorably of the status quo and condemned the United Nations for its anti-colonialism.

Its influence on the West is disastrous. Its influence is also disastrous on the peoples in whose name it allegedly speaks: the Egyptians dictated to with more finality by Nasser than by Farouk; the Ghanaians, imprisoned by Nkrumah as they never were by the Colonial Secretary; the Congolese, under the chaos of Adoula where once they had order and, slow though it was, progress  more progress than they had made in the thousands of years during which they were governed by tribal despots.

And in 1963, Buckley had these sympathetic words for the apartheid government in South Africa:

They may be wrong, as we may be: but we should try at least to understand what it is they are trying to do, and deny ourselves that unearned smugness that the bigot shows. I cannot say, I approve of Apartheid  its ways are alien to my temperament. But I know now it is a sincere peoples effort to fashion the land of peace they want so badly.

Buckley was not the only writer at National Review to defend and express admiration for Western-aligned autocracies. In 1975, Robert Moss wrote an extended defense of Augusto Pinochet and the military coup in Chile for the magazine called The Tribulation of Chile. Moss downplayed the brutality of Pinochets newly minted military dictatorship and urged Americans to support his so-called reforms:

No one pretends that it will be easy, and with so many people going short, it is hard to be optimistic about the prospects for Chiles new-style capitalism in the near future. There are men in the armed forces who are far from enthused about it. But all in all, it is a brave attempt that deserves more understanding  and active support  from what remains of the capitalist world.

And in 1977, James Burnham, a staunch anti-communist and one of the most influential conservative political theorists of the postwar years, wrote a brief defense of the apartheid government in the former Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
Im Myrlie Evers. Right before he was murdered, my husband, Medgar Evers, told me, Dont ever give up on those things that you believe in. Medgar and I had a transcendent connection, and these words have lifted my spirits throughout the decades-long fight for justice against Medgars assassin, my time at the N.A.A.C.P. and my run for Congress against a far-right extremist. Now, those words guide me whenever I see things Medgar fought and died for being erased by misguided politicians.

Im Scott Wallace. Nothing inspires me more than the courage of my grandfather, Henry A. Wallace, campaigning for president in the Deep South on a platform to end Jim Crow in 1948, undaunted by death threats. In my career in law and philanthropy, I have been guided every day by his fearless commitment to robust and inclusive democracy, and to an activist role for government on behalf of ordinary Americans.

Medgar Evers grew up in Mississippi during the Depression and fought on the beaches of Normandy, only to come home to witness grotesque inequality and violence against African Americans. He dedicated the rest of his life to fighting for civil rights and voting rights.

Mr. Wallace rose from secretary of agriculture to become Franklin D. Roosevelts third-term vice president, but was replaced on the Democratic ticket with Harry Truman in 1944. His calls to end poll taxes outraged party bosses. He never gave up fighting for progressive values and international collaboration toward world peace.
Ms. Brett chose Cleveland because she has family nearby and because she would have room to make art. (During lockdown, she lost her shared studio space on East 91st street, which was just a few blocks from her apartment.) But a vibrant art scene was also nonnegotiable. Being able to just take the subway to Chelsea and have that energy with other artists was such an important part of my life in New York, she said. Before relocating, she identified certain swaps, like trading the Art Students League in Manhattan for Clevelands Zygote Press, an artists workshop in midtown Cleveland.

Even so, she misses the serendipity of New York. She recalled how she happened upon a yarn store near her apartment full of chatty knitters when she was just out walking one Sunday. To find those little communities in Manhattan was amazing, she said. The walkability lends itself to people dropping in and hanging out.

Charlotte Morgan, a native New Yorker and general counsel for Adore Me, an online lingerie business, had always imagined such a New York life for her family. My 6-year-old son knows all the subways by heart, said Ms. Morgan, 38. I thought Id raise the kids running around under the giant whale at the Natural History Museum on Sunday mornings.

A few years back, her husband was offered a terrific job at his firms Houston office. Back then, Ms. Morgan couldnt bear to leave. But when the opportunity arose again mid-pandemic, she knew it was time to go.

It wasnt easy. I cling dearly to the fact that Manhattan is the center of the universe, she said. In February, she went house hunting in the Houston suburbs. When we were in the car and got more than 10 minutes from the city center, I had a panic attack, Ms. Morgan said. Ultimately, the family settled in Houston Heights, close to downtown. Their home shares an alleyway with a coffee shop and is close to an urgent care facility and a Pilates studio. It allowed me to hope and believe that it wont be a completely suburban existence, she said.

But no existence, no matter how urban, can replicate New York. Whenever I see movies or shows or anything filmed in New York City, my heart hurts for it, said Zey Halici, who moved with her family from Brooklyn to Venice, the neighborhood in Los Angeles, in January 2021. When I left the D.C. area in 2009 for a life change and job opportunity in New York, I never missed D.C. like I miss New York now.

Ms. Halici, 37, describes her current neighborhood as hipster Williamsburg meets Coney Island. She works in marketing in the alcohol industry and feels comfortable among the local creative class. But shes been spending a lot of time at a local cafe and bakery called Gjusta, because the atmosphere and, especially, the bagels remind Ms. Halici of home.
Henry Connelly, the communications director for the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, can relate to the cinematic tale of a farmer discovering his Field of Dreams in an Iowa cornfield.

The girl of his dreams, Samantha Warren, was born and raised in the thick of an Illinois cornfield. Their love story, though, was set in Washington.

He inspires me, said Ms. Warren, the chief of staff for Representative Bill Foster, Democrat of Illinois. Henrys successful but modest, and is so generous with his time and his talents where both me and his friends are concerned. And he comes from the most wonderful family.

After graduating from Yale in 2009, Mr. Connelly, 34, was hired as an organizer on a campaign for the 2011 special election for a Los Angeles-area congressional seat, which was won by Janice Hahn. She then hired Mr. Connelly to work in her Washington office.
NEW DELHI  Indias Supreme Court on Friday ruled in favor of Amazons bid to block a multibillion-dollar deal that would give the countrys richest man control over an Indian supermarket chain, in a boost to the American retailing giants ambitions toward Indias nearly $900 billion retail market.

Amazon is embroiled in a bitter, politically fraught clash with Reliance Industries, one of the biggest and most powerful companies in India. It essentially pits two of the worlds richest people against each other: Reliances chairman, Mukesh Ambani, a business tycoon known for his affinity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Jeff Bezos, the chairman of Amazon, who for many personifies the overwhelming wealth and power of the technology industry.

Both Amazon and Reliance Industries want a piece of Indias fast-growing technology and e-commerce market, which is worth billions of dollars. At the heart of the dispute is Future Group, which owns supermarkets, snack shops and fashion outlets in some of Indias biggest cities. The companys brick-and-mortar footprint is a prize for any company that wants to sell Indias middle-class consumers everything from vegetables to smartphones.

With its ruling on Friday, legal experts said, the Supreme Court gave foreign businesses support for their ventures in India, where the government has limited foreign investment in a number of industries.
Six people, including five passengers who had been on a cruise ship, were killed on Thursday morning when a small plane they were in crashed in Alaska, the authorities said.

A helicopter crew from the U.S. Coast Guard located the wreckage near Ketchikan shortly after 2:30 p.m. and lowered two rescue swimmers to the scene, who reported no survivors, according to the statement.

One pilot and five passengers were on the aircraft, a single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, according to statements from the Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft had departed from Misty Fjords for Ketchikan, an area about 300 miles south of Juneau. The network of waterways and expansive views of natural wilderness have helped make it a popular destination for tourists.
First up, I talked with Ed Yong, a science journalist at The Atlantic, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting for his work on the pandemic. (His responses have been condensed and lightly edited.)

Before the coronavirus, you wrote about possible pandemics. How accurate were you about what would unfold?

I think the basic theses that we were unprepared, and a pandemic during a Donald Trump presidency would be catastrophic, were correct. The reality, sadly, bears out the predictions. I also talked about how our health care system is overstretched  how we rely on fragile supply chains. And I talked about the overconfidence that some countries have when they havent seen a large pandemic for a while.

But there were also things that I didnt talk about, and these issues have been crucial over the last year. Things like the role of misinformation and the staggering inequalities that Covid has clearly exposed.

As a science reporter, I think I saw pandemic preparedness as a science and health story. But what I learned last year is that it is obviously so much more than that. Covid is an omni-crisis. It touches on every aspect of society, and it exposes societal failings and vulnerabilities everywhere.

Overall, how well has the media covered the pandemic?

Its really hard to say because we all know that the media isnt a monolith. So I think you saw great heroic efforts, and you saw work that made things worse  thats just our industry.

A lot of what Ive written about the pandemic has argued that our failures are almost always as systemic as they are individual. So what Covid is great at doing is revealing flaws in entire institutions and entire systems  and the same is true for the media and for journalism. The Atlantic did good work, and I could do the best work that I was capable of because I had a newsroom and editors who gave me time and a mandate to do the big stories that would help really make sense of this crisis for our readers. And thats a very privileged position in journalism. So criticism doesnt just fall on individual journalists. It falls on the kind of ecosystem that we have all created and have allowed to flourish.
The impact of the current fires is uneven across the Western states. Tourism boards have tried to communicate this to potential visitors who may be deterred by news reports.

Allison Keeney, a spokeswoman for Travel Oregon, the states tourism commission, said that wildfires in one location often have no impact outside a limited area and rarely cause major travel disruptions. This is the case with the fires happening right now, which are located in remote wildland areas. She added that the state has implemented tools visitors can use to track air quality before or during their stay.

In Washington, the scenic Walla Walla Valley has seen very minimal, if any, tourism impact from smoke related to fires, said Justin Yax, a spokesman for the areas tourism board.

If anything, the Walla Walla Valley has seen an uptick in visitation in recent years when other popular wine regions were dealing with the effects of wildfires and smoke, he said, referring to Californias Sonoma, Napa and Santa Barbara counties, which in recent years have been hit hard by fire.

But in the Methow Valley, which is also a tourism reliant region, two nearby fires have prompted an evacuation in several towns. The mayor of Winthrop, Wash., called the fires a season-ending event for tourism at a community meeting in July.

After Sun Mountain Lodge evacuated its current guests, the resort called those with upcoming reservations to encourage them to rebook for later in the year and blacked out availability online through Aug. 31. The resort is temporarily closed.

In Montana, Maria Caputo, the manager of Lamplighter Cabin & Suites in the states capital of Helena, said that shes had numerous guests call to cancel their reservations this month because of the smoke.
WASHINGTON  More than a decade ago, Hurricane Katrina washed away many of the railroad tracks that line the Gulf Coast, leaving the region without a regular route to carry passengers.

Now, Amtrak is trying to restore service in the area, but the effort has stalled after bitter clashes with freight rail companies, which control most of the tracks the agency uses outside the Northeast. At the heart of the rancor is the meaning of a law governing which side has priority over use of the tracks and when, a longstanding battle that has spilled into the courts and onto social media. The outcome, experts say, has broader implications for Amtraks future.

The conflict underscores a persistent challenge for Amtrak. Although the infrastructure deal the Biden administration reached with a bipartisan group of senators last week would help fulfill the agencys elusive goal of expanding across the nation, one of the biggest obstacles would be negotiating with private freight rail companies.

The issue is coming to the fore as lawmakers seek to pass a crucial part of President Bidens agenda that would inject billions in federal money to bolster the United States aging public works system. Under the bill, $66 billion in new funding would go to rail, which includes money to help Amtrak expand nationwide and address its maintenance backlog.
In a statement, President Biden said the current jobs numbers showed that we have the tools that will allow us to beat Covid-19 and keep our economy recovering at a record rate. But he added, We know there is more work to do, and the road will still be long for many people  especially for the one in six adults and one in three young people who have federal student loans.

Notably, the Education Department emphasized that January was a definitive end date  this will be the fourth extension since the pandemic began  as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure from Democrats to erase up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt.

An official familiar with the departments plans said that the January expiration date was based on financial aid cycles and delinquency patterns, and that the emphasis on its finality was intended to give borrowers more certainty than the rolling extensions have provided. The department is also preparing for the departure of major loan servicers  including the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, known as PHEAA, which handles millions of accounts  and will use the four months to transition.

The announcement drew cheers from advocates for student borrowers.

Persis Yu, the director of National Consumer Law Centers Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project, said there were too many moving parts to successfully start federal student loan repayment, citing the loan servicer shake-up.

Borrowers are collectively taking a huge sigh of relief at the news that the federal student loan payment pause has been extended once again, Ms. Yu said in a statement. The student loan system is not ready to resume repayment on Oct. 1, and President Biden has made the right decision to postpone repayment.

The extension is likely to amplify calls for the Biden administration to cancel student loan debt outright.

In a joint statement, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts  all Democrats who have urged Mr. Biden to cancel student loan debt by executive order  said the pause provided an enormous relief to millions of borrowers facing a disastrous financial cliff but did not go far enough.

Our broken student loan system continues to exacerbate racial wealth gaps and hold back our entire economy, the statement said. Student debt cancellation is one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity. We look forward to hearing the administrations next steps to address the student debt crisis.
At an emergency shelter in the Texas desert, migrant teenagers are housed in long, wide trailers, with little space for recreation and not much to do during the hot summer days, according to lawyers and other advocates for the children who have visited them there.

Some of the children say they can wait more than a month before meeting with someone who can help connect them with a family member or other sponsor inside the United States. Some report episodes of food poisoning and say they have to wash their clothes in a bathroom sink.

In one case, two siblings at the shelter, a former camp for oil workers in Pecos, Texas, were given different case managers by the government. One sibling was reunited with their mother. The other was left behind in the shelter and remains there, according to a lawyer who has visited the shelter.

The living conditions for migrant children who arrive unaccompanied in the United States and are taken into custody appear to have improved since the early spring, when images of them crammed into Customs and Border Protection facilities drew criticism from around the world.
Presidencies are governed by events and priorities, and President Biden  propelled into office by epochal events in 2020  has staked his political fortunes on passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill intended to demonstrate his competence, can-do attitude and commitment to bipartisanship.

On Friday, the capital paused on the cusp of fulfilling one of Mr. Bidens top first-year legislative priorities to mark the passing of former Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming, a conservative who retired last year and who died from injuries sustained in a biking accident. He was 77.

Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, and several other senators traveled out West on Friday for the funeral service in an auditorium located on Enzi Drive in Mr. Enzis hometown, Gillette. The group planned to return to Washington for a series of votes expected over the weekend.

After a round of wrangling on Thursday, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, announced plans to hold a critical procedural vote on Saturday on the infrastructure measure, which includes a huge infusion of federal funding for the countrys aging public works system.
About 49 percent of Florida residents are fully vaccinated and about 59 percent have received at least one dose, rates that are roughly in line with the national average and far better than most other Southern states.

Florida never instituted a statewide mask mandate. Mayors imposed local ones a year ago; a new state law prohibits them now, but some municipalities have reinstated mask rules in government buildings and mandated vaccines for their employees. The state of emergency that Mr. DeSantis initially declared to deal with the pandemic expired in late June, and he has declined calls to bring it back, though doing so could make it easier for hospitals to hire more doctors and nurses.

In short, Mr. DeSantis said, life will go on even as the pandemic does, too.

We knew this is something that youre going to have to live with, Mr. DeSantis said on Friday, articulating a sentiment that many public officials are beginning to express, publicly and privately, as the pandemic powers through its second summer.

Mr. DeSantiss resistance to new mandates, even for children returning to school who are too young to get vaccinated, prompted a testy back and forth this week with Mr. Biden. The governor accused the president of helping facilitate the virus spread by not securing the U.S. border with Mexico. Until you do that, I dont want to hear a blip about Covid from you, Mr. DeSantis said.

Asked about Mr. DeSantis again, Mr. Biden quipped: Governor who?

Im not surprised that Biden doesnt remember me, Mr. DeSantis responded on Friday. The question is, what else has he forgotten?
EAST LONDON, South Africa  Even as thousands died and millions lost their jobs when the Covid-19 pandemic engulfed South Africa last year, Thembakazi Stishi, a single mother, was able to feed her family with the steady support of her father, a mechanic at a Mercedes plant.

When another Covid-19 wave hit in January, Ms. Stishis father was infected and died within days. She sought work, even going door to door to offer housecleaning for $10  to no avail. For the first time, she and her children are going to bed hungry.

I try to explain our situation is different now, no one is working, but they dont understand, Ms. Stishi, 30, said as her 3-year-old daughter tugged at her shirt. Thats the hardest part.

The economic catastrophe set off by Covid-19, now deep into its second year, has battered millions of people like the Stishi family who had already been living hand-to-mouth. Now, in South Africa and many other countries, far more have been pushed over the edge.
His ruling capped a week of high political drama in Arkansas, one of a number of states  including Florida, South Carolina and Texas  where conservative elected officials have prohibited mask mandates despite spikes in new cases driven by the highly contagious Delta variant.

The Arkansas law prohibits most government entities in the state from requiring masks. Mr. Hutchinson has said he regretted his decision to sign it, and convened a special session of the Republican-controlled legislature that began on Wednesday, asking lawmakers to change the law so that school districts could issue mask mandates.

The legislators declined to take action before ending the session on Friday morning.

Tom Mars, the lawyer who brought the lawsuit against the law on behalf of parents in the Little Rock school district, said that the judges ruling freed up Arkansas school districts and other government entities to issue mask mandates for the foreseeable future. Mr. Mars said it was not clear when the court might take up his request that the law be permanently blocked.
Taliban fighters faced little resistance in taking Zaranj, said Afghan officials who were not authorized to speak to the news media. They said a deal had been negotiated with the Taliban allowing the authorities in the city to flee across the border to Iran with their families.

The flight of provincial authorities began on Thursday night when the neighboring district of Kang fell, according to the officials. They said people had started looting local government offices and businesses in the city until around 2 p.m. Friday when the Taliban arrived.

Only the local office of the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistans intelligence agency, put up a fight, but eventually surrendered, the officials said. One of the Talibans first acts after entering the city was to break into its prison, immediately filling Zaranjs streets with liberated inmates, they added.

Later in the day, Afghan Air Force aircraft circled above the city, dropping strikes on the headquarters of the police and the border brigade, the officials said.

Mr. Naser, the provincial council head, said that the government had failed to send reinforcements to Zaranj, and that officials had decided to abandon the city in order to avoid casualties. He denied that a deal had been struck with the Taliban.

Since the Taliban began its military campaign in May, the city has buzzed with people looking to leave the country. In early July, around 450 pickup trucks carrying migrants snaked from Zaranj toward crossing points along the Iranian border each day  more than double the number of cars that made the trip in March, according to David Mansfield, a migration researcher with the Overseas Development Institute.

The seizure of Zaranj is a symbolically significant development in the Talibans campaign, as they have moved away from targeting rural districts to focus on attacking provincial capitals.
MELBOURNE, Australia  Months after a former Australian government employee said she had been raped in Parliament House, the police announced on Friday that they intended to charge a man with sexual assault in the case.

The former government employee, Brittany Higgins, 26, sent shock waves through the country when she said earlier this year that she had been attacked by a co-worker in 2019. He had offered to take her home after drinks with colleagues, she said, but instead assaulted her when she fell asleep in the office of the defense minister. At the time, she was just weeks into a new job with the defense minister then, Linda Reynolds.

The accusation set off a debate about the culture of misogyny in the nations halls of power, and womens advocates criticized some of the countrys most powerful politicians for mishandling the allegations.

After Ms. Higgins went public, three other women came forward with allegations that they had been sexually assaulted by the same man. In the following months, numerous current and former female politicians and staff members shared their own accounts about inappropriate behavior by male colleagues.
Chinas top leader, Xi Jinping, said the country would provide two billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and would donate $100 million to a global effort to distribute the doses to developing countries, as Beijing attempts to take on a more prominent leadership role in curbing the pandemic.

Mr. Xis pledges were announced on Thursday in a written message to an international Covid-19 vaccine cooperation forum chaired by the Chinese government. China will continue to do everything it can to help developing countries cope with the epidemic, Mr. Xi said.

He did not specify whether the two billion doses were donations or sales, or whether they consisted of new supplies or included those already sold. China is the worlds top exporter of Covid-19 vaccines and has sold 952 million doses worldwide, according to Bridge Consulting, a Beijing-based research company. It has also donated 33 million doses.

The $100 million donation to Covax, a global initiative backed by the World Health Organization to provide vaccines to poorer countries, would give the organization much-needed financing to strike deals with vaccine makers at a time when it has been struggling to acquire and administer doses. The world is still short of $700 million for needed vaccines, according to the W.H.O. Mr. Xi did not give a time frame for the donation.
RECH, Germany  Shortly before midnight Dominik Gieler received one last WhatsApp message from his mother. She had watched as a tsunami of river first took one, then two, then all of the houses around her own. I wont make it out of here, she told him.

Then the connection failed.

Mr. Gieler, the mayor of a small village in the Ahr Valley, a lush winemaking region in western Germany that became the epicenter of devastating floods last month, was only five minutes down the road from his mother but he could not help her. He was trapped on the top floor of his own house with his wife and children after the gentle brook he had played in as a boy had turned into a 33-foot raging river that roared past his second-floor windows on both sides carrying roof tops and whole camper vans.

The river swallowed not just Mr. Gielers entire childhood home that July night but the ground it once stood on. His mothers body was found five miles downriver 10 days later.

I have never felt so small and powerless, he said one recent afternoon gazing at the now empty space on the opposite bank of the river.
The government argues that the pass will increase economic activity, not least by allowing more of normal life to resume. For example, seating capacity on the national high-speed train network will be increased from 50 percent to 80 percent, meaning more business travel and economic activity.

But it is also clearly intended to push Italians like Mr. Galatolo to get vaccinated.

Mr. Draghi, whose government consists of a grand coalition of parties, has exhibited a flair for putting populist politicians who traffic in spreading unreasonable doubts in their place. That includes Matteo Salvini, the leader of the nationalist League party and once the most powerful politician in Italy, who has struggled for relevance under the plain-spoken Mr. Draghi.

Mr. Salvini has staked out an ambiguous, have-it-both-ways position on the vaccine. One day he dips back into the populism that once made him Italys most popular politician, saying that those opposed to vaccinations should be listened to, that vaccines are useless for young people, and that the Green Pass should not be required to enter restaurants and bars. The next he declares support for Mr. Draghi and his policies.

Last month, when he suggested that a broader Green Pass would deprive half of Italians of their right to life, Mr. Draghi would have none of it.

The appeal to not getting vaccinated is an appeal to die, Mr. Draghi said in response to Mr. Salvinis remarks. You dont get a vaccine, you get sick, you die. The refusal to get vaccinated, he added, would make people die.

The next morning, Mr. Salvini got vaccinated.

Mr. Salvini said he had already booked his vaccination, and that he did it not based on what Mr. Draghi said but as a free choice and not because someone imposed it on me.
Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, a Portuguese Army officer who helped mastermind the almost bloodless military overthrow of his countrys dictatorship in 1974 and later served a prison sentence on charges of inciting terrorism, died on July 25 in a military hospital in Lisbon. He was 84.

His death was confirmed by his son, Sergio, who did not cite a cause but said that his father had had heart problems.

Mr. Saraiva de Carvalho, who was widely known by his first name, was one of the officers who planned and led the ouster of Portugals right-wing dictatorship on April 25, 1974, paving the way for the countrys return to democracy. The coup became known as the Carnation Revolution after jubilant citizens adorned the rifles of soldiers with red carnations.

The revolution was in large part triggered by discontent within the military; the regime had been forcing soldiers to fight African independence movements in the colonized countries of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau. After the coup, Portugals colonial rule quickly ended, and the three countries gained independence.
The prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was hospitalized on Thursday after being struck in the head by a projectile during a protest against Covid vaccine legislation in the Caribbean island nation.

Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves was physically assaulted and wounded by opposition demonstrators and recuperating under the care of hospital staff in the capital, Kingstown, according to a statement from his office.

His son Camilio, who is also the finance minister, later told Parliament that Mr. Gonsalves would be flown to Barbados to undergo an M.R.I. scan.

Demonstrators surrounded Mr. Gonsalvess car as he arrived at the Parliament building, where lawmakers were scheduled to debate a health bill that would require frontline public-sector workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Some trade unions and other groups have opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes on workers rights.
Policies offered by GradGuard, which markets them in partnership with about 400 colleges, specifically exclude student withdrawals resulting from an epidemic. But the companys insurance partner, Allianz, has chosen to cover medical withdrawals resulting from the coronavirus, said John Fees, a co-founder and the managing director of GradGuard.

An update attached to policy information on GradGuards website, dated Feb. 12, says that until further notice, although not covered under most plans, we are currently accommodating claims for when an insured student completely withdraws from school for the covered term due to becoming ill with Covid-19.

GradGuard policies will continue to cover withdrawals by students who fall sick with Covid in the coming academic year, Mr. Fees said. He declined to say how many such claims the companys policies have paid. And he noted that the policies did not cover withdrawals simply because a school switched from in-person classes to remote learning. (Some families sued colleges and universities that had switched, claiming that remote learning was either substandard or not what they were promised. The lawsuits have had mixed results.)

The insurance would probably cover a student who withdrew because of a mental health diagnosis related to the coronavirus, Mr. Fees said. The policies require that a licensed mental health professional examine the student and counsel withdrawal. (In the past, withdrawals for mental health reasons required a documented hospital stay, but that is no longer the case, Mr. Fees said.)

Eden Schiano, a 19-year-old from Virginia Beach, said her family was relieved that it had bought tuition insurance through GradGuard when she enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University last fall. Ms. Schiano had been treated for an eating disorder, she said, and her family was concerned about the demands of college and the potential loss of funds if she ended up withdrawing.

Ms. Schiano was determined to go, however, so her doctor recommended tuition insurance. The family paid $180 for $10,000 in coverage, according to GradGuard. (Typically, the cost of coverage is 1.06 percent or 1.8 percent per $10,000, depending on the college.)

Once on campus, Ms. Schiano struggled to juggle remote classes and eat regular meals, and began losing weight, she said. Her doctor advised that she withdraw, which she did in October. The policy payout allowed her to regroup, she said, and she is now preparing to enroll in community college this fall.
A young African man was recently placed under arrest after he tried to pass as a woman while trying to pass the graduation exam on behalf of his girlfriend.

22-year-old Khadim Mboup, a student of the Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis University, in Diourbel, Senegal, managed to fool faculty and supervisors at a Baccalaureate (high-school graduation exam) examination center into thinking that he was a female high-school student for 3 days. Mboup wore a long-hair wig partially covered with a traditional scarf, earrings, a dress, bra and even face makeup to pass as his girlfriend, 19-year-old Gangue Dioum. Just when the two lovers plan seemed to work, one of the supervisors noticed something odd about Khadim, and his true identity was discovered.

On July 31st, police were summoned at the examination center and Khadim Mboup was charged with fraud. He led the authorities to his girlfriend, who was waiting quietly for him in a rented motel room, and the pair was arrested. Mboup confessed his crime, but claimed that he had acted solely out of love for Gangue.

I acted out of love, because my girlfriend had serious difficulties mastering the English language, the college student said, but that failed to sway the officers. Both he and his girlfriend were charged with fraud and now risk being banned from any participating in any National Education exam for a maximum of 5 years, a ban from taking any qualification or diploma examination issued by a public higher education establishment, a hefty fine and even spending between 1 and 5 years behind bars.

This is not the first time something like this has happened, nor the first such story weve ever reported. In fact, just a couple of years ago we wrote about a 19-year-old Bolivian man who disguised himself as a woman in order to take an exam on her behalf.
Dawa Khan Meenapal

The Taliban today murdered Dawa Khan Meenapal, who headed Afghanistans government media & information office, as he was traveling in Kabul, according to the Associated Press.

The shooting is part of an assassination wave launched by the Taliban, targeting government officials in the wake of Americas decision to end its involvement in the forever war.

The Taliban on Twitter called the killing of Meenapal, who had earlier served as a spokesperson for Afghan president Ashraf Ghani, a special attack of the Mujahedeen.

Ross Wilson, US Charge d'Affaires, is saddened and disgusted by the targeted killing of Meenapal, whom he called a friend and colleague whose career was focused on providing truthful information to all Afghans about Afghanistan, according to his tweet.

He called the murder an affront to Afghans human rights and freedom of speech.
There was more disappointment for Offaly's Darragh Kenny at Olympics today as Ireland were eliminated from team event in the Show Jumping.

Having already lost Cian O'Connor due to a nose bleed suffered by his horse, Ireland were eliminated when substitute Shane Sweetnam on Alejandro endured a nightmare round.

Sweetnam was first into the ring and made a strong start to his round but it all went wrong when Alejandro lost a shoe and knocked a number of fences before eventually falling.

Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro endure nightmare round as Sweetnam battles on after the horse loses a shoe, but they are eliminated and Team Ireland withdraw #Tokyo2020 #RTESport #EquestrianJumping #RTESport



Watch - https://t.co/lLKXNhKPkF



Updates - https://t.co/rrhIHZ9LpR pic.twitter.com/CfJNUnfClp  RTE Sport (@RTEsport) August 6, 2021

With all three scores to count, a change from previous Olympic Games when there were teams of four with one score discarded, the decision was taken for Ireland to pull out of the qualifying without Darragh Kenny or Bertram Allen even getting into the arena

The week started well for Darragh as he qualified second for the individual but the world ranked number nine rider had two fences down in the individual final leaving him outside the medals.
Grant Thornton Ireland has launched the first Irish Business Voice Programme to support local businesses across Ireland navigate the challenges they face including the Covid-19 pandemic, the consequences of Brexit, and everything else in between.

The programme, launched with the support of local Chambers of Commerce, was established to support Irish businesses across all regions following the unprecedented and rapid change of landscape over the past year, and to unearth the pertinent issues, concerns, hurdles and needs of Irish businesses to return to an era of sustained growth.

To support the reinvigoration of rural and regional Ireland, the aim of the program is to address these issues and arm businesses with the right tools and advice to move to the next stage of their success, whatever that may be.

The programme has begun with a short survey underway to identify the obstacles and is available on the Grant Thornton website for any Irish business to complete.

Following the analysis of the data, Grant Thornton will reach out to all Irish businesses with proactive and actionable advice, in the form of publications, webinars and workshops, to move them into a new era of sustainable success.

Speaking about the programme Grant Thornton Ireland Managing Partner Michael McAteer said Grant Thornton Ireland understands the vital role Irish businesses play in the Irish economy and the importance of the reinvigoration of regional Ireland. One lasting effect of the pandemic will be the shift we have seen in how we work, and how we have embraced remote working. A shift that has started and that will continue to see the move of people from cities to regional locations.

This new dynamic of how we work and operate should bring with it a rejuvenation of Irish regional businesses and we want to ensure that they have the tools and advice necessary to navigate any challenges, leverage new opportunities and to return to an era of success and growth.

Businesses will be asked to complete the survey during the months of June and July, and once responses have been analysed there will follow a series of communications, webinars and events in the autumn and winter months.

Grant Thornton Ireland is encouraging all businesses in Ireland to take part, and have their voice heard, further information can be found at grantthornton.ie/irish-business-programme

*SPONSORED CONTENT
From the Soweto Uprising in South Africa 45 years ago, to the Black Lives Matter protests worldwide today, young people have been at the forefront of the fight against racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) rightly underlines the important role of young people in fighting racial discrimination, she said. It calls for active participation by youth in devising strategies to fight racial discrimination. And it urges States to scale up human rights education, including anti-discrimination and anti-racism information to teach young people and children about their right to live in dignity, equality and mutual respect.

Bachelets comment was part of a panel discussion reflecting on contemporary challenges facing young people in South Africa and worldwide and how they can be agents of change. The discussion was set against the backdrop of commemorating the 20th anniversary of the third World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) that led to the development of the DDPA as well as the 45th anniversary of the Soweto Youth uprising against apartheid and the 25th anniversary of the Constitution of South Africa.

The DDPA placed contemporary racial discrimination in its historical context, highlighting the ongoing discriminatory legacies of transatlantic slavery and European colonialism, said E. Tendayi Achiume, UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. It also articulated inequality and discrimination broadly, condemning discrimination based on race, ethnicity, indigeneity, and migrant or refugee status. In addition, the DDPA made clear that young people were crucial to eliminating racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances, a belief that is still true today, Achiume said.

There can be no meaningful social change without the participation and drive of youth, she said. Profound change requires fearlessness and energy, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and perhaps most of all the creativity to reimagine our societieswho we are and how we relate to each other. This creativity, this energy, this courage are especially prevalent among youth, and honestly I think this terrifies the older generations that typically hold power.

The discussion, which took place online from South Africa, was also a chance to reflect on the kind of progress or lack thereof in relation to the creating the kinds of conditions for young people to thrive, said Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Young people are among the hardest hit by the pandemic  with many having lost jobs, parents, guardians and other caregivers because of it.

But we cannot lose hope, she said. Young people can and must be in the forefront in the fight against racism, poverty, ignorance, marginalization, exclusion, and disease.

It is not fair to ask young people to fight these fights, when they are battling every day to survive, said Malaika Mahlatsi, a writer, political commentator and essayist. Mahlatsi is one of the born frees  South African youth who are growing up without apartheid. She said the youth unemployment rate in South Africa was 20 percent.

How can we demand that young people participate in dismantling structures, when they are home unemployed? she said. It is a tall order to put on young people.

At the heart of the issueis why we are having this (same) conversation 20 years later (about racism and discrimination), she added. Why, it is because we are not having honest conversations about racism. For me as a young person to meaningfully combat racism, it is going to be necessary to create equitable economy that is inclusive and grounded in human rightsThis will change very little if there is no political will to change the government structures that allow racism and discrimination.

The last decade has seen a great deal of mobilization for equality and justice. Young people have led many of these movements. These include movements to decolonize universities and abolish economic barriers to tertiary education in South Africa, and transnational Black Lives Matter movement catalysed by the murder of George Floyd.

2021 is a watershed moment in the fight against global racism, said Abigail Noko, head of the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Southern Africa. While there are still challenges facing the task of dismantling racism. In the two decades since first WCAR:

42 Member States have adopted or amended legislation prohibiting racial discrimination

35 Member States have established equality bodies for combating racial discrimination and promoting equality;

23 Member States and regional institutions have adopted national and regional policies against racism.

26 more States have ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, bringing the total to 182 States that are party to the Convention

The DDPA has global recognition, acceptance and is an instrument for catalytic transformative change, Noko said. Just as racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance was an issue of global significance in 2001, it still is today and young people can use the DDPA to build solidarity, lead change and stand up against racism. We need the voices and actions of young people to break through the silence that locks in discrimination and oppression.

Moreover, said Minister Pandor, governments need to be right alongside them, providing the infrastructure to help them achieve their dreams.

As governments, we should create conditions that will allow young people to realise their basic giftedness; to utilise their potential; to harness their energies; to release their creativity; to dream the seemingly impossible; and to succeed big, she said.

6 August 2021
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  Two New York lawmakers are introducing a bill to extend the state's eviction moratorium until Oct. 31 in light of the state's failure to send out enough COVID-19 rental aid for an estimated 200,000 households in need.

The state's eviction moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31.

Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, both Democrats, are urging the Legislature to return to Albany to extend the moratorium.

We cannot let hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers risk homelessness due to the negligence of our own government, Biaggi said. The Executive has failed New Yorkers, and the Legislature must reconvene to deliver for the people that we were elected to serve."

This year, the state set up a new $2.4 billion fund to provide up to 12 months of past-due rent and utility bills to eligible households who are at or below 80% of area median income. New Yorkers that spend 30% or more of their monthly income on rent can also receive up to three months of extra rental aid.

But New York was the last state to release new rental relief aid this year, according to U.S. Treasury data provided to The Associated Press.

New York processed $2.7 million in aid as of July 29, but lawmakers say thats far too little.

Despite repeated requests, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration has failed to provide The Associated Press with basic details about the program, including the number of households who have received aid or how many applicants have been denied.

Groups representing large and small landlords  many of whom have had to go months without receiving rent amid the pandemic  are expected to fight efforts to extend the moratorium.

Community Housing Improvement Program Executive Director Jay Martin has said that the Cuomo administration must get the aid out, rather than load tenants and landlords up with more months of debt that won't be covered by New York's rent relief program.

If New York's eviction moratorium expires, tenants still have some protection: Tenants who apply for rental assistance will have protection from eviction if their landlords take them to court, even if tenants dont hear back from the state before the law expires.

Martin said he expects huge backlogs in the state's housing court will prevent a wave of evictions. His group, representing 4,000 property owners, is also asking for the state to provide courts with a list of tenants awaiting rental relief, rather than force landlords to take tenants to court.

The Legislature plans to hold an Aug. 10 hearing on the sluggish rollout of the program, which has been plagued by a string of website glitches and poorly trained hotline workers.

Lawmakers are also seeking answers on the Cuomo administration's awarding of a $115 million contract to a Virginia-based company, Guidehouse, charged with rolling out the rent relief program.

The governor recently announced hes streamlining the application process and adding 350 state workers to help out the vendor.

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said Guidehouse won the contract after multiple competitors were interviewed.

But OTDA spokesperson Anthony Farmer has not answered repeated questions from AP about whether any other companies submitted bids for the contract, which was issued during the now-expired COVID-19 state of emergency when state procurement rules were eased.

The Associated Press has requested a copy of Guidehouse's contract. The company has asked the state to redact pricing information and other details before releasing it to AP.

Spokespeople for Guidehouse referred request for comment to OTDA.
Sussex (USA), August 5,2021: World Economic Magazine Inc., a prestigious business publication with web and print editions, has announced BCPG Public Company Limited as the Best Green Energy Efficiency Initiative Thailand 2021 and the Best Renewable Energy Company Asia Pacific 2021 in the 2nd Annual Ceremony of World Economic Magazine Awards. BCPG Public Company Limited is a Thailand-based company that spun off from Bangchak Corporation, parent company, on 17th July, 
The Justice Department is launching a widespread probe into the police force in Phoenix to examine whether officers have been using excessive force and abusing people experiencing homelessness
In these days, I think especially of the beloved country of Lebanon a year after the terrible port explosion in its capital, Beirut, with its toll of death and destruction. I think above all of the victims and their families, the many injured, and those who lost their homes and livelihoods. So many people have lost the desire to go on.

During the Day of Prayer and Reflection for Lebanon last 1 July, together with Christian religious leaders, all of us listened to the hopes and aspirations, the frustrations and weariness of the Lebanese people, and we prayed for Gods gift of hope to overcome this difficult crisis.

Today I would also appeal to the international community to offer Lebanon concrete assistance, not only with words but with concrete actions in undertaking a journey of resurrection. It is my hope that the current International Conference hosted by France with the support of the United Nations will prove productive in this regard.

Dear Lebanese friends, I greatly desire to visit you and I continue to pray for you, so that Lebanon will once more be a message of peace and fraternity for the entire Middle East.

(General

Audience, 4 August)
Even today, the multiplication of goods cannot solve problems without fair sharing. The tragedy of hunger comes to mind, which affects the little ones in particular, Pope Francis said at the Angelus on Sunday, 25 July, as he invited the faithful to accept Jesus invitation to give what little you have. Before leading the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Holy Father had reflected on the days Gospel Reading on the multiplication of the loaves and the fish. The following is a translation of his reflection, which he shared in Italian with the faithful gathered in Saint Peters Square.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Buongiorno!

The Gospel of this Sundays liturgy recounts the famous episode of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, with which Jesus feeds about five thousand people who had come to listen to him (cf. Jn 6:1-15). It is interesting to see how this miracle takes place: Jesus does not create the loaves and fishes from nothing, no, but rather he works by beginning with what the disciples bring him. One of them says: There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many? (v. 9). It is little, it is nothing, but it is enough for Jesus.

Let us now try to put ourselves in the place of that boy. The disciples ask him to share everything he has to eat. It seems to be an unreasonable proposal, or rather, unjust. Why deprive a person, indeed a child, of what he has brought from home and has the right to keep for himself? Why take away from one person what is not enough to feed everyone anyway? In human terms, it is illogical. But not for God. On the contrary, thanks to that small, freely-given and therefore heroic gift, Jesus is able to feed everyone. This is a great lesson for us. It tells us that the Lord can do a lot with the little that we put at his disposal. It would be good to ask ourselves each day: What do I bring to Jesus today?. He can do a lot with one of our prayers, with one of our gestures of charity for others, even with one of our sufferings handed over to his mercy. Our small things to Jesus, and he works miracles. This is how God loves to act: he does great things, starting from those small things, those freely-given ones.

All the great protagonists of the Bible  from Abraham, to Mary, to the boy today  show this logic of smallness and giving. The logic of giving is so different from ours. We try to accumulate and increase what we have, but Jesus asks us to give, to diminish. We like to add, we like addition; Jesus likes subtraction, taking something away to give it to others. We want to multiply for ourselves; Jesus appreciates when we share with others, when we share. It is interesting that in the accounts of the multiplication of the loaves in the Gospels, the verb multiply never appears. On the contrary, the verbs used have the opposite meaning: to break, to give, to distribute (cf. v. 11; Mt 14:19; Mk 6:41; Lk 9:16). But the verb to multiply is not used. The true miracle, says Jesus, is not the multiplication that produces vanity and power, but the sharing that increases love and allows God to perform wonders. Let us try to share more: let us try this way that Jesus teaches us.

Even today, the multiplication of goods cannot solve problems without fair sharing. The tragedy of hunger comes to mind, which affects the little ones in particular. It has been calculated officially that every day in the world around 7,000 children under the age of five die due to reasons related to malnutrition, because they do not have what they need to live. Faced with scandals such as these, Jesus also addresses an invitation to us, an invitation similar to the one probably received by the boy in the Gospel, who has no name and in whom we can all see ourselves: Be brave, give what little you have, your talents, your possessions, make them available to Jesus and to your brothers and sisters. Do not be afraid, nothing will be lost, because if you share, God will multiply. Banish the false modesty of feeling inadequate, have trust. Believe in love, believe in the power of service, believe in the strength of gratuitousness.

May the Virgin Mary, who answered yes to Gods unprecedented proposal, help us to open our hearts to the Lords invitations and to the needs of others.

After the Angelus the Holy Father continued:

Dear brothers and sisters, we have just celebrated the Liturgy on the occasion of the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. A round of applause to all the grandparents! Grandparents and grandchildren, young and old together, have shown one of the beautiful faces of the Church and demonstrated the covenant between the generations. I invite you to celebrate this Day in every community and to visit grandparents and the elderly, those who are most alone, to take to them my message, inspired by Jesus promise: I am with you every day. I ask the Lord that this celebration may help those of us who are older to respond to his call in this season of life, and show society the value of the presence of grandparents and the elderly, especially in this throwaway culture. Grandparents need young people and young people need grandparents: they must talk to each other, they must encounter one another! Grandparents have the sap of history that rises up and gives strength to the growing tree. I am reminded  I think I quoted it once  of that passage by a poet: All that blossoms on the tree comes from that which is under the ground. Without dialogue between young people and their grandparents, history does not move forward, life does not move forward: we need to take this up again, it is a challenge for our culture. Grandparents have the right to dream by looking at young people, and young people have the right to the courage of prophecy, drawing on the lifeblood from their grandparents. Please, do this: meet grandparents and young people and talk, converse. It will bring happiness to everyone.

In recent days, torrential rains have hit the city of Zhengzhou and Henan Province in China, causing devastating floods. I pray for the victims and their families, and express my closeness and solidarity with all those who are suffering as a result of this calamity.

Last Friday, the 32nd Olympic Games opened in Tokyo. In this time of pandemic, may these Games be a sign of hope, a sign of universal fraternity under the banner of healthy competition. God bless the organizers, the athletes and all those who collaborate in this great festival of sport!

I warmly greet you all, people of Rome and pilgrims. In particular, I greet the group of grandparents from Rovigo  thank you for coming!  the young people of Albinea who have walked the Via Francigena from Emilia to Rome; and the participants in the Roma Capitale Rally. I also greet the community of the Cenacolo. I wish everyone a happy Sunday. Please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. Arrivederci! Congratulations to you, children of the Immaculate, for the final approval!
A society that puts at its centre interests instead of people is a society that does not generate life. On Sunday, 1 August, Pope Francis shared this thought with the faithful who had gathered in Saint Peters Square for the recitation of the Angelus. The following is a translation of the Holy Fathers reflection, which he offered in Italian from the window of his private studio in the Apostolic Palace.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Buongiorno!

The initial scene of the Gospel in todays liturgy (cf. Jn 6:24-35) shows us some boats moving towards Capernaum: the crowd is going to look for Jesus. We might think that this is a very good thing, yet the Gospel teaches us that it is not enough to seek God; we must also ask ourselves why we are seeking him. Indeed, Jesus says: you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves (v. 26). The people, in fact, had witnessed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, but they had not grasped the meaning of that gesture: they stopped at the external miracle, they stopped at the material bread: only there, without going further, to the meaning of this.

Here then is a first question we can all ask ourselves: why do we seek the Lord? Why do I seek the Lord? What are the motivations for my faith, for our faith? We need to discern this, because among the many temptations we encounter in life, among the many temptations there is one that we might call idolatrous temptation. It is the one that drives us to seek God for our own use and consumption, to solve problems, to have thanks to Him what we cannot obtain on our own, for our interests. But in this way faith remains superficial and even  if I may say so  faith remains miraculistic: we look for God to feed us and then forget about Him when we are satiated. At the centre of this immature faith is not God, but our own needs. I think of our interests, many things.... It is right to present our needs to Gods heart, but the Lord, who acts far beyond our expectations, wishes to live with us first and foremost in a relationship of love. And true love is disinterested, it is free: one does not love to receive a favour in return! This is self-interest; and very often in life we are motivated by self-interest.

A second question can help us, the one the crowd asks Jesus: What must we do, to be doing the works of God? (v. 28). It is as if the people, provoked by Jesus, were saying: How can we purify our search for God? How do we go from a magical faith, which thinks only of our own needs, to a faith that pleases God?. And Jesus shows the way: He answers that the work of God is to welcome the One the Father has sent, that is, welcoming Himself, Jesus. It is not adding religious practices or observing special precepts; it is welcoming Jesus, it is welcoming Him into our lives, it is living a story of love with Jesus. It is He who will purify our faith. We are not able to do this on our own. But the Lord wants a loving relationship with us: before the things we receive and do, there is Him to love. There is a relationship with Him that goes beyond the logic of interest and calculation.

This applies to God, but it also applies to our human and social relationships: when we seek first and foremost the satisfaction of our needs, we risk using people and exploiting situations for our own ends. How many times have we heard it said by someone: But this one uses people and then forgets about them? Using people for ones own gain: this is bad. And a society that puts at its centre interests instead of people is a society that does not generate life. The Gospels invitation is this: rather than being concerned only with the material bread that feeds us, let us welcome Jesus as the bread of life and, starting out from our friendship with Him, let us learn to love each other. Freely and without calculation. Love given freely and without calculation, without using people, freely, with generosity, with magnanimity.

Let us now pray to the Blessed Virgin, She who lived the most beautiful story of love with God, that she may give us the grace to open ourselves to the encounter with her Son.

After the Angelus the Holy Father said:

Dear brothers and sisters,

I warmly greet you all, faithful of Rome and pilgrims from different countries.

In particular, this Sunday too, I have the joy of greeting various groups of young people: those from Zoppola, in the diocese of Concordia-Pordenone; those from Bologna, who traveled the Via Francigena by bicycle from Orvieto to Rome; and those of the temporary camp organized in Rome by the Pious Sisters of the Divine Master. I also greet with affection the young people and educators of the After Us group from Villa Iris in Gradiscutta di Varmo, in the province of Udine.

I see some Peruvian flags and I greet you, Peruvians, who have a new President. May the Lord bless your country always!

I wish everyone a happy Sunday and a peaceful month of August.... Too hot, but may it be peaceful! Please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. Arrivederci!
About a dozen people gathered on an Aug. 4 zoom session held by Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center to learn about their programs and the winners of a recent fundraising event.

Home to Stay, the 211 designated Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for Midland County, provides assistance to people in need of shelter, renter assistance, home repairs, or experiencing eviction.

The discussion, called Lunch with Home to Stay, included information about fundraising, programs, impacts of COVID-19 and flooding, partnerships, and case management.

Communications specialist Kayla Susko hosted the discussion while other representatives, from Home to Stay and partnering organizations offered their perspective, too.

(Home to stay is) helping the community member be self-sustaining and not need all the support all the time but knowing that if we put housing first, theyre set up better for everything else to follow, Susko said.

Intake coordinator Anita Weaver said calls nearly doubled in the month of June, from 100 to 200.

Executive director Donna St. John thinks that is because of a program recently implemented by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority: the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. It helps with bills, utilities, and even internet payments for up to 15 months.

Additional programs are geared toward various needs and timelines.

St. John said they prioritize certain situations like if its someone who has a lower income and theyre really struggling to pay their other bills and this is just one added thing that they are not able to afford.

But they remain a resource to all who have questions or needs.

She said anyone is welcome  and encouraged  to call at any time should they have concerns. Even if Home to Stay cannot directly help, they can refer a person to organizations who can.

Some of those referrals are to organizations they partner with for their home repair program, homelessness prevention services, and senior services.

Barbara Zebley-Oldani, Director of Care Coordination at Senior Services of Midland County, said part of their facilities work is to assess seniors homes to ensure safety. Home to Stay assists with needs determined from the assessment.

Part of that assessment is looking at their home environment and what types of things need to be modified, added, redone, fixed; whatever it might be so that theyre (safer) in their home and they can stay home longer, she said.

Zebley-Oldani said Senior Services has about 800 clients and in 2020, about 20 of them received assistance from Home to Stay, and 13 so far this year. She said they have been helpful with various jobs like ramps, bathroom modifications, flooring, furnaces, and windows.

Home to stay has been awesome in the fact that you have staff that will go out and dig into whatever the issue is so that older adults can be home safe.

She and others said they often see people come to them with one need, but soon find out there are many more to be addressed.

Vice President Tamara McGovern said creating awareness of housing needs  especially in a place like Midland  is vital to people who need help.

People call this area the bubble for a reason, she said. I think sometimes there are needs strictly as it relates to housing that are somewhat easy to ignore.

But those working to bring attention to housing inequities do so in many ways. Fundraising is one method used to get the word out.

Their most recent one, a July walk-a-thon, encouraged people to track how many miles they walk and raise money for the cause while doing so.

Individuals were asked to raise money for the organizations through their own networks/fundraising efforts, Susko said. Some chose to make a Facebook Fundraiser for example.

The winners of the most miles walked and most money raised were two Home to Stay employees, Joe Kanouse, a housing resource specialist, and Eric Krzywosinski, a case manager (though Susko said participants are still confirming their miles).

Executive Director Donna St. John offered free walk-a-thon T-shirts to participants or anyone interested by calling 989-496-9550.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico will host a new round of talks between Venezuelas government and opposition with Norway mediating, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Thursday.

Without providing more details, Lopez Obrador said Mexico offered to be the site of talks expected to begin Aug. 13 between representatives of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition.

We accept because we are looking for dialogue and agreement between the parties, Lopez Obrador said.

Previous attempts at dialogue in 2019 in Oslo and Barbados failed to bring the sides to agreement.

In 2017 and 2018, representatives of the Venezuelan government and opposition held talks in the Dominican Republic that were mediated by the international community, but they were also unsuccessful.

But the U.S. and its allies appeared ready to give the latest talks a chance. Among the delegates at the talks will be Carlos Vecchio. Vecchio is the U.S. representative of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries as Venezuelas legitimate leader.

Guaido wrote in his Twitter account that Venezuela's situation  marked by economic collapse and the coronavirus pandemic  is unsustainable.

We should make efforts so that the negotiation that is about to start reaches an agreement, Venezuela needs it, he wrote. The goal of the talks is free and fair elections and guarantees for everyone.

A State Department spokesman, speaking on background, said creating the necessary conditions to enable free and fair elections to take place in Venezuela requires Maduro regime representatives to engage in sincere discussions with the opposition, led by interim President Juan Guaido, that result in a comprehensive negotiated solution to the Venezuelan crisis."

These negotiations, which must be led by the Venezuelans themselves, should include participation from all Venezuelan stakeholders, allow for the unconditional release of all those unjustly detained for political reasons, be time-bound, and permit Venezuelans to express themselves politically through free and fair local, parliamentary, and presidential elections.
Midlands congressman is one of six Michigan Republican Congressional members to sign a brief that seeks to overturn Roe v. Wade.

According to Right to Life Michigan, the brief argues that the U.S. Supreme Court overstepped its authority in Roe v. Wade: This Court in Roe incorrectly concluded that the Fourteenth Amendment includes a liberty interest in the right to abort a pre-born child. Not a single word uttered or written in the promulgation of the Fourteenth Amendment even remotely suggests that the Amendment includes a right to abortion.

Regarding the brief, which was filed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Congressman John Moolenaar, R-Midland, issued the following statement to the Daily News:

I have always believed that ending the lives of unborn children is something future generations of Americans will look back at and be saddened by. Instead, we should promote the sanctity of life, encourage adoption and continue supporting organizations that help parents and children. I have visited the hospitals, health centers, Head Start classrooms, Child Advocacy Centers, and pregnancy resource centers in our region. Each one is devoted to helping parents bring precious new life into this world and provide them with the resources they need in the early years of parenting. In Congress, I have voted to support these programs and organizations because they do outstanding work to help young families and I know people across mid Michigan cherish every precious life.

Progress Michigan issued a statement condemning the six Michigan GOP lawmakers who signed on to the brief.

At the state, local, and national level, weve watched Republican lawmakers and right-wing extremists launch attack after attack on the human right to safe, legal abortion, stated Sam Inglot, deputy director of Progress Michigan. Everyone should have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health and be able to access the healthcare they need. These repeated attacks on reproductive freedom are both unconstitutional and unconscionable and we, along with millions of Michiganders across the state who recognize that reproductive rights are human rights, will continue to fight back and defend abortion access.

Check www.ourmidland.com for an update on this story, as Moolenaar's office indicated the lawmaker will be available for further comment with the Daily News on Thursday.
A special Midland figure recently was honored by the Rotary Club of Midland.

Dr. Thomas Lane is the recipient of the Rotary Club of Midlands first-ever president award.

This award is to be given on an annual basis to a member  a super Rotarian, an unsung hero  of the president's choosing, with board support, said Carly Lillard, the clubs 2020-21 president.

Lane will receive an award and $500 donation in his name to the Rotary International Foundation.

"This is a fantastic way to honor a member of our club that exemplifies the Four-Way test and is a Rotary superhero in every sense of the word. We are so lucky to have Tom in our club and community; he is an incredible asset to our leadership and members," said 2021-22 President Dallas Rau.

Lanes contributions to Rotary in time, talent and treasure are likely unmatched by any current member of the club.

He has provided leadership on committee and boards locally and district-wide. He invests his own money every year. Technically retired, Tom could put his feet up and enjoy each day knowing he has done a stellar job as a Rotarian, yet he chooses to continue leading, sponsoring and mentoring people locally, throughout the district, and internationally, Lillard said. He actively participated in local, district, and international service efforts and conferences. He is an exemplary model for a lifetime of Service Above Self.

In addition to all the fantastic work he does with the Rotary Club of Midland, Lane currently serves as a Rotary District 6310 assistant governor.

Lane received his undergraduate education in chemistry at Purdue University, a masters degree from Central Michigan University, and his Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from The Open University in Eng-land. Both Purdue and CMU have recognized Lane with their Distinguished Alumni Award for his contributions to science, education, and his community. Lane also received The Open Universitys highest recognition for his contributions to education, the arts and sciences with an honorary doctorate degree, which was presented at a special ceremony in Versailles, France.

Lane worked at the Dow Corning Corporation for 35 years, where he achieved the rank of research scientist and global S&T director within the corporation for his technical and leadership contributions. In addition, he has held academic positions in both the US and the UK.

Lane is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, an American Chemical Society Fellow, a Sequoyah Fellow of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, a Life Member of the Society for the Advancement of Hispanic/Chicanos & Native Americans in Science and a number of other professional organizations. The National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers has recognized him with their service award for outstanding contributions to the National Secondary Education Science Program and his continued support for all STEM students.

In 2009, Lane was the elected president of the American Chemical Society, and he later joined the staff of Delta College as chief academic officer and vice president of instruction and learning services.

In retirement, Lane remains active in the American Chemical Society and is also serving as the elected associate central regional director for Sigma Xi, a scientific research honor society.

For fun, Lane enjoys photography. He specializes in medium and large format black and white film photography and digital rangefinder cameras.
BERLIN (AP)  A court in Austria convicted a Russian man of murder Friday over the execution-style shooting death of a 43-year-old Chechen in a Vienna suburb last year that drew international attention amid claims the killing had been politically motivated.

A spokesman for the regional court in Korneuburg said jurors reached a unanimous verdict in the case during the one-day trial.

The defendant, a 48-year-old ethnic Chechen who wasn't named for privacy reasons, was sentenced to life in prison, said court spokesman Wolfgang Schuster-Kramer.

The defense said it would appeal the verdict, he added.

Members of the Chechen exile community in Austria said the victim of the July 2020 slaying might have been targeted for criticizing the authoritarian leader of Russias Chechnya region, Ramzan Kadyrov.

But the court was presented with no concrete evidence proving that the killing was politically motivated, said Schuster-Kramer.

Prosecutors said the victim was shot six times, including once in the head from a short distance, shortly after the men met at an industrial estate in Gerasdorf, northeast of Vienna. Blood from the victim and gunshot particles were found on the clothing of the defendant, who denied responsibility for the killing.

A defense lawyer instead blamed the shooting on the victim's bodyguard, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported.

There have been several attacks on Chechens abroad in recent years.

Another Russian man is on trial in Germany over the brazen daylight killing in Berlin of an ethnic Chechen from Georgia in 2019. The victim had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and fled to Germany in 2016. Prosecutors alleged that the suspect had been tasked with the killing by Russian authorities.

In February last year, Imran Aliyev, who ran a YouTube channel criticizing Kadyrov, was found stabbed to death in a hotel in Lille, France. That same month, another Chechen dissident, Tumru Abdurakhmanov, was attacked in Sweden.
A Sanford native serving as a Navy reservist with Naval Force Europe-Africa supports exercise Cutlass Express 2021 in Mombasa, Kenya.

The exercise is an annual maritime exercise conducted to promote national and regional maritime security in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Leslie joined the Navy 19 years ago for the opportunities serving provides. Today, Leslie serves as a hospital corpsman.

I joined the Navy because I wanted to find opportunities outside of the traditional college route, said Leslie.

Growing up in Sanford, Leslie attended Sanford High School and graduated in 2002. Since joining the Navy, Leslie has taken the skills learned from Sanford and those learned in the military to become the sailor they are today.

Ive learned that no matter where you are from, or what youve done, anyone can excel and reach professional success if they put the work in, said Leslie.

During the exercise, Leslie is providing administrative and logistical support for the U.S. participants and the African partners.

My favorite part about this exercise is helping to grow relationships between African partners and American maritime forces, said Leslie.

According to Navy officials, maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, North America, and several international organizations began the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2021 with an opening ceremony held at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, Kenya, July 26, 2021.

The exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet, assesses and improves combined maritime law enforcement capacity, promotes national and regional security in East Africa, and increases interoperability between the U.S., African nations and international partners.

This years exercise leverages the recently adopted Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct, which 14 nations are signatories, as a framework for exercising information sharing practices and enforcing marine rule of law. The participating nations will be testing their ability to counter illicit trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, as well as search and rescue situations.

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Leslie is most proud of contributing to history.

"My proudest accomplishment is having the chance to feel like I am a part of history, said Leslie President George Bush landing on the USS Lincoln and being a part of first Marines during the Iraq surge are just two examples.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Leslie, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

"During this exercise I have learned that Africa is the same from East to West, added Leslie. Its full of beautiful people and culture with tons of potential for fostering great partnerships.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Andrew Mullin.

Saturday, July 31

10:54 p.m. -- Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the area of West U.S. 10 and Stark Road.

8:52 p.m. -- A 26-year-old female called the Midland County Sheriff's Office because her 31-year-old ex-girlfriend violated a PPO she has in place by sending social media messages using fake names. This matter was investigated, and a report was forwarded to the Midland Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

8:20 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a report of a domestic assault. The 50-year-old Homer Township female advised she was assaulted by her 54-year-old husband. The female had minor injuries. The male was arrested for domestic assault.

7:57 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a Hope Township residence regarding a neighbor dispute. A 55-year-old Hope Township male was riding his UTV on a gravel road when he was confronted by a 42-year-old male neighbor for driving too fast. An argument ensued and both males eventually left and returned to their own property. The deputy spoke with both parties and determined that no crime occurred. The argument was verbal only. The 55-year-old complainant requested a report to document the incident.

4:35 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to the area of West Pine River and Porter Roads reference an unknown male yelling at people utilizing the river. The deputy checked the area but did not locate the man or anyone yelling.

2:45 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Homer Township residence to speak with a 58-year-old male about a property line dispute. While the deputies spoke with both parties, they mutually agreed on the property line.

8:35 a.m.-- Officers responded to a case of larceny and fraud on Joe Mann Boulevard.

8:33 a.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Greendale Township in reference to an intoxicated male on the property that the resident didn't know, and he was laying by the driveway. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the man, a 61-year-old Greendale Township male, who was later arrested for assaulting a police officer along with resisting and obstructing.

2:04 a.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to an abandoned vehicle that was causing a traffic hazard on an Ingersoll Township roadway. The vehicle was removed from the roadway.

1:44 a.m. -- Officers responded to an operating while intoxicated incident in the area of Walsh Street and Colorado Street.

1:43 a.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Lee Township reference a complaint of shots being fired at night. Deputies discovered a 49-year-old intoxicated male at the residence and found that he fired a shotgun into the air over a dispute with his neighbor. The male was arrested for possession of a firearm while intoxicated and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He was transported to the Midland County Jail without incident. A report was sent to the Midland Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Ronette Hodges Collins, age 80, of Salado, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, the 7th of August, 2021. Ronette was on born on Valentine's Day in 1941 in Crosbyton, Texas, along with her twin brother Ronald. Ronette and Ron were the last born of eight children to Talmage H
WASHINGTON  Declaring the U.S. must move fast to win the world's carmaking future, the Biden administration announced a commitment from the auto industry to produce electric vehicles for as much as half of domestic sales by the end of the decade. The initiative puts additional focus on the battery-powered vehicle sector, which includes Rivian Automotive and its plant in Normal.

Pointing to electric vehicles parked on the White House South Lawn on Thursday, President Joe Biden declared them a vision of the future that is now beginning to happen.

The question is whether we lead or fall behind in the race for the future, he said, Folks, the rest of the world is moving ahead. We have to catch up.

Biden also wants automakers to raise gas mileage and cut tailpipe pollution between now and model year 2026. That would mark a significant step toward meeting his pledge to cut emissions and battle climate change as he pushes a history-making shift in the U.S. from internal combustion engines to battery-powered vehicles.

He urged that the components needed to make that sweeping change  from batteries to semiconductors  be made in the United States, too, aiming for both industry and union support for the environmental effort, with the promise of new jobs and billions in federal electric vehicle investments.

Earlier Thursday, the administration announced there would be new mileage and anti-pollution standards from the Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department, part of Biden's goal to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. It said the auto industry had agreed to a target that 40% to 50% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.

Both the regulatory standards and the automakers' voluntary target were included in an executive order that Biden signed as a gathering of auto industry leaders and lawmakers applauded.

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The standards, which must go through the regulatory process, would reverse fuel economy and anti-pollution rollbacks done under President Donald Trump.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., in a statement said he met with the CEO of Rivian, RJ Scaringe, as well as other executives from Ford Motor Co. and Lion Electric Co. They talked about "federal priorities in electric vehicle production and infrastructure," according to his office.

The electric vehicle revolution is here. President Bidens goal would drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions while spurring job creation and innovation across America. Our transition to zero-emission vehicles is a win for Illinois, the planet, and our kids and grandkids futures," he said.

Rivian is launching the first fully electric pickup truck this fall. In addition to building out its massive manufacturing plant in west Normal, the company has plans to build charging stations across Tennessees 56 state parks while scouting for a second U.S. manufacturing plant.

Rivian has raised about $10.5 billion in private investments since 2019, including financing from Amazons Climate Pledge Fund, D1 Capital Partners, Ford Motors Co. and T. Rowe Price, all while investing hundreds of millions of dollars into its massive manufacturing site, the former Mitsubishi Motors plant. In the last six months the company has tripled its workforce in Central Illinois with plans for future expansion.

The United Auto Workers union, which has voiced concerns about being too hasty with an EV transition because of the potential impact on industry jobs, did not commit to endorsing the 40% to 50% EV target. But UAW said it stands behind the president to support his ambition not just to grow electric vehicles but also our capacity to produce them domestically with good wages and benefits."

Sierra Henry, of The Pantagraph, contributed to this report.

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BLOOMINGTON  When Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday described "a troubling number of (long-term care) facilities that have staff vaccination rates below 25%," data from the Illinois Department of Public Health indicated that a few places in McLean County fit that description.

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 rages across the state, Pritzker chastised long-term care facilities that showed disparities where "staff vaccination rates are dramatically lower than those of your residents."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 133,513 COVID-related deaths among nursing home residents and 1,983 COVID deaths among staffers since the pandemic began.

In McLean County, IDPH data shows three long-term care facilities with staff vaccination rates lower than 25%:

22.7% of staffers at Arcadia Care Bloomington are fully vaccinated

22.9% of staffers at Luther Oaks in Bloomington are fully vaccinated

20% of staffers at Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care are fully vaccinated

While the governor on Wednesday made masks mandatory in all long-term care facilities and vaccines mandatory for workers at all state-run congregate or long-term care homes, private entities can still allow staffers to make their own choice about vaccination  at least for now.

Greg Wilson, senior vice president of operations at Peoria-based Petersen Health Care, which operates Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care, said it's possible the state could take "broader action" regarding mandatory vaccination once full approval comes from the Food and Drug Administration.

In the meantime, he told The Pantagraph, the company is allowing employees to choose for themselves.

"We are trying strong persuasion first," he said. "We are strongly pro-vaccination and have worked hard since January to get our residents and staff vaccinated."

About 61% of Bloomington Rehab's residents are fully vaccinated, according to IPDH.

Making the shot a requirement for employees "is still on the table being considered," Wilson said.

Luther Oaks Executive Director Douglas Rutter said that, in the early days of vaccination, the organization "moved quickly to secure the opportunity for all residents and team members to have access to the COVID-19 vaccine."

"In January of 2021, Luther Oaks conducted a campus-wide vaccination clinic. That clinic resulted in over 94% of our residents getting vaccinated," Rutter said in a statement. "We are so pleased that such a high percentage of our residents have received the protection of the COVID-19 vaccine."

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While the staff percentage sits significantly lower, Rutter said the organization "respect(s) that the decision to receive the vaccine is a private one that each team member and resident must make for themselves."

"We have educated our residents and team members on the vaccine and continue to encourage all residents and team members to receive the vaccine," he said, adding that while the vaccine isn't required, incentives have been offered to employees who do get vaccinated.

A request for comment from Arcadia Care Bloomington was not returned Thursday.

Not every facility is struggling to get staff vaccinated. At Westminster Village in Bloomington, 94% of staff are fully vaccinated, along with 98% of residents.

At the McLean County Nursing Home in Normal, 85% of staff members are fully vaccinated, along with 88% of residents. Administrator Terri Edens declined to comment.

At the company's Heritage Health Bloomington, 87% of staffers and 88% of residents are fully vaccinated, and at Heritage Health Normal, 34% of staffers and 92% of residents are fully vaccinated.

Westminster Village administrator Barb Nathan told The Pantagraph she believes an early vaccine mandate for employees helped her organization get its numbers up quickly.

"We made that decision in December  even before we had vaccination dates," she said. "We talked through this  we talked through what we're called to do and people were incredibly supportive."

At The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing in Normal, IDPH reported 100% of staffers there are fully vaccinated, but Vice President of Business and Development Cory Row said that percentage isn't consistent with what the company has tracked internally.

"We're all shooting for that number, no doubt, but ... I can't say that's where we're at, because it's not," he said.

Staffers are working to determine where the disconnect between the company and IDPH occurred, he said, adding that he wasn't able to provide an estimate of that percentage yet.

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington is among the facilities tracked by IDPH for vaccination data. Spokeswoman Libby Allison said that's because the hospital has a "transitional care unit" for people who need "a little more therapy or time to heal before returning home."

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BLOOMINGTON  A Virginia man is in McLean County jail custody after police arrested him Tuesday on a warrant for his connection to a June shooting in Norfolk, Virginia.

Bloomington police responded at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday to the 800 block of West Washington Street for a fireworks complaint, where officers found a suspect who had given them a false name.

Travarish D. Carpenter, 29, of Portsmouth, Virginia, was eventually identified and arrested after Bloomington police learned of a warrant for his arrest in Virginia.

Carpenter is charged in Virginia with aggravated malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding, reckless handling of a firearm, discharge of a firearm in a public place and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He is accused of being connected to a June 12 shooting in Norfolk that hospitalized one man with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Police said Carpenter was with a relative, Catherine D. Lewis, 64, of Bloomington, who helped Carpenter hide his identity.

Lewis is charged with obstructing justice and concealing or aiding a fugitive. She was released from custody Thursday on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

Carpenter is awaiting extradition to Virginia.

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SPRINGFIELD  Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow knows hes in the twilight of his career.

A police officer since 1994 and the capital citys top cop since 2013, Winslow became eligible to retire with full pension benefits upon turning 50 last year.

He almost did, accepting an offer late last year to become a deputy chief of a suburban Nashville police department before reneging for family reasons. Still, Winslow acknowledges his days leading the 215-person department are coming to a close sooner rather than later.

Headhunting firms call him regularly to gauge interest in positions with other departments or in the private sector, something he said his fellow Illinois police chiefs are experiencing as well.

You (used to) get a call maybe once, twice a year, Winslow said. Now, it's not unusual to get a call monthly, sometimes more than that, especially if you're willing to relocate. Again, there's just a lot of turnover right now for law enforcement as a whole and chiefs are no exception to that.

In Illinois, this turnover has included many top cops, with more than half of the states cities with a population greater than 50,000 having had a police chief retire or resign since last August.

This includes chiefs from nine of the states 15 largest cities, including Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington and Decatur.

Some have occurred within the past few weeks, with Decatur Police Chief Jim Getz retiring on July 30. Aurora Police Chief Kristen Zimans last on the job was Friday. Each served about five years.

I knew that this was the year. 2021 was going to be the year, Ziman told WGN earlier this month, citing a relative period of calm after the protests and unrest following the death of George Floyd.

There was a moment  I was talking to my deputy chief and he said, Why not now? Things are calm, and it was kind of like that, she said. He planted the seed and now is the time.

In the case of Bloomington, the police department has had leadership changes for three straight years. In July, the interim chief, Greg Scott, said he would be retiring in September.

- The aftermath of the everything that happened in the country and in the state after George Floyd died has had an impact on the morale of police and the mentality, the feeling that they're unappreciated, underappreciated, under siege, abused, and they're also seeing among their officers a lot less respect for officers on the street."  Ed Wojcicki, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police

The trend continues through other leadership positions across law enforcement agencies of all sizes.

Shelby County Sheriff Don Koonce retired in June. Danvers Police Chief Michael Kemp is retiring Friday. Normal Assistant Police Chief Eric Klingele last month announced that he's retiring.

'They will blame that on the police'

Though turnover is relatively common in police command positions, with most surveys showing chiefs serving an average of 2.5 to 3 years, it just seemed like there was a lot in the last few months, Winslow said.

It comes at a turbulent time for law enforcement in America. The May 2020 killing of Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer touched off waves of protests across the nation and calls for overhauling how law enforcement is funded.

Police officers, including chiefs, hear the message loud and clear.

The aftermath of the everything that happened in the country and in the state after George Floyd died has had an impact on the morale of police and the mentality, the feeling that they're unappreciated, underappreciated, under siege, abused, and they're also seeing among their officers a lot less respect for officers on the street, said Ed Wojcicki, executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

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In addition to a tumultuous national climate around policing, Illinois chiefs have had to deal with another major challenge: reform.

In January, the Illinois General Assembly passed and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a landmark criminal justice reform bill that makes Illinois the first state in the country to ban cash bail and mandates all police officers wear body cameras by 2025.

The law also mandates that officers render aid to the injured, intervene when a fellow officer is using excessive force and place limits in use of force. It also offers stricter guidelines for the decertification of officers and would allow people to file anonymous complaints of police misconduct.

It has been universally criticized by law enforcement, with many deeming it anti-police. Though some chiefs have been measured in their words, others, like Decaturs Getz, were outspoken critics.

They dont want to know what the root causes (of crime) are because they don't want to fix the root causes, Getz said in January. Its easier to pick on the police and say the police are at fault. And when crime rises because of this bill, they will blame that on the police as well.

But law enforcement officials say the legislation should not be blamed for the large number of police chief retirements  at least not completely.

I know there's some chiefs that probably just said, 'You know, what? I've got my time, I've been thinking about going, do I really want to take (police reform) on, or should I just let the next leader that I've groomed in my succession plan go ahead and take that ball and run with it?' Winslow said.

'Find something else to do'

Winslow, who speaks regularly with the chiefs of other midsize cities in Illinois, said it almost always comes down to a personal decision as many reach retirement age.

According to the Illinois Pension Code, police officers hired before 2011 who are at least 50-years-old with 20 years of service are eligible to retire with a pension equal to 50% of their final salary.

There has been a rush of retirements all at once due to several officers hired after the passage of the 1994 Crime Bill  which included funding to put more than 100,000 new officers on the streets  reaching those thresholds.

It's always been true that when chiefs get 20 years in and over the age of 50, they have more choices because they can collect a pension and do something else, whether it's in law enforcement or out of law enforcement, Wojcicki said. And so that's something that they work toward and I would say that in this climate, it looks a little sweeter to more people to say, 'Well, maybe I will find something else to do.'

Some have, such as former Rockford Police Chief Dan OShea, who started a position as regional sales manager for Motorola following his retirement in April. Others, such as Ziman  previously a finalist for police chief positions in Chicago, Nashville and Fort Lauderdale  and Getz have yet to announce their next career moves.

Winslow has made no secret that, entering his ninth year on the job, hes also looking at his next move. But it isnt due to the new police reform law.

There's no doubt that the field and the profession is more challenging now probably than any other time of my career, and I came in right after Rodney King, Winslow said. And I remember hearing some of the old timers at that time saying the same thing.

The men or women out there do a great job, he said. But like every profession, we have to evolve with the times, and that's what we're doing.

David Bradford, director of the Center for Public Safety and Northwestern University, which offers courses that help prepare officers for senior command positions, said the reasons for turnover are as broad as the number that are retiring, and dismissed the notion that police reform was a major factor.

Bradford, a former police chief in Glen Carbon, said there are always cycles of reform and department leaders are usually pretty adept at making adjustments.

We didn't have the (police reform) bill, but the big thing was the Miranda rulings on the search and seizure rulings that came down from the Supreme Court, Bradford said, reflecting back to his first years as a police officer.  ... And there were a lot of people in law enforcement who came up prior to that and said that it's the doom of law enforcement and policing. But yet at the same time, there was a large element who understood the concept of constitutional rights and search and seizure.

I think that legitimate, professional police leadership is responsive, and wants to be responsive to meeting the needs of the communities that they serve because they are a part of those communities they serve, he said.

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Actress and model Coco Austin, the wife of "Law & Order" actor and rapper Ice-T, is still breastfeeding their 5-year-old daughter, Chanel, and has clapped back at the critics who judge the family for their choice.

In an interview, the actress said that she does get many questions about letting her daughter breastfeed when Chanel is of school age and requires more nutrition. The mother reasons that her daughter likes to eat steak and actual meals, so she gets her proteins and necessary nutrients from actual food.

However, the girl still prefers to "snack" on her mother's breast. Austin said that it's also her bonding time with her daughter, and she has no plans on stopping as long as Chanel still likes to do this routine.

"Why take that away from her?" the mother said.

Comfort in the Night

Austin said that her daughter breastfeeds before she goes to bed and clarifies that she is not lactating. The mom believes that this is more of a soothing ritual for their daughter to sleep better.

Read Also: Mom of Teen Battling COVID-19 Hasn't Left Hospital Room in 10 Days

The actress said that she would not deprive her daughter of what she wants because society expects mothers to stop breastfeeding when their children reach two years old.

Incidentally, it's World Breastfeeding Week on the first week of August to raise awareness and help drive down the stigma of mothers who nurse their children in public.

Austin gave birth to Chanel in 2015 after being married to Ice-T since 2002. Chanel is their only child together, but Ice-T has a 45-year-old daughter, LeTesha, from his previous relationship in high school, and a son, Tracy Marrow Jr., 29, from his former partner Darlene Ortiz.

When Should Moms Stop Breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding children for up to the second year of the baby's life. However, lactation expert Hillary Sadler said that there's no "magic number," and it should be based on the mother and baby's readiness to stop breastfeeding.

Sadler said that many mothers no longer breastfeed their children past one year old, but the expert believes that this is more because they don't want to be judged. Sadler said that while it might be harder to wean babies off breastfeeding when they are older, mothers shouldn't be pressured by the dictates of society.

"If you're not mentally and emotionally ready [to stop breastfeeding], you're going to regret it," the expert said on the Today show.

Other experts said that there aren't enough studies to show the adverse effects of breastfeeding after two years old. Hence, most experts said that the advice to stop is open-ended and dependent on the family since this is a personal decision.

For the most part, breastmilk is still best, and babies can continue to enjoy its benefits for as long as they like it. While some experts acknowledge there will be no more nutritional value for older kids who breastfeed, there will always be that strong bond between the mom and her child.

So, despite the criticisms, Austin continues to be vocal about breastfeeding her daughter and does share memes and messages frequently about shunning the taboo on her social media accounts.

Related Article: Mastitis Complications: Prevention Tips Shared as Lauren Burnham Suffers Infection
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Following the extension of the UK governments approved travel list, Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate has warned that the UK is a long way off a meaningful restart for international travel.

In a recent shakeup to the watchlist, the UK government announced that from August 8, arrivals from France to England will no longer need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated. The step aligns France with the rest of the amber list where those who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine when arriving in England.

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Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway were added to the green list on Sunday August 8, as they now pose a low risk to UK public health.

India, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE will also be moved from the red to the amber list, as the situation in these countries has improved.

In contrast, Georgia, Reunion, Mayotte and Mexico will be added to the red list as they present a high public health risk to the UK from known Covid-19 variants of concern.

UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said, We are committed to opening up international travel safely, taking advantage of the gains weve made through our successful vaccination program, helping connect families, friends and businesses around the world. While we must continue to be cautious, the changes reopen a range of different holiday destinations across the globe, which is good news for both the sector and traveling public.

However, while welcoming the extension of the green list, Wingate has said that greater financial support is needed from government, particularly when it comes to protecting jobs.

The extension of the green list is a positive step forward and demonstrates that people can travel safely and with confidence, he said. However, we continue to face a long road to recovery with passenger numbers remaining at historically low levels that continue to lag behind our European competitors. We urge the government to continue to open up travel and to tackle the high cost of testing, which remains a barrier to travel for many. With the ending of the job retention scheme on the horizon we also urge government for specific financial support to help our aviation industry through the challenging months ahead.

Any extension to the green list is welcome, but we remain a long way off a full and meaningful restart of international travel and the government must recognize this and provide the support that will protect jobs across the industry.

Similarly, Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group, which operates Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports, said, We welcome the movement of more countries to the green and amber lists, in what is effectively the final review of the traffic light lists before the end of the summer holidays.

Together with the new freedoms for fully vaccinated travelers, these changes will enable more people to enjoy a holiday, or reconnect with friends and family, in a growing list of countries.

It is encouraging to finally see decisions that reflect the data on the ground in these destinations and close the gap with the approach being taken in other countries.

Despite these positive moves, it is hugely disappointing that the UK is still so far behind in reopening international travel and has not gone further to support recovery of the aviation sector.

Government must now take this opportunity to develop a stable, sustainable and affordable system that gives people the confidence to book ahead through the winter and into next year.
The Trump-era bans on Huawei continue to decimate China's one-time smartphone leader Huawei. The Shenzhen-headquartered company, which was put on the U.S. trade blacklist in 2019, announced Friday that it generated 320.4 billion yuan ($49.6 billion) in revenue in the first half of 2021. Its a significant fall from the 454 billion yuan that Huawei recorded in the first half of 2020. Selling off their low-end smartphone brand "Honor" is one of the biggest contributors to the company's loss of sales and drop in popularity. As a standalone company Honor is now clawing its way back to compete with China's vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi. Huawei's goal now, is simply to survive.

Without a doubt, Xiaomi is filing Huawei's void in the market and in the month of June, Xiaomi became the global leader in volume shipments according to a new Counterpoint report.

Xiaomi surpassed Samsung and Apple in June 2021 to become the number one smartphone brand in the world for the first time ever. Xiaomis sales grew 26% MoM in June 2021, making it the fastest-growing brand for the month. For the full quarter, Xiaomi was in second place. The trend is suggesting that Xiaomi will be able to maintain their market lead in Q3.

Research Director Tarun Pathak: "Ever since the decline of Huawei commenced, Xiaomi has been making consistent and aggressive efforts to fill the gap created by this decline. The OEM has been expanding in Huaweis and HONORs legacy markets like China, Europe, Middle East and Africa. In June, Xiaomi was further helped by China, Europe and Indias recovery and Samsungs decline due to supply constraints."

Senior Analyst Varun Mishra: "Chinas market grew 16% MoM in June driven by the 618 festival, with Xiaomi being the fastest growing OEM, riding on its aggressive offline expansion in lower-tier cities and solid performance of its Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9 and the Redmi K series. At the same time, due to a fresh wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, Samsungs production was disrupted in June, which resulted in the brands devices facing shortages across channels. Xiaomi, with its strong mid-range portfolio and wide market coverage, was the biggest beneficiary from the short-term gap left by Samsungs A series."

In other notes for Q2-21, Counterpoint reported that Apple achieved record quarter shipments. Apple's official statement on the quarter pointed out that "The Company posted a June quarter record revenue of $81.4 billion, up 36 percent year over year."

What's not understood at this point in time is why neither Huawei or Xiaomi phones have entered the U.S. market. Both brands sell their smartphones in Canada, and so it's a mystery as to why these brands have been held back in the U.S. If Xiaomi became the number one smartphone brand in June without sales in the U.S., one could only imagine the leap they would take if their smartphones were ever made available in the U.S.

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Payson, AZ (85541)

Today

Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 64F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 64F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
The Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) over the weekend emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge which forms part of this years National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) organised by Primetime Limited.



Following Obuasi SHTS were the Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, which came second, while Prempeh College took the third position.



Competition



After two days of competition, where the schools had to build their projects from the scratch, Obuasi SHTS impressed the panel of judges with their Automated Sanitising Station to be declared winners.



Their winning innovation was a complex system that utilised an ultrasonic sensor, an immersion water pump, an electromagnetic switch and an Arduino to ensure minimal physical contact during sanitising.





At the end of the challenge, Obuasi SHTS accrued 307 points and walked away with a whooping GH20,000 for the team (students and teacher), as well as GH10,000 worth of science equipment to the school.



For placing second with 293 points, Aggrey Memorial SHS earned GH17,000 for the team and GH8,000 worth of science equipment to the school. Aggrey Memorial SHSs innovation was a Health Assistant Robot designed to help deliver drugs and food to COVID-19 patients.



Prempeh College, who were the second runners-up with 290 points, were also awarded GH15,000 for the team and GH5,000 worth of science equipment to the school. COVSAM: COVID-19 Safety Protocols Station, was the innovation that earned them their slot.



Sci-Tech



The Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge is a new programme designed to showcase and challenge SHS students to apply the practical aspects of their STEM education. The competition featured 10 schools from across the country. It was on the theme: Fighting COVID-19 with Innovative Tech Solutions.



With a berth of innovative ideas, the remaining seven schools each received a consolation prize of GH5,000 with GH4,000 going to the teams while the schools received GH1,000 worth of science equipment.



Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) placed fourth with 289 points for their Smart Sanitising Station, using ultrasonic sensors and robotics to automate handwashing and sanitising. In fifth place, Sunyani-based Don Bosco Technical Institute accrued 267 points for their Hand Washing Machine that utilised audio prompts to ensure that COVID protocols were properly ensured.



The only all-girls school to participate, Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, placed sixth with 262 points for Archumidifier, a steam humidifier designed to introduce moisture into the atmosphere which prevents the thickening of mucus and helps the cilia to trap the COVID-19 virus.



The team from Wa-based Louis Rutten SHS designed the COVID Protocols Assistant (CPA), another automated comprehensive sanitising station, to earn 255 points and place seventh. Mfantsipim School placed eighth with 251 points for their e-learning platform named COVINFO. Coming in ninth, Sekyedumase SHS managed to accrue 240 points for their Temperature Sensor / Automated Door. In the 10th place with 231 points was St. Thomas Aquinas SHS which designed Cashbot, an automated money exchange system to reduce physical contact during transactions.



Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Managing Director of Primetime Limited, Mrs Nana Akua Ankomah-Asare thanked the sponsors, schools and teachers for helping to make the programme such a success. In her speech, she stated that the organisers expressed the hope that more institutions will come on board to support the Sci-Tech Fair in the coming years".



Exhibition



The Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge was introduced after three editions of the Sci-Tech Fair had been held annually as mainly an exhibition platform for scientific and technological innovations from across the country. The Challenge was designed to introduce a competitive element and increase the practical impact of the Sci-Tech Fair. This year, the Sci-Tech Fair was decoupled from the National Science & Maths Quiz and merged with the Mentorship Sessions to birth the maiden edition of the STEM Festival, a month-long celebration of innovation and science.



The STEM Festival 2021 is proudly sponsored by Absa Bank Ghana Limited, with support from Academic City University College, Junior Camp Ghana, Joy News, Joy Learning and YFM.







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A former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH), Alhaji Collins Dauda, his successor, Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, and three others have pleaded not guilty to 52 counts of causing financial loss of $200m over the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.



The two, together with the Chief Director at the ministry from 2009 to 2017, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu; the Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS, the Brazilian company which constructed the affordable housing project at Saglemi, Andrew Clocanas, and a director of RMS, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) consultancy subcontractor, Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, are facing different charges including willfully causing financial loss to the state, misapplying public property, issuing false certificates, dishonestly causing loss to public property.



Bail

They were granted bail following an application by their lawyers.



Dauda was granted a self recognisance bail and ordered to deposit his passport at the court registry.



Dr Agyeman-Mensah and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, were granted a bail of $65 million each or its Cedi equivalent with three sureties respectively. One of the sureties must be a civil or public servant.





For Andrew Clocanas, he was granted a bail of $179 million or its Cedi equivalent with three sureties, one of who must be a public or civil servant.



Nouvi Tetteh Angelo was granted a bail of $13 million with three sureties one of which must be a public or civil servant.



The court presided over by Ms Comfort Tsaiame ordered all the accused person to deposit their Ghanaian passports at the courts registry.



Prosecution was represented by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame who read out the facts of the case to the accused persons.



In the courtroom to sympathise with the accused persons were some bigwigs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) including, the Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu; MP for Asawase Constituency, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka; MP for Ablekuma South Constituency, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije; and a former Deputy Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine.



The case has been adjourned to October 13 this year.









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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, 5th August 2021, swore into office the second occupant of the Office of Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, at a brief event at Jubilee House, the seat of the nations presidency.



Citing the new Special Prosecutors extensive educational and professional legal background, President Akufo-Addo stated that, it is clear that Mr. Kissi Agyebeng is eminently qualified to occupy the Office of Special Prosecutor. He has the capacity, the experience, the requisite values and intellectual strength to succeed in this vital position.



Congratulating Mr. Kissi Agyebeng on his appointment, the President stated that the, wide acceptance of his nomination by the Ghanaian people, and the nature of his performance during Parliaments approval process are, for me, indications that the confidence I reposed in him, to discharge one of the most critical functions of State, was not misplaced.



Addressing the gathering, which included Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame; and MP for Mpraeso, Hon. Davis Opoku Ansah, the President reiterated that the creation of the Office of Special Prosecutor was borne out of the commitment to fashion an additional instrument to fight the canker of corruption.



The genuineness of that commitment to create an independent, non-partisan body with the relevant professional capability, to lead the fight, and hold public officials, past and present, accountable for their stewardship of public finances, was made manifest in the appointment of a very senior figure from the opposite side of the political divide to establish and head this very significant Office. This appointment, as you would all recall, was met with stiff opposition by some members from both sides of the aisle, he said.



President Akufo-Addo continued, In spite of the unfortunate events that led to the departure of the first occupant of the Office, I do not regret making that appointment. On my part as President of the Republic, I ensured that the Office was adequately resourced to enable it carry out its mandate. I am, however, consoled by the oft-cited statement that there is no use crying over spilt milk.



Thus, when the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, on 16th April 2021, moved to nominate Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, under section 13(3) of Act 959, for consideration as the second occupant of the Office of Special Prosecutor, the President indicated that he had little hesitation in accepting the nomination.



He, therefore, urged Mr. Kissi Agyebeng to bear in mind at all times that the Office carries an extraordinary responsibility to fight corruption independently and impartially, describing the remit of the Office as broad and challenging.



I want to assure Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, like I did his predecessor, that not only will the Executive, including the Attorney General, respect scrupulously the independence of his Office, but will also provide him with whatever assistance is required to enable him discharge his high duties effectively, in the interest of the Ghanaian people. Indeed, all institutions of state will work and co-operate with him in the same spirit, which he articulated at his approval proceedings in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo assured.



Whilst acknowledging that the activities of the Office of Special Prosecutor, no matter how vigorous, cannot provide the entire panacea to the problem of corruption, the President urged other institutions of State to co-operate with the new Special Prosecutor.



Government will continue to give stronger budgetary assistance to the other constitutionally mandated institutions that hold government accountable, and help fight corruption, i.e., the Auditor General, Parliament, Judiciary, the Police Service, the Ministry of Justice, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), he added.







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The Ghana Christian Council has said it is fully behind the pending Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, before Parliament.



According to the Christian Council of Ghana, it has keenly followed and participated in the debate on The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 hence its support.



The Council wishes to state unequivocally, that it supports the Bill and prays that it will see the light of day. We are ready and willing to participate in the consultative process to make the Bill worthwhile, a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Council, Rev. Dr. Cyril G.K. Fayose, read.



The issue of gay rights in Ghana has gotten intense with several people against the movement. Eight lawmakers are behind the Bill which would impose a 10-year imprisonment on advocates of same-sex and gay rights. The LGBTQ Community in the country has called for global help over anti-gay Bill.



Defending its stance on the controversial matter, the Council quoted some memory verses from the Bible noting that homosexuality breeds no space for procreation and attracts the wrath of God.



We wish to again affirm that marriage is a union between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). Homosexuality is therefore a redefinition of the family system other than what God intended when He created humankind. It has no space for procreation and nurturing of children with the love of a father and mother. Homosexuality is an act of perversion and abomination and it attracts Gods wrath (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Genesis 19:1-28), the statement copied to GhanaWeb read in parts.



The Christian Council has thus called on the general public to support the Bill through prayers and any other means that may be required to uphold the good family system inherited from forebears.













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NIGERIA: The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reportedly arrested a young woman who allegedly killed her boyfriend.



According to Media and PR expert, Vincent Aluu, the suspect identified as Lauretta, allegedly escaped with the deceased's N7m, Mercedes Benz 4matic and the car papers after killing him.



The victim identified simply as Chukwuemeka is said to be the only son of his parents and was an importer.



It was gathered that Chukwuemeka was found in a pool of blood inside his bedroom after all efforts made by his friends to come and clear his consignments proved abortive.



"Using the vehicle tracker, the daughter of Jezebel was traced to a nearby hotel enjoying. Currently, she is singing like a parrot at Ewet Housing Police Station." Mr Aluu said.



He further disclosed that the suspect is the daughter of a police officer from Ogoja, Cross River State. "So Chukwuemeka even promised to marry her. Her name is Lauretta from Ogoja. Her Dad is a Police officer. She used to reside along four lanes. She killed him in cold blood, took his 7 million naira, 4matic Mercedes Benz. Went to procure a driver's license for herself. Requested some Road Safety officers to escort her to Ogoja. What must have instigated her action? Is she alone or there are others." he added.















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Governance Lecturer at the Central University, Dr, Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has taken shots at the #FixtheCountry demonstrators who hit the streets of Accra yesterday over some national issues.



Many Ghanaians have been on the ''#FixtheCountry'' campaign with the aim of putting the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on his toes to improve the living conditions of the citizenry.



Hundreds of protesters, on Wednesday, August 4, which also marked Founder's Day, marched through some streets in the Capital City wielding placards with inscriptions like '#FixOurEducation System now', 'Justice for Kaaka', If Ghana was your personal property, would you run it like this?, 'Ghana is the most religious yet most corrupt' among others.



Discussing the protest on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Dr. Otchere-Ankrah blasted the conveners of the demonstration saying ''they neglected the COVID-19 protocols''.



He dreaded the demonstrators may have been exposed to the deadly virus that has over the weeks increased rapidly across the country.



He also feared the infected demonstrators may infect others with the disease.



Dr. Otchere-Ankrah also pointed out some bad habits that the demonstrators exhibited during the protest.



"Fix yourselves," he advised Ghanaians as he expressed disappointment in the citizenry regarding not just the protest but some habits of the populace that negatively affect Ghana's development.



"How do we fix such behaviour and our character in the society . . .The person who should be punished must be punished and the one who must be given advice should be advised. We should also advise ourselves because we are quick at pointing fingers," he stated.





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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has Thursday, August 5, 2021, marked its 29th anniversary of active partisan politics in Ghana with a well-structured media engagement at its national headquarters in Accra.



The ruling party which thrives on the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition has pledged its continuous contribution to national development.



The event which kicked off in the early hours of Thursday saw in attendance the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chairman of the NPP National Council of Elders who heartily chanted we have won to save Ghana.



Other notable personalities included the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu, Member of Parliament Okaikwei South, Darkoa Newman, National Chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay.



Addressing the event, National Chairman Freddie Blay spoke highly of the partys achievements over its 29 years of existence and active interest in Ghanas development.



The core value of the NPP is commitment and dedication to public service...since 2016 we have won two elections in a row with President Akufo-Addo as the party flagbearer. Under his able leadership, the government of Ghana has made significant and impressive economic progress and that continues to attract international praise and attention. We have reason to be proud of our achievement.



He communicated the partys readiness to maintain and work on their achievement to stay relevant for many more yet to come.



The General Secretary of the centre-right political party, John Boadu taking to turn to give a speech on the theme of the anniversary was keen on tracing the roots of the party from pre-independence UGCC to the post-independence National Liberation Movement (NLM) down to the existing structure.



Detailing major benchmarks of the party, he touted the party as the champion of electoral reforms as they have spearheaded several initiatives in the countries electoral democracy.



The NPP has been the champion of electoral reforms. We spearheaded the transition from opaque ballot boxes to transparent ballot boxes. We transitioned from black and white voter ID cards to coloured ID cards with pictures. We also were the first party in government to introduce picture ID cards for all citizens, he announced.



Adding that we used to have a situation where the NDC limited the picture ID cards to only the big cities leaving the hinterlands but we felt that it was unfair. We also ensured a quantum leap from a manual voter register to a biometric voter register and voting.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Freddie Blay, has said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is moving Ghana forward despite the ugly noises from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



Speaking at the partys 29th-anniversary on Thursday, August 5 2021, at the partys Accra headquarters, Mr Blay said: The core value of the New Patriotic Party is commitment and dedication to public service.



We must never forget what defines who we are  which is the democratic ideals of serving in the interest of the people to build a better Ghana, he reminded.



And I believe this is what Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is doing at the moment, irrespective of the ugly noises and, sometimes, direct confrontations, Mr Blay said.



What will keep us in power and help us build a sustainable future is our dedication to delivering faithfully the promises we made to the people of this country, he said.



At the same event, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said he is confident another NPP administration will succeed his government.



Today, the challenges that confront our country, the difficulties that we have been plunged into by the COVID-19 pandemic are going to give us the opportunity to grow stronger and stronger and that strengthening of our party and its organs means one thing, and I am very confident of it that on December 7, 2024, the new NPP presidential candidate is going to win the election, he said.



Mr Akufo-Addo said: Our objective and responsibility are to do whatever is necessary to make sure that that victory is forthcoming.



We have to continue our way forward in Ghana.



We cannot continue to accept the backsliding that takes place every now and then.



It hasnt benefited our nation and will not benefit our nation, Mr Akufo-Addo noted.



According to him, the foundations that we are laying today for the prosperity of our nation will be shaken if again through our own fault we allow the path of progress to be diverted.









Source: class fm









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President Akufo-Addo has expressed strong optimism that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would win the 2024 presidential elections.



I am confident the partys presidential candidate will win Election 2024, the president said at the NPPs 29th-anniversary celebration currently ongoing in Accra.



President Akufo-Addo said the party has delivered on its promises to Ghanaians since winning power in 2016 and retaining power in the 2020 elections.



On his part, the National Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay, said the NPP has delivered on its core mandate.



The core value of the New Patriotic Party is commitment and dedication to public service. We must never forget what defines who we are which is the democratic ideals of serving in the interest of the people to build a better Ghana.



And I believe this is what Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is doing at the moment, irrespective of the ugly noises and sometimes direct confrontations What will keep us in power and help us build a sustainable future is our dedication to delivering faithfully the promises we made to the people of this country, he said.



He added: I want to charge the members of the party to prioritize unity over parochial interest. This is the only way that we will still be on top of government and our contract with the people of Ghana in terms of its development.





Source: graphiconline.com









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Ashanti Regional Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sam Pyne, has jabbed the conveners and participants of the '#FixtheCountry' demonstration that came off on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in the capital city of the country.



Scores of Ghanaians thronged the streets of Accra to register their displeasure with the performance and governance of President Nana Akufo-Addo.



The protesters held placards with words such as; 'Ghana is the most religious yet most corrupt', If Ghana was your personal property, would you run it like this?, 'No to Nepotism, Family and Friends Government', 'Fix Dumsor' among others.



Addressing the protest, Sam Pyne challenged the 'Fixthecountry' campaigners who hit the streets for patriotic reasons.



Speaking to host Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Sam Pyne asked; ''How many of them are even patriotic to the cause of Ghana? How many of them pay their tax willingly and don't try to dodge it? How many of them don't do illegal electricity connections?''



Sending a word of advice to the campaigners, he cautioned; ''We shouldn't use hatred, envy and populism to address issues . . . They have a right but they should be sincere. They should be honest. They shouldn't be hypocrites!''







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Parliament has concluded the debate on the 2021 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government, with divergent views from both sides of the House on its merits.



The Majority Side supported the statement, describing it as a review of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos programme for accelerated recovery from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.



The Minority, on the other hand, accused the Minister of Finance of presenting a superficial budget review, which it called; the New Patriotic Partys 2021 Manifesto rather than mid-year budget review.



Winding up the debate on Tuesday, the Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the Mid-year Policy Statement would restore and sustain macro-economic stability.



He said the policy document would help to attain improved fiscal performance through enhanced revenue mobilisation, strengthen the economy and ensure investor confidence.



Its the vision of President Nana Akufo-Addo to create an optimistic, self-confident and prosperous nation through the creative exploitation of human and natural resources, and create a fair society in which economic opportunities exists for all, the Majority Leader said.



He discounted the position of the Minority Caucus that the 2021 Mid-year Budget Review was superficial, adding that the document was based on policies and principles.



The Minority NDC, on its part, indicated that the governments decision not to ask for additional money deserved no commendation.



Im not impressed by governments decision not to request more funds, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu said, and suggested that the government should have used the Mid-year Budget Review to withdraw some new taxes introduced earlier in the year.



Mr Iddrisu said Ghanas economy was not doing well, and on the brink of collapse due to the crippling debt of the nation.



He said the country was rather spending more money servicing debts against investing in state infrastructure, pegging the debt stock at GH332 billion.



He bantered at the President and Minister for relying on debt relief and debt forgiveness for solutions.



The debate began on Friday, July 30, after Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, on the authority of President Akufo-Addo, had read the document to the nation, through Parliament, on Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Accra.



His presentation was in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which provides that the government details its programmes and policies for the rest of the year.



The presentation provided the economic and fiscal performance of the economy for the first half of 2021, and provided an update on the implementation of key programmes.



The Finance Minister announced strategies by government to create employment for Ghanaians in general and the youth in particular, and highlighted the status of the implementation of the Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme.



The Ghana CARES Obaatanpa Programme seeks to revitalise and transform the economy to pre-pandemic times and focussed on revenue, expenditure, and financing performance for the first half of 2021.



It further provided an overview of the implementation of the 2021 Budget, touching on the assurance of government on securing COVID-19 vaccines for vaccination and effective domestic revenue mobilisation.

Source: The Ghanaian Times









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The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said he has no regrets appointing Martin Amidu as Ghanas first special prosecutor.



Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of Kissi Agyebeng as the new special prosecutor, Akufo-Addo reiterated that the creation of the Office of Special Prosecutor was borne out of the commitment to fashion an additional instrument to fight the canker of corruption.



The genuineness of that commitment to create an independent, non-partisan body with the relevant professional capability, to lead the fight, and hold public officials, past and present, accountable for their stewardship of public finances, was made manifest in the appointment of a very senior figure from the opposite side of the political divide to establish and head this very significant Office. This appointment, as you would all recall, was met with stiff opposition by some members from both sides of the aisle.



In spite of the unfortunate events that led to the departure of the first occupant of the Office, I do not regret making that appointment. On my part as President of the Republic, I ensured that the Office was adequately resourced to enable it carry out its mandate. I am, however, consoled by the oft-cited statement that there is no use crying over spilt milk, Akufo-Addo said.



Agyebeng will succeed

Citing the new Special Prosecutors extensive educational and professional legal background, President Akufo-Addo stated that, it is clear that Kissi Agyebeng is eminently qualified to occupy the Office of Special Prosecutor. He has the capacity, the experience, the requisite values and intellectual strength to succeed in this vital position.



Congratulating Agyebeng on his appointment, the President stated that the wide acceptance of his nomination by the Ghanaian people, and the nature of his performance during Parliaments approval process are, for me, indications that the confidence I reposed in him, to discharge one of the most critical functions of State, was not misplaced.



Kissi Agyebeng and Nana Akufo-Addo

Thus, when the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, on 16 April 2021, moved to nominate Agyebeng, under section 13(3) of Act 959, for consideration as the second occupant of the Office of Special Prosecutor, the President indicated that he had little hesitation in accepting the nomination.



He, therefore, urged Agyebeng to bear in mind at all times that the Office carries an extraordinary responsibility to fight corruption independently and impartially, describing the remit of the Office as broad and challenging.



Independence

I want to assure Kissi Agyebeng, like I did his predecessor, that not only will the Executive, including the Attorney General, respect scrupulously the independence of his Office, but will also provide him with whatever assistance is required to enable him discharge his high duties effectively, in the interest of the Ghanaian people. Indeed, all institutions of state will work and co-operate with him in the same spirit, which he articulated at his approval proceedings in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo assured.



Whilst acknowledging that the activities of the Office of Special Prosecutor, no matter how vigorous, cannot provide the entire panacea to the problem of corruption, the President urged other institutions of State to co-operate with the new Special Prosecutor.



Government will continue to give stronger budgetary assistance to the other constitutionally mandated institutions that hold government accountable, and help fight corruption, i.e., the Auditor General, Parliament, Judiciary, the Police Service, the Ministry of Justice, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), he added.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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Former President John Dramani Mahama, on his first public outing after the December 2020 elections, has assured Ghanaians of comeback and victory of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the next polls in 2024.



I want to thank you, the former President said, adding, lets not be disappointed and discouraged. They say he who fights and loses, lives to fight another day.



The former President gave the assurance when he joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Volta Region Caucus in Parliament on Wednesday on a visit to the chiefs and people of some coastal communities recently affected by tidal waves in the Ketu South Constituency.



Former President was taken round and saw the extent of destruction of the tidal waves in the face of a stalled sea defence wall project.



Addressing the chiefs, elders and people of the Some Traditional Area, at Agavedzi, near Aflao, the former President thanked the people of the Volta Region for their support and vote for the NDC in the last election and asked them not to be discouraged with the party.



I want to take this opportunity thank you all, our Brothers and Sisters in the Volta Region, for the strong support you showed me during the election.



You didnt disappoint me at all, you did your best; you did your part. Lets not be disappointed and discouraged. They say he who fights and loses, lives to fight another day, the former President said.



He added: And so what we need to do is to focus on re-organising the party, selecting a new leadership and getting a flagbearer to lead us back into the next battle.



And Im sure that in 2024, by the grace of God, by the grace of Mawu Sogbolisa, by the grace of Mawu Sogbolisa, NDC will come back into office.



President Mahama noted the effects on economic activities on the area as a result of the closure by the Government of Ghana of the border, in nearby Aflao, due to health threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.



He praised Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chairman of the Volta MPs in Parliament and a Member of the ECOWAS Parliament, for adding his voice to discussions on the effects of the closure of borders of countries of the sub-regional group.



On the stalled progress of work of the sea defence wall project that started under his administration, the former President observed that, the abandonment of projects by former government by current ones was a major problem.



He told journalists, after the meeting with the chiefs and people, at Agavedzi that, its a major problem. Everywhere you go in the country, you find projects left by previous governments that were not continued.



Former President Mahama announced that the next NDC Government would use its first year in office to complete abandoned projects.



He said: Were going to use the resources to continue and finish all the projects that have been abandoned by previous governments

I think thats what we should do. You dont go building a new secondary school where you have a secondary school that has been abandoned.



He gave assurance that though not in power, the NDC would continue to respond to the plight of the people as they awaited the intervention of government.



Our elders say that if the housefly has nothing at least it can rub its hands, former President Mahama said, implying that, the NDC as a government in waiting would continue to respond to the plight of the people even with scanty available resources.



Togbega Adama III, Paramount Chief of Some Traditional Area, expressed appreciation to former President Mahama and the Volta Regional NDC caucus in parliament for their presence, donation and encouragement.



The Paramount Chief said the quality of the donation was an expression of the strong love that the NDC had for the people.





Source: GNA









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The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Youth Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, has waded into discussions over the just-ended "#FixtheCountry" protest held by some aggrieved Ghanaians on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.



Hundreds of Ghanaians trooped into the streets of Accra to register their displeasure with President Nana Akufo-Addo's governance.



They wielded placards with some reading; 'Ghana is the most religious yet most corrupt', If Ghana was your personal property, would you run it like this?, 'No to Nepotism, Family and Friends Government', 'Fix Dumsor' among others.



Speaking to host Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Henry Nana Boakye, popularly called Nana B strongly opined that the President is fixing the country already, therefore questioning the logic in embarking on such a protest.



Nana B noted that the President has done exceptionally well looking at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the World's economy and the ravages of the pandemic on the growth of Ghana.



''His Excellency, the President, he is fixing the country and everyday, he's working...I will pray God to continually give Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the wisdom, the strength, the courage and divine direction to effectively execute his duties," he said.



He added that, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, ''Ghana's economy presently is one of the best in the world...because they assess the economy with the negative impact of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 has affected every nation...I was proud to be a Ghanaian but how we managed this COVID-19 has made me super-proud to be a Ghanaian''.



Nana B believed the ''FixtheCountry'' campaigners have an ulterior motive.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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AT LEAST 17 wedding guests were killed after being struck by lightning on their way to the nuptials.



Fourteen others - including the groom - were injured after the group was caught in a thunderstorm as they headed to the bride's house on a boat in the riverside town of Shibganj, Bangladesh.The bride was not with the party when the lightning struck on Wednesday, according to Sakib Al-Rabby, a local government official.



The guests had disembarked from the boat to take refuge during the storm when they were struck, as Bangladesh's annual monsoon season continues.



It hit the wedding-goers as the boat arrived at the bank of the Padma river in Shibganj town, police official Farid Hossain said.



Other locals have died in landslides and floods as the extreme weather grips the country.



Read Full Story .... thesun.co.uk >>> :

















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A wildfire burns on a mountain above the Trans-Canada Highway near Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 9, 2021.The BC Wildfire Service says more than 100 new fires have broken out this week in British Columbia as lightning storms and a return to hot weather helped push the total number of active fires to nearly 300. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Peru, IN (46970)

Today

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 57F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
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Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in ethics and political values and the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is also a professor of history. CNN
A fresh crop of nursing students was inducted into Aiken Regional Medical Centers' new externship program Thursday.

The Aiken Regional Mentoring Consortium Nurse Externship program welcomed six students who will work at the hospital during their final semester of college.

Upon acceptance to the program, the students commit to two years of employment as a registered nurse with the hospital after graduation.

The new members are: TiAunte Bethea, a USCA student who will work in 4 Main (the hospital's orthopedic medical/surgical unit); Jacorya Dodson, an Aiken Tech student who will work in the operating room; Shana Patterson, an Aiken Tech student assigned to the operating room and 4 Main; Halee Rivers, an Aiken Tech student who will work in the ICU; Krystle Smith, an Aiken Tech student who will work in the emergency department; and Nathaniel Tate, a USCA student assigned to the ICU.

I think excitement is an understatement," Patterson said regarding joining the program, "Im elated."

The program pairs each nursing student with a nurse preceptor on a medical-surgical unit where the student will follow the preceptor throughout the semester. This allows the student to receive hands-on experience. By the end of the semester, each student should be able to manage a full patient assignment, which consists of five to six patients.

Its really a great bridge for nursing students in their final semester to be able to come to the hospital," said Bridget Denzik, chief nursing officer at ARMC. "They spend all of their rotation time or clinical time on one designated unit. It really prepares them for the real world in nursing, so its a great bridge between the academic school setting and real world nursing."

Denzik said the application process was competitive, so the hospital is getting the "best of the best."

"It really helps build their nursing career for them and this is really the first step," she said. "We work with these externs and if they have goals to go to ICU or (operating room), wherever they want to go, we certainly help build that career path for them."

Bethea said she's excited that she will get to work in the program. She said the Columbia hospital doesn't have a similar opportunity, "so I wanted to take it upon myself to try it out."

This group will be the hospital's second cohort to go through the program that was started in January. Jim O'Loughlin, the hospital's CEO, said the first group did great and "we know that (the new students are) going to do as well, if not better."

We are so excited to have you here and appreciate the fact that you are going to be part of the team," O'Loughlin said to them.
Despite showers of rain throughout the day, plenty of stores around Aiken saw an increase in customers due to the first day of the annual South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday.

During the weekend, consumers will be able to buy computers, clothing, school supplies and other items without having to pay South Carolinas 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes. This also applies to online orders.

Tiffany Walden, a manger at Staples in Aiken, said the tax-free weekend is always one of the store's busiest weeks.

"There's definitely an increase in traffic today versus a normal week," Walden said.

Alicia Howard said she usually comes out and shops during the holiday weekend. Howard's first stop was at Vikki's on Whiskey Road, where she checked out various items of clothing.

"Im just starting out, so I thought Id head (to Vikki's) first and then hit a few places," Howard said.

Vikki Woody, who owns the boutique, said she had seen plenty of foot traffic in the store by lunchtime Friday.

"Sales have been very good," Woody said. "Everybodys out and about. We love seeing all the traffic and we love keeping it local."

Some people even came from out of state to take advantage of the deals, including Steven Unikewicz and Cynthia VanDerWiele, who both live in Atlanta. The two were shopping in Lionel Smith Ltd. in downtown Aiken.

"We were looking at suits in Atlanta, and it just seemed like a much better deal to come here with (Lionel Smith) having a sale, plus the tax holiday," VanDerWiele said, before adding that Georgia does not have a similar tax-free weekend.

Unikewicz said he purchased two suits, a suit jacket and two ties.

Jay Hays, who works at Lionel Smith, said the store always welcomes the business.

"We have a lot of people that like to come in during this time to take advantage of the tax breaks, especially with clothing," Hays said.

In 2020, South Carolina shoppers spent over $18.1 million during the Sales Tax Holiday, according to the Department of Revenue.

For more information on exempt and non-exempt items, visit dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
SUMMERVILLE  A North Carolina-based supermarket chain is moving forward with plans to build a new store in a growing new community in Berkeley County.

Harris Teeter recently filed a permit application with South Carolina environmental regulators to build a 64,000-square-foot grocery store at the northeast corner of Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard.

The plans also show two outparcel buildings of 4,500 square feet each on Brighton Park Boulevard as well as a 3,500-square-foot restaurant space and store-brand fuel center with nine pump stations on Nexton Parkway.

Two other outparcel buildings of 5,600 square feet and 7,000 square feet are planned on Cross Park Road on the north side of the proposed grocery site.

The Matthews, N.C.-based company bought the nearly 14-acre parcel across from the Home Telecom building for $4.75 million in 2016, according to Berkeley County land records.

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"It's been in the works for years," said Nexton spokeswoman Cassie Cataline. "It was sort of waiting for rooftops to show up."

A Harris Teeter spokeswoman said Aug. 6 that the company was reviewing the plans but she did not have information to share on a tentative opening timeframe.

The 5,000-acre Nexton development between Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 176 is permitted for more than 10,000 homes, but Cataline said the community will probably end up with about 7,500 at full buildout several years from now.

The community now has about 1,750 sold homes and another 200 under development in its four residential neighborhoods. They include Brighton Park Village, which is sold out, Del Webb, Midtown and North Creek Village.

Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., operates 18 stores in the Charleston area.
MYRTLE BEACH  South Carolina's 7th Congressional District needs a representative who is not ashamed to stand by former President Donald Trump, S.C. House Rep. Russell Fry said as he officially declared his 2022 primary election campaign to oust congressman Tom Rice.

Fry spoke to a room full of friends, family and supporters Aug. 5 at Grand Strand Brewery about what he called the assault of America, and how it is time for a change in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions.

"I talk with folks all across this district from Marion to Marlboro to Myrtle Beach and Dillon and Darlington, and they all say the same thing: 'It's time to come home, Tom,' " Fry said.

But specific changes, or what policies that set Fry apart from Rice, a five-term incumbent once thought by Trump and his fans to be a reliable ally, were not discussed beyond Rice's vote to impeach the former president after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

An Horry County attorney, Fry has spent four terms in the Statehouse  three of those years as chief Republican House whip, a powerful position who works to develop the partys legislative agenda and rally support on high-profile issues.

He also serves on the House Judiciary Committee, a predominantly lawyer-occupied group that oversees the state's court system and advises on the redrawing of district lines every decade.

The 36-year-old first expressed his interest in running just weeks after Rice stunned the country by voting Jan. 13 as one of 10 GOP House member to impeach Trump.

Prior to that, Rice was a considered a sure shot, a consistent supporter of Trump and conservative policies. He worked closely with Trump on the 2017 tax overhaul; backed Trump when many of his colleagues were hesitant to end the country's ties with the North American Free Trade Agreement; and, most notably, supported the effort to delay the certification of the 2020 election.

But his vote to impeach felt like betrayal to many back home in the 7th Congressional District. Former Horry County GOP Chairwoman Dreama Perdue said in January she was disappointed in Rice, and that his vote would definitely hurt the party's future.

Im hearing from people across the entire medium saying, Im not going to help the Horry County GOP anymore, to What can I do to help?' to 'We need to primary him out,  Perdue said at the time.

Rice's campaign did not respond to requests for comment on his latest challenger.

Though Fry is considered to be one of Rice's most serious threats, also running in the primary is Horry County School Board chairman Ken Richardson, former Myrtle Beach mayor Mark McBride and non-district resident and political newcomer, Graham Allen.

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If he were in Congress, Fry has said multiple times he would have voted against impeachment. The S.C. Republican Party executive committee censured Rice for the same vote.

Fry said before the event that his dedication and consistency to conservative values is why voters should choose him in the primary.

"Time and time again, particularly in the last six months, Congressman Rice has let the people of the Pee Dee and Grand Strand down by his vote to impeach President Trump," Fry said, neglecting to address specific policy points where he stands separate from Rice.

Trump and appreciation toward him was not absent from the night, as "Make America Great Again" signs circled through the brewery and his passion policies, such as protecting the Southern border, were touted by Fry.

"(Democrats) want to open up our southern border to all ... illegal immigrants who get federal benefits they neither earned nor are entitled to," Fry said.

In a post-President Trump era, Fry said before his event, the Republican Party must continue to come together for its common denominator ideals, like Second Amendment rights and low taxes, as it always has.

"I think the Republican Party has always had facets and different elements of people within it, just like every party, it's a big tent party, so it's always important to build that coalition," Fry said.

South Carolina's 7th Congressional District is a behemoth, swallowing up Chesterfield, Dillon, Georgetown, Horry, Marlboro, Darlington and Marion counties, as well as parts of Florence County. Though a redistricting forum is within sight  Aug. 11 for Horry and Georgetown counties  Fry said he plans to appeal to the massive and diverse district through a grassroots mentality.

"I'm never afraid to talk to anybody. I'll knock on your door and I'll visit with you in your house, talk with you on the phone, and that's how we won the Statehouse," Fry said.
The best place to live in South Carolina is  Spartanburg?

Thats according to U.S. News and World Report, which listed the Hub City as the highest-ranking municipality from the Palmetto State in its recent ranking of 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2021-22. Spartanburg was rated No. 24 overall, ahead of the likes of Nashville, Boston and Tampa, largely on the strength of its relative value and home affordability.

Greenville was ranked No. 38, squeezed between the Texas metropolises of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, again thanks in part to its low cost of living relative to other U.S. cities. Greenville encompasses big-city amenities without attracting the same unpleasantries that come with a more populated, urban metro area, according to the magazine.

Boulder, Colo., was ranked No. 1 by U.S. News, which counted home affordability, job market, crime rate, net migration and a survey of 3,600 people among its criteria. Myrtle Beach was ranked No. 35 on the list, while Charleston  knocked for its crime rate and high real estate costscame in at No. 42.

Greenville ranked No. 16 and Spartanburg No. 18 on the U.S. News list of Most Affordable Places to Live, where Huntsville, Ala., was No. 1. That might come as a surprise to residents of both Upstate cities who have seen home values rocket upward; homes in Greenville in June sold for an average of $324,974 and 100.4 percent of list price, while Spartanburg homes went for an average of $260,390 and 100.4 percent of list price.

New arrivals fueling Greenville recovery

Meanwhile, Greenville continues to roll up accolades of its own. A recent report from the commercial real estate firm CBRE called it one of the nations fastest growing boutique cities, and said its often pointed to as an emerging market to watch.

A big reason for that is population growth: over the last decade, Greenvilles average annual growth rate of 1.19 percent has eclipsed the national average of .73 percent. Over the past three years, Greenvilles annual growth rate increases to 1.34 percent. Since 2016, according to CBRE, 84,000 people have relocated to the Greenville-Spartanburg area, an amount that comprises 7 percent of the regions total population.

And almost 80 percent of the 58,000 Greenville jobs lost to the coronavirus pandemic have returned, with the former textile capital now attracting educated and skilled talent for its strong automotive, technology, and manufacturing sectors, the CBRE report read.

Greenville notches another $1M sale

The luxury market in Greenville remains robust, with yet another home sale in the city eclipsing the $1 million mark.

The most recent was a spectacular home designed by BLOM Design Studio of Greenville at 14 Russell Ave. in the North Main neighborhood. The four-bedroom, 2,853-square-foot residence, which features

contemporary Scandinavian styling throughout, sold for $1.098 million on July 26. Michael Mumma of Mumma Property Partners and Blackstream Christies International represented both buyer and seller.

The Russell Avenue home was the 11th in the metro Greenville area to sell on the market for $1 million or more in the month of July, according to Zillow. Two of those homes went for more than $2 million: a renovated Craftsman in Greenville that sold for $2.050 million, and a 7,000-square-foot estate on 12 acres near Simpsonville that sold for $2.8 million.

GGARs Spangler takes education post

The Greater Greenville Association of Realtors has a new director of education.

Laura Spangler, most recently GGARs social media and marketing administrator, has moved to the education post, the association announced. Joanne Cornish, previously the director of education for GGAR, resigned from her position effective July 29.

Founded in 1925, GGAR currently represents over 4,400 member Realtors throughout the Upstate. It also regularly provides on-site continuing education courses, some of which are required for license renewal.

Upstate firms announce new agents

Reid Tollison has joined the ranks at Wilson Associates Real Estate, one of several Upstate firms to have recently announced new agent hires.

A Greenville native, Tollison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in public relations and marketing. She previously worked seven years in a sales environment where she rose to a managerial role while honing her social, digital, and customer service skills.

Elsewhere, Spartanburg native Mary Grace Lambert has been added to the Spartanburg office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors, while Kylie Putman has joined the Greenville/Simpsonsville branch of Allen Tate Realtors.

Revitalization Award nominees sought

The Greater Greenville Association of Realtors continues to seek nominees for the 2021 Revitalization Awards, which celebrate those who have invested a substantial amount of time and money into a property and seen it greatly impact an area of the community.

Eligible properties include but are not limited to individual residential homes, subdivisions, commercial businesses, multifamily dwellings, public property such as parks and trails, or historic homes or landmarks. GGARs Revitalization Committee urges interested parties to submit properties that might fit into any of the aforementioned categories. Contact GGAR at (864) 672-4427 for further information.

Agent Spotlight and open house ads

Upstate real estate agents can now be featured on The Greenville Post and Couriers website, as well as place free ads for open houses.

Realtors interested in being showcased in The Greenville Post and Couriers Agent Spotlight can submit their information here. Required information includes a short bio as well as contact information. A different agent will be spotlighted each week on the real estate homepage.

Agents interested in placing a free ad for open houses can submit their information here. The ads run free for seven days in The Greenville Post and Couriers open house listings.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported more than 3,200 new probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Aug. 6, as cases continue to trend upward.

The report comes the same day DHEC announced a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education to provide free COVID-19 vaccination clinics for parents, students and staff for the 2021-22 school year.

Participating counties include Marlboro, Spartanburg, Jasper, Allendale, Dillon, Orangeburg and Barnwell.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 2,535 confirmed, 701 probable.

Total cases in S.C.: 518,480 confirmed, 115,830 probable.

Percent positive: 16.3 percent.

New deaths reported: 8 confirmed, 3 probable.

Total deaths in S.C.: 8,771 confirmed, 1,179 probable.

Percent of ICU beds filled: 71.6 percent.

S.C. residents vaccinated

DHEC's vaccine dashboard shows that 52.1 percent of the state's residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 45 percent have completed vaccination.

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Hardest-hit areas

In the total number of newly confirmed cases, Horry County (311), Greenville County (230) and Lexington County (191) saw the highest totals.

What about tri-county?

Charleston County had 148 new cases on Aug. 6, while Berkeley County had 138 and Dorchester County had 87.

Deaths

DHEC did not report the ages of the eight people who died in the Aug. 6 data.

Hospitalizations

Of the 729 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of Aug. 6, 196 were in the ICU and 87 were using ventilators.

What do experts say?

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a study completed in Kentucky shows unvaccinated people who previously tested positive for COVID-19 are twice as likely to get infected again as those who have been vaccinated.

"If you have had COVID-19 before, please still get vaccinated," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a press release. "Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads around the country."
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
A new book by a Charleston-based civil rights lawyer and a Clemson history professor argues the Supreme Court has sometimes issued decisions that expand democracy, but more often has failed to do so.

The justices, they write, can choose to interpret civil rights issues broadly to enfranchise as many people as possible, but generally have tended to interpret the law narrowly in order to bolster the status quo.

In Justice Deferred: Race and the Supreme Court, Armand Derfner and Orville Vernon Burton combine historical analysis and legal doctrine to view the Supreme Court as a political body that has had enormous influence over the lives of all Americans, the authors said in a Post and Courier interview.

Their survey of court decisions on racial issues reveals the challenges faced by civil rights advocates seeking to create a more perfect union.

Take Chief Justice John Roberts, for instance. In a 2009 case involving a Texas utility seeking exemption from the preclearance requirement, Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, Roberts misquoted an opinion from a 1966 South Carolina case to legitimize a new doctrine of equality of states or equal sovereignty  a concept the court had previously rejected.

In so doing, Roberts unlocked a door that, in the controversial Shelby County v. Holder case of 2013, a majority would walk through, declaring part of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional and rendering preclearance unenforceable, Derfner noted. No longer would states and local governments with a history of voter discrimination be required to seek federal approval for changes to their voting laws and procedures.

This kind of legal logic is not the exception to the rule, they said.

This country had slavery and Jim Crow for 12 generations, 300 years or so, Derfner said. Weve had only two generations to get over it. ... The notion that we are done with it, thats crazy. We have to keep working at it.

Working on the project has been enlightening, the authors said. Only once they finished a draft did they recognize the main themes.

The court itself is treated as history, not just as a producer of legal doctrine, Derfner said. What we found is that there are threads that go through from the beginning to now. We spent a lot of effort showing how the same issues of 150 years ago are here again today.

The high court has done its share to contribute to the countrys flip-flopping on racial issues over the years. It helped undo Reconstruction by deciding six major cases that removed building blocks from the wall of protection that the Reconstruction Amendments and statutes had erected, the authors write. When these cases were finished, the wall was all but gone.

In 1883, the court determined that it was an individual right to segregate public accommodations, ruling the 1875 Civil Rights Act unconstitutional. In 1896, in what some legal scholars consider the worst decision the court has ever handed down, it codified racial segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson.

The slow turnaround began during the Great Depression.

When the new courthouse (Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill) was built in 1935, that was when things started getting really good, Derfner said. Inscribed on the west pediment was the phrase Equal Justice Under Law, and it seems the members of the court largely began to take those words to heart, he said.

The court would consider the legality of all-White juries, primaries and labor unions; discriminatory housing covenants; the internment of Japanese Americans; and the separate-but-equal doctrine.

The period of 1953-69 was distinguished by its particularly expansive legal interpretations, the authors write. These were the years of Chief Justice Earl Warrens tenure, and they coincided almost exactly with the direct-action phase of the civil rights movement. The Warren Court, Derfner said, did more to enfranchise marginalized Americans than any other group of justices in the history of the United States.

Among its many achievements: It decided, unanimously, to desegregate public schools in Brown v. Board of Education (1954); it upheld the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits segregation in public accommodations; it reformed criminal procedure and electoral redistricting, making both more equitable; and, in Loving v. Virginia (1967), it ruled that state anti-miscegenation laws were unconstitutional.

There are people in history who stand up for principal, Burton said, reflecting on that period. Today, instead, entrenched divisions are straining the political and legal process, he said. Its a time only rivaled by the era of the Civil War.
A prominent donor in the world of climate adaptation returned to South Carolina to help a group of flood protection advocates in the Myrtle Beach area.

Jay Faison, a Charlotte tech entrepreneur with a history in Republican politics, has been involved in South Carolina before, notably advocating for a flood wall along vulnerable Lockwood Drive in downtown Charleston.

He was also a main funder of Charleston's Dutch Dialogues investigation into how to make the region more resilient to flooding and sea-level rise.

This year, a new group Faison founded called Flood Defenders quietly helped behind the scenes as local advocates in Horry County pushed for better flood protections there.

The county is laced with rivers and waterways that overflowed into several homes after recent hurricanes. April O'Leary, founder of nonprofit Horry County Rising, saw her own home in Conway flood after 2018's Hurricane Florence.

So she set out to get three major items added to local flood protection rules.

O'Leary wanted the county to increase freeboard  or make sure new homes were built higher than the level the federal government mandates to avoid flooding. She wanted the county to better manage the dirt that builders truck in to elevate homes in floodplains, also known as fill, because that practice can cause flooding elsewhere. And she wanted the county to base its rules on actual floods of the past, not just federal flood maps, which can be inaccurate and quickly become outdated.

All three items were incorporated into the first major overhaul of Horry County's flood ordinance since the 1980s, passed last month.

The campaign to change flood rules was called "Don't Build in the Swamp," and Faison's Flood Defenders helped by creating yard signs and door hangers, managing email outreach and doing social media work, he said. The relationship was not apparent at the time and Faison declined to say how much money had been spent by his group on the effort.

But O'Leary, who runs Horry County Rising largely alone, said the help was invaluable and she wants to continue to work with Flood Defenders.

"I reflect back on that terrible feeling I had, standing in front of my house when it was flooded, and the grief I had," O'Leary said. "I'm so happy and proud we were able to turn something so tragic into a good thing."

Faison said his goal is to expand the model to other local groups who are pressuring politicians to adapt their communities to severe storms and rising seas.

"Flood Defenders is about people that are hurt by flooding," he said. "Our mission is to support those people to have a loud and effective voice for flood protection."

It's not his first foray into this world. Faison had a long history as a donor and supporter of the Republican Party before turning towards issues of sea rise and flooding. He chairs the American Flood Coalition, a policy group. His foundation also financially supports the First Street Foundation, a group that has released sophisticated analysis of how flooding is damaging coastal property.

First Street saw some minor controversy three years ago when its advocacy arm ran an a television ad featuring former state Rep. Katie Arrington without mentioning that Arrington was a Republican candidate for Charleston's congressional seat at the same time.

With Flood Defenders, Faison said his goal is to let people on the ground lead the charge for better flood protection, but with a little help. Faison said the group may be involved in future campaigns in Horry County, as well as in Charleston.

"We don't want to come in and tell (advocates) what to do," he said. "We want to come in and give them the tools to be more effective."
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.
Since I was a young girl growing up in the United Kingdom, I have been fascinated by the American South.

For my womens group, I recently wrote about the woman who I think has achieved something great: the late author Dorothea Benton Frank.

A good few years ago, I found the writing of Ms. Frank, who was born the same year as me: 1951. I found her books a joy to read. She was Southern, born on Sullivans Island.

She was a New York Times best-selling author and wrote 20 books, all set in her beloved Lowcountry.

Ms. Frank described the Intracoastal Waterway, sea grasses, fiddler crabs and the smell of pluff mud.

I so wanted to experience the vistas, the smells, the taste of shrimp and the people who are very different from other Americans I have encountered. Some Lowcountry folk believe that there are spirits in the area that make you feel you must return some day.

In May 2019, my husband and I spent two very hot weeks in Charleston. The Lowcountry did not disappoint.

And by chance, Ms. Frank was doing a book signing close by. What a coincidence. Or was it?

So there I was with Ms. Frank. I told her that it was her books and especially her beautiful descriptions that made me feel drawn to the area.

She was charming and funny, and found it extraordinary that we were in the Lowcountry on vacation because of her.

What were the chances of her having a book signing when we were visiting? Maybe some Lowcountry spirits were at work.

MAXINE NANCY WARNER

Grange Road, Uckfield

East Sussex, United Kingdom

Boost power grid

A letter writer in Tuesdays paper questioned what would happen if everyone charged up their electric cars on days of excessive heat.

One might surmise that our power grid would be overtaxed and we would be unable to air-condition our homes and businesses.

If that is the conclusion to be drawn from the letter writers inference, then the obvious answer is to increase the capacity of our power grid.

That would be an example of improved and updated infrastructure, which Congress is now beginning to debate.

Or we could do nothing.

Our carbon emissions would continue to increase and with them so would the Earths temperature.

And eventually, probably sooner rather than later, we would have to increase the capacity of our power grid in part because we didnt have the foresight to plan ahead for our well-being and that of our children and their children.

JOHN WOODS

Pine Island View

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Mount Pleasant

Patriotic symbols

Recent letters to the editor have expressed widely differing opinions of our nations flag and what it symbolizes to the letter writers and others whom they reference to bolster their opinions and beliefs.

As U.S. citizens, we must accept their right to express differing opinions and even act out their beliefs to the point of publicly dishonoring or desecrating our flag.

As a former carrier-based naval aviator, I continue to proudly fly our flag in gratitude for those men I trained with and flew with.

Many have their names etched in the black granite slabs of the Vietnam Memorial.

To me, the stars in our flag represent the lives they gave in defense of this country. I can still remember the faces of the young fighter pilots, their wives and, in a few instances, their very young children.

They and thousands of others who rest in Arlington and other cemeteries around the world are the stars in my flag.

Their grave markers align in quiet testimony to their sacrifice to defend our freedoms and those we share with other democratic nations.

The majority of these young men, and recently women, never had the chance to marry, have children or be lucky enough to celebrate their grandchildrens birthdays.

The next time you see our flag, think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Then have the character and gratitude to look at those rows of stars and say, Thank you.

G. ROBERT GEORGE

Wappoo Creek Place

Charleston

Use better metrics

The article regarding Clemsons plans to announce COVID-19 protocols misses the most important metrics in evaluating the public health seriousness of COVID-19 to any exposed population.

The only data presented is on positive and negative test results.

After 18 months, everyone should by now know that COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus, and the delta variant is even more highly contagious.

More meaningful data from Clemsons COVID-19 database would be rates of COVID-19 emergency room visits, hospitalizations and mortality.

BOB GLENN, MPH

Little Creek Road

Seabrook Island
After suspending flights because of the pandemic starting in March 2020, Korean Air resumed its regular service to Guam early Friday morning with 82 passengers.

This is based on preliminary information from the Guam Visitors Bureau, which said Korean Air uses a 277-seat aircraft for its once-a-week regular flight.

GVB Marketing Manager Colleen Cabedo said the 82 passengers on Korean Air were a combination of tourists and returning residents, although there's "no exact count" available.

Guam has seen a slow return of tourism, mainly from Taiwan, as a result of GVB's Air V&V or vaccination and vacation program.

More than 1,000 arrived in July, and more than 1,000 seats are available in additional Eva Air charter flights from Taipei in August. Most arrivals to Guam throughout the pandemic were residents and military personnel.

GVB and other members of the Guam Recovery Task Force said it could take a while for arrival numbers to pick up, especially from the main markets of South Korea and Japan because of the fresh spikes in COVID-19 cases in these Asian countries plus the strict quarantine upon their residents' return.

"Typically, Air V&V is not being pushed in the Korea market like Taiwan because of the quarantine protocols in their country. While most Koreans are not here for Air V&V, it is their choice to decide if that is an option they want to do," GVB's Cabedo said.

Korean Air's next regular flight to Guam is Aug. 13, and every Friday thereafter.

Jin Air's Aug. 6 flight also had 74 passengers on board a 189-seater aircraft, based on GVB data.

T'Way resumed its regular flight on July 31 with 52 passengers on a 189-seater aircraft.

Some tourism-related businesses said they are still on a wait-and-see before reopening, since the number of arrivals are still not enough to sustain their operations at this time.

This story will be updated.
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Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews
Letter to the editor

Redistricting in Pa. is anything but fair or transparent
James Hohmann of the Washington Post argues that the defeat of Nina Turner in that Ohio congressional race shows that Joe Biden doesnt need to keep caving to the left. Hohmann assumes that when Biden adopts leftist positions hes caving, rather than doing what he wants.

I questioned that assumption in my report on the Ohio race. I wondered how much difference really exists between the Democratic left and the Democratic establishment.

The two factions dont like each other much. Thats clear. But the dispute seems to be more about style, personality, and power than about substance.

In the Ohio race, Turner offended the establishment by, among other things, once saying that voting for Biden was like eating sh*t. In addition, a rapper at one of her rallies said that Jim Clyburns decision to back Biden in the 2020 primaries was stupid.

Clyburn took offense and became involved in the effort to defeat Turner. But if the rapper hadnt made his remark, Clyburn, by his own admission, would have stayed out of the race  content to see Turner elected, as seemed likely until after he and others intervened.

Turner and her opponent took different public positions on Israel. Turner blasted the Jewish state. The winner said Israel has a right to defend itself (mighty big of her).

Was that an attempt to win Jewish votes and secure Jewish money? I dont know.

I do question whether the Democratic establishment  Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, etc.  is truly on Israels side, but thats a matter for another day.

For now, lets focus on bread and butter issues as to which the left and the establishment might be said to disagree. We might try to quantify these alleged differences by looking at the infrastructure/reconciliation debate.

Bernie Sanders and his crew reportedly want something like a $6 trillion reconciliation package (on top of the $1 trillion bipartisan deal). The establishment apparently favors a more modest Christmas  somewhere around $4 trillion.

Both figures are astronomical, but a $2 trillion difference is not trivial.

Its not clear, though, that this difference reflects an ideological gap. The establishment reconciliation package may simply be a function of its sense of what can get 50 votes. In other words, it may only be Joe Manchins resistance (and perhaps that of a few others) thats keeping the price tag significantly below $6 trillion.

Joe Manchin is not part of the Democratic establishment. Hes what passes for a maverick these days. Left to their own devices Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Joe Biden might well be presenting a reconciliation package with Bernie Sanders price tag.

We need to keep in mind that the current Democratic establishment is Barack Obamas creation. Anyone to the right of Obama  Manchin for example  is outside of the establishment.

Obama believed in implementing the lefts full agenda but doing so incrementally. He understood that America wasnt ready for a wholesale push to the left in 2009, and that going for broke would create a serious risk of losing power.

More than a decade later, the Obama Democrats believe they can push considerably harder than before, but they still arent prepared to push quite as hard as the far left wants. In my view, the substantive differences that divide the two factions stem primarily from this tactical disagreement, rather than a meaningful ideological gap.
According to the famous maxim, hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue. The adage doesnt apply to Rep. Cori Bushs support for defunding the police while arranging private security for herself (video below). Bushs hypocrisy is the tribute that self-regard (extreme) pays to incoherence (shameless), or something like that. And this is the woman who inspired Joe Biden to promulgate the lawless evictions moratorium.

CBS News has posted video of the entire interview with Bush expounding on the seeming contradiction here on YouTube. The Washington Examiners Becket Adams provides a good account of Bushs full CBS interview. Bush was freewheeelin:

Have you had police officers threaten you? [CBS] anchor Anne-Marie Green asked. Bush laughed and then responded, Absolutely. Wow, Green said.

You would rather me die? Is that what you want to see? You want to see me die? You know, because that could be the alternative, she hypothesized.

We dont want to see her die. Long may she run. Suck it up, peons. Rock on, Cori!

Quotable quote (from Adamss account of the full interview): I have private security because my body is worth being on this planet right now. I have private security because they, the white supremacist, racist narrative that they drive into this country, the fact that they dont care that this black woman that has put her life on the line, they cant match my energy, first of all, this black woman who puts her life on the line, they dont care that I could be taken out of here.
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Public-owned companies chiefs in Nigeria rank among the highest remunerated in sub-Saharan Africa, data from a new study by professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed on Friday.

The consolidated compensation packages of CEOs in Africas largest economy, when elements like base pay and benefits are factored in, average $323,000, said PwC.

The report spotlighted 162 Nigerian quoted companies, the largest representation coming from the financial industry with 45 firms.

Coming top of those of seven countries from the region without South Africa, the median figure derives from statistics gleaned from publications by companies numbering 382.

Average earnings of $219,000 equally put chief financial officers (CFOs) in Nigeria among those receiving most pay in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the document.

Nigeria, the base of Africas biggest building materials maker Dangote Cement Plc, is second to South Africa in terms of the most capitalised companies on the continent in sectors like oil & gas, banking and food & beverage, where Seplat Energy, Guaranty Trust Holding Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc are leaders in that order.

Lagos-based Nigerian Exchange Limited, at a market capitalisation of $49 billion on Thursday, is Africas second biggest, but that means it is more than twenty two times smaller than Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), currently valued at $1.1 trillion.

South Africa, home to the biggest public-owned company in Africa Naspers Limited, has a couple of the foremost mining firms in the world including Anglo American Plc, PHP Group Plc and Glencore Plc all making up more than one-fifth of total market value on the benchmark FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index.

Another section of the PwC remuneration report, exploring corporations on the JSE highlights the average pay of 5.17 million rand ($395,265) for chiefs across all sectors and 3.34 million rand for CFOs.

The time has come for leaders to step forward, take action and actively address fair pay in their organization, Andreas Horak, who co-heads PwCs reward practice unit, said. He highlighted the importance of the perception about leadership being committed to creating working environments in which all employees are valued and rewarded and have equal opportunities to grow, develop and flourish.
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The maiden edition of the Jollof Faceoff competition was held over the weekend at The Rooftop by Ohuru HSE, Boardroom Apartments, Lekki, Lagos.

The fierce rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria on who makes the better Jollof Rice has gone on for so long and has been so intense, that it has garnered international recognition.

Some say neither country should even lay claim to being the Jollof superstars because the dish originated from Senegal.

The sister countries of Ghana and Nigeria, however, seem unfazed about the true origins of the dish, as they have owned it and given it the now iconic status.

Noble Igwe, who coordinated the event on behalf of the conveners, said the competition was aimed at celebrating the love Nigeria and Ghana have for Jollof Rice.

He said, without a doubt, Jollof Rice has become one of the most popular dishes in West Africa while the competition is a showcase of the Nigerian culture, uniqueness, and unbridled passion.

The competition, which was sponsored by VFD Microfinance Bank (VBank), Ohuru by HSE, AfriPay, Maggi and Cellar Central, featured two cooks representing Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

Highlights

Both chefs battled it out to determine whose Jollof reigns supreme. There was a blind tasting of their Jollof dishes by a panel of judges that included Don Jazzy and Sisiyemmie.

They were also representing both countries, and scores were awarded using several parameters like plating, taste & texture of the Jollof itself as well as a taste of the accompanying protein and side dishes.

After the judging was done and the scores collated, Hilda Effiong- Bassey representing Nigeria emerged winner and walked away with a grand prize of $5,000 (Five Thousand Dollars ).

The event wasnt just about Jollof Rice though, there were several side attractions Jollofing  Guests had fun with Karaoke, enjoyed jokes by MC Forever, watched a scintillating dance performance, and left with loaded goody bags from the organisers.

It was definitely a fun event filled with unending music, laughter, dancing, drinking, and delicious food.

Mr Igwe stated that the plan is to evolve, from not just the Jollof FaceOff competition, but into holding Food Festivals and having Jollof Cookouts as well as other amazing events that everyone can participate in and enjoy.

He also said there would also be a rematch of the Ghana/Nigeria Jollof Faceoff, this time in Ghana, and there are plans to include other countries such as Senegal and Sierra Leone in future competitions.

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The Jigawa State Government has diverted traffic from the highway linking the state and Kano with North-east Nigeria over concerns over the state of a major bridge following heavy downpours.

The bridge in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa is on the highway that links the state to Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States.

Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru, in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Habibu Kila, urged commuters to use alternative routes to allow the government work on the bridge.

Mr Kila directed heavy duty trucks to use the Gwaram-Kari highway that also links the states, until work is completed on the bridge.

Also, Tonnous Finianos, the site engineer for Alren Construction company that is working on the portion of the road, told reporters that a flood disaster on Saturday was responsible for the near-collapse of the bridge.

Mr Finianos said the flood on Saturday nearly submerged the 40-year-old bridge.

We are working on a temporary solution to prevent the bridge from total collapse. But as more motorists are passing through, the vibrations will lead to the collapse of the bridge sooner, the engineer said
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A coalition of civil society organisations involved in police reform and accountability in Nigeria has called for the disbandment of specialised units within the Nigerian Police Force.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the group said extra-legal units such as the Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and IGP Monitoring units are needless as they contribute to complete breakdown of discipline, mischief, incompetence, and loopholes within the police force.

The joint statement was signed by Executive Directors of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Partners West Africa; Spaces for Change; and Confluence of Rights Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported a nationwide call for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by Nigerians due to their brutality, extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests among others.

The Nigerian government later bowed to pressure and disbanded the police unit. It, however, replaced the unit with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

The coalition urged the Nigerian Police Force to disband existing extra-legal units, strengthen its traditional units and equip them with modern tools and skilled manpower for them to function effectively.

Before creating multiples of the so-called specialised units became rampant and widespread, we had and still have the traditional departments and units recognised under the Police Act that carry out intelligence, investigative, monitoring, training, planning, research and statistics as well as other operational duties within the police.

The Anti-robbery units at the state and other command levels handle armed robbery cases and other violent crimes. Homicide unit handles murder and manslaughter cases. The X-Squad monitors police conduct, etc.

They were doing and can still more effectively do the work that these extra-legal units created to duplicate their duties do. All they need are the funds, equipment, training, and motivation of personnel to enhance their professional and operational efficiency and capabilities, the group said.

The coalition said the right equipment, training, and motivation of officers are enough to revive traditional units within the force and help them carry out their legally assigned functions.

They noted that most of the specialised units are created by successive Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), who sideline the traditional units by creating new units which leads to a breakdown of the line command of the Force.

The untoward result is the complete breakdown of discipline, promotion of patronage, cult personality, mischief, incompetences, loopholes, etc. All this has now constituted an unbearable albatross that has and is still weighing down the Nigeria Police Force today.

It has turned out that over the years, police authorities use the so-called specialised units for special self-serving purposes. They use wrongful and brutal methods of law enforcement and engage in extortion and outright robbery. Some IGPs have been reported to get returns and shares from the proceeds of the criminal activities of the commanders and operatives of these rogue units, the groups said.

The coalition urged the Nigeria Police Force to disband the suspiciously privileged extra-legal units and allow the Nigeria Police Force return to the legally recognised departments and units, thereby making this quintessential establishment live up to its true bidding as civil Force created by law.

They added that the police force must stay within the ambits of the law that established it for it to be seen as lawfully discharging its responsibilities which will increase public confidence in the force.
The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IkejaElectric) says it is not currently metering customers due to the exhaustion of prepaid meters assigned to the company by the Nigerian government under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

Felix Ofulue, the spokesperson of the DisCo, said this on Friday while addressing the press in Lagos.

Mr Ofulue said the company received about 106,000 meters in the NMMP and has since distributed it to customers.

We have practically done 99.9% of the meters, we have exhausted the meters completely. People are not getting meter now because we dont have any on ground, he said.

The Nigerian government in 2020 approved the NMMP to cater for the shortfall in the metering of electricity consumers in Nigeria.

The objective of the programme is to end estimated billing by the DisCos and attract private investment in the provision of metering services.

The government sought to roll out six million meters in two years. It, however, rolled out one million meters in phase zero of the programme.

Speaking on the metering of customers, Mr Ofulue said the one million metres were shared among the 10 discos and Ikeja Electric allocated over 106,000 meters.

Explaining the criteria for distribution, he said the company focused on customers who were impacted by the recent increase in electricity tariff, the Bands A, B, and C.

Bands D and E are not affected by the new tarrif and have no extra payment. But Bands A, B, and C were metered so that they manage what they use, he said.

With the exhaustion of the allocated meters, Mr Ofulue said the DisCo is waiting for the next phase of metering to distribute meters to more customers.

About 50 percent of customers in the network have been metered. Over 400,000 households have been metered, he said.

This figure is out of over one million households captured in the database of the DisCo.

Electricity Infrastructure

On who bears the responsibility for stolen or damaged electricity infrastructure, Mr Ofulue said the company takes care of it but that many customers are impatient and end up replacing the equipment themselves.

The provision of electrical infrastructure is the responsibility of the discos; transformers, lines, cables, and co, he said.

Whenever you see otherwise happening, it means the community is tired of waiting maybe because the disco is not active and they want to engage in self-help.

The official, however, clarified that communities in which thefts of electrical infrastructure happen often would not receive frequent attention from the disco because it makes no business sense.

If we keep spending money on an area and things keep getting stolen, it means there is a sabotage happening. It is simple business logic and it is a critical topic we have with community leaders for them to secure electricity infrastructure in their areas.

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We are trying to beautify and make our transformers look decent. It is when it is dark, dingy and messed up and people will go there to vandalise, he said.

Also speaking on outstanding debt owed to the company by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Mr Ofulue said it was a perennial issue and not the federal government that is directly owing the company.

Federal Government is the bulk majority shareholder of all the discos, they own 40 percent of all the discos, so how can you say your owner is owing you?

The issue of debt is perennial and for certain reasons, the company was appealing to the Senate because they are on the level where they lobby the government, Mr Ofulue said.

He added that deliberations and meetings are ongoing to ensure the recovery of the debt owed to the company.
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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, has appointed an acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Hajo Sarki-Bello, currently a Deputy Chief Registrar of the apex court, was appointed to replace the retiring Chief Registrar, Hadizatu Uwani-Mustapha.

The courts Director of Press and Information, Festus Akande, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said Ms Uwani-Mustapha, the Supreme Courts Chief Registrar since July 2017, will attain the mandatory retirement age of 60 years on Sunday, August 8, 2021.

Ms Sarki-Bello, who hails from Paiko in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, will formally assume office on Monday, the statement highlighted.

She is a 1989 graduate of Law from Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on June 7, 1990.

Described as a seasoned judicial administrator and technocrat, the Acting Chief Registrar joined the Supreme Court service in 1996.

The Chief Registrar is the highest civil servant of the apex court in charge of the general administration of the court, The position holder is also expected to assist the CJN in the discharge of his administrative duties.

Read full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

SUPREME COURT GETS NEW CHIEF REGISTRAR

The appointment of a new Chief Registrar was yesterday approved by the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Dr Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, in acting capacity following the retirement of the substantive Chief Registrar, Hadizatu Uwani-Mustapha, Esq., who will be attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years on Sunday 8th August, 2021, having served from July 2017 to August 2021.

The new Acting Chief Registrar, Hajo Sarki-Bello, Esq. will formally assume office on Monday 9th August, 2021. She is a 1989 graduate of Law from Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on 7th June, 1990, after successfully completing the mandatory one year intensive academic programme at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Nigeria.

Hajo equally attended the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos where she studied Legal Drafting. She subsequently went to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for a Masters Degree programme in International Affairs and Diplomacy. She has worked in in different capacities in different Law Firms and Commercial Organizations before joining the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1996 as Senior Registrar. In 2001, she was promoted to the position of Acting Deputy Chief Registrar and later became substantive Deputy Chief Registrar in 2006.

Hajo Sarki-Bello is a seasoned judicial administrator and technocrat. She hails from Paiko in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.

DR AKANDE AWENERI FESTUS

DIRECTOR OF PRESS AND INFORMATION

SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA.
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The Abia State Government said it would ensure that the fundamental human rights of the IPOBs leader, Nnamdi Kanu, are respected.

Mr Kanu, who has been campaigning for a separate republic of Biafra, is standing trial for treason in Abuja.

He is detained by Nigerias secret police, the SSS.

The Abia State Government said in a statement on Friday that it was monitoring the situation with Mr Kanu who is an indigene of the state.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information in the state, John Kalu.

The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, Mr Kalu said in the statement.

We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.

Mr Kanus lawyer said recently that they were prevented by the SSS from having access to him.

The Abia State Government also commented on the IPOBs sit-at-home order which begins on Monday, August 9.

The residents, according to the order, are to stay indoors, while economic and social activities are suspended every Monday from 6a.m. to 6p.m. in all the South-east states, to put pressure on the federal government to free Mr Kanu.

While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advise that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non-state actor, as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state, Mr Kalu said.

Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.

Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.

The government said it has made adequate provision for public safety and security, and appealed to residents and visitors to Abia to go about their normal businesses without fear.

Previous sit-at-home orders by IPOB have been hugely successful in the region.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation in Igbo, has described the IPOBs order as unwise.

For a group to come up to try to dictate for the Igbo on the days to go to work and days they shouldnt go to work for Nnamdi Kanu is unwise. The wise thing to do is to make wider consultation with the people and the leadership of the region, the Punch newspaper quoted the spokesperson to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Alex Ogbonnia as saying.
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Of the 157 countries ranked in the 2019 global Human Capital Index, Chad occupied the last position, with 6.3 million Chadians living in extreme poverty. Military intervention is nothing but an aberration. Africas governing elites should implement effective governance and tackle the root causes of conflict  inequality and poverty. National, sub-regional, and regional actors should focus on silencing the pervasive poverty in Africa

On July 29, the capital of Chad, NDjamena, was a theatre of mass protest in opposition to the military junta, which took control of the country after the long-serving ruler, President Idriss Deby Itno, died in April, while reportedly leading a four-week offensive against rebels in northern Chad. The military, now led by Idrisss son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, immediately assumed power. The main opposition party, The Transformers, and civil society actors, mobilised the people against the democratic reversal and the confiscation of power by the Transitional Military Council under Mahamats leadership. Mahamat has personalised power since April and embarked on regime consolidation, together with 14 generals who were loyal to his father.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had attended President Idrisss burial, met with the military rulers. The objectives and outcomes of this meeting were unclear, but based on Mahamats decision to dissolve the parliament, repeal the constitution, and set a 18-month transitional period, the ruling junta is now firmly in control. Frances foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, defended the military regime, citing exceptional circumstances as the reason for dissolving the National Assembly. Would this have been his response had this occurred in France? Besides Chad, the Malian army struck in August 2020 and May 2021. Is this becoming a pattern, and what are the foreign troops securing in the Sahel?

The Chadian military has tried to gain local and international alliances but based on their autocratic nature, there is growing apprehension about the future of democracy in the Central African country. While France had initially pledged support for the military regime, it has since made a dramatic U-turn and called for the formation of a civilian national unity government. Chad, which serves as the main Western ally against Islamic militants across the Sahel, has been battling with an armed group, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT). About nine people were reportedly killed during the July protest, and seven died during similar protests in April and May. Intercommunal clashes and flooding, caused by climate change, continue to also claim lives and displace people in the Lac province. In March, between 20,000 and 30,000 people were forced to flee because of sporadic attacks in Bohoma, a village in the province. They joined the 208,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 13,900 refugees already in Lac province.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 237,000 refugees and 300,000 IDPs are living in Niger, which includes an additional 4,000 refugees and 2,000 newly displaced in 2021, due to attacks in the Tillaberi and Tahoua regions. In June, local armed men unleashed violence on a village  Solhan  in northeast Burkina Faso, near the Nigerien border.

Other African states have experienced incessant threats to human security. In Nigeria, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report recently revealed that attacks from the dreaded Boko Haram, including its splinter group  Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani herdsmen have resulted in 2.7 million IDPs and 350,000 deaths. Besides the infiltration of Boko Harams terrorism in Chad, the spill-over effects of conflicts in its neighbouring countries  Cameroon, Libya, Sudan, and Niger  have compounded its quest for stability. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 237,000 refugees and 300,000 IDPs are living in Niger, which includes an additional 4,000 refugees and 2,000 newly displaced in 2021, due to attacks in the Tillaberi and Tahoua regions. In June, local armed men unleashed violence on a village  Solhan  in northeast Burkina Faso, near the Nigerien border. This attack claimed 138 lives and 40 sustained injuries, and the gun-wielding men set residential areas and the market ablaze.

Last month, South Africans and the global community watched in horror as lawlessness and violence, unprecedented in the countrys democratic history, were unleashed. What had started as pro-Zuma protests, after his imprisonment for contempt of court, became a free-for-all looting spree, uncontrolled criminality, and wholesale arson of factories and warehouses, that caused an estimated R50 billion in damages. More than 40,000 businesses, and 300 banks and post offices were destroyed, with 300 lives lost in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. While the Cyril Ramaphosa-led government could have reacted more swiftly, the administration has restored order to the warring zones due to the resilience of South Africas socio-political institutions. However, some of the conflict areas remain volatile.

The death of Libyas strongman, Muammar al-Qadaffi, continues to haunt his country, making it insecure. The protracted conflict in Sudan has ceased from attracting headlines, but many communities are still under the control of local rebels and conflict persists in Darfur. As recently as last January, hundreds of Sudanese nationals were killed and about 150,000 displaced when a suspected Arab rebel group attacked the el Geneina camp in West Darfur. In April, another outbreak of conflict in the town claimed the lives of more than 100 people, while thousands were displaced and fled to Chad.

Despite slow efforts to silence the guns in Africa, cases of bloodletting abound. What accounts for the expanding proliferation of conflicts? The colonial legacy? While this is close to the heart, the false promise of liberal democracy and capitalism systems have exposed the fragility of the disjointed elitist states that are dependent on global financial oligarchs, many of which are governed by greedy, corrupt, and inept leaders.

In 2016, what started as a protest by the two anglophone regions against marginalisation by the majority French-speaking government has turned Cameroon into a war zone. The violent conflict between the central government and minority separatist groups has killed over 4,000 people and displaced more than a million, including 66,899 refugees who fled to Nigeria. Boko Haram has killed over 3,000 people and displaced 250,000 in northern Cameroon. The country has also played host to 441,000 refugees, mostly from Nigeria and the Central African Republic.

Despite slow efforts to silence the guns in Africa, cases of bloodletting abound. What accounts for the expanding proliferation of conflicts? The colonial legacy? While this is close to the heart, the false promise of liberal democracy and capitalism systems have exposed the fragility of the disjointed elitist states that are dependent on global financial oligarchs, many of which are governed by greedy, corrupt, and inept leaders. Democratisation in Africa, which is seen as the antidote to both internal resurrections and external aggressions, has deepened poverty, structural violence, identity assertiveness and the politicisation of ethnic groups. Poverty remains closely associated with conflict. Of the 157 countries ranked in the 2019 global Human Capital Index, Chad occupied the last position, with 6.3 million Chadians living in extreme poverty. Military intervention is nothing but an aberration. Africas governing elites should implement effective governance and tackle the root causes of conflict  inequality and poverty. National, sub-regional, and regional actors should focus on silencing the pervasive poverty in Africa, before reviewing the ambitious African Unions project of silencing the guns.

Adeoye O. Akinola is a Head of Research and Teaching at the University of Johannesburgs Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation, South Africa.
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The latest World Health Organisation survey ranks Nigerias healthcare system as the fourth worst in the world. This would not come as a surprise to Nigerians living in a country where there are no ambulance services or a simple toll-free number, like 999 to call in an emergency. In the unfortunate event of a heart attack, the chances of survival in Nigeria are dire.

At a time when people are generally living longer, with a global average life expectancy of 73 years, the average Nigerian will be lucky to attain the age of 60. With a life expectancy of 55 years, Nigeria is one of four countries with the lowest life expectancies in the world, after the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and Chad, based on the latest data from the United Nations. At the root of early deaths in Nigeria is a healthcare system that has virtually collapsed due to the lack of investment. The latest World Health Organisation survey ranks Nigerias healthcare system as the fourth worst in the world. This would not come as a surprise to Nigerians living in a country where there are no ambulance services or a simple toll-free number, like 999 to call in an emergency. In the unfortunate event of a heart attack, the chances of survival in Nigeria are dire.

For decades, Nigerias health sector has suffered from acute underfunding, whilst the countrys leadership have jetted off to the U.K. and the Dubai, to get the medical care they have callously denied their fellow citizens. Even Nigerias number one citizen would have nothing to do with the healthcare system he superintends, preferring instead to patronise, unashamedly, the health services built by his peers in the U.K., at great cost to the Nigerian treasury.

In the last ten years alone, Nigeria has added almost 50 million people to its headcount, more than the entire population of Canada of 38 million, without any commensurate increase in investment in health. The Federal Government budget for health this year for the entire country is a miserly $1.07 billion (N547 billion), less than half the $2.4 billion (1.7 billion) expenditure budget for Guys and St Thomas  a government hospital in the U.K. favoured by Nigerias ruling elite.

Some have described Nigerias hospitals, perhaps too harshly, as where people go to die. With a public health system characterised by a shortage of drugs, equipment and medical specialists, Nigerians seem to have resigned themselves to the possibility of an early death, if unfortunate to be struck by any serious illness.

Apart from, perhaps, a few top private hospitals, the majority of hospitals in Nigeria are no more than mere consulting rooms, lacking in everything. Even empathy is in short supply, with the poor bearing the brunt of ill-treatment from health workers, overwhelmed themselves by the daily throng of patients needing care. With patients required to meet the full cost of treatment, Nigerias healthcare system has literally priced out access for over 100 million citizens living in poverty. Hospitals, however, argue they would be forced to close, if not able to recover the full cost of treatment from patients, in the absence of adequate funding from the government. It is not uncommon in Nigeria for patients to be held hostage in wards until a kind benefactor pays their medical bills. For very serious medical conditions, deposits of over half a million naira are required before treatment can even commence, an impossibility for over half the population, which lives in extreme poverty, according to the World Poverty Clock.

Sadly, inadequate funding is just one of the multi-faceted challenges plaguing healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Much has been said about the problem of quacks in the system and the risk these individuals pose to the lives of patients. Here is a worrisome social media account from a health practitioner: A patient with a slow pulse advised by a doctor to drink Coca-Cola to bring it up. A patient who was bleeding from the anus for 18 months was receiving blood transfusion with no tests until an endoscopy revealed much later that the patient had cancer, by then it was too late. A patient was told she had diabetes and was receiving treatment as a diabetic for 12 years only to find she was never diabetic. A doctor without any formal surgical training was alleged to have performed a complicated bowel surgery on a patient who died in the operation. A patient bled to death after a doctor carried out a renal biopsy without a simple medication history that would have revealed that the patient was on aspirin, a blood-thinning agent. A doctor administered a dextrose drip on an unconscious patient without first checking if the patient was diabetic  the patient never woke up. Another diagnosed bone tuberculosis by just touching a patients jaw without doing a single investigation and had planned to remove the patients jaw. The patient was saved when she sought a second opinion while abroad and was found to have a benign lymph node. These allegations, grave as they are, should not diminish the hard work of the vast majority of doctors and health workers, who continue to do their best for patients, with little resources and under very difficult circumstances; some owed many months of unpaid salaries and allowances.

Some have described Nigerias hospitals, perhaps too harshly, as where people go to die. With a public health system characterised by a shortage of drugs, equipment and medical specialists, Nigerians seem to have resigned themselves to the possibility of an early death, if unfortunate to be struck by any serious illness. The shortage of specialist medical personnel is further compounded by the mass migration abroad of Nigerian trained health professionals, due to poor conditions of service and worsening insecurity in the country. A House of Commons report in 2020 revealed that 8,241 Nigerians are currently working in various capacities in the National Health Service (NHS) in just England alone, and more are coming!

The government must explore innovative ways of addressing healthcare delivery in the country, in a manner that focuses on partnership between states, the private sector, and the huge talent of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora. The eradication of polio in Nigeria is just one example of how private money and charitable organisations can partner with the government to deliver the desired health outcomes.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no strategy by the government for addressing the challenges facing healthcare delivery in the country and the huge gap in funding. A recent study in the BMC Public Health showed that since the launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005, less than 5 per cent of Nigerians have taken up health insurance, whilst the rest of the population continue to finance their healthcare needs through out-of-pocket expenditure. With dwindling public finances, there is a need for the government to consider compulsory universal health insurance, as a means of funding the health sector, as well as improving access for the millions of citizens who are unable to afford healthcare. Contributions into the scheme should be on a sliding scale that takes into account individual earnings, with the poorest citizens entitled to free health insurance. Universal Health Insurance has been a great success in Rwanda, considered to have one of the best health insurance schemes in Africa, with over 90 per cent coverage.

The government must explore innovative ways of addressing healthcare delivery in the country, in a manner that focuses on partnership between states, the private sector, and the huge talent of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora. The eradication of polio in Nigeria is just one example of how private money and charitable organisations can partner with the government to deliver the desired health outcomes.

It is time for Nigerias leadership to start building in Nigeria those hospitals in Dubai and London they so delight to patronise and spare the country the costs and the ignominy of depending on other countries for the healthcare services they should be providing Nigerians here at home. In the event of a heart attack, London would certainly be too far to save anyone!

Emmanuel Nwachukwu, a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (London), is a U.K.-based business consultant. Twitter: @Emman321
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A man identified as Ezekiel Bitrus was shot dead while five others were injured as security personnel in the task force of the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) opened fire on a crowd trying to stop the agency from demolishing Ekilisiya Yanuwa a Nigeriya (EYN) Church in Maiduguri on Thursday. .

The state government confirmed the incident through a statement by Isa Gusau, the spokesperson to Governor Babagana Zulum.

Witnesses said the incident occurred when the task force arrived at the church that had been marked for demolition as an illegal structure.

Led by the Executive Secretary of BOGIS, Adam Bababe, the task force had moved heavy-duty equipment to the church but was received by angry church members throwing stones at them. The security personnel responded with gun shots.

Sadly the C-JTF personnel did not shoot in the air but fired directly at the mob which led to the death of one and injury of five others, an eyewitness said.

BOGIS claimed the demolition was targeted at structures erected illegally in the Maiduguri metropolis, including churches and mosques. .

The agency said the exercise was meant to enforce regulation of land administration and urban development compliance in the metropolis.

Investigation

The state government said it had set up a committee to investigate the clash.

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has ordered the Borno police command to immediately investigate a violent collision between a joint security task force operating with the Borno Geographical Information System and some worshippers at a branch of EYN Church at Maduganari, in Maiduguri, Mr Gusau said in the statement.

He said the governor condemned in strong terms the firing of gunshots by a member of the security task force as well as some persons who hurled stones at the task force during the encounter on Thursday.

One person died and five persons are currently hospitalised.

The governor also called the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Bishop Mohammed Naga, and spoke with him to commiserate with the Christian community and leadership and family of the EYN church in Borno.

The statement added that Mr Zulum had invited the CAN leadership for a meeting at 5:30 p.m on Friday at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The Governor also directed the deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, to visit the hospital where five injured persons are receiving treatment, to empathise with them and also take over the cost of their treatment.
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Gunmen on Thursday night burnt down a police station in Orlu, Imo State, and also killed a police inspector.

Three of the gunmen were also killed in the ensuing gunfire between them and the police, an official said.

The police spokesperson in the state, Mike Abattam, said the incident happened at about 9.35 p.m.

He said the bandits threw explosives and petrol bombs on top of the roof of Orlu police station, damaging the roof and causing a fire in the station.

He said the fire affected some of the vehicles at the parking lot.

Mr Abattam said the commands tactical teams on the ground engaged the bandits in a gun duel. And due to the superior firepower of the police, the bandits were subdued, he said.

Three of the bandits were neutralised and their guns, one pump action gun and two locally made double barrel pistols were recovered while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.

Unfortunately, a police inspector lost his life in the attack, he said.

The spokesperson urged the public to report anyone with bullet wounds to the police.

He said, Meanwhile the command is using this medium to call on the good people of Imo State especially, the Orsu community to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the escaped bandits and to report to the nearest police station any person seen with or treating bullet wounds.

Also hospitals are advised to ensure that they report any person who come to them for treatment of bullet wounds, the police said.

Imo State has been the worst hit by the recent attacks by gunmen in the South-east of Nigeria. Authorities blame the ESN, the armed wing of the separatist group, IPOB, for the attacks.

Dozens of police officers have been killed in such attacks in the region and public facilities including vehicles and buildings destroyed.

IPOB  whose leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was recently re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to face trial  has denied carrying out the attacks.

IPOB is a secessionist group seeking an Independent State of Biafra to be carved out of the present South-east states of Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Imo and some parts of South-south Nigeria.
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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has struck out the murder charge filed against one of the arrested Yoruba Nation agitators, Tajudeen Bakare.

The police arrested Mr Bakare and 47 others during the July 3 Yoruba Nation rally.

They were charged to court for murder, unlawful assembly, unlawful society and conduct likely to cause the breach of public peace, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

The police charged Mr Bakare for killing Jumoke Oyeleke, a 25-year-old trader who was hit by a stray bullet while the police were dispersing the agitators at the rally.

Mr Bakare was accused of being in possession of a Beretta pistol and two live ammunition with which he allegedly killed Ms Oyeleke.

But the Directorate of Public Prosecution on Wednesday struck out the murder charge due to lack of evidence.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Supo Ojo, the counsel to Ilana Omo Oodua, said other charges are still in place but the murder charge against Mr Bakare has been removed.

The murder charge has been removed by the Directorate of Public Prosecution because there was nothing in the police investigation to confirm that the man killed anybody.

The police were just playing pranks, they were trying to shift responsibility for the death of that lady they killed, Mr Ojo said.

The lawyer to the group said they have witness account and the coroners proceeding, which confirmed the cause of death.

We will get to the root of the matter. We will hold the police accountable for that, he said.

Ms Oyeleke was killed by a stray bullet during the rally as police officers fired guns and tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The police, however, denied responsibility for the death, saying their officers did not fire a single live bullet at the rally.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported how Mr Bakare remained in custody due to the murder charge while 47 other agitators were released on bail.

Following the new development, the counsel to the group confirmed that he has now been released from custody.

Mr Ojo said following the transmission of DPPs advice to the magistrate court, he was granted bail.
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Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has declared Monday, August 9, as a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic new year  Hijrah 1443 AH.

The information is in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tajudeen Lawal, on Friday in Osogbo.

The governor enjoined both Muslims and people of other religions to use the holiday to pray for the growth and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hijrah is the first day in the Islamic New Year Calendar.

(NAN)
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has arrested a 21-year old armed robbery suspect with a locally made gun and four live cartridges.

This was contained in a statement by the commands Public Relations Officer in the state, Oluwole Olusegun,made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

Mr Olusegun quoted the NSCDC Commandant, Michael Adaralewa, as saying that the suspect was arrested for allegedly stealing a cell phone on July 29 at about 9:30p.m. at Olomi Acedemy Area of Ibadan.

Mr Adaralewa said the suspect, who leads a three-man gang, was specialised in robbing innocent citizens of their possessions.

The commandant said the suspect was about to be set ablaze by a crowd after committing the offence, but was rescued by NSCDC personnel patrolling the area.

He called on Nigerians not to take law into their hands and shun juggle justice.

Mr Adaralewa said the suspect had confessed that his accomplices, now at large, were based in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Exhibits recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol and four live cartridges.

The suspect will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution, he said.

Mr Adaralewa assured the good people of Oyo State of adequate security of lives and property as men of NSCDC would intesify effort in patrolling every nook and cranny of the state.

He further said the corps would collaborate with other sister security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.

(NAN)
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The Lagos State Police Command had received a new public relations officer as the outgoing officer is deployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the outgoing spokesperson, assumed office in 2020 and served as the mouthpiece of the police up until August 5.

To take over from him is Adekunle Ajisebutu, a Chief Superintendent of Police, who was a one-time spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command.

In a statement by Mr Adejobi on Friday, he said the posting was approved by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, and it is with immediate effect.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, NPM, fdc, has approved the posting of CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State, to the Force Public Relations Department, Office of the Inspector-General of Police, Force Headquarters, Garki Abuja while CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu has been posted and taken over as the new PPRO Lagos State Police Command with effect from Friday, 6th August, 2021.

CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, before his present posting as the PPRO Lagos, was the Second-in-Command, Area E Festac Area Command, Lagos State. He was one time the PPRO Oyo State Police Command from 2015 to 2019 and PPRO Zone 11, Osogbo from 2019 to 2020, the statement reads.

Mr Ajisebutu has worked in various capacities in the force, including PPRO Oyo State, Deputy PPRO, Ogun State, among others.

Mr Ajisebutu is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

With this development, Ajisebutu has taken up the responsibilities of the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command with immediate effect and could be reached on cell phone number 08036536581, he statement further reads.

Similarly, 13 other police commands have received new police commissioners following the approval of the IGP.

The states are Enugu, Kaduna, Abuja, Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Jigawa, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Kebbi states.

The posting of the Senior Officers is part of efforts at repositioning the Force for greater efficiency, stabilizing the internal security order and scaling up the fight against crimes and criminality in the country, Frank Mba, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, said in a statement.

Mr Mba said the posting and the redeployment of the senior police officers was with immediate effect.

The IGP, Mr Baba, charged the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by stabilising security in the country.

He enjoined citizens in the affected States to cooperate with their new Commissioners of Police for efficient service delivery.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Friday, signed the recently passed Legislative (Fund Management) Bill and the Judiciary (Fund Management) Bill into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four other bills signed into law by the governor are the Creation of Local Government Areas (amendment) Bill; Office of the Attorney General Bill; Consumer Protection Bill; and the Economic Development Council bill.

Mr Fayemi said the enactment of the bills into law would not only assist in improving governance, but codify existing arrangements between the three arms of government on revenue allocation.

He said the signing reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to good governance, transparency, fair and equal opportunity for development by all communities in the state.

Mr Fayemi said the Legislative (Fund Management) Bill and the Judiciary (Fund Management) Bill were to provide for the self-management of funds by the State Legislature and the Judiciary.

These bills are proposed in furtherance of the Memorandum of Action and the implementation of the financial autonomy for the State legislature and judiciary.

It was jointly signed by the Nigeria Governors Forum, the Conference of Speakers and the National Judicial Council, among others on May 20.

It will enhance the vision of my administration for a self- sustaining three arms of government that work as equals even if separately for the delivery of good governance to the people of Ekiti State.

I should add that for us, these bills are not simply about allocating or sharing revenue.

They provide an opportunity for the three arms of government to constantly interface on how our limited resources can be best managed.

Also how to grow the resources to meet the many and evolving needs of our people across the state, he said.

The governor said the creation of Local Government (Amendment) bill was a law for the creation of additional 19 local government areas in Ekiti State.

I am of the firm opinion that the creation of LCDAs is necessary and important to the socio economic and political development of Ekiti State.

What is important at this moment is that the beneficiary communities of the 19 newly created LCDAs will work with government to make a success of this initiative.

For emphasis, achieving the efficient functioning of the LCDAs cannot be the exclusive responsibility of government.

Beneficiary communities must see themselves as active partners in the development of the LCDAS.

After signing this into law, the next stage is to formalise the institutional delivery of the 19 LCDAS.

On the office of the Attorney-General bill, Mr Fayemi said it was sought to achieve an integrated and efficient Ministry of Justice that provided professional legal and legislative services to the government and people of Ekiti State.

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According to him, gaining the confidence of our citizens in the administration of justice has been a priority agenda for his administration.

The office of the Attorney-Generals law will ensure that our interventions in the justice sector are preserved.

Our goal is to make sure that successive governments build on what we have achieved thus far, he said.

Mr Fayemi said the consumer protection law would promote and protect the rights of consumers in Ekiti State.

It is noteworthy that the law provides a framework for aggrieved citizens to seek redress against unfair trade practices and the unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

The governor directed the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries to immediately put in place modalities for the implementation of the law.

Mr Fayemi said the 6th bill on the the Economic Development Council was to facilitate economic growth and business competitiveness of Ekiti State by establishing the Economic Development Council.

According to him, the objective is to promote partnership and collaboration between the public and private sector.

READ ALSO: Fayemi constitutes governing board for people living with disabilities

In enacting this law, we have listened to many suggestions from the private sector on the need for closer engagement and interaction with relevant public institutions.

This law formally acknowledges the very important role of the private sector in the economic development of Ekiti State.

We envisage that this partnership will create a more efficient business environment that will be attractive to local and foreign investors, he added.

Mr Fayemi commended members of the House of Assembly for the vigour with which they set about the task of law making.

There is no doubt that this constructive partnership is largely responsible for the many firsts that Ekiti state has recorded in the area of good governance, he said.

(NAN)
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Venture Firm Catalyzes Growth of Startups through the Global Network of New Frontier Capital

PALO ALTO, Calif. and TOKYO, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (July 30, 2021) - Allegis Capital, a prominent Silicon Valley VC, and New Frontier Capital Management International ("NFCM"), a leading Asian GP, have jointly announced today that they have signed an MOU to become strategic partners.

With this new strategic partnership, Allegis and NFCM will promote cross-border collaboration, such as business alliances and M&A between Silicon Valley startups holding world-class technologies and Japanese and multinational corporations seeking to further global innovation.

NFCM will provide business matching, corporate alliance, joint R&D, M&A and other business opportunities to startup companies invested by Allegis Capital by introducing and connecting the startups to global corporations with a special focus on Japanese corporations.

NFCM will also support the development and commercialization of the technologies of Allegis startups by connecting the startups to global universities and institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Melbourne, Zhejiang University, Russia Skolkovo and Kenya Investment Authority.

In addition, together with its global fund partners such as Tata Capital, China Merchants Group and Da Vinci Capital, NFCM will unlock opportunities for Allegis startups for financing and global market entry into international markets such as Japan, India, China, Australia, Russia and Africa.

"The strategic partnership with NFCM represents the opportunity for us to aide our portfolio companies to expand their strategic plans internationally. We also hope that this partnership will evolve over time into a larger strategic partnership." said Spencer Tall, Allegis Capital Managing Director.

"The Allegis-NFCM partnership is a powerful combination, especially in today's digital era. Allegis is a member of inner circle of Silicon Valley and has proprietary access to cutting-edge technology and business models in Silicon Valley. NFCM has the network of Japanese corporations, international funds and global universities seeking for the next-generation innovation," said Shigeki Usuki, NFCM CEO. "The geographic strengths, North America for Allegis and Asia Pacific for NFCM, also complements the significance of our strategic partnership."

About Allegis Capital

Based in Silicon Valley and Maryland, Allegis Capital has pioneered an integrated cybersecurity investment platform spanning seed to early-growth cybersecurity companies. It is the first VC focused exclusively on cybersecurity and data science and has been investing in cybersecurity for more than 15 years in the U.S and select international markets. The Allegis Capital team is replete with VC and startup entrepreneurial veterans. The team has been described in industry press as the "Cyber's Money Men" for its domain expertise and position. Current Allegis Capital investments include Area 1 Security, Callsign, CyberGRX, Dragos, SafeGuard Cyber, Shape Security, Signifyd, Source Defense, Synack, and vArmour. For more information, please visit www.allegiscyber.com

About New Frontier Capital Management International

NFCM is based in Japan with offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, mainland China and Singapore. Through NFCM Hong Kong, NFCM co-invests in global GPs and jointly manages global VC and PE funds such as CMH Growth Fund, a China PE growth fund with China Merchants Group, and Tata Capital Growth Fund, an Indian PE fund with Tata Capital as well as global VC funds such as Cybernaut New Frontier Venture Fund (China VC), AI Human (Australia VC) and Africa Healthcare Fund (Africa VC).

In addition to NFCM's corporate network of Japanese and global corporations, NFCM Hong Kong has a global network of innovation and has signed agreements relating to the promotion of innovation with top-tier academia and government institutions including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Hyderabad, University of Melbourne, Skolkovo Foundation (Russia), Zhejiang University (China) and Kenya Investment Authority. For more information, please visit www.nfcm.com.hk/en/

Related Links

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SOURCE Allegis Capital; New Frontier Capital Management International
Gathered in the Holy City of Makkah, home of the Qibla, the MWL led a full-day conference, where participants developed a framework on the roles of scholars in combatting sectarianism and religious extremism, promoting intra-faith coexistence, and providing support to Iraqi government efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

MWL Secretary General His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa spearheaded the effort, which included:

His Eminence Hassan Ibrahim AbulQasem Al Khoei, Professor in the House of Knowledge

His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Hassan Al-Taha , Senior Scholar of the Iraqi Fiqh Academy and Imam and Preacher of the Hanafi School

, Senior Scholar of the Iraqi Fiqh Academy and Imam and Preacher of the Hanafi School Zaid Muhammed Abboud Bahr Al Uloom , Professor at the Hawzah in Najaf

, Professor at the Hawzah in Najaf Saleh Mahdi Baqer Al Hakim , Office Director of Marja Muhammed Saeed

, Office Director of His Excellency Dr. Saad Hamid Kambash, Head of the Sunni Endowment Office

His Eminence Sayyid Mohammad Ali Mohammad Ali Bahr Al-Uloom, Supervisor of the Teachers Institute for Graduate Studies, spokesperson for the Shiite References

His Excellency Dr. Haider Hassan Jalil Al-Shammari , Head of the Shiite Endowment Office

, Head of the Shiite Endowment Office His Excellency Dr. Pashtun Sadiq Abdullah , Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Iraq's Kurdistan Region.

Beyond these senior leaders, the depth of support from both sides demonstrated the unwavering commitment to fostering real change in local communities throughout Iraq.

"Today's event represented the true principles of Islam," said Dr. Al-Issa. "Islam teaches us to always strive for peace and reconciliation. It instructs us to embrace diversity and respect each other's differences. It tells us to live in coexistence and harmony with all. And it directs us to build bridges of cooperation and understanding. The Muslim leaders and scholars gathered in the Holy City of Makkah demonstrated their commitment to promoting these values."

The leaders agreed to establish a new coordination committee which will serve as a direct platform for resolving disagreements within Iraq where Islamic leaders can foster unity and address any disputes before they escalate.

Consensus also emerged to plan and create a new high-level permanent commission for cooperation on Iraqi Islamic affairs that will focus on outreach domestically and outside Iraq throughout the Ummah and between other faiths. The commission will be led by a rotating Presidency, with a Secretary General providing oversight to follow through on the ideas set by the esteemed scholars.

The regular communication between these clerics will serve to counteract those that would seek to twist the peaceful message of the Qu'ran to inspire hatred and political violence, and ensure the necessary infrastructure exists for consistent messaging of the true tenets of Islam.

The senior religious leaders will continue to focus on teaching the Prophet's true message and aim to ease sectarian tensions in Iraq across their diverse followings.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1588628/Muslim_World_League.jpg

SOURCE Muslim World League
SHANGHAI, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the evolving landscape of the global automotive industry, Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company") is issuing a bi-monthly industry insight called "CANGO Auto View" to bring readers, drivers and passengers up to speed with what's on offer in the automobile market, what trends are emerging, and what holes need to be plugged.

Below is an article from the Company's 4th edition for June 2021.

Auto intelligence and connectivity are the most challenging aspects of automakers' broader transition toward electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and shared mobility. According to a Deloitte report, there are three main directions for the evolution of automotive intelligence: intelligent interaction, intelligent driving, and intelligent services. Among them, intelligent interaction is the very beginning and core, while intelligent driving and intelligent services are the output in driving operation and service experience. Tech-enabled intelligent driving will be the essential function, while intelligent services centered by connectivity will be the start of new experience and business innovation.

From an OEM perspective, the three paths for developing intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) are the product development path focusing on autonomous driving technology, the connectivity service development path that supports rapid product improvement, and the intelligent cockpit path prioritizing user thinking. As intelligence and connectivity development of automobiles is highly technical in nature, aside from automakers, it has also attracted the participation of technology giants such as Google, Apple, Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu and Huawei.

EV manufacturer Tesla appears to be a pioneer in ADAS and autonomous driving. Elon Musk said in 2015 that the technology behind a fully autonomous vehicle only takes "two to three years" to develop, and "one to five more years" to obtain approval from regulatory authorities; in October 2015, Tesla launched the "Autopilot" software, which can be installed on compatible Model S, enabling automatic steering, lane change and parking functionalities.

Volkswagen Group, representing traditional OEMs, started the transformation from its luxury car brand Audi. In 2013, Audi became the world's first carmaker to obtain autonomous driving test licenses in California and Nevada.

Before this, technology company Google's autonomous vehicle fleet had already been granted autonomous driving test licenses. On May 8, 2012, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles issued the first ever self-driving car license to Google's self-driving car, which was a modified version of Toyota Prius hybrid.

Teaming up with tech companies and component companies has also become a popular strategy adopted by mainstream auto manufacturers in developing auto intelligence and connectivity. BMW formed an alliance with Intel and Mobileye to build a platform based on open standards, so as to launch its self-driving cars to the market. In 2021, BMW plans to complete the development and application of L3 (conditional autonomous driving) to L4 (highly autonomous driving). A representative mass-produced model is BMW iNEXT, will also be equipped with full connectivity that supports 5G and the 5th. generation BMW eDrive technology.

Bosch, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, has more than 2,000 engineers working in the research and development of assisted driving systems. The company also cooperates with GPS manufacturer TomTom to provide surveying and mapping data. In April 2017, Bosch and Mercedes announced the joint development of L4 (high automation) and L5 (full automation) cars. Mercedes can exclusively use the jointly developed system for two years before it can be supplied to other car-making competitors.

In April, Huawei published a video of autonomous driving on public roads. The HI version of the BAIC BJEV Arcfox -S using Huawei's intelligent automotive solutions started public driving test in Shanghai, which was also the test debut of Huawei's autonomous driving technology. According to Wang Jun, President of Huawei's Smart Car Solution Business Unit, Huawei will invest over USD1 billion this year in the research and development of smart cars in 2021, with the R&D team expanded to over 5,000 staff members, of which more than 2,000 will be devoted to autonomous driving.

Also, it is worth mentioning that autonomous driving is also among the key investment directions of ride-hailing companies. In March 2017, Didi Chuxing opened its own AI laboratory in the heart of Silicon Valley, starting a business unit to drive research and development of its intelligent driving system and AI-based road safety system. In February 2018, Didi Chuxing showcased a working self-driving car for the first time, claiming to have developed software for the car and worked with various car manufacturers and suppliers in hardware.

In terms of Internet of Vehicles (IoV), General Motors is undoubtedly one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to have made early investments. GM launched OnStar on three Cadillac luxury models as early as November 1996. In December 2009, Shanghai GM launched the OnStar service  first in Cadillac, and now expanded to Buick and Chevrolet.

In 2009, Toyota embedded the G-BOOK co-driver intelligent communication system in its luxury vehicle division Lexus and brought it to the Chinese market. Before that, Ford released the SYNC in-vehicle communications and infotainment system at the North American International Auto Show in 2007.

In April 2021, SAIC-GM showcased its new pure electric platform Ultium, a new generation of Vehicle Intelligent Platform (VIP) intelligent electronic architecture, and the continuously iterating and evolving Super Cruise super-intelligent driving system. By 2025, SAIC-GM will have launched more than 10 domestic NEVs based on the Ultium platform, covering its three major brands of Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac.

Over the next 5 years, the Super Cruise super-intelligent driving system will cover most of the Cadillac models, and will gradually be applied to future new models of Buick and Chevrolet; the intelligent lane-center cruise function will be applied to more than 80% of the models by all three brands, and all of the Ultium platform models.

Circling back to Volkswagen, in 2020, the company began to cooperate with Deutsche Telekom in data communication services. Volkswagen is also talking to other network operators to help users add a network data service item when using the new technology. The second generation of Volkswagen's Car-Net connected car services as rolled out in collaboration with ride-hailing companies to provide car owners with point-to-point shared mobility services, which is also part of VW's future plan.

In the Internet era, future generation of automobiles will establish vehicle-to-vehicle communications, effectively eliminating car collisions. The development of ICVs will also enable communications and connections between cars and people, cars and roads, cars themselves, and cars and the outside world, so as to achieve intelligent dynamic information services, intelligent vehicle control and intelligent traffic management. It will also involve voice interaction solutions, traffic data collection, traffic resource allocation modes, big data and cloud computing solutions, and even updates and compatibility with service providers such as shops, parking lots, and transportation hubs. The time has come for "software-defined vehicles."

Chinese companies are also accelerating the roll-out of future-facing products and businesses, promoting innovation in automotive products, technologies and services.

Among them, Geely Automobile has started its transformation towards a technology-based enterprise since 2018. The newly released GKUI 19 intelligent ecosystem is equipped with E01, the first mass-produced automotive-level high-performance chip with self-led development and deep customization. Great Wall Motors' intelligent connectivity system Haval, has been iterated and upgraded to Version 3.0, co-developed by the Haval brand and international service providers such as AutoNavi, Tencent, Bosch and Sharp. Changan Automobile continues to implement its intelligent "Dubhe Plan" by continuously promoting the "4+1" activities by 2025, with 100% smart cockpits, L4 mass production and sales, and software technology talents amounting to 5,000. Dongfeng Nissan also launched the "Smart Travel+" car connectivity system together with its partners including China Unicom, AutoNavi Maps, iFlytek, Moji Weather, Kuwo Music, Koala FM, Alibaba Cloud, Tencent, Hangsheng Electronics and Lan-You Technology.

The world's major car companies are all embracing the four new trends of electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and shared mobility now, and before we know it, the new age of automobiles will be upon us.

About Cango Inc.

Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China connecting dealers, financial institutions, car buyers, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and engages car buyers through a nationwide dealer network. The Company's services primarily consist of automotive financing facilitation, car trading transactions, and after-market services facilitation. By utilizing its competitive advantages in technology, data insights, and cloud-based infrastructure, Cango is able to connect its platform participants while bringing them a premium user experience. Cango's platform model puts it in a unique position to add value for its platform participants and business partners as the automotive and mobility markets in China continue to grow and evolve. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

Media Contact:

Juliet Ye

Cango Inc.

Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cango_Group

SOURCE Cango Inc.
DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognitus will now offer SAP Concur solutions for the U.S. public sector, encompassing state and local government, K-12, higher education, aerospace and defense and government contracting.

Cognitus Consulting LLC

"SAP Concur solutions are the right choice for our customers to save time and money by automating spend management, optimizing expense, travel and accounts payable processes," said Denis Gustin, ISM Practice Lead at Cognitus Consulting. We are extremely excited for this new partnership as an authorized value-added reseller of SAP Concur solutions and aspire to serve our customers with the best-in-class solutions."

Cognitus Consulting is authorized to resell Concur Travel & Expense, Concur Expense and Concur Invoice. These solutions simplify spend management, allowing Cognitus to offer significant value to customers by helping them with their travel, expense, and invoice challenges. Customers will be able to control budget and decision making before any spend takes place, as well as ensure Duty of Care for employees.

SAP Concur solutions also provide the resources to capture and report mileage, create visual and interactive reports, and comply with local tax regulations. By enabling customers to see all their spending in one place, SAP Concur experts at Cognitus can help them eliminate manual expense reporting, easily enforce spending policies, capture receipts, reimburse employees more quickly, and make better overall business decisions based on timely and accurate data. Cognitus consultants are also trained to implement the solutions, providing additional value to customers.

About Cognitus

Cognitus Consulting is an SAP Gold Partner that implements, deploys, sells and supports SAP solutions, in addition to building apps in the SAP ecosystem, through its global network of offices across North America, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. It is a world leader in the S/4HANA Movement with its Gallop portfolio focusing on S/4HANA assessments, factory delivered migrations, and guided outcomes for specific business process improvements.

For more information, press only:

[email protected]

Any statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties described in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 20-F, that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. SAP cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which SAP has no obligation to update and which speak only as of their dates.

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Related Images

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SOURCE Cognitus Consulting LLC
BANGALORE, India, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Containerboard Market is Segmented by Type (Linerboard, Corrugating Medium), by Application (Food & Beverage, Electronics & Home Appliance, Consumer Good, Medical and Pharmaceuticals, Chemical Industry, Other). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecasts from 2021 to 2027. It is published in Valuates Reports under Business & Industrial Category.

The global Containerboard market size is projected to reach USD 198430 Million by 2027, from USD 155920 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2021-2027.

Major factors driving the growth of the containerboard market are:

The containerboard market would benefit from the rising demand for lightweight packaging materials to improve supply chain efficiency by reducing shipping costs and providing adequate safety for products.

The rapid development of the e-commerce industry is also boosting growth, owing to the use of corrugated boxes in specific products to protect items from external stress. These sheets are used to make cardboards that are used in the packaging of medications, food, chemicals, and engineering goods.

Since containerboard is made from recyclable material, it contributes to a lower carbon footprint and helps in meeting sustainable development goals.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE CONTAINERBOARD MARKET

Increasing e-commerce and export activity across the globe is expected to drive the containerboard market. The containerboard is stackable, can withstand top and side pressure, and is crush resistant. It is resistant to impact, drop, and vibration damage and can be customized for added security. Such a feature makes it the preferred packaging material for shipping everything from electronics to fragile glassware to perishable goods for industrial and residential.

Increasing emphasis on reducing shipping costs is expected to further propel the Containerboard market. Containerboard is relatively lightweight and can be broken down for easy transport. This allows for reducing shipping and transportation costs which decrease overall packaging and carriage cost.

Cosmetics, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and other sectors are all seeing an increase in the demand for sustainable packaging. This is a significant contributor to the containerboard market's expansion. Containerboard is made from a renewable resource  recovered paper and trees that are replanted to ensure a sustainable supply.

The growing popularity of ready-to-eat frozen meals and convenience foods will boost the food and beverage industry's productivity, necessitating the use of more container boards for packaging and shipping. This in turn will fuel the containerboard market.

Browse the Table of Contents and List of figures at: https://reports.valuates.com/reports/QYRE-Auto-27T4032/global-containerboard

CONTAINERBOARD MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

During 2017, the recycled containerboard market segment held the greatest proportion of the global market. According to this corrugated cardboard market research study, there will be a high demand for recycled packaging materials during the forecast period, and as a result, this sector will continue to dominate the market in the coming years.

The food and beverage industry is expected to be the most lucrative. The food and beverage industry requires corrugated boxes built from container boards for transportation and storage. This is due to features like hardness, stacking and vibration resistance, and the capacity to withstand crushing.

Based on region, North America is expected to be the most lucrative during the forecast period. The United States is a major exporter of containerboard, particularly corrugated containers around the world. In comparison to other regions, the cost of materials and manufacturing in the country is lower. The country's concern for sustainable development is also a factor for high containerboard manufacturing.

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Major Key Players in the Containerboard Market

International Paper

Mondi

SCA

Westrock

Stora Enso

Sonoco Products

PCA

SAICA

Georgia -Pacific

-Pacific DS Smith

Smurfit Kappa Group

Klabin

Heinzel Group

Greif

Daio Paper

Oji Holdings

Rengo

Nippon Paper

BillerudKorsnas

Pratt Industries

Cascades

Kruger Inc

Hamburger Containerboard

New Indy Containerboard

Grupo Zucamor

Nine Dragons Paper

Yuen Foong Yu Group

Containerboard Market Production by Region

North America

Europe

China

Japan

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- The global Paperboard market size is projected to reach USD 471520 Million by 2027, from USD 406350 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period 2021-2027.

- The global Paper and Paperboard Packaging market size is projected to reach USD 224740 Million by 2027, from USD 189320 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period 2021-2027.

- The global Corrugated Packaging market size is projected to reach USD 250330 Million by 2027, from USD 220980 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 2.1% during 2021-2027.

- The global Corrugated Board market size is projected to reach USD 4801.7 Million by 2026, from USD 3974 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 2.7% during 2021-2026.

- Corrugated Electronics Packaging Market By Type (Folding Cartons, Corrugated Boxes, Carton Clamshells, Corrugated Trays, Others), By Application (Consumer Electronics, Aerospace, Automotive, Healthcare, Others)

- Customized e-commerce packaging Market - Customized e-commerce packaging is conducive to improving production efficiency, reducing labor costs, and reducing integration of RFID technology and data insights to optimize supply chain traceability, improve efficiency, and closer relationships with customers, optimize counterweight services, and optimize warehousing And transportation capacity.

- The global Edible Packaging market size is projected to reach USD 581.8 Million by 2027, from USD 473.3 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2021-2027.

- In 2020, the global Sterile Medical Packaging market size was USD 27300 Million and it is expected to reach USD 41780 Million by the end of 2027, with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2021-2027.

- Thermal Insulation Packaging Market By Type (PUR Insulation Packaging, Metallised Insulation Packaging, EPS Insulation Packaging, VIP Insulation Packaging, Others), By Application (Meal Kits, Seafood, Others (Beverages, etc.))

- The Europe fresh food packaging market size was valued at USD 3,718.2 Million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 4,890.6 Million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 3.1% from 2019 to 2026. The vegetable segment leads in terms of Europe fresh food packaging market share and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period.

- Global Packaging Containerboard Market Report 2021

- Global Recycled Containerboard Market Report 2021

To see the full list of related reports on the Containerboard

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RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds investors that securities fraud class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of those who purchased or acquired DiDi: (a) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with DiDi's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO"); and/or (b) securities between June 30, 2021 and July 21, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period").

Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired DiDi ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with the IPO and/or DiDi securities during the Class Period may, no later than September 7, 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 [email protected]; or click https://www.ktmc.com/didi-global-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=didi

DiDi is a mobility technology platform, providing ride hailing and other services in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), Brazil, Mexico, and internationally. DiDi is often called "the Uber of China."

On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. Following this news, DiDi's share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021.

Then, on July 22, 2021, before market hours, Bloomberg published an article entitled "China Weighs Unprecedented Penalty for Didi After U.S. IPO" which reported, in part, that "Chinese regulators are considering serious, perhaps unprecedented, penalties for Didi Global Inc. after its controversial initial public offering last month." Following this news, DiDi's share price fell $3.44 per share, nearly 30%, over the next two trading days to close at $8.06 per share on July 23, 2021.

The complaint alleges that the Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state that: (1) DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (2) as a result, DiDi was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the CAC; (3) the CAC had warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (4) as a result of the foregoing, DiDi would face "serious, perhaps unprecedented, penalties" from relevant authorities; (5) as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in the PRC, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants' positive statements about DiDi's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

DiDi investors may, no later than September 7, 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)

[email protected]

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Related Links

http://www.ktmc.com


NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Endoca, the leading organic CBD brand, has announced title sponsorship of a Times Square takeover on National CBD Day, presented by Sublime Communications powered by Five Tier, Inc.

Endoca will be showcased on the iconic Times Square billboards at the "crossroads of the world" to celebrate the day and recognize that Endoca's all natural, premium quality CBD products harness the pure power of nature to aid in sleep, muscle recovery and stress. The program will spread to social media channels throughout the day encouraging users to like, comment, and share the brand's vision of providing optimal wellness.

"At Endoca, we believe nature makes the best formulas and our innovative hemp extracts provide powerful, effective and safe CBD products that create synergy and balance in the body," said CEO and Founder Dr. Henry Vicentry. "Our primary goal is to make CBD in all homes throughout the world by 2030. It will have a place in the home just like salt and garlic - and Endoca is the premium brand of choice."

Nicole Enslein, Founder and CEO of Sublime Communications commented: "We are so excited to launch this program for Endoca on National CBD Day. The power of nature and the power of our media platform in partnership with Five Tier will ensure Endoca is on the tips of everybody's tongues as the CBD market continues to expand and the brand campaign evolves over the coming months."

The placements will run on National CBD Day, Sunday, August 8, 2021. People are encouraged to visit endoca.com.

About Endoca

Founded in 2010, Endoca was one of the world's first CBD oil companies to start selling CBD products online, including CBD oils, capsules, and creams. Endoca has a state-of-the-art laboratory, in compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and is regarded as the pioneer in the CBD industry as its products are made with 100% chemical-free ingredients, free from fillers or any hidden extracts. Endoca is dedicated to promoting overall well-being for every individual by unlocking the true power of nature through high-quality products.

About Sublime Communications

Sublime Communications is a certified women-owned and operated full-service marketing and communications agency that has spent decades providing Fortune 500 brands with global reach. The Sublime team of creative marketers has earned multiple industry awards for its impact campaigns that have led to exponential company growth across cross-channel platforms. Leveraging data-driven analytics and insights, Sublime offers a full spectrum of services encompassing brand strategy and positioning, creative development, media buying, digital marketing, web design and development, research, and media/influencer relations.

For more information about Sublime, please visit www.sublimecommunications.com.

Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Five Tier Inc.

Five Tier is the world's leading Connected Media platform providing fast, affordable, comprehensive solutions for clients of all sizes that enable efficient, effective growth.

Five Tier has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, CheddarTV and NPR as well as in Forbes, Consumer Reports, and the New York Times. For more information, please visit fivetier.com

Media Contact:

Robben Gold

Director of Communications, Five TIer Inc.

[email protected]

844.282.4376

Michelle Moskowitz

Chief of Staff, Sublime Communications

[email protected]

917.597.0863

SOURCE Sublime Communications; Five Tier, Inc.
"We partner with organizations around the country to help with the needs of our neighbors. There is so much hurt happening, while also tons of success happening because of the change in behaviors," said FAB CBD's founder. "We feel obligated to help as much as we can afford. With our customers' help, we were able to raise money through profits to help over $100,000 in causes in 2020, and we aim to help even more this year."

To date, FAB CBD has partnered with such charitable organizations as One Tree Planted, the Milwaukee Branch of Feeding America, Make-A-Wish, Watering Seeds Organization, and Operation Underground Railroad, among many others.

During the National CBD Sale, customers will receive the following discounts:

Spend $50 , Get 15% Off

, Get 15% Off Spend $100 , Get 20% Off

, Get 20% Off Spend $150 , Get 25% Off

As an added bonus, customers will receive free shipping on all orders over $99.

Shop CBD Day Sale Now

All of FAB CBD's high-quality products are crafted from the cleanest organic Colorado hemp, as well as some of the very best natural ingredients in today's CBD Industry. Customers can choose from any of FAB CBD's top-shelf products including:

Full-Spectrum CBD Oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg, and in bright, delicious flavors like vanilla, citrus, berry, natural, and mint.

Topical CBD Cream that has a refreshing and invigorating blood orange scent and silky smooth texture.

CBD Body Salve that heats and cools tough muscle and joint aches with full-spectrum CBD, menthol crystals and cinnamomum camphora oil, vitamin E oil, and other amazing natural ingredients.

"Anytime" Daytime CBD Chews made with CBD isolate are a perfect and tasty way to get your CBD on the go.

"Nighttime" CBD PM Chews made with pure and potent broad spectrum CBD extract, L-Theanine, ashwagandha, melatonin, 5-HTP, GABA, and other natural ingredients to help you get the best rest yet!

Calm & Cool Crunchy CBD Dog Treats that'll upgrade your pup's day or night.

Non-CBD Green Superfoods that help you get vital nutrients into your body in a single micro- and macronutrient-packed serving.

To date, FAB CBD has received over 2,100 five-star verified customer reviews from both longtime customers as well as customers who've tried the brand for the first time.

"This is my third order from FAB. Not only is their tincture the most effective around, they have customer service that can't be equaled," said Wendy M., a verified buyer. "This company is aptly named!"

Ever since its founding back in 2017, FAB CBD has been laser-focused on pushing the envelope in the CBD industry by offering customers thoughtful, carefully crafted, cutting-edge CBD products. To date, the team at FAB CBD has successfully brought the brand's mission to life by helping its customers live a preventative wellness lifestyle through science, innovation, and premium supplementation.

FAB CBD's National CBD Day Sale runs through August 09, 2021.

Shop CBD Day Sale Here

SOURCE FAB CBD
TEANECK, N.J., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mortgage Apple Cakes, founded by single mom Angela Logan to save her home from foreclosure, celebrated twelve years in business on July 17th. In 2009, Angela set a goal to sell 100 cakes in 10 days  she received 900 orders as news of her decision to sell cakes, from her kitchen to raise money for her mortgage, became a viral sensation. After twelve years, Angela Logan has grown Mortgage Apple Cakes from her home kitchen to a brick-and-mortar bakery. In 2020, Angela optimized her bakery operations for expanded shipments of cakes to customers nationwide.

Mortgage Apple Cakes

Logan's story of tenacity inspired the 2014 movie Apple Mortgage Cake. The film stars award-winning actress Kimberly Elise, as Angela Logan, and is set immediately before and after Mortgage Apple Cakes was formed. Since its release, the movie is streaming on numerous networks and platforms, including UPtv, Pureflix, Amazon Prime, and the Hallmark Channel. The movie's popularity continues to fuel awareness of Angela's motivational story and has contributed to the ongoing demand for her cakes.

Leveraging exposure from the movie and the continued overall interest in the Mortgage Apple Cake story, the company has experienced record sales nationwide through the popular food delivery platform Goldbelly. In 2021, Mortgage Apple Cakes sold a record number of items on the platform. Goldbelly has allowed Mortgage Apple Cakes to develop and grow a loyal customer base beyond New York City. "We provide the same gourmet quality, attention to detail, and personalized experience to Goldbelly customers that our local bakery customers have grown to love and expect over the years."

After twelve years in business, Mortgage Apple Cakes is actively expanding its product base, aiming to appeal to the next generation of consumers by adding a line of vegan items. Additionally, Mortgage Apple Cakes is one of the very few black-owned kosher bakeries in the nation. In the summer of 2021, Mortgage Apple Cakes underwent a major brand update. "We set out to modernize our brand image while staying true to our original high quality, all-natural, and freshly homemade image." The Mortgage Apple Cakes rebranding debuted a new logo, website, messaging, packaging, and marketing strategy to align with evolving consumer expectations and trends.

Looking beyond 2021, Angela Logan envisions Mortgage Apple Cakes branching into retail grocery establishments with prepackaged food products, such as cake mix and frosting. Logan also foresees media projects that will continue to amplify her story significantly  both past and future, as she scales her brand into new categories. "After twelve years in business, it still feels like I'm just getting started.

Mortgage Apple Cakes was founded in 2009 by single mom Angela Logan. Faced with losing her Teaneck, NJ home to foreclosure, Angela set a goal to sell 100 cakes in 10 days to raise money to save her home. Her story went viral, garnering national and international press, resulting in orders from across the country, far exceeding her financial goals. In 2014, a movie was produced based on Angela's inspirational story entitled "Apple Mortgage Cake", starring award-winning actress Kimberly Elise. Mortgage Apple Cakes operates a brick-and-mortar kosher bakery in Teaneck's town square, serving a loyal customer base locally and nationally. The recipe for all products, including the Original Mortgage Apple Cake, was inspired by Angela Logan's grandmother, who only used wholesome, organic, and natural ingredients. Learn more about Mortgage Apple Cakes at https://www.maccakes.com/.

Media Contact: Briana McEachern

Savvy Food Marketing

Phone: 646.960.9105

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Mortgage Apple Cakes

Related Links

https://www.maccakes.com/


FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 6; Released: May 2021 Executive Pool: 2479 Companies: 58 - Players covered include AECOM; Austin Industries; Bechtel Corporation; Fluor Corporation; Hensel Phelps Construction Company; Hill International, Inc.; GMR Group; Jacobs Engineering Group; L&T Construction; McCarthy Holdings, Inc.; PCL Constructors, Inc.; Skanska USA, Inc.; Suffolk Construction; Sundt Construction; TAV Construction; The Walsh Group; Turner Construction Company and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Segment (Greenfield Construction, Airport Replacement, Brownfield Expansions, Airport Conversion) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry



ABSTRACT-



Global Airport Construction Market to Reach $1.3 Trillion by 2024

Airport, an aviation facility mainly intended for commercial air transport, consists of a landing area with a runway and lighting infrastructure, aircraft parking and maintenance facilities, control towers, terminals and hangars. While these are basic features in an airport, larger airports may also have additional features such as air traffic control centers, taxiway bridges, airport aprons, emergency service facilities, and passenger facilities such as lounges and cafeteria. As airport basically serves as a hub for aircraft movement and air passenger visits, the design and construction of entire airport solely focuses on making a better environment for aircraft and passengers, and smooth and efficient functioning of aerodrome. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Airport Construction market is projected to reach US$1.3 Trillion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% over the analysis period. Japan represents the largest regional market for Airport Construction, accounting for an estimated 10.4% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$131.9 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 5.8% over the analysis period.

In the post pandemic period, anticipated recovery in air traffic and the need to address congestion problems will lead the air transport industry to focus on establishing new airports and expand existing airports. A significant proportion of airport capital investment will be designed to address the rapidly growing passenger and cargo activity, with the remaining used for maintaining airports. Besides addressing the growing air traffic demand, the need to upgrade aging infrastructure constitutes a key factor fueling growth in airport construction market, specifically in developed economies. With airport operators coming under intense pressure due to expanding passenger traffic and growing fleet of aircrafts, they are looking towards projects for modernization and improvement of existing airports. Airport construction activity will be impacted by major industry developments such as the increasing investments in airport infrastructure, conversion of military airports for civilian usage, growing use of larger size aircrafts, emergence of smart airports, and the trend towards privatization of airports. For instance, the advent of larger sized aircrafts, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 have led to greater demand for additional space owing to the increase in fuselage length, weight, and wingspan, necessitating airports to take up expansion projects. Privatization of airports is one of the vital aspects of attracting investments into airport infrastructure development.

The move to privatize airports has been successfully used as a strategy to attract investments in major aviation markets of Europe, Brazil, Australia, India, China and Brazil. Meanwhile in the US, state or local governments support activities of most airports in the country and hence receive little support from direct taxpayer funding. Consequently, US airports are required to be self-sustaining, thus attracting private sector participation. The upcoming years will also witness greater role of technologies in airport construction projects. More



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CONTACTS:

Zak Ali

Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

www.StrategyR.com

Email: [email protected]



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SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook, 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

A kitchen hood, exhaust hood, or range hood is a device containing a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. It removes airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. Although largely overlooked, a range hood is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen. They are designed to remove odors, heat, and smoke that can occur while cooking. The Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook, 2026 report beings from an overview of industry structure, and analyses market size and forecast of the market by product, region, sales channel, and company. In addition, this report introduces the market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report. The trend growth to keep the kitchen well-managed, clean, and elegant looking space is to allow the market to grow over an anticipated CGAR of 4.9%.



Based on product type the range hood market is classified into wall mount hood, under cabinet type hood, ceiling mount, and others like island mount hood, downdraft ventilation hoods, ventilator power pack hoods, and others. The wall mount product segment is anticipated to expand at over 5.6% CAGR through 2026. The range hoods with their ability to be placed in the walls with needing extra space in the kitchen cabinets is the major factor for the market growth. These systems assist in getting rid of smoke and lingering smell completely as they are installed directly above the cooking range in commercial and residential kitchens. While the under cabinet segment is likely to show a decline in the forecasted period, others are expected to have an incline in the market share. Kitchen hoods are steadily replacing exhaust fans as they are more effective in the ventilation process. Hence, the need to effectively reduce the excess heat in the kitchen and demand for advanced home appliances that support efficient and convenient cooking habits is increasing the installation as they are capable of smoke and odor through baffle and mesh filters.



First, the concentration degree of the Kitchen Hood industry is not high, with North America leading with a market share of 33.93% in the year 2020. There are more than a hundred manufacturers in the world, and high-end products mainly from Germany, America, Italy, and China. Italy has a long history and unshakable statuses in this industry, like Elica and Faber (though it is a part of FRANKE now), both have the perfect design. As to Germany, the Bosch Group has become a global leader, which has two main brands (Bosch and Siemens), and several special brands, such as Thermador. The import and export percent of this industry is high. Chinese products mainly export to Oceania, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and take a big market share of underdevelopment regions market, like Vietnam, Brazil, and Pakistan. Hong Kong is the biggest export market of China, more than 80% of kitchen hoods are from China mainland. On the developed market, like America, Canada, Germany, and France, Italy is the empire. Mexico also has a large number of exports due to its geographic advantage. By the end of the forecasted period, Latin America along with Middle East & Africa regions together is likely to cross over a market share of 12%.



Market leaders are introducing new models of wall mount range hoods in various sizes and shapes to cater to the growing demand. For instance, in January 2019, Elica launched its new Varna Black Vent Hood with enhanced aesthetic appeal and a black stainless steel finish. The system includes multifunctional and intuitive electronic touch controls that enhance user convenience. The hood is integrated with an advanced HUSH Sound Suppression System that ensures low noise and provides a quiet working environment in the kitchen. Stringent regulations by various regional governments regarding the cleanliness and hygiene in restaurants and food chains have mandated the installation of range hoods, which is also boosting the market growth. Moreover, these devices offer added advantages, such as heat reduction, maintenance of air quality, and increased safety. On the other hand, high maintenance costs and availability of substitutes, such as exhaust, are anticipated to hamper the growth of the market.



This report forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2026. For this study, the publisher has segmented the Global Kitchen Hood Market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Report Methodology



3. Global Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

3.1. Market Size by Value

3.2. Market Share

3.2.1. By Product Type

3.2.2. By Sales Channel

3.2.3. By Region

3.2.4. By Country

3.2.5. By Company



4. North America Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.1. Market Size by Value

4.2. Market Share

4.2.1. By Product Type

4.2.2. By Sales Channel

4.2.3. By Country

4.3. US Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.3.1. Market Size by Value

4.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

4.4. Canada Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.4.1. Market Size by Value

4.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

4.5. Mexico Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

4.5.1. Market Size by Value

4.5.2. Market Share by Product Type



5. Europe Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size by Value

5.2. Market Share

5.2.1. By Product Type

5.2.2. By Sales Channel

5.2.3. By Country

5.3. Germany Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.3.1. Market Size by Value

5.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.4. UK Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.4.1. Market Size by Value

5.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.5. France Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.5.1. Market Size by Value

5.5.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.6. Spain Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.6.1. Market Size by Value

5.6.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.7. Italy Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.7.1. Market Size by Value

5.7.2. Market Share by Product Type

5.8. Russia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

5.8.1. Market Size by Value

5.8.2. Market Share by Product Type



6. Asia-Pacific Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size by Value

6.2. Market Share

6.2.1. By Product Type

6.2.2. By Sales Channel

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. China Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.3.1. Market Size by Value

6.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.4. Japan Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.4.1. Market Size by Value

6.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.5. India Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.5.1. Market Size by Value

6.5.2. Market Share by Product Type

6.6. Australia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

6.6.1. Market Size by Value

6.6.2. Market Share by Product Type



7. Latin America Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size by Value

7.2. Market Share

7.2.1. By Product Type

7.2.2. By Sales Channel

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Brazil Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.3.1. Market Size by Value

7.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

7.4. Argentina Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.4.1. Market Size by Value

7.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

7.5. Columbia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

7.5.1. Market Size by Value

7.5.2. Market Share by Product Type



8. Middle East & Africa Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size by Value

8.2. Market Share

8.2.1. By Product Type

8.2.2. By Sales Channel

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. UAE Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.3.1. Market Size by Value

8.3.2. Market Share by Product Type

8.4. Saudi Arabia Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.4.1. Market Size by Value

8.4.2. Market Share by Product Type

8.5. Qatar Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.5.1. Market Size by Value

8.5.2. Market Share By Product Type

8.6. South Africa Kitchen Hood Market Outlook

8.6.1. Market Size by Value

8.6.2. Market Share by Product Type



9. Market Dynamics

9.1. Key Drivers

9.2. Key Challenges



10. Market Trends and Developments

10.1. Artificial Intelligence

10.2. Alarm Feature

10.3. Dishwasher-Safe Baffle Filters

10.4. Environmental Variability

11. Company Profiles

11.1. Asko Appliances

11.2. Broan Inc

11.3. BSH Home Appliances

11.4. Elica S.P.A

11.5. Faber S.P.A

11.6. Falmec S.P.A

12. Strategic Recommendations

13. Disclaimer



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/es56u0

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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CHANGSHA, China, Aug. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Micomme has associated with Polish and Peruvian partners to accomplish the government centralized purchase of 1,600 and 1,500 units of HFNC respectively. Both purchases are strategic material reserves of the local governments. The global pandemic is still ongoing, and the safety of people's lives is the primary goal pursued by governments. The projects also reflect the foresight and determination of the local governments. Both purchases were delivered in June 2021.

As the leading non-invasive respiratory therapy company in China, Micomme Medical launched their first transnasal High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Device (hereinafter referred to as HFNC) OH-70C in 2017. At the beginning of the pandemic outbreak, Micomme Medical responded quickly during the traditional Chinese Spring Festival. All employees returned to work from holiday, the production line was fully activated, and more than 5,000 units of HFNC were sent to Wuhan immediately. In 2020, Micomme achieved more than 10,000 HFNC installations worldwide (China not included), and helped countries around the world fight against COVID-19 with a production capacity of 500 units per day.

The transnasal High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Device is the machine recommended by WHO and related international guidelines for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. It aims to quickly increase the patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) and improve the symptoms of hypoxia in patients by providing a high-flow air-oxygen mixed gas to patients with a constant temperature, humidity and a constant oxygen concentration. As one of the first HFNC manufacture in China, Micomme has won the market's recognition with its excellent product quality and brilliant product performance. In the battle against COVID-19, Micomme fulfills the commitment as the leading company.

For more details, please contact: [email protected]

Reference:

www.who.int/publications/i/item/clinical-care-of-severe-acute-respiratory-infections-tool-kit

www.who.int/publications/i/item/technical-specifications-for-invasive-and-non-invasive-ventilaotrs-for-covid-19

SOURCE Micomme
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the project's first year launch anniversary, social media platform Torum has released its H2 strategic ecosystem expansion plan, prioritizing the construction of a one-stop crypto ecosystem. The plan includes core features that aim to solve the industry's information asymmetry problems and improve the connection between projects and communities through a social-based ecosystem.

Torum H2 Strategic Ecosystem Expansion Plan

Torum

The Torum H2 Strategic Ecosystem Extension plan will include numerous core features, induding:

Torum NFT Launchpad: The INO platform for projects to issue a set of limited-edition NFTs to the community

Torum NFT Marketplace: The first social-infused NFT marketplace with the ability to market NFTs to the users of Torum.

Torum Airdrop: A premium section for projects to conduct airdrop to the Torum community

Torum News: A one-stop news and information aggregator for projects

Torumgram: A bridge that connects Telegram groups and channels into Torum

Torum Lounge: An audio-only board to conduct AMA and close-engaging events.

The expansion plan has caught the attention of the Huobi Ventures HECO Fund, which led to the strategic investment of the VC firm on Torum. With Huobi Ventures coming into the fold, Torum will assist in the expansion of the Huobi ecosystem from marketing and community building aspects, particularly in connecting Huobi and HECO-based projects with the Western market.

Yi Feng Go, CEO & Founder of Torum said that:

"Community consensus has always been the largest asset of Torum. However, the vast potential of a social media ecosystem like Torum is yet explored completely at such an early phase. With the support of Huobi Ventures, we are confident that Torum can grow exponentially by bringing onboard HECO-based projects and their communities for the next 6 to 12 months. We are super excited to be working closely with ecosystem partners like Huobi Ventures."

As part of the strategic investment, Huobi Ventures will provide resource access to exclusive media partners, community building, and project connections for Torum. The resource integration from Huobi will further expand the ecosystem outreach of Torum, which has already accumulated over 64,000 cryptocurrency enthusiasts from over 10 countries, including the U.S, Canada, Latvia, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Malaysia, etc.

Huobi Ventures and HECO

One of the key focuses of Torum for H2 2021 is to bring onboard quality HECO-based projects to its social media ecosystem. With the support of Huobi Ventures, Torum can provide premium benefits to HECO-based projects including access to the Western market, community building tools, brand exposure, community integration, and more.

Loki, Investment Manager of Huobi Ventures commented that:

"Huobi Ventures HECO Fund strives to expand the Huobi ecosystem and welcome high-quality HECO-based projects like Torum. With the addition of a crypto-centric social media platform to our portfolio, we can utilize the core features of Torum like NFT Launchpad to provide community and resources outreach for the projects on the HECO ecosystem."

Visit the Torum website to have a glimpse into the future of social media, or keep up to date with all Torum developments through the company's official Twitter account.

About Huobi Ventures HECO Fund

Huobi Ventures is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, Huobi Group is focused on boosting the firm's investment portfolio and providing long-term support for innovative blockchain projects.

Huobi Ventures HECO Fund mainly invests in upstream and downstream initiatives in the global blockchain industry. In addition to its exchange business, its investments also cover the primary market, secondary market quantitative funds, investment banking, incubators, asset management, wallets, mining, market data vendors, the global community, media, cybersecurity, public chains, DAPP, and platforms, regulation, talent recruiting, training, and research.

About Torum

Torum is the world's first DeFi + NFT integrated social media platform that is specially designed for cryptocurrency users. Backed by AU21, Consensus Lab, DFG, M6, Waterdrip Capital, and 15 other prominent crypto VCs, Torum is now one of the fastest-growing crypto social media platforms with an impressive 20 - 30% monthly user growth rate.

Torum Socials

Twitter | Telegram | Medium | Facebook

Media Contact Details

Contact Name: Jayson Tan

Contact Email: [email protected]

Torum is the source of this content. This Press Release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest.

Related Images

image1.png

SOURCE Torum
BALLWIN, Mo., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 1847 Goedeker Inc. (NYSE American: GOED) ("Goedekers" or the "Company") and its Appliances Connection Business, the largest pure-play online retailer of household appliances in the U.S., today announced that it will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. The company expects to release its financial results before the market opens that morning.

Management on the call will include CEO Doug Moore, CFO Maria Johnson and CAO Bob Barry.

The call and webcast will be available via:

Webcast: https://investor.goedekers.com on the Events & Webcasts page



Conference Call: 877-317-6789 (domestic) or 412-317-6789 (international); Please ask to join the Goedeker 2Q 2021 Earnings Call

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be recorded and later made available on the Company's website.

About 1847 Goedeker Inc.

1847 Goedeker Inc. is an industry leading e-commerce destination for appliances, furniture, and home goods. Through its June 2021 acquisition of Appliances Connection, Goedekers created the largest pure-play online retailer of household appliances in the US. With warehouse fulfillment centers in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as showrooms in Brooklyn, New York, and St. Louis, Missouri, Goedekers is a respected nationwide omnichannel retailer that offers one-stop shopping for national and global brands. Goedekers and Appliances Connection carry many household name-brands, including Bosch, Cafe, Frigidaire Pro, Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung, and also carries many major luxury appliance brands such as Miele, Thermador, La Cornue, Dacor, Ilve, Wolf, Jenn-Air, Viking among others and sells furniture, fitness equipment, plumbing fixtures, televisions, outdoor appliances, and patio furniture, as well as commercial appliances for builder and business clients. Learn more at www.Goedekers.com.

Contacts:

Mike Houston

Lambert & Co.

646-475-2998

[email protected]

SOURCE 1847 Goedeker Inc.
Adam Caller is the Founder of elite private home tutoring company, Tutors International. He is also an independent education consultant, a former teacher, and an expert in private tuition. Mr Caller's expertise and foresight have meant that he has initiated discussions around founding a register for home-educated children well before this recent call to action by MPs.

In a 2016 blog post titled, 'Are Children 'Lost' in Lack of Regulated Schooling?', Mr Caller explained the benefits of one-to-one home tuition, whilst recognising the need for some regulation too:

"Parents want to cherry-pick subjects, examinations and learning styles from infinite possibilities. It's one of the great advantages of 1:1 tuition. They don't want to squander that opportunity by restricting learning to one narrow strand.

"Home education in the UK is legal and highly flexible, which is why there has been such a boom in families choosing to educate their own children at home, the majority with great success. However, if a family  or group of families  decide to educate multiple siblings together, would that then make it an unregistered school and, therefore, automatically illegal? The definitions are currently very blurry and would need careful thought before any new regulations were put in place. I believe that all education should be registered, for the safety and wellbeing of students, but these details need to be worked out before moving forward."

In summary, Mr Caller believes that individual choices and preferences in home-education should remain, but it should be reconciled with some regulation of standards and safety  prioritising the needs of the child is the common denominator of those two motivators. Mr Caller has always volunteered to offer his expertise to any governing bodies making policies and plans for an appropriately regulated HE sector, which is an offer that remains.

The Government Need to Consult Home Tuition Experts

Although this recent call for a register for home-educated children aligns with Mr Caller's beliefs, he hopes that the Government will move forward with this by consulting the appropriate industry experts.

In 2019, Mr Caller detailed his concerns that the right people were not being consulted in order to make informed steps towards regulating home education. He offers a solution by suggesting that home tuition experts are consulted and then the homeschooling community is suitably compartmentalised:

"Historically I have always backed calls for regulation without hesitation, but whilst I do of course still want to protect every child's right to a quality education, I'm no longer of the opinion that the Government is consulting all the right people on this matter. Families opt for home education for a plethora of reasons, so it is too narrow a view to assume that a compulsory register would safeguard children and ensure they are all suitably educated. The Government needs to break the homeschooling community into segments and seek suitable representation for each group and their needs."

Mr Caller has stated that he would be happy to be on the consultation panel when forming policies around regulating EHE. His extensive experience in the private home tuition sector makes him an appropriate and informed contributor.

'There Should Be a Register, But It Shouldn't Interfere'

This week, Adam Caller clarified his position in light of the latest call for a register for Home-Educated (HE) children:

"Every time the question of a register of home educated children is raised by the Government, the home education community object. I've been vilified for suggesting that they should work with the Government to safeguard children on this matter. There should be a register, but it shouldn't interfere with what HE families are doing if the children aren't being hurt by the education they're receiving. The problem is how to assess the suitability of home education without interference."

Chair of the Education Select Committee, Robert Halfon MP, is in agreement with Mr Caller's views. He also states that the right to home education should be protected, but reconciled with upheld standards and safeguarding for children. In his article for Schools Week, Halfon explains:

"Our inquiry received many submissions from parents who passionately and eloquently set out the benefits that children can gain from being educated at home. They told us their children were receiving high-quality education and achieving impressive outcomes as they moved into work or further study. Nevertheless, it does not follow that just because these home educators are providing children with a good education, all home educators are. The Department for Education has itself said there is "considerable evidence" that some children may not be receiving a suitable education. The aim of a national register would not be to remove freedoms from parents who are providing an effective education for their families, but to better target support to those who need it."

One point Adam Caller raises in response to Mr Halfon's statement, is that although there is evidence for some children not receiving suitable home education, the same can be said for mainstream schools. Mr Caller counter-reasons that home education could be a solution for the shortcomings of mainstream schooling for some individuals:

"The focus has been on the evidence found that not all HE students are receiving a suitable standard of education; what hasn't been raised, is that The Department of Education has also said there is considerable evidence that some children may not be receiving a suitable education in schools. What is being done to change that  are those children to be offered HE in order to make it more effective?!"

Solutions for Elective Home Education

Adam Caller says "I believe that there are ways to monitor without interference. We can do this via systems that we apply widely already."

He has emphasised that he is willing to volunteer his expertise and can help reach a solution:

"I would like to publicly state that I would be able to offer my expertise on a consulting panel, to help inform how to proceed with regulating EHE in a way that prioritises child welfare, champions academic excellence, and retains the benefits of personalised homeschooling. Home education regulations should be founded in a way that informs the Government, supports parents and prioritises the wellbeing of the child."

If you wish to contact Adam, you can do so via his website.

Mr Caller's private tuition firm, Tutors International, has over 20 years of experience in providing superlative home education via world-class tutors. Tutors International's safeguarding protocols, thorough recruitment process and personalised service, make them exemplary home education facilitators.

About Tutors International

Tutors International provides an unparalleled tutoring service that matches the right tutor with the right child, in order for the student to fully reach their personal potential and academic excellence. Providing a service for children of all ages at different points in their educational journeys, Tutors International is a reputable tutoring company founded on a commitment to finding the perfect tutor to realise the specific goals and aspirations of each student. Tutors are available for residential full-time positions, after-school assistance, and homeschooling.

Founded in 1999 by Adam Caller, Tutors International is a private company based in Oxford, a city renowned for academic excellence. Our select clientele receives a personally tailored service, with discretion and confidentiality guaranteed.

Contact Details

Web: www.tutors-international.com

Email:[email protected]

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 435 135

Tutors International

Clarendon House

52 Cornmarket Street

Oxford

OX1 3HJ

UK

SOURCE Tutors International
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- All Real Nutrition's premium protein bars have enraptured Ireland's health and wellness community ever since the brand launched last year. This doesn't come as a surprise when one considers the ingredients that go into each bar. All Real Nutrition's snack bars are packed with nutrition and loaded with taste. Much of the success behind the brand's proprietary formula and production methods lies in its use of authentic Irish ingredients.

All Real Nutrition's protein bar formulas are rooted in the need to stay simple. In the words of the brand, "All Real to us means a short list of ingredients derived from natural and whole foods." This includes several key components, such as:

Slow-roasted nuts and legumes, including almonds, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts.

Dates to bind the bars and provide a sweet source of potassium and antioxidants.

Chicory root fiber to double up on sweetness and deliver a dose of gut-healthy prebiotic fiber.

Cocoa powder and pure Belgian cocoa to create a decadent, sugar-free flavor profile.

This list of elite ingredients is good enough to stand on its own. And yet, it doesn't even include the main pair of items that truly make All Real Nutrition's products unique: milk protein and sea salt.

When it comes to milk protein, All Real Nutrition has capitalized on its geographic location. The company is based out of Kerry, Ireland, where it is able to utilize the region's world-famous dairy industry to source Irish, grass-fed milk protein powder and 100% milk protein crispies.

On top of that, the company sources its sea salt directly from the nearby Atlantic ocean. This combination of Irish Atlantic sea salt and Kerry dairy products has enabled All Real Nutrition to create an exceptional line of products that truly stand out against the competition. The brand's unique, in-house manufacturing method also ensures that each bar remains well-preserved, soft, and textured long after it's been created.

From the quality of ingredients to its manufacturing prowess, All Real Nutrition has earned its position as one of Ireland's premier protein bar brands. Fortunately, the company is eager to share its success overseas, as well, as it has also begun to market its products in the United States, where it will likely find further success with a hungry audience of health-conscious American consumers.

About All Real Nutrition: All Real Nutrition was founded in 2020 and operates out of Kerry, Ireland. The company is a well-established entity in the Irish health food industry and has received numerous accolades for its quality products, sustainable packaging, and community-oriented charity work.

Please direct inquiries to:

Conni Balan

(954) 742-7622

[email protected]

SOURCE All Real Nutrition
BRISTOL, Tenn., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE: AMR), a leading U.S. supplier of metallurgical products for the steel industry, today reported results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2021.



(millions, except per share)

Three months ended

June 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2021 June 30, 2020 Net loss(2) $(18.6) $(32.7) $(81.7) Net loss(2) per diluted share $(1.01) $(1.78) $(4.47) Adjusted EBITDA(1) $39.9 $28.9 $7.1 Operating cash flow(3) $(6.3) $(19.1) $79.0 Capital expenditures(3) $(17.6) $(20.4) $(41.5) Tons of coal sold(2) 4.0 4.1 3.9

__________________________________

1. These are non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA is included in tables accompanying the financial schedules.

2. From continuing operations.

3. Includes discontinued operations.

"This has been a very challenging year for the coal industry, whether dealing with the pandemic or navigating the disruption of the coal supply resulting from the dispute between Australia and China; however, our team at Alpha stayed focused and disciplined. While we didn't have any greater insights or vision into the markets than others as we started the year, we believed that if we continued our efforts to modernize our coal operations with newer and more efficient mines, streamline decision making and allocate capital for projects that support our diversified product offerings to meet customer demands, we would be rewarded for those efforts when the markets rebounded," said David Stetson, Alpha's chair and chief executive officer. "As we look to the back half of the year and into the promising 2022 markets, we think those efforts are beginning to pay off. The capital investments we made over the past several years have matured, and the diversity of our product offerings continues to provide us with optionality in the marketplace, where demand remains high. With increased pricing and strong margins, we plan to build our cash balance and take aggressive steps to pay down our existing debt."

Financial Performance

Alpha reported a net loss from continuing operations of $18.6 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2021. In the first quarter 2021, the company had a net loss from continuing operations of $32.7 million or $1.78 per diluted share.

Total Adjusted EBITDA was $39.9 million for the second quarter, compared with $28.9 million in the first quarter 2021.

Coal Revenues



(millions)

Three months ended

June 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2021 Met Segment $376.8 $359.9 All Other $16.6 $25.6





Met Segment (excl. freight & handling)(1) $312.5 $299.9 All Other (excl. freight & handling)(1) $16.5 $25.2



Tons Sold (millions)

Three months ended

June 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2021 Met Segment 3.7 3.7 All Other 0.3 0.4

__________________________________

1. Represents Non-GAAP coal revenues which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations."

Coal Sales Realization (1)



(per ton)

Three months ended

June 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2021 Met Segment $83.38 $82.00 All Other $60.45 $61.59

__________________________________

1. Represents Non-GAAP coal sales realization which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations."

In the second quarter our net realized pricing for the Met segment was $83.38, however, our export sales into markets not tied to Australian indices averaged $101.80 per ton for the quarter. "Alpha has long standing contractual arrangements that have historically provided us with excellent margins and access to the one of the fastest growing markets for Met coal. Those arrangements are tied to Australian indices, which resulted in net realizations of $67.77 in the second quarter, weighing down our overall net realizations," Andy Eidson, Alpha's president and chief financial officer, said. "It is important to note that the Australian premium hard coking coal index has increased nearly 60% from the average during the second quarter, with the current pricing of approximately $215 per metric ton bringing it in line with Atlantic Basin pricing. Approximately 21% of our met production at the midpoint of full-year guidance is unpriced and should benefit from this improved pricing environment in the back half of the year."

The table below provides a breakdown of our Met segment coal sold in the second quarter by pricing mechanism, illustrating the contrast between Australian and Atlantic pricing found in the average realization for the quarter.



(in millions, except per ton data) Met Segment Sales Three months ended June 30, 2021

Tons Sold Coal Revenues Realization/ton(1) % of Met Tons Sold Export - Other Pricing Mechanisms 1.2 $125.8 $101.80 37% Domestic 1.2 $103.6 $87.98 35% Export - Australian Indexed 0.9 $63.3 $67.77 28% Total Met Coal Revenues 3.3 $292.8 $87.45 100% Thermal Coal Revenues 0.4 $19.7 $49.36

Total Met Segment Coal Revenues (excl. freight & handling)(1) 3.7 $312.5 $83.38



__________________________________

1. Represents Non-GAAP coal sales realization which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations."

Cost of Coal Sales



(in millions, except per ton data)

Three months ended

June 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2021 Cost of Coal Sales $346.8 $347.4 Cost of Coal Sales (excl. freight & handling/idle)(1) $273.8 $279.9





(per ton) Met Segment(1) $69.94 $71.72 All Other(1) $42.77 $43.05

__________________________________

1. Represents Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton which is defined and reconciled under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Results of Operations."

"The transition from higher cost and lower efficiency mines to our new mines such as Road Fork 52 and Lynn Branch enabled us to maintain our costs near the lower end of guidance," said Jason Whitehead, executive vice president and chief operating officer. In the second quarter, the company's Met segment cost of coal sales improved to an average of $69.94 per ton, down from $71.72 in the prior quarter.

Cost of coal sales for the All Other category dropped slightly as well to $42.77 in the second quarter as compared to an average cost of $43.05 in the first quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

"Alpha posted another solid quarter of financial performance, especially in light of the lingering headwinds from the weak Australian indices that limited our overall realizations for the period," said Eidson. "While our cash balance decreased during the quarter due primarily to inventory build, our total liquidity increased by $24 million."

"Subsequent to the quarter end, we made a $21 million payment to eliminate the West Virginia Lexington Coal Company (LCC) note a year ahead of schedule and, after the negotiated return of $14 million of related surety collateral, at a lower net cash outflow than was previously expected. This early extinguishment of a legacy liability is further evidence of our commitment to strategically reducing debt and strengthening the company's balance sheet," Eidson said.

Cash used in operating activities for the second quarter of 2021 was $6.3 million, compared to the prior period in which cash used in operating activities was $19.1 million. Cash used in operating activities includes discontinued operations. Second quarter 2021 capital expenditures were $17.6 million compared to $20.4 million in capital expenditures for first quarter.

As of June 30, 2021, Alpha had $72.3 million in unrestricted cash and $134.8 million in restricted cash, deposits and investments. Total long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt as of June 30, 2021, was $579.7 million. At the end of the second quarter, the company had total liquidity of $132.3 million, which represents an increase of over 20% compared to our total liquidity at the end of the first quarter, including cash and cash equivalents of $72.3 million and $60.0 million in unused availability under the Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility (ABL). The future available capacity under the ABL is subject to inventory and accounts receivable collateral requirements and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of June 30, 2021, the company had no borrowings and $128.8 million in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL.





Operational Update

As part of Alpha's ongoing portfolio optimization efforts, the company is adding a fourth section at the Road Fork 52 mine, increasing its potential production of Low Volatile coal at a mine that has exceeded productivity expectations since its inception. Developing the fourth section at Road Fork 52 will require a modest amount of capital for the 2021 year, and we are raising our capital expenditures guidance as a result. Given the current market landscape and the tightness of existing coal supply, we believe this is a beneficial investment to bring additional incremental tonnage online before the end of the calendar year.

The company is considering other potential bolt-on or development projects for the near term, all of which would require modest projected capital expenditures. More information will be provided if these projects advance.

"On the whole, our mines performed well in the second quarter, reducing Met segment cost of sales by nearly $2 per ton and continuing robust production levels, leading us to slightly increase production guidance for the full year," said Whitehead. "In addition to maintaining strong operational fundamentals, we continually look for opportunities to incrementally add value or improve our existing processes. In our view, the fourth section at Road Fork is not only a prudent use of capital with a payback expected in less than six months, but also it enables us to put some extra Alpha tons into a tight market."

2021 Full-Year Guidance Adjustments

The company is increasing its 2021 operating guidance with coal shipments now expected to be in the range of 15.6 million tons to 17.5 million tons, up from the prior range of 14.8 million to 16.2 million tons. Met segment volume is expected to be between 14.3 million to 15.8 million tons, up from the prior range of 13.5 million to 14.5 million tons. Within the Met segment, pure metallurgical coal shipments for the year are expected to be between 13.0 million to 14.0 million tons, up from the prior range of 12.5 million to 13.0 million tons, and incidental thermal shipments in this segment are expected to be between 1.3 million to 1.8 million tons, up from the prior range of 1.0 million to 1.5 million tons. Our volume expectations for the All Other category remain unchanged at the previously issued guidance range of 1.3 million tons to 1.7 million tons.

For 2021, Alpha has committed and priced approximately 79% of its metallurgical coal within the Met segment at an average price of $89.78 per ton and 98% of thermal coal in the Met segment at an average expected price of $52.68 per ton. In the All Other category the company is fully committed and priced at an average price of $59.66 per ton.

The company's 2021 Met segment cost of coal sales per ton remains unchanged and is expected to be between $68.00 and $74.00 and our All Other category is expected to be in the range of $45.00 to $49.00 per ton.

The company is updating its SG&A guidance from the prior range of $44 million to $49 million to a new range of $48 million to $52 million, excluding non-recurring expenses and non-cash stock compensation, reflecting a market-driven increase in accrued incentive compensation. Our overall 2021 capital expenditures guidance is also being updated from the prior range of $75 million to $95 million to a new range of $88 million to $98 million because of the Road Fork 52 expansion. Depreciation, depletion and amortization guidance is expected to be between $125 million and $145 million for the year. Cash interest expense guidance is unchanged in the range of $51 million and $55 million.



2021 Guidance in millions of tons Low High Metallurgical 13.0

14.0

Thermal 1.3

1.8

Met Segment 14.3

15.8

All Other 1.3

1.7

Total Shipments 15.6

17.5







Committed/Priced1,2,3 Committed Average Price Metallurgical - Domestic

$87.86

Metallurgical - Export

$91.24

Metallurgical Total 79 % $89.78

Thermal 98 % $52.68

Met Segment 81 % $85.30

All Other 100 % $59.66







Committed/Unpriced1,3 Committed

Metallurgical Total 18 %

Thermal 2 %

Met Segment 17 %

All Other 4 %







Costs per ton4 Low High Met Segment $68.00

$74.00

All Other $45.00

$49.00







In millions (except taxes) Low High SG&A5 $48

$52

Idle Operations Expense $24

$30

Cash Interest Expense $51

$55

DD&A $125

$145

Capital Expenditures $88

$98

Tax Rate  % 5 %

Notes:

Based on committed and priced coal shipments as of July 26, 2021 . Committed percentage based on the midpoint of shipment guidance range. Actual average per-ton realizations on committed and priced tons recognized in future periods may vary based on actual freight expense in future periods relative to assumed freight expense embedded in projected average per-ton realizations. Includes estimates of future coal shipments based upon contract terms and anticipated delivery schedules. Actual coal shipments may vary from these estimates. Note: The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton sold financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying with reasonable accuracy significant items required for the reconciliation. The most directly comparable GAAP measure, GAAP cost of sales, is not accessible without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis. The reconciling items include freight and handling costs, which are a component of GAAP cost of sales. Management is unable to predict without unreasonable efforts freight and handling costs due to uncertainty as to the end market and FOB point for uncommitted sales volumes and the final shipping point for export shipments. These amounts have historically varied and may continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and material changes to these items could have a significant effect on our future GAAP results. Excludes expenses related to non-cash stock compensation and non-recurring expenses.

Conference Call

The company plans to hold a conference call regarding its second quarter 2021 results on August 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The conference call will be available live on the investor section of the company's website at https://investors.alphametresources.com/investors . Analysts who would like to participate in the conference call should dial 866-235-9918 (domestic toll-free) or 412-542-4110 (international) approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.



About Alpha Metallurgical Resources

Alpha Metallurgical Resources (NYSE: AMR) is a Tennessee-based mining company with operations across Virginia and West Virginia. With customers across the globe, high-quality reserves and significant port capacity, Alpha reliably supplies metallurgical products to the steel industry. For more information, visit www.AlphaMetResources.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Alpha's expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Alpha's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Alpha to predict these events or how they may affect Alpha. Except as required by law, Alpha has no duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this news release or elsewhere after the date this release is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this news release may not occur.

Investor Contact

[email protected]

Alex Rotonen, CFA

423.956.6882

Media Contact

[email protected]

Emily O'Quinn

423.573.0369

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The discussion below contains "non-GAAP financial measures." These are financial measures which either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded or included in the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). Specifically, we make use of the non-GAAP financial measures "Adjusted EBITDA," "non-GAAP coal revenues," "non-GAAP cost of coal sales," "non-GAAP coal margin," and "Adjusted cost of produced coal sold." We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of our segments and allocate resources to the segments. Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance or any other measure of operating results or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. We use non-GAAP coal revenues to present coal revenues generated, excluding freight and handling fulfillment revenues. Non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal revenues divided by tons sold. We use non-GAAP cost of coal sales to adjust cost of coal sales to remove freight and handling costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (excluding the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions), accretion on asset retirement obligations, amortization of acquired intangibles, net, and idled and closed mine costs. Non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of coal sales divided by tons sold. Non-GAAP coal margin per ton for our coal operations is calculated as non-GAAP coal sales realization per ton for our coal operations less non-GAAP cost of coal sales per ton for our coal operations. We also use Adjusted cost of produced coal sold to distinguish the cost of captive produced coal from the effects of purchased coal. The presentation of these measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

Management uses non-GAAP financial measures to supplement GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business than GAAP results alone. The definition of these non-GAAP measures may be changed periodically by management to adjust for significant items important to an understanding of operating trends and to adjust for items that may not reflect the trend of future results by excluding transactions that are not indicative of our core operating performance. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentations of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies and can differ significantly from company to company depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate, and capital investments.

Included below are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures.

ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020 Revenues:













Coal revenues $ 393,458



$ 353,115



$ 778,910



$ 754,575

Other revenues 1,817



825



2,618



2,169

Total revenues 395,275



353,940



781,528



756,744

Costs and expenses:













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) 346,763



335,267



694,191



669,487

Depreciation, depletion and amortization 27,304



47,069



55,742



94,685

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 6,648



6,569



13,296



13,208

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 2,553



1,881



6,422



2,392

Asset impairment and restructuring 



20,498



(561)



54,207

Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown separately above) 14,645



12,028



29,627



27,509

Total other operating (income) loss:













Mark-to-market adjustment for acquisition-related obligations 3,157



(2,052)



6,333



(17,049)

Other income (3,608)



(45)



(4,833)



(713)

Total costs and expenses 397,462



421,215



800,217



843,726

Loss from operations (2,187)



(67,275)



(18,689)



(86,982)

Other (expense) income:













Interest expense (17,962)



(19,316)



(35,952)



(37,492)

Interest income 104



5,530



268



6,498

Equity loss in affiliates (384)



(1,047)



(518)



(1,790)

Miscellaneous income (loss), net 1,847



395



3,613



(321)

Total other expense, net (16,395)



(14,438)



(32,589)



(33,105)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (18,582)



(81,713)



(51,278)



(120,087)

Income tax (expense) benefit (8)



(33)



(3)



2,155

Net loss from continuing operations (18,590)



(81,746)



(51,281)



(117,932)

Discontinued operations:













Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (401)



(156,555)



(638)



(160,177)

Loss from discontinued operations (401)



(156,555)



(638)



(160,177)

Net loss $ (18,991)



$ (238,301)



$ (51,919)



$ (278,109)

















Basic and diluted loss per common share:













Loss from continuing operations $ (1.01)



$ (4.47)



$ (2.78)



$ (6.45)

Loss from discontinued operations (0.02)



(8.55)



(0.04)



(8.77)

Net loss $ (1.03)



$ (13.02)



$ (2.82)



$ (15.22)

















Weighted average shares  basic and diluted 18,438,699



18,304,853



18,416,946



18,275,382



ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)



June 30, 2021

December 31, 2020 Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 72,337



$ 139,227

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $175 and $293 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 206,693



145,670

Inventories, net 144,416



108,051

Prepaid expenses and other current assets 108,515



106,252

Current assets - discontinued operations 2,157



10,935

Total current assets 534,118



510,135

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $418,677 and $382,423 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 357,152



363,620

Owned and leased mineral rights, net of accumulated depletion and amortization of $45,505 and $35,143 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 452,887



463,250

Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $32,286 and $25,700 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 81,610



88,196

Long-term restricted cash 92,758



96,033

Other non-current assets 134,781



149,382

Non-current assets - discontinued operations 9,477



9,473

Total assets $ 1,662,783



$ 1,680,089

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Current liabilities:





Current portion of long-term debt $ 29,404



$ 28,830

Trade accounts payable 97,938



58,413

Acquisition-related obligations  current 22,866



19,099

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 154,067



140,406

Current liabilities - discontinued operations 7,101



12,306

Total current liabilities 311,376



259,054

Long-term debt 550,263



553,697

Acquisition-related obligations - long-term 11,972



20,768

Workers' compensation and black lung obligations 231,029



230,081

Pension obligations 198,549



218,671

Asset retirement obligations 140,840



140,074

Deferred income taxes 483



480

Other non-current liabilities 28,444



28,072

Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations 27,496



29,090

Total liabilities 1,500,452



1,479,987

Commitments and Contingencies





Stockholders' Equity





Preferred stock - par value $0.01, 5.0 million shares authorized, none issued 





Common stock - par value $0.01, 50.0 million shares authorized, 20.8 million issued and 18.4 million outstanding at June 30, 2021 and 20.6 million issued and 18.3 million outstanding at December 31, 2020 208



206

Additional paid-in capital 782,586



779,424

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (100,321)



(111,985)

Treasury stock, at cost: 2.4 million shares at June 30, 2021 and 2.3 million shares at December 31, 2020 (107,694)



(107,014)

Accumulated deficit (412,448)



(360,529)

Total stockholders' equity 162,331



200,102

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,662,783



$ 1,680,089



ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands)



Six Months Ended June 30,

2021

2020 Operating activities:





Net loss $ (51,919)



$ (278,109)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:





Depreciation, depletion and amortization 55,742



103,727

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 6,422



2,961

Accretion of acquisition-related obligations discount 723



2,227

Amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discount 6,480



7,389

Mark-to-market adjustment for acquisition-related obligations 6,333



(17,049)

Gain on disposal of assets (4,878)



(755)

Asset impairment and restructuring (561)



217,882

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 13,296



14,679

Employee benefit plans, net 5,744



10,605

Deferred income taxes 3



33,032

Stock-based compensation 3,162



3,121

Equity loss in affiliates 518



1,790

Other, net (220)



92

Changes in operating assets and liabilities (66,296)



(22,654)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (25,451)



78,938

Investing activities:





Capital expenditures (38,039)



(91,090)

Proceeds on disposal of assets 6,801



1,285

Purchases of investment securities (15,470)



(18,607)

Maturity of investment securities 7,766



10,653

Capital contributions to equity affiliates (1,895)



(2,416)

Other, net 35



47

Net cash used in investing activities (40,802)



(100,128)

Financing activities:





Proceeds from borrowings on debt 



57,500

Principal repayments of debt (6,159)



(29,559)

Principal repayments of notes payable (1,362)



(574)

Principal repayments of financing lease obligations (1,002)



(1,614)

Debt issuance costs (226)





Common stock repurchases and related expenses (680)



(155)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (9,429)



25,598

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (75,682)



4,408

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 244,571



347,680

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 168,889



$ 352,088



The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.



As of June 30,

2021

2020 Cash and cash equivalents $ 72,337



$ 238,438

Short-term restricted cash (included in prepaid expenses and other current assets) 3,794



3,720

Long-term restricted cash 92,758



109,930

Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 168,889



$ 352,088



ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (Amounts in thousands)



Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended June 30,

March 31, 2021

June 30, 2021

June 30, 2020

2021

2020 Net loss from continuing operations $ (32,691)



$ (18,590)



$ (81,746)



$ (51,281)



$ (117,932)

Interest expense 17,990



17,962



19,316



35,952



37,492

Interest income (164)



(104)



(5,530)



(268)



(6,498)

Income tax (benefit) expense (5)



8



33



3



(2,155)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization 28,438



27,304



47,069



55,742



94,685

Non-cash stock compensation expense 2,184



979



1,044



3,163



3,122

Mark-to-market adjustment - acquisition-related obligations 3,176



3,157



(2,052)



6,333



(17,049)

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 6,648



6,648



6,569



13,296



13,208

Asset impairment and restructuring (1) (561)







20,498



(561)



54,207

Management restructuring costs (2) 















940

Loss on partial settlement of benefit obligations 







63







1,230

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 3,869



2,553



1,881



6,422



2,392

Adjusted EBITDA $ 28,884



$ 39,917



$ 7,145



$ 68,801



$ 63,642



(1) Asset impairment and restructuring for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily comprised of a credit to restructuring expense as a result of the strategic actions announced during the second quarter of 2020 and subsequent changes to severance and employee-related benefits. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, asset impairment and restructuring charges were recorded as a result of weakening coal market conditions and the strategic actions with respect to two thermal coal mining complexes.

(2) Management restructuring costs are related to severance expense associated with senior management changes during the three months ended March 31, 2020.



ALPHA METALLURGICAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 359,893



$ 25,559



$ 385,452

Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (60,011)



(369)



(60,380)

Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 299,882



$ 25,190



$ 325,072

Tons sold 3,657



409



4,066

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 82.00



$ 61.59



$ 79.95













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 325,895



$ 21,533



$ 347,428

Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 26,536



1,723



28,259

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,385



3,263



6,648

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 4,051



(182)



3,869

Total Cost of coal sales $ 359,867



$ 26,337



$ 386,204

Less: Freight and handling costs (60,011)



(369)



(60,380)

Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (26,536)



(1,723)



(28,259)

Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,385)



(3,263)



(6,648)

Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (4,051)



182



(3,869)

Less: Idled and closed mine costs (3,603)



(3,556)



(7,159)

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 262,281



$ 17,608



$ 279,889

Tons sold 3,657



409



4,066

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 71.72



$ 43.05



$ 68.84



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 359,893



$ 25,559



$ 385,452

Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (359,867)



(26,337)



(386,204)

GAAP Coal margin $ 26



$ (778)



$ (752)

Tons sold 3,657



409



4,066

GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 0.01



$ (1.90)



$ (0.18)













GAAP Coal margin $ 26



$ (778)



$ (752)

Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 26,536



1,723



28,259

Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,385



3,263



6,648

Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 4,051



(182)



3,869

Add: Idled and closed mine costs 3,603



3,556



7,159

Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 37,601



$ 7,582



$ 45,183

Tons sold 3,657



409



4,066

Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 10.28



$ 18.54



$ 11.11



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 376,839



$ 16,619



$ 393,458

Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (64,329)



(117)



(64,446)

Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 312,510



$ 16,502



$ 329,012

Tons sold 3,748



273



4,021

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 83.38



$ 60.45



$ 81.82













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 331,239



$ 15,524



$ 346,763

Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 25,686



1,438



27,124

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,377



3,271



6,648

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 2,635



(82)



2,553

Total Cost of coal sales $ 362,937



$ 20,151



$ 383,088

Less: Freight and handling costs (64,329)



(117)



(64,446)

Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (25,686)



(1,438)



(27,124)

Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,377)



(3,271)



(6,648)

Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (2,635)



82



(2,553)

Less: Idled and closed mine costs (4,790)



(3,732)



(8,522)

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 262,120



$ 11,675



$ 273,795

Tons sold 3,748



273



4,021

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 69.94



$ 42.77



$ 68.09



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 376,839



$ 16,619



$ 393,458

Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (362,937)



(20,151)



(383,088)

GAAP Coal margin $ 13,902



$ (3,532)



$ 10,370

Tons sold 3,748



273



4,021

GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 3.71



$ (12.94)



$ 2.58













GAAP Coal margin $ 13,902



$ (3,532)



$ 10,370

Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 25,686



1,438



27,124

Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,377



3,271



6,648

Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 2,635



(82)



2,553

Add: Idled and closed mine costs 4,790



3,732



8,522

Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 50,390



$ 4,827



$ 55,217

Tons sold 3,748



273



4,021

Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 13.44



$ 17.68



$ 13.73



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 316,319



$ 36,796



$ 353,115

Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (54,852)



(4,634)



(59,486)

Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 261,467



$ 32,162



$ 293,629

Tons sold 3,204



649



3,853

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 81.61



$ 49.56



$ 76.21













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 297,266



$ 38,001



$ 335,267

Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 38,779



7,953



46,732

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,551



3,018



6,569

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 2,759



(878)



1,881

Total Cost of coal sales $ 342,355



$ 48,094



$ 390,449

Less: Freight and handling costs (54,852)



(4,634)



(59,486)

Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (38,779)



(7,953)



(46,732)

Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (3,551)



(3,018)



(6,569)

Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (2,759)



878



(1,881)

Less: Idled and closed mine costs (3,906)



(3,961)



(7,867)

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 238,508



$ 29,406



$ 267,914

Tons sold 3,204



649



3,853

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 74.44



$ 45.31



$ 69.53



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 316,319



$ 36,796



$ 353,115

Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (342,355)



(48,094)



(390,449)

GAAP Coal margin $ (26,036)



$ (11,298)



$ (37,334)

Tons sold 3,204



649



3,853

GAAP Coal margin per ton $ (8.13)



$ (17.41)



$ (9.69)













GAAP Coal margin $ (26,036)



$ (11,298)



$ (37,334)

Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 38,779



7,953



46,732

Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 3,551



3,018



6,569

Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 2,759



(878)



1,881

Add: Idled and closed mine costs 3,906



3,961



7,867

Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 22,959



$ 2,756



$ 25,715

Tons sold 3,204



649



3,853

Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 7.17



$ 4.25



$ 6.67



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 736,732



$ 42,178



$ 778,910

Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (124,340)



(486)



(124,826)

Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 612,392



$ 41,692



$ 654,084

Tons sold 7,405



682



8,087

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 82.70



$ 61.13



$ 80.88













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 657,134



$ 37,057



$ 694,191

Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 52,222



3,161



55,383

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 6,762



6,534



13,296

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 6,686



(264)



6,422

Total Cost of coal sales $ 722,804



$ 46,488



$ 769,292

Less: Freight and handling costs (124,340)



(486)



(124,826)

Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (52,222)



(3,161)



(55,383)

Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (6,762)



(6,534)



(13,296)

Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (6,686)



264



(6,422)

Less: Idled and closed mine costs (8,393)



(7,288)



(15,681)

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 524,401



$ 29,283



$ 553,684

Tons sold 7,405



682



8,087

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 70.82



$ 42.94



$ 68.47



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 736,732



$ 42,178



$ 778,910

Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (722,804)



(46,488)



(769,292)

GAAP Coal margin $ 13,928



$ (4,310)



$ 9,618

Tons sold 7,405



682



8,087

GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 1.88



$ (6.32)



$ 1.19













GAAP Coal margin $ 13,928



$ (4,310)



$ 9,618

Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 52,222



3,161



55,383

Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 6,762



6,534



13,296

Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 6,686



(264)



6,422

Add: Idled and closed mine costs 8,393



7,288



15,681

Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 87,991



$ 12,409



$ 100,400

Tons sold 7,405



682



8,087

Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 11.88



$ 18.20



$ 12.41



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 678,722



$ 75,853



$ 754,575

Less: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues (108,516)



(8,377)



(116,893)

Non-GAAP Coal revenues $ 570,206



$ 67,476



$ 637,682

Tons sold 6,531



1,271



7,802

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton $ 87.31



$ 53.09



$ 81.73













Cost of coal sales (exclusive of items shown separately below) $ 590,324



$ 79,163



$ 669,487

Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 80,501



13,493



93,994

Accretion on asset retirement obligations 7,087



6,121



13,208

Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 5,340



(2,948)



2,392

Total Cost of coal sales $ 683,252



$ 95,829



$ 779,081

Less: Freight and handling costs (108,516)



(8,377)



(116,893)

Less: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) (80,501)



(13,493)



(93,994)

Less: Accretion on asset retirement obligations (7,087)



(6,121)



(13,208)

Less: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net (5,340)



2,948



(2,392)

Less: Idled and closed mine costs (8,063)



(8,323)



(16,386)

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 473,745



$ 62,463



$ 536,208

Tons sold 6,531



1,271



7,802

Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales per ton $ 72.54



$ 49.14



$ 68.73



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Coal revenues $ 678,722



$ 75,853



$ 754,575

Less: Total Cost of coal sales (per table above) (683,252)



(95,829)



(779,081)

GAAP Coal margin $ (4,530)



$ (19,976)



$ (24,506)

Tons sold 6,531



1,271



7,802

GAAP Coal margin per ton $ (0.69)



$ (15.72)



$ (3.14)













GAAP Coal margin $ (4,530)



$ (19,976)



$ (24,506)

Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production (1) 80,501



13,493



93,994

Add: Accretion on asset retirement obligations 7,087



6,121



13,208

Add: Amortization of acquired intangibles, net 5,340



(2,948)



2,392

Add: Idled and closed mine costs 8,063



8,323



16,386

Non-GAAP Coal margin $ 96,461



$ 5,013



$ 101,474

Tons sold 6,531



1,271



7,802

Non-GAAP Coal margin per ton $ 14.77



$ 3.94



$ 13.01



(1) Depreciation, depletion and amortization - production excludes the depreciation, depletion and amortization related to selling, general and administrative functions.



Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 262,281



$ 17,608



$ 279,889

Less: cost of purchased coal sold (18,264)







(18,264)

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 244,017



$ 17,608



$ 261,625

Produced tons sold 3,424



409



3,833

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 71.27



$ 43.05



$ 68.26



(1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 262,120



$ 11,675



$ 273,795

Less: cost of purchased coal sold (24,642)







(24,642)

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 237,478



$ 11,675



$ 249,153

Produced tons sold 3,497



273



3,770

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 67.91



$ 42.77



$ 66.09



(1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 238,508



$ 29,406



$ 267,914

Less: cost of purchased coal sold (22,932)



(9)



(22,941)

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 215,576



$ 29,397



$ 244,973

Produced tons sold 2,895



648



3,543

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 74.46



$ 45.37



$ 69.14



(1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 524,401



$ 29,283



$ 553,684

Less: cost of purchased coal sold (42,906)







(42,906)

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 481,495



$ 29,283



$ 510,778

Produced tons sold 6,921



682



7,603

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 69.57



$ 42.94



$ 67.18



(1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold.



Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Met

All Other

Consolidated Non-GAAP Cost of coal sales $ 473,745



$ 62,463



$ 536,208

Less: cost of purchased coal sold (53,266)



(902)



(54,168)

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold $ 420,479



$ 61,561



$ 482,040

Produced tons sold 5,859



1,258



7,117

Adjusted cost of produced coal sold per ton (1) $ 71.77



$ 48.94



$ 67.73



(1) Cost of produced coal sold per ton for our operations is calculated as non-GAAP cost of produced coal sold divided by produced tons sold.



Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 (In thousands, except for per ton data) Tons Sold

Coal Revenues

Non-GAAP Coal sales realization per ton

% of Tons Sold Total Export - other pricing mechanisms 1,236



$ 125,823



$ 101.80



37 % Domestic 1,178



103,643



$ 87.98



35 % Export - Australian indexed 934



63,300



$ 67.77



28 % Total Met segment - met coal 3,348



$ 292,766



$ 87.45



100 % Met segment - thermal coal 400



19,744



$ 49.36





Total Met segment Coal revenues 3,748



312,510



$ 83.38





All Other Coal revenues 273



16,502



$ 60.45





Non-GAAP Coal revenues 4,021



$ 329,012



$ 81.82





Add: Freight and handling fulfillment revenues 



64,446









Coal revenues 4,021



$ 393,458











SOURCE Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

Related Links

https://alphametresources.com


Walgreens and CORE served as the official partners during the two-day event and administered 77 vaccinations and 50 COVID-19 tests, respectively. AKA's Mammography Mobile Unit provided free mammograms to 82 women while 63 HIV tests were administered by the South Side Help Center. The Community Blood Center also received blood donations from 19 residents.

"Coming home to Chicago was exciting, but more importantly, it was rewarding and embodied everything that we have stood for since 1908  service. We were able to provide much-needed health services to our community," said Alpha Kappa Alpha International President & CEO Dr. Glenda Glover. "COVID-19 is still very real, and Black people, in particular, are behind the rest of the population in terms of receiving the vaccination. We are on a mission to change that statistic, and we are so proud that we have partners like Walgreens and CORE to help us in reversing the numbers. We aim to save at least one life through our service in the community. In Chicago, we can thankfully say we made a difference in the lives of hundreds through vaccinations, mammograms, and other health screenings."

AKA has traveled the country with Pop-Up Health Programs through the organization's international community service initiative. The events, held recently in Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri as well as the Mississippi Delta, have addressed the needs of underserved communities and provided access to vaccines, health services, and more.

"At Walgreens, we are committed to the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. That's why we were delighted to partner with Alpha Kappa Alpha once again, this time in Chicago  also our home, to aid in providing access to the vaccine to underserved communities right within their community," said Alethia Jackson, Vice President, Federal Government Relations and Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Taskforce at Walgreens. "Quality care and access to services is essential to living a healthy life. COVID-19 has affected Black and Brown communities in unimaginable ways. We are on a mission to ensure vaccinations are available for all."

The pop-up health events took place at Imani Village and at Jeffrey Plaza/Local Market, both located on the South Side of Chicago. Participating residents were treated to the sounds of DJ Mikal Clay as well as coffee, water, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

"It was the perfect beginning to our 69th Boule, which was unfortunately put on hold last year due to the pandemic. So, we combined our Boule with our Leadership Conference for the first time virtually," said Dr. Glover. "What better way to commemorate what was an extraordinary year than with extraordinary service to the community. AKA is never deterred no matter what the circumstances are. The pandemic created a need for vaccines, and we combined that with other crucial health services that were free of charge to residents. It was truly a momentous occasion, and we are grateful for our partners that aided in being servants for our community."

Alpha Kappa Alpha's commitment to providing essential services to the community will continue on Saturday, August 21 when the Mammography Mobile Unit travels to Tulsa, OK.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of over 300,000 members in more than 1,000 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Liberia, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, and in the Middle East. Led by International President and Chief Executive Officer, Glenda Glover Ph.D., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is often hailed as "America's premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women." Visit www.aka1908.com for more information.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the United States segment of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., a global leader in retail pharmacy. As Americas most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and wellbeing of every community in America. Operating more than 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.

About CORE

CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and strengthening communities affected by or vulnerable to crisis. Within hours of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, founder Sean Penn mobilized a powerful network to take immediate action. More than 10 years later, CORE continues to lead sustainable programs focused on four pillars: emergency relief, disaster preparedness, environmental resiliency and community building. The organization has expanded beyond Haiti to support communities in The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the United States. CORE has taken a leadership position in the COVID-19 response to provide free testing for high-risk individuals and vulnerable communities. For more information, visit www.coreresponse.org/COVID19 and follow CORE on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

SOURCE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.aka1908.com


Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices.

Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation on pros and cons of prevalent pricing models.

Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers.

Get a free sample report for more information

Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers:

Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the Activated Carbon market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Activated Carbon pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfill their category objectives.

For more insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers, www.spendedge.com/report/Activated Carbon-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report

Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth:

The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers.

Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. During the forecast period, the market expects a change of 5.00%-8.00%.

Identify favorable opportunities in Activated Carbon TCO (total cost of ownership).

Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes.

Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities.

Some of the top Activated Carbon suppliers listed in this report:

This Activated Carbon procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

Cabot Corp.

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

Ingevity Corp.

Kureha Corp.

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

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About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge

Related Links

https://www.spendedge.com/


The report on the applicant tracking systems market provides a holistic update, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis.

The report identifies cost-effectiveness and less time consuming as one of the major factors driving the growth of the market. The report also provides information on other latest trends and drivers impacting the overall market environment.

Technavio analyzes the market segmentation by deployment (Cloud-based and On-premises) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA). The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI)-related services is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the applicant tracking systems market during the forecast period.

This report presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters.

The applicant tracking systems market covers the following areas:

Applicant Tracking Systems Market Sizing

Applicant Tracking Systems Market Forecast

Applicant Tracking Systems Market Analysis

Companies Mentioned

Alphabet Inc.

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

ClearCompany Inc.

Greenhouse Software Inc.

iCIMS Inc.

International Business Machines Corp.

Jobvite Inc.

Oracle Corp.

SAP SE

Workday Inc.

Related Reports on Information Technology Include:

Global Digital Asset Management Market- The digital asset management market is segmented by type (on-premises and cloud) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA).

Download FREE Sample Report

Global Debt Collection Software Market- The debt collection software market is segmented by deployment (on-premise and cloud-based) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA).

Download FREE Sample Report

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Five Forces Analysis

Five Forces Analysis

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by Deployment

Market segments

Comparison by Deployment

Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

On-premises - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Deployment

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor landscape

Competitive scenario

Landscape disruption

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Alphabet Inc.

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

ClearCompany Inc.

Greenhouse Software Inc.

iCIMS Inc.

International Business Machines Corp.

Jobvite Inc.

Oracle Corp.

SAP SE

Workday Inc.

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

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About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Report link: https://www.technavio.com/report/applicant-tracking-systems-market-industry-analysis

SOURCE Technavio
DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Blockchain, Inc. ("Applied Blockchain" or the "Company") (PINK: APLD) today announced it has entered into an Energy Service Agreement (ESA) with a utility partner located in the upper Midwest in support of its entry into the crypto hosting business.

The agreement, which became effective on August 4, 2021, provides for up to 100 megawatts of power for five years and is subject to regulatory approval.

"Having just announced the launch of our crypto hosting business in conjunction with a $32.5 million capital raise, we moved quickly to secure a low-cost, long-term power source for the hosting operation," said Applied Blockchain's CEO and Chairman, Wes Cummins. "The service agreement is in place for our first site and orders have been placed for long lead-time equipment to support our rapid growth. We continue to expect our first 50 megawatts of capacity to be operational before year end and the next 50 megawatts in Q1 2022, with plans to ultimately scale to more than 500 megawatts."

In addition, the company also announced that CEO and Chairman, Wes Cummins, is scheduled to present at the B. Riley Summer Summit on August 18, 2021. The conference will feature a select group of companies recommended by B. Riley's equity research team. The small-cap investor conference is being held at the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, California August 18-19, 2021 and is an invitation-only event. For additional information about the conference, please visit www.brileysecurities.com or contact Brett Mass at [email protected].

Follow us on Twitter at @APLDBlockchain.

Find the latest video update from CEO and Chairman Wes Cummins at https://ir.appliedblockchaininc.com/events-presentations/

About Applied Blockchain

Applied Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: APLD) delivers high-performance crypto mining and infrastructure solutions to customers around the globe. The company has partnered with Bitmain, SparkPool, and General Mining Research (GMR) to develop, deploy and scale its business. Applied also engages in direct mining of Ethereum, Bitcoin and other crypto assets. The company is backed by some of the largest family offices and institutional investors in the US.

www.appliedblockchaininc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, future operating and financial performance, product development, market position, business strategy and objectives. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "continue," "build," "future," "increase," "drive," "believe," "look," "ahead," "confident," "deliver," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." Other examples of forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements of Company plans and objectives, including our evolving business model, or estimates or predictions of actions by suppliers, (ii) statements of future economic performance, and (iii) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about the Company or its business. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to uncertainty. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the Company's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: decline in demand for our products and services; the volatility of the crypto asset industry; the inability to comply with developments and changes in regulation; cash flow and access to capital; and maintenance of third party relationships. Information in this release is as of the dates and time periods indicated herein, and the Company does not undertake to update any of the information contained in these materials, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Contacts

Brett Maas  Managing Partner, Hayden IR

[email protected]  (646) 536-7331

Wes Cummins  Chief Executive Officer, Applied Blockchain

(214) 427-1704

SOURCE Applied Blockchain, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.appliedblockchaininc.com


MILAN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlin Packaging, the world's largest hybrid packaging supplier, announced today the acquisition of the Juvasa Group, a group of companies focused on the supply of glass, plastic, and metal packaging for the food and beverage industry.

Founded in 1987, this family-owned business began when the founder, Juan Valle Santos, needed to source glass jars to market his honey. Today, the Juvasa Group is led by Jesus Valle Sanchez, the founder's son, and is a leading supplier of bottles and jars for olive oil, wine, spirits, sauces, vegetable preserves, honey, and more.

Based in Sevilla, Spain, and with locations throughout Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, the Juvasa Group has an extensive commercial presence and logistical capabilities. The Juvasa Group also offers custom packaging design services through Avanza Packaging, its in-house design studio, and has a robust online store at juvasa.com.

"With the addition of the Juvasa Group, Berlin Packaging is by far the largest packaging distributor in Iberia, a crucial market in Europe. More importantly, our combination with the Juvasa Group allows us to offer even more products and services to our customers, helps our suppliers continue to grow their businesses, and creates more career opportunities for our employees," said Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging, EMEA.

"As a family business, it was of the utmost importance that we select the best partner for the future," said Jesus Valle Sanchez, CEO of the Juvasa Group. "We are confident that our relationship with Berlin Packaging will enable us to bring even more value to our customers and strengthen our position as a market leader in Iberia and beyond."

"The addition of the Juvasa Group continues our efforts to expand our presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa," said Bill Hayes, Berlin Packaging's Global CEO and President. "This partnership also enhances our already formidable design capabilities, with design studios located in the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, and now Spain."

This is the 16th acquisition that Berlin Packaging has completed in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) since 2016 and its 6th acquisition in EMEA during 2021.

All employees and locations for the Juvasa Group will be retained.

About Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging is the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures. The company supplies billions of items annually along with package design, financing, consulting, warehousing, and logistics services for customers across all industries. Berlin Packaging brings together the best of manufacturing, distribution, and income-adding service providers. Its mission is to increase the net income of its customers through packaging products and services.

See BerlinPackaging.com for more information.

About Bruni Glass, a Berlin Packaging Company

Bruni Glass, the largest packaging distributor in Europe, has 40+ years' experience supplying premium and specialty glass packaging to the wine, spirits, food, and gourmet markets. Headquartered in Italy and with locations across Europe, Bruni offers thousands of custom-designed products along with popular standard items. The company has a world-class design studio, a network of high-quality manufacturing partners, a team dedicated to thrilling service, and is certified by CISQ-IMQ (Italian Institute for the Quality Mark) to ISO 9001 standards.

See BruniGlass.com for more information.

For more information:

Press Office  Omnicom PR Group Italy

Barbara Papini, [email protected], +335 6113555

Ilaria Sala, [email protected], +39 335 8112968

Berlin Packaging

Elena Franzetti, [email protected], +39 02 48436611, +39 3401204145

Celeste Osborne, [email protected], +1 708 272 7046 for North America

SOURCE Berlin Packaging
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Beztak Companies announced today that Sam Beznos, CEO, was named as a Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award winner by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). Now in its 35th year, the Entrepreneur of the Year program honors entrepreneurial business leaders whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform our world. This is Beznos's second consecutive year as an award finalist and first as a winner. Beznos was selected as one of 28 finalists by a panel of independent judges from a competitive pool of nominations.

For more than 60 years, Beztak has developed, built, managed and invested in luxury residential, senior living, commercial and industrial real estate throughout the United States. With over 1,000 employees across the country, Beztak currently manages close to 200 market rate properties or 34,000 apartments, throughout 16 states and 60 markets nationwide.

Award finalists were honored via a special virtual event on Thursday, August 5, where Beznos joined a lifelong community of esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world.

"I'm proud to be a winner among this select group of dynamic leaders," Beznos said. "It is an honor to be recognized for all of the efforts and hard work that I have put forth in growing Beztak and making the company what it is today."

Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive award programs for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. The nominees are evaluated based on six criteria, including overcoming adversity; financial performance; societal impact and commitment to building a values-based company; innovation; and talent management. Since its launch, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries around the world.

Beznos stated, "Being a winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award shows the world how unstoppable Beztak has become. Being unstoppable to me is taking calculated risk- knowing what to do next, continuing to build and deliver the unexpected, being innovative, finding new opportunities, being prepared, and having an unbelievable team that understands and is empowered to execute my vision."

For more information on Beztak Companies, please visit www.beztak.com.

For more information on residential management services, please contact Sarah Oglesby-Battle, President, Residential Division at [email protected] or Rebecca Guenther, Senior Vice President, Fee Managed Division at [email protected].

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Kauffman Foundation.

In Michigan and Northwest Ohio, sponsors also include Citizens Bank, Donnelley Financial Solutions, Trion Solutions, Oswald Companies, Stanton Chase, and Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. Winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title. ey.com/us/eoy

About Beztak

For more than six decades, Beztak has developed, built, managed and invested in luxury residential, senior living, commercial and industrial real estate throughout the United States. Today, Beztak owns and manages a diverse portfolio of commercial, office, retail, senior living, and multi-family residential real estate, and continues to develop and construct new properties as well as renovate existing properties to add value or reposition them in the market. Beztak also offers comprehensive and customizable fee-based property management services for companies seeking to generate higher revenues from their assets while improving overall performance.

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Beztak has offices in Boca Raton, Florida and Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, with communities currently located in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington DC. For more information, visit www.beztak.com.

About EY Private

As Advisors to the ambitious, EY Private professionals possess the experience and passion to support private businesses and their owners in unlocking the full potential of their ambitions. EY Private teams offer distinct insights born from the long EY history of working with business owners and entrepreneurs. These teams support the full spectrum of private enterprises including private capital managers and investors and the portfolio businesses they fund, business owners, family businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs. Visit ey.com/private

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE Beztak

Related Links

beztak.com


San Antonio, TX, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BH.A; BH) announces its results for the second quarter and first six months of 2021.

Biglari Holdings Inc.'s earnings for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 and 2020 are summarized below. To become fully apprised of our results, shareholders should carefully study our 10-Q, which has been posted at www.biglariholdings.com.

(dollars in thousands)















Second Quarter

First Six Months

2021

2020

2021

2020















Pre-tax operating earnings (loss) $ 8,406

$ (3,527)

$ 17,282

$ (9,500) Investment gains (35,341)

60,757

49,506

(114,985) Income tax (expense) benefit 6,198

(14,764)

(15,818)

29,066 Net earnings (loss) $ (20,737)

$ 42,466

$ 50,970

$ (95,419)

Analysis of Results:

Investments affect our reported quarterly earnings based on their carrying value. We do not regard the quarterly or annual fluctuations in our investments to be meaningful. Therefore, our operating businesses are best analyzed before the impact of investment gains. As a consequence, in the preceding table we separate earnings of our operating businesses from our investment gains.

About Biglari Holdings Inc.

Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance, media and licensing, restaurants, and oil and gas. The Company's largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants.

Comment on Regulation G

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to the GAAP presentations of net earnings, Biglari Holdings defines pre-tax operating earnings outside of the investment gains/losses of the Company.

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ markedly from those projected or discussed here. Biglari Holdings cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, for actual results may differ materially from expectations. Biglari Holdings does not update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Further information on the types of factors that could affect Biglari Holdings and its business can be found in the Company's filings with the SEC.

SOURCE Biglari Holdings Inc.

Related Links

http://www.biglariholdings.com


VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTC-QB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state operator, is pleased to announce that it has management agreements with each of NMG IL 1, LLC ("NMG IL 1") and NMG IL 4, LLC ("NMG IL 4") and the option to indirectly acquire all of the membership interests in each of NMG IL 1 and NMG IL 4 pursuant to a convertible credit facility between BaM's subsidiary, DEP Nevada, Inc. ("DEP") and each of NMG IL 1 and NMG IL 4, and membership interest purchase agreements between DEP and the members of NMG IL 1 and NMG IL 4, subject to obtaining all required local and state regulatory authorization. Each of NMG IL 1 and NMG IL 4 have been identified in the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) results of the Social Equity Justice Involved Lottery for 55 Conditional Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Licenses (Conditional Licenses) across the state. The certified results are from a lottery with a pool of applicants who scored 85 % or greater in their applications. NMG IL 1 and NMG IL 4 were drawn in BLS Region #5 (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin) where 36 conditional licenses are available. The applications are not tied to specified locations.

"The Illinois market has shown incredible growth as the state has successfully transitioned to adult-use cannabis and we commend the accomplishment of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for advancing this important social equity and justice program," stated Michael Mills, CEO or Body and Mind. "This success is an extension of our ongoing strategy to apply for licenses and operate in limited license states and jurisdictions." "We are looking forward to working with our social equity partner to share our industry experience and expand the Body and Mind brand to the Chicago area."

"We have a number of locations identified in the Chicago area that we believe will represent significant opportunity and our recent US$11.1 million debt financing is expected to allow us to move quickly," said Trip Hoffman, COO of Body and Mind. "On behalf of the Company I'd like to thank our license application team and partners for all their work for successfully advancing this significant opportunity."

About Body and Mind Inc.

BaM is an operations focused multi-state operator investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production and retail. Our wholly owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licenses and holds cultivation and production licenses. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, oils and extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM cannabis strains have won numerous awards including the 2019 Las Vegas Weekly Bud Bracket, Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup.

BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada, California, Arkansas and Ohio and is dedicated to increasing shareholder value by focusing time and resources on improving operational efficiencies, facility expansions, state licensing opportunities as well as mergers and acquisitions.

Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information.

Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM

Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

SOURCE Body and Mind Inc.

Related Links

https://bamcannabis.com/


The second quarter was marked by the addition of 743 MW to our project pipeline, notably in the solar and energy storage markets in the United States, identified in our new 2025 Strategic Plan as key markets. The contribution of our two most recent acquisitions in wind in Quebec and solar in the US as well as commissioning of projects was in line with our expectations and enabled us to continue growing our EBITDA(A) despite the unfavourable hydraulic conditions arising from the low level of precipitation in recent months, said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex.

Last June, Boralex updated its strategic plan to take advantage of opportunities arising from the accelerated energy transition and major changes in renewable energy development policies, particularly in Quebec, the United States and a number of European countries.



Supported by a strong financial position, Boralex announced its objective of doubling its installed capacity and reaching a combined EBITDA(A) of $800850 million ($740790 million under IFRS) and discretionary cash flow of $240260 million by 2025. This represents compound annual growth rates of 916% for these three performance measures.

"The second quarter was marked by the addition of 743 MW to our project pipeline, including in the solar energy and energy storage markets in the United States, identified in our new 2025 Strategic Plan as key markets," said Patrick Decostre, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boralex. "The contribution of our two most recent acquisitions and our project commissionings was in line with our expectations and enabled us to continue growing our EBITDA(A) despite the unfavourable hydraulic conditions arising from the low level of precipitation in recent months."

Last June, Boralex updated its strategic plan to take advantage of opportunities arising from the accelerated energy transition and major changes in renewable energy development policies, particularly in Quebec, the United States and a number of European countries.

Supported by a strong financial position, Boralex announced its objective of doubling its installed capacity and reaching a combined EBITDA(A) of $800850 million ($740790 million under IFRS) and discretionary cash flow of $240260 million by 2025. This represents compound annual growth rates of 915% for these three performance measures.

With respect to the Company's expectations for the next few quarters, Mr. Decostre added: "We are in the final stages leading up to our project submission for the New York State request for proposals for solar projects. We are very proud of the many high-quality projects and the capacity we are in a position to offer. In the coming quarters, we will also continue to seek acquisition opportunities and to implement the various initiatives outlined in our 2025 Strategic Plan, including the optimization of our capital structure and the execution of our corporate social responsibility strategy."

With respect to the Companys expectations for the next few quarters, Mr. Decostre added: We are in the final stages leading up to our project submission for the New York State request for proposals for solar projects. We are very proud of the many high-quality projects and the capacity we are in a position to offer. In the coming quarters, we will also continue to seek acquisition opportunities and to implement the various initiatives outlined in our 2025 Strategic Plan, including the optimization of our capital structure and the execution of our corporate social responsibility strategy. _____________________________________ (1) The figures in brackets indicate combined results rather than those calculated according to IFRS. See the Combined EBITDA(A)  Non-IFRS Measures section below. (2) Calculated based on adjusted historical averages of commissioning and planned outages for experimental and other sites, based on producible material studies performed.

2nd quarter highlights

Three-month periods ended June 30

IFRS Combined(1) (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise

specified)(unaudited) 2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change $ % $ % Power production (GWh)(2) 1,323 937 386 41 1,485 1,217 268 22 Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium 147 121 26 21 164 151 13 9 EBITDA(A)(1) 106 86 20 23 117 107 10 10 Net loss (8) (6) (2) (35) (9) (5) (4) (76) Net loss attributable to shareholders of Boralex (13) (6) (7) >(100) (14) (5) (9) >(100) Per share - basic and diluted ($0.13) ($0.07) ($0.06) (94) ($0.13) ($0.05) ($0.08) >(100) Net cash flows related to operating activities 84 98 (14) (15) 98 119 (21) (17) Cash flows from operations(1) 66 51 15 28 73 66 7 11

Three-month periods ended Twelve-month periods ended (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise

specified) (unaudited) June 30, June 30, Change June 30, December 31 Change 2021 2020 $ % 2021 2020 $ % Discretionary cash flows(1) - IFRS (7) (14) 7 48 149 146 3 1

(1) For more details, see the Non-IFRS Measures section in the 2021 Interim Report 2 available on the websites of Boralex (boralex.com) and SEDAR (sedar.com). (2) Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations imposed by its clients since management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation's performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium.

In the second quarter of 2021, Boralex generated 1,323 GWh (1,485 GWh) of electricity, for an increase of 41% (22%) over the 937 GWh (1,217 GWh) generated in the same quarter in 2020. The increase is attributable to recent acquisitions in the wind sector in Quebec and the solar sector in the United States, as well as the commissioning of wind farms in France.

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, revenues from energy sales amounted to $147 million ($164 million), up 21% (9%) from the second quarter of 2020. The Company posted consolidated EBITDA(A) of $106 million ($117 million) for the second quarter of 2021, 23% (10%) higher than for the second quarter of 2020. The increases in revenue and EBITDA(A) are attributable to the acquisitions and commissioning of projects already mentioned above.

Boralex reported a net loss of $8 million ($9 million) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, compared to a net loss of $6 million ($5 million) for the corresponding period in 2020. As shown in the table above, the net loss attributable to shareholders of Boralex was $13 million ($14 million) or $0.13 ($0.13) per share (basic and diluted), compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders of Boralex of $6 million ($5 million) or $0.07 ($0.05) per share (diluted) for the corresponding period in 2020. The increase in the loss is attributable to the addition of amortization and financial expenses related to acquisitions and commissioning of projects.

Six-month periods ended June 30

IFRS Combined (1) (in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified)

(unaudited) 2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change $ % $ % Power production (GWh)(2) 2,952 2,470 482 3,315 3,054 261 9 Revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium 353 321 32 392 383 9 2 EBITDA(A)(1) 257 235 22 279 276 3 1 Net earnings 30 38 (8) 34 32 2 9 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex 21 35 (14) 25 29 (4) (12) Per share - basic and diluted $0.20 $0.36 ($0.16) $0.25 $0.30 ($0.05) (17) Net cash flows related to operating activities 217 230 (13) 231 252 (21) (8) Cash flows from operations(1) 181 175 6 198 203 (5) (2) As at

June 30 As at

Dec. 31 Change As at

June 30 As at

Dec. 31 Change $ % $ % Total assets 5,706 5,314 392 7 6,123 5,753 370 6 Debt(3) 3,662 3,609 53 1 4,018 3,976 42 1 Projects 3,180 3,190 (10)  3,536 3,557 (21) (1) Corporate 482 419 63 15 482 419 63 15

(1) See "Combined - Non-IFRS measure" below. (2) Power production includes the production for which Boralex received financial compensation following power generation limitations imposed by its clients since management uses this measure to evaluate the Corporation's performance. This adjustment facilitates the correlation between power production and revenues from energy sales and feed-in premium. (3) Includes current portion of debt and exclude transaction costs, net of accumulated amortization. Project borrowings are normally amortized over the life of the energy contracts of the related facilities and are without recourse to the parent company.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, Boralex generated 2,952 GWh (3,315 GWh) of electricity, up 20% (9%) from 2,470 GWh (3,054 GWh) generated in fiscal 2020. As mentioned for the second quarter results, the increase is mainly due to acquisitions and commissioning of projects.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, revenues from energy sales amounted to $353 million ($392 million), representing an increase of $32 million ($9 million) or 10% (2%) compared to the corresponding period in 2020. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, the Company posted consolidated EBITDA(A) of $257 million ($279 million), up $22 million ($3 million) or 9% (1%) from last year. These increases were attributable to the same factors mentioned above in connection with the increase in generation.

Overall, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, Boralex reported net earnings of $30 million ($34 million) compared with net earnings of $38 million ($32 million) for fiscal 2020. As shown in the table above, net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex amounted to $21 million ($25 million) or $0.20 ($0.25) per share (basic and diluted), compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders of Boralex of $35 million ($29 million) or $0.36 ($0.30) per share (basic and diluted) for fiscal 2020. The decrease is mainly attributable to the addition of amortization, acquisition costs and financial expenses related to acquisitions and commissioning of projects, as well as accelerated amortization for sites undergoing repowering.

Outlook

On June 17, 2021, on the occasion of an Investor Day, management of Boralex presented its updated strategic plan, which will guide efforts to achieve its new corporate targets for 2025. The 2025 Strategic Plan stems from a rigorous analysis of the rapid, significant changes made to renewable energy development policies and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in certain countries and regions, including Quebec, numerous American states and several European countries. It is also part of a process in which a deep and rapid industry transformation is underway, partly due to the high number of technological innovations and the acceleration of the green energy transition. Boralex management also reported strong demand for renewable energy from companies mindful of their environmental impact. Together, these elements make for a business environment that offers numerous opportunities for growth, both organic and through acquisition.

Boralexs 2025 Strategic Plan is structured around the four key strategic directions of the plan launched in 2019  growth, diversification, customers, and optimization  and six corporate objectives. It also integrates Boralexs corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Focusing on these key areas will allow for accelerated development of the wind and solar portfolios in the high-potential markets already targeted by Boralex and in new markets in Europe and the United States, while also creating the opportunity to introduce energy storage in regions where renewable energy networks are the most developed.

See below for a summary of the plan, and the management discussion and analysis for the second quarter of 2021 for an update on the progress made during the quarter on the various initiatives related to the plan.

To successfully execute its 2025 Strategic Plan and achieve its financial objectives, the Company relies on its strong expertise in developing projects of various sizes in markets with complex development processes, which is a key asset when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities in increasingly competitive markets such as solar energy.

The Company has a pipeline of projects at various stages of development defined on the basis of clearly identified criteria, totalling 3,075 MW in wind and solar projects and 190 MW in energy storage projects, as well as a 630 MW Growth Path, as illustrated below.

Installed capacity

(1) The Evits et Josaphat repowering project represents a total capacity of 14 MW with an increase of 2 MW, the Remise de Reclainville repowering project represents a total capacity of 14 MW with an increase of 2 MW, the Bougainville repowering project represents a total capacity of 18 MW with an increase of 6 MW and the Mont de Bezard 2 repowering project represents a total capacity of 25 MW with an increase of 13 MW. (2) The Corporation holds 50% of the shares of the 200 WM wind power project but does not have control over it. (3) The total project investment and the estimated annual EBITDA for projects in France have been translated into Canadian dollars at the closing rate on June 30, 2021.

To ensure that the execution of the strategic plan results in disciplined growth and the creation of shareholder value, Boralex management is monitoring the criteria used to develop the 2025 corporate objectives described below. See the management discussion and analysis for the second quarter of 2021 for an update on the progress made against the targets.



Dividend declaration

The Companys Board of Directors has authorized and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.1650 per common share. This dividend will be paid on September 16, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2021. Boralex designates this dividend as an eligible dividend pursuant to paragraph 89(14) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and all provincial legislation applicable to eligible dividends.

About Boralex

At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and Frances largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Our installed capacity has more than doubled over the past five years and now stands at 2.5 GW. We are developing a portfolio of more than 3 GW in wind and solar projects and nearly 200 MW in storage projects, guided by our values and our approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralexs shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

For more information, visit www.boralex.com or www.sedar.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements



Certain statements contained in this release, including those related to results and performance for future periods, installed capacity targets, EBITDA(A) and discretionary cash flows, the Companys strategic plan, business model and growth strategy, organic growth and growth through mergers and acquisitions, obtaining an investment grade credit rating by 2025, maintaining a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share, the Companys financial targets and portfolio of renewable energy projects, the Companys Growth Path and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives are forward-looking statements based on current forecasts, as defined by securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as will, would, forecast, anticipate, expect, plan, project, continue, intend, assess, estimate or believe, or expressions such as toward, about, approximately, to be of the opinion, potential or similar words or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, are used to identify such statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on major assumptions, including those about the Companys return on its projects, as projected by management with respect to wind and other factors, opportunities that may be available in the various sectors targeted for growth or diversification, assumptions made about EBITDA(A) margins, assumptions made about the sector realities and general economic conditions, competition, exchange rates as well as the availability of funding and partners. While the Company considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on the information currently available to the Company, they may prove to be inaccurate.

Boralex wishes to clarify that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its results, or the measures it adopts, could be significantly different from those indicated or underlying those statements, or could affect the degree to which a given forward-looking statement is achieved. The main factors that may result in any significant discrepancy between the Companys actual results and the forward-looking financial information or expectations expressed in forward-looking statements include the general impact of economic conditions, fluctuations in various currencies, fluctuations in energy prices, the Companys financing capacity, competition, changes in general market conditions, industry regulations, litigation and other regulatory issues related to projects in operation or under development, as well as other factors listed in the Companys filings with the various securities commissions.

Unless otherwise specified by the Company, forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after such statements have been made may have on the Companys activities. There is no guarantee that the results, performance or accomplishments, as expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, will materialize. Readers are therefore urged not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements.

Unless required by applicable securities legislation, Boralexs management assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements in light of new information, future events or other changes.

Percentage figures are calculated in thousands of dollars.

Combined - Non-IFRS measures



The combined EBITDA(A) shown above and in the Companys management report results from the combination of Boralex Inc.s (Boralex or the Company) financial information, established in accordance with IFRS, and data relating to the share of Investments. The Investments represent significant investments by Boralex, and although IFRS dont allow for their financial information to be combined with Boralexs information, Management considers the combined EBITDA(A) to be useful data in assessing the Companys performance. In order to calculate the combined EBITDA(A), Boralex first prepared its financial statements and those of Investments, in accordance with IFRS. Next, the items Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Share of Profits (Losses) of Associates and Joint Ventures and Distributions Received from Associates and Joint Ventures are replaced with Boralexs respective share (ranging from 50.00% to 59.96%) in all items of the Investments financial statements (i.e., revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.). For more information, please refer to the note Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures in the annual audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

SOURCE Boralex Inc.

Related Links

www.boralex.com


With more than 80 medical centers in 12 states, ChenMed offers a full range of primary care services to seniors, from preventive care to diagnostic services and management of chronic diseases. The medical centers, located in underserved communities, are led by caring, expert doctors who coordinate all aspects of their patients' care.

"An important part of our mission includes bringing on established providers in the community who share our philosophy of providing superior care to all seniors. For more than 30 years, Dr. Joseph H. Puente has provided comprehensive and compassionate and preventive care to seniors in the Metairie community, and we are thrilled to join forces with such a respected practice," said Vijayendra Jaligam, M.D., chief medical officer for JenCare in New Orleans. "This acquisition means we will be able to provide more seniors in the community with access to affordable, VIP care that delivers better health."

ChenMed operates four JenCare Senior Medical Centers in the greater New Orleans area, with locations in the Gentilly, Kenner, Metairie and Mid-City neighborhoods. JenCare has been a pillar in the New Orleans senior health care community for eight years.

"I've been impressed every step of the way with ChenMed's professionalism and my encounters with JenCare Senior Medical Center doctors, care team and staff," said Dr. Puente. "I couldn't be prouder to be joining this technology-enabled healthcare company and continuing to serve my patients in an environment that puts a great deal of emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship; and helps patients live happier and heathier lives.

About ChenMed

ChenMed, headquartered in Miami, is a privately owned medical, management and technology company that brings concierge-style medicine  and better health outcomes  to the neediest populations. Physician-led and privately owned, ChenMed is a provider of choice for some 20 Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Operating more than 80 primary care medical practices for diverse populations of seniors, ChenMed results consistently include up to 75 percent drops in emergency room visits, plus 30 to 50 percent reductions for in-patient hospital admissions. In addition, this high-touch primary care is shown to reduce coronavirus deaths by 40 percent, according to a study published in American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. A Fortune 2020 "Change the World" company, ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center, Dedicated Senior Medical Center and JenCare Senior Medical Center.

SOURCE ChenMed

Related Links

http://ChenMed.com


JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, has declared a quarterly dividend on the utility's preferred stock.

The following dividend is payable Oct. 1, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 7, 2021: $1.125 per share on the $4.50 preferred stock (NYSE: CMS_pb).

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com.

To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

SOURCE CMS Energy

Related Links

http://www.cmsenergy.com


The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will decelerate during the forecast period. The regional outbreak of coronavirus and product innovations will offer immense growth opportunities. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Coronavirus test kits market in North America 2021-2025: Segmentation

Coronavirus test kits market in North America is segmented as below:

End-User

Government



Non Government

Geography

US



Canada



Mexico

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Coronavirus test kits market in North America 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis and Scope

To help businesses improve their market position, the coronavirus test kits market in North America provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the market. Some of these vendors include Abbott Laboratories, Becton, Dickinson and Co., Co Diagnostics Inc., Danaher Corp., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., GenMark Diagnostics Inc., Hologic Inc., Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, QIAGEN NV, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

The report also covers the following areas:

Coronavirus test kits market in North America size

size Coronavirus test kits market in North America trends

trends Coronavirus test kits market in North America industry analysis

The coronavirus test kits market in North America is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will decelerate. The fast-track approval of diagnostic kits will offer immense growth opportunities. However, government measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 will hamper market growth.

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Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research report on the coronavirus test kits market in North America is designed to provide entry support, customer profile & M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

Related Reports on Health Care Include:

Coronavirus Test Kits Market in APAC - Coronavirus test kits market in APAC is segmented by end-user (government and non-government) and geography (India, China, Japan, South Korea (Republic of Korea), and Rest of APAC).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Coronavirus Test Kits Market in Europe - Coronavirus test kits market in Europe is segmented by end-user (government and non-government) and geography (UK, Russian Federation, Italy, Germany, and rest of Europe).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report

Coronavirus test kits market in North America 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist coronavirus test kits market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the coronavirus test kits market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the coronavirus test kits market in North America

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the coronavirus test kits market vendors

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Five Forces Analysis

Five forces summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

Market Segmentation by End-user

Market segments

Comparison by End-user

Government - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Non-government - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by End-user

Customer landscape

Overview

Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

US - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Canada - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Mexico - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption

Competitive Scenario

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Abbott Laboratories

Co Diagnostics Inc.

Danaher Corp.

F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.

GenMark Diagnostics Inc.

Hologic Inc.

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

QIAGEN NV

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Appendix

Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

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UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: www.technavio.com/report/coronavirus-test-kits-market-in-north-america-industry-analysis

SOURCE Technavio

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LONDON, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When New Bond Street Pawnbrokers started their service, they had one clear objective: to bring one of the oldest trades in the world into the 21st century, a challenging mission for a company that's part of a sector that has always been perceived as traditional. But their ambition and extensive knowledge got them positioned as the most awarded pawnbroker in the world, having won over 35 awards & nominations, including the National Pawnbroking Association Award they won in 2019, the 2020 Credit Awards by Experian (Best Marketing Campaign), the 2020 UK Digital Growth Awards: Finance Website of the Year, and the 2020 Global Digital Excellence Award: Best Global Biddable Campaign.

This luxury pawnbroker, with over 60 years of pawnbroking industry experience , was able to thrive during one of the biggest crises seen by SMEs in recent times, by teaming up with another highly awarded digital marketing agency, Pufferr, applying emerging technologies in the financial sector and developing a technology-first mindset.

Ever since 2019, New Bond Street Pawnbrokers recognized that the digital transformation of all businesses represented a survival rather than a competitive requirement. By teaming up with the team at Pufferr to complete a comprehensive and innovative digital transformation program, they reached amazing results, for example, in one year their SEO website traffic is up by 264.45% and continues to increase at an exponential rate: imagine that during the last month, their traffic was up 385.95% YOY.

By bringing the latest technology to their business as Google Home Apps and Alexa, developing a VR App, and updating their Facebook, Twitter, and Website chatbots game, they've adapted to technology in a total percent. Another great strategy was using and testing a variety of AI content tools as Snazzy AI, Copysmith, and platforms to leverage outsourcing strategies and the rise of the platforms.

But that doesn't stop there because they also understood that emerging trends were the key to grow and leapfrog much larger businesses, that's why they also re-developed their website and content strategy by employing a professional film crew, renting a luxury mansion and drones to shoot two professional presentations video. And by having a lifetime of experience in providing loans against fine jewellery, loans on fine watches, diamonds, fine art, fine wine, luxury cars, antiques other fine personal assets: Warhol paintings and Jaguar cars are featured on these commercials, in another example of New Bond Street Pawnbroker's attention to detail and commitment to its digital program.

What for others might seem like a 'good to have' understand of how technology would impact SME businesses, for NBSP is understood as a 'must-have'. If they were able to challenge the idea of all luxury pawnbrokers seeing as traditional, they exhort all other SMEs to survive too, by betting on technology and transforming their businesses.

For a better understanding of how to master both luxury and modernity in business, visit https://www.newbondstreetpawnbrokers.com/ and learn more about the pawnbroking service of the future.

Contact Info:

Name: Constantin Singureanu.

Organization: New Bond Street Pawnbrokers

Address: 5 Blenheim Street, Mayfair, London W1S 1LD

Phone: 020 7493 0385

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.newbondstreetpawnbrokers.com/

SOURCE New Bond Street Pawnbrokers
DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Drug Delivery Devices Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Implications and Growth to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Drug Delivery Devices Global Market Report 2021 covers this critical market and the impact on it from the COVID-19 virus. It provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the increasing demand for drug delivery devices which play a critical role in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.



Major players in the drug delivery devices market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, 3M Company, Pfizer Inc., Baxter International, BD., Novartis AG, Gerresheimer AG, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Bayer AG, and GlaxoSmithKline plc.



The global drug delivery devices market is expected to grow from $40.7 billion in 2020 to $42.76 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The change in growth trend is mainly due to the companies stabilizing their output after catering to the demand that grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The market is expected to reach $50.9 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 4.5%.



Drugs used for Covid-19 treatment are both oral and injectable; however, a marginal increase is expected for pulmonary or respiratory-based drug delivery devices.



The regulatory changes related to medical devices is expected to restraint the growth of drug delivery devices market. The companies operating in the market are required to adapt according to the changes in the regulatory framework, which may limit business at the bottom line. Also, companies will have to bear the heavy cost of adapting to the changing regulatory framework. Also, the sudden changes in the regulatory framework related to medical devices can result in losses, fines, penalties at a global level.



The microneedle (MN), is a highly efficient and versatile medical device technology, due to its prominent properties including painless penetration, low cost, excellent therapeutic efficacy, and relative safety. The major players operating in the global microneedle drug delivery system include, 3M, Vetter Pharma International GmbH, nano Biosciences LLC, Nano Pass and more.

The microneedles are fabricated using biodegradable polymers in which drugs or vaccines are encapsulated in the microneedles. Once, the microneedles dissolve in the skin, the drug gets released. This novel delivery method allows a wider variety of molecules to pass the skin's barrier, thus allowing the transdermal delivery to be applied to a large range of clinical applications, including diabetes, severe osteoporosis, and influenza vaccination.



Companies in the drug delivery devices market are collaborating with other companies within the industry in order to strengthen their product portfolio as well as to expand their footprint across different geographies. For example, in December 2019, Leo Pharma, a Danish pharmaceutical company, has collaborated with Portal Instruments to build Portal's advanced needle-free drug delivery system for use in conjunction with LEO Pharma's research and approved drug portfolio. This simplifies administration and removes the need for sharp containers at home, and also decreases the time required for self-injections.



In August 2020, Sulzer, a Swiss-based engineering and manufacturing firm acquired Haselmeier GmbH for $118m. The acquisition of Haselmeier will allow Sulzer to complement its healthcare portfolio, in addition to leveraging its APS expertise in precision injection moulding to expand its presence in the drug delivery devices market. Haselmeier GmbH, a Swiss-German drug delivery device developer and manufacturer.



The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and other diseases is expected to drive the drug delivery devices market. There are various routes of drug administration for medical drugs. The selection of the route depends on three factors - the effect desired; the type of the disease and the type of the product.

Currently, the development of new drug delivery systems plays a major role in pharmaceutical industries. Research and development (R&D) in drug delivery are increasing throughout the world due to increasing prevalence of these diseases.

Most of the pharmaceutical companies are focusing on multiple drug delivery technologies for creating excellent advantages and better outcome for their marketed products. Hence, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is resulting in increased consumption of therapeutic drugs and therapies, and this factor is expected to act as a driver for the growth of the drug delivery devices market.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Drug Delivery Devices Market Characteristics



3. Drug Delivery Devices Market Trends And Strategies



4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Drug Delivery Devices



5. Drug Delivery Devices Market Size And Growth

5.1. Global Drug Delivery Devices Historic Market, 2015-2020, $ Billion

5.1.1. Drivers Of The Market

5.1.2. Restraints On The Market

5.2. Global Drug Delivery Devices Forecast Market, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

5.2.1. Drivers Of The Market

5.2.2. Restraints On the Market



6. Drug Delivery Devices Market Segmentation

6.1. Global Drug Delivery Devices Market, Segmentation By Route Of Administration, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Oral Drug Delivery

Injectable Drug Delivery

Topical Drug Delivery

Ocular Drug Delivery

Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Nasal Drug Delivery

Transmucosal Drug Delivery

Implantable Drug Delivery

6.2. Global Drug Delivery Devices Market, Segmentation By Patient Care Setting, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Hospitals

Diagnostic Centers

Ambulatory Surgery Centers/Clinics

Home Care Settings

Others

6.3. Global Drug Delivery Devices Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Cancer

Infectious Diseases

Respiratory Diseases

Diabetes

Cardiovascular Diseases

Autoimmune Diseases

Central Nervous System Disorders

Others

7. Drug Delivery Devices Market Regional And Country Analysis

7.1. Global Drug Delivery Devices Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

7.2. Global Drug Delivery Devices Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion



Companies Mentioned

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

3M Company

Company Pfizer Inc.

Baxter International

BD

Novartis AG

Gerresheimer AG

Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

Bayer AG

GlaxoSmithKline plc

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Cipla Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Antares Pharma

Sulzer Ltd

Sanofi

Novosanis

MEDMIX SYSTEMS AG

Merck & Co., Inc.

Insulet Corporation

OraSure Technologies, Inc.

Enable Injections

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

SMC Ltd.

ViVO Smart Medical Devices Ltd.

Smith Medical

CareFusion Corporation

Abbott Laboratories

Nipro Corporation

Allergan

Catalent

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/upl1ry

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

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Each profile is free to view and packed with high-quality insights, providing businesses with detailed company information. Users can take advantage of these insights to identify, target, and connect with the right intercom manufacturers and suppliers. This company information includes employee insights, company competitors, the impact of emerging trends and challenges, the latest news, and more.

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Contact

BizVibe

Jesse Maida

Email: [email protected]

+1 855-897-5880

Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/

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BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Defense today awarded Express Scripts, an Evernorth company, a contract for the administration of the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, Fifth Generation. Under the new contract, Express Scripts will serve 9.6 million active-duty service members, their family members, and retirees through 2029.

"For nearly two decades, Express Scripts has been a critical partner in the government's ongoing effort to provide affordable and accessible pharmacy care that is focused on improving health outcomes," said Amy Bricker, president of Express Scripts PBM. "Providing pharmacy services for the Department of Defense is a great honor, and we appreciate the trust they place in us."

Under the contract, which begins in January 2023, Express Scripts will add to its current portfolio of services for TRICARE by providing enhanced specialty care and expanded care coordination capabilities. Express Scripts will continue support of TRICARE pharmacy operations, including specialty pharmacy services, military pharmacy claims, and retail network pharmacies. Express Scripts Pharmacy will continue providing convenient home delivery of prescriptions for maintenance medications.

"As we enter our next chapter of service for the Department of Defense and its beneficiaries, we look forward to delivering the same high level of care they expect from us, while bringing new value through the strength and performance of Evernorth's capabilities," said Eric Palmer, president and chief operating officer for Evernorth, the health services business of Cigna Corporation. "TRICARE beneficiaries have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are proud to continue our service to them, delivering a simplified experience that allows them to focus on what matters most."

About Evernorth

Evernorth creates and connects premier health services offerings, including benefits management, pharmacy, care solutions, insights, and intelligence. With an open approach to partnering across the health care landscape, we deliver innovative and flexible solutions for health plans, employers and government programs. Evernorth capabilities are powered by our family of companies, including Express Scripts, Accredo, eviCore and MDLIVE, along with holistic Evernorth platforms and solutions that elevate health and drive progress for people and businesses. All Evernorth solutions are serviced and provided by or through operating affiliates of Evernorth Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cigna Corporation, or third-party partners. Learn more at Evernorth.com.

Media Contact:

Justine Sessions

1 (860) 810-6523

[email protected]

SOURCE Evernorth

Related Links

http://www.evernorth.com


"Julie and I could not be more humbled to be named winners of such a prestigious award. We are proud to have employees driven by the positive impact they have on patient lives, especially throughout the growth of our company in unpredicted times. It has been an incredible journey for Gravity Diagnostics, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to grow and improve public health within our community and throughout the nation. As we look to the future, we will continue our mission to empower individuals to take charge of their own healthcare destiny," said Tony Remington, CEO, and Co-Founder of Gravity Diagnostics.

This award follows the recognition of being the fastest-growing company in the Cincinnati region, among other recognitions within the past year.

For 35 years, EY US has honored entrepreneurs whose ambition, courage and ingenuity have driven their companies' success, transformed their industries and made a positive impact on their communities. Remington and Brazil will go on to become lifetime members of the esteemed multi-industry community of award winners, with exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of fellow alumni and other ecosystem members in over 60 countries  all supported by vast EY resources.

As East Central award winners, Remington and Brazil are now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 National Awards. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has honored the inspirational leadership of entrepreneurs such as:

Bryan Salesky of Argo AI, LLC

of Argo AI, LLC Molly North of Al. Neyer

of Al. Neyer Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani

of Chobani Luis von Ahn of Duolingo

of Duolingo Dale Wollschleger of ExactCare Pharmacy

of ExactCare Pharmacy James Park of Fitbit

of Fitbit Daymond John of Fubu

of Fubu Kendra Scott of Kendra Scott LLC

of Kendra Scott LLC Gordon Vanscoy of PANTHERx Rare and Rare Med Solutions

of PANTHERx Rare and Rare Med Solutions Alex Timm of Root Insurance

of Root Insurance Shelly Ibach of Sleep Number Corporation

of Sleep Number Corporation Jodi Berg of Vitamix

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Kauffman Foundation. In East Central, sponsors also include PNC Bank, VRC, The Oswald Companies and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP.

About Gravity Diagnostics

Gravity Diagnostics is a state-of-the-art CAP Accredited and CLIA Certified laboratory licensed in all 50 states providing innovative laboratory testing in the areas of COVID-19, Upper Respiratory, Toxicology, Pharmacogenomics, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Blood. We are an advocate for physicians, patients, and our communities, supporting them with unsurpassed integrity, regulatory compliance, and clinical expertise. Gravity currently serves over 1,000 customers from small private practices to universities to Fortune 500 companies. Learn more at gravitydiagnostics.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National overall winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title. ey.com/us/eoy

About EY Private

As Advisors to the ambitious, EY Private professionals possess the experience and passion to support private businesses and their owners in unlocking the full potential of their ambitions. EY Private teams offer distinct insights born from the long EY history of working with business owners and entrepreneurs. These teams support the full spectrum of private enterprises including private capital managers and investors and the portfolio businesses they fund, business owners, family businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs. Visit ey.com/us/private

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE Gravity Diagnostics

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FAIRFAX, Va., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxhole Technology was recently awarded the U.S. Navy SeaPort-NxG indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and program management support services. This $5B IDIQ is a critical component for the Department of the Navy and Navy Systems Commands (NAVSEA, NAVAIR, NAVWAR, NAVFAC, and NAVSUP), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Military Sealift Command (MSC), and the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Foxhole Technology will support this IDIQ, and these customers, with services that span the entire spectrum of mission areas and technical capabilities.

Under this contract, Foxhole Technology will provide engineering and program management support services in 22 functional areas, for the Navy Systems Commands. These services will include Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support, Configuration Management (CM) Support, Information System (IS) Development, Information Assurance (IA), and Information Technology (IT) Support, and Computer Systems Analysts.

"Our 6,000 square foot lab and staff are focused on solution development that addresses many of the challenging threats to our nation in the areas of Data Analytics, Threat Hunting, and Critical Infrastructure Protection, just to name a few," stated Wes Hester, CEO. "We are excited and looking forward to supporting Department of the Navy and the Navy Systems Command's critical, national mission."

This IDIQ adds to a series of recent wins for Foxhole Technology in the our core competency areas of software development, systems and software engineering, information assurance and computer systems Analysis and cybersecurity arena, which include a $74 million Department of Homeland Security Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation contract, and a $116 million Transportation Security Administration contract. Together with the Seaport-e NxG IDIQ award, these contracts demonstrate the quality of work being implemented, and the trust DoD and federal customers have in Foxhole Technology.

About Foxhole Technology:

Founded in 2008, Foxhole Technology, a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), provides robust cyber security capabilities for Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal and civilian agencies across the globe. A recognized leader in the security arena, Foxhole Technology provides solutions and services including: Cybersecurity; Systems Engineering; Agile Software Development; Development Security Operations (DevSecOps); Testing and Evaluation; Data Analytics; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Predictive Threat Analytics; Strategic Security Modeling and Planning Support; and, the Internet Of Things (IOT), to include Testing, Mitigation, and Security Support Services.

About Seaport-NxG

SeaPort-NxG is the Navy's electronic platform for acquiring support services including Engineering, Financial Management, and Program Management. The Navy Systems Commands (NAVSEA, NAVAIR, NAVWAR, NAVFAC, and NAVSUP), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Military Sealift Command (MSC), and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) compete their service requirements among 1800+ SeaPort-NxG Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) multiple award contract holders. SeaPort-NxG provides an efficient and effective means of contracting for professional support services and enhancing small business participation. The Navy conducts Rolling Admissions to allow new industry partners the opportunity to participate.

For more information regarding this contract, contact Peter Dierbeck, Director of Contracts.

SOURCE Foxhole Technology, Inc.
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- President Joe Biden praised the work of Community Health Centers in the fight against COVID in a White House Proclamation issued today in advance of National Health Center Week 2021. President Biden said, "Today, health centers are one of the largest health care providers in the country and provide high-quality affordable, accessible, and value-based primary health care services to 29 million Americans each year  approximately 1 in 11 people across the country. They have also been a vital part of our Nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of National Health Center Week, we recognize the importance of federally-supported health centers and the role they play as a beacon of strength, service, and care in our communities."

The President singled out the work of health centers as they continue efforts to vaccinate and build trust in the COVID vaccine amid the upsurge of the Delta variant. He said, "Our Nation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is stronger because of our health centers, and the tireless, dedicated health center employees who continue to deliver critical services such as COVID-19 testing, treatment, and prevention services on the front lines. As we ramped up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines over the past several months, health centers, through the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, have vaccinated and built vaccine confidence in millions of Americans from hard-hit and high-risk communities."
FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 8; Released: May 2021 Executive Pool: 1429 Companies: 67 - Players covered include 3M Company; CeramTec GmbH; CoorsTek, Inc.; Corning, Inc.; Dyson Technical Ceramic Ltd.; Elan Technology; IBIDEN CO., Ltd.; Kyocera Corporation; McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies LLC; Morgan Advanced Materials Plc; NGK Insulators Ltd.; Saint Gobain Performance Ceramics and Refractories and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Type (Functional Ceramics, and Structural Ceramics); Material (Alumina Oxide Ceramic, Titanate Oxide Ceramic, Zirconia Oxide Ceramic, and Other Materials); and Application (Automotive Engine Parts, Automotive Exhaust Systems, Automotive Electronics, and Other Applications) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

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ABSTRACT-

Global Automotive Ceramics Market to Reach $1.7 Billion by 2024

Automotive ceramics are fine ceramic materials that are extensively used in automobile components. Some of the typical applications of automotive ceramics are spark plug insulators, different types of sensors, and catalysts for emission control devices. In the recent years, automotive ceramics have become an indispensable part of motorized vehicle production that involves high level of automation along with strong focus on advanced technical equipment, design variants and high utility value. Motorized vehicle production relies on various technologies and industries such as ceramic, chemical, electrical, and electronics. The production also involves several component assemblies like engine, car body and power transmission, which are characterized with specific technical needs for materials used.

Ceramics are increasingly used in fuel injectors, sensors, high pressure pump, particulate filters, spark & glow plugs, and PTC heaters, among others. High-quality ceramic materials are the key constituents of several components incorporated in motorized vehicles. With their extensive spectrum of industrial applications due to desirable properties, ceramic materials are widely perceived as critical engineering materials. The superior physical, electrical and thermal properties have established ceramic materials as a reliable, cost-efficient and durable alternative to non-ceramic based options. Ceramic materials are recognized for their thermal insulation properties and hardness. Since traditional ceramic materials are intrinsically brittle, automotive component manufacturers are increasingly moving towards engineered and advances ceramics, representing integral components of automotive components.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Automotive Ceramics is projected to reach US$1.7 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% over the analysis period. China represents the largest regional market for Automotive Ceramics, accounting for an estimated 26.4% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$554.1 Million by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 4.9% over the analysis period. China and Asia-Pacific countries are leading the global market for automotive ceramics. The regions are also expected to post the fastest growth through the analysis period, led by the stable increase in automobile production and the rising use of ceramics in the manufacture of various automotive components and parts. A growing number of automotive ceramic manufacturers are moving operations to Asia-Pacific countries, due to the growing manufacturing clout of developing economies and the rapid development of local markets. The emergence of Asian countries as low cost manufacturing hubs augurs well for the market. The positive economic outlook in Asian economies, rising consumer disposable incomes, and presence of several major suppliers of ceramic materials are contributing to the growing importance of Asia-Pacific in the automotive ceramics market. The presence of several leading automakers in the region also favors the automotive ceramics market. China spearheads growth in the global automotive ceramics market, with South Korea and India also ranking as prominent regional markets. More

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FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 16; Released: May 2021 Executive Pool: 28487 Companies: 68 - Players covered include Air Liquide S.A.; Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.; Deokyang Co., Ltd.; EPOCH Energy Technology Corporation; Hydrogenics Corporation; Idroenergy; ITM Power Plc; Linde plc; McPhy Energy S.A.; Messer Group; Nel ASA; Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC; Proton OnSite and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Product Type (On-Site, Portable); Process (Steam Reformer, Electrolysis); Application (Chemicals, Fuel Cells, Petroleum, Other Applications) Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry



ABSTRACT-



Global Hydrogen Generators Market to Reach $1.2 Billion by 2024

Hydrogen has for long been considered as a potential carrier of energy and also as a major contender among the available options of ideal energy resources that could be exploited for future energy needs of the world. The history of artificial production of hydrogen gas can be traced back to four centuries. Upon burning, the only emission that hydrogen lets out is water. This has formed the basis for its name 'hydrogen' which means 'water former' in the Greek language. However, hydrogen on its own cannot be an energy source. It needs to burn and react with oxygen for creating the heat required for generating energy. Hydrogen therefore has since long been used as a carrier of energy rather than an energy source. Hydrogen was used for storing energy created elsewhere. It was only a few decades ago that hydrogen fuel production began, using electrolysis of nuclear, wind, solar and hydro powers. Over the past few decades, hydrogen fuel has been applied safely for an increasing number of applications in chemical, glass, metal and food sectors. As of 2019, about 70 million tons of the fuel was produced for applications in various industries across the world. The important benefits of hydrogen fuel, namely clean, carbon-free, odorless, non-toxic and light-weight capabilities, are contributing towards the rising use of hydrogen fuel.

Hydrogen generators are used for production of hydrogen. Technology used by these generation units varies in accordance with the feedstock used. An onsite unit is installed at the premises of the consumer for producing hydrogen required by various processes. Technology employed varies depending on the feedstock used. Portable hydrogen generators on the other hand are units that provide electric power to a facility, on a temporary basis. Portable units are small-sized units that find widespread application in the form of power backup units and for charging of electronic devices. Portable units are also installed at construction sites for powering lights and tools. Hydrogen generators offer low cost and reliable hydrogen and aid in increasing safety and security of on-site energy generation. They also eliminate the need for hydrogen cylinders, delivery, storage and handling, which require extreme caution. Residential and commercial buildings are also deploying hydrogen solutions because of the cost-effectiveness of especially the on-site units. On-site generation proves to be cheaper than purchasing hydrogen from exclusive hydrogen producers. Also end-users can also eliminate the issues pertaining to purity of hydrogen and also timely delivery when choosing on-site systems. Hydrogen is usually generated at the pressure of 13.8 bar/200 psi, without compressor and with 99.9995% purity, if generator units are operated continuously, with no intervention.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Hydrogen Generators market is projected to reach US$1.2 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% over the analysis period. The United States represents the largest regional market for Hydrogen Generators, accounting for an estimated 29.8% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$372.1 Million by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 5.7% over the analysis period.

The market is being driven by the rising awareness about the adoption of clean fuel sources, growing electricity demand, faster fossil fuel depletion and adoption of increasingly stringent regulatory norms related to carbon emissions. Further, expanding end-use application areas for hydrogen gas in the chemical, refinery, and oil & gas sectors are likely to support demand. The strong availability of natural gas feedstock along with demand for highly pure hydrogen is anticipated to drive market growth. The increasing focus on using hydrogen in the food and beverage sector for eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses is also expected to foster demand for hydrogen generators across the world. Given its environmental friendliness, escalating adoption of hydrogen in commercial, residential and automotive sectors is expected to drive demand for hydrogen generators in the coming years. However, efficient distribution as well as transportation of hydrogen produced continues to be a major challenge. Another major impediment to market growth is the high cost of hydrogen as a fuel when compared to fossil fuels. New technologies for cost effective production, storage and distribution of hydrogen are also vital for driving adoption of hydrogen as the predominant fuel solution in industrial, military, commercial and residential sectors. More



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Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world`s only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years.



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DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Oral Biologics & Biosimilar Drugs Global Market Report 2021: COVID-19 Growth and Change to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Major players in the oral biologics and biosimilar market are Novartis, Rani Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Co., AstraZeneca plc, Novo Nordisk A/S, Biocon Limited, Oramed Pharmaceuticals, BiosanaPharma, Entera Bio Ltd. and Allergan plc.



The global oral biologics & biosimilar drugs market is expected to grow from $3.53 billion in 2020 to $4.1 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%.

The growth is mainly due to the companies resuming their operations and adapting to the new normal while recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges.

The market is expected to reach $8.69 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 21%.



The oral biologics and biosimilar market consist of sales of oral biologics and biosimilar products and related services used to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer. Biologics are drugs made from living cells using highly complex technology while biosimilars are created to function similarly to biologics but are not identical to biologics.

The oral biologics and biosimilar market comprise of biologics and biosimilar drugs taken orally for the targeted treatment of Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and other serious conditions.



North America was the largest region in the global oral biologics & biosimilar drugs market, accounting for 46% of the market in 2019. Asia Pacific was the second largest region accounting for 24% of the global regional preview market. Eastern Europe was the smallest region in the global oral biologics & biosimilar drugs market.



The oral biologics and biosimilar market covered in this report is segmented by therapy into lymphocyte modulators, interleukin inhibitors, tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. It is also segmented by disease into asthma, crohn's disease, carcinoma, arthritis, diabetes, multiple myeloma, enterocolitis, multiple sclerosis, sarcoma, psoriasis and others, by molecule type into vaccines, proteins & peptides, monoclonal antibodies, others and by distribution channel into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies



Stringent regulations imposed on approval of biosimilar is anticipated to hinder the growth of oral biologics and biosimilar market in the forecast period. The governments of different regions impose different rules regarding the production and use of biologics and biosimilars. Further, issues such as patent infringement or agreement issues restrict the manufacturers of biologics and biosimilars from commercializing the government-approved biosimilars.

The US Food and Drug Administration requires a double regulatory approval for biosimilars, restricting the use of biosimilars as an interchangeable drug to biologics whereas, in Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approves biosimilars as interchangeable products for biologics. In February 2019, out of the total 17 approved biosimilars only 7 biosimilars including 4 originating biologics could enter the US commercial market. The robust government policies for approval of these drugs impact the manufacturers in oral biologics and biosimilar market.



The latest trend in the oral biologics and biosimilar market is the creation of new insulin biosimilars. The key players operating in the oral biologics and biosimilar market are investing in creating a biosimilar copy of insulin. This is also promoting competition among various biosimilar manufacturers.

Following the trend, Mylan, a USA based pharmaceuticals company, in partnership with Biocon launched biosimilar insulin glargine named Semglee, in 2019 in Australia. Biocon is an Indian based biopharmaceutical company. In 2019, Oramed Pharmaceuticals, a Jerusalem based pharmaceutical company developed an oral insulin drug named ORMD-0801 to treat type 2 diabetes. Thus, companies in the oral biologics and biosimilar market are investing in the trend of developing biosimilar of insulin to gain profit.



The global burden of chronic disease is expected to reach about 60%. Therefore, the rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases is projected to propel the demand for biologics and biosimilars, thus driving the biologics and biosimilar market.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market Characteristics



3. Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market Trends And Strategies



4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Oral Biologics & Biosimilars



5. Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market Size And Growth

5.1. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Historic Market, 2015-2020, $ Billion

5.1.1. Drivers Of The Market

5.1.2. Restraints On The Market

5.2. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Forecast Market, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

5.2.1. Drivers Of The Market

5.2.2. Restraints On the Market



6. Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market Segmentation

6.1. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Segmentation By Therapy, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Lymphocyte Modulators

Interleukin Inhibitors

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors

6.2. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Segmentation By Disease, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Asthma

Crohn'S Disease

Carcinoma

Arthritis

Diabetes

Multiple Myeloma

Enterocolitis

Multiple Sclerosis

Sarcoma

Psoriasis and Others

6.3. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Segmentation By Molecule Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Vaccines

Proteins & Peptides

Monoclonal Antibodies

Others

6.4. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Segmentation By Distribution Channel, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Hospital Pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Online Pharmacies

7. Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market Regional And Country Analysis

7.1. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

7.2. Global Oral Biologics & Biosimilars Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2020, 2020-2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

Companies Mentioned

Novartis

Rani Therapeutics

Eli Lilly and Co.

AstraZeneca plc

Novo Nordisk A/S

Biocon Limited

Oramed Pharmaceuticals

BiosanaPharma

Entera Bio Ltd.

Allergan plc

Emisphere Technologies

Enteris BioPharma

Chiasma

Allena Pharmaceuticals

Gelgen

Ganlee

3sbio

Innovent

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

Changchun High Tech

Dong Bao

CP Guojian

GlaxoSmithKline Plc.

Concord Biotech

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.

H. Lundbeck A/S

Sanofi-Aventis

Roche

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l5iqes

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 18; Released: May 2021 Executive Pool: 404 Companies: 56 - Players covered include Global Silicon Technologies, Inc.; Kinik Company; KST World Corp.; Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co.,Ltd.; Mospec Semiconductor Corp; NanoSILICON, Inc.; NoeL Technologies, Inc.; NOVA Electronic Materials, LLC; Optim Wafer Services; Phoenix Silicon International Corporation; Pure Wafer; Rokko Electronics Co., Ltd.; RS Technologies Co., Ltd.; Scientech Corporation; Shinryo Corporation; Si Wave Co., Ltd.; Silicon Inc.; Silicon Materials, Inc.; Silicon Valley Microelectronics, Inc.; SUMCO CORPORATION; Thai Advantec Co., Ltd.; West European Silicon Technologies B.V. and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Wafer Diameter (300mm, 200mm, 150mm, Other Wafer Diameters); Application (Solar Panels, Integrated Circuits, Other Applications) Geographies: World; USA; Japan; China; Europe; Asia-Pacific; South Korea; Taiwan; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry



ABSTRACT-



Global Silicon Reclaim Wafers Market to Reach $840.4 Million by 2026

Silicon Reclaim Wafers are defined as reprocessed used test and prime wafers, which are stripped and re-polished for re-use. Silicon wafers are used extensively in semiconductors industry and today form the foundation of all electronics components. As the fundamental building block for semiconductors, silicon wafer demand is significantly linked to the sales of electronic products including computers, telecommunication products, and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. While silicon wafers are offered in various sizes, the trend is towards larger sizes that allow fabrication of multiple chips on a single silicon, thereby reducing manufacturing costs per semiconductor chip. At present, 12-inch or 300mm diameter wafers comprise the largest category. New processing technologies are helping reduce the risk of defect formation in silicon wafers, an important benefit given the escalating cost of raw semiconductor grade silicon and silicon wafer development. Given the large number of wafers required for testing purposes, use of reclaim wafers for testing applications is poised to benefit due to the significant cost savings offered as compared to virgin test wafers.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Silicon Reclaim Wafers estimated at US$529.7 Million in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$840.4 Million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% over the analysis period. 300mm, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 8.2% CAGR and reach $584.8 Million by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the 200mm segment is readjusted to a revised 5.9% CAGR for the next 7-year period. In the semiconductor industry, wafer diameter is steadily increasing from 200mm to 300mm. This transition to larger diameter wafer sizes is primarily the result of the growing focus on reducing cost per die. Key factors driving the transition to larger silicon wafer sizes include the constant need for miniaturization, and developments in packing density i.e. very large scale integration (VLSI) as well as system on chip (SOC).

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $120.7 Million in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $42 Million by 2026

Silicon Reclaim Wafers market in the U.S. is estimated at US$120.7 Million in the year 2021. China is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$42 Million by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 9.8% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Europe, each forecast to grow at 5.9% and 6.5% respectively over the analysis period. In North America, growing installations of solar panels are leading to high demand for silicon wafer reclaim services. The region is home to several major players engaged in offering the reclaim wafer services due to the widespread availability of technical expertise. In Europe, demand for reclaim silicon wafers will be supported by the growing adoption of renewable energy sources and the increasing demand for various electronic devices and components. Growth of the electronic industries of India, China, Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea is anticipated to contribute to market growth in Asia-Pacific. The regions are also witnessing major shift towards renewable energy, which also contributes to increased silicon wafer reclaims demand. More

MarketGlass Platform

Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today`s busy business executive`s intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide.

Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world`s only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years.

CONTACTS:

Zak Ali

Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

www.StrategyR.com

Email: [email protected]

LINKS

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SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 17; Released: May 2021 Executive Pool: 852 Companies: 37 - Players covered include Ansarada Pty Ltd.; BMC Group, Inc.; Box, Inc.; Brainloop AG; CapLinked; Citrix Systems, Inc.; Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.; Drooms; EthosData; Firmex, Inc.; HighQ Solutions Limited; iDeals Solutions Group; Intralinks Holdings, Inc.; Merrill Corporation; SecureDocs, Inc.; ShareVault; Shield Docs; TransPerfect; Vault Rooms, Inc. and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Component (Software, Services); Organization Size (Large Enterprises, SMEs); Vertical (IT & Telecom, Retail & eCommerce, BFSI, Other Verticals) Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry

ABSTRACT-



Global Virtual Data Rooms Market to Reach $2.4 Billion by 2024

Virtual data rooms, also known as deal rooms, present an online data repository or cloud storage for data storage and sharing. The storage of data in virtual database allows organizations to control the data and allow only authorized users to access the information. Originally meant to facilitate cooperation among organizations engaged in M&A transactions, virtual data rooms have experienced notable evolution in terms of applications and functions. These advanced repositories are perfect options not only for secure information sharing, but also for data protection as they rely on sophisticated tools to encrypt uploaded documents. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Virtual Data Rooms is projected to reach US$2.4 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% over the analysis period. United States represents the largest regional market for Virtual Data Rooms, accounting for an estimated 30.9% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$807.3 Million by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 18.7% over the analysis period.

The global virtual data room market is exhibiting phenomenal expansion due to the increasing adoption of the platform across a diverse spectrum of industries coupled with burgeoning business data volumes from deals and rising demand for intellectual property and risk management. Recent advances related to virtual data rooms have extended their functionality and application scope to various end-users across a diverse spectrum of industries. Virtual data rooms are finding increasing adoption among financial, marketing, legal and workforce management organizations to store documents or business-critical information. Demand for virtual data rooms is also fueled by increasing data traffic in prime data management business like data centers, which are not intended to perform secure and safe transactions. The use of bank-grade data encryption technology by providers has made virtual data rooms highly secure platforms. The emergence of blockchain provides companies with the opportunity to further increase the security level. The market is likely to be propelled by increasing adoption of virtual data room services by organizations and governments across developed economies including the US and Canada owing to strong focus on technological innovation. Virtual data rooms hold immense scope across emerging economies such as India where a large number of local players collaborate with international firms and operate as outsource supporters for clients across developed markets.

The IT & telecom sector is anticipated to remain the leading end-user of data rooms and hold the major share of the global virtual data room market in the coming years. The platform is finding increasing adoption in the sector for facilitating deals and ensuring safe storage and transfer of data. The emergence of blockchain-based technologies to further improve security level of virtual data rooms across the IT ecosystem is expected to benefit the segment. More

MarketGlass Platform

Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today`s busy business executive`s intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide.

Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world`s only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years.

CONTACTS:

Zak Ali

Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

www.StrategyR.com

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Related Links

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"It's hard to believe it has been five years already," said Kevin Collins, co-founder of Global Widget. "We have grown the company to more than 300 employees and have introduced hundreds of products, but our success all along has been because of the loyalty and support of our terrific customers, retailers and business partners. We have nothing but immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve them."

Recently, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried, toured the company, saying, "I've had the opportunity over the last five years to see everything from how THC grows and manufacturing out in the West Coast to the East Coast and everything here in the state of Florida. You have a terrific, amazing operation here." Holly Bell, Florida's first-ever cannabis director appointed by Fried, added, "When I got the facility tour, I thought, 'This is the gold standard. This is what the industry needs.'"

From the start, Hemp Bombs quickly became the original CBD brand retailers and, most importantly, their customers, trusted.

"Hemp Bombs is the category captain in convenience with over 60 percent market share five years and counting," said Vince Gillen, Vice President of Sales. "We are very excited about the opportunity for growth and new store placements given that many large chain retailers are not yet carrying CBD or CBD gummies."

Last year, as a part of its Year of More campaign, Hemp Bombs increased the milligrams of CBD in most of its products, including its CBD gummies. Later that year, Hemp Bombs CBD gummies were voted a 2020 Retailer Choice Best New Product by more than 1,000 retailers in the 17th annual CSP Daily News awards program.

About Us

Global Widget, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and marketer of CBD and health and wellness products, and a leader in gummy production and packaging. The company is the trusted powerhouse behind CBD brands Hemp Bombs and Nature's Script and the wellness brand, Defense Boost. With more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space and about 300 employees, Global Widget is one of the nation's largest CBD companies and a leading contract manufacturer providing quality products and support services to retailers, distributors and private brands worldwide. www.globalwidget.com.

Media Contact:

Joe Agostinelli, PR Manager

813.497.5752 | [email protected]

SOURCE Global Widget

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This year, Heiner's wants to be there to support the increasing need for mental health services and the revitalization of the Ogden community. But you won't hear the humble Heiner's Family boast of their generosity. They are giving every penny collected to the Family Counseling Service without taking a cut of any kind. Heiner's is personally burdening all expenses and donating hundreds of hours to coordinate all the shows particulars. This greatly impressed Glenn Lanham, the Executive Director of the Family Counseling Service of Northern Utah. "We couldn't be more appreciative and I'm very honored to be a part of it. It's inspiring in today's day and age to see a company like Heiner's step up so selflessly."

Glenn reports that suicide, depression, domestic violence, abuse and addiction have all increased as a result of the pandemic. This means that the Family Counseling Service is in more need than ever right now. With many Utahns tight on finances, there are few places for them to receive their much-needed mental health support.

"We want to do our part and hope everyone does theirs. So, let's get back out and have a good time while we all support a great service," concluded Chris Heiner. This year, other selfless businesses have already joined the Cruisin' for a Cause effort such as Mutual of Enumclaw, Young Automotive Group, Young Ford of Ogden and WCF Insurance. At least 15 other Ogden businesses have generously donated as well.

Cruisin' for a Cause, the 6th Annual Heiner's Insurance Car Show, is free for spectators and donations are welcome! Also, guests can enter for a chance to win prizes, with all proceeds benefiting the Family Counseling Service. The family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a warm, summer evening with family and friends while supporting the local community.

About Family Counseling Service of Northern Utah: FCS is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Northern Utah by providing affordable mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and families regardless of income. They provide solution-focused, brief therapy for individuals and families, many of whom have nowhere else to turn for help.

About Heiner's Insurance: Heiner's is family owned and operated and one of Utah's longest running businesses, founded 73 years ago. Heiner's provides a wide variety of insurance coverage, including all aspects of personal, business, and health insurance. They are dedicated to protecting the assets and interests of their clients by matching each customer with one of the many major insurance carriers offered by Heiner's.

8/6 Schedule

5:30p

Macey's Grocery Store 3534 Ogden Ave Ogden, Utah 84403

Over 100 classic and exotic cars & motorcycles leave Macey's to cruise down Washington Blvd until they arrive at Kirt's Drive in.

5:30-8:30p

Kirt's Drive In

1974 N Washington Blvd Ogden, Utah 84414

Kirt's Drive-in will host the family-friendly event, located at 1974 N Washington Blvd in Ogden.

Contact: Nate Di Palma

[email protected]

435-640-3856 Cell

SOURCE Heiners Insurance
Honor's technology and operations platform, paired with Home Instead's leading global network, training leadership and relationship-based care, will serve as a foundation for a dramatic increase in innovation to benefit caregivers and clients through expanded offerings.

"For the past 27 years, Home Instead has demonstrated a powerful combination of leadership, passion, and innovation  elevating the standard of care globally and becoming the respected industry leader," said Seth Sternberg, co-founder and CEO of Honor. "This is an incredibly exciting moment as we bring together the preeminent global home care brand and network with the best technology and operations platform to provide an even more amazing caregiver and client experience. Never before in the history of the world has a company had this much reach or this much investment in technology to solve caring for aging adults, their loved ones and those who care for them."

To drive innovation, Honor will substantially increase its investment in research and development through engineering and technology. Honor and Home Instead also plan to extend their advocacy and social purpose initiatives. The combination will empower professional caregivers and enable millions more older adults across the globe to receive the support they need now and in the future.

"These two organizations share one passion: transforming the care experience for older adults around the world," said Jeff Huber, CEO of Home Instead. "For years, our commitment has been to create the world we want to grow older in. This transaction adds fuel to that commitment. Combining the strengths of these companies moves our passion from aspirational vision to inevitable impact."

Honor Technology, Inc. is a private company. Investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, fund advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Rock Springs, Prosus Ventures, Thrive Capital, and 8VC.

"Nobody has been able to figure out how we deliver high-quality care at scale, until now," said Marc Andreessen, cofounder, general partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and Honor Board of Directors member. "This acquisition fundamentally transforms the senior care space, flipping it from analog to digital. Technology will drive operational efficiency and personalization at scale, which is the only way to meet the skyrocketing needs of the baby-boom generation. If we increase our capacity to care, the next generation  and those after  will reap the benefits as well."

The Home Instead network will operate under the Home Instead name as a subsidiary of Honor. The Honor Care Network will continue under the Honor name. Seth Sternberg will continue in his role as CEO of Honor. Jeff Huber will report to Sternberg and continue to lead Home Instead as CEO, maintaining the brand that people have come to know and trust along with the high-quality care delivered to millions of older adults and their families.

Together, Honor and Home Instead will focus on further professionalizing the role of the caregiver and use technology as a foundation to strengthen the relationship between caregiver and client. This innovation will require additional engineering and development resources, which Honor and Home Instead are currently looking to fill. Open positions are available via the Careers at Honor site .

"The pandemic turned a simmering back-burner issue into an urgent, global human crisis for older adults. It's a simple truth: The way the world cares for older adults must evolve," Huber said. "The hospital of the future is the living room. And that future will be fueled by a vibrant, respected workforce delivering care with skill and compassion."

There is a severe shortage of professional caregivers across the globe, as outlined in the 2021 report Building the Caregiving Workforce Our Aging World Needs . As a result of this combination, Honor and Home Instead will continually enhance training opportunities for caregivers. Honor's easy-to-use interactive app gives caregivers access to consistent hours and allows them to participate more in the process, which improves their overall satisfaction.

"Our primary focus is treating caregivers with respect and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. We call it Care for Care Pros," Sternberg said. "We know that if we care for our caregivers, they'll in turn provide even better care for our parents."

"Senior care should always be a personal, high-touch experience," Huber said. "Technology will make that experience more personal and more high-touch."

Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisor, and Lathrop GPM LLP served as legal counsel to Home Instead. SVB Leerink acted as financial advisor, and Fenwick & West LLP served as legal counsel to Honor.

ABOUT HONOR AND HOME INSTEAD

Together, Honor Technology, Inc. and Home Instead, Inc. will change the way we care for aging adults and their families. Founded in 2014, Honor is the first company ever to bring technology solutions, operational support and a large pool of caregivers to independently-owned home care agencies across the U.S. Since 1994, Home Instead has been the world's leading provider of home care services for older adults, operating in the United States and 14 other countries. The combined company will support the work of more than 100,000 professional caregivers and meet the expanding needs of millions of older adults and their families around the world. For more information, visit joinhonor.com and HomeInstead.com.

SOURCE Honor and Home Instead
A graduate of Peru State College, Ryan brings with him a wealth of experience in graphic design, branding, and in digital marketing initiatives. He will work in these areas, while assisting in generating leads and providing support for the sales staff for all three plastics companies within PCE, Inc., Apex Plastics, HTI Plastics and Lincoln Plastics.

ABOUT HTI PLASTICS

Since 1985, HTI Plastics has provided high-quality injection-molded plastic parts to customers in the U.S. and overseas, with a strong focus on both responsive expertise and exceptional value. HTI's knowledgeable team is dedicated to working in partnership with customers to provide innovative solutions and timely deliveries in an atmosphere of continuous improvement. For more information, visit htiplastic.com.

ABOUT PCE Inc.

PCE, Inc., founded in 1993, has three divisions with plastic manufacturing capabilities in blow-molding, injection molding and profile extrusion. PCE, Inc. does business in six continents with solutions for every size of company. www.pce.us.com

SOURCE HTI Plastics

Related Links

http://htiplastic.com


MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced that it completed the previously disclosed sale of its Kwidzyn pulp and paper mill and supporting operations to Mayr-Melnhof Group. The Kwidzyn business has approximately 2,300 employees with an annual capacity to produce 740,000 metric tons of folding boxboard, uncoated freesheet, specialty kraft papers, and market pulp on four machines.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ approximately 48,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

SOURCE International Paper

Related Links

http://www.internationalpaper.com


VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (the "Company") - (TSX: ITH) (NYSE American: THM) today announced that it has filed its unaudited second quarter Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six-month period ended June 30, 2021.

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had working capital of US$10.2 million.

Shareholders can obtain copies of the Company's unaudited second quarter Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis and Form 10-Q on SEDAR at: www.sedar.com, EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at: www.ithmines.com. The Company will also provide hard copies of these documents, free of charge, to shareholders who request a copy directly from the Company.

About International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. has a 100% interest in its Livengood Gold Project located along the paved Elliott Highway, 70 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska.

On behalf of

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

(signed) Karl L. Hanneman

Chief Executive Officer

This news release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.

SOURCE International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

Related Links

https://www.ithmines.com/


DRAPER, Utah, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JourneyTEAM, technology consultant since 1993, has achieved the prestigious Microsoft Business Applications 2021/2022 Inner Circle award. Membership in this elite group is based on sales achievements that rank JourneyTEAM in the top echelon of Microsoft's Business Applications global network of partners. Inner Circle members have performed to a high standard of excellence by delivering valuable solutions that help organizations achieve increased success.



2021/2022 Inner Circle members have a unique opportunity to share strategy and network with Microsoft senior leaders and fellow partners.



"In a year of deep business transformation for every company and every industry on the planet, it is extremely rewarding to be able to recognize Microsoft Business Applications partners from every corner of the world that accelerated our joint customers' digital transformation and drove unsurpassed customer success," said Cecilia Flombaum, Microsoft Business Applications Ecosystem Lead. "Our Inner Circle members are chosen based on their business performance as well as capabilities as an organization, whether that's creating IP, developing solutions, or having an industry-leading focus on digital transformation. Microsoft is honored to recognize JourneyTEAM for their achievements this past year, their dedication to our customers, and their innovation around the Microsoft Cloud."



JourneyTEAM helps customers achieve a competitive advantage by identifying the best solutions and services that accommodate their business needs. By collaborating with the teams at Microsoft, JourneyTEAM maintains a strong expertise of the Microsoft platform to provide innovative solutions, strong services, and unparalleled value to their customers. Previous honors include the Microsoft Eagle Crystal Award, Microsoft Partner of the Year for 2020 and 2019, and Microsoft Gold Partner.



JourneyTEAM provides consultation, training, and implementation in the United States for organizations using Business Enterprise Applications. JourneyTEAM specializes in Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement, Business Central, SharePoint Intranet, Microsoft 365, Azure, Power BI, and the Power Platform. They develop and deploy full business technology solutions that help leading global companies across several industries, including Finance, Manufacturing, Media & Communications, and Healthcare get to market faster and achieve continued success.



"Since 1993, we have dedicated ourselves to helping our clients implement the best end-to-end technology solutions," said Brian Tenney, COO of JourneyTEAM. Brian continues, "Achievements such as the Microsoft Inner Circle Award recognize the exceptional work our team has done in the service of our customers. We are excited to continue this growth and look forward to a strong Microsoft partnership going forward."

Jenn Alba

Marketing Manager

JourneyTEAM

801-438-2312

[email protected]

"This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com."

SOURCE JourneyTEAM
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. (OTC: LCTC), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of breath alcohol and drug testing devices, has announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

Second Quarter Financial Highlights

Lifeloc posted quarterly net revenue of $1.730 million resulting in a quarterly net loss of $(110) thousand, or $(0.04) per diluted share. These results compare to net revenue of $1.320 million and quarterly net loss of $(350) thousand, or $(0.14) per diluted share in the second quarter of 2020. Revenue for the quarter increased 31% versus the second quarter last year, as demand recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the government ordered shutdowns. Net revenue of $3.539 million and a net profit of $294 thousand, or $0.12 per diluted share, compare to net revenue of $3.338 million and a net loss of $(515) thousand, or $(0.21) per diluted share, for the same six months of 2020. The income for the first six months of 2021 includes the benefit from the forgiveness of the first round SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $465 thousand.

As previously reported, Lifeloc qualified for and received a second PPP loan of $471 thousand in Q1 of 2021. These loans are completely forgivable by the SBA if the proceeds are spent in accordance with the program rules. As with the prior PPP loan, Lifeloc intends to comply with all requirements and plans to apply for forgiveness of this second loan in the third quarter of 2021. The PPP program was successful in mitigating the negative effect of the significant demand suppression on cash flow from the pandemic while allowing Lifeloc to carefully reduce structural costs and retain critical personnel, with no compromise to our product development efforts.

Demand is growing for our new platform LX9 and LT7 devices. The features and performance of the new L-series products have driven penetration by meeting previously unaddressable market needs, such as wider temperature ranges and fast customization that incorporates local languages. We expect that most L-series sales will be incremental to FC-series devices rather than displacing FC sales. The L-series devices are meeting the requirements of the most modern registration standards, such as SAI's (Standards Australia International) latest AS 3547:2019 standards for Breath Alcohol Detectors.

We continue to invest in the significant growth opportunities of alcohol monitoring and drug detection. The monitoring opportunity will be addressed primarily through the redesigned Real-Time Alcohol Detection and Reporting (R.A.D.A.R.) device. Manufacture of the second generation R.A.D.A.R. 200 protoype devices began in late 2020. Testing of these redesigned R.A.D.A.R. devices and integration with the monitoring system has been extensive and has required additional modification before final release. The design has now been finalized with several devices currently in field testing by key customers and sales release planned this year. Several upgrades have been made to the reporting system including migration to the cloud for higher reliability and an entirely new enrollment app to automate that process.

Our most important goal remains the convergence of the market's need for rapid detection of drugs of abuse with Lifeloc's capabilities. Additional personnel and new equipment resources have been committed to finalizing the development of the SpinDx technology platform and the rapid, quantitative marijuana breathalyzer built on that platform. We have improved the detection sensitivity for delta-9-THC as well as the robustness of the device. Work continues to develop this system into a device that can be used for roadside testing, as well as other contexts requiring fast response.

"We saw a good uptick in sales this quarter versus last year, although we would still hope to see sales recover more as our customers' budgets open to replace aging equipment," commented Dr. Wayne Willkomm, President and CEO. "But our real growth driver is the strong pipeline of recent and upcoming product releases. The L-series platform, a premium product already finding broad acceptance, is providing expanded features requested by various international law enforcement agencies. Together with the imminent release of the redesigned R.A.D.A.R. 200 devices, this should develop a healthy recurring revenue stream to fund growth. The next big milestone for Lifeloc will be completing the commercialization of the SpinDx platform  a major effort that will be prioritized over short-term profitability."

About Lifeloc Technologies

Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. (OTC: LCTC) is a trusted U.S. manufacturer of evidential breath alcohol testers and related training and supplies for Workplace, Law Enforcement, Corrections and International customers. Lifeloc's stock trades over-the-counter under the symbol LCTC. We are a fully reporting Company with our SEC filings available on our web site, www.lifeloc.com/investor.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release, including statements about our strategies, expectations about new and existing products, market demand, acceptance of new and existing products, technologies and opportunities, market size and growth, and return on investments in products and market, are based on information available to us on the date of this document, and we assume no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are strongly encouraged to review the section titled "Risk Factors" in our SEC filings.

R.A.D.A.R. is a registered trademark of Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.

SpinDx is a trademark of Sandia Corporation.

Amy Evans

Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.

http://www.lifeloc.com

(303) 431-9500

LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Condensed Balance Sheets

ASSETS













June 30,











2021



December 31, CURRENT ASSETS:

(Unaudited)



2020

Cash $ 2,390,591

$ 2,195,070

Accounts receivable, net

499,050



523,603

Inventories, net

2,495,960



2,498,126

Income taxes receivable

275,163



220,657

Prepaid expenses and other

90,766



77,962

Total current assets

5,751,530



5,515,418













PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:











Land

317,932



317,932

Building

1,928,795



1,928,795

Real-time Alcohol Detection And Recognition equipment and software

569,448



569,448

Production equipment, software and space modifications

958,785



958,785

Training courses

432,375



432,375

Office equipment, software and space modifications

216,618



216,618

Sales and marketing equipment and space modifications

226,356



226,356

Research and development equipment, software and space modifications

249,279



190,818

Less accumulated depreciation

(2,405,026)



(2,277,839)

Total property and equipment, net

2,494,562



2,563,288













OTHER ASSETS:











Patents, net

138,774



144,702

Deposits and other

163,832



164,798

Deferred taxes

137,494



148,142

Total other assets

440,100



457,642















Total assets $ 8,686,192

$ 8,536,348













LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES:











Accounts payable $ 232,015

$ 333,851

Term loan payable, current portion

47,910



46,936

Paycheck Protection loan payable

471,347



465,097

Customer deposits

163,425



155,295

Accrued expenses

212,164



266,266

Deferred revenue, current portion

41,998



41,053

Reserve for warranty expense

46,500



46,500

Total current liabilities

1,215,359



1,354,998













TERM LOAN PAYABLE, net of current portion and











debt issuance costs

1,253,113



1,277,531













DEFERRED REVENUE, net of current portion

6,162



3,177

Total liabilities

2,474,634



2,635,706













COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES























STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:











Common stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares











authorized, 2,454,116 shares outstanding

4,650,812



4,633,655

Retained earnings

1,560,746



1,266,987

Total stockholders' equity

6,211,558



5,900,642















Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 8,686,192

$ 8,536,348





































































LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited)









Three Months Ended June 30, REVENUES:

2021



2020

Product sales $ 1,674,045

$ 1,265,698

Royalties

33,652



32,851

Rental income

21,939



21,489

Total

1,729,636



1,320,038













COST OF SALES

1,124,218



991,969













GROSS PROFIT

605,418



328,069













OPERATING EXPENSES:











Research and development

266,633



182,485

Sales and marketing

214,124



274,780

General and administrative

256,908



324,041

Total

737,665



781,306













OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

(132,247)



(453,237)













OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):











Interest income

813



3,242

Interest expense

(13,544)



(14,016)

Total

(12,731)



(10,774)













NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR TAXES

(144,978)



(464,011)













Benefit from (provision for) federal and state income taxes

35,266



114,419













NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (109,712)

$ (349,592)













NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, BASIC $ (0.04)

$ (0.14)













NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, DILUTED $ (0.04)

$ (0.14)













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, BASIC

2,454,116



2,454,116













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, DILUTED

2,454,116



2,476,222





































































LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited)









Six Months Ended June 30, REVENUES:

2021



2020

Product sales $ 3,449,492

$ 3,203,564

Royalties

46,216



92,132

Rental income

43,471



42,678

Total

3,539,179



3,338,374













COST OF SALES

2,109,884



2,232,229













GROSS PROFIT

1,429,295



1,106,145













OPERATING EXPENSES:











Research and development

573,845



479,382

Sales and marketing

444,602



601,344

General and administrative

607,028



680,928

Total

1,625,475



1,761,654













OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

(196,180)



(655,509)













OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):











Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection loan

465,097



-

Interest income

1,312



10,418

Interest expense

(27,061)



(28,147)

Total

439,348



(17,729)













NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR TAXES

243,168



(673,238)













Benefit from (provision for) federal and state income taxes

50,591



158,340













NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 293,759

$ (514,898)













NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, BASIC $ 0.12

$ (0.21)













NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, DILUTED $ 0.12

$ (0.21)













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, BASIC

2,454,116



2,454,116













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, DILUTED

2,454,116



2,454,116





































































LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited) With Changes









Three Months Ended March 31, REVENUES:

2021



2020

Product sales $ 1,775,447

$ 1,937,866

Royalties

12,564



59,281

Rental income

21,532



21,189

Total

1,809,543



2,018,336













COST OF SALES

985,666



1,240,260













GROSS PROFIT

823,877



778,076













OPERATING EXPENSES:











Research and development

307,212



296,897

Sales and marketing

230,478



326,564

General and administrative

350,120



356,887

Total

887,810



980,348













OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

(63,933)



(202,272)













OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):











Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection loan

465,097



0

Interest income

499



7,176

Interest expense

(13,517)



(14,131)

Total

452,079



(6,955)













NET INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR TAXES

388,146



(209,227)













Benefit from (provision for) federal and state income taxes

15,325



43,921













NET INCOME $ 403,471

$ (165,306)













NET INCOME PER SHARE, BASIC $ 0.16

$ (0.07)













NET INCOME PER SHARE, DILUTED $ 0.16

$ (0.07)













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, BASIC

2,454,116



2,454,116













WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES, DILUTED

2,454,116



2,454,116















Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)























































Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,



2021

2020

2021

2020 Total stockholders' equity, beginning balances $ 6,321,270

$ 6,659,026

$ 5,900,642

$ 6,792,221

























Common stock (no shares issued during periods):























Beginning balances

4,650,812



4,635,415



4,633,655



4,603,304

Stock based compensation expense related























to stock options

-



312



17,157



32,423

Ending balances

4,650,812



4,635,727



4,650,812



4,635,727

























Retained earnings:























Beginning balances

1,670,458



2,023,611



1,266,987



2,188,917

Net income (loss)

(109,712)



(349,592)



293,759



(514,898)

Ending balances

1,560,746



1,674,019



1,560,746



1,674,019

























Total stockholders' equity, ending balances $ 6,211,558

$ 6,309,746

$ 6,211,558

$ 6,309,746

LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)





















Six Months Ended June 30, CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 2021

2020

Net income (loss) $ 293,759

$ (514,898)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net













cash provided from (used in) operating activities-













Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection loan (round 1)

(465,097)









Depreciation and amortization

133,657



191,493

Provision for doubtful accounts, net change

(49,000)



5,000

Provision for inventory obsolescence, net change

(5,000)



42,265

Deferred taxes, net change

10,648



(11,516)

Stock based compensation expense related to











stock options

17,157



32,423

Changes in operating assets and liabilities-











Accounts receivable

73,553



96,567

Inventories

7,166



(486,414)

Income taxes receivable

(54,506)



(146,807)

Prepaid expenses and other

(12,804)



(88,920)

Deposits and other

966



(58,823)

Accounts payable

(101,836)



96,684

Customer deposits

8,130



(47,951)

Accrued expenses

(54,102)



(79,974)

Deferred revenue

3,930



(4,365)



Net cash provided from (used in)













operating activities

(193,379)



(975,236)















CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:











Purchases of property and equipment

(58,461)



(9,088)

Patent filing expense

-



(18,772)



Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities (58,461)



(27,860)















CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:











Principal payments made on term loan

(23,986)



(22,899)

Proceeds from Paycheck Protection loan (round 2)

471,347



465,097



Net cash (used in) financing













activities

447,361



442,198















NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

195,521



(560,898)















CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

2,195,070



3,185,996















CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 2,390,591

$ 2,625,098















SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:











Cash paid for interest $ -

$ 27,605

















Cash paid for (received from) income tax $ -

$ 20,063

SOURCE Lifeloc Technologies

Related Links

http://www.lifeloc.com


"The people of Baja, California, especially Mexicali, have opposed the looting of water from an overexploited aquifer," stated Leon Fierro, Diana Arangure, Mexicali Resiste. "It is for this reason that a series of activities have been carried out where the population has expressed its rejection with massive marches, meetings, consultations and collective actions."

Beginning in January 2017, Mexicali Resiste has opposed Constellation Brands' plan to build a billion-dollar brewery in the Valley of Mexicali, a region already experiencing severe water scarcity. The factory is expected to annually consume 20 million cubic meters of water (1.4 billion gallons) to make Mexican beer for American consumers. This desert region has an overexploited aquifer fed by the Colorado River with life-threatening water shortages and drought issues already occurring in Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito and Ensenada.

In 2017 Mexicali Resiste's advocacy efforts halted legislative efforts to privatize water in Baja California. Then, in February 2020 the National Human Rights Commission released a report that determined that the process of the approval and installation of the Constellation Brands brewery violated the human right to water, which would lead to the detriment of the population and farmers of the Valley of Mexicali.

In 2020 the Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for a "Consultation" for the people of Mexicali to vote to determine the future of Constellation Brands continued operation which resulted in a NO vote, halting the operation. However, the big alcohol company did not give up. The state's current Governor, Jaime Bonilla, former President of the Otay Water Board in San Diego, CA, supports efforts to allow Constellation Brands to continue operating in Mexicali.

"The government appears to have placed corporate interests above the public's, so that those of us who are activists and defenders of water are being removed from their path of environmental devastation, said Fierro. On August 10 we have our hearing where they will accuse us of dispossession. It is ironic but it is real, those who want to deprive us are them."

In 2017 the office of the State Attorney of Baja California determined that accusations against activists did not merit criminal proceedings. However, the current Congress of the State of Baja, California has suddenly decided to reopen the case file and a court hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2021. This decision rescinds the previous resolution and once again presents accusations against the water rights activists for protesting against corporate corruption and injustice. This comes as no surprise after Fierro was wrongfully accused in 2018 of "attempted murder" against police for participating in a protest. However, 20 days later he was freed after it was determined that there was no proof.

"Today we stand in strong support of Mexicali Resite's 5+ years of defending water rights in Baja California," stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice. "Today we denounce the criminalization of the Mexicali Resiste activists for choosing to protect the quality of life in their community. Today we stand up and fight for justice that chooses people over profit, not just in California and across the country, but worldwide. And today we join Mexicali Resiste in fighting the influence of Big Alcohol that has negatively impacted generations of historically disenfranchised people of color and low-income communities everywhere. We stand together to refuse to allow this impact on generations yet to come! We are united internationally in this effort and today we denounce Constellation Brands for what they are doing in Mexico."

"We know that organized and united people can overcome any obstacle," added Fierro.

Mexicali Resiste

Alcohol Justice

Red Binacional de Mujeres Que Luchan

La Resistencia

#QueremosAguayLibertad

#MexicaliResiste

#TodosSomosMexicali

#AlcoholJustice

CONTACT: Tsux [email protected]

Michael Scippa 415-548-0492

Christina Mira 510 829-8982

SOURCE Alcohol Justice

Related Links

https://www.alcoholjustice.org/


MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), an intensive training program for the next generation of classical musicians, has officially opened its call for student applications for summer 2022. MMF will host global young artists selected from top conservatories and universities for three weeks of performances in multiple exciting Miami Beach venues. Student applications close on May 15, 2022.

MMF 2022 is anchored by two opera productions: Georges Bizet's Carmen and Richard Wagner's Das Rheingold. Both productions feature MMF's talented vocalists and a full orchestra, and will take place in partnership with Faena Art and in one of the highest-profile venues in Miami Beach, the breathtaking Faena Forum .

A major cornerstone of the MMF experience is the opportunity to perform core operatic literature with a full orchestra. The MMF Orchestra will entertain thousands during one of Miami Beach's signature patriotic events; the Fourth of July concert series is an annual celebration of patriotic music and the soundtrack for the area's best fireworks show. Presented by the City of Miami Beach and Ocean Drive Association, the MMF Independence Day Concert is an American celebration everyone can enjoy.

Entering its ninth season, MMF continues a tradition of educational excellence. MMF's training institutes in opera, orchestra, and conducting reflect the standards and practices of professional opera companies and orchestras. Pre-professional artists participate in a program of varied and intensive training filled with realworld experience. In addition to hard work, it's a fun experience that promises to break down barriers and open new doors for students.

MMF's highly respected Conducting Institute returns in 2022, led by acclaimed conductor and educator Mark Gibson. Emerging conductors have the opportunity to learn score study techniques and other off-podium topics, while honing baton technique in piano rehearsals and with a chamber orchestra. The program culminates in an in-person public performance that will be videorecorded.

With its flair for arts and culture, The Betsy  South Beach has been the host hotel for MMF since its founding and continues to be a special venue for evening student performances and more. The Betsy Hotel is the exclusive host of MMF's VIP teaching artists, as part of its Betsy Writers Room initiative that has hosted over 1,000 high profile visiting artists since its inception.

The Faena Forum and Faena Art are a major sponsor and partner of MMF 2022. Faena Forum is a pioneering new building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Rem Koolhaas/OMA and the home of Faena Art in Miami. Faena Forum serves as an incubator for cultural expression as well as a place for convening and community building that reshapes the cultural landscape of Miami Beach.

For more information about applying to the program, visit: www.miamimusicfestival.com .

Contact:

Angelica Perez

[email protected]

SOURCE Miami Beach Classical Music Festival
NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today celebrates the decision by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant accelerated marketing approval to avalglucosidase alfa (Nexviazyme) for the treatment of people 1 year of age and older living with late-onset Pompe disease. It is the second approved drug to treat Pompe disease. Nexviazyme will be made available in the United States and marketed by Sanofi Genzyme.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Celebrates FDA Approval of (Nexviazyme) for Treatment of Pompe disease.

Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa), also developed by Sanofi Genzyme, was approved by the FDA in 2006 for individuals with infantile-onset Pompe disease, and was later marketed as Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa) for individuals with late-onset Pompe disease. In November 2020, avalglucosidase alfa received FDA Breakthrough Therapy, Priority Review, and Fast Track designations based on positive data from two trials in patients with late-onset and infantile-onset Pompe disease, respectively.

"The approval of Nexviazyme provides another option for patients with Pompe disease," says MDA's Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer Sharon Hesterlee, PhD. "MDA funded the foundational work at Duke University that contributed to the development of the first drug approved for Pompe, Myozyme, and it's gratifying to see the evolution of new therapies for this disease. There is always more work to be done to better understand the disease burden for the community and to develop additional therapies and MDA will continue to stand by the Pompe community in support these efforts."

Pompe disease is a rare degenerative muscle disorder that affects approximately 3,500 people in the US. Pompe disease results from mutations in the gene encoding the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, which plays a role in the body's ability to break down the complex sugar glycogen. With insufficient GAA, glycogen builds up and damages muscle cells, particularly in the heart and skeletal muscles. This can lead to muscle weakness and premature death from respiratory or heart failure. Enzyme replacement therapy, such as Lumizyme or Myozyme, is the only effective treatment available for Pompe disease. ERT delivers a man-made version of the GAA enzyme into the body via injection. Nexviazyme is a second-generation ERT designed to improve GAA uptake by specific tissues in the body and more effectively achieve clearance of glycogen.

Clinical trials support approval of Nexviazyme

The FDA based its decision to grant accelerated marketing approval to Nexviazyme on positive results from the phase 3 COMET trial, which is expected to conclude by September 2024, and the phase 2 mini-COMET trial, which is expected to conclude in December 2024. COMET data showed meaningful improvements in respiratory muscle function and mobility in patients treated with avalglucosidase alfa, demonstrating comparable efficacy to Lumizyme treatment. For more information about the Comet and mini-COMET trials, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and enter "NCT02782741" or "NCT03019406" into the search box, respectively.

To learn more about the approval of Nexviazyme read the FDA press release.

MDA resources

Since its inception, MDA has invested more than $5 million in Pompe disease research.

MDA's Resource Center provides support, guidance, and resources for patients and families, including information about the approval of Nexviazyme, open clinical trials, and other services. Contact the MDA Resource Center at 1-833-ASK-MDA1 or [email protected].

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association

For 70 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care . As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. MDA's MOVR is the first and only data hub that aggregates clinical, genetic, and patient-reported data for multiple neuromuscular diseases to improve health outcomes and accelerate drug development. MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics providing best-in-class care at more than 150 of the nation's top medical institutions. Our Resource Center serves the community with one-on-one specialized support, and we offer educational conferences, events, and materials for families and healthcare providers. MDA Advocacy supports equal access for our community, and each year thousands of children and young adults learn vital life skills and gain independence at summer camp and through recreational programs, at no cost to families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDA continues to produce virtual events and programming to support our community when in-person events and activities are not possible. MDA's COVID-19 guidelines and virtual events are posted at mda.org/COVID19 . For more information, visit mda.org .

SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association

Related Links

https://www.mda.org


Dr. Lai Ling Tam, Executive Chairman of the Company, commented, "The Company has been operating in a challenging environment with limited financial resources, delaying construction progress. The commencement of the pre-sale of Nam Tai  Longxi is one of the key steps in addressing the liquidity issues that are slowing progress. The Board and management team have been diligently executing against our corporate strategy, and will continue acting in the best interest of our shareholders."

RISKS RELATED TO THE PRE-SALE OF NAM TAI  LONGXI

The PRC government has been rolling out restrictive measures with the objectives to curb the rapid price increase in housing and speculation activities. In particular on the Dongguan housing market, the local government has also promulgated restrictive measures to curb rapid rise in housing price. For instance, on February 27, 2021, the Bureau of Housing and Urban Rural Development of Dongguan, Municipal Natural Resources Bureau and six other departments jointly issued a "Notice on the Further Regulating of the Real Estate Market Regulation" to curb speculation and excessive price increases. On April 29, 2021, the Bureau of Housing and Urban Rural Development of Dongguan, the Trade and Industry Department of Dongguan and the Immovable Property Registry of Dongguan have jointly issued a "Notice on Further Guiding the Selling Price of Commodity Housing" to restrict the pricing of the newly marketed commodity housing. Further, on July 9, 2021, the Bureau of Housing and Urban Rural Development of Dongguan has issued a "Notice on Declaring the Pricing of the New Commodity Housing Project" stipulating the rules to control the price of the new commodity housing and land tendering so as to curb speculation and excessive price increases. On August 2, 2021, the Bureau of Housing and Urban Rural Development of Dongguan, Municipal Natural Resources Bureau, Dongguan Administration for Market Regulation, and the Immovable Property Registry of Dongguan have jointly issued a "Notice on the Further Regulating of the Real Estate Market" to restrict the pricing of the newly marketed commodity housing and to curb market speculation. Even though the Company has obtained the pre-sale permits, there is no assurance that the pre-sale will be successful and we will receive payments regarding the pre-sale in a timely manner from the purchaser of Nam Tai  Longxi and/or their respective mortgagees, which may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT AND FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OUR SHARE PRICE TO DECLINE

Certain statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "might", "can", "could", "will", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "seek", or "timetable". These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business and the industry in which we operate. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations about future events. There are several factors, many beyond our control, which could cause results to differ materially from our expectation. These risk factors are described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and in our Current Reports filed on Form 6-K from time to time and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors could, by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. There may also be other factors currently unknown to us, or have not been described by us, that could cause our results to differ from our expectations. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this announcement; as such, they should not be unduly relied upon as circumstances change. Except as required by law, we are not obligated, and we undertake no obligation, to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that might reflect events or circumstance occurring after the date of this press release or those that might reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ABOUT NAM TAI PROPERTY INC.

We are a real estate developer and operator, mainly conducting business in Mainland China. Our main land resources are located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area") and Wuxi, China, of which the three plots in Shenzhen will be developed into Nam Tai Inno Park, Nam Tai Technology Center and Nam Tai Inno Valley. We plan to build these technology parks into landmark parks in the region and provide high-quality industrial offices, industrial service spaces and supporting dormitories to the tenants. Based on the experience of developing and operating technology parks and an industrial relationship network accumulated over the past 40 years, we have also exported the operation model of technology parks to other industrial properties. Through an asset-light model, we have leased industrial properties for repositioning and business invitation. We will also expand the commercial and residential property business in China as an auxiliary development strategy of the Company. As the growth prospects of China maintain, we shall seize development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and other first- and second-tier cities in China, and continue to strengthen and expand the business of industrial real estate, and commercial and residential properties. Nam Tai Property Inc. is a corporation registered in the British Virgin Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: "NTP").

Please refer to our corporate website (https://www.namtai.com/) or the SEC website (www.sec.gov) for our press releases and financial statements.

Contacts

Ira Gorsky, Edelman

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 732-740-5872

Media and Investor Relations, Nam Tai Property Inc.

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Nam Tai Property Inc.

Related Links

https://www.namtai.com/


DULUTH, Ga., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 900 veterinary students and leaders from three dozen veterinary schools in the U.S. convened virtually this week for the annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium. They learned from researchers, public health officials and industry experts about the global burden of disease, infectious disease control and potential pathways for research careers  such as in emerging and transboundary diseases  where their veterinary training and One Health perspective is critical.

In addition, several students were recognized with Boehringer Ingelheim Research Awards for Graduate Veterinarians and Veterinary Students. Winning students receive monetary prizes and a stipend to attend the Symposium to accept their awards and present their research.

Dr. Brittany Szafran, from Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians, which promotes research in veterinary biosciences. It recognizes graduate veterinarians who have completed or will soon complete a Ph.D. program or are in their final years of residency training in veterinary pathology, medicine, surgery, radiology/ imaging, or laboratory animal medicine. Dr Szafran's work has focused on the underlying biochemical and immunologic mechanisms in response to pesticides to better understand and help protect the health of people, animals, and the environment from the potential toxicity of chemicals.

Carley Allen, from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Award for Veterinary Students. Allen's research has focused on investigating a novel molecular target for inhibiting cell growth and improving survival in canine osteosarcoma, the most common skeletal malignancy of dogs and a beneficial comparative and translational model for human osteosarcoma.

Brittany Allen, from Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and Jaqueline Chevalier, from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, also received recognition as honorable mention Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Scholars.

The annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium was hosted this year by Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health. The symposium showcases research conducted by veterinary students in the course of their Veterinary Scholar Program research internships.

"These students are joining the life sciences field at a remarkable time. The frequency of pandemics and transboundary threats is predicted to increase, presenting new and greater risks to human and animal health, as well as our food supply," Caroline Belmont, head of U.S. Animal Health Innovation for Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a welcome address to participants. "The One Health perspectives and capabilities of today's veterinary students will undoubtedly play a critical role in addressing our future challenges, and the hands-on experience, guidance and support we provide them now represents an important investment in the future health of animals and humans."

The Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program was established more than 30 years ago to introduce first- and second-year veterinary medical students to biomedical research. At each participating school, Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars are assigned a mentor and laboratory. Each scholar conducts a hypothesis-driven research project. The research project is typically conducted over a 10-12-week period during the summer, with students presenting their work at the conclusion. Nearly 5,000 students have received stipends from Boehringer Ingelheim to conduct research since the program started. More information is available at http://veterinaryscholars.boehringer-ingelheim.com/.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 9,700 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment guides us every day. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society-threatening diseases.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of $4.7 billion (4.1 billion euros) in 2020 and presence in more than 150 countries.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has a significant presence in the United States, with more than 3,100 employees in places that include Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.us, www.facebook.com/BoehringerAHUS or www.twitter.com/Boehringer_AH.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim has been independent and family owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, with around 52,000 employees, we create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing.

In 2020, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of around $22.33 billion (19.57 billion euros). Our significant investment of over $4.2 billion (3.7 billion euros) in 2020 (18.9% of net sales) in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/


VIENNA, Va., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Neel V. Nene, MD, MBA, is being recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Top Psychiatrist for his outstanding work in the Medical field, and in acknowledgment of his work at Comprehensive Behavioral Health.

As the founder of his private practice, Dr. Nene oversees four offices with eleven highly-trained psychiatrists, eleven mental health nurse practitioners, and fourteen counselors. As a Fellowship-trained Psychiatrist, his specialties are all forms of autism, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders.

Neel V. Nene, MD, MBA

Dr. Nene is currently serving as the Director of Comprehensive Behavioral Health (CBH), located in Arlington, VA, and Bethesda, VA. CBH is a multidisciplinary treatment center that provides the highest standards of mental healthcare. The facility is dedicated to serving patients through comprehensive evaluation, a complete overview of medicines and medication management, psychotherapy, and telemedicine. As a facility that prides itself on providing top-of-the-line treatment, they offer Spravato or Esketamin, the first nasal spray medication that is a treatment for depression. CBH also offers the top-quality Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, which uses magnetic pulses to decrease symptoms of depression.

His clinical interests include Inpatient Psychiatry, neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as neuromodulation. Dr. Nene is devoted to the highest quality of mental healthcare for each patient that enters CBH, emphasizing compassion, transparency, and accountability. The young and expanding group of Child Psychiatrists, General Psychiatrists, Therapists, and Nurse Practitioners are working to address the mental health crisis among young people.

To prepare for his successful medical career, he first received his BS in Biochemistry from George Washington University in Washington DC, and his MD from Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Nene completed a General Psychiatric residency training at Albert Einstein-Maimonides Medical Center in New York, NY. He also completed extensive addiction training at Bellevue Hospital in New York, NY. Dr. Nene attended Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University in Hershey, PA, where he completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program and served as Chief Fellow. Eager for further education, Dr. Nene next attended George Washington University, graduating with an MBA in Healthcare and a focus on Marketing and Hospital Management. At Columbia University, he completed an ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) Fellowship, and then attended the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center in the Netherlands for TMS training.

To complete his training, Dr. Nene became board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The ABPN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding the standards of professionals in the fields of psychiatry and neurology. To stay abreast of developments in an ever-changing field, he is associated with the American Psychiatric Association, AMA, and American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The facility currently offers telemedicine during the pandemic, as a way to connect with patients who need additional assistance without leaving home.

To give back to his community, Dr. Nene is involved with feeding the homeless, working in shelters, and is active with the Presbyterian Church in Arlington, VA.

For more information, visit www.cbhmh.com.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


VENTURA, Calif., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Paffrath, the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the 2021 recall election, has challenged Governor Gavin Newsom to an in-person, 2-hour debate. If Governor Gavin Newsom agrees to a debate, Kevin Paffrath will donate $1 million dollars of his own money (not campaign funds) to a charity of Newsom's choice. This debate will be an opportunity to discuss policy and the Future of California while helping affect change through the $1,000,000 donation. The debate or discussion will be recorded and broadcast live, but will be either unmoderated or moderated, as mutually agreed upon. The debate/discussion should take place by September 1, 2021.

Meet Kevin Paffrath For California Governor 2021

At the same time, Kevin Paffrath also announced a second challenge for his supporters. Supporters will be able to participate by sharing Kevin Paffrath's posts on social media. For every share on social media, his subscribers will be given 10 points with a max of 50 points per day. There will be a drawing at the end of the campaign for the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas with Kevin on a private jet, a jet paid for by Kevin's business (not the campaign). There will be at least 10 winners and the more points you have the higher chance of winning they have, though winners will be selected randomly (weighted by their total points). Supports will be able to share on any social media platform and will upload proof on the "Meet Kevin" app, downloadable in the Android or Apple stores.

Media Inquiries: [email protected]

Related Files

Press Release August 6th 2021.pdf

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SOURCE Meet Kevin Paffrath For California Governor 2021
"At Paradigm, our mission is to improve more lives. The achievement of this goal centers on leveraging our proven clinical expertise and market leadership to create solutions for a broader market, while delivering value to our current clients and the injured workers we serve," said John Watts, Chief Executive Officer of Paradigm. "We are thrilled to add Beth to our Board. She will be instrumental in helping us identify new opportunities, and it's reassuring that she shares our view on delivering value throughout the care continuum, fortifying our position as the leader in accountable specialty care management for complex and expensive cases."

"As a firm believer in advancing a connected continuum that delivers value to payers, providers, and patients alike, I was instantly captivated by Paradigm's deep commitment to delivering better outcomes for all parties," said Bierbower. "Paradigm is truly unique in their ability to assume risk on difficult cases and deliver a guaranteed outcome for clients and injured workers. I look forward to working with the leadership team to identify ways to extend their impact to more people."

Bierbower was formerly a member of Humana's Executive Management Team and led their Employer, Specialty, and Military businesses and product innovation efforts. Her understanding of discrete populations and depth of product and innovation contributed to Humana's successful growth during her tenure.

Before joining Humana, Bierbower held leadership roles with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, as Vice President of Healthcare Strategy; and Coventry Health Plans of Pittsburgh, as Chief Operating Officer. She serves on several boards, including BlueSprig, Brella Insurance, and Quest Analytics, L.L.C. She obtained her master's degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Carlow University.

About Paradigm

Paradigm is an accountable specialty care management organization focused on improving the lives of people with complex and catastrophic injuries and diagnoses. The company has been a pioneer in value-based care since 1991, offering deep clinical expertise, high-value specialty networks, behavioral health support, payment integrity solutions, and robust data analytics to generate the very best outcomes for patients, payers, and providers.

Paradigm is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, with offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.paradigmcorp.com.

Media Contact

Ronda Clement

VP of Marketing

[email protected]

(727) 488-9345

SOURCE Paradigm

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https://www.paradigmcorp.com


NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against DiDi Global Inc. f/k/a Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI) and certain of its officers and directors. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 21-cv-06603, is a securities class action brought by Plaintiff under Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded DiDi securities: (a) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's June 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (b) between June 30, 2021 and July 21, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period").

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired DiDi securities (a) pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with the IPO, and/or (b) during the Class Period, you have until September 7, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

DiDi purports to be the world's largest mobility technology platform. Its four key components are: shared mobility, auto solutions, electronic mobility, and autonomous driving. The Company claims to be the "go-to brand in China for shared mobility," offering a range of services including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, hitch, and other forms of shared mobility services.

On June 10, 2021, DiDi (then named Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc.) filed a registration statement on Form F-1 with the SEC to register its Class A ordinary shares, which, collectively with subsequently filed amendments on Forms F-1/A and F-1MEF, a registration statement on Form F-6, and a June 30, 2021 prospectus on Form 424B4 (the "Prospectus"), forms part of the registration statement for the Company's IPO (the "Registration Statement").

In the IPO and pursuant to the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, the Company sold approximately 316,800,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs" or "shares") at a price of $14.00 per share, not including the underwriters' option to sell an additional 47,520,000 ADSs. The Company received proceeds of approximately $4,331.6 million from the Offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions.

The complaint alleges that the Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state material adverse facts. Throughout the Class Period, including in the Registration Statement, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (ii) the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") had already asked DiDi weeks or months prior to the IPO to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security and because of national security concerns; (iii) the Company was likely to incur heightened regulatory scrutiny and adverse regulatory action by ignoring the CAC's request to postpone the IPO; (iv) as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC" or "China"), which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (v) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 2, 2021, multiple news outlets reported that the CAC had posted an announcement that the CAC had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest.

Also on July 2, 2021, DiDi issued a press release entitled "DiDi announces CyberSecurity Review in China," confirming that the Company was under investigation and stating that "pursuant to the announcement posted by the PRC's Cyberspace Administration Office on July 2, 2021, DiDi is subject to cybersecurity review by the authority." The Company's press release also states "[d]uring the review, DiDi is required to suspend new user registration in China."

On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.87 per share, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi issued a press release entitled "DiDi Announces App Takedown in China[,]" which announced, in relevant part, that the CAC ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because the DiDi app "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the DiDi app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China."

On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that "[w]eeks before Didi Global, Inc. went public in the U.S., China's cybersecurity watchdog suggested the Chinese ride-hailing giant delay its initial public offering and urged it to conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security, according to people with knowledge of the matter." Subsequently, Bloomberg and other sources reported on July 6, 2021, that the CAC had asked DiDi at least three months earlier to delay its IPO because of national security concerns.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

On July 9, 2021, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "China Orders Stores to Remove More Apps Operated by Didi: Cyber watchdog says the apps illegally collect personal data" which reported, among other things, that "China ordered mobile app stores to remove 25 more apps operated by Didi Global Inc.'s [] China arm, saying the apps illegally collect personal data, escalating its regulatory actions against the ride-hailing company"; that "[t]he cyber watchdog also banned websites and platforms from providing access to Didi-linked services in China"; that "Didi said it will follow the authorities' orders" and "guarantees personal data security"; that "[t]he latest regulatory actions could further dent Didi's business in its home market, which the company relies heavily on for revenue"; and that "[s]ome rivals have already started marketing more aggressively in recent days in an effort to steal market share."

On July 12, 2021, before market hours, the Company issued a press release entitled "Didi Announces Takedown of Additional Apps in China" which announced, inter alia, that "the CAC stated that it was confirmed that 25 apps operated by the Company in China, including the apps used by users and drivers, had the problem of collecting personal information in serious violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations"; that "[p]ursuant to the PRC's Cybersecurity Law, the CAC notified app stores to take down these apps and cease to provide viewing and downloading service in China" and required the Company to "rectify the problem to ensure the security of users' personal information"; and that "[t]he Company expects that the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China."

On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.87 per share, or approximately 7.23%, to close at $11.16 per share on July 12, 2021, further damaging investors.

On July 16, 2021, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "China Sends State Security, Police Officials to Didi for Cybersecurity Probe" which reported, among other things, that "China sent regulators including state security and police officials to Didi Global Inc.'s [] ride-hailing business on Friday as part of a cybersecurity investigation"; that "[p]otential outcomes include financial penalties, suspensions of business licenses and criminal charges"; and that "[t]he large number of ministries participating in the probe also highlights the breadth of the data Didi holds and that is now coming under regulatory scrutiny."

On July 18, 2021, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "In the New China, Didi's Data Becomes a Problem" which reported on the amount and types of data the Company holds and compiles, including that, among other things, "[u]sers turn over their cellphone numbers, which in China are linked to their real names and identifications"; that "[t]hey also often voluntarily share photos, frequent destinations such as home and office, their gender, age, occupation and companies"; that "[t]o use other Didi services such as carpooling or bike sharing, customers might also have to share other personal information including facial-recognition data"; that "[d]rivers must give Didi their real names, vehicle information, criminal records, and credit- and bank-card information"; that "[t]he 25 million daily rides on its platform in China feed a database of pickup points, destinations, routes, distance and duration"; and that "a Guangdong province transportation official said the company hadn't fully complied with regulations . . . ."

On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.91 per share, or 7.6%, to close at $11.06 per share on July 19, 2021, further damaging investors.

Finally, on July 22, 2021, before market hours, Bloomberg published an article entitled "China Weighs Unprecedented Penalty for Didi After U.S. IPO" which reported, inter alia, that "Chinese regulators are considering serious, perhaps unprecedented, penalties for Didi Global Inc. after its controversial initial public offering last month"; that "[r]egulators are weighing a range of potential punishments, including a fine, suspension of certain operations or the introduction of a state-owned investor"; that "[a]lso possible is a forced delisting or withdrawal of Didi's U.S. shares"; and that "Beijing is likely to impose harsher sanctions on Didi than on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., which swallowed a record $2.8 billion fine[.]"

On this news, the Company's share price fell $3.44 per share, or nearly 30%, over the next two trading days to close at $8.06 per share on July 23, 2021, further damaging investors.

As of the time the Complaint was filed, the price of DiDi ADSs continues to trade below the $14.00 per ADS Offering price, damaging investors.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, 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, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz 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.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE American: REPX) ("Riley Permian" or the "Company"), plans to release fiscal third quarter 2021 financial and operating results on August 12, 2021 after the U.S. financial markets close.

In connection with the earnings release, Riley Permian management will host a conference call for investors and analysts on August 13, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. CT to discuss the Company's results and to host a Q&A session. Interested parties are invited to participate by calling:

U.S./Canada Toll Free, (844) 965-3268

International, +1 (639) 491-2298

Conference ID number 4234539

An updated company presentation, which will include certain items to be discussed on the call, will be posted prior to the call on the Company's website (www.rileypermian.com).

A replay of the call will be available until August 27, 2021 by calling:

U.S./Canada Toll Free, (800) 585-8367

International, +1 (416) 621-4642

Conference ID number 4234539

About Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.

Riley Permian is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on steadily growing its reserves, production and cash flow per share through the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the Permian Basin. For more information please visit www.rileypermian.com.

Investor Contact:



Philip Riley

405-438-0126

[email protected]

SOURCE Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.
Women empowerment through investment migration is a two-phase process. The first phase comes in the form of the decision-making process when considering investing in investment migration. The second phase is using it to enhance their success.

The Decision-Making Process

As someone looking to invest in global mobility assets such as a European Union residency or a new passport from the Caribbean or Turkey, it is essential that this venture is thought through to ensure they and their family gain maximum benefits from the second citizenship.

Savory & Partners can help by giving the best options available, but it is up to individuals to ultimately decide what it is their family needs, what tools any children require to fulfil their potential, and what option suits a person's lifestyle most.

Read more: Going from Portuguese Resident to EU Citizen  Benefits & Advantages

Studies show that women have great cross-signalling when it comes to the thought process, which enables them to get a better holistic view of matters and predict how any given decision can affect the people involved. That wholesome view is greatly needed in the decision-making process when considering investing in residency by investment or citizenship by investment, and it is that mindset that can greatly benefit your entire family.

Mothers have a huge role to play, as getting the right type of residency by investment or citizenship by investment is critical for the future of the family. Kids may attend the best universities in the fields they desire, they may find better work opportunities, and families can rely on a second home as a Plan B in case of any political turmoil back home. Considering children is key in deciding which residency or citizenship by investment program suits a family the most.

Enhancing Success

Succeeding in today's corporate world is no simple feat, be it for a man or a woman, yet we see an abundance of women CEOs and Presidents throughout the global business landscape.

Managing a business or career can be a daunting task, but luckily, investment migration can make it a lot easier. Many savvy investors pursue residency or citizenship by investment to elevate their global mobility and create a stronger foundation upon which to expand their business.

Read more: Citizenship by Investment Or Residency by Investment  Which is Best for You and Your Family?

Getting a residency by investment in Portugal, for example, allows women to expand their business into the EU market, taking advantage of one of the world's highest-functioning economic areas. Gaining Portugal residency through the Portugal Residency by Investment Program, dubbed the golden visa, also leads to Portuguese citizenship, which can open up even more opportunities for global business.

While obtaining a second passport from, say, Dominica significantly improves global mobility capacity, allowing visa-free travel to the world's hottest economic hubs such as the United Kingdom, EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more.

Related Article: Who, Where, How & Why  Top Reasons to Move Your Family to Portugal

Women are making their way to the top of the business ladder, and investment migration can help them take their success from a local stage to a global one. Choosing the right country to boost a business is critical, but investment migration does give an abundance of choices. From residency in Spain, the highest-ranking EU country in terms of female CEOs, or citizenship of St. Lucia, where female managers (57.3%) are more common than their male counterparts (42.7%).

"Being the Managing Director and a mother of two beautiful boys, balancing both my roles, I see the need to increase awareness of second citizenship amongst women."  Helena Savory, Managing Director of Savory & Partners.

But investment migration is not just about running a global business, it is a great way to protect assets. The number of high net worth women (HNWW) is increasing worldwide. Forbes World's Billionaire List (The Richest 2021) included 328 women, a 60% increase on last year, and women must also protect their wealth against corrosive taxation and economic instability.

Residency by investment and citizenship by investment allow people to diversify an asset base by moving wealth into secure offshore banks in common law countries such as St. Kitts & Nevis, or by pursuing real estate in hot property locations like Lisbon or Athens.

This diversification means wealth can be safeguarded against uncertainty, securing a fund for a rainy day in an accessible location.

Our Mission of Women Empowerment

We at Savory & Partners understand and value the role of women in the community, especially that our Managing Director is a mother of two, and considering our team consists of ambitious, intelligent, and driven women.

When you come in to find the best citizenship or residency by investment options for you and your family, we can understand your objectives, pain points, and reasoning, and we can provide you with a portfolio of solutions that address them perfectly.

We are playing our role in empowering women within our own business, but we are also aiming to empower more through our high-end solutions.

Savory & Partners is an accredited agent for multiple governments where citizenship by investment is offered. Founded in 1797, the agency has evolved from pharmaceuticals to family assets and legacy protection through second citizenship and residency. The company's professional, multinational staff is made up of expert advisors who have guided thousands of clients, including many North African investors, on their journey to find the most suitable CBI program for them. The Savory & Partners team will be happy to answer your enquiries in English, Arabic and French.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1589122/Helena_Savory.jpg

For more information, please send an email to [email protected]. You can also call +971 04 430 1717 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 440 2955.

SOURCE Savory & Partners

Related Links

https://www.savoryandpartners.com


TULSA, Okla., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stride Bank Executive Team and Board of Directors are pleased to announce Steven McNamar as Chief Financial Officer. The entire Stride team is excited to give Steven a warm welcome to this role.

Stride Bank recently announced Steve McNamar as the bank's new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, McNamar will oversee the bank's accounting and finance department, including cash management, capital planning, asset/liability management, financial reporting/forecasting and management of the bank's investment securities portfolio.

Stride Bank

Before joining Stride, McNamar spent 11 years with BOK Financial in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as Senior Vice President, Senior Business Group Controller. He received bachelor's degrees in accountancy from Upper Iowa University and in finance and banking from Buena Vista University and is a certified public accountant.

"I am very excited to be joining the Stride team," said Steve McNamar. "I believe Stride has a great business model  and a talented team  that uniquely positions itself to capitalize on the changing financial and fintech industry while continuing to serve our communities with traditional financial services that put people first."

"Acquiring the right talent is the most important key to growth within an organization, and we are confident we made the right choice in bringing Steve onto our team with his extensive leadership and financial background." - Brud Baker, CEO & President, Stride Bank.

About Stride Bank

Founded in 1913, Stride Bank is an Oklahoma-based financial institution. Offering a full range of financial services such as consumer and commercial banking, mortgage, wealth management and treasury management, we have also developed and currently manage highly specialized payment solutions for several national fintech companies. While we are unwavering in our pursuit to continue innovating and offering new financial solutions, we will always remain loyal to our community banking roots in Oklahoma. We have locations throughout Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota, and Utah. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at www.stridebank.com.

Media Contact: Kyle Clifton

[email protected]

Related Images

steven-mcnamar.jpg

Steven McNamar

SOURCE Stride Bank
Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) introduced major improvements to the ACA, including increased tax credits that reduce the monthly premiums for individuals buying their own health insurance. Under ARPA, 4 out of 5 enrollees are able to find health insurance costing less than $10 per month 1 .

But according to the data released by Stride, 80% of the uninsured gig workers who don't think they can afford health insurance are unaware of these new tax credits that could provide them with low-cost coverage.

The survey, conducted in July 2021, polled nearly 3,000 independent contractors and gig workers and found that:

31% lacked health insurance

Of the uninsured, 64% percent cited affordability concerns as the primary reason

Of those uninsured who believed they couldn't afford health care, 78% were unaware that 4 out of 5 Americans are now eligible for ACA coverage costing less than $10 a month, thanks to the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

"The American Rescue Plan has made health insurance far more affordable for far more Americans but, clearly, gig workers still don't know it," said Noah Lang, co-founder and CEO of Stride. "The #1 reason gig workers don't get health insurance is that they don't think they can afford it, which is heart-breaking considering how many can now get coverage for almost no cost."

To help raise awareness of the affordability of health insurance and increase the number of gig workers covered, Stride is partnering with leading gig and flexible work platforms including Doordash, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Grubhub and others to help gig workers understand the low costs of health insurance, and calling on other companies to join them in getting the word out. Those partnerships have resulted in roughly 3 times as many enrollees getting covered this year vs. last year.

Last month, Stride released data revealing that nearly 40% of gig workers who have enrolled in health insurance this year were paying less than $1 per month, and that 7 out of 10 were enrolling in better plans at half the cost. Additionally, Stride reported that it's already helped to enroll almost as many people halfway through 2021 than it did in all of 2020.

"We're proud of what we've been able to accomplish thus far with the support of our gig economy partners," said Lang. "But clearly, there is more we can do to help get every American covered. We want to make sure every gig worker knows about the affordability of health insurance and gets covered. We can't do it alone, which is why we're asking companies with large populations of non-benefited workers to join us in this effort."

In addition to helping gig workers secure health insurance under the ACA, Stride also helps them enroll in affordable dental, vision & life insurance, and the free Stride app helps delivery and rideshare drivers track miles, upload receipts for deductible expenses, estimate their tax withholdings and file their taxes.

1 Source: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

About Stride

Stride provides the first Portable Benefits platform helping over 2 million independent workers save time and money on insurance, taxes, and hundreds of thousands of products and services. Stride partners with the world's leading work platforms and employers of non-benefited workers including Postmates, DoorDash, Grubhub, Rover, TaskRabbit, Instacart and Keller Williams so they can provide their workers with access to a complete suite of health and financial benefits. The company is backed by Venrock, New Enterprise Associates, and F-Prime Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.stridehealth.com

SOURCE Stride Health

Related Links

https://www.stridehealth.com/


"I love the idea of taking it back to the future. The vibe of this song is just when we look at what has happened to us as a people, like literally in the past 40 years, and how history constantly keeps repeating itself ... so this is like a cry of the youth, but it's a different kind of cry - we've heard cries of freedom. We've cried for freedom so many times, and we've sung "we shall overcome" so many times, but we still don't see things overcoming. So, this is like the youth - when you hear Theo hitting those horns, and you hear that track - it's a revolution. And this revolution, unlike the other revolution, this one has been televised. And it's been televised through every social outlet in the world. The idea of oppression, the idea of equal rights, the idea of "when are we gonna really get justice?" The idea of what real human rights is... but at the same time, keep in mind, this is Theo Croker and Wyclef Jean - so we gotta keep it sexy at the same time. We're gonna make y'all think, but we're also gonna make y'all move. Just to say we celebrate our ancestors. At the end of the video, I start to speak Creole, and you'll feel that energy when we start to turn the whole thing into a celebration and into a movement."

A contemporary oratorio, the 13 tracks that make BLK2LIFE || A FUTURE PAST are inspired by the forgotten hero's journey towards self-actualization within the universal origins of blackness. It's a sonic celebration of Afro-origin, and ultimately a reclamation of the culture, for the culture. "Our hero receives a transmission from his ancestors while in meditation that sets him on a mission to raise the planet's vibrations through music that defies the confines of a 'genre' and frees the culture from the imminent threat of commercial gentrification," says Theo.

Written in the solitude of his childhood home in Leesburg, Florida, during the pandemic much of the album was informed by psilocybin meditations and astral travels. By retreating inward, Theo extracted a universal story with major implications and spiritual resonances. "In the beginning, the universe was birthed out of a black hole," he says. "Everything came from blackness. Black is every color combined. So, all cultures are full of this rich blackness. It isn't a racial statement; it's about understanding and accepting that this is not a new cultural phenomenon or new science, that we can reclaim our origins, traditions, and culture to better the future. I'm making a statement with the title and project, 'I can be an artist first before I am a black artist'. I can be a musician, creator, and producer without category."

Theo will hit the road in support of the new album starting with a two-week residence at San Francisco's Black Cat this August. Other dates will take him to select cities in the U.S. with more dates across the world - stops including Oslo, Prague, Milan, Paris, London, Berlin, and more - full tour schedule and ticketing info can be found here.

Listen to previously released "HERO STOMP || A FUTURE PAST"

ALBUM ARTWORK: DOWNLOAD

PUBLICITY IMAGE (CREDIT OBIDI NZERIBE): DOWNLOAD

BLK2LIFE || A FUTURE PAST

TRACKLISTING

"4KNOWLEDGE"

"Soul Call || Vibrate"

"Just Be (Prelude)"

"Every Part Of Me" [feat. Ari Lennox]

"Anthem" [feat. Gary Bartz]

"Lucid Dream" [feat. Charlotte Dos Santos]

"Where Will You Go" [ feat. Kassa Overall]

"No More Maybe" [feat. Iman Omari]

"Happy Feet (for dancers)" [feat. Malaya]

"Imperishable Star"

"State Of The Union 444 || BLK2THEFUTURE" [feat. Wyclef Jean]

"Hero Stomp || A Future Past"

"Pathways"

THEO CROKER BLK2LIFE TOUR

AUGUST 2021

8/4 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/5 Brooklyn, NY/ Prospect Park Bandshell  BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

8/6 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/7 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/8 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/11 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/12 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/13 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/14 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/15 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/18 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/19 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/20 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/21 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/22 San Francisco, CA, USA / Black Cat

8/28 Hamburg, GERMANY / Grand Hall Elbphilharmonie

SEPTEMBER 2021

9/6 Atlanta, GA, USA / Atlanta Jazz Festival

9/11 White Plains, NY, USA / White Plains Jazz Festival

9/28 New York, NY, USA / (Le) Poisson Rouge

OCTOBER 2021

10/1 Jacksonville, FL, USA / Jacksonville Jazz Festival

10/11 Santa Cruz, CA, USA / Kuumbwa Jazz Center

10/16 Saint Etienne, FRANCE / Rhino Jazz Festival

10/19 Stockholm, SWEDEN / Fasching (Stockholm International Jazz Festival)

10/20 Goteborg, SWEDEN / Nefertiti

10/21 Oslo, NORWAY / Cosmopolite

10/22 Brussels, BELGIUM / Flagey

10/23 Eeklo, BELGIUM / Muziekclub N9

10/24 Mannheim, GERMANY / Enjoy Jazz @ Alte Feuerwache

10/25 Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC / Jazz Dock

10/26-27 Belgrade, SERBIA / Dom omladine Beograda (Belgrade Jazz Festival)

10/28 Vienna, AUSTRIA / Porgy & Bess

10/29 Bergen, NORWAY / Sardinen

10/30 Trondheim, NORWAY / Dokkhuset Scene

10/31 Milan, ITALY / Teatro dell'arte

NOVEMBER 2021

11/2 Paris, FRANCE / Duc des Lombards

11/3 Paris, FRANCE / Duc des Lombards

11/4 Paris, FRANCE / Duc des Lombards

11/5 London, UK / Ronnie Scott's

11/6 London, UK / Ronnie Scott's

11/27 Berlin, GERMANY / Philharmonie (Sketches of Miles with Berlin Philharmonic - Performance)

FEBRUARY 2022

02/19 Chapel Hill, NC, USA / Carolina Performing Arts Center

MARCH 2022

03/26 New York, NY, USA / Carnegie Hall (Zankel Hall)

ABOUT THEO CROKER

Theo Croker is a storyteller who speaks through his trumpet. A creative who refuses boundaries, the GRAMMY Award-nominated artist, composer, producer, thought leader, and influencer projects his voice through the music. After seven years of sojourn in Shanghai, Croker crash-landed with a simmering original sound on the 2014 Dee Dee Bridgewater-assisted album Afro Physicist. Following the success of Escape Velocity in 2016, he ascended to a new stratosphere with Star People Nation in 2019. The record garnered a nomination in the category of "Best Contemporary Instrumental Album'' at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards. It attracted widespread critical acclaim including Stereogum, Paste, and The New York Times who called it "an album that gallivants from swirling, left-field hip-hop beats to propellant swing to entrancing passages of African percussion. Through it all, Croker's understated trumpet playing holds his small band together with swagger and poise." Along the way, he also lent his sound to platinum-selling albums by everyone from J. Cole to Ari Lennox while touring his band across the globe many times over. In 2020, he hunkered down at his childhood home in the midst of the global pandemic and wrote his sixth full-length album, BLK2LIFE || A FUTURE PAST, releasing September 24th via Sony Music Masterworks.

CONNECT WITH THEO CROKER

TheoCroker.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, Milan Records, XXIM Records, and Masterworks Broadway imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.sonymusicmasterworks.com/ .

MEDIA CONTACTS

Larissa Slezak | Jamie Bertel  Sony Music Masterworks

Ryan Cunningham  Biz3

SOURCE Sony Music Masterworks

Related Links

http://www.sonymusicmasterworks.com/


The career fair will take place on Wednesday, August 11 from 9 AM to 1 PM, at the Employment and Training Center, 3001 South Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. On-the-spot interviews will be held. Interested applicants should bring a driver's license and social security card. Download the Flyer

Maritime workers are critically important to the Greater Philadelphia region. Retirements, the economic residual caused by COVID-19, and other factors have left the ports in dire need of skilled workers who are responsible for the loading and offloading of consumables such as automobiles, fruit and cocoa, and other goods that come into and ship from the port, powering our global economy. The shortage of skilled workers is not only contributing to a delay in the onboarding and offloading of goods, but it is also driving up consumer prices, as it decreases the amount of goods available for delivery to businesses, industries and consumers.

Depending on the cargo, starting salaries for new longshoremen range from $17 to $20 an hour. Longshoremen operate handling equipment, such as power winches, cranes, forklift trucks and yard tractors; drive automobiles on and off vessels or within the marine terminal; transfer cargo/intermodal containers from vessels to the dock area; climb ladders and gangways into vessel holds or climb ladders to access work on deck; fasten slings and lines to cargo; lash and secure cargo via hooks, wires, slings, or other lifting devices. Other skill areas include clerking, checking, coopering, car loading, terminal laborer, warehouse worker, and more.

The career fair is hosted by Delaware County Community College, the Philadelphia Marine Trade Association, Philadelphia Works, and the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development. The Port of Philadelphia is the fastest growing container port in North America, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It generates 54,805 jobs and handles 6.5 million tons of cargo worth $30.5 billion, including containers, breakbulk, ro-ro and liquid bulk. Combined, the Ports of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie move more than 67 million tons of goods and provide an economic benefit of nearly $50 billion to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"With the demand for skilled maritime workers at an all-time high, I hope career seekers take advantage of this great opportunity to learn a new skillset that will position them for success," said Patrick Eiding, president, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO.

Laborers and freight/stock/material movers are high priority occupations in Pennsylvania because of the growing need for skilled labor in these career areas. According to the PA Department of Labor and Industry's Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, more than 13,000 workers will be needed in this industry by 2028.



About Delaware County Community College:

Founded in 1967, Delaware County Community College serves more than 19,000 credit and non-credit students at its seven locations in Delaware and Chester Counties and through its online education and training programs. The College offers more than 50 associate degrees and 35 certificate programs.

About Philadelphia Marine Trade Association:

With over 60 years of service to the Delaware River port community, the Philadelphia Marine Trade Association was incorporated in 1947; its purpose, to promote the interest of the ports of Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Now, the Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association (PMTA) represents all the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) employers operating at Delaware River facilities.

About Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development:

The Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development is a non-profit organization that is a partnership of Drexel University and five area community colleges: Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Bucks County Community College, Montgomery County Community College, as well as Camden County College in New Jersey. CCWED provides business and industry with a comprehensive, coordinated approach to developing a highly skilled workforce for the region.

About Philadelphia Works:

Philadelphia Works, Inc., the city's workforce development board, is a non-profit, quasi-public organization serving employers and connecting career seekers to employment and training opportunities. We invest public resources in a variety of workforce solutions that drive economic growth, influence the public workforce policies, and optimize funding and resources to build a skilled and thriving workforce.

Contact: Anthony Twyman

Director, Government & Public Relations

W: 610-325-2816; C: 610-425-0805

SOURCE Philadelphia Works

Related Links

www.philaworks.org


NMCC increases economic opportunity for Native entrepreneurs by providing foundational business readiness training, including cutting edge digital courses and individually tailored technical assistance. The Native Entrepreneur in Residence 90-day program (NEIR-90) provides a three-month training curriculum focused on business pillars such as management, marketing and financials. The training teaches skills that can help increase business owners' profitability, which supports economic opportunity and mobility.

"NMCC is helping business owners get to a place where they can thrive, and their businesses can grow," said Liz Gamboa, executive director of NMCC. "The NEIR-90 program is a shortened version of the impactful Native Entrepreneur in Residence (NEIR) program which has seen 46 graduates over the course of 5-plus years. We are looking forward to starting the program up again in this 3-month format."

Henry Jake Foreman is an emerging leader at NMCC. Promoted to program director earlier this year, Foreman leads the educational efforts for the Financial & Business Basics program and contributed to the new curriculum for the NEIR-90 program. As with all programs, he works to integrate indigenous methodology into his teaching, a critical method for success with program participants. Foreman went through the original NEIR program several years ago and was selected to develop the Financial & Business Basics program in 2017. He holds a master's degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico.

"We are dedicated to empowering our communities by listening to those with lived experience and supporting their ideas on how to address racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change," said Arturo Perez, community affairs manager in New Mexico. "In addition to the funding, we are exploring ways to support these leaders and organizations by creating points of connection and access as well as opportunities to build their networks. We look forward to learning from these leaders as we continue to work to break down traditional power dynamics in philanthropy."

Contact:

Jennifer Fredrick, U.S. Bank Public Affairs & Communications [email protected] | 530.646.3858

About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $559 billion in assets as of June 30, 2021, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. The Minneapolis-based company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses: Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; Corporate & Commercial Banking; and Wealth Management and Investment Services. The company has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2021 World's Most Ethical Companies and Fortune's most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about

SOURCE New Mexico Community Capital

Related Links

www.nmccap.org


DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Construction Plastic Market Research Report by Plastic Type, by End User, by Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Construction Plastic Market size was estimated at USD 80.91 Billion in 2020 and expected to reach USD 86.78 Billion in 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.59% to reach USD 125.56 Billion by 2026.



Market Statistics:



The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period.



Market Segmentation & Coverage:



This research report categorizes the Construction Plastic to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Based on Plastic Type, the Construction Plastic Market was examined across Expanded Polystyrene, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinyl Chloride.

Based on Application, the Construction Plastic Market was examined across Insulation Materials, Pipes, and Windows & Doors.

Based on End User, the Construction Plastic Market was examined across Non-Residential and Residential.

Based on Geography, the Construction Plastic Market was examined across Americas, Asia-Pacific , and Europe , Middle East & Africa . The Americas was further studied across Argentina , Brazil , Canada , Mexico , and United States . The Asia-Pacific was further studied across Australia , China , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , and Thailand . The Europe , Middle East & Africa was further studied across France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , Qatar , Russia , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , Spain , United Arab Emirates , and United Kingdom .

Competitive Strategic Window:



The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:



The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Construction Plastic Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



Market Share Analysis:



The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.



Company Usability Profiles:



The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Construction Plastic Market, including ACH Foam Technologies, Asahi Kasei Corporation, BASF SE, Berry Plastics Corporation, Borealis AG, Dowdupont Inc, Excelite, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA, JM Eagle, Lyondellbasell Industries Holdings B.V., Plazit Polygal Group, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Solvay S.A., and Total S.A.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:



1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets

3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments



The report answers questions such as:



1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Construction Plastic Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Construction Plastic Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Construction Plastic Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Construction Plastic Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Construction Plastic Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Construction Plastic Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Construction Plastic Market?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Overview

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19



5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics

5.1.1. Drivers

5.1.1.1. Increasing benefit associated with use of PVC and EPS plastics

5.1.1.2. Green building practices and growth in use of recycled plastics

5.1.1.3. Attractive investment in emerging economies

5.1.2. Restraints

5.1.2.1. Availability of substitute materials

5.1.3. Opportunities

5.1.3.1. Increasing utilization of pipes for various purposes such as drainage, oil, sewer system, water supply, and irrigation

5.1.3.2. High demand from construction companies in the Asia Pacific

5.1.4. Challenges

5.1.4.1. Fluctuating prices of crude oil

5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis

5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants

5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes

5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers

5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.2.5. Industry Rivalry



6. Construction Plastic Market, by Plastic Type

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Expanded Polystyrene

6.3. Polyethylene

6.4. Polypropylene

6.5. Polyvinyl Chloride



7. Construction Plastic Market, by Application

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Insulation Materials

7.3. Pipes

7.4. Windows & Doors



8. Construction Plastic Market, by End User

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Non-Residential

8.3. Residential



9. Americas Construction Plastic Market

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Argentina

9.3. Brazil

9.4. Canada

9.5. Mexico

9.6. United States



10. Asia-Pacific Construction Plastic Market

10.1. Introduction

10.2. Australia

10.3. China

10.4. India

10.5. Indonesia

10.6. Japan

10.7. Malaysia

10.8. Philippines

10.9. Singapore

10.10. South Korea

10.11. Thailand



11. Europe, Middle East & Africa Construction Plastic Market

11.1. Introduction

11.2. France

11.3. Germany

11.4. Italy

11.5. Netherlands

11.6. Qatar

11.7. Russia

11.8. Saudi Arabia

11.9. South Africa

11.10. Spain

11.11. United Arab Emirates

11.12. United Kingdom



12. Competitive Landscape

12.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

12.1.1. Quadrants

12.1.2. Business Strategy

12.1.3. Product Satisfaction

12.2. Market Ranking Analysis

12.3. Market Share Analysis, By Key Player

12.4. Competitive Scenario

12.4.1. Merger & Acquisition

12.4.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

12.4.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

12.4.4. Investment & Funding

12.4.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



13. Company Usability Profiles

13.1. ACH Foam Technologies

13.2. Asahi Kasei Corporation

13.3. BASF SE

13.4. Berry Plastics Corporation

13.5. Borealis AG

13.6. Dowdupont Inc

13.7. Excelite

13.8. Formosa Plastics Corporation

13.9. Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA

13.10. JM Eagle

13.11. Lyondellbasell Industries Holdings B.V.

13.12. Plazit Polygal Group

13.13. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

13.14. Solvay S.A.

13.15. Total S.A.



14. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rzvtat

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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Growth operations continue in each of Jubliee's three core businesses, promising to extend the group's positive performance

( , , , ) chief executive Leon Coetzer described an exceptional performance in the six months ending June 30 2021.

Coetzer highlighted that the company saw growth in each of its core business units  platinum group metal, chrome and its copper operation in Zambia  with the latter seeing its first earnings during the period.

Our maturing company continues on a very exciting growth trajectory, both operationally and financially, as our strategy continues to be implemented, Coetzer said.

Jubilee reported 40.1mln of attributable operational earnings for the first half, on 75.6mln of revenue which represents a rise of 46% on the comparative period of 2020.

Provisional figures for the full year saw 127.6mln of revenue, up 133% year-on-year, and operational earnings for the full year rose by 178% to 69.6mln.

Jubilees platinum production hit the whole year target, with 50,163 ounces produced, whilst chrome output rose 99% on the prior financial period to 751,223 tonnes. The copper operation yielded 2,026 tonnes.

We have undertaken an intensive construction and commissioning phase, in particular at our PGM and chrome operations in South Africa, where a number of projects have been initiated, Coetzer said.

We have seen the commissioning of two new chrome beneficiation facilities, as well as commencing with the construction of the expanded PGM Inyoni operations.

While all of this work understandably has put significant pressure on day-to-day operations, I am thrilled to still be reporting further production and earnings progress. Crucially, the investment, time and effort spent in building and integrating these facilities has set a platform for tremendous potential growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, Coetzer expects further growth in South Africa where it recently inked new supply deals.

The Zambian copper operation is meanwhile ramping up, with the company targeting a 25,000 tonnes per year operation in four years time. A copper concentrate facility is due to be commission in early 2022 and a second Zambian copper site is due to complete its development programme.
New Delhi/Leh, Aug 6 : Two years after it was separated from the parent state of Jammu and Kashmir and granted the Union Territory status, Ladakh is on crossroads over choosing between sustainable tourism and saving the fragile trans-Himalayan ecology.

Tourism has been steadily increasing in Ladakh over last few decades and with every passing year, created an unviable strain on the local natural resources. While on the one hand, people want more tourists to come; on the other, environmental experts are wary of negative impact it will have on the local environment.

A few days ago, when a video of a reckless tourist's four-wheeler stuck in the sludge at the shore of the serene Pangong Tso lake went viral on social media, there was a lot of hue and cry from all strata of people from Ladakh, in person, in media and also on the social media.

"Ladakh has some beautiful high-altitude lakes, which are not only home to several wildlife but also has rich traditional values and sacredness. Enjoy the peaceful awe-inspiring lakes but please don't pollute them," president of the International Association for Ladakh Studies and Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation Sonam Wangchok had tweeted.

With its nature's bounty, Ladakh attracts large number of tourists and the numbers of have been increasing by the year. Apart from backpackers and regular tourists, Ladakh has attracted bikers from all across India and the world.

On Wednesday, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the highest motorable road in the world at 19,300 feet at UmlingLa Pass in eastern Ladakh, which is set to attract more and more bikers who were attracted earlier to the 18,000+ feet of the Khardungla Pass. This development, many fear, would bring on more tourists, especially the bikers. Pre-lockdown, there were more than 2.7 lakh tourists to this vastly beautiful cold desert.

Just like the viral video about the fancy SUV stuck in the lake shore, another video of a bunch of bikers kicking the sand dunes in remote Ladakh too drew lot of criticism.

"Sand dunes are an independent eco-system. There are ground nesting birds, there are lizards, there are scores of insects and other species that are found in the sand dunes of Ladakh. Once the balance is disturbed, ecological process is disturbed and it can have an impact on the eco-system services," Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust's Tsewang Namgail said.

Therefore, he said, it is imperative that both locals and tourists need to understand the fragile ecosystem and need to respect the environmental fabric.

And then there are others who equally blame the local administration's inefficiency. "It is my sincere request to all tourists visiting Ladakh. Respect the beauty, respect the ecosystem, respect the people. Yes. However, I'd also like to add that the authorities in Ladakh have to do a much better job of enforcing the rules," said Rinchen Norbu Shakspo, a journalist from Ladakh, now based in Bengaluru.

Ladakh generally witnesses domestic tourists in May and June with little less in July each year. Last year saw a stop due to the lockdown but this year, the tourists are back with a vengeance. "Plus, this year, several people from north-west India have parked themselves off Ladakh due to work-from-home system," pointed out social worker Fariha Yusuf.

Yusuf is with the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) that has carried out cleanliness awareness drive regularly along with the administration and also encouraged the administration to compulsorily enforce 'segregation at source' for the municipal solid waste. "Fortunately, the hotels and other local people are complying pretty well. We have also started cleaning the landfill site which is overflowing with all the years' of waste. It will take time but at least, a start has been made," Yusuf added.

The change is slow but beginning to happen. On the occasion of celebration of the second anniversary of the formation of Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ladakh Tourism department launched e-bus and also conducted a 'sustainable cleanliness drive' at Skara Spang, a meadow in the neighbourhood of Leh.

While both the initiatives earned good words for the administration, there are concerns raised for the overall changes happening since last two years. With so much of infrastructure planned, concerns are raised towards the processes that will ensure environmental due diligence. For instance, Namgail pointed out to a certain Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared for a road building project in Ladakh.

"One of the EIA reports I saw mentioned, 'There are no trees in the area, so we can go ahead with the project'. This shows a clear lack of understanding about the ecology here," Namgail said.

Environmentalist Karma Sonam pointed out how the status of UT is being problematic for better environmental administration.

"The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council is now a powerless body, and all the decisions are taken at the central level. Tourism has been increasing over the years but now it is time to put a check as excessive tourism can be a problem for environment," he told IANS on phone.

From being part of a large state to being a Union Territory and then from demanding Schedule Six status to now demanding separate state, Ladakh and Ladakhis have come a long way. Time for this old silk route destination to find its own place again! (Nivedita Khandekar can be reached at nivedita.k@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New York, Aug 6 : US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have commemorated the ninth anniversary of the 2012 mass shooting at the gurdwara in Oak Creek that claimed the lives of seven Sikhs, according to the White House.

The commemoration took place on Thursday during a meeting with representatives of the Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community during which they discussed combating hate crimes against Asians, the White House said.

Six Sikhs were killed in the August 5, 2012, attack in which four people, including a police officer, were injured and one person died last year from the wounds sustained in the shooting.

The shooter, described as a White supremacist, committed suicide by shooting himself when police responded.

Sikh community leaders have welcomed an earlier tweet by Biden on the anniversary of the Oak Tree gurdwara attack.

Biden said in his tweet: "Nine years ago today, we witnessed an act of unspeakable hate as a white supremacist shot 10 people at a Sikh Temple. As we remember those we lost in Oak Creek, we must continue to stand up to hate and bigotry and ensure that all are able to practice their faith without fear." Sikh Council on Religion and Education Chairman, Rajwant Singh said: "We are thankful to President Biden for his compassion and a strong stand against hate and violence. The Sikh community was shaken by this tragedy and our community still is concerned about the hate-filled rhetoric being condoned by some political interest groups." Gurwin Singh Ahuja, the co-founder and the executive director of the National Sikh Campaign, said: "Violence against Sikhs had been on the rise for several years. After 9/11 many Americans associated a turban and beard with terrorism and an alarming number of people turned to racism and violence against our community." The "National Sikh Campaign is committed to creating positive awareness about Sikhs in this country", he added.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)
New York, Aug 6 : US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have pledged to work with the Asian community on immigration reforms, according to the White House.

On Thursday, the two leaders told representatives of the Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community that they supported providing a path to citizenship for essential workers, farm labour, people from nations like Nepal and Myanmar who are given temporary protection status against deportation because of unsettled conditions in their home countries, and those who were brought to the US illegally when they were children.

Biden and Harris said they backed achieving this by using the budget process known to get the necessary legislation for it through the Senate, where the Democrats do not have the 60 votes needed for passing a separate law for it.

But their plan for urgent action through the budget process does not seem to cover the several thousands of Indian children who came to the country legally and followed the immigration rules and are threatened with deportation as soon as they turn 21 even while their parents are still legally waiting for their green cards or permanent immigrant status.

Asked at her briefing about the protection for these children, Biden's spokesperson Jen Psaki said that helping them was not in the current legislative effort through the budget legislation.

"It's not in the current, I think it's not in the current discussions, but it is something the President would like to address." Psaki added that it is something that Biden "has proposed addressing in a comprehensive immigration bill", and supports giving these children protection.

While the parents stay here on their H1-B or H4 visas and wait for green cards, their children will not be eligible to continue on their H-4 visas as soon as they turn 21 and can be deported.

This affects Indians because the wait for green cards is more than decade, a period long enough for many children to turn 21.

Ironically, if they had come in illegally or failed to follow the immigration laws, they would have received special consideration from the Democrats who give priority to illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal has reported quoting a State Department official that 100,000 green cards meant for those eligible because of their work status will go to waste if they are not distributed by the end of September.

Most of those affected will be Indians working in the tech sector "who have been waiting to become permanent residents in the US and are watching a prime opportunity to win a green card slip away", the newspaper said.

The Journal said that this was because the government was not able to handle the green card applications because of backlogs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the green cards not handed out by the end of next month will expire.

The newspaper pointed out that the the Democrats are trying to make six million people illegally in the country eligible for green cards through their $3.5-million budget package they are trying to get Congress to pass.

The loss of the 100,000 green cards would affect those who came to the country legally and have abided by the immigration laws.

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

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Moradabad : , Aug 6 (IANS) A sub-inspector deputed at the Indira Chowk police picket in Moradabad has been suspended after a video clip showed him allegedly being involved in a celebratory firing.

The video went viral on Thursday and in it, sub-inspector Shoeb Khan can be seen firing in the air with his service revolver at a function in Badaun.

The Badaun police booked the sub-inspector at the Wazirganj police station, while Moradabad police ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Moradabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pawan Kumar has suspended Khan.

Badaun SSP Sankalp Sharma said, "We have come across the video. The act is an offence. Thus, the accused sub-inspector was booked at Wazirganj police station under relevant sections of the Arms Act." The Moradabad SSP, meanwhile, said, "Taking cognisance of the video, the sub-inspector was suspended with immediate effect. Besides, a departmental probe has been ordered into the matter."
Lakhimpur Kheri : , Aug 6 (IANS) Four persons have been arrested from near the Dudhwa forest area while trying to smuggle a Red Sand Boa snake.

The accused belong to Delhi and told police that they had purchased the sand boa from a local snake charmer in Kheri for Rs 10 lakh and were trying to smuggle it to Mumbai, where they planned to sell it for Rs 50 lakh.

Sanjay Tyagi, SHO of Isanagar police station, said the accused -- Shalu Kashyap, Mukesh Kashyap, Sandeep Singhla - are businessmen, and Afsar is their driver.

The SHO said, "Police had set up pickets after a tip-off that some people were trying to smuggle a Red Sand Boa from Dudhwa. While checking vehicles, the snake was found in a wooden box in the SUV. All four men in the vehicle were taken into custody in the wee hours of Thursday and booked under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. The snake has been handed over to the forest department." The Red Sand Boa is a non-venomous species known for its blunt rounded tail, which often gives it the appearance of being double-headed.

It is classified as "near threatened" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Due to their "double-headed" appearance, these snakes are associated with myths and superstitions and hence attract a high price in China and several South Asian countries.
Lucknow, Aug 6 : As a precursor to the ongoing countrywide 'Bharat Ka Amrut Mahotsav', launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Uttar Pradesh government will organise a series of events between August 9 and August 16 to commemorate the occasion.

According to the government spokesman, "As per the programme chalked out by the state government, the main event will be held at the Kakori village in Lucknow on August 9 -- the day is associated with the famous Kakori train dacoity that took place against the British rule in India." Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the Kakori function along with ministers and legislators.

All the district magistrates had been directed to chalk out various programmes, including organising 'tiranga yatras' and felicitating families of freedom fighters.

"Children will be encouraged to participate in writing competitions on themes related to the freedom struggle, fancy dress competitions and other such functions," the spokesman said.

Several cultural functions, exhibitions and digital shows showcasing the state's glorious history, culture and development are also lined up.

The 'Bharat Ka Amrut Mahotsav, in Uttar Pradesh along with other states will continue till August 15, 2023, till a year after India completes 75 years of Independence.

"The idea behind the Mahotsav is to showcase India's achievements since 1947 and thereby infuse a sense of pride among people apart from creating a vision for India@2047," the official pointed out.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
August 06 : Kalki Koechlin was busy shooting for her film 'Goldfish' in the UK. She has been sharing photos from the sets and now finally as the team wraps up the shoot of the film, the actress shares a beautiful photo with her co-actor Deepti Naval.

Sharing the photo, she wrote,"After many tears, we part in laughter #itsawrap #goldfishthefilm. With the constantly staggering and all heart @deeptinaval.#actorswelovetoworkwith."

Goldfish is a story of a girl who returns home to her estranged mother, who is showing early signs of dementia. Kalki plays the role of Anamika who returns to a neighborhood she barely remembers, to a woman who sometimes doesn't remember her. It is about how they explore these complex emotions.

The film is directed by Pushan Kripalani and also stars Deepti Naval alongside Kalki in the film. Fans are super excited to watch Deepti and Kalki together in the film.

On the work front, Kalki's last Hindi film was 'Gully Boy' which was released in 2019. She was last seen in the Tamil anthology 'Paava Kadhaigal' which was released on Netflix in 2020. Out of the four stories, Kalki was seen in 'Love Panna Uttranum'.
Muzaffarnagar, Aug 6 : A five-year-old girl was raped by a youth in Uttar Pradesh after he lured her with candies.

The girl had gone to a shop nearby her house when the suspect standing closeby, lured her with candies and took her to a room, following which he raped her.

He fled after committing the crime.

The youth, identified as Owais, was arrested on Thursday.

SP (city) Arpit Vijayvargiya, said that as per the complaint lodged by the victim's family, the girl returned home crying and bleeding and narrated the ordeal to her mother.

"A case has been registered against Owais at Charthawal police station under various IPC sections including 376 (rape) and provisions of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act," he said.

The child was sent to the district hospital for a medical examination and the report is awaited.
Bengaluru, Aug 6 : The Karnataka High Court has issued summons to former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, his son BJP Vice President Vijayendra and others to appear for inquiry before the court on August 17, in connection with a corruption case.

The summons, issued on Thursday, are also being issued to his family members Shashidhar Maradi, Virupakshappa Yamakanamaradi, Sanjayasri, contractor Chandrakanth Ramalingam, former minister S.T. Somashekar, IAS officer Dr. G.C. Prakash, hotel industrialist K. Ravi on Thursday.

T.J. Abraham, an activist and advocate, had filed a petition against the former Chief Minister and others. The complaint was filed before the People's Representative Court. The court had dismissed the petition for want of sanction on July 8 as Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister.

The special court order was challenged by the complainant. The High Court bench headed by Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav accepted the petition for inquiry as Yediyurappa stepped down from the post of Chief Minister.

It is alleged that Yediyurappa received kickbacks from contractors over a housing project in Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).

It is also alleged that Yediyurappa's family misused the Chief Minister's Office and kickbacks were received from contractors. The plea accuses Yediyurappa of allotting, speeding and approving projects to receive kickbacks.

The complaint alleges that the money was transferred from bogus companies to the firms owned by the family members of Yediyurappa.

Talking to IANS, complainant T.J. Abraham stated that the summons were served to the accused persons on Thursday. The accused can either represent themselves or through counsel.
San Francisco, Aug 6 : Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has admitted that meeting the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein was "a huge mistake" in his life.

In an interview with CNN, Gates said that "several" meetings with Epstein gave him credibility, which was a mistake.

According to him, the friendship with Epstein was an attempt to get "billions for philanthropy".

In 2019, Gates told The Wall Street Journal that he had met Epstein, but "didn't have any business relationship or friendship with him".

"Gates regrets ever meeting with Epstein and recognises it was an error in judgment to do so," The New York Times had also quoted a spokesperson for Gates as saying.

Epstein died in prison in August 2019 as he awaited, without the chance of bail, his trial on sex trafficking charges.

He was arrested in New York following allegations that he was running a network of underage girls, some as young as 14, for sex.

His death was determined to be suicide.

Prosecutors alleged that between 1994 and 1997, Epstein's former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently in custody, helped him groom the young girls.

In the CNN interview, when asked if he had any regrets about an affair with a Microsoft employee, Gates said that everyone has regrets but that he needed to "go forward" with his work.

Some of the Microsoft board members last year wanted Gates to step down amid an internal investigation into his alleged affair with an employee.

Gates finally resigned from the Microsoft board in March 2020 before the investigation had been completed, according to reports.

In May, the mega-billionaire couple Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were divorcing because their 27-year marriage has "irretrievably broken".

Melinda will resign from her position as co-chair and trustee at Gates Foundation after two years, if either she or Bill Gates find they are unable to continue to work constructively together.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
San Francisco, Aug 6 : As the US sees a surge in Covid cases especially the spread of Delta variant, Amazon on Friday announced to delay its return-to-office timeline by January 2022.

Earlier, the e-commerce giant had decided to reopen offices in September.

"As we continue to closely watch local conditions related to Covid-19, we are adjusting our guidance for corporate employees in the US and other countries where we had previously anticipated that employees would begin coming in regularly the week of Sept 7. We are now extending this date to Jan 3, 2022," the company said in an update.

"Our return-to-office timeline will vary globally in accordance with local conditions," the company added.

The number of people in the hospital in the US has more than tripled over the past month, from an average of roughly 12,000 to almost 43,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The variant has sent cases surging to 94,000 a day on average.

Last month, Amazon said it was halting its on-site testing programme for its warehouses but would resume the tests if official health guidance changed.

Microsoft has also pushed its full office reopening date from September to "no earlier than October 4th, 2021," as the Covid cases rise in the US.

The company has also told employees and vendors that starting from next month, they will need to show a proof of vaccination before entering any office building in the US.

Facebook said last week that it would require its US employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when they return to the office.

Twitter has shut offices in US, and Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said the company will require employees to be vaccinated before returning to the office in the later part of the year.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Puducherry, Aug 6 : The number of active Covid-19 cases in the union territory have come down to 888 in the past 24 hours, the health department said on Friday.

This is the second time in the past three days that the new cases have fallen below the 900-mark.

The number of fresh Covid cases in the union territory stood at 81 on Thursday and 100 patients were discharged.

Puducherry headquarters reported the maximum fresh cases with 62, followed by Mahe (12), Karaikal (6) and Yanam (1). Of the 888 active cases, 721 are in home isolation.

The maximum number of active cases was recorded in Puducherry headquarters with 657 cases followed by Karaiakal (125), Yanam (105) and Mahe (38).

The fatality rate was at 1.5 per cent and recovery rate at 97.8 per cent.

The Health department has administered 7.2 lakh doses of vaccines, including the second dose to the people of the UT.

Prasad Somashekaran of Mahe Study Centre, a research institution functioning at Mahe, told IANS, "The number of active cases coming down below 900 for the second time in the past three days is a great relief to the health workers and people of the union territory. Here in Mahe, the UT is properly monitoring and implementing the Covid-19 standard protocols and hence the situation of the pandemic is under control."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, Aug 6 : The first budget of the DMK government headed by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin to be presented on August 13 in the assembly by the first-time Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan will be paperless, also a first.

Necessary arrangements to this effect are being made at the Kalaivanar Arangam where the assembly session will be held.

According to officials, computers are being keep on the tables of all legislators.

It is said the system is being programmed in such a way that only the page the Finance Minister reads will be displayed on the screen and not the entire budget papers in one go.

The budget will be prepared after consulting the economic experts, industrialists and industry bodies.

The government is expected to present a paperless agriculture budget.

Earlier to the budget day, the government will come out with a White Paper on the state of Tamil Nadu Finance.
Chennai, Aug 6 : With back to back incidents of communal distrust surfacing, the state government is contemplating a new law to protect communal harmony in the state.

A Catholic priest Father George Ponniah was booked by the Tamil Nadu Police over hate speech at Kanyakumari in a public function on July 18 in which he made disparaging remarks against 'Bharat Mata' and Hindu religion. After a complaint was lodged by the state BJP, the Arumanai police booked him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The Roman Catholic diocese of Kuzhithurai condemned the speech of the priest and distanced themselves from him.

After an idol of Lord Vinayaka was found allegedly by a few miscreants at a barren land in Tiruchengode near a Catholic church on Monday, police intervened and removed the idol. This led to slogan shouting and stone-pelting but immediate intervention of the police and taking into custody around 20 persons fizzled out the situation.

With such incidents coming up in the state, the Tamil Nadu state minority commission chairman Peter Alphonse suggested to the government to bring in a new law to protect communal harmony.

The minority commission chairman also said that the new law would be a model to the rest of the country and called upon the government to immediately bring about legislation for the same.

The suggestion of Peter Alphonse is being seriously taken by the state government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed the state law department to immediately study all aspects and to report to him in a few day's time.

While the legislation may not be brought up during the Budget Session of the state Assembly commencing from August 13, the seriousness of the Chief Minister is a clear indicator that the government would bring in such a legislation within the next couple of months time.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced an ambitious plan to bring about an investment of Rs 1,00,000 crore in the state and making it the largest investment destination of South Asia. With such an ambitious plan in mind, the Chief Minister, according to DMK sources wants to bring about the legislation to prevent any communal skirmishes in the state thus diverting the investment the state has been planning to.

S. Raghupathy, Minister for Law told IANS, "The government is in fact thinking on such a proposition. We are studying all aspects of the same and then a decision will be made."
Sanaa, Aug 6 : Heavy fighting between Yemen's government forces and the Houthi militia continued to rage in the central province of al-Bayda as the military recaptured another strategic mountain, a source said.

The fighting took place on Thursday in two mountainous areas of Hisn al-Nasir and Akabat al-Kontho in the northeastern district of Nati, which is under the control of the Houthi rebels, the military source told Xinhua news agency.

Both mountainous areas overlook the adjacent strategic district of Bayhan in the neighbouring eastern province of Shabwa.

"The Houthi militia is trying to advance to Bayhan district to lay siege to the south of Marib Province," the source added.

During the fighting, the government forces recaptured Barbara mountain, a strategic height overlooking the Houthi rebels' positions in Nati.

The Houthi rebels have made no comment yet on the fighting.

Yemen's civil war flared up in late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control of much of the country's north and forced the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Actor Samuel L. Jackson plays the role of hitman Darius Kincaid in "Hitmans Wifes Bodyguard" released in India on Friday.

One of the most beloved and popular actor across genres, Jackson, shared his chemistry with Reynolds who essays the role of bodyguard Michael Bryce in the film.

Jackson told IANS: "We understand what comedy is, what humour is. And we both know what we want to see ourselves doing on screen. Ryan and I have the right person to play against, someone that has the right sensibility and timing, the comedic understanding of what we're trying to do.

He added: "And yes, there's serious shit going on but you want the audience to enjoy it, to feel it and relate to it in a real kind of way. And guys are always trying to be tougher than they are and we both understand how to make that work in our favour -- we're not afraid to make fun of ourselves." In the film, the duo of Bryce and Kincaid are back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius Kincaid's volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek). As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protectees, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and total chaos.

Joining in the deadly mayhem are Antonio Banderas as a vengeful and powerful madman and Morgan Freeman.
United Nations, Aug 6 : Up to 175 aid convoys have arrived in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's conflict-ridden Tigray region, the majority of them in the past few days, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday, Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that the convoys contain humanitarian supplies, including food, non-food items and fuel, reports Xinhua news agency.

While 50 trucks crossed into Tigray over the past month, the remaining convoys only arrived in recent days, he added.

The 175 trucks were among at least 223 convoys with humanitarian supplies for the UN and international non-governmental organisations that left Semera, the capital city of neighboring Afar region, toward Mekelle, the spokesman said.

Most of the remaining trucks are being scanned at a checkpoint and a few trucks are in Abala, the last entry point into Tigray from Afar, he said.

Two trucks were reportedly blocked by civilians and looted at a checkpoint in Afar, 97 km from Semera, on July 28, according to Dujarric.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the current aid is not sufficient, with an estimated 100 trucks needed every day to assist 5.2 million people in need.

It called for a political solution to the conflict in Tigray as fighting has spilled into Afar.

"I think this (spillover) would just hopefully increase the resolve of the parties to solve this situation through political means," Dujarric said.

"Any conflict often starts out as small and, if it is not tended to, has a tendency to spill over and to get larger. And in the meantime, the people who are paying the price are the civilians.

"Trucks are going in, but we see trucks are looted. Trucks are also delayed. And we need 100 trucks per day, if not more, to get in there," he added.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Hindus need a true renaissance but for that Hindu-satya (the truth about Hinduism) must replace the term Hindutva, which stands discredited because of "illiterate bigotry" -- and reforms must be pursued within Hinduism, author-scholar-diplomat Pavan Varma writes in a seminal new book that is brilliantly argued, hard-hitting and wise -- indeed, an essential treatise for our times.

"The fact that a great Hindu civilisation existed, and continues to exist, is not in doubt," Varma writes in "The Great Hindu Civilisation -- Achievement, Neglect, Bias And The Way Forward (Westland) and what Hindus need today "is a true renaissance, in keeping with its essential nature, intellectual grandeur and remarkable refinements".

"The term Hindutva stands discredited because of the illiterate bigotry that is sanctioned in its name. Hindutva must be replaced by Hindu-satya, the truth about Hinduism. The first step of Hindu-satya is to pursue reform within Hinduism," Varma, a former Indian Foreign Service officer and the author of a series of classics on Hinduism and the Indian middle class, writes.

The time has come, Varma maintains, "for major reforms within Hinduism that allows the actual conduct of Hindus in their everyday lives to match the civilisational legacy they are should be proud of", adding that this cannot be achieved only through laws, "especially in an unequal society where the more vulnerable are unable to seek their protection in the same measure as the more powerful are able to flaunt them".

Noting that these reforms can only happen when Hindus themselves are convinced of their need, Varma writes: "Hindus must bridge the gap between the achievements of the past and the imperatives of the present. The history of Hindus may be littered with pioneering landmarks in the areas of philosophy, spirituality, arts and science, but the same history is marred and loses credibility in the face of indubitable empirical evidence of rampant inequity and discrimination today." Even worse, the author states, are attempts to justify this inequality and exploitation in the name of sanctioned tradition.

"No tradition, however, hoary, can militate against the basic dignity of human beings and the egalitarianism which is the hallmark of modern and progressive societies. If those who want to work for Hindu revivalism would devote their real energies to working for much-needed change in Hindu society, they would contribute far more to the proud reassertion of their faith," Varma writes.

In this cause, they would find enough material within Hinduism and the goal must not be to blindly resurrect the ancient past but to recreate Hindu society in the present by drawing upon the abundant wisdoms in Hinduism in the past.

A second imperative is for Hindus to become more knowledgeable about their own civilisation.

"The blunt truth is that Hindus, in general, are as proud of their past as they are ignorant of exactly what it is. Very few among them have taken the trouble to read the basic texts of their faith. Nor do they know, except very superficially, about the achievements of their legacy in the secular realm," Varma writes.

This is partly so because Hinduism is not a prescriptive faith and allows its followers to practice it almost in any manner they choose. Most Hindus rightly see their religion as a way of life of which they can be proud participants even if they don't know the profundities of its philosophical tradition and the deep symbolism behind ordinary rituals.

"Partly, it is also because the educational curriculum is deeply flawed and does not include information about ideas and concepts and achievements, which it should; and partly because it is parents and family members who could impart such knowledge are as ignorant as their wards. When this happens, a reverse glorification of the past sits comfortably with the absence of the vibrant intellectual energy that should be its real consequence," Varma maintains.

Lamenting that the cultural and intellectual reclamation that should have followed Independence in 1947, did not occur, he writes that had this happened "in an enlightened manner without xenophobia or bigotry, we would by now have a generation that knows much more about the real achievements of Hindu civilisation. Instead, we are now witnessing a movement of Hindu revivalism which is blatantly geared towards short-term political dividends, and replete with intolerance and hatred that is an anathema to the very spirit and substance" of Hinduism.

This brings us to the jeopardy of "superficially informed Hindus" not being in a position to "confront the illiterate bigotry of the self-anointed new 'protectors' of Hinduism", the author writes.

"Knowledge is a great enabler. Anyone who has studied Hinduism, or acquired even a basic familiarity about its lofty eclecticism and deep celebration, would laugh out of the room those who seek to conflate this great faith with only violence and exclusion. But Hindus, disarmed by lack of knowledge, become cannon fodder more easily in the hands of ignorant evangelists," Varma argues.

The real Hindu renaissance, he writes, "will take place when Hindus in vast numbers make the effort to rediscover their religion and civilisation. That knowledge will enable them to resurrect Hindu society in terms of true renewal, a renewal of spirit and substance, and allow them to build, along with all the other great faiths that have a home in this ancient land, a modern India that is democratic but also rooted in the great wisdoms of its past".

With that knowledge, "let India awake to its future greatness - modern, progressive, prosperous, humane, tolerant, inclusive" Varma maintains.

Delivered through six chapters spread over 403 pages, inclusive of extensive Notes and an Index, this book is truly a wake-up call that if Hindus "do not know about their own civilisational legacy, their authenticity as Hindus - based on knowledge - is stunted and reduced to ritual tokenism".

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in)
Kathmandu, Aug 6 : Nepal on Friday received 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines supplied by Bhutan, which comes as a relief for the senior citizens who are awaiting a second jab.

"We received the consignment this morning," said R.P. Biccha, Director General at Nepal's Department of Health Services.

After completing the inoculation of 90 per cent of its population, Bhutan had a surplus of 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines.

Before delivering the doses, the Bhutanese government, AstraZeneca and Kathmandu reached a tripartite agreement where Nepal had committed that it will return them once it will have surplus doses.

The vaccine package was received by senior official from the Foreign and Health Ministries at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Around 1.4 million people aged 65 and above in Nepal who were given the first shots of Covishield, the AstraZeneca type vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, in the second week of March, have been waiting for their second doses.

However, the government has not been able to secure any additional AstraZeneca doses.

Nepal has so far has received 9.782 million doses of vaccine.

Of the total, 4 million doses were procured by the government from Vero Cell from China and 1 million doses of Covishield from India.

India has provided 1.1 million doses of Covishield under grant assistance.

Over 1.5 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived from the US, under COVAX, in Nepal on July 12 China, which has already donated 1.8 million doses of Vero Cell, developed and manufactured by the state-owned Sinopharm, has promised an additional 1.6 million doses to Nepal.
New Delhi/Lahore, Aug 6 : After the UK's Home Department refused to extend Nawaz Sharif's stay in London on "medical grounds", the former Pakistan Prime Minister filed an appeal at the British Immigration Tribunal in response, a media report said on Friday.

The decision of the Home Department prompted the incumbent Imran Khan government to offer the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo to arrange his return to Pakistan at a notice of 24 hours if he is willing, said the Dawn news report.

"The UK Home Department has refused to extend Sharif's stay in the country any further on medical grounds. However, Sharif will legally remain in the UK till the tribunal issues its decision on his plea for his stay in the country," PML-N information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn news on Thursday.

"Sharif has already filed an appeal with the British Immigration Tribunal challenging the Home Department's decision. The UK Home Department's decision will remain in effect till the tribunal arrives at a decision," she added.

Dispelling an impression that Sharif had applied for asylum after refusal of his visa extension, Aurangzeb said: "This does not in any way amount to a political asylum and is only a request for an extension to his stay on medical grounds." She castigated the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ministers for doing politics on the health of Sharif.

"As long as the treatment of Sharif is not completed and doctors do not allow him travel he will remain in the UK," she said.

The "rented spokespersons" of the "imposed regime" were doing politics onSharif, who had earlier returned to Pakistan leaving his ailing wife on deathbed, only to save their jobs, Aurenzeb further told Dawn news.

The passport of Sharif, who has been 'absconding' in London since November 2019 on medical treatment grounds, had expired in February this year.

The PTI government had declined a request for issuance of a new diplomatic passport to Sharif.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had already declared that Sharif's passport would not be renewed as per "instructions from Prime Minister Imran Khan".
New Delhi, Aug 6 : With the pandemic leading to a profound shift in the employment sector, enterprises adapted themselves as per the new working model. Over time, the limitations and benefits of the remote working model became clearer. With the improving pandemic situation and roll-out of vaccines, many employees are returning to the workplace. Sectors that could not function remotely at all are moving to hybrid models of work while remote work for some employees is here to stay.

The virus allowed enterprises to see through the cultural and technological barriers that prevented remote work in the past, allowing employers to re-think the way teams work. The introduction of "third workplaces" is swiftly leading to teleworking spots in cafes, hotels, or co-working spaces.

Coworking being the ideal "third space" for small-scale entrepreneurs and organisations has proven to be efficient than working from home and working from cafes. Coworking also offers tangible ROI that supports the financial constraints of many budding entrepreneurs. Considering the current shift in ongoing scenarios, work has become increasingly location-independent, with employees and teams strategizing their time between traditional offices, home, and flexible 'third spaces' to ensure maximum productivity.

Many notable companies are establishing a series of suburban centres shared with other employers, to reduce commute time, provide an attractive and well-resourced working environment, and enable both local and remote meetings for workers. These third spaces for work are gaining prominence as a quiet place where work is the focus as getting approached by colleagues or your manager in regular offices can derail focus. These spaces don't restrict an employee to their desk but provide them a chance to adapt flexibility in a way that fuels up their creativity. These are workspaces that truly reflect an individual identity while allowing employees to break their everyday work monotony.

Organizations have long been interested in adopting strategies that can allow them to elevate efficiency as effectively while balancing their mental well-being and curtailing stress levels. This has been a major persuader for organisations to look and explore trends like the third space that offer business continuity while delivering mental and emotional well-being to employees. The physical surroundings in which employees now operate must reflect the changes in technology, workplace culture, as well as the change in attitudes and expectations of employees. Coworking spaces as the third workspace provide a plug-and-play environment so that employees can conveniently perform.

According to the results of the 2016 Workplace Index, employee productivity can be positively accelerated by providing breaks, productivity results are backed up by the finding that states that the brain is a muscle that needs rest. A welcoming and unique third place provides an opportunity to celebrate minor and significant performances leading to healthier breaks throughout the day.

Enterprises have acknowledged the fact that smart workspace leverages the growing digitalization and encourages new ways of working while improving workforce efficiency. The office of the future will thus, most likely include highly networked, shared, multipurpose spaces that revamp relations within various companies and improve everyone's performance.

(As told to IANSlife) (Nakul Mathur is the Managing Director of Avanta India)

(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
Mexico City, Aug 6 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has denied that his government's lawsuit against US arms manufacturers constituted "intervention" in Washington's domestic affairs.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, the President made it clear the suit was against arms makers and their lax sales practices, not against the US government or Americans' right to bear arms, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It is not an interventionist act, it is not against the US government, it is a civil procedure because we are affected by the lack of control over the sale of weapons," Lopez Obrador told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City.

The Mexican government on Wednesday filed a civil suit at a federal court in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, seeking damages from a dozen arms manufacturers for "actively facilitating the illicit trafficking of their weapons to the cartels and other criminals in Mexico".

Lopez Obrador said US companies were making weapons "tailored" to organised crime and selling them indiscriminately.

"There is no restriction, no control, they even buy online," said Lopez Obrador, acknowledging the lawsuit will not be resolved soon.

Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Wednesday the lawsuit aimed to have the companies compensate the Mexican government "for damages caused by their negligent practices".

The amount would be determined at trial, he said.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : With the world celebrating International Beer Day on August 6, and having one special day to celebrate the beverage that can make even the dullest of days brighter Avneet Singh, Founder, Medusa Beverages Pvt Ltd, says, "Nothing spells bonding time with friends than a perfectly brewed, frosty mug of beer with your favourite snacks." "International Beer Day is quintessential, the perfect occasion to enjoy a big mug of beer, guilt-free. I'm glad to be involved in creating a mass favourite beverage that's the life of all parties, friends' reunions, etc," says Avneet.

Here's a list of beers you should try this world beer day: 1. A1 India Pale Ale: The very own gateway brewing co. releases A1 IPA. India Pale Ale that came from England to India in the 1800s has now been recreated for contemporary times. This beer has the qualities of any A1 product, a classic moniker that has been used to denote top-class quality products. It started off with Lloyd's shipping list as they used it to designate the most superior vessel in the sea.

This A1 beer is available in a 1 litre Pet bottle and Gateway's 'Party Kegs' holds 5 litres which can provide around 15 glasses of beer.

Priced at: Rs 590 per bottle. Available at shop.gatewaybrewery.com 2. Medusa Beer: Medusa understands that beer is a passion, a lifestyle choice and importantly, a historic drink with a unique culture that needs to be preserved. Over the years, medusa has become the perfect combination of best barley malt and imported hops from Germany with 5.9 per cent alcohol strength.

Priced at: Rs 100 Available online and instore 3. Bad Monkey Beer: Want to experience true beer indulgence? Try the super-strong Bad Monkey beer which tastes sweet, sour, salty, fatty and of course bitter in the right balance. Its aroma is the cherry on the cake. Well, don't go by our words; take a sip and discover what makes Bad Monkey great.

Price on request. Available online and in-store.

4. Hoegaarden 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer: India's First Alcohol-Free Premium Wheat Beer Hoegaarden 0.0 per cent Non-Alcohol Wheat beer is bottle-fermented and, when poured, should have a cloudy appearance and a thick creamy head. Hoegaarden is best enjoyed from its characteristic hexagonal glass which helps to keep the beer colder for longer.

Priced at: Rs 100 Available on Amazon (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Supreme Court on Friday rebuked a litigant for filing voluminous documents, running into 51 volumes, and remarked, "We had to get a lorry to carry your files to court. Do you want to terrorise us?" A bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Surya Kant made this observation while hearing Indian Broadcasting Foundation's appeal against the Bombay High Court order upholding TRAI's new tariff order.

The Chief Justice said: "You've filed 51 volumes. We had to get a lorry to carry your files to court. Do you want to terrorise us? File small volumes if you want to be heard".

At the outset, the Chief Justice expressed shock at the length of the pleadings and documents filed by the petitioners.

The bench said: "We will not hear this. Imagine 51 volumes in one case. File one compilation and serve it on us then we will take it up." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing TRAI, submitted that he will file only a two-page affidavit. The bench said it will not go into the matter now and posted the case for further hearing on August 18.

The top court was hearing an appeal against the judgment of the Bombay High Court, which partially upheld the validity of the New Tariff Order (NTO) issued by TRAI in January 2020 prescribing price ceilings on the rates charged by television channels.

In June, the high court, while upholding the NTO, had struck down one of the pricing conditions as unconstitutional.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jammu, Aug 6 : A gunfight started on Friday between the security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Police said the gunfight broke out in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district.

"A joint team of army and police launched a joint cordon and search operation in Thanamandi area after specific information about the presence of militants there.

"As the security forces approached the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired at them triggering a gunfight," sources said.

Reports from the area said firing exchanges were going on in the area.
Lucknow, Aug 6 : Noida is all set to emerge as the manufacturing hub of toys in India with enough potential to challenge China's booming toy industry.

A total of 134 big industrialists have acquired land at Noida's Toy Park to set up their factories at the cost of Rs 410.13 crore.

According to thhe Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) spokesman, the toy factories will provide permanent jobs to 6,157 people.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for increasing the country's share in the global toy business last year.

Subsequently, Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath decided to construct the Toy Park in Noida and 100 acres of land was earmarked in Sector 33 of the YEIDA area to promote the industry.

Industrialists were invited to invest in the park and due to the investor-friendly policies of the Yogi government, many big players in the toy business came forward to set up their units at the Toy Park.

Major national companies that have acquired land at the Toy Park are: Fun Zoo Toys India, Fun Ride Toys LLP, Super Shoes, Ayush Toy Marketing, Sunlord Apparels, Bharat Plastics, Jai Shree Krishna, Ganpati Creations and RRS Traders.

According to YEIDA officials, the acquisition of land by major players in the toy industry, such as Fun Zoo Toys India and Fun Ride Toys, is highly significant as they can challenge the monopoly of Chinese toy makers.

The biggest challenge before the government, however, is that out of 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in the toy manufacturing business, 90 per cent are in the unorganised sector.

According to the government spokesman, India's toy industry will be worth Rs 147-221 billion by the year 2024, given the fact that the demand for toys in India is rising at a faster pace compared to the global rate.

Against the global average of the demand for toys increasing annually by five per cent, India's demand is rising by 10-15 per cent.

However, the fact remains that India currently exports toys worth Rs 18-20 billion only annually due to the presence of the vast majority of manufacturers in the unorganised sector.

India is also unable to compete with foreign players in toy business due to the higher cost of its products compared to theirs, owing to its whopping manufacturing cost.

The Toy Park at Noida seeks to reduce the cost of manufacturing of Indian toys while guaranteeing its quality.

The government is relying on use of state-of-the-art technology by manufacturers to produce high-quality, more durable and cheaper than the Chinese toys.

Chinese toys are expensive and have a short life. Therefore, it is now believed that the demand for Chinese toys will decrease as Indian toys start flooding markets with the manufacturing of toys in Noida.

According to people, the demand for Chinese decorative lights and Lord Ganesh's and Goddess Lakshmi's idols has dropped sharply in the recent past during the festival of lights (Diwali) because better quality, cheaper and durable indigenous products are available now.
new Delhi, Aug 6: He is back. The "famous" warlord of the north and the former Vice President of Afghanistan, Abdul Rashid Dostum is finally back, celebrating his return with a vow to "suppress" the Taliban. Dostum reached his home province of Jawzjan in northern Afghanistan and took command from his lieutenants after talking to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"I predicted this years ago," Dostum told TOLO news, referring to the Taliban offensives in northern provinces. Now that such a situation has come, it is our home, I have been raised there... I will be proud if I am killed and martyred there." Dostum called upon the Afghan security forces not to surrender to the Taliban. Instead, it was essential to continue fighting till victory was achieved.

Dostum was on the front when he got "ill" suddenly and was taken to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. On June 15, his daughter, Rahela Dostum had shared photographs of Marshal Dostum on her Facebook page and wrote: "My father Marshal Dostum in the line of fire against the enemy of this land." Afghanistan Times reported that he and his eldest son Yar Mohammad may have been poisoned on the battlefield while fighting the Taliban and both were taken to Turkey for treatment. According to the media reports, he was directing his forces against the Taliban. Enayatullah Farahmand, deputy head of the High Council for National Reconciliation and a close aide of Dostum, had tweeted that Dostum had called his local commanders and supporters to stand up to the Taliban and promised to return to Afghanistan soon.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/%D9%BE%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%85_%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%84_%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85 This is not the first battle Dostum has led. Over the decades, the veteran warlord has on a number of occasions led his militias to fight the Taliban. In January this year, he led a major operation against the Taliban in Qaramqal district of northern Faryab province. It is said that the militants were cleared within 12 hours. According to the Ariana news, a government agency, the war lord Dostum led the combined Afghan army.

"Enter the houses like a wolf, check the houses, drill holes in the walls and see, but be aware of yourself. Taliban commanders are definitely here. Hit them all and one of your bullets should not go missed," the news agency quoted Dostum as saying.

A ruthless Uzbek strongman, Gen. Dostum has long maintained a private army of thousands from his base in Jowzjan Province. Though accused of war crimes, Dostum, nevertheless is considered to be a central figure in any armed uprising against the Taliban.

Dostum served as Vice President of Afghanistan from 2014 to 2020. In 2001 he was the key ally to US Special Forces and the CIA during the campaign to topple the Taliban regime.

Dostum was part of erstwhile Northern Alliance backed by India, Iran and Russia. He had visited New Delhi last year.

Dostum has always been the prime target on the Taliban's hitlist. There have been few deadly attacks against him. The Taliban has vowed the former warlord Dostum remains one of their prime targets.

"Dostum has long been our target and we have never given any undertaking not to attack him," said Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid in his posts.

An ex-communist who always wore his religion and politics lightly, Dostum's alliance with Ahmed Shah Massoud in the early 1990's was an important turning point in the Mujahideen's war against the Soviet-supported government of Mohammad Najibullah.

He also majorly influenced other warlords such as Atta Muhammad Noor, Mohammad Ismail Khan and most importantly, the Tajik and Uzbek militias.

According to Afghan watchers, Dostum and Ismail Khan stand out in President Ghani's war plan against the Taliban. Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of Balkh province is also part of the "resistance". As the heads of two traditionally rival parties - Dostum's National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan and Atta's Jamiat-e Islami - the two commanders have large bands of armed men at their disposal.

According to the media reports (https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-170846), during the Moscow Troika conference held in March this year, Dostum and Taliban's Mullah Fazel, who represents the groups in the peace negotiations had an ugly fight on the sidelines of the meeting. According to reports, Dostum put his hand on Mullah Fazil's shoulder and asked about his health, but Fazil got angry and removed Dostum's, calling him a "traitor" and a "killer." Dostum and Mullah Fazil have fought many deadly wars against each other in northern Afghanistan when the Taliban was in power. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Fazil had to surrender to Dostum's forces and Dostum handed him to American forces. He was then sent to Guantanamo where he remained for many years.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Los Angeles, Aug 6 : Grammy winning-rapper Megan Thee Stallion has shared how studying for a college degree has kept her level-headed.

The "Savage" hitmaker is due to graduate with a degree in health administration from the Texas Southern University later this year, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"School has kept me grounded," the 26-year-old rapper told People.

She added: "I might have an amazing night but knowing I have to finish a paper, project or my homework to graduate, keeps my head on straight." In February, Thee Stallion reassured her social media followers that she's committed to her studies despite her chart success after one Twitter user cast doubt on her ambition.

She is over-the-moon that she's managing to prove herself by balancing her studies with her music career.

The rapper said: "They swore I wasn't gone get that degree (laughing emojis)." The "Body" hitmaker previously said that her dream of opening an assisted living facility was inspired by her own family.
Mumbai, Aug 6 : Farhan Akhtar's maiden directorial, "Dil Chahta Hai" is all set to clock two decades of its release in Hindi cinema. Actress Preity G. Zinta, who played Shalini in the movie, has gone down memory lane and said that she is proud she did the movie.

Reminiscing about the film, Preity said: "This is surreal, celebrating 20 years of 'Dil Chahta Hai'. I remember Farhan telling me that whenever he makes a film, he would love for me to be part of it." "A few months later, we signed on for 'Dil Chahta Hai' and we had so much fun on set. I told Farhan on the first day of shoot, that this will be a cult film and he laughed at me. Today after all these years I'm so proud of the film we made," added the 46-year-old actress.

She says whenever she thinks about the film, she gets a smile on her face.

"I have so many fond memories from the shoot and always have a big smile on my face when I remember those mad days," added the actress.

"Dil Chahta Hai" will be showcased on &Pictures on August 10 to mark its two decade run in Hindi cinema.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, Aug 6 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) concluded its massive search operation launched on Congress leader and legislator, B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan and former Minister R. Roshah Baig, who are allegedly involved in a multi-crore IMA Ponzi scam, said an official on Friday.

Over 100 ED sleuths launched a massive search operation on the duo in the early hours of Thursday and lasted about more than 24 hours, the officials added.

According to sources, over 100 ED sleuths had fanned out across Bengaluru to carry out simultaneous search operations. The search operation in Khan's properties lasted about 23 hours while it took 25 hours to complete their search on Baig's premises.

Reacting to the raid on his premises and entities, four time legislator from Chamarajpet, Khan told reporters that the ED's raid was pertaining to a luxurious bungalow he had built just a couple of months ago in the Cantonment area in Bengaluru.

"Some of my opponents may have complained to them (ED) and they may have raided on my properties besides carrying out similar search operation on my brothers and few close relatives as well," he said trying to clarify that the raid on his properties was not in connection with the multi-crore IMA Ponzi scam.

He added that he built his luxurious home with his hard earned (white) money and not a paise of ill-gotten wealth was used.

Khan, leader of opposition Siddramaiah's close aide, added that the ED has taken away their documents and directed them to be available whenever the ED summons him or his family members for further questioning.

"I firmly believe that 'jo bhi hota hai acche ke liye hota hai (Whatever happens, happens for the good). This raid will prove my being innocent as this raid is connected to my properties and dealings from my family business entities," he said.

Khan is also the owner of his family business -- National Travels -- which is one of the oldest bus fleet operators in Karnataka. It is headquartered at Kalasipalyam in Bengaluru, the company offers a wide range of bus services from Bengaluru to various cities across the country. The National Travels was founded in 1930, Khan's father B.P. Basheer Ahmed Khan and now it is taken over by his sons Zameer Ahmed Khan and his brothers. The company has a fleet of more than 1,700 busses.

While reacting about raids on his premises, former minister, R. Roshan Baig told reporters "I have given full cooperation to the officials. I have given reply to all their doubts. The inquiry should have ended in three-four hours, but I don't know what made them take so much time. The officials asked me questions about various issues, including money laundering." Baig was in the Congress and became minister whenever the party came to power in the state till July 2019. However, he quit the Congress to join the BJP, but could not be inducted into the BJP owing to controversies surrounding him.

Baig has already been chargesheeted, arrested and even granted bail in the IMA case that is being probed separately by the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI).

The Competent Authority in IMA and other scams of Karnataka on July 6 has already attached around 20 movable and immovable properties belonging to Baig, estimated to be worth over Rs 15 crore.

Bengaluru headquartered I Monetary Advisory (IMA), an investment company founded by its founder Mohammed Mansoor Khan, who is the main accused in this Ponzi scam. His company under the umbrella of the IMA Group, had diversified into other businesses including jewellery, real estate, bullion trading, groceries, pharmacy, hospitals and publishing allegedly duped over 45,000 people across Karnataka over a whopping Rs 4,000 crore.

Both Zameer and Baig's names were linked after Mansoor Khan in his video messages posted prior to being arrested by the ED officials in New Delhi in July 2019, had specifically named them alleging that they were in connivance with him to commit a scam of such magnitude.

Prior to this high profile arrest, over 25,000 complaints were filed against the company and its founder with Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT), demanding that their money be returned.
United Nations, Aug 6 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for progress toward a world free of nuclear weapons on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the August 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima during the World War II.

On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and a second on Nagasaki three days later, killing about 210,000 people by the end of that year.

The nuclear attacks eventually brought about the end of Japan's colonisation and invasion of many East Asian countries, and the end of World War II.

"I am deeply concerned by the lack of progress toward the goal of a nuclear-free world," he said in a video message for a ceremony to mark the anniversary.

States in possession of nuclear weapons have been modernising their arsenals in recent years, sparking a new arms race, but the decisions by Russia and the US to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and engage in a dialogue on arms control "are welcome first steps towards reducing the risk of nuclear catastrophe", the UN chief said.

"I call on all states that possess nuclear weapons to adopt risk reduction measures, individually and jointly," said Guterres.

"The only guarantee against the use of nuclear weapons is their total elimination."
Ramallah, Aug 6 : A group of diplomats from European countries paid a visit to the West Bank village Beita as conflicts and violence between local Palestinians and Israeli forces continued in the area.

"The European Union (EU) and like-minded countries visited Beita village in response to rising levels of settlers' violence and the building of an illegal Israeli outpost on top of Mount Sabih, resulting in regular clashes and casualties," said an official statement.

The delegation included representatives from the EU, as well as such countries as Germany, Italy, France and Spain, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement as saying.

It added that the diplomats held talks with local residents about the region's development during the trip.

The Israeli outpost near Beita, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, has witnessed regular clashes between the Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli soldiers, leaving at least six Palestinians dead and hundreds of others wounded by Israeli forces' attacks since May.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the total number of Israeli settlers' attacks across the West Bank in 2021 has increased by 46 per cent compared to the same period in 2020.
Beijing, Aug 6 : Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), who investigated the origins of Covid-19 in Wuhan, must also extend their probe to labs in other countries as the virus may have jumped to humans outside China, said a Chinese scientist leading the country's WHO team.

Wuhan might not be the place from where SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus that causes Covid-19 -- jumped to humans, Liang Wannian, China's key expert in the joint inquiry with the UN health body, was quoted as saying to the South China Morning Post.

The WHO must probe countries where the virus had been found in animals, the environment and human samples earlier than the Wuhan outbreak in 2019, said Wannian, who is also a Professor with the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Further, countries that exported cold-chain products to the Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Market, widely considered as the source of the outbreak of Covid-19, should also be probed, he added.

"We recommend that WHO conduct a review and analysis of earlier suspected cases, earlier evidence found in animal and environmental studies that were published, to determine the scientific validity and reliability of the available evidence," Wannian said.

"The focus of phase 2 should be based on publicly available research evidence. As the pathway of virus transmission from natural hosts via intermediate hosts is the most likely, studies should be conducted in all countries where horseshoe bats and pangolins are distributed, particularly in areas where sampling is under-tested," he added.

Wannian said the "effective working mechanisms and methods" used during the WHO mission to China could be used in other countries, and it should be done in a way that ensured "maximum scientific accuracy, validity, legitimacy and fairness", the report said.

Moreover, the second group of investigators should be the same as it acewill ensure professionalism and continuity", Wannian said.

"I think the WHO should be fully aware of this from a scientific point of view." Wannian also stated that the host country should have a say in the experts taking part to afully respect' their national sovereignty.

"In order to fully respect the national sovereignty of the next country conducting the new coronavirus tracing study, the final composition of the expert group should be mutually agreed between the host country and the WHO, with the leader of the expert group being a technical expert or official of the WHO Secretariat and an expert recommended by the host country," he was quoted as saying to the Post.

A team of experts from the WHO, had in January, spent four weeks in China to investigate whether Covid-19 pandemic emerged from a genetically modified virus which leaked from the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Their report, in March, concluded that a laboratory leak was "extremely unlikely".

However, undermining the report, the WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, last month, stated that it was premature on the global health body's part to rule out a potential link between the Covid pandemic and a laboratory leak.

Asking China to be more transparent on the issue of data sharing, he proposed a second phase of studies which included audits of laboratories and markets in Wuhan. China rejected the probe, accusing the WHO of "arrogance" and a "disrespect for common sense".

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mexico City, Aug 6 : An additional 3.8 million Mexican people were pushed into poverty in 2020 compared to 2018 largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was revealed.

According to the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy, Mexico reported 55.7 million people living in poverty at the end of 2020, up from 51.9 million in 2018, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the population living in extreme poverty has increased from 8.7 million in 2018 to 10.8 million, or 24 per cent, in 2020.

"The Covid-19 health emergency has deepened the challenges that face social development policy in all areas, particularly for incomes, health, education and nutrition of the Mexican people," said the agency.

The biggest change between 2018 and 2020 was a 12 percentage-point increase in the lack of access to healthcare services, which rose from 16.2 per cent to 28.2 per cent over the two years, added the agency.
Kabul, Aug 6 : A total of 40 militants, including a key Taliban commander, were killed as Afghan fighter struck a Taliban gathering in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, an army statement released on Friday said.

Mawlawi Mubarak, the commander of the so-called Red Army unit of the Taliban, was killed in the air raids launched at 10.48 p.m. on Thursday night, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Lashkar Gah has been the scene of fierce fighting over the past couple of weeks.

Afghan security forces have launched a major offensive operation in the city and urged the residents to evacuate the areas under Taliban control.

Security forces warned that the Taliban are "using civilian homes" as fighting positions.

Out of the 10 districts in Lashkar Gah, nine have been captured by the Taliban in the recent fightings.

Twelve of the 13 districts in Helmand are controlled by the Taliban.

Only Kajaki district remains under government control.
Hassan : , Aug 6 (IANS) The Hassan district authorities in Karnataka are subjecting all students from Kerala to Covid-19 tests as 38 Kerala-returned nursing students tested positive for the infection till Friday.

The authorities have sealed a PG hostel facility and quarantined 27 primary contacts.

The 38 Kerala students had arrived in Karnataka to write nursing exams a week ago. Though they had come with Covid negative reports but the Hassan district authorities conducted Covid tests on the students.

The authorities received the reports of 21 girl students testing positive on Thursday and 17 students' reports came on Friday. All students belong to the same college.

The health officials immediately swung into action and sealed the Nisarga Paying Guest hostel. All the 27 primary contacts of 21 students who tested positive for Covid-19 have been quarantined.

The authorities are now subjecting all students from Kerala to Covid tests. A large number of students had enrolled for nursing and other courses in Hassan city.

Meanwhile, people staged a protest outside the residence of the Deputy Commissioner, R. Girish for non-availability of vaccines. The protestors maintained that they have been waiting for more than a week for the first dose of Covid vaccine.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Indian Army has been mobilised to carry out relief and rescue operations in flood affected regions in Madhya Pradesh. The force has managed to evacuate more than 700 persons to safer places.

Heavy rain in Madhya Pradesh has flooded Chambal region affecting many villages in Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Datia and Bhind districts, as well.

The flooding in many prominent rivers in the area submerged swathes of land and washed away critical road links and bridges connecting these areas.

The local administration requested for Army Formations to undertake coordinated flood relief and rescue operations to save human lives and livestock.

"On receipt of the requisition from civil administration, Army swiftly launched Operation Varsha 21," Indian Army stated.

Four Army columns consisting of about 80 personnel and specialized equipment for flood relief operations were mobilized on August 3, 2021 from Army Formations of Sudarshan Chakra Corps stationed at Gwalior, Jhansi and Saugor and reached the affected areas of Sheopur, Shivpuri, Datia and Bhitarwar in Gwalior within two hours.

The flood relief columns after carrying out initial assessment of the situation at the affected areas, launched operations during the night and were successful in reaching upto the last village.

The efforts resulted in saving 150 personnel by morning of August 4, 2021 and another 250 persons as also livestock of the poor farmers.

The rise in water levels in Sindh river in Bhind district inundated new areas on August 4 and August 5, wherein, additional Army columns were mobilized.

Presently, nine columns including Engineer Task Force are deployed in the region.

In addition, doctors and paramedic staff from Army Medical Corps are also providing medical aid to the sick and injured.

"The relief operations are ongoing in conjunction with civil administration," the force said.
Panaji, Aug 6 : Mahadev Naik, a former Goa Industries Minister and two-term Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at a ceremony in Delhi on Friday.

Naik was elected as a BJP MLA for two consecutive terms from 2007-2017 from the Shiroda Assembly constituency in South Goa. The former BJP MLA joining the AAP comes at a time when AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is gearing up for the Assembly polls in the coastal state which are scheduled for early 2022.

"AAP has made a difference in the politics and governance in Delhi. I am hopeful that the party will bring in the same changes in Goa," Naik said.

He joined the AAP in the presence of Delhi Power Minister and AAP MLA Atishi Marlena, who is the party's Goa in-charge. Goa AAP Convenor Rahul Mahambre was also present at the ceremony.

At present, the AAP does not have a single MLA in the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly.
Johannesburg, Aug 6 : Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who has been serving a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, was on Friday admitted to a hospital for medical observation.

"A routine observation prompted that Zuma be taken for in-hospitalization," Xinhua news agency quoted the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo as saying.

The spokesperson added that the former President's healthcare needs at the Estcourt Correctional Centre require the involvement of the South African Military Health Services.

Nxumalo said inmates have the right to medical attention, proper nutrition, reading materials and conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity.

Zuma, once known for his fight against apartheid, has been imprisoned for disobeying court orders.

He did not testify before the judicial commission that was investigating accusations of corruption against him between 2009-2018.

In response to his imprisonment, the country witnessed violent protests for two weeks last months that claimed the lives of 337 people.

More than 2,500 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Seoul, Aug 6 : During a phone call on Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed to make continued efforts to engage with Pyongyang and foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, an official statement said.

"The Minister and Secretary agreed that the South and the US would continue to make coordinated diplomatic efforts for substantive progress toward the goal of the complete denuclearization and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula," Yonhap News Agency quoted the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry in Seoul as saying.

"Especially, the two countries held concrete consultations on ways for cooperation with the North, including humanitarian cooperation, and agreed to continue efforts for engagement with the North," it added.

Ned Price, spokesman of the US State Department, said Blinken reiterated US support for inter-Korean reconcilation.

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed their commitment to complete denuclearization and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the secretary confirmed US support for inter-Korean dialogue and engagement," Price said.

He added that the two also discussed recent developments in North Korea and "agreed to explore humanitarian initiatives on the Korean Peninsula".

In a tweet after the phone call, Blinken said that he had a "good conversation" with Chung.

"I reaffirmed US support for inter-Korean dialogue and engagement, and the importance of the US-South Korea Alliance for complete denuclearization and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Canberra, Aug 6 : As Sydney's Covid-19 outbreak continues to escalate, breaches into neighbouring states and regions have forced some 16 million people along Australia's densely populated eastern coast into lockdown.

The state of Victoria and some regional areas in New South Wales (NSW) are the latest ones joining the ongoing lockdown gripping both Greater Sydney and its surrounding areas, as well as parts of Queensland, reports Xinhua news agency.

With these new restrictions that took effect on Thursday evening, an estimated 60 per cent of all Australians are under lockdown orders.

On Friday, Victoria recorded six new locally acquired Covid-19 cases.

For Victoria, the latest lockdown marks its sixth one, just nine days after its previous 12-day lockdown following an incursion of cases from Sydney in mid-July.

When justifying Victoria's snap decision to re-enter lockdown, State Premier Daniel Andrews expressed helplessness and painted a picture of a bleak alternative.

"With so few in the community with one vaccination let alone two, I have no choice... If we were to wait even just a few days, there is every chance, instead of being locked down for a week and this gets away from us, we are potentially locked down until we all get vaccinated. That's months away," said Andrews.

Meanwhile, Queensland, with 11 areas in its southeast part including capital city Brisbane in a week-long lockdown, recorded 10 new local cases on Friday, all linked to a known cluster.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said whether the lockdown would end on Sunday as planned depends on the situation in the following days.

"It is too soon to say what will happen over the next few days and whether we will be able to ease restrictions on Sunday," he said.

"So the results so far are very, very promising. We need to continue to see low case numbers all linked, declining infectious days in the community and a high rate of testing and if we can keep that up, then we will be able to begin to ease these restrictions." In NSW despite the daily increase of local cases reaching 291 on Friday, a new high in the latest outbreak, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian told citizens to expect increased daily case numbers in the coming days.

"I do want to foreshadow that given this high number of cases, we are likely to see this trend continue for the next few days," she said.

The state also recorded another death, a woman in her 60s, which brought the Covid fatality toll in the current outbreak to 22.

Given the recurring outbreak, increasingly authorities and medical experts alike are coming to the conclusion that Australia needs to give up on its "elimination" approach and focus on vaccinating as much of the population as possible.

According to government data, 13,270,296 vaccine doses have been administered across the nation as of Friday.

Over 240,000 of these doses were administered in the 24 hours to when the data was released.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The opposition led by Rahul Gandhi on Friday joined the farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar here. The AAP, however, did not join the protest.

The leaders assembled in the Parliament premises and then boarded a bus to reach the venue.

Rahul Gandhi along with other leaders sat with the agitating farmers. He said, "Everybody in the opposition has gathered to extend support against the 'black laws'. We want a discussion over Pegasus, but they (Government) are not allowing the discussion, Narendra Modi has intercepted every Indian's phone with the spyware." The Congress leader said, "One thing that is constant in the history of our great land -- the victory of the kisan, over oppression, over discrimination and over tyranny. This time too, history will repeat." Though the opposition is trying to show itself as a united front, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) did not join the protest. All the three parties are also against the new farm laws and support the agitating farmers.

AAP MP Sushil Gupta said that if the protest was done under the leadership of LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, then they would have joined.

The AAP and the SAD-BSP combine are pitted against the Congress in Punjab. All the parties are supporting farm agitation but differ in showing solidarity.

Earlier in the day, the opposition met at the office of the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and decided to continue with their demand of discussion on Pegasus snooping issue, farm laws and fuel price hike. The leaders also decided to join the farmers' protest at Jantar Mantar.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Friday here.

The meeting was held to discuss the Covishield supply and to ramp up the production in India. Minister Mandaviya assured the government's support in Covishield production.

Mandaviya discussed the Centre's vaccine policy and the ways ahead to accelerate the vaccine supply to meet the target amid third Covid wave apprehension.

"Met @AdarPoonawalla, CEO of @SerumInstIndia and had a productive discussion on the supply of Covishield vaccine. I appreciated their role in mitigating #COVID19 & assured continued Government support in ramping up vaccine production," said the Health Minister in a tweet.

Earlier, the Centre said in Parliament, "As communicated by the manufacturers, the monthly vaccine production capacity of Covishield is planned to be increased from 11 crore doses per month to more than 12 crore doses per month and the production capacity of Covaxin is planned to be increased from 2.5 crore doses per month to around 5.8 crore doses per month." The government informed that 44.42 crore doses of Covishield have been supplied by the Serum Institute of India and 6.82 crore doses of Covaxin have been supplied by Bharat Biotech International Limited for the National Covid Vaccination Programme from January 16 to August 5.

Meanwhile, India's Cumulative Covid-19 Vaccination Coverage crossed the landmark of 49 crore doses on Thursday. Cumulatively, 49,53,27,595 vaccine doses have been administered through 57,64,712 sessions, as per the provisional report of the Union Health Ministry. A total of 57,97,808 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours.

However, India continues to report over 40,000 fresh Covid-19 cases for the third day running. India on Friday reported a total 44,643 fresh cases in the last 24 hours.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Farrukhabad : , Aug 6 (IANS) A non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against former MLA Louise Khurshid, wife of Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, has been recalled by the Farrukhabad chief judicial magistrate after it was brought to the notice that an interim bail had been granted to the accused by the Allahabad High Court in the same case.

The warrant had been issued by the Farrukhabad court in a case of alleged misappropriation of central grants for a trust headed by Louise Khurshid.

The order issued by the court of the chief judicial magistrate of Farrukhabad stated that as interim bail was granted to the accused in December 2019 and the matter is still pending before the high court, the implementation of NBW, issued by the court, is adjourned till further order.

The court also directed immediate recall of the NBW order from the police station concerned.

The case dates back to 2010. The Dr Zakir Husain Memorial Trust in Delhi, a government-funded organisation which, among other things, also runs the Zakir Husain College, had received a grant of Rs 71.5 lakh from the Centre for distribution of wheelchairs and hearing aids among the disabled in 17 Uttar Pradesh districts, including Farrukhabad.

Government officials' signatures were allegedly forged and fake seals used to show that distribution camps had been organized.

A news channel claimed that the money meant for the disabled had never been used.

Louise Khurshid, a former Kaimganj MLA, filed a defamation suit against the channel in the Delhi High Court -- it was eventually settled in 2015 -- while the trust was issued a notice by the Allahabad high court.
August 06 : Pooja Bhatt is known to be a straight forward person, and also shares her opinion on different topics on social media. On Thursday, the actor-filmmaker took to Twitter to talk about the political nature of rape. Rape itself is a political act. It is not merely about gender violence. It is used to subjugate, persecute, humiliate eventually exercise control, Pooja tweeted.

Soon after the actor shared her tweet, a troll dismissed her opinion and wrote, Aap is pe gyaan mat pelie (You dont give a lecture on this). The troll used Shah Rukh Khans picture as his profile picture.

Giving an apt reply to the troll, Pooja addressed him and wrote, Aur aap mujhe control karne ki koshish na kijiye (Dont try to control me). Aap #SRK ke fan hai (Are you SRKs fan)? Unse kuch seekhiye (Learn something from him). Woh Mahila ke vibhinn opinions ya gyan ko dismiss Nahin karte hai (He never dismisses womens opinions). Warna unki Tasveer aapke DP se hata dijiye (Otherwise remove his photo from your DP.)

Aur aap mujhe control karne ki koshish na kijiye. Aap #SRK ke fan hai? Unse kuch seekhiye. Woh Mahila ke vibhinn opinions ya gyan ko dismiss Nahin karte hai. Warna unki Tasveer aapke DP se hata dijiye. pic.twitter.com/1psSLqBmJO  Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) August 5, 2021

Pooja had faced trolls many a times. Earlier, she had made her Instagram profile private and her Twitter comments are also restricted.

Pooja had recently opened up about her battle with alcoholism. In a recent interview, the filmmaker recalled the time when she had decided to quit drinking. She said that she wanted people to know that alcoholism could happen to anyone. Pooja further stated that women need to be more open about alcoholism. It's been four years since Pooja Bhatt has quit alcohol.

After a long hiatus, Pooja was recently seen in the Netflix series Bombay Begums.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The RITES Limited, the leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering company, secured its highest-ever work order worth Rs 4,027 crore for railway track works from the Railway Ministry, officials said on Friday.

RITES spokesperson in a statement said that this turnkey order includes the three new line projects -- Belgam-Dharwad via Kittur, Shimoga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur and Tumkur-Devangree via Chitradurga, with a total cost of Rs 4,027 crore.

The spokesperson said that RITES is currently executing a doubling project at Gooty-Dharmavaram and a third line project at Annupur-Pendra Road of 140 km, which are near completion.

Commenting on this order, V.G. Suresh Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge), RITES Limited, said, "We are happy to have secured RITES' highest-ever order. This new order is the testament to our project delivering capabilities and expertise in undertaking mega infrastructure projects.

"It also demonstrates our efforts to consolidate our order book amid the challenging business environment," Kumar added.

RITES is a Miniratna and a leading player in the transport consultancy and engineering sector in India, having diversified services and geographical reach.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Eleven out of the 36 districts in Maharashtra have been found to be 'highly vulnerable' to extreme weather events, droughts and dwindling water security and account for almost 40 per cent of the cropped area across central Maharashtra, a latest study has found.

The state's 37 per cent agricultural area spread over 14 districts is moderately vulnerable, which takes the tally to three-fourth of Maharashtra's cropped regions as high to moderate vulnerable to the prevailing climate crisis, the study 'Socio-economic vulnerability to climate change - Index development and mapping for districts in Maharashtra' has found out, a release said here.

However, the study did not include Mumbai and suburban districts in the analysis.

The farmers from western Maharashtra and Konkan are already battling the worst floods in recent times. The study adds that extreme climate conditions are affecting the livelihoods and the agrarian economy of Maharashtra may get worse from here on.

The study was conducted by Chaitanya Adhav from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, under the guidance of R. Sendhil from ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research.

Nandurbar in north Maharashtra is the most vulnerable district to cyclones, floods, droughts, changing rainfall patterns and extreme temperatures, affecting its crop production.

The other 10 highly vulnerable districts include Buldhana, Beed, Jalna, Aurangabad, Hingoli, Parbhani, Nanded, Akola, Amravati and Washim.

The 14 moderately vulnerable districts include Dhule, Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Sangli, Solapur, Osmanabad, Latur, Yavatmal, Wardha, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli.

According to India's Livelihoods Report 2019, farming is the prime livelihood source for 51 per cent of Maharashtra's population.

Adhav said the findings showed that most of the highly vulnerable districts fell under the Central Maharashtra Plateau Zone, which constitutes 22.22 per cent share of the total cropped area in Maharashtra. The Central Vidarbha Zone has an additional share of 6.78 per cent area as highly vulnerable.

The authors explained that to quantify the climate change induced risk, the socio-economic vulnerability index (SEVI) was calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approach, considering the key climatic parameters such as exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of districts to climate vulnerability.

The data was collected on 44 indicators related to climatic as well as socio-economic variables, which were identified based on experts' opinion.

"Mapping of the districts shows that there is an instant need for focused policy efforts to address the socio-economic vulnerability in the Central Maharashtra Plateau Zone, Scarcity Zone (Dhule, parts of Nandurbar and Aurangabad), and the Eastern Vidarbha Zone," Adhav said.

Nine districts -- Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, Nagpur and Pune -- were found to be least vulnerable to climate agricultural distress, the release said.

The dominant crops from these districts which will bear the brunt of climate change in future include jowar, rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, ragi, cashew nut, barley and millets, the scientists added, even as they pointed out how there is a lot of discussion about the impacts of climate change on agriculture, but very little action is being taken on the ground.

Pointing out that changing crop patterns is a solution that is not going to be an easy task, agriculture expert and a trustee of the Marathwada Sheti Sahayak Mandal (MSSM), a citizen's movement, Vijay Anna Borade, said, "We need to create parallel programmes with adequate drainage, drip irrigation, crop rotation etc. to get stability in crop productivity and stable income for farmers. Only then can we divert farmers to change their crop pattern. Another option is controlled farming, which also has financial limitations." During the last decade, there were severe droughts in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018, massive hailstorms in 2014 and 2015, and excess rainfall and flooding in 2016, 2019 and 2021.

For the Konkan areas, the situation has aggravated with impacts due to back-to-back cyclones Nisarga and Tauktae in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Akshay Deoras, an independent meteorologist and a PhD student at the University of Reading in England, said, "Lack of a robust weather-forecast dissemination system adds to the vulnerability. The weather and crop advisories are sent through various channels, but such services need to improve so as to make a significant positive impact on farmers."
Jaipur, Aug 6 : At a time when the infighting within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan is out in the open, the party leaders called a meeting in Delhi sending out a message that the present young leadership in the state would be given a free hand. This has been done to pave the way for the party ahead of the forthcoming Assembly polls to be held in 2023.

Surprisingly, the photo of former Rajasthan Chief Minister and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje, who was present on the dais, was missing from the banner put up behind the stage.

The banner had four pictures -- those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria and state BJP President Satish Poonia.

The same poster has been put up at the state BJP headquarters and had created a buzz in Rajasthan when the earlier poster carrying the picture of Vasundhara Raje was removed.

Putting up the same poster at the party meeting at the state headquarter is a message that the saffron party will move ahead with the current leadership, party insiders told IANS.

Meanwhile, Raje supporters in Rajasthan have been pitching to project her as the next Chief Ministerial face for the 2023 Assembly elections.

One of Raje's supporters Rohitash Sharma was recently expelled from the party for speaking against the party leadership.

The meeting on Thursday was addressed by Nadda, Rajasthan BJP in-charge Arun Singh, and Satish Poonia.

Nadda's address clearly said that there needs to be a proper coordination between the state organisation and the Union government where both need to work together.

The meeting was also attended by state and national office bearers of the BJP, including state Organisation General Secretary Chandrashekhar, National BJP Vice President Vasundhara Raje, BJP National secretary Alka Gurjar, Gulab Chand Kataria, and Rajendra Rathore, Deputy Leader of Opposition.

Sources said the BJP top leadership called a meeting of Rajasthan MPs with the organisation to ensure that there is proper coordination between the two entities and that various schemes of the Central government are being communicated at the grassroots level.

The other message given in the meeting was to make it clear that the organisation would be evaluating the performance of MPs for ticket distribution during the next elections and the coordination, therefore, is sacrosanct, said BJP workers.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Friday said that a new trend has developed in the country to malign the judges, if people do not get orders of their choice, and when judges complain to the CBI and the IB, they also do not help.

"New trend developed in the country. If an adverse order is passed, then judiciary is maligned... No freedom given to judges. If judges complain to the IB and the CBI, they are not helping the judiciary at all. This is a serious matter. I am saying it with a sense of responsibility," he said.

The bench, which also comprised Justice Surya Kant, said that in some cases where gangsters and high-profile accused are involved, they attempt to intimate judges physically and mentally, and some people, who do not get orders of their choice, circulate messages on WhatsApp and other social media platforms with an intent to malign judges.

The Chief Justice added that it is sad that the Central Bureau of Investigation has done nothing. "No change in CBI attitude. We are sorry to observe that." The top court made these strong observations while hearing a suo motu case in connection with the mowing down of Dhanbad Additional District Judge Uttam Anand by an auto-rickshaw and sought a status report on the investigation from the Jharkhand government through the Chief Secretary and the DGP within a week.

The Chief Justice noted that the Jharkhand government has done nothing in connection with the security of judicial officers, against the backdrop of the presence of coal mafia in the state and pointed out that Anand was killed nearby his colony.

Attorney General K.K. Venugopal said that in criminal cases, the judges are vulnerable and there should be a body to assess such situations. "I have collected news reports on attack on judges inside and outside the court and some measures need to be taken to stop these incidents," he added.

As the Jharkhand government said it had handed over the case to the CBI for further investigation and it will provide full cooperation to the investigating agency, the CJI said: "So, you washed up your hands." To counsel's submission that they will build boundary walls and fences, he said: "Boundary wall and fencing. Do you think it will stop criminals from killing." The top court issued a notice to the CBI and posted it for further hearing on Monday. It noted there are several incidents of judges being threatened and asked state governments to file status reports on measures taken for the security of judicial officers.
Mumbai, Aug 6 : As the upcoming Abhay Deol starrer film 'Spin' celebrates the Indo-American culture, the director of the film Manjari Makijany says she looks at it as an opportunity to break all the stereotype that has been shown on-screen about Indian culture, community and also feels responsible to present the whole 'eclectic fusion' of Indian American culture the right way.

Manjari told IANS: "When I came on board for directing Spin I felt responsible and excited at the same time. Excited because it is one of the great opportunities for me as an Indian filmmaker to show our culture and portray the right representation of the next generation Indian-American community to the international audience, to the Disney fans.

"I also felt responsible because it is a chance to break all the stereotype that is showcased about Indian community, culturally. I wanted to get those nuances right. For instance, Abhay is playing an Indian immigrant, I made sure his character doesn't speak with a fake American accent! From production design, cinematography and every other department in the making of the film, I attempted to include diversity." The story revolves around 15-year-old Rhea.She is of Indian descent, born and brought up in America, surrounded by her American friends. Eventually, she falls in love with her school friend Max, who is also a DJ, and realise that she too, has a natural talent in music and creating music." After the release of the trailer, according to the director, she received a lot of messages from the South Asian DJ community and youngsters who are eagerly waiting to watch how the story unfolds.

As the music plays a crucial part in the story, Manjari said, "There are two generations existing in the same story, right? So we also tried to show that in the narrative musically.

"In one of the sequences, Rhea's grandmother is dancing to old Hindi film song 'Jab Chhaye' and in the end, there is a celebration song created by Indian music director duo -- Salim Suleiman. There are other music tracks that are sounding very young and fresh because our protagonist wishes to become a DJ! "My responsibility as a film director was to get this very eclectic fusion in the right way." 'Spin', featuring Abhay Deol, Avantika, and Meera Sayal, releases on August 15 on Disney International HD and Disney+ Hotstar Premium.

(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : In a major breakthrough, India and China have withdrawn troops from the friction Patrolling Point (PP) 17A in Gogra along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army said on Friday.

The Indian Army said that both the countries have ceased forward deployments in this area in a phased, coordinated and verified manner.

"The disengagement process was carried out over two days, i.e., August 4 and 5. The troops of both sides are now in their respective permanent bases," the Indian Army said in a statement.

The force said that the 12th round of talks between the Corps Commanders of India and China were held on July 31 at the Chushul Moldo Meeting Point in Eastern Ladakh.

The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the resolution of the remaining areas related to disengagement along the LAC in the Western Sector of India-China border areas.

"As an outcome of the meeting, both sides agreed on disengagement in the area of Gogra," the Indian Army said.

The troops in this area were in a face-off situation since May last year.

The force said that all the temporary structures and other allied infrastructure created in the area by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified.

"The landform in the area has been restored by both sides to the pre-stand off period," the Indian Army stated.

This agreement ensures that the LAC in this area will be strictly observed and respected by both sides, and that there is no unilateral change in status quo.

With this, one more sensitive area of face-off has been resolved.

"Both sides have expressed their commitment to take the talks forward and resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector," the force added.

The Indian Army also pointed out that along with the ITBP, it is totally committed to ensure the sovereignty of the nation and maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector.

In a joint statement after the 12th Round of India-China Corps Commander-level talks geld earlier this week, it was stated that the two sides have also agreed that in the interim, they will continue their effective efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace and tranquility.

The talks between the two countries took place after a gap of three months.

With the latest disengagement reached between both the countries in Gogra, India will now take up the other remaining friction areas like the Hot Springs and the 900 sq km Depsang plains.

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-level meetings to resolve all the issues across the LAC.

Till now, apart from 12 round of Corps Commander-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major General-level and 55 Brigadier-level talks, apart from 1,450 calls over hotlines.

Earlier, the troops of the two Himalayan giants had disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 : In a first of its kind action, a Kerala government official has been dismissed from service after he was arrested for the alleged suicide of his wife over dowry demands.

Transport Minister Antony Raju on Friday said this is the first time in Kerala that a state government employee has been dismissed from service after following due process.

"Through this decision, the accused official will not be able to get any government job now as per the rules and we did go by the rules and dismissed him from service. We are not looking into the ongoing police probe because we went by the rules that are applicable to Kerala government officials," Raju added.

Twenty seven-year-old Kiran Kumar was arrested in June, days after his wife Vismaya, a final year Ayurveda student, hanged herself at her husband's home in Kollam district.

It was revealed that Kumar was unhappy with the new car that was given to him along with 1.2 acre of land and 100 sovereigns of gold as dowry. This case has led to massive public outrage.

The couple got married last year.

Kiran Kumar harassed his wife as the new car worth Rs 10 lakh that was given to him gave low mileage and he wanted to sell it and buy a new luxury car.

Expressing happiness at the action taken by the Kerala government, Vismaya's father thanked the government.

"When I asked Minister (Raju), that even though Kumar worked in his department, he did not come to our house he told me he will come only after Kumar is dismissed from service. He has kept his word. Even though I will never get back my daughter, this verdict is also going to be an eye-opener for all, that strong action will be taken against the accused," said Vismaya's father.

Kollam Lok Sabha member N.K. Premachandran, who is also a former Kerala Minister, said that if the dismissal has been done after going through all the laws then it's fine.

"If not, it will boomerang and do more damage than good. I will wholeheartedly welcome this dismissal order and presume all the due process of law has been completed for dismissing the accused," said Premachandran.

Kumar is currently in judicial custody.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Customers in India can now pre-reserve the upcoming Galaxy flagship smartphones by paying a token amount of Rs 2,000, the company said on Friday.

Users can pay the amount on Samsung India's e-Store www.samsung.com or Samsung Shop App.

"Customers making the pre-reservation will get the 'Next Galaxy VIP Pass' which entitles customers to get a smart tag worth Rs 2,699 for free when they pre-book the device," the company said in a statement.

"When the customer pre-books the device later, the token amount of Rs 2,000 will be adjusted against the device price," it added.

On August 11, the South Korean giant will unfold the new generation of Galaxy devices at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021. Samsung is likely to showcase new foldable devices Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.

A recent report said that Samsung is expected to unveil the latest foldable smartphones with lower price tags compared with its predecessors.

The company is also expected to unveil a Galaxy FE phone, two Galaxy Watches, and a set of new Galaxy Buds.

The tech giant is expected to start sales of the Galaxy Z Fold3 at around 1.99 million won ($1,744), which is 17 per cent lower than the 2.39 million won set for the previous model, according to the sources.

The price of the Galaxy Z Flip3 is also expected to be around 22 per cent lower than the predecessor, a report said earlier.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Zufri Jawhar Damudi from Karnataka's Bhatkal in the ISIS module case. He had created multiple pseudo IDs on different chat platforms, officials said on Friday.

An NIA official here said that the anti-terror probe agency has arrested Jawhar in connection with the Kerala ISIS module case.

The official said that Jawhar was using multiple pseudo ID's on different chat platforms to communicate with people.

The official said that he was radicalising and recruiting youths to join the group.

The arrest comes two days after the NIA arrested four persons after carrying out searches at the five locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

The official said that searches were conducted at the premises of the accused, who were continuously in touch with arrested accused Mohammed Ameen and his associates through various groups or channels on encrypted chat platforms and had raised funds for furtherance of activities of the IS.

On Wednesday, the NIA during searches seized several digital devices including laptops, mobile phones, hard disk drives, pen drives, multiple SIM cards of different service providers, and incriminating documents.

"Subsequent to the searches, four accused persons associated with the IS were arrested. They have been identified as Obaid Hamid, a resident of Srinagar, Muzammil Hassan Bhat, a resident of Bandipora, Ammar Abdul Rahman, a resident of Mangaluru, and Shankar Venkatesh Perumal aka Ali Muaviya, a resident of Bengaluru.

"They were involved in raising funds and radicalising and motivating more people to join the IS," the official had said.

The NIA had registered a suo moto case against seven known and other unknown accused persons on March 5 this year pertaining to terrorist activities of Ameen aka Abu Yahya, a resident of Kerala and his associates, who had been running various IS propaganda channels on different social media platforms such as Telegram, Hoop and Instagram for propagating its violent jihadi ideology and radicalising and recruiting new members for the module.

Earlier, the NIA had conducted searches and had arrested three accused persons, Ameen, Dr Rahees Rasheed and Mus'Hab Anwar in this case in March 2021.

The official said that during investigation, it has been revealed that after the decline of IS in Syria/Iraq, Ameen had visited Kashmir in March, 2020 for 'Hijrah' (religious migration) and for engaging in terrorist acts and had also raised funds in association with Kashmir based accused Mohammad Waqar Lone aka Wilson Kashmiri and his associates.

"As part of conspiracy, funds were also transferred to Lone by the accused in the case through banking channels and digital payment methods on the directions of Ameen," the official said.

The official said that Ameen and his associates were also radicalising gullible Muslim youths for joining jihad and unlawful activities in India and had been successful in expanding the network in Kashmir and parts of Kerala, and Karnataka.
Hyderabad, Aug 6 : Five persons, including three of a family returning from hospital, were killed in a road accident in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Friday, police said.

The accident occurred near Chowtkur village when a car collided head-on with a truck coming from the opposite direction.

According to police, all five occupants of the car were killed. Three of the deceased were identified as Amba Das (40), his wife Padma (30), and their son Vivek (6). The family hailed from Sangaipet village of Medak district.

As Vivek was unwell, his parents had taken him to Government Hospital at Sangareddy. The accident occurred when they were returning home from the hospital.

The bodies were shifted to Sangareddy Government Hospital for autopsy.
Amaravati, Aug 6 : Ace shuttler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu on Friday praised the Andhra Pradesh government for introducing schemes to encourage sportspersons.

Appreciating the state government for reserving 2 per cent jobs for sportspersons in government posts, Sindhu said, "It is appreciable to know that the state government is giving YSR awards to sportspersons to encourage them." Sindhu, who followed up her silver-winning effort at the 2016 Rio Olympics with a bronze at the Tokyo Games earlier this week, met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the Secretariat on Friday along with her parents and elder sister.

Sindhu also showed her Olympic medal to the Chief Minister.

The ace shuttler recalled that she had met the Chief Minister before embarking on her Olympic journey and how Reddy encouraged her to bring home a medal.

"He (Reddy) has told me to win more medals in the future and bring laurels to the state and the country," Sindhu said after the meeting.

Before Sindhu left for Tokyo, Reddy had given her a copy of the government order allocating her 2 acres of land to set up a badminton academy in the port city of Visakhapatnam.

When asked if she would open an academy, Sindhu said she would do it soon.

Sindhu and her family members also visited the Durgamma temple at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Friday.

Sindhu said she is a devotee of the deity and visits the temple regularly.
Amaravati, Aug 6 : Ruling YSRCP leader R. K. Roja on Friday said the Amara Raja Batteries Limited (ARBL) case has nothing to do with politics as the issue is with pollution.

She said the battery company was not the lone business to be issued notices, saying that 54 factories were also served notices by the pollution control board.

Drawing an analogy with the past industrial mishap at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam, Roja said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu created a ruckus back then but is silent now.

The YSRCP leader questioned why Naidu is staying silent over Amara Raja Batteries as this is also a case of pollution.

ARBL belongs to the family of Jayadev Galla, senior TDP leader and Guntur Member of Parliament.

Galla is the vice chairman and co-founder of the company which has interests in power projects, auto components, a whole gamut of batteries, healthcare, metal fabrication and others.

Earlier, Andhra government adviser Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said all companies, whether Indian or foreign, should operate without polluting the environment in the state.

He said the company can run its operations without polluting the air and water and stated that the government has no objection if the company stays in the state.

Some media reports suggested that the company is unhappy with the government and may change its investment plans.

Forest department secretary R. Vijay Kumar said that air, water and land are being polluted to a great extent, even affecting the health of the employees working in these identified industries.

He said that Nayudu Cheruvu, Gollapalli reservoir and other tanks were highly contaminated with lead ranging from 134.79 mm to 3,159 mm, including in a 4-5 km radius of some of the industries.

Reddy asserted that Amara was causing pollution and that even the high court had warned the company.

When 55 people were tested for lead levels, he said, 44 were found to have impermissible levels because of the pollution caused by the company.
Bengaluru, Aug 6 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and veteran Maharashtra leader and National Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Friday discussed streamlining of sharing information on interstate water resources data on a real-time basis to mitigate floods in both the states.

Both state governments have entered an agreement to set up data-sharing platforms for better water management of the Krishna river basin and Bhima river.

Sources in the Karnataka Irrigation Department told IANS that there are still some more hiccups which need to be sorted out. "Although we are in regular touch with our counterparts, we need a 'political will' from both states to resolve certain hiccups," a source said but declined to elaborate on what those hiccups were.

Another source in the Irrigation Department stated that Karnataka is worried about the ongoing water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which was carved out from undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014.

"Since then there is a need for other states which share Krishna river to reorganise and fight with these two states which are trying their best to seek more share. Hence, CM Bommai may have informally trying to muster support from Maharashtra leaders," the source said.

After the "unscheduled cordial meeting", the Karnataka Chief Minister's office, in a statement, said that both leaders deliberated on issues concerning water dispute between states.

"Our aim is to resolve every possible dispute through the talks. In this direction, we held discussions," the statement quoted Bommai as saying.

On his part, Pawar, in a tweet, said: "On my visit to Bangalore, I got a call from Karnataka CM Shri Bommai who expressed his wish to meet me. Keeping the respect of his position in mind, I decided to go and pay a courtesy call on him. @cmofkarnataka @bsbommai #bangalorevisit."
Prayagraj, Aug 6 : The Allahabad High Court has taken a serious note of lawyers abstaining from judicial work, resulting in delay in disposal of cases.

The court has directed all the district judges and commissioners of the region to sensitise the lawyers through their Bar associations about the impact of strikes on 'working of the court and plight of the litigants'.

While dismissing a petition filed by one Prafull Kumar, Justice Vivek Kumar Birla observed, "Lawyers cannot take working of the court for granted, as on one hand, obviously the lawyers must have charged their professional fee and are abstaining from work, and on the other hand, they are seeking a direction to the court concerned to decide the case within a specific period.

"It is sheer wastage of time of the court concerned and ultimately of resources, financial or otherwise, of the litigants as well of the tax payers, as daily cost of running a court is huge but it is not serving any purpose -- neither of the litigants nor of the society at large." In the present case, the petitioner was seeking expeditious disposal of his case pending in the court of the Commissioner of Prayagraj division since 2014.

The court refused to grant the relief as the case was pending because the lawyers were abstaining from judicial work.

The court, after going through the order-sheet of the case which was pending in the lower court, observed, "A perusal of the order-sheet right from the year 2014 reflects that except on few dates, almost throughout the lawyers were abstaining from work.

"It is also pertinent to note that in fact, the lawyers are so regularly abstaining from work that a rubber stamp is being used on the order-sheet that the lawyers are abstaining from work. This speaks a lot about the sorry state of affairs in the courts below, particularly on the revenue side."
Hyderabad: IPS Probationers of the 70 RR (Regular Recruits) (2017 batch) during their 'Dikshant' Passing Out Parade (POP) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Aug 24, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, Aug 6 : A total of 178 officer trainees, including 34 foreigners, passed out of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) National Police Academy here on Friday.

The Dikshant Parade of the 72nd batch of officer trainees, including 144 Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers, was held at the Academy on Friday.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai took the salute at the Diskhant Parade, which was led by Ranjeeta Sharma, the all-round topper of the batch.

Dikshant Parade marks the culmination of the basic training of the IPS officers at the Academy.

The batch with 33 women, also included 23 IPS probationers. The foreign officer trainees were from Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius and Bhutan.

There were 12 trainees from Bhutan, 10 from Nepal, 7 from Maldives and 5 from Mauritius.

Speaking on the occasion, Nityanand Rai said the country is facing numerous challenges due to terrorism, communalism and crimes against women and children. He urged the officer trainees to take up these challenges with vigour by keeping the national Tricolour and service to the society in mind.

Rai urged them to uphold justice and freedom of the society and provide transformational leadership to the police force.

"People of this nation wish that you work on the pillars of the Constitution, and it is possible only when you work with transparency, integrity, humility, courage, commitment, teamwork and have the courage to stand for truth. If you want to be a good police officer, your attitude and approach, persona and behaviour should be of the highest standards," he said.

The Union minister hailed the contributions of the police force. "There is great contribution of police officers in keeping the nation strong and united. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, they have rendered great service to the people of the country. More than 2,000 police officers have laid down their lives in the fight against the pandemic. I express my wholehearted gratitude and condolences to their families," he added.

Nityanand Rai presented The Prime Minister's Baton and Home Ministry's Revolver to Ranjeeta Sharma for being the best all-round probationer. She is also the first woman IPS officer trainee ever to win the IPS Association's Sword of Honour, which is awarded for best performance in outdoor training.

The Minister also presented trophies to several other officer trainees for exemplary performance during the training at the Academy.

Atul Karwal, Director of the Academy, in his welcome address explained the various training sessions and modules. He said the officer trainees are at the threshold of their challenging careers and they will flourish and bloom into officers with high standards of professionalism and sterling values.

Earlier, before the parade the Union minister laid a wreath and paid homage to the martyrs of the Indian Police Service who laid down their lives in the service of the nation and also paid tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 : Kerala's Kannur will, in all likelihood, host the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist's 23rd Congress some time during first half of next year, according to sources in the know of things.

The venue of the party meet and other key decisions will be taken at the party's three-day Central Committee meeting which began in Delhi, through the virtual mode, on Friday.

The 22nd Congress was held at Hyderabad in 2018 but due to the Covid pandemic, the 23rd edition has been delayed.

Kannur is the citadel of the Communist movement in Kerala besides being the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who presently is the last word not just in Kerala CPI-M, but nationally also as his position in the party was strengthened after he literally single-handedly led the party to an unprecedented consecutive second term in power, while bettering the 2016 success in Kerala.

With Kerala the only state in the country under the rule of the CPI-M and with not a single seat in West Bengal, which they ruled for over three decades, it was a foregone conclusion that the mega political event of the CPI-M would be held in Kerala.

The last time Kerala hosted the Party Congress was the 20th edition in 2012 at Kozhikode.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Food and Civil Supply department of the Delhi government is planning to shift foodgrain distribution centres for non-ration card beneficiaries from government schools to fair price shops where only ration card holders are being given foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Officials privy to the development said the plan to relocate foodgrain distribution centres is being prepared keeping in mind that schools where foodgrains are stored could be shifted to some other place once the schools start reopening in Delhi.

According to the officials, the Delhi government has setup food grain distribution centres for non-PSD holders (those not having ration cards/migrants) in 282 schools, one distribution centre in each municipal ward in Delhi. There are as many as 270 municipal wards in the national capital.

"The relocation of foodgrain distribution centres from schools to fair price shops is a part of advance preparation by the department considering that once the schools reopened then these foodgrain storages may have to be shifted from schools premises to some other places. And therefore, there is a plan that non-PDS beneficiaries would also be distributed foodgrains at existing fare price shops. However, people not having ration cards would continue to receive foodgrains at schools, until the schools are open in Delhi," said a senior official in the food and civil supply department on the condition of anonymity.

The officials told IANS that with relocation of distribution centres, some changes would have to be introduced in the distribution system as well. "At present, non-PDS beneficiaries are availing benefit of free foodgrains by producing Aadhaar card or some other identity card, but if it is shifted to the fair price ration shops, then a QR system will have to be introduced to maintain transparency in the allocation of food grains," the official added.

There are around 2,000 fair price ration shops located across the national capital where foodgrains are being provided to those having ration cards at minimal prices under the National Food Security Act.

Under the non-PDS system, the Delhi government provides 5 kg of foodgrains (4 kg wheat and 1 kg rice) per person, free of cost. The list of beneficiaries includes unorganised workers, migrant workers, building and construction workers, and domestic helps.

The non-PDS ration is being distributed from designated schools from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Sunday. Each identified school provides a login ID and password for entering the stock received in the system for proper record keeping and for the purpose of registration at the site and distribution.

The scheme to provide free rations under non-PDS was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on May 18 this year to provide foodgrains to those not have ration cards during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Delhi government is providing free rations (foodgrains) under non-PDS to around 20 lakh beneficiaries per month from June this year.
Chennai, Aug 6 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday said his government is taking climate change seriously, which is plaguing humanity. He was speaking at an international seminar organised by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation(MSSRF) at Chennai.

Stalin said Tamil Nadu was ready to initiate measures to tackle climate change, adding that his government was receptive to the suggestions of environmentalists regarding climate change.

The Chief Minister while addressing the international seminar on "Ensuring food and nutrition security in the context of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic", said the evils of climate change are being felt by the society everyday, adding that administrators and policymakers have to take up this issue with sincerity.

Since the past few years, monsoons have been difficult to predict and there were reports that some places in the world were reaching wet-bulb temperatures, Stalin added.

The DMK Chief said this means the human body would lose the ability to cool itself.

The state government was committed to becoming self-sufficient in food production and increasing agricultural land, Stalin added.

His government has announced a separate budget for farming, Stalin said, adding that there was a special focus on organic farming. The Chief Minister said the DMK government is committed to revitalizing farmer's markets and forming village markets.

Speaking at the occasion, M.S. Swaminathan recollected the contributions made by the late Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi especially in agriculture. He complimented Stalin on his efforts to make the state progressive in agriculture.

Soumya Swaminathan, World Health Organisation Chief Scientist, lauded Stalin for the latest initiative of the Tamil Nadu government, "Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam" to take healthcare to the doorstep of people.
Chandigarh, Aug 6 : Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Friday said the government has asked all private hospitals and laboratories to charge Rs 299 for an RT-PCR test.

He said since the onset of the pandemic, the state has been providing free Covid testing facilities at the government health facilities.

To prevent the third wave, the minister said the government is laying focus on the five-fold strategy for an effective management of Coviid-19 i.e. test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence of appropriate behaviour.

At the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Rajeev Arora said the state has 659 ventilators, including paediatric and neonatal. On the availability of oxygen, he said the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants have been set up in districts, especially in those with high incidence of Covid cases.

Besides, liquid medical oxygen tanks are present in six places -- Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Hisar, Jind, and Rewari.
San Francisco, Aug 6 : Google previously said its midrange Pixel 5A would arrive later this year. Now, a new report suggests that the smartphone is likely to arrive on August 26 for $450.

According to GSMArena, users can expect a 6.4-inch screen, Snapdragon 765G SoC chipset, 6GB RAM onboard and a 4,650 mAh battery in terms of specifications.

The report said that there will be no wireless charging and it is likely that the smartphone will sport a black colour.

The camera will be the same found on the Pixel 5 and the 5A will have a headphone jack and be IP67 rated for water and dust resistance, the report said.

The specs make for a huge upgrade in battery capacity over the Pixel 4A 5G and a decent jump in screen size too, it added.

The Pixel 5A will launch in just two markets -- the US and Japan.

The report speculated that the smartphone may not arrive in markets like Europe or India considering its specs to price ratio, which might not attract the users in these regions.

A previous report said that the Google Pixel 5A is set to be one of this year's best cheap Android phones.

However, the report mentioned that Google's engineers will continue to focus on the Google Pixel 4A for software testing and it will likely be the focus of much of Google's global mid-range smartphone sales, where it will continue to be sold in markets that won't stock the Pixel 5A.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited the Southern Command on Friday and reviewed the engineering research centre and the strategic systems complex of the big private firms engaged in defence manufacturing.

Naravane is on a two-day visit to Southern Command, touching base at Pune and Goa.

During his visit to Pune, the Army chief went to the Tata Motors factory in Pimpri where he took stock of the operations of the assembly lines of passenger and commercial vehicles and the Engineering Research Centre (ERC).

"A range of Tata vehicles, including Xenon, AWD (4x4) Troop Carrier, Light Bullet Proof Vehicle and Combat Support Vehicles, namely Mine Protected Vehicles and Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform AWD (8x8) configurations were on display," the Army said in a statement.

Naravane also visited the Strategic Systems Complex (SSC) of Larsen & Toubro at Talegaon near Pune to see their production facilities and developmental efforts towards modernising the armed forces.

He was briefed about various defence related programmes and engagements of Larsen & Toubro with the Indian Army.

He complimented the efforts of both the indigenous manufacturers in promoting the mission 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.

Apart from this, the Army chief would be the chief guest at the golden jubilee celebrations (1971-2021) of the television wing of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

He will also be visiting the INS Hansa in Goa on Saturday.
Hyderabad, Aug 6 : Rich tributes were paid to Telangana ideologue Professor K. Jayashankar on his birth anniversary on Friday.

Ministers, MPs, state legislators and other public representatives and officials paid tributes at different programmes held across the state.

Leaders of various political parties recalled the key role played by the former vice-chancellor of Kakatiya University in the Telangana movement.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao stated that Jayashankar was a visionary, who envisioned a separate Telangana state and sacrificed his life for the cause. He said Jayashankar left an indelible impression in the hearts of the people of Telangana.

He remembered Jayashankar's services for the achievement of Telangana state. The CM said in a statement that the government has been implementing several welfare and development programmes for the development of artisan communities in tune with Jayashankar's thoughts on self-rule.

KCR said that after achieving Telangana state and within a short span of seven years the state has progressed significantly in irrigation, agriculture and establishing infrastructure. On the same lines, the government of Telangana is marching towards holistic development and the social progress of people. The government is implementing many innovative programmes from Mission Kakatiya to the Kaleswaram Project, from Raitu bandhu to Dalit bandhu.

The CM said that the Telangana government will work tirelessly to fulfil the dreams of Jayashankar for achieving progress in economic, social areas, and make dalit bhahujan live with self-respect by establishing equality in the society.

At a programme held at Siddipet, Finance Minister Harish Rao garlanded the statue of Jayashankar and paid tributes to him. He recalled that Jayashankar throughout his entire life fought for Telangana state.

Minister for endowment and forests A. Indrakaran Reddy paid floral tributes to Jayashankar at a programme held at Nirmal while Minister for energy Jagdish Reddy paid tributes at a programme in Suryapet. He said Jayashankar started guiding the Telangana movement after it was launched by Chandrasekhar Rao.

A programme was also held at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University. Vice Chancellor V. Praveen Rao, Registrar S. Sudhir Kumar and others garlanded his statue at the university entrance.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : As India makes efforts to thwart threats at its borders from China and Pakistan, troops from the three countries are set to take part in a mega anti-terror drill of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Russia aimed at expanding cooperation to deal with the growing menace of terrorism and extremism.

As part of the SCO initiative, the Peace Mission Exercise is conducted for member states.

Peace Mission-2021 is an anti-terrorist command and staff exercise of member countries. More than 3,000 soldiers are expected to participate in the drill.

The Indian Army will be conducting air reconnaissance and protecting facilities during the joint drills with the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Pakistan Army.

The joint exercise will be conducted by the Central Military Commission of Russia from September 11 to September 25 at the Donguzsky training ground in the Orenburg region in Urals.

The drill will involve tactical-level operations in an international counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism environment under the SCO Charter. The joint exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices among the armed forces of the SCO nations.

India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001, with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its founding members.

Sources said the Indian contingent will have 200 personnel, primarily comprising troops from the infantry, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

Last year, India had withdrawn from a multilateral war game as its troops were engaged in a bitter standoff with the Chinese PLA in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, while Pakistan was in continuous violation of the ceasefire agreement.

At first, India had agreed but later it withdrew from the multi-lateral exercise last year. No reason was cited officially as to why India had reversed its decision.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Supreme Court, in a big relief to e-commerce giant Amazon, on Friday upheld the order of the Singapore emergency arbitrator restraining the Kishore Biyani-led Future group from going ahead with its Rs 24,713-crore deal with Reliance Retail.

A bench of Justices R.F. Nariman and B.R. Gavai noted the first question to be determined by this court is whether an emergency arbitrator's award can be said to be within the contemplation of the Arbitration Act, and whether it can further be said to be an order under Section 17(1) of the Act.

The bench answered this question by declaring that full party autonomy is given by the Arbitration Act to have a dispute decided in accordance with institutional rules which can include emergency arbitrators delivering interim orders, described as "awards".

"Such orders are an important step in aid of decongesting the civil courts and affording expeditious interim relief to the parties. Such orders are referable to and are made under Section 17(1) of the Arbitration Act," said the judgment authored by Justice Nariman on behalf of the bench.

The bench said the emergency arbitrator's order is enforceable in India and the Indian Arbitration laws also allowed it, as it declared Future Retails's appeal against the Delhi High Court's single judge order was not maintainable. The top court said the Delhi High Court's single judge was right in upholding the emergency arbitrator's October 25 order.

"An emergency arbitrator's 'award', i.e., order, would undoubtedly be an order which furthers these very objectives, i.e., to decongest the court system and to give the parties urgent interim relief in cases which deserve such relief," noted the top court, in its 103-page judgment.

The top court set aside the Delhi High Court division bench's orders passed on February 8 and March 22, declaring that no appeal lies under Section 37 of the Arbitration Act against an order of enforcement of an emergency arbitrator's order made under Section 17(2) of the Act. The bench emphasised that it is wholly incorrect to say that Section 17(1) of the Act would exclude an emergency arbitrator's orders.

It stressed that no party, after agreeing to be governed by institutional rules, can participate in a proceeding before an emergency arbitrator and, after losing, turn around and say that the award is a nullity, when there is nothing in the Arbitration Act which interdicts an emergency arbitrator's order from being made.

The bench declined to entertain Future group's submissions that emergency arbitrator's order is a "nullity" in absence of an arbitration agreement. "A party (the Future group) cannot be heard to say, after it participates in an emergency award proceeding, having agreed to institutional rules made in that regard, that thereafter it will not be bound by an emergency arbitrator's ruling," it added.

The top court added that having agreed to paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules, it cannot lie in the mouth of a party to ignore an emergency arbitrator's award by stating that it is a nullity when such party expressly agrees to the binding nature of such award from the date it is made and further undertakes to carry out the said interim order immediately and without delay.

Amazon moved the top court challenging the Delhi High Court's Division Bench's March 22 orders that lifted the stay on the Future Retail-Reliance Retail deal. On March 21, the single judge held Future group Chairman Kishore Biyani and others guilty for going ahead with the deal and issued show cause notice to him and other directors of the Future Group as to why they should not be sent to prison, as sought by the ecommerce firm which is opposing the deal.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against Mohammad Rafiqul Hassan, a key conspirator in the C Sasikumar murder case.

An NIA spokesperson said that the agency has charged Hassan under several sections of the IPC and the UA(P)A before a Special NIA Court in Chennai.

The case relates to the murder of Sasikumar on September 22, 2016 when he was returning on his scooter.

Sasikumar was the then spokesperson of Hindu Munnani (Front) Coimbatore. The case was registered at Coimbatore and the NIA had taken over the probe later.

Earlier the NIA had filed two charge sheets against four accused persons in the case.

The spokesperson said that a further probe had revealed the role of Hassan. The official said that Hassan was driving the motorcycle on which assailant Shabir was sitting pillion while attacking Sasikumar.

After executing the killing, Hassan had fled from India in November 2016.

The official said that all the accused are members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) Coimbatore. They had conspired and held meetings at CTC Mosque to take revenge against Sasikumar, a Hindu Munnani spokesperson who had led protests for removing a SDPI flag post in Sangroor and subsequently hoisted a Hindu Munnani flag in its place.

"Based on credible information on February 9, 2021, Hassan was arrested from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi upon his arrival from Oman.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday registered a case of propagation of Jihadi terrorism. A NIA spokesperson said that the anti-terror probe agency has taken over the probe in pursuance of an order of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The case was earlier registered in West Bengal's Kolkata on July 10 this year under several sections of the IPC and Foreigners Act.

The official said that the case relates to Bangladeshi nationals S.K. Shabbir, Joseph and others, who had illegally entered India and were sympathisers or members of terrorist organisations. The official said that Shabbir, Joseph had hatched a conspiracy along with their unknown associates to wage war by recruiting, motivating vulnerable Muslim youth against the Indian government as well as neighbouring Bangladesh to establish a 'Caliphate', by removing democratically elected governments through criminal force.

The official said that they were propagating their ideology and hatred in society by following, sending and sharing various Jihadi texts, posts and videos through a Facebook profile named 'Sekh Sabbir'.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : To take stock of the party's poll preparedness ahead of next year's Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, BJP chief J.P. Nadda will be on a two-day visit to state from Saturday.

Sources said the BJP chief will also go to Uttarakhand for a two-day trip on August 21.

Last month, Nadda had virtually addressed the Uttar Pradesh BJP state executive meet, while his visit to Uttarakhand was cancelled.

Party leaders claimed that with Nadda's visit to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the BJP will shift to election mode in these two states.

Uttar Pradesh is the biggest state going to the polls early next year along with Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

A party functionary pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls will be very crucial for the BJP ahead of the general elections in 2024, and the party's central leadership is leaving no stone unturned to win the state for a second consecutive term.

"Everyone knows that the results of UP elections will set the tone for the next Lok Sabha polls. The BJP will not take the risk of losing the state, as that will create a negative atmosphere against the party in the next Lok Sabha elections. The party leadership is adopting a focused approach to win the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls," he said.

Sharing the details of Nadda's Uttar Pradesh visit, BJP's national media in-charge and Rajya Sabha member Anil Baluni said, "The BJP chief will begin his two-day organisational 'pravas' in Uttar Pradesh starting August 7. He will take part in various party programmes and guide the party workers.

"On Saturday, Nadda will address a meeting of the block and zila panchayat heads in Lucknow. Later, Nadda will hold a meeting with all the Assembly in-charges. In the evening, Nadda will hold an organisational meeting with the senior party leaders, including state office-bearers, Union ministers from Uttar Pradesh, MPs, state ministers, national office-bearers and state general secretaries at the party office. Later, he will address a core group meeting of Uttar Pradesh BJP." On Sunday, Nadda will reach Agra where he will hold meetings with the party's district president, district in-charge, regional team and Morcha presidents. The BJP chief will also meet the MLAs and MLCs of the party in Agra.

Nadda will later address a Corona warriors' programme where several prominent doctors, medical staff and important personalities will be present.

In the second half of August, Nadda will be in Uttarakhand to take stock of the party's poll preparedness.

Nadda will interact with the state leaders in different groups and collect feedback from them.

Last month, a two-day coordination meeting was held between the BJP and the RSS. Despite being a small state, Uttarakhand is crucial for the ruling BJP as the saffron party has changed two Chief Ministers in four months there.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Life is no bed of roses for those who attain fame and respect around the world. The shining success of stardom is barely the tip of the iceberg, what goes behind it is another world all together. Bollywood actors and directors' roller coaster journey to fame makes for an interesting read for their fans and the public in general.

IANS shares a list of eight Bollywood biographies that gave insights into the fascinating journey of these extraordinary personalities.

Zohra! A Biography in Four Acts In this biography of the unlikely star, Zohra Sehgal, author Ritu Menon shared a compelling account of Zohra's life and work that situates her as a pathbreaking figure in the history of Indian dance, theatre, TV, and cinema. At the age of eighty, Bollywood discovered her, and she went on to become a household name as the most charming and unconventional grandmother. The author takes the readers through her remarkable journey from her birth in 1912 into a family with connections to the nawabs of Rampur, Zohra Mumtazullah Khan to an adventurous streak from the age of eighteen to travel to Germany to learn dance. From setting up a dance school in Lahore with her husband Kameshwar Sehgal, eight years her junior to travelling across India for fourteen years doing plays during the partition period. The book traces the actor's relentless journey of defying conventions.

Sach Kahun Toh: Meri Aatmakatha Veteran actress Neena Gupta has made many shocking revelations in her autobiography. The actress has candidly penned down about her personal life, the birth of her daughter Masaba and also addressed professional issues such as the casting couch, film industry politics etc. She is honest about her life choices and the consequences she faced. She cited her life's incidents like; when Satish Kaushik offered to marry her when she was a single mother pregnant with Masaba and she had no money for her C-section delivery. Her initial denial to the "Choli ke peeche" song, being typecast as a "lallu ladki" and never offered a heroine's role. The actor's candid memoir includes anecdotes about her major films and insights into her relationships.

Stories I Must Tell: Emotional Life of an Actor Kabir Bedi goes out and shares shocking revelations of his emotional roller-coaster life in his autobiography. The book was written and released during the pandemic. He revisited all hidden corners of his life, reflecting on his mistakes and his vulnerable side. The actor has been painfully honest about his life, sharing his sexual relationships, his struggles in Hollywood, his three divorces, the untimely demise of his son and much more. The detailed account of the suicide of Bedi's schizophrenic son Siddharth, reveals the emotional side of him. It features sketches of Bedi's parents - his English mother Freda who became an influential Buddhist nun known as Gelongma Karma Kechog Palmo and his father Baba who became a philosopher in Italy. The actor revisits the closed chapters of life, unleashing his many shades in the memoir.

Cracking The Code: My Journey In Bollywood Ayushmann Khurrana's autobiography co-written by wife Tahira Kashyap released in 2015, received a lot of criticism as an early take on the actor's career. He was compelled to write about his struggles as an actor after giving three consecutive flops. The actor had decided to go back to Chandigarh, and during that time, he penned down his journey. As nothing was working for him, the actor stated in the book he had decided that if not for films he would work on his music band Ayushmann Bhava, he would sing on birthdays. One of the excerpts in the book went viral later, of trying to get an audition with Karan Johar in 2007 and failing to get through. "We only work with stars," he was allegedly told by Karan Johar's office. The book is supported by anecdotes from his own life, his transition from a reality TV star to a distinctive voice on radio from getting a break in serials to becoming the highest paid host of reality shows on TV, from dealing with failed auditions to finally landing the coveted lead role in "Vicky Donor" and struggling to juggle his new-found success with his family life.

And Then One Day: A Memoir Naseeruddin Shah's autobiography chronicles his journey from childhood to the beginning of his career in Bollywood. It also throws light on his marriage with Ratna Pathak Shah and includes his memories from the time he spent at Aligarh Muslim University, National School of Drama, Delhi and Film and Television Institute at Pune. During the course of the book, Shah expresses his admiration for many people like Ebrahim Alkazi for his immense talent. He also mentions about his first marriage and how it failed. Shah refers how his disappointed father moved him to the Aligarh Muslim University.

The Stranger In The Mirror Film director Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra has recently forayed into the literary world with his debut book co-written by Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta. The book's foreword has been given by A.R. Rahman. Aamir Khan has given the afterword. It features first person accounts of some prolific names of Indian cinema and the advertising world -- Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Bajpayee, Abhishek Bachchan, and many more. He narrates some interesting stories like at one place he points out that for the movie "Aksa" he asked Amitabh Bachchan to keep a French beard and he just stuck with the style. The book traverses the readers through his life's learning and struggles.

Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly: An Autobiography Anupam Kher's autobiography narrates his entire journey starting from his early days in Kashmir to his days in Chandigarh for learning theatre and then Delhi before starting his career in Bollywood. He sheds light on how he managed to overcome the difficult stages of his life from not getting roles or getting diagnosed with depression and going bankrupt. Despite all this he stresses on the relevance of being an optimist and the life lessons he learned from his father.

Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored Rishi Kapoor's autobiography co-written by Meeny Iyer narrates his illustrious journey in Indian cinema. There are certain interesting parts from his book that reveal his honest thoughts. For instance Rishi Kapoor at one place mentions that his wife Neetu Kapoor deserves a gold medal as she patiently handled his moods and whims and never forced him to change. He also writes about his father and how he had dalliances with his leading ladies. At certain points he makes a mockery of himself like he mentions that once he wore a ladies trouser for a song. The book is an up close and personal account of the superstar of Bollywood.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : Amid the stalemate in the Upper House of Parliament the government pushed Bills in the House this week though the opposition continued its protests.

The government rushed through six bills in the House and the opposition alleged that the government is undermining Parliament.

The government on Thursday managed to pass three bills between brief adjournments -- The Constitution (Scheduled Tribe) Order (Amendment) Bill, The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, The Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021.

On Wednesday too it passed three Bills amid protests from the opposition. The Bills were passed in approximately 45 minutes of the House proceedings.

The Limited Liability Partnership Amendment, 2021 was passed in the Rajya Sabha in 24 minutes. Soon the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Amendment, 2021 was passed in 16 minutes and the Bill on Airport Economic Regulatory Authority of India too was passed in a hurry.

The Upper House of Parliament was adjourned for the day on Tuesday after passing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021 while on Monday the House passed, The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021.

The government has been blaming the opposition for the stalemate and not resolving the issues on Thursday.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge blamed the Centre for the stalemate and said that the opposition is ready for a discussion on the Pegasus snooping issue. Kharge and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh traded barbs as Kharge mentioned that he had got a call from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to resolve the issue, but no member of the opposition has got any official invite for any meeting so far. In response to Kharge's charge, the Defence Minister said that he had not given any assurance and had only said that the House should hold a proper discussion and the pandemonium should stop.

Also, 6 TMC MPs were suspended for a day by the Chairman. It was alleged that a TMC MP broke the glass of a door on being stopped from entering the House.

The opposition wants that the government should allow a discussion on the snooping row, farm laws and fuel price hikes under Rule 267. However, the government says that on the snooping row only clarifications can be sought after the minister's statement while on the farm laws a short duration discussion has been allowed in the House but the opposition is not ready to discuss it before discussing the Pegasus issue.
United Nations, Aug 6 : India on Friday demanded that those supporting terrorists should be held accountable and there should be an assurance that neighbours are not threatened by terrorism as Afghanistan transitions with US withdrawing its troops.

India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti told the Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan: "Those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable." Speaking before Tirumurti, Afghanistan's Permanent Representative Ghulam Isaczai had accused Pakistan of aiding the Taliban which is carrying out attacks on his government.

The meeting presided over by Tirumurti took place under the shadow of an upsurge in attacks by the Taliban on the Afghan government and dire international concern over the situation there.

Tirumurti said: "As a neighbour of Afghanistan, the current situation prevailing in the country is of great concern to us." "It needs to be ensured that Afghanistan's neighbours and the region are not threatened by terrorism, separatism and extremism. There needs to be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

"For enduring peace in Afghanistan, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries in the region must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted," he added.

"It is equally important to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country." Recalling External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's statement to the Council in June, he said that a durable peace in Afghanistan requires a genuine "double peace" -- "peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan".

Tirumurti referred to the Taliban's killing of Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui who was working for Reuters and said that the UN has reported that civilian casualties and targeted killings have reached record levels.

"There have been targeted attacks on religious and ethnic minorities, girl students, Afghan security forces, Ulemas, women occupying positions of responsibility, journalists, civil rights activists and the youth," he said.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis)
New Delhi/Lucknow, Aug 6 : After training about 100 party workers in Chhattisgarh, the Congress in Uttar Pradesh has prepared a blue print to train about 70,000 party workers in 675 camps ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in the state scheduled next year.

Accordingly, in all the 823 blocks of the state, committees have been formed, and all the 8,123 Nyay panchayat presidents are working to build the party, while village-level committees are also being set up in Uttar Pradesh, sources said.

The party's organisational in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, Anil Yadav, said, "We have divided the state into eight zones and we will start the camps simultaneously after August 10." The eight zones are Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly, Mathura and Ghaziabad.

Yadav said that the party will train the workers in handling social media following which social media groups will be activated at the village and Nyay panchayat levels.

The training would also focus on the Congress ideology and how to corner the adversaries in the state, where the party has been out of power for the past 32 years.

Till now, the Congress in Uttar Pradesh plans to go solo and contest all the seats in next year's Assembly polls. The party has also finalised ticket distribution in 70 seats, sources said.

The Congress is also focusing on caste groups in the state. On Tuesday (August 3), the party had observed 'Dalit Swabhiman Diwas' to woo the community and highlight the atrocities faced by the weaker sections of the society at the hands of non-Congress governments, sources said.

State head of the party's Dalit cell, Alok Prasad, said that the significance of August 3 is that the proposal to appoint B.R. Ambedkar as the Union Law Minister in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet was passed on this day.

The state Congress has already held caste conferences for Nishad, Maurya-Shakya, Kushwaha and Pal-Gaderia-Dhanger caste groups.
Palghar : , Aug 6 (IANS) A court in Maharashtra's Vasai on Friday sent the former sacked manager of a private bank, who carried out an unsuccessful heist and killed the deputy branch manager of ICICI Bank Virar East branch, to 14 days judicial custody, police said.

"The accused, Anilkumar R. Dubey, 36, has been sent to 14 days judicial custody by the honourable court. The second victim, who was injured, is stable and is out of the ICU at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai," Senior Police Inspector of Virar Police Station Suresh Warade told IANS.

Dubey, the Naigaon Branch Manager of Axis Bank, had swoped on the ICICI Bank on the evening on July 29, threatened the sole two women officers on duty, grabbed cash and gold jewellery worth Rs 3.38 crore from the lockers, but was overpowered by locals while trying to escape in his own car parked outside.

Before fleeing, he had savagely attacked Deputy Manager Yogita Choudhary-Vartak, 36, who succumbed, while cashier Shraddha Devrukhkar suffered serious injuries.

After a police team rushed there, the locals handed him over and the bag with the looted booty to them and he was arrested.

Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, Dubey, 37, had piled up a huge debt of over Rs 1 crore with a spending spree on a lavish home, car loans, stock markets speculations, and other activities.

Even as the case stunned banking circles, the Axis Bank management sacked him on July 30 and a day later, registered a separate complaint of a fraud of around Rs 27 lakh he had committed in the bank where he worked for the past one year.

Apprehending action by the Axis Bank and the police, Dubey had kept off work for nearly a week when he planned out the one-man heist at the ICICI Bank - where he had worked for around 18 months - and was familiar with the staffers and the official routine.

"Despite committing such grave crimes, the accused appears remorseless. He refused to meet his wife, their two children, and his mother while in custody when they came to meet him from Nalla Sopara," an official, requesting anonymity said.

The Waliv police will arrest him as soon as he comes out of judicial custody in the murder-cum-bank loot case for which he is facing serious charges, said the official.
New Delhi/Kabul, Aug 6 : The Taliban on Friday captured the city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province on the border with Iran, which became the first provincial capital to be seized by the group since the Joe Biden administration announced complete withdrawal of US troops from the country, media reports said.

The Taliban attacked the provincial capital on Thursday night. Following the attack, hundreds of residents of the city fled towards the border with Iran, in desperate search for safety.

"All people, including women and children, have flocked there," said a resident of Nimroz, referring to an attempt by hundreds of residents to cross the border to Iran.

There are also reports that government assets have been looted in different parts of the city.

Reports said that the Taliban, after capturing Kanak district in Nimroz, brutally executed at least 30 soldiers. But the Taliban have rejected the reports, saying the soldiers were killed during clashes.

A video from Nimroz shows several bodies, purportedly of those belonging to government forces, lying on the ground. The Taliban reportedly tortured the soldiers, maimed them and took out their eyes before killing them.

"Based on the international law, it is counted as a war crime. It is also against Islamic principles," said Laal Gul Laal, the head of a human rights organisation.

"The rejection of all these killings on the battlefields doesn't acquit them (Taliban) from responsibility," said Zabihullah Farhang, a spokesman for Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.

Nimroz has five districts, of which three are completely under the control of the Taliban now.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The head of Afghanistan government's Media and Information Centre, Dawakhan Minapal, was gunned down in Kabul on Friday afternoon, media reports said.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Mirwais Stanikzai confirmed the assassination. Minapal was reportedly shot from behind while he was performing Friday prayers at a masjid in Darul Aman in the west of Kabul.

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Muhajid in a Twitter post claimed responsibility for the assassination.

Minapal was said to be one of the strong advocates of the Afghan government and an opponent of the Taliban and their policies.

Minapal had been the spokesperson of the Presidential Palace before assuming the post as head of the government's Media and Information Centre.

Hekmat Rawan, former journalist and head of media in the Finance Ministry, was also assassinated by unknown gunmen in Kandahar city two months ago.

Rawan was said to be a close relative of Minapal, reports said.

Before assuming charge as the head of the Media and Information Centre, Minapal had worked as the deputy presidential spokesman from 2016 to 2020.

Menapal had also served as the head of the government's media wing in Kandahar in 2015.

He was from the Zabul province in south Afghanistan and had a bachelor's degree in law and political science from the Kabul University.
Patna, Aug 6 : Bihar's Nitish Kumar government is likely to conduct a caste-based census in the state on its own expense, say ruling Janata Dal-United leaders.

The leaders said that Nitish Kumar has a clear stand on this issue, and is waiting for the Centre's response on his proposal. If it refuses, he will activate "Plan B" for the state to conduct the exercise on its own.

Nitish Kumar on Wednesday wrote a letter to PM Narendra Modi, seeking an all-party meeting on this issue.

JD-U MP Sunil Kumar Pintu said: "We will welcome it if the Centre allows the Bihar government to conduct a caste-based census or with certain amendments. If the Centre refuses our proposal, in that case, Nitish Kumar has a clear stand to conduct the census at the state government's expense." JD-U Parliamentary Board President Upendra Kushwaha said: "If a religion-based census is possible in the country, why is the Centre hesitating on a caste-based census." "A section of people argue that caste-based census may allow social tension to develop between the communities in the country. I want to ask them that if religion-based census had not created division in the society as per their claim, how caste-based census can create differences in the society.

"Our Chief Minister Nitish Kumar advocated caste-based census to help people on the last levels. He is having support of opposition parties leaders in Bihar. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav met the Chief Minister on this issue and demanded the same. Nitish Kumar also assured him and other political parties leaders to take time with Prime Minister for the issue. Nitish Kumar sent the letter to PM Narendra Modi in this regard," Kushwaha said.
Visakhapatnam, Aug 6 : Tension prevailed here on Friday evening as the employees of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant tried to put up a blockade at the airport after they were prevented from meeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on her arrival to the city for a three-day visit to the northern Andhra Pradesh region.

The employees have been protesting for the last few months over the Union government's plan to privatise the steel plant.

After coming to know of Sitharaman's visit to the city, the steel plant employees made their way to the airport in large numbers.

They planned to submit memorandums to the Finance Minister, but were prevented from reaching there by the police, who had cordoned off the area anticipating trouble.

The police also arrested around 150 persons after the steel plant employees tried to block the airport entry, raising slogans against the Union minister.

There have been widespread protests in Andhra Pradesh over the Union government's plan to privatise the steel plant.

Sitharaman later visited the Visakhpatnam Port Trust, where its Chairman K. Ramamohana Rao briefed her on the port activities.

On Saturday, she is scheduled to participate in the National Handlooms Day celebrations in Srikakulam district.
Hyderabad, Aug 6 : Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao said on Friday that Hyderabad is ahead of other major cities in India in sewage treatment.

Laying the foundation for construction of 17 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with 376.5 million litres per day (MLD) capacity at a cost of Rs 1,280 crore, he termed this an important milestone for Hyderabad in sewage treatment.

The STPs will enhance the total sewage treatment capacity of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to 1148.5 MLD.

He said that currently 40 per cent of the sewage generated in Hyderabad is being treated, and this is the highest among eight major cities in the country.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, said out of 1,950 MLD sewage being generated in the city, 772 MLD is being currently treated With 17 new STPs being built in Kukatpally, Qutbullahpur and Serlingampally circles, 376.5 MLD more sewerage can be treated.

He said 14 more STPs will be built in the city, and thus, a total of 31 new STPs will be developed in a phased manner. KTR said this would be a key milestone in development of Hyderabad as a global city.

He pointed out that the seweage generated in the city is currently flowing into Musi river with gravity. If this sewerage is not treated, it will create public health problems, he warned.

The construction of STPs will help prevent sewage flowing into the lakes and tanks and as a result, the water bodies can be maintained well and beautification of their surroundings can be ensured.

KTR said the government was working to improve the city's infrastructure in tune with its rapid expansion. Stating that every year lakhs of people migrated to the city, he said the government was taking steps to develop the infrastructure to meet their requirements.

He recalled that Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) had an area of 160 square km but when surrounding municipalities were merged with it to create Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the area expanded to 625 square km.

HMWSSB MD Dana Kishore said for the first time after 14 years, development of STPs is being taken up on a large scale. He said currently 772 MLD seweage is being treated to the extent of 94 per cent. With the construction of 31 new STPs, the sewerage treatment capacity will further go up.
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF) have launched a number of operations at different locations targeting the Taliban.

This includes the Taliban-controlled Nijrab district of Kapisa Province. However, as per latest indications, the Taliban controls 218 districts, while the Afghan government controls 108 districts and 100 districts remain contested.

In Herat Province, clashes continued in the city of Herat as well as the adjoining Injil district. Provincial Governor Abdul Qane expressed confidence in the city's defence and averred that the Taliban were suffering heavy casualties on account of ANDSF air strikes.

However, the Taliban has been resorting to the strategy of securing position within the city and among the population so as to engage the ANDSF in urban warfare which the ANDSF might not be well versed with. Meanwhile, assistance has come to the ANDSF in the form of former Mujahideen leader Ismail Khan leading militia forces in support of the ANDSF. He has called on the residents of Herat to mobilise against the Taliban and save themselves from "forces of ignorance".

The ANDSF operation in the city of Herat is based on extensive clearing operations which has been aimed at selectively targeting areas in the city which has Taliban presence and where they are able to access the interiors of the city.

The coordination between the Afghan forces on ground and the Air Force has been working fine thus far in terms of launching operations against the Taliban. The government has been doing its best in controlling the situation and in order to hit back at the Taliban and to not give them any opportunity to take over the city. Abdul Rahman Rahman, Deputy Interior Minister, has been in Herat coordinating the strategy of security forces.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has been carefully collecting and stashing arms recovered during their operations for future use, thus indicating their preparedness for a long drawn conflict. The Taliban Military Commission has instructed its field commanders to ensure that all military equipment captured from the ANDSF should be recorded and stored safely, instead of being appropriated for personal use by Taliban militants. These "directions" come in the backdrop of substantial number of vehicles, pieces of weaponry and ammunition falling into Taliban hands during their recent offensives (May-July). Inputs continue to indicate that captured equipment and vehicles were being transferred to Pakistan by the Taliban.

Significantly, with the casualties caused among their forces, the Taliban has been trying to use the services of foreign cadres for training the new entrants. Some of the best trained cadres have always been from the central Asian states who were sought by terror organisations such as the IS and the Al Qaeda in the past. Some of them have been instructors with various militant organisations and are considered among the best in the job, intelligence sources said.

Arab and Chechen trainers have been involved in training new cadres being inducted as their numbers recede with casualties being caused. Around 6,000 fresh terrorists based in Pakistan are being trained by Arab and Chechen instructors with the aim of raising a new unit. Meanwhile, infiltration of Taliban terrorists into Afghanistan from Pakistan continues.

The Taliban's activities have not spared the Hazara community which is likely to face the wrath of the Taliban in the coming days unless preventive action is taken against such moves.

In this connection, the US Embassy in Kabul has expressed its concerns on the persecution of the Hazara community and said on August 3 that the targeted killing of Hazaras has been a devastating focus of the IS as well as the Taliban. Urging for an immediate ceasefire, it further said: "We are learning about the Taliban's murder of more than 40 civilians in Malistan in Ghazni province. If true, these could constitute war crimes. The human rights abuses must be investigated." The Iranians have been watching the situation closely and would want to protect the interest of the Hazaras to the extent possible. Given that engaging the Taliban could be complicated for the Iranians and considering Pakistan has significant control over the group, the Iranians would possibly approach the Pakistanis to sort out the issue.
United Nations, Aug 6 : Afghanistan on Friday accused Pakistan of assisting the "Taliban war machine" which has launched an all-out attack on the Afghanistan government as the US is pulling out of the country and warned about the activities of organisations like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operating in conjunction with the Taliban.

Addressing a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, that country's Permanent Representative Ghulam Isaczai said: "The Taliban continues to enjoy a safe haven and supply and logistic line extended to their war machine from Pakistan" in defiance of the Council's 1988 demand.

India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti, who presided over the meeting, said: "Those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable." Speaking in his national capacity, he expressed support for Afghanistan's position. Without naming Pakistan, he said: "For enduring peace in Afghanistan, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries in the region must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted." Isaczai said: "Graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line (marking the boundary between the two countries) to enter Afghanistan, fundraising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistan hospitals are emerging and are widely available." "This is not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council resolution with sanction regime, but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to work to end the war in Afghanistan," he added.

"We urge Pakistan to help with removing and dismantling of Taliban sanctuaries and supply lines and establish with us, a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to make the fight against terrorism and international efforts for peace effective," he said.

Isaczai warned of a return to Afghanistan being overrun by foreign fighters threatening peace in the region and beyond.

He said that more than 10,000 foreign fighters belonging to 20 international terrorist organisations were active in the country under the auspices of the Taliban.

He named the LeT, a Pakistan-affiliated group that attacks India, as one of those terrorist outfits.

During the meeting all the Council members, including China, warned against the Afghanistan again turning into an international hub of terrorism.

The meeting took place on a day when Dawa Khan Menapal, the head of information for the Afghan government was killed in a Taliban attack and the group appeared to have scored a significant victory by taking over Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, warned at the start of the meeting that Aghanistan could descend "into a situation of catastrophe so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels this century".

She said that the Council and the international community can prevent this from happening by acting quickly and with unity.

"In the past weeks, the war in Afghanistan has entered a new, deadlier, and more destructive phase. The Taliban campaign during June and July to capture rural areas has achieved significant territorial gains," she said.

She said that situation similar to that prevailing in civil war-wracked Syria now or in Sarajevo earlier could develop in Afghanistan.

If urban warfare develops in Afghanistan, she said, it will "inflict daily miseries when basic infrastructure such as electricity and water networks are damaged".

She warned that "These tactics may amount to serious violation of international humanitarian law for which individuals can be held accountable and may quickly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity." The agreement between Washington and the Taliban paving the way for the US withdrawal from Afghanistan had given optimism that violence would be reduced, but that has not happened.

"Instead, despite significant concessions for peace, we have seen a 50 per cent increase in civilian casualties with the certainty of many more as cities are attacked," Lyons said.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis)
New Delhi, Aug 6 : The CEO of Serum Institute of India, Adar Poonawala, on Friday expressed hope that another vaccine against Covid-19 being developed by the institue may be launched in October for adults and for children by January-February next year.

Poonawala, who met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament for 30 minutes on Friday evening, said "We are very thankful to the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support for improving and helping our industry to scale up vaccine manufacturing." He added that his company is always trying to expand its Covishield production capacity to meet the demand.

"The Covovax vaccine for kids will be launched in the first quarter of next year, most likely in January-February," said Poonawala.

Image Source: IANS News

He also thanked the government for its support to Serum Institute and sounded hopeful that Covovax will be launched for adults in October, depending on approvals from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Earlier in the day, the Serum Institute CEO met Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and discussed the Covishield supply and scaling up production in India.

In return, Mandaviya assured the government's support in Covishield production to combat the Covid pandemic.

Meanwhile, the government has informed that 44.42 crore doses of Covishield have been supplied by the Serum Institute of India while 6.82 crore doses of Covaxin have been supplied by the Bharat Biotech International Limited for the National Covid Vaccination Programme from January 16 to August 5.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Hyderabad, Aug 6 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday asked the officials to work with commitment to protect the state's share in river waters.

At a high-level meeting with top officials, he asked officials to protect the interests of the Telangana farmers, and made it clear that there is no question of back tracking on the issue.

The meeting was held on the strategy to be adopted by the Telangana government against the backdrop of the Central government fixing the jurisdiction of the Krishna Godavari Boards through a gazette notification.

The meeting had an in-depth review of the verdicts given by the Bachawat Tribunal and Brijesh Kumar Tribunal on the rightful and legal share of allocation of waters as a right to the Telangana. The meeting also reviewed the items in the Centre's gazette notification, as well as the allocation of water for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the Godavari and Krishna rivers.

The CM directed the officials concerned to strongly put forth the arguments on behalf of the state in the Board meetings. It was decided to meet again on Sunday to discuss the matter.

Chief Advisor to the government Rajiv Sharma, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, CM's Principal Secretary S. Narsing Rao, Special Chief Secretary, Irrigation, Rajat Kumar, E-in-Cs Muralidhar, Hariram, OSD to CM Sridhar Deshpande, former Advocate General Ramakrishna Reddy, senior advocate Ravinder Rao, and other officials participated in the meeting.
Chennai, Aug 7 : Tamil Nadu has stepped up measures to check passengers arriving from Kerala by road, rail or air.

At the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, heavy police force has been deployed with a Deputy Superintendent of Police manning each check-post.

Tamil Nadu has announced that it would allow passengers from Kerala only if they have a negative RT-PCR certificate within 72 hours of the journey or having taken two doses of vaccine with the second dose taken 15 days prior to the journey.

At the check-posts in Walayar, Kalliakavilai and other border posts, huge queues are being witnessed to conduct mandatory checking of the certificates.

If a passenger doesn't have the mandatory RT-PCR negative certificate, the individual would be subjected to an RT-PCR test at the check-post and will have to stay in home quarantine till the report comes.

If found positive, the individual will be admitted to a first-line testing centre.

Sanjay Thomas, an IT professional from Palakkad who was travelling to Coimbatore for personal work, was stuck at the Walayar check-post for hours even though he had an RT-PCR negative certificate taken 72 hours within his journey.

The techie told IANS, "It is not that they did not allow me to cross the check-post, but the serpentine queue has made it impossible to cross without waiting for more than two hours." Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian told IANS, "The government has posted health department officials at all the railway stations where trains from Kerala arrive. The passengers will have to produce all the required documents failing which they will have to undergo RT-PCR tests." The minister had earlier paid a visit to the Chennai international airport along with Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan to oversee the preparations.

Kerala is presently recording 20,000 Covid cases daily on an average with a test positivity rate of more than 13 per cent.
New Delhi, Aug 7 : The Delhi Assembly will approach the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision to curtail its powers by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2021, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference, Goel said that the bill, passed by both houses of the Parliament in March and notified on July 27, has "effectively derailed many Assembly committees, particularly those are dealing with issues related to the northeast Delhi riots".

He claimed that by amending the GNCTD Act, 1991, the Centre has barred the Delhi Assembly's committees from making rules to take up matters concerning day-to-day administration.

"The Assembly has decided to approach the apex court against the decision. We will not challenge the entire Act but certain provisions of it that curtails the powers of the committees of the Assembly. The call on whether or not the entire Act will be challenged will be taken by the government. I cannot comment on that aspect.

"We believe the court will restore the powers of the Assembly which have been taken away through a law which is completely undemocratic and unconstitutional. We have taken legal consultations on the matter," Goel said.

During the Assembly's monsoon session, Goel had accused the Centre of snatching away its powers, and even slammed BJP MLAs for maintaining silence on this issue.

"It was painful for me. I could not sleep since the Delhi Assembly's rights were snatched by the Centre. I was expecting BJP MLAs would come to me and say something. They are members of the Delhi Assembly, and they must have acted against GNCTD Bill, but they did nothing. It pained me," Goel said during the first day of the session.
New Delhi, Aug 7 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one Jufri Jawhar Damudi from Karnataka's Bhatkal in connection with an ISIS module case after carrying out searches at two locations.

Damudi had created multiple pseudo IDs on different chat platforms, officials said on Friday.

An NIA official here said that the anti-terror probe agency has arrested Damudi in connection with ISIS-Voice of Hind case.

"A cyber entity by the name of 'Abu Hazir Al Badri' was a key ISIS operative, who was involved in translating Voice of Hind into south Indian languages. After further dissemination, the entity was identified as Damudi, a resident of Bhatkal, who was arrested on Friday in a joint operation carried out by the NIA and Karnataka Police," the official said.

"This cyber id was also used to radicalise and recruit people," the official said, adding that Damudi is the younger brother of Adnan Hasan Damudi, who was arrested for ISIS related activities in 2016 and is currently under detention in a separate NIA case.

The official said that Damudi was in touch with the ISIS leadership operating out of Afghanistan-Pakistan region, who provided him propaganda materials and also gave directions for their dissemination.

For this purpose, Damudi had created multiple false Ids on encrypted chat platforms. He was also a member of various online propaganda channels of ISIS.

During the searches conducted on Friday, a large number of digital devices such as mobile phones, hard disks, SD cards etc. were seized, the official said.

A case was registered on June 29 this year in connection with the conspiracy of the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS to radicalise and recruit impressionable Muslim youth in India to wage violent jihad against the Indian state.

ISIS terrorists operating from various conflict zones along with ISIS cadres in India had created a network by assuming pseudo online identities wherein ISIS related propaganda materials were disseminated for radicalising and recruiting people into the ISIS fold.

The official said that earlier, the NIA had conducted multiple searches in Jammu and Kashmir on July 11 and arrested three accused persons -- Umar Nisar, Tanveer Ahmad Bhat and Rameez Ahmad Lone -- all residents of Anantnag in J&K.
New Delhi, Aug 7 : The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti has released a Rs 2,400 crore grant-in-aid to Uttar Pradesh against an allocation of Rs 10,870 crore for the financial year 2021-22 for providing clean tap water to every household.

In 2019-20, the Central government had allocated Rs 1,206 crore to Uttar Pradesh for the implementation of JJM, which was increased to Rs 2,571 crore in 2020-21.

While approving this four-fold increase in allocation that will "free women and girls from the drudgery of fetching water from a distance", Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assured full assistance to the state for making provision of tap water supply in every rural home by 2024, a statement from the ministry said on Friday.

In Uttar Pradesh, there are 2.63 crore rural households in over 97,000 villages, out of which 32 lakh (12.16 per cent) households now have tap water supply. When the JJM was launched in 2019, only 5.16 lakh (2 per cent) households had tap water supply.

The state aims to make five districts 'Har Ghar Jal' compliant in the current financial year. Over 3,600 villages in Uttar Pradesh have become 'Har Ghar Jal' compliant so far, i.e., every family has started getting tap water supply in these villages.

"This increased Central allocation will help the state in speedy provisioning of tap water supply to the remaining 2.31 crore rural households in Uttar Pradesh," the statement said.

Shekhawat is not only reviewing the progress, but also visiting the state to see the progress of the works.

The Jal Jeevan Mission has urged the state to take necessary measures to provide tap water supply to 78 lakh rural households this year, besides suggesting to start water supply works in more than 60,000 villages by December 2021, the statement added.

The implementation of the mission will also raise demand for masons, electricians, plumbers, motor mechanics, pump operators etc. in large numbers for creation as well as management, operation and maintenance of water supply schemes to ensure potable water supply on regular and long-term basis, the government said.

Further, there will be demand for various kinds of materials like cement, bricks, pipes, valves, water/ energy efficient pumps, faucets etc., thereby increasing the demand for locally available workers as well as domestic manufacturing industries, which in turn will help in realising the goal of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the statement said.

A campaign was launched on October 2, 2020 to ensure safe drinking water for children in schools, anganwadi centres and ashramshalas. So far, the state has provided tap water supply to 1,01,711 (82 per cent) rural schools and 1,04,453 (60 per cent) anganwadi centres.

The state has been asked to ensure safe tap water supply in all schools and anganwadi centres by October 2, 2021.
Amaravati, Aug 7 : The Andhra Pradesh cabinet headed by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday approved educational reforms, compensation to AgriGold scam victims, and an additional Rs 10 lakh package for the families displaced for the Polavaram project.

"The cabinet approved proposals for transforming educational infrastructure and to bring in comprehensive academic and administrative reforms," said Information and Public Relations Minister, Perni Venkatramaiah.

The 'Nadu Nedu' phase 1 programme dedication to the nation and the launch of phase 2 of the programme has been scheduled on August 16.

Likewise, the cabinet has approved organising the YSR Lifetime Achievement Awards and YSR Achievement Awards function on August 13.

It also approved the shifting of Lokayukta from Hyderabad to Kurnool in view of the opinion expressed by the high court and also to notify the headquarters of Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission at the same place.

The Cabinet has also approved to clear the payment of Rs 500 crore to four lakh AgriGold victims, who had deposited less than Rs 20,000.

AgriGold scam is a Rs 7,000 crore inter-state scam in which nearly 32 lakh poor depositors from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka were duped with promises of higher returns.

According to Venkatramaiah, the cabinet has approved the setting up of Rajamahendravaram Urban Development Authority (RUDA), consisting of Rajamahendravaram municipal corporation and Nidadavole and Kovvuru municipal bodies.

The cabinet also accorded approval to the revised DPR and administrative sanction to take up phase 1 project work for the development of a greenfield port at Machilipatnam in Krishna district.

Likewise, the cabinet approved the revised DPR and administrative sanction with a total estimated cost of Rs 4,362 for the development of Bhavanapadu port in Srikakulam district.
Canberra, Aug 7 : Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ruled out introducing new laws that would allow employers to mandate Covid-19 vaccines.

Morrison said on Friday that employers may wish to enforce a "reasonable directive" that staff must be vaccinated against Covid-19 but that it must be "consistent with the law", Xinhua news agency reported.

It came after a meeting of the National Cabinet during which the government's top law adviser, the solicitor-general, briefed the prime minister and state and territory leaders on legal issues surrounding mandatory vaccinations.

Morrison said that there were some situations where employers could mandate vaccines but that the government would not introduce laws for wider mandates.

As of Friday about half of the Australian population was in lockdown in three states to prevent the spread of Delta variant of Covid-19.

The state of Victoria and some regional areas of the state of New South Wales (NSW) are the latest ones joining the ongoing lockdown gripping both the Greater Sydney and its surrounding areas, as well as part of the state of Queensland.
A CRM is a great support to provide the top-notch service that customers are looking for. On the sales and business development side, our teams can see what requests clients have sent, and they can get a quick record of every interaction so they can provide clients with quick and useful answers.

Creatio, a global software company that provides a leading low-code/no-code platform for process management and CRM, today announced it was selected by Air Alliance for its future-proof low-code/no-code technology. Air Alliance Group, a certified aviation company, chose Creatio to accelerate operations by aligning their five business divisions, refining customer data accessibility, and adopting tools that empower users to build applications and automate processes in minutes. Air Alliance sifted through several vendors before landing on Creatio.

The key focus of the company was to become more customer-centric by improving customer experience throughout the customer journey. To achieve this vision, it was essential to migrate a variety of existing IT systems and customer data onto one safe platform as a single source of truth. Backed by cloud technology, Creatio allows every user access to live data anytime, anywhere. It goes without saying that accurate, personalized information are a major driver for client satisfaction. This is especially critical for time-sensitive air ambulance missions and response times. The project also aims to break down existing silos to improve customer and project information and data sharing among the divisions, and therefore expand cross-selling and up-selling opportunities. The automation of repetitive tasks across marketing, sales and service was also paramount to increase customer satisfaction and improve employee productivity. The limited alignment of processes also reduced the operational visibility for management to gauge company performance. With these hurdles now in the past, and with the implementation of Creatios low-code/no-code platform, Air Alliance is at present seeking to improve employee work efficiency by 20% and increase customer lifetime value by 10%.

Creatios mission to help companies accelerate by providing solutions to quickly and easily automate business ideas was what lured Air Alliance. Creatio also offers a composable approach to app development and workflow automation. The companys out-of-the-box functionality eliminates the need to build core modules for apps from scratch. Its pre-configured modules have common core functions needed for several apps, and they can be reused to develop different solutions more quickly. This way, users can repurpose prebuilt or newly developed modules, plug-ins, and entire applications to rapidly create necessary solutions. Air alliance was looking to future-proof their business, this was surely the way to do it.

Todays clients are seeking fast responses and high-quality problem-solving skills, says Eva Kluge, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Alliances Air Ambulance division. A CRM is a great support to provide the top-notch service that customers are looking for. On the sales and business development side, our teams can see within seconds what requests clients have sent, and they can get a quick record of every interaction so they can provide clients with quick and useful answers.

The implementation of the system was carried out by Qualysoft.

We at Qualysoft are honored to work together with Air Alliance, who helps save lives through speed, precision and excellent medical knowledge and help them to bring their ideas to the next flight level. Not only through the highly recognized low-code/no-code CRM platform from Creatio but also with our highly experienced business analysts, technical experts and successful proven project approach. We are ensuring that Air Alliance can achieve its mission of 'WE FLY FOR YOUR LIFE' even better. Steffen Dudda, General Manager, Qualysoft Germany

Our products and our relationships with customers are focused on empowerment and providing self-sufficiency. It is no secret that in todays highly competitive business environment, companies are seeking intelligent solutions for business process management and CRM to help streamline processes, accelerate operations, and more effectively engage their customers and prospects. We are proud to have partnered with Air Alliance Group to provide them with the competitive edge they need to thrive in the industry. Andrew Fenton, Chief Sales Officer, EMEA & APAC, Creatio.

About Creatio

Creatio is a global software company providing a leading low-code platform for process management and CRM. The company has been highly recognized as a market leader by key industry analysts. Its intelligent products accelerate sales, marketing, service and operations for mid-size and large enterprises. Together with hundreds of partners Creatio operates in 110 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit http://www.creatio.com

About Air Alliance Group

Founded as a small aircraft maintenance company in 1993, Air Alliance has nowadays grown into a substantial business aviation operator and supplier. Today, the portfolio of the Air Alliance Group encompasses air ambulance flights, charter flights, aircraft sales, flight training school and aircraft technology and maintenance. With four offices located in Germany, Austria and the UK. As such, Air Alliance holds a commanding position on the International market. This was further confirmed when Air Alliance won Air Ambulance Company of the Year 2017 at the ITIJ Industry Awards held in Barcelona and again in 2018 at the ITIJ Industry Awards in Geneva. For more information, please visit: http://www.air-alliance.de

About Qualysoft Group

The Qualysoft Group was founded in Vienna in 1999. As an independent IT consultancy and service company, it supports its international customers by providing tailored IT solutions that are both flexible and innovative. For more information, please visit https://qualysoft.com/en
Register for the webinar to learn about the antimicrobial resistance crisis and what the biopharma and healthcare industries can do to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.

The World Health Organization has named antimicrobial resistance, caused by the overuse of antibiotics and other drugs, one of the top ten public health threats. In fact, the next global pandemic could be caused by a multidrug resistant strain of a previously eradicated pathogen.

New and sustainable solutions are necessary to get ahead of the trajectory of antimicrobial resistance. Clinical research has a key role to play in developing the needed solutions to this rising threat and improving existing healthcare tools.

Register for the webinar to learn about the antimicrobial resistance crisis and what the biopharma and healthcare industries can do to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.

Experts from ICON, Shelley McLendon, Vice President, Vaccines and Infectious Disease; and Dr. Caroline Forkin, Vice President, Clinical Research Services at ICON GPHS, will discuss:



Factors contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, including climate change and industrial farming

Why innovation and improvement in diagnostics, preventative measures and novel treatments is crucial

The current regulatory landscape and how industry has responded

Considerations for a successful infectious disease clinical trial, including lessons learned from the race for a COVID-19 vaccine

Opportunities for the post-antibiotic era

Register for the live webinar on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 11am EDT (4pm BST/UK).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Antimicrobial Resistance: How Clinical Research Can Combat an Ensuing Global Crisis.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/


BCA Automation and Robotics BCA has developed an integrated approach to automation, robotics and conveyance systems that has positioned the company for continued growth. Achieving Gold OEM Partner Program status with Rockwell Automation will enable us to better support our customers and build world-class solutions, said Jim

BCA, Boston Conveyor and Automation, is pleased to announce that Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), the worlds largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has awarded the company Gold OEM Partner status within its newly evolved global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Partner Program.

BCA has a long history of delivering solutions based on Rockwell Automation technology. This elevation to Gold OEM Partner status is an achievement few partners make. It is based on total sales and the capabilities of the partner organization. In late 2020, Rockwell Automation evolved its OEM Partner Program globally, establishing levels of participation based on need and output. As a Gold OEM Partner, BCA takes advantage of a true partnership approach with Rockwell Automation with executive-level engagements and alignment with strategic growth opportunities.

BCA has developed an integrated approach to automation, robotics and conveyance systems that has positioned the company for continued growth. Achieving Gold OEM Partner Program status with Rockwell Automation will enable us to better support our customers and build world-class solutions, said Jim Laverdiere, CEO of BCA.

Laverdiere said increased sales and expansion into new verticals have enabled BCA to fulfill the volume, sales and technical requirements that are required to be a Rockwell Automation Gold OEM Partner.

About BCA

BCA is an American company providing automation, robotics and conveyor systems for the food & beverage, life sciences and general industry. With in-house engineering and manufacturing, BCA develops and implements automated systems that meet or exceed our customers goals for improved productivity and reduced costs.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 24,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing The Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com.

Media contacts:

Nate Tennant

BCA http://www.bcasystems.com

978-255-1921
Our new, state-of-the art, distribution center in Columbus, Ohio, will reduce delivery times for a greater percentage of our USA customer base.

Component Hardware Group, a global market leader of innovative design solutions and manufacturer of industrial components and assemblies in food service, healthcare, construction, commercial services and institutions, is pleased to announce that after 40 years of continued growth at their current Lakewood, NJ location, found that their business has outgrown the available warehouse space. As a result, Component Hardware Group is pleased to announce that effective September 1, 2021, they will be opening a new, state-of-the art, distribution center in Columbus, Ohio. The addition of this more geographically central location will reduce delivery times for a greater percentage of their USA customer base and will give Component Hardware Group the much-needed additional warehousing capacity to address the return of demand to their industry and their growing customer base.

The company has already begun ramping up their Columbus operations by hiring a strong core of warehouse and production leaders, designing more efficient processes, and are nearing the completion of the facility. Their Lakewood, NJ and Columbus, OH distribution centers will be running in parallel, and products will continue to be shipped from both locations for the foreseeable future. Additionally, their distribution facilities in Dallas, TX and Fullerton, CA will continue to operate as vital locations to service their USA customers across the country. Their global locations in Europe, Canada and Asia will continue to service customers as usual.

Component Hardware Group are also very excited to announce the opening of their new corporate headquarters in Matawan, NJ. Continued business growth required that they find a larger and more functional home for their employees, business partners and visitors. This location offers a strong foundation to continuously improve their engineering and customer service levels.

About Component Hardware Group, Inc.

Established in 1981, Component Hardware is a global market leader of innovative design solutions and manufacturer of industrial components and assemblies in food service, healthcare, construction, commercial services and institutions. Their customers rely on them to provide casting, forging, stamping, machining, injection molding, extruding, fabrication and custom sub assembly solutions. Their 38 years of mastering their craft, and their revolutionary solutions, along with their extensive global supply chain partnerships, enhance their customers businesses with the latest industry standards and innovation.

They save their customers valuable time as a comprehensive supplier, leaving them free to focus on their businesses instead of multiple supplier transactions. Component Hardware three flagship brands are Keil in refrigeration, Flame Gard for grease filters and cooking hood accessories, and Encore for plumbing hardware. Their formula with every brand begins with designing to customer specifications, manufacturing, and ends with delivering customer a product that enhances their brand image and quality.
We are proud of the incredible work done by so many to bring an end to human trafficking and come together, across borders, to join arms in this vital work," says Erica Greve, CEO and Founder, Unlikely Heroes.

Congressmen, dignitaries, and religious leaders from the United States and Mexico are joining Unlikely Heroes and many other organizations to sign a binational declaration to end Modern Slavery throughout the World on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 6 PM at The Party Room in Miami, FL*.

Unlikely Heroes is honored to co-sponsor this event in partnership with Former Congresswoman of Mexico Rosi Orozco, President of Comision Unidos Vs Trata (United Against Human Trafficking), says Erica Greve, CEO and Founder, Unlikely Heroes. We are proud of the incredible work done by so many to bring an end to human trafficking and come together, across borders, to join arms in this vital work.

In addition to signing the declaration, the Hero award will be given to Ricardo Sodi Cuellar, presiding magistrate of the Superior Court of Justice and of the Council of the Judiciary of the State of Mexico in recognition of his leadership and dedication in this work.

Chief Sodi Cuellars commitment to, and investment in, ending modern slavery has helped elevate the urgency in ending this social injustice, says Rosi Orozco, President of Comision Unidos Vs Trata. Our honoree has the most convictions of johns and traffickers including sex trafficking, forced begging, and forced labor in Mexico. It is incredible the work he has done to bring a lasting change in the region.

Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences will be in attendance. Selected by Pope Francis to serve in this role, he is currently leading a major international, interdisciplinary study of the catastrophic migrations of the 21st Century, with an emphasis on the health, mental health, education and legal protections for forcefully displaced children and youth.

Also in attendance will be FL Rep. Danny Perez, FL Rep. Michael Gottlieb, FL Rep. Tobin Overdorf, FL Senator Ileana Garcia, the President of the Superior Court of Justice of the State of Mexico Magistrate Ricardo Sodi Cuellar and the elected governor of Tlaxcala Lorena. Additional participating organizations include Kaleido Incorporated, Nilsa Alvarez with Patmos Inc, Fundacion Socorro & Francisca Romero Sanchez AC, Fundacion Adriana Castaneda de Rivera, Food for the Poor, Transform World 2033.

This event concludes "10 Days of Activism Against Trafficking" in which advocates and survivor leaders met with legislators in Washington DC, July 26 in conjunction with World Day of Trafficking in Person.

*The Party Room, 801 Brickell Key Blvd, Miami, FL 33131
Lease and Finance Specials at Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield

Good news for the Greenfield drivers who have been thinking about purchasing the new Nissan Murano! Gordie Boucher Nissan is now offering lease and finance specials on the 2021 Nissan Murano S. Customers can take advantage to lease the 2021 Nissan Murano S for $279 per month for 24 months, $2000 down payment, NMAC lease cash $1300 and a total of $3579 due at delivery (to approved credit). The price excludes tax, title, Nissan acquisition fee, license, service fee, and any dealer-installed accessories. Only qualified buyers can get additional conditional rebates that may lower the actual price.

Like other Nissan vehicles, the 2021 Nissan Murano S comes with 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance and a 1-year Boucher exclusive SmartCare Maintenance package.

In addition to having offers on the new Nissan Murano S, Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield has special offers on other new Nissan models that include Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, TITAN and Versa. Interested individuals who want to learn more about each of these specials are encouraged to check out the dealerships special offers page.

Potential customers who would like to learn more about this special offer can visit the dealerships website: https://www.bouchernissangreenfield.com/. Those with queries should contact the Gordie Boucher Nissan of Greenfield sales team directly at 800-709-6857 or visit the dealership in person for a more personal experience. The dealerships showroom is conveniently located at 4141 S 108th St., Greenfield, WI 53228. The sales department hours extend from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Homesome has a great culture, and top-notch engineering talent. I will continue building on this solid foundation and will be scaling engineering and product teams across US & Israel. - Liad Itzhak

Homesome, a leading e-commerce platform that enables independent grocery stores to offer online ordering and same-day delivery to their customers, today announced that Liad Itzhak has joined the executive team as its Chief Technology Officer.

As the Chief Technology Officer, Itzhak will be responsible for leading Homesomes engineering, and delivering transformative products for the grocery industry.

Additionally, Itzhak will be based in Israel and oversee Homesomes newly formed R&D center. Over the course of the next year, Homesome plans to build a team of 50-60 people in Israel focused on R&D.

Prior to Homesome, Liad was Senior Vice President and Israel unit GM at HERE Technologies, leading location data platform, where he led the team of about 250 people. Itzhak also served as a technology executive at Waze where he helped the company grow to millions of active users and to be acquired by Google for $1.10B.

I wasnt really looking for my next role when I learnt about the Homesome opportunity, but the more I talked to the team, and the more I learnt about the vision & the growth, the more I couldnt keep myself from being part of this amazing startup. said Itzhak of his new role. He continued, Homesome has a great culture, and top-notch engineering talent. I will continue building on this solid foundation and will be scaling engineering and product teams across US & Israel.

We are on a bold mission to empower every grocery store build a thriving online business. said Rahul Chabukswar, Founder & CEO of Homesome. Liad brings a wealth of experience in scaling engineering and delivering innovative products at some of the worlds most transformative tech companies. His leadership will be instrumental as we grow Homesome engineering and democratize access to innovative technology across the grocery industry.

ABOUT HOMESOME

San Jose-based Homesome helps grocery stores and supermarkets build a thriving online business. Its e-commerce platform uses proprietary automation and the revolutionary tech to enable 2-week onboarding and operational success for the stores on the new digital channel. The company has experienced rapid growth of over 4000x since its grocery e-commerce platform was launched in June 2018. For more information and grocery stores interested in partnering with Homesome can learn more at http://www.gethomesome.com.

Media Contact:

JMediaHouse

Jason Geller

jason@jmediahouse.com

212-920-0398
Betsy has real-world experience with government programshow decisions are made and how projects are delivered to provide immediate benefits. As a trusted advisor to our public sector clients, that experience is invaluable in understanding how best to engage with them.  Alan Kahn, Co-President, US

HSO, a global Microsoft business transformation partner, is pleased to welcome Betsy Appleby, who has joined the HSO US team as Vice President & Global Industry Director, Public Sector.

In her role, Betsy will lead the companys public sector practice, driving go-to-market strategy and ensuring the delivery of innovative, value-producing solutions based on Microsoft technology. Betsy will work closely with marketing, delivery, and sales to ensure her team is addressing the challenges faced by todays federal, state, and local governments and agencies.

A seasoned industry leader, Betsy specializes in applying technology, building teams, focusing on challenges around acquisition, innovative contracting, and responding to demand. She has committed her career to working on public sector challenges. She began her career in the Department of Defense as a Program Manager where she had the opportunity to lead enterprise scale modernization efforts and later transitioned to working with system integrators and commercial technology companies.

I am hopeful that my passion for solving large scale problems, making a difference, and building partnerships will add value to the HSO team, said Betsy. I am eager to build upon the strong foundation that is already here to reach more customers with HSOs solutions to accelerate digital transformation and enduring modernization.

According to Alan Kahn, Co-President of HSO US, the companys goals for its public sector practice are to continue growing predictably and rapidly to provide increased value to governments of all sizes, and Betsy was the ideal candidate to lead the effort.

Betsy has real-world experience with government programshow decisions are made and how projects are delivered to provide immediate benefits, said Kahn. As a trusted advisor to our public sector clients, that experience is invaluable in understanding how best to engage with them. With Betsy leading the practice, I am confident we can accelerate the time to value of our IP and solutions to have more impact on what governments can do for their citizens.

As an industry veteran, it was important to Betsy that she join an organization with a customer-first mindset. HSOs commitment to customers is compelling, she continued. In the U.S. Army, the Warrior Ethos is to never leave a fallen comrade, and it is clear that HSO takes pride in never leaving a customer behind. I look forward to working with mission-focused teams to support HSOs growth in the public sector.

About HSO:

HSO is a Business Transformation Partner with deep industry expertise and global reach, leveraging the full power of Microsoft technology to transform the way in which people work and how businesses operate, ultimately driving improvements in business performance for our clients.

HSO helps companies modernize business operations, adopt intelligent automation, deliver real-time performance insights and connect the enterprise  accelerating the impact of digital transformation based on Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Azure.

Founded in 1987, HSO has more than 1,200 professionals throughout Europe, North America, and Asia and is one of the worlds top business solution and implementation partners and a member of Microsofts elite Inner Circle representing the top 1 percent of partners worldwide. To learn more, please visit http://www.hso.com
Veteran Maryland business insurance broker Todd Balderson is pleased to announce the launch of his business insurance guide, Protecting the Machine That Prints Your Money.

In his new publication, Balderson shares insights for small business owners based on his 20+ year history in the insurance industry helping protect business owners. The guide includes topics such as:



Understanding the different types of business insurance coverage

How personal insurance can protect small business owners and

Risk tolerance

Balderson stated, over the course of my career, I have seen many business owners risk their livelihood and their future income by not properly insuring their businesses. Baldersons hope is that business owners will take notice of the importance of protecting their business with the proper insurance, noting that for many small business owners their retirement is closely tied to the success of their business.

Anyone interested in getting a copy of Todds small business insurance guide can download it at: https://baldersoninsurance.com/guide/

Todd founded Balderson Insurance Agency in 1996 with the goal of helping his customers get the best protection for the best value. He has continued to provide an unmatched level of guidance to business owners in the Frederick Maryland market as well as surrounding areas in DC, Maryland, and Virginia (The DMV). As an insurance expert, he has been featured in Forbes Magazine as well as other online publications. To learn more about Todd and his company visit https://baldersoninsurance.com/


"We are proud to add our presence in Gurugram with a new state-of-the-art office in a great location. The office's open workstations and collaborative workspaces make the work environment friendly and approachable making it ideal for fostering innovation," said Anudeep Bhatia, CEO Nsight, Inc.

Nsight, Inc., the leading global technology consulting firm that helps organizations orchestrate their Digital Transformation around business solutions in Customer Experience, CPQ, ERP, Robotic Process Automation, Big Data & Analytics, announced that this morning in Gurugram, India, they went live with their 7th business operations office globally and their 2nd in India. The office was inaugurated by Sumit Bhatia, Executive Director and Board Member at Nsight, Inc.

Through this expansion, Nsight is focused on the growth of its offshore development centers, and the new office will enable broader coverage and more robust business continuity capabilities. As a fast-growing technology consulting and implementation services provider, Nsight's global delivery team constitutes the industry's best technology professionals, working towards a common cause, focused on digital Transformation and modernization for their customers.

At the launch event, Sumit said, "I'm thrilled and delighted to be here today, with my colleagues from Nsight, to launch our seventh company office here in Gurgaon  this is truly a world-class facility, in a world-class location  and bears witness to Nsight's formidable extension strategy."

Gurugram is a well-known global corporate hub in Northern India; with world-class infrastructure and an excellent talent pool, this city ranks among the top five preferred destinations in the APAC to set up offices. "We are proud to add our presence here in Gurugram with a new state-of-the-art office in a great location," said Anudeep Bhatia, CEO Nsight, Inc. "The office's open workstations and collaborative workspaces make the work environment friendly and approachable making it ideal for fostering innovation," added Bhatia.

The Gurugram office is envisaged to play a vital role in serving an increasing client base by promoting and ensuring more comprehensive access to diverse business settings. "The new office will spearhead initiatives that will support the Nsight team to leverage new business opportunities catering to the rise in demand for digital transformation in pandemic times," commented Jayesh Rane, VP of Innovation & Digital Transformation.

Vice President of Delivery Dheeraj, speaking on occasion, said, "Opening our office in Gurugram is driven by our success in the country. We are supporting the desire to expand into new geographies so that we can recruit a fresh talent pool for our Delivery, Operations, Sales and Marketing activities."

"I am very excited with the Gurugram office set-up in the prime location of Cybercity, which is also the location of choice for other global giants and fortune 500 companies. It demonstrates Nsight's growth and global expansion in India," commented Rakesh Jangid, VP of Sales. "We are sure about the new opportunities Gurugram office in NCR brings in terms of business and recruitment," added Jangid.

Nsight, Inc. has built an extensive presence globally with key offices in Santa Clara, New Jersey, Texas, Waterloo, Costa Rica, Hyderabad, Gurugram. With this new office, the company will traverse further development avenues in business opportunities, people, and potential.

To know more about Nsight, log on to http://www.nsight-inc.com or contact Marketing@Nsight-Inc.com. Follow them on LinkedIn to stay tuned with their latest updates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsight-inc/
Quintessa Marketing in Oklahoma City We see a community that needs opportunity, with many quality people that are out of work in this city

In 2020, Covid rocked the economic landscape, especially for retail and service companies that relied on retail traffic. The unfortunate results have included businesses shutting their doors forever and good employees finding themselves without a job for the first time in years.

However, throughout 2020 and 2021, Quintessa Marketing, a national leader in helping injury victims find legal counsel, has thrived and launched a new initiative to hire twenty new intake specialists to their call center in Oklahoma City by September 15, 2021.

Jason Love, the Director of Intake at Quintessa Marketing, is leading the initiative. We see two problems that can be fixed here, he said in a recent interview. We see a community that needs opportunity, with many quality people that are out of work in this city. Thats the first. The second is that we have the real need to add quality people to our intake department. This is a win/win situation!

When asked about who would be a good fit for an intake job at Quintessa Marketing, he replied, We have about twenty-five superstars in the department, all with different professional backgrounds. They come from retail, food service, office, warehouse, and other backgrounds. They all have excellent telephone and communication skills. What makes them a perfect fit is their ability to learn quickly coupled with a drive to truly help people that have recently been injured in an accident.

According to the 2019 Census Results, the average annual income for someone residing in Oklahoma City was $30,647. The position compensation is a high hourly wage with bonus structures for individuals to have the opportunity to exceed sixty-thousand dollars in their first year of employment. This is more than double the 2019 average annual income for Oklahoma City.

As for the culture, we asked Mike Walker, who first started with Quintessa Marketing in June of 2020. It is a really unique environment. If you work hard, you are rewarded. It is fast paced, but everyone treats each other like family.

The Quintessa Marketing Oklahoma City headquarters is located in the iconic 50 Penn building in northern OKC. The address is:

Quintessa Marketing

1900 Northwest Expressway

Suite 1600

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

For more information on this and other job opportunities at Quintessa Marketing, visit http://quintessamarketing.com.
Michael Krieg with his wife Mendy "Take a deep breath, and my team will walk through it step by step," says Michael about helping you find the property that best suits your lifestyle in Costa Rica.

Buying real estate in Costa Rica is pretty parallel to how you would do it in your home country, with a few differences. Michael Krieg with United Country Real Estate | International Luxury Properties shares some details and tips regarding real estate transactions so you can wisely invest in Costa Rica.

1.) Find a property you love in an area that suits your lifestyle. To do so, look on local websites rather than just doing a scattershot online search. There is no MLS in Costa Rica, so listings get shared, and some agencies are better at keeping their websites up to date. It is highly recommended to work with an agent in the area you're interested in to help you find properties based on your interests.

2.) It is essential to understand that pricing is always a plus or minus since "comparables" aren't as common in these markets. Michael is ready to work with you to prepare the right offer for you. As in most real estate transactions, assume there will be negotiations with the seller to arrive at an acceptable price for all parties involved.

3.) Agreement - When the agreement is reached, the offer will be formally turned into a Sales and Purchase Agreement. This is similar to the "Earnest Money Contract" used in North America that often agents prepare. In this case, Michael works with an in-house attorney to ensure all work is prepared correctly. The attorney fees are included in the Buyer's Representative cost.

4.) Escrow - Michael and his team will assist you in opening this account. This is often the most challenging part of the process for buyers to understand. To comply with money laundering laws, the escrow company is under the obligation to gather a significant amount of information regarding your finances. They want to establish the source of funds is legal. This is an integral part of the process that has to be done to ensure a successful transaction.

5.) Corporation - It is recommended that a Costa Rican corporation is created and that such corporation is the owner of the property vs. you as the individual. This provides several advantages, especially when it comes to any liability. The process is simple and only takes up to ten days. The attorney Michael works with can assist with setting up all the paperwork. This is an approach that should always at least be discussed.

6.) Once both parties have signed the Sales Purchase Agreement, typically, a ten percent deposit needs to be processed to the Escrow Company. This will trigger the start of the Due Diligence period.

7.) Due Diligence - This involves multiple parties, including but not limited to a surveyor, home inspectors, agents, and municipality. Michael and his attorney will coordinate everything as needed. The recommendation is to do every single part. At the end of this process, you will receive a full report that allows you the opportunity to accept the results or reject any part of them. If there is a "fatal flaw," you can withdraw from the deal and get your deposit back.

8.) Once the Due Diligence report is accepted, the deposit becomes non-refundable. At this point, the remaining balance is due to the escrow company. Closing will happen within a few days, and the property will be recorded to your name or corporation in the National Registry.

9.) Owning Property - You must understand your obligations as a property owner and how to fulfill themknow-how and when to pay utilities and taxes, especially if they are corporate taxes. If not living at the property full time, setting up a bank account in Costa Rica can make payments more manageable.

10.) Fees - the average fee for a real estate transaction is around 4.5%; this includes your due diligence in inspections, required taxes, and closing costs. Of course, all the above items are always negotiable as to who pays. Similar to the United States, a 50/50 split is standard practice.

Many of the details to complete a transaction in Costa Rica look very similar; one of the biggest challenges is time. Time moves slowly in Costa Rica. Contact Michael to learn more about the process and start your search for the property that will suit your lifestyle in Costa Rica.

About United Country

United Country Real Estate is the largest ranch real estate company nationwide and leading, fully integrated network of conventional and auction real estate professionals. The company has been an innovator in lifestyle, ranch, farmland, and country real estate marketing since 1925. United Country supports a combined network of nearly 500 offices and 6,000 real estate professionals across the nation, with a unique, comprehensive marketing program that includes the highest ranked and largest portfolios of specialty property marketing websites, the largest real estate marketing services company, an extensive buyer database of over one million opt-in buyers and exclusive global advertising of properties.
"All-electric aircraft development is one thing; running it efficiently into commercial operation is something really different and this is what Tecnam wants to ensure. - Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director

In this modern world, full of challenges and changes, Tecnam and Rolls-Royce remain more focused on innovative solutions for the future of Green Aviation.

The press briefing was an opportunity to share the Partner Project updates with the public.

Tecnam and Rolls-Royce jointly presented the P-Volt update with an engaging dedicated video. P-VOLT is an all-electric, twin-motor, short-range passenger aircraft whose design is based on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller.

The P-Volt will leverage Tecnams advanced achievements in the 11-seat category aircraft segment. Following decades of study, the P2012 Traveller has established a new global reference point within the twin engine piston marketplace. The P-Volt will be the first cargo, medical evacuation, special mission and commercial passenger aircraft to offer electric propulsion by a manufacturer, raising Tecnams DREAM concept - which stands for Durability, Reliability, Employability, Affordability & Manageability - to a new, unrivalled level of efficiency.

During the Press Conference, Giovanni Pascale Langer, TECNAM Managing Director, announced that Cape Air is committed to the P-VOLT program. Cape Air who is a Part 135 operator will expand its fleet of Tecnam P2012 Travellers with P-Volt aircraft to provide Green Routes within the US. Cape Air and Wideroe, the major Norwegian Regional Airline and first European P-Volt launch customer, will share in this symbolic role towards a worldwide Green Aviation transition.

Dan Wolf, Cape Air Founder and CEO, said: As the launch customer for the TECNAM P2012 Traveller, we are excited by the prospects of an all-electric version. In 2009, Cape Air was the first airline to adopt a strategic commitment to the environment. We look forward to taking the next step in mitigating our carbon footprint.

The Tecnam P-Volt aircraft, with its electric propulsion system completely designed by Rolls-Royce, are all engineered to deliver a sustainable solution for the commuter market. Innovative battery management and the dedicated swappable battery concept will ensure full power availability for quick turnaround times, while preserving battery life and significantly reducing the direct operational cost.

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director: Tecnam is proud to be part of the future of General and Commercial Aviation with partners like Rolls-Royce. Our plan is to provide solutions for a sustainable future that is possible, and that is just a step ahead. Ensuring a green future for aviation is not an ambition anymore; it has become our main goal. Tecnam is committed to the P-Volt project. Starting from the baseline of our P2012 Traveller will also constitute an easier and smoother transition for all current and future P2012 Traveller operators. All-electric aircraft development is one thing; running it efficiently into commercial operation is something really different and this is what Tecnam wants to ensure.

Rob Watson, Director, Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: We are delighted Cape Air has joined Widere in selecting the P-Volt aircraft to support its sustainable aviation ambitions. Rolls-Royce and Tecnam are focused on delivering this zero-emission aircraft for the commuter market. We are the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets and are committed to all our new products being compatible with net zero operations.

Although the color of our company is blue, the color of the future is green, said David Copeland new Sales Director of Tecnam US. This is why we decided to move towards the direction of pioneering sustainable flights. A zero emission, low noise multi-mission flight that will change the way we fly and we live.

Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widere, added: We are highly excited to be offered the role as launch operator, but also humble about the challenges of putting the worlds first zero emissions aircraft into service. Our mission is to have all new capabilities, processes and procedures required for a zero emissions operator, designed and approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc:

1. Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030. We joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, and have committed to ensuring our new products will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with net zero by 2050.

2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.

3. Annual underlying revenue was 11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested 1.25 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.

4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

About Wideroe:

Widere is the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, with a staff of 2,500 and a turnover of NOK 3.5 billion. The company carries around 2.8 million passengers annually and flies to over 40 domestic and international destinations.

In 2018 Widere launched of the brand new Embraer 190-E2 aircraft. Widere is the first airline in the world to put the Embraer E190-E2 into commercial operations.

About TECNAM; Quality Aircraft since 1948

Tecnam's roots go all the way back to the Italian brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale who began to develop and produce innovative aircraft soon after the end of WWII. Since those early beginnings, the family has continued to create original models, first gaining worldwide recognition under the name Partenavia, which translates as " Naples Aviation".

Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam was established in March 1986 and now operates in two production facilities. The Casoria facility is located adjacent to Naples Capodichino International Airport, while the main factory is next to the Oreste Salomone Airport in Capua. Recently new facilities were established in Sebring, Florida, USA and in Australia to serve and support the needs of Tecnams local owners and operators.
Vinitaly International Academy - Press event at Colangelo & Partners Office Tasting Room in New York I realised underrepresented groups have not received appropriate support and attention during the development of the VIA program. We would now like to make up for lost time by offering a tuition waving program.

Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International and the founder of Vinitaly International Academy, together with VIA faculty member Henry Davar, hosted media and trade for an exclusive happy hour tasting benchmark Italian wines and discovering the structure and impact of the VIA programme. During the event, Stevie Kim announced a new scholarship focusing on diversity and inclusion, enabling new students access to this unique Italian wine education program. I realised underrepresented groups have not received appropriate support and attention during the development of the VIA program, Kim said. We would now like to make up for lost time by offering a tuition waving program. Students will be able to apply immediately for the VIA Courses running in the USA on September 13-15 in Boston, Houston and Seattle.

Henry Davar welcomed guests in person, with Stevie Kim attending virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. This first ever aperitivo in collaboration with Colangelo & Partners put the spotlight on the Vinitaly International Academy. This path to knowledge began in 2015 and has seen almost 900 students take the course. To date the program has produced 259 certified Italian Wine Ambassadors, 15 of which are Experts, from all over the world. Henry Davar was the first Ambassador to become an Expert upon the first attempt and he is joined by Sarah Heller MW and Francesco Marchio as the VIA Faculty, supported by Professor Attilio Scienza as Scientific Consultant, with the patronage of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).

The Happy Hour was an opportunity for guests to participate in an expertly guided tasting of key Italian wines, and to understand the importance of this top level certification program. VIAs dedication to a deep dive into Italian wine was demonstrated by Henrys unparalleled discussion of Italian wine grapes and zones, with his goal of giving the history and backstory to connect students to the past and the romance of 500+ native grapes. The constant input of new information makes for compelling storytelling, Henry says, as he explains the formalisation of the course and the ongoing collecting and gathering of new material. Books written specifically for the course include Italian Wine Unplugged, Sangiovese, Lambrusco and Other Wine Stories, The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine and The Jumbo Shrimp Guide to International Grape Varieties, proving the commitment of VIA to providing the most in depth and rigorous course of Italian wine study.

After the tasting, Stevie Kim concluded the event with her signature call to action to everyone in the room, spread the gospel of Italian wine, with the VIA program truly providing an incomparable path to Italian wine knowledge.

About: Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. It offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that will teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner. VIAs main objective is to foster a global network of highly qualified professionals such as Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts: in turn, they will support and promote Italian wine throughout the world. VIA was founded by Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International. The new VIA ecosystem avails of the guidance of Italian trade associations Federdoc, Federvini, Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, and Unione Italiana Vini as members of the Institutional Advisory Board. Italian vine genetics scholar, Prof. Attilio Scienza, oversees VIAs scientific and educational direction as the Chief Scientist. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW and Henry Davar teach the flagship Italian Wine Ambassador course. To date there are 259 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors and 15 Italian Wine Experts.
A key feature of the Future Together, Jeans Forever campaign is the digital clothing line American Eagle is launching simultaneously with the upcoming back-to-school offering in partnership with Snapchat and Bitmoji. The campaigns digital doppelganger line features an innovative augmented reality experience that allows Snapchat users and American Eagle fans worldwide to outfit the Bitmoji avatars of American Eagle brand ambassadors Addison, Chase, Madison, Caleb, and Jenna in clothing from the retailers Future Together, Jeans Forever line, as well as use their phones self-facing camera to try on and shop select looks themselves. Users are also able to dress their own personal Bitmoji avatars in the American Eagle x Bitmoji back-to-school clothing collection using both the Snapchat and Bitmoji apps, and the Dress Yourself tool.

Connecting with customers through augmented reality and other solutions that allow for a wide range of digital self expressions is becoming increasingly popular as consumers live more and more in curated online spaces and the metaverse at large. In PSFK's latest report about Exploring Social Media's Growing Commerce Ambitions, our research have noted the continued rise of avatar-outfit customization and personalized digital appearance options using augmented reality and virtual try-ons for consumers personalized avatars as a new space for fashion retailers, and tools like Snapchats Dress Yourself, to offer new marketing channels for brands to engage with their audience by providing fun and innovative features that surprise and delight. Combining appealing influencer personalities, both real-life and virtual-avatar-based, and the latest technological trends, like augmented reality, provides a potent way for brands to speak to and with their Gen Z, millennial, and younger customers.

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This article originally appeared in PSFKs research paper, Exploring Social Medias Growing Commerce Ambitions
When I was growing up in the early 1960s, a bookmobile arrived every other Friday in my hometown of South Fallsburg, N.Y., a small community about 100 miles northwest of New York City. On those days, my mother would send me off with the New York Times bestseller list and her highlighted selections, and I would take out as many books as I could carry home to satisfy two weeks of obsessive family reading, until the next bookmobile visit.

Books would become essential to my childhood. But as I wrote in a previous column, when I was growing up I had little idea that childrens books even existed. My small hometown did not have a public library. And my parents did not have the resources to create a home library for four kids. But books were always around, so I learned to read early and I would eagerly read whatever my mother and older sister were readingseries books like Julie Campbells Trixie Belden detective books and Margaret Suttons Judy Bolton mysteries, and the fiction and nonfiction that my mother loved: Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis and Cheaper by the Dozen by Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

What I would learn later in life is that my love of books and reading was in fact made possible with help from the federal government. My familys bookmobile benefactor was funded by the 1956 Library Services Acta groundbreaking piece of federal legislation that expanded library service to rural communities, created new library systems, and strengthened existing state library networks. In 1964 this legislation morphed into the Library Services and Construction Act, part of Lyndon Johnsons War on Poverty. The program was life changing for me, as it was for millions of Americans.

In the 1970s, however, federal support for libraries began to wane. And even though the Library Services and Technology Act established the IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Service) in 1996, federal funding for libraries has never really recovered the momentum of the early 1960s. Over the past three decades, library supporters have had to fight hard virtually every year just to maintain modest levels of federal support.

Once in a lifetime

The last 18 months with Covid-19 has been a historically difficult period. But with the rollout of safe and incredibly effective vaccines, we can now see the way forward. And if there is a silver lining as we prepare to hopefully come out of this pandemic, it is that the important work of libraries has once again gained the attention of Congress.

In 2020, lawmakers appropriated an additional $50 million in relief funding to be distributed to libraries via the IMLS through the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act). And in March of 2021, IMLS received another $200 million boost to distribute via the American Rescue Plan Act the largest single investment in the agencys 25-year history.

Building on that support, Congress last month approved significant increases in annual federal library funding in the FY2022 budget, including a $25 million increase for the IMLS that includes a $9 million increase for the LSTA (the Library Services and Technology Act); a $3 million increase in IAL funding (Innovative Approaches to Literacy); an additional $37 million for the Library of Congress, and new funding for Native American libraries, as well as other institutions that serve diverse populations, including historically black colleges and universities.

These increases are the result of months of hard work by ALA advocates and library supporters. And that work continues. The Houses package of seven spending bills is now with the Senate, which will need to pass them by October 1, or pass a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown.

 ALA must focus on harnessing the power of our members, supporters, and allies to ensure that the commitment lawmakers are now showing libraries becomes permanent. 

After years of advocacy work by the library community, the pandemic has finally made support for universal broadband access a priority as well.

The Emergency Educational Connections Act, passed in March as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, provided a one-time $7.17 billion appropriation to connect students and library patrons struggling with internet access issues. And in July, ALA officials applauded the introduction of the SUCCESS Act, which, if passed, would provide an additional $8 billion annually to libraries and schools over five years$40 billion in totalto support things like Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices to students, staff, and library patrons.

Also on the table is the Build Americas Libraries Act (S. 127/H.R. 1581), a bill that would earmark $5 billion in funding for library construction and renovation in communities across America. And, of course, there is the most important piece of legislation of all: a potential multi-trillion dollar infrastructure package. This once-in-a-lifetime legislation absolutely must include support for libraries and library services. After all, the fabric of America is stitched together with the more than 116,000 libraries of all types, critical infrastructure indeed.

In 2021, libraries are at an inflection point. With billions in federal funding at stake to build, rebuild, and to reinvest in Americas libraries and library services, library supporters must see this moment for what it is: an opportunity to truly transform libraries and the future of federal library support.

I call on library leaders, including ALA, to recognize that in this moment advocacy is the key to the future of libraries. In the coming months, ALA must focus on harnessing the power of our members, supporters, and allies to ensure that the commitment lawmakers are now showing libraries becomes permanent.

Vital to this effort, I believe ALA must increase support for its Office for Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C. (formerly known as the Washington Office). Over the years, this office has proven to be a tremendous asset to the library community, delivering significant legislative and policy wins with limited resources. With so much now on the line, ALA leaders must ensure that the support is there to strengthen existing relationships in Congress, develop new relationships with national leaders and federal agencies, and to work effectively in partnership with our alliesincluding the publishing industry.

And I call on publishing leaders and authors to join library supporters in our advocacy efforts. One of the key takeaways from the pandemic is that it is time to finally come to an equitable resolution to the decade of tension that has permeated the library e-book market. With access to physical library collections restricted by the pandemic in 2020, digital lending in libraries surgedand yet, so too did publishers consumer sales. That's because libraries, publishers, and authors are partners in the reading enterprise. And the data from the last 18 months only reinforces my long-held belief that if we all pulled more in the same direction in the digital market, everyone would benefit: authors, publishers, libraries, and especially readers.

Marching on Washington

I offer kudos to ALA for the hard work that has gone into hosting three successful, major online conferences over the last year, including the excellent 2021 annual conference this past June.

The ALA 2021 Annual Conference opening with Amanda Gorman, Loren Long, and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden was worth the price of admission alone. And I appreciated the extensive educational program, where I learned a lot about a range of topics, including librarianship in the age of Covid-19, and the need to prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion in libraries, in librarianship, and in our communities.

But where, I must ask, was advocacy? Where was the track or, better yet, the all-conference, no-conflict session that had us cheering for the current success in securing huge increases in federal funding, trumpeting how this funding will be used to help our communities, and strategizing about how we can take libraries to the next level? Sure, there were committee meetings hosted by advocacy and legislative groups. But in light of current events, I believe advocacy demands a much more prominent role.

No question, virtual conferences and meetings have presented an opportunity for greater engagement from ALA members who were previously excluded from traveling to ALA conferences, something ALA must and will surely continue to build on post-pandemic. At the same time, it feels like serendipity that next years ALA Annual Conference is scheduled to kick off in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2022.

With the delta variant currently surging among the unvaccinated, ensuring the safety of our library workers and our communities remains our top priority. But with any luck (and a lot of hard work) vaccination levels will rise sharply in the coming months, and we will finally turn the tide against Covid-19. And I urge ALA leadership to start now in preparing the associations members, vendors, publishers, and affiliates to arrive in Washington, D.C., in 2022 with a powerful rallying cry: libraries have proven we are essential, and we must be funded like we are essential.

In the 1960s, a federally funded biweekly bookmobile made huge difference in my life. Just think of the difference we can make in peoples lives with todays powerful information technology, and with the kind of major government investments now on the table. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by.

PW columnist Sari Feldman is an ALA policy fellow, the former executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Cleveland, and a past president of both the Public Library Association (20092010) and the American Library Association (20152016).
Citing the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19, Hachette Book Group has reversed a decision announced in July to reopen for in-person work at HBG offices this September. Prior plans had called for a hybrid working model requiring employees to work in-person at least two days a week.

In a letter to employees released yesterday, CEO Michael Pietsch wrote: "We have decided to postpone the reopening of our offices, which had been set for September. We have not set a new reopening schedule at this time. When we decide it is safe to proceed with reopening, we will provide a minimum of four weeks notice before we proceed."

Currently, the New York City offices are open for those who want to use them, though they are limited in capacity. In addition, Pietsch's letter yesterday said that, "beginning the week of August 9, any employee who wishes to visit an HBG office will be required to provide proof of vaccination in advance. Face coverings will also be required in our offices at all times, unless you are alone in a conference room or at your desk without anyone in an adjoining cubicle."

Meetings to plan reopening have been rescheduled, and further information is forthcoming, Pietsch said.
HAMMOND, Ind.  The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (Aug. 6) ratified two professor positions, awarded a posthumous degree and approved resolutions of appreciation for friends of the university.

The two newly ratified professors are:

* Senay Simsek, who was named the Deans Chair in Food Science.

* Richard (Mark) French, who was named the 150th Anniversary Professor of Engineering Technology.

Simsek came to Purdue as a tenured full professor and department head of food science in July from North Dakota State University. She is an innovative food biochemist, recognized nationally and internationally for her contributions in cereal chemistry and carbohydrate science. Simseks research program includes both applied research providing support to wheat growers and end users, and basic research addressing a fundamental understanding of wheat and flour biochemistry and its role in human health and nutrition. Her work has resulted in direct, actionable solutions for improving wheat quality and safety. Simsek also is highly regarded as an inspirational teacher and she has won several national and international awards for teaching and research, including the U.S. Quality Grains Research Consortium 2020 Andersons Cereals and Oilseeds Award of Excellence, Excellence in Teaching Award from the Cereal and Grains Association, and Young Scientists Research Award from the American Association of Cereal Chemists. She has published more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and obtained more than $10 million in grants for her research efforts.

French came to Purdue in 2004 as an assistant professor in the School of Engineering Technology after a career as a civilian aerospace engineer in the U.S. Air Force and as both an engineer and manager in the auto industry. He subsequently was promoted to associate professor in 2009 and full professor in 2015. His areas of specialty are industrial support, experimental mechanics and stringed instrument design. French developed a unique guitar-making program  the STEM Guitar project  to teach technical subjects through a method both compelling and effective. The project is in its 10th year, has been shared with 800 teachers in 48 states and, through them, has reached more than 20,000 students. French also produces a popular YouTube channel called PurdueMET, with more than 400 videos (and 51,000-plus subscribers) designed to make engineering and engineering technology fun for students all over the world. Frenchs honors include the Salinger Award for Enhancing STEM Education from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, as well as the Purdue Book of Great Teachers, Purdue Teaching Academy and the Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching. The 150th Anniversary Professorships recognize Purdue faculty who have shown the highest levels of achievement in the universitys teaching and learning mission.

Trustees awarded a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in physics from IUPUI to Rutuj S. Gavankar. Deceased students who have earned at least 85% of their credit-hour requirements and satisfied most of the requirements for a major may be nominated for a posthumous degree.

In other action, the board approved resolutions of appreciation for those who recently contributed $1 million or more to the university. Those are William Elmore, to support the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; James and Cheryl McCarthy, to support the College of Health and Human Sciences; the estate of Harriet Crews and Sandra Biggs, to support the College of Liberal Arts; John and Michele Carroll, to support the College of Engineering and Purdue Polytechnic Institute; and Alexander and Helena Galezewski, to support Purdue University. In recognizing these donors, trustees further approved the naming of the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Michele and John Carroll Commons in Engineering and Polytechnic Gateway Complex, and the Hale Family Foundation Biology Laboratory and Hale Family Foundation Chemistry Laboratory in Chaney-Hale Hall.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.

Sources: Jay Akridge

Christine Armes

April Heady

Senay Simsek

Mark French
Students get hands-on experience in the newly named Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the largest academic unit at Purdue.
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At first, the White House insisted it did not have legal authority to extend a national eviction moratorium. After all, the Supreme Court had ruled only Congress could do so. But then Rep. Cori Bush camped out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol instead of heading home to Missouri, progressives raised a national uproar, and millions of Americans behind in their rent gained new hope.

In a remarkable reversal Tuesday, less than 24 hours after White House adviser Gene Sperling stood in the briefing room repeatedly telling reporters exactly why the administration saw no way to legally extend the moratorium, the Centers for Disease Control announced a ban on evictions till early October.

The new ban looks a lot like the old ban, and even President Biden said the day it was announced that the bulk of scholars say it is not likely to pass constitutional muster.

Was it the view of the White House that this surprising step was unconstitutional but necessary? I didnt say that, press secretary Jen Psaki told RealClearPolitics at Wednesdays briefing. Biden wouldnt have moved forward, she said in reply to a follow-up query, if he was not comfortable with the legal justification. RealClearPolitics raised that question again on Thursday with the president himself. And while he said he believes the new ban is in line with the law of the land, he could not answer for the Supreme Court. At very least, Biden added, the ban was necessary to buy renters some time.

I can't guarantee you the court wont rule that we don't have that authority, but at least we'll have the ability to, if we have to appeal, to keep this going for a month. At least. I hope longer, he said during a White House briefing.

It was the latest in a showdown between a president who fancies himself something of a second FDR and a Supreme Court controlled by a conservative majority. After taking a lap around the White House driveway in a brand new all-electric Jeep, Biden stepped out from behind the wheel and tried to explain one last time why I did what I did.

The president said he was frustrated that $45 billion in pandemic relief meant to help leasers and landlords was sitting in the state treasuries right now. The money had already been congressionally appropriated to keep renters in their homes and to help rental companies keep their business going. Then, the high court made its ruling in June: The court ruled by  and made it very clear  the Supreme Court said, You can't do that. You dont have the authority to do that.

So, Biden started working the phones, calling legal scholars outside the White House counsels office, and they told him you have the authority to do it but, in this court, who knows? the president told RCP. He wont have to wait too long for an answer. The new ban runs through Oct 3. The nations highest court returns from summer recess the very next day.

But the outcome may already be clear. In my view, clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation) would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium past July, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in June, after casting the deciding vote that allowed the earlier eviction ban to remain only until the end of July.

Writing in Reason magazine, Georgetown University law professor Ilya Somin predicted that the new order was dead in the water. The new moratorium is an only slightly scaled down version of the old. As such, it has virtually all the same flaws and legal vulnerabilities. Pretty much every legal argument raised against the original moratorium  and accepted in numerous judicial rulings against it  also applies to the new one. Meet the new moratorium, same as the old moratorium!

Not so, said Laurence Tribe, the Harvard law professor whom the White House sought out for legal advice. I think the odds are greater this time around, he told Politico, noting that the new ban might survive Kavanaugh and his conservative colleagues because the initial moratorium was nationwide and not targeted in health-specific terms that are of a sort that fit the mandate of the CDC.

Republicans are already arguing that Biden violated the oath he swore to defend and uphold the Constitution. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell summed up that argument when blasting the administration in a floor speech for using this terrible but temporary pandemic to be their Trojan horse for permanent socialism.

Sen. Mike Lee opposes the new ban, but the Utah Republican and former Supreme Court litigator told RCP that if I were advising him, I would advise him to rescind what he said previously. And in a hurry.

An ordinary litigant in front of a court would not want to have said things like that, Lee said of Bidens remarks in the White House driveway, because when it becomes apparent that someone's looking to play the judicial system in order to achieve a short-term benefit and delay the moment when what they're doing is deemed unlawful, the courts tend not to look very favorably on that.

And Lee likened the answer that Biden gave to a litigant saying, I know what Im doing is super shady, and Lee argued that the comment reflects a certain amount of disrespect towards the constitutional system. He predicted that any judge might express profound displeasure with that type of move.

Some Republicans are so displeased with Biden they are talking about removing him from office. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas said the president was purposefully and willfully acting contrary to the Constitution. He called it an impeachment two-fer. Lee blunted that impulse by noting that political arithmetic  namely, Democrats control of both chambers of Congress makes the question essentially moot, at least on something like this.

That doesnt make the offense any less serious in his eyes. The Enlightenment principles that inform the Constitution themselves teach us that the government can't deny property owners of their property rights without due process of law, and that's what we're facing here, Lee said.

His advice? I think the president needs to take a mulligan on this one.
President Biden recently announced candidates to key international religious freedom positions at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Given the way religious persecution is spreading relentlessly across the globe, the move is welcome. But theres a problem. The nominees are strong partisans and, in several cases, that  more than actual experience with the relevant issues  seems to dominate the administrations selection criteria.

Lets take a look at who they are.

Biden plans to nominate Rashad Hussain as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, a job done with enormous distinction by Sam Brownback under the previous administration. During the Obama administration, Hussein specialized in fighting anti-Semitism and protecting religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries. That could be a useful credential. If confirmed, he would be the first Muslim in the post.

The president has also nominated Deborah Lipstadt (pictured) as special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, with the rank of ambassador. Lipstadt is a heavy-hitter: one of the world's foremost scholars of the Holocaust. She is also a brazen partisan. During the 2020 election, Lipstadt compared President Trump to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. She also downplayed Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnocks history of anti-Semitism. Lipstadts intemperate partisanship undermines her credibility for such an important post, and her nomination has already met with opposition.

You may remember one of Bidens appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Hes Khizr Khan, founder of the Constitution Literacy and National Unity Project  but better known as the Pakistani-born father of the U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, killed in action in Iraq. A Harvard-trained lawyer, hes described by the White House as an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity  which, of course, religious freedom is. But Khan is better known for brawling with the Trump campaign than for work on religious freedom. He made headlines at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, during which he harshly criticized then-Republican nominee for president Donald Trump. At the 2020 Democratic convention, Khan represented delegates from the Commonwealth of Virginia, officially voting for Joe Biden.

The other appointment to the Commission on International Religious Freedom is Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum. Kleinbaum previously served on the commission in 2019-2020. She is the leader of a congregation in New York City, an adviser to Mayor Bill de Blasio and a campaigner for LGBTQ rights. Kleinbaum is married to Randi Weingarten, current president of the second largest teacher union in the country, the American Federation of Teachers. A longtime supporter of Democratic candidates, Kleinbaum made a sizeable donation of $1,750 to the Biden campaign last year.

Youll have noticed that not one of the prospective nominees is a Christian, despite the fact that Christians make up 80% of victims of religious persecution globally. But the faith of Bidens nominees should be irrelevant, so long as they are indeed committed to the cause of religious freedom.

President Trumps IRF Ambassador, Sam Brownback, was committed to the rights of people of all faith traditions to be free from coercion and oppression. A Catholic convert, Brownback emphasized the religious dimension to the daily assaults on human rights against the Uyghur Muslims in China. He also denounced the religious cleansing of the Myanmar Rohingya. Brownback also forged alliances with other nation-states by hosting the first two Ministerials to Advance Religious Freedom. When no country assumed the responsibility this year, Brownback organized an International Religious Freedom Summit last month. Filling Brownbacks shoes will most certainly be a challenge. Failing to meet the challenge will be disastrous.

Earlier this year, the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International published some troubling findings about the state of religious liberty across the globe. The 800-page ACN report notes that hints at religious-freedom violations observed in our 2018 report accelerated and expanded to the current situation. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the severity of religiously-motivated persecution and oppression.

President Bidens nominees for important religion posts must be ready to roll up their sleeves and advance the cause of religious freedom for everyone, everywhere, all the time. And before getting started they should be pressed to answer whether they will vigorously defend religious freedom or are more interested in advancing the far-left agenda of the Biden administration.
Good morning, its Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, the day of the week when I reprise quotations intended to be uplifting or educational. Todays edition comes from Louella O. Parsons, a once-famous Hearst newspapers gossip columnist and syndicated radio host. During Hollywoods formative years, Parsons wielded inordinate power over the U.S. film industry. Along with her main competitor and arch-rival Hedda Hopper, these two women boasted a newspaper and radio audience of 75 million -- at a time when newspapers and radio were king, and the United States had half as many people as it does today.

Both women were the product of another era entirely. For one thing, they cheerfully lied about their age (among other biographical details). Parsons claimed to have been born in 1893, for instance, even though the real year was 1881. When pressed on her own birthday, Hopper would quip that she was one year younger than the age Louella claims to be. That said, Louella Parson was born on this date, Aug. 6, in the Illinois town of Freeport, and raised in Dixon, the hometown of future U.S. president Ronald Reagan.

Ill have a brief word about this duo -- Parsons and Hopper, not Parsons and Reagan -- in a moment. First, Id point you to RCPs front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion pieces spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters, columnists, and contributors, including the following:

* * *

Bidens Eviction Moratorium Creates a Constitutional Pickle. Phil Wegmann has the story.

Religious Freedom Nominees Must Protect All Faiths. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer assesses the key appointees, and urges them to resist putting partisan agendas over safeguarding rights universally.

Could School Board Elections Have an Impact on CRT in America? At RealClearPolicy, Todd Carney examines how debate over critical race theory has prompted ideological battles in school board elections.

Chinas Nuclear Threat Against Japan. At RealClearDefense, Adam Cabot spotlights a belligerent video that appears to signal a change in the Xi regimes no first use policy.

Infrastructure Bill May Spell Doom for Residential Natural Gas. At RealClearEnergy, Ben Lieberman warns that the bill enables the federal government to influence state and local building codes so as to disfavor natural gas lines in homes.

Neil Postman on Education, Technology and Purpose. At RealClearEducation David Diener considers the late NYU professors concern that, amid a glut of information, students dont know how to discern what is useful or important from what is not.

* * *

Although her popular gossip column was a creation of both the powerful studio producers who ruled Hollywood in the early 20th century and publisher William Randolph Hearst, Louella Parsons was a force of nature herself. The same was true of Hedda Hopper. Although the studio moguls propped up Hoppers career as a gossip columnist as a counterweight to Parsons, the result was a fierce competition between the two that eventually made almost anyone and everything in Tinseltown fair game. (I say almost because the two rivals, apparently without speaking to each other about it, never ratted out Spencer Tracys longstanding love affair with Katharine Hepburn).

In any event, at one point the studio heads, apparently trying to control the double-headed Frankenstein monster they had helped create, arranged a detente lunch between the columnists. This was in the spring of 1948 at Romanoffs, the upscale Rodeo Drive restaurant one would patronize if the goal was to be seen publicly.

As Amy Fine Collins wrote in a 1997 Vanity Fair piece about the two women, Romanoffs customers, who probably wouldnt have blinked if Harry Truman himself had walked in on the elbow of Stalin, stampeded for the telephones to broadcast the news to the outside world. Hedda Hopper later noted that these phone calls brought in a mob of patrons who stood six deep at the bar to witness our version of the signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty.

It was an apt analogy. Two hours later, the famous frenemies walked out of Romanoffs arm in arm. Peace, Hedda wrote in her 1952 memoir, its wonderful! But it didnt last.

The episode reminds me of bouts of bipartisanship that break out in Washington just in time to avert disaster -- or sometimes dont. It was good for business for Parsons and Hopper to kiss and make up, but it was better for business when they feuded. Besides, and this also echoes many of todays partisan vendettas, we should never underestimate the personal dimension of politics. When asked whether Hopper and Parsons liked each other, Louella replied, So many people say we do not. Who are we to argue against such an enthusiastic majority opinion?

And thats our quote of the week.

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
About six weeks ago, I wrote a piece urging that the United States take the lead in vaccinating the world. The case for doing so is even more compelling now.

Yes, we've been scratching and clawing at one another domestically over vaccine hesitancy, vaccine disinformation, vaccine mandates, masks, schools and every other damn thing. It's a disgrace that right-wing infotainers have made basic public health the enemy. Masks and vaccines are weak, they sneer, while simultaneously declaring that any effort to mandate them is communism.

But consider how the vaccinophobes would feel if vaccination became the next great American gift to humanity.

Let's start with the selfish reasons to do this.

An American-led, global effort to vaccinate the whole planet would be fantastic for our reputation. The American brand has taken some hits since we presided over Pax Americana in the post-World War II era. The Iraq War, with its images of Abu Ghraib, did real damage. The election of Donald Trump and his truculent "America First" posturing further eroded our standing. The arrival of COVID-19 on the heels of this new American unsteadiness spurred even more suspicion of trade and international travel and led to what the World Bank called "viral protectionism." While understandable in the first throes of a deadly disease, the long-term consequences of reduced trade would be ruinous -- for the United States as much as for other nations. Contrary to the fantasies of some Trumpian protectionists, the U.S. is the world's largest trading nation. Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside our borders, and we've been flourishing by catering to those consumers. A 2019 survey found that 1 in 5 of us is employed because of international trade.

So, we want a healthy world that can buy our products and sell us things we need and desire. And we want to be perceived by people from Mexico to Malaysia as a benevolent power that looks out for its citizens first but also considers the well-being of humanity.

Further, as we learned in 2020 (if we didn't understand it already), we cannot wall ourselves off from diseases that cross borders. If COVID-19 variants are stewing in low-vaccination countries such as India, Ukraine and Nigeria, they can and will threaten the rest of the globe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises that the delta variant, which arose in India, is more transmissible than the common cold, the 1918 Spanish flu, smallpox, Ebola, MERS and SARS. It also makes people sicker than the original COVID-19.

Here's another reason to vaccinate the world: As I noted in my earlier piece, our vaccines advertise the greatness of America. They work -- unlike the inferior products produced by China and Russia. Innovation is one of our strengths, and what better advertisement can there be for an open, entrepreneurial system than a wonder drug that so successfully combats the deadly plague that has plunged the world into chaos?

What about the price? Nothing is free. It is estimated that the cost of vaccinating all 7.8 billion humans (assuming that the vaccine will eventually be approved for children) would be somewhere between $50 and $70 billion. That's it. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost to the U.S. economy from COVID-19 over 10 years will be $7.9 trillion. The U.S. government spent $5.3 trillion (so far) to mitigate the pandemic's effects. These sums do not include the emotional cost of more than 600,000 lives lost, the fatherless and motherless children or the thousands suffering "long-haul COVID-19." It does not include the social and emotional cost of more than a year of lost schooling and the forfeited potential advancement of millions of women who left the labor force.

Yes, $50 to $70 billion is a lot of money, but it's dirt cheap compared with the costs of COVID-19. Democrats and Republicans are currently considering a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Fine, but the problems the infrastructure bill addresses are long-term; they are not emergencies.

Consider that the next variant may be even worse than delta. It may, rather than mostly sparing the young as the current iteration does, target them as the 1918 flu did. It is no disrespect to the old (I'm getting there myself) to say that that would be infinitely worse.

Though we can easily afford the cost of vaccinating the world, we really wouldn't need to shoulder the whole burden ourselves. If President Joe Biden led an effort by the wealthy nations of the world, he would surely find willing partners. He could request an emergency session of the G-20 to get this moving.

Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were fond of quoting Alexis de Tocqueville to the effect that "America is great because she is good." Alas, like so many famous quotations, this one is made up. But it's not a stretch to suggest that the reason the fake quote resonated was that it captured an aspiration. For all of our many flaws, there is something in the American soul that longs for righteousness, that is willing to undertake burdens, that feels a sense of mission to lift up a battered world.

Vaccinating the world is within our scope, and though it would redound to our benefit as much as anyone's, it would nevertheless be an act of vision and even nobility. It would honor our forebears and inspire our descendants.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM
Netflix has acquired the distribution rights to The Lost Daughter, the feature directorial debut of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.

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Gyllenhaal also wrote the script, based on Elena Ferrante's 2006 novel about a woman who confronts her past troubles during a beach vacation.

The movie was filmed in Greece last year and will have its world premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

Netflix previously released Gyllenhaal's 2018 film, The Kindergarten Teacher.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Netflix again," Gyllenhaal said in a statement Thursday.

"They have supported so much of the work I am most proud of, and this is no exception. Netflix has consistently championed filmmakers that excite and inspire me and I'm delighted to be included in that company."

The Lost Daughter's ensemble includes Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Mescal, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ed Harris and Dagmara DomiAczyk.
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...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values 105 to 109 expected. * WHERE...Portions of eastern North Carolina. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
When its summer, the sound of lawnmowers fill the air as people take care of their yards. Patrick Ericson, with EH&P Green, brings a quieter noise to lawn care, using all battery operated equipment, Ericson is about to cut down on the noise when working on peoples lawns, but also cut o
Susan Wheeler, associated with the Vermont Summer Festival from its inception, was honored with a trophy named after her recognizing her love of horses.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

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Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

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Tim Wessel currently serves in his fifth year on the Brattleboro Select Board, after serving as both Chair and Vice-Chair. He writes twice monthly on the convergence of politics and policy in Windham County. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer.
2020 Drama Desk Award nominees Josh Aviner and Lyndsay Magid Aviner of Hideaway Circus are proud to announce the launch of Stars Above, a brand new, open-air circus touring the Northeast region of the U.S. this August and September.
Lauretta Daniel Summers, 92, of Summersville passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Emmett Johnson and Louetta Jarrell Daniel and was born at Glen Rodgers April 16, 1929. Mrs. Summers was a 1947 graduate of Trap Hill High School in Raleigh County and the Char
The bridge, built in 1941 to provide access from downtown Bluefield and Princeton Avenue to the towns North End and East Side, has been closed since June 2019, leaving motorists with a lengthy detour to get in and out of those parts of town. Submitted photo.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Arkansas ban on mask mandates faced new legal challenges -- including from a school district where more than 800 staff and students are quarantining because of a COVID-19 outbreak -- and defiance from the mayor of the state capital as Republican lawmakers rejected efforts to roll back the prohibition.

The Little Rock and Marion school districts asked a state judge to block the law Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in April prohibiting schools and other governmental bodies from requiring masks. Little Rock's mayor, meanwhile, issued an order requiring masks in the city's public spaces.

Hutchinson called the Legislature back into session this week to consider rolling back the ban for schools but faced heavy opposition from fellow Republicans. There have been growing calls to lift the ban as Arkansas' coronavirus cases spiral ahead of classes resuming statewide later this month.

But a House committee Thursday rejected two proposals to allow school boards to require masks in buildings where children under 12 may be present. The move means lawmakers on Friday will likely adjourn the session called to revisit the bans without any action on the issue.

Hutchinson said he was disappointed by the Legislature's refusal to act.

It is conservative, reasonable and compassionate to allow local school districts to protect those students who are under 12 and not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine," he said in a statement.

The schools' lawsuit argues that the ban violates Arkansas' constitution. It seeks a temporary order blocking the prohibition while the lawsuit is considered. Another lawsuit by two parents challenging the ban is going before a state judge Friday morning.

No rational reason exists for denying public school students, teachers and staff, and the school boards which are obligated to keep them safe, the ability to ensure that all who work and learn in our public schools are as safe as possible," the schools' lawsuit said.

The Marion School District on Thursday said 839 students and 10 staff have quarantined since classes began last week because of its outbreak. The district said in a Facebook post that 46 students and 10 staff have tested positive for the virus.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott's order would only apply to city-owned parks and facilities, but Scott also urged private businesses to require masks. The rule takes effect on Friday and will be in effect through the end of the month.

It is time to act. It is time to do what is best for the residents of Little Rock," Scott said at a news conference at city hall.

The state's coronavirus cases rose by more than 2,700 and the state's COVID-19 hospitalizations grew by 19 to 1,251. The state reported 17 new deaths from COVID-19.

Heading into this week's session, Republican legislative leaders said there weren't enough votes to change the mask mandate ban. The move faced an even bigger hurdle since it needed at least two-thirds support to take effect before classes begin later this month.

The days of big government mandates over the will of the people are done," Republican Sen. Trent Garner, who sponsored the mask mandate ban law, tweeted after the panel's votes.

The bills rejected Thursday included one backed by a Republican lawmaker that would have allowed school boards to impose mask requirements for up to 60 days if the rate of virus cases over a two-week period reached a certain threshold. The other bill, backed by a group of Democratic lawmakers did not include the threshold requirement or the 60-day limit.

The state's mask mandate ban exempts Arkansas' Department of Corrections, and a Democratic lawmaker called it unconscionable" that the state would allow mask requirements to protect inmates but not children.

Society all the time makes modest sacrifices for the common good," Rep. Deborah Ferguson, the House committee's vice chair, said before the vote. This is not about I dont want my child to wear a mask. This is about all children wearing a mask to protect other children."

Pediatricians and health officials say masks in schools are needed to protect children, as the delta variant and Arkansas' low vaccination rate fuels the state's skyrocketing cases.

The situation we're in is very dire," Dr. Jared Beavers, a pediatrician, told the House panel.

Lawmakers have been inundated with calls, texts and emails from opponents of allowing mask mandates, if not the use of masks altogether to stop the spread of COVID-19. During hearings Wednesday and Thursday, opponents who testified against allowing mask requirements in schools repeatedly cited false and discredited claims about masks and the virus.

One woman who testified Thursday falsely suggested COVID-19 wasn't real, saying lawmakers should ask the state's top health official to provide proof of its existence. Another woman who spoke against the bill wore a shirt that read, Just say no to: masks vaccines mandates."

Republican Rep. Julie Mayberry, who sponsored the narrower attempt to allow some school mask mandates, said the state may need to consider delaying the start of school.

I don't want to delay school, but that's I think possibly the only other tool we have," she said.

House and Senate leaders said they expected to adjourn the session Friday morning after giving final approval to the only piece of legislation that advanced during the session.

That measure was aimed at preventing the state from having to resume making supplemental unemployment payments to 69,000 residents. The bill was in response to a judge's ruling last week that said state law indicated the Legislature, not the governor, had the authority to end the payments.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Thursday offered profound gratitude to law enforcement officers who responded to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection as he signed legislation to award them Congressional Gold Medals for their service. The president thanked the officers for saving the lives of members of Congress during those tragic hours of the attack seven months ago.

The medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow. Joined by members of Congress, law enforcement officers and the families of police who died following the attack, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held the formal signing ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.

Many officers were brutally beaten and injured that day as the violent mob of then-President Donald Trumps supporters pushed past them to break into the Capitol and interrupt the certification of Bidens victory. Many of the insurrectionists repeated Trump's false claims about widespread election fraud as they hunted for lawmakers and tried to beat down the doors of the House chamber with lawmakers inside.

Some of the officers, including four who testified at a House hearing last week, have spoken openly about the lasting mental and physical scars.

My fellow Americans, lets remember what this was all about, Biden said of the siege. It was a violent attempt to overturn the will of the American people, to seek power at all costs, to replace the ballot with brute force. To destroy, not to build. Without democracy, nothing is possible. With it, everything is.

The Senate passed the legislation unanimously earlier this week. The new law will place the medals in four locations  Capitol Police headquarters, the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian Institution. Biden said the medals will be at the Smithsonian so all visitors can understand what happened that day.

The Senate passed the legislation by voice vote, with no Republican objections. The House passed the bill in June, with 21 Republicans who have downplayed the insurrection in Trumps defense voting against it.

Trump, along with many Republicans still loyal to him, has tried to rebrand the rioting as a peaceful protest, even as law enforcement officers who responded that day have detailed the violence and made clear the toll it has taken on them. The four officers who testified in the emotional hearing last week detailed near-death experiences as the rioters beat and crushed them on their way into the building.

Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges described foaming at the mouth, bleeding and screaming as the rioters tried to gouge out his eye and crush him between two heavy doors. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn said a large group of people shouted the N-word at him as he was trying to keep them from breaching the House chamber. Both were at the White House ceremony, along with several other officers.

The officers testified at the first hearing of a new House committee investigating the insurrection. Most House Republicans have staunchly opposed the Democrat-led panel, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi proposed after Senate Republicans blocked the formation of a bipartisan commission. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy has called the committee a sham" and criticized Pelosi for rejecting two of the members he tried to appoint to the panel.

Instead, McCarthy and other Republican leaders  still loyal to Trump  withdrew all their appointments and have tried to pin blame for the insurrection of Trump's supporters on Pelosi, falsely claiming she was responsible for delays in military assistance that day.

Biden said at Thursday's ceremony that we cannot allow history to be rewritten" and the officers' heroism cannot be forgotten.

We have to understand what happened, Biden said. "The honest and unvarnished truth. We have to face it.

At least nine people who were at the Capitol that day died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber and three other Trump supporters who suffered medical emergencies. Two police officers died by suicide in the days that immediately followed, and a third officer, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters. A medical examiner determined he died of natural causes.

Last week, the Metropolitan Police announced that two more of their officers who had responded to the insurrection had died by suicide. Officer Kyle DeFreytag was found dead on July 10 and Officer Gunther Hashida was found dead in his home Thursday. The circumstances that lead to their deaths are unknown.

We are grieving as a department, the police said in a statement.

In a ceremony to send the bill to the president, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that Jan. 6 was a moment, a day of extraordinary tragedy for our country and praised the Capitol Police for their bravery and patriotism.

Im so sad that it took a tragedy of this nature for the recognition to be given to them, Pelosi said.

The Congressional Gold Medal has been handed out by the legislative branch since 1776. Previous recipients include George Washington, Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Hope and Robert Frost. In recent years, Congress has awarded the medals to former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, who became a leading advocate for people struggling with Lou Gehrigs disease, and biker Greg LeMond.

____

This story has been corrected to show the name of the medal is Congressional Gold Medal, not Medal of Honor.
MIAMI (AP)  House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and fellow GOP politicians accused President Joe Biden on Thursday of not doing more to help Cubans on the island get access to the internet.

Internet service was cut off at one point during a July 11 protest against the communist government, but Cuban authorities have not explicitly acknowledged that they did it. Service is still spotty across the island more than three weeks later.

McCarthy met in Miami on Thursday with members of the state's Cuban-American congressional delegation, Republican Gov. and aspiring presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and Republican Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez.

At a news conference afterward, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar said that while specific companies had expressed a willingness to step in and help, the White House has ignored the Cuban-American delegation. Salazar said patience is running out.

Biden has said the administration is working to identify options to make the internet more accessible on the island. Internet in Cuba has been expensive and relatively rare until recently. The Cuban government restricts independent news media and censors whats available online. It also disrupts internet access.

Last Friday, Biden announced new sanctions against Cubas national revolutionary police and its top two officials. The president also created a working group to review U.S. remittance policy to make sure the communist government is not taking a cut of the money Cubans send from the U.S. to the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said last month that the government was not taking any of the money.

Former President Donald Trumps administration took more than 200 actions against Cuba, including limiting individual trips to the island from the U.S., barring cruise ship visits and capping remittances. The Republicans gathered in Miami said Thursday that they were against lifting the caps.

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said increasing remittances is something the regime has been asking for.

Diaz-Balart added that he had participated in previous classified briefings during which several options to improve access to the internet had been presented. He said he could not release any details, but that such measures had been used in other countries.

Cubans used the internet to spread word on social media about last month's anti-government demonstrations. Thousands showed up in Havana and other cities to object to government policies in large protests, the likes of which had not been seen in decades.

Remember why you want to do this," McCarthy said of improving and maintaining internet access for Cuban residents. You want individuals, those in Cuba craving freedom, to understand we are with them.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Lawmakers from the Virginia House and Senate were set to begin negotiations Thursday over the spending plan for Virginias share of federal coronavirus relief money after the two chambers passed different versions of the bill.

The versions that cleared the House and Senate are largely the same as far as where they direct the biggest buckets of money. But the Senate worked late into the night Wednesday, passing a series of amendments to the initial budget proposal that had been drafted in collaboration with Gov. Ralph Northams office and fellow Democrats.

The House rejected those proposed changes Thursday, sending the legislation to a conference committee. Conference committees generally meet out of public view to hash out differences.

It wasnt immediately clear how soon a deal would be reached.

I am anticipating and certainly expect that the Senate conferees will vigorously support the Senate version of the budget ... but it is a negotiation, so who knows if we'll get them all or not? Democratic Sen. Janet Howell said of the chamber's amendments.

Among the key differences: The House plan includes one-time bonuses of $5,000 for state police, and $1,000 bonuses for sheriffs deputies and jail officers, while the Senate version proposes giving the $5,000 bonus to all.

The Senate also added a provision requiring the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to return to allowing walk-in service for transactions at its customer service centers throughout the state. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DMV had instituted an appointment-only system for in-person services.

The Senate also stripped language included by Gov. Ralph Northam to regulate deals using the name, image or likeness of student athletes at the state's colleges and universities. Republicans argued the issue shouldnt be dealt with in a special session that leaves little room for debate or public input.

Northams spokeswoman, Alena Yarmosky, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about the governors position on the Senates proposals.

Both versions of the bill call for spending most of Virginias $4.3 billion share of the American Rescue Plan funding on initiatives aimed at helping small businesses, improving air quality in public schools, bolstering mental health and substance-abuse treatment, increasing broadband access and replenishing the states unemployment trust fund.

Both versions also include some protections against evictions and utility disconnections for families still struggling financially because of the pandemic.

The General Assembly members were also slated to elect eight judges to an expanded Court of Appeals during the special session. Lawmakers voted earlier this year to add six new seats to the court as part of an expansion plan aimed at providing an automatic right of appeal in all civil and criminal cases. There are two other vacancies on the court to fill.

Republican lawmakers complained Thursday that they were shut out of interviews with judicial candidates that Democrats conducted privately Wednesday.

It is just wrong to do this behind closed doors, and I hope it never happens again, said Sen. Mark Obenshain.

Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen said that when Republicans controlled the General Assembly, they drove the vetting process for judicial candidates, just as Democrats are doing now as the majority party.

No one is being cut out of anything, but at the end of the day, the majority party has a responsibility to vet the candidates, he said.

Democratic Sen. Scott Surovell said once eight finalists are determined, a public hearing will be held during which members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Courts of Justice Committee will question them. Members of the public will be allowed to testify at that hearing.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  A man was brutally beaten by corrections officers and denied medical treatment at a county jail in a small New Mexico community after guards mistook dentures in the inmate's mouth for contraband, according to a civil rights lawsuit.

The New Mexico Prison and Jail Project, a watchdog group for improving prison conditions, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court this week on behalf of former inmate Marvin Silva.

The group said Silva was left naked in a holding cell at the Valencia County Adult Detention Center with no security cameras after a medical checkup, when a guard insisted that the inmate was hiding contraband in his mouth.

The lawsuit said several other corrections officers arrived and beat Silva at the lockup in the community of Los Lunas, about 30 minutes from Albuquerque.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary compensation for Silva for injuries and emotional harm plus punitive damages against the jail and health care employees and attorneys fees.

Administrators at the Valencia County detention center did not immediately respond Friday, and an attorney for the county said there would be no comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit levels charges of excessive use of force at four corrections officers and accuses Texas-based prison health care provider CorrHealth and two of its employees of deliberate indifference to a person in serious medical need.

CorrHealth President Todd Murphy said Thursday that he could not comment on details of an active legal claim.

Allegations such as these are important to us, as is ensuring were providing a high standard of care, Murphy said in an email. Our team will be closely reviewing these allegations and this claim.

According to the lawsuit, medical personnel at the jail denied Silva's requests for medical care before he was released to walk 5 miles (8 kilometers) toward home and hitched a ride the rest of the way.

An ambulance later took Silva to an Albuquerque hospital that treated him for fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, injuries to the spleen and other injuries to the head, neck and abdomen.
TORRINGTON  The stresses of the job as a police officer often can be difficult, leading officials to find ways to help officers cope.

Torrington Police Chief William Baldwin took the idea a step further this week by bringing Addison, a one-and-a-half-year-old Labrador retriever mix, as the departments newest member and therapy dog.

Addisons caregiver and handler is Officer Hannah Yabrosky, a four-year veteran of the department.

Shes been assigned as Addisons handler, and will use the dog for officer wellness, as well as community outreach, Baldwin said of Yabrosky. Addison will accompany her on patrol.

Therapy dogs, Baldwin said, have a proven track record of providing comfort and emotional support to individuals, especially officers, during stressful and critical events.

Torrington has two canine officers, Oscar Deloy and Oscar Loukas, who are paired with the same police officer daily and go on patrol with them. Addison is not the same kind of dog, Baldwin said, and wont be used for typical canine officer jobs, such as evidence recovery, narcotic detection, apprehension or tracking a missing person.

Hell be on patrol with Officer Yabrosky, but hes not there for the same reasons, the chief said. Hell be used for crisis intervention, a mental health issue; if theres kids going through a traumatic event, hell be there for things like that. Hes also there to support the officers when they need him.

The dog was donated to Torrington police through a program known as Puppies Behind Bars, which originated out of New York City.

Alfanos Hyundai of Torrington is funding the program for three years for $3,500. It is because of the generosity of people like Jon Alfano and the Alfano Auto Group, which is Torrington Hyundai of 1445 East Main St., that programs such as this can exist, Baldwin said. I appreciate their generous support.

Addison has been welcomed into the department by officers and staff, the chief said. So far, so good, he said.

When I proposed this program, I had an officer from Naugatuck come to the Board of Public Safety, who does the same therapy dog program, to talk to them, Baldwin said. When the board met his dog, there was a smile on everyones face. It changed everyones demeanor.

Addison, he said, joins a growing list of law enforcement agencies that use therapy dogs.

The mental health and well being of our officers and the Torrington community is of paramount importance, and this program aims at helping to accomplish this goal, he said.

To prepare for Addisons arrival, Yabrosky attended an intensive two-week program in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. During this training, she worked with a number of prison inmates in the Puppies Behind Bars program who are skilled in raising the dogs starting from eight weeks old.

An integral part of this training is the ability to bridge the gap between inmates and law enforcement, Baldwin said. The training specifically teaches and trains the dog to interact with people who have experienced some form of crisis.

The training, he said, gives Yabrosky the skills needed not only to handle the dog, but to recognize people in crisis and use the dog for stressful situations. The program will focus on officer wellness as well as community wellness, especially children who find themselves in difficult situations, Baldwin said.

The chief said Addison also will help officers during interactions with people facing a mental health crisis. This helps in providing a sense of comfort and stability to those going through what may be a bad situation in their lives, Baldwin said.

This is a program I wanted to initiate for the well-being of our officers for a long time, and I pushed it forward, Baldwin said. I think Addisons a great addition to the department.
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New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, has 25 countries and seven international organisations as members now with Bangladesh being the latest entrant, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the objective of the CDRI is to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development.

Noting that the prime minister launched the CDRI during his speech at the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23, 2019, Bagchi said since then, the coalition has grown in membership and has 25 countries and seven international organisations as members now.

Bangladesh is the latest entrant to the CDRI, he said at an online media briefing.

To a query on whether COVID-19 would be treated as a disaster in term of the CDRI's mandate, Bagchi said he is not in a position to comment on it.

On queries as to whether Bangladesh has agreed to India's request to allow clinical trials of Covaxin in that country, he said, "I think the questions refer to a proposal made last year, so I would refer you to the manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, if they have any details on this." Asked if India is planning to open flight services to some countries, Bagchi said due to Covid, regular international flights remain suspended and the civil aviation ministry should be contacted on when the suspension would be lifted.

To a question on media reports claiming that India is transforming Mauritius into a military hub, he said the government of Mauritius has made detailed statements on the project there, including in its Parliament, and all this information is available in the public domain.

Asked about former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statement that Iran's relationship with India has far more potential than its ties with China, the MEA spokesperson said, "I would not like to comment on such media reports that were mentioned." "Let me emphasise that India and Iran enjoy historical and cultural ties. We have been moving ahead with various new initiatives, including on connectivity," he added.

Bagchi also said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Tehran, representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of newly-elected Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. PTI ASK RC

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met newly elected Iran President Ebrahim Raisi after the latter assumed office. As per sources, EAM Jaishankar delivered a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President-elect Raisi during the meeting.

The incoming hardline cleric has assumed the Presidential office after being officially endorsed by the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Irans eighth president.

EAM Jaishankar envisions strengthening bilateral relationship with Iran

A warm meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi after his assumption of office. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi .

His commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship was manifest. So too was the convergence in our regional interests. pic.twitter.com/D9GS2MGKjx  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2021

President Raisi considered a close associate to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, won by a landslide in the presidential election conducted in June and was elected for the Presidential post after winning 61.95% of the votes in the presidential polls which were marred with allegations of not being free and fair.

Indian EAM's second visit to Tehran

On the other hand, the meeting between President Raisi and EAM Jaishankar was the second in a month. Both the leaders discussed pivotal bilateral and regional issues. Last month, EAM Jaishankar had made a stopover in Tehran on his way to Russia. EAM Jaishankar became the first foreign dignitary to meet President Ebrahim Raisi even before he assumed office.

Notably, in 2017, India was represented by then shipping minister Nitin Gadkari for the swearing-in ceremony of Raisis predecessor, Hassan Rouhani.

Earlier, in June, Prime Minister Modi vowed to work with Iran's Raisi to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries following the latter's landslide victory.

Congratulations to His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi on his election as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I look forward to working with him to further strengthen the warm ties between India and Iran.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2021

Meanwhile, the White House had categorically stated that US President Joe Biden had no plans to meet with the newly elected Iranian leader as US had no diplomatic relations with Iran and that not much had changed between the two countries.
India lauded the appointment of Brunei's second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof as a special envoy to Myanmar by the ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Indian diplomats confirmed that they will continue to support Burma in their struggle to restore the democratic process.

TS Tirumurti, India's Ambassador to the UN said in a tweet on Friday, "India welcomes the appointment of Erywan Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam as Special Envoy of ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. As Myanmar's close neighbour, India will continue to support the restoration of the democratic process in Myanmar: Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi."

India welcomes appointment of HE Erywan Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam as Special Envoy of @ASEAN Chair on #Myanmar. As Myanmars close neighbour, India will continue to support restoration of democratic process in Myanmar:Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi  PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) August 6, 2021

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military operated a military coup and overthrew the civilian government. The military then declared a year-long state of emergency as the coup triggered mass protests across the country. The military replied with deadly violence to suppress the protests in the country. Earlier this week on Sunday, Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing declared himself Prime Minister of the country. He said that he will remain in charge for the duration of two years during a period of an extended state of emergency. The country hopes to have a democratic election in 2023. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, since February 1, at least 945 people have been assassinated by the military.

Why did the military take control of Myanmar and where is Ms. Suu Kyi?

The military seized control of the country after Ms. Suu Kyi's NLD party won the general assembly elections by a landslide. The armed forces were against her party and supported the opposition party. The opposition party demanded another vote as they claimed widespread fraud in changing the results of the elections.

The Election Commission of Myanmar looked into the complaints but said that there was no evidence to proceed with any legal action. This is when the military decided to plan a coup and successfully executed the operation as a new session of parliament was set to open. Ever since the coup, Ms. Suu Kyi has been held hostage at an unknown location. She was also charged with various charges like violating the country's official secrets act, possessing illegal technology like walkie-talkies and spreading misinformation for the purpose of causing fear or raising an alarm. The leaders of NLD escaped the arrest formed a new group while being in hiding. Their leader has asked the protesters to defend their lives first.

(With ANI inputs)
A parliamentary panel has recommended renegotiating the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan to address the impact of climate change on water availability in the river basin and other challenges which are not covered under the agreement. The Standing Committee on Water Resources has also recommended that India should constantly monitor the Chinese actions so as to ensure that they do not pursue any major interventions on the Brahmaputra river which could adversely affect India's national interests. The panel tabled the report before Lok Sabha on Thursday.

What is Indus Water Treaty?

Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of the eastern rivers -- Sutlej, Beas and Ravi -- are allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab -- have been assigned largely to Pakistan.

According to the treaty, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through run-of-the-river projects on the western rivers subject to specific criteria for design and operation. The treaty also gives the right to Pakistan to raise objections to designs of Indian hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.

Parliamentary Panel's observations

The committee recommended that the government should examine the feasibility of making the maximum use of the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty in terms of full utilisation of all accessible water of the eastern rivers and the maximum utilisation of the irrigation and hydropower potential of western rivers including permissible water storage

The panel observed that although the Indus Water Treaty has stood the test of time, it is of view that the treaty was framed on the basis of knowledge and technology existing at the time of its agreement in the 1960s.

The perspective of both the nations at that time was confined to river management and usage of water through construction of dams, barrages, canals and hydro-power generation.

"Present-day pressing issues such as climate change, global warming and environmental impact assessment etc were not taken into account by the treaty.

"In view of this, there is a need to renegotiate the treaty so as to establish some kind of institutional structure or legislative framework to address the impact of climate change on water availability in the Indus basin and other challenges which are not covered under the treaty," the panel said.

The committee urged the government to take necessary diplomatic measures to renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

Monitor Chinese actions on Brahmaputra

With regards to China, the panel observed that there is no water treaty between New Delhi and Beijing. However, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers have been signed by the two nations, which will be in force for five years and are renewed regularly.

Besides, an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) between both the nations has also been set up for ensuring co-operation with regard to provision of hydrological data by China during flood season, emergency management and other issues regarding trans-border rivers as agreed upon by the two countries.

"The committee expressed their satisfaction over the fact that China is sharing hydrological data with regard to rivers of Brahmaputra and Sutlej, though on payment basis," the report said.

The only aberration is the year 2017 when no data was supplied by it. It also coincided with the 73-day Doklam stand-off between the two neighbours that took place during the peak monsoon period.

The committee expressed apprehension that though 'run of the river' projects undertaken by China may not lead to diversion of waters, there is every possibility that water can be stored in pondages and released for running turbines, which may lead to certain diurnal variation in downstream flow and as a consequence have an impact on water flows in Brahmaputra river.

This could affect India's endeavours to tap the region's water resources, the panel said.

The Brahmaputra is critical to water security of northeast India and Bangladesh.

In November last year, Yan Zhiyong, the chairman of the Power Construction Corp of China, said his country will "implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River" (the Tibetan name for Brahmaputra) and the project could serve to maintain water resources and domestic security.

"The committee recommends that India should constantly monitor the Chinese actions so as to ensure that they do not pursue any major interventions on Brahmaputra river which would adversely affect our national interests," said the report.

The Ministry of External Affairs told the panel that three hydropower projects on the main stream of Brahmaputra river in Tibet Autonomous Region have been approved by the Chinese authorities and a hydropower project at Zangmu was declared fully operational by Chinese authorities in October 2015.

The MEA said the government is carefully monitoring all the developments on the Brahmaputra and has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities in order to ensure that the interests of downstream countries like India are not harmed by any activities undertaken in upstream areas.

"China has conveyed to India on several occasions that they are undertaking run-of-the-river hydropower projects which do not involve diversion of the waters of the Brahmaputra, the MEA told the panel.
Taliban removed 'Nishan Sahib,' a Sikh religious flag from the roof of historical Gurdwara Thala Sahib in the Chamkani area of Paktia province in Afghanistan. Reacting to the development, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that government should intervene and take strict action.

Speaking to Republic TV, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "Taliban not only removed Nishan Sahib, but also threatened local Sikhs to kill them if they don't leave the country. I've asked Prime Minister to intervene and hopefully they have issued a condemnation and ordered strict action. It is a very historic gurdwara and the government should take strict action."

The gurudwara holds massive significance as it was visited by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion. The reports of the removal of Nishan Sahib came just last week. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for the management of gurdwaras, has called on the Centre and the Afghanistan government to ensure safety of Sikhs living in Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover.

Notably, this is not the first time that this particular gurdwara is in news. In July 2020, Nidhan Singh Sachdeva, a leader of the Sikh community was abducted from the gurudwara. Sachdeva's abduction was followed by a massacre of 30 Sikhs in Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib in Kabul in May last year.

Taliban's growing dominance

Since the withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban has recaptured many territories. The terrorist organisation's fresh offensive threatens human rights for women, as per the report published by the Human Rights Watch Agency (HRW). The Afghan governments failure to provide accountability for violence against women and girls has undermined progress to protect womens rights, HRW noted.

The UNs Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan is up by 47%. According to the report, 5,183 civilians were reported between January and June. Of the total, around 2,400 deaths and injuries were reported in May and June when fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces escalated.
NASAs social media followers are growing day by day, no doubt it is a result of the fascinating content that they keep sharing on all on its social platforms. NASAs latest post shared on Thursday, August 5, has also gained many eyeballs, in the post the top space research organization has shared a picture of the moon, combining 53 different images.

NASA shares a fascinating image made out of a series of 53 images

The latest image shows the northern region of the Moon, which has been combined by using 53 different images and shows a false colour. The most enthralling part about the picture is that it was captured by a 3 decades old spacecraft, that is the Galileo spacecraft which was sent to Jupiter in December 1992. The spacecraft took the picture while on its way to Jupiter.

Along with the eye-catching picture, NASA described it in the caption that read, Our Galileo spacecraft took this false-colour mosaic, constructed from a series of 53 images, as the spacecraft zoomed over the northern regions of our Moon on December 7, 1992. The spacecraft was on its way to Jupiter.

The mosaic helps us see variations in parts of the Moon's northern hemisphere. Bright pinkish areas are the lunar highlands, including the ones surrounding the oval lava-filled Crisium impact basin toward the bottom of the picture. Blue-to-orange shades indicate ancient volcanic lava flows. To the left of Crisium is the dark blue Mare Tranquillitatis, where Apollo 11 landed. Its richer in titanium than the green and orange areas above it. Thin mineral-rich soils associated with a relatively recent meteorite or asteroid impacts are represented by light blue colours; the youngest craters have prominent blue rays extending from them.

Further describing it, NASA added, The Galileo probe, named for the Italian astronomer who discovered Jupiters four largest moons, orbited the gas giant from 1995 to 2003. Its camera and nine other instruments helped scientists make numerous discoveries, including one that indicates the planet's icy moon Europa likely has a subsurface ocean. Galileo's successor mission, Juno, is currently exploring the Jovian giant to help us understand the origins of our solar system.



The post has garnered thousands of likes and users have also dropped various comments on it. While a user wrote, Magnifico, another said, Ooh Nasa  You keep giving us these beautiful universal sights ... I cannot go Woah' enough,

Image: NASA
Tigray forces entered the Amhara town of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its rock-hewn churches, on Thursday, a resident told The Associated Press.

Lalibela, in northern Ethiopia, is known by many in the country as 'the second Jerusalem'.

The small town is home to 11 monolithic churches carved entirely from rock dating from around the 11th and 12th centuries.

Over time, the churches have succumbed to the elements and restoration projects have been required to protect them.

Now the presence of Tigray forces has startled those in the region.

While they entered peacefully, a resident said they were scared and worried about damage to the ancient structures.

He estimated thousands of fighters were there and many people were running away. He spoke on condition of anonymity for his safety.

The nine-month war has killed thousands of civilians and is now spilling into other regions of Ethiopia, Africas second most populous country and the anchor of the often-volatile Horn of Africa.

Though Tigray forces in June reclaimed much of the region as Ethiopian and allied forces retreated, western Tigray is still controlled by authorities from Ethiopias neighboring Amhara region, who have cleared out many ethnic Tigrayans while saying the land is historically theirs.

Witnesses have told the AP of watching mass expulsions.

With the Tigray forces pushing south after threatening to go as far as the capital if needed, the U.N. humanitarian chief and the USAID administrator in visits to Ethiopia this week urged a cease-fire and talks.

Sudan has offered to play a role in mediation and could also be a direct aid corridor to Tigray.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Days after India announced the deployment of a task force of four warships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and the Western Pacific, Beijing has decided to hold a military exercise from August 6 to August 10. According to the Chinese government mouthpiece, Global Times, it will conduct a similar exercise conducted last year with live-fire "aircraft carrier killer" anti-ship ballistic missiles. This comes after the Indian government has said that the ships are set to participate in the next edition of the Malabar exercise of the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, and the United States). The ships will also be included in bilateral exercises with Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia, added the government press release.

"China has hunting rifles ready against the wolves": Report

The report state that China is reacting to the recent provocations initiated by the US and several other countries. "China has hunting rifles ready against the wolves" that hunger for China's core interests," wrote the Chinese state media. According to a notice released by the Maritime Safety Administration on Wednesday, Beijing will hold military training in the South China Sea from Friday to Tuesday, and other vessels are prohibited from entering the navigation restriction zone. The press release did not give more particulars on the exercise, but a Taipei-based news agency published that the PLA launched anti-ship ballistic missiles in the South China Sea in a similar exercise last year. It is worth noting China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months. In response to their exercise, Beijing said the government concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.

Code of conduct in the South China Sea should be as per UNCLOS: India

Earlier on August 4, at the 11th East Asia Summit (EAS), India highlighted the growing convergence of approaches on the Indo-Pacific region among different member nations. Without naming China, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar stressed that the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be entirely consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). "Stressed that Code of Conduct on the South China Sea should be fully consistent with UNCLOS 1982. Should not prejudice legitimate rights and interests of nations not a party to discussions," said the minister after the East Asia Summit.

(With inputs from ANI)

(Image Credit: AP/ANI)
Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece on Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

As additional support arrived from Greece's military and European Union countries, water-dropping planes and helicopters swooped over blazes near the capital, on the island of Evia, and near Ancient Olympia to the south.

Large forces were deployed to protect the archaeological site in the west of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Ancient Olympia, usually crowded with tourists, was evacuated on Wednesday, along with six other nearby settlements.

The fires have not caused any deaths or serious injuries.

But Greek scientists said the total destruction in just three days this month in Greece exceeded 50% of the average area burned in the country in previous years.

The causes of the Greek wildfires were unclear, but authorities say human error and carelessness are most frequently to blame.

However, arson was suspected in the blaze near Ancient Olympia, with officials noting that seven fires broke out in quick succession in the region on Wednesday.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah admitted that it fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on August 6 while the Israeli forces retaliated with artillery in a significant escalation between both sides. Marking the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran often surface.

The latest round of rocket fire during the early hours of August 6 came "in response to the Israeli air raids" that hit south Lebanon on August 5, Iran-backed Hezbollah said in a statement.

"The Islamic Resistance shelled open territory near positions of Israeli occupation forces in the Shebaa Farms with dozens of rockets," it added.

Notably, Israel has long considered Hezbollah, its most immediate and serious military threat, given the group is backed by Iran and based in Lebanon. Friday's fiery exchanges came a day after Israel's defence minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker at sea that his country conveniently blamed on Tehran.

Israel claimed to have fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanese territory and reported no casualties. Tensions surfaced at a politically volatile time in Israel where a new eight-party coalition is trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an eleven-day war with the Hamas militant group in Gaza.

Hezbollah says 'dozens' of rockets toward Israel

In a statement, Hezbollah outrightly confirmed to have hit "open fields" in the disputed Shebaa farms area. The group said it fired ten rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. However, Israel said those airstrikes were retaliation to rocket fire from south of Lebanon in recent days that any group did not claim.

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria converge. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which was captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the UN says the territory is part of Syria.

Retaliating to the previous salvo of cross-border rocket fire, on August 5, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Lebanon for the first time since 2014. It has warned repeatedly that it will not allow a power vacuum and a deepening economic crisis in Beirut to undermine security on its northern border.

The Israeli military said it "views the state of Lebanon as responsible for all actions originating in its territory and warns against further attempts to harm Israeli civilians and Israel's sovereignty".

Image Credit: AP
Irans new ultraorthodox president and former judicial chief, Ebrahim Raisi, has officially begun his four-year-long tenure. The hardliner is now tasked with resuming a fragile nuclear deal - a significant achievement of his predecessor, pulling Iran out of a lethal health crisis, and re-establishing a balance of power in the region. On Thursday, he addressed a large crowd of supporters at his oath-taking ceremony and vowed to pull all stops to resume the JCPOA deal, but clarified that he wont bow in front of the western powers.

In 2015, the P5+1 nations signed the JCPOA deal with Iran, which allowed Tehran to scale back its nuclear or uranium enrichment program in exchange for promises of economic relief. However, three years later, as US and Iran's relations hit rock bottom, the Trump administration pulled out of the pact and imposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The embargo not only blocked Irans oil exports but also restricted the supply of essentials during the COVID pandemic.

Talking about the same, Raisi, on Thursday, asserted that sanctions against the nation of Iran must be lifted, adding that his administration was ready to support any diplomatic plans that would realize the goal. But he stressed the policy saying that "pressure and sanctions will not cause Iran to back down from following up on its legal rights In his inauguration speech, he also emphasized that his regime would be that of a national consensus.

Iran-US relations

Iran and the US have been trading barbs for decades but their relationship hit rock bottom in January 2020 after an American airstrike killed Iranian Military General Qasem Soleimani. Soon after the killing of Soleimani, who also headed IRGC, Tehran vowed revenge and even made an unsuccessful projectile strike. The US lists Iran's IRGC/ Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite military force, as a terrorist organization. In addition to tension over the nuclear deals and ideological differences, both countries are also engaged in a shadow war in the gulf.

Image: AP
An Australian mathematician has discovered that a 3700-year-old tablet that was previously thought to be a "teacher's list of school problems" is actually the oldest example of applied geometry ever discovered. Istanbul's National Museum has housed the tablet since the late 19th century when it was discovered. Originally discovered in what is now central Iraq, the tablet bears the classification Si.427.

The discovery and analysis of the tablet have important implications for the history of mathematics," Daniel Mansfield, the study's author, made the statement in a press release. The study appeared in Foundations of Science on August 3.

An analysis of the hand-tablet suggests that the drawings and calculations on the device were probably used by a surveyor to calculate the value of a piece of land for sale. A hand-tablet, which seems to be written by using a stylus, appears to use a mathematical concept known as Pythagoras triplets, which we now know. As the name implies, these are the three sides of an equilateral triangle in which the sum of their squared areas is equal to that of their largest side. In modern trigonometry, we use sin, cos, and tan ratios to calculate trigonometric functions.

"Proto-Trigonometry"

Researchers have dubbed the system used by the tablet "proto-trigonometry" for this reason. An earlier tablet from the same era, analyzed by Mansfield and his colleague Norman Wildberger at UNSW, described right-angled triangles by using Pythagoras triplets.

A Pythagorean triplet calculation system, according to Mansfield, hints at the sophistication of the society to which this tablet belonged. In the researcher's opinion, the new revelations could have a significant impact on the history of geometric thought. Many ancient civilizations, including Babylonia, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Greece, were responsible for the development of early geometry. The earliest known evidence of Geometry dates back to 3000 BCE, based on what is known at this time.
In a major escalation in the Middle East, Israel launched aerial attacks on Lebanon after seven years as a retaliatory shelling against the alleged rocket attack on August 4, Wednesday. Fighter jets struck the launch sites and infrastructure used for terrorism in Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said. Israeli Aircraft carried out routine airstrikes on Palestinian militant targets in Gaza or Iranian targets in Syria, but this was the first time since 2014 that the Israeli Air Force had bombarded Lebanese territory, the IDF added.

The overnight strikes annihilated rocket launchpads in the southern Lebanese district, the Israel Defense Forces claimed. Meanwhile, Hezbollah owned Al-Manar TV dismissed IDFs claim and said that Israeli strikes hit only an empty area in the Mahmoudiya Village in the Marjayoun district. The artillery attack after seven years triggered the already taught situation in both countries.

Escalated tensions between Israel and Lebanon

Not only is rocket fire from Lebanon at Israeli civilians an act of terrorism, it also is indicative of the Lebanese government's lack of governance of terrorist organizations operating in Lebanon.



The Lebanese government is responsible for all attacks from Lebanon.  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 4, 2021

Israel authorities initially held the Palestinian militants' group Hamas, and not Hezbollah, responsible for the attack. Following the second-day cross border bombarding, Lebanon condemned the strikes and mentioned that the escalated strikes could jeopardize the fragile Peace Treaty between the two countries, which was signed after the 11-day conflict between Israel and Gaza-based Hamas. Lebanese President Michel Aoun said that the two-day airstrike suggests "Israel's intention to escalate attacks against Lebanon". He also added that the Lebanese army has initiated a probe into the matter to identify the first phase of bombardment that hit Israel on August 4.

Meanwhile, Israel warned the Lebanese government that it would not allow the Beirut power vacuum to compromise security on its northern territory. The IDF took to Twitter to state that the Lebanese government is responsible for shelling from Lebanon. The IDF further warned against future "attempts to harm Israeli civilians and Israel's sovereignty".

The attack on Israeli Territory on August 4

The munitions allegedly fired from Lebanon hit the Kiryat Shmona region of Northern Israel but failed to cause any casualties, the local media reported on August 4, Wednesday. However, the shelled rockets ignited fires in multiple bushes around the residential area. Following the attack, the IDF fired 92 artillery shells that landed in the southern part of Lebanon. The United Nations peace-keeping troop UNIFIL has been deployed in the area for patrolling. The agency urged Israel and Lebanon to "act with urgency" to deescalate tension between the nations.

(Image input: @IDF/Twitter)
The militant group Hezbollah fired more than ten rockets towards Israel on Friday. In retaliation, Israel hit back with artillery. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF), most of the rockets fired from Lebanon were intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defence System (ADS). IDF spokesperson Amnon Shefer said that Israel retaliated after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon. In the recent attacks, no casualties were reported. "We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that," he said, reported AP.

Attacks come at a politically sensitive time in Israel and Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called a meeting with the country's top officials following the conflict. The attacks come at a politically sensitive time in Israel as the eight-party governing coalition tries to maintain peace on another border under a ceasefire that suspended an 11-day war with Gaza-based Hamas' militants.

The escalation also come at a delicate time in Lebanon, which is struggling with multiple crises, including financial meltdown, crushing the economy and political deadlock, which has left the country out of functional government for a year.

Hezbollah blamed Isreal for the action and claimed that their strikes were in response to Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, which Isreal said was a reply to attacks from southern Lebanon in the last few days.

Notably, it was the third day of cross-border conflict that looms a period of calm prevailing since 2006, when Isreal and the militant group fought a one-month war.

Taking action, the Lebanese Army said that it had arrested four people in connection with the rocket firing. They also confiscated the rocket launcher. It said that United Nations peacekeepers and Lebanese troops are taking all measures to maintain peace.

According to Isreal, Hezbollah possesses more than 130,000 rockets and missiles, and the group is trying to develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles, AP reported. Isreal, on several occasions, has threatened to attack Lebanese borders, where it accused the group is hiding rockets.

Image Credit: Twitter@IsrealDefenceForces
Qatar's special envoy of the Foreign Minister for counter-terrorism and mediation of conflict, Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani met with the joint secretary JP Singh of the external affairs ministrys Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) division, in New Delhi on Friday. Both sides reportedly exchanged views on the current situation in war-torn Afghanistan. Recent developments in the Afghan peace process is on the cards for the Qatari Special Envoy during his ongoing two-day visit to India.

As per sources, Al-Qahtani will meet the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, on August 7. The rendezvous between leaders holds relevance as vital Afghan peace talks are underway in Doha.

Qatar's Special Envoy also focused on bilateral affairs while discussing cooperation and issues with Sanjay Bhattacharya, responsible for diaspora affairs and oversees relations with the Arab world.

Extended Troika meeting

The next meeting between the Deobandi Islamist movement and the Afghan government will be held on August 11. According to a report by TOLO news, both sides agreed to continue their conferences and promote peace efforts in the war-led country. It is worth noting that this would be the first such meeting after the US military launched four airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces targeting Taliban insurgents at Kandahar province. Earlier this month, the first meeting was held in Qatar.

Senior officials from Pakistan, the United States, Russia and China will meet in Doha to prevent Afghanistan from slipping into another civil war. The so-called extended Troika meeting comes against the backdrop of the Afghan Taliban making rapid inroads in the war-ravaged country since the start of the US and NATO troops withdrawal and lack of coherence in Afghan peace talks.

The special representatives of these four key players last met in April in Doha. Both Russia and China have criticised the US for hasty withdrawal and declared that Washington has failed to bring about peace in the war-torn country.

Afghanistan has witnessed a series of terror attacks since the US began withdrawing its troops on May 1. The situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated in the wake of the US decision as the Taliban are intensifying their offensive in many areas of the country. The Taliban movement has claimed that it has gained control of about 85% of the country's territory, including the border regions with five countries  Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Image Credit: AP/ PTI
In a major aerial mishap, a Pakistani Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near the Attock area of Punjab province on Friday. However, no casualties or destruction of property have been reported. Later, a statement by the PAF confirmed the news stating "Both pilots have ejected successfully. No loss of life or property has been reported so far on the ground.

Probe initiated

It is still not known what exactly caused the accident but a Board of Inquiry for probe into the same has been ordered. Such incidents have exacerbated in recent months with the country witnessing two Air Force crashes in the period of the last eighteen months. Previously in September, a PAF aircraft crashed near Attock followed by the crash of a Mirage jet near Shorkot.

Apart from air accidents, Pakistan has also been reeling with a massive number of road accidents. As many as 9,701 accidents have occurred in Pakistan between the financial years 2019 and 2020 with 4,403 of them being fatal, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. More than 5,436 people have been killed in these accidents.

In another incident, at least 30 people were killed and 40 others injured on Monday after a passenger bus collided with a trailer truck on a highway in Pakistan. The tragic incident happened in Dera Ghazi Khan district of Punjab province where the victims were shifted to a nearby hospital. According to the authorities, 18 out of those who were taken to the hospital were declared dead immediately upon arrival.

The identities of those hit in the accident haven't been officially released as yet. However, local authorities disclosed that a majority of the victims were labourers going to their hometown to celebrate the upcoming festival of Eid-ul Azha. Revealing further details, they said that the accident took place on Indus highway near Taunsa Bypass whilst the bus was en route to Rajanpur from Sialkot.

(Representative Image - DawnNewsTV)
After the brazen attack on a Ganesh Temple in Pakistan's Punjab province on Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has acknowledged that the vandalism and desecration incident has tarnished the image of Pakistan globally. The Pakistan Supreme Court pulled up authorities for failing to stop an attack on a Hindu temple and ordered the arrest of the culprits.

This development comes after the patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council Dr Ramesh Kumar met the Chief Justice of Pakistan on Thursday. Although Pakistan's image was no better earlier, as per Geo News, the Chief Justice observed that the temple destruction has done serious damage to Pakistan's reputation globally.

He observed that it showed that the police did nothing except watch the incident. Taking cognisance of the failure of the state machinery to control the escalating situation, the Chief Justice stated, "If the commissioner, deputy commissioner and the district police officer can't perform, then they should be removed."

The Chief Justice said, "three days have passed and not even one person has been arrested" which showed a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the police. Expressing dissatisfaction at the inaction of Commissioner Rahimyar Khan Division, the court sought a progress report from the IGP and the chief secretary within a week and scheduled the next hearing in the case for August 13.

The Government of India on Thursday lodged a strong protest against Pakistan over the temple vandalism and destruction. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan Envoy to protest the incident. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a press conference remarked that not only the temple was attacked and vandalised, but the Hindu families living in the surrounding areas were also under attack. Seemingly, after the Indian Government's strong reaction to the brazen incident, National Assembly in Pakistan has passed a resolution to condemn the attack while assuring stern action against culprits. As per the latest information received from the sources, some of the suspects involved in the temple vandalism have been arrested.

National Assembly passed a resolution to condemn attack on a #HinduTemple in village #Bhong of Rahim Yar Khan & assured stern action would be taken against culprits.Parliament of is committed to protect rights of #minorities & provide full protection to their places of worship. pic.twitter.com/J9Mmf3qf7F  National Assembly of Pakistan (@NAofPakistan) August 6, 2021

Temple attack in Pakistan

A violent mob attacked a Hindu temple in the Punjab province of Pakistan on Wednesday, burning down parts of it and damaging idols. After the failure of the police to control the situation, Pakistan Rangers were called to bring the situation under control. Police said the mob attacked the Hindu temple on Wednesday at Bhong city of Rahim Yar Khan district, some 590 km from Lahore, in reaction to the alleged desecration of a Muslim seminary.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani posted videos of the temple attack, requesting law enforcement agencies to rush to the spot to stop its 'burning and vandalising'

Attack on Hindu temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan Punjab. Situation was tense since yesterday. Negligence by local police is very shameful. Chief Justice is requested to take action. pic.twitter.com/5XDQo8VwgI  Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021

Attack on Ganesh temple bhong Sharif Rahim Yar Khan Punjab. Highly condemnable act. Culprits must be arrested and punished strictly. pic.twitter.com/p7dy9dDYAQ  Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021

Attack on Ganesh temple Bhong Sharif Rahim Yar Khan Punjab. Chief Justice is requested to take action, please. pic.twitter.com/LMu90Pxm5r  Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021

(Image Credit: AP/PTI)
In a big blow to ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the UK government has rejected his application seeking an extension of his visa on medical grounds. After the UK Home Office informed him of this decision, he filed an appeal in the British Immigration Tribunal. Thus, he can continue to stay in the country pending the verdict of the tribunal. Since last year, Sharif has come under increasing criticism from the Pakistan government after he started engaging in political activities. Earlier in February, the passport of the PML(N) supremo, who has been staying in London since November 19, 2019, for "medical treatment", expired.

Conviction and departure to London

A three-time PM, Nawaz Sharif was forced to resign in July 2017 after the Pakistan Supreme Court disqualified him in its Panama Papers verdict. Just a few days before the 2018 election in July, he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz who were leading the campaign for civilian supremacy were convicted by an accountability court in the Avenfield reference case and sentenced to 10 years and 7 years in prison respectively. However, the Islamabad High Court suspended their sentence and granted them bail in September 2018.

Only a few months later, the accountability court convicted the PML(N) supremo in the Al- Azizia Steel Mills Company and Hill Metal Establishment references and awarded him 7 years imprisonment besides a hefty fine. Languishing in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail since December 2018, his health started deteriorating. In October 2019, he had to be rushed to the Services Hospital in the city as his platelet count dropped to a critically low level. The Lahore High Court allowed him to travel abroad in November to seek further treatment as his condition remained serious.

This was after he gave an undertaking whereby he promised to return to Pakistan within 4 weeks or whenever he was in a fit condition to travel. After he failed to appear before the Islamabad HC in connection with the appeals against his conviction despite various notices, it declared him a 'proclaimed offender' on December 2, 2020. Since then, the Imran Khan-led government has officially pushed for Nawaz Sharif's repatriation.

In fact, Pakistan's Ministry of Interior has refused to renew the former PM's passport until he appears in court. At the same time, it clarified that he will be issued an emergency travel document if he seeks to return to Pakistan. In another setback to Sharif, the Islamabad HC dismissed his appeals against his conviction in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references for being fugitive from the law.
Lashkar Gah, in Helmand province, has become the latest battle ground in the fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents.

The Afghan defence ministry said in a statement that the air force was carrying out more airstrikes against Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan including Helmand, where the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, is being fiercely contested

Many shops and markets were damaged as a result of airstrikes and ground operations.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The Afghan air force on Thursday night launched fresh airstrikes on Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan, while the insurgents gained ground in the country's north. Airstrikes were carried out around the country, according to a defence ministry statement, notably in the southern Helmand province, where the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah is being fiercely contested. Nine of the city's 10 police districts are under the control of the Taliban.

Afghanistan air force launches Airstrikes

Residents in Lashkar Gah reported severe bombing near the Taliban-controlled government radio and television station. Near the radio and television station are several wedding halls and the provincial governor's guesthouse. During clashes in Lashkar Gah, at least three civilians were killed and 40 more, including women and children, were wounded, according to Dr Sher Ali Shaker, the head of Helmand's public health department. However, 23 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 faced injuries after the Afghan air force launched airstrikes.

According to Mohammad Noor Rahmani, the president of the Taliban's council in northern Afghanistan, the Taliban has taken control of much of the province capital of Sar-e-Pul. The organisation has taken over dozens of districts across various provinces in the north in recent months.

23 Taliban terrorists killed in Afghanistan

Meanwhile, the Taliban has been attacking the Jawzjan province in the north for three months, and most of the region's districts have surrendered to the Taliban without a struggle. The bastion of Uzbek, Warlord Rashid Dostum, has lost eight out of ten districts to insurgents who are advancing towards the Shibirghan city.

After reaching a deal with President Ashraf Ghani, Dustom returned to Afghanistan on Wednesday and plans to lead the fight in Shibirghan, according to his spokesman Ehsan Nero. Taliban attacked seven different parts of the Herat city in the west but were defeated, according to Jelani Farhad, the provincial governor's spokesman.

According to Farhad, three Afghan security officers were killed and four others were injured in the firefights on Wednesday night, while dozens of Taliban fighters were also killed. Dr Arif Jalali of Herat Hospital revealed that in the last 24 hours, one civilian was murdered and 12 others were injured in fighting in Heart city.

Airstrikes in Afghanistan

With the start of the final withdrawal of US and NATO troops in late April, the Taliban attack appears to have escalated. As the attacks have become more frequent, Afghan security forces and government troops have replied with increased airstrikes.

Stephane Dujarric, the United Nations spokesman, said on Wednesday, "We can tell you that we are deeply concerned about the safety and protection of people in Lashkar Gah, in the south, where tens of thousands of people could be trapped by fighting. We, along with our humanitarian partners in Afghanistan, are assessing needs and responding in the south, as access allows."

(With inputs from AP)

Picture Credit: AP
Moderna Inc, in its latest report, on Thursday said that its vaccine ensures 93% effective immunity, six months after getting vaccinated, however pharma major also warned of the need for a booster dose, especially in winters to further enhance immunity against the ferocious Delta variant of COVID-19.

"We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat, so we must remain vigilant," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement, as reported by CNBC. Given this intersection, we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary prior to the winter season, Moderna said in its statement.



The latest research shows that Modernas vaccine will remain 93% effective till six months of vaccination, which is no different than the pharma companys previous clinical trial, where the vaccine showed 94.7% efficacy.

This comes days after, Pfizer and BioNTech, said that their COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity waned around 6% every two months, declining to around 84% six months after the second shot.

Moderna & Pfizer pitch the need for a third booster shot during winters

Notably, both the trials began in 2020, much before the Delta variant had spread across the US. Therefore, both companies are advocating the need of administering booster shot doses to the entire population, to keep effective immunity against the emerging variants of coronavirus. Another similarity, in both the vaccines, is their method of production, both are based on mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine production technology.

However, Moderna also hinted that it will not take any further orders for vaccine production in 2021 as they have already reached their capacity. They had committed to deliver around 1 billion doses.

Even after demands being raised by pharma companies, the US Food and Drug Administration does not yet recommend getting a third vaccine dose. Even the World Health Organization has advised the countries to wait at least September before inoculating the third dose, so that the vaccine availability doesnt get hampered in poor countries.

Israel to offer booster dose to its senior citizens

Apart from this, the Israeli government on July 30, announced that the country will administer a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to all those citizens who are above the age of 60. The government said that a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be offered to people who have received their second dose of the vaccine five months ago. The idea of offering a booster shot is probably going to make Israel the first country to administer a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.



Image: AP
The Taliban's fresh offensive in Afghanistan threatens to undermine basic human rights for women in the country, according to a report published on Thursday by the Human Rights Watch Agency (HRW).

The Afghan governments failure to provide accountability for violence against women and girls has undermined progress to protect womens rights, HRW noted in its 32-page report, titled "I Thought Our Life Might Get Better: Implementing Afghanistans Elimination of Violence against Women Law."

The report explores the horrendous experiences of vulnerable Afghan women as they fight for justice and lead tough lives in midst of escalating violence and bloodshed. The Taliban has made considerable territorial gains in the war-torn country after the complete withdrawal of US military troops. The HRW report noted, Prospects of a Taliban-dominated government threatens constitutional and international law protections for Afghan womens fundamental rights.

Prior to the rise of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan were protected under law and increasingly afforded rights in Afghan society, the US State Department claimed in a separate report on the Talibans War Against Women. It continued that the Afghan women received the right to vote in the 1920s; and as early as the 1960s, the nations constitution provided for equality for women. There was a mood of tolerance and openness as the country began moving toward democracy, US State Dept wrote.

Patricia Gossman, the associate Asia director at HRW said that International donors need to strengthen their commitment to protecting Afghan women caught between government inaction and expanding Taliban control.

Governments that have long supported womens rights in Afghanistan should advocate forcefully for enforcement of the EVAW law, which has driven slow but genuine change, she said.

International support 'very important'

The HRW report stated that donor funding and global interest in Afghanistan were drastically declining after the withdrawal of foreign troops. Following the USA's complete withdrawal, several womens rights organizations and civil society groups have raised concerns that there will be less international support for the advocacy and training needed to protect and strengthen implementation of the law, which, the HRW believes is critically important in protecting women rights.

Women are imprisoned in their homes and are denied access to basic health care and education. Food sent to help starving people is stolen by their leaders. The religious monuments of other faiths are destroyed. Children are forbidden to fly kites, or sing songs... A girl of seven is beaten for wearing white shoesFormer US President George W. Bush on Afghanistan.

The HRW report is based on 61 interviews conducted with women who reported crimes, prosecutors, judges, lawyers, legal aid providers, and advocacy groups. Since 2001, legal reforms and the advancement of educational and employment opportunities have had a major role in the upliftment of underprivileged women.

[Credit: HRW]

Over the years, after the USA deployed its troops in Afghanistan, there were significant improvements in the legal protection for women. The training of a cadre of women lawyers, prosecutors, and judges, and the adoption of new laws, such as the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW) law that criminalised 22 acts of abuse against women were some of the steps that helped protect women's rights in the country.

The EVAW, which had faced opposition from the Afghan judiciary and parliament, criminalised rape, battery, forced marriage, and allowed women the right to property and education.

EVAWs full implementation, however, remained elusive with police, prosecutors, and judges often deterring women from filing legal complaints. Besides a stigma associated with filing a complaint, and fear of reprisals in the country continue to prevent women from seeking legal recourse to their troubles.

From the moment an Afghan woman or girl decides to file a complaint under the EVAW law, she faces resistance, HRW said, particularly if it involves a male member. A woman victim of domestic abuse in Herat said that when she lodged a complaint, she was told by police to go home as a husband has such rights.

Now, with the Taliban controlling key Afghan areas, the situation of women in the country is expected to deteriorate further.

[Afghan women on International Women's Day in Kabul. Credit: AP]

In Afghanistan, men bypass the justice system

Several female victims of abuse took back complaints against their male partners after being asked to make a sacrifice for (their) children.

On most occasions, women in Afghanistan are coerced to reconcile with their abusers. Men bypass the justice system even for violent crimes such as rape. The polices reluctance, especially in apprehending an accused male spouse continues to suppress Afghan womens rights and freedom.

HRW revealed after interviewing several women that victims who went out of the way to report violent crimes perpetrated by men, including but not limited to sexual assault, are subjected to invasive vaginal examinations, or the controversial virginity tests. This is accepted as evidence in court despite World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines warning that such methods bear no scientific validity. Growing Taliban influence and control is instilling fear among Afghan womens rights advocates, who believe that legislation like the EVAW will soon be scrapped.

(With inputs from ANI)
Fountains in a nearby park and a playground next to home remind 4-year-old Anastasia of her father, Alexander Taraikovsky, a man who became the first killed during the wave of unprecedented protests in Belarus' capital in August 2020.

34-year-old Taraikovsky died under disputed circumstances: police said an explosive device he intended to throw at police blew up in his hands, but Anastasia's mother and widow to Taraikovsky, Yelena German, told the Associated Press she saw no damage on his hands while identificating him in a morgue but noticed a perforation in his chest, which she believes was a bullet wound.

Almost a year after, a probe still hasn't been launched, and Yelena is not sure she will ever find justice.

"There is no rule of law (in Belarus). We try to fight it somehow; we try to get a criminal investigation (to be opened). We receive refusals, some unthinkable formal replies," German said.

9 August will mark a year since Belarusian authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected to a sixth term, in a vote widely seen as rigged.

It also marks a year since demonstrators swarmed the streets of Belarusian cities to demand his resignation.

Police dispersed peaceful protesters with stun grenades and rubber bullets, detained thousands and beat hundreds.

"Our main mistake was that we underestimated the cruelty of the regime. We were not ready for these tortures, for this violence. And we were sure, not sure, but we believed maybe that if there were hundreds of thousands of people in the streets, the regime would at least hear people," Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenko's main rival in the 2020 election, told the AP ahead of the first anniversary of the events.

She fled to Lithuania under pressure one day after a landslide victory of Lukashenko in the vote declared by officials.

But even without an apparent leader, the massive rallies continued challenging Lukashenko's 26-year rule, while he responded by unleashing a violent post-election crackdown using intimidation tactics.

More than 35,000 people were arrested and thousands were beaten by police. Opposition figures like Maria Kolesnikova have spent 11 months behind the bars and now might face life imprisonment or even death sentence, which is still used in Belarus.

While the U.S. and the European Union have imposed multiple sanctions targeting the Belarusian leadership and key sectors of its economy, Belarusian authorities were enhancing their pressure on dissidence, conducting searches, raids, arrests and targeting independent journalists, human rights activists and NGOs.

603 people who are in prison have been recognized as political prisoners. 29 Belarusian journalists are awaiting trial or have been sentenced on different charges.

In a show of their determination to hunt down dissenters regardless of costs, Belarusian authorities in May diverted a Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania and ordered it to land in Minsk where they arrested a dissident journalist, Raman Pratasevich, who was on board.

Lukashenko presented dissidents as the agents of western countries and repeatedly stressed that they were involved in the attempt of a 'colour revolution'.

"We turned out to be stronger than so-called colour revolution technologies. Now, they (western countries) will elaborate on their concepts, theory, and practice with the Belarus example. They understood that under certain conditions, for example like in Belarus, their plan wouldn't work, they should add something to it," he said at a recent meeting with government officials of various levels.

Amid the political crisis Lukashenko maintained his grip on power with help of Russia that promised its neighbor military support and allocated a $1.5 billion loan for Belarus' ailing economy.

Tsikhanouskaya still believes that the Belarusian regime can collapse at any moment.

"There is no beautiful picture of beautiful demonstrations in the streets, but these changes are going on, and we don't know what event can break the situation, what will cause these changes, as I say, the Soviet Union collapsed in six days," she told the AP in an interview.

In the meantime, Yelena German, the widow of the first victim of the 2020 protests Alexander Taraikovsky, doesn't see a bright future for their child in Belarus.

"I can't see the future for my children here. I don't want them to be taught by propaganda in school, kindergarten. I want them to grow as free people," she said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Japan observed the 76th Hiroshima Day on August 6, Friday. The atomic bombing of the Japanese city during World War II killed thousands of innocent civilians. Calling for an end to nuclear deterrence, people in the city observed a small-scale remembrance ceremony and held a moment of silence at the peace memorial park. Speaking at the occasion, Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui urged countries to shift away from nuclear deterrence and engage in trust-building dialogues.

Backing his stance, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stressed the need to persevere with realistic initiatives towards nuclear disarmament amidst a severe security environment and widening differences between nations positions on the issue, Japan-based Kyodo news reported.

The mayor also called for Tokyo to join a UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons. The pact named, The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) asks countries to refrain from participating in nuclear activities, including testing, development, stockpiling activities, amongst others. The treaty also prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons on national territory and the provision of assistance to any State in the conduct of prohibited activities, as per a statement on the UN website.

Image Credit: AP

Hiroshima atomic bombings

The atomic bomb 'Little Boy' detonated on Hiroshima, Japan, killed nearly 80,000 instantly; this marked the first use of nuclear weapons in war. Tens and thousands later succumbed to nuclear radiation poisoning. On August 6, 1945, the United States of America, under the authorization of President Harry Truman, dropped the nuclear bomb not just to force Japan to stop the war but to cripple the Japanese ability to fight future wars. Following this, on August 10, 1945, the US used another B-29 bomber to blow up Nagasaki that killed another 40,000 people. The aftermath of the bombings forced Japan to surrender.

Hiroshima was the primary target of the Allies after the Axis superpower, Germany, surrendered in May 1945. After Germany admitted to the peace treaty, the war in Europe came to an end. This shifted the focus of the Axis powers to the Pacific War. The Allies consisted of the US, Britain, France, USSR, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Yugoslavia, while the Axis powers consisted of Germany, Italy, Japan, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria.

Main Image Credit: AP


President Joe Biden has signed a memorandum allowing people from Hong Kong currently residing in the United States to live and work in the country for 18 months, a move likely to further inflame the already tense relations between Washington and Beijing.

The decision to provide a temporary safe haven comes in response to Hong Kong's sweeping new national security law and other measures that undercut the rights promised when the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997. It also comes as China and the United States are at odds over a range of foreign policy and trade issues.

"Our announcement today is in response to the PRC and Hong Kong authorities repeated actions to undermine rights and freedoms guaranteed by the basic law in the Sino Joint Declaration, which is a binding international agreement," said U.S. State Department Spokesman Ned Price.

"We strongly urge Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to cease their continued attacks on Hong Kong for exercising protected rights and freedoms", he said.

The Chinese government has sought to stifle opposition following protests in Hong Kong in 2019 against a proposed law allowing extraditions to mainland China. Under the new national security law, which took effect in June, police have arrested at least 100 opposition politicians, activists and demonstrators.

Under U.S. law, the president is able to grant deferred enforced departure as part of constitutional power to conduct foreign relations.

In Tehran, the protege of Irans supreme leader, Ebrahim Raisi, was sworn in as the country's new president Thursday, an inauguration that completes hard-liners dominance of all branches of government in the Islamic Republic.

Price told reporters that the U.S. would wait to see what approach the new government in Iran will take.

Our message to President Raisi is the same as our message to his predecessors and that is very simple: the U.S. will defend and advance our national security interests and those of our partners," he said. We hope that Iran seizes the opportunity now to advance diplomatic solutions."

One day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Sudan's prime minister about the expansion of armed confrontation in the Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Tigray region, the State Department again called for a ceasefire and negotiated settlement to the crisis.

"In our mind, this is what is most important, ending the conflict, moving toward that negotiated ceasefire and providing the level of humanitarian access that the people in Tigray need are in", Price said.

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A nursing assistant who got paralysed after taking the Covid-19 vaccine was finally recognized as a victim of an industrial accident in South Korea, allowing her to receive government benefits. According to the state-run Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, the nursing assistant was diagnosed with acute encephalomyelitis after receiving AstraZeneca's shot on March 12. An official of the health service stated that the woman had no underlying illnesses, the side effects and the vaccination appeared to be causally related.

Upon being questioned about the case, AstraZeneca did not mention it directly but did say that patient safety was of the utmost importance to it and regulators around the globe. "International regulators, including the World Health Organization, continue to reaffirm that the vaccine offers a high-level of protection against all severities of Covid-19 and variants of concern, and is a key part of global efforts to overcome the virus," AstraZeneca said in a statement.

Choi Seung-ho, an official with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said the agency had determined that with the evidence available, it could not verify a connection between the woman's case and the vaccine. South Korea, like many other countries, has indemnified major vaccine manufacturers against claims and set up funds to cover any expenses that might arise.

This is the first time that the side effects of the coronavirus vaccine have been classified as an industrial accident and the compensation offered is up to 10 million won ($8,747). They were encouraged to get vaccinated by their employers, but not forced. Healthcare workers in South Korea were the first to qualify for vaccines. It was determined that the woman qualified for government compensation and benefits under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act because her medical condition was related to her job. She will be compensated for lost work time and her medical expenses and disabilities will be covered by her benefits, the spokesman stated.

The KDCA said a total of 1,562 cases, including 14 deaths, had been reviewed for compensation regarding damages from Covid-19 vaccination, of which 983 had been compensated. There has been no compensation for a case involving a death. AstraZeneca has been granted protection from product liability claims related to its Covid-19 vaccine by most of the countries with which it has struck supply agreements.

Countries announce restrictions for younger people

After reports of rare blood clots associated with the vaccine this year, several countries announced restrictions on its use in younger people. In Asia, countries including Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia have financial assistance programs or set up compensation funds for those who suffer serious side effects from vaccines.

Covid-19 vaccination caused damages in 983 out of 1,562 cases, according to the KDCA, of which 983 were compensated. A case involving death was not compensated. Most of the countries with which AstraZeneca has entered into supply agreements have granted AstraZeneca protection from product liability claims related to its Covid-19 vaccine.

Multiple countries have announced restrictions on its use in younger people after reports of rare blood clots associated with it this year. Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia are among the Asian countries that offer financial assistance or compensation to people who suffer from serious side effects of vaccines.

Image: AP
The United Nations peacekeeping force patrolling the disrupted border between Israel and Lebanon, UNIFIL, on August 6 warned of a 'very dangerous situation' after the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and the Israeli armed forces exchanged fiery attacks. According to Israel's Naftali Bennett-led administration, the Israeli artillery fired towards Lebanon in response to cross-border rocket fire claimed by Hezbollah (Iran-backed group). The Iranian-backed Lebanese group, Hezbollah, admitted that it fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on August 6 while the Israeli forces retaliated with artillery in a significant escalation between both sides.

The UN which maintains a monitoring force along the border called on all sides to enforce an immediate cease-fire, calling on both sides to 'maintain calm'.

Israel launched aerial attacks on Lebanon after seven years as a retaliatory shelling against the alleged rocket attack on August 4. Fighter jets struck the launch sites and infrastructure used for terrorism in Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said. Israeli Aircraft carried out routine airstrikes on Palestinian militant targets in Gaza or Iranian targets in Syria, but this was the first time since 2014 that the Israeli Air Force had bombarded Lebanese territory, the IDF added.

Taking into consideration the violent clashes, UN peacekeeping force said, "This is a very dangerous situation, with escalatory actions seen on both sides over the past two days," adding that it was working to "prevent the situation from spiralling out of control."

Israel and Lebanon airstrikes 'in retaliation' at border

A series of military exchanges between Israel and Lebanon worsened when Hezbollah released a barrage of rockets across the border from Lebanon, prompting retaliatory strikes in Lebanese territory, according to the Israeli military. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group and political party that controls south of Lebanon outrightly claimed responsibility for Friday's assault. The onus of previous attacks in the recent weeks was placed on unidentified Palestinian groups.

A flare-up along the border this week has witnessed Israel carry out its first airstrikes on Lebanese territory dates back to 20 when warplanes struck territory near Syria's border and Hezbollah claim a direct rocket attack on Israeli territory for the first time since 2019.

On August 4, Lebanon has condemned strikes by Israel as an "escalation" that could mark a change of tactics by Israel, while UNIFIL urged violence check. Of late, Israel has repeatedly warned that the State will not allow a power vacuum and deepening economic crunch in Beirut to undermine security on their border. The Israeli military said it "views the state of Lebanon as responsible for all actions originating in its territory, and warns against further attempts to harm civilians and Israel's sovereignty."
A snapshot of Upanishad words etched on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral on social media. The late Vedic Sanskrit scriptures of Hindu philosophy were written on the Warsaw University's library wall. The image was shared on Twitter by the Indian Embassy in Poland, with the caption, "What a pleasant sight!! This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism."

What a pleasant sight !! This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/4fWLlBUAdX  India in Poland (@IndiainPoland) July 9, 2021

Netizens reaction

The picture has received 1698 likes and invited a variety of comments. Many others expressed how astonished they were by this information.

It'd to be sooner than later. Hope West will soon realise the futilty of life without hope which epitomises it's philosophy.  Prof. Chetan Prakash, avid reader, poet n critic. (@ChetanPrakash1) August 5, 2021

One Internet user wrote, "Great, proud and very happy to note. Whole world started recognizing Hindu Philosophy whereas we Indians forgetting our great culture. Something has to be done to create interest particularly among young ones." Another wrote, "Bahar ke desho main Bhartiya sanskriti/ upnishado ka dil khol ke swagat kiya jaa raha," (the foreign lands are embracing the Indian culture and Upanishads).

On the extreme left plaque, things are mixed up. It starts with Rig veda. Next two verses are from Manduka Upanishad that says Veda etc are inferior knowledge ( ). Last five verses are from 13th Chapter (Verses 8-12) of Bhagabd Gita.  Trinath Kar (@TrinathKar) August 5, 2021

Facts about Upanishad

The Upanishads are Hinduism's oldest scriptures, and they cover meditation, philosophy, and ontological knowledge. Upanishad, which means 'sitting down near' in Sanskrit, refers to the student sitting near the teacher while obtaining spiritual knowledge. The Upanishads are also known as Vedanta, which means 'final chapters, parts of the Veda' in Sanskrit. The translation of the Upanishads in the early nineteenth century drew attention from a Western audience. The Upanishads influenced German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who described them as 'the most valuable and elevating reading in the world.' The similarities between the fundamental concepts in the Upanishads and key Western philosophers have been studied by Indologists.

Northern India is the general area in which the early Upanishads were composed. The upper Indus valley borders. the region on the west, the lower Ganges region on the east, the Himalayan foothills on the north, and the Vindhya mountain range on the south. Scholars believe that the early Upanishads were written at the geographical centre of ancient Brahmanism, which included the territories of Kuru-Panchala and Kosala-Videha, as well as the provinces to the south and west of these. Modern Bihar, Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, and northern Madhya Pradesh, are all included in this region.

Image- @IndiainPoland/Twitter
Protests continued in Lima against the ministerial appointments of President Pedro Castillo on Thursday, on the same day he was recognised Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces and National Police.

After he was sworn in as president on July 28, Castillo controversially appointed Guido Bellido as prime minister.

Since May, Bellido has been investigated by prosecutors for allegedly being an "apologist for terrorism", which is reportedly a crime in Peru.

After the ceremony at the presidential palace on Thursday, Castillo called his government one of change, vowing to "govern with the people and for the people."

On Wednesday, Bellido attempted to calm his critics, stressing that he has no links "with any terrorist group, nor do any of my ministers."

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The Parana River, one of the main commercial waterways in South America, is drying up and reaching its lowest level in 77 years due to a prolonged drought in Brazil which specialists point to the extreme weather patterns of global warming.

At peril is a vast ecosystem that includes the potable water for 40 million, the livelihood of fishing communities and farmers, and the navigability of the main grain export node in the world.

The National Water Institute (INA) of Argentina has defined the Parana river's low water level as "the worst since 1944."

"This natural asset is clearly giving us signs that it's not infinite," said environmentalist Jorge Bartoli, coordinator of the organization "El Parana No Se Toca" (Parana Should Remain Untouched).

The INA contemplates three possible scenarios for the next four months in different riverine localities, the third being the most critical and even worse than the one that occurred in 1944.

For Bartoli and other environmentalists, the drought that has occurred since 2020 reflects the problems that climate change generates on that water resource from practices such as deforestation.

The waterway and its underground aquifers supply fresh water to some 40 million people in different South American countries, including Brazil and Argentina.

In turn, it receives water from the Paraguay River, which has among its main sources the Pantanal area, a huge wetland located in the Mato Grosso region of southern Brazil.

The drought of the river is impacting the transport of goods.

Guillermo Miguel, president of the port of the city of Rosario, said that vessels had to reduce their tonnage by approximately 20% to continue sailing.

Miguel pointed out that the Parana's lower water levels will entail higher logistics costs since the grain cargo will eventually continue to leave through other ports.

In 2019, 79 million tons of grains, flours and oil were exported from Rosario, making it the most important agro-export port node in the world, according to the Stock Exchange of that city.

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At a time the Delta variant is increasing COVID-19 infections in the USA, chief medical advisor Dr Anothony Fauci on Wednesday warned of the possibility of a deadlier coronavirus strain that could bypass available vaccines.

As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States rises, top US viral disease expert Anthony Fauci cautioned that if a new variant enters the country, it may spell disaster. On Wednesday, the Delta version of the Coronavirus reached a six-month high in the United States, with over 100,000 illnesses reported.

The White House's top medical adviser told McClatchy in an interview, "If America's current COVID-19 surge continues unabated into the fall and winter, the country will likely face an even more deadly strain of the virus that could evade the current coronavirus vaccines."

Need to speed up vaccination

Dr Fauci's remarks emphasise the urgency of rapidly immunizing millions of Americans who are yet to receive vaccines. The Delta mutation of the coronavirus, which is already more contagious than the original strain, is to blame for the present uptick in infections across the USA. According to one research, those who have been vaccinated but still get infected with the Delta strain have large viral loads that could spread to others, even if they do not display symptoms or have a sickness.

Over a seven-day average, the United States recorded 95,000 cases, with Florida, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi recording the highest numbers. With the virus spreading to children, Florida has been heavily affected, with hospitals fast running out of beds.

Booster shots

According to the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Fauci, the US government is planning to administer booster shots to Americans with low immunity, with the possibility of cases exceeding 200,000 per day. Although current vaccines have proven effective against the coronavirus, Dr. Fauci indicated that this may not be the case if a new strain appears.

Booster doses have also been given to residents in Germany, France, and Israel. In a cause for major concern, new variants are already appearing. Two cases of the highly transmissible Delta plus variant of the coronavirus have been reported in South Korea.

Even as the USA battles the Delta COVID strain, the country's administration said it aims to allow fully vaccinated travellers into the country in a "safe and sustainable manner."

(With inputs from ANI)
The question of whether lawsuits blaming big oil companies for loss of vulnerable Louisiana coastal wetlands will be tried in state courts, as local parish governments want, or in federal courts, as the oil companies want, has been revived by a federal appeals panel.

Thursday's ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was a victory for the oil companies and a partial reversal of a decision the same court made a year ago.

In August 2020, a panel of three 5th Circuit judges upheld federal district judges' rulings keeping the suits in state court, where coastal parishes' attorneys want them tried.

But the oil companies pressed for reconsideration. Arguments were heard in October and Judge James Ho, author of the 2020 opinion, wrote Thursday that the district courts should take another look at a question of whether there are federal issues involved.

The ruling came in lawsuits filed by Cameron and Plaquemines parishes against oil companies including BP America, Chevron USA, Exxon-Mobil and Shell. But it has implications for all of the more than 40 lawsuits brought by six parishes and New Orleans. The overarching issue in the suits is whether the oil companies can be held responsible for allegedly contributing to decades of coastal erosion and the loss of wetlands.

The wetlands are not only ecologically important to wildlife and fisheries but they also act as a kind of natural hurricane buffer to inland communities, including New Orleans. The companies' dredging of coastal canals, use of earthen pits instead of steel tanks at well heads, and drilling methods are among the issues.

Oil companies have repeatedly called the suits frivolous, and an attack by money-seeking lawyers on an industry vital to Louisiana's economy.

The cases, some of which date to 2013, have bogged down in jurisdictional questions. Oil companies want the cases in federal court. Attorneys for the parishes say the disputes are over state regulations. John Carmouche, a lead attorney for the parishes, did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday but in the past has called the effort to have the suits moved to federal court a delaying tactic.

The jurisdiction question turns largely on whether a report filed by one of the parishes in the case contained what the oil companies said was new information that might warrant removal to federal court. The report said some of the wells involved in the lawsuits were drilled during World War II while the companies were acting under the authority of a federal wartime agency.

Ho's Thursday opinion noted oil company arguments that some of the state's drilling regulations conflicted with federal drilling rules in place during the war.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Schools have begun reopening in the U.S. with most states leaving it up to local schools to decide whether to require masks.

At one school in Atlanta's suburbs where face coverings are optional, more than 60% of students were wearing them inside classrooms.

"We've stayed at mask optional and now have adopted the CDC recommendation that we are highly recommending that individuals opt for a mask as an added layer of prevention," said Henry County Schools Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis.

Parents had mixed emotions around the guidance on masks. Some thought the recommendation was enough.

"I know cases are rising, but until it's an issue like it was before, like I said, to each his own," said Daniel Denny, father of third grader at Tussahaw Elementary.

Others kept their children home in disagreement with the policy.

"I feel really upset that we didn't have a safe choice," said parent Holley Freeman. "Despite Henry County government putting in a mask mandate for their public buildings, the children are left out of all of these safety measures."

California, Louisiana, Oregon and Washington intend to require masks for all students and teachers regardless of vaccine status.

At the other end of the spectrum, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah have banned mask requirements in all public schools.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Recent reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have revealed that the number of detainees has more than doubled since the end of February. The number of detainees has more than doubled since the end of February, to nearly 27,000 as of July 22, according to the most recent data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Thats above the roughly 22,000 detained last July under then-President Donald Trump, though its nowhere close to the record in August 2019, when the number of detainees exceeded 55,000. The recent ICE study gave a big blow to President Biden's claim, who hoped he would reverse Donald Trump's hardline approach. Biden had promised to use private prisons for immigration detention, which house the majority of those in ICE custody.

ICE study resembles Biden failed to address the Immigrant crisis

According to a report by AP, the Democratic Party-led government terminated contracts with Georgia and Massachusetts detention centres, after its name surfaced in several controversies. The move was then widely appreciated by the advocates who hoped it would be the start of a broader rollback. However, irrespective of the advocate's precision, the Biden administration has proposed funding for 32,500 immigrant detention beds in its budget and have not snatched any of the ICE contracts. Earlier in the Trump administration, it had funded as many as 34,000 beds for various detention centres.

Detainees have been facing abuse and harassment in US immigrants detention

Meanwhile, the detainees have complained that they have been facing abuse and harassment in America's immigration detention system. Alexander Martinez, a 28-year-old, who has been staying at a detention centre at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, said he has been facing racist taunts and abuse from guards and was harassed by fellow detainees for being gay.

"I find myself emotionally unstable because I have suffered a lot in detention, Martinez said last week at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana. I never imagined or expected to receive this inhumane treatment after contracting COVID-19.

Another detainee, Allison Cullen, a Brazilian national, says she hasnt been able to visit her husband since before the pandemic.

The couples youngest child was only a few months old when Flavio Andrade Prado was detained, and he hasnt seen his now-2-year-old daughter in person in months, she said. "We were in this never-ending limbo," said Cullen, a US citizen from Brockton, about 40 kilometres south of Boston. "There is no easy way to talk to my kids about whats going on and when Dad is coming home."

(With inputs from AP)

(Image Credit: AP)
The US Coast Guard offloaded approximately 59,700 pounds of cocaine and 1,430 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1.4 billion at Port Everglades on Thursday. According to the officials, it was the largest offload in Coast Guard history. Vice Admiral Steven Poulin, Commander Atlantic Area, said that the major consignments were seized with the collaborations of the Canadian government, Canadian Defence Forces and the Netherlands. Both the countries brought an incredible capability in defeating transnational organized crime, added Poulin.

#BREAKING @USCG Cutter James, @RoyalCanNavy Shawinigan crews offloaded approximately 59,700 lbs of cocaine and 1,430 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1.4 billion, Thursday, at @PortEverglades, which is the largest offload in #CoastGuard history. More to come. pic.twitter.com/k7KuDBqkTM  USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) August 5, 2021

"Today's offload is a result of the combined efforts of our inter-agency partners and a dedicated international coalition. Together we will disrupt, defeat and degrade transnational organized crime. We will strengthen our efforts and continue to build collaboration and capability," said Vice Admiral Steven Poulin. According to an official release by the US Coast Guard, the drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea including contraband.

US Coast Guard officials extended gratitude to the Canadian government

The maritime security said it recovered at least 27 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels by 10 American, Dutch and Canadian ships. "Canada and America are committed to expanding cooperation on defending North America against illicit trafficking and transnational crime and working together within our alliances," said Major General Paul Ormsby, Canadian Defence Attache. "We know that no nation can do it alone, and we know that we are stronger together. The kind of cooperation that we see on the pier today is one of the thousands of impressive examples of cooperation every day."

A brief history at the earlier record seizure of drugs by the US Coast Guard

Earlier in July this year, 16 tons of marijuana worth an estimated $1.19 billion was seized by the authorities in Southern California. Similarly, more than $1 billion worth of cocaine was seized from a cargo ship docked at the Packer Marine Terminal at the Philadelphia Port in 2019. According to the US Attorney's Office, it was the largest cocaine bust in history in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania at the time of seizure.

(With inputs from US Coast Guard statement)

(Image Credit: @USCGSoutheast/Twitter)
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In this Nov. 28, 2019, file photo, smoke and steam rise from a coal processing plant in Hejin in central China's Shanxi Province.

China's emergency response to power shortages and demand for more coal are raising questions about its ability to meet its climate change goals.

Summer heat waves and floods appear to have set back plans to reduce reliance on coal as China's energy mainstay while the government battles back against soaring demand and rising prices with orders to produce more.

On July 18, the nation's top economic planning agency ordered major power producers to increase their coal stockpiles to at least seven days' worth of consumption by July 21, Reuters reported.

"We are in the peak power consumption period and must guarantee coal supply to power plants ... and will not allow the shutdown of power generation units due to a lack of coal," the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said.

The NDRC warning followed record highs in peak-load capacity and power generation on July 14 as regional and provincial power grids strained to keep pace with demand, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 22 cities issued schedules for rotating power outages to prevent blackouts, S&P Global Platts news service said.

The modest size of the inventory requirement was a reflection of the low levels of coal supplies at eastern power plants. The NDRC took steps to reduce high prices with the announcement that it would release 10 million metric tons of coal from its limited reserves, which were reportedly down to 40 million tons.

The numbers are a small fraction of the 1.94 billion tons of coal that China produced in the first half of the year and the 4.04 billion tons that it consumed in 2020, according to official and industry data.

Coal production through June was up 6.4 percent as electricity output climbed 13.7 percent from a year earlier during the COVID-19 recovery period, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

First-half coal consumption rose 10.7 percent, while electricity use jumped 16.2 percent, a National Energy Administration (NEA) official said on July 28.

In another move to boost coal, the NDRC said on July 19 that it plans to add 110 million tons of new production capacity in the second half of this year. Forty million tons of annual capacity were under review for approval while 70 million tons were already under construction, the agency said.

On Thursday, the NDRC authorized the restart of 15 shuttered mines for a year in northern provinces and Xinjiang to deliver about 44 million tons of coal, Bloomberg News reported. Last week, 38 mines in Inner Mongolia were ordered to reopen, it said.

Last year, China accounted for 54.3 percent of all the coal consumption in the world in energy equivalent terms, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

China's sensitivity to the figures may account for the infrequency of its disclosures of consumption volumes and tonnage in reports by the China National Coal Association (CNCA) and state media.

In a rare report on July 20, the official English-language China Daily verified an earlier Reuters estimate of last year's consumption tonnage, but not its calculation that usage rose 0.6 percent, marking the fourth year in a row of increases.

Instead, state media have highlighted more favorable numbers from plans to reduce coal's share of China's primary energy mix in percentage terms. Those measures predict progress in keeping with President Xi Jinping's pledge last September to reach a peak in carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve "net zero" carbon neutrality before 2060.

At an industry conference in late June, state-owned energy companies said that coal's share would drop from 56.8 percent of energy supplies last year to 44 percent in 2030 and just 8 percent by 2060 to meet Xi's climate goals.

Future dependence

By 2025, the coal share of energy use will fall to 51 percent, according to the China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute. As renewable sources increase, generating capacity from non-fossil fuels is slated to exceed that of coal-fired power by the end of this year, the China Electricity Council (CEC) said.

But the China Daily report did not exclude the possibility that coal consumption will keep rising in physical tonnage terms as total energy use continues to grow.

Despite efforts to put the best face on the numbers, China faces criticism for its reliance on coal and doubts about whether it will achieve Xi's climate goals.

"Coal is still involved in generating some 60 percent of the country's power. But the government is wary of that figure rising any higher," CNN Business reported on June 30. Attempts to limit consumption "have coincided with a thirst for energy caused by economic rejuvenation, along with extreme weather," the news network said.

The concerns are likely to rise with calls for more coal capacity and stockpiling to address power shortages.

"China has many coal plants that are more than 40 years old. They don't make money, they're not efficient," U.S. climate envoy John Kerry told Bloomberg Television on July 21. "We're not pointing fingers. We're stating facts -- that China is now the largest emitter," Kerry said.

The former U.S. secretary of state noted that China has set a 2060 deadline for carbon neutrality in contrast to the 2050 goal urged by other countries to limit global warming.

"It's 'OK' that 'China's goal is different from that ... as long as they are doing things that are possible,'" Bloomberg quoted Kerry as saying.

China's pursuit of climate change targets also seems to be suffering from its continued drive for industrial output and economic growth, which has pushed power supplies to the limit at a time of peak seasonal demand.

The CEC expects electricity consumption to rise 6 percent in the second half from the year-earlier period, while the full-year forecast calls for growth of 10-11 percent, Reuters said.

Despite the troubling signs, China energy expert Philip Andrews-Speed at the National University of Singapore said that the 2030 goal for peak carbon emissions is achievable.

Reduction goals

Andrews-Speed argued that the planned addition of 110 million tons of "advanced coal production capacity" amounted to only 2.7 percent of last year's consumption figure. On a net basis, the increase could be even less, if closures of outdated mining facilities are taken into account.

"What we don't know is how much capacity they are closing this year," said Andrews-Speed.

According to China Daily, over 1 billion tons of outdated capacity was eliminated in 2016-2020.

"If this rate of closure is continuing, then the addition to total capacity this year is marginal," Andrews-Speed said.

In a July 30 statement, the NDRC encouraged qualified mines to expand with new capacity but it required them to shut down a "certain amount" of outdated capacity within three months of approval, Reuters said.

The surge in electricity demand and recent power outages can be explained by hot weather and the possible shortage of transmission capacity, Andrews-Speed said.

He also questioned the view that the government push for economic growth has been a major cause of the power problems, noting that economic growth rates have settled down to single digits after the record 18.3-percent spurt in the first quarter compared with the year-earlier COVID-19 slump.

"I still think that carbon emissions will peak by 2030. Carbon neutrality by 2060 is a more open issue," Andrews- Speed said.

S&P Global Platts blamed the electricity problems on regulated rates that prevented power producers from charging consumers for their increased fuel costs, leading to losses and low utilization rates for both coal-fired and gas-fueled power plants.

"This means that despite the risk of blackouts and scorching temperatures in July, power companies were unable to fully ramp up electricity generation," the news service said.

The report cited a power producer in southern China as saying that operating rates at its coal-fired plants were "around 70 percent" and only 50-60 percent for gas-fueled generators despite high demand during the heat wave.

The costs for coal and liquefied natural gas have risen far above the break-even point for power production.

"The break-even coal price for many coal-fired power plants is around 600-650 yuan (U.S. $92.13-99.81) per metric ton, but the coal price has far exceeded this level currently, which means that the more power they generate, the more losses they will incur," an industry source said.

According to a manager of the Huaneng Group utility, the industry's losses are widespread.

"Power plants do not have incentives to generate power at current prices," the unidentified manager told Reuters on Aug. 2.

"If the prices continue to stay at this level, no one can survive," the manager said.

Following a top-level Communist Party meeting on July 30, the Politburo released a statement indicating that a roadmap for achieving Xi's climate goals would be released "soon," according to Platts.

The statement said that "China's carbon mitigation practices need to be coordinated across all provinces, sudden measures that are unrealistic should be avoided, and a measured approach is needed for handling energy-intensive and emission-intensive projects," Platts reported.
The move has left Chinese nationals overseas stranded with expired passports, and some are thinking of suing the consulate.

China has stopped issuing new passports to its citizens and has imposed entry and exit controls on its population, citing the recent surge in the Delta variant of COVID-19, but commentators say the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using the pandemic as a pretext to curb freedom of movement.

Chinese nationals living in mainland China have told RFA in recent months that the authorities have gradually stopped issuing new passports and exit visas -- a police-approved travel permit that adds another layer to a slew of hurdles Chinese nationals must clear in order to be allowed to leave.

The Chinese Entry and Exit Bureau recently confirmed publicly that the rules are in place, saying exit permits will only be issued for "essential" travel.

"We will be implementing a strict approvals systems with no permits for non-emergency or non-essential trips out of China, to ensure public safety during the pandemic," spokesman Chen Jie told a news conference on July 30.

Some Chinese nationals living in the United States have been stranded in China after they combined a trip home with plans to renew their soon-to-expire passports at the same time, U.S.-based businessman Zhang Shengqi told RFA.

"My friend ... found he couldn't get [a passport] after he got back, and his wife [in the U.S.] just gave birth to a child," Zhang said, suggesting that even returning to one's place of work and family wasn't being regarded as "essential."

"My friend even has contacts in the area, but even they can't get it done for him; nobody is issuing them, so he is stuck there and can't get out," he said. "It's pretty inhumane when families can't be together."

Chinese nationals have also drawn a blank when trying to apply to renew passports at the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles, Zhang said.

"There are a few people here whose passports have now expired, yet [the consulate] are saying that none of these applications are urgent," he said. "They are refusing to renew them."

"They are planning to hire a lawyer and sue the LA consulate," he said.

Pandemic used as a pretext

Current affairs commentator Fang Yuan said the pandemic probably isn't the main reason for the new restrictions, however.

"I think we can look at these new entry and exit restrictions in the context of the crackdown on Chinese companies listing in the U.S.," Fang said. "These choices are being made in line with the [Sino-U.S.] trade war."

"These actions may cause some harm to [Chinese interests], but they are also hurting the other side," he said.

U.S.-based legal scholar Teng Biao said Chinese nationals should be granted the freedom to enter and leave China at will, under the constitution, Chinese passport law, and immigration legislation.

"I think the Chinese Entry-Exit Bureau's actions are in violation of laws protecting the basic rights of citizens," Teng told RFA. "The pandemic is being used as a pretext."

"They want to ... clamp down on the movement of their citizens and prevent Western ideological imports from influencing them," he said.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Experts call for greater due diligence on Chinese partners and third parties in American technology exports to China.

Uyghurs pass by a security checkpoint with cameras in the city of Kashgar in northwestern China's Xinjiang region, where authorities are using data-driven surveillance to impose a digital police state, Nov. 5, 2017.

UPDATED at 10:15 A.M. ET on 2021-08-06

U.S. technology companies are still supplying Chinas surveillance state with equipment and software for monitoring populations and censoring information, including in the Xinjiang region, despite damning revelations that have led to genocide accusations against Beijing, according to researchers.

At least seven U.S. companies whose technology helped build a Chinese digital surveillance program known as the Golden Shield Project (GSP) are continuing to advance it by selling their products to China, say academic researchers Valentin Weber and Vasilis Ververis.

Their report, Chinas Surveillance State: A Global Project, published Tuesday, comes as U.S. companies are facing heightened scrutiny over their ties to the Chinese governments extensive and intrusive use of surveillance technology to monitor and control the populations of Xinjiang Tibet, and Hong Kong.

Launched in 1998, the Golden Shield Project (GSP) is Chinas nationwide network-security project, featuring powerful surveillance and censorship technologies deployed by authorities to track political dissidents, activists, ethnic minorities and others seen as threats to the regime or to stability.

This assistance continues until the present day. As our report shows, Cisco, Dell, HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle still supply vital equipment to Chinese police departments across the country, write Weber and Ververis.

Their report also says that Intel core processors are likely being used for surveillance purposes in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR)  helping police monitoring at the Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in the regional capital Urumqi (in Chinese, Wulumuqi), one of the few international gateways into and out of Xinjiang.

Chinese policies in the XUAR have come in for particular criticism with the U.S. government and some European legislatures have declared that persecution of the Uyghurs  including a network of internment camps believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other minorities since 2017  amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity. China angrily denies the allegations.

As this report demonstrates, entities based in democracies simply ignore that the Chinese companies they collaborate with also provide technology to the Chinese police and military, says the report, whose findings are based on publicly available government bidding documents for technology products and services.

Troubling Chinese partners

The U.S. companies that sell into the U.S. $260 billion technology market in the worlds second-biggest economy may not be aware of compromising entanglements, the report says. Many of the exports and collaboration done by third parties and subsidiaries complicates due diligence evaluations.

Among the Chinese companies that use U.S. technology to provide surveillance and censorship services are several that have deployed systems in the XUAR, even as Washington has stepped up scrutiny of corporate supply chains to stop American firms from abetting forced labor and other repressive practices.

Beijing Zhongke Fuxing Information Technology Co. Ltd., for example, has a disturbing involvement in Xinjiang, where it has completed several digital surveillance-related projects and equipped detention centers, the report says.

The company lists U.S. tech concerns Microsoft, IBM, Intel, HP, Oracle, CISCO and Dell EMCs Greenplum as its commercial partners.

Another Chinese company, Xiamen Dragon Information Technology Co. Ltd., provides public security intelligence platforms, including face capture equipment that uses the Intel XEON dual 6-core processor to identify mobile devices and information from instant-messaging software from smartphones.

The firm, whose international partners include Microsoft, Oracle, Dell, HP, IBM and Cisco, also provides a system that allows police to apply ethnic tags such as Uyghur, Tibetan, and Han Chinese to a subject to help it discover groups of people.

Xiamen Dragon signed an agreement with the Tibet Autonomous Regions Public Security Department in 2017 to build a big data and cloud computing product to foster a safe Tibet and a stable social atmosphere, the report says.

Chinas Neusoft Corp., whose Golden Shield role included helping the Ministry of Public Security build its National Basic Population Information Resource Database project in the early 2000s, also helps XUAR authorities process data collected from the household registration system, fingerprint collection, and facial recognition. It has subsidiaries in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, and cooperates with Intel on network technology, the researchers say.

Uyghurs line up for a security checkpoint to enter a bazaar under a screen showing Chinese President Xi Jinping in the city of Hotan in northwestern China's Xinjiang region, Nov. 3, 2017. Credit: Associated Press





Due diligence is ineffective

Our findings show that U.S. technology companies due diligence is ineffective, Weber said in an email to RFA. A change in behavior will unlikely come from companies themselves, since theyre profit driven.

If the U.S. government is really concerned about what is happening in Xinjiangthen it needs to make clear to U.S. companies that if they continue to be complicit in Chinas surveillance state this may come at a financial cost for them at home, he said. This may induce a change in behavior abroad.

RFA contacted the U.S. companies mentioned in the report for comment and received responses from Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp. and IBM Corp.

While we do not always know nor can we control what products our customers create or the applications end-users may develop, Intel does not support or tolerate our products being used to violate human rights, said Nancy Sanchez from Intels corporate communications office in an email.

Where we become aware of a concern that Intel products are being used by a business partner in connection with abuses of human rights, we will restrict or cease business with the third party until and unless we have high confidence that Intels products are not being used to violate human rights, she said.

Microsoft has put in place a robust set of policies intended to safeguard against the misuse of our technology, including refusing to deploy technologies like facial recognition in ways that may put peoples safety or human rights at risk, said a spokesperson said the Redmond, Washington-based company.

We require our partners to abide by these policies, and we investigate and enforce violations up to ending the relationship, the spokesperson said in an email. We regularly review our operations and engage policymakers, academia, industry, and advocacy organizations to continually improve our policies.

IBM opposes and does not condone the use of technology for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms, or any purpose that conflicts with the company's values and principles, said Chris Mumma from IBM's external relations office in an email.

We enforce rigorous processes across our global operations to protect against direct or third-party business engagements that may run counter to these commitments, he said. As a company focused on operating responsibly, IBM continually reviews and strengthens our screening processes based on global best practices and evolving circumstances worldwide.

Weber and Ververis recommend that companies that do business with Chinese tech firms increase due diligence, and they urge governments to review Chinese-owned firms that operate or own subsidiaries in their territories to determine whether the companies supply Chinese public security bureaus and the military.

Their report also recommends that U.S. companies check third-party contractors that buy their products in China to ensure that tech exports are not used in systems deployed by public security bureaus.

Absolutely reprehensible

Uyghur rights groups criticized the U.S. companies for abetting surveillance and other abusive policies toward the 12 million Uyghurs in the XUAR.

It is absolutely reprehensible that U.S. companies are powering the Chinese state and putting billions of innocent people at risk globally, as well as being complicit in the Uyghur genocide, said Rushan Abbas, executive director of Washington-based Campaign for Uyghurs, in an email to RFA.

In particular, as this police state and tools of oppression have been perfected in carrying out the Uyghur genocide, our government must recognize that swift action is needed to halt the sale of American equipment to a genocidal regime, she said.

Companies providing technology to China despite the genocide accusations, increasing U.S. sanctions of senior Chinese officials, and blacklists of Chinese companies for using Uyghur forced labor, will be held accountable in the future for their shameful role, said Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress.

The material and technical support continuously provided by some American and Western high-tech companies to China means theyre actively aiding and abetting Chinas genocide of Uyghurs, he wrote in an email to RFA.

These companies should immediately stop aiding and abetting Chinas genocide of Uyghurs by cutting any material and technical support they provide to a totalitarian regime that not only commits genocide against Uyghurs but also poses the biggest national security threat to the U.S.-led Western democracies, he said.

The Weber and Ververis report was supported by a grant from UK-based Top10VPN.com, a website that reviews virtual private network services and publishes news and investigations on digital privacy and internet security.

Reported by Roseanne Gerin and Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Alim Seytoff. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
European Union home affairs ministers will discuss a surge of illegal border crossings from Belarus to EU member state Lithuania at an extraordinary meeting on August 18, the Slovenian EU Presidency said on August 6.

Representatives of the EU border agency Frontex and Europol will also participate in the video conference, according to a letter by Slovenia to EU diplomats seen by Reuters.

"With the situation at the Lithuania-Belarus border, the EU has come under a serious security threat and is a witness of state-sponsored weaponization of illegal migration in Belarus," Reuters quoted the text as saying.

Slovenia pressed for action, saying one aim of the meeting was to agree on measures to safeguard this part of the EU's external border and to continue to support Lithuania.

The European Union summoned the Belarusian envoy in Brussels on August 5 and held talks with the Iraqi government after accusing Belarus of creating a refugee problem in response to EU sanctions.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and other EU officials have also sought a solution with the Iraqi government, which could include a suspension of flights from Baghdad to Minsk.

Lithuanian and European officials say the migrant flows are being orchestrated by Alyaksandr Lukashenka in retaliation for EU sanctions over his government's crackdown on the opposition following Belarus's presidential election nearly a year ago that was widely regarded as fraudulent.

Poland also accused Belarus on August 5 of sending a growing number of migrants over the border in retaliation for Warsaw's decision this week to give refuge to Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya who refused to return home from the Tokyo Olympics.

Based on reporting by Reuters
A court in Austria has sentenced a Russian man to life in prison after he was convicted of murdering a 43-year-old Chechen in a Vienna suburb last year in a case that drew international attention amid claims the killing had been politically motivated.

A spokesman for the regional court in Korneuburg said on August 6 that jurors reached a unanimous verdict in the case during the one-day trial.

The defendant was a 48-year-old ethnic Chechen who wasn't named for privacy reasons, court spokesman Wolfgang Schuster-Kramer said.

The defendant had pleaded not guilty and vowed to appeal when the verdict was delivered, according to the court spokesman.

Members of the Chechen exile community in Austria had suggested that the victim of the July 2020 slaying might have been targeted for criticizing Kremlin-backed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

But the court was presented with no concrete evidence proving that the killing was politically motivated, Schuster-Kramer said.

Austrian police have not named the victim, but sources in the Chechen diaspora have told RFE/RL that the victim was Mamikhan Umarov, a Chechen separatist who ran a video blog critical of Kadyrov and worked with Austrian intelligence. He had received asylum in Austria.

Prosecutors said the victim was shot several times, including once in the head from a close distance, shortly after the men met at an industrial estate in Gerasdorf, northeast of Vienna.

Blood from the victim and gunpowder particles were found on the clothing of the defendant.

A defense lawyer blamed the shooting on the victim's bodyguard, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported.

There have been several assaults outside of Russia in recent months on critics of Kadyrov.

In January, a court in Sweden sentenced two Russian citizens from Chechnya to lengthy prison terms for their roles in last year's attempted killing of Tumso Abdurakhmanov, an exiled Chechen blogger and outspoken critic of the North Caucasus region's Moscow-backed leader.

In August 2019, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a former Chechen separatist fighter who had fled from Georgia to Germany, was shot dead in Berlin. A Russian national suspected in that killing went on trial in Germany in October.

Rights groups have accused Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya since 2007, of numerous human rights abuses, including kidnappings, tortures, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and the targeted killings of political and personal rivals both in Russia and abroad.

He has denied the accusations.

With reporting by AP and AFP
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he is "prepared" for outside "interference," including from the United States, in an election next year that could chip away at the wide majority his ruling Fidesz party currently enjoys in parliament.

In power since 2010 and increasingly fiery in his national populist rhetoric, Orban has faced accusations from Brussels of democratic backsliding, cronyism, and excessive media consolidation to benefit allies.

"That will happen," Orban said in an interview with U.S. Fox News host Tucker Carlson of meddling in the vote. "We are not worried about it. We are prepared for it."

Carlson has been among the most prominent critics in the United States of immigration and has praised Orban amid criticism in the U.S. press that hes flirting with an authoritarian leader.

Orban has taken a hard line against immigration since a European migrant crisis that saw well over 1 million refugees pour into the continent from conflict zones and other hardship countries.

"Obviously, the international left will do everything that they can do, probably even more, to change the government here in Hungary, Orban, who describes himself as a defender of traditional Christian values, told Carlson.

The April 2022 election could shape up to be a tight race, with opinion polls showing Orban's Fidesz party neck-and-neck with a coalition of opposition parties.

Orban has led Hungary as prime minister for much of the past two decades, including around its NATO and EU membership. But he has turned increasingly skeptical of the European Union publicly.

Last month, French media watchdog Reporters Without Borders added Orban to its annual list of enemies of press freedoms."

Freedom House has said Hungry can no longer be considered a democracy due to Orbans continued assaults on democratic institutions.

During his election campaign last year against Republican incumbent Donald Trump, U.S. President Joe Biden cited Hungary in his criticism of Trump's policies, comparing it to totalitarian regimes.

"You see what's happened in everything from Belarus to Poland to Hungary, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in the world.... This president [Trump] embraces all the thugs in the world," Biden said in a town-hall meeting.

Orban had endorsed Trumps reelection bid, saying his rival Democrats have forced a moral imperialism.

Asked if he expects the Biden administration to try to "prevent" his reelection, Orban said that, "sooner or later, the Americans will realize that issues in Hungary must be decided by the Hungarians.

It is unclear what kind of "interference" he is expecting.

Orban's government has been increasingly friendly with Moscow despite EU and U.S. sanctions over a Ukrainian invasion, alleged assassinations at home and abroad, and what Western intelligence agencies say is frequent meddling in foreign elections.

"It is better even for the leftist liberal government in the U.S. to have a good partner that is conservative, Christian, democratic, and supported long-term by the Hungarian people," Orban told Carlson.

He suggested that shifting policies out of Washington were "creating destabilization and uncertainty."

"A not-loved-but-stable partner is better than an uncertain new one," Orban said. "I hope the Americans will understand that."

Orban said Trump's "America first" policy was "a very positive message here in Central Europe.... It means Hungary could be first as well."

With reporting by AFP and RFE/RL's Hungarian Service
The U.S. military and the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized countries blamed Iran on August 6 for last week's attack on a tanker in international waters off Oman.



The U.S. militarys Central Command said it had collected and examined evidence of a drone strike on the Mercer Street in the Arabian Sea last week that killed one British security guard and the ship's Romanian captain.



"U.S. experts concluded based on the evidence that this UAV was produced in Iran," Central Command said in a statement, using the acronym for unmanned aerial vehicle.



Meanwhile, G7 countries condemned what they called an "unlawful attack" on the vessel, which is managed by a U.K.-based company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.



"All available evidence clearly points to Iran," the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States said in a joint statement.



Following the July 30 attack, first Israel, then the United States and Britain pointed the finger at Tehran and vowed repercussions for such a threat on international shipping.



Tehran has denied any role in the attack.

Central Command, which covers the Middle East, said the Mercer Street was first targeted by two unsuccessful drone attacks on July 29. Investigators found the remnants of at least one of the drones pulled from the water.



A third drone loaded with a "military-grade explosive" hit the pilot house of the ship on July 30, creating a roughly two-meter hole and causing damage to the interior, Central Command said.



Investigators were able to recover part of the wing and internal components from the third drone "which were nearly identical to previously-collected examples from Iranian one-way attack UAVs," also known as kamikaze drones, the U.S. military said.



It said the triangle-shaped Delta wing drones are similar to those actively used by Iran and their proxies in the region, including against Saudi Arabia, in a reference to Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels, and bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq.

In their statement, G7 foreign ministers said "Irans behavior, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security."



European countries and the United States added to their accusations at a closed-door Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York on August 6.



"The UK knows that Iran was responsible for this attack. We know it was deliberate and targeted," said British Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward.



"The door for diplomacy and dialogue remains open. But if Iran chooses not to take that route, then we would seek to hold Iran to account and apply a cost to that," she told reporters.



Iran's deputy ambassador at the United Nations, Zahra Ershadi, rejected the accusation.



She accused Israel of trying to divert world opinion from its "crimes and inhumane practices in the region," repeating a claim that it had attacked over 10 commercial vessels carrying oil and goods to Syria.



Ershadi was referring to an expansion of a shadow war between Iran and Israel, that in recent months has seen vessels linked to each nation being mysteriously targeted in waters around the Middle East.



On August 5, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gatz said that his country is prepared to strike Iran, ratcheting up rhetoric at a time Tehran is breaching key planks of a 2015 nuclear deal in response to the U.S. exit from the pact.



Tensions have risen in the Middle East since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal with major powers.



The Pentagon said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on August 6 with Gantz about the ship incident.



Both "expressed concern about Iran's proliferation and employment of one-way attack UAVs across the region and committed to continue cooperating closely on regional security," the Pentagon said in a statement.



"They agreed to work together alongside allies and partners in condemning Irans aggression that undermines freedom of navigation, and they exchanged views on next steps," it added.

With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters
NUR-SULTAN -- Kazakh activist Asqar Qaiyrbek has launched a hunger strike to demand a new trial one month after he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for organizing activities of the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), a banned opposition group.



Lawyer Gulshat Duisenova told RFE/RL on August 6 that her client has been refusing food and drinking only water since August 1.



She said Qaiyrbeks health has dramatically worsened.



The warden of the minimum security penal colony in the Kazakh capital where he is being held confirmed to RFE/RL that the activist has been on hunger strike for several days.



The warden, Baghdat Amangeldiev, said the facility's medical staff were ready to provide assistance to Qaiyrbek if needed.



The 44-year-old activist was sentenced on June 21 after a court in the Central Asian nation found him guilty of organizing the activities of an extremist group and taking part in such activities.



Meanwhile in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, a court resumed the trial on August 6 of 13 activists, including four women, also accused of links with the DVK and an associated party, Koshe (Street).



The activists' trial had been adjourned after the defendants and their lawyers accused Judge Ernar Qasymbekov of intentionally switching off microphones when one of the lawyers raised the issue of political prisoners in the country.



All of the defendants were charged with participation in the activities of extremist organizations, while 10 of them were additionally charged with organizing the activities of extremist groups.



Due to coronavirus precautions, the trial is being held online.

Kazakh human rights groups have labeled four of the defendants -- Diana Baimaghambetova, Askhat Zheksebaev, Noyan Rakhymzhanov, and Qairat Qylyshev -- political prisoners.



In recent years, Kazakh courts routinely order prison or parole-like sentences for involvement in the activities of the DVK and the Koshe party, or for taking part in rallies organized by the two groups.



DVK is led by Mukhtar Ablyazov, the fugitive former head of Kazakhstans BTA Bank and an outspoken critic of the Kazakh government. Kazakh authorities banned the DVK as an extremist group in 2018.



In early July, Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized Kazakh authorities, saying they had targeted at least 135 people across the country with criminal investigations and prosecutions for allegedly participating in banned extremist political opposition groups.



Rights groups in Kazakhstan say at least 300 men and women in the tightly controlled former Soviet republic have been convicted for ties to the DVK and Koshe or for taking part in events they organized.



Critics say Kazakhstans law on public gatherings violates international standards, as it requires preliminary permission from authorities to hold rallies and it prosecutes organizing and participating in unsanctioned rallies despite a constitutional guarantee to the right of free assembly.



Kazakh authorities have insisted that there are no political prisoners in the country.
CHISINAU -- Lawmakers in Moldova have confirmed the new government of Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita after her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won snap elections earlier this month.

The Harvard-educated Gavrilita's PAS holds 63 of the 101 seats in parliament in Moldova for what she described as an "integrity government."

Postcommunist Moldova is wedged between Ukraine and EU member Romania, with which it shares a common language.



The PAS had campaigned on a platform of carrying out reforms and tackling corruption, and advocates closer ties with the European Union and the United States.



Gavrilita, a former finance minister, was designated as prime minister by President Maia Sandu.



Before the vote, Gavrilita said "the most important mission is to show that an integrity government is good for the country, and Moldova can return to the list of decent states."



She vowed before the August 6 vote that her government "will not steal, will not divide public money by percentage, and will not protect crooks and bandits."

Sandu defeated her Moscow-backed predecessor Igor Dodon in a presidential election in November and called the July 11 elections in a 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.



The incoming government expects to receive 600 million euros ($708 million) between 2022 and 2024 in assistance from the European Union, as well as money from the International Monetary Fund.



The West and Russia are competing for influence in the ex-Soviet republic of 3.5 million people, which is one of Europe's poorest nations and has suffered a sharp economic downturn during the pandemic.



Moldova has been dogged by instability and corruption scandals in recent years, including the disappearance of $1 billion from the banking system.
The brother of imprisoned Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny was given a one-year suspended prison sentence after a court in Moscow found him guilty on August 6 of publicly calling for the violation of anti-pandemic restrictions.



Oleg Navalny's lawyer, Nikos Paraskevov, said on Twitter that the Preobrazhensky district court also ruled to impose a one-year probation period on his client.



He is the fourth person convicted in a case that was launched after a group of Navalny's associates was held for calling on people to take part in unsanctioned protests to support the opposition activist in January. They were detained on the eve of the planned rallies.



Hours earlier, the same court ordered Nikolai Lyaskin to serve one year of "freedom limitation," also a parole-like sentence, on the same charges.



The two men were charged along with several other Navalny allies with breaking epidemiological guidelines by urging people to take part in the pro-Navalny rallies.



Lyaskin tweeted on August 6 that the court barred him from leaving home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. or participating in public events. He was also ordered not to leave Moscow for a period of one year.



One of Navalny's closest associates, Lyubov Sobol, was found guilty and given an 18-month parole-like sentence on August 3.

One day earlier, January protest participant Dani Akel was fined 100,000 rubles (almost $1,400) on similar charges.



Other individuals charged in the case include Navalny's brother, Oleg; municipal lawyers Dmitry Baranovsky and Lyusya Shtein; the chief of the Physicians' Alliance NGO, Anastasia Vasilyeva; a leading member of the Pussy Riot protest group, Maria Alyokhina; a coordinator of Navalny's team in Moscow, Oleg Stepanov; and Navalny spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh.



Most of them are under house arrest or curfew.

Aleksei Navalny was arrested on January 17 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for poisoning with a Novichok nerve agent that he says was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.



The Kremlin has denied any role in the incident, which was the latest of numerous attacks on Navalny.



More than 10,000 people were rounded up during nationwide rallies protesting Navalny's arrest organized in more than 100 Russian towns and cities on January 23 and January 31.



On February 2, Navalny was found guilty of violating the terms of his suspended sentence relating to an embezzlement case that he has called politically motivated.



That ruling sparked new protests that were also forcibly dispersed by police.



More than 1,400 people were detained by police in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities during those demonstrations.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service and Mediazona
The wife of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny has completed a so-called "long visit" with her husband six months into his most recent imprisonment.



Such visits can last up to three days at a special prison facility under the Russian penitentiary system and all inmates are eligible from six months into serving their sentence.



Navalny, who has been in a prison in the town of Pokrov about 100 kilometers east of Moscow for six months, posted a photo on Instagram on August 5 showing him smiling widely as he and his wife, Yulia, embrace.



We reconstructed a dinner at the dacha. And yesterday I was sitting completely happy, looking at a pan of sorrel borscht (in our family it is a cult) and a pan of fried potatoes, Navalny said on Instagram.



Yulia Navalnaya, who was allowed to stay for three days, also used Instagram to post a message about the visit.



"I spent some time in prison. So cool!" she wrote, saying her husband, who spent 24-days on a hunger strike in April, appeared skinny, tanned, and smiling when he was brought out to greet her in a prison jumpsuit.



The beloved man is next to you. You reach out and touch [him], still a little surprised that no one is trying to stop you," Navalnaya wrote.



She described the family meeting facilities at the prison as having "a very decent look of a 2-star hotel," with a couple of rooms, a kitchen, and paintings on the walls.



Navalny, one of Russian President Vladimir Putins most-vocal critics, is serving 2 1/2 years in jail for parole violations in an embezzlement case he says was trumped up. Navalny's allies accuse the authorities of using the law to crush dissent ahead of Russias parliamentary elections in September.

Navalny was arrested in January upon his return from Germany, where he had spent five months recovering from a nerve-agent poisoning in August last year that he blames on the Kremlin -- accusations that Russian officials reject.



A Moscow court in February converted a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence on the embezzlement charge to real jail time, saying he broke the terms of the original sentence by leaving Russia for the life-saving treatment he received in Germany.

The court reduced the sentence to just over 2 1/2 years because of time already served in detention.



Yulia Navalnaya said she brought in everything her husband had told her he was missing and said the guards "carefully inspected the borscht," checking for a mobile phone, and cut into items searching for drugs and sniffing drinks for alcohol.



After the three days were over she said her husband was dressed in a robe again and taken away.



She said Navalny, who recently had his ability to communicate with the outside world further curtailed, sends "warmest greetings to everyone."

According to the Federal Penitentiary Service's regulations, Navalny will be eligible for the next "long visit" by relatives in six months, on condition of "good behavior."



In Russia and most of the former Soviet republics, penitentiary administrations have a right to deprive inmates of "long or short visits" as a punishment for violating internal regulations. "A short visit" is a two-hour talk by phone with relatives via a glass window. "Short visits" are allowed two or four times a year, depending on the penitentiary's security level.



Last week, a court rejected Navalny's lawsuit against a decision that bans his lawyers from bringing mobile phones and laptop computers into the penitentiary during visits.

Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, blocked Navalnys website in a crackdown against media and civil organizations ahead of the elections.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa
A court in St. Petersburg has sentenced a man to 4 1/2 years in prison for what prosecutors say was an attack on two police officers during an unsanctioned rally in January to support jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.



The October district court on August 5 found Nikolai Devyaty guilty of punching two police officers during a pro-Navalny rally on January 23. The court also ordered Devyaty to pay a 150,000-ruble (roughly $2,000) fine.



The united press service of St. Petersburg's courts said on Telegram that Devyaty had pleaded guilty.



Russian authorities have tried a number of protesters in a number of dubious cases of such "attacks."



Several individuals have received prison terms or suspended sentences in recent months for allegedly attacking police during the nationwide demonstrations held in January against Navalny's arrest.



Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport on January 17 upon his arrival from Germany, where he was recovering from a poison attack by what several European laboratories concluded was a military-grade chemical nerve agent in Siberia in August.



Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied.



More than 10,000 supporters of Navalny were detained across Russia during and after the January rallies.



Many of those detained were either fined or given several-day jail terms.



At least 90 were charged with criminal misdeeds, and several have been fired by their employers.

With reporting by Fontanka and Mediazona
UFA, Russia -- A woman on trial in the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan for allegedly providing financial support to the mother of an opposition activist jailed for extremism has been added to a federal list of extremists despite no ruling yet in her case.



The woman, Ilmira Bibkayeva, pleaded not guilty when her trial began in Ufa, the capital of Bashkortostan, in February.



But Bibkayeva told RFE/RL on August 5 that her bank accounts and credit cards had been frozen without warning and when she inquired was told that her name was on the "extremists" registry.



She is charged with providing funds to the mother of Airat Dilmukhametov, a prominent opposition activist who was sentenced to nine years in prison on extremism charges last year.



Bibkayeva said she had to convince the bank to explain the freeze after her cards stopped working on August 3.



After lengthy discussions, she said, she was allowed limited access to her accounts.

Lawyer Stanislav Seleznyov of the Network Freedoms group told RFE/RL that Russian law allows for adding a person suspected of extremism or terrorism to the registry prior to a conviction and that those individuals can appeal the move.



Bikbayeva said she would consult a lawyer.



The charge against Bikbayeva stems from about 6,000 rubles ($82) that she sent to Dilmukhametovs mother in several installments between 2018 and 2019.



Investigators say the money Bikbayeva sent was used by Dilmukhametov to conduct extremist activities.



If found guilty, Bikbayeva could face a hefty fine or up to eight years in prison.



Dilmukhametov has insisted that the case against him is politically motivated.



He was arrested in March 2019 and sentenced to nine years in prison after a court found him guilty of calling for the violation of Russia's territorial integrity and making public calls for extremism and support for terrorism.



Dilmukhametov made a video statement in 2018 urging the creation of a "real" federation in Russia with more autonomous rights for ethnic republics and regions.
New York, Ukraine, is a town of 10,000 inhabitants that was recently shelled by Russia-backed separatists. The origin of its name is a mystery. Some link it to 19th-century German settlers, but others point to evidence from the 18th century. In 1951, Soviet authorities renamed it Novgorodskoe, but last month the Ukrainian parliament voted to give the town its old name back. Whether it can revive the fortunes of a town whose population has been in decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union is another matter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he is doing "everything" he can to end the war with Russia-backed separatists but that peace and control of territory in the so-called Donbas depends "90 percent" on Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Speaking in an interview with a Ukrainian TV channel excerpted on August 5, he also said preparations were being made for a meeting with the Russian leader.



Zelenskiy said he "really wants" the conflict to end.



"Unfortunately, not everything depends on me," Zelenskiy said. "I believe and don't hide it at all -- and the president of the Russian Federation knows my opinion -- today 90 percent of success in the return of the Donbas, peace in Ukraine, the de-occupation of our territories, depends on one person."



Kyiv and Moscow have sparred over the site and agenda of a face-to-face presidential meeting.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Putin is prepared to discuss bilateral relations with his Ukrainian counterpart but not the situation in eastern Ukraine.



Relations between Moscow and Kyiv have been tense since 2014, when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and armed Russia-backed separatists ignited a conflict in eastern Ukraine that has left more than 13,200 people dead.



The separatists still control large swaths of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.



Moscow has consistently denied it is a participant despite overwhelming evidence of direct military and other support for the separatists.



A series of agreements agreed in Minsk to pave a way to end the conflict have gone unfulfilled.



"I have always advocated that the first point of" Minsk and the "essence" of all agreements is a cease-fire, Zelenskiy said.



"You should at least stop firing to talk about something. This is a fact," he added.



The Ukrainian president also said that the "occupied" territories of eastern Ukraine will never be Russian, and he encouraged residents there who consider themselves Russian and the region part of Russia to go and "seek a place in Russia."
MANSFIELD  On Friday, August 27, The American Red Cross, in partnership with The United Way of Richland Countys Summer of Caring, and Nanogate, Inc., will be installing free smoke alarms in Mansfield as part of a national effort to educate about home fire safety in high-risk neighborhoods.

Mansfield area residents are encouraged to call 844-207-4509 to request an installation of free smoke alarms in their home. In addition, residents will receive information and assistance on developing a fire plan for their home.

Residents are also encouraged to visit SoundTheAlarm.org and pledge to prepare against home fires.

Sound the Alarm is part of our larger Home Fire Campaign. Since launching the campaign in 2014, the Red Cross has helped save 864 lives across the country by helping families create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms.

This critical work is made possible with our partners, who have helped make more than 900,000 households safer in at-risk communities.
MANSFIELD -- Richland and Crawford county commissioners voted unanimously Thursday evening to proceed with planning for a combined ditch project aimed at clearing an 18-mile section of the Black Fork.

The decision came after a 90-minute public hearing at the Longview Center, a session that featured many comments from property owners who would be assessed for the project, aimed at reducing flooding that has been a frequent and recurring problem, especially in the Shelby area.

The vote means Richland County Engineer Adam Gove is tasked with developing more in-depth plans and preparation of final estimated costs for the joint commission to consider.

Gove said after the meeting he expects that work could take up to a year, after which the joint ditch commission would make a final decision on the proposal during another public hearing.

Most of the public rising to speak opposed the proposal, which began Feb. 24 when the City of Shelby and rural community members filed a ditch petition that would clear and maintain the river between Mickey Road and Ohio 13.

Many of those opposing the plan said they didn't think it proper they be assessed for a project they feel would not provide them any benefit. Others questioned how effective the project would be in reducing flooding.

Several spoke in favor, including the fact the project is a good alternative to a far costlier dry dam proposed in Shelby a few years ago and that the ongoing maintenance program would be effective.

The meeting was led by Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears, who was selected to lead the joint board. Nearing the end of the public comments and questions, Mears sought permission to ask a question of his own.

"When I looked that these numbers, the majority of people here, unless you're a large property owner, are probably going to pay $20 or less one time, plus a maintenance going forward of about $2. Can I see a show of hands from those who think it's really not worth $20 to do what we are suggesting doing ... I see three hands," Mears said.

The petition asks commissioners from the two counties "to study and examine the economic benefits to the City of Shelby and the approximately 70,000 acres of the agricultural community that lie within the petitioned watershed area."

Petitioners asked that the river be cleaned and maintained annually by removing felled trees, leaning trees, log jams and debris piles.

Before the public participation portion, Gove went over a preliminary cost/benefit analysis that included estimated assessments per parcel.

Gove said he estimated the clean-up project itself would cost $664,300, a one-time charge, while delivering an annual economic benefit of $423,700, mostly through improved crop production in fields affected by flooding.

There would also be an annual maintenance fee as needed, which would also be assessed to owners of 10,567 parcels covering about 70,000 acres.

According to Gove, for the construction costs, parcel owners within the defined flood plain would be assessed a one-time fee of $11.25 per acre with a minimum charge of $15. Parcel owners outside the flood plain would be assessed a one-time fee of $7.50 per acre with a minimum charge of $10.

Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero told those in attendance that 64 percent of the parcels in question are one acre or less in size.

The maintenance fund cannot exceed 20 percent of the initial project costs and would only be assessed if the maintenance work was needed after an annual inspection.

The maintenance assessments, if needed, would cost the parcel owner in the flood plain about $3.50 per acre per year and would be about $2 per acre per year for owners outside the flood plain.

"Based on the benefits and estimated construction costs ... after a period of two years, it is reasonably certain that the benefits will be greater than the costs of the proposed project," Gove said in his report.

The vast majority of parcels and acreage is in Richland County. The fact there is a small portion in Crawford County resulted in the need for a combined decision by commissioners from both.

Work on the proposal has been ongoing for more than five months following a specific legal process found in Ohio Revised Code 6133.

Committee members physically visited some sites on the Black Fork on May 20 and reviewed 150 minutes of drone footage of all 18 miles of the winding waterway on May 21.

In his report, Gove said, "There were several large log jams present, as well as many small jams, or single trees in the river. Evidence of the previous log-jam clearing effort were present along the banks of the river."

The engineering work preparing the final plan for the work will cost around $55,000, Gove estimated. If the joint commission approves, bids would be solicited for the actual clean-up project, which his preliminary estimate put at $516,000.

Gove told the audience that the joint commission is following the state law.

"We're here because Shelby and others filed a petition. So we have to now follow the law that says you're going to do these estimates, do these reports, form a joint board and then decide," Gove said.

"We're not coming up with this project. This is not a Richland County .. Crawford County project," he said.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Northwestern University graduate students Kelly Heinzerling and Kayla McDermott spent a week in May studying the Source Media properties for a short documentary. The duo turned this story first published by the Medill School of Journalism's Local News Initiative website. In addition, their project attracted the attention of Poynter. Richland Source was one of three newsrooms featured nationally on June 21 by that organization in a story that can be found at this link.

MANSFIELD  The story of Richland Source began in 2013 in Mansfield, Ohio. Located an hour south of Cleveland and an hour north of Columbus, Mansfield is a typical Midwestern town of around 45,000 people.

Eight years ago, local resident Carl Fernyak founded an entirely digital, community-focused news initiative after coming to the conclusion that other existing outlets did not tell the full story of Richland County.

Fernyak postulated that a more balanced news organization focused on positive, people-driven reporting, rather than revolving around negative click-bait, crime-heavy reporting, was what Mansfield needed. In January 2013, he decided to create and subsequently invest in Richland Source, committing to providing his North Central Ohio audience with a more modern outlook of what it is truly like to live and work in their community.

About 90% of Richland Source stories focus on the issues actually facing residents in the areas they serve. This approach has been so successful that since its inception, Richland Source has expanded to include Knox Pages, serving neighboring Knox County; Ashland Source, focusing on nearby Ashland County; and Crawford Source, for Crawford County news.

This steady expansion has led Richland Source to have a respectable readership of 250,000 to 400,000 unique visitors a month, according to President Jay Allred. Furthermore, Richland Source engages its community through local events, such as the in-house music festival Richland Source After Hours.

One of the main tenets of Richland Source is establishing and maintaining a level of trust with the community it serves. The publication makes sure that reporters attend most noteworthy events, from yearly local traditions such as the 78th Danville Raccoon Festival to the weekly City Council meetings.

The digital-first approach of Richland Source ensures these stories can be published and hit residents social media with an impressive turnaround time. Richland Source reporters, even those coming out of the print world, say this innovative approach to the digital frontier has only advanced the Sources attractiveness to the local community. With a robust social media presence and no paywalls, Richland Sources information is both easily and widely accessible.

This information that is so readily available to the community finds its footing in solutions journalism. This form of journalism focuses on providing potential solutions for problems in the community, rather than simply describing the issues. Its an approach that invites actual change in the community, and one that has become the bedrock of Richland Source. Allred is proud to note that reader surveys indicate they are fulfilling their mission of serving the community, with 80% of respondents indicating they are happy with the service.

Although Richland Sources story may have an official start date of 2013, the mechanisms and philosophy behind this publication have been in the works since before the Source even opened its doors in downtown Mansfield. Mansfield was once home to many big industry jobs, most of which vacated the area in the 1990s. Although the city did appear to be on the decline, the town persevered and, as the innovative approach at Richland Source demonstrates, continued to push boundaries and evolve.

With local newspaper The Mansfield News Journal downsizing in recent years, following larger national trends of shrinking local news, Richland Source has been able to carve a competitive and viable edge. Richland Sources model of journalism is sustainable largely due to a membership program, which has hundreds of members willing to support.

Richland Sources in-house ad agency, Source Brand Solutions, shares an office with the Source and has a close working relationship with its sister company. Although they do maintain strictly separate business and editorial departments, the strong bond between these two teams only helps the editorial team remain tuned in with local businesses concerns and experiences.

Local businesses can also form a beneficial relationship with the publication by developing native advertising campaigns and sponsored content on the website. With its digital-only approach, solutions journalism focus and innovative funding plan, Richland Source is a community-centered publication that is an impressive model for how local news may continue to evolve and connect with audiences in the future.

Kelly Heinzerling is a video reporter at Medill. Kayla McDermott is a video/broadcast student at Northwestern University you can follow her on Twitter @mcdermott_kayla.
Written By

Joe Schulz served as the reporter of the Green Laker in 2019 and 2020, before being hired as a reporter for the Commonwealth in October 2020. He is from Oshkosh and graduated from UW-Oshkosh in December with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

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...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected. * WHERE...The Coastal Plain, eastern Sandhills, and a portion of the northeast Piedmont of central North Carolina. * WHEN...From noon to 7 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
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Existing in the shadow of the rapidly-spread COVID-19 delta variant, a new study highlights that we should also take note of the potential threat by another emerging strain, the Lambda variant.

A new study conducted by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo was able to identify three genetic mutations in the spike protein of the new coronavirus strain. These genetic differences supposedly help the Lambda variant resist the body's newfound defenses from the vaccine antibodies.

The University of Tokyo researchers have uploaded their efforts on the online repository BiorXiv last July 18, still awaiting peer review before being published. The preprint currently available is titled "SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant Exhibits Higher Infectivity and Immune Resistance."

ALSO READ: Lambda Variant: Is This COVID-19 Strain Something We Should Worry About?

What Makes the Lambda Variant Potentially More Dangerous

According to the preprint from the University of Tokyo, the Lambda variant is potentially more infectious because of its T76I and L452Q mutations. A third mutation, found in RSYLTPGD246-253N, is reported as a unique seven amino acid deletion mutation in the N-terminal domain. The third mutation is responsible for the new COVID-19 strain evading neutralizing antibodies created by the vaccinated host.

To identify what made the new variant unique, researchers generated a maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic tree of the Lambda variant. Their phylogenetic tree was developed from a dataset of 1,908 genome sequences available as of June 29, 2021. Researchers additionally noted that while the WHO report first formally detected the Lambda variant in Peru in December 2020, a deeper analysis of the available data suggests that the new strain was actually first detected in Argentina on November 8, 2020.

Also, while they were open to the possibility of isolates that might be misclassified in the dataset, researchers expressed confidence that the tree shows the monophyly of legitimate Lambda variant isolates.

Virological tests conducted on the various strains showed that the large deletion RSYLTPGD246-253N, does not affect the Lambda variant's ability to spread and infect others. However, it is largely responsible for the new strain's resistance to the vaccine-induced antibodies.

The Next Step Against the Rising Strain

The Lambda variant has been spreading across 29 countries from five separate regions of the World Health Organization since it was first found in Peru as early as August 2020. It has also been recorded in the US, with separate cases in Texas and South Carolina, leading to the new strain being a 'variant of interest.'

Additionally, the new findings from the University of Tokyo study match with the results of a previously released study, also awaiting peer review, conducted by a team from Chile. Medical researchers from the University of Chile, in a medRxiv preprint, show the increased infectivity from the Lambda spike protein, being more infectious than the D614 G(lineage B) strain as well as the Alpha and Gamma variants of the disease.

Despite this spread, Japanese researchers said that the threat surrounding the new variant remains underestimated since it is only referred to as a "variant of interest" or a "variant of concern."

"Lambda can be a potential threat to the human society," said Kei Sato, a senior researcher from the University of Tokyo, in an interview with Reuters.

A consistently proven method of facing the Lambda variant remains to be found. Additionally, a separate preprint on bioRxiv by Rockefeller University researchers suggests that the third dose of mRNA vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna could increase the antibody levels in the body, but that does not mean that more means better in the battle against the ever-changing COVID-19 variants.

RELATED ARTICLE: COVID-19 Variants: WHO Announces New System for Naming All Troubling Strains

Check out more news and information on COVID-19 Variants in Science Times.
The smell of summer smoke is sadly common in the Pacific Northwest these days, but if you happen to catch a whiff of something slightly different on a breeze this month, it might be the distinct scent of charring Hatch chile peppers.

Once hard to find outside the state that reveres its balance of sweet and heat, the New Mexican specialty and the tradition of bulk roasting them when their short season arrives, is now celebrated all over the country. In a country with few and fading regional traditions, Hatch remains a steadfast symbol of the Southwestern state.

In Seattle, a few grocery stores regularly get the peppers in and roast them on-site. This year, Kens Market and Marketime in Fremont have announced their schedule, and Hilltop Red Apple on Beacon Hill and Metropolitan Markets multiple locations usually offer them as well. But while New Mexicos Hatch chile season is short and youll want to grab yours this month, the Seattle area also offers a number of places to get a taste of New Mexicos many specialties  often involving other peppers worth trying, not just the famous Hatch.

Elyse S./Yelp.com

Bang Bang Kitchen

This South Seattle spot comes from the Albuquerque sisters whose hospitality long drew customers to their Cafe Pettirosso on Capitol Hill and the currently closed Bang Bang Cafe in Belltown. But the larger Othello kitchen allows Yuki and Miki Sodos to spread their (spicy red chile hot sauce-covered) wings and serves a sprawling Southwestern menu. Along with classics like a Hatch chile burger, chile Relleno and sopapillas; the quesadilla comes with the option to add green chile chicken or red chile brisket; you can top the Frito pie with tofu chorizo and their cornbread pancakes come with green chile compound butter.

Tonya H./Yelp.com

SoSo Good Food

While most food trucks toot their horn online all the time, SoSo Good quietly parks its truck around town and lets its burritos do the talking. That means finding them requires a little bit more work  try outside Obec Brewing in Ballard on Thursdays, Bad Jimmys in Frelard on Fridays and Ravenna Brewing every other Saturday. Once you track it down, though, Brandon Terry, his wife Holly and sister-in-law Kitty James bring in the big flavors from Terrys hometown of Roswell. The trio recently returned from a visit to the farm from which they get their chiles directly  thats in Roswell, not Hatch, mind you. You can find those peppers stuffed into their burritos, stacked enchiladas, stews and green chile cheeseburger, as well as on top of their cheese fries.

Cocina Barelas

Chef Dave Hernandez mostly brings his New Mexican foods directly to customers through his delivery-based business, with the occasional pop-up (announced on Instagram). Coming from Albuquerque, Hernandez seeks to bring the foods his mother, aunts and grandmother raised him on to his current hometown, made with peppers he sources directly from New Mexico. He sells his green chili stew, vegetarian green chile chowder and carne adovada (red chile pork) by the half-liter, along with burritos for pepper-passionate Seattleites to heat up at home.

Tani V./Yelp.com

Rio Bravo

From a small building that looks like an old gas station in North Bend, this spot turns out classic New Mexican flavors served in a smothered taco, breakfast burrito, and huevos rancheros form. Their bean dip appetizer is a local favorite, and the smart diner keeps an eye on the specials board for items like stuffed sopapillas  puffy fried dough smothered in green or red chile and filled with meat  and shows up for the regular weekly offerings: mole Mondays, tamale Tuesdays, and chile Relleno Fridays.

Trista H./Yelp.com

The New Mexicans

Though bought from the original New Mexican owner by a local couple from Italy and Hawaii, this Everett spot keeps up the commitment to bold Southwestern flavors  and adds the occasional extra. The breakfast menu offers huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, but also renowned cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy and the Hawaiian-style loco moco. But, as the name implies, the specialties of the house are posole, enchiladas drenched in green, red, or Christmas (both) chile sauces, chips served with queso and pillowy sopapillas with honey butter.
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Alert: Most state workers in Virginia must be vaccinated or agree to regular COVID-19 testing under governor's new directive
TOKYO (AP)  In some of their most emotional moments, Olympic athletes display their national pride.

Medal winners are often handed the flags of their countries as they celebrate their wins. Some wrap themselves in them and weep. Others drape them over their heads or hold them behind their backs as they take victory laps.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

David Mednicoff, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Raslan Ibrahim, State University of New York, College at Geneseo

(THE CONVERSATION) The violence in May 2021 between Israelis and Palestinians was the latest deadly eruption of a decadeslong conflict that has proved immune to attempts at forging a comprehensive peace. We asked two Middle East experts to assess what can be done now to promote peace. Scholars Raslan Ibrahim, assistant professor of political science and international relations at the State University of New York at Geneseo, and David Mednicoff, chair of the Department of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, both imagine theres a way forward, though their scenarios are very different.

A peace plan based on human rights  Raslan Ibrahim

Following the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas after the Gaza conflict, the international community has become more interested in promoting the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

So far, however, the traditional approach to conflict resolution has failed to achieve peace in Israel/Palestine. But as a scholar of human rights and the politics of the Middle East, I believe its possible that a different approach, one that uses a human rights perspective on conflict resolution, could produce what the old approach could not.

Human rights are virtually absent in the peace agreements that have been made over the years between Israelis and Palestinians, despite the role of human rights abuses in the causes and consequences of this conflict. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, and subsequent peace processes demonstrate an almost complete divorce between the concepts of peace and human rights.

Multiple factors account for the exclusion of human rights in the Oslo Accords.

First, the relative power of Israel and its interest in security and stability  not human rights and justice for Palestinians  influenced the peace agreements.

Second, the Palestinian Authority, which serves as the Palestinian government in the occupied territories, tends to focus more on the Palestinian state and the right of national self-determination and less on other basic human rights, including civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. Strikingly, the Oslo peace process led ultimately to the establishment of Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza that abuse the human rights of their own people.

Third, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is generally defined as a territorial conflict. That leaves human rights as a domestic issue that would not be addressed in negotiations.

Last, the mediators apparently adopted the traditional conflict resolution approach that regards human rights as irrelevant or even in contradiction with conflict resolution practices. Clearly, this perspective has failed to end the conflict.

In contrast, what are the main elements of the human rights approach?

The human rights approach asserts that the principles and practices enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Covenants  including equality and nondiscrimination; participation, inclusion and accountability; and the importance of the rule of law  should guide all stages of the peace process. Human rights principles also offer clear, objective criteria for monitoring the implementation of a peace agreement by the Israelis and Palestinians.

This approach calls for inclusivity and participation in the peace process, of not only the elites but also others, such as victims of the conflict, womens organizations and nongovernmental organizations.

The human rights approach aims to achieve a particular type of peace that would include negative peace  the absence of war and violence. It also aims for positive peace through addressing the root causes of the conflict and building institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful relations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Last, this approach seeks accountability and redress for victims of the conflict though a variety of mechanisms including truth commissions, reconciliation, criminal prosecutions and reparations. Past human rights abuses and injustice need to be addressed to achieve a legitimate and sustainable peace. Otherwise, the unaddressed grievances can be manipulated for future conflicts.

The human rights approach to conflict resolution is not a panacea. But it has distinctive advantages that help the negotiation process and can provide sustainable peace, security and human dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.

A grand bargain  David Mednicoff

The recent flare-up in the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict shows both that the issue is not going away and that prospects for real progress remain bleak.

Thoughtful commentators argue that long-standing hopes for separate independent states for Palestine and Israel have been dashed by the increasing Jewish Israeli settler presence in the West Bank and the lack of will or capacity of leaders on both sides to work toward a two-state agreement.

Many experts argue that the only way forward is to assume that the two-state solution is dead and pair that with pressure to improve the economic and political status of Palestinians in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

But can Palestinian rights actually improve in the face of Israeli state power and the worlds inaction?

U.S. President Joe Bidens unexpected tendency to go big in domestic policy suggests the merit of at least considering a different and more ambitious approach to the Palestinian-Israeli dispute: a grand bargain.

This idea seeks to broaden the political scope of diplomacy to address the Palestinian issue in tandem with long-term goals shared by many Middle Eastern and global states. Those include regional stability, economic growth, conflict reduction, particularly in Yemen, and resolution of the Syrian refugee crisis.

In exchange for diplomatic relations with many states in the region, Israel would broker major material improvements, and ideally an acceptable territorial home, to Palestinians.

More specifically, a grand bargain would mean that Arab countries establish relations with Israel, and Israel would provide real political autonomy and facilitate investment and economic improvements for Palestinians. The broader region, hopefully including Iran, could focus on building trade, long-term growth and improved human security.

Current regional politics open the door to such an approach. To start with, Israels new government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus election defeat could benefit from an acceleration of stable economic and political ties with other countries in the region, which is likely only if Palestinians conditions are addressed. Major Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, would be better off if they could openly pursue relations with Israel. Such a shift is possible because of the opening of official relations in 2020 between Israel and several other Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, the power most known for being a major thorn in the side to both Israel and Saudi Arabia and other powerful Arab states, Iran, might just be open to toning down its more aggressive militarism in the Middle East if trade and other economic benefits of diplomatic normalization were on the table.

A grand bargain approach is risky and labor-intensive, because working with a range of parties requires attention to more issues and diverse perspectives.

Yet the shift among Arab governments in accepting Israel in the region, Bidens openness to large-scale policy, Irans relative global vulnerability and the swell of global opinion against Israeli treatment of Palestinians could constitute enough favorable conditions to make this idea an innovative alternative to the dismal status quo.

A grand bargain approach could be initiated by the combined efforts of the U.S., Europe, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council states and would also likely require the engagement of Russia, Turkey and even China.

Admittedly, it would be a major uphill battle getting this range of countries to build support for major change from prominent Israelis, Palestinians and others. Yet a genuinely multilateral coalition could have the diplomatic connections and credibility to bring parties to work on a grand bargain.

Could the promise of greater overall stability and large-scale global economic aid allow key players to think broadly and cohesively toward a grand regional bargain?

Middle Eastern governments are hampered in significant ways by the fragile security, economic challenges and high military costs associated with the Palestinian and other regional conflicts. Apart from the direct loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives due to violence, the broader region is highly militarized and has lost trillions of dollars as a result of conflict. A benefit of the recent rapprochement between several Arab states and Israel is that more economic and political elites than ever before are working together and may have reason to prioritize regional prosperity over conflict.

As a scholar of Middle Eastern politics, I assume that the odds for a grand bargain in the Middle East are low. Yet Palestinians have sought to internationalize their plight precisely because they are stuck between a dead Oslo process and a vision for a one-state solution directly at odds with many Israelis idea of a Jewish state.

To be sure, significant initiative from a wide range of parties would be needed to get this idea off of the ground. Still, a grand bargain strategy, however challenging, offers hope of improving the long-term human security prospects of Palestinians, Israelis and others by favorably resolving their current dilemma, which might be paraphrased starkly as go big or no home.

[Understand key political developments, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations politics newsletter.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/making-peace-between-israelis-and-palestinians-is-now-the-time-for-a-different-approach-161565.
The Biden administration on Friday issued what it says will be the final extension to a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic.

Under the action, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through Jan. 31, 2022. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Sept. 30.

In announcing the decision, President Joe Biden said the economy is recovering at a record rate." But he said the road to recovery will be longer for some Americans, especially those with student loans.

This will give the Department of Education and borrowers more time and more certainty as they prepare to restart student loan payments, Biden said in a statement. It will also ensure a smoother transition that minimizes loan defaults and delinquencies that hurt families and undermine our economic recovery.

The policy applies to more than 36 million Americans who have student loans that are held by the federal government. Their collective debt totals more than $1.3 trillion, according to the latest Education Department data.

Questions about the moratorium had been swirling in recent weeks as its expiration date approached. Even as the economy improves, there have been concerns that borrowers are not ready to start payments again. Once the moratorium ends, those who were already behind on payments could have wages and benefits taken away as part of debt collection efforts.

Several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., urged Biden to extend the moratorium through at least March 2022. In a June letter, they said restarting payments now would drag down the pace of our economic recovery.

Schumer, Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., applauded the extension in a joint statement Friday, saying it provides relief to millions of borrowers facing a disastrous financial cliff.

The payment pause has saved the average borrower hundreds of dollars per month, allowing them to invest in their futures and support their families needs, the Democrats said.

The Trump administration initially suspended federal student loan payments in March 2020 and later extended it through January 2021. Biden moved to continue it through Sept. 30 soon after taking office.

The Education Department itself has raised concerns about administrative hurdles around suddenly restarting loan payments. In a November 2020 report, the department said it would be a heavy burden to reactivate millions of loans at the same time. It warned that some borrowers would likely fall behind on their payments, at least initially.

On Friday , the Education Department said the final extension provides enough time to restart the process smoothly, and it gives borrowers a "definitive end date to plan for.

As our nations economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a smooth pathway back to repayment," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

Student advocates welcomed the extension, saying its a victory for borrowers who have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic. But Republicans criticized the move, saying the economy has rebounded strongly enough to resume payments.

Students and families faced immense challenges last year, but the American economy continues to recover and there is no rational excuse for continued extensions of non-payment on student loans, said Sen. Richard Burr, the top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

The Biden administration announced the relief as it faces mounting pressure from some Democrats to erase huge swaths of student debt. Schumer and Warren have urged Biden to use his authority to cancel $50,000 in student debt for all borrowers, saying it would jumpstart the economy and help families hit hard by the pandemic.

They repeated that call in their statement on Friday, saying debt cancellation is one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity.

But Biden has questioned whether he has the authority for that kind of mass cancellation, and legal scholars have come to differing conclusions. Earlier this year, Biden asked the Education and Justice departments to study the issue. Officials have said that work is still underway.

Biden has previously said he supports canceling up to $10,000 in student debt, but he has argued it should be done by Congress.
London, KY (40741)

Today

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Local

Assisted migration aims to help forests  and people  adapt to a swiftly changing climate

A tree doesnt just all of a sudden pull up its roots, pack its bags, and decide to set out for a more hospitable home when the climate changes.

But trees do migrate.

This can occur through processes like natural selection, where the tree species that are best adapted to a particular area are the ones that survive. When seedlings are cast off on the wind or carried by a bird, they land somewhere new, and if the conditions are favorable there, they will grow.

Over long periods of time, that means a forest of a particular kind of tree can find an entirely new home. Take New Hampshire: The trees that currently grow in forests here arrived only after the last ice age receded, about 11,700 years ago. As temperatures gradually warmed, trees moved to the area.

That process takes a long time  and current models show that the rapid march of climate change is outpacing the speed at which trees are capable of relocating, a problem that researchers from UNH will study through a grant from Northeastern States Research Cooperative.

Models predict that natural migration rates of tree species will likely not be able to keep up with the rapid pace of climate change, said Heidi Asbjornsen, associate professor of natural resources and the environment at the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture.

Basically what were saying is that the climate is changing too quickly for trees to adapt through natural evolution, Asbjornsen said.

While natural migration of tree species unfolds over hundreds of years, with global warming, drastic increases in temperature have become evident in the span of just one generation. In New Hampshire, this has led to concern that climate change may threaten forest ecosystems and rural communities, where forests are an economic driver through forestry and tourism.

Forests provide goods and services, writes Lori Tyler Gula for UNH: timber, fuel, and other wood products; reliable supplies of clean water; habitat for plant and wildlife species; recreational opportunities; and a diversity of non-timber forest products, such as tree syrups, mushrooms, and forage production.

Thats what researchers fear is at stake if climate change is left unchecked and measures toward adaptation arent taken.

In this region in particular we rely on our forest ecosystems for a lot of important societal values, so not just timber, which is important but, you know, recreation is a big one, some of the non-timber forest products like syrup production and wildlife, Asbjornsen said. They have a lot of value to the residents in this region, and we dont really know how or to what extent our forests will be able to adapt and survive.

As a society we need to be thinking about how to prepare for climate change in the future, Asbjornsen said.

As a part of a new study, Asbjornsen will study that problem as well as one possible way that humans and trees can adapt to a rapidly changing climate: assisted migration, where researchers introduce species that dont typically grow in New Hampshire. The researchers will study six to seven species of trees that could be a good match for the warmer and drier climate of the future.

The researchers also plan to track how trees acclimate to changes in their environment on a shorter timescale, like if they start producing smaller leaves, which are better adapted to drought conditions, for instance.

Some experiments are already underway in Durham and at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, a 7,800-acre hardwood forest in New Hampshires White Mountain National Forest. In both places, scientists are diverting about 50 percent of rainfall from plots in the forest and monitoring the impact of drought on different tree species. In Durham, theyre studying the impact on red oak and white pine, while the Hubbard Brook experiment focuses on red maple.

If we see that some species are more resilient to drought than others, those might be the best species to plan as part of assisted migration, Asbjornsen said.

But while Asbjornsen has been creating drought conditions to study the impact, the naturally occurring drought this year has provided some insights as well. For one, it occurred in the early spring, which could have a greater impact on trees since thats when they are growing vigorously.

A better understanding of how different species respond to drought could help inform decisions about which species should be planted to increase the resilience of the future forest, Asbjornsen said. But research on droughts in the Northeast  which tends to have a wet climate  is sparse at best.

Tony DAmato, a silviculturist and professor of applied forest ecology at the University of Vermont, has been working to add to the data for the past several years through experiments. He and Asbjornsen are teaming up to complete the latest stage of research.

DAmato said when he first moved back to the Northeast from the Midwest, people were largely unconcerned about how to manage forests for drought. But hes seen that change quickly over the past few years. One complicating factor is that projections for the next hundred years forecast a lot of moisture, but, DAmato said, what is often missed in terms of a key detail is that a lot of that moisture is going to come in a few events.

Were going to get these episodic, you know, high-intensity rainfall events, and then we might have two to three weeks with no rain, he said. And so even though on average we are getting wetter, its still going to create these stressful conditions for certainly tree seedlings and other organisms like salamanders that really rely on fairly predictable moisture.

That combination makes it more complicated to understand how trees in the Northeast will respond. DAmato and other researchers hope assisted migration will help the forest be more resilient amid all kinds of stressors  not only climate change but the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorn beetle, for example, invasive insects that can take a toll on trees as well.

The goal, DAmato said, is to really sustain the values we care about, like clean water, carbon sequestration, local wood products.

In some places, assisted migration means planting a tree species that already grows in a forest and is expected to do well in the future to increase representation. In others, an out-of-state species is introduced into an area where theyre expected to do well in the future.

Northern red oak is one example. Theres not much of it in northern New England, but its expected to do well. Eastern white pine is another contender. Trees with larger seeds, like oak, hickory, and beech, have more reserves that can help them survive drought from a young age, providing the reserves for the tree to send a deep tap root down into the ground early on and access water. Researchers look to trees that grow naturally in a climate that matches the predictions for New Hampshire by looking to places like Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic. DAmato said they are also evaluating red spruce and trying to restore it to the landscape. In spite of some skepticism about its chances for the future, DAmato said hes seen evidence that its recovering.

DAmato said a common misconception around this work is that scientists are trying to re-engineer the forest. Were trying to work with the ecosystems and not against it to accomplish these goals, he said.

Some in the timber industry are skeptical about the efforts. Jeff Eames, who studied forestry and now owns a logging company, said that in his experience trees that regenerate naturally grow best. He said that at the end of World War II, a lot of red pine was introduced to the region, but now Norwegian red pine is dying off. Its less resistant to problems like scale, an invasive insect that can harm the trees.

Theyre finding out now that introduced species dont do as well as natural, Eames said. He said he wouldnt consider planting seedlings; he prefers to rely on natural regeneration and, for now, drought isnt a concern.

Still, research takes time, and Asbjornsen said now is the time to learn more about how to adapt. The earlier we figure this out, she said, the better position we will be in to promote resilient forests in the future.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen praised the efforts, saying the research would spur economic growth and job creation. She also cited climate resilience and said that protecting New Hampshires forests and prioritizing the rural economy were top priorities for her in the Senate.

And Sen. Maggie Hassan called the Northern Forest Region an essential part of our states economy and way of life.

DAmato said that in the current political environment there is broad support for addressing climate change.

It certainly helps empower this idea that were addressing climate change, he said.

A big barrier to these efforts is that the nurseries in the region arent equipped with seedlings, which is largely because trees most often regenerate naturally. This not only affects adaptation efforts like assisted migration but also makes it more difficult to curb climate change through efforts like the Trillion Tree Initiative, which aims to plant trees as a way of storing carbon and removing it from the atmosphere.

We really have a limited range of places where we can actually buy seedlings from, DAmato said.

If people are going to get serious about planting trees both for carbon but more importantly for adaptation, you know, we really dont have the current infrastructure to do that in terms of nursery capacity in the region, he said.
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Keene, NH (03431)

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Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

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Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Good morning, Bay Area. Its Friday, Aug. 6, and the Dixie Fire continues to burn towns in Northern California. Heres what you need to know to start your day.

Beyond the obvious health perils and the economic harm to working families and small businesses, the persistence of COVID-19 has forced us to recalibrate, again and again, how we live our lives from day to day.

In the wake of surging infections and a new regional edict to wear masks inside, some people are pulling back from activities they had resumed just weeks ago. Others are following the same path as before, but with more vigilance.

This is what several Chronicle reporters gleaned from interviews with more than 40 people on a single day this week. We asked residents to rate their comfort levels with five types of activities that until early last year we took for granted  dining indoors, flying off on vacation, returning to work inside an office, going to an indoor concert, and having friends over for dinner.

Heres what they found.

 California becomes the first state to require vaccinations for health care and nursing home workers.

 Most Bay Area companies dont expect employees back in the office five days a week.

 Three reasons the Bay Area and California arent planning new lockdowns even as the delta variant surges.

 Amid spike in review bombing, Yelp gives restaurants the option to show vaccination policies.

Fire season in full swing

Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

A day after the Dixie Fire swept through Greenville, the Gold Rush town in Plumas County was a hazy moonscape. Fire had engulfed the Sierra Lodge Hotel, the pizzeria, a bakery, and the Way Station that had recently opened as a bar and restaurant. Most of the old structures were gone.

By Thursday evening, the Dixie Fire had charred 361,812 acres, razed 45 buildings and damaged another five, staking its claim as the sixth-largest blaze in California history. Six of the states seven biggest wildfires occurred within the past year. Read the latest on the Dixie Fire, and learn more about the wildfires burning around California on our fire tracker.

Meanwhile, Jill Tucker and Sarah Ravani talk to the few residents staying back as the River Fire roared through communities near Colfax.

More:

 Wildfire smoke will bring hazy skies to the Bay Area. What about air quality?

 Is this fire season shaping up to be Californias worst ever? Heres what we know.

 Devastating photos show a historic California town before and after the Dixie Fire destroyed it.

Around the Bay

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2020

 Highly contested: S.F.s Great Highway will reopen to cars on weekdays.

 Fine dining techniques for espresso: Inside the S.F. cafe treating lattes like craft cocktails.

 We are not looking for retaliation: Family of slain S.F. 16-year-old pleads for peace, asks killer to surrender to police.

 Silently battling cancer for 16 years : Ray Fosse stepping away from As broadcasting duties to focus on cancer treatment.

 Best Thing I Ate This Week: These crispy, chewy carnitos tacos are worth pulling off the highway in Wine Country.

Datebook

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

In one way it felt like we never left, S.F. Ballets artistic director, Helgi Tomasson, says of the companys time away from the studio. It felt like a long intermission and now were back again.

The troupe had been working in smaller pods here and there since March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the performing arts world to a halt. But Starry Nights, the Ballets first in-person performance since the first shelter-in-place order was enforced, will finally bring the company back together before a live audience once again.

Starry Nights will be staged outdoors at Stanford Universitys Frost Amphitheater on Friday and Saturday. Read more about how the company prepared.

 Summer 2021: Things to do with your kids in the Bay Area.

 Bay Area venues update attendance guidelines.

 Nine top films and shows coming to streaming in August.

 Review: Escape From Mogadishu is one of the summers best action films.

 COVID-19 theater audience survey: A parody.

Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com.
Demand for coronavirus tests in the Bay Area, which had dwindled since the beginning of the year, is spiking as cases continue to rise.

As more information about the surging delta variant comes to light, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its testing guidance to include vaccinated people who have been exposed to the virus, even if they dont show symptoms. Thats because new evidence suggests that vaccinated people can still spread the virus, though they are less likely to get it in the first place.

But the options for testing in the Bay Area have changed since the most recent surge subsided last winter, vaccines rolled out, and demand for tests plummeted. Many local health departments scaled down their testing, including mass sites  though some are now reversing course.

Heres what you need to know about coronavirus testing in the Bay Area, including when you need to get tested, what kinds of tests are available, and how to find one near you.

Im vaccinated. Do I still need to get tested?

With the highly contagious delta variant, vaccinated people can still get COVID-19, though such cases are far less common than for unvaccinated people and usually mild. Get tested if:

 You are showing symptoms of COVID-19, such as congestion, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, vomiting diarrhea, and a new loss of sense of smell or taste.

 Youve come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. The CDC just updated its guidance to say that vaccinated people should still get tested 3-5 days after known exposure to the virus, even if they are not showing symptoms. They should also wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they get a negative test result.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Workplaces or schools may also require regular coronavirus screening tests, even for those who have been inoculated  though the CDC does not recommend routine screening for vaccinated people.

International travelers coming to the U.S. are also required to show a negative coronavirus test, regardless of vaccination status. You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.

Im not vaccinated. When do I need to get tested?

Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 within 10 days of their positive result (even if they do not have any symptoms).

Some event venues, travel destinations and workplaces require a negative test result before entry if youre unvaccinated as well.

What kind of tests are available?

Most often, youll get a molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test. These tests take one to three days to process in the lab, and are more sensitive to the virus  which means theyre better at detecting if you have it.

Rapid tests are usually antigen tests, which can produce results in 15-30 minutes. But these rapid results arent as accurate, so in some cases, youll need to also get a PCR test to confirm your result. For example, if you have symptoms but got a negative antigen test, you should continue to isolate and wait for a PCR result. If you dont have symptoms but got a positive antigen test, you should also confirm the result with a PCR.

How soon can I get an appointment, and how long does it take to get my results?

Testing appointments in the Bay Area, especially at free, county- or city-run sites like CityTestSF in San Franciscos Mission District, might currently be hard to come by as demand is increasing. Wait times at drop-in sites also vary significantly from day to day  sometimes theres no wait at all, sometimes theres a two-hour line.

Officials expect that wait times for tests and appointments will continue to rise, though most counties say theyre planning to increase staff and hours at their testing sites and labs.

State data from the end of July shows that test results in California typically came back in one day. In San Francisco, you should get your test results within 48 hours, according to the health department.

You can also get a rapid test at urgent care and other health care providers around the Bay Area. Often, rapid tests are antigen tests, but some sites offer same-day PCR results, which are more accurate. Same-day PCR tests usually cost around $100, even with insurance.

Some providers require you to be showing symptoms in order to get a rapid test, and insurance might not cover the cost. CityHealth Urgent Care in San Francisco, for example, has free rapid testing with a valid U.S. ID, but only if youre symptomatic.

When should I quarantine?

If you have symptoms, you should quarantine while you wait for your results, whether or not you are vaccinated, according to CDC guidance. If youre vaccinated and dont have symptoms, you dont need to quarantine while you wait, but you should wear a mask until your test comes back negative. Masks are required anyhow in indoor public spaces in most Bay Area counties.

If your test comes back positive but you are asymptomatic (vaccinated or unvaccinated), you should isolate for 10 days after your test.

If you are symptomatic (vaccinated or unvaccinated), you should isolate for 10 days since your symptoms first appeared. After that time, you can be around others again if you have no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and if other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving, according to the CDC.

If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are not vaccinated, you have to quarantine. You should get tested five days after your last contact and, if thats negative, you can end your quarantine seven days after your last exposure. If you dont get tested and have no symptoms, you can end your quarantine 10 days after your last exposure.

If you develop symptoms while you are quarantining, you must quarantine until its been 14 days since your last exposure, 10 days since your symptoms began and youve had no fever for 24 hours without medication  if you dont have all three parameters, you must keep quarantining until theyre all true.

How and where can I get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area?

If you have insurance, you can get a coronavirus test through your health provider or through urgent care. Federal law requires all insurers to cover the full cost of coronavirus tests, and your insurance provider cannot require that you show symptoms to get a regular (not rapid) test.

If you do not have insurance, sites across the Bay Area still offer tests for free, including any run by local health departments. Otherwise, you can get a test at an urgent care for a fee.

Each county maintains a webpage listing with information including testing locations, cost (if any) and appointments (if needed). You can click on the link below for your county:

 San Francisco

 Alameda County

 Contra Costa County

 Marin County

 Napa County

 Santa Clara County

 San Mateo County

 Solano County

 Sonoma County

The city of San Francisco has a map of free (for insured and uninsured people) and paid sites in the city, including drop-ins and by appointment options.

The Chronicle also has an interactive tracker of Bay Area coronavirus testing sites that dont require a doctors referral. You can enter your address to find the site closest to you, and find out more about a location, including whether it is appointment-only and has drive-through testing.

Its important to note that not every testing site offers rapid tests, so make sure you call to check if thats what you want. Many urgent care and health providers do provide rapid tests, but some clinics run by local health agencies do not.

What about at-home tests?

You can also get a self-collection or at-home test. For self-collection tests, you swab your nose yourself and send the sample back into a lab to process the results. These are often the more accurate PCR tests, and can cost between $100 and $150.

At-home tests are rapid antigen tests, and you can take the swab and get the result yourself  but these are often less accurate, especially in asymptomatic cases, studies have shown. Kits usually come with more than one test, and a pack of two or three goes for around $20. You can get either kind at most pharmacies or order them online, but supplies might be limited as demand increases. Call ahead to see if your pharmacy has any in stock.

Danielle Echeverria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DanielleEchev
A judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking Mills College, the historic women's campus in Oakland, from immediately affiliating with Northeastern University and going co-ed  plans that had shocked and angered many students and alumnae when they were announced in June.

The order issued Thursday pauses the affiliation with the private Boston university so that Alameda Superior Court Judge Stephen Pulido can decide if college officials should first allow its trustees to examine records and see whether Mills is in such dire financial trouble that it can no longer survive on its own.

This is a relief, and were very grateful to the court for taking this seriously, said Lisa McCurdy, a lawyer representing Viji Nakka-Cammauf, a college trustee and president of the Alumnae Association of Mills College, and Tara Singh, a member of the alumnae associations board of governors whose term as a college trustee concluded on July 1.

Singh and Nakka-Cammauf sued Mills on June 7 in an effort to stop a 2023 shutdown that Mills President Elizabeth Hillman announced in March. After Mills revealed on June 17 that it was in talks with Northeastern  and a formal agreement seemed to be moving quickly  Singh and Nakka-Cammauf asked the judge to intervene.

Both sides have agreed that Nakka-Cammauf can examine college financials, and that Singh cannot because she is no longer a Mills trustee. But the college argues that Nakka-Cammauf must look at the thousands of documents alone, without help from experts  a task that the trustee and her lawyers call unreasonable.

These are documents pertaining to the proposed partnership with Northeastern and the true financial situation of the college, McCurdy said. The goal is to find out whats really is going on, and to find out what is necessary for the college because the defendants have not been forthcoming with information.

Mills says the request for documents itself is unreasonable, and will ask the judge on Aug. 16 to deny Nakka-Cammaufs request to see them altogether.

Despite her receipt of more than ample information to fulfill her duties and make decisions as a trustee of the college, she (Nakka-Cammauf) has demanded that the college turn over 21 broad categories of operational records to her and accountants, Hillman said in a statement.

Hillman added that Mills will argue that the request of one trustee for more information, even if granted, should not prevent or delay the 22 other trustees from fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility to direct the college.

Mills, with about 600 undergraduates, has endured years of falling enrollment and declining revenue. Its graduate program, with about 350 students, has long enrolled men.

It is also the rare private college with more than half of undergraduates identifying as people of color, and half as LGBTQ. It holds a unique place in the Bay Area and in higher education, one that its supporters say is irreplaceable.

Mills is believed to be the only single-sex college in the country ever to get its Board of Trustees to reverse a decision to go coed: In 1990, students occupied the campus for 13 days and won that battle.

Now, Mills is one of just 37 womens colleges left in the country.

Citing financial problems, Mills announced on March 17 that the college would grant its final degrees in 2023 and would stop accepting first-year students after this fall.

Students and alumnae have protested the closure, set up fundraising campaigns and formed the Save Mills College Coalition.

Federal lawmakers are considering a financial boost for womens colleges in an appropriations bill, and the coalition of students and alumnae wants Mills to be around to benefit.

Like the plaintiffs, that group is pushing to preserve Mills as a degree-granting womens college. They mistrust the colleges claim that a closure or merger is the only way out of its financial difficulties.

The coalition hired Stefano Falconi, a financial consultant and managing director of the Berkeley Research Group, who recently evaluated Mills publicly available financial documents, including tax returns and its accreditation renewal report, issued in February.

Falconis analysis, obtained by The Chronicle, confirms that the college has severe financial challenges. Falconi found no evidence that the pandemic caused its problems  as the college said in March  but identified poor planning, such as reducing revenue in recent years with a tuition reset, while keeping expenditures steady.

Nevertheless, Falconi concludes, success is not out of reach for Mills.

Bolstering its chances, he says, are Mills sizeable endowment of $187.3 million, its large and valuable physical assets  including its vast, 135-acre campus  and a lucrative collection of art and rare books.

Mills College declined a request for comment.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
2 1 of 2 Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Show More Show Less



More than two-thirds of Bay Area companies plan to have workers in the office three days a week or less after the pandemic, a shift that could lead to a permanent drop of more than 1 million commuters a day, according to a new poll.

A Bay Area Council poll of 205 companies found only 1% plan to be fully remote, 5% plan to require workers in the office one day a week, 22% plan to require two days, 40% plan to require three days, 13% plan to require four days and 19% are returning to a full five days. Before the pandemic, 93% of the companies said workers were in the office four or five days.
Authorities arrested a Mountain View woman on Wednesday after her newborn baby was found dead outside her home earlier this week.

The mother, 31-year-old Jennifer Tupper, is facing charges of murder and child abuse resulting in great bodily injury or death, according to the Mountain View Police Department.

Police responded to the 2000 block of Leghorn Street on Monday after authorities received a call from a woman who said her friend had recently given birth to a stillborn baby.

Firefighters and police responded to the location and confirmed the infant was dead and discarded outside Tuppers home, according to a statement from police.

Tupper was at the scene and taken by ambulance to an area hospital to be treated for an unspecified issue. She was arrested after her release from the hospital.

Detectives worked to establish the manner of death over the next few days, and an autopsy by the Santa Clara County coroner found that the baby, who was later found to have been born Monday, had been born alive and had suffered significant injuries, prior to his death.

This is a tragic case for our community, said Mountain View Police Department Chief Chris Hsiung in a statement. We are devastated by this news, and we are grieving with the community on the loss of this babys life.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact Detective Matthew Hom at matthew.hom@mountainview.gov.

Under California law, newborns can be safely surrendered at most hospitals and fire stations, no questions asked.

Locations in Mountain view where a baby can be safely surrendered include:

 Mountain View Fire Station 1: 251 Shoreline Boulevard

 Mountain View Fire Station 2: 160 Cuesta Drive

 Mountain View Fire Station 3: 301 North Rengstorff Avenue

 Mountain View Fire Station 4: 299 North Whisman Road

 Mountain View Fire Station 5: 2195 North Shoreline Boulevard

 El Camino Hospital: 2500 Grant Road

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
2 1 of 2 Kate Munsch/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Kate Munsch/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less



Napa County will require everyone to wear masks, whether vaccinated or not, beginning Friday morning just after midnight.

The county becomes the eighth in the Bay Area to mandate universal masking. Only Solano County has not issued a similar order.
Experts want people to stop blaming space lasers as the cause of the wildfires raging in California  an old conspiracy theory that seems to have popped up again on social media this week.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, on Wednesday tweeted that he was going to lose it if he kept hearing the conspiracy theory.

If I hear about space lasers as the cause of Californias wildfires one more time...I think Im gonna lose it, Swain wrote in a tweet that has garnered a lot of responses.

Thats still a thing?? one user responded.

Ohhh yes, wrote Swain.

The false theory received attention earlier this year when a report by Media Matters for America, a left-learning research outlet, showed that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., claimed in a now-delated Facebook post that Pacific Gas and Electric Co. started the devasting 2018 Camp Fire with space lasers in a failed clean-energy experiment.

Greene speculated that a range of people or groups were involved in the fire, including former California Gov. Jerry Brown, Pacific Gas & Electric and Rothschild Inc., an investment firm that is a frequent target of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories monitored by the Anti-Defamation League.

What actually sparked the Camp Fire, the states deadliest blaze, was PG&E electrical equipment. The company pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter and agreed to a $13.5 billion settlement with the victims of the fire.

This year, wildfire season arrived early in California, with most of the state in extreme or exceptional drought conditions. On Wednesday, the Dixie Fire swept through the town of Greenville in Plumas County ravaged its historic buildings, and by Thursday morning, it became the states sixth-largest blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but space lasers are not suspected.

We do a fire investigation on every single wildfire within our jurisdiction. We send out a trained fire investigator to every single one to find the origin, as well as the cause of the fire, and the [space lasers] theory thats out there is not one that we have ever even mildly seen as a potential cause, said Daniel Berlant, assistant deputy director for Cal Fire.

Burning debris and equipment use, such as tractors and lawn mowers, are the most common ways that wildfires are sparked in California, said Berlant.

Fire causes are actually oftentimes people burning or cutting down vegetation to try to reduce the fire risk around their area, but theyre doing it in an unsafe manner or with the wrong tool, added Berlant.

Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California

Lightning can also spark wildfires, he said, although it is less common.

In a response to his original post, Swain tweeted that it was striking to see people either supporting the false space laser theory or suggesting new conspiracy theories.

Ive never understood why its so hard to believe that its just really easy to spark fires on a famously flammable landscape amid record drought... wrote Swain.

Berlant agreed. He said the state is seeing more severe wildfires due to a changing climate.

A drier California coupled with more people out in the wild land, he said, and that has led to the increase in severity of wildfires.

Jessica Flores is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jesssmflores
Sarah Ravani/The Chronicle

Officers with the Benicia Police Department have confiscated a haul of illegal firearms, parts and ammunition with the help of the newest member of their K-9 unit.

Detectives were accompanied by Enzo, a 3-year-old Belgium Malinois, to the 400 block of East O Street to do a probation check Thursday.
With the highly contagious delta variant on the rise in the Bay Area, theres one early pandemic trend thats coming back: temporary restaurant closures because of staffers being exposed to the coronavirus.

After starting with a trickle, these closures have happened more in the last week  specifically among fully vaccinated employees. Most closures happened after a staffer suspected being exposed to someone with the virus tested positive thereafter, subsequently prompting the entire restaurant staff to get tested.

San Francisco restaurants Nari and Aziza both recently announced days-long closures after vaccinated staffers tested positive for the coronavirus. Oaklands Ramen Shop is also closed after a vaccinated employee tested positive, according to an Instagram post. And North Beach institution Tosca Cafe has closed twice in the past three weeks, with the most recent closure happening last week after a vaccinated employee tested positive, according to an email sent to diners with reservations.

Japantowns Nari announced a weeklong closure Thursday on Instagram after three fully vaccinated employees tested positive, according to owner and chef Pim Techamuanvivit. When a server first tested positive for the coronavirus last week, the entire staff got tested and received negative results. But Techamuanvivit said she sent back a few employees who had gotten rapid antigen tests for a PCR test, which is considered more accurate because it detects the virus actual genetic material. Afterward, two more employees tested positive. Two of the three are showing mild symptoms and the third is asymptomatic, she said. Its unlikely for fully vaccinated people who contract the virus to fall seriously ill or need hospitalization, public health officials have said.

At Aziza, managing partner Scott Chilcutt confirmed the restaurant has been closed since last Saturday after three fully vaccinated staffers tested positive for the coronavirus. Aziza wont reopen until next weekend, he said.

Tosca co-owner Anna Weinberg said three fully vaccinated employees have tested positive in recent weeks, with mild symptoms. Restaurants closing and reopening cycle, she said, feels like an accordion. Weinberg said she isnt rushing to reopen her other restaurants, including Petit Marlowe and Leos Oyster Bar, because of the uncertainty about the delta variant.

Restaurants have taken varied approaches to communicating their temporary closures to the public. Techamuanvivit posted a lengthy explanation on Naris Instagram page. She said its important to be upfront with guests.

I think I would want to know, she said. Not being transparent is not really an option. Its not responsible. This is not just the health of my business. Its public health.

Aziza posted on Instagram, for various reasons, we have made the difficult decision to close for a few days, without going into details about the closure. Tosca made no public announcement and has instead been informing diners who made reservations via email or in person. Weinberg said it got lost in the shuffle of calling diners to cancel reservations.

Given the breakthrough cases, some owners have adopted additional safety precautions to keep workers and diners safe and to ensure they can keep their doors open.

Nari is closing for a full week so the staff can get tested twice before returning to work. When the restaurant reopens Wednesday, employees will no longer taste any food or wine pre-service. Instead theyll eat out of individual takeout boxes outdoors instead of together inside. All staff will be required to wear specific masks with stronger filters, provided by the restaurant, and will again be required to get coronavirus tests monthly.

This is scary enough as a sample size, Techamuanvivit said of Naris three breakthrough cases. Delta really feels like a different virus.

Others have put vaccine checks in place after suspected staff exposures or confirmed cases, including Snail Bar and Sister in Oakland and Vesuvio Cafe in San Francisco. Ramen Shop, which closed Thursday, started asking diners for proof of vaccination last week. When Tosca reopens, the restaurant will ask customers for proof of vaccination, Weinberg said.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Some are wary, however, of taking this step. Aziza and sister restaurant Mourad both require staff to be fully vaccinated, but Chilcutt said the restaurants are hesitant to ask the same of diners.

I am not sure we want to get into the business of checking guests vaccine cards at the door, Chilcutt wrote in an email to The Chronicle.

Restaurateurs, instead, hope that cities in the Bay Area or the state will move to mandate a vaccination requirement for dining indoors  such as ones that exist in New York City and Palm Springs right now  and take the onus off them.

In a news release Friday, Mayor London Breed lauded private businesses that are stepping up to institute vaccine requirements for both employees and customers, but stopped short of offering support for a citywide edict.

Of San Francisco residents 12 years and older, 78% are fully vaccinated. In July, average coronavirus case rates for the Bay Area rose to double digits for the first time since February.

Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ekadvany
The dining scene on the Peninsula and in the South Bay continues to heat up with the addition of several exciting new restaurants this month. Theres a spot serving up juicy soup dumplings, a new Indian restaurant boasting nearly 30 kinds of biryanis and a swanky Chinese cocktail bar with enticing snacks to boot. Read on for more on each business.

Bay Biryanis, Mountain View

Downtown Mountain View has a new Indian option in Bay Biryanis, which took over the former Shalala Ramen space on Dana Street. Theres a whopping 27 kinds of biryani, from classic versions with lamb or goat to a vegan take with Soya chunks. Also on offer are curries, ghee-fried chicken and fresh-cooked naan studded with jalapenos and cilantro. On weekends, look for specials like pani puri and mutton biryani.

Indoor and outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. 698 W. Dana St., Mountain View. baybiryanis.com/

JiuBa, Santa Clara

Westfield Valley Fairs iChina, an opulent New American Chinese restaurant with black truffle dumplings and a private virtual reality room, isnt open yet  but its downstairs cocktail bar is. At JiuBa, drinks use ingredients common in Asian cuisines like shochu, lychee and pandan. Bar snacks include shrimp toast, mala fingerling potatoes and a Chinese charcuterie plate with cured duck breast and five-spice beef shank. The eye-popping emerald-green bar with gold accents and green velvet chairs is an amuse bouche to the swanky decor upstairs at iChina, opening later this month.

Indoor dining. 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1891, Santa Clara. ichinarestaurant.com/jiuba

Seo Rai, Santa Clara

The owners of Santa Clara Korean barbecue favorite Chungdam have opened their second act: Seo Rai. Open since mid-July, the dark but sleek El Camino Real restaurant serves everything from marinated galbi and thin slices of brisket to pork collar steak, plus dishes like kimchi-jjigae and cheesy corn. Every table is equipped with a grill and huge ceiling vent. Its not all-you-can-eat barbecue, but the banchan is, of course, bottomless  and its all available late night, until midnight most days and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Indoor dining. 3044 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. seoraisv.com

Dough Zone Dumpling House, Cupertino

Dough Zone, the popular Seattle chain, is continuing its Bay Area dumpling domination with a second outpost in Cupertino. Dough Zone is known for its juicy, flavorful soup dumplings (available in two flavors, one filled with Berkshire-Duroc pork and crab and the other with chicken), pan-fried sheng jian bao and dan dan noodles. Dough Zone Cupertino follows a 3-month-old location in San Mateo, where theres often a line for dumplings. Join the wait list on Yelp to avoid a long wait at peak times.

Indoor dining, takeout and delivery. 19600 Vallco Pkwyl, Suite #130, Cupertino. doughzonedumplinghouse.com

Sapore Express, San Mateo

Fans of downtown Burlingames Sapore Italiano can now get the longtime restaurants handmade pastas in San Mateo. The owners second restaurant, Sapore Express, opened in mid-July. The casual Italian restaurant makes several fresh pasta dishes, like rigatoni cacio e pepe and squid ink tagliolini with seafood, plus polentas and appetizers. Stop by the front counter to peruse that days fresh, uncooked pastas for home cooking.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Indoor and outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. East Fourth Ave., San Mateo. saporeexpress.com

Roger Bar and Restaurant, Mountain View

At Roger, a new Silicon Valley hotel restaurant, a friendly robot named Servi will bus dishes from your table. The technology is on brand for the restaurant inside the Ameswell Hotel, which nods to the citys tech history and nearby NASA Ames. (The restaurant is named for the Morse code message for received.)

The fare is light and seasonal, from a crispy avocado sandwich to carrots with tarragon labneh. Shelley Lindgren, co-owner and wine director at San Franciscos A16 and SPQR, and her husband, Greg, are behind Rogers beverage program. Visit during the daily happy hour (5-6 p.m.) to check out the cocktails, wine and beer. Also open at the Ameswell is the Flyby, a coffee bar with pastries from Mountain View favorite the Midwife and the Baker.

Indoor and outdoor dining, takeout. 800 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. rogerbarandrestaurant.com

Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ekadvany
San Francisco school officials made themselves a national spectacle earlier this year with an abortive effort to rename scores of shuttered schools based on a slapdash analysis of history. Now that theyre at long last ready to broadly reopen classrooms, theyre flunking science, too.

School officials said this week that the districts teachers and other staff would be allowed to return to work without proof of COVID vaccination, The Chronicle reported, another baffling development in a district that has produced no shortage of them.

This is the same workforce that demanded priority access and full vaccination as a condition of returning to schools, which it has been notoriously slow to do even as other public and private campuses reopened safely. Letting staff return without any vaccination or testing requirement suggests safety isnt the priority it was supposed to be during that unnecessarily prolonged period of remote instruction.

The district is unfortunately in line with most of its counterparts in California, which has been slower than any state on the U.S. mainland to reopen schools. But its out of line with every standard that matters.

To begin with, schools already rightly require a host of vaccinations of kindergartners. Theyre also supposed to be engines of knowledge and enlightenment as well as guardians of students safety and well-being. Making no effort to compel compliance with the most basic and well-supported precaution against the pandemic puts San Francisco and other districts at odds with their own practices and principles.

Most important, vaccination will protect the health of staff as well as students, many of whom are ineligible for vaccination. While children are generally at low risk from COVID compared with older people, theyre not at no risk.

San Franciscos city government and Gov. Gavin Newsoms administration have led the way in requiring vaccinations of public employees. Health institutions, major corporations and quite a few bars in the Bay Area are checking everyones shots, too. The proliferation of such mandates could be driving vaccine uptake in general, which has rebounded in recent weeks.

Large districts in San Jose and Los Angeles are requiring school employees to be vaccinated or submit to frequent testing, which should be the minimum, and the San Francisco teachers union says it supports a similar policy. The district must make it so.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
Regarding Renters struggle to tap relief funds (Front Page, Aug. 5): One aspect of the looming eviction crisis that has received little notice is the potential effect on voting access.

Low-income renters and homeowners who get displaced with nowhere to go are unlikely to consider registering to vote at a new address their top priority, even assuming they have a new address. Who benefits? The party thats busily putting up barriers to voting for people who may oppose their agenda of pandering to the wealthy and attacking immigrants and people of color.

Fran Taylor, San Francisco

Reversed decision

Regarding CDC issues new eviction moratorium after Dem backlash (Aug. 4): Thank you Reps. Cori Bush and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for pushing the White House to do the right thing and reverse its decision to allow landlords to throw people out on the street. While the legality of the ban may be an issue, with billions of dollars in rent relief unspent, the morality is not. States will now have more time to release the funds and Congress to pass supporting legislation. Tens of thousands of more homeless on the streets is the last thing we need.

Tom Miller, Oakland

PG&E should pay

Shareholders should split undergrounding cost (Letters, Aug. 5) got it half right. If you rent a home and the roof is bad, does the tenant split the costs to fix? Pacific Gas and Electric Co. investors own a stake in a corrupt business whose negligence has killed many. PG&E and its shareholders should pay to move their power lines underground because its not only a good investment, but it is the right thing to do and will save lives. Otherwise, take over that mismanaged utility and update it.

James Masciandaro, San Bruno

Historical racist past

Regarding No, critical race theory doesnt teach hatred (Open Forum, Aug. 4): After reading about Stephen Richters poignant personal experiences, one might wonder why the teaching of critical race theory has become such a scourge for conservatives. One key reason, impolitic as it is to cite: Conservatisms highly religious core constituency champions the white-washing of Christianitys racist past. These pious souls dont want schoolkids to learn how faith-based racism prevailed for so long.

Examples abound: The Ku Klux Klan ceremoniously lynched Black people through the mid-20th century, commencing those atrocities with Christian prayers. Mormon theology denied Black people the lay priesthood until 1978. Bob Jones University banned interracial dating until 2000. Conservatives are fine with schoolkids being compelled ever since 1954 to recite under God in the daily pledge of allegiance, but dont want them to learn about religions abject racist history. Any concerns over CRT prompting cognitive dissonance in classrooms are outweighed by Richters apt take: Our children deserve the truth. They must learn to handle the truth or else they will repeat our worst mistakes, lest we forget.

Gary Dolgin, Santa Monica

Olympic cannonball

My favorite dive is the Cannonball! I would love to see it performed at the Olympics. Highest splash wins.

Mary DeRose, Millbrae

Powerful weaponry

Regarding Tension over ban on guns escalates (Front Page, Aug. 2): I found Abhinanda Bhattacharyyas article very informative, but also found myself wondering how assault weapons became part of civilian gun culture in the first place. Why do those who participate in sport shooting need large-capacity magazines that can be quickly switched out? Why do hunters need those features? Dont we sophisticated humans already have a slight advantage over the animals we are hunting? I grew up in a hunting family back East  some of whom used bow and arrow to hunt deer. Now thats real sport.
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City librarian Michael Lambert discusses how librarians stepped up as disaster service workers during the COVID-pandemic, but are reopening all branches but one this month. Lambert, a former competitive skateboarder, also showed off tricks outside the Park branch library.
In the month of June, eight individuals combined to give $670,000 to the "Neighbors for a Better San Francisco" super PAC, which in turn used that money on various committees backing the campaign to recall San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, records from the California Secretary of States Office show.

Boudin is the subject of two separate recall campaigns, the second of which is backed by at least one of several committees that received funding from "Neighbors for a Better San Francisco." The district attorney faces intense criticism that he is too soft on crime. Statistics paint a more nuanced view of Boudin's record. Murders and burglaries are increasing in the city  burglaries dramatically so  while assaults, rapes and robberies have decreased under Boudin, though some of that can be attributed to the pandemic.

The first group has until Aug. 11 to collect 51,000 valid signatures from San Francisco residents, and the second group has until Oct. 25. With this much money coming in to pay for professional signature gatherers and mailers, it is very possible Boudin could face a recall election.

Here are the eight people who donated big money to the recall efforts in June, ordered by donation amount.

Paul Holden Spaht: $150,000

Spaht is a San Francisco-based partner at Thoma Bravo, a private equity investment firm.

State and Federal Elections Commission records show no other donations to candidate-specific or cause-specific committees from Spaht beyond the $150,000 he gave Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

Miriam Haas: $133,000

Haas is the widow of Peter E. Haas, the great-grandnephew of Levi's founder Levi Strauss.

State records show that Haas typically contributes to Democrats. She gave $5,000 to Gov. Gavin Newsom's anti-recall committee and also gave thousands of dollars to Vice President Kamala Harris' California attorney general campaigns in 2010 and 2014. Federal records show that she gave to Harris' Senate campaign in 2016 and was a supporter of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden for president.

Jason Moment: $100,000

Moment works for Route One Investment Company, and has donated tens of thousands to Democrats at the federal level over the years. His recent recipients include President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sens. Tim Kaine, Amy Klobuchar, Gary Peters and Mark Kelly and various state Democratic parties.

William Duhamel: $100,000

Like Moment, Duhamel also works for Route One Investment Company and contributed $100,000.

Unlike Moment, Duhamel typically donates to Republicans at the federal level. In March, he gave $50,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and sent individual donations for the 2022 cycle to Sens. Marco Rubio and Lisa Murkowski, the latter of whom is being targeted by former President Donald Trump with a primary challenger to her right.

Duhamel also donated tens of thousands to several pro-Biden committees during the 2020 general election, and even donated to Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer during the Democratic primaries. His contributions strongly indicate he's a "Never Trump" Republican.

Matthew Paige: $67,000

A real estate mogul at Twin Tree Venture, Paige has a more limited history of political contributions.

The $67,000 he gave Neighbors for a Better San Francisco is by far his largest political donation, though he did give Democratic "ActBlue California" $25,000 in 2020. He has also given smaller contributions to Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Sen. Scott Wiener and state superintendent candidate Marshall Tuck, all Democrats (though Tuck is a school choice advocate who became an enemy of the state teachers unions and Democratic Party).

Dede Wilsey: $50,000

Wilsey, the chair emerita of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, is a Republican megadonor who spent tens of thousands on Republican congressional candidates in 2020 and hosted a Trump fundraiser in 2019.

Oddly enough, Wilsey donated $150,000  three times more than her Neighbors for a Better San Francisco donation  to Gov. Gavin Newsom's anti-recall campaign and also gave to Newsom's initial gubernatorial campaign in 2018. While there has been much discussion of California voters who dislike both Trump and Newsom, it seems Wilsey is in the substantially smaller camp of those who approve of both.

John Atwater: $50,000

Another investor, Atwater has a relatively limited political contribution history. At the federal level, he donated $25,000 to a pro-Biden group in 2020 and has also given thousands to Sen. Alex Padilla's 2022 campaign.

Thomas Perkins: $20,000

Perkins is an investment adviser at Hunter Capital Management. The most low-profile of the bunch, Perkins shares a name with Thomas J. Perkins, the more high-profile Bay Area venture capital pioneer who died in 2016.

State and federal records show several donations from San Francisco individuals named Thomas Perkins, but none contain the same employer ID (Hunter Capital Management) as the one who donated to Neighbors for a Better San Francisco.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story stated that both recall campaigns received support from committees backed by "Neighbors for a Better San Francisco." Further review of filings does not show that committees that recently received money from "Neighbors for a Better San Francisco" have supported the first recall campaign since the new contributions, and this story was updated Aug. 6 at 1:40 p.m. to reflect that.
An 87-year-old woman was stabbed in San Francisco on Thursday evening, police said.

The victim, who has not been identified, was reported missing by family members two hours prior to the stabbing, police said in a press release.

Officers said the victim left her home around 6:30 p.m. Thursday "to take a walk but did not return."

Upon learning she was missing, officers engaged a search for her.

They found her at approximately 11:15 p.m. in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Rivera Street suffering from a stab wound on her upper body.

Officers and medics rendered aid to the victim, who was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

The San Francisco Police Department Night Investigations Unit is leading the investigation. They are seeking to determine if foul play was a factor.

Anyone with information is asked to called the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to Tip411, beginning the message with SFPD. Tipsters may remain anonymous, police said.

A 76-year-old man was fatally stabbed in an apartment on the 1500 block of Folsom Street in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood on Saturday, according to local news reports. A suspect turned himself in to police later that day.
A stretch of San Francisco's Great Highway that was closed to cars during the pandemic will reopen Monday through Friday starting August 16, the mayor's office confirms.

The Great Highway, which has been closed between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard, will still be off-limits to cars on weekends and holidays, the office added, seemingly an effort to compromise between the current state of the highway and frustrations that drivers have expressed during the pandemic.

The use of the Great Highway during this pandemic has revealed what we can do to provide our residents and families more opportunities to enjoy the west side of our city, said Mayor London Breed in a statement. Having the Great Highway closed on weekends and holidays will make sure that residents and visitors still can enjoy this incredible space, while recognizing the needs of our families and residents who need to get to school and work during the week as we reopen."

Many locals in the Outer Sunset have embraced the transition of the Great Highway into a promenade for walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers. About 32,000 cyclists and pedestrians are currently estimated to use the road on a weekly basis, a study by the County Transportation Authority found.

According to a March survey of 4,000 San Francisco residents, 53 percent were in favor of keeping the Upper Great Highway closed to vehicle traffic post-pandemic. Twenty-one percent of respondents wished to see it return to its status as a four-lane roadway.

Activist groups such as WalkSF, Kid Safe SF and others have expressed concern about this newly announced plan, noting that a public process was already underway before the proposal from Supervisor Gordon Mar and Breed was announced.

Janice Li, BART board director and advocacy director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, condemned the move in a statement to SFGATE, calling it "an illogical step backwards for San Francisco."

"This decision from Supervisor Mar goes against not only the public outreach process, but ignores the needs of the thousands of people who love and use this park," said Li. "The indoor mask mandate just returned. Climate change threatens our state every day with fire season."

"The persistence of the pandemic and pressing reality of climate change on our coast means that the Great Highway needs to stay open to the people, and not to cars."

Kid Safe SF spokesperson Matt Brezina called Mar's decision "cowardly," a rejection of "our community process that is already in the works."

Brezina added, "This only builds our movement and anger at poor governance in San Francisco [that] we must change. For our kids."

Patricia Arack, founder of the Concerned Residents of the Sunset, applauded the city's decision to reopen the Upper Great Highway. She said traffic in the neighborhood has been bad, creating a potentially "dangerous situation especially for children, senior citizens and disabled people" walking.

"We have commuters who have been sitting in traffic on 19th Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, particularly bad is the Chain of Lakes ... people have to idle their cars," she said.

SFGATE reporter Madeline Wells contributed to this report.
- Cal Fire: See incident reports from Cal Fire's website.

- Maps: View maps from the U.S. Forest Service.

- Road closures: Get updates from Caltrans District 2's Twitter feed.

- Evacuations: Find the latest information from Cal Fire.

- Dixie Fire information line: (530) 538-7826.

UPDATE Aug. 6, 8:23 p.m. The Dixie Fire grew slightly, to 434,813 acres, with containment at just 21%, according to Cal Fire's update on Friday evening.

:::

California's largest wildfire this year grew more than 100,000 acres in 24 hours, with its total burn area increasing from 322,502 acres Thursday to 432,813 acres Friday morning, making it the third largest blaze in state history.

More for you News This is what you need in your wildfire preparedness kit,...

The blaze located about 280 miles northeast of San Francisco remained active Thursday and overnight advancing north into Lassen National Park and pushing onto the eastern shore of Lake Almanor.

Flames tore through Canyondam, a hamlet with a population of about three dozen people located near the dam that forms Lake Almonor. It's 13 miles north of Greenville, the historic mining town that was ravaged by flames the day before. Businesses and homes were destroyed in Canyondam amid fierce winds fanning flames.

"We're seeing truly frightening fire behavior and I don't know how to overstate that," Chris Carlton, the supervisor for Plumas National Forest said in a recent briefing. "We have a lot of veteran firefighters who have observed for 20 years and have never seen conditions like this especially day after day. We really are in uncharted territory."

Preliminary reports Thursday evening indicated the community of Chester was mostly saved from flames.

As of 7 p.m. Thursday, a few structures outside the town were damaged or destroyed and only one building within the town was damaged, Mike Wink, operations section chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said at an operations meeting.

Journalist Craig Philpott shared an image Friday of a barn in Chester that remained untouched by flames.

"Good morning Chester CA history lives on and the Olsen Barn still stands," Philpott wrote.

Started near Cresta Dam in the Feather River Canyon on July 14, the Dixie Fire has destroyed at least 91 houses and other buildings, according to Cal Fire, and torched a bone-dry landscape and triggered thousands of evacuations in a region still recovering from the 2018 Camp Fire, California's deadliest blaze. Nearly 5,000 personnel are fighting the blaze. PG&E has said its equipment may have started it.

There were no signs of California's Dixie Fire slowing down Thursday amid gusty winds and bone-dry conditions.

"It has the potential for getting bad before getting better," said Mitch Matlow, a spokesperson with the multi-agency team managing the fire.

The fire was active Thursday on its north and east edge, and fire activity is expected to pick up through the day as a weather system drops down from the north and kicks up winds, said Matlow.

"As the cold front passes over were going to see very erratic wind behavior," he said. "We have expectations that well have winds in all directions over the fire today."

Noah Berger/Associated Press

The unstoppable monster exploded Wednesday afternoon amid extreme weather conditions with winds up to 40 mph and humidity levels as low as 6%.

Illustration: SFGATE/ Getty Images

"Single digit humidity  thats really not good with these winds  that's bad," said Craig Clements, director of San Jose State University's Fire Weather Research Laboratory and a professor at the university. "This is looking crazy."

Flames engulfed the small mountain town of Greenville Wednesday night, leveling much of the historic Main Street and scorching surrounding homes.

"Yesterday we saw extreme fire growth," Matlow said Thursday. "The fire was averaging about a half-mile an hour."

Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns said Thursday evening that his "heart is crushed" by the devastation in Greenville, a small California community with at least 100 homes that have been largely destroyed by the Dixie Fire.

A lifelong resident of Greenville, Johns said at a press broadcast community meeting, "All I can tell you is, I'm sorry."

He said there were no injuries reported in Greenville though there are four people who are unaccounted for.

He also asked the public to give donations of new or lightly used clothing, pet supplies, bottled water, school supplies, gift cards and new toiletries to the Mormon Church for community collection.

"The fire is not over," he said in closing. "What am I telling folks at this time is that if the plume is anywhere near your direction, stay miles away from it."

Incident Commander Rocky Opliger said on Wednesday as the fire advanced toward Greenville, emergency responders did an incredible job rescuing community members who did not leave.

"They spent a big part of their time just doing those rescues as the fire came in there with significant velocity," Opliger said.

Noah Berger/Associated Press

Wildfire photographer Stuart Palley shared harrowing images from the wiped-out town on social media.

"The fire burned through town so hot that when structures burned it melted the metal street lamp posts," wrote Palley, sharing an image of one of the melted posts.

Palley wrote in another post that the majority of downtown Greenville is completely destroyed.

"All I see standing on the main st. Is a dollar general," he added. "My heart is broken for this beautiful little town."

Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The fire has been pumping out massive pyrocumulonimbus clouds since it first sparked in July.

"I can tell you conditions are ripe right now for pyrocumulonimbus cloud development," said Matlow. "Im looking out my window at one right now, which is very large."

These massive, mushroom-shaped clouds of hot, smoky air towering thousands of feet into the sky are caused by a natural source of heat such as wildfires, according to NASA. Rising warm air from the fire carries water vapor, ash and smoke up into the atmosphere, forming clouds.

These clouds can become so intense that they create their own weather and emit lightning that can start new wildfires on the ground.
- Cal Fire: See incident reports from Cal Fire's website.

- Maps: View maps from the U.S. Forest Service.

- Road closures: Get updates from Caltrans District 2's Twitter feed.

- Evacuations: Find the latest information from Cal Fire.

- Dixie Fire information line: (530) 538-7826.

Tesla Barabino, the mother of one-year-old twins, knew immediately it was her house.

She saw a photo on Twitter, her car sitting out front, the house numbers prominently displayed, and learned her Indian Falls home had been demolished by the Dixie Fire, which has burned more than 322,000 acres and was at 35% containment as of Thursday evening.

"It was especially hard learning about it from Twitter," she said by phone from Truckee, where she's staying with family.

Barabino said she kept looking for more photos, and they continued coming up, on CNN, on the Weather Channel, on local news outlets. She came across videos of people looking through her dad's toolbox, commenting on the weights in the backyard.

"We still haven't been able to get over there," she said.

"It's truly heartbreaking because what they don't see is the memories that we've made inside that home," she added.

On July 20, Barabino and her family lost power. They left shortly thereafter. That exact same date last year, they were bringing the twins home from the hospital.

"No one is interested in our story," she said, "Just posting our home."

Barabino gave SFGATE permission to run the photo of her burned home with this story.

Barabino says it's the small things she thinks about now, like an old comforter gifted from her mother. It's the things you don't even think to grab that suddenly take on new weight.

"It's about more than just us, though," she said. "[It's about] losing that whole community  it was such a great community."

The family moved to Indian Falls, a tiny community south of Greenville, just over a year ago, before the birth of the twins. Barabino said she loved living their immediately, especially because it was her daughters' first home.

"A lot of these people in the community are elderly, they grow their own food, have livestock, animals," she said.

She wants PG&E, which said previously its equipment may have started the fire, to be held accountable.

"It's up to these companies to do something so other people don't have to feel like this," she said.

Barabino and her family were able to return to the house a few days after leaving. She thought the fire would be far away, given that Highway 70 remained open. As they drove, flames engulfed the trees and foliage on either side of the vehicle. A "huge orange glow" shined across the ridge.

"I was crying and asked my dad to turn around and he said, 'Just close your eyes,'" she remembers. She couldn't sleep after that.

Barabino says the community has come together to get the babies clothes. Even activist Erin Brockovich has pitched in to help after Barabino's mom reached out to her by email, she said. Brockovich has put the family in touch with her attorneys, Barabino said.

While their material needs are met for now, a lingering sadness remains.

"I just feel so sad for the whole community," she said. "It was a great community of people. Lots of nature, birds. Everyone's dogs ran around and visited each other's houses. It's a lot bigger than us as a family."
The cannabis industry has gone from budding to booming in the past few years. Recreational cannabis sales are legal in 18 states to date (and Washington, D.C.) and in 2020, Americans spent over $18 billion on legal weed  a 71% increase from the year prior.

But if youre considering jumping on the green bandwagon, keep in mind that cannabis isnt like other industries (at least, not yet.) Because cannabis is not legal at the federal level, regulations on selling it vary wildly from state to state. So, if youre a canna-entrepreneur wondering where to put down roots, its important to consider the regulations in each state where weed is legal.

One thing youll want to consider is taxes. Sales taxes on marijuana have been a huge motivator for states to legalize it (particularly as the economy recovers from COVID-19) and every state taxes the product differently depending on their goals.

RELATED: Can you get rich from cannabis? We look at the best marijuana investments as weed becomes legal in more states

According to a report released this year by Chamber of Commerce, a digital resource for small businesses, the two states with the lightest taxes levied on cannabis dispensaries are Michigan, with a sales tax of 10% and no additional taxes, and Massachusetts, with a sales tax of 10.75% and no additional taxes.

Olivia Thomson, a spokesperson for Chamber of Commerce, told GreenState the simple structure of cannabis taxation in these states can also make it easier for cannabis businesses to thrive.

Due to their easy-to-follow tax structure and, in some cases, the higher cost to the consumer in these states, you can ultimately net more profit per sale in Massachusetts and Michigan. Other factors come into play when owning a business of course, like market saturation and local demand, but these states are the easiest according to tax cost and structure.

RELATED: Recreational Cannabis Sales Soar Despite COVID-19

Chamber of Commerce reports the states with the highest taxes on cannabis are Washington, with a 35% sales tax, California, with a 15% sales tax and additional weight-based taxes on cannabis products ($9.65/oz. for flower, $2.87/oz. for leaves cultivation tax, and $1.35/oz for cannabis plant,) Colorado, with a 15% sales tax and a 15% excise tax (i.e. an additional tax specific to cannabis products,) and Nevada, with a 10% sales tax and a 15% excise tax.

Clearly, theres a wide range of opinions on how states should tax cannabis. But heres where it gets even more complicated: Thomson said that, in some states, high taxes on cannabis dont necessarily mean the state isn't good for dispensaries and other cannabis businesses. On the contrary, some states, like Colorado, are using tax dollars to help the government better support the industry.

While states like California have extensive and increasingly difficult bureaucratic barriers to entry, Colorado, despite its relatively higher taxes, has been actively accepting and expanding its cannabis market, Thomson said. Given Colorado's long history with cannabis businesses, they seem to be one of the most supportive states in the U.S. for starting a cannabis business, despite their relatively higher taxes.

RELATED: Meet the new face of the cannabis industry: Your mom

As an example, Thomson pointed out that Colorado launched a government office just weeks ago called the Cannabis Business Office, or CBO," which aims to create new economic development opportunities, local job creation, and community growth for the diverse population across Colorado." The higher taxes on cannabis in Colorado go toward a Marijuana Tax Cash Fund, which is meant to support initiatives like this one.

Dispensary taxes are important, but they should not be the main deciding factor if you are choosing where to launch your business, Thomson said. As mentioned earlier, it is because of the slightly higher taxes in Colorado that industry-expanding initiatives like the CBO are possible. Nevertheless, certain states are charging too high of a price with no justification.

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.
MUGLA, Turkey (AP)  Actor Tevfik Erman Kutlu was on a break from filming in Istanbul when wildfires that devastated swaths of southern Turkey first erupted.

Desperate to play a part in efforts to put out the fires, he and five friends drove 725 kilometers (450 miles) to the coastal resort of Marmaris to lend a helping hand to combat the blazes.

Once there, the friends formed a human chain helping to carry fire extinguishers, unfolded and rushed a firetrucks hose to firefighters and even tackled a hillside fire themselves, dousing pressurized water on flames under the guidance of fire crews.

Instead of sitting at home and watching videos of the fires on social media, I wanted to be of use, the 41-year-old film and television actor currently starring in a TV drama series about the mafia underworld, told The Associated Press.

They are among the hundreds of volunteers who have joined efforts to contain blazes that have swept through forests in Turkeys southern and southwestern coasts, fueled by a summer heatwave, low humidity and strong winds. The fires, described as Turkeys worst in living memory, have so far killed eight people, including a volunteer who was carrying drinking water and other refreshments to firefighters in Marmaris.

The fires have also killed countless animals, destroyed acres of forests near the countrys favorite tourist destinations, and forced thousands of evacuations. Farmlands have also been ravaged, leaving many in the region concerned about their livelihood.

In coastal Mugla province, where the tourist destinations of Bodrum and Marmaris are located, fires continued to burn in three areas on Friday, officials said. Blazes in Marmaris were largely contained by Friday, according to its mayor. Fires raging in two districts of Antalya province, another tourism spot, were also brought under control.

Strong winds drove one of the fires toward the compound of the coal-fueled Kemerkoy power plant near the town of Milas, in Mugla province late on Wednesday, forcing nearby residents to flee in navy vessels and cars. It was contained on Thursday after raging for some 11 hours and officials said its main units were not damaged.

In Turgut, the visibly tired volunteers were resting after assisting the crews, some lying on the ground, others helping each other with eye-drops or nursing cuts and grazes. Elsewhere other volunteers, including veterinarians, have helped injured farm or wild animals.

At first we were 15 volunteers, said Nuriye Caglar, a 59-year-old pensioner from Marmaris. I dont know how many we are now. Forty or 50?

Mehmet Kara, a 36-year-old tourism agent from Istanbul said: There was an unbelievable effort, sacrifice up there by our friends. We fought the fires all together, we cooperated.

We had people who were burned, who were poisoned. We saw all of this as fires raged and we did what we had to do. Now, the support teams have arrived and theyre doing whats necessary. As you can see, our friends are fighting tooth and nail, said Kara, who drove with Kutlu from Istanbul.

On Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said authorities would no longer allow people other than those authorized to fight blazes to approach the fires.

God forbid, in addition to these (fires) we may have to deal with injuries or similar things. We do not want to experience that, Erdogan said.

Its not unusual for people in Turkey to mobilize during times of crisis, such as earthquakes. Many jump into cars to head to the afflicted regions, taking food, water, clothing or blankets.

Turkeys most famous search-and-rescue team, AKUT, is made up of trained volunteers. The group was founded in the 1990s by mountaineers who were frustrated by a failed mountain rescue operation by the authorities.

Some volunteers joined the firefighting efforts out of frustration at the governments apparent inadequate response and unpreparedness for large-scale wildfires. Erdogan admitted last week that Turkeys firefighting planes were grounded and planes flew in from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Croatia and Spain to assist the country.

But Kutlu, best known for his role in the popular Turkish drama series Valley of the Wolves, said he was motivated by his devotion to the country. He insisted this was not the time for recriminations.

Right now theres a fire. Our focus, our only focus, is stopping that fire," Kutlu said. "Well then ask for someone to be accountable. Whos to blame, whos not? This is not the time to be fighting over that.

___

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Ayse Wieting in Istanbul contributed.
Thomas Trutschel / Photothek via Getty Images

With a multitude of bars and restaurants across the country beginning to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, Yelp has announced a new feature on its platform: consumers can now filter their restaurant searches by proof of vaccination required and all staff fully vaccinated, according to a press release.

That means that just like you can search their site by attributes such as "takes reservations" and "good for kids," you now have the option to narrow down your dining choices to only those with vaccine checks.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP)  Two Myanmar citizens were arrested on charges alleging that they conspired to oust Myanmars ambassador to the United Nations, who opposes the military junta that seized power earlier this year, by injuring  or even killing  him.

Phyo Hein Htut and Ye Hein Zaw plotted to seriously injure or kill Myanmars ambassador in an attack that was to take place on American soil, U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a release Friday.

According to court documents in White Plains federal court, a Thailand arms dealer who sells weapons to the Myanmar military hired the pair to hurt the ambassador to try to force him to step down. If that didn't work, the ambassador was to be killed, authorities said.

Myanmar's military overthrew the country's civilian government in February. Myanmar's currently recognized U.N. ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, staunchly opposed the ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In a speech to the General Assembly in late February, Tun called for the strongest possible action from the international community to restore democracy.

Myanmar's military has tried to remove Tun from his post, but the 193-member General Assembly is responsible for accrediting diplomats and has not taken action at the military's urging.

There was no immediate response to a phone call and email to Myanmars U.N. Mission seeking comment.

The plot to maim or kill Tun was to be carried out in Westchester County, where the ambassador lives, according to two criminal complaints.

Htut last month was contacted by the arms dealer, who wanted to pay several thousand dollars for Htut to carry out the attack, the complaints said. Htut received a $2,000 advance on July 23, it added.

After the FBI learned of the plot on Tuesday, it arranged to interview Htut on Wednesday, when Htut described the plan, which included initially tampering with the ambassador's tires to cause an accident, the complaint said. It said Htut received $4,000 in payments to carry out the attack and was to be paid another $1,000 once it was finished.

In a complaint against Zaw, authorities said Zaw admitted after his arrest that he sent the $4,000 to Htut.

Htut, 28, and Zaw, 20, are each charged with conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon a foreign official, which carries a maximum sentence upon conviction of five years in prison.

At an initial appearance in White Plains federal court Friday, Htut consented to detention. Zaw awaited an initial appearance.

Messages seeking comment from their lawyers were not immediately returned.
POLAND, Maine (AP)  A man and a boy suffered suffered serious burns when something exploded next to a campfire in Poland, firefighters said Friday.

A container filled with some sort of combustible material ignited and created a sudden fire late Thursday, Fire Chief Thomas Printup told WMTW-TV.
WEBB CITY, Mo. (AP)  Two police officers and a suspect were injured during an altercation late Thursday night in Webb City, Missouri, authorities said.

Police responding to a report of trespassing and illegal dumping at 9:15 p.m. found several people in a truck with a trailer that had driven around a chain posted on the property, the Joplin Globe reported.
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP)  A Connecticut man has been convicted of killing a Massachusetts man nearly five years ago during a home invasion and then setting the house on fire with people still inside.

Jose Crespo, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was found guilty by a Worcester Superior Court jury on Thursday of first-degree murder, arson and other charges in the Dec. 3, 2016 death of Kevin Cabrera-Soto, 24, in Fitchburg, The Telegram & Gazette reported.
On Friday, Jenny Grondahl flew from Phoenix to San Diego, carrying a souvenir: a cardboard sign she wanted to frame when she got home to Southern California. It read "Arizonenses Con Biden" with a cactus and was made by an artist named Javier Torres.

It marked an accomplishment for the labor organizer - outreach to Latinos in Arizona to vote for Joe Biden for president in 2020. Grondahl serves on the executive board of Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), representing workers in California and Arizona. She also volunteered for the Biden campaign, and a friend had given her the sign for the hours she worked.

"I worked very hard to register Latino voters  And Latinos showed up, Arizona went blue," she said, explaining why it meant so much to her.

When she got to the gate, Grondahl said, a Southwest Airlines employee told her, "Many customers are offended by your sign." The agent asked her to either cover it with white paper and tape or to fold it to put underneath her seat.

Then Grondahl asked what would have happened if she had been wearing a T-shirt supporting Biden and Vice President Harris. The agent told her that she would have had to turn it inside out to board the flight.

Instead of covering up the sign, Grondahl folded it and placed it under her seat.

As Americans return to the skies during the pandemic, they are facing unruliness among fellow passengers. Flight attendants are getting the worst of it as passengers become violent and refuse mask mandates.

But fliers may also be reminded of other disruptions: the arbitrary power over passenger dress code and what they can bring onboard. Airlines have long been able to enforce this, but in this political climate, it could include signage and other memorabilia.

"I'm looking around at the gate, and I'm thinking, how many of you was it - 20 out of 110 people? And how offended were you? What did you say?" she told The Washington Post several days after the incident. "How could people have such a visceral reaction to seeing the name of our president on a sign?"

She found herself physically shaking at the confrontation, despite the fact that she said the gate agent was "very nice."

Grondahl would have understood had she been told the sign was too big, or if she had been actively campaigning, but she said that's not what she was told by the airline.

"It's in Spanish. I just looked around, and I thought about humanity in general. How devastatingly horrible that someone saw a name, or a different language, on a sign that I'm carrying, and stood in line to complain to the airline staff to the point that they then had to come complain to me, and asked me not to bring this on board?" Grondahl said.

Southwest would not comment directly on the situation, but the airline denied it would censor political expression.

"We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment for all Customers and Employees regardless of political beliefs. We're in conversations with the Customer to address her concerns and we hope to welcome her back on a future Southwest flight," Southwest spokesman Dan Landson said in email.

Grondahl tweeted at Southwest about the incident on Monday, but she did not hear from airline until after The Washington Post contacted the company for comment. So far, they only have reached out to say they have heard about her complaint.

Legal experts said the incident was probably a one-off that occurred because decisions about what customers can bring or wear onboard are at the discretion of individual employees.

Each airline has a contract of carriage, which you agree to when you purchase a ticket, but it can be ambiguous. Delta says it can keep a passenger off a plane if their attire "creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers." Southwest and JetBlue say clothing cannot be "lewd, obscene, or patently offensive."

"I just think [Grondahl] ran into a buzz saw with a flight attendant, who was trying to placate some unhappy people," said Tom Demetrio, a Chicago-based lawyer who represented David Dao, a passenger who was dragged off a United Airlines flight in 2017.

Since that case, Demetrio said, he has received over 1,000 complaints centered around the actions of either a flight attendant or gate agent.

"One-hundred percent of the time they are backed up by the pilot, who has the ultimate say," Demetrio said. "If you have an issue where a flight attendant is questioning you or making fun of you, play along because he wins or she wins. No use in quibbling or protesting."

"What if it's a Chicago Cubs shirt, and you've got a bunch of Yankee fans on the plane, are they going to whine to the flight attendant? Make him turn his shirt inside out?"

In 2012, a woman was who worked for an abortion provider was asked to cover her T-shirt on an American Airlines flight. An American Airlines spokesman said the flier was asked to cover up because the shirt contained an expletive.

Later that year, graduate student Arijit Guha was taken off a Delta flight in Buffalo because his T-shirt said, "Terrists gonna kill us all." He said the misspelled shirt was satirical and mocked federal screening policies that he said racially profiled. The pilot countered that it scared fellow passengers.

Again, there is little passengers can do because rules can be interpreted unevenly.

"[Contracts of carriage] are written in broad language that makes these determinations particularly subjective, so that one person's behavior or clothing on one flight may not be considered offensive on another," travel lawyer Adam Anolik said.

That turned out to be true for Grondahl, who flew from Orange County in California back to Phoenix just four days later on Southwest. She didn't have the sign, but she wore a "LIUNA! For Biden/Harris" mask on her flight without incident.

These guidelines are often justified for safety reasons, Anolik said. "Airlines can claim offensive attire or behavior can cause conflicts on board so that the airlines need to police problems before they escalate."

Flight attendants and crews have dealt with a spike in disruptive passenger behavior recently. Since January, the Federal Aviation Administration has received 3,715 reports of unruly passengers. The FAA has started 628 investigations and moved forward with 99 cases with penalties. There have been incidents involving flight attendants being punched, losing teeth and having to restrain passengers with duct tape.

The problem with leaving such interpretations on dress code or carry-on items up to individual airline employees is that they are "susceptible to inherent biases of employees, which may be, in this situation, politically motivated. Airlines should not be policing political speech," Anolik said.

Several days later, Grondahl's sign was in her office waiting to be framed, despite the folds.

"It will have a crease in it to remind me of Southwest Airlines approaching me to say people were offended by it," Grondahl said, laughing.

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Hannah Sampson contributed to this report.
GILBY, N.D. (AP)  An unmanned and remotely piloted U.S. Air Force aircraft crashed in a rural field near Gilby on Friday morning as it was returning to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Authorities say the Air Force RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk crashed at about 7 a.m. There were no people on board and no reported injuries.
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DALLAS (AP)  A Texas appeals court on Thursday upheld the murder conviction of a former Dallas police officer who was sentenced to prison for fatally shooting her neighbor in his home.

A panel of three state judges ruled that a Dallas County jury had sufficient evidence to convict Amber Guyger of murder in the 2018 shooting of Botham Jean.

The decision by the 5th Texas Court of Appeals in Dallas means Guyger, who turns 33 on Monday, will continue to serve her 10-year prison sentence and largely dashes her hopes of having the 2019 conviction overturned. She will become eligible for parole in 2024, under her current sentence.

The ruling comes in a case that drew national attention because of the strange circumstances and because it was one in a string of shootings of Black men by white police officers.

The appeals court justices did not dispute the basic facts of the case. Guyger, returning home from a long shift, mistook Jeans apartment for her own, which was on the floor directly below his. Finding the door ajar, she entered and shot him, later testifying that she thought he was a burglar.

Jean, a 26-year-old accountant, had been eating a bowl of ice cream before Guyger shot him. She was later fired from the Dallas Police Department.

Guyger's appeal hung on the claim that her mistaking Jeans apartment for her own was reasonable, and therefore, so too was the shooting. Her lawyer asked the appeals court to acquit her of murder or substitute in a conviction for criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lesser sentence.

Dallas County prosecutors countered that the error was not reasonable, that Guyger acknowledged intending to kill Jean and that murder is a result-oriented offense.

The court's chief justice, Robert D. Burns III, and Justices Lana Myers and Robbie Partida-Kipness concurred with prosecutors, disagreeing that Guygers belief that deadly force was needed was reasonable.

In a 23-page opinion, the justices also disagreed that evidence supported a conviction of criminally negligent homicide rather than murder, and they pointed to Guygers own testimony that she intended to kill.

That she was mistaken as to Jeans status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent, the judges wrote. We decline to rely on Guygers misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jurys verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill.

Defense attorneys could still ask the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals  the states highest forum for criminal cases  to review the appeals courts ruling. A message to Guyger's attorney was not immediately returned.
PHOENIX (AP)  The Arizona State Fair will be staged this October at its usual site on the state fairgrounds in central Phoenix after all.

It was announced in March that the fair would be held at a temporary location at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community's reservation near Chandler, but fair officials now say the move has been canceled because necessary infrastructure couldn't be arranged.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  An attorney representing an international energy company involved in a utility merger in New Mexico has been disqualified because of an alleged conflict of interest stemming from ongoing contracts with the state attorney generals office.

A hearing examiner with the state Public Regulation Commission issued the order Friday, saying Marcus Rael Jr. can no longer represent Iberdrola in connection with the utility case.

The order pointed out that the New Mexico Supreme Court has held that disqualification based on a conflict of interest claim should take place before any substantive hearings get underway.

Hearings begin Monday on the proposed multibillion-dollar merger between the Public Service Co. of New Mexico, the state's largest electric provider, and Avangrid, a U.S. subsidiary of Spain-based Iberdrola.

Watchdog groups had filed complaints in July with the state auditor, the state Ethics Commission and the disciplinary board of the New Mexico Supreme Court that highlighted Attorney General Hector Balderas relationship with the law firm where Rael works. They alleged that Rael used his influence to convince Balderas to sign off on the merger and that Balderas awarded numerous contracts to Rael and approved improper invoices.

Balderas and Rael both graduated from the University of New Mexico law school in 2001 and briefly worked together before Balderas ran for public office.

Rael said Friday he doesn't believe there is a conflict but will honor the order. He said he joined the Avangrid and Iberdrola team because he believes the merger is in the best interest of New Mexicans, and he's proud of the work he has done.

I look forward to the merger being complete so that New Mexico achieves its renewable energy goals, he said in an email to The Associated Press. New Mexico is poised to be a leader in renewable energy, and with AVANGRID/Iberdrola, we are assured to get there.

In filings with the utility commission, the attorney general's office and Iberdrola had denied there was any conflict.

Matt Baca, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, suggested the claims about a conflict were a sideshow and the case needs to proceed on the actual merits.

The hearing examiner noted in the order that the case is of public interest. It will affect more than a half-million customers and New Mexico's economy as a whole as it will likely change the way electricity is generated and delivered in the state.

Some critics have said a proposed settlement agreement between Avangrid and PNM Resources  the parent company of Public Service Co. of New Mexico  doesnt go far enough when it come to customer benefits or funds to support economic development in the state.

PNM and Avangrid recently announced more concessions since their initial proposal failed to win the necessary support. The latest proposal includes $65 million in rate credits for customers, economic development donations of $15 million and additional money for energy efficiency assistance for low-income customers.

New Energy Economy Executive Director Mariel Nanasi is among those who have raised concerns about the merger and Rael's relationship with the attorney general's office. Public records obtained by her group and a review by Searchlight New Mexico showed that since taking office in 2015, Balderas has hired Rael or others at his firm to help represent the state in at least 19 cases, which is at least triple the number of cases farmed out to any other private law firm.

Invoices and contracts from the attorney generals office showed more than $3 million in direct payments of fees and expenses to the Robles, Rael & Anaya law firm.

The hearing examiner's order also pointed to a series of meetings between Rael and the attorney general's office from late February through early April while the attorney general was preparing testimony that initially opposed the planned merger.
DURANGO, Colo. (AP)  The owner of an inactive southwestern Colorado mine that was the source of a disastrous 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three Western states has sued the U.S. government, seeking nearly $3.8 million in compensation for using his land in its cleanup.

Todd Hennis claims the Environmental Protection Agency has occupied part of his property near the Gold King Mine but hasn't compensated him for doing so since the August 2015 spill, The Durango Herald reported. He also contends that the EPA contaminated his land by causing the spill, which sent a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals into rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Hennis argued that the EPA's actions have violated his Fifth Amendment rights to just compensation for public use of private property.

The EPA didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday.

An EPA-led contractor crew was doing excavation work at the entrance to the mine when it inadvertently breached a debris pile that was holding back wastewater inside the mine.

The spill released 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of wastewater that made its way into the Animas River and eventually down to the San Juan River. Water utilities were forced to shut down intake valves, and farmers stopped drawing from the rivers as the plume moved downstream.

After the spill, the EPA designated the Gold King Mine and 47 other mining sites in the area a Superfund cleanup district. The agency is still reviewing options for a broader cleanup.

The lawsuit says Hennis verbally authorized the government to use part of a 33-acre (13-hectare) piece of land as an emergency staging area right after the blowout. He thought it would be temporary and that he would be compensated, according to the lawsuit.

Hennis claims that months later and without his permission, the EPA built a $2.3 million water treatment facility on the property. The agency continues treating water and storing waste there, the lawsuit says.

He's asking for at least $3 million in compensation for damage to and occupation of the property, which he says is worth at least $3 million according to a private appraisal this year. The lawsuit also seeks interest.

In January, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation announced settlements in litigation over the spill with companies that had operated mines near Gold King. Last year, the U.S. government settled a lawsuit brought by Utah for a fraction of what it was initially seeking in damages.
HOUSTON (AP)  Houston area officials say the latest wave of COVID-19 cases is pushing the local health care system to nearly a breaking point, resulting in some patients having to be transferred out of the city to get medical care, including one who had to be taken to North Dakota.

Dr. David Persse, who is health authority for the Houston Health Department and EMS medical director, said some ambulances were waiting hours to offload patients at Houston area hospitals because no beds were available. Persse said he feared this would lead to prolonged respond times to 911 medical calls.

The health care system right now is nearly at a breaking point ... For the next three weeks or so, I see no relief on whats happening in emergency departments, Persse said.

Last weekend, a patient in Houston had to be transferred to North Dakota to get medical care. Persse said he has an ill family member in Livingston, about 70 miles northeast of Houston, who wound up being taken to Shreveport, Louisiana.

Our problem today is a nursing shortage. We have hospitals in the region that have physical beds but dont have nurses to staff them, Persse said. Other hospitals around the state are facing similar nursing shortages.

An 11-month-old girl with COVID-19 and who was having seizures had to be transported on Thursday from Houston to a hospital 170 miles away in Temple, said Harris Health System spokeswoman Amanda Callaway. She told The Associated Press that since Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston doesnt have inpatient pediatrics, children who come there needing hospitalization are typically transferred.

We looked at all five major pediatric hospital groups and none (had beds) available, Patricia Darnauer, the administrator for LBJ Hospital, told KTRK-TV.

Officials at the Texas Medical Center, a sprawling medical complex made up of Houstons major hospitals, were also sounding the alarm.

Hospitalizations across the Texas Medical Center are escalating at a pace we have not observed since the highest COVID-19 peak in summer 2020. Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, a majority are younger and unvaccinated, William F. McKeon, CEO of Texas Medical Center, said in a statement.

According to the Texas Medical Center, 336 new COVID-19 patients were admitted to its hospitals on Thursday, compared to 72 on July 7.

The rise in COVID-19 cases is being blamed on the highly contagious delta variant. Persse estimated that 85% to 95% of COVID patients in Houston area hospitals are unvaccinated.

On Friday, there were 8,522 people in Texas hospitals with COVID-19, the most since Feb. 11.

Since July 1, coronavirus hospitalizations in Texas have increased by 436%, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The state reported more than 7,900 hospital beds were available on Friday, including 450 ICU beds.

The rising hospitalization and positivity rate in the Houston area prompted Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II on Thursday to announce he plans to ask the school board during its meeting next week to approve a mandate requiring all students, teachers and staff to wear masks. Classes in the Houston school district, the states largest, begin Aug. 23.

We know that were going to get pushback for this, House said. If we have an opportunity to save one life, its what we should be doing.

If approved, the mask mandate would go against an executive order Gov. Greg Abbott repeated last month banning such mandates by any state, county or local government entity.

New guidance issued Thursday by the Texas Education Agency reiterated school districts cant require students or staff to wear masks. The guidance also stated school systems wont be required to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing when positive cases are identified and schools will not be required to directly inform parents when there's a positive case on a campus, something which had been done in the previous school year. The guidance also said that parents of children who come in close contact with someone who tested positive dont have to keep their kids at home in quarantine.

Legislation ensuring masks and vaccinations are not mandatory in schools is one of the items Abbott hopes to pass during the next special legislative session hes called for and which begins on Saturday.

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Associated Press writer Jamie Stengle in Dallas contributed to this report.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A Des Moines resident shot an armed intruder who broke into an apartment overnight, police said.

The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Friday, when a man armed with a handgun broke into an apartment along Lincoln Avenue, police said. Police said the intruder assaulted and threatened residents inside the apartment before he was shot by one of the residents.

The intruder then fled the scene and later showed up with a bullet wound at an emergency room, investigators said. He is expected to recover.

Police did not release the names of the victims or the accused intruder and have not announced any arrests in the case.
RICHMOND, R.I. (AP)  A Hopkinton man has been charged in connection with a traffic crash last month that killed a well-known Rhode Island civil rights lawyer and injured his wife, police said.

Rosheed Faison, 40, was arraigned Thursday on charges of driving to endanger resulting in death, and driving to endanger resulting in personal injury, Richmond police said in a statement.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The leader of Wisconsins disaster response efforts on Friday announced a run for the U.S. Senate.

Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Darrell Williams joins a crowded field of Democrats looking to unseat Republican incumbent Ron Johnson next year. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, Wausau radiologist Gillian Battino and Milwaukee Ald. Chantia Lewis are also running.
DETROIT (AP)  President Joe Biden wants to erase Donald Trump's rollback of automobile pollution and fuel economy standards.

He proposed new rules Thursday and unveiled a nonbinding deal with most automakers to have electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen-electric vehicles make up half of their U.S. sales by 2030.

The moves are part of Biden's plan to fight climate change by persuading people to swap their gas-powered vehicles for those that run on electricity.

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WHAT WILL THE NEW STANDARDS DO?

They basically return pollution and gas mileage requirements close to those adopted when Barack Obama was president. The Obama standards required the fleet of new vehicles to average 5% in carbon dioxide emissions cuts every model year through 2025. Trump rolled that back to 1.5% per year and added another year to the rules. Biden's plan requires 10% emissions reductions in 2023 and 5% every year after that through 2026. Trump's standards ended with the fleet averaging about 29 mpg in real-world driving. The Biden rule should be close to the Obama mileage requirement, about 37 mpg. Consumer Reports calculates that the new standards will deliver only 75% of the emissions cuts from the original Obama standards because of delays caused by Trump and loopholes.

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WILL THEY HELP WITH CLIMATE CHANGE?

They should, although environmental groups say they don't move fast enough to tackle an acute problem that has warmed oceans and spawned more powerful storms, wildfires and floods. They also complain that the standards don't make up for increased emissions during the Trump years, and bemoan credits that will let automakers offset gas-guzzling vehicles. Some say there should be a plan to phase out gasoline passenger vehicles entirely by 2030. The EPA says over the years its proposal will save about 200 billion gallons of gasoline and cut about 2 billion metric tons of carbon pollution. That's nearly three times the amount that autos emit in a year. If automakers sell more electric vehicles, that could cut emissions as well, although the precise benefit depends on the fuel used to generate electricity that charges them.

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WILL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEAL BRING MORE CHOICES?

Maybe. The automaker agreements arent binding, so there's no requirement to comply. But well before Biden was elected, automakers already were headed toward a similar sales goal, developing more EVs after seeing the success of global sales leader Tesla. The industry says it can meet the goals only if the government spends big on charging stations and incentives to get people to buy EVs, so Biden will play a big role in getting Congress to approve funding.

Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have promised fully electric pickup trucks, and automakers are starting to roll out electric SUVs in the heart the U.S. market. The consulting firm IHS Markit says there are only about 50 fully electric models on sale now in the U.S., a fraction of the roughly 350 models sold by all automakers. But it expects 130 EV models by 2026. Dave Cooke, senior vehicles analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists, expects EVs to become available in all states because of the deal. At present, many are sold only on the coasts where there are state zero-emissions-vehicle requirements.

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WILL THIS BE THE END OF THIRSTY MUSCLE CARS OR GIANT SUVS?

Probably not. But since the standards come close to matching the Obama requirements, they could get tougher on big trucks and SUVs. That likely will force automakers to make electric or hybrid versions of their thirstier models, but it probably won't cancel them. I think they can do a lot with the same truck platform, and if you want the big SUV, you'll have to get it in a hybrid or electric, said Kristin Dziczek, senior vice president and policy analyst at the Center for Automotive Research, an industry think tank. And muscle cars are likely to be even faster when switched to electricity. In nearly all cases, electric vehicles have more instantaneous power than gasoline vehicles.

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WILL AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE COST MORE THAN A GAS CAR OR TRUCK?

Electric vehicles now cost $8,000 to $10,000 more than a combustion-engine vehicle, says the consulting firm Alix Partners. But automakers say the difference is narrowing as they sell more EVs and develop lower-cost batteries. Biden has proposed expanding tax credits and rebates for EV buyers. There's now a $7,500 federal tax credit, but it's capped when automakers reach 200,000 in EV sales. (GM and Tesla can no longer offer it). One bill in the Senate promoted by Biden would expand it to all automakers and offer up to $12,500 in tax credits for five years, making EVs more affordable.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  A resurgent wildfire burned homes north of Athens and blazes across southern Greece forced more evacuations Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle strove to save a former royal palace and the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

In a dramatic scene as flames approached, fire crews went house to house to escort residents out of homes some 20 kilometers (12 1/2 miles) north of the capital. The fire threatened the power supply to parts of the capital after damaging the transmission network, officials said, adding that fire crews with more than 700 people were working through the night.

Greek and European Union officials described the huge fires as a consequence of climate change.

Fueled by the worst heat wave in decades, the blazes drew closer to a summer palace at Tatoi outside Athens once used by the former Greek royal family, as well as a major archaeological site in southern Greece that was the birthplace of the ancient Olympics.

Late Thursday, officials said both sites appeared to be in no immediate danger.

Our priority is always the protection of human life, followed by the protection of property, the natural environment and critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, achieving all these aims at the same time is simply impossible, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in an evening televised address. The wildfires, he said, display the reality of climate change."

Earlier, he visited Tatoi as well as Ancient Olympia, where flame lighting ceremonies for the modern summer and winter Olympics are held every two years. Earth movers were being used to create big fire breaks around the ancient site.

As additional support arrived from Greeces military and EU countries, water-dropping planes and helicopters swooped over blazes near the capital, in central Greece, on the island of Evia, and near Ancient Olympia to the south.

Ninety-nine new fires were reported while more than 50 villages and settlements were evacuated, including a beachside campsite and hotels on Evia, where boats were used to transport stranded vacationers to safety.

A heat wave baking southeast Europe for a second week has also triggered deadly fires in Turkey and Albania and blazes across the region.

North Macedonias government on Thursday declared the country in a state of crisis for the next 30 days due to wildfires.

The EU Commissioner for the environment, Virginijus Sinkevicius, said the fires and extreme weather globally over the summer were a clear signal for the need to address climate change.

We are fighting some of the worst wildfires weve seen in decades. But this summers floods, heatwaves and forest fires can become our new normality, he wrote in a tweet.

We must ask ourselves: Is this the world we want to live in? We need immediate actions for nature before its too late.

The EU bolstered assistance from member states and partners to Greece, sending firefighters, water-dropping planes and helicopters from Cyprus, France, Sweden, Romania and Switzerland. Help from the Netherlands and other EU members was also heading to fire-stricken countries in the region.

In an emergency measure, public access to Greek forests at risk of fire will be limited through Aug. 9.

Greeces Civil Protection Agency said the fire threat across southern Greece would increase further Friday, with windy weather forecast for parts of the country despite an expected slight dip in temperatures that reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) earlier this week. The heat wave was described as Greeces worst since 1987.

Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos said the armed forces would expand their role in fire prevention, with ground patrols, drones, and aircraft over areas vulnerable to wildfires.

Outside Athens, a forest fire that broke out on the northern fringes of the capital Tuesday and damaged or destroyed scores of homes rekindled, triggering fresh evacuations, threatening homes and sending thick smoke over the capital.

The EU Atmosphere Monitoring Service said smoke plumes from the regions wildfires were clearly visible in satellite images, adding that the estimated intensity of the wildfires in Turkey was at the highest level since records started in 2003.

The fires in Greece have not caused any deaths or serious injuries. But Greek scientists said the total destruction in just three days this month exceeded 50% of the average area burned in the country in previous years. An Athens Observatory report said an estimated 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres) went up in smoke between Sunday and Wednesday, compared to 10,400 hectares in the whole of last year.

The causes of the Greek wildfires were unclear, but authorities say human error and carelessness are most frequently to blame.

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Becatoros reported from Argostoli, Greece. Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, contributed.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A former prosecutor was indicted along with former police department employees, an attorney and others in a scheme to profit from confidential police report information, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Friday.

Former Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Glenda Adams, 48, was charged with bribery of a public servant, official misconduct and violation of a computer act, the TBI said. She was fired last fall after District Attorney Amy Weirich asked the TBI to look into allegations of misconduct.
GAFFNEY, S.C. (AP)  A former South Carolina sheriff's deputy was arrested on charges of inappropriately touching a woman and exposing himself, news outlets reported.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said former Cherokee County deputy Shelby Todd Singleton, 46, was charged with second-degree assault and battery and indecent exposure. He also was charged with misconduct by a public official.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A former juvenile court judge in Wisconsin has reached a deal with prosecutors to resolve a host of child pornography charges filed against him earlier this year.

Court records show that former Milwaukee County Children's Court Judge Brett Blomme agreed to plead guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography in federal court in Madison, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee has seen a 90% increase in people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination over the past two weeks, Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said Friday.

Piercey praised the bump in inoculations while warning that the virus continues to surge throughout the state. She said pediatric cases are quickly on the rise.

Weve had increased vaccine uptake among Tennesseans, and I dont really care what the reason is. I want our work to be effective but whatever it is thats causing it, I appreciate that and am encouraged by that, Piercey told reporters.

About 39.4% of the states population has been fully vaccinated, among the lowest rates in the country.

Tennessee's low vaccination rates recently attracted national scrutiny after Piercey fired the states former vaccine director and paused outreach for childhood vaccines. Piercey later said the pause was to ensure that childhood vaccine marketing targeted parents, not children, as some lawmakers claimed.

Meanwhile, Shelby Countys health department issued an order Friday saying masks will be required in any indoor area of a K-12 grade school, pre-K school or day care facility starting Monday, when public school classes are scheduled to begin. The Shelby County school system had released similar information earlier.

The order also strongly encourages employers to require COVID-19 vaccinations or regular testing for all unvaccinated employees, including those who are not showing symptoms. Two Memphis bars have said patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination to enter starting Aug. 12.

Tennessee has seen more than 12,790 COVID-19 deaths to date, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The state is averaging 1,136 virus-related hospitalizations, according to data through Wednesday from the Department of Health and Human Services.
GOSHEN, Ind. (AP)  A northern Indiana man has been convicted in the 2015 killing of his uncle, whose authorities believe was shot and then burned along with the mattress to his bed.

An Elkhart County jury found Charles David Bussard of Elkhart guilty of murder Wednesday in the January 2015 shooting of his uncle, Byron Bussard, The Elkhart Truth reported.
SAN ANTONIO (AP)  A man convicted of capital murder was sentenced Friday to death for killing a San Antonio police detective.

The Bexar County jury deliberated for 7 1/2 hours Friday before recommending the death sentence for Otis McKane after finding him guilty of capital murder in the November 2016 shooting of Detective Benjamin Marconi. State District Judge Ron Rangel accepted the recommendation.

Prosecutors argued McKane was a sociopath who poses a danger to the community. McKane's attorneys argued otherwise.

As he was being taken to jail following the shooting, McKane told reporters that he lashed out at someone who didnt deserve it because he was upset with the court system. McKane said he was angry because he had not been allowed to see his son during a custody battle.

Extra sheriff's deputies surrounded McKane during the sentencing Friday after McKane attacked a bailiff on July 26 when jurors found him guilty after 25 minutes of deliberation. The jury could have recommended a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

An appeal of the conviction and sentence is automatic.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)  Police are investigating after an officer found a man shot to death behind a convenience store in Kansas City, Kansas.

The discovery was made after officers were called just after 7 p.m. Thursday to an area along Kaw Drive for a report of a shooting, police said. Arriving officers searched the area and found the man with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Masks will be required when indoors at all of Kentuckys public colleges and universities, the campus presidents said Friday in citing a spike in COVID-19 cases fueled by the delta variant.

The requirement will apply for the upcoming semester regardless of vaccination status, they said.
LONDON (AP)  A consortium led by U.S. private equity firm Fortress has increased its offer to buy Morrisons, Britain's fourth-largest supermarket chain, a move that it hopes will deal a knockout blow to a rival bidder.

In a statement Friday, Fortress said it was increasing its offer for Morrisons by 400 million pounds to 6.7 billion pounds ($9.3 billion). Its previous offer had already been approved by the Morrisons board.

The consortium, which also includes the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Koch Real Estate Investments, said the offer represents a 52% premium on Morrisons' 178 pence per share price at the close before the first takeover proposal.

However, it said it had to go higher amid speculation regarding a possible counter-offer by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, another group of investors.

Under British takeover rules, CD&R has to place a firm bid or walk away from table by Aug. 9. Its previous offer of 5.5 billion pounds was rejected in July.

Morrisons' board urged shareholders to back the new offer at a special meeting on Aug. 16.

Morrisons employs about 110,000 people, operates 497 stores and 339 gas stations across the U.K.

Private equity firms typically acquire undervalued companies and then look for ways to cut costs and boost profits before selling them at a profit. British assets are widely considered to be cheaper than they otherwise would have been as a result of Britains departure from the European Union and the coronavirus pandemic.

Morrisons appears an attractive opportunity for private equity as its value had been below its pre-pandemic levels despite strong recent revenues.

Morrisons was founded in 1899 as an egg and butter stall in a market in the north England city of Bradford. It steadily expanded and became a publicly-listed business in 1967. It expanded further in 2004 with the acquisition of rival Safeway, a move that grew its presence in the south of England.

The firm is now largely owned by a raft of institutional shareholders, including Silchester International, Columbia, Blackrock and Schroders. Many shareholders, including Silchester, had indicated they would vote against the initial offer from Fortress.
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP)  The latest effort to resolve a five-month-long strike by nurses at a Massachusetts hospital has ended without a settlement.

Management at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester on Thursday presented what they called their last, best and final offer, which was promptly criticized by the nurses represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association as an unsatisfactory ultimatum.

Hundreds of nurses went on strike March 8 to demand better staff-to-patient ratios, which they say are critical for patient safety. But the hospital, owned by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, says staffing levels are in line with industry standards. Management has proposed better staffing in some units.

This is in no way represents a good-faith effort to find a resolution to this crisis and just demonstrates Tenets callous disregard for their nurses, and more importantly, for our patients and our community, whose future health and safety are at the center of this dispute, Marlena Pellegrino, a St. Vincent's nurse and co-chair of the local bargaining unit, said in a statement. It is only through good-faith negotiations, not hard-headed ultimatums, that a fair agreement can and will be reached.

St. Vincent in a statement said its latest offer to the nurses Thursday would put its staffing among the best in the state.

Our last, best and final offer remains generous across wages and benefits, and includes extensive investments in nurse staffing, building upon the hospitals very high nurse staffing rating by U.S. News & World Report, hospital CEO Carolyn Jackson said in a statement.

In response to the strike, the hospital last month scaled back some services and reduced capacity.
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP)  Details emerged Friday in a lawsuit filed by three former administrators and one current faculty member accusing the University of Montana of sex-based discrimination.

The Missoulian reported the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday alleges the university fostered a toxic environment where women were discriminated and retaliated against.

The complainants  Catherine Cole, Barbara Koostra, Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman and Rhondie Voorhees  described in court filings treatment from the university that amounted to a good ol boys club and specifically pointed to university President Seth Bodnar, who they say created a campus where women were questioned and belittled.

The university and the Montana University System issued a statement denying the allegations.

Bodnar began serving as university president in 2018, after working as an executive in General Electric Company, teaching economics at West Point, and serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces Group.

Cole was hired in 2018 to serve as the universitys vice president of enrollment management and strategic communication to raise the university's falling enrollment numbers.

The lawsuit says Bodnar did not want to hire Cole, despite her having more than 25 years of experience. She was selected by the hiring committee based on her experience. She was making $170,000 a year when she started  the lowest salary among the universitys vice presidents, according to the court filing.

In her time at the university, Cole said Bodnar micromanaged, continually altered and changed her goals and job duties and set unreasonable expectations, according to the lawsuit. He also made remarks on her demeanor and physical appearance, telling her she was moody at times, asking her to smile, criticizing her tone of voice and commenting on her weight.

Cole was allegedly excluded from meeting with the Montana Board of Regents, and she was the only UM cabinet member who was second guessed, interrupted, criticized and questioned, the lawsuit said.

Cole resigned in July 2020 as a result of the continued unprofessional toxicity and discrimination she faced. She took a $40,000 pay cut working at a smaller university, and retired altogether in 2021. She reported suffering physical symptoms as a result of how she was treated, including depression, anxiety, migraines and other ailments.

The university allegedly retaliated against Cole by cutting her husbands position, citing reduced funding. However, the university is trying to rehire the position.

Koostra, the universitys former museum director, was informed her contract at the university would not be renewed in November 2018 after working at the university for nearly 15 years.

Koostra expanded the museums permanent collection, doubling its value to up to $30 million, the lawsuit said. She also collected over $1.5 million in operating, building and project funds for the museum.

Toward the end of her time with the museum, Koostra alleges Bodnar and Interim Provost Paul Kirgis asked her to decorate the downtown Missoula Marriott with the universitys permanent collection. She questioned the request, explaining the hotel didnt have appropriate security to house the collection. When she raised these concerns, she was accused of refusing to cooperate," according to the lawsuit.

In September 2018, Koostras office was relocated, and the following month she notified higher-ups about air quality concerns and poor work conditions.

Less than a week later, Koostra was told her contract would not be renewed because of budgetary constraints and reorganization.

The university later replaced her with a male museum director who had fewer qualifications and a higher starting salary than Ms. Koostra received when she began in this position, the lawsuit said.

Koostra served as the museum director for 14.5 years, just shy of the 15 years needed to be eligible for the university's retirement benefits.

Sontag Bowman is a tenured associate professor in the university's School of Social Work. She has worked at the university since 2008.

Sontag Bowman alleges the university discouraged her opportunities for professional growth and leadership, while favoring her male counterparts, causing her to hit a brick wall in her career.

She said leadership roles across the campus have continually been given to men, and Bodnar has perpetuated this by failing to consider or address gender equity." She did not experience limitations in her career before Bodnars tenure, and she has consistently feared retaliation from the institution for acting as a whistleblower on the universitys sexism, she added.

Voorhees, the former dean of students, started at the university in 2012 with more than 30 years of higher education experience. She was hired while the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice investigated a sex assault scandal at the university.

In her role, Voorhees alerted the university to many Title IX violations and safety issues.

She made repeated efforts to bring to light many concerns she had regarding students and campus safety, especially for female students and faculty, the lawsuit said.

Her reports were frequently met with conflict, minimized, and/or entirely disregarded, the lawsuit said. Acting through Lucy France, the university's legal counsel, the university often overrode Voorhees decisions made to enhance campus safety.

The university eliminated the dean of students position in August 2018 and terminated Voorhees contract.

All four plaintiffs were in good standing with the university, and they never received disciplinary action or poor reviews, the lawsuit said.

A joint statement from the university and the Montana University System issued Wednesday says the institutions strongly believe these claims are baseless and without merit.

The University of Montana is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from all forms of discrimination," the statement said.

Maggie Bornstein, the director of the student-run womens resource center at the university, told the Missoulian she was not at all surprised after hearing the news of the lawsuit.

I think retaliation is so common on UMs campus, and I think this is very common for students as well, Bornstein said.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A lawsuit has been filed alleging that officials with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training retaliated against whistleblowers in the agency.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday by six current and former employees against the agency responsible for training many law enforcement officers across the state, four of its top officials and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, the Courier Journal reported.
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP)  A New York man has been sentenced to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in a 2019 drunken driving crash in suburban Detroit that killed his 7-year-old son.

A Macomb County judge sentenced Arturo Molina Mendez, 33, on Thursday for the one-car crash in Clinton Township that killed Arturo Molina. He had pleaded guilty in June to driving while intoxicated causing death, The Macomb Daily reported.
FARMINGTON, Mo. (AP)  An eastern Missouri man who was sentenced to life in prison last month for murder has been found dead in his jail cell, St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock said.

Jail staff found Anthony David Caruthers, 32, of Bonne Terre, dead in Thursday at the St. Francois County Jail.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri man who shot a massive bighead carp last month while bowfishing has set a new state record, the Missouri Department of Conservation said Thursday.

Matt Neuling, of Perryville, shot the 125-pound, 5-ounce fish on July 24 at Lake Perry, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Moldovas parliament on Friday approved the pro-Western president's government after her party won an early election this summer on promises to improve ties with the European union and fight corruption.

Parliament approved the government nominated by President Maia Sandu with 61 votes in Moldovas 101-seat legislature. The government will be led by new Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, an economist.

The new government was confirmed after the Party of Action and Solidarity, a pro-Western and center-right party founded by Sandu, won a snap election in July.

The party, known as PAS, promised closer ties with the European Union instead of Russia and to clean up corruption in Moldova, a country of 3.5 million, Europes poorest, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine.

The current government has an extremely important mission, 43-year-old Gavrilita, who served a brief period as finance minister in 2019, said Friday. To show people that the Republic of Moldova can be governed by honest people, well-intentioned people.

The election on July 11 saw PAS take almost 53% of all votes, compared to the Russia-friendly electoral bloc of Communists and Socialists, which took 27%  giving PAS a clear parliamentary majority.

After the July election, Sandu said she hoped it would be the end of the thieves reign over Moldova."

People expect changes for the better, Sandu said, saying that will require firm actions and competent decisions that put the citizens interest in the forefront.

In 2014, Moldova signed a deal with the European Union to forge closer ties, but rampant corruption and lack of reforms have blocked development in the country, which ranked 115th out of 180 countries in Transparency Internationals 2020 Corruption Perception Index.

Dionis Cenusa, an analyst at the Chisinau-based think tank Expert Group, told The Associated Press that Friday's vote in parliament proves again that President Sandus party has a legislative superiority and that there is no visible internal obstacle to produce radical reforms.

The planned anti-corruption reforms are based on strong public support, future full control of state institutions, and the openness of Western partners to help, Cenusa said. The resistance of the old system will face difficulties.

In June, the European Commission announced that Moldova would receive a 600 million-euro ($707 million) economic recovery package from the EU, but that it would be conditional on judicial and anti-corruption reforms.
Tom Stromme/AP

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  More oil is being shipped through the Dakota Access Pipeline to the dismay of opponents who say the line expansion should not have gone into service before an environmental study has been completed.

Energy Transfer executives said during a quarterly earnings call this week that the line can now transport 750,000 barrels of oil daily, which is 180,000 more than before. Energy Transfer is adding pump stations to boost the pipelines horsepower, and said once the full expansion is up and running, as much as 1.1 million barrels of oil will flow through the pipeline each day.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A Nevada Highway Patrol trooper who died in the line of duty last week was remembered Friday as a soft-spoken family man with a warrior spirit growing up in rural Massachusetts and living since 2008 in the Las Vegas area.

The good deeds of good officers will always be remembered, as they should be, NHP Col. Anne Carpenter told hundreds of people, many in law enforcement uniforms, who filled an arena-sized church in suburban Henderson to remember Trooper Micah David May.

May had an impeccable work ethic, Carpenter said. He specialized in identifying and arresting impaired drivers and won a Medal of Valor in 2014 for a New Year's Eve pursuit similar to one that took his life.

Micah was a true silent guardian, with a warrior spirit, said Mays best friend, retired NHP Sgt. Russell Marco. He loved (his wife) Joanna dearly, and his children Raylan and Melody were his world.

He appreciated recognition for his accomplishments but was uncomfortable receiving it, Marco added.

May, 46, a 13-year NHP veteran, died July 29 from injuries he received two days earlier trying to deploy a tire-flattening device during a vehicle chase led by a carjacking suspect on busy Interstate 15 in Las Vegas.

The car that struck May was then disabled by crashes from NHP vehicles, and the driver was shot and killed by law enforcement officers.

The service, with full honors for a line-of-duty death, was livestreamed by the Nevada Department of Public Safety and local television stations.

May was posthumously awarded another Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart. Carpenter, the highway patrol commander, noted that four people received his donated organs when he died.

Mays brothers, Paul May and Seth May, remembered growing up in Greenfield, Massachusetts  splashing in streams, climbing trees, jumping from the roof into snowdrifts  and once when their 17-year-old older brother, who didnt have a drivers license, crashed the family car off a dirt road into a ditch near the Vermont state line.

Seth May, who was 8 or 9 at the time, said he walked home and never told their parents until this week that he had also been along for the ride.

Paul May said their boyhood image of heaven was of people looking down on the living from beyond the clouds. Both Paul May and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman invoked images of rainbows around Micah May.

Surely he is a hero, the mayor said said of Micah May, a role model, an idol and a champion ... who chose to be a selfless caretaker of others in law enforcement and as a first-responder.

A 90-minute procession of emergency vehicles escorted Mays white hearse from downtown Las Vegas to Central Christian Church  passing the spot on the interstate where he was struck  and moving down Las Vegas Boulevard, where onlookers jammed pedestrian bridges.

Casino marquees and T-Mobile Arena displayed memorial messages with Mays photo and badge number. The Dodge Charger patrol car that he drove, decorated now with handwritten messages, was parked outside the church where his flag-draped coffin was carried inside.

Another procession led mourners from the church to his burial at a Las Vegas cemetery near McCarran International Airport.

May was the 10th Nevada Highway Patrol trooper or state police officer killed in the line of duty since 1911, and the first since patrol Sgt. Ben Jenkins was shot and killed by a motorist he stopped to help on a remote state highway in March 2020. Jenkins' assailant recently pleaded guilty but mentally ill and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at a sentencing hearing in September.

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This story has been corrected to show that May was the 10th trooper or state police officer killed in the line of duty since 1911, not 1941.
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP)  Declaring that COVID-19 outbreaks will mushroom without a requirement for face coverings in classrooms, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday said he is requiring students, teachers and visitors in schools to wear masks indoors when the academic year begins.

This is not an announcement that gives any of us  or me personally  any pleasure but as the school year approaches and with numbers rapidly increasing, it is the one we need to make, Murphy, a Democrat running for reelection, said at Memorial Elementary in East Brunswick.

The rise of the delta variant was a factor in the decision, Murphy said, adding that the move would be temporary.

The announcement came alongside health, school and labor officials and just beyond the vocal protests outdoors from parents upset about the requirement.

My child, my choice, the crowd chanted, some through bullhorns. Others carried signs that said Unmask our kids.

Dr. Jeanne Craft, the head of New Jersey's chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, appeared alongside the governor and said the fact that children under 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine is a factor in weighing the safety of reopening schools.

Please get the vaccine if you are eligible, mask up, she said. Here in New Jersey we have seen a concerning rise in viral spread. A hopeful spring has become a worrisome summer. The conditions have changed, the risk is higher, especially for children.

New Jersey's COVID-19 numbers have been climbing like other places around the country. The seven-day rolling average of new cases rose over the past two weeks from 555 on July 21 to 1,159 on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Bridgette Veasy, a special education instructor and mom of a sixth- and a third-grader in Riverton, New Jersey, said she was thrilled" about the new requirement.

Im thrilled because my children arent vaccinated, so working in a classroom, you know kids, when they sneeze they aim for your face," she said.

Veasy said she understands why some parents aren't happy about the mandate: The masks can be uncomfortable and no one likes the official mandates, she said.

I know everyone has an opinion. I think as a parent you dont want the government to tell you what to do with your kids. I understand the point. But its a little obtuse at this point. Were in a pandemic, she said.

Masks should be optional, said Melissa Alfieri-Collins, a registered nurse who attended an earlier rally of people skeptical about vaccine requirements.

There needs to be a choice given to parents if they do not want to mask their children, she said in a text message.

The climbing figures are part of a widespread fight with the contagious delta variant, along with vaccine holdouts, resulting in higher hospitalization rates across the country.

Other states are grappling with how to handle masking in the new school year.

Along with New Jersey, the list of states requiring masks in schools includes California, Louisiana, Oregon and Washington.

In Florida, two school districts have decided to require masks when children return to classrooms despite a statewide ban on masks by the governor.

In Arizona, at least three school districts are defying the states prohibition on masks, despite a recently enacted law barring face covering requirements.

None of the state's roughly 600 school districts will be permitted to depart from the mandate, Murphy said Friday.

Unlike other places in the country, though, New Jerseys vaccination rate is among the highest in the nation. Nationwide, the percentage of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 stands at nearly 61%. In New Jersey, the rate is 71%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  A campaign to require a government-issued photo identification to vote in Nebraska has started collecting signatures to place the issue on the 2022 general election ballot.

Citizens for Voter ID said it started gathering signatures Thursday. State lawmakers have repeatedly rejected attempts to pass a voter identification law, prompting campaign organizers to seek voter approval for a state constitutional amendment.

The people of Nebraska are often referred to as the second house and our committee is making sure that their voice is heard over those of the special interests with influence in the Capitol, said Republican state Sen. Julie Slama, of Sterling, one of the petition sponsors.

If the measure passes, lawmakers in the officially nonpartisan Legislature would have to determine details about the policy, including what would count as valid identification. They would also need to decide how the law would apply to people who vote by mail and how the state would provide free IDs to those who don't have one.

The push in Nebraska follows other conservative states that have enacted ID requirements to vote at the polls, even though theres scant evidence of fraudulent voting. Some states have started targeting mail-in ballots as well, including Florida and Georgia. Nebraska is one of 14 states, plus the District of Columbia, which dont impose any identification requirement to vote.

For those that have, the requirements vary. Some states mandate photo identifications, while others allow non-photo identifications and still others offer alternatives to an ID card, such as having a poll worker vouch for the voter.

In Nebraska, petition circulators need to collect signatures from 10% of registered state voters, or about 124,000 people. They also must gather signatures from at least 5% of the registered voters in 38 of Nebraska's 93 counties  a requirement designed to ensure that some signers are from rural areas.

Meanwhile, the voting-rights advocacy group Civic Nebraska plans to spearhead a Decline to Sign campaign to discourage people from signing. The group, founded and directed by Democratic state Sen. Adam Morfeld, of Lincoln, argues that the proposal would make it harder to vote and cost the state money to implement.

Every Nebraskan who cherishes our states motto of Equality Before the Law should be seriously troubled, the group said in a statement.

The Nebraska Republican Party has called for a state voter identification, while the Nebraska Democratic Party has voiced opposition.

The other sponsors of the measure are Nebraska Republican Party National Chairwoman Lydia Brasch, a former state senator, and Nancy McCabe of Omaha, a former chairwoman of the Douglas County Republican Party.
PHOENIX (AP)  Arizona is seeing another significant leap in new COVID-19 infections, with more than 2,800 reported Friday.

The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations also continued to climb, with 1,309 patients. The state Department of Health Services dashboard showed 2,826 new confirmed cases and 42 deaths. The latest figures bring Arizonas pandemic totals to 940,762 cases and 18,342 deaths.

Public health experts say the highly transmissible delta variant is primarily what is driving surges in cases across the U.S.

The increase in infections is fueling intense debate over Gov. Doug Ducey's ban on mask mandates in schools. The Republican this summer signed legislation that bans schools from requiring children to wear masks. The ban doesnt take effect until late September, but lawmakers declared it retroactive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have advised in recent weeks that everyone wear masks to schools in communities with substantial or high transmission of the virus.

Since most Arizona schools returned this week, eight districts have now made indoor masking mandatory in defiance of the law. All except for Tucson Unified are in the Phoenix area. It has prompted a lawsuit from a Phoenix biology teacher.

Ducey's office has said the mandates are not enforceable and that wearing a mask is a personal choice.

More than 150 Arizona doctors on Thursday pushed back, sending a letter urging Ducey to mandate masks in public schools. In the past week, leaders at some of the state's major hospital systems warned they could be on the verge of another brutal surge. They also said most new patients were unvaccinated and skewing younger.

Brophy College Preparatory, a private, all-boys high school in Phoenix, will require everyone regardless of vaccine status to wear masks indoors when classes start Monday. Masks will then be optional starting Sept. 13. But that's when students and staff must be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to a letter from the principal.

Any student who wants to participate in overnight retreats or school-related travel will have to show proof of vaccination. The Catholic, Jesuit high school, which counts Ducey's two sons as alumni, is not obligated to follow the state law.

Nationwide the thinking has been split, with some states banning mask mandates in public schools and others requiring it. Some are simply leaving it up to local school district officials, many of whom are exhausted by months of conflict over the matter.

Meanwhile, more than 6.9 million vaccine doses have now been administered in Arizona. Over 3.8 million people  or 53% of the eligible population  have gotten at least one dose. More than 3.3 million have gotten fully vaccinated.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  Staff members and students from kindergarten to 12th grade will be required to wear masks in New Jersey schools when the new year begins in a few weeks, Gov. Phil Murphy is set to announce Friday as COVID-19 cases rise in the state.

The decision to require masks is an about-face from just a few weeks ago when Murphy said it would take a deterioration of COVID-19 data to require masks. Murphy's spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna confirmed that the governor planned to announce the requirement.

The state's figures, like many across the country, have been trending up in recent weeks. The seven-day rolling average of new cases climbed over the past two weeks from 512 on July 20 to 1,104 on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The surging figures are part of a nationwide struggle with the contagious delta variant, which has been leading  along with vaccination holdouts  to higher hospitalization rates across the country.

The decision also comes as states across the country grapple with masking in schools.

In Florida, two school districts have decided to require masks when children return to classrooms because of dramatic rises in coronavirus infections, with the state leading the country in hospitalizations. That's despite a statewide ban on masks by the governor.

In Arizona, at least three school districts are defying the state's prohibition on masks, despite a recently enacted law barring face covering requirements.

It's unclear whether any of New Jersey's roughly 600 school districts will be permitted to depart from Murphy's expected order on Friday.

Unlike other places in the country, though, New Jersey's vaccination rate is among the highest in the nation. Nationwide, the percentage of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 stands at nearly 61%. In New Jersey, the rate is 71%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Jersey was an early hotspot in March 2020, and the state's positive cases and hospitalizations haven't reached the high levels they did early on in the outbreak, but they're higher than they were a few months ago as vaccinations became more widely available.

The mandate from Murphy, a Democrat seeking reelection this year, comes amid pushback against masks in schools, particularly among some Republicans and parents who worry about the effects masks could have on their children's psychological and physical health.

Earlier this week, Murphy argued back with protesters skeptical about vaccinations at a public event. Youve lost your minds, Murphy said, You are the ultimate knuckleheads.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Prosecutors declined Friday to file charges against three Minneapolis police officers who fatally shot a Somali American man after police say he fired at them during a sting.

Dolal Idd was shot Dec. 30 after police used an informant to set up a gun purchase from Idd, who was being investigated for illegally selling weapons, prosecutors said. According to the investigation, officers surrounded Idd when he arrived at the gas station where the purchase was supposed to take place. Prosecutors said he ignored officers' commands and tried to drive away. After officers pinned in the car he was driving, he fired through the driver's side window, striking the hood of a police car.

Officers Paul Huyhn and Jason Schmitt and police Sgt. Darcy Klund all returned fire, hitting Idd multiple times. A passenger in Idd's vehicle was not injured.

Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena reviewed the case at the request of Hennepin County and said that while Idds death was tragic, the officers were justified in their use of deadly force and there is no basis for criminal charges.

The use of deadly force by a peace officer is justified to protect the officer or another person from death or great bodily harm, Keena said in the investigative summary. It is my conclusion that given the facts and circumstances of this incident, it was objectively reasonable for the three peace officers to believe Mr. Idd posed a deadly threat to them and other officers at the scene at the time they fired their weapons."

The summary from Kenna's office says the three officers all said they fired at Idd because they believed Mr. Idd was either trying to kill them and/or the other peace officers at the scene." Klund also said he fired to defend other customers in the parking lot. Prosecutors said body camera video and a statement from Idd's passenger support police statements that Idd fired first.

Idds death was Minneapolis' first police-involved death since George Floyd died months earlier while being restrained. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo released some body camera video from Idds shooting the day after it happened, saying he wanted the public to see it for themselves, as the city was trying to stem public anger.

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, said Idd's family wants Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to assign the case to the state's attorney general, Keith Ellison. Hussein also said the family has not been able to see any of the body camera video in the case before learning that there would be no charges filed.

We hoped that this case would at least have a different outcome, but these county prosecutors seem to be really not interested in working with the family, Hussein said.

The Minneapolis Police Department had no statement on the prosecutor's findings.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Norwegian Cruise Line asked a federal judge Friday to block a Florida law prohibiting cruise companies from demanding that passengers show written proof of coronavirus vaccination before they board a ship.

Norwegian contends the vaccine passport ban, signed into law in May by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, jeopardizes the health and safety of passengers and crew and is an unconstitutional infringement on the First Amendment's free speech guarantee, among other things.

Norwegian attorney Derek Shaffer told U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams during a remote hearing the vaccination requirement for its passengers is especially needed as Florida has recently experienced a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

It's scary what is happening in Florida. Florida is a hotspot, Shaffer said. All we're doing is trying to protect our staff and passengers.

The lawsuit names state Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, who leads the Florida Department of Health. The state's attorney, Pete Patterson, said the law's aim is to prevent discrimination against passengers who don't get vaccinated.

You can't discriminate against customers on the basis of their refusal to give you information, Patterson said. If it weren't for this law, there would be a vaccine passport required to get on a cruise ship.

Williams did not immediately rule Friday on Norwegian's request for a temporary injunction halting the law's enforcement. Violations of the law could trigger a penalty of $5,000 per passenger, which Shaffer said would cause the company irreparable harm.

This law should be fatal on arrival," Shaffer said, adding that the Legislature and governor sought mainly to score political points in the heated national debate over getting the coronavirus vaccine.

The hearing comes as the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the validity of cruise line rules adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The appeals court recently upheld a Tampa judge's decision, hailed by DeSantis, making those CDC rules on how to resume cruise sailing into guidelines rather than requirements.

Miami-based Norwegian operates 28 cruise ships around the world but only those boarding in Florida ports are affected by the state vaccine passport law. Once the ships leave Florida waters, the law no longer applies. Many cruise destinations, however, have their own vaccination requirements for passengers to go ashore.

Norwegian is planning an Aug. 15 cruise from Florida under its vaccination proof policy. If the law banning that policy remains in effect, the company said that ship won't sail  and Norwegian has also threatened to abandon Florida entirely over this issue.

Simply stated, (Norwegian) cannot sail as planned unless and until Floridas ban gives way, the company said in court documents. There is no adequate substitute for documentary proof when it comes to maximizing onboard safety.

Other cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have already begun voyages from Florida with a variety of policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

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Post misrepresents Pfizer data on vaccine efficacy

CLAIM: Because 14 people in Pfizers placebo group died and 15 people in the vaccinated group also died, Pfizers own data shows its COVID-19 vaccine does not reduce the risk of dying from the disease.

THE FACTS: Those figures are irrelevant to the vaccine's efficacy, as they are simply a tally of all deaths that occurred among participants in both the placebo and vaccine groups in Pfizers ongoing study. Pfizers data shows that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing serious illness. Data from countries that have used the vaccine widely show it is also effective at preventing death from COVID-19. On July 28, Pfizer released updated data from its vaccine study showing that as of mid-March, the shots were 97% effective in preventing severe disease from COVID-19 up to 6 months later. The data also showed the shots efficacy against COVID-19 symptoms dropped slightly with time: it peaked at 96% efficacy 2 months after the shots were administered and fell to 84% after 6 months. The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the companys vaccine in December 2020 after reviewing earlier data from Pfizers ongoing study, which includes 44,000 participants. The newly released data includes 6 months of follow-up data that is required to get full FDA approval. It is expected that in any long-term study, some participants will die for unrelated reasons. Clinical trials monitor deaths to watch for any potential red flags. Pfizers study states that 14 people in the placebo group and 15 people in the vaccinated group died before January 2021. The vast majority of the deaths were unrelated to COVID-19. Only two people in the placebo group died of COVID-19 and one person in the vaccinated group died of COVID-19 pneumonia, according to additional Pfizer data obtained by The Associated Press. The rest of the deaths were due to other factors, including heart disease and heart attacks. The report states that none of the deaths were related to the vaccine. A widely shared tweet misrepresented the significance of the death numbers to falsely suggest those deaths meant the Pfizers vaccine doesnt reduce a persons chance of dying from the virus: The pivotal clinical trial for the @pfizer #Covid vaccine shows it does nothing to reduce the overall risk of death. ZERO. 15 patients who received the vaccine died; 14 who received placebo died, the tweet reads. But those death figures, which include everyone in the study who died before January 2021, are irrelevant to the question of how efficient the vaccine is at preventing COVID-19 deaths. The claim made in the Twitter post is not supportable by these data, said Dr. David J. Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. The fact that both the vaccinated group and the control group had a similar number of deaths from causes other than COVID-19 is to be expected, Cennimo said. To exaggerate the example for learning, the Pfizer vaccine doesnt protect you from lightning strikes so equal numbers of people in the vaccine and the placebo control group should get hit by lightning, Cennimo said. In fact, the tweets assertion that the Pfizer study aimed to measure efficacy against death is also wrong, Cennimo said. Rather, the study was designed to look at how effective the vaccine is at protecting against symptomatic illness. Since death from COVID-19 is a much rarer event than a COVID-19 infection, Cennimo said a much larger study sample is needed to answer that question. Real-world data from hundreds of millions of Pfizer vaccine doses administered in the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel show that the vaccine is exceedingly effective at protecting against death. A spokesperson for Pfizer told the AP the company could not comment on specific cases, but said, No deaths were considered by the investigators to be related to the vaccine or placebo.

 Associated Press writer Arijeta Lajka in New York contributed this report

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Claim about resuscitation in breakthrough COVID-19 patients is false

CLAIM: Resuscitation is not possible for many vaccinated people who become seriously ill from COVID-19. In some cases, their hearts are too stiff to respond to paddles used to deliver an electric shock. Microclots in surrounding tissue may be the reason.

THE FACTS: Emergency room physicians say they have heard of no such issues involving people vaccinated for COVID-19 who become sick, and the claim, which circulated on Twitter, was not supported by any evidence. This post makes zero sense, said Dr. Howard Mell, an emergency medical physician in St. Louis and a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians. It is flat out wrong. Dr. Ryan Stanton, an emergency physician in Lexington, Kentucky, said he has only admitted one vaccinated person with COVID-19 at his hospital. The majority of his patients suffering from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in the U.S. are highly effective at preventing severe disease. In cases where those inoculated against the disease become infected, the illness is far less severe than if they had not received the vaccine. Experts warn that those who are unvaccinated are more at risk for being hospitalized. The vaccine has no regard whatsoever on my efforts of resuscitation, Stanton said. It makes it less likely that they will need resuscitation. Mell said the claim being shared online is also off base because people who die of COVID-19 are more likely to experience respiratory arrest and defibrillation is not used to resuscitate those patients. Furthermore, Mell said that the post misrepresented what defibrillation is. We dont use the paddles to put electricity back into the heart, he said. When we shock somebody, we are actually stopping their heart, that is the goal of defibrillation. Asked about the issue of microclots, experts said that clots are more likely to occur in people with COVID-19, not those who have been vaccinated. For the most part, the people we are resuscitating who have had COVID-19, especially with the rising cases of delta, are by far not vaccinated individuals, said Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Those who receive the vaccine and experience a breakthrough case will see typically mild symptoms, though serious breakthrough cases may occur in those who are immunocompromised. Dr. David Hamer, an infectious disease expert at Boston University School of Medicine, said there is no evidence that people who experience breakthrough cases do not respond to treatment, including resuscitation. In fact, he said, in the cases he has seen they did not become that sick. They were nowhere near needing to be resuscitated or end up in an ICU, he said.

 Associated Press writer Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed this report.

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Post gives false advice on 'best way to avoid COVID-19'

CLAIM: The best way to avoid COVID-19 altogether is to exercise, eat healthy and let your immune system beat it naturally.

THE FACTS: A screenshot of a tweet circulating widely on Instagram this week revived a harmful misconception that has proved pervasive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: the false claim that letting your immune system fight the virus is safer than getting vaccinated. The best way to avoid COVID altogether is to exercise, eat healthy and let your immune system beat it naturally, the post reads. The lazy way is to do none of the above and just let strangers stick an emergency cocktail in your arm countless times because some short guy on your TV told you to. In reality, while being overweight or having chronic health conditions can increase your chances of suffering from COVID-19 complications, no combination of exercise or healthy food can shield you from becoming seriously ill or dying if you get the virus, experts say. Vaccination, on the other hand, provides robust protection from serious illness or death. Many very healthy people can and do get severe COVID, said Dr. Grant McFadden, director of the Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy at Arizona State University. In general, immunity from vaccination is stronger and more reliable than just recovering from a natural infection with the virus. People who get COVID-19 also risk developing long-term symptoms that researchers are still working to understand, Columbia University Center for Infection and Immunity Director Dr. W. Ian Lipkin added. While breakthrough cases do occur in a small percentage of vaccinated people, studies show the vaccines are very good at reducing the severity of the illness. As COVID-19 infections surge due to the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, vaccines have continued to offer strong protection. Ongoing research also suggests immunity from vaccines may outlast immunity from many COVID-19 cases, according to Sabra Klein, a microbiologist and immunologist at Johns Hopkins Universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health. Especially among those that have mild disease (not hospitalized) or are asymptomatic, immunity wanes within 6 months, Klein said. So far, it is apparent that immunity following vaccination lasts longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get vaccinated even if they have already been infected with COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the vaccines available in the U.S. after clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people showed the shots were safe and effective.

 Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in Seattle contributed this report.

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No, the delta variant is not why California is mailing ballots for upcoming election

CLAIM: California is mailing out ballots for the governor recall election because of the delta variant.

THE FACTS: The California Legislature passed a bill in February, months before the delta variant surge, requiring that mail-in ballots be sent to all registered voters ahead of an election. On Sept. 14, California will hold a recall election that could remove first-term Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, from office. In February, the state Legislature passed a bill mandating that all active registered voters get a ballot in the mail for the election even if they didnt ask for one. Ballots will be mailed this month. Even before the pandemic, more than half of California voters chose to mail in their ballots; in 2018 statewide elections, two-thirds of voters cast vote-by-mail ballots. False posts on Twitter claimed that the delta variant led the state to send out mail-in ballots, when in reality, the bill requiring it was signed before the ongoing delta surge. Due to new delta variant California will be mailing in ballots for recall election, a false tweet claims. Other conspiracy posts online suggested that the variant was somehow planned to affect election results. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the bill expands mail-in voting for all elections before January 2022, a spokesperson with the California secretary of state told the AP in an email. Voters can return their ballots by mail, drop box, or take advantage of the in-person voting options available in every California county during the September 14, 2021 Recall Election, the spokesperson said. The state enacted a similar bill earlier in the pandemic for the presidential election last year, the AP reported.

 Arijeta Lajka

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Report claiming excess Biden votes doesnt show fraud

CLAIM: A state-by-state report of excess votes for President Joe Biden in the 2020 election suggests there was election fraud and affirms that former President Donald Trump actually won seven key states that were called for Biden.

THE FACTS: A former army captains report that gained traction among some conservatives this week falsely claimed Trump won several states that he lost in the 2020 election. The report, which based its claims on assumptions related to voting and registration trends, provided no proof of fraud. Nevertheless, it amassed thousands of views on Telegram, Facebook, Twitter and conservative websites, with some headlines claiming it affirmed Trump won Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and Minnesota. It was also promoted by Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon and Trump himself, who said the report contained election-changing numbers that showed the 2020 election was fraudulent and he actually won by a LOT. Trump has continued to falsely claim he won the election since his loss nine months ago. Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 presidential election, earning 306 electoral votes to Trumps 232. State officials from both parties, election security experts and former Republican Attorney General William Barr said the election went smoothly with no evidence of widespread fraud. Trumps recent claim that the reports findings could have changed the election results also have no merit, according to political scientists who reviewed the report. The report appears to use voting trends, population growth data and registration records to create heat maps showing how far the 2020 results diverged from the authors predictions at the county, state and national levels. However, it doesnt disclose where these numbers originated or the methods by which the analysis was performed. It claims there was likely Strong/Rampant fraud in several states and counties nationwide, but appears to base the claim solely on how different the results were from a prediction, not on any actual examples of fraud. The author, Seth Keshel, identifies himself on LinkedIn as a tech company sales manager and former baseball analyst but does not identify any election experience. His report acknowledges that the state-by-state tallies of excess votes for Biden are lenient estimates that demand further research, but frequently repeats the false claim that the numbers suggest fraud. Harvard University political scientist Gary King reviewed the report and previously reviewed similar election claims from Keshel as part of a lawsuit in Arizona. In both situations, King said, the data showed no evidence of fraud and ignored the reality that voters act in ways that dont match up with predictive modeling. There is zero valuable academic information here, King told the AP. Voters, theyre allowed to do what they want. They surprise us. Its incredible hubris to imagine your model is always right. Thats just crazy. University of Georgia political scientist and pollster Trey Hood reviewed the report and came to the same conclusion. This is certainly no method for uncovering voter fraud, Hood said. It doesnt show anything. Contacted for response, Keshel said his analysis was an exhaustive process that took weeks to conduct. He said that given deadlines there was not time to go over the work in detail, but suggested that full forensic audits would help put the matter to rest.

 Ali Swenson

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MT. JULIET, Tenn. (AP)  A police officer shot and injured a man who was armed with a knife outside a grocery store, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said.

The man, who wasn't identified, was hospitalized Thursday with non-life-threatening injuries, the TBI said. The officer, from Mt. Juliet Police Department, also was not identified.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP)  Five siblings under the age of 10 died early Friday when a fire swept through their apartment in southwestern Illinois, and officials were investigating whether they had been left alone.

Fire crews were called to the building in East St. Louis, which is just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, before 3 a.m. and reported finding two children already dead inside a bedroom. The three other children were unconscious on the kitchen floor, and two of them were pronounced dead once they were taken outside, according to East St. Louis Assistant Fire Chief George McClellan. The fifth child was taken to a hospital and later died.
CINCINNATI (AP)  A Common Pleas Judge in Cincinnati has ordered a man being sentenced on a felony drug charge to get vaccinated against COVID-19 within two months as a condition of his probation.

Judge Christopher Wagner's office emailed a statement on Friday along with a transcript of Wednesday's hearing involving Brandon Rutherford, 21. Rutherford pleaded guilty in June to possessing the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

This defendant was in possession of fentanyl, which is deadlier than the vaccine and COVID 19, Wagner's statement said. The defendant expressed no objection during the proceedings and stated no medical concerns, and his attorney did not object. We will have to see what happens now that the defendant is expressing opposition.

Wagner told Rutherford he presumed he hadn't been vaccinated because he was wearing a mask, which Rutherford confirmed.

When asked, Rutherford told the judge he wasn't worried about the vaccine. I just never went to get it, he said.

Rutherford's attorney, Carl Lewis, told WCPO-TV, which first reported the sentence, he had never heard of a judge issuing such an order.

If he truly believes that he's within his authority to order the individual to get a vaccine, then we'll have some legal issues, Lewis said.

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This story has been updated to correct the name of the person who pleaded guilty. Rutherford pleaded guilty, not Wagner.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  A Palestinian man was killed by live Israeli fire on Friday in a town in the occupied West Bank that has seen months of heavy clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces, Palestinian officials said.

Imad Duikat, 38, was shot in the chest in the northern town of Beita and pronounced dead at a hospital, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, another protester was shot in the foot by live ammunition and 20 others wounded by rubber bullets during Fridays clashes.
SAN VICENTE, Panama (AP)  Officials of Panama and Colombia agreed Friday to restrict the growing flow of migrants, mainly Cubans and Haitians, who have been crossing the Darien Gap that marks the border between the two countries.

The foreign ministers of both countries said they will announce a target number for migrants next week. The figure will be determined at a meeting in Colombia Monday between both countries security and immigration officials.

So far this year, Panama estimates about 49,000 migrants have come through the dangerous, jungle-clad gap. Officials estimate about 16% of them are children or youths.

Both countries said they will also cooperate to prosecute criminal gangs that rob migrants and traffic drugs through the largely roadless area.

The goal is to set a number of migrants that can be received in a safe manner on the Panamanian side, said Panama's Foreign Minister, Erika Mouynes.

We do not want these migrants to risk drowning, or things like that, said Colombias Marta Lucia Ramirez de Rincon, and neither, obviously, do we want them to pass through Darien, where we know there are so many risks.

At a migrant shelter in the Panamanian town of San Vicente, which the ministers visited, Cubans Otamaris Ojeda Pompa, 50, and Yerald Montejo, 44, sat with inflamed and cracked feet after crossing the gap. The couple left Cuba on July 15 and traveled through Guyana, Uruguay and Colombia.

In my experience, what I can tell people is, not to do it, Ojeda Pompa said of the nine-day trek. Don't go through there, it is the most terrible thing in the world.

She said she saw at least 11 corpses along the trail. One sees a lot of things on the trail. Some of the remains are just bones," she said. Some bodies were just decomposing, women and young people, too.

Recent rains have made the crossing even more dangerous.

It is a really worrisome situation, because if crossing the jungle during the dry season was dangerous, it is even more dangerous now, said Santiago Paz, who works in the area for the U.N. International Organization for Migration.

Haitian migrant Elizabeth Henry, 33, crossed with her three-year-old son, Javier Jean Paul Henry.

Despite the danger, Henry still has her sights set on reaching the United States. She left her job as a cleaner in Chile, where she has lived for five years, because she didn't make enough to send money back to her family in Haiti.

Many migrants like Henry headed first to South America, where some countries sheltered Haitians after a 2010 earthquake devastated that country.

While many migrants enter Colombia illegally, officials have made little effort to deport them. Immigration officials have said it would be too costly to fly so many home.

There has been a sharp rebound in the number of migrants from last year, when pandemic restrictions reduced mobility for locals and migrants alike.

Local officials estimate more than 10,000 migrants have massed recently in Necocli, a Colombian city that has become a bottleneck on the global migrant trail that winds through South and Central America, and on to Mexico and then the U.S. southern border.

Necocli residents say they have never seen so many migrants and city authorities have declared a public calamity because of water shortages caused by the additional demand from the migrants.

A common migrant route runs from the Ecuadorian border through Colombia to Necocli, where ferries carry people across the Gulf of Uraba to the even smaller border town of Capurgana  and then into the Darien Gap.

In the end, the two countries' efforts may lead some migrants to hike through even more difficult terrain at other passes.

Panama's Security Minister, Juan Pino, said the two countries agreed we are going to control, bilaterally, the flows through Colombia from Necocli, but noted there is another overland route that, because of the terrain, is very hard to control.
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP)  A policeman staffing a coronavirus quarantine checkpoint in the southern Philippines killed a provincial police chief who criticized his long hair, police said Friday.

Security escorts for Sulu provincial police director Col. Michael Bawayan Jr. returned fire and killed the suspect at the checkpoint in Jolo town, a police report said.
DAYTON, Ohio (AP)  An 11-year-old boy shot and wounded inside his family's Dayton home by another young relative has died from his injuries, authorities said.

Shamyrion Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the shooting occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say it appears to have been accidental, but the incident remains under investigation.
ROCKVILLE, Ind. (AP)  Sheriff's deputies fatally shot a western Indiana man who opened fire on them when they arrived at a residence to investigate a disturbance between a father and son, state police said.

Two Parke County Sheriffs deputies who arrived at the house about 11:15 p.m. Thursday found a man armed with a rifle outside the residence, and he immediately started shooting multiple rounds at the deputies, police said.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP)  A custodian at a high school in Medford, Oregon, faces felony charges after police say he took significant steps towards planning a mass casualty event  including one at South Medford High School, where he worked.

The Mail Tribune reports Kristopher Wayne Clay, 24, is in the Jackson County Jail on charges surrounding a cache of guns, ammunition and handwritten manifestos found at three locations in Jackson County.

Authorities say Clay obtained multiple rifles two years after courts prohibited him from owning firearms.

Clay began working as a custodian for the school starting in February until an investigation that began July 20, when authorities say he came into the Medford police lobby, asked to talk to an officer and confessed to having homicidal thoughts and plans to carry out an attack.

The officer placed him under a mental health hold, and transported Clay to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Centers behavioral health unit.

Police place a person under a mental health hold when the individual poses a danger to themselves or others, according to Medford police Lt. Mike Budreau. From there they typically admit a person to the hospitals behavioral health ward and leave the case to mental health experts.

In this particular case, we believe that hed taken some pretty significant steps to carry out his plan, Budreau said.

Budreau called it unfortunate that Clay had to be fully prosecuted, because Clay prevented himself from carrying out his plans by contacting police.

Had he not come forward, who knows what could have happened? Budreau said.

Clay made his initial appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court Thursday on felony charges of attempted second-degree murder, attempted second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and misdemeanor counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm and tampering with physical evidence accusing him of damaging or destroying a journal he kept at the hospital.

Judge Laura Cromwell ordered no early release unless Clay posts a 10% bond on bail set at $2 million. Efforts to reach an attorney for Clay werent immediately successful.

Medford School District spokesperson Natalie Hurd said 45 high school students are currently attending the schools Panther Camp summer program catching up on credits.

The school district terminated Clays employment, according to Hurd, and the school district is working closely with Medford police School Resource Officers.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The leader of the Wiscocnsin Assembly's elections committee issued subpoenas Friday demanding extensive election materials, including all ballots and voting machines from two counties in what she called a top-to-bottom investigation of the state's 2020 presidential results.

Republican state Rep. Janel Brandtjen sent the subpoenas to Milwaukee and Brown counties. She said last month that she wanted to conduct a review similar to a widely discredited audit performed in Arizona. Brandtjen and other Wisconsin Republicans traveled to that state in June to observe the review.

It's unclear, however, whether the Wisconsin review will happen. Two other investigations of the election results are already underway and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos signaled that he doesn't support a third probe. The Legislature's attorneys said in a June memo that only Vos has the power to issue subpoenas.

Brandtjen didn't respond to messages Friday morning seeking comment. She spoke at a noon rally at the state Capitol celebrating the subpoenas, however, and promised to put questions about election fraud to rest.

We're finally going to put this to bed, she said to applause and cheers. She left the rally without speaking with reporters.

Former President Donald Trump has been pressuring Wisconsin Republicans to take a closer look at the presidential results in the state, which Joe Biden won by about 20,000 votes.

No one has produced any evidence of widespread election fraud in Wisconsin and Biden's victory withstood a partial recount Trump ordered in Milwaukee and Dane counties, both Democratic strongholds.

Still, Vos has hired private investigators to review the results and the Legislature Audit Bureau has launched its own investigation. Vos said last month he doesn't know what a third review would prove and wouldn't commit to giving Brandtjen any additional resources. Vos' spokeswoman didn't reply to messages Friday.

Brandtjen said in a news release that she welcomes both probes. But Wisconsin residents have objected to the audit bureau review because it's taking too long and she wants to give people a transparent, full, cyber-forensic audit," she said.

Republicans have heavily criticized Milwaukee and Brown Countys election procedures.

Theyve questioned why Milwaukee officials didnt release results until the early morning after Election Day. Theyve also accused Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich of ceding authority over the election to Facebook-funded consultant Michael Spitzer-Rubenstein, questioning why Genrich handed over keys to the citys central ballot counting location to him.

The subpoenas demand that Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Brown County Clerk Patrick Moynihan appear before the committee on Sept. 7 and bring along all ballots cast in the presidential elections in the counties, including mail-in, provisional and physical ballots.

They also must turn over all their tabulation equipment, software, images taken from their election management servers, routers and networking equipment, all absentee ballot logs, media used to transfer data such as flash drives and external hard drives, lists of all internet addresses used at any location where election equipment was used, names of voters and their addresses and birthdates and dates and times equipment was certified.

Christenson and Moynihan didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Brown County Deputy Executive Jeff Flynt said the county had received the subpoena and was reviewing it.

The Assembly's minority leader, Democratic Rep. Gordon Hintz, called Brandtjen an enemy of our democratic system.

She's fulfilling exactly in lock-step what these forces have been pushing for, Hintz said. I'm not surprised someone pulled the puppet string. It really should be viewed as an attack on our country and an attack on our election system.

Nellie Sires, executive director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, called the subpoenas absurd and unenforceable." She said Republicans are trying to bring an Arizona-style Cyber Ninja circus to Wisconsin and that Vos has lost control of his caucus.

The amateur-hour theatrics on display today would be funny if the stakes for our democracy were not so high, Sires said.

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Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1
SAN DIEGO (AP)  Dave Severance, the Marine company commander whose troops planted the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, a moment captured in one of the most iconic war photographs in history, has died. He was 102.

Severance died Monday at his home in the San Diego suburb of La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Severance's company came ashore in the 10th wave of what eventually would be about 70,000 Marines invading the island, about 660 miles (about 1,000 kilometers) south of Tokyo. They were met by some 20,000 Japanese.

On Feb. 23, 1945, the fifth day of fighting, about 40 members of Severances company were sent up Mount Suribachi with orders to plant the flag. When Navy Secretary James Forrestal, arrived on the island, he asked for it to be kept as a memento.

After it was removed, Severance ordered a second group of Marines to replace the flag with a bigger one. The second raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi was captured in a dramatic photo by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal who won a Pulitzer Prize.

The Marines would keep the first flag, and the Navy secretary would get the replacement, which flew over Mount Suribachi for the rest of the battle. Both flags are now at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va.

Severance spent his retirement quietly trying to set the record straight that there were two flag-raisings that February morning in 1945.

He cared about the flag story, he told the Union-Tribune in a 2012 interview, because it spoke to the courage and sacrifice he witnessed every day for more than a month during the battle, one of the bloodiest of the war. About 75 percent of his company were wounded or killed.

Severance earned a Silver Star.

Born Feb. 4, 1919, in Milwaukee, Severance grew up in Colorado and joined the Marines in 1938.

After leading Marines in WWII, he went on to fly nearly 70 missions in Korea as an aviator.

He retired from the Marine Corps in 1968.

His death was first reported Wednesday by The New York Times, which attributed the information about his passing to his family.

Survivors include two daughters, Nina Cohen and Lynn Severance; two sons, Dave Jr. and Mike Severance; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his second wife, Barbara, who died in 2017.
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP)  New Hampshire school districts are keeping an eye on the impact of the COVID-19 delta variant as they work on their plans for students and staff.

WMUR-TV reports that in Concord, schools will require masks inside regardless of vaccination status until the city reaches a full vaccination rate of 70% or vaccines are available to elementary school children.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  A second Malaysian Cabinet minister resigned Friday, dealing another blow to embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who insisted he has majority support in Parliament despite the pullout of some governing alliance members.

Muhyiddin said Thursday he will call for a vote of confidence to prove his legitimacy to govern when Parliament resumes Sept. 6 . But the opposition and some members of the biggest party in his alliance demanded the vote be held now to end the political crisis.

Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad said she has resigned in line with her party's decision to pull support for Muhyiddin's government. She was the second minister from the United Malays National Organization to quit this week.

UMNO is the largest party in the ruling alliance with 38 lawmakers, but it is split with some not backing the prime minister. At least eight UMNO lawmakers have signed declarations withdrawing support for the government, which is enough to cause its collapse because of its razor-thin majority.

But Muhyiddin told Malaysia's king during a meeting Wednesday that he still commanded the confidence of Parliament. He said the king agreed to his proposal to hold a confidence vote next month.

Muhyiddin told reporters on Friday that he was ready and neither scared nor worried to face the vote, but warned that any change in government could hurt efforts to fight a worsening coronavirus outbreak.

Can the country handle more problems if there is a change (of government) or political chaos?" he was quoted as saying.

Muhyiddin took power in March 2020 after initiating the collapse of the former reformist government that won 2018 elections. His party joined hands with UMNO and several others to form a new government that is unstable. UMNO has been unhappy with playing second fiddle to Muhyiddin's party.

He had been ruling by ordinance without legislative approval since January after suspending Parliament under a state of emergency declared to battle the coronavirus. Critics say he used the emergency, which expired Aug. 1, to avoid a vote in Parliament that would show he had lost a majority of support.

Public anger with his government has mounted after a lockdown in June failed to contain the virus, with daily cases soaring above 10,000 since mid-July. Malaysia reported 20,889 new cases on Friday to bring the country's confirmed total to 1.22 million.

The opposition has accused Muhyiddin of delaying the vote of confidence to build up his support and demanded it be held next week. They warned that Muhyiddin's government may use government agencies such as the anti-corruption agency and police to harass and threaten lawmakers to support him.
Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant surges  and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice were more than twice as likely to get reinfected.

Friday's report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds to growing laboratory evidence that people who had one bout of COVID-19 get a dramatic boost in virus-fighting immune cells  and a bonus of broader protection against new mutants  when they're vaccinated.

If you have had COVID-19 before, please still get vaccinated, said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads around the country.

According to a new Gallup survey, one of the main reasons Americans cite for not planning to get vaccinated is the belief that theyre protected since they already had COVID-19. From the beginning health authorities have urged survivors to get the broader protection vaccination promises. While the shots arent perfect, they are providing strong protection against hospitalization and death even from the delta mutant.

Scientists say infection does generally leave survivors protected against a serious reinfection at least with a similar version of the virus, but blood tests have signaled that protection drops against worrisome variants.

The CDC study offers some real-world evidence.

Researchers studied Kentucky residents with a lab-confirmed coronavirus infection in 2020, the vast majority of them between October and December. They compared 246 people who got reinfected in May or June of this year with 492 similar survivors who stayed healthy. The survivors who never got vaccinated had a significantly higher risk of reinfection than those who were fully vaccinated, even though most had their first bout of COVID-19 just six to nine months ago.

A different variant of the coronavirus caused most illnesses in 2020, while the newer alpha version was predominant in Kentucky in May and June, said study lead author Alyson Cavanaugh, a CDC disease detective working with that state's health department.

That suggests natural immunity from earlier infection isn't as strong as the boost those people can get from vaccination while the virus evolves, she said.

Theres little information yet on reinfections with the newer delta variant. But U.S. health officials point to early data from Britain that the reinfection risk appears greater with delta than with the once-common alpha variant, once people are six months past their prior infection.

Theres no doubt that vaccinating a COVID-19 survivor enhances both the amount and breadth of immunity so that you cover not only the original (virus) but the variants, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. governments top infectious disease expert, said at a recent White House briefing.

The CDC recommends full vaccination, meaning both doses of two-dose vaccines, for everyone.

But in a separate study published Friday in JAMA Network Open, Rush University researchers reported just one vaccine dose gives the previously infected a dramatic boost in virus-fighting immune cells, more than people who have never been infected get from two shots.

Other recent studies published in Science and Nature show the combination of a prior infection and vaccination also broadens the strength of people's immunity against a changing virus. It's what virologist Shane Crotty of California's La Jolla Institute for Immunology calls hybrid immunity.

Vaccinated survivors can make antibodies that can recognize all kinds of variants even if you were never exposed to the variant, Crotty said. Its pretty sweet.

One warning for anyone thinking of skipping vaccination if they had a prior infection: The amount of natural immunity can vary from person to person, possibly depending on how sick they were to begin with. The Rush University study found four of 29 previously infected people had no detectable antibodies before they were vaccinated  and the vaccines worked for them just like they work for people who never had COVID-19.

Why do many of the previously infected have such a robust response to vaccination? It has to do with how the immune system develops multiple layers of protection.

After either vaccination or infection, the body develops antibodies that can fend off the coronavirus the next time it tries to invade. Those naturally wane over time. If an infection sneaks past them, T cells help prevent serious illness by killing virus-infected cells -- and memory B cells jump into action to make lots of new antibodies.

Those memory B cells dont just make copies of the original antibodies. In immune system boot camps called germinal centers, they also mutate antibody-producing genes to test out a range of those virus fighters, explained University of Pennsylvania immunologist John Wherry.

The result is essentially a library of antibody recipes that the body can choose from after future exposures  and that process is stronger when vaccination triggers the immune systems original memory of fighting the actual virus.

With the delta variant's super infectiousness, getting vaccinated despite a prior infection is more important now than it was before to be sure, Crotty said. The breadth of your antibodies and potency against variants is going to be far better than what you have right now.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP)  Police have arrested a suspect in the 2019 killing of a 61-year-old South Lake Tahoe man and charged a woman accused of being an accessory to the murder after the fact.

The El Dorado County District Attorneys Office filed charge an open murder charge against 24-year-old Alan Isaias Martinez-Perez on Thursday in the Dec. 15, 2019 death of Jorge Campos.
A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate whether a Missouri judge lied on an affidavit he filed in a long-running feud with an elected official he suspended from office.

The investigation of Circuit Judge Patrick Flynn, the presiding judge in Lincoln County, stems from an August 2020 affidavit he filed as part of a lawsuit against him brought by Circuit Clerk Karla Allsberry, a police probable cause statement shows.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court is being asked to block a plan by Indiana University to require students and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. It's the first time the high court has been asked to weigh in on a vaccine mandate and comes as some corporations, states and cities are also contemplating or have adopted vaccine requirements for workers or even to dine indoors.

The case is not the first time a coronavirus-related issue has been before the court. In rulings over the past year the conservative-dominated high court has largely backed religious groups who have challenged restrictions on indoor services during the cononavirus pandemic.

In the current case, however, a three-judge federal appeals court panel, including two judges appointed by former President Donald Trump, was one of two lower courts to side with Indiana University and allow it to require the vaccinations. The plan announced in May requires roughly 90,000 students and 40,000 employees on seven campuses to receive COVID-19 vaccinations for the fall semester.

Students who dont comply will have their registration canceled and workers who dont will lose their jobs. The policy does have religious and medical exemptions, but exempt students must be tested twice a week for the disease. The school announced this week that for now, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors while on campus.

The vaccine mandate is being challenged by eight students who argue in court papers filed Friday that they have a constitutional right to bodily integrity, autonomy, and of medical treatment choice in the context of a vaccination mandate. They're asking for an injunction from the high court barring the university from enforcing the mandate. Seven of the students qualify for a religious exemption.

There is no deadline for the court to act, but the students are asking it to do so by Aug. 13.

In July, an Indiana district court judge sided with the university in declining to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the vaccine mandate. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit voted 3-0 to uphold the decision earlier this week. Two of the three judges were appointed by Trump and the third by former President Ronald Reagan.

The university initially was going to require students and employees to provide immunization documentation but after a backlash changed its policy to make providing proof optional. Students and employees now must simply attest to their vaccination in an online form.

College officials across the country have struggled with whether to require vaccinations, with some schools mandating them and others questioning whether they have legal authority to do so. Similar lawsuits against student vaccine requirements have been filed in other states.

Over the past two weeks, vaccine mandates have become a particularly hot issue. On Friday, United Airlines announced it would become the first major U.S. airline to require vaccination for workers. Google, Facebook, Tyson Foods and Microsoft are among the other companies mandating vaccines.

Late last month, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to require vaccinations for its health workers. President Joe Biden has since announced 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.
The Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, who came to the United States as a childhood refugee from war-torn Poland and later became a leader in cross-church cooperation and the first Eastern Orthodox president of the National Council of Churches, has died. He was 78.

Kishkovsky died of a heart attack Tuesday at Glen Cove Hospital in Glen Cove, New York, according to the Orthodox Church in America, where he served as director of external affairs and interchurch relations. He had long been in high-level administration at the Orthodox Church in America's offices on New York's Long Island, while also serving as a parish priest for a nearby church.

He was definitely a giant in the church, said the Very Rev. Alexander Rentel, chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America. As gifted as he was as a diplomat and administrator, he was a caring and loving pastor."

Much of Kishkovskys work involved relations with those outside of the denomination, from other Eastern Orthodox churches to representatives of Protestants, Catholics and other religions.

In 1989 he was elected as the first Orthodox president of the National Council of Churches after decades of Protestant leadership. The ecumenical body, while comprising both Protestant and Orthodox communions, was often seen as a project of liberal Protestantism, and Kishkovsky sought to bridge divides not only between denominations but between ideologies.

There are people of deep Christian faith who hold liberal commitments and also those who hold conservative commitments, he told The New York Times at the time. My dream is that the differing communities of religious discourse could be in fruitful conversation and debate with one another.

Kishkovsky, who was of Russian descent, was born in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Poland, on March 24, 1943, according to the church. His parents fled with him to Germany the next year and resettled in Los Angeles as displaced persons in 1951.

He studied political science and history at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1964. He graduated from St. Vladimirs Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, New York, in 1967.

Kishkovsky worked in youth ministry and met his future wife, Alexandra Mimi Koulomzine of Montreal, Canada, at a student retreat. They were married in 1969, and he was ordained a priest later that year.

After five years of ministry in San Francisco, he began work with OCA headquarters in Syosset, New York, in 1974, and as rector of the nearby Church of Our Lady of Kazan in Sea Cliff, New York.

In 1982 he began editing The Orthodox Church, the denominations main periodical.

He was decorated by the council in 2020 with its Presidents Award for Excellence in Faithful Leadership. The council said in a statement that Kishkovsky held fast to Orthodoxy, yet he was open to the faiths of others. He was their friend, and with them he enjoyed intense conversation, shared keen observations, and gave in to hearty laughter.

Kishkovsky also served in various roles with other ecumenical and interfaith groups, including the World Council of Churches, Church World Service and Religions for Peace USA.

He was a board member of International Orthodox Christian Charities and was involved in various other cooperative efforts across Orthodox communions.

Kishkovsky is survived by his wife, daughters Sophia and Maria and five grandchildren.

The Orthodox Church in America traces its roots to Russia and neighboring Slavic lands but, like other Orthodox branches in the United States, has increasingly drawn members from various ethnic backgrounds. As of 2010 it had 551 parishes and nearly 85,000 members, according to the Atlas of American Orthodox Churches.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said Friday that he would not re-issue a mask mandate, despite a surge in COVID-19 cases, and he called for the unvaccinated to get inoculated.

We are not going to mask our way out of this surge, Bynum said. This is a pandemic of the unvaccinated. ... it is unvaccinated people who are getting the virus.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  The University of Vermont reinstated an indoor mask requirement for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors on the Burlington campus, officials said Friday.

Also on Friday the UVM Health Network announced that beginning Oct. 1 it will require all its nearly 15,000 employees at its seven locations in Vermont and New York to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing.

The requirements come as Vermont and much of the country is coping with another surge of COVID-19 cases, many linked to the more transmissible delta variant of the virus.

"We will continue to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases on campus, in Vermont, and across the region and will adjust this requirement if conditions warrant, UVM Provost Patricia Prelock and Gary Derr said in a message to the campus community.

Last month, the university endorsed a plan to require COVID-19 vaccination for all students enrolled this fall. Currently, more than 90% of new and returning UVM students have been vaccinated.

In Chittenden County, where UVM is located, the vaccination rate for people aged 18 to 29 stands at 62%.

In a statement, UVM Health Network President Dr. John Brumsted said the vaccination requirement would apply to everyone.

Vaccination rates vary at the network's seven different campuses in Vermont and New York, from a low of 82% at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, New York, to 92% at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital in New York.

The rate at the main hospital, the UVM Medical Center in Burlington is 84%, including 90% of the patient-facing staff, hospital spokesman Neal Goswami said in an email.

We are not alone in this decision, Brumsted said in a statement. Regionally, and across the country, many types of employers  including hospitals and health systems  have instituted mandatory vaccination as a next step as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

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FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CHANGES

The Vermont Department of Labor is reminding people collecting unemployment benefits that the expansion of benefits through federal coronavirus relief programs is ending next month. The program is currently paying people an additional $300 per week on top of the regular state payments.

Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington said Friday that about 9,000 people will be losing their benefits entirely after the federal program ends Sept. 6.

There are currently about 5,500 people who are collecting regular state unemployment benefits. Those individuals will continue to collect the regular state benefits, but they will no longer see the additional $300.

Since the program began the department issued more than 2.3 million payments to more than 100,000 Vermonters who received a total of more than $1.7 billion.

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NUMBERS

On Friday, the Vermont Department of Health reported nearly 90 new cases, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 25,320.

There were 12 people hospitalized, including eight in intensive care.

No new fatalities were reported, leaving the statewide total at 260.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 16.86 new cases per day on July 21 to 55.57 new cases per day on Aug. 4.

The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. envoy for Afghanistan urged the Security Council on Friday to demand that the Taliban immediately stop attacking cities in their offensive to take more territory as American and NATO troops pull out of the country.

Deborah Lyons also called on the international community to urge both sides to stop fighting and negotiate to prevent a catastrophe in war-torn Afghanistan. The latest Taliban surge, she warned, is reminiscent of attacks on large urban centers in Syrias war and the Bosnian war in the 1990s that devastated Sarajevo.

For his part, the Afghan ambassador to the United Nations denounced the Taliban offensive as a deliberate act of barbarism," and claimed the insurgents are being aided in their onslaught by more than 10,000 foreign fighters from 20 terror networks, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. He offered no evidence to back up his claim.

This is not a civil war, but a war of criminalized and terrorist networks, fought on the back of Afghans," said Ambassador Ghulam Isaczai.

Lyons, speaking to an in-person meeting of the council virtually from Kabul, appealed to council members to act with unity to prevent Afghanistan from descending into a situation of catastrophe so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels this century.

The Taliban have for months stepped up attacks across Afghanistan, laying siege to provincial capitals in the south and west of the country after capturing district after district and even seizing several key border crossings. As U.S. and NATO forces complete their final pullout from the country by the end of the month, the Taliban have now turned their guns on several provincial capitals.

On Friday, the Taliban appeared to have taken their first provincial capital  the city of Zaranj in southern Nimroz province, though the Afghan government claimed there was still fierce fighting underway and that the city had not fallen.

Isaczai, the Afghan ambassador, stressed that the Taliban are violating the accord they signed with the United States in Qatars capital of Doha in February 2020. The deal was meant to allow for American troops to gradually leave Afghanistan after 19 years of war and pave way for intra-Afghan negotiations that would shape the countrys political future.

Under the accord, the Taliban pledged to combat other terror groups  including al-Qaida, which they once harbored  and prevent militants from using Afghan territory to stage attacks on America.

But the link between the Taliban and these foreign militant groups, the ambassador claimed, is stronger today than at any point in recent times  with unprecedented" links to drugs, smuggling and robbing of Afghanistans natural resources.

The ambassador appealed on the Security Council to compel the Taliban to end their campaign of violence and terror against our people and to prevent further bloodshed and urge them to return to talks.

He also urged the council to impose more sanctions on those involved in the current violence and reiterated Kabul's standing accusation against Islamabad, insisting that the Taliban continue to enjoy a safe have in and supply and logistic line extended to their war machine from Pakistan.

Lyons urged participants in meetings next week in Doha, where the Taliban maintain a political office, to convey to the insurgents that a government imposed by force will not be recognized.

U.S. deputy ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis echoed Lyons, saying that the international community will not accept a military takeover of Afghanistan or a return of the Talibans Islamic Emirate  and if they choose that path they will be isolated and an international pariah.

The Security Council's emergency session followed a statement from earlier this week in which the world body called for a cease-fire and peace talks, and condemned the July 30 attack on the U.N. compound in western Herat province that killed an Afghan security guard.

Whether the council decides to take further action in response to Lyons and Isaczai's appeals remains to be seen.

Lyons said the Talibans attempt to seize urban centers has come with an extremely distressing human toll: at least 104 civilians killed and 403 wounded in fighting to take Laskhar Gah, the capital of Helmand province since July 28; more than 460 civilian casualties registered in Kandahar since the start of the offensive there on July 9; and credible reports received by the U.N. of over 135 civilian casualties in western Herat province.

The latest fighting comes on top of an increasing humanitarian crisis and severe drought, she added, with 18.5 million people, almost half the countrys population, in need of humanitarian assistance. She urged donors to contribute to the U.N. appeal for Afghanistan, which is only 30% funded.

Whether the Taliban take additional cities, or whether the government regains districts, the results will only prolong Afghanistans agony, Lyons said, stressing the critical need for a halt to fighting first and then for negotiations. Otherwise, there may be nothing left to win.
INSTITUTE, W.Va. (AP)  A university in West Virginia used federal relief funds to pay off account balances for nearly 3,000 students who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

West Virginia State University paid off balances for all degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students from March 13, 2020, through the summer 2021 term, WSAZ-TV reported. The school used $816,000 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which covered tuition, housing and other fees.
WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S employers added 943,000 jobs in July and drove the unemployment rate down to 5.4% in another sign the economy is bouncing back with surprising vigor from COVID-19. But there is growing fear the fast-spreading delta variant will set back the recovery.

The worry is that the resurgent virus could discourage people from going out and spending and trigger another round of shutdowns or other restrictions.

That is a definite downside risk, said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. The risk is from a more cautious consumer, if they dont want to engage in outside activities. ... Youre also hearing about big companies that are delaying a return to work. That might be something that slows things down.

The Labor Department collected its data for the report in mid-July before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week reversed course and recommended that even vaccinated people resume wearing masks indoors in places where the variant is pushing infections up.

Still, the July numbers looked good. They exceeded economists forecast of more than 860,000 new jobs. Encouraged by their prospects, 261,000 Americans returned to the job market in July. And the unemployment rate fell from 5.9% in June.

Moreover, the report found that as customers come back and businesses scramble to find workers, they are raising wages: Average hourly earnings were up 4% last month from a year earlier.

The Labor Department also revised its jobs numbers for May and June, adding 119,000 jobs.

The stock market rose modestly on the news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.4% and the S&P 500 0.2%, both reaching all-time highs.

The economy lost over 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 in a practically overnight recession as the coronavirus forced businesses to shut down and people to stay home. Since then, the U.S. has recovered nearly 17 million jobs, meaning it is still almost 6 million short.

If the pace of hiring over the last three months continues, all jobs lost due to the pandemic would be regained in seven months, Leslie Preston, senior economist at TD Economics, wrote in a research report. However, the pace is likely to cool a bit and the risk of the delta variant looms.

The unexpectedly strong numbers come at a critical moment for President Joe Bidens agenda, with the Senate set to take up a $1 trillion infrastructure bill this weekend before moving on to a more than $3 trillion expansion of the social safety net pushed by the Democrats.

Biden said the jobs report validates his efforts to stabilize the economy and slow the spread of the virus, and he encouraged lawmakers to pass the rest of his agenda.

The bottom line is this: What were doing is working, Biden said, adding, Weve got a lot of hard work left to be done."

The U.S. is seeing an average of more than 98,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, up from fewer than 12,000 a day in late June  though still well below the peak of 250,000 reached in January. The vast majority of new cases are among people who have not gotten vaccinated.

Over the past week, a growing number of state and local governments and major employers have made masks and vaccinations mandatory in a move that could help beat back the virus and protect the economy.

A failure to contain the surge could lead to more closings and cancellations of various events and prompt schools to roll back plans to reopen, making it difficult for many parents to go back to work.

The next 10 to 14 days are going to be critical to try to get it under control, said Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. We need to get more people vaccinated. Where there are mask mandates in place, we need to follow that."

He added: Its really important that we take this seriously so we dont get into a situation where we have to go into shutting down parts of our country.

Farooqi said she is optimistic the job rebound can continue despite the variant, but she is holding off on her forecast for August because there are a lot of unknowns right now.

The rollout of vaccines encouraged businesses to reopen and consumers to return to shops, restaurants and bars. Many Americans are also in surprisingly strong financial shape because the lockdowns allowed them to save money and bank relief checks from the government.

As a result, the economy has bounced back with unexpected speed. The International Monetary Fund expects U.S. economic output to grow 7% this year, its fastest pace since 1984. And employers are advertising jobs  a record 9.2 million openings in May  faster than applicants can fill them.

Some businesses blame generous federal unemployment benefits  including an extra $300 a week tacked on to regular state jobless aid  for discouraging Americans from seeking work. In response, many states have dropped the federal assistance even before it is scheduled to expire Sept. 6.

Walmart is offering up to $5 more per hour to many warehouse employees as it tries to retain workers in the tight labor market.

Laynes Chicken Fingers, an eight-restaurant chain in Frisco, Texas, is raising wages, paying bonuses, offering health insurance and promising young workers the chance for advancement. Two of the four managers of its company-owned outlets are 19, and another just turned 20.

Were finding they can handle it -- with a lot of oversight, said CEO Garrett Reed.

The Animal Humane Society near Minneapolis is running flat-out trying to find homes for animals. It has raised wages to $15 an hour for staffers who take care of the cats and dogs and help visitors pick out pets.

Eileen Lay, the organization's chief financial and operating officer, knows what shes up against.

My 16-year-old just got a $15-an-hour job at Target, she said. And he doesnt have to clean poop.

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This story has been corrected to show that the name of the Layne's Chicken Fingers CEO is Garrett Reed, not Reid.

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Associated Press writers Anne D'Innocenzio in New York and Martin Crutsinger and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
Travis Campbell called his son this week with a big request. He asked the 14-year-old to commit to giving his sister away at her wedding someday if Campbell does not make it out of the intensive care unit.

"I messed up big time, you guys - I didn't get the vaccine," Campbell said in a Wednesday video posted to his Facebook page. He filmed it from a Virginia hospital bed, where he has spent nearly two weeks battling covid-19.

The 43-year-old Bristol, Va., retail worker and former police officer told The Washington Post on Thursday that he planned to get the coronavirus vaccine by the end of the summer - right after he fully recovered from a recent knee surgery and got through a home move.

After surviving a mild case last year, Campbell said he thought he had the antibodies to ward off future infection. Now, he worries the decision to delay the shot will cost him his life as he fights pneumonia and a partially collapsed lung.

Campbell, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, gasped for breath during a 20-minute interview with The Post, despite wearing an oxygen tube. The father of seven blames himself for spreading the virus to his family as his wife and children recover from less-serious cases at their home 20 miles away.

"It was my fault," he told The Post. "I could have done research. I could have gotten the vaccine. I could have gotten my kids vaccinated, but I was negligent. I was so tied up with moving houses [that] I didn't make it an urgency. Now, we don't have a choice to go back."

Travis Campbell

His hopes of getting out of the hospital alive plummet with each passing day. He has called his best friends to say goodbye and told his family he wishes to be cremated, Campbell told The Post.

As he fights to recover, Campbell has documented his time at the hospital in a series of videos and diary entries on his Facebook page. He said he's sharing his story publicly with the hope of changing the mind of at least one vaccine denier or someone who - like him - hasn't prioritized getting inoculated.

"I'm not trying to talk down to you," he said in a video last week. "I'm trying to talk to you so you understand that I don't want to go to your funeral and I don't want you to come to mine. The new delta strain . . . will get you down so fast you are not going to get back up."

Campbell and his family members are among the tens of millions of Americans who have not yet received at least one coronavirus vaccine dose. The vaccines are available to anyone over the age of 12. Like Campbell though, many remain reluctant or have put off getting the shots.

Last month, a Las Vegas man who delayed getting the vaccine until he learned more about its side effects, texted his wife that he regretted his decision before succumbing to covid-19. Other unvaccinated patients have begged their doctors to give them the vaccine before being intubated, an Alabama doctor told The Post last month. By then, she said, it was already too late.

Campbell's symptoms began on July 22. Two days later, he was so dehydrated that he asked his wife to take him to the hospital where he was given fluids and was told to return if his symptoms worsened.

The headaches, dizziness, aches and chills persisted. He was back the next day and spent 24 hours in the emergency room before a bed became available in the crowded covid-19 ICU. He was given oxygen almost immediately. An alarm system beeps every time his levels dip below 80 percent. Normal oxygen levels hover between 95 and 100 percent, and anything below 90 is considered dangerously low.

Campbell's alarm is beeping more frequently, and he was recently rushed to the pulmonary ICU overnight. "He goes through about two tanks of oxygen in 30 minutes by just doing a little bit of physical activity," his wife Kellie James Campbell told The Post. "They had to almost run with the bed through the hospital so he wouldn't run out of air."

Campbell's morale was so low, his wife said, that hospital staff allowed her to visit this week. It wasn't until she saw his medical state that she realized the new delta variant's strength, James Campbell, 44, said.

When she learned that two recent patients who were about her husband's age didn't make it this week, a wave of guilt and regret over delaying the vaccine hit her, she said. Two doors down from her husband's hospital room, a 22-year-old family acquaintance has been put on a ventilator.

"We had no reason not to get it," she said. "We just didn't get it. We don't get sick a lot. We are not around a lot of people. We just didn't have time to go do it."

The Campbells don't watch the news much, she added, and they weren't tracking the resurgence of coronavirus cases across the country.

"It wasn't that we didn't want to get vaccinated or were scared of it," James Campbell said. "I had no idea covid had gotten bad [again] until Travis got sick."

Campbell said the family frequently wore masks and kept gatherings small and outdoors. But a couple of months ago, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed mask guidance for vaccinated people and more people in their city ditched their face coverings, the family eventually stopped wearing them, too.

"We did a family reunion outside about two months ago," James Campbell said. "I remember thinking how wonderful it was for the kids to play with their cousins without masks. In our minds, it was over. Covid was gone. We let out guard down."

In a video posted to Facebook on July 27, Campbell urged his social media friends to get the vaccine - something he said he will do if he gets out of the hospital. He repeated that plea Thursday night.

"I want people to understand that they do have a choice but they need to make that choice," Campbell said. "It's not worth the gamble."

His wife and their 14-year-old son were scheduled to get their first shot at a pharmacy on Friday, James Campbell said.
MYSTIC, Conn. (AP)  One of five beluga whales acquired from an aquarium in Canada after a legal fight with animal rights activists has died at its new home in Connecticut.

Officials at Mystic Aquarium, which specializes in beluga research, said in a Facebook post that the male whale had arrived in May with a preexisting medical condition. It died Friday, despite round-the-clock medical treatment, testing, and 24-hour monitoring," the aquarium said in a statement.

While he had shown signs of improvement from a gastrointestinal condition, we are deeply saddened to share that he passed away (Friday) morning, the aquarium said. This is a devastating loss for our staff and for the community, especially the animal care team who works closely with the belugas.

The whale arrived in May with four others from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, after a lengthy battle to obtain permits from both the United States and Canada.

Connecticut-based Friends of Animals and other activists had sought to block the transport in a lawsuit last fall against the U.S. Commerce secretary and National Marine Fisheries Service, which had approved the research permit.

The group claimed the U.S. permit violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the National Environmental Policy Act because government officials did not adequately address the potential harm to the belugas from being moved to Mystic.

A federal judge in March declined to issue an injunction.

The whales, which range in age from 7 to 12, were born in captivity and left an overcrowded habitat with about 50 other whales to be at the center of important research designed to benefit belugas in the wild, aquarium officials said.
A suspicion package along Oakland's waterfront Thursday afternoon was not an explosive, police said.

Pedestrians and vehicles were being asked to avoid the 300 block of Embarcadero as police were investigating at about 3:25 p.m.

Nearby businesses were evacuated, trains were stopped, and buses rerouted, according to police.

As of 5:24 p.m. the area was deemed safe, police said.

The State Water Resources Control Board is cautioning boaters and other recreational water users after detecting toxic algal mats growing at the bottom of the Russian River.

Toxic algal mats are dangerous algae growths that detach from the riverbed and float at the water's surface or get stuck on the banks. The State Water Board and Sonoma County Department of Health Services previously announced in late July that they had detected blue-green algae toxins in the Russian River. The algae can be fatal to dogs and harmful to humans, especially children.

Residents are cautioned to avoid drinking or cooking with the water and to avoid touching any algal mats. Also, dogs and other animals should stay out of the water. Photos of toxic algal mats are available at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/resources/docs/toxic_algal_mat_signs_20200403.pdf and the State Water Board has posted warning signs at recreational areas along the river.

Toxic algal mats may also infect wildlife living in the water, so the State Water Board has advised residents to throw away all fish guts, clean fillets with tap or bottled water and to avoid shellfish altogether.

State public health officials issued a vaccination mandate Thursday for health care workers across the state, requiring them to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by the end of September.

The mandate will apply to all workers in health care settings like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. The California Department of Public Health also mandated Thursday that people visiting a health care setting must confirm their vaccination status or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to their indoor visit.

"As we continue to see an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, it's important that we protect the vulnerable patients in these settings," CDPH Director and state Public Health Director Dr. Tomas Aragon said in a statement. "Today's action will also ensure that health care workers themselves are protected."

Thursday's mandate comes just over a week after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all state employees and health care workers to show proof they are fully vaccinated or be subject to COVID-19 testing twice weekly for acute health care and long-term care facilities and once weekly for other health care settings.

While the testing requirement will still be in place for health care workers who have a documented exemption for medical or religious reasons, the CDPH's order does not leave room as Newsom's order did for workers who decline to get vaccinated because of personal preference.

Napa County on Friday will join seven other Bay Area counties in requiring people to wear face coverings indoors at workplaces and public places, county officials said Thursday.

The requirement is in effect regardless of whether a person is vaccinated against COVID-19.

Exceptions to the mandate are limited and county officials suggest businesses make face coverings available to customers.

The health order was issued because of the recent increase in COVID-19 hospital and intensive care unit admissions in the county, due primarily to coronvirus' delta variant.

Starting Aug. 16, the Great Highway in San Francisco will welcome back car traffic between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard on weekdays, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Gordon Mar announced Thursday.

The stretch of the highway alongside Ocean Beach will still close for pedestrian and bicycle use on holidays and weekends, from Fridays at noon until Monday at 6 a.m. This change serves as a placeholder until city officials initiate a longer-term plan for the future of the Great Highway.

The roadway was used for pedestrian and bicycle use only during the pandemic in response to the need for more outdoor space amid a stay-at-home lockdown. But as the city reopens and the first day of school is around the corner, Breed said it's necessary to reopen the roadway to cars again.

"Having the Great Highway closed on weekends and holidays will make sure that residents and visitors still can enjoy this incredible space, while recognizing the needs of our families and residents who need to get to school and work during the week as we reopen. There has been a lot of ongoing community discussions and meetings about the long-term future of the Great Highway, and I look forward to that continuing over the coming months to inform the next phase of the project."

Mar said that though the Great Highway use during the pandemic was "transformational," keeping it as a pedestrian-only promenade would require greater investments in public transportation. Until infrastructure plans are in place, Mar said it would be "unreasonable to continue a 24/7 closure without them."

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney on Thursday celebrated new funding that will allow for the city's Pit Stop program to continue providing 24-hour access to public bathrooms throughout the city.

Back in 2019, the city's Department of Public Works, which operates the Pit Stop program, moved to make three of its 25 Pit Stop locations accessible 24 hours a day under a pilot program. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pit Stop program was expanded to a total of 62 locations, with 36 of them being staffed and open 24 hours.

But the initial city budget proposal for the current fiscal year would've drastically reduced the number of Pit Stop locations, bringing them back to 25 and none would have been open 24 hours.

In June, however, before the budget was approved and signed by Mayor London Breed, Haney proposed adding a minimum of $3.3 million to the budget in order to restore at least a portion of the 24-hour bathrooms.

According to Haney, under a new agreement with the Mayor's Office, the city has committed over $6 million of funding for the program. Now, the city will have 10 staffed, 24-hour Pit Stop bathrooms, as well as nine more bathroom locations.

Friday will be partly cloudy in the morning before becoming sunny. It will be hazy. Highs will be in the lower 60s to the mid 70s. Southwest winds will be 5 to 10 mph before switching to west winds of 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Friday night will be partly cloudy before becoming mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the upper 50s. Southwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy in the morning before becoming partly cloudy. Highs will be in the upper 50s to the lower 70s. Southwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph.

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.
By John Glidden

Bay City News Foundation

Just around the corner from the Vallejo Police Department, the black-and-white portrait of a young Latinx man looks over the street, his warm eyes and infectious smile filling the left side of the billboard. Nearby, the same image, this time in color, is found on a hand-sized sticker outside Vallejo's downtown post office, beaming as pedestrians pass by with their mail.

Emblazoned on both images is an unmistakable message: "Justice for Sean Monterrosa."

Since his death just after midnight on June 2, 2020 at the hands of a city police detective, Sean's sisters, Ashley and Michelle Monterrosa, and the Vallejo community have refused to let his death be forgotten in the city of about 120,000.

"We want Sean to be the last person killed by the Vallejo Police Department," says Michelle. "We understand how difficult that is with this Police Department. Kids are counting the days until they're the next hashtag."

The sisters have become the latest members of an exclusive group that no one wants to join, one composed of the family and friends of men -- brothers, nephews, sons, fathers -- killed by Vallejo police over the past decade. But even as they grieve, they are leading the fight to reform a troubled department that has killed 19 people under questionable circumstances and with near impunity since 2010.

Many of them have taken to the streets in protest; others have taken their message online. And although their aims may sometimes differ, together they have found a voice calling for change.

"We're turning pain into power," the sisters say.

Although Vallejo police leadership has in most cases defended its individual officers, even the department acknowledges the need for change.

Police spokeswoman Brittany K. Jackson said police have begun a process of self-reform by improving several departmental policies, including requiring officers to turn on body-worn cameras every time they interact with the community. Jackson said the department has improved its de-escalation policy, code of conduct and standard of ethics.

"Reform looks like enhanced levels of trust and legitimacy, increased accountability and oversight, and our ability to develop future leaders that carry out the principles of 21st-century policing," said Jackson.

Meanwhile, the call to action by grieving relatives appears to have paid off as California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on May 13 that his office would investigate Sean Monterrosa's death to determine whether criminal charges should be filed in the case.

"It's past time Sean Monterrosa's family, the community and the people of Vallejo get some answers," Bonta said. "They deserve to know where the case stands. Instead, they've been met with silence. It's time for that to change; it's time for action."

Other cities grapple with issues

The death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, followed by Sean Monterrosa's death and other high-profile acts of violence by police in the country, have together brought new urgency to debates over how to make police departments more accountable to the communities they purport to serve. In this multi-article series, the Bay City News Foundation examines how the cities of Richmond, Oakland and San Francisco have approached police reform, the degree to which those methods have worked and whether they can be replicated successfully in Vallejo.

For Oakland, the "Riders" scandal nearly 20 years ago put the city's Police Department under a federal monitor after four Oakland police officers were accused of beating residents and planting evidence on them. That monitor went on to oversee major changes in the department.

However, 18 years later, debate continues on whether such an oversight model helps or hinders reforming the department. Opponents, many in the department itself, claim the federal monitor continuously resets goals in order to keep his job, while supporters believe the monitor has actually helped make the department more accountable.

In Richmond, a police chief took a different approach to bringing change to a city that experienced a high crime rate. Plagued by a lack of trust between the Police Department and a community that was mostly non-white, then-Police Chief Chris Magnus (currently nominated by President Joe Biden as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection) began a focus on community policing after he was hired in 2006. Magnus sought to repair relations between his officers and the community by assigning police to specific beat areas in the city. Officers were required to list their phone numbers and email addresses publicly and post their work shifts online.

The new practice has been accompanied by a reduction in major crimes. Between 2015 and 2020, for example, Richmond hovered around 20 homicides per year -- down from a recent peak of 38 in 2004 (and as many as 61 in the early 1990s).

Across the Bay in San Francisco, city leaders have deployed unarmed, non-police teams to take over most police calls that reference code 800 - which describes a "report of a mentally disturbed person."

Using unarmed teams is one approach advocated by those who call for "defunding the police" -- that is, not eliminating police funding but removing some money from a police department to use on other, unarmed responses that may prove more effective (and improve police-community relations in so doing). The approach has been challenged by some San Francisco police officers, who express skepticism about the wisdom of unarmed teams.

Three cities, three different paths to police reform. None of them has been a complete success but each has something to recommend it. In some cases, these steps have been combined with other measures -- the creation of civilian-led police commissions and the adoption of such technologies as ShotSpotter gunshot detection systems and body cameras. Now the question is whether one or more of these approaches can be brought to bear in Vallejo, where the history of police killings underscores the need for meaningful reform.

"We want to make some change"

Just hours prior to the shooting of Sean Monterrosa, Vallejo city officials instituted a rare curfew after receiving information that groups of individuals planned to loot businesses and cause mayhem throughout the city. Over the course of the night, police responded multiple times to reports of looting at a local Walgreens, and shortly after midnight, officers saw 10 to 12 "potential looters in the parking lot."

Most of the individuals got into two separate cars, fleeing the scene and leading police on a pursuit. But one person remained behind.

At the same time, more officers in an unmarked pickup truck drove into the parking lot. Seconds after arriving, Police Detective Jarrett Tonn aimed his AR-15 assault rifle from the truck's backseat, firing five times through the windshield at the kneeling man.

Sean Monterrosa was struck once in the neck. He died shortly after.

Following the shooting, Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams alleged that Monterrosa had placed "his hands above his waist," revealing what appeared to be a handgun. It turned out to be a hammer tucked into Sean's sweatshirt. Williams further asserted Monterrosa was "turning towards the officers in a crouching down, half-kneeling position, as if in preparation to shoot" -- an account the family strongly denies.

More than 45 minutes prior to his death, Monterrosa sent a text message to his sisters, urging them to sign a petition demanding justice for the death of George Floyd, who had been killed a week earlier by a Minneapolis police officer.

The Monterrosa family, including Sean, had always been involved in racial justice activism. But "it's just different now when it hits home," says Michelle. "[Protests] won't bring our brother back, but we want to bring attention to our brother's case."

Ashley concurs, stating that with the ongoing protests against police brutality, now is the time to push for reform of the Vallejo Police Department.

"We can't sit at home," she says. "We want to make some change."

Down the rabbit hole

Until recently, public outcry following a fatal officer-involved shooting in Vallejo typically lasted a few news cycles before generally fading from the public eye.

That changed markedly in February 2019 when Willie McCoy, a 20-year-old aspiring rapper, was shot and killed by police in a brutal scene that shocked even a community used to police violence.

After McCoy fell asleep in a Taco Bell drive-thru, police were called on a wellness check. In body-cam footage and audio taken that night, arriving officers can be heard saying that a gun was in Willie's lap.

The footage does not clearly show a weapon but, in any case, after announcing they see a gun, five officers surround the vehicle before McCoy appears to stir. They shout at McCoy for about three seconds before proceeding to fire. A sixth officer runs over and fires once before an officer blocks his line of view. All together, the six officers shoot 55 bullets in 3.5 seconds.

McCoy was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy report showed that he was shot 38 times, including in the heart and both lungs.

The McCoy family, which has previously described the shooting as an "execution by firing squad," has long questioned the validity of the police allegations, including whether he had a gun at all.

"I've always had reservations about the circumstances and the narrative put out by the city," says Kori McCoy, Willie's older brother. "It was never an option or thought to accept that narrative. ... I don't care if Willie had an AK-47 on his lap. They took the wrong approach that night to wake him up."

Just like the Monterrosa sisters, Kori and his family have sought to reform the Vallejo Police Department as a way to honor their loved one. In November, Kori and his cousin, David Harrison, started a new podcast called "The Secrets of the Rabbit Hole Podcast" to challenge city and police accounts of fatal, officer-involved shootings.

"One of the goals is to have other impacted families come on and tell their truth," explains Kori, who adds the podcast was a year in the making. "We also want to use the venue to get information out outside of the city's narrative."

The first episode tackled an article from the independent newsroom Open Vallejo, which reported that some Vallejo police officers bent the points of their badges to mark their involvement in a fatal shooting -- a practice that only came to light after the death of Willie McCoy.

Kori said it was "somewhat satisfying" to have the department's potential misdeeds finally uncovered after his family expressed concern over police behavior for more than a year. In the podcast episode, Harrison suggested that Willie's life was taken to initiate several officers into the badge-bending group as part of a "blood-oath ritual."

"In the days to come, we're going to find more corruption in the Vallejo Police Department, and outside the police, we're going to find more corruption on the City Council," Harrison said in the episode.

While the Monterrosa sisters remain optimistic that their brother will be the last person killed without justification by Vallejo police, Kori doesn't share the same outlook.

"It's going to happen again," he says. "There is nothing in place to hold these officers accountable."

Still, that hasn't stopped the McCoys from taking steps to help others like themselves. Along with their podcast, the family has launched The Willie McCoy Foundation to support those affected by police violence by providing access to civil rights attorneys and activists, and by putting them in touch with other families who have experienced the loss of a loved one at the hands of the police.

"Playing ping pong"

"It's murder -- all day," Angela Sullivan said, trying to stifle her sobs over the phone. "We're going to get justice for Ronell. My soul is never going to rest until that happens."

Sullivan is the aunt to the late Ronell Foster, who was shot and killed on Feb. 13, 2018, by former Vallejo Police Officer Ryan McMahon. Foster was 33 years old.

Since then, the case has become bogged down in one legal controversy after another, illustrating the byzantine legal system that often frustrates those seeking justice and closure for their loved ones.

McMahon had attempted to stop Foster, who was riding his bicycle in downtown Vallejo, for a minor traffic violation and, he told investigators, to "educate" him about bicycle safety.

Police maintain that Foster, who was unarmed, fled on his bicycle, eventually ditching it to run down a pathway behind some buildings. At that point, McMahon said he got out of his police cruiser, pursuing Foster on foot. He also claimed that Foster reached for his waistband several times during the chase. In response, he shot Foster with a stun gun.

Foster continued to run until he fell along a walkway behind a building on Carolina Street, allowing McMahon to catch up and stun Foster again before the policeman started hitting him with his flashlight. McMahon alleges that Foster "forcibly removed" the flashlight from his hands; fearing for his safety, the officer pulled out his gun and fired.

The father of two was hit seven times in the side and back, including once in the back of the head, according to attorneys representing the Foster family. "He used three weapons on this kid. Ronell's skull was in pieces," Sullivan says. "It was just one man. I thought six or seven people had jumped Ronell."

The police said McMahon's actions were self-defense, and Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams agreed. In January 2020, her office declined to charge McMahon, saying he "was justified in using deadly force."

However, the Police Department did determine that McMahon violated several police policies, including a failure to turn on his body-cam and to radio dispatch that he was chasing Foster.

And a month after he was cleared of wrongdoing by Abrams, McMahon recorded a sworn deposition as part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Foster family in which he concedes there were shortcomings in investigations by the police and the district attorney -- and in which he revealed that he had no contact whatsoever with investigators from the district attorney's office following the shooting.

"They were there that night to investigate, but besides that, no," McMahon said in the deposition.

This is not the first time Abrams has been accused of soft-pedaling investigations into police. Elected in 2014 on a platform of restoring the community's trust in the district attorney's office, Abrams has not charged a single Vallejo officer in connection with any fatal shooting.

"How come [Abrams] never finds a Vallejo police officer guilty of wrongdoing?" Sullivan asks.

Despite Abrams' unwillingness to press charges, the family filed a civil lawsuit that the city eventually settled, agreeing to a $5.7 million payout. McMahon, who was one of the six Vallejo police officers who shot and killed Willie McCoy, was officially fired in late September 2020 -- for endangering his fellow officers during the McCoy shooting.

Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said McMahon's actions "violated safety norms of firearms handling" when the officer began running toward McCoy's car with his weapon extended as another officer was in his line of fire.

In November, Sullivan joined a protest in downtown Fairfield to mark what would have been her nephew's 36th birthday and to demand that Abrams' office reopen the investigation into her nephew's death after the release of McMahon's deposition in October.

If the district attorney decides to take such a course, it likely won't happen anytime soon. For much of the past year, Abrams recused herself from investigating the shootings of both Willie McCoy and Sean Monterrosa, saying that the community no longer had confidence in her impartiality. Along the way, she has engaged in a lengthy public spat with former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra over which agency should conduct the investigation.

Finally, after facing months of criticism -- as well as the threat of a lawsuit by the city of Vallejo if Abrams didn't "do her job" -- the embattled district attorney appointed former San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Anthony Ramos as special prosecutor to determine whether the six Vallejo police officers are criminally culpable for killing McCoy.

In January, Ramos declined to bring charges against the officers, claiming they were "legally justified" when they shot and killed McCoy.

"Then when McCoy woke up, he posed a clear and immediate threat to the officers, and the officers faced with a life and death situation had seconds to decide how to stop the threat," Ramos wrote in a 16-page report.

In his announcement, Bonta expressed frustration with Abrams, who he accused of once again shirking her responsibilities once the local authorities completed their investigation and presented the findings.

"Subsequently, the District Attorney, without invitation or notice, attempted to deliver the investigative file to the California Department of Justice," Bonta added. "In effect, the District Attorney demanded that the Department assume the responsibilities she was elected to carry out, despite the fact that no known circumstances prevented her from discharging her duties."

Kori McCoy says his family has a special phrase to describe the legal back-and-forth that plagues the local justice system. "We call it playing ping pong. To us, it confirms they know the officers are guilty, but they don't want to prosecute their own."

No justice, no peace

In September, Ashley and Michelle Monterrosa led dozens of supporters to the billboard of Sean Monterrosa near police headquarters. Standing over a train track, the crowd held a moment of silence.

The billboard's location isn't a coincidence. It is meant to serve as a reminder to officers and city officials in town. A second billboard was placed on Sonoma Boulevard, one of the city's main traffic arteries, for a similar reason.

"You've turned your backs for so long -- now it's time you face what has happened," says Ashley. "You're not going to forget Sean."

Funding for the billboards came from Vessels of Vallejo, a new community organization started by Louis Michael, a Vallejo resident who acted after the deaths of Sean Monterrosa and George Floyd.

"Nobody deserves to die like that," says Michael, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for a City Council seat this past November. He added that the group signed a six-month contract to have the same image rotate on billboards throughout the city, ensuring all residents remember Monterrosa.

For their part, city officials seem open to police reform. On Oct. 6, the Vallejo City Council took the dramatic step of declaring a public safety state of emergency in order to speed through changes, including the hiring of two deputy police chiefs to supplement Williams' depleted command staff.

Expanding the command structure is unpopular with the Vallejo Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file officers.

"The VPOA is concerned for the financial health of the city," says a spokesperson. "The hiring of two newly created and seemingly unnecessary deputy chief positions is being financed by not filling several much-needed police officer vacancies."

During its August 25, 2020 meeting, the Vallejo City Council adjusted the budget to recognize a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice funding eight new officer positions within the Vallejo Police Department. The U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program awarded Vallejo with the grant, which totals $5,114,754 over a three-year period. In recognition of the grant funding, the Vallejo City Council amended the Fiscal Year 2020-21 General Fund budget for the Police Department to recognize $1,590,204 from the grant and appropriate expenditures of that amount. The $1,590,204 is intended to cover the eight new police officers' salary and benefit costs for this fiscal year.

"Reform also looks like increased communication, collaboration and engagement with community partners, all of which we've made significant strides toward in the last year with the development of a new website and enhanced social media presence. In addition, reform is new technology that allows us to provide better customer service and solve more crimes," said Jackson, spokeswoman for the Vallejo Police Department.

But Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell has indicated he will push for further reform during his time as mayor. He highlighted a need for officers to receive improved training, including on how to interact with the public.

"Change is coming," McConnell says. "Those reluctant to make change will have two choices: Go with the change or be unhappy."

McConnell also says the city needs to find a way to reduce the number of civil lawsuits it is currently facing in federal court.

Kori McCoy, for one, would gladly abandon his family's civil lawsuit seeking compensation if the six officers who shot and killed his brother were prosecuted on criminal charges. He also stresses that the family is seeking federal oversight of the department as part of its lawsuit, calling it a starting point of reform.

"Anything less is insufficient," he says.

Despite whatever setbacks they might face, the impacted families have no plans of standing down anytime soon. As for herself, Angela Sullivan is confident in one thing.

"We're going to get justice for Ronell, we're going to get justice for Willie, we're going to get justice for ... Sean," she says. "We're going to get justice for all of them -- there is no stopping us."

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.
By John Glidden

Bay City News Foundation

By all accounts, Carl Edwards was having an ordinary day in July 2017 as the handyman quietly worked on welding a fence outside of a building he owns in the city of Vallejo.

But it became anything but ordinary. By the end of the day, Edwards was bleeding profusely from his head with a broken nose and two black eyes as he lay face down on concrete while a Vallejo police officer pushed his knee into his neck - a maneuver that killed a man a few years later in Minneapolis.

In November 2020, Vallejo agreed to pay Edwards $750,000 to settle an excessive force complaint he filed against the city and its police force in federal court.

Edwards' case is among the most recent examples in a long string of incidents involving questionable use of force by Vallejo police.

For many local residents, activists and civil rights lawyers, it provides proof that outside accountability will be required to address the deep-seated cultural problems in the Vallejo police force.

And the best way to achieve that accountability, they say, is to place the Police Department under federal review.

"The Vallejo Police Department is so internally rotten, nothing short of a federal monitor will bring the needed change," said attorney Michael Haddad, who represented Edwards in his federal civil case against the city of Vallejo. "The Vallejo Police Department has historically been resistant to obeying the Constitution. They act like they own the city."

Local civil rights attorney Melissa Nold, who has filed multiple excessive force and/or wrongful death lawsuits against Vallejo and its police force, agrees that strong federal oversight is the only way to bring reform to the city's police force.

Nold represents the family of Willie McCoy, a 20-year-old Suisun City man shot and killed by six Vallejo police officers outside a local Taco Bell in February 2019. McCoy, who was unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle parked in the restaurant's drive-thru, suffered 38 gunshot wounds.

"Federal oversight is mandatory," Nold said. "Anything less won't do."

Nold believes a federal monitor system adopted by Oakland nearly 20 years ago is the perfect model to reform VPD.

The independent monitor system in Oakland was born from a 2003 settlement between the city and more than 100 people who filed federal lawsuits against Oakland, claiming they had been subjected to abuse by several Oakland police officers known as "The Riders."

Four Oakland police officers were accused of planting evidence, beating citizens, and kidnapping residents in the city. The abuse was uncovered when a rookie police officer resigned and reported his former co-workers' alleged crimes to the department's internal affairs division.

Eventually, a negotiated settlement agreement (NSA) was reached in federal court. The NSA provided $11 million to the plaintiffs, but importantly it also established a federal monitor to oversee reform within the department.

Robert Warshaw, a retired police chief, was hired in 2010 to serve as monitor, charged with ensuring that reform efforts continue within the department. Warshaw who reports to U.S. District Judge William Orrick, monitors several areas within OPD, including use of force, internal affairs and citizen complaints, discipline, training and management and supervision.

Since 2014, Warsaw has also served as compliance director of the negotiated settlement agreement, in addition to his duties as federal monitor. The position was first created in December 2012 to bring the Police Department "into sustainable compliance with the NSA."

Today, 18 years after the initial settlement, many observers believe the monitor has had a positive effect on the Police Department functioning. Although precise statistics are difficult to obtain, anecdotal evidence suggests violent police interactions with civilians have declined and the monitor has made the department far more accountable -- and less corruptible.

"The monitor in Oakland is necessary," said Rashidah Grinage, a member of the Coalition for Police Accountability in Oakland. "Without it - there is no accountability."

Prominent civil rights attorney John Burris, who was the lead lawyer in the Allen vs. city of Oakland case that ultimately led to the negotiated settlement agreement in Oakland, remains critical of some policing practices in Oakland, but he also sees value in a court overseeing reform of a department.

"A court can hold a city in contempt," Burris said.

But critics believe there is much more work to be done if the Police Department is truly to serve the community.

Grinage, who lost her son and husband during a confrontation with officers regarding a dog in 1993, says she thought the monitor system would have been dismantled by now with the Oakland Police Commission becoming the natural successor of oversight in Oakland.

Instead, the monitor remains in place, and some argue that's because the standard for determining whether reforms have been met keep changing, bringing into question whether the federal monitor is an effective solution to reforming a police department.

Some of the strongest criticism has come from Oakland Councilman Noel Gallo, who worries that relying on an outside monitor can obscure the need for grassroots reform.

In February 2020, Gallo wrote to Orrick, asking the judge to end federal oversight of the Police Department. Gallo claimed Oakland, at that point, had spent $28 million on federal oversight since it began in 2003. Gallo is among those arguing the criteria for removing OPD from receivership change too often.

"The monitor only shows up to tell me what's wrong," Gallo said. "The whole process of a monitor is extremely expensive and time consuming."

Those concerns make Gallo skeptical about whether a monitor would improve the situation in Vallejo. There, he said, as in Oakland, the mayor and city government need to "focus more on the community and building trust."

"Violence is happening in the neighborhoods," he said. "(Vallejo should) apply dollars to the community to address its needs immediately."

Gallo pointed to the number of permanent, interim and acting police chiefs Oakland has gone through since he was first elected to the City Council in 2009. That total? 12.

"Having multiple police chiefs doesn't solve problems - nor does a federal monitor," Gallo added.

Former Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who was fired by the city's Police Commission and Mayor Libby Schaaf in early 2020, has also registered her displeasure with the monitor.

"It's a million-dollar contract," she said at the time about the federal monitor's pay. "Where is the incentive to find you in compliance? We've been asking for the metrics so we know what we're moving towards, but some of these tasks do not have metrics. How do you hit a mark that you don't know what is being measured?"

At the time of her firing, Kirkpatrick said the department was close to being in compliance with the 50 police reforms agreed to under the 2003 settlement. Meanwhile, Warshaw effectively wore two hats. Court records show that from April 2020 through March 2021, Oakland paid $150,000 -- or $12,500 each month -- to Warshaw & Associates for Warshaw to act as compliance director, while he also collected more than $800,000 as a federal monitor during the time frame.

Since 2015, Warshaw and his team of consultants have cost the city about $5 million.

Even with the push to reform Oakland's police force, the city continues to pay large sums of money to settle claims filed against the Oakland Police Department.

According to the city, Oakland made more than $23 million in settlement payments in connection with Oakland police officer incidents between Jan. 1, 2015 and Aug. 31, 2020.

In April 2020, Oakland agreed to pay $1.4 million to the family of a homeless man who was fatally shot by officers in 2018. That man, 32-year-old Joshua Pawlik, was shot multiple times after he was awakened while sleeping on the ground. Pawlik had a weapon in his lap when he was fatally shot on March 11, 2018.

And three years ago, the Oakland City Council approved a $989,000 settlement with a woman formerly known as Celeste Guap, who was at the center of a sexual exploitation case that ensnared more than a dozen Oakland police officers as well as officers with other Bay Area departments.

These settlement figures suggest that police reform remains incomplete in Oakland. The Riders may have disappeared, but police-community relations remain frayed.

Data show African Americans are still far more likely to be stopped by Oakland police officers than other ethnicities, suggesting the department needs additional reform. In 2016, a Stanford University study found that from April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014, about 10 years after the monitor situation was established, Oakland officers arrested significantly more African Americans than whites.

"Some 60 percent of OPD stops were of African Americans, who make up 28 percent of Oakland's population," the study found. The study was conducted by Stanford SPARQ, a self-described "do tank" that looks to "reduce societal disparities and bridge social divides using insights from behavioral science," according to its website.

The city of Oakland requested the study in order to examine relations between the community and Oakland police.

Researchers found that during the 13-month period, only 20 percent of officers stopped a white person, while 96 percent stopped an African American. They further discovered only 26 percent of officers handcuffed a white person while 72 percent handcuffed an African American.

Sixty-five percent of officers decided to conduct discretionary searches on an African American person, while only 23 percent of officers decided to do such searches on white persons.

Researchers said that Oakland officers were more likely to stop an African American when they were able to identify the community member's race before conducting a traffic stop.

Those numbers since appear to have improved somewhat, as internal Oakland Police Department data show that during the first three months of 2021 African Americans made up 53 percent of all traffic stops. Latinos made up 26 percent, with whites making up 12 percent.

But coupled with the stop data, an audit by the Police Department's inspector general found that Oakland police officers failed to report use of force against a suspect in a little more than a third of the incidents from 2018 -- and the auditor found that every unreported incident involved either a Latino or African American.

"There were 12 incidents involving 19 subjects in which the audit found the pointing of the firearm should have been reported as a use of force but was not," the audit found. "Of the 19 subjects, 17 were African American (89%) and 2 were Hispanic (11%)."

The audit also found that the majority of arrestees in 2018 were minorities: African American 60 percent, and 24 percent were Latino.

But if policing in Oakland remains far from ideal, the situation is far more dire in Vallejo, where city officials warn that payouts to settle excessive force and/or wrongful death lawsuits filed against the police force are crippling city finances.

Vallejo has agreed to pay more than $15 million to settle police misconduct lawsuits since 2003 -- about the same time Oakland PD went under federal monitoring. This includes the $5.7 million settlement reached between the city of Vallejo and the family of Ronell Foster in September 2020.

Foster was shot seven times by a Vallejo police officer as the pair tussled behind a building in early 2018. The officer, Ryan McMahon, had attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Foster, who was driving his bicycle without a light. McMahon told investigators that he trying to "educate" the 33-year-old man about traffic safety when Foster fled.

The city of Vallejo, which is about a quarter of Oakland's population of 440,900, is paying out almost the same amount of money to settle excessive force lawsuits as Oakland.

Civil rights attorney Michael Haddad also represented Foster's family in their lawsuit against the city.

"The city of Vallejo is paying a premium," Haddad said. "They are afraid that if they face a jury, the payout amounts will be worse (for the city). And in the meantime, officers continue to have an attitude of superiority."

Burris agreed with that assessment of the situation in Vallejo.

"There is no consistency when it comes to discipline of officers (in Vallejo)," said Burris, who argued that applying discipline can be a way to stem the flow of excessive force claims against the city. "If you don't have any discipline, they run amok."

Settlements have become such an issue in Vallejo that the City Council agreed to declare a local public safety emergency in October 2020.

"The city faces potential liability (of) $50 million or more to resolve the multiple lawsuits. While this amount will primarily be paid by insurance coverage, the city still faces an out-of-pocket expense of $15 million to $20 million over the next several years," wrote Randy Risner, then-interim city attorney, in an Oct. 6 report to the City Council.

Burris said Vallejo City Hall and the city's police force need to be committed to reforming the department.

"The issue has always been what is the Vallejo Police Department's willingness to comply with having a monitor," said Burris.

And that view strikes a responsive chord among the relatives of the victims of police violence.

"The first thing is to get a monitor who can ensure officers are fit for duty," said Mitchell, who lost her brother Mario Romero to police violence in September 2012.

Those who argue Vallejo needs to be placed under federal oversight point to Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams as a key reason why.

Since being elected to office in 2014, Abrams has repeatedly cleared Vallejo officers of any wrongdoing following a fatal interaction with the community, despite widespread concerns about the circumstances surrounding police killings.

For example, Abrams' office said Vallejo police officer Ryan McMahon "was justified in using deadly force," when he shot and killed Foster behind a building on the night of Feb. 13, 2018.

Fueling the criticism of Abrams is her failure to to investigate thoroughly fatal officer-involved cases in Vallejo. Last summer, Abrams said her office would not be investigating the Willie McCoy and Sean Monterrosa shooting, saying there was no point in doing so because she lacks credibility in the community.

Monterrosa was shot once in the throat by Vallejo Police Detective Jarrett Tonn while Monterrosa kneeled on the ground outside a Vallejo Walgreens during the early morning hours of June 2, 2020. Meanwhile, Six Vallejo police officers fired 55 rounds at McCoy in 3.5 seconds as the 20-year-old man was unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle in a Vallejo Taco Bell drive-thru.

A special prosecutor, hired by Abrams to investigate the McCoy shooting, cleared all six officers of any wrongdoing.

Abrams' opponents argue the DA is too close to the police departments that she is obligated to investigate.

David Alan Sklansky, a law professor at Stanford and former federal prosecutor, said the relationship between DAs and the law enforcement agencies they have to investigate is a "legitimate concern."

"District attorneys and their staff work day in and day out with the police agencies within their county, so it can be difficult for them to be completely impartial -- and to be seen as completely impartial -- when they are asked to investigate and possibly prosecute an officer employed by one of those same agencies," he said. "That's why it often makes sense for state agencies, especially the attorney general's office, to take over the criminal investigation and prosecution of police shootings and other police uses of deadly force, as the office of the Minnesota Attorney General did in the Derek Chauvin prosecution."

Abrams' refusal to investigate finally forced California Attorney General Rob Bonta to announce on May 13 that his office would investigate Sean Monterrosa's death to determine whether criminal charges should be filed in the case.

But based on his own unhappy experience, Edwards said he would like to see a federal monitor oversee the Vallejo Police Department and implement such policies as regular drug testing of officers.

"I think there is no reason in this world why they shouldn't be drug tested," said Edwards. "Everyone else is."

Ironically, police said at the time that they were looking for a man wearing a white tank top and black pants, who was chasing children in the area with a slingshot.

Edwards didn't match the description of the suspect when police approached. The former Vallejo man was wearing a gray T-shirt and tan pants that day outside his building.

And while Edwards' physical injuries have healed, the emotional damage remains. The spot where police tackled Edwards in front of the building he owns almost four years ago is closed to public view. A new seven-foot fence greets anyone trying to get a view.

Haddad, the man's lawyer, revealed a stark reality about Edwards building a second fence following his experience with Vallejo police.

"Carl put that fence up not to keep criminals out but the police," Haddad said.

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.
Hidden in plain sight where Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties converge, Cuyama is an outpost whose hills and grasslands teem with manzanita, wildflower and mighty California oak, writes English transplant Keri Bridgwater of this fascinating and little-known four corners region in the heart of her adopted homeland.

At the edge of Santa Barbara County, Cuyama is Central California's cowboy valley of enchantment

For many travel lovers, the worst part of any trip is the time at the airport: the lines, the noise, the overpriced food, the stress of the security screening. Joshua Bote spent an entire day at SFOs newest terminal to find out what its like right now, and his conclusion was a surprise.

This new SFO terminal is the best airport experience in the Bay Area

For many of us in the Bay Area, Tahoe is a favorite getaway. But the ability to get by without a car is also one of the joys of city life, which means a lot of us need to get out of town in other ways. Following a recent trip with friends, Madeline Wells decided to try out the train on her way home to Oakland. Shed do it again, and heres why:

Here's why you should be riding Amtrak between SF and Tahoe

Sadly, many of the places we love most are increasingly imperiled by climate change. SFGATEs Tahoe editor made reservations six months in advance to spend a few days at one of the lakes most beloved campgrounds only to find her view obscured by smoke.

Lately, an escape to Tahoe feels like a frightening glimpse of the future

As part of my semi-regular round-up of California hotel news, I wrote about a La Quinta resort project with a Kelly Slater wave pool as its centerpiece and the opposition it was meeting from locals in the desert town. Plus, weed tourism and robot restaurant servers.

Get a Room hotel news: Calif. town fights wave pool resort, Humboldt cannabis tourism and more

Our intrepid Southern California correspondent and Disneyland editor Julie Tremaine broke from her usual beat to road trip to a museum devoted to every true Californians favorite burger chain.

I road-tripped to In-N-Out's hamburger museum in Los Angeles

Travelskills is curated by travel editor Freda Moon. You can contact her at Freda.Moon@sfgate.com.
Throughout the pandemic, I have cared for kids admitted with covid-19 to the children's hospital in Houston where I am a pediatrician. These children have included newborns with fevers who require a sepsis evaluation, school-age kids whose bodies are ravaged with inflammation associated with covid-19 in children, and tweens and adolescents with covid pneumonia who need oxygen and other respiratory support. I've cared for children whose entire families have been devastated by covid - sometimes the child was sick enough to be admitted but had no parent at their bedside because the parents were critically ill at the adult hospital down the street or, worse, had recently died from covid.

All the while, as both a doctor and mother, I've wrestled with a certain dissonance: There is this popular notion that covid doesn't affect children - and my public health and epidemiologic training reminds me that on a population-level, it's true, the majority of children who contract covid-19 will be asymptomatic or have mild disease. But I contrast this with the reality of being a clinician at the bedside of children critically ill from covid and covid-related illnesses. These two perspectives battle in my brain as I make risk assessments for my own school-aged child. One thing that terrifies me as a parent is that we can't predict why some children get so incredibly sick from covid while others have mild disease; we don't know why some go on to have lingering debilitation and symptoms for months, and others make quick recoveries.

What I do know is that in this moment, as the highly contagious delta variant becomes the predominant strain circulating and we enter another covid surge, I am more worried for children than I have ever been.

First and foremost, this is because the high transmissibility of the delta variant will translate into a greater number of children being exposed than before, which will lead to a greater number of children infected. Even if the delta variant is no more virulent in children than the original virus was, the sheer numbers will translate into more children being admitted to the hospital with covid and covid-related illnesses. As school reopenings coincide with the growth of the delta variant, I worry we will see large outbreaks in school settings that we didn't see with less-contagious versions of the virus.

I wonder, if more people saw what I see at patient bedsides, would they do more to protect children? I talked with one mother who wondered whether she could have done something to prevent her child from ending up sick in the hospital with covid. I recall providing emotional support - in addition to oxygen, steroids and remdesivir - to a teenager admitted with covid pneumonia who was grappling with the recent deaths of multiple family members with covid. His life had turned upside down in a few short weeks.

Over the course of the pandemic, our hospital system has diagnosed more than 15,000 children and adolescents with covid - a number that is trending up. About 10 percent of them have required hospital admission. Up to one-third of children admitted to our hospital have required critical care - including oxygen delivered through high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation and intubation with mechanical ventilation. When I discharge children from the hospital, I know that many of them have a long road to recovery, and many will require follow-up for cardiac clearance and long-term care in our hospital's long-covid clinic. More than 300 children across the United States have died from covid since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most children with covid will make a complete recovery, but up to 10 percent, including those with mild illness not requiring hospital admission, go on to develop months-long symptoms of long covid.

During previous covid surges, children's hospitals in the United States experienced very low patient volumes compared to prior years because people were not seeking routine medical care or elective procedures. We could easily handle the influx of children with covid because we also were not seeing much of the common viruses of childhood, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza, which typically keep children's hospitals busy all winter. During previous surges, children's hospitals across the country were able to serve as pop-off valves for adult hospitals overwhelmed with covid admissions, in many instances stepping up to admit and provide direct clinical care to adult patients, or lending equipment to adult hospitals.

What's different this time is that children's hospitals are also dealing with an unusual summertime surge in respiratory viruses, including RSV, which causes acute illness in infants and toddlers. Our hospitals are seeing a huge, sustained influx of patients with RSV - who often need oxygen and respiratory support - and we are busier at our baseline than at other times during the pandemic. I worry how children's hospitals will handle a covid surge on top of the RSV surge, which will stress hospital systems and staff.

Adding to my concerns as a pediatrician is that our society is dealing with covid-fatigue. Children younger than 12 remain ineligible for vaccination, but people are tired of following mitigation measures and eager to get back to normal life. Too many eligible adults and adolescents over 12 years of age remain unvaccinated. One important step that families can take to protect their children of all ages is to ensure that all eligible household members over age 12 are vaccinated; it is heartbreaking to care for children hospitalized with covid when I know this could have been prevented.

I am often approached by friends, family members and neighbors facing the difficult decisions that I also face as a pandemic parent: How do we keep our children safe? I like to remind them that during the past 18 months, we've gained both experience and knowledge and developed tools and recommendations to help limit the spread of covid - all based on scientific evidence. Masking (including universal masking in schools), physical distancing, testing, contact tracing, quarantining and vaccinating do help. If we abandon these crucial tools now, we are putting our children in harm's way.

- - -

Heather Haq is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and a pediatric hospitalist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. She is also the chief medical officer for the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital.
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An employer's failure to notify an employee of the cost of a confirmatory retest of his original drug test specimen is a violation of the Iowa drug testing law (Woods v. Charles Gabus Ford, Inc., Case No. 19-0002 (Iowa June 25, 2021)).

The Iowa drug testing statute imposes many requirements on employers, including an obligation to notify current employees of confirmed positive test results. The notice must be provided in writing, by certified mail, return receipt requested, and it must inform the employee of the right to request a confirmatory retest of the sample as well as the cost imposed on the employee for the retest (different notice obligations are required for applicants).

In Woods, the employer terminated an employee for testing positive on an employer-required random drug test. The employer sent a letter to the employee informing him of the results of the drug test, his right to request a confirmatory retest, and that he would have to pay for a confirmatory retest. The employer did not specify the cost of the retest (which should be consistent with the employer's cost for conducting the initial confirmatory test). The employer sent the letter via certified mail, without return receipt requested. The employee filed suit, alleging the employer failed to substantially comply with the notice provisions of the statute.

The court explained that the ultimate question was whether the letter provided notice of the positive test result and a meaningful opportunity to consider whether to request a confirmatory retest. Under this standard, the employer's failure to specify the cost of the retest violated the statute. The court reasoned that the cost of a retest is "vital information for making an informed decision." It made no difference that the employee testified he might not have asked for a retest had he been informed of the costhe was aggrieved under the statute because he could not make an informed decision.

As to the employer's failure to send the letter return receipt requested, the court stated that there was no persuasive distinction between sending mail return receipt requested and sending it by certified mail. Rather, both conveyed the serious nature of the letter, and therefore sending the letter by certified mail substantially complied with the requirements of the Iowa drug testing law.

The court also reasoned that back pay was appropriate because there was no way to know what the outcome of the retest would have been. The court also remanded the case for a determination about whether front pay would be appropriate as well.

This case serves as another reminder that Iowa employers must strictly comply with the technical requirements of the state's drug testing statute.

Catherine A. Cano is an attorney with Jackson Lewis in Omaha, Neb.  2021 Jackson Lewis. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission.
2021 has been a great year for Indian tech startups so far, especially in terms of funding. According to data from Venture Intelligence, within the first six months of 2021, Indian startups raised $12.1 billion from 382 venture capitalists and private equity firms. According to the report, this is $1 billion more than the total funding raised throughout 2020, which came from 764 deals.

Startups are experiencing rapid market growth and revenue growth. Common funding sources utilised by startups are: Singapore's Temasek Holdings, Y Combinator, Better Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, Titan Capital and many others. This week BharatPe valued at $2.85 billion, making it the 19th Indian startup to become a 'unicorn.' We have also followed the stories of edtech platforms like Unacademy, Skill-Lync, Rocket Skills raising funds and IPOs of Policybazaar, Adani wilmer. Find the updates of the startups related news at startupcity.

Startups raising funds

On 2nd of August Unacademy has raised $440 million in a new funding round led by Singapore's Temasek Holdings, valuing the education technology startup at $3.4 billion.

Mirae Asset from South Korea also participated in the round, and existing investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund, General Atlantic, and Tiger Global also contributed large sums, indicating strong investor interest in a sector that has benefited greatly from rising digital adoption during the pandemic.

The edtech firm, which was valued at $2 billion less than a year ago, has now seen a 70% increase in the current round.

Unacademy has also brought on board Aroa Ventures, Oyo Hotels & Homes founder Ritesh Agarwal's family office, and Deepinder Goyal, cofounder and CEO of Zomato.

Edtech startup that provides engineering upskilling courses Skill-Lync, has raised $17.5 million (approximately 130 crore) in a Series A funding round. Iron Pillar, a venture capital (VC) fund, led the round, with participation from existing investors Y Combinator and Better Capital.

Furthermore, Flipkart cofounder Binny Bansal, former Flipkart executive Sai Krishnamurthy  who is also the founder of investment firm Xto100X  and Rashmi Kwatra, founder of Sixteenth Street Capital, joined the round as new investors.

Binny Bansal has made his fourth investment in an edtech startup. He has put money into Unacademy, HashLearn, and Crejo. Prior to Skill-Lync, have some fun.

In the same Edtech sector, Rocket Skills, has also raised Rs 2.2 crores in pre-seed funding led by Better Capital, First Cheque, and Titan Capital.

The startup is a first-of-its-kind platform that educates and mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs through a variety of courses and mentoring programmes. This round included popular angel investors Harpreet Singh Grover (founder, Co-cubes), Aprameya (founder, Taxi for Sure and Koo), Abhinav Jain (founder, Shop101), and Pravin Jadhav (ex-CEO Paytm Money, founder Raise).

The startup, which is currently focused on providing agricultural education, intends to broaden its course base in order to reach a larger audience.

While technology has enabled healthcare to improve diagnosis and patient care, Onsurity, a healthcare-related tech startup aimed at SMEs and startups, has raised $16 million in a Series A round led by leading fintech investor Quona Capital and existing investors Nexus Venture Partners.

Healthcare entrepreneur Vivek Garipalli, the founder and CEO of Clover Healthcare, also participated in the round.

According to the press release, Onsurity will use the funds to expand its healthcare platform and offerings.

BharatPe, a startup that provides merchant payments solutions and other financial services, announced a $370 million Series E round led by Tiger Global, making it the latest unicorn to join the club as the funding frenzy in India's startup ecosystem continues.

The new round values BharatPe at $2.85 billion, making it the 19th Indian startup to become a 'unicorn' this year, a term used to refer to privately valued startups worth more than $1 billion.

Dragoneer Investor Group, Steadfast Capital, Sequoia Capital, Insight Partners, Coatue Management, Ribbit Capital, and Amplo were among the other investors in the round.

IPO

India's largest insurance aggregator Policybazaar has filed for an IPO that could raise up to 60.18 billion rupees ($809 million), joining a growing list of startups preparing to tap capital markets as India's digital economy booms.

According to a public notice published, the SoftBank Group Corp.-backed startup has filed preliminary documents with the market regulator to raise up to 37.5 billion rupees through the sale of new shares. Existing shareholders will seek to sell shares worth up to 22.68 billion rupees. The startup's parent company, PB Fintech Pvt, has stated that it may consider a 7.5 billion rupee pre-IPO stock placement.

Adani Group's edible oil firm Adani Wilmar filed draft papers with markets regulator Sebi to launch its initial public offering (IPO) to raise up to Rs 4,500 crore for expansion funding. Adani Wilmar was formed in 1999 as an equal joint venture between Adani Group and Singapore-based Wilmar. It sells cooking oils under the Fortune brand as well as various other food products like rice and sugar.

The company, which aspires to be a major FMCG player, has a yearly revenue of more than Rs 30,000 crore.

Adani Enterprises said in a regulatory filing that Adani Wilmar Ltd (AWL) has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with Sebi for its IPO.

Falguni Nayar, the founder and CEO of omnichannel beauty retailer Nykaa, will not only be the first woman-led Indian unicorn to launch an IPO, but she is also expected to have strong control over the company compared to founders of other startups such as Paytm, PolicyBazaar, Zomato, Mobikwik, and CarTrade.

Six Indian startups, including Nykaa, have filed draught prospectuses with India's market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Zomato, a food delivery app, has already made a strong stock market debut.

According to the IPO draught papers, Falguni, a banker-turned-entrepreneur, will have the right to nominate up to 50% of the number of directors on the board as well as nominate at least one such nominee director as member on each statutory or other committee constituted by the board, according to the IPO draft papers.

Acquisition

The parent company of the AI-powered travel app ixigo, Le Travenues Technology, has acquired the business and operations of AbhiBus, a bus ticketing and aggregation platform based in Hyderabad. The monetary value of the transaction has not been disclosed.

The company says in a statement that the Abhibus team, led by Founder Sudhakar Reddy Chirra, has merged with the ixigo team, and that all intellectual property, brands, technology, and operations have been transferred to ixigo.

This transaction will help the ixigo group consolidate its presence in Tier 2, 3 and 4 markets by providing a multi-modal transportation experience across trains, flights, and buses to its combined user base of nearly 255 million people.

Continuing its buying spree in 2021, leading online learning platform Byju's is in advanced talks to acquire live online learning platform Vedantu for around $600-$700 million, reliable sources told indicated.

This will be the fourth major acquisition by Byju Raveendran-run Company this year.

According to sources, the Vedantu transaction is nearing completion and will be completed soon after the necessary regulatory approvals are obtained.

Vedantu provides individual and group classes in grades K-12, as well as test preparation.
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Six months ago it was almost impossible to keep up with the star arrivals in Sydney. Now our town is in the throes of a celebrity exodus with Portman expected to join their number. And its an exodus that could gather speed given increased anxiety among Hollywood studios about the Sydney lockdown. One Sydney logistics specialist working on such productions indicated the dream run may soon come to an abrupt end unless the COVID situation improves quickly. Back on the set of Portmans ironically titled Days of Abandonment, crew members have been dismantling the films soundstage at Fox Studios all week. The film lot has been heavily booked up for years with the surge of international production, chiefly for the Marvel action hero films, which has had a knock-on effect for local productions. Portmans exit from the project means the studio has been quickly snapped up for Hamish Blakes Lego Masters series, which is moving production from Melbourne to Sydney, where his family is based.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, who have made the most of their extended stay in Australia, are due to leave town soon. Kidman has managed to shoot four major productions  two of them in Australia  over the past nine months, while Urban has shot a season of The Voice. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are soon to depart Sydney. Credit:AP Kidman is headed to Hong Kong where she is starring in and producing another limited television series, called The Expats, while husband Keith is due to kick off his big tour of the US at the end of the month. Urbans Voice co-star Rita Ora left town weeks ago, one of a long line of visiting stars  including Matt Damon, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Jane Seymour, Michelle Yeoh, Zac Efron, Tilda Swinton, Chris Evans, Liam Neeson, Mark Wahlberg and Awkwafina who have all left after gracing these shores for a variety of big-budget productions. The extended Hemsworth tribe  comprising brothers Chris, Luke and Liam  have re-grouped back to their natural Byron Bay habitat.

But theres still no sign of George Clooney or ... Julia Roberts. We live in hope. Obeid shy in lockdown before lock-up Like the rest of Greater Sydney Moses Obeid is in lockdown (though his confinement is by court order), cooped up at home with his wife Nikki and their three children at the Paddington property theyre currently renting for $2600 a week. Moses Obeid talks to police at his Paddington home. Credit:Janie Barrett The digs are a far cry from the palatial multimillion-dollar Vaucluse home the family once owned, but Moses might want to prepare himself for even more cramped lodgings.

Parted ways: Nikki Obeid has parted company with her husband Moses Obeid. Credit:Instagram He is likely to be locked in a prison cell in four weeks when he is due to be sentenced after being found guilty, along with his father, former Labor minister Eddie Obeid, over their roles in a rigged tender for a coal exploration licence that delivered a $30 million windfall to the Obeid family. And it looks like being a long month for hairdresser and scented candle designer Nikki Obeid, who first met Moses 23 years ago at a friends Christmas party. Friends of the attractive, down to earth 46-year-old, who once owned a salon called Hairlarious, inform PS the couple  who married in 2002  had quietly separated more than 18 months ago and that Moses was living at a separate address in Bondi Junction. Apparently, Nikkis single status is no secret among her close-knit circle of friends, while PS hears she is keen to move on from her 52-year-old ex and start dating again. But not quite yet, given she and her former husband have opted to spend the next four weeks of his bail time under the same roof so Moses can spend as much time with his children as possible.

Not that his presence has gone unnoticed in Paddington. Moses took umbrage when the Heralds photographer turned up outside and called the police. However, such media shyness seems out of character for Moses. Until recently, he had been actively seeking to partner up with some of Australias most revered television identities to create  at the Obeids own expense  a pull-no-punches documentary about the familys experience with the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Former Labor minister Eddie Obeid (centre) arrives at the NSW Supreme Court, accompanied by his wife Judy and his solicitor Michael Bowe. Credit:Dean Sewell The Free Eddie Obeid social media feeds have even teased the doco, promising to bring this travesty of filthy injustice to our screens ... a revelation of the dirty, filthy lies and manipulation between the NSW Liberal Government, ICAC and several Australian media organisations and Australian journalists you thought you could trust. Who could they possibly be talking about?

It had been an ongoing passion project for Moses, who was spotted meeting with potential producers at The Golden Sheaf hotel in Double Bay just a couple of months ago. However, those plans died a sudden death following the guilty verdict, though PS hears there had been a certain reluctance among TV veterans about jumping in bed with the Obeids well before that. Spencers Sydney ties Her over-the-top Italian wedding rivalled that of her late aunt Princess Dianas, but sadly for Lady Kittys extended in-laws back in Sydney it was an event to be witnessed on screen rather than in person. Lady Kitty Spencer and billionaire Michael Lewis. Credit:Instagram/@kitty.spencer The 30-year-old daughter of Princess Dianas brother, Earl Spencer, married South African-born, London-based 62-year-old moneybags Michael Lewis amid a three-day event just outside Rome. She wore not one but five dresses on her wedding day, all created by Dolce & Gabbana, for whom Spencer is a global brand ambassador.

Turns out her new husband is the uncle of Sydney-based David Lewis, who along with his society darling wife Dana, is a regular at the usual charity events around town. But neither of them was keen to return PSs calls to talk about the show-stopping event that made world news. Dana and David Lewis. Credit:Facebook Perhaps they were miffed they couldnt be there in person, but they were in good company. Sadly the Spencer tiara famously worn by Princess Diana for her wedding to Prince Charles was not present. Nor was Earl Spencer, leaving it to Kittys brother, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, to walk her down the aisle. Nothing untoward about Sales break Shes only been off the air for a couple of weeks but the conspiracy theorists have wasted no time in drumming up rumours about Leigh Sales extended break from hosting the ABCs 7.30.
The characters in Ninjababy act irrationally. Fleabag spirit Ninjababy, by Norwegian director Yngvild Sve Flikke, is the raunchy, free-wheeling story of a young cartoonist who discovers that she is six months pregnant: too late to consider abortion. Rakun (Kristine Kujath Thorp) is 23. She likes party drugs and casual sex; as she keeps telling people, she has no desire to be a mother. Meanwhile, the infant invader goes rogue as a pencil drawing, materialising in 2D next to her to berate her for her chaotic lifestyle and poor choices in partners. Based on a graphic novel by Inga Saetre, who is also responsible for the animation, it shares an abrasive spirit with Fleabag; Rakun is similarly flaky, but likeable with it. I wanted the characters to act irrationally, says Flikke. Often in films, people really know what theyll do and how theyll feel. I think that being human is more about not knowing. Nothing in Ninjababy turns out quite as you expect. Untested actors brought The Hill Where Lionesses Roar to life.

Youthful thrills For girls who really behave badly, its over to Kosovo for The Hills Where Lionesses Roar, an astonishingly accomplished work from an 18-year-old director, Luana Bajrami. Based in France as an actor but a frequent visitor to her homeland, Bajrami rounded up inexperienced local actresses who convince completely as a trio of friends who see no realistic escape from their dull, provincial town and often violent families. One nabs a boyfriend; one is fascinated by a French girl, played by Bajrami herself, in town for one enervating summer. Then they discover the thrills of a life of crime: robbing shops at night. No one will ever suspect them, they reason, because who notices girls? Recent years have seen some great films about teenage girls (Mustang, by Deniz Gamze Erguven, was a stand-out). This is by no means perfect, but it has the raw vigour of an insiders account. I wanted to talk about youth without any filter, without any nostalgia, and without trying to be overly stylish, says Bajrami. Its a fiction, but I felt as though I was discovering myself through the process. There is dignity and betrayal in Ballad of a White Cow. Widows dignity

Loading A very different kind of strength sustains Mina, lone mother of a deaf daughter, in the Iranian film Ballad of a White Cow. Despite the title there is nothing bucolic here; Mina is widowed when her husband is executed for a crime he did not commit and must deal with grief, looming poverty, the difficulties of raising a deaf daughter and family pressure to marry her brother-in-law. Through these trials  and the attentions of a man claiming to be a friend of her husbands, Reza  she maintains dignity and determination. She will not be cowed. Mina is played by Maryam Moghaddam, who also co-directed and co-wrote with her partner Behtash Sanaeeha; the core of the story is that of her own mother. Angry as it is, however, it is just as much about deception and betrayal. For much of the film, we know Reza is actually one of the judges who sentenced Minas husband to death. The truth, when it emerges, is devastating. Improvised humour: Language Lessons. Webcam delight
The NSW government has told other states it wants the operating rules of one of the Murray-Darling Basins biggest lake systems changed to cut the risks of mass fish kills on the Darling River.

The request to review how much water the Menindee Lakes in the states far-western should hold before control transfers back to NSW from the Commonwealth was made to the Basin Officials Committee this week.

For the first time in a decade, the Menindee Lakes system in far western NSW are likely to fill to capacity. The NSW government wants to alter the regulations so that it cant be drained as quickly as in the past. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The government wants to alter the way trigger points are set, so as to exclude so-called dead storage in the Cawndilla and Menindee lakes from the calculations. NSW now only resumes control when volumes drop below 480 gigalitres, which includes hundreds of gigalitres of water that cant be accessed.

According to the discussion note to the committee, the move is aimed at addressing concerns of the Lower Darling community, which has argued the lakes were drained too quickly before the last drought, leading to mass fish kills in the 2018-19 summer.
Why was this impressive? For four reasons. First, it represented a humble acknowledgement by the Prime Minister that the existing program was failing. Second, it was a well-intentioned commitment to try to fix the problem. Third, instead of the earlier patronising approach to the needs of Indigenous Australia, the new Closing the Gap agreement is truly a partnership. Loading We werent at the table guiding government reforms, so I said, Bugger this  you cant keep doing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work without us because it has no impact, Turner says. She prevailed on Morrison to forge an equal partnership. Between the federal government and the Council of Peaks, they managed to persuade the states and territories to include peak Indigenous organisations in every aspect of the new deal. Local governments were brought into the system too. One critical result: Above the 17 specific targets for improving Aboriginal living conditions sit four priority reforms. These four create the capacity to deliver the 17 targets.

The four? One. A shared decision-making partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at every level. Two. Building and strengthening Aboriginal-controlled organisations to deliver services. Three. Government institutions such as the police and judiciary to rid themselves of racists. Four. The sharing of data with the Australian people. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Pat Turner, chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation on Thursday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The principle of power sharing is enshrined in the structure of the new Joint Council that is to run the Closing the Gap program. The council is co-chaired by Turner representing the 51 peak organisations and the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, himself Indigenous. It met on Friday to consider implementation plans presented by the states. Turner gives an example of how the equal partnership influenced the setting of the 17 targets: The previous target aimed to get every child from the age of four enrolled in preschool. We said, We are not interested in how many are enrolled  we want to know how many from the age of three are actually attending. Whos getting an education and whos not? The new creation is impressive for a fourth reason  although Morrison gets primary credit as the indispensable co-creator and enabler, the overall set-up is bipartisan. Turner explains: Ive always said to the Minister and the Prime Minister, You need to have bipartisanship on this. You need Labor at the table.

Federal Labor has indeed signed up to support the program. Turner describes the whole thing as a turning point as a result of this partnership, which is unique in working with any community as far as I know. Contrast this with Parliaments approach to the pandemic this week. With all governments straining to improve the pace of inoculation against COVID-19, the Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, made a proposal to help push it along: that the federal government consider paying $300 to everyone who gets themselves fully vaccinated. The total cost was estimated at $6 billion. That was it. Simple, practical and constructive. Loading This is something that we need to do, Albanese said. We need to get our vaccination rates up; we are running last in the developed world. This would be good for our health, but also would provide a much-needed stimulus at a time when workers and small businesses are really struggling to get by. The Prime Ministers reaction was volcanic. This is a bad idea, he told the Parliament. The Leader of the Oppositions proposal is a vote of no confidence and an insult to Australians, he said in increasingly strident tones. Suggesting they wont get vaccinated unless you dole out the cash ... that is an insult. And: The leader of the Labor Party might think that Australians need to get the cash to get vaccinated, but I think a lot more highly of the Australian people than he does. Morrison also accused Albanese of profligacy, calling the idea a cash splash for jabs.

Awkwardly for Morrison, the man hed appointed in June to fix the vaccine rollout, Lieutenant-General John Frewen, Co-ordinator-General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce, made the response that the Prime Minister himself should have made: We will look at all positive alternatives. There is cash, there is the ideas of lotteries, all these things are being discussed. Morrison had many options for dealing with Labors idea. If hed managed the same attitude that hed taken to Closing the Gap, he would have humbly acknowledged that the situation wasnt perfect, said hed welcome any constructive ideas, and invited Labor to meet to discuss options. Hed have been inclusive and bipartisan. He would have looked like he cared about the public health outcome rather than defending his own political vanity. Loading This is a recurring theme in Morrisons political instincts. When confronted with a problem or circumstance that might require him to change his plans or adjust his agenda, he commonly goes into denial. When Australia was burning in its season of fire, he refused to accept leadership and went on holiday to Hawaii. When a cascade of sexual offences against women moved more than 100,000 to march for justice, Morrison initially dodged the role of national leader and refused to meet the womens rally at Parliament House. When Labor offers constructive ideas for dealing with a pandemic, Morrison immediately rules them out. This weeks idea wasnt the first time. In the early phase of the pandemic Labor first proposed a federal wage subsidy. Morrison dismissed it as a dangerous idea. Ultimately he adopted it and JobKeeper was born. Labor has made other useful suggestions, too. A year ago it urged the government to order five or six types of vaccine instead of three or four, for instance. Sadly, Morrisons political vanity deludes him into thinking that he has a monopoly on good ideas.
On federal election day 2019, I was in Aragon, touring the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War with Richard Blair, George Orwells son. While the vote was being counted back in Australia, we were inspecting the remains of fascist machine gun positions outside Huesca, which Orwells left-wing militia had besieged in 1937.

Orwell adopted his son Richard in 1944. He died when the boy was six. Credit: Vernon Richards

The previous day we had been up in the mountains at the spot where Orwell was famously shot in the throat by a sniper. Orwells trenches are still there and from them you can see the lie of the battlefield below. When his comrades rose from those trenches to assault the city, few survived. As my distraught 18-year-old son relayed the Australian election count to me by text message, the moral of both results was obvious: dont charge into a well-prepared trap if ever you can avoid it.

Six months later , the Australian Labor Party  still reeling from defeat in the election it had been widely expected to win  asked me to help redraft its platform. The review of the election loss by Craig Emerson and Jay Weatherill had targeted the document  dubbed by some the longest suicide note in history  for serious attention. My job, if I chose to accept it: get it down from 310 pages to 50, without reducing the font size.

Another crazy mission? That platform had a lot of history and stakeholders. After the divisions of the Rudd-Gillard era, the federal caucus had sought unity. Rocking the boat was discouraged. You want a policy change to repay some supporters? Fine. Impressed by the ideas of some tidy-minded economics professor? OK! Few proposals were rejected. Ironically, in its understandable desire to show internal discipline, the party had abandoned all policy discipline. And the election loss was the result.
When Professor Ishaq Bhatti moved to Australia to do his PhD in 1987 he went to the bank and explained he was a Muslim and needed a savings account that didnt accrue interest.

Under Islamic law, or Sharia, there is a prohibition on charging or paying interest, which is called riba and considered exploitative because the lender does not assume a share of the risk.

The bank teller looked bemused and asked Professor Bhatti to give him a couple of days so he could talk to his boss.

When Professor Ishaq Bhatti came to Australia 30 years ago, the bank teller looked bemused when he asked for a savings account that didnt accrue interest. Credit:Joe Armao

The bank was very nice and they came back and said OK, if you dont want any interest, we will eliminate your banking fees, recalls Professor Bhatti, the founding director of the Islamic banking and finance program at La Trobe University.
NSW has reported 291 new local coronavirus cases on Friday, the highest number of cases ever recorded in the state within a 24-hour period.

At least 96 of the cases were in the community for their some of their infectious period. The isolation status of 104 cases remains under investigation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian arrives for Fridays COVID-19 update. Credit:James Brickwood

I do want to foreshadow that, given this high number of cases, we are likely to see this trend continue for the next few days, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

A woman in her 60s from south-west Sydney died at Liverpool Hospital overnight. Hers is the 22nd death in Sydneys outbreak.
The states top homicide detective said he cannot discount that a fatal shooting on Friday was linked to gang violence involving the Alameddine organised crime network.

Shady Kanj, 22, was shot dead shortly after 11pm in an alleged targeted shooting that also left a 25-year-old bystander in hospital, after he was grazed by a bullet.

Shady Kanj who was shot and killed on Friday in Sydneys west.

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty on Saturday said investigators were closely considering the conflicts within and between organised crime networks as a possible motive for the shooting.

We cant discount that. I can say that the 22-year-old male ... is known to police, but not well known. There are some links to the Alameddine organised crime network, however thats only one line of inquiry, he said.
A researcher in Federal Parliament has been sued for defamation and copyright infringement over a series of tweets that allegedly suggested an independent news website was run by the Chinese Communist Party.

Marcus Reubenstein, the proprietor of the APAC News website, is suing parliamentary library researcher Geoff Wade and Mr Wades employer, the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), over tweets posted in July and December 2020 and in February 2021.

Marcus Reubenstein (right) appears with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in one of the tweets he is suing over. Credit:Federal Court of Australia

It is alleged the Commonwealth is liable for the tweets, and their alleged defamation and copyright infringement, because they were sent by an employee during business hours on working days, and a senior supervisor in the DPS followed Mr Wade on Twitter and should have been aware of the content.

In a 90-page statement of claim released by the Federal Court on Friday, Mr Reubenstein alleges the Twitter posts defamed him by suggesting his website was run by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), that he personally operated under the direction of the CCP, and that he engaged in unlawful foreign interference.
The NSW government has announced its revised return-to-school plan for HSC students, saying those in hotspot areas cannot return to school yet, all trials will be completed at home across greater Sydney, and only small groups of students will be allowed on campus at any one time from August 16.

Students who are able to go to school will only be able to do so for essential curriculum delivery, wellbeing support, and check-ins for students facing particular challenges in their work, in what Education Minister Sarah Mitchell says is a flexible delivery model in line with health advice.

The government has scaled back its proposed return to school on August 16 . Credit:Janie Barrett

A COVID-19 safety plan has been developed for secondary schools to host those students in consultation with NSW Health.

Schools are being informed on Friday. The plan will require them to use their spaces and timetables to minimise mixing, and keep the number of students small.
To reach the 6 million goal, every delivery channel available to state and federal authorities is being ramped up. Just under 4.3 million doses have been administered in NSW so far, of which about 2.7 million have been delivered via Commonwealth channels which include GPs, specialist respiratory clinics, and aged and Indigenous health care. The NSW government has been responsible for delivering the balance, around 1.6 million doses, through outlets which include three mass vaccination hubs at Sydney Olympic Park, Lake Macquarie, and Macquarie Fields in Sydneys south-west, with two more mass hubs due to open at Wollongong and the Qudos Bank Arena on Monday. To bolster the vaccine workforce, appropriately trained student dentists, podiatrists and speech pathologists among others are being brought in. People wait in line at the mass vaccination centre at Sydneys Olympic Park this week. Credit:Wolter Peeters Local authorities are also pumping out vaccines via another 40 or so NSW-run clinics around the state, and through 100 outreach locations (where metropolitan-based medical teams fly to rural areas on set days to administer jabs). In the hotspots of south-west Sydney, pop-up and walk-in vaccination clinics targeted heavily at multicultural communities are now operating on set days a week at places like mosques and community centres, with a key walk-in clinic operating seven days a week at Prairiewood.

The head of the federal governments Operation COVID Shield, General John Frewen, has proposed adding drive-in clinics to the mix, a move which caught the state government off-guard when it was announced mid-week. But NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told the Herald he welcomed the initiative and encouraged Canberra to work with the state on determining the best locations, while preferably getting on with it as fast as possible. Hes also welcomed federal help in getting vaccine programs into south-west Sydneys major distribution hubs for suppliers such as Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Metcash. If a shop closes down there is always another shop. But taking out a distribution centre would be a disaster Hazzard says.

So far 21 per cent of the states eligible residents have been fully vaccinated, including 45 per cent of over-70s. Between April and the end of July, 2.53 million of those jabs were AstraZeneca and 1.51 million Pfizer, with the vast bulk of the AstraZeneca going out through federally-run channels. However one in five over-70s have yet to even receive a first dose, which Chant says is of grave concern. For the state to reach its 6 million target by months end, around 69,000 doses will have to be put into arms daily, a tall order given that weekends usually dip to around half the weekday rate. Yet it would seem within reach if NSW keeps up the pace of more than 80,000 doses administered every day this week. On Wednesday the figure exceeded 84,000 doses. GPs are doing a substantial proportion of the heavy lifting, with 1800 of the states almost 3000 general practices participating in the program. Many small practices however are turned off by the costs and staffing demands of the consent process, reporting requirements and a delivery protocol which requires the observation of patients for 15 minutes after each jab is administered. GPs get a rebate $31 from Medicare for every first jab, then it drops to $24 for the second, Mount Druitt GP Kean-Seng Lim told the Herald. It can be financially non-sustainable for many doctors. For normal vaccines its pretty simple. But with AstraZeneca the consent process is significantly longer. This is not like giving the flu vaccine.

The latest weapon to be added to the vaccine armoury is pharmacies, only now gearing up despite many having engaged with the federal governments expression of interest process back in March. Across the state 1250 pharmacies have been authorised to join the program, though only around 300 have started inoculating customers and just 56 pharmacists were listed this week as vaccine providers on the NSW Health website. That number will climb swiftly next month, as hundreds more join the rollout. NSW pharmacy Guild president David Heffernan says weve been ready to go from day one  its just been the block of government. Port Macquarie-based pharmacist Judy Plunkett says the vaccine rollout has been singularly the most frustrating thing in [her life] for the past six months. If pharmacies were brought on in April we could have done tens of thousands of doses by now, says Plunkett, who has given out 4000 flu vaccines this year. Every barrier has been put in front of us.

Plunkett adds that many pharmacists are uniquely connected to their communities and well-placed to help long-standing customers who might struggle with impenetrable booking systems and consent process. The booking system is a mystery to most people. Its not accessible. Its not easy. And its not selling itself. These are all people who often dont have cars and many have carers that bring them in to see me. They are saying Judy we will wait for you to vaccinate us. At his family-owned Priceline pharmacy in Fairfield, pharmacist Quinn On has been staggered by the demand for the vaccine since he started administering AstraZeneca on July 26. Having erected a gazebo on the pavement outside in order to keep patients socially distanced while he explained the vaccine process to them, Quinn discovered he and staff were attracting quite an audience among local Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Lao speakers (the pharmacys staff are multilingual). During the day we started noticing everyone was hanging around listening to us, as we counselled people over the consent form and explained the risks and benefits of AstraZeneca. We managed to debunk a lot of the misinformation because many dont speak much English, Quinn says.

We went from doing 25 on the first day, to 172 on the third day. He rapidly exhausted his government-allotted quota of 300 vaccine doses for the fortnight and had to borrow extra from a local GP and another pharmacy. Hes now won agreement to administer 600 a fortnight, but could do more. Cabramatta pharmacist Quinn On runs two pharmacies, both offering walk-in AstraZeneca vaccine shots. Credit:Dean Sewell Quinn says for some of his peers the $19 paid per jab has been a deterrent, given the higher Medicare rebate paid to doctors. Quinn finds the payment does not cover his costs. But I say do it for the community  the more people we can do the quicker we can get out of this. His experience highlights how effective local leaders can be in countering misinformation about the virus, which has seeped into Sydneys most vulnerable ethnic communities from overseas media and eroded confidence in vaccines.

Data from Operation COVID Shield revealed for the first time this week the glaring vaccination gap between some of Sydneys most privileged areas, and the hardest-hit south-west. More than a quarter of those aged over 15 living in North Sydney, for instance, are fully vaccinated compared with just 14 per cent in the south-west. As well as being the epicentre of the citys outbreak, the south-west is home to many of the key authorised workers who must leave the area daily to provide essential services such as aged care and food distribution. Public health experts say lack of easy access to vaccines, constrained supply and complex booking systems have been to blame, with younger people  who predominate in the south-west locked out of AstraZeneca until very recently because of changing advice from the expert ATAGI advisory group. Theyve been denied Pfizer because of lack of supply. In the Hunter and Newcastle, now under tight lockdown for a week, there are also low rates of vaccination. In the Hunter only 14 per cent are fully vaccinated. On Thursday Berejiklian announced a fast-tracked 180,000 Pfizer vaccines would be provided to NSW in the next fortnight, news which the premier said had left her and her health officials overjoyed.

Yet federal sources later confirmed these were the same jabs that had been foreshadowed by the prime minister on July 25. The top-up comes after Canberra sent an extra 300,000 doses earlier in July  half Pfizer, half AstraZeneca - to boost jabs available for south-west Sydney. The Pfizer doses were used almost immediately on teachers and aged care workers, and state authorities asked the federal government to direct the AstraZeneca doses to community pharmacists instead of state hubs. Hazzard warned that thousands of appointments had not been taken up due to ATAGIs changing advice on AstraZeneca. Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, COVID-19 Taskforce Commander, Lieutenant General John Frewen and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House on Friday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But in July NSW administered 773,976 AstraZeneca doses compared to 325,086 in April. The message from local health authorities now is unambiguous: if you are 18 or over, dont wait take whatever is available. From September the state should start to receive at least 290,000 Pfizer doses each week, together with 30,000 Moderna and at least 300,000 AstraZeneca. We can provide as much AstraZeneca as people request right now, Frewen said this week. Anthony Albanese has proposed a $300 cash incentive, a measure the prime minister has been quick to dismiss, but some form of carrot to shift the doubters may prove necessary down the track.
Anyone who really loves beer can talk for hours about the ways in which craft beer is different from mass-market varieties of the amber fluid.

Now, researchers at the University of Queensland have scientifically confirmed that they are right: there is something special about craft beer.

UQ Associate Professor Ben Schulz (left) with PhD researcher Ed Kerr and some experimental material. Credit:University of Queensland

Specifically, the team found that craft beer from small breweries had a very different profile of key proteins which determine a beers characteristics.

Were not saying its better than mass produced beer, but it is markedly different, and that was surprising to us, said UQ Associate Professor Ben Schulz.
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The Young Archies winner Jacqueline Qin with her sister Jessica who was the subject for her winning portrait. The piece was created at school over four lessons. I wanted to draw my sister because she is a bit insecure about how she looks . . . I used pretty colours. Also you know how siblings always banter, the artwork is like a gift for her because even though we fight a lot, I want to tell her that I do actually care. Credit:Steven Siewert
A former police officer who hit a teenage boy with a baton, in a second on-duty assault in four months, has been convicted and fined $10,000.

Florian Hilgart was an acting sergeant when he used his baton to strike a 15-year-old on the arm and leg as the teen lay on the ground in Thornbury on January 1, 2018, following a high-speed pursuit. The teenager was a passenger in a car driven by his uncle and did not resist arrest or try to run away when he got out.

That offence came months after Hilgart and two colleagues unlawfully assaulted a disability pensioner, John, outside his Preston home. John, 36 at the time, was pinned down by six officers who had gone to his home for a welfare check. He was punched and hit with a baton, and sprayed with capsicum spray and a high-powered hose.

Hilgart, 43, resigned from Victoria Police after a County Court judge this year upheld a magistrates guilty verdict over the assault of the pensioner and on Friday he was sentenced for assaulting the teenager. Hilgart pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a weapon.
Former West Australian Labor MP Barry Urban has finally confessed to lying about his education and policing background after a drawn-out court process lasting three years where he repeatedly delayed his fraud trial.

Urban, 51, was charged in September 2018 over allegations he forged two university degree documents and lied about serving as a police officer in the Balkans in his application to join WA Police in 2005.

Disgraced former MP Barry Urban with Premier Mark McGowan.

The ex-politician is also charged with lying to a parliamentary privileges committee assigned to investigate the authenticity of his education and policing background after he doubled down on his story when questioned.

Urban quit Parliament minutes after the committee recommended he be expelled for sustained and gross contempt.
Police have charged a 26-year-old man with raping former government adviser Brittany Higgins in Parliament House two years ago.

Ending almost six months of doubt over whether charges would be laid, the police served the summons on the mans lawyers on Friday to ask him to appear at the ACT Magistrates Court on September 16.

Brittany Higgins speaks at the March 4 Justice protest outside Parliament House. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The man will face one charge of sexual intercourse without consent. The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 years imprisonment, the ACT Policing division of the Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Friday.

Lawyers for the man said he would defend the charge and denied any form of sexual activity took place.
The government, either worried the Labor proposal might catch on or because it wanted to pursue Albanese, launched a massive attack on on this bubble without a thought. Frewen was dragged in because hes canvassed various incentives. His position seems to be: possibly some cash, but not now. Both sides invoked his name in making their cases for and against the Labor proposal. Commander Lieutenant-General John Frewen, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Morrison is using Frewen as a political shield, just as he once used former chief medical officer and now Health Department Secretary Brendan Murphy. This has brought claims Frewen is being politicised, a perception the general needs to avoid, because it could make him less credible to the public, and is bad for the military.

It would have been better if Frewen had performed his role in civvies rather than in uniform, but Morrison no doubt likes the khaki. Certainly Frewen should guard against being drawn on political questions. The Doherty Institute modelling presented publicly on Tuesday by professor Jodie McVernon showed how the rollouts limitations have undermined our fight against the Delta variant and will continue to do so. The modellings message was that the super spreaders are the younger adults, those between 20 and 40. As McVernon said, they infect both their children and their parents. The vaccination rollout has been beset with problems. Credit:The Age But theyve been the worst catered for in the rollout. They were initially placed at the back of the queue, after the most vulnerable, key workers, and the middle aged. And Pfizer, the vaccine preferred for them  although they are now being urged to take AstraZeneca  has been in short supply.

Belatedly, vaccinations for them are being somewhat accelerated, but it is all ad hoc and unclear. The politicians like to talk about the learnings (aka lessons) coming out of the experience of this pandemic. At some point, when we are much further down the exit road, there should be a comprehensive inquiry into how decisions were made and what went right and wrong, at both federal and state levels, particularly in the rollout but in other areas too. In this context, Thursdays decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal that the national cabinet is not, as the federal government tried to claim, a cabinet committee and therefore not subject to cabinet confidentiality, is a welcome development. We can perhaps understand  while still strongly criticising  how the federal government, not expecting the problems with AstraZeneca, failed to order enough Pfizer or to have sufficient alternatives.

But how come on Thursday, when people were being shouted at to get the jab, an inefficient booking system in NSW was hampering many doing that? And why, way back when, did the government put so much weight on the doctors in delivering the early months of the rollout? The pharmacists have only recently been brought in. If theyd been involved from near the start, we would likely be in a lot better position, at least with the AstraZeneca coverage. The question has to be asked: how much did doctors lobbying influence the initial shape of the rollout? What clout did they have with senior health officials? In February, the Australian Medical Association issued a statement headed GPs, not pharmacists, best placed for vaccine rollout.

It said AMA president Omar Khorshid had written to Health Minister Greg Hunt to express the AMAs concerns. The release went on: Dr Khorshid told Sky News that the AMA would prefer that the rollout remained part of usual GP interactions. We do have significant reservations about the place of vaccination in pharmacy, [he said]. In the very, very rare occurrence of a severe reaction like anaphylaxis to a vaccine, its something that we really cant expect a pharmacist to be able to manage[] But the main reason is that we think that vaccination is part of a primarily holistic care package where people have a healthcare home. They know to go and see their local GP for their healthcare needs.

In the AMAs defence, this was as the program was about to get underway and reaction to the vaccines had unknown elements. But the reference to the main reason is a giveaway. As is sometimes said, the AMA is the countrys most powerful trade union. It fights doggedly to protect its turf. Loading When the Coalition came to power it launched a royal commission into the pink batts scheme. This was seen, and was, a political exercise. Nevertheless, it did identify faults in planning and administration. The pink batts program and its problems pale against the importance of, and the inadequacies in, the rollout. An inquiry into the handling of the pandemic should not be driven by political motives, but rather by the need to understand the reasons for the mistakes and how to be better prepared in future.
Federal Labor will consider what age children should be jailed in a move that will put pressure on state and territory leaders, after a senior frontbencher said the current age of 10 was far too low and needed to be higher

Children as young as 10 can be held criminally responsible for their actions and imprisoned in Australia, well below the United Nations recommended age of 14.

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said 10-year-olds were too young for prison. Credit:Louie Douvis.

The position of federal Labor is that we believe that 10 is too young, Linda Burney, the shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, told ABC Radio National.

We will have discussions as to what we think the appropriate age would be but 10 is far too young.
Unions representing nurses and paramedics said healthcare staff were under immense stress with the added pressure of staff furloughing at western Sydneys hospitals due to mandated isolation after COVID-19 exposures. Almost 1000 healthcare staff were on leave in the fortnight ending July 18. Health Services Union boss Gerard Hayes said the states health system was now in a chronic situation, not an acute situation. Delta is different from what we saw last year and this is added stress on a system that is already over-stretched. The next four to five weeks will be crucial for the health system as a whole. Two of the 10 deaths reported this week were patients who contracted the virus while receiving care at Liverpool Hospital: a woman in her 60s, announced on Friday, and a man in his 90s, announced on Monday.

Three staff members at the hospital  two nurses and a student nurse  worked in the geriatric and vascular wards while infectious late last month, resulting in at least nine cases in patients. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant acknowledged the health system was stressed because of the number of cases coming into hospitals. More than a quarter of new cases reside in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, placing authorities on high alert for increasing transmission and non-compliance. Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says NSW needs a circuit breaker Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Ms Berejiklian said there would be an enhanced police presence in the area, where too many people were frequenting shops and not adhering to stay-at-home orders.

Dr Chant said there had been a flattening of the curve in Fairfield and other hotspot areas, but health authorities were observing escalating cases in Campsie, Bankstown, Lakemba, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Yagoona, Greenacre, Earlwood and Chester Hill. We are seeing transmission, potentially around shopping areas, she said. Do not enter shops when there are other people in the shop. Wait outside. Keep your social distance. Wear your mask correctly at all times and stay safe. Dr Chant said workplaces in hotspot areas were major breeding grounds for transmission despite tighter lockdown restrictions in those areas, which the government maintains are the toughest in the nation. She said it only took one person introducing the virus to a workplace before multiple people and their households became infected, as occurred at KFC Punchbowl where 12 staff members have tested positive to COVID-19.

Anyone who visited the fast-food venue between July 27 and August 2 is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days. That is why it is so critical that people get tested at the earliest point, and that people within workplaces follow all the COVID safety practices, Dr Chant said. Two new COVID cases were reported in the Newcastle area on Friday, after the lower and upper Hunter regions entered a one-week lockdown sparked by a string of cases linked to a beach gathering at Lake Macquarie last week. Hunter Street in Newcastle during the seven day COVID-19 lockdown. Credit:Kate Geraghty Dr Chant urged locals in the lower and upper Hunter to maintain high testing levels to ensure all chains of transmission were being detected.

Professor Kelly said the key issue for NSW was decreasing the transmission potential. Loading Looking at ways that they can find people more quickly, making sure the compliance with those orders to stay at home are being complied with, that movement around Sydney and specifically outside of Sydney is enforced, he said. How do we decrease the transmission potential? Its about people not moving around whilst infectious and infecting others in workplaces. The extra vaccines that have been provided clearly are an important component of that. And they need to stay the course.

More than 93,600 people received a vaccine in NSW on Thursday. The state needs to maintain a level of 69,000 doses a day if it is to reach the governments goal of six million jabs, or 60 per cent of the population, by the end of the month. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more than a million additional AstraZeneca vaccines could be provided to NSW, on top of the 180,000 further Pfizer announced this week. We announced that were going to bring forward some 180,000 additional Pfizer vaccines, that comes on top of more than a million that can be provided with the AstraZeneca vaccines to NSW to support their efforts. The government on Friday also revealed its revised return-to-school plan for year 12 students, which will only apply to those living outside the eight hotspot areas in south-western and western Sydney. All HSC trials will be completed at home across Greater Sydney, and only small groups of students will be allowed on campus at any one time from August 16.

Ms Berejiklian said the plan would ensure students will not be disadvantaged in acquiring their qualifications, including those in hotspots who will not be allowed to attend classrooms. Thats why were giving the students in those eight local government areas of concern the opportunity to get the vaccine from Monday next week, she said. The government plans to vaccinate 24,000 year 12 students from south-western and western Sydney over five days at Qudos Bank Arena in Homebush next week. Asked if the state would adopt a similar strategy to mass vaccinate essential workers who are driving the current outbreak, Ms Berejiklian said tens of thousands of workers were already being vaccinated across Sydney every week.
Health minister Martin Foley, in response to questioning on whether specific areas should be targeted for vaccination, said the states focus was on the supply of the right vaccines. Our biggest problem is not demand, Mr Foley said. We have people who are doctor shopping to try and get access to vaccines. Our biggest problem continues to be supply. By Thursday, 21.38 per cent of Australians aged over 16 had been given both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 43.03 per cent had received their first dose. On July 1, 7.92 per cent of Australians aged over 16 were fully vaccinated. Anita Munoz, chair of the Victorian faculty of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said the idea of targeting residents in localised hotspot areas for vaccines was not the answer to getting the nation immunised swiftly and logically.

This really speaks to the ongoing issue of supply for all vaccines; the solution to this is simply steady and reliable supply, said Dr Munoz, who has immunised many patients with both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines at her practice in Melbournes CBD. There have been spikes in vaccine demand during outbreaks and lockdowns, but it was crucial that what was already a daunting logistical exercise was not further complicated. We need the supply to be assured and steady, she said. Targeting vaccinations to hotspot areas also risked sowing the seeds of social discontent, she said. Anything that adds complexity and confusion and community resentment needs to be avoided. We need to secure a steady supply so we dont have to make decisions about diverting vaccines from one local government area to another. That idea does not bode well. Epidemiologist and public health medicine specialist Tony Blakely, from the University of Melbourne, said essential workers needed to be vaccinated first, regardless of age, in suburbs with a high risk of COVID. Next should be essential workers in all areas of the state who had jobs that brought them into contact with multiple people daily. Third, we go to non-essential workers in the suburbs at risk. Fourth, we vaccinate everyone else. But the third and fourth steps may not be necessary  it may be better to just vaccinate whomever you can, quickest.

Meanwhile, fresh polling commissioned by the Australian Education Union found that four in five Australians believe it is critical to prioritise teachers for vaccination against COVID-19, with a poll ranking them ahead of essential retail workers, transport, warehousing and construction. Teachers at two of the largest schools west of Melbourne have been infected in recent weeks, forcing thousands of other staff, students and their families into 14-day isolation. More than 20 teachers and students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar and several from Trinity Grammar were infected with the Delta variant that drove the state into its fifth lockdown last month. In an online poll conducted between July 28 and August 1 by Essential, 79 per cent of respondents replied that, thinking about the safety and welfare of Australians, it was either extremely important or very important that teachers got vaccine priority. Other frontline worker categories that received stronger support for vaccination, in the survey of 1057 people, have already been prioritised. There is no longer any excuse to delay, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said. The federal government must prioritise teachers, education support staff and principals for COVID-19 vaccination.

A small number of non-government schools have already taken it upon themselves to help their staff get vaccinated. Teaching staff at Fintona Girls School in Balwyn were vaccinated in May when a local GP clinic offered them Astra-Zeneca doses at risk of expiring due to slow take-up. Fintona principal Rachael Falloon said almost 100 per cent of staff who were eligible accepted the offer. She said there was a strong case for vaccinating teachers. I understand that we dont fit the current criteria of frontline workers, Ms Falloon said, but we are interacting with hundreds of people every day in a setting that it has been acknowledged we cant keep to the density limits because its not practical in a school. A department of health spokesperson said eligible teachers were encouraged to get vaccinated at one of the 50 state-run vaccination clinics across Victoria or through Commonwealth providers, such as GPs and pharmacists.
London: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been living in exile for almost a year. She fled Belarus last August after being detained in the wake of a disputed presidential election in which, as a stand-in candidate for the opposition, she became the figurehead for mass anti-regime protests.

Now, after the unexplained death of Vitaly Shishov, a young anti-regime activist living in Ukraine, the leader of Belaruss opposition fears not only for her own life and that of her team, but of all Belarusian exiles.

She is calling for Western nations to offer Belarusian dissidents abroad training in counter-spycraft to help protect them from the regime of long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya says supporters should try to find Belarusian dissidents with cryptocurrencies. Credit:AP

Shishov was found hanged in a Kyiv park near his home. Ukrainian authorities have opened a murder investigation, while his associates say they have no doubt he was killed by the Belarus government.
Tel Aviv: The Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah said it had fired rockets at open ground near Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area on Friday, escalating cross-border hostilities amid tensions with Iran.

In a statement, Hezbollah said the attack with dozens of rockets was a response to Israeli air strikes on Thursday which the Shiite Muslim group said had hit open areas in southern Lebanon.

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The Israeli military said at least 10 rockets were launched towards Israel from southern Lebanon.

In response to the 10+ rockets just fired at Israel from Lebanon, we are currently striking the rocket launch sites in Lebanon, the Israeli army said in a statement.
Washington: The Federal Trade Commission has dismissed as inaccurate Facebooks claim that it cut off a group of researchers access to data to comply with a privacy agreement with the agency, according to a letter obtained by The Washington Post.

On Tuesday, the social media giant disabled the accounts of researchers at the New York University Ad Observatory, which tracks digital advertisements on the platform, drawing condemnations from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, free speech advocates and other Facebook watchdogs.

In a blog, Facebook said post cut off the researchers access to comply with a privacy order it struck with the FTC, the consumer protection agency.

Facebook has been reprimanded by a US government agency. Credit:AP

The Facebook ad data is used by journalists and academics to track Facebooks lucrative and powerful digital advertising business. The projects researchers regularly brief staffers and lawmakers in the House and Senate and officials at government agencies.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The border between the Dutch- and French sides of the island will not be closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Any information circulating to the contrary in the community is misinformation and should be disregarded.

The French side has implemented a curfew as of August 5, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. There is no curfew on the Dutch side, however, all businesses must close at 2:00 am. Gatherings in public places are banned.

Due to the pandemic residents are asked to take all precautions to halt the further spread of the virus.

Nevertheless, the police force of Sint Maarten is letting be known that information being circulated online is false and are requesting those who are circulating it to cease and desist as this is creating unrest and anxiety among the people of St. Maarten.

Additionally, the police will initiate steps with the Public Prosecutor's Office to look into the possibility of pursuing individuals who disseminate such false information.

Everyone in the community is urged by the Police Force of Sint Maarten to beware of fake information and to abstain from spreading it and causing panic.

Finally, the St. Maarten Police would also like to inform the community at large that the blog circulating bogus information is in no way connected to Facebook page or website of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. The Sint Maarten police website can be accessed at www.policesxm.sx

The management team of the KPSM would like to reiterate to the general public that it is imperative they continue to be vigilant, no one is immune from contracting the virus. Please adhere to the social distancing measures set in place, your health, as well as the health of others around you are at stake.

KPSM Presss Release
Somerset, KY (42501)

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Somerset, KY (42501)

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Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
How security and automation are helping small businesses navigate the new normal

Small and medium businesses of all kinds encountered unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now that businesses have reopened, they are facing new obstacles through each stage of recovery. Business owners need to look for solutions that can help them manage these issues now and beyond. Challenges ranging from lack of cash flow to staffing challenges to IT security issues for businesses with remote workers can be lessened by security and automation solutions. One of the main challenges following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for small and medium businesses is cash flow. Mitigating negative effects In the aftermath of the pandemic, both demand and supply chains continue to be disrupted, causing implications for cash flow across industries. Business owners can help mitigate negative effects to cash flow by finding more ways to save money A particularly impacted industry is retail, which continues to struggle due to reduced foot traffic. Business owners can help mitigate negative effects to cash flow by finding more ways to save money and helping prevent other crisis-level situations before they occur. Security and automation devices are an ideal solution to manage energy and monitor for situations that could cause damage or loss. Energy management: Smart lighting: With an automated security system, lights can be programmed to go on and off to give the illusion of an occupied storefront or can be easily turned off remotely if left on by accident. This can help keep energy costs down by only using lighting when needed. Smart thermostat: Business owners can also manage energy usage at one or many locations by using a smart thermostat and setting up automated schedules. For example, they can set their thermostat according to their open and close hours and lower the use of energy from those devices while the store is empty. Temperature and flooding alerts: Devices to measure unanticipated temperature changes or detect flooding can help a business owner act quickly to prevent damage or loss to stock and equipment due to extreme heat, cold, or a flood. After the crisis already endured during the pandemic, it is important that business owners have the chance to prevent further unexpected disasters. Medium business owners Staffing challenges are a prevalent issue for businesses across the nation Staffing challenges are a prevalent issue for businesses across the nation. Due to the lack of employees, small and medium business owners now must work more to help keep their businesses running. Security and automation solutions like remote system management, instant alerts and activity reports and professional monitoring can help them keep their business functional and protected even if they need to step away or check on another location. Remote system management: Business owners can use an app to lock and unlock their businesses or arm and disarm their security system 24/7 from virtually anywhere in the world. They can also ensure all doors are locked after the last employee has left for the night. This can allow them to keep their security level consistent even with fewer employees. With security cameras, business owners can take a live look into their business from anywhere using their mobile app. This is an especially helpful feature if a small business owner has multiple locations and wants to check in at another location from work or home. Instant alerts and activity reports: With an automated security system, business owners can get instant alerts to keep them up to date on what is happening at the business while theyre away. This helps owners stay in control even with reduced staffing or while new employees are being trained. Professional monitoring: Security systems with professional monitoring can help save lives and protect property, whether a burglar alarm or a fire alarm is set off in the business. When an alarm sounds, a live person will respond immediately and ensure emergency services are on the way. This can give business owners peace of mind while they are away from their business, knowing that their livelihood and lifes work is always protected. Physical security systems Cyberattacks increased dramatically during the pandemic, according to the FBI Another key change for small and medium businesses due to the pandemic is more employees working remotely. What many businesses overlook, however, is that remote workers that arent properly protected can cause a major threat to a businesss network. In addition to that, cyberattacks increased dramatically during the pandemic, according to the FBI, and small businesses need to stay alert. Just as with physical security systems, employing the right cybersecurity solutions can reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are just like burglars-looking for easy victims without protection in place. Cybersecurity solutions like firewalls and VPNs (virtual private networks) can help protect the business network and beyond. Shielding business computers Managed firewall: Firewalls help protect against bad actors by shielding business computers or the overall network from malicious Internet traffic. Just one small error in the configuration could result in a hacker gaining access to credit card transactions, or other sensitive patient or customer data. A managed firewall service allows companies to receive the benefits of sophisticated firewall solutions and outsource the complexity associated with operating them. VPNs: Businesses can extend their firewall protection to wherever employees are working, including their homes, with VPN This is a crucial need in limiting risk due to the expanded post-pandemic remote workforce, which is expected to double pre-pandemic numbers by 2025, according to Upwork. Medium business owners As small and medium business owners encounter the difficulties of the post-pandemic new normal, they can look to security and automation solutions to help keep them on their feet. Beyond that, security systems and cybersecurity solutions are a great investment to help ensure the protection of a small business both online and physically, while also providing convenience, insight and peace of mind to business owners.
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Medford, NJ (08055)

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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds light and variable..

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Medford, NJ (08055)

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Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

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Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
WASHINGTON - The Biden administration is considering using federal regulatory powers and the threat of withholding federal funds from institutions to push more Americans to get vaccinated - a huge potential shift in the fight against the virus and a far more muscular approach to getting shots into arms, according to four people familiar with the deliberations.

The effort could apply to institutions as varied as long-term care facilities, cruise ships and universities, potentially impacting millions of Americans, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations.

The conversations are in the early phases and no firm decisions have been made, the people said. One outside lawyer in touch with the Biden administration on the issue is recommending that the president use federal powers sparingly.

There is a particular focus in the discussions on whether restrictions on Medicare dollars or other federal funds could be used to persuade nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to require employees to be vaccinated, according to one of the people familiar with the talks.

If the Biden administration goes forward with the plans, it would amount to a dramatic escalation in the effort to vaccinate the roughly 90 million Americans who are eligible for shots but who have refused or have been unable to get them.

The discussion at the highest level of government also signals a new phase of potential federal intervention as the White House struggles to control the delta variant of the virus, which is spreading more rapidly than even some of the more dire models predicted.

But such drastic moves are likely to trigger further backlash from many Republican-leaning regions where vaccine hesitancy has been highest, agitating conservatives already skeptical of the Biden administration and its use of federal power. The administration has already said that federal workers and contractors must be vaccinated or wear masks, and the Pentagon is considering similar requirements.

Several experts noted that even if President Joe Biden's team could force Americans to begin getting shots as soon as this week, it still takes five to six more weeks for mRNA inoculations - which require a second shot - to be fully effective. That means infection rates could keep rising in the short term no matter what steps are taken on vaccinations.

When asked about vaccine mandates after a Thursday event on electric vehicles, President Biden said his administration was looking at its options as he encouraged all Americans to get vaccinated. The White House declined to comment for this story.

The talks within the administration come amid calls from many public health experts for a more aggressive federal approach to vaccinations. The country reported more than 100,000 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, an infection rate on par with early February, before vaccines were widely available. On Thursday, the rolling seven-day daily average of new infections was at 95,000 new cases.

"I think wisely using the federal spending power is absolutely right," said Lawrence Gostin, who directs Georgetown University's O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law and said he has discussed the idea of using federal funds as an incentive with Biden administration officials.

Gostin said he has suggested the White House use its power judiciously, not by "bludgeoning the private sector" but rather by "starting with high-risk settings with an absolute ethical obligation and legal obligation to keep your workers and your clients safe."

Other leading experts have publicly floated the idea of using more federal incentives to push for vaccinations as a lever that Biden and his administration could use.

"If you look through history, there are presidents who - even in the absence of legal authority - influence people, you might say," said Ezekiel Emanuel, a bioethicist at the University of Pennsylvania who recently organized a joint statement from nearly 60 medical groups urging every health facility to require workers to get vaccinated. "We keep referring to this covid thing like it's an emergency and then we don't behave like it's a wartime emergency."

Biden came into office pledging a "full-scale wartime effort" to beat back the coronavirus. He frequently compares the number of Americans who have died during the pandemic to the country's war dead, contrasting the more than 615,000 covid deaths over the last 18 months to the number of U.S. soldiers who died in foreign wars over the past century.

But the president has been hesitant to use the full powers available to him to push Americans to get vaccinated, which experts say could include requiring Americans to show they have been vaccinated before flying or before traveling between states.

Still, Biden hinted that he has been exploring the extent of his authority to spur more Americans to take shots. "It's still a question whether the federal government can mandate the whole country," Biden said last week in response to a question about whether he supports vaccine mandates. "I don't know that yet."

A senior Biden administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity earlier this week to speak frankly, said the White House does not believe Biden has the authority to institute a nationwide mandate for vaccinations.

"Will we look at other sectors of the federal government and make determinations about where other, you know, potential mandates or self-attestation programs might be effective? Yes," said the official. "The president has been very clear that he is going to use every tool available to him, ranging from the bully pulpit to various authorities that he has as president to work to try to get as many people in this country vaccinated as possible."

About a third of Americans are unvaccinated, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. About a quarter of them reported that they plan to get vaccinated by the end of the year, according to the organization's July survey, which was released this month.

The survey also found that about 3% of Americans would get vaccinated only if required to do so for school, work or other activities. That's down from June, when 6% indicated they would get the shot if required.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration has started ramping up its approach to the pandemic, which initially focused on making vaccines available, then offered carrots to entice people and is now using sticks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its May guidance and recommended wearing masks in large swaths of the country where infections are high. That led to some cities, including Washington, to reinstitute mask mandates.

In its recent decision on the federal workforce, the White House said federal employees and contractors will have to wear masks, socially distance and limit their travel if they refuse to get vaccinated. The military, at Biden's direction, is considering similar rules.

And the White House is putting together a plan that would require foreign nationals traveling to the United States from all countries to be fully vaccinated.

Other entities have also started to use their authority to mandate vaccinations. In New York, the city government will soon require people to show proof of coronavirus vaccination for indoor activities such as dining and working out at gyms. Massachusetts officials said this week that they are requiring employees and contractors at long-term health facilities to get their first vaccine shot by Sept. 1.

But the federal government's powers are limited, according to legal experts.

"The federal government can't directly mandate a vaccine," said Gostin, the Georgetown law professor. "It can use its spending power to say to a state, 'You mandate vaccinations. And if you don't, we'll withhold certain federal dollars.' "

The federal government exercised the power of so-called conditional spending by requiring states to increase their drinking age to 21 years old to receive full highway funds, he said.

Gostin noted that there are constraints on the federal government's power to use funding to push states on policy matters, citing the Supreme Court's 2012 determination that Congress and the Obama administration went too far in threatening to withhold Medicaid funding if states did not greatly expand health-care coverage.

To stay on safe constitutional footing, Biden would need to use money that is directly related to health and be sure that the totals are "not so extensive an amount that it appeared coercive," Gostin said.

Some industry leaders and advocates say that federal and state vaccine mandates would be welcome.

"A number of our members are saying they'd love to have either a state mandate or some kind of a government sanction for a mandate," said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, a group that represents roughly 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers.

"Staff wants to work in a safe place," Sloan said. "We're also hearing pressure from residents and family who want to be sure staff are vaccinated."

Many health officials also say the Biden administration should rethink its opposition to vaccine passports and play a role in at least setting requirements for them.

"There are ways to do this that are very respectful of privacy and data breaches," said Tom Frieden, a former CDC director in the Obama administration who has been pushing the idea. "If you established federal vaccine verification and then you required it for an increasing number of things, that would be helpful."

In France, President Emmanuel Macron is requiring a health pass for citizens to participate in most aspects of civil life - which has prompted a backlash but also has increased vaccination rates.

"The sense of the times is changing," Frieden said. "There is increasing acceptance of the need for both vaccinations and masks, and there will be increasing acceptance for the need for mandates for both vaccinations and masks."

- - -

The Washington Post's Robert Barnes contributed to this report.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana's chief public health officer said Friday that about 1% of the state's entire population has become infected with COVID-19 over the past two weeks as coronavirus hospitalizations continue to climb to new heights amid the state's worst surge since the pandemic began.

We continue to set new records for the amount of COVID that circulates in our communities, and we continue to not yet see any tangible signs that we are turning the corner. And that, quite frankly, is terrifying," said Dr. Joe Kanter, the governor's top coronavirus adviser.

For the fourth day, Louisiana set new coronavirus hospitalization records. The state Department of Health reported 2,421 people were in hospitals around the state with COVID-19, more than eight times the number hospitalized at the start of July.

Gov. John Bel Edwards warned Louisiana's 4.6 million residents that their states place at the epicenter of the latest coronavirus surge isnt lessening.

Louisiana is confirming thousands of new coronavirus cases each day, driven by the highly contagious delta variant. The state has seen the highest number of new cases per capita across the country over the last week, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shows Louisiana averaging 653 COVID-19 infections for every 100,000 residents.

We have no reason to believe in our data that weve reached the peak, the Democratic governor said.

The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive continues to go up in Louisiana, reaching more than 15% Friday in a sign that the situation is worsening. Kanter said 15% of emergency room visits in the state are now related to COVID-19.

Inundated with coronavirus patients, 50 hospitals have asked the state for staffing assistance, warning they can no longer adequately provide care to the community, Kanter said. Louisiana is seeking disaster medical assistance teams from the federal government. One team with nearly three dozen health care workers arrived Monday at Louisianas largest hospital  Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

Edwards offered some signs of hope, pointing to growing numbers of people newly seeking coronavirus vaccines. Kanter said immunizations increased more than 500% over the last month.

The state has a long way to go, with one of the nations lowest coronavirus vaccination rates. Only 37% of Louisianas population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to state health department data.

The governor reissued a statewide mask mandate this week, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

But Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is trying to undermine the requirement. The attorney general has publicly posted sample letters for parents to seek a philosophical or religious exemption from the mask mandate at schools  or from a vaccine mandate if one was enacted.

Landry also released a legal opinion Friday that suggested the governor couldn't require masks in K-12 schools, arguing that authority rests with the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and state lawmakers. A legal opinion doesn't have the force of law, and many of the state's school systems have indicated they intend to follow Edwards' mask mandate.

Edwards, also a lawyer, called the Landry opinion completely wrong. He said the attorney general is irresponsibly trying to undermine the guidance of public health experts. Landry has accused Edwards of trying to govern through dictatorship.

Appearing with the governor at his COVID-19 briefing Friday was Dr. John Vanchiere, a pediatrician and director of community testing and vaccination outreach at LSU Health Shreveport. Vanchiere urged parents to place masks on their children, saying the delta variant is more virulent among children than prior strains of the coronavirus illness. He said more than 20% of new COVID-19 infections in Louisiana are happening in children in the latest surge.

This is not a time for politics, for fighting and threatening lawsuits about having to wear a mask, Vanchiere said. Masks save lives.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
FLORENCE, S.C. (AP)  Five of the seven workers charged in a South Carolina assisted living home abuse case didn't report the other two employees arrested had dragged a resident by his ankles from the dining hall to his room, authorities said.

All seven workers no longer are employed at the Pee Dee Regional Center in Florence, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs said in a statement.

The two employees charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult grabbed the victim by his ankles on May 3 and pulled him back to his room, according to arrest warrants obtained by the State Law Enforcement Division.

The man's shirt got pulled up and he suffered scrapes on his back, agents said.

The abuse charge is a felony and the workers face up to five years in prison if convicted.

The other five workers are charged with failing to report abuse. They all either saw the man get dragged or watched surveillance video of the incident and didn't report it to authorities as required by law, arrest warrants said.

The five employees face a misdemeanor charge and up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine if convicted.

This week's arrests came out of the same investigation at the Florence center that led to the arrest of a woman who investigators said shoved an adult's head into a wall and against a table and his the resident in the head, face and arm, SLED spokesman Tommy Crosby told WBTW-TV.

One employee was charged with third-degree assault and battery and abuse of a vulnerable adult while a second worker was charged with failing to report the abuse which happened the day before the dragging incident, agents said.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs thanked state agents for thoroughly reviewing what was going on the the Pee Dee Regional Center.

The agency said in a statement it is very committed to ensuring individuals in our care are safe, respected and treated with compassion by all employees, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who abuse, mistreat or neglect individuals we serve."
Despite the recent rise in the delta variant of the coronavirus in Connecticut, the plan to bring students back into classrooms full-time in the fall is still in place, administrators across the state said.

Still, school officials will be watching the numbers closely over the next few weeks.

I think theyre seeing the glass half full right now, said Fran Rabinowitz, the executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. We are all very hopeful that we can bring all of the students in safely for the beginning of the school year.

According to recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90 percent of all sequenced coronavirus cases in the U.S. were from the delta variant at the end of July. Last week, the CDC released updated guidance urging teachers, staff and students to continue to wear masks in schools regardless of their vaccination status  a direct response to the rapid spread of the delta variant throughout the country.

Gov. Ned Lamont has not made a decision yet regarding mask requirements but said during a press conference at Haddam-Killingworth High School on Monday that he expects to announce procedures and rules about how to deal with coronavirus before classes begin.

Schools, we got to make up our mind what the right rules are there. I put it off, in part because we didnt know anything about delta three weeks ago, Lamont said Monday, adding that things changed quickly and that they will see what the circumstances are in the coming weeks.

My No. 1 priority is kids can get back to school safely, he said.

Although districts have plans in motion heading into the start of the school year, some questions still remain, and superintendents are waiting for guidance from the state that they hope will address them.

Being able to anticipate what the issues may be and how to best address them  such as, when do you institute remote learning? How do you best do it? Rabinowitz said, adding that they are thinking about the best way to approach those problems not only for students but staff who have told superintendents that having a hybrid learning model is very difficult.

She also said they are looking at the possibility of doing pop-up COVID testing throughout the school year and discussing how that would be managed and the costs involved.

But Rabinowitz explained that this has not only been a challenge for district officials, teachers and staff but for families as well, since they are used to having absolutes from schools about when students should come to school and what the school year will look like from August until June.

Theyre not used to having unanswered questions, and we do have some right now with the mask mandate and with how the year will play out, and its no ones fault, its just the nature of this virus, she said. We cant give everyone that assurance right now. Were going to hope for the best. and were going to plan to have everyone back in full, and were going to hope that this delta variant recedes and that we have a wonderful school year.

Lamonts current executive mandate, which lasts until the end of September, states that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear face masks or face coverings except for in certain rare settings, one of which includes schools.

Most superintendents Rabinowitz said shes talked to hope that there will be a mask mandate this school year. She said they believe that is the strongest COVID mitigation strategy for schools, especially since children younger than 12 still do not have the option to get vaccinated.

Hartford Public Schools, for example, are requiring that all students and staff continue to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. John Fergus, a spokesperson for the district, said they are following the states current mandate and that they will reevaluate the situation once the governors executive powers expire in September.

I think the prudent decision right now is to keep masks on for everyone, he said. If things went [in a] really positive direction, and they removed that executive order, we can look at the options at that point, but I dont think were there right now.

Fergus explained that the Hartford district has also been encouraging students and families to get vaccinated and plans to continue hosting vaccine clinics throughout the school year.

As of last week, 70 percent of all district staff have been fully vaccinated, according to Fergus. He added that of the 1,600 teachers in the district, 80 percent are fully vaccinated and about 15 percent have not yet informed the district about their vaccination status.

In terms of students, Fergus said 746 of the students 12 and older have had at least one dose of the vaccine, but most of these numbers came from the clinics the district held at the end of the year, and they expect a lot more families to bring in the documentation at the start of the school year saying their children have been vaccinated.

Hartford is going to continue to work closely with its district health and safety team on COVID precautions and mitigation throughout the school year, but no fully virtual option is available for students heading into the new school year.

Fergus added that every student will still have access to a device they can use at home not only to supplement the learning for the 21st century but also in case a classroom or individual student needs to quarantine.

Say theres one student that was determined to be within close contact, and they had to quarantine at home. They would be able to continue their studies virtually, he said, adding that this is not the same as giving students the option to attend school virtually or in-person like they had to offer families throughout last school year due to COVID.

Were focused on students returning to school in person.

Rabinowitz said that while districts are planning for students to come back in person this fall and are not looking at remote learning as a separate model, officials are planning for medical emergencies if they occur that could include steps similar to ones Hartford is taking, such as having virtual learning for students who may need to quarantine.

She added that the objective right now is to ensure students have the devices they need and that districts are using a significant portion of the federal relief funds to ensure that they have replacement equipment because one-time buying is wonderful, but these machines dont last.
Milton, PA (17847)

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Heavy thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Heavy thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Malawians flocked to get the Covid-19 jab this week after a long-awaited consignment of AstraZeneca doses landed on Saturday, allowing the government to resume its stalled vaccination programme.

Queues snaked around the red brick Zingwangwa Health Centre in the city of Blantyre early on Wednesday morning, one line for first timers and another for those awaiting their second dose.

Some of my relatives and people I know have died from coronavirus and I have decided that the best way to avoid that is to get the vaccine, said Aidah Katsonga, 30, sitting on a bench as she waited.

I dont want to seek help after contracting the disease. There has been a lot of talk but I ignored all of that.

People queue for the Covid-19 vaccine in Blantyre, Malawi on July 28, 2021 / Charles Pensulo

Malawi ran out of doses in June just as coronavirus infections began to rise, and just weeks after the government destroyed more than 19,000 expired doses because of hesitancy over the vaccine.

Alick Phiri, Focal Person for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at the Zingwangwa centre said people were coming in large numbers compared to the previous vaccination exercise. On Monday, 450 were jabbed at the centre, and 671 on Tuesday.

Racing to contain a surge in infections fueled by the Delta variant, Malawi has approved a raft of Covid-19 vaccines in an attempt to fill the gap left by stop-start deliveries of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

People wait for the Covid-19 vaccine at the Zingwangwa Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi on July 28, 2021 / Charles Pensulo

Dr Charles Mwansambo, the Ministry of Healths chief of services, told the Evening Standard last week that in addition to 192,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine which arrived on Saturday under the COVAX scheme, Malawi expects to receive 119,000 more doses before the end of July.

The country is also expected to receive donations of more than 300,000 Pfizer vaccine doses and 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses in early August and has added the Moderna, Sputnik, Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines to its list of jabs.

The new deliveries will come as a relief to millions of Malawians, including 57-year-old Felix Ntapara from Blantyre who got his first jab soon after the country received its first AstraZeneca consignment from COVAX facility in March.

Those who received the first jab like me did not find a chance to take the second jab because the vaccine is not available, said Ntapara.

Malawis third wave of infections has created 500 hospital admissions and 100 deaths per week, according to Dr Titus Divala, an infectious disease physician in Blantyre.

While the infection rate is far lower than numbers in Europe, Malawis creaking healthcare system is struggling to cope, with a lack of oxygen and only 100 intensive care beds for the whole country.

So far only about 2 per cent of the population has been jabbed (385,000 have received the first dose and 43,000 are fully vaccinated). Some health workers and vulnerable older adults are still unvaccinated.

A man is vaccinated at the Zingwangwa Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi on July 28, 2021 / Charles Pensulo

This means Malawi must still put its faith in preventative measures such as social distancing and mask wearing  not so easy for labourers on daily wages, who dont have an option to stay at home.

Without the vaccine all our hopes are on non-pharmaceutical interventionsmasks, physical distancing and hand washand restricted meeting capacities and rotational work schedules, said Dr Divala. In poor settings where people rely on same-day wage, thats proving difficult to implement.

Even as new vaccine doses start to drip in, misinformation and scepticism over the jab may still be an obstacle.

I am not ready to get the vaccine because am not sure of side effects because even on social media were hearing so many things including that you become magnetic after receiving the jab. Those who give the vaccine havent spoken on it, said 51-year-old car tyre repairer, Lameck Maseya, who plies his trade in Blantyre market.

But Hawa Jafali, a 27-year-old businesswoman who sells cosmetics in the same market, said with her sales falling, she was keen to join the vaccination drive.
Ashtabula, OH (44004)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Published: 6 August 2021

Sea transport increased in June

The goods volume of foreign sea transport was in total 7.9 million tonnes in June 2021. Sea transport increased by nine per cent from last year's June. Exports increased by seven per cent and were 4.2 million tonnes. Import volume increased by 12 per cent and amounted to 3.7 million tonnes.

Foreign sea Transport by month (tonnes) in 2019 to 2021

General cargo was transported most, in total 1.5 million tonnes, which was 19 per cent of all transport. The second most transported were ores and concentrates, 0.8 million tonnes, and oil products, 0.7 million tonnes.

Container transport

A total of 1.0 million tonnes of containers were transported through Finnish ports i June 2021, which was 5 per cent more than in June 2020. The number of containers transported was 72,630 (128,920 TEU containers) 1) . Exports of containers went up by 8 per cent measured in tonnes and imports went down by 1 per cent compared to June 2020.

Vehicle transport

A total of 225,088 transport equipment were transported in foreign sea traffic in June 2021. Most transports of transport equipment were cars belonging to passengers. In June, 118,436 cars belonging to passengers were transported. The second most transported were trucks, 62,026 and truck trailers, 40,919.

Passenger traffic

A total of 509,645 persons were transported in passenger traffic in June 2021. In all, 293,691 passengers travelled between Finland and Estonia, 208,789 passengers between Finland and Sweden and 7,165 passengers between Finland and Germany. Compared with June 2020, the number of passengers increased by 10 per cent in June. Compared with June 2019, the number of passengers was, however, just 24 per cent. In June 2021, no passengers of foreign cruise ships arrived in Finland.

Vessel traffic and goods volume in the Saimaa Canal

A total of 159,848 tons of transport were registered through the canal in foreign traffic. Timber was transported most in vessels in foreign traffic, in total 81,209 tonnes. The second most transported were crude minerals and cement.

1) TEU, the basic measurement unit of container traffic, refers to one container that is twenty feet long, eight feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Source: Transport and tourism, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Olli Kajava 029 551 3531, Matti Kokkonen 029 551 3770, olli.kajava@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (166.6 kB)

Updated 06.08.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Foreign Shipping Traffic [e-publication].

ISSN=2670-2002. June 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 14.8.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/uvliik/2021/06/uvliik_2021_06_2021-08-06_tie_001_en.html
The Bucharest PRIDE march takes place "traditionally" on a Saturday, and this year it will take place on August 14, despite the administrative refusal of the Bucharest City Hall (PMB), stated, on Friday, Florin Buhuceanu, member of the ACCEPT association, the event's organizer.

"For a start, the Bucharest City Hall refused the route invoking difficulties in ensuring the safety of participants. To hear 16 years since the first PRIDE the same type of arguments that the City Hall cannot secure a walking route, we are speaking, about, Victoriei Avenue, an ultracentral boulevard in Bucharest that is already secured. (...) The Bucharest PRIDE march will take place at the established time and the established place despite the administrative refusal of the City Hall," said Buhuceanu, during a press conference held in front of the Bucharest City Hall.

He deemed as "completely unacceptable" the alternatives offered by the city for the organization of the march, Agerpres informs.

The executive director of ACCEPT, Teodora Ion-Rotaru, stated, in her turn, that the Bucharest City Hall offered "no argument" for which the organization of the march is not possible on Victoriei Avenue.

"The message sent by the PMB through the fact that it does not allow LGBT persons, their families, their friends to show support for equal rights is discriminatory, it's a homophobic message that sends us outside Bucharest, outside the city we also have a right to (...) We will go on Victoriei Avenue, as we have proposed. On Saturday, August 14, at 17:00 hrs, we will gather in Victoriei Square and we will march between 18:00 and 19:00 hrs, to the statue esplanade in front of the University [of Bucharest]," she said.

Teodora Ion-Rotaru said that she does not assume the potential fines on the part of the PMB. "We assume the fight with the Romanian state in court and at ECHR," she said.

According to Luca Istodor, co-organizer of Bucharest PRIDE 2021, the Bucharest City Hall already approved a march of the Noua Dreapta Association (e.n. - New Right Association).

"The authorities have allowed the Noua Dreapta march before authorizing ours and the authorities are ready to support a fascist march, they are accomplice to it, but they hold us for an entire day at the City Hall so that, at the end, they can refuse our authorization to march on Victoriei Avenue. They want to silence us, they want to make invisible trans persons, Roma persons, sex workers, persons with disabilities, they want us to be as humble as possible, to stay as hidden and invisible as possible," he said.

At the end of the press conference, the ACCEPT members protested in front of the Bucharest City Hall, chanting "Homophobia at the City Hall", "I refuse, refuse, refuse this abuse," "Freedom of expression trampled."
Banks did not participate in the non-competitive bidding session on Thursday, when the Ministry of Finance (oF) borrowed 400 million lei, according to data provided by the National Bank of Romania (BNR) on Friday.

According to the BNR, on Thursday, the Ministry of Finance borrowed 400 million lei off banks, through a benchmark government bond issue, with a residual maturity of 75 months, at an average yield of 3.25pct per year.

The nominal value of Thursday's issue was 400 million lei, and the banks subscribed 525.9 million lei, Agerpres informs.

An additional bidding session was scheduled for Friday, with the state intending to attract another 60 million lei to the yield set for the bonds on Thursday.

The Ministry of Finance (MF) planned, in August 2021, loans from commercial banks of 3.7 billion lei, of which 1.3 billion lei through two issues of discounted treasury certificates and 2.4 billion lei through seven government bond issues.

To these it can be added the amount of 360 million lei through additional sessions of non-competitive offers.

The total amount, of 4.06 billion lei, is 1.205 billion lei lower than the one scheduled in July 2021 (5.265 billion lei) and will be destined to refinance the public debt and to finance the deficit of the state budget.
The first personal photo exhibition of Belarusian journalist Nadia Bujan, winner of the prestigious award World Press Photo Involvement - 2021, was inaugurated on Friday in Unirii Square in northwestern Oradea, organized by the Varadinum Photo Club and Oradea City Hall , in the presence of the author and of the Romanian ambassador to the Republic of Belarus, Viorel Mosanu.

Titled "Belarus. The Road to Freedom", the exhibition is documentary and includes a selection of 50 photos taken by journalist Nadia Bujan between June and September 2020, during the protests in Belarus, which took place on the eve of and immediately after the presidential elections in Belarus of August 9, 2020.

The journalist from Belarus showed that the Romanian ambassador's wife, Nadia Mosanu, who is a cultural manager, also had a contribution to the realization of this exhibition, Agerpres informs.

"The project of this exhibition was born from the friendship we have had for several years with Madam Ambassador, whom I met in 2016 and we collaborated excellently on a Romanian project in Minsk, a world premiere of the Romanian Jazz Symphony of Florin Raducanu. This is how we established a Nadia-Nadia relationship and this is how we started," Nadia Bujan told AGERPRES.

Nadia, 30 years old, graduated from the Institute of Journalism at the State University of Belarus in 2014 and worked as a photojournalist until July 8 this year for Nasha Niva, the oldest newspaper in Belarus, from where she had to resign, choosing the path of exile so as not to suffer reprisals.

"A month ago, our newsroom was devastated by law enforcement. Four employees were detained and two of them are still in prison. (...) The Reporters Without Borders organization has designated Belarus as the most dangerous country for media employees. Journalists and bloggers are threatened, abused and arrested. This situation can be seen as a real ban on practicing. The total number of political detainees today is already 604 people, of whom over 30 are journalists," said Nadia Bujan.

Ambassador Viorel Mosanu recalled the steps taken by Romania and the European and international community for the democratic and sustainable settlement of the internal crisis in Belarus and some of the actions in which our country offered support to the Belarusian people.

"Romania, together with Poland and Lithuania, came up with the initiative of an economic support plan for a democratic Belarus, in October 2020. Recently, this plan was adopted at the level of the European Union. Basically, Romania supported the civil society, the independent media in Belarus with 100,000 euros, supported the international platform for investigating cases of torture and degrading treatment by the authorities against the protesters. Romania also supported the student movement, those young people who suffered as a result of the repression, and a government program of full scholarships was established for those expelled," the Romanian ambassador to Belarus said.

Nadia Bujan's photos are printed by the care of Ovi D. Pop - a world-renowned photographer himself - on ten large, weather-resistant panels and can be seen in Unirii Square until August 27. After this date, the exhibition will also be itinerated at the University of Oradea, on campus, but also in other cities in the country.

The poster of the exhibition includes the photo that received the World Press Photo Involvement award for 2021. Under the prison walls, Olga Sieviaryniec is waiting for her husband, a well-known Belarusian politician, Pavel Sieviaryniec, one of the founders of the Young Front. He was to be released that day, but after long waits  she stood motionless for about two hours  the woman never met her husband again.

"This moment of waiting - waiting for loved ones in prison, waiting for change, waiting for a quiet life - is what unites many Belarusians. I really want to believe that soon we will all be able to embrace our loved ones. I thank all those involved in organizing this opportunity to tell here what is happening in my country. Bringing the truth to the attention of the public is the only mission we have left," concluded Nadia Bujan.

The Romanian ambassador's wife, Nadia Mosanu, wanted to mention, for AGERPRES, that on the fences of the Romanian Embassy in Belarus you can still see today the 25 works of artist Ovi D. Pop, with "beautiful, bright" images from our country, inaugurated on Romanian National Day, December 1, 2020
The Romanian Brewers Association on Friday launched a campaign to prevent alcohol consumption among drivers entitled "0% ALCOHOL. 100% STEERING WHEEL.", aiming to raise awareness of drivers, passengers, and other participants in the road traffic regarding the negative consequences of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and, thus, the reduction of the number of accidents.

According to a press release of the Association, the campaign is carried out in partnership with the Romanian Police.

The event starts on Friday, the International Beer Day, on the A2 motorway, at the Fetesti charging station, where the police and the representatives of the Romanian Brewers Association send the preventive message to the drivers and passengers of the cars, Agerpres informs.

The campaign will also take place on social media, in Petrom stations, on Kiss FM, Rock FM, Magic FM, and National FM radio stations, and through several informative-preventive materials that will be broadcast during August.

Also, the actor Radu Valcan supports the messages of the campaign through a video.

The head of the Romanian Brewers Association, Julia Leferman, told the drivers that non-alcoholic beer is a safe alternative to driving.

"Promoting responsible alcohol consumption is a constant concern of the Romanian Brewers Association since its establishment. Together with our traditional partner, the Romanian Police, we are always interested in informing consumers as effectively as possible about the situations in which risks associated with alcohol consumption may occur," said Leferman.

In the first 6 months of 2021, due to driving under the influence of alcohol, 87 severe road accidents occurred, with 24 people being left dead and another 71 were seriously injured, it is mentioned in the press release of the Association of Romanian Brewers.
The fourth wave of the COVID-19 infections is rising both in Europe and in other parts of the world, and measures will be contemplated depending on the future developments, Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna said on Friday.

"We would have liked not to be in this instance, but the fourth wave seems to be rising everywhere in Europe and in the world. That is why the measures we are taking in Romania as well - the number of beds has not decreased anywhere - and those thresholds that are already mentioned, with 23% and the subsequent measures, based on these possible situations, are taken into account, so yes, we are preparing; we hope it will not be a very dramatic case, but we must be very careful. The solution is clear: if we get vaccinated, the chance of not needing preventive measures, of not having to take steps back, as we used to, is very high. Vaccination is the only solution," said Barna at the Government House.

Asked if incentives for those who gets vaccinated are still being considered, he said that these are the ones unveiled by the Ministry of Health to be taken in a week or two, Agerpres informs.

"Those are the measures envisaged, also unveiled by the Ministry of Health, that encourage or incentivise people to get vaccinated. It is a decision that will probably be taken in a week or two. The measures are taken, as we have done before based on the latest developments in figures. (...) Specific measures in one area or another, depending on the evolution of that index, can be supported by local authorities depending on their resources," added Barna.
The Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration (MDLPA) concludes H1 2021 having used up 84% of the total of 5.62 billion lei of approved credits for this period, with most of the funds being intended for local communities, Development Minister Cseke Attila said on Friday.

He added that at the beginning of 2021, the ministry's budget was 7.38 billion lei, of which MDLPA had, for the first half, 5.62 billion lei and made payments amounting to 4.70 billion lei, representing 84% of the H1 budget, or 64% of the approved annual budget. Regarding the up-to-date annual budget implementation, versus the approved annual budget limits, the percentage is 73% (5.40 billion lei out of 7.38 billion lei).

The vast majority, 75%, of the amount of 7.38 billion lei is designed for the projects of the local communities and targets the administrative and territorial units, underlined Cseke. "Under the national and European funding instruments available to the Ministry of Development, we have financed the projects of the Romanian communities," he said, according to a press statement released on Friday.

At the same time, Cseke added, the up-to-date budget implementation of the National Local Development Programme is 100%, and at the end of the first half it was 90%.

The National Construction of Public or Social Interest Programme, developed by the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, through CNI, also has a 100% H1 2021 budget implementation rate, said Cseke.

"Regarding transfers between public administration units, the H1 2021 budget implementation is 91%, and for Projects with Financing from Non-reimbursable External Funds Related to the Financial Framework 2014-2020, the budget implementation after first half is 58%", he said. mentioned Minister Cseke Attila, Agerpres informs.
Five migrants from Afghanistan and Turkey were caught by Arad border police as they tried to cross the border illegally into Hungary, on foot or in a lorry loaded with paint.

According to a press statement released on Friday by the Arad Border Police, the lorry in which the migrants were hiding was stopped for checks at the Nadlac II border checkpoint. The driver is Bulgarian and, according to the papers accompanying the goods, was shipping the paint to a German company.

"Following a thorough check of the modes of transport, three foreign nationals were discovered hiding in the cargo compartment. The persons were taken and carried to the headquarters of the investigation sector where, following more checks, the border police established that they were nationals from Afghanistan, aged between 16 and 29, asylum seekers in Romania., Agerpres informs.

On Friday morning, near the town of Nadlac, 100 metres from the border line, two people were caught walking on the field. They are from Turkey, aged 27 and 44, respectively.

In both cases, border guards were conducting the investigations.
Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu sent on Friday Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicolae Popescu a congratulatory letter on the occasion of his investiture.

Shortly after the inauguration of the new Cabinet of the Republic of Moldova, the two Foreign Ministers had a first telephone conversation to reiterate the special relationship between Romania and Moldova, as well as "the need to relaunch bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Partnership for the Republic of Moldova's European Integration," the Foreign Ministry said in a release.

On this occasion, Minister Aurescu congratulated his counterpart on his appointment, reassured him of Romania's firm support for the Republic of Moldova's reform process and European course and suggested a direct contact at ministerial level, as soon as possible, for discussing the next steps for the development of the common agenda following the Bogdan Aurescu's visit to Chisinau on July 23, and the in-depth exchange of views with President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, agerpres.ro informs.

The Romanian top diplomat emphasized in particular "the favorable context for democratic reforms and the advancement of the European path of the Republic of Moldova, as well as for the deepening of the bilateral relationship and of the bilateral Strategic Partnership for the Republic of Moldova's European integration". The Romanian ForMin also pointed out that the mission of the new government in Chisinau is "of major importance, given the clear vote of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the July 11 early parliamentary elections in favor of reforms capable of supporting Moldova's development and modernization based on European principles."

The Romanian chief diplomat assured his Moldovan counterpart "of the full openness of the Bucharest authorities to a successful dialogue and cooperation in view of advancing bilateral projects of strategic importance, as well as of the full support of the Romanian diplomacy for identifying the most appropriate ways for the materialization of political and sectoral projects, for deepening the bilateral Strategic Partnership for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova and promote its European path."

Nicolae Popescu expressed his confidence that the very good cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries "will support the rapid advancement of the strategic bilateral projects and the consolidation of the Republic of Moldova's European course."
Prime Minister Florin Citu conveyed much success to the new Government of the Republic of Moldova, invested on Friday, and assured the head of the Executive in Chisinau, Natalia Gavrilita, that the authorities in Bucharest will support all her efforts and of the Cabinet she leads, aimed at deepening reforms, consolidating the rule of law and the European path.

"Good luck to the new Government of the Republic of Moldova, which today received the investiture vote in Chisinau! We will support all the efforts of Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and her Cabinet, aimed at deepening reforms, consolidating the rule of law and the European path. As we have shown in the congratulatory letter we have just signed today for Madam Prime Minister, we are ready to immediately start working on the entire bilateral cooperation agenda, in the spirit of the Strategic Partnership for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. You will find in the Government of Romania and in me, personally, a partner fully engaged in the steps for all these directions," wrote Florin Citu, on Friday, in a message on his Facebook page, agerpres.ro confirms.

On Friday, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova gave the vote of confidence to the government led by Natalia Gavrilita, the head of the new government nominated by President Maia Sandu, reports the media across the Prut River.
Prime Minister Florin Citu stated, on Friday, in Sibiu, that he does not agree with the statement of Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna and claims that the current governing coalition "is running very well."

"I do not agree [with Dan Barna's statement - e.n.]. The coalition is running very well. That's why Romanians voted for us, so we could come with solutions, ultimately that's why we're there, not to say that we don't have solutions. (...) I will support any solution that leads to the abolition of the special Section [e.n. - Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes - SIIJ]," said Florin Citu, agerpres.ro informs.

Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna, co-chair of USR PLUS, stated, on Friday, that there is currently "a blockage" in the governing coalition, because the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) "does not want to abolish the Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes."
Romania's ambassador to the Republic of Belarus, Viorel Mosanu, declared on Friday, at the University of Oradea, that unfortunately, in the country where he is carrying out his diplomatic mission "things have derailed dangerously".

"Under normal circumstances, I would have came to the University of Oradea in order to tighten the academic relations between the two countries. But, unfortunately, in the country where I am carrying my diplomatic mission things have derailed dangerously. For a year now, the country has been in a serious internal political crisis. It is a drama, because I did not believe we would be the witnesses to such a degradation of the situation in a European country," the diplomat said, during the meeting with the leadership of the Oradea University, after the photo exhibition mounting of the Belarus journalist Nadia Bujan, in Unirii Square.

According to a press release sent by the university's press office, our country's ambassador in Minsk, along with his wife, Nadia Mosanu, met on Friday with the rector of the University of Oradea, Constantin Bungau, with the head of the Doctoral School of History, Sorin Sipos and the head of the Department of International Relations of the institution, Carmen Buran, agerpres.ro informs.

"We are not a small university. We are in the top 10 in the country. We have approximately 14,000 students, almost 20,000 if we count the residents, master's students, those from post-graduate pedagogical studies, PhD ... We are covering almost all areas of study, and, by the number of specializations, we are in the top two of Romania's universities," the rector said.

He added that this year Erasmus scholarships's budget, which are meant for the mobility of students and teaching staff, is close to 1,200,000 Euro.

Ambassador Viorel Mosanu placed the political crisis in Belarus on the "desire to remain in power, at any price" of Aleksander Lukasenko and said that the regime in Minsk "beheaded" the civil society and that the repression was so efficient, that basically the protest movement, launched one year ago, has disappeared.

"At this moment, everything has come undone. Moreover, rectors of a university in Belarus took part in the repression against their own students," Viorel Mosanu said. His wife, Nadia, detailed: "They ratted out their students because they were singing protest songs on the halls of the universities".

Regarding the exhibition which he inaugurated in Oradea, the one by Nadia Bujan, she herself being a political refugee in Ukraine, Viorel Mosanu said that this artistic action is "one of the few things we can still do for Belarus, to inform the public opinion about what is going on in this country".

Romania's ambassador in Minsk also declared that all EU representatives, the ones still left to work in the Belarus capital, are trying to stop the violence, to contribute to releasing the over 600 political detainees and the thousands of people "administratively arrested, who are spending weeks in horrible conditions, conditions deliberately created to discourage any form of protest".
The Timisoara Polytechnic University (UPT), a supporter of the project "Timisoara 2023 - European Capital of Culture," has become a member of the University Network of the European Capitals of Culture (UNeECC) established in 2006 in Pecs, Hungary.

UPT is thus involved in supporting the project "TM2023 - European Capital of Culture," mediating new collaborations, as the general aim of UNeECC is to ensure the recognition of the role and contribution of universities to the success of the cities conferred the title "European Capital of Culture," to provide the member universities with a possibility of a continuous and full participation in the European Capitals of Culture movement enhanced by "Universities of the Year," and to foster inter-university cooperation to develop and reshape the universities regional position to create new activities for city and university collaboration.

"Winning UNeECC membership is in agreement with the development strategy of the University Timisoara Alliance (ATU) that I took up when taking over as ATU chairmanship," UPT Rector Florin Dragan is quoted as saying in a UPT press statement, Agerpres informs.

The creation of UNeECC originates from the idea that it would be useful for Universities and establishments of Higher Education based in European Capitals of Culture to use this well-known and prestigious European institution to stimulate new forms of academic institutional collaboration.

"I understand that the Polytechnic University of Timisoara clearly intends to contribute to the cultural events of 2023 and, as such, take up clear responsibility for the sustainable development of the region," UNeECC Chair and President of the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) Flora Carrijn is quoted as saying in the same statement.
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 A reader suggested Outlawed by Anna North in an email to me. When she described it as a feminist Western set in the 1800s with a pandemic flu that wipes out most of the population, my immediate reaction was  no. Im pretty sure I have never even read a Western, nor did I have any desire to read another book about a killer virus. But the story of Ada, who in the year of our Lord 1894 joins the Hole in the Wall Gang and becomes an outlaw, grabbed my attention from the beginning.

In 17-year-old Adas world, a womans role is to bear children, and if you cant, you are likely to be hanged as a witch. Married, but unable to get pregnant, Ada escapes, first to a convent, then to a gang of gender-fluid outlaws. If you are looking for true historical fiction, this isnt it. Outlawed takes place in the Wild West world, but this is reimagined history. The unique story may not be for everyone, but I found myself rooting for Ada and the others who had been rejected by society.

 I had never read a book quite like Magpie Murders, a mystery within a mystery, and it made me want to read more from Anthony Horowitz. In The Word Is Murder, the British author drops another unusual twist, inserting himself as a character into the story, making this a fun blend of fact and fiction.
Aisha Sultan Aisha Sultan is home and family editor for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Aisha Sultan Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

My fully vaccinated children will wear a face mask when they return to school later this month. With rising cases of the more contagious delta variant, we want to do whatever it takes to try to reduce the spread and keep in-person learning going.

Masks, when worn properly, help protect the most vulnerable and prevent the virus from spreading. But the mask mandates in schools also come with costs for some children. Its important to recognize and discuss those concerns and determine if the benefits continue to outweigh the risks as the year progresses.

Ive seen posts labeling those who ask questions about masking children as selfish and stupid. Thats counterproductive in building the buy-in needed to keep public health measures in place, especially in communities with high levels of resistance. (Its just as ridiculous to claim that masks are child abuse.) Assuring that parents feel heard is critical to gaining their cooperation.

One significant population to consider is students with special needs. In 201920, 7.3 million students ages 3 to 21 received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. That is about 14% of all public school students. Depending on the disability, wearing a mask could present an additional impediment.
The fire was already too bad in the part where the children slept for the grandparents to rescue them, Mosley explained, adding that Vanicia was treated for smoke inhalation.

At daybreak Friday, black soot covered the brick over a second-floor window facing 29th Street, and flames had melted what appeared to be vinyl covering another opening.

The Child Death Investigation Task Force, a regional police unit, was interviewing neighbors and relatives, in part to determine whether the children were alone when the fire broke out.

The apartment was essentially a one-bedroom unit converted by the family into two living areas: one room for the children and their mother, and one room for the grandparents, Mosley said. A kitchen separated the spaces.

Mosley said the extended family of eight had moved into the apartment after being burned out of their previous home earlier this year. They all escaped injury in that fire, and Mosley said she didnt know the cause but said it wasnt suspicious. Officials werent available for comment.

Sabrina Dunigan, who works with her father trimming trees, was a single parent. She spoke with investigators after Fridays fire and then left in a private vehicle.

40 years ago: Mom is out gambling as 11 children die in house fire On Jan. 11, 1981, 11 of Virginia Williams' children died in a house fire in East St. Louis. The children had been left home alone and ranged in age from 10 months to 11 years.
Just last year, the departments crisis-trained officers wrote reports for about 390 such incidents. Some residents with a mental illness prompt so many 911 calls that Marshak and deputies can list them off by name.

This isnt a new problem, although youre hearing about it more now, Marshak said. Its sad, but the Jefferson County Jail becomes the largest de facto mental health facility when these people have violent outbursts. We know theres a better way to handle this.

Mental health professionals are becoming more common with metropolitan police forces as the topic has moved into the national conversation around police reform this year, but a full-time mental health coordinator is still rare for sheriffs offices that tend to be smaller and patrol exurban and rural areas.

A National Police Foundation survey this year of 458 agencies with 10 to 75 sworn officers found that only about 4% had a full-time mental health professional on staff, although about 75% of agencies had some access to mental health experts.

In Jefferson County, Flamion will be focused on getting help to the people who prompt the most mental health calls. She will go on some 911 calls alongside deputies and will follow up to try and connect people with mental health and other support services.
Other districts including Affton, Mehlville, Hazelwood and St. Louis Public Schools have announced they will require masks for all students and staff.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that all students and staff in Illinois schools and day care centers will be required to wear masks indoors this fall.

The delta variant of COVID-19 appears to be more transmissible among children, according to St. Louis County health officials.

Our most concerning update is that the disease is fundamentally different than last year, particularly in children, reads an alert sent Wednesday by the health department. This is very concerning as the school year is around the corner.

The weekly alert continued, We are seeing outbreaks and transmission occurring in such settings as daycares and summer camps.

That means, health officials said, that transmission in school is not only possible, but likely, especially if the appropriate mitigation measures are not taken.

The department pointed to several recent examples of viral transmission locally, such as an outbreak of eight cases in a day care classroom including an unvaccinated teacher.
In a 2018 report in the Post-Dispatch, Ingwerson, a former foreign correspondent and editor in Boston of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor newspaper, said he supported studying the idea of changing tradition by admitting students who are not Christian Scientists. The number of students at both campuses had dipped to 835, making it hard to sustain programs.

Since then, total enrollment has slid to 741 students  338 at the college and 403 at the Town and Country campus.

It feels a little close to the edge, Ingwerson said in 2018, adding: We dont want to go the road of most heritage schools and have our religious purpose sort of washed out. We want to find a way that widens our embrace but preserves who we are.

Brantingham, who was overseeing an overhaul of the curriculum, culture and facilities at the school was more pointed about the challenges at Principia, the least of which was funding.

We have more money than God, he said in 2018. We are going to run out of kids before we run out of money. There just arent enough Christian Scientists on the planet.
Hatfield said the different routes are important because even if the state takes multiple weeks or months to approve someone, the applicants benefits would be retroactive back to the date of their application.

Medicaid may ... end up paying for that care even though the application isnt approved until later, he said.

Hatfield said that if individuals were able to start the application process Friday, and if the state took two months to process those applications, then at least weve got the first part done. If we dont start until Oct. 1, you know, what were really looking at is ... the end of the year.

Fridays hearing follows years of activism, culminating with the August 2020 passage of a constitutional amendment to expand Medicaid, approved by 53% of voters in that election.

GOP resistance continued, and Republican legislators refused to add the money, even after Republican Gov. Mike Parson included funding for expansion in his budget proposal.
None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. Here are the facts.
But the carp are still spreading.

They are continuing to invade new places, said Robert Jacobson, supervisory research hydrologist with the USGS. There are many states that are now very concerned that they will be next.

In Columbia, Missouri, scientists have been working for almost two decades to stop the spread.

The USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center is a complex of buildings and ponds behind a chain-link fence. But one lab hosts most of the work with carp. It is biosecure  equipped with a specialized wastewater treatment system that has mechanical and ultraviolet filters to prevent even the tiniest egg from escaping, alive, down a drain.

Inside the lab are tubs of carp, of all sizes, connected by a maze of pipes circulating water through the containers.

One day last month, researchers were experimenting with larval carp hatched just the week before. They placed the baby carp into containers of flowing water, an important sensory input for young fish. After three minutes of swimming, the researchers removed the fish and froze them, later dissecting their brains to see what areas had been activated by the moving water.
Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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

Who speaks for us?

Thats the question Congresswoman Cori Bush asked herself several years ago, before much of the nation knew her name. She was a single mother, working as a nurse, raising two children. There were financial struggles, eviction, even moments sleeping overnight in the car because they had no place to go. Times were tough.

I remember one day, it was a breaking point for me, she told me recently in an interview. I had just pulled up into this parking lot of the payday loan company. I had my two children in the back seat. And I was just sitting there thinking: Why do I have to do this? There was no extra money. Something had happened and I needed an extra $300. I had nowhere to pull it from. And I was thinking: Why do I have to keep doing this? Who speaks for us? I remember thinking at the time, who was in positions of power who could speak for single parents? Ive made it my mission to make sure Im talking about that.
I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel. It will be hard not to hit her with it, McCarthy said in audio posted to Twitter by a Main Street Nashville reporter. Pelosis spokesperson and deputy chief of staff swiftly condemned the comments, as did several congressional Democrats.

The fundraising event was ironically labeled The Statesmens Dinner. McCarthys idea of statesmanship was to condemn then-President Donald Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, where insurrectionists beat police, erected a gallows and threatened to put Pelosi on trial. Then he carefully walked back his condemnation to the point where now he fully embraces and defends Trump while implying that Pelosi is to blame for the insurrection.

Cough of the wild

Its not just humans facing the effects of the coronavirus. Zoos around the country are reporting infections among big cats, gorillas and other animals. Early this year, gorillas at the San Diego Zoo were tested for the coronavirus after displaying symptoms including coughing and lethargy. They tested positive. The infection was ultimately traced to an asymptomatic zookeeper. The apes were treated with a vaccine made specifically for animals, and all eight ultimately recovered.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Dr. Weiss brings more than 15 years of experience in biomarker and in vitro diagnostics development

Company launched targeted recruiting campaign for next phase of corporate life cycle

Cologne, Germany, August 4, 2021  InfanDx AG (Cologne, Germany), a privately held diagnostics company focusing on the development and commercialization of novel diagnostic solutions for newborns, today announced the appointment of Dr. Gunter Weiss as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Dr. Weiss will be in charge of the further clinical development of InfanDx biomarkers for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and the further development of HypoxE IVD tests detecting such biomarkers in blood samples from newborns. Such tests will be developed for use on various diagnostic instrument platforms suited for diagnostic laboratories and point-of-care settings, e.g. delivery rooms.

Dr. Weiss brings to InfanDx more than 15 years of experience in biomarker and IVD development for the European, US and Chinese market. His appointment marks InfanDx progression from a largely virtual research set-up to a product development and commercial organization: While InfanDx for the biomarker identification mostly relied on an excellent network of clinical and academic partners including the Center for Pediatric Clinical Studies headed by Prof. Axel Franz at the University Hospital Tuebingen and the research groups of Profs. Hans-Peter Deigner and Matthias Kohl at Furtwangen University, the Company now has started building internal IVD development capability. With the funds from the recent Series A financing, InfanDx has launched a targeted recruiting campaign in the areas of metabolomics, IVD assay development, quality management and laboratory operations. Thereby, the management expects to grow the Companys team from currently 10 to about 18 to 20 highly qualified professionals by year-end 2021.

Having worked with Gunter successfully for many years before, I am very pleased that we won him over for InfanDx in this crucial phase of the companys life cycle, said Dr. Achim Plum, CEO of InfanDx. Gunter has a rare profile that combines profound biomarker development expertise with extensive experience in the successful development, validation and regulatory approval of IVD products not just in Europe but also in the US and China.

I am very glad to join InfanDx at this exciting time with data from two exceptional prospective clinical cohorts at our fingertips for biomarker identification and validation at the highest level, commented Dr. Weiss on his start at InfanDx. We are now in a position to prepare the organization for the systematic development of HypoxE tests for various partnered IVD instrument platforms tailored to market segments and geographies that are most relevant for HIE.

Dr. Weiss joins InfanDx from a position as Senior Vice President Product Development at Epigenomics AG (Berlin, Germany), where he headed the development of cancer-related diagnostic IVD products. At Epigenomics, Dr. Weiss was key in turning a research organization into a product development company and managed the projects that led to the world's first CE-marked and FDA-approved liquid biopsy-based IVD products in colorectal cancer screening. Prior to his career in diagnostics, Dr. Weiss academic engagement included research positions at the University of Munich, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, and a professorship for bioinformatics at Dusseldorf University. Dr. Weiss holds a diploma in statistics and a Ph.D. in computational biology from the University of Munich.

###





About InfanDx

InfanDx AG is a privately held company focusing on the development and commercialization of novel diagnostic solutions for acute and critical care conditions in newborns.

The Companys proprietary lead product in clinical development is the InfanDx HypoxE-test designed for the reliable identification of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) within the first hours of birth. HIE as a consequence of perinatal asphyxia (oxygen deficit during birth) can result in life-long disabilities. The long-term detrimental effects of HIE can be mitigated and even prevented by neuroprotective hypothermia treatment. However, this burdensome therapy must be initiated within six hours of birth to be effective, requiring suitable diagnostic methods to reliably and timely identify the affected newborns.

While standard-of-care diagnostic methods cannot deliver a conclusive diagnosis of HIE within this time frame, the rapid InfanDx HypoxE-test is designed to support clinicians in the timely decision whether newborns require neuroprotective hypothermia treatment.

The Company was incorporated 2010 in Cologne, Germany, and incubated at the Life Science Incubator at the Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar) in Bonn, Germany, and, following the successful start-up phase, in 2018 relocated to BioCampus Cologne.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infandx.com/

For further information, please contact:

InfanDx AG

Dr. Achim Plum (CEO)

T: +49 (0) 221 29271401

info@infandx.com



Media contact

akampion

Dr. Ludger Wess / Ines-Regina Buth

Managing Partners

info@akampion.com

Tel. +49 40 88 16 59 64 /

Tel. +49 30 23 63 27 68
Continues to Deliver Top Line Growth in Electricity and Energy Storage Segments

Increases 2021 Revenue Annual Guidance, Reflecting Contributions From Recently Acquired Geothermal Assets

Increased Product Segment Backlog to $59 Million

RENO, Nev., Aug. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS

Q2 2021 Q2 2020 Change (%) H1 2021 H1 2020 Change (%) GAAP Measures Revenues ($ millions) Electricity 133.9 128.7 4.0 % 278.9 271.5 2.7 % Product 7.4 43.7 (83.0 ) % 16.1 91.1 (82.4 ) % Energy Storage 5.6 2.5 123.8 % 18.3 4.4 320.8 % Total Revenues 146.9 174.9 (16.0 ) % 313.3 367.0 (14.6 ) % Gross margin (%) Electricity 37.4 % 44.1 % 41.3 % 47.2 % Product 20.1 % 20.6 % 12.8 % 21.3 % Energy Storage 6.4 % (13.6 ) % 45.2 % (10.2 ) % Gross margin (%) 35.4 % 37.4 % 40.1 % 40.1 % Operating income ($ millions) 28.6 48.1 (40.5 ) % 78.5 109.1 (28.1 ) % Net income attributable to the Companys

stockholders ($ millions) 13.0 23.0 (43.5 ) % 28.3 49.1 (42.4 ) % Diluted EPS ($) 0.23 0.45 (48.9 ) % 0.50 0.95 (47.4) % Non-GAAP Measures 1 Adjusted Net income attributable to the

Companys stockholders ($ millions) 13.0 23.0 (43.5 )% 37.1 49.1 (24.4 )% Adjusted Diluted EPS ($) 0.23 0.45 (48.9 ) % 0.66 0.95 (30.5 )% Adjusted EBITDA1 ($ millions) 84.5 97.9 (13.6 ) % 183.8 203.9 (9.9 ) %

We continue to deliver growth in our Energy Storage and Electricity segments, while simultaneously signing new contracts in our Product segment, which increased our backlog by 59%, commented Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer. In our Energy Storage segment, we again delivered triple-digit year-over-year revenue growth supported by the Pomona asset. Our Electricity segment, with the combination of a successful expansion of our McGinness Hills Phase 3 geothermal power plant and the return of Puna to electricity generation, positively impacted the quarter. The McGinness Hills expansion increased the complexs total capacity to approximately 160MW, which is higher than originally expected. Furthermore, with the addition of the recently acquired Dixie Valley and Beowawe assets, combined with our internal growth, we are on track to achieve our long-term goal of increasing Ormats combined geothermal, energy storage and solar generating portfolio to more than 1.5 GW by 2023.

In the second quarter, Electricity segment results were impacted by mostly temporary issues related to the Olkaria, Steamboat and Brawley complexes, which reduced our Electricity gross profit by approximately $8.0 million, and, coupled with lower Product sales, negatively impacted the quarter and our annual guidance, continued Mr. Blachar. However, the Covid-related impact on our Products segment has begun to dissipate, as evidenced by the large increase in our Product segment backlog and the steady and accelerating strengthening of our sales pipeline. We believe the recovery of our Product segment along with the significant portfolio growth coming from our Electricity and Energy Storage segments supports our target of an annual run-rate of more than $500 million in Adjusted EBITDA towards the end of 2022.

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders was $13.0 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $23.0 million, or $0.45 per diluted share in the second quarter of last year, representing a decrease of 43.5% and 48.9%, respectively, mainly as a result of the lower revenue in the Product segment and lower gross profit at the Electricity segment;

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 13.6% to $84.5 million, from $97.9 million in the second quarter of last year, mainly due to a $7.5 million reduction in Product segment gross profit this quarter, the low performance in some of the power plants in the Electricity segment and an increase in SG&A expenses. (a reconciliation of GAAP net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below in this release);

Electricity segment revenues increased by 4.0% to $133.9 million compared to the second quarter of last year, supported by a contribution from the newly added McGinness Hills Complex expansion and from Punas resumed operations, partially offset by under performance in the Olkaria complex in Kenya due a combination of curtailments and lower resource performance. Management expects to restore the Olkaria complexs generating capacity towards the end of 2021 and expects the Puna complex to generate approximately 30 MW by the end of the year;

Product segment revenues decreased 83.0% to $7.4 million, down from $43.7 million in the same quarter last year, impacted primarily by COVID-19;

Energy Storage segment revenues were $5.6 million compared to $2.5 million in the same quarter last year. The increase was mainly related to revenues from our Pomona asset, which was acquired in July 2020, and the commencement of Vallecito, both located in California;

Product segment backlog grew by 59% to $59.1 million as of August 4, 2021; Ormat secured new agreements including a contract with Star Energy Geothermal to supply products to support the 14 MW Salak geothermal project in Indonesia;

Ormat completed the acquisition of TG Geothermal Portfolio, LLC (a subsidiary of Terra-Gen, LLC). Ormat paid $171 million in cash for 100% of the equity interests in a portfolio of entities and assumed debt and associated lease obligations of approximately $206 million book value as of June 30, 2021. The acquired entities own, among other things, two operating geothermal power plants in Nevada comprising the 56 MW (net) Dixie Valley geothermal power plant, one of the largest geothermal power plants in Nevada, and the 11.5 MW Beowawe geothermal power plant, as well as the rights to Coyote Canyon, a greenfield development asset adjacent to Dixie Valley with high resource potential, and an underutilized transmission line, capable of handling between 300MW and 400MW of 230KV electricity, connecting Dixie Valley to California;

The Puna power plant generated approximately 25 MW during the second quarter of 2021, and we recently reached 28 MW following the repair of one of the turbines. We expect the Puna complex to generate approximately 30 MW by the end of the year. While management believes the PUC information requests regarding the new PPA signed with HELCO will ultimately be resolved, Ormat will continue selling electricity under its existing long-term PPA until the new PPA takes effect;

The expansion of Ormats McGinness Hills Phase 3 geothermal power plant in Eastern Nevada was completed, increasing the net capacity by approximately 15 MW and bringing the entire McGinness Hills complex capacity to a total of approximately 160 MW, which is higher than initially expected; and

Ormat signed a 15-year PPA with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA), the fifth largest electricity provider in California and the single largest provider of 100% renewable energy to customers in the nation.

1 Reconciliation is set forth below in this release

2021 GUIDANCE

Total revenues of between $650 million and $685 million;





Electricity segment revenues between $585 million and $595 million;





Product segment revenues of between $40 million and $60 million;





Energy Storage revenues of between $25 million and $30 million;





Adjusted EBITDA to be between $400 million and $410 million;



Adjusted EBITDA attributable to minority interest of approximately $31 million.





As we noted in previous quarters, Adjusted EBITDA assumed insurance proceeds related to the 2018 insurance Puna claim of $10 million.

The Company provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a Non-GAAP financial measure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. However, the Company is unable to provide a reconciliation for its Adjusted EBITDA guidance range due to high variability and complexity with respect to estimating forward looking amounts for impairments and disposition and acquisition of business interests, income tax expense, and other non-cash expenses and adjusting items that are excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

DIVIDEND

On August 4th, 2021, the Companys Board of Directors declared, approved, and authorized payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share pursuant to the Companys dividend policy. The dividend will be paid on September 1st, 2021, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2021. In addition, the Company expects to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share in the next quarter.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Ormat will host a conference call to discuss its financial results and other matters discussed in this press release on Thursday, August 5th, at 10 a.m. ET. The call will be available as a live, listen-only webcast at investor.ormat.com. During the webcast, management will refer to slides that will be posted on the website. The slides and accompanying webcast can be accessed through the News & Events in the Investor Relations section of Ormats website.

An archive of the webcast will be available approximately 60 minutes after the conclusion of the live call.

Investors may access the call by dialing:

Participant dial in (toll free): 1-877-511-6790 Participant international dial-in: 1-412-902-4141 Conference replay US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 International Toll: 1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 10158320

ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (REG), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter  a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,200 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Companys activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormats current total generating portfolio is 1.1 GW that comprises a 1,015 MW of geothermal and Solar portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe and an 83 MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

ORMATS SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties.

For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" as described in Ormats Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26, 2021 and from time to time, in Ormats quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed with the SEC.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.





ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Three and Six-Month periods Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Revenues: Electricity 133,864 128,685 278,852 271,541 Product 7,410 43,701 16,053 91,112 Energy storage 5,627 2,514 18,348 4,360 Total revenues 146,901 174,900 313,253 367,013 Cost of revenues: Electricity 83,736 71,950 163,587 143,318 Product 5,924 34,709 13,998 71,687 Energy storage 5,266 2,855 10,046 4,804 Total cost of revenues 94,926 109,514 187,631 219,809 Gross profit 51,975 65,386 125,622 147,204 Operating expenses: Research and development expenses 1,128 1,172 2,004 2,791 Selling and marketing expenses 3,988 4,854 8,264 9,648 General and administrative expenses 18,240 11,870 36,846 28,615 Business interruption insurance income  (585 )  (2,982 ) Operating income 28,619 48,075 78,508 109,132 Other income (expense): Interest income 808 441 1,071 843 Interest expense, net (18,626 ) (19,785 ) (37,642 ) (37,058 ) Derivatives and foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 658 671 (16,208 ) 1,064 Income attributable to sale of tax benefits 7,420 5,672 13,775 9,804 Other non-operating income (expense), net (21 ) 304 (352 ) 382 Income from operations before income tax and equity in

earnings (losses) of investees 18,858 35,378 39,152 84,167 Income tax (provision) benefit (4,268 ) (11,766 ) (7,275 ) (29,914 ) Equity in earnings (losses) of investees, net 605 1,658 1,147 923 Net income 15,195 25,270 33,024 55,176 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (2,169 ) (2,224 ) (4,739 ) (6,097 ) Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders 13,026 23,046 28,285 49,079 Earnings per share attributable to the Company's stockholders: Basic 0.23 0.45 0.51 0.96 Diluted 0.23 0.45 0.50 0.95 Weighted average number of shares used in computation of

earnings per share attributable to the Company's stockholders: Basic 55,992 51,043 55,990 51,040 Diluted 56,316 51,362 56,502 51,448





ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

For the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

June 30,

2021 December 31,

2020 (Dollars in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 250,009 448,252 Marketable securities at fair value 45,960  Restricted cash and cash equivalents 79,868 88,526 Receivables: Trade 137,688 149,170 Other 11,881 17,987 Inventories 28,526 35,321 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 13,837 24,544 Prepaid expenses and other 20,220 15,354 Total current assets 587,989 779,154 Investment in unconsolidated companies 103,890 98,217 Deposits and other 57,347 66,989 Deferred income taxes 124,284 119,299 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,175,637 2,099,046 Construction-in-process 531,634 479,315 Operating leases right of use 19,765 16347 Finance leases right of use 7,633 11633 Intangible assets, net 185,508 194,421 Goodwill 24,863 24,566 Total assets 3,818,550 3,888,987 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses 108,408 152,763 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 13,452 11,179 Current portion of long-term debt: Senior secured notes 25,144 24,949 Other loans 36,265 35,897 Full recourse 56,843 17,768 Operating lease liabilities 2,978 2,922 Finance lease liabilities 3,139 3,169 Total current liabilities 246,229 248,647 Long-term debt, net of current portion: Limited and non-recourse: Senior secured notes 301,330 315,195 Other loans 267,310 284,928 Full recourse: Senior unsecured bonds 674,643 717,534 Other loans 54,961 59,556 Operating lease liabilities 16,531 12,897 Finance lease liabilities 5,190 9,104 Liability associated with sale of tax benefits 101,883 111,476 Deferred income taxes 88,156 87,972 Liability for unrecognized tax benefits 3,464 1,970 Liabilities for severance pay 17,691 18,749 Asset retirement obligation 65,342 63,457 Other long-term liabilities 6,094 6,235 Total liabilities 1,848,824 1,937,720 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 9,871 9,830 Equity: The Company's stockholders' equity: Common stock 56 56 Additional paid-in capital 1,267,448 1,262,446 Retained earnings 565,225 550,103 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (7,646 ) (6,620 ) Total stockholders' equity attributable to Company's stockholders 1,825,083 1,805,985 Noncontrolling interest 134,772 135,452 Total equity 1,959,855 1,941,437 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity 3,818,550 3,888,987





ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

For the Three and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

We calculate EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for (i) termination fees, (ii) impairment of long-lived assets, (iii) write-off of unsuccessful exploration activities, (iv) any mark-to-market gains or losses from accounting for derivatives, (v) merger and acquisition transaction costs, (vi) stock-based compensation, (vii) gain or loss from extinguishment of liabilities, (viii) gain or loss on sale of subsidiary and property, plant and equipment and (ix) other unusual or non-recurring items. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net earnings as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a performance metric because it is a metric used by our Board of Directors and senior management in evaluating our financial performance. However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do.

The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the Three and Six-Month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands) Net income 15,195 25,270 33,024 55,176 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (including amortization of deferred financing

costs) 17,818 19,344 36,571 36,215 Income tax provision (benefit) 4,268 11,766 7,275 29,914 Adjustment to investment in an unconsolidated company: our

proportionate share in interest expense, tax and depreciation and

amortization in Sarulla 2,899 3,199 5,364 5,876 Depreciation and amortization 42,126 36,812 82,955 72,100 EBITDA 82,306 96,391 165,189 199,281 Mark-to-market gains or losses from accounting for derivative (990 ) (1,482 ) 1,096 (2,043 ) Stock-based compensation 2,623 2,264 4,720 4,253 Reversal of a contingent liability   (418 )  Allowance for bad debts related to February power crisis in Texas   2,980  Hedge Losses resulting from February power crisis in Texas 9,133 Merger and acquisition transaction costs 474 618 958 1,158 Other write-off 134  134  Settlement expenses  89  1,277 Adjusted EBITDA 84,547 97,880 183,792 203,926





ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company's stockholders and Adjusted EPS

For the Three and Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company's stockholders and Adjusted EPS are adjusted for one-time expense items that are not representative of our ongoing business and operations. The use of Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders and Adjusted EPS is intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures to assess the overall performance of our ongoing business.

The following tables reconciles Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders and Adjusted EPS for the Three and Six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in millions, except per share data) Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders $ 13.0 $ 23.0 $ 28.3 $ 49.1 One-time net expense related to February power crisis in Texas   8.8  Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company's stockholders $ 13.0 $ 23.0 $ 37.1 $ 49.1 Weighted average number of shares diluted used in computation of

earnings per share attributable to the Company's stockholders: 56.3 51.4 56.5 51.4 Diluted Adjusted EPS ($) 0.23 0.45 0.66 0.95




Source: Streetwise Reports (8/6/21)

In a recent Crescat Capital broadcast, technical advisor Quinton Hennigh introduced a new exploration company, Snowline Gold, and provided an update on a handful of other exploration companies, all in Crescat Capital's mining exploration portfolio.



Technical advisor Quinton Hennigh began his introduction to Snowline Gold Corp. (SGD:CSE: SNWGF:OTCQB) by outlining its people and projects. A new company, Snowline Gold is exploring an array of projects that father-and-son team Ron and Scott Berdahl prospected and staked in the Yukon.

The Snowline team are young, aggressive, very, very smart, very capable operators in this remote country," Hennigh said. "I think [Snowline] has an exceptional future."

Along with the Berdahls, Crescat Capital and Hennigh, Snowline investors include Keith Neumeyer, Palisades and Eric Sprott.

Snowline's land package in the Yukon is huge, Hennigh remarked. The company currently has seven projects in this area, which features a number of known depositsprimarily gold, but also silversuch as Keno Hill. The company's focus right now is mostly on its Einarson and Rogue projects.

As for the geology of this world-class district, Hennigh described it as a "smorgasbord of different ore deposit types, all more or less formed through the same processes of deposition and compression of the rocks."

The area is so replete with metals, he explained, because it has two geologic phenomena, the Selwin Basin and Tintina Belt, superimposed on one another.

Numerous targets exist at Einarson, including Jupiter, Mars, Avalanche Creek, Misty, Odd and Venus. Hennigh confirmed that sampling at Einarson returned "phenomenal numbers in many places."

Jupiter, the first target Snowline is exploring, showed anomalies on soil analysis. The company followed up with trenching and now is actively drilling. All of the holes drilled to date hit visible mineralization. Early intercepts include 7 meters of nearly 4 grams per tonne (7m of 4 g/t) and 4m of 4 g/t.

"A lot of holes hit mineralization that has not been assayed yet, so I would urge people to keep their eye on this story," Hennigh said. "Given that they do have some high-grade surface samples here, it's only a matter of time, in my view, that they're going to hit something high-grade and be onto a significant mineral discovery."

With its aggressive drill program, Snowline intends to drill additional Einarson targets this year, probably Mars, maybe Odd and Avalanche Creek.

South of Einarson lies Snowline's district-scale Rogue project, where surface samples returned 152 g/t gold. The stockwork veining, which often has a low grade, showed 10 g/t gold. Rogue contains numerous targets that the company will likely drill test next year.

Hennigh is intrigued by the Snowline's Ursa target because its geological presentation indicates that it could be another Rammelsberg, a historical German deposit presenting as a "folded seam of sulphides inside a bigger rock package." Its mineralized trend, 8 kilometers (8 km) in length, north to south, returned remarkable values, including up to 33,000 parts per million zinc and 0.5 ounces per tonne of silver over 8 km.

"Finding a Rammelsberg, wow, that would be remarkable, absolutely hands down a world-class deposit," Hennigh said.

Hennigh then pointed out some noteworthy developments at a few other exploration companies in the Crescat portfolio.

Eloro just announced some impressive drill results from its polymetallic project (tin, lead, gold, silver) in southern Bolivia. Its south-oriented drill hole hit 3m of 130 g/t silver. Samples collected earlier in the year from the wall of an adit showed 150m of 130 g/t silver.

Hennigh advocates that people should keep their eye on the west-oriented hole Eloro is drilling now, as the company still has not found the limits of the mineralized system. He expects the metallurgy to be well behaved like that of most other systems in the region. He also believes Eloro's project will eventually generate a lot of concentrate streams. He made the connection to other polymetallic mines in the area that are sizeable (one is mining about 100,000 tons per day) and generating lots of cash flow.

Goliath Resources Ltd. (GOT:TSX.V; GOTRF:OTCQB; B4IF;FSE)

Goliath just announced the results of drill hole 4, and the core looks identical to what it channel sampled last year. The company has lots of assays pending. As for the holes announced lower on the mountain, all hit very long intervals, 5070m, of quartz veining with sulphide and/or stockwork. Goliath plans to test numerous areas this year (everything above the green line on the image, below), up and around the edge of the system where it outcrops across the mountaintop then down to test downdip. The red box shows the area where Goliath is currently drilling.

The SureBet zone dips down into the ground (as indicated by the red diagonal arrow on the image). There's a little structure on the mountaintop, Cloud 9, that showed some good gold results from grab and short channel samples. Hennigh suggested that maybe Cloud 9 and SureBet join somewhere in the ground and noted there is intrusive down there.

"Wouldn't it be cool if the company poked one hole down there to see what's going on?" he asked.

White Rock Minerals Ltd (WRM:ASX; WRMCF:OTCQF)

White Rock adjusted its drill program to focus more on the Keevy volcanogenic massive sulphide trend because some "astonishing targets" emerged via prospecting in the past couple of weeks. This year, the company intends to drill test Jack Frost (lower right on the image, below) and Easy Ivan (upper left on the slide), "basically walk up and drill me-type targets," Hennigh said.

Tectonic Metals Inc. (TECT:TSX.V; TETOF:OTCQB)

Tectonic is aggressively drilling (targets shown on the image, below) and has a good treasury. Hennigh said the explorer is chasing another Pogo-like play in the area of Alaska's Pogo mine and is prospecting on its other landholdings.

Cabral Gold Inc. (CBR:TSX.V; CBGZF:OTCMKTS)

Cabral is doing a great job drilling, Hennigh said. The company hit blanket-like gold mineralization in a number of holes in the saprolite emerging from the ground. This alone is a potential deposit, Hennigh noted: "basically free big shallow material." Also, an anomalism seen in the saprolite indicates a vein or higher-grade system below.

Kuya Silver Corp. (KUYA:CSE: KUYAF:OTCQB)

After its first round of drilling at Bethania, Kuya now has about 20 mineralized veins now. So far, the drill results are consistent with historical ones, such as 16-plus ounces of silver equivalent. Potentially, these veins could all be mined from the same underground operation. That scenario offers potential for more tonnage per vertical meter, which equates to better overall project economics.

NuLegacy Gold Corporation (NUG:TSX.V; NULGF:OTCQB)

Of Nulegacys core drilling and assay turnaround, Hennigh said they have been "painfully slow.". The company will drill less aggressively until the assays come in and then ramp drilling back up. This will allow it to follow-up drill any excellent holes they may have already hit.

Stay tuned to this space for further updates on the Crescat portfolio.

Watch the Crescat video here.

--Doresa Banning

Disclosures:

1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Cabral Gold. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees.

3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Nulegacy Gold Corp. and Cabral Gold, companies mentioned in this article.
GILBY, N.D.  An unmanned and remotely piloted U.S. Air Force aircraft crashed in a rural field near Gilby on Friday morning as it was returning to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Authorities say the Air Force RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk crashed at about 7 a.m. There were no people on board and no reported injuries.

A fire that happened after the crash was put out, and an investigation is underway.

The public is being asked to avoid the area, as it is now the site of an active military investigation.

In a statement, Col. Jeremy Fields, the 319th Reconnaissance Wing vice commander, said military personnel were on the scene and he anticipated the recovery and investigation may take several weeks.
Colonel Eric A. McCoy accepts the colors from MG Darren L. Werner, commanding general of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, during the Change of Command ceremony on July 29, 2021 at Anniston Army Depot. (Mark Cleghorn/U.S. Army)

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT (Tribune News Services)  Leadership changed hands at Anniston Army Depot Thursday morning.

Col. Marvin Walker, who took command of the depot almost exactly two years ago, passed that leadership role on to Col. Eric McCoy, a Maryland native who came equipped with a resume of distinguishing honors to match Walkers own.

Local government and economic leaders gathered with depot employees beneath the roof of the Nichols Industrial Complex at the depot to watch the exchange, ignoring the sweltering Alabama heat to give Walker a sendoff into retirement.

McCoy introduced himself before the ceremony with warm smiles and handshakes for visitors, but spoke during the ceremony in a booming, forceful voice. He told staff and dignitaries that he would maintain the depots success and refine it, as well.

McCoy put a spotlight on the depots mission: keeping American warfighters safe by providing reliable equipment.

When it comes down to life and death between you and the enemy and you pull the trigger, the difference between a click and a bang is logistics, McCoy said.

McCoy, a native of Baltimore, Md., began his career in 1998, working at the Pentagon and overseas after earning degrees in mental health, administration, policy management and strategic studies  a list not including an extensive military education, as well.

Walker, the retiring commander, spoke with a mix of mirth and sincere emotion as he considered his two years at the depot and his 26 years with the U.S. Army, sharing both laughs and tears with the audience.

During his tenure, Walker said, the depot was the Armys national leader among the 26 depots, arsenals and ammunition plants that comprise its Organic Industrial Base, which manufactures and resets Army equipment.

I didnt do that, Walker told depot staff. We did that.

Walker, a native of Mobile, had said in 2019 that the Anniston depot had been his first choice for his next assignment. The depot capped off a career that took Walker to locales as varied as South Korea, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, earning numerous medals and promotions.

Walker left his staff with assurances of his faith in his successor.

You guys could not be in better hands, Walker said.

___

(c)2021 The Anniston Star (Anniston, Ala.)

Visit The Anniston Star (Anniston, Ala.) at www.annistonstar.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Col. Travis M. Habhab and other members of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade leadership have been cleared after a monthslong investigation into incidents and allegations stemming from a rotation to Europe, the 18th Airborne Corps said this week. (U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  The leadership of an Army aviation brigade has been cleared of wrongdoing following a lengthy investigation into misconduct complaints, the 18th Airborne Corps said this week.

The 101st Airborne Divisions Combat Aviation Brigade, which came under scrutiny in April after soldiers on an official trip visited a Polish strip club where a senior battalion officer went missing, was probed after various complaints were filed against the command.

An exhaustive, months-long follow-on investigation led by a brigadier general identified no adverse findings against Colonel Travis Habhab or his subordinate leaders, Capt. Javon Starnes, a spokesman for 18th Airborne Corps, said in a statement.

Habhab is the commander of the Fort Campbell, Ky.-based brigade, which in April completed a nine-month rotation to Europe in support of the militarys Atlantic Resolve campaign, focused on deterring Russian aggression.

Bullying, instances of suicidal thoughts at the brigades headquarters company and drunken carousing by officers were among the problems reported within the unit, according to internal command documents and Inspector General complaints obtained by Stars and Stripes.

In May, the Fort Bragg, N.C.-based 18th Airborne Corps sent a senior officer to Fort Campbell to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, the nature of which were not disclosed by the command.

But during the brigades Europe rotation, there were indications of a morale problem. A command climate survey of the brigades headquarters company conducted during the Europe deployment found that 44% of those polled reported knowledge of suicidal thoughts and 25% reported some type of bullying behavior in the unit.

And in April, the brigade was embroiled in scandal after revelations emerged about a battalion trip approved as a tour of World War II sites.

On the first night of the trip, soldiers drank heavily and went to the off-limits Club Obsession in the seaside city of Gdansk, according to an Army investigation report obtained by Stars and Stripes.

The battalions executive officer went missing for a day after he was likely drugged and was charged thousands of dollars on his credit card, the investigation report said.

The battalion commander who organized the September staff ride was issued a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand and will retire, while the executive officer faces separation, Army officials said last month. Other members of the unit also were punished.
Buy Photo A row of U.S. Army cargo trucks sit in front of one of the old buildings at Coleman Barracks in Mannheim, Germany, in 2017. U.S. Army in Europe and Africa said Aug. 6, 2021, that the military will keep six sites in Germany and Belgium, including Coleman Barracks, that were slated to close under a Pentagon plan to consolidate bases in Europe. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

STUTTGART, Germany  U.S. Army in Europe and Africa said Friday that it will keep seven sites in Germany and Belgium that were slated to close under a Pentagon plan to consolidate bases in Europe.

The Army said it will hold on to the bases because of growing requirements in the European theater.

In Germany, the military is retaining Barton Barracks in Ansbach, Pulaski Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Coleman Barracks in Mannheim, Husterhoeh Kaserne in Pirmasens, Weilimdorf Warehouse in Stuttgart and the Amelia Earhart Center in Wiesbaden.

In Belgium, Daumerie Caserne will also be kept.

Some sites that were slated to close have since emerged as key parts of an Army effort to enhance combat capabilities in Europe, which have become a priority amid concerns about a more assertive Russia.

Through this assessment it was found the sites should be retained as the requirements in growth are outpacing facility construction and renovation, a USAREUR-AF statement said.

Coleman Barracks in Mannheim has been especially important to Army efforts, serving as a hub for more than 800 armored vehicles and associated pieces of equipment.

Keeping Coleman Barracks will provide easier access for regionally allocated forces because of its proximity to the autobahn, as well as to rail and barge loading facilities, the USAREUR-AF statement said.

The Amelia Earhart Center in Wiesbaden, Germany, is one of six sites that U.S. Army in Europe and Africa said the military will keep that were slated to close under a Pentagon plan to consolidate bases in Europe. (Wikimedia Commons)

Barton Barracks in Ansbach also is seen as optimal for future growth, the Army said.

Retaining Pulaski Barracks in Kaiserslautern will mean preserving 76,000 square feet of administrative space to free capacity to support operations for personnel and equipment arriving into Europe, the Army said.

Meanwhile, Husterhohe Kaserne in Pirmasens will be transferred to U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Africa, the Army said.

The decision to keep the various sites is separate from a plan to close scores of other bases in Germany as part of former President Donald Trumps push to cut troop numbers in the country by about 12,000.

In that plan, numerous bases were slated to close, including U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart.

President Joe Biden has put a hold on those plans while the Pentagon conducts a wide-ranging review of its force posture around the world.

In 2015, the Defense Department announced its European Infrastructure Consolidation initiative, which called for the closure of numerous sites across Europe in a move that was expected to save around $500 million annually once implemented.

The decision came after years of reductions to the bases and forces in Europe as part of the militarys long post-Cold War drawdown on the Continent.

However, by 2017, U.S. European Command was having second thoughts about some aspects of the plan in light of a more volatile security environment in Europe.

By 2018, the Pentagon had issued its own directive to the Army to examine its basing plan in Europe.
Marine Helicopter Squadron One runs test flights of the new VH-92A over the south lawn of the White House on Sept. 22, 2018. (Hunter Helis/U.S. Marine Corps)

WASHINGTON  A new kind of helicopter will soon be used as Marine One, the name given to helicopters that fly the president, a Marine Corps general said this week.

Delivery is "imminent" for the first two VH-92A helicopters that will transport the president, Maj. Gen. Gregory Masiello, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault and special mission programs, said Tuesday at the Navy Leagues Sea-Air-Space conference.

The squadron and the program are ready today, Masiello said. We have enough aircraft for the initial usage, we have enough pilots that are trained, we have the support equipment  we have all that kind of stuff.

The new helicopters will replace the Marine Corps fleet of VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk aircraft that now transport the president, according to a June Government Accountability Office report.

The Pentagon has ordered 23 VH-92As, which cost about $217 million each, according to the report.

The VH-92A is expected to provide improved performance, communications and survivability capabilities, while offering increased passenger capacity, according to the report.

Its not the first time a new Marine One helicopter program was pitched. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama directed the Pentagon to cancel plans to build 28 VH-71 Kestrel helicopters that would have cost more than $13 billion.

The VH-92A program  superseded the VH-71 program that DOD canceled due to cost growth, schedule delays and performance shortfalls, according to the report.

The Marine Corps is now developing how they will phase out the old helicopters and bring in the new ones and working with the White House on a commissioning program, Masiello said.

I think that will all coalesce over the next few months and you will see the VH-92s in service shortly, he said.

Caitlin Doornbos
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Corral Salomon greets his family at USS Mahan's homecoming on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (Dave Ress, The Virginian-Pilot/TNS)

NORFOLK, Va. (Tribune News Service)  It takes a lot of planning on the home front to welcome a Navy ship such as the USS Mahan back from deployment  just as theres a lot of work for any ships family readiness group during those months away.

In the case of the Mahan, the group has been busy even before deployment, when sailors were on restrictions of movement orders to prepare for deployment  the aim of the group is to be there for any Mahan spouse, child of parent that may be struggling while their sailor is away.

So from group president Kettie Hooker, it was a piece of cake, rounding up drinks and snacks for the families waiting by pier 7 for the destroyers homecoming on Friday.

So, too, was assembling the gift bags of blankets, teddy bears and gift cards for new parents, as well as passing out small American flags to wave  and, eventually, teddy bears since the group had ended up with more than needed for the new parent.

The hard part is being separated.

The good part is the hugs and kisses pierside, said Petty Office 3rd Class Jose Corral Salomon. He was first off the ship  an honor earned by new parents and a ships top sailors  after his children and wife raced to the gangway to welcome him back.

This was a tough deployment, lasting seven months during the pandemic, said Cmdr. Chris Cummins, the Mahans captain.

But in seven months, I saw the crew come together, as a family, he said.

That, he said, was the best part of a deployment that saw Mahan steam 41,000 miles, escort dozens of ships through maritime choke points, provide air defense support for USS Dwight D Eisenhower and the other ships of its carrier strike group, and operate with Frances Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Arabian Gulf.

But coming home tops it all, he said, adding:

This is the best day in the Navy,



2021 The Virginian-Pilot.

Visit pilotonline.com.
Pink-petaled Damask roses that grow in Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains are harvested and made into rose oil. (iStock)

For many travelers, souvenir shopping is half the fun of any trip, and even those who dont particularly enjoy it know it can sometimes be inadvisable to return to ones beloved empty-handed. While most are familiar with Europes priciest must-have gifts from Norwegian wool sweaters to Italian leather handbags, a constellation of scents, spices and trinkets make the process of picking up useful and unique items for friends and family back home a joyful pursuit.

Austria: The countrys southeastern region of Styria is known for its pumpkin seed oil, a product which is consumed and used as a beauty product. A substance known for centuries, commercial production only took off in the 1950s, when a hybrid pumpkin with a softer shell and hull-less seeds simplified production. The cold-pressed oil has a nutty taste that makes it a winner in salad dressings, desserts, and as the final refining touch to soups and other dishes. High in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, some studies suggest the oil can help improve an enlarged prostate or overactive bladder. When touring the state of Syria, sample local specialties such as scrambled eggs with pumpkin seeds and oil or Kaferbohnen, beans tossed with an apple cider vinegar and pumpkin seed oil vinaigrette. For outing ideas, see https://tinyurl.com/bpuuwzy8

Bulgaria: The worlds largest producer of organic rose and lavender oils is the place to pick up these highly prized fragrances. Across a 90-mile strip of land in the Balkan Mountains known as Rose Valley, pink-petaled Damask roses that yield an oil likened to liquid gold bloom between May and June. Some 60,000 roses are needed to produce a single ounce of rose oil. On the first weekend of June each year, the town of Kazanlak holds a rose festival with traditional rose-picking, folk dancing and stalls selling rose soaps, cakes, wine and rakia, a type of fruit brandy.

Denmark: Its not just Danish children who enjoy a tasty chocolate sandwich. Here, one is likely to be made of not your usual chocolate hazelnut spread but Palgschokolade, ultra-thin chocolate plates meant to be placed atop lightly buttered bread. Both dark rye and white bread make great underpinnings to this sweet treat Danes have been enjoying since 1960s. Light and dark chocolate versions are available, with the former the more common of the two. Other variations on the theme include the Netherlands Vlokken, a wavy chocolate flake, or hagelslag, known in the U.S. as jimmies or sprinkles.

France: While its generally easy to find a weekly market in most towns of any size, if its not market day, make way to an epicerie, a shop specializing in spices. Opt for fleur de sel, the a type of sea salt appreciated for a crisp texture thanks to the shape of its crystals; fines herbes, a mix of tarragon, chives, chervil and parsley; herbes de Provence, a mix of marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano and lavender; or bouquets garni, bundles of sage, parsley, thyme and bay leaf tied together with string. A pain depices spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, anise, cardamom, cloves, mace, nutmeg, coriander, anise seeds and white pepper helps to faithfully recreate French gingerbread cake and bread recipes.

Sicily: The Mediterranean island produces the worlds most-prized variety of the pistachio, the pistacchio verde di Bronte. The green nut thrives on the slopes of Mt. Etna and takes its name from the central point of its cultivation. Pistachio trees produce crops only once every second year, and in Sicily, the harvest takes place in odd-numbered years. In addition to a flavor of gelato or the main ingredient in countless sweet treats from the bakery, pistachios can be enjoyed in the form of savory pesto sauces. To truly understand the nuts versatility, make way to Brontes annual Sagra del pistacchio di Bronte, held over two long weekends in late September and early October.

Spain: The essential ingredient in any good paella is saffron, and the countrys biggest producer of the prized spice is the La Mancha region. Saffron comes from a purple crocus that blooms in autumn. Each flower yields only three threads that must be plucked and dried by hand, a labor-intensive process that explains the products hefty price tag. The small town of Consuegra, about an hours drive from Madrid, is the center of saffron production. Its annual Rose of Saffron festival, held on the last weekend of October each year, is a food festival enlivened by dancing, parades and competitions to see who can harvest the fastest.

Turkey: Black cumin oil, also known as black seed oil or kalonji, has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Egypt, Tunisia and other parts of the world. It has recently gained a following as a health supplement in Europe and the USA, as it is believed to help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Pick some up at Istanbuls Spice Bazaar, where fragrant and colorful stalls burst with spices both familiar and exotic. Other things to take home from here include sumac, the dried pepper flakes known as Pul Biber and goji berries. Shea butter soap, honey and propolis can also be found here, oftentimes for only a fraction of what youd expect to pay back home.
The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn passes through the Taiwan Strait, March 10, 2021. (Jason Waite/U.S. Navy)

The United States is capable of assisting and defending Taiwan in the event of a military crisis, the commander of all U.S. forces in the Pacific said Thursday.

There is a narrative that we see often in the media that talks about the U.S. and the West in decline, Adm. John Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said during a virtual appearance at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado when asked to describe Americas ability to defend Taiwan.

I think what Id start with is that that narrative is certainly being pushed by our adversaries, Aquilino said. I want to be very clear  we have the worlds greatest military on the planet.

We are here to continue to operate to ensure peace and prosperity through the region, and we have to be in a position to ensure that status quo remains as it applies to Taiwan.

Aquilino said Beijings heavy-handed actions in Hong Kong since last year have heightened his concern over Chinas intentions toward Taiwan, which the Communist Party of China regards as a renegade province that must, at some point, become reunified with the mainland.

Beijings heavy-handed actions in Hong Kong have heightened concern over Chinas intentions toward Taiwan, Adm. John Aquilino, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. (Anthony Rivera/U.S. Navy)

Beijing had guaranteed a degree of autonomy for Hong Kong when the British government turned the colony over to China in 1997. But last summer it imposed a new security law that was quickly used to imprison and harass pro-democracy advocates.

The move has left many international observers wondering if Beijing is planning overt military action to reunify Taiwan.

Chinese military aircraft have stepped up incursions into Taiwans air defense identification zone over the past year.

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday approved the sale of about $750 million in arms to Taiwan, the first such sale by President Joe Bidens administration. It includes 40 self-propelled howitzers.

The sale interferes in China's internal affairs and undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, a spokesman for Chinas Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted online Thursday.

China will resolutely take legitimate and necessary counter-measures in light of the development of the situation, said the statement, which offered no further details.

In light of Chinas more aggressive posture toward Taiwan, Hong Kong and the contested South China Sea, questions about how the U.S. would respond to a military crisis in the Taiwan Strait are no longer academic.

During a conference call with reporters Sunday while in Guam, Gen. Charles Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, was asked whether soldiers could rapidly deploy in case Taiwan is invaded by China.

The Army is always able to rapidly deploy, Flynn said. And we have a range of forces out here in the Pacific  from forcible entry forces to motorized forces to sustainment, communications, cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, security-force assistance  all ranges of capabilities within the Army, that can move at speed and at scale, to conduct operations across the region.

Aquilino echoed Flynn in his remarks Thursday.

The U.S. is ready for any contingency should it occur, he said, touting the concept of integrated deterrence in such an event.

That view of integrated deterrence is designed for the entire joint force to be able to operate in a synchronized fashion in all domains  as we integrate cyberspace and space capabilities  as we do it with all forms of U.S. national power, he said. And as we synchronize those with our most critical asset  and that is our allies and partners.

So, when we pull all those together, let me just say that I have a level of confidence that the U.S. military and Department of Defense is in a good place.
The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, pictured here sailing through the South China Sea last week, made a port call at U.S. Naval Base Guam on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (U.S. Navy)

The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike group made a port call Friday at U.S. Naval Base Guam, one of the groups many stops as it moves across the Indo-Pacific.

Royal Navy Commodore Steve Moorhouse, commander of the strike group, said in a U.S. Navy news release Friday that the group has visited more than 20 nations since it departed the United Kingdom in May.

Our visit to Guam provides an opportunity for some much-deserved rest and recreation, he said. We are grateful to the U.S. Navy for the use of their facilities, and we look forward to exploring this beautiful Pacific Island.

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero welcomed the strike group, while Naval Base Guam commander Capt. Mike Luckett described the groups deployment as an incredible and historic milestone for both the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy, according to the release.

Guam, which has vaccinated 80% of its population, reduced many of its coronavirus restrictions in July. However, about 100 new cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus respiratory disease, popped up in the past week. Most of those infections occurred among the unvaccinated.

U.K. sailors will follow Naval Base Guams policies and local regulations, including coronavirus preventative measures, during their stay, according to the Navy.

In mid-July, the BBC reported an outbreak of approximately 100 coronavirus cases aboard ships of the U.K. carrier strike group, despite having a 100% vaccination rate. U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace subsequently confirmed that crew aboard four ships had tested positive for the virus.

The strike groups stop in Guam concludes roughly the first third of the groups deployment, which is slated to cover 26,000 nautical miles over 7  months and visits to 40 nations. The strike group is slated to arrive in Japan in September.

The Queen Elizabeth is escorted by numerous Royal Navy vessels, the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Eversten and the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans. F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 are also embarked on the ship.

Before arriving on Guam, the group steamed through the contested South China Sea, according to a tweet Wednesday from the U.S. Navy.

The strike group has also participated in several exercises, including its first operation alongside the USS Ronald Reagan strike group in the Gulf of Aden on July 12.

The HMS Queen Elizabeths Indo-Pacific presence is the first U.K. strike group deployment to the region in 25 years. The carrier is making its first operational deployment.

The Royal Navy has said it intends to send two more vessels to the Western Pacific. The HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, River-class offshore patrol vessels, will be permanently deployed in the region sometime this month, a Royal Navy spokesman said in July.

Alex Wilson
An F-15J Eagle from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 11, 2021. (Divine Cox/U.S. Air Force)

TOKYO  Japan is moving forward with a stalled plan to upgrade some of its F-15 Eagle fighters, but is ditching plans to arm them with expensive, U.S.-made, anti-ship missiles, the Ministry of Defense said Thursday.

Making the long-range, stand-off missiles compatible with the F-15s, which the United States has not previously done, adds to the project cost and would delay the upgrades, according to information the ministry provided at a Thursday media briefing.

Japan had initially planned to equip 68 F-15s of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force with Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles, or LRASM, as a defense against ships and landing forces. The LRASM is a stealthy, air-launched anti-ship cruise missile.

However, the cost skyrocketed from the initial appraisal after parts of the project were revised, including a plan for replacement parts and integrating the missile systems to Japanese specifications, ministry officials said at the briefing. Japanese government officials typically speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

The equivalent of about $354.9 million allocated for the project last year was not spent, an official said. The ministry also decided not to allocate about $193.8 million for the project in this years budget and instead continued to negotiate the cost with the United States.

After reviewing the program and further negotiations with the U.S. Air Force and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the ministry dropped plans for the anti-ship missiles, officials said.

Nonetheless, the estimated cost to upgrade the fighters rose $3.6 million, according to information the ministry provided.

The F-15s will be equipped instead with the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, an air-launched cruise missile. Further improvements will include increasing the payload from four to eight missiles and improving the fighters electronic warfare capabilities. The JASSM has a shorter range and higher visibility than the more expensive long-range, stealthy version.

Although the cost has increased since the Medium Term Defense Program was established, the role of F-15s as a missile carrier by utilizing high missile-loading capability is important, according to a briefing paper the ministry provided.

Japan planned on upgrading about 80 of its 201 F-15s, according to the Mid-Term Defense Program. The remainder, which are not suitable for modernization, will be replaced by F-35A and F-35B Lightning II stealth, multirole aircraft.

The ministry is considering installing domestic standoff missiles on F-2 fighter jets as an alternative plan for the anti-ship missile, officials said.

With increasing Chinese military assertiveness, the Defense Ministry has said that the missiles are necessary to increase Japans defense capabilities around the Nansei Islands, also called the Ryukyus, a chain stretching southwest toward Taiwan, the Mainichi newspaper reported Thursday.

The ministry plans to make a budget request for the project in the next fiscal year, which starts in April, and finish upgrades for 20 of the jets by March 2028, officials said at the briefing.
Buy Photo Doses of the Jannsen COVID-19 vaccine are prepared at Osan Air Base, South Korea, March 11, 2021. (Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  South Koreas military has vaccinated nearly all of its service members on a voluntary basis, according to the countrys defense minister.

South Koreas Ministry of National Defense reported Wednesday that 93.6% of the countrys 550,000 active-duty service members received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The second round of vaccinations is expected to be completed by Aug. 13, according to a government spokesperson.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in applauded the development in a meeting with the countrys Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The military is the first to achieve mass COVID-19 immunization in our country, except care hospitals and so on, Moon said after the briefing, according to a spokeswoman from the presidential palace. The public, in general, could refer to the case of the military when to accomplish mass immunization.

Over a million vaccines were donated to South Korea by the United States this year, much of which was intended for the military. The coronavirus vaccine is voluntary for South Korean troops and its up to them to get it or not, a defense ministry official told Stars and Stripes on a customary condition of anonymity Friday.

Despite having had broader access to the vaccine for a longer period of time, the inoculations appear to be less compelling for the 1.3 million troops serving in the U.S. military. In July, 70% of service members had received a first dose and 62% were fully vaccinated, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time.

That percentage mirrors the vaccination rate of the civilian population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday. The CDC reported that 70% of U.S. adults received a first dose of the vaccine, a goal President Joe Biden aimed to accomplish by July 4.

Although South Korean troops may opt to remain unvaccinated, they are heavily pressured by their leaders to become vaccinated, said Lee Kwang Woo, a retired South Korean special forces soldier and a former commander in the Eighth Armys U.S.-South Korea joint support group.

Once the vaccine gets to each unit, they dont have any choice to refuse that, he told Stars and Stripes in an interview Friday. They have to get that vaccine.

Lee noted that cultural differences between the two militaries may have played a role in the discrepancy in vaccination rates.

If I, as a soldier, refuse the vaccine and eventually get the virus, then what about my squad, platoon and company members, Lee said, referring to breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals. Thats kind of a burden. So, everybody has to have that vaccine.

As the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread, several news outlets reported this week that Austin was mulling whether to make the vaccines mandatory for U.S. troops.

A mandatory vaccine would require a presidential waiver, according to a Justice Department memo dated July 6. While it's unclear whether Biden would approve such a waiver for U.S. service members, the president announced last week that federal workers needed proof of their vaccinations, or else comply with extra social distancing measures, face mask policies and weekly COVID-19 tests.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
Smoke rise from Israeli shelling near the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba, after Hezbollah fired rockets near an Israeli positions the Golan Heights, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (Mohammad Zaatari/AP)

BEIRUT  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

It was the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs Hezbollah, occasionally play out. But comments by Israeli officials and Hezbollah's actions suggested the two were seeking to avoid a major conflict at this time.

Israel said it fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the country's top defense officials. No casualties were reported.

"We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that," said Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel has long considered Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, its most serious and immediate military threat. Friday's exchanges came a day after Israel's defense minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on a oil tanker at sea that his country blamed on Tehran.

The tensions come at a politically sensitive time in Israel, where a new eight-party governing coalition is already trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an 11-day war with Hamas' militant rulers in Gaza.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit "open fields" in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The group said it fired 10 rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. Israel said those strikes were in response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon in recent days that was not claimed by any group.

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.

"This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire," the force known as UNIFIL said. Force commander, Gen. Stefano Del Col, said the force was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security measures in the area.

Hezbollah's decision to strike open fields in a disputed area rather than Israel proper, appeared calibrated to limit any response.

Shefler, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Friday that three of the 19 rockets fired fell within Lebanese territory. Ten were intercepted by the defense system known as the Iron Dome.

Israel estimates Hezbollah possesses over 130,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the country. In recent years, Israel also has expressed concerns that the group is trying to import or develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Lebanese border villages where it accuses Hezbollah of hiding rockets. An Israeli security official said Friday the military was carrying out airstrikes unlike any in years and was planning for more options. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military policy.

The attack sparked tensions between locals and Hezbollah. Videos on social media after the rocket attack showed two vehicles, including a mobile rocket launcher, being stopped by residents of Shwaya village. The windshield of one vehicle was smashed.

Some of the villagers could be heard saying: "Hezbollah is firing rockets from between homes so that Israel hits us back."

The Lebanese army said it arrested four people who were involved in the rocket-firing and confiscated the rocket launcher. It said Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are taking all the measures to restore calm.

Hezbollah issued a statement saying that the rockets were fired from remote areas, adding that the fighters were stopped in Shwaya on their way back.

"We lived a similar period in the 1970s, when Palestinian fighters were carrying out guerrilla attacks against Israel. We are now to the same status and this is causing tension," said Ajaj Mousa, a resident of nearby Kfarchouba.

The escalation also comes at a sensitive time in Lebanon, which is mired in multiple crises including a devastating economic and financial meltdown and political deadlock that has left the country without a functional government for a full year.

Kellman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed reporting.
Internally displaced Afghans who fled their home due to fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel are at a camp in the Daman district of Kandahar province south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. (Sidiqullah Khan/AP)

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. envoy for Afghanistan urged the Security Council on Friday to demand that the Taliban immediately stop attacking cities in their offensive to take more territory as American and NATO troops pull out of the country.

Deborah Lyons also called on the international community to urge both sides to stop fighting and negotiate to prevent a "catastrophe" in war-torn Afghanistan. The latest Taliban surge, she warned, is reminiscent of attacks on large urban centers in Syria's war and the Bosnian war in the 1990s that devastated Sarajevo.

For his part, the Afghan ambassador to the United Nations denounced the Taliban offensive as a "deliberate act of barbarism," and claimed the insurgents are being aided in their onslaught by more than 10,000 foreign fighters from 20 terror networks, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. He offered no evidence to back up his claim.

"This is not a civil war, but a war of criminalized and terrorist networks, fought on the back of Afghans," said Ambassador Ghulam Isaczai.

Lyons, speaking to an in-person meeting of the council virtually from Kabul, appealed to council members to act with unity to "prevent Afghanistan from descending into a situation of catastrophe so serious that it would have few, if any, parallels this century."

The Taliban have for months stepped up attacks across Afghanistan, laying siege to provincial capitals in the south and west of the country after capturing district after district and even seizing several key border crossings. As U.S. and NATO forces complete their final pullout from the country by the end of the month, the Taliban have now turned their guns on several provincial capitals.

On Friday, the Taliban appeared to have taken their first provincial capital  the city of Zaranj in southern Nimroz province, though the Afghan government claimed there was still fierce fighting underway and that the city had not fallen.

Isaczai, the Afghan ambassador, stressed that the Taliban are violating the accord they signed with the United States in Qatar's capital of Doha in February 2020. The deal was meant to allow for American troops to gradually leave Afghanistan after 19 years of war and pave way for intra-Afghan negotiations that would shape the country's political future.

Under the accord, the Taliban pledged to combat other terror groups  including al-Qaida, which they once harbored  and prevent militants from using Afghan territory to stage attacks on America.

But the link between the Taliban and these foreign militant groups, the ambassador claimed, is "stronger today than at any point in recent times"  with "unprecedented" links to drugs, smuggling and robbing of Afghanistan's natural resources.

The ambassador appealed on the Security Council "to compel the Taliban to end their campaign of violence and terror against our people and to prevent further bloodshed and urge them to return to talks."

He also urged the council to impose more sanctions on those involved in the current violence and reiterated Kabul's standing accusation against Islamabad, insisting that the Taliban "continue to enjoy a safe have in and supply and logistic line extended to their war machine from Pakistan."

Lyons urged participants in meetings next week in Doha, where the Taliban maintain a political office, to convey to the insurgents that "a government imposed by force will not be recognized."

U.S. deputy ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis echoed Lyons, saying that the international community "will not accept a military takeover of Afghanistan or a return of the Taliban's Islamic Emirate"  and if they choose that path they "will be isolated and an international pariah."

The Security Council's emergency session followed a statement from earlier this week in which the world body called for a cease-fire and peace talks, and condemned the July 30 attack on the U.N. compound in western Herat province that killed an Afghan security guard.

Whether the council decides to take further action in response to Lyons and Isaczai's appeals remains to be seen.

Lyons said the Taliban's attempt to seize urban centers has come with "an extremely distressing" human toll: at least 104 civilians killed and 403 wounded in fighting to take Laskhar Gah, the capital of Helmand province since July 28; more than 460 civilian casualties registered in Kandahar since the start of the offensive there on July 9; and credible reports received by the U.N. of over 135 civilian casualties in western Herat province.

The latest fighting comes on top of an increasing humanitarian crisis and severe drought, she added, with 18.5 million people, almost half the country's population, in need of humanitarian assistance. She urged donors to contribute to the U.N. appeal for Afghanistan, which is only 30% funded.

"Whether the Taliban take additional cities, or whether the government regains districts, the results will only prolong Afghanistan's agony," Lyons said, stressing the critical need for a halt to fighting first and then for negotiations. "Otherwise, there may be nothing left to win."
Afghan security personnel arrive at the area where the director of Afghanistan's Government Information Media Center Dawa Khan Menapal was shot dead in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP)

KABUL, Afghanistan  The Taliban ambushed and killed the director of Afghanistan's government media center on Friday in the capital, Kabul, the latest killing of a government official just days after an assassination attempt on the country's acting defense minister.

The slaying comes amid significant Taliban advances. In a major but symbolic victory, the Taliban on Friday appeared to have taken their first provincial capital  the city of Zaranj in southern Nimroz province. The government, however, claimed there was still fierce fighting around key infrastructure in the city and that Zaranj had not fallen.

But the Taliban posted images on social media showing insurgents inside the local airport and posing for photographs at the entrance to the city. Nimroz is sparsely populated in a region that's mainly desert and Zaranj, the provincial capital, has about 50,000 residents. The province's governor, Abdul Karim Barahawi, fled Zaranj for refuge in the peaceful Chahar Burjak district, where the local ethnic Baluch population has given him protection.

The Taliban have been surging for months in Afghanistan, taking swaths of land as U.S. and NATO forces complete their final pullout from the country by the end of the month. The battles intensified lately as the Taliban laid siege to provincial capitals in southern and western Afghanistan, after capturing district after district and even seizing several key border crossings.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told The Associated Press that the insurgents killed Dawa Khan Menapal, the chief of the Afghan government's press operations for local and foreign media. He had previously been a deputy spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

The assassination took place during weekly Friday prayers in Kabul, according to the Interior Ministry's deputy spokesman, Said Hamid Rushan. After the shooting, Afghan forces fanned out across the neighborhood where Menapal was gunned down while riding in his car. Mujahid put out a statement claiming responsibility and said Menapal "was killed in a special attack" by the mujahedeen, or holy warriors.

The Taliban often target government officials and those they perceive as working for the government or foreign forces, though several recent attacks have been claimed by the Islamic State group. The government most often holds the Taliban responsible.

Earlier this week, a Taliban bombing targeted the acting defense minister, Bismillah Khan Mohammadi. The attack in a heavily guarded upscale Kabul neighborhood late Tuesday killed at least eight people and wounded 20. The minister was unharmed. The bombing was followed by a gunbattle that also killed four Taliban fighters. The militants said the attack was to avenge Taliban fighters killed during government offensives in rural provinces.

Meanwhile, Afghan and U.S. aircraft pounded Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province on Friday, as the insurgents closed a major border crossing with neighboring Pakistan.

Residents in Helmand's contested provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, said airstrikes destroyed a market in the center of the city  an area controlled by the Taliban. Afghan officials say the Taliban now control nine out of the 10 districts of the city.

Afghanistan's elite commandos have deployed to Lashkar Gah, backed up by airstrikes by the Afghan and U.S. air forces.

The Taliban began sweeping across Afghanistan at an unexpected speed after the U.S. and NATO began their final pullout in late April. The bitter fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of Afghans, now living in miserable conditions in improvised shelters and makeshift camps in the southern, desert-like environment  brutally hot days and cold nights. Inside the cities where fighting is underway, thousands are trapped and unable to move from their homes.

In the southern city of Kandahar, the capital of the province with the same name, hundreds are sheltering in makeshift camps, wondering where they will get food for their children. In Lashkar Gah, the shuttered office of Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization, was hit in an airstrike on Thursday, the group said in a statement. Fighting had forced the organization to close its office last week.

More than half of Afghanistan's 421 districts and district centers are now in Taliban hands. While many of the districts are in remote regions, some are deeply strategic, giving the Taliban control of lucrative border crossings with Iran, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Deborah Lyons, the U.N. envoy to Afghanistan, said on Friday that the human toll of the worsening fighting was deeply disturbing.

"The war in Afghanistan has entered a new, deadlier, and more destructive phase," she said, speaking to an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council virtually from Kabul. "The provincial capitals of Kandahar, Herat, and Lashkar Gah in particular have come under significant pressure. This is a clear attempt by the Taliban to seize urban centers with the force of arms."

"The human toll of this strategy is extremely distressing  and the political message is even more deeply disturbing," she said, adding that in just 10 days in Lashkar Gah, 104 civilians were killed. Lyons appealed on the council to send a strong signal "that it is essential to stop fighting and negotiate, in that order."

"Otherwise, there may be nothing left to win," she said.

In southeastern Afghanistan, the Taliban last month took control of the town of Spin Boldak on the border with Pakistan, one of Afghanistan's busiest border crossings. Thousands of Afghans and Pakistanis cross daily and a steady stream of trucks passes through, bringing goods to land-locked Afghanistan from the Arabian Sea port city of Karachi in Pakistan.

The Taliban shuttered the crossing Friday over a visa dispute, claiming Pakistan was abiding by Kabul government requirements for Afghans traveling into Pakistan to have a passport and a Pakistan visa. Previously, travel documents were rarely demanded and Afghans with local ID card could cross into Pakistan.

"The border will stay closed until Pakistan allows all Afghans to cross on the bases of our old procedure," said a Taliban statement.

At the border, traders said about 1,500 people were waiting on both sides Friday to pass through. More than 600 trucks, many loaded with perishable fresh foods, were backed up in both countries.

Islamabad's relationship with Kabul has been deeply troubled with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants. Afghan Taliban leaders live in Pakistan and Kabul is bitterly critical of Pakistan for aiding them and treating their fighters in hospitals in Pakistan. Islamabad meanwhile charges that Kabul provides a safe haven to the Pakistani Taliban, a separate militant group that regularly stages attacks in Pakistan.

Gannon reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Abdul Sattar in Quetta, Pakistan, contributed to this report.
A man walks with two donkeys outside the Zaranj Airfield, Nimruz province, Afghanistan. The Taliban overran Zaranj in western Afghanistan Aug. 6, 2021, in the first capture of a provincial capital since the U.S. began leaving the country this year, local officials and the militant group said. (Marcus J. Kuiper)

KABUL, Afghanistan  The Taliban overran Zaranj on Friday, the first capture of a provincial capital since the U.S. began leaving the country this year, local officials and the militant group said.

Zaranj, the seat of the government in southwestern Nimruz province, which borders Iran, is an important hub for cross-border trade.

All of the city is taken by the Taliban, Abdul Wahid Zawri, a provincial council member for Nimruz, said in a phone call with Stars and Stripes from Zaranj.

In a WhatsApp message, the Taliban said they had captured the city, its airport and numerous military vehicles. The Taliban released photos they say show its fighters walking around abandoned government buildings in the city. There are about 186,000 people in Nimruz province, about a sixth of which live in Zaranj, Afghan government estimates show.

The governor of Nimruz did not respond to calls for comment.

(iStock)

Zaranj went silent at around 3 p.m. after about 30 minutes of fighting, said Roh Gul Khairzad, deputy governor of the province.

Right now, the governors house, police chiefs house and all other government offices are controlled by the Taliban, she said.

Zaranj fell to the Taliban weeks before the Aug. 31 deadline outlined by President Joe Biden for the U.S. to end its longest war.

The Taliban have captured or shut down other key border trading cities in their latest offensive, which began after Biden announced that U.S. troops will leave the country.

More than 95% of U.S. troops have been withdrawn from Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said, though American airstrikes in support of government forces have continued.

Zaranjs capture follows heavy fighting throughout the country, with Taliban attacks on the outskirts of major cities such as Herat in the west, Mazar-e-Sharif in the north, and Kandahar and Lashkar Gah in the south.

J.P. Lawrence J.p. Lawrence reports on the U.S. military in Afghanistan and the Middle East. He served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2017. He graduated from Columbia Journalism School and Bard College and is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines.
In this image provided by Maxar Technologies, the oil tanker Mercer Street is seen off the coast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday Aug. 4, 2021. The U.S. Central Command said it had collected and analyzed substantial evidence that the July 29 attack on the tanker was carried out by an Iranian drone loaded with a military-grade explosive. (Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies/AP)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. military and the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations on Friday accused Iran of being behind last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea.

The U.S. Central Command said it had collected and analyzed substantial evidence that the July 29 attack on the HV Mercer Street in international waters in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman that killed two people was carried out by an Iranian drone loaded with a military-grade explosive.

"U.S. experts concluded based on the evidence that this UAV was produced in Iran," it said, using the military term for an "unmanned aerial vehicle."

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward identified the drone as a Shahed-136 UAV, telling reporters after the U.N. Security Council discussed the tanker attack behind closed doors that "these are manufactured only in Iran."

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States said the attack was "a clear violation of international law." They added that "all available evidence clearly points to Iran." Iran has denied being involved.

Iran's deputy ambassador at the United Nations, Zahra Ershadi, told reporters her government "categorically" rejects the accusation, first made by Israel.

She accused Israel of trying to divert world opinion from its "crimes and inhumane practices in the region," claiming it has attacked over 10 commercial vessels in less than two years, threatening maritime security and disrupting freedom of navigation.

Israel's defense minister threatened on Thursday to use force against Iran, and Ershadi responded Friday saying: "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests."

Central Command said the ship had been targeted by three drones but that the first two were unsuccessful. "The investigative team determined that the extensive damage to the Mercer Street ... was the result of a third UAV attack."

It said the drone attack had caused an approximately 6-foot-diameter hole in the pilot house of the vessel and had badly damaged the interior. It said an analysis of the explosive concluded that the drone had been rigged "to cause injury and destruction."

Left unsaid in the Central Command report was that the triangle-shaped Delta wing drones used in the Mercer Street attack were also used in 2019 strikes on the heart of the Saudi oil industry, which temporarily halved the kingdom's production and sent markets spiking.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed those attacks, but the distance from their territory to the two sites hit likely was too great for them to have launched the attacks, analysts and U.N. diplomats said. In January, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard appeared to use the same kind of Delta drones in a drill aired on state television.

Friday's military analysis was released concurrently with a statement from the G-7 foreign ministers condemning the attack that killed a Briton and a Romanian.

"We condemn the unlawful attack committed on a merchant vessel," the foreign ministers said in a joint statement. "This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law.. All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack."

The ship is managed by a firm owned by an Israeli billionaire, and Israel  along with the U.S. and Britain  had previously pointed the finger at Tehran.

In their statement, the G-7 countries said "Iran's behavior, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security."

"We call on Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace," they said.

The ministers called for vessels in the region to be able to "navigate freely in accordance with international law."

"We will continue to do our utmost to protect all shipping, upon which the global economy depends, so that it is able to operate freely and without being threatened by irresponsible and violent acts," they added.

Woodward, Britain's U.N. ambassador, asked about possible U.N. Security Council action, said "the door for diplomacy and dialogue remains open, but if Iran chooses not to take that route, then we would seek to hold Iran to account and apply a cost."

Jordans reported from Berlin. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.
Buy Photo Vehicles at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on July 7, 2021, days after U.S. troops left. The vehicles had been left for Afghan forces who took over the base. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)

HARTFORD, Conn. (Tribune News Service)  At a moments notice, a New Haven nonprofit is poised to prepare homes and warm welcomes for Afghan families who have became refugees of Taliban violence by working alongside U.S. armed forces.

One worker and his family will be arriving in Connecticut from Afghanistan on Aug. 11, and at least one more family will come to the New Haven area after arriving in Fort Lee, Va., says Ann OBrien, community engagement director of Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS).

They are among 2,500 people from Afghanistan who have been granted Special Immigrant Visas for having served as translators or doing other work for U.S. troops or diplomats, placing themselves and their extended families at risk in the process. Some have ties to residents of the New Haven and Hartford areas, where IRIS has resettled more than 500 Afghan citizens since 2017, creating tight-knit, supportive communities in both regions.

The families that came in the years or two beforehand, they remember that so clearly and theyre super intuitive as to what the newly arriving families need, and of course they want to ease that entry if in any way they can, OBrien said.

IRIS is also hiring several case managers and an employment specialist to work out of a new Hartford-area office and support the growing community in the capital city. That office will open as early as Oct. 1.

Im thrilled that Connecticut is beginning to welcome Afghans who risked their lives to support our troops, our diplomats and our allies, and Im very grateful to IRIS for working hard to place them here in Connecticut, Mayor Luke Bronin, a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan, said Thursday. Our entire country should welcome these refugees with open arms, not just because we owe it to them, but because theyll be an asset to any community they live in.

OBrien says IRIS doesnt know how many Afghan refugees will ultimately arrive in Connecticut.

The Biden administration also has thousands more pending applications to consider as the crisis in Afghanistan worsens ahead of the U.S. militarys scheduled withdrawal from the country this month.

When the nonprofit does get a new case, it typically has just a few days or weeks of notice before the family or individual arrives.

The short notice makes the preparation for resettlement a chaotic process, just like the rest of a refugees journey, OBrien said. But the case managers, including former refugees themselves, try to create as stable and welcoming an environment as they can, OBrien said.

IRIS maintains relationships with landlords and furniture stores so it can quickly find and furnish apartments before a refugee arrives.

If the family doesnt speak English, a translator is the first person to greet them. And no matter what, a family from the same ethnic background is the first to feed them, delivering a culturally appropriate hot meal to their apartment when they arrive.

Mohammad Daad Seweri, of West Haven, said that first meal brought a lot of comfort to him and his family when they settled in the New Haven area in 2017 on Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.

From 2004 to 2009, Seweri had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army in Helmand province, a hotbed of the Taliban and opium production. After he received a threat, Seweri took his family to Kabul and worked in a foreign embassy, hoping one day theyd return to a safer Helmand.

Things never got better, he said.

Seweri was able to leave the country with his wife and 6-year-old son, settling in Connecticut because Seweris U.S. tie, his brother, lived in the New Haven area. That first day, his brother brought over a rice dish with meat, called palaw, and helped stock their kitchen with enough groceries for a week.

Seweri still worries for the safety of his parents, siblings and their families in Afghanistan, saying the Taliban would consider them complicit in his decision to work with the U.S. military years ago.

If they find out, which they will, [my family is] not safe at all, Seweri said.

Most refugees from his country, and likely others, feel the same, wishing they could extend their refugee status to the family they had to leave behind.

Seweri, who became a case manager for IRIS, is conscious of all those worries as he works with clients.

Mentally, this is not an easy thing, he said. This is not a choice they make but they are forced and compelled to leave the country of origin and leave all their memory, leave all their relatives, their family behind and come to a new country and start from scratch.

To make the transition smoother, IRIS gives each family a cell phone so they can reach their case manager and shows them how to take a bus from their new home to the closest grocery store. On the way, their case manager tries to find them a store that will have some more traditional ingredients from their culture.

IRIS also helps them apply to social service benefits, connects them with a health care provider, and provides some financial assistance until the clients find jobs.

Seweri is hoping he gets to work with more refugees in the weeks and months ahead.

Those people coming here, they add value to the American society, and American society is getting richer and more diverse. That is one of the biggest assets of the United States, he said. They are very hard-working communities, and they definitely contribute enormously, and not only culturally, socially but economically to this country.

rlurye@courant.com.

2021 Hartford Courant.

Visit courant.com.
COVID-19 immunization cards are distributed to vaccine recipients following their vaccination. (Macy Hinds/U.S. Navy)

The Biden administration is selling its new order that 2.1 million civilian federal employees get vaccinated or face repeated testing as a bold step that will allow the government to safely bring its workforce back to the office and resume normal operations, even as the highly contagious delta variant surges.

But for many federal agencies, the White Houses public stance and its internal communications with civil service unions  committing to a return to the office for hundreds of thousands of employees and contractors still logging in to work from the safety of their homes  belies the reality on the ground.

Carefully developed plans to begin phasing staffs back after Labor Day are now in jeopardy, officials say privately, with the Pentagon sending thousands of employees home on Monday  just three weeks after recalling more people to the building. Meanwhile, leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs are in daily discussions about whether to tell their teleworking staffs they should not return after the holiday after all, officials said.For the moment, VA remains in a maximum telework status keeping employee safety at the forefront, press secretary Terrence Hayes said in an email.

Federal managers say they have little idea how to roll out a massive, first-of-its-kind plan to ask employees whether theyre vaccinated, impose testing as frequently as twice a week if the answer is no and move to dismiss them if theyre found to be untruthful. And many workers in the countrys conservative pockets who mistrust the vaccine and oppose anyone in government who forces them to get it say they will continue to resist.

At this point, we dont know anything about how the vaccine policy will be implemented, said Ann Stefanek, a spokeswoman for the Air Force, which employs about 200,000 civilians. Theres still not a mechanism right now to collect this information on whether youre vaccinated or not. Are we talking about entering this on an Excel spreadsheet?

An official with the Office of Management and Budget said guidance on how the vaccine plan should roll out will be coming to federal agencies in the near future.

The new virus surge is already affecting crucial federal operations. VAslaw enforcement training center in Little Rock has shut down indefinitely following a coronavirus outbreak in July among unvaccinated students, the agency said, with 39 students and instructors falling sick, two of them hospitalized.The same month, the virus tore through U.S. Forest Service crews battling a wildfire in Oregon. And a review of another cluster of cases among firefighters in California in June found mixed vaccination status and little mask-wearing, according to the National Federation of Federal Employees, their union.

Meanwhile, some agencies face mounting pressure from lawmakers to reopen offices. The Social Security Administration came under criticism from the agencys inspector general last week for allowing thousands of sensitive documents from claimants seeking a variety of benefits to go unprocessed for as long as a year, as 1,500 field offices remain closed to the public.

Social Security spokeswoman Nicole Tiggemann said acting commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi has directed a review of mail processes to make changes. She declined to say when field offices plan to reopen, referring inquiries to the White House budget office, which must approve the plan.

An employee at a Social Security field office in Fayetteville, N.C., who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said the agency had been talking about reopening since March, but nothing was firm. At times, about a quarter of the staff of 50 has come in to meet with claimants. But the work  which in normal times involved interacting with about 300 members of the public coming in to a small indoor space on an average day  has been complicated by the pandemic and the latest surge in cases, regardless of how many workers got vaccinated.

I hope to be able to stay at home, the employee said. With our office, youre always around a lot of people.

The delta variant is also upending plans to return federal staffs to field work they have had to perform remotely  and in some cases less effectively  during the pandemic. The VAs inspector generals office was scheduled to resume in-person inspections of health-care facilities in September, but those plans are on hold, officials said.

The uncertainty at federal agencies unfolds against a tense backdrop. The countrys reopening is paused, with caseloads surging dramatically through the South and rising in nearly every state, an increase public health experts say is driven largely by the high number of unvaccinated people in the United States.

As the countrys largest employer, the federal governments decision to reopen  or not  sends an important signal. Any sign the government is hesitating to bring non-front-line staff back to the office suggests the country will not be returning to anything close to the rhythms of the pre-pandemic workday any time soon.

In the private sector, office reopenings for employees who have worked remotely throughout the pandemic began to pick up speed earlier this summer, but the trend is in danger of reversing. A slew of companies have delayed planned fall returns in recent days, among them the New York Times, The Washington Post, Apple and Twitter.

The new policy President Joe Biden announced last week requires civilian federal employees and contractors to attest to their vaccine status or face regular testing, mandatory mask-wearing and restrictions on work travel. But the unvaccinated will be able to work with their vaccinated colleagues, provided they continue to test negative.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a trip to the Philippines last week that he is inclined to seek authorization to make the vaccine mandatory for active-duty troops.

The government has never stood up an effort on this scale so quickly, officials said, with competing pressures to keep employees safe, restart services to the public and not alienate those who refuse the vaccine. Just 15 percent of the federal workforce lives in the Washington area, raising questions about how vast swaths of unvaccinated employees in red states will approach Bidens directive.

People who have had the ability to telework are really insisting on the vaccine, but in our body, youre seeing a split, said George Joe Pauley, second vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Northeast Local 137, which represents Agriculture Department food inspectors,referring to the vaccine-skeptical mind-set of many front-line workers. Pauley, who lives in Upstate New York, declined to say whether he is vaccinated and does not plan on telling his bosses when asked, he said. It is nearly impossible to separate inspectors and employees by six feet in processing plants, so by asking their vaccine status, what have you gained? he said.

His case presents just one of many challenges the new vaccine requirement is creating. Managers and their staffs wonder what disciplinary action will confront unvaccinated employees who refuse to get regular coronavirus tests or are discovered to have been dishonest about their vaccine status - and how much leeway agencies will have in disciplining them.

Although the new safety protocols apply to employees and contractors while in the workplace, teleworking employees will have to attest to their status but will not need to be tested if they dont come into the office, according to details the National Treasury Employees Union said it received from the White House in recent days.

Agencies will be expected to pay for testing  and devise systems to store and easily retrieve a new form of medical information.

A further complication could come from the unions, some of which have hesitated to comment publicly on the vaccine directive because it has split their membership. AFGE, the largest with 750,000 members, has demanded bargaining over the implementation of the policy, potentially delaying the rollout. Other unions are expected to follow suit. Agencies are legally required to bargain before carrying out any new workplace policy, although this one may qualify as an emergency that could take effect before labor and management reach an agreement, officials said.

The White House budget office said employees can choose not to provide information on their vaccination status, in which case they will be treated as unvaccinated. The administration stressed that although the system will be self-certifying, anyone found to have been dishonest can be fired, because providing false information to the government is a federal crime.

As uncertainty pervades back-to-the-office planning that seemed certain only weeks ago, federal agencies have communicated little with the public or with their staffs about their plans. VA Secretary Denis McDonough told the skeleton crew working at the agencys Washington headquarters to return to working from home if possible. The International Trade Administration at the Commerce Department has not notified its teleworking staff of a return date, and neither has the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Federal Trade Commission, which had planned a September return, is now back to maximum flexibility, an employee said.

As they begin to implement the new vaccine directive, agencies are . . . evaluating any potential operational impacts on reentry timelines and approaches, the White House budget office said in an email.

Most agencies do not know how much of their workforce has been vaccinated, since until now they have not asked. But union and management officials guess the numbers reflect national trends, which show about 61 percent of adults over 18 are fully vaccinated. The numbers are lower in conservative areas of the country - and thats where the new policy is stirring anger and confusion.

A Federal Bureau of Prisons employee at FCI Herlong, a medium-security federal prison in California, said he and many of his colleagues are unvaccinated and plan to stay that way.

The employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, questioned how officials would implement the stringent testing protocol at places like prisons, noting that the issue of signing in  and what type of tasks workers could be on the clock for  had been a subject of tension and litigation at the prison for years. During an outbreak at the facility last fall, long lines were common at the voluntary testing station at the prison, and some employees were using the waits as a way to milk the clock, he said.

Were already so short, and so many prisons are, that they cant really demand anything, he said. Current mask requirements and temperature checks have fallen by the wayside, he said. If they sat me down in a chair and said were going to poke you or youre going to have to retire, Id retire.

Will Kohler, a tax examiner with the Internal Revenue Service in Cincinnati and a guild steward with the National Treasury Employees Union who has been working remotely since the pandemic started, said the reopening date at his facility had been pushed back about 10 times. Employees recently received an email from management telling them that no return was planned for now because of the delta variant.

Now its open-ended, Kohler said. Until further notice ... its like were hanging on the hook.

His office is open for those with tasks that cannot be performed remotely, like people who work with paper files, and those who choose to come in voluntarily. But few are doing so, he said.

The National Science Foundation also has not set a firm return date, said an employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. He said he had been vaguely told by a supervisor in June that the return would be in September but assumed that informal date had changed, though there have been no agencywide communications about the issue.

The employee, who is in his 20s, said he was hoping to get back into the office and is frustrated with lagging vaccination rates in the country.

Since I took personal responsibility to protect myself and those around me, I dont think its fair that I should have to suffer consequences from the selfish decisions of those who choose not to get the vaccine, he said.
(U.S. Air Force)

(Tribune News Service)  A new bill introduced by Ohio State Sen. Niraj Antani would require state employees to determine a citizen's veteran status in routine interactions.

The bill would meet a need identified by the Department of Defense, calling on states not only to become more military-friendly, but also to alert veterans to available services and benefits.

It's about communication, Antani, a Miamisburg Republican, said in an interview Monday.

"It will require every state agency, when someone interacts with that state agency, to inquire whether you are active-duty military or a veteran," he said. "When you go to renew your driver's license, when you go get a fishing license, anything like that, this bill will require them ... to inquire whether someone is of active-duty military or veteran's status."

The bill "will ensure our veterans and retirees can access the support they need and bring those veterans to more Ohioans," Elaine Bryant, executive vice president at the Dayton Development Coalition, said in a release from Antani's office.

Making the Buckeye State more welcoming to military families and retirees has long been a priority for state leaders. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with north of 30,000 military and civilian employees, is the state's largest employer at one site.

In a virtual signing ceremony in June 2020, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 16, a bill said to benefit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base families who move into Ohio but don't automatically qualify for lower in-state college tuition reserved for longtime state residents.

The rationale for the change was simple: Make Ohio more attractive to military families, advocates said at the time.

Also signed in June with the same goal in mind: House Bill 287, which allowed reciprocity for Medicaid home and community-based service waivers for active-duty military family members with special needs when families move to Ohio for military assignments.

The governor also signed Ohio Senate Bill 7 in a January 2020 visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. That bill requires state occupational licensing agencies to issue temporary licenses or certificates to uniformed service members and their spouses who are validly licensed in another jurisdiction and have moved to Ohio for military duty.

The requirement is simply a springboard for a state employee to let veterans and active-duty military members know about benefits.

"It's one thing for us to pass all of these great bills," Antani said. "But we need to make sure they know about them."

(c)2021 Springfield News-Sun, Ohio

Visit Springfield News-Sun, Ohio at www.springfieldnewssun.com

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The remains of 2nd Lt. Henry Donald Mitchell of Harmon, Ark., who crashed in Austria in 1944, were recently identified by the Department of Defense. (Screen capture from YouTube)

(Tribune News Service)  The remains of a World War II fighter pilot from Arkansas who crashed in Austria in 1944 were recently identified by the Department of Defense.

For the family of 2nd Lt. Henry Donald Mitchell of Harmon, Ark., the 77-year wait is finally over. Bob Mitchell of Fort Smith has pushed for decades to find the remains of his big brother after he was listed as missing in action in 1944. The pilot crash-landed in a deeply wooded area near Waldegg, Austria after a flight sweep to Vienna with the 48th Fighter Squadron on July 8, 1944.

Mitchell was informed Wednesday by the Arkansas Congressional Delegation that the remains of Lt. Mitchell were identified by the U.S. Department of POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Just weeks ago, he thought the wait to identify the remains could be up to two years.

Someone buried him in a shallow grave to protect him from the wild animals, Bob Mitchell said Thursday, joyful of the discovery.

The remains will be returned to Arkansas in the coming weeks. A funeral will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with full military honors. There has been a headstone there for Lt. Mitchell recognizing him as an MIA since World War II.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack said in a joint news release the news comes after a decades-long search  and the joint efforts of the Mitchell family, Arkansas congressional members, Department of Defense, and international representatives  to find and identify Lt. Mitchell.

Perpetually, we have to be reminded of the cost of war, Boozman said. This was a young guy serving his country and now the community and the state can welcome him back home and thank him for his service.

Boozman said contact with the Austrian ambassador to the United States and the U.S. ambassador to Austria made a big difference in the search following the death of the former landowner where Lt. Mitchell crashed. Incidentally, a key figure in the search was Tom Holland, a Fort Smith native who is with the U.S. Department of POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Womack called Lt. Mitchell an American hero who helped defend freedom against tyranny and recognized that for Bob Mitchell, he was not only that but also a brother.

He felt a duty to bring his loved one home and never gave up, Womack said in the release. It was our privilege to be part of that mission.

Womack thanked the relentless work of Chris Bader in his Fort Smith office and every stakeholder involved.

This was about serving those who served us, Womack added.

On behalf of a grateful nation, we are thankful for Lt. Mitchells service and sacrifice, Boozman said in the release. This is a reminder of the cost of war and reaffirms our commitment to ensure that our service members return home. There is nothing better than helping reunite these brothers. Bob has been a relentless advocate for his big brother and we are honored to play a role in his homecoming.

Bob Mitchell, now 91, said he was thankful the identification happened now. He had been concerned he would pass away before his brothers remains were identified and brought home.

Lt. Mitchells story

On July 8, 1944, shortly before noon near Waldegg, Austria, 23-year-old 2nd Lt. Henry Donald Mitchell crashed after his aircraft, a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, was shot down during a mission with the 48th Fighter Squadron. After an enemy aircraft opened fire on the unit, Lt. Mitchell had radioed in Green Two, O.K., but was never heard from or seen again.

In 1997, Lt. Mitchells younger brother, Bob Mitchell of Fort Smith began a search to find his brother and bring his remains back to Arkansas. He reached out to then- U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinsons congressional office for help in obtaining military records, which is when official casework began.

Since that time, Womacks and Boozmans staff members explored all avenues to learn the fate of Lt. Mitchell. The information led to Womacks office connecting with Markus Reisner, who leads a group in Austria that searches for downed World War II aircraft.

In 2017, using information from the U.S. military and interviews with locals who recalled the crash, Reisner and his group found Henry Mitchells P-38. However, the landowner would not allow excavation of the property. Womack and Boozman staff members connected with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and diplomats between the United States and Austria to allow for recovery operations to move forward.

Thanks to these efforts, the DPAA was able to begin search and excavation operations on the crash site in 2020. The remains of Lt. Mitchell were found, identified, and will now be repatriated to the U.S. As a special honor for the fallen pilot, a restored Lockheed P-38 of Salzburgs The Flying Bulls flew over the site where Lt. Mitchells remains were found.

(c)2021 Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.)

Visit Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) at www.swtimes.com
Williams and Hall in Causeway Alterations. They now meet regularly for breakfast in Dunedin, Fla. (Courtesy of Susan Williams)

At age 97, Joe Hall is realistic about his future.

I feel pretty good, but at my age, the odds are that I could go at any minute, said Hall, who lives in Southwest Florida. If I do, thats fine. Im ready. But I want to look sharp when Im reunited with the guys.

Specifically, he wants a proper uniform to be buried in.

The guys are Halls World War II gunnery mates, all now deceased. Hall is the last one left of the six-member gun crew he served with aboard the USS Brackett, a destroyer escort in the Pacific.

With no family of his own  his wife, Ethel, passed away five years ago and they didnt have children  it became important to Hall to have his last requests lined up, he said.

When he saw a sewing shop while walking in his neighborhood in Dunedin in January, he decided to pop in and ask if somebody could make him a new Navy uniform.

The other one doesnt fit so good now, and the moths got to it, Hall said. I wanted a new uniform ready to go for when Im buried. My friends were all buried in their uniforms, and I want that, too.

At Causeway Alterations, Susan Williams was in the back of the shop, hemming a wedding dress, when she overheard Hall talking to the store owner. I knew it was something I could do, said Williams, a retired county prosecutor from Pennsylvania who recently moved to Florida and works part-time in the shop to stay busy.

Williams, 57, said she stuck her head out from the back room and asked Hall, dress blues or white?

My dad had served during the Korean War on the USS Worcester, so I know a few things about the Navy, said Williams, who learned to sew from her mother and made her own wedding dress. Also, she added, I wasnt about to turn away a World War II vet who wanted to be buried in his uniform.

Joe Hall's new uniform. (Susan Williams)

Williams said she does freelance alterations from her home a few towns away in Tarpon Springs and is rarely in the shop. She took that as a sign that this really was meant to be. Hall made an appointment to come back so Williams could measure him, and he brought in his original uniform so she could see what it looked like. I was so happy that she wanted to do this for an old guy like me, he said.

Williams bought some wool-blend fabric that matched Halls old uniform, then she spent about 100 hours over the next three weeks designing patterns, cutting pieces for a sailors dress top and pants, and sewing everything together.

I took all of the original insignia and patches off the old uniform and added them to the new one, she said. There was a lot of detail work, because things were made much differently in 1942 than today. And I wanted everything to match.

Once shed added silk lining, buttonholes and some hand-embroidered details in gold thread, Williams called Hall in February and told him his uniform was ready.

It was just beautiful  it fit perfectly, Hall said. My heart beat a little faster as soon as I put it on. Williams said Hall reimbursed her for about $300 in materials, but she wouldnt accept payment for her labor. If I could have afforded at the time to pay for the materials, I would have done that, too, she said.

When Mr. Hall tried it on and looked in the mirror, he said, I feel like Im back with my old buddies,  Williams recalled. I started to cry because he was so happy.

Over the past six months, she and Hall have become good friends, she said. They meet regularly to share stories over breakfast at a bowling alley cafe, not far from the alterations shop.

Joe Hall in New Jersey after his discharge from the Navy in August 1946. (Courtesy of Joe Hall)

Williams learned that Halls own story had a sad beginning. When he was 3, his mother died giving birth to his little brother, Hall said. I was raised in Brooklyn during the Depression by my father and grandfather, he said. My dad was a streetcar operator, and we didnt have much. So when I was 17, I enlisted in the Navy. Hall said he took pride in his role as a ship gunners mate.

I never knew the Pacific was out there until I went, he said. I became close friends with my little crew of six men. We had a dangerous job and we looked out for each other.

After the war ended, Hall put his uniform in the back of a closet, married the most beautiful girl in the world and went to work for the New York City sanitation department, he said.

Like Williams, he moved to Florida to retire. When his wife died, it became important to him to have a plan in place for his own burial, he said. Every morning, my neighbor knocks on my door and hollers, Are you up, Joe?  he said. Someday, I know I wont be up.

Since Williams made him the uniform, hes worn it a couple of times for special occasions like his birthday in March and the Fourth of July.

Sometimes I get up in the morning and see that uniform hanging there and I just have to put it on, he said. It makes me feel good. Ill stand in front of the mirror and tell myself, Youre looking pretty good, Joe. 
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Whakatane locals always knew Lisa Carrington was destined to win golds.

From her days as a nipper at the local surfing club to competitions at Whakatane High School, the community say Carrington has always been ahead of her peers.

Now the 32-year-olds name will be remembered as New Zealands most decorated Olympian.

The victory at the canoe sprint womens K1 500 final in Tokyo on Thursday gave Carrington her sixth Olympic medal and fifth gold, pushing her to the top of the countrys Olympic podium.

Were unsurprised, Whakatane mayor Judy Turner told Stuff.

She has been a hero for us for quite some time, even before the Olympics.

Eager to watch Carringtons second-to-last race, Turner joined other district mayors in a cramped foyer in Taupo after a local government meeting.

When Carrington took home the win, Turner gushed that she was Carringtons local mayor.

Its a proud mayor moment definitely.

Shes a credit to her family and all the investments that have been put into her.

That proudness for Carringtons win was also echoed amongst Whakatane surf club members, some of whom have been involved in the early stages of her training.

Club captain Michelle Cossey says the club and community is behind her 110 per cent.

A parade to celebrate Lisa Carringtons wins is on the cards, Whakatane mayor Judy Turner said. Photo: Rosa Woods/Stuff.

More than 300 people gathered at the Ohope charter club on Thursday to watch Carrington's race and plan to do the same on Friday for Carringtons final event of these Games.

Lisa is just out of this world. Shes dedicated and the work she puts in is just incredible, Cossey says.

She says Carrington started out as a nipper at Whakatane Surf Life-Saving Club, she then joined competitions in junior surf and senior division, before moving over to Mount Maunganui Surf Life-Saving Club for more experience.

She then became involved in kayaking and canoeing.

Shes gone leaps and bounds, and we are very proud of her.

She hasnt forgotten her roots, her mum and dad are just here down the road from the surf club, and every time she comes into town she goes out of her way to do [a] session at the kayaking club.

Youth at Whakatane High School also look up to her, principal Martyn Knapton says.

The name Lisa Carrington is well known at this school as well as Stacey Waaka (Rugby).

While Carringtons time as a student at Whakatane High School was before Knaptons time, he says many teachers remember her smiling face.

A number of staff have also worked with her and her family as part of the surf life-saving club.

Her old teachers say aside from her natural skills in outdoor activities, she also did well academically and had great work ethic.

She is an example that there is strength in provincial New Zealand and little towns like Whakatane.

Its a powerful message to students that they can achieve at the highest levels and become successful in anything.

During the Rio 2016 Olympics, the town named a street in Ohope in honour of Carrington  Carrington Lane.

The mayor plans to top that this year with a town parade.

Im hoping [Hayden] Wilde and Carrington will be coming home at a similar time to do a co-ordinated parade, but if not, maybe well have more, Turner says.

The community is super keen to celebrate this. We are incredibly proud of her and all our athletes.

-Stuff/Sharnae Hope.
The Ministry of Health is launching a new working group to tackle the spread of sexually transmitted and blood-borne viruses and diseases, including syphilis, HIV and hepatitis C.

A Ministry spokesperson says the group is expected to help draft a virtual elimination strategy for the conditions and report back to Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall by the end of the year.

It will include clinicians, researchers and community organisations across the sector, as well as representatives from a number of government agencies.

But the Ministry is refusing to release any more details on the Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections Strategy working group.

Hepatitis C is the leading cause of New Zealanders receiving liver transplants and a major source of liver cancer.

Counties Manukau Health recently unveiled a new hepatitis C testing and treatment service at 17 pharmacies in south Auckland. Under the scheme, chemists are equipped to test for the virus via a quick finger-prick and provide treatment for those who test positive.

Dr Peter Saxton is a senior lecturer in population health at the University of Aucklands medical and health sciences faculty. His research includes work on the control of sexually transmitted diseases.

He says any work to try and eliminate diseases and illnesses like HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C has to be applauded.

Its what weve wanted to see for a long time, he says. Covid-19 has demonstrated how we can use an elimination strategy to deal with a virus and that can now be applied to other infectious diseases.

And while the working group is still in its infancy, he says its a step in the right direction.

A report released by Parliaments health select committee in March found 40 per cent of syphilis cases in New Zealand were in the Counties Manukau area.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection which can be treated and cured with antibiotics. But if it isnt treated, over time it can affect the brain, spinal cord and other organs.

Parliaments health select committee released a report in March as part of its 2019/2020 annual review of the Counties Manukau DHB and found 40 per cent of syphilis cases in New Zealand were in the Counties Manukau area.

Saxton says using a contact tracing system is an important way to stop the spread of such conditions and it has to be considered as a key part of the working groups strategy.

There are stigmas attached to all infectious diseases, including Covid-19 and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). But when people know that their privacy will be protected they are more likely to take part.

The most up to date data released by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) from 2020 shows a total 589 cases of syphilis were recorded nationally in the 12 months to the end of June last year.

Dr Massimo Giola is a member of the New Zealand Sexual Health Societys executive and a practicing physician. He confirms he is part of the newly-formed working group.

He says he cant comment on the new body, but is enthusiastic about its role.

According to figures released by the University of Otagos AIDS Epidemiology Group in May there were a total of 162 people recorded as having HIV in New Zealand last year. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, damages the immune system and is spread through unprotected sex and contact with infected blood.

Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verralls office was contacted for this story, but referred all questions to the Ministry of Health.
Covid-19 booster vaccines could be on the cards for New Zealanders.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says officials are looking at the need for booster shots.

He says the Ministry of Health is talking to Pfizer about whether a booster is needed for possible waning immunity over time, but there is no suggestion that is happening.

Speaking at a GPs conference in Wellington, Dr Bloomfield says we need to make sure we are in the market for an annual shot - similar to influenza vaccines - to target new strains of the virus.

He also confirms health officials are looking at the science of extending the wait between jabs from three weeks for a stronger response.

Health Minister Andrew Little says there are signs overseas that a booster may be needed due to the Delta variant, and New Zealand must be ready.

He says the government will still support Pacific Island countries in the vaccination campaigns, while balancing the ethical decision of pursuing booster shots for New Zealanders.

But National's Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop has described the government as irresponsible for failing to order extra Covid-19 vaccines to use as booster shots for the next few years.

He says the rest of the world is putting in orders for vaccines, while New Zealand is lagging behind.

Bishop says he cannot understand the government's lack of urgency.

- RNZ
Housing Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods and Building and Construction Minister Hon Poto Williams today launched the Construction Sector Accord Network.

Designed to bring the sector together to lift performance and drive change, the Network is a collective of businesses, government agencies and other organisations committed to a higher performing construction industry.

At a time when we have record housing consents, and are building more houses than any Government since the 1970s  it is critical we continue to have a high performing construction industry, says Woods.

The Construction Accord Network will work to foster behaviour change and encourage collaboration across the sector. It will drive productivity and better outcomes through sharing and encouraging best practice and will launch a range of initiatives.

The Network will give everyone in the industry the tools to improve their practice and the voice to participate. It has been designed for the construction sector, by the construction sector.

The Construction Sector Accord Network gives members a clear set of expectations around practices and behaviours for members to aspire to or to uphold.

The wellbeing of New Zealanders is fundamentally linked to safe, durable and affordable homes, buildings and infrastructure, and we need a high performing building and construction sector to deliver these outcomes, says Woods.

The Network aims to start more conversations on important issues like being clearer about risk in contracts, improving staff wellbeing, being more sustainable, and simple steps like getting better at paying on time.

Construction Minister Williams highlights that the construction sector is New Zealands fourth largest employer and that the contribution is now more important than ever to support economic recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.

The principles of the Construction Sector Accord have been critical in underpinning change in the sector to date. The Accord has been pivotal in navigating the challenges faced by global supply chain shortages.

Every construction organisation, every company, from the big players to the sole-operator trades people, has a critical role to play in helping us achieve the Accord vision of a high performing construction sector to build back better, says Williams.

Both Ministers encourage all organisations in the sector, big and small, public and private to play their part by joining the Network.

All of the Accord Ministers have urged our agencies to join the Network and lead change by example. I am pleased that all the Accord agencies have signed up early to the Network, says Woods.

Members of the Network are asked to pledge to uphold a set of principles and behaviours and in return the Accord will continue to work on their behalf and support members with resources to help them improve their business across key areas such as procurement, contracts, health and safety, and workforce development.

The Network has been developed as an initiative of the Construction Sector Accord  a joint partnership between industry and government working together to fix many of the issues and challenges facing the sector. The Accord Network is unique as it will include members from all parts of the sector  from industry organisations and government agencies to clients to architects to trades.

There is no cost to join the Network. Organisations can join by visiting the Accord websites Get involved page, or by using the URL www.constructionaccord.nz/network
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Lawton, OK (73501)

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Tahlequah, OK (74464)

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Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. NNE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Tahlequah, OK (74464)

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Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Asia-Pac's Tax Take Dropped, Even Before COVID-19: Report

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

06 August 2021

Tax revenues fell in 2019 in two-thirds of economies across Asia and the Pacific as a result of an economic slowdown prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new OECD report.

Revenue Statistics in Asia and the Pacific 2021, launched on July 21 at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) workshop on tax policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, shows that the average tax-to-GDP ratio for the 24 economies in the Asia-Pacific region covered by the report was 21.0 percent in 2019. This is below the average tax-to-GDP ratio for Latin America and the Caribbean (22.9 percent) and the OECD (33.8 percent) in 2019 but above the African average (16.6 percent in 2018).

Tax-to-GDP ratios in Asia and the Pacific ranged from 10.3 percent in Bhutan to 48.2 percent in Nauru in 2019. Most of the 14 Asian economies in the report had a tax-to-GDP ratio below the Asia-Pacific (24) average of 21.0 percent except for Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and China. Meanwhile, six of the ten Pacific economies had a tax-to-GDP ratio above 21.0 percent, except for Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tokelau, and the Solomon Islands.

Of the 15 Asia-Pacific economies where tax-to-GDP ratios fell from the previous year, six registered a decline in excess of one percentage point (p.p.): China (exclusive of social security contributions), Fiji, Samoa, Bhutan, the Cook Islands and the Solomon Islands. The figures for Bhutan and the Cook Islands, where tax-to-GDP ratios fell by 2.3 p.p. and 3.0 p.p. respectively, include part of 2020 in the 2019 fiscal year and thus reflect the impact of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the seven economies whose tax-to-GDP ratios increased in 2019 from the previous year, the largest increase (equivalent to 12.9 p.p.) was in Nauru following an increase in income tax rates for employees and service providers of the Regional Processing Centre. In the other six economies, the increase amounted to less than 1 p.p., with the exception of Tokelau (1.2 p.p.).

Over a longer timeframe, tax-to-GDP ratios rose in 14 of the 24 economies during the past decade, with Korea, Japan, Samoa, the Maldives, and Nauru registering the largest increases, according to the report.

The largest decreases between 2010 and 2019 were registered in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Kazakhstan, in each case largely due to falls in revenues from corporate income tax (CIT) as a percentage of GDP. On average, taxes on goods and services are the main source of tax revenues in the Asia-Pacific region (49.8 percent), the report says.

As regards taxes on income and profits, Asian economies tend to be more reliant on CIT, it says, while Pacific economies are more reliant on personal income taxes.

A special feature in the publication, written by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discusses emerging fiscal challenges for the Asia-Pacific region in the post-COVID era. It shows how active involvement in international tax initiatives can assist economies in the region to deal with challenges to domestic resource mobilisation following COVID-19 and to fill the financing gap to fund the sustainable development goals. It also outlines how the ADB Asia-Pacific Tax Hub, recently established to support domestic resource mobilisation and co-ordination of tax policy and administration, could help economies develop and sustain healthy government finances.
BVI Says New Global Tax Rules Should Appreciate Offshore IFCs

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

06 August 2021

The British Virgin Islands Government has released a statement expressing concerns on the proposals being discussed by the OECD to establish modernized rules for the digitalized economy, including a minimum global corporate tax rate.

During two-day talks in London that concluded on June 5, finance ministers from the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Canada  collectively the G7  agreed in principle to a global minimum rate of 15 percent, applied on a per-country basis. The agreement on a 15 percent rate is in reference to proposals from the OECD on a minimum corporate tax burden for consumer-facing multinational firms, which is to be combined also with new rules on the distribution of taxing rights on their profits.

The British Virgin Islands' Premier and Minister of Finance, Andrew Fahie said of the G7 agreement: "As a small economy, I fully appreciate that Governments must focus on avenues to increase revenues, especially in a post-pandemic era. We all get that. However, it is important to remember that the commitment of the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework is to deliver a 'consensus-based solution' to the challenges arising from digitalisation. Therefore, we await the July meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors."

The BVI Government said, whilst negotiations are still continuing, BVI would like to have seen a greater acknowledgment of the "positive contributions of international finance centers to the global economy".

Fahie said: "Economic research conducted on behalf of the BVI shows that International Finance Centres have a positive role to play in the global economy and actually help boost developing economies' tax revenues by billions annually, support millions of jobs, and enable significant trade across the globe."

"Whilst we continue to monitor these developments, BVI remains confident of the attractiveness of its brand for international clientele and is keen to continue to support our client base whilst maintaining and expanding on our record as a responsible international financial centre. We will continue to monitor international initiatives and to be part of the discussions with the OECD, as a recognised standard setting body in this area," he concluded.
Guernsey lawmakers are to discuss the possibility of introducing a value-added tax system, at a debate scheduled for September 2021, it has been announced.

The introduction of a GST with either a five or eight percent rate is included in two of three options put forward by Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee, which was asked to identify potential sources of revenue for the government. The alternative would be a three percent "health tax", levied through the social security system.

Given that the introduction of a GST would be regressive, the Committee has proposed that the levy's impact could be offset with a hike to the personal income tax-exempt allowance and changes to make the social security tax system more progressive.

Mark Helyar, Treasury lead for the Policy and Resources Committee, said: "This Review is about making sure we are clear about how we should raise revenues, if and when we need to. It doesn't mean we are going to raise revenue now, or even next year but we may need to eventually."

"Our current tax base is unsustainable. It is uncomfortably narrow with almost two thirds of our income derived from taxes and contributions charged against people's income. The number of older people in our community is increasing and so is the volume of pensions and care services they need. We also need a long-term solution to support investment in our islands' infrastructure - the borrowing agreed in the Funding and Investment plan will support our capital programme to 2025 but not beyond. Change is needed, but the question is, what will that change be?"

"In presenting these three options to the States, we are one step closer to ensuring that we have a sustainable tax base. But at this point, none of these options are a fait accompli. It will be for the States to assess these three options and provide direction as to the path that we should take."

Neighboring island Jersey already levies a goods and services tax with a five percent rate.
Mauritius Announces New Tax Reliefs In 2021-22 Budget

by Lorys Charalambous, Tax-News.com, Cyprus

06 August 2021

Mauritius announced numerous tax relief measures for investors and for wealthy foreign individuals in its newly released Budget.

For companies, the Budget includes a concessionary rate of corporate tax of three percent, rather than 15 percent, for companies engaged in the medical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sector. Further, they will be allowed a full tax credit for the cost of acquiring patents.

In addition, companies constructing factories to manufacture pharmaceutical products and medical devices will benefit from exemption from:

Registration duty and land transfer tax;

Land conversion tax; and

VAT on construction.

Further, Mauritius will introduce a 200 percent deduction for businesses purchasing specialized software and devices.

To support the financial services industry, the Government has announced that the tax holiday for Family Offices and for fund and asset managers will be extended from five to 10 years.

The Government has said a new Securities Bill will be introduced, new legislation governing virtual assets will be enacted, and the Bank of Mauritius will roll-out a Central Bank digital currency, the Digital Rupee, on a pilot basis.

To encourage large manufacturers to procure from SMEs, a 110 percent deduction will be allowed for purchase of products manufactured locally by SMEs.

Last, the Budget extends the Tax Arrears Settlement Scheme for SMEs up to December 2021.

For individuals, the Budget announces a new "Premium Visa Scheme". The Government says the initiative is intended to encourage eligible foreigners to stay temporarily, for at least one year, in Mauritius, with the possibility of renewal.

A holder of a Premium Visa, spending 183 days or more in the Republic of Mauritius, will be subject to income tax as follows:

the Mauritian-sourced income of a Premium Visa Holder (e.g. emoluments for work performed remotely in Mauritius) will be taxed on a remittance basis, that is in the same manner as foreign-sourced income;

money spent in Mauritius through the use of foreign credit or debit cards by the holder of a Premium Visa will not be deemed to have been remitted to Mauritius; and

income brought and deposited in a bank account in Mauritius will be liable to tax except if a declaration is made by the holder of a Premium Visa that the required tax has been paid thereon in his country of origin or residence.

The scheme will be introduced retroactively, with effect from November 1, 2020.
A hot potato: Apple has revealed plans to scan all iPhones and iCloud accounts in the US for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While the system could benefit criminal investigations and has been praised by child protection groups, there are concerns about the potential security and privacy implications.

The neuralMatch system will scan every image before it is uploaded to iCloud in the US using an on-device matching process. If it believes illegal imagery is detected, a team of human reviewers will be alerted. Should child abuse be confirmed, the user's account will be disabled and the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified.

NeuralMatch was trained using 200,000 images from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It will only flag images with hashes that match those from the database, meaning it shouldn't identify innocent material.

"Apple's method of detecting known CSAM is designed with user privacy in mind. Instead of scanning images in the cloud, the system performs on-device matching using a database of known CSAM image hashes provided by NCMEC and other child safety organizations. Apple further transforms this database into an unreadable set of hashes that is securely stored on users' devices," reads the company's website. It notes that users can appeal to have their account reinstated if they feel it was mistakenly flagged.

Apple already checks iCloud files against known child abuse imagery but extending this to local storage has worrying implications. Matthew Green, a cryptography researcher at Johns Hopkins University, warns that the system could be used to scan for other files, such as those that identify government dissidents. "What happens when the Chinese government says: 'Here is a list of files that we want you to scan for,'" he asked. "Does Apple say no? I hope they say no, but their technology won't say no."

Its disturbing to me that a bunch of my colleagues, people I know and respect, dont feel like those ideas are acceptable. That they want to devote their time and their training to making sure that world can never exist again.  Matthew Green (@matthew_d_green) August 5, 2021

Additionally, Apple plans to scan users' encrypted messages for sexually explicit content as a child safety measure. The Messages app will add new tools to warn children and their parents when receiving or sending sexually explicit photos. But Green also said that someone could trick the system into believing an innocuous image is CSAM. "Researchers have been able to do this pretty easily," he said. This could allow a malicious actor to frame someone by sending a seemingly normal image that triggers Apple's system.

"Regardless of what Apple's long term plans are, they've sent a very clear signal. In their (very influential) opinion, it is safe to build systems that scan users' phones for prohibited content," Green added. "Whether they turn out to be right or wrong on that point hardly matters. This will break the dam  governments will demand it from everyone."

The new features arrive on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, MacOS Monterey, and WatchOS 8, all of which launch this fall.

Masthead credit: NYC Russ
What just happened? More than two years since Donald Trump's administration blacklisted Huawei, the Chinese giant has reported its largest-ever revenue drop, over 29%, for the first half of 2021. It also experienced a 38% decline in sales during the three months ending in June.

Huawei's revenue for the first half fell to 320.4 billion yuan ($49.56 billion), reports Reuters. Not surprisingly, the biggest fall was in the consumer business group that once represented more than half its business. The segment, which includes the company's phones, declined 47% to 135.7 billion yuan.

Profit margins for the half of the year did rise slightly, by 0.6% to 9.8% (31.4 billion yuan), primarily due to efficiency improvements.

Using the figures, Bloomberg estimates that Huawei's sales for the previous quarter declined 38% to 168.2 billion yuan ($26 billion).

"These have been challenging times," Rotating Chairman Eric Xu said in a statement Friday. "Our aim is to survive, and to do so sustainably. Despite a decline in revenue from our consumer business caused by external factors, we are confident that our carrier and enterprise businesses will continue to grow steadily."

It took a while for Huawei to feel the effects of being placed on the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List in May 2019, preventing it from accessing American-made technology or dealing with companies that use US tools or designs, including TSMC, without a license. The tech giant saw its first-ever quarterly revenue decline in Q4 2020 and was forced to sell its Honor division so the budget phone maker could avoid the sanctions.

Huawei is no longer one of the top phone vendors globally or in Europe, and its tablet shipments were down -53.7% during the second quarter. Sales have also suffered in its home nation: for the first time in seven years, Huawei is no longer one of the top five phone vendors in China.

Revenue for Huawei's telecom equipment business was also down, -14% YoY, as the pace of the 5G rollout in China slowed.

It's not all bad news for Huawei. Revenue from its enterprise business group grew 18% to 42.9 billion yuan in the first half, a result of Covid-19 and the increased demand for ICT connectivity, while its cloud services business doubled in size to take a 20% share of the Chinese market.

With profits in its mobile business falling, Huawei is turning to other income sources, from cloud computing and wearables to smart cars. It's also pushing into more traditional industries, including pig farming and coal mining.

Image credit: Karlis Dambrans, Yuangeng Zhang
What just happened? Taiwanese manufacturer Gigabyte was hit by a ransomware attack this week, and the group responsible for the incident is threatening to release a treasure trove of 112 GB if the company doesn't pay up. The attackers didn't manage to disrupt production, but this is the sixth Taiwanese company they've attacked in the past few years.

Ransomware attacks are only getting worse, especially when we're talking about big companies and critical infrastructure. Last year, almost half of all insurance claims from big organizations were related to ransomware, with damages totaling over $20 billion. Computer makers like Acer have also become prime targets as of late, with hackers demanding millions to supply a decryption key for important files.

Earlier today, Gigabyte, a well-known manufacturer of servers, laptops, monitors, motherboards, and graphics cards, told Taiwan's United Daily News that it was hit by a ransomware attack on Tuesday night that didn't impact production systems, as it targeted a small number of internal servers located at its headquarters. The company says the servers have been restored from backup and brought back online thanks to prompt action from the security team, but the incident is far from over.

As discovered by The Record, the ransomware gang responsible for the attack is RansomExx, which claims to be in possession of no less than 112 gigabytes of data that includes confidential communications with Intel, AMD, and American Megatrends, as well as documentation that is under NDA. The group is threatening to make everything public unless Gigabyte is willing to pay up.

The company is still investigating how the breach occurred, but chances are it all started with a phishing email campaign or stolen credentials bought from an online source, as is usually the case with these attacks.

This isn't a first for RansomExx, which used to operate as "Defray" before 2018 and has a history of attacking Taiwanese companies like Garmin, Acer, Compal, Quanta, and AdvanTech. Over the last month, it also attacked Covid-19 vaccination booking systems in Italy and Ecuador's state-run telecom company, CNT.
Google+ is on the verge of paying users via its Class Action Lawsuit Settlement of $7.5 million subdivided into more than 1.7 million people, but it is not going to the initial agreed-upon price. Instead of having $12 per person, Google is only to pay them $2.15, or a fraction of the initial payout expected by users.

How much is your privacy worth with Google? For as little as $12, it was found to be exploited, err, $2.15 now that the company has subtracted all of the fees that they have taken off it.

The issue of Google+'s security breach was initially kept private but was eventually found by prosecutors to be something that can be held against the Internet company.

Google+ Lawsuit Settlement Changes from $12 to $2.15

The case is known to be "Matt Matic and Zac Harris v. Google" that started in 2018 and only agreed on a settlement and conclusion last August 2020 has now reached its payout point.

However, it is not something that users that signed up for are expecting, as the low $12, has even gone lower to as much as $2 per user affected by the issue.

Google+'s security breach is something that users need to be compensated for, as it was their data that got compromised by the company and left vulnerable.

Bigger damages would have been settled by Google if there was someone that got hacked or faced larger access to their data amidst this issue.

Having said that, Google+ as people know it is now gone, and it is not coming anytime soon to relieve its former glories, as well as issues that sent the Mountain View giant to court. Nevertheless, Google has learned its lesson and is now on the verge of improving its security.

Read Also: Zoom Lied About 'End-to-End Encryption' and Gave User Data to Facebook and Google Without Consent | $85 Million Settlement

Why Did the Settlement Lower Prices?

According to Ars Technica, the settlement lowered its prices because Google has deducted its legal fees and other payments to the lawsuit on the said $7.5 million sums. Considering Google is a multi-billion company, it could easily pay its other fees and leave the full amount to its affected users that got their data exposed.

However, that is not the case, and instead, the burden of paying Google's legal fees was passed on to them and was subtracted by the company despite being the agreed-upon price.

Is What Google Did Legal?

Certainly, what Google did was unethical, especially as it promised people as much as $12 for their troubles and potentially endangering their data, despite being trusted with high levels of confidence. However, it stands at a moral and legal grey area, where a lot of companies have done the same deed, and gets away with it.

Google can be followed up with a case by a plaintiff that wishes to receive more, but that would certainly cost more time, money, and effort for both parties. Ultimately, the $2.15 is not enough to go against Google, as it would require more money for a lawyer to represent people, and get only a fraction of it in return.

Related Article: Google Pixel to Launch with Tensor Chips; SoC Believed to Battle the iPhone, Qualcomm

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Fisker-Foxconn partnership has surprised the world of its collaboration, and it has now exceeded Henrik Fisker's expectations of how its conceptualization is happening. Fisker is known for its electric vehicle models since early 2017s, and Foxconn is known for its ties with Apple with regards to manufacturing iPhones.

It was unprecedented that these two companies would create a specific branch to merge but it did so last May, where intended to create electric vehicles for the venture. Initially, Foxconn was speculated to be the brand that would help Apple manufacture its "Apple Car," but that is a closed book for now.

Fisker-Foxconn Merger for EVs is Moving Faster

In the recent Investor Relatons Call for the Second Quarter Report, Fisker is doing well on its innovations, and is expected to reveal its Fisker Ocean SUV by November 17, 2021 in the Los Angeles Auto Show. The company has a lot on its plate, and it is focusing its R&D to a lot of projects and ventures that it could for this year.

The Fisker and Foxconn merger has served them well, as the company can focus more on its R&D, with Foxconn there to provide support and assistance in manufacturing, for other purposes. According to Tech Crunch, CEO and Founder Henrik Fisker said that its merger with Foxconn is "moving faster," and is something that ups its spending.

Spendings up do not necessarily mean a bad thing for the company, as it also improves the quality of their vehicles and components, as well as its development.

Read Also: Foxconn Is Giving Out Big Bonuses to Recruit Workers for their iPhone Factories

When will Fisker-Foxconn Release a Prototype?

It was not clear whether Fisker and Foxconn's merger would bear something under another brand like "Fisker-Foxconn," or it would stick to the popular name in the electric vehicle industry.

That being said, it was also not revealed whether Fisker would give Foxconn a chance to have its say on designing or developing an electric vehicle.

So hopes down on the prototype with this merger, but the good news is that Foxconn is helping the EV company fast track its production speeds. Here, they also help Fisker assemble the electric cars using the Taiwanese company's methods.

Will it be available in the US?

As mentioned earlier in the Investor's report, Fisker is aiming for a showcase in November, come to the LA Auto Show, but that does not signify any releases from the company.

Nevertheless, that only speaks for the Fisker Ocean SUV, something that the company said would revolutionize the way people think or see an EV.

Related Article: iPhone Maker Foxconn Says Component Shortage Will Worsen In Q2 of 2021 -- How Long Will It Last?

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Xiaomi overthrows Apple and Samsung for the first time, after selling more smartphones than its close rivals globally, dethroning the latter as the previous top seller, as per the recent research of Counterpoint.

It is not the first time that the Chinese phone maker, known for its high spec mid-range devices, has unseated Samsung at the top of smartphone sales.

For instance, Xiaomi beats the South Korean conglomerate in Europe in the second quarter of 2021 with 700,000 more shipments. The Chinese behemoth even showcased an impressive 67.1% year-over-year growth, whereas Samsung figured in a slight 7% decrease.

Xiaomi Overthrows Apple, Samsung in Smartphone Sales

As per Counterpoint, a research firm that gauges smartphone shipments worldwide regularly, Xiaomi made a milestone this June for being heralded as the top brand globally in terms of monthly smartphone sales.

The Monthly Market Pulse Service of the research firm showed that Xiaomi reigns on top, while its rivals, Samsung and Apple, sit at the second and third spot.

The latest feat of the Chinese phone maker is attributed to the steep decrease in growth of the South Korean behemoth and the Cupertino giant. On the other hand, Xiaomi is consistently climbing to the top.

To be precise, the China-based company exhibited a 26% growth in smartphone sales compared to its performance in May, positioning it as the fastest-growing brand for the month. As such, Xiaomi now holds a 17.1% share of the total market for June.

Meanwhile, Samsung still got a 15.7% slice of the pie in the market, while Apple holds the other 14.3%.

Read Also: Xiaomi is Removed from Military Blacklist as its Lawsuit Against the U.S. Concludes

Xiaomi Sales Growth Might be Temporary

The reign of the Chinese phone maker is made possible by the steep decline in sales for both Samsung and Apple.

That said, the Senior Analyst of Counterpoint, Varu Mishar, noted that the South Korean giant is facing some hiccups in its supply chain, which is caused by rising COVID-19 infections in Vietnam. As such, the production of Samsung devices has been significantly disrupted in June, resulting in stock shortages of their products.

Mishra further added that the capitalization of Xiaomi in "lower-tier cities," which increases its sales of the impressive performing budget devices, like the Redmi 9, Redmi Note 9, and the Redmi K Series, have benefited the company.

According to CNBC, besides the mass market targeted mid-range devices, Xiaomi is now attempting to enter the higher-end segment with its expensive flagship phones, competing against the premium products of both Apple and Samsung.

The outlet further noted that Samsung is unveiling its new devices this month at Galaxy Unpacked, while Apple will be debuting its next-generation iPhones the following month.

Related Article: Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 to Launch with Flexible Screen, Under Display Selfie Camera on August 10, Leak Says

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google Pixel 5a leaks have been happening before its actual launch. The latest news about this flagship smartphone is its price which was revealed by anonymous tipsters. The upcoming Android gadget is also said to be arriving with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chip.

Google Pixel 5a's Launch Date

According to Slash Gear's report on Thursday, Aug. 5, the Google Pixel 5a would allegedly come out on August 26.

Indeed, the fans have been finding more incoming products from the Android market. Despite other rumors about its successor, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 5a remains to be on the hot seat following its potential value.

The Android flagship is said to come with the Snapdragon 765 which was already not a new chip in the field of smartphones. There are many more advanced chipsets than this, but somehow for the midrange types, this is already enough to access the 5G technology.

Nowadays, people often prefer an affordable mobile gadget that can run programs smoothly. For this part, the 6GB RAM is already enough to meet the users' demand. Google aims to launch a powerful but cheap phone that could match the multi-tasking capabilities of other brands.

Android Leaker Divulged Pixel 5a's Possible Price

Front Page Tech's Jon Prosser wrote in a report that the familiar sources with the matter have disclosed the real price of the upcoming Android flagship. Google Pixel 5a's price is speculated to sit around $450 which would fall as a standard price tag for its counterpart mid-range gadgets.

Besides this reachable price, the Pixel 5a will also feature a 4,650 mAh battery, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and 6.4-inch display that would provide 90Hz. Somehow, these features are present in the usual smartphones of this current time.

However, one downside that we could encounter about the Pixel 5a is the lack of wireless charging support. The assumed low price for the flagship could mean that it would downgrade some features like IP67 rating and more.

According to the sources, there would be a limited supply in the online shops that's why some people may be forced to go to Google's physical stores to purchase it.

In April, another leak about Pixel 5a appeared which highlighted its camera samples. In a now-deleted blog, the flagship will launch with HDR+ Bracketing.

Read Also: Google Pixel 5a First Look: Leaks Show its Uncanny Resemblance to Pixel 5-Specs, Release Date, and MORE

Google Pixel 6 Phones' Leak

Moving forward with the Google Pixel 5a, the Pixel 6 series products are said to be having software support for up to five years. Moreover, if this leak is true, it would be the first time that Google will offer such a service to its smartphones.

It is expected that the Google Pixel 6 phones will come in October of this year. They will also feature the Android 12 OS, in addition to its telephoto lens, which Tom's Guide mentioned to be a returning feature for the flagship.

Related Article: Google Pixel 5a Secures Launch Date as Company Files for FCC

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Popular language learning app Duolingo is no longer available in selected app stores in China. The announcement came on Thursday, Aug. 5, after the company was informed of the news about its application.

Why is Duolingo Banned From Chinese App Stores

According to a recent report by Reuters on Friday, Aug. 6, the decision about the Duolingo app removal took place after the Chinese government prevented some educational practices from operating.

The rules have targeted those on-profit companies: the tutoring firms.

Since China launched the crackdown on the private tutoring industry, the country has suffered huge losses in the said field.

The Duolingo language learning app was removed in selected Android platforms in China, specifically those that are managed by Tencent and Huawei.

However, for those who have Apple App Stores, you could still download it.

"We are working to address the issue and are hopeful that the app will be reinstated in the near term. In the meanwhile, existing users in China can continue to use the app as they always do," Duolingo said in a report by Bloomberg.

In line with the tutoring crackdown across China, ByteDance announced that it would terminate hundreds of employees who work in tutoring and other related business.

Implication of Private Tutoring Crackdown in China

China's sudden ban on the educational industry investing in private tutoring could have a huge impact on the citizens. South China Morning Post reported that it might develop a "black market" that would present expensive offers.

One resident from Chengdu said that she would hire private tutors secretly despite the imposed rules of the government. This leaves her with no choice to do other things than one-on-one home tutoring.

As a matter of fact, the "black market" implications of the private tutoring crackdown have been gradually appearing.

In Huangshan city, a middle school educator was caught by the policemen. The teacher was found out to be doing an underground tutoring service to some students.

Read Also: Best Apps To Learn Foreign Language: Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, AnkiApp, Busuu, And More

Duolingo Company's Growth and Funding

In June, the Pittsburgh-based learning firm has recorded a growth of 120% in 2020. In the majority, its profit came from its subscription service.

In 2019, Duolingo's revenue was $70.8 million. A year later, it surged to a 129% increase, which accounted for $161.7 million growth.

For Q1 2021, the EdTech giant amassed a revenue worth $55.4 million. It was believed that the coronavirus pandemic contributed a lot to its massive profit growth.

In 2015, Duolingo had successfully launched $45-million funding. During that time, its app was the most downloaded educational app in both Apple and Google's app stores.

Before this funding, the company had raised $3.3 million in 2011.

It was also involved in the New Enterprise Associates (NEA) funding amounting to $15 million in 2012 followed by the 2014 funding worth $20 million courtesy of Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers.

Related Article: Duolingo, but for Math? A New App in the Works for Kids

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Asus, a Taiwan-based tech manufacturer, confirmed that its so-called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) updates would soon prevent upcoming bugs from Windows 11 updates.

(Photo : Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A pupil uses a laptop computer during a english lesson at the Ridings Federation Winterbourne International Academy in Winterbourne near Bristol on February 26, 2015 in South Gloucestershire, England. Education, along with National Health Service and the economy are likely to be key election issues in the forthcoming general election in May.

Related Article: Intel Engineering Has Done it Again! Neuromorphic Chips Now Has 100 Million Neuron "Spikes"

The company explained that this innovation could upgrade Microsoft's latest system once it is released in Asus laptops and computers.

On the other hand, the new motherboard BIOS enhancements will prevent the active and upcoming Windows 11 system issues using the new Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support. If you don't have any idea about this system function, TPM 2.0 is the latest key requirement of Microsoft Windows 11 software.

However, it is also one of the internal features that cause problems in Microsoft's PC Health Check application, especially before it was closed by the tech giant company.

On the other hand, Microsoft explained that the app was specifically designed to scan systems for possible internal issues, especially compatibility bugs.

Once Microsoft's PC Health Check application confirms that the laptop or computer doesn't have any issue, it will then allow the gadget to install the latest Windows 11.

Asus Motherboard BIOS Update Details

Microsoft explained that the Asus motherboard would receive the new BIOS updates and TPM 2.0 support so that its laptops and computer models could have the new Windows 11 software version.

Also Read: Apple Finally Adds 'Do Not Disturb' and 'Spotlight' Keys on MacBook Air Keyboard

According to PC Gamer's latest report, the new Asus innovation could also prevent bugs generated by various Windows 11 enhancements, which is inevitable since the system is unique.

Asus explained that once the BIOS enhancement arrives, its laptop models could automatically enable TPM 2.0 support without the need for user interaction. This means there is no need for consumers to access their Windows Settings and update their computers manually.

The giant computer developer also confirmed that the models with the new BIOS updates and TPM 2.0 support include Prime Z590-P, TUF Gaming X570-Plus, and other partner brands.

Microsoft Integrates Spotify

The Verge reported that Microsoft would integrate Spotify into its Windows 11 focus feature. This new application is called the Pomodoro app.

"Another first look from the team...#FocusSessions on #Windows11 coming soon. This has been a game-changer for me, especially with @Spotify integration #Productivity #Creativity #WindowsInsiders," said Panos Panay, the Chief Product Officer of Microsoft, via his latest tweet.

For more news updates about Asus and Microsoft, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : GettlyImages/ SOPA Images ) Facebook app

The FTC slammed Facebook for the way it justified its decision to disable the accounts of third-party researchers who were studying political ads on the platform.

The encounter happened on Aug.5 as the Federal Trade Commission or FTC led the hearing against the social media giant.

FTC Says Facebook's Reason is Inaccurate

Facebook said that it had disabled the personal accounts and access of the researchers from New York University because it was concerned about the users' privacy.

Facebook claimed that it made the decision to ban the researchers because the company wanted to live up to an agreement with the agency in 2020, according to The Verge.

Joe Osborne, Facebook's spokesman, told Wired that the decree was not the main reason the social media giant banned the accounts of the academic researchers.

Also Read: Facebook-WhatsApp deal leaves angry privacy advocates knocking on FTC door

The decree required Facebook to create rules for a privacy program, and it was what the researchers had violated, resulting in their ban.

Wired reported that one of the researchers, Laura Edelson, denied that they'd violated any rules.

The FTC posted a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saying that the justification of its actions was inaccurate because it was never stated in the consent decree that the social media giant needs to create a privacy program.

Sam Levine, the FTC's acting director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated that the agency is disappointed by how Facebook has conducted itself in the matter.

The agency has not received any notice that they would invoke their consent decree to justify banning academic researchers.

The social media giant paid a $5 billion fine to resolve the FTC probe into its privacy practices last year and has since improved the protection of its user data.

Although it is not their role to resolve individual disputes between the social media company and third-party companies, Levine added that they still want to make sure that Facebook is not invoking privacy as a pretext to advance other aims.

Facebook's Antitrust Lawsuit

Last year, the FTC sued Facebook for violating the antitrust law. The court dismissed the complaint, and the agency has until Aug. 19 to refile it.

According to Forbes, a federal district court ruled favor the social media giant in lawsuits brought by the Federal Trade Commission. The court stated that the agency could file its complaint again.

The agency accused the social media company of violating the antitrust law by buying the shares of their competitors like WhatsApp and Instagram.

US District Judge James Boasberg stated that the agency's claims about Facebook were insufficient, which was why the court dismissed it. The case was light on factual allegations even if the court revealed they disagree with Facebook's contentions.

Letitia James, New York's Attorney General, was the one who led 48 states to sue Facebook separately for an antitrust violation. The cases were also dismissed by Boasberg, who said the states brought their case too late.

After the cases against Facebook were dropped, the company enjoyed a 4% rise in its stock, and the company had hit a $1 trillion market cap. The social media giant was pleased with the court's decision, stating "defects in the complaints."

Related Article: Facebook Leaks Defense Against FTC's Antitrust Enforcement and Break-up-Instagram and WhatsApp Are too Integrated to Split

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Ada, OK (74820)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
A shuttered Georgia-Pacific sawmill in Beauregard Parish that was sold to a new buyer and is now slated to open after an $8 million investment.

Canadian forestry business Interfor Corp. bought the sawmill near DeQuincy as part of a larger $375 million portfolio it acquired from Georgia-Pacific. The mill has annual capacity of 200 million board feet.

Interfor told investors in late May that it was evaluating its strategy and options for the site, including restart plans.

The investment is among more than $600 million of sawmill projects underway in the state.

The publicly traded business, based in Vancouver, Canada, is among the largest lumber companies in the world.

The sawmill will create 170 jobs, with average annual wages of $62,000. The restart effort will support 45 construction jobs, with a restart expected by mid-2022. The revived plant also will support logging and logistics activity in the region and potentially result in 505 indirect jobs.

The sawmill was idled by its previous owner in May 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, laying off 188 workers. Many former employees of the sawmill are expected to be hired by the new company, according to Louisiana's economic development department.

The state is offering workforce training through LED FastStart and tax breaks through its Quality Jobs program and Industrial Tax Exemption Program. Quality Jobs usually is a cash rebate to companies up to 6% of payroll for no more than 10 years in addition to state sales and use tax rebate on capital expenditures. ITEP approval could mean up to 80% property tax abatement for the next decade.

This acquisition enhances Interfors growth-focused strategy as a pure-play lumber producer, and provides significant economies of scale given the complementary geographic fit with our existing U.S. operations said Ian Fillinger, CEO of Interfor.

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Other projects around the state include:

A $240 million sawmill planned in Bienville Parish by a joint venture between Ruston-based Hunt Forest Products and privately held Canadian timber business Tolko Industries Ltd., based in Vernon, British Columbia. The project would create 130 jobs paying an average salary of $57,400 plus benefits. Some of the site is where Weyerhaeuser previously operated its iLevel lumber mill near Taylor until its closure in 2009, laying off 39 employees.

Publicly traded Canadian lumber business Canfor Corp. is planning a $160 million mill in Beauregard Parish, which looks to hire 130 workers.

Weyerhaeuser, a publicly traded Seattle-based business, is investing $157 million to upgrade equipment and modernize its sawmill near Holden in Livingston Parish.

Louisianas lumber industry is one of our most profitable agricultural exports, and the market for lumber is red hot right now, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in Friday's Interfor announcement.

+2 More than half a billion investment in sawmills planned across Louisiana amid higher lumber prices Transforming Louisiana's forests into various tree-based products made from fast-growing pine to hardwood such as oak is a growing business as

Plans fizzle out for St. Helena sawmill that offered dozens of new jobs, developer says GREENSBURG  Plans for a $90 million specialty sawmill that dangled nearly 100 permanent jobs in St. Helena Parish have evaporated after the p

Sawmill going modern in Holden, with $157 million Weyerhaeuser investment Weyerhaeuser is investing about $157 million to upgrade equipment and modernize its sawmill in Holden.
LSU's new president affirmed to the university's Board of Supervisors on Friday that the school "will not hesitate" to mandate vaccines for its 30,000 students once federal regulators fully approve them.

President William Tate IV, when he joined LSU last month, had implored students to seek a vaccine. Fewer than 1 in 3 students are vaccinated, a rate that has prompted fears among the faculty that a broad opening of the campus this month will put them at risk.

Tate also told the board at its meeting Friday that the school will also let professors and instructors with more than 100 students per class split instruction up in an in-person-online mix. However, they can only opt for hybrid classes during peak infection periods, according to an email sent to faculty before the meeting.

Fewer than 5% of LSUs class sections enroll more than 100 students, according to school data.

Faculty had been asking Tate to require immunization for students. While more than 600 colleges nationwide have mandated vaccines, only seven in Louisiana have done so. All seven are private.

Tate said he expects the state health department to add a coronavirus vaccine mandate soon, after the federal Food and Drug Administration gives final approval.

We know emergency status for the vaccine is going to be lifted very soon, Tate said.

The Louisiana Department of Health, he continued, would put it on the approval list, which would then ultimately end up with a mandate for vaccination at LSU.

Tates comment came after desperate faculty members begged officials to allow 50% class capacity, hybrid and remote options for the fall semester.

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Fridays meeting was held at 50% capacity, but the university is set to return to campus at 100% class capacity in less than three weeks  in contrast to current CDC guidelines that call for 6 feet of separation between people from different households.

LSU to require unvaccinated students to take monthly COVID tests; vaccine not required LSU won't require its students to get the coronavirus vaccination to attend this fall, but those who don't will have to be tested monthly, the

Jeanne Donaldson, psychology professor, showed attendees at the board meeting a picture of her classroom in 2019. In the image, dozens of smiling students sit in desks less than two feet apart in the cramped basement classroom in Allen Hall.

Because she has between 50 and 99 students per class and LSU will only allow hybrid learning for classes with more than 100, Donaldson said shes anxious about being scheduled to teach in the same room this fall.

As you can see, she said, theres no room for social distancing in this classroom.

Donaldson said that, like most of her colleagues, she would prefer to teach in person. But she said she feels a responsibility to keep her 6- and 3-year-old daughters safe from infection.

She isnt alone.

Rosemary Peters-Hill, a French professor who also spoke at the meeting, has no more than 20 students in each of her classes. But she said her immune disorder and her 3-year-old sons heart defect put her household at high risk for infection.

Peters-Hill, along with other professors, requested accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to teach remotely.

Lets say my request is not approved, she said to the board. What should I do then?
Escalating a political feud, state Attorney General Jeff Landry issued an opinion Friday that said Louisiana's top school board has the final say on face mask rules despite Gov. John Bel Edwards' order that students wear them.

The state of Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may tackle the thorny topic when it meets Aug. 17.

The governor branded Landry's comments sad, irresponsible and dangerous.

"I think he is completely wrong," Edwards said.

Landry spelled out his views in response to a question from Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington.

Edwards issued his directive Monday as part of a broader order reimposing Louisiana's indoor face mask mandate amid skyrocketing rates of the coronavirus.

+4 Students must wear masks, John Bel Edwards reiterates; he blames attorney general for confusion Gov. John Bel Edwards has accused state Attorney General Jeff Landry of causing confusion over face mask rules for children and reiterated tha

The order has sparked pushback in St. Tammany Parish and other areas, with some parents vehemently objecting to a new round of mandatory mask wearing.

In his five-page opinion, Landry said the Legislature specifically gave the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education the authority to spell out safety protocols.

"This office is of the opinion that directives as to the safety protocols to be observed by teachers and students present at school facilities during the school day are themselves a vital aspect of education over which BESE holds constitutional and statutory authority to oversee," the document says.

"Additionally, BESE may adopt rules providing guidelines for local school boards to adopt such policies considering factors specific to the school district, such as the percent positivity rate of the district, event settings, group composition, physical distance between students in the classroom, activity engaged in and other relevant criteria," according to the opinion.

"BESE finds within the state Constitution its authority to supervise and control education in this state, and the Legislature is the only other entity with constitutional authority to regulate education in Louisiana on a statewide basis," it says.

BESE President Sandy Holloway said Friday she got a call from Landry, who told her the opinion was coming.

Officials said Friday was the last day the face mask issue could be added to the board's agenda, which was done.

Holloway said the topic is worth discussing.

"I can't say what the board is going to want to do," she said.

Others said there is sentiment on the 11-member panel to enact some sort of policy that leaves the face mask and other COVID-19 safety issues up to local school systems.

The board earlier said it would defer to the state's 69 school districts on how they handle COVID-19 safety rules.

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The governor's order earlier this week that K-12 students wear the masks appeared to override that stance.

Deferring to local school systems again could put BESE on a collision course with the governor, who names three members.

BESE in July 2020 approved minimum safety standards for the reopening of public schools, including a recommendation that students and adults wear face masks.

Landry noted those standards expired on June 30.

During an 80-minute briefing on the virus, Edwards blasted Landry's views on face masks for students.

"The fact of the matter is I have the authority and the obligation under the current circumstances to declare public health emergencies," he said.

"Not only is he wrong but he is going out of his way to undermine public confidence in mitigation measures ... at a time when we need it more than ever."

"It is sad. It is regrettable. It is also irresponsible and it is dangerous."

In a Facebook post, the Louisiana Democratic Party said, "AG Jeff Landry is a public health threat."

Attorney general opinions are advisory and do not carry the same weight as a state law.

Democrat Edwards and Republican Landry have bickered for months on how to respond to the pandemic.

The governor has repeatedly said his orders are aimed at curbing a virus outbreak that has made Louisiana a national hot spot.

Landry's opinion says the state "has been under a perpetual state of emergency" since March, 2020 and that Edwards latest order "purportedly" applies to public schools without specifically mentioning masks.

It also says the governor's directive does not say where he gets his authority for the latest set of rules.

The Louisiana Republican Party joined the fray Friday in a fundraising appeal.

"John Bel Edwards has re-introduced the mask mandate in Louisiana, even in schools where our children ought to be focused on learning rather than wearing a mask."

"There seems to be no end to the mandates, so we have to fight back," the GOP said.
Amid often strong disagreements among Republicans at the local and national level over how best to respond to a deadly and crippling pandemic, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has rarely wavered in his skepticism.

Nearly since the beginning, he has publicly challenged the advice of medical experts, whether the subject was the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine, the necessity of masks or the risks of the vaccine.

Even as the delta variant has swamped Louisiana and the U.S. in a fourth wave that has increased COVID-19 hospitalizations to record levels  and led some prominent Republicans to reconsider their earlier hesitancy  Landry has doubled down in recent days. He used his prominent perch to file a lawsuit against a private medical school in north Louisiana over a coronavirus vaccine mandate, and publicly shared forms that he claimed parents should fill out to object to mask requirements for their children at school. He also criticized the Catholic bishop of Lafayette for sending "very mixed signals during this pandemic" by requiring children to wear masks at school.

Landrys all-out assault on public health efforts, which he portrays as intrusive, is helping him to stake out a place on the far fringes of his party as the early skirmishing over who will be Louisianas next governor begins.

+4 Students must wear masks, John Bel Edwards reiterates; he blames attorney general for confusion Gov. John Bel Edwards has accused state Attorney General Jeff Landry of causing confusion over face mask rules for children and reiterated tha

Of late, many of Landrys high-profile Republican colleagues have touted the vaccines, including U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and U.S. Sen. John Kennedy. Landry, on the other hand, has refused to reveal whether hes been vaccinated and has lofted threats at several institutions over their vaccine and masking rules.

Those are not the only ways that Landry has used his office to discourage preventive measures widely backed by local and national public health experts. Landry has argued with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about whether children should get the vaccine; touted experimental coronavirus treatments; and has gone six months without releasing an attorney general's opinion on whether public officials can incentivize their employees to get vaccinated.

Some say its had real-world consequences.

Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards  whose brother is Gov. John Bel Edwards, a political enemy of Landrys  asked in February for an opinion from Landrys office on whether he could give cash bonuses to deputies who got their vaccines. His officers only had a 35% vaccination rate. In the time that its taken Landry to respond, Louisiana has seen more than 90,000 additional coronavirus cases and roughly 1,000 new deaths, Edwards legal counsel wrote in a recent letter to Landry.

After U.S. judge raises questions, AG Jeff Landry backs out of lawsuit against medical school Two days after he filed a lawsuit against a small private medical school in northeast Louisiana over its coronavirus vaccine requirement for s

Of more immediate concern to Sheriff Edwards, is that he had two deputies die from COVID-19, with one deputy hospitalized for nearly three months, wrote attorney T. Jay Seale III. Countless others have become sick and missed work, and still others have become exposed and had to quarantine.

The delay in implementing this program to incent vaccinations can have significantly adverse consequences to the health of unvaccinated deputies and other employees of the Sheriffs office with whom they have contact, not to mention members of the public, Seale continued.

In a nationally televised interview on Wednesday, John Bel Edwards took aim at Landry by name after referencing people who seem to be purposely undermining confidence in things like vaccinations.

I dont think hes consulting with any public health experts, the governor said on PBS. And what hes doing has no basis in the law, so its very difficult to deal with him.

Jeff Landry says state school board, not governor, has final say on face masks in schools Escalating a political feud, state Attorney General Jeff Landry issued an opinion Friday that said Louisiana's top school board has the final 

Edwards ramped up his criticism toward Landry on Friday, when asked at a news conference about a new attorney general's opinion that suggested Edwards did not have ultimate power over whether schools could require masks.

"The attorney general is just completely wrong," the governor said. "Not only is he wrong, he's going out of his way to undermine public confidence in the basic mitigation measures that will slow transmission at a time when we need it more than at any other time in this pandemic. It is sad. It's regrettable. It's also irresponsible and it is dangerous."

In the pandemics earliest days, Landry struck a different tone. He appeared with the governor, his frequent nemesis, at a news conference, and the two asked the public to take the virus seriously. The message was clear: The pandemic came before politics, and both were worried about the virus spiraling out of control.

My No. 1 priority is protecting the health and safety of the people of Louisiana, Landry said then. And we are united in this goal. The governor and I are standing here shoulder to shoulder, united, and that is how serious the problem is that we face.

But since then, the two have taken divergent paths.

Edwards began several rounds of restrictions, shutting down businesses and requiring masks, to contain the spread of the virus.

Landry, meanwhile, soon carved out a role as chief critic of the governors rules. He has since continued to stack his chips on the side of the opposition, staking out more extreme ground than other potential contenders for governor in 2023. Both Landry and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser are expected to run, but Nungesser has embraced some of Edwards restrictions, while Landry has gone to bat against them.

Anybody that throws rocks at what were trying to do to get this virus out of here  do something positive, Nungesser said in a recent interview. Its not good for Louisiana. ... To give people a reason to sue or to fight, its energy wasted at a time we all want this to go away. And the best way is for us to work as a team.

+10 As new COVID strain rages, a look inside a packed Louisiana hospital: We havent had many wins HAMMOND  Kim Schehr didnt believe she was at much risk of getting sick with COVID-19 when she left for a family vacation to Florida in July.

Landrys position sets him apart from many fellow conservatives. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, for example, recently said he regrets signing a bill into law that prevented schools from issuing mask mandates, now that coronavirus cases are surging in Arkansas. And U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has recently implored Americans to get vaccinated against the virus, describing pundits advising against the vaccine as giving demonstrably bad advice.

Landry, however, has only gotten more combative in his attitude toward masks and coronavirus vaccines. He has spent months fighting Edwards restrictions in a long-running legal battle that pitted the Democratic governor against Landry, who represents the Republican-led state House of Representatives.

Judge William Morvant, of Baton Rouges 19th Judicial District, ruled that the petition used by the House to revoke all of Edwards COVID-19 restrictions last year was unconstitutional. He was later overruled by the Louisiana Supreme Court and told to reconsider the case.

By that time, the vaccines were available and Edwards had lifted most coronavirus restrictions. But the case has stayed alive: Morvant also recently ruled on several procedural motions, and Landrys office has filed notice this week that the attorney general will appeal some of them. Landrys office has continued to file motions, and a trial on the merits of the case could still happen, even though the restrictions at issue have long since expired.

Matthew Block, the top attorney for the governor, said Edwards intention with the lawsuit has always been to make sure his COVID-19 restrictions stay in place.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry advises employees how to avoid school COVID restrictions Attorney General Jeff Landry sent a departmentwide email blast to his employees Monday suggesting strategies for getting students out of the m

The governors orders remain in effect, obviously, Block said. He just reissued one this week effective (Wednesday) about masking.

Were much more focused right now on the actual response to this surge of Delta rather than litigation strategy, Block added.

Block said he hasnt seen a legal opinion from Landry on vaccine mandates, which Landry has spent recent weeks fighting. But he said state law is very clear.

State law provides for the authority for universities, all schools, to request of (the Louisiana Department of Health) the authority to require vaccines, with some very clear opt-outs that several schools in the state have requested, Block said. I guess he doesnt like the vaccine. But I don't really understand what his position is.

Landry, however, has threatened to exercise his legal power over anyone seeking to impose vaccine mandates, mask mandates or other similar measures. Hes also complained about incentive programs: While he hasnt responded to the Tangipahoa sheriffs request, he has criticized Louisianas coronavirus vaccine lottery and President Joe Bidens door-to-door vaccine outreach program.

We do not need the government coercing our neighbors into making decisions they are uncomfortable with, Landry said recently. Not to mention, this opens another door for scammers to collect private information from unsuspicious senior citizens. We already have enough scammers from John Bel's taxpayer-funded lottery bribe.

He threatened this summer to sue LSU if the university were to adopt a vaccine mandate, and he did file a lawsuit Tuesday against the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private school in Monroe, over its requirement that students receive the vaccine. After a federal judge questioned the states interest in the case, Landry backed out as a plaintiff.

In the lawsuit, and in letters in which Landry has advised parents on how to subvert mask and vaccination requirements, he has insisted that the vaccine is purely experimental.

After Louisiana medical school mandated COVID vaccine, Jeff Landry files lawsuit Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has filed a federal lawsuit against the state's newest medical school, joining three students who claim

Landry provides a form letter that objecting parents can submit. I have religious objections to the COVID vaccine, it says in part. First, because I object on religious grounds to forcing my child to participate in any medical experiment; and second, because I have religious objections to injecting my child with a product that uses fetal stem cell lines in its development or testing.

Of the three vaccines on the market, only the Johnson & Johnson vaccine used fetal cell lines in development, confirmation and production. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines did not use fetal cell lines during development or production, but used fetal cell lines from a 1973 abortion in confirmation tests to ensure that the vaccine worked. The vaccines do not contain any fetal cell lines inside of them.

While religious views on vaccinations differ, Catholic bishops have encouraged Catholics to choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines if possible over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because of that. Pope Francis told an Italian TV station earlier this year that being vaccinated "is the moral choice because it is about your life but also the lives of others. The Vatican has also emphasized that those who arent vaccinated must take whatever actions they can to ensure they are not spreading the virus and posing a risk to other vulnerable people.

Landry, on the other hand, wrote to Lafayette Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel this week to argue that "free will is an important tenant for the church and for our republic," saying the Catholic Church should not require children to wear masks in school.

Landrys office, on the other hand, is encouraging people to reject other coronavirus mitigation measures as well. On Wednesday, the same day the governors mask mandate went into effect, Reps. Beryl Amedee and Danny McCormick, both Republicans, circulated form letters written by Landry that assert a religious or philosophical objection to the mask mandate for children.

I believe that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that I am called to honor God in how I care for my body, the letter said. I do not consent to forcing a face covering on my child, who is created in the image of God. Masks lead to antisocial behaviors, interfere with religious commands to share Gods love with others, and interfere with relationships in contravention of the Bible.

+2 LSU, other universities should mandate COVID vaccine after full FDA approval, John Bel Edwards says Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday once the U. S. Food and Drug Administration gives final approval to COVID-19 vaccines, possibly by Labor 

When Landry posted the forms, he noted that he is prohibited by state law from giving legal advice to individuals and businesses, so anyone seeking to use the forms should consult with a private attorney.

The governor said Thursday that Landrys letters about mask exemptions ignores the dangerous fourth surge of COVID-19 that Louisiana is currently facing with increasingly alarming case counts, hospitalizations and deaths and seeks to undermine public confidence in one of the most effective tools to combat it.

Beyond religious exemptions, Landry has also sought to argue that the vaccines are not safe. In late June, Landry and his top deputy Liz Murrill wrote letters to Edwards office and the CDC, arguing that efforts to convince youth to get vaccinated are dangerous because of reports of myocarditis, a heart condition reported in rare cases.

The letters appear to have been sparked by Murrills 17-year-old suffering from myocarditis after receiving the vaccine. She wrote in the letter that her son spent four days in a pediatric ICU after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. She said she was shocked and dismayed to see a video produced by the state Health Department promoting vaccines for youths, and said its grossly misleading propaganda to call myocarditis an extremely rare side effect.

Louisiana COVID hospitalizations break record for second day with 2,247 in hospitals The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Louisiana broke records for the second day on Wednesday as the state continues to st

Your and LDHs misguided effort to promote the unnecessary vaccination of children and young adults in the face of a clear and present danger to their health and safety is irresponsible and could cause children to die, Murrill wrote.

Shortly after receiving the letter, the state Health Department put out a news release reaffirming its confidence in vaccinations for youth, citing a statement from a long list of health groups including the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In a recent news conference, Ochsner Health System neurosurgeon Dr. Erin Biro explained that she enrolled all three of her children in vaccine clinical trials. She said she was initially hesitant to do so because of the myocarditis concerns, but "if you actually look at the data, the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID is much, much greater," she said.

Dr. Susan Hassig, associate professor of epidemiology at Tulane University, also said in a recent interview that several million young people in the U.S. have been vaccinated and that the risk of myocarditis as a result of the vaccine remains rare. Some public health experts have also called for a middle ground, such as using a single dose of the vaccine for those at highest risk of the condition.

+2 Replay: Gov. John Bel Edwards answers COVID questions from readers As Louisiana experiences a fourth surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations, a mask mandate went into effect Wednesday morning.

You have to weigh the differences in risk, Hassig said. To me, the risk of otherwise healthy young people getting a treatable short-term rare inflammatory process versus the risk that is posed to them directly and their community, family, friends  indirectly of COVID  is a trade-off that I absolutely think is acceptable.
Leading landlords are holding talks with tenants to determine what an office tower must offer in order to entice staff back to the city at a time when vacancy rates are at near quarter-of-a-century lows and people are nervous or unable to travel too far from home.

Talks centre not just on space requirements and providing flexible leases to hand back space, but what the landlord is providing in terms of cleaning, checking-in rules, contactless lifts and doors and general staff wellness.

It has added a new layer of issues that landlords must deal with and also how tenants are reconfiguring internal spaces to offer social distancing to allay employees concerns about coming back to the office.

Investa and Gwynvill Groups 60 Martin Place in Sydney is at the cutting edge for COVID-safe amenities.

Reflecting the impact of the lockdowns and new supply was the rise in the national office vacancy rates to 11.9 per cent for the six months to July. Melbourne was hardest hit at 10.4 per cent  the lowest since 2000  while Sydney rose from 8.5 per cent to 9.2 per cent.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Growing up in Melbournes west, Reko Rennie was exposed to the citys underbelly. In the 1970s and 80s, tough men laden with gold jewellery ruled the streets. They cruised around in muscle cars, threatened those who challenged them and flaunted their wealth. They were role models of sorts, having found a way out, or at least a reality easier than that of Rennies parents, who worked long hours and enlisted extended family to look after the kids while they made ends meet. The 47-year-old Kamilaroi artist has now made a film, Initiation_OA, about the world of his childhood. It was set to premiere as part of the RISING Festival but was postponed due to the pandemic. The stunning eight-minute work will now have a home at the National Gallery of Victoria, where pending lockdowns it will screen until October. While traditional initiation is still practised in remote and rural Aboriginal communities, Rennie says the other side of it is those of us in urban Australia. The film is shot in the western suburbs, particularly Footscray, where Rennie grew up. Credit:Justin McManus In the cities, weve gone through a very different initiation process. Uusually, its a very tough process and some of us have not made it past that, weve been incarcerated or passed away or had issues of addiction. Some of us have made it out or made it past that transition ... and been very fortunate and lucky. Growing up without traditional rites of passage, Rennie was taught alternative lessons such as the importance of being street smart. He trained in martial arts, so he could protect himself. As a young man, Rennie had trouble with the law as well as alcohol and drugs. Being aware of your position and reactions and run-ins with police, knowing that there were very racist undertones and issues because you identified as an Aboriginal person. Coming from a low-income, working-class area, the odds were stacked against you from the start, he says.

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I had all these experiences and could quite easily have been another incarcerated statistic ... It was a tough place back in the day and it was a space where you kept your mouth shut. Loading Initiation_OA pays homage to Footscray and surrounds, celebrating the streets and the industrial landscape with its smokestacks and docks. Rennie is at the films centre, driving a bright-pink 1971 Monaro GTS coupe to an original composition by soprano and Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham, which she sings accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The juxtaposition of slick, cinematic footage of the gritty streets with the soaring operatic soundtrack makes for compelling viewing. Watching the final cut, Rennie was moved to tears. Its very emotionally charged. Its me reclaiming this very Westie reference to car culture, and to masculinity which, of course, is quite toxic, he says. Painting the Monaro bright pink, Rennie reclaims it. Credit:Justin McManus The name Monaro comes from an Aboriginal word and translates to mean higher plain or higher plateau. That fitted neatly with what Rennie wanted to express. We are very aware of who we are as Aboriginal people  we are going to higher plains and higher plateaus, whereas in the past, our parents and grandparents generation werent allowed to.

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The idea for the film came at the 2017 Venice Biennale, watching Cheetham perform at Tracey Moffatts show. It reminded him of his grandmother, who had a beautiful soprano voice but never had the opportunity to pursue a career as an artist. I wanted to honour her in this work. My mum worked six or seven days a week; my nan looked after my sister and I as kids. Written by Cheetham in Kamilaroi language, the lyrics are simple yet powerful. Beginning here/ The Morning Star your silent companion/ Where are you going?/ An ancient song will hold you/ As you fly now to your shining dream. He recruited Bonnie Elliott (known for H is for Happiness and Stateless) as cinematographer and Carlo Zeccola to edit the three- channel video. Driving while unlicensed, joyrides, burnouts and drag racing were all part of Rennies youth. That whole car culture was something we grew up with in the west. It goes back to that [idea of] initiation, whether it was downtown Footscray or parts of Fitzroy in the 80s, Woolloomooloo or Redfern, he says. I come from the street, those experiences helped shape who I am. The Monaros number plates read ACAB, an acronym for All Cops Are Bastards. As a young man, Rennie says he had several bad experiences with police, but he references a universal experience for people of colour. That has come out through a lot of things, the #BlackLivesMatter movement around the world. Everyone used to say it when we were young, too. Its in relation to the experience I had. Of course, not all cops are bastards, but some are. Rennie charts his life journey in his latest film, Initiation_OA. Credit:Justin McManus

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Acclaimed for his paintings, murals and sculptures, Rennies work often investigates identity. Self-taught, he started doing graffiti then focused on painting and more recently has worked in several other media. In 2017, he made OA_RR, which featured a gold, hand-painted 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche, symbolic of the vehicles found on many big stations around where his grandmother was effectively indentured. With a soundtrack by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, it was shot in his ancestral lands, in Walgett, in north-western New South Wales. While the Roller doing donuts makes marks in the red dirt in that film, Initiation_OA sees him doing burnouts in the 70s muscle car. It pays homage to the traditional sand-marking of my people, the Kamilaroi people, but I am using a hotted-up Monaro, spinning the tyres and leaving some marks and then taking off again. The OA of the title stands for Original Aboriginal, celebrating First Nations people and playing on the idea of the OG  Original Gangster  celebrated in hip-hop, which he loved growing up, which ties back to the gangsters he looked up to as a kid. In Footscray in the 70s and 80s, discrimination based on what you looked like was not an issue for Rennie. I was around this really densely multicultural community and society and the issue of racism was just non-existent. I grew up with many European friends and Vietnamese friends, he says. It was almost like spot the Aussie. The Holden Monaro was the ultimate muscle car of the 1970s. Credit:Justin McManus Having olive skin, Rennie was often considered one of the European crew rather than Aboriginal. In his early 20s, his grandmothers life experience hit home; she was adopted by a white family in Queensland to work as a servant. Basically, she was a slave, he says. As I grew older, I had an understanding about those implications about identity: being denied your culture, being denied your language, being denied the right to be an Australian citizen, being considered flora and fauna.

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The Story of Australia, Don Watson, Black Inc., $32.99 Credit: For decades year 9 students have been subjected to plodding, imbalanced courses in Australian history, and, inevitably, found it boring. Don Watsons primer for young readers, originally conceived in the 1980s, would make a first-rate middle school text. As a historian Watson lets the fascinating tale of Australia unfold in simple, accessible writing  from Indigenous history, reaching back thousands of years, the arrival of the First Fleet, the clash of cultures, and the emergence of the Australia we know today locked in the struggle against COVID-19. Watson is particularly adept at creating vivid snapshots, in concentrated chapters, such as early life on the Collingwood flat or the impact of new technology, the wireless, television and IT. A sweeping enterprise, skilfully and entertainingly told.

Roots: Home is Who We Are, Various, Hardie Grant/SBS, $34.99 Credit: This collection of memoirs from the SBS Emerging Writers Competition is bursting with an array of voices from diverse racial, ethnic and national backgrounds. The contributors range from the young to the mature, mostly reflecting the Australian experience from the outside looking in. The Darkness by Caitlyn Davies-Plummer movingly documents depression from an Indigenous point of view, charting the years of racism she has endured. Maha Sidaouis Checkpoint Charlie is an amusing portrait of a Lebanese family and three young women on the town at a nightclub. Assyrian-Australian Monikka Eliah doesnt just remember feeling alienated at school but being labelled an alien, while Jason Phu shares a meditative reflection on fishing with his Vietnamese father. Tales that are distinctive and ring with authenticity.

FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK Credit: Widowland, C.J. Carey, Hachette, $32.99 Alt-historical fiction set in Nazified Britain isnt new, with Robert Harris Fatherland perhaps the best known. Widowland marks its own imaginative territory, and more than holds its own as a feminist contribution to the subgenre. Its 1953 and Britain never went to war with Germany, instead forming a Grand Alliance with the Third Reich. Edward VIII and his queen, Wallis Simpson, reign  a puppet regime; the sinister Alfred Rosenberg holds the real power. Women adhere to a strict caste system, and Rose Ransom works at the Orwellian Ministry of Culture, rewriting the Brontes and George Eliot, among others, to better reflect the new ideology. When graffiti (in the form of quotes from forbidden female authors) and hints of rebellion begin to emerge, Rose is sent to Widowland  an impoverished ghetto where childless women past child-bearing age have been exiled  to stamp out dissent before the Leader arrives. A darkly dystopian, and meticulously constructed, feminist political thriller.

The Five Wounds, Kirstin Valdez Quade, Allen & Unwin, $39.99 Credit: The Five Wounds began life as a short story for The New Yorker, about a Latino no-hoper from small-town New Mexico, chosen to be Jesus in an annual re-enactment of the Passion of Christ. Amadeo  alcoholic, unemployed, 33 and still living with his mother  gets nailed to the cross before a crowd, including his pregnant teenage daughter Angel, in a symbolic act of redemption. The story is possessed of a terrible perfection that must have made a daunting foundation for a novel. And if the strain of construction is initially apparent, the books redemptive theme soon plays out effortlessly through Amadeos strangled attempts to make good, through the irrepressible Angel shuffling between high school and caring for her baby, and through Amadeos long-suffering mother, Yolanda, confronting a medical diagnosis she hides from her family. A multi-generational novel of great vividness, humour and compassion.

What You Can See From Here, Mariana Leky; trans., Tess Lewis, Bloomsbury, $29.99 Credit: Whenever Selma dreams of an okapi  the shy and strange-looking African animal that resembles a hybrid of a giraffe and a zebra  someone in her West German village dies. A whimsical premise, perhaps, but the charm of Mariana Lekys novel shines through and the eccentricity never grates. Told from the perspective of Selmas grand-daughter Luise, we follow the villagers lives and their responses to Selmas premonitions. Theres an optician secretly in love with Selma, a boy who dreams of becoming a champion weightlifter, a married couple who cant admit each wants to part ways from the other, and a woman devoted to her own misery. Life and death, love and loss are portrayed with affectionate absurdity. And as Luise herself grows up and falls for a celibate monk, the bittersweet tale comes into its own, unassumingly captured in this sly, understated translation from Tess Lewis.

Tunneling to the Centre of the Earth, Kevin Wilson, Text, $22.99 Credit: Kevin Wilson wrote the novels Nothing to See Here and The Family Fang (adapted into a film with Nicole Kidman and Christopher Walken). His career has blossomed since his debut collection of short stories, Tunneling to the Centre of the Earth, now published in Australia for the first time. In Blowing Up on the Spot, a young mans parents spontaneously combust without explanation, leaving him tentative about pursuing romance. The disconcerting Grand Stand-In follows a woman whos made a career replacing various families absent or defective grandmothers. Mortal Kombat sees two adolescent boys engaging in homosexual experimentation, before taking revenge on each other in a violent video game session. The stories have a delicious and unpredictable black comic sensibility to them, often with complex emotions squirming towards expression underneath.
You were born and raised in Matraville, in Sydneys south-eastern suburbs, the second of five kids. Did you grow up poor, working-class, middle-class or rich? Definitely working-class. Dad was a carpenter, constantly covered in sawdust, working seven days a week. Mum worked nights for 16 years at the Matraville drive-in. We didnt have holidays, never had luxuries, no big gifts. My parents came from nothing, but created a life for their children and sent us to good schools. I went to a private Catholic girls school, with Volvos pulling up outside; my father would come in his Kombi, me sitting on a milk crate in the back. I got this work ethic from my parents.

Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to discuss the subjects were told to keep private by getting them to roll a die. The numbers they land on are the topics theyre given. This week, he talks to Anita Heiss. The Wiradjuri professor, writer and public speaker, 52, is an author of novels, non-fiction and books for children. Her latest novel is Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams).

Does that mean youre now rich? Im rich in books. Unless youre selling hundreds of thousands of copies, youre not rich from writing. Studies show published Australian authors earn an average of $12,000 a year from their creative work and that its other work that makes up the bulk of their income. Lead me through the pie chart of your earnings. If we take out my salary at the University of Queensland [where Heiss is a professor of communications], Id say 80 per cent of my income is from public speaking. What I get paid for one keynote can be the same as the advance on a book. But books give us the platform to talk about the issues.

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In 2011, you were part of a group of plaintiffs who won a federal court ruling against columnist Andrew Bolt, who was found to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act. No one received compensation from that case. If it wasnt about money, what was it about? We could have pursued a case around defamation and potentially made claims for money. But for me, and many others, it was about seeing a change in the way the media represents Aboriginal people and other minorities. It put the media on notice about whats acceptable, ethical and lawful. It ensured media professionals understood they could no longer crucify Aboriginal people in their columns without being accountable to their readers. People who hadnt read the witness statements or testimony asked, What about my freedom of speech? Id say, What is it you want to say about someone that you cant say under the law? If I never did anything in my life after that, Id be okay with having made that contribution. Who am I to not take a stand when so many people before me have put their lives on the line for the rights of our people? I thought about Windradyne [an early 19th-century resistance warrior] and the war he waged for the Wiradjuri mob in the Battle of Bathurst [against the incursions of white settlers]. And I thought, Who am I not to give it a crack?

What is your greatest extravagance? Im collecting something from every Tiffany & Co around the world. I dont have kids, and I dont have a man, so I buy myself things Id expect someone to give me for my birthday and Valentines Day and Christmas. Im the best Valentine Ive ever had.
Principals are breathing a sigh of relief after the government backed down on plans to send all year 12s back to school and instead ruled HSC trials must be done online and students living or studying in hotspots must not be allowed onto school sites at all.

From August 16, year 12 students in Sydney who live outside the eight hardest-hit local government areas can only go to class if the visit is arranged by their school and lasts for less than two hours, principals were told in a letter from government officials on Friday.

It is a significant retreat on Premier Gladys Berejiklians original position last week, when she said all year 12 students across Greater Sydney, including those in hot spot areas, would be able to return to school from August 16. That decision was strongly opposed by teachers, some students and the large Catholic sector, who were worried that school communities would be put at risk.

HSC students face uncertain times as they prepare for the final few months of year 12. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The new rules for HSC students are also stricter and more specific than they were before Ms Berejiklian made her controversial announcement. When schools began remote learning in July, principals were told only that year 12 could attend campus for if essential, which was interpreted differently across the city and caused significant stress.
A former police commander, who was one of the key investigators of Melbournes notorious gangland war, has escaped without a conviction for leaking information about a corruption probe to a junior female officer.

Despite Stuart Bateson pleading not guilty  which can result in a harsher sentence  Magistrate Simon Zebrowski gave significant weight to the former policemans distinguished career, service to the community, and prior good character in deciding on Friday to fine him $6000 without a conviction.

Stuart Bateson outside of court in June. Credit:Joe Armao

The criminal charges, and publicity of them, Mr Zebrowski said, has no doubt been an ignominious fall from grace.

The magistrate found that Mr Bateson, once touted as a future chief commissioner, was guilty of three charges of disclosing sensitive information about a secret corruption probe to a female colleague 18 years his junior.
Bendigo Healths outreach program has delivered 6000 doses, focusing on workplaces and multicultural communities. It is inoculating about 600 people a day at the vaccination centre in Bendigos CBD and hopes to lift that to 1000 doses once more Pfizer arrives. On a late morning this week most chairs were taken up in the busy vaccination centre with people waiting after receiving their jab. Nurses holding iPads flitted between them, checking they were not suffering any unpleasant reactions. Gisborne resident David Plunkett, 51, was sitting among those waiting after getting his second Pfizer dose. He decided to get his vaccinations in Bendigo after struggling to get an appointment in Melbourne. I was able to get an appointment here within a week of booking, he said.

Bendigo Health has also delivered vaccines on site at the Don KR Smallgoods meat processor in Castlemaine and Hazeldenes Chicken Farm at Lockwood where there were outbreaks last year. That was good because a lot of those people were workers who might not necessarily rush out and get vaccinated, Mr Cameron said. It also introduced the concept of a vaccine to their households. The vaccination centre in Bendigo on Thursday this week. Credit:Jason South Bendigo Community Health Services has focused on reaching the Karen community, which includes about 375 families, helping to run three vaccination clinics at the Buddhist monastery in the suburb of Eaglehawk. Buddhist monk Venerable Ashin Moonieinda was among the trusted community leaders providing advice and vaccine encouragement to the Karen community.

Bendigo Community Health also set up a Karen language hotline where people could ask questions by phone or text message in their mother tongue. Refugee project worker Nido works on the hotline, which he said receives at least 20 calls a week, but the information from those conversations reaches about 100 people. The hotline plays a very important role in engaging people to come forward to have their vaccine, he said. Buddhist monk Venerable Ashin Moonieinda has been encouraging people in Bendigos Karen community to get vaccinated. Credit:Jason South There are also two vaccination clinics focused on the regions Afghan community. Then there are the demographics of Bendigo. Census data shows that the health care and social assistance industries were the citys biggest employers in 2016 and more than 8100 people living in Greater Bendigo work in those sectors. These workers have been vaccinated in large numbers because they work on the front lines, and then go on to encourage family and friends to come forward.

Everybody knows someone who works at the hospital or works in health and was involved in the second wave last year, said Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit director Casey Nottage. I think that brings a realness and humanity to it. Dr Nottage said the unit has harnessed social media, posting calls on Facebook for people to come in when Bendigos vaccination centre was quiet and providing updates when there were long waiting times. Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit director Casey Nottage Credit:Jason South State government minister and Bendigo MP Jacinta Allan said nothing good comes of COVID. But the listing of the citys Axedale Tavern as a tier-one exposure site in May reinforced the importance of getting vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.

That did coincide with Bendigo Health opening up their mass vaccination centre, she said. Ms Allan believes the close-knit nature of Bendigos communities has helped drive up the vaccination rates too. Bendigo resident Kath Bolitho says almost everyone in her social circle is keen to get vaccinated. Credit:Jason South It may sound parochial, but there is a bit of pride in living in a country community that is well-connected. Kath Bolitho, who runs a marketing and events business in Bendigo, said only a couple of people in her social circle are truly resistant to being vaccinated.

Like many in the city, she has a close connection with the Bendigo Hospital, and it was her sister who works there who helped motivate her to get vaccinated within days of becoming eligible. The quick process for getting a jab made it seem easy, particularly for those who might be worried about having to queue for hours and missing work. She said once Pfizer vaccinations opened to people over 40, her eligible friends and family got their first dose within days. Others did the same. That was a general consensus right across the community, she said.
Survivors of sexual assault and their supporters  including Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack  say Victorias consent laws need to be toughened up, even if a review does not recommend that.

As the Victorian Law Reform Commission prepares to release the findings of its inquiry into the response of the justice system to sexual offences, Ms McCormack said the Andrews government should adopt affirmative consent laws to offer stronger protection for survivors .

Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack wants stronger sexual consent laws introduced in Victoria. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Other states have already moved to strengthen their consent legislation. Under its so-called yes means yes model, Tasmanian law requires a positive indication of sexual consent to be ascertained.

In May, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman introduced similar laws despite the fact they were not recommended by the states 2-year Law Reform Commission review. An accused is now required to show they did or said something to find out if a person was consenting, should they wish to rely on a mistaken but reasonable belief there was consent.
Chinese government propaganda newspaper China Daily has targeted an Australian journalists coverage of the contested origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in a slickly-produced video published on Twitter.

The Australian senior journalist Sharri Markson has played a key role in raising the profile of the so-called lab-leak theory, which centres on the assertion that the virus leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China.

Once a fringe theory, it has steadily gained traction as a counter-narrative to the conclusion reached by the World Health Organisation in March that the virus likely spread to humans through animal transmission, rather than a laboratory leak. In May, US President Joe Biden asked intelligence officials to redouble their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including whether it had its origins in a laboratory accident.

China Daily, an English-language newspaper controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, this week published a video attacking Marksons coverage, which it tweeted to its 4.2 million followers. The three minute, 42 second video shows China Daily reporters Xu-Pan Yiru and Meng Zhe attempting to discredit Marksons reporting for News Corp outlets The Australian, The Daily Telegraph and Sky News Australia.
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has rebuffed concerns the Greater Sydney lockdown could plunge the nation into its second pandemic-driven recession, predicting a solid recovery by the end of the year.

Speaking to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics via webcast on Friday and holding a cup bearing the slogan half full, Dr Lowe said the economy would shrink in the September quarter due to the latest lockdowns before rebounding in the final three months of 2021, making a recession quite unlikely.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe on Friday. CBAs Gareth Aird thinks the central banks GDP forecast is too optimistic for the next few months.

Last year, Australia fell into its first recession in three decades, with national lockdowns resulting in a 7 per cent economic contraction in the June quarter. A recession is defined as two quarters of declining GDP growth. The economy recovered quickly on the back of billions of dollars of stimulus from the federal government.

While the exact timing of the bounce-back is difficult to predict, it is likely to start well before the end of the year, Dr Lowe said.
High risk businesses in coronavirus hotspots are set to get the green light to order mandatory vaccinations for their staff in an update to federal advice being worked on by the workplace regulator.

The Fair Work Ombudsman confirmed on Friday it planned to update its guidance that had previously told the overwhelming majority of businesses that they could not instruct their staff to be vaccinated.

Businesses whose staff cannot work from home in coronavirus hotspots are likely to be told they can mandate vaccination. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that individual employers should consider the advice but listed categories of workers whose bosses are most likely to be able to issue them reasonable directions to be vaccinated under existing workplace laws.

After transport and healthcare workers who deal with covid-positive people, Mr Morrison said were those who are in a position where they are publicly public facing in their daily lives, retail, supermarkets, things of that nature.
Business leaders have lauded the financial partnership between the Victorian and federal governments, which on Friday unveiled a $400 million business support package.

The cost of the aid to business is accumulating, with the state government having invested about $1.1 billion in unanticipated support since handing down its budget in May.

Industry support minister Martin Pakula announced the co-funded $400 million support package on Friday. Credit:Joe Armao

Co-operation between the Andrews and Morrison governments has gradually improved since May, when state treasurer Tim Pallas said his federal counterparts were not a tangible partner and needed to step up to the plate after requests for income support at the start of Victorias fourth lockdown were knocked back.

With snap lockdowns agreed by national cabinet as the best approach until mass vaccination is achieved, the increased federal commitment has coincided with its support for NSW.
Van Buren, AR (72956)

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Staff Reporter

Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for five years. She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for The Miami Times. Daniel's work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald and The New York Times.
Regional Editor

Brett Rowland has worked as a reporter in newsrooms in Illinois and Wisconsin. He most recently served as news editor of the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He previously held the same position at the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks to the media as the first delivery of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrives at University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, Ky., Monday, Dec. 14, 2020.
State Police watch from afar as people protest outside the Statehouse, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Concord, New Hampshire, as Gov. Chris Sununu is inaugurated for his third term as governor.
Cheyenne, WY (82001)

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The Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) announced the hiring of two new police officers Monday, August 2.

Talmage Peden and Jeremiah Keslar were sworn in as Officers at the Cheyenne Public Safety Center. The new officers will continue their formal training at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas.

Officer Keslar is a native of Cheyenne and is the third generation of his family to pursue a career in law enforcement. During the ceremony, his father, Captain Jared Keslar, shared that carrying on the family tradition of police service has been a lifelong goal for his son.

"This is something that Jeremiah has been working toward for a long time," Captain Keslar said. "We are very proud."

Officer Peden is originally from Clarksville, Tennessee but moved to Wyoming to attend school. He shared that community service motivated his decision to become a police officer.

The CPD's mission is "Protecting the Legend" by cooperating with Cheyenne's citizens to lead the charge in preventing crime and defending the community's rights. In their new roles, Keslar and Peden will serve and protect Wyoming's capital and its largest city.

City officials, officers, members of the department, and family members attended the swearing-in ceremony and wished the new officers the best of luck and success in their careers.

"These officers have the community-oriented mindset that aligns with the culture of our department," Chief of Police Mark Francisco said. "We are very proud to welcome them to our team."
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Smoke pours from the twin towers of the World Trade Center after they were hit by two hijacked airliners in a terrorist attack September 11, 2001 in New York City. (Robert Giroux/Getty Images)

9/11 Families Tell Biden to Skip Memorial If He Doesnt Declassify Files

The families of victims who died during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking his administration to declassify evidence about the incident.

Nearly 1,800 victims who survived, first responders, and family members of slain victims said they want the White House to declassify federal government-held evidence that they believe shows a link between Saudi officials and the assailants.

We understand President Bidens desire to mark the solemn occasion of the 20th anniversary at Ground Zero in New York City, said the letter to Biden, which was obtained by The Epoch Times. However, we cannot in good faith, and with veneration to those lost, sick, and injured, welcome the president to our hallowed grounds until he fulfills his commitment.

They noted that Biden, when he was a candidate, told the 9/11 victims that if he was elected, he would direct the attorney general to disclose some evidence relating to the terrorist attacks.

Since the conclusion of the 9/11 Commission in 2004 much investigative evidence has been uncovered implicating Saudi government officials in supporting the attacks. Through multiple administrations, the Department of Justice and the FBI have actively sought to keep this information secret and prevent the American people from learning the full truth about the 9/11 attacks, their letter stated.

Over the years, they added, federal officials have ignored or rebuffed bipartisan efforts to provide more transparency on the attacks.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks during an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Aug. 5, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

If President Biden reneges on his commitment and sides with the Saudi government, the letter said, we would be compelled to publicly stand in objection to any participation by his administration in any memorial ceremony of 9/11, given its continuation of policies that thwart Americans rights to hold accountable those who, known evidence reveals, materially supported the 9/11 hijackers.

Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have all declined to declassify the supporting documents in the 9/11 investigation. In 2019, the Trump administration invoked the state secrets privilege to keep that information classified.

Separately, Brett Eagleson, son of Bruce Eagleson who died at the World Trade Center, told CNBC that 9/11 victims families who signed the letter are at our wits end with our own government.

Eagleson is one of a number of victims relatives who filed a lawsuit against the government of Saudi Arabia for allegedly partaking in the attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead, injured 6,000 more, and sparked the U.S. War on Terror that led to the invasions of Afghanistan and later, Iraq.

We are frustrated, tired, and saddened with the fact that the U.S. government for 20 years has chosen to keep information about the death of our loved ones behind lock and key, Eagleson told the network.

Several senators, meanwhile, recently on the government to declassify and make available documents about the Saudi governments alleged ties to the attack.

If the United States government is sitting on any documents that may implicate Saudi Arabia or any individual or any country in the events of 11 September, these families, and the American people, have a right to know, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said in a statement.

The Epoch Times has contacted the White House for comment.
Fired Dallas police officer Amber Guyger becomes emotional as she testifies in her murder trial, in Dallas on Sept. 27, 2019. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP, Pool)

Appeals Court Upholds Murder Conviction of Former Dallas Police Officer

An appeals court on Thursday denied an appeal by a former police officer who was convicted in 2019 of murder for shooting dead a man in his own apartment.

Former Dallas officer Amber Guyger, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for killing Botham Jean, attempted to convince judges to acquit the murder conviction, replace it with a lesser charge, and order a new sentencing hearing.

The appeal hinged on the argument that Guyger reasonably believed she was in her own apartment, which was in the same building as Jeans, when she fired upon him.

Her mistaken belief negated the culpability for Murder because although she intentionally and knowingly caused Jeans death, she had the right to act in deadly force in self-defense since her belief that deadly force was immediately necessary was reasonable under the circumstances, Michael Mowla, Guygers attorney, wrote in a brief lodged in the Fifth Court of Appeals for the state of Texas.

Prosecutors said the case was simple.

Because intentionally killing a man in his own apartment is murder, the State of Texas submits that Appellants conviction is just fine, and this Court should affirm it, they said in a reply brief.

An appeals court panel sided with prosecutors, upholding the murder conviction.

The evidence is undisputed that Guyger intended the result of her conduct or acted knowingly with respect to the result of her conduct because she testified she intended to shoot and kill Jean, the panel wrote in the decision.

That she was mistaken as to Jeans status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent. We decline to rely on Guygers misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jurys verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill, they added.

The panel consisted of Justices Lana Myers and Robbie Partida-Kipness, and Chief Justice Robert Burns III.

Guyger can appeal to the states highest criminal court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, if she chooses.

Her attorney did not return a voicemail or an email.
Arizona Sen. Tony Navarette is seen in an undated file photograph. (Arizona Legislature)

Arizona Senator Arrested for Suspected Sexual Conduct With Child

A Democrat senator in Arizona was arrested on Thursday for allegedly being sexually involved with a minor.

State Sen. Tony Navarrete was booked into Maricopa County Jail, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department confirmed to The Epoch Times.

Jail records showed he was booked on Aug. 5 on four counts, including molestation of a child and sexual conduct with a minor.

Phoenix Police Department Sgt. Andy Williams told news outlets on Wednesday received a report of sexual conduct with a minor that occurred in 2019.

Detectives interviewed a juvenile victim and witnesses, and on August 5th, developed probable cause to arrest the suspect. The suspect was arrested and is currently in the process of being booked into jail for multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor, among other charges, Williams said.

Navarretes office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Arizona Senate Democrats later addressed the arrest.

We are aware one of our members has been arrested and are awaiting further details and for law enforcement to do its job. We will not have further comment at this time, the caucus said in a statement.

Navarrete, who identifies as being gay, entered the Arizona House of Representatives in 2017 and became a state senator in 2019.

The state senator recently said he tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a statement from his office, Navarrete tested positive on July 27 despite being fully vaccinated.

He was isolating at his house with mild symptoms.
Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the State Department in Washington, on July 27, 2020. (Al Drago/Reuters)

Australia Will Not Bow to Chinese Demands to Restart Talks: Foreign Minister

CANBERRAAustralia will not accept Chinese demands to change policy in order to restart bilateral talks, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said.

Weve been advised by China that they will only engage in high-level dialogue if we meet certain conditions. Australia places no conditions on dialogue. We cant meet (their) conditions now, Payne said in a speech late on Thursday in Canberra.

Relations with China, already rocky after Australia banned Huawei from its nascent 5G broadband networking in 2018, cooled further after Canberra called last year for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, first reported in central China last year.

The Chinese regime responded by imposing tariffs on Australian commodities, including wine and barley, and limited imports of Australian beef, coal, and grapes.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Paynes speech.

Despite the bilateral tensions, China remains Australias largest trading partner.

In the 12 months to March, Australia exported A$149 billion ($110.1 billion) worth of goods to China, down 0.6 percent from the previous year, but exports have been supported by strong prices for iron ore, the largest single item in trade with China.

By Colin Packham
The Sydney Opera House and Central Business District is seen in Sydney, Australia on April 16, 2017. (AAP Image/Sam Mooy)

Australian CBD Office Vacancy Remains Solid, Except Melbourne Where It Hits 20-Year High

According to a new report, demand for office space in Australias Central Business Districts (CBD) has defied expectations by remaining surprisingly solid, except Melbourne, which has dropped to its lowest level on record.

The Property Council of Australias (PCA) Office Market Report revealed that overall CBD vacancy edged higher from 11.1 to 11.2 percent in the six months to July.

Australias office markets have shown remarkable resilience over the past six months, with overall aggregate vacancy levels only increasing slightly, PCA CEO Ken Morrison said in a statement.

Outside of Sydney and Melbourne, the vacancy rates declined in all other capital cities. Canberra is currently sitting on the lowest vacancy in the country, dropping to 7.7 percent.

While numbers show a rise in vacancy for Sydney, it is the result of a significant amount of new office space entering the market. Morrison noted that demand had actually increased.

Commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefields head of office leasing, Tim Molchanoff, said demand was almost double of the same period in 2020.

Despite current setbacks, strong fundamentals suggest the worst is behind us, Molchanoff told The Australian Financial Review.

However, the report reveals the brutal impact that repeated lockdowns has had on Melbourne CBDs office market.

Vacancy levels are at the highest levels since Jan. 2020, and unlike Sydney, it was driven by falling demand that plummeted to record lowssurpassing the 1990s recession.

A general view of an empty street in the central business district in Melbourne, Australia, on February 14, 2021. (Wayne Taylor/Getty Images)

PCAs Victorian Executive Director Danni Hunter said there was an urgent need for a plan to revitalise the city to encourage people and investment to return.

Every lockdown is a step backwards for Melbourne and particularly our CBD, and there is residual uncertainty about the future with more supply coming online over the next six months, Hunter said.

The fall in demand was concentrated in the markets prime office space, prompting Hunter to call for an aggressive strategy to attract national and global headquarters to locate in Melbourne.

She also noted that sublease vacancy rates had almost doubled. New office space supply also fell into net negatives as more was withdrawn from the market than added.

The cycle of lockdowns has clearly shocked business confidence and seen the rapid rise of subleasing vacancies as people stay away from the CBD and small business and retail suffers, Hunter said.

On the other side of the country, Perths vacancy rate has reached the lowest level since 2015, and PCA members were reporting increased levels of enquiry from all industries.

PCAs Western Australia Executive Director Sandra Brewer said the results were a vote of confidence, not only for the office market but for the state economy more broadly.

Now is the time for governments to put their foot on the accelerator to get the city into top-gear and maintain the positive economic momentum, Brewer said.

The report measures the levels of leased space, not worker occupancy of office space.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil takes the stage at the start of the federal Liberal national convention in Halifax on April 19, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

B.C. Privacy Watchdog Investigating Federal Liberals Over Facial Recognition Software

OTTAWABritish Columbias privacy watchdog has launched an investigation into the federal Liberal partys use of facial recognition technology to pick candidates for the next election.

B.C. information and privacy commissioner Michael McEvoys office ended weeks of speculation on Friday by announcing the investigation in response to concerns from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

The investigation was initiated in the wake of concerns about the Liberal Party of Canadas use of a thirdparty service provider for automated identification verification, McEvoys office said in a statement.

The investigation will review whether the Liberal Party of Canadas use of facial recognition is compliant with BCs Personal Information Protection Act.

The Liberals have been using face recognition technology from Americanbased firm Jumio to verify the identity of those eligible to vote in meetings to nominate candidates who will run for the party in the next federal campaign, which could start as early as this weekend.

Those nomination meetings are normally held in person, but have moved online this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jumios technology compares a selfie to a governmentissued identity document to make sure the document is valid, the picture matches the person in the selfie, and that the person is physically there.

The company says it works with firms in some 200 countries and lists 7-Eleven and PC Financial among its clients in Canada. It reported in early May that it was verifying more than one million identities daily as the pandemic drove a need for physically distanced checks.

The civil liberties association sent a letter to the Liberals in June saying using facial recognition technology to allow its members to vote online during the pandemic is laudable for some democratic goals, but at this time is the wrong tool for Canada.

The association in its letter said facial recognition technology comes with privacy and reliability concerns, and that the Liberal partys use of such software sends the wrong message to municipal, provincial and federal election officials that this technology is ready for prime time.

The Liberals did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday, but the party has previously said it consulted the guidance issued by the federal privacy commissioner on the appropriate use of the technology before adopting the software.

Jumio also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

McEvoys office noted in its statement that the Liberals did include an alternative method for confirming members identification that did not use facial recognition technology.

The commissioner is drawing this alternative to the attention of individuals participating in nominations because the automated ID verification method is now under investigation, the statement added.

In doing so, the commissioner is not expressing any view on the merits of the matter, which remain to be determined.

McEvoy previously told The Canadian Press in June that B.C. is the only jurisdiction in Canada that has privacy laws that ensure the activities of political parties are subject to independent oversight, including the use of identity technology.

NDP ethics critic Charlie Angus wrote federal privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien in June asking for a similar probe of the Liberals use of facial recognition technology, but the party says it has yet to receive a response.

It is troubling that the Liberals are experimenting with the massive power of facial recognition technology without coming clean with their volunteers and supporters, Angus said in a statement on Friday.

The Liberals are starting to exhibit a pattern of letting the interests of big tech companies selling shiny new technologies come ahead of the rights and privacy of everyday Canadians.

By Lee Berthiaume
Biden Approves First Arms Sale to Taiwan

The highly contagious Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus is challenging China. In the flood-hit city of Zhengzhou, a total lockdown leaves residents short on food at home. Some were spotted shouting for help from their buildings.

Trust in Chinese-made vaccines seems low in China. Authorities are using every strategy to get people vaccinatedincluding incentives like cash rewards.

For outside China, Chinese Communist Party head Xi Jinping promised to provide 2 billion doses of CCP virus vaccines to other countries this year.

The Biden administration approves its first arms sale to Taiwan. The transaction is valued at $750 million.

American investors are worried, as Beijing cracks down on Chinese-owned companies. We look into whats behind the effort.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
Bidens Ban on Chinese Solar Is a Good Start; Heres What Should Follow

Commentary

In the eight months since inauguration, the Biden administration has been hard at work frantically unraveling President Donald Trumps America First policies.

Amid the flurry of executive fiats and new agency rules, President Joe Bidens ban on solar panel materials from certain Chinese companies is the first move weve seen that doesnt put America dead last. It should be followed by even stronger reforms to crack down on environmental recklessness and human rights abuses by our trading partners.

The green energy movement is synonymous with dependence on foreign imports. Nearly 80 percent of the worlds solar panels are imported from China, over half of which come from the Xinjiang region. For too long, renewable energy activists have turned a blind eye to the well-documented forced labor and human rights abuses in their supply chain. The Chinese regimes own publications detail the placement of over 2 million Uyghur and Kazakh people in forced labor programs, particularly in the solar industry. Every manufacturer of polysilicon, the main component of most solar panels, in the Xinjiang region participates in these barbaric programs.

The Biden administrations decision to block solar panel imports from Xinjianga move the U.S. solar industry association has finally publicly supportedis a correct move, and its a good thing that rampant abuse of minority groups in China is finally reaching public consciousness. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. In the Congo, for example, children as young as 4 are forced to work in cobalt mines to supply the electric car-battery industry. Theres much more work to be done to protect workers rights and ensure all people are treated with dignity.

In addition to human rights concerns, Chinese dominance in the renewable energy industry has serious environmental consequences for the world. The vast majority of rare earth minerals, which are used in many types of manufacturing but especially renewable energy, are also imported from China. Wind turbines, for example, rely on neodymium magnets, with heavier-duty offshore turbines requiring a literal ton of the element per turbine.

Chinas lax environmental rules allow the valuable metals to be mined with reckless abandon. Reports from the few journalists who have visited Chinese rare earth mines are chilling. One state-owned facility in Baotou left behind a lake of toxic radioactive waste that destroyed land and displaced nearby families. Neighboring villages were forced to give up on farming when their crops stopped bearing fruit and animals grew sick. Concerns have been raised that the waste could contaminate the Yellow River (pdf), which provides water for many of Chinas residents.

Cities near rare earth mines are referred to as cancer villages.

And its not just Chinese citizens who will suffer because of their countrys environmental irresponsibility. Studies in 2010 and 2017 found that Asian air pollution was responsible for as much as 65 percent of the increase in ozone concentrations on the West Coast and nearly 30 percent of airborne lead in the San Francisco Bay area. Enabling Chinas environmental recklessness has far broader ramifications for the global environment, including right here in the United States.

If Biden wants an energy future with clean energy for all, he should follow his Chinese solar ban not with more renewable mandates and slush funds, but with policy changes that reduce government burdens on American energy production.

As much as advocates for green energy might hope renewables are the way of the future, even decades of subsidies and hundreds of billions of dollars havent made solar or wind technology sustainable as primary energy sources. These resources still provide just 4 percent of our annual energy use (pdf). Meanwhile, U.S. oil, natural gas, clean coal, and nuclear producers continue to power the nation, offering the cheap, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy we need.

Americas global leadership in clean air and water is proving that abundant energy and environmental quality go hand in hand. Even as our energy consumption, vehicle use, population, and economy have boomed, the United States has cleaner and safer air than nearly every developed countryfive times cleaner than Chinas. That progress will only continue unless the federal government continues penalizing domestic energy producers.

Just as dependence on China for solar panels facilitates that countrys pollution, strangling responsible American fossil fuel companies with red tape will shift production overseas to unstable countries that dont share our environmental or labor standards. Ceding power by becoming dependent on foreign oil once again will threaten our economic stability and strengthand our environment.

The Biden administration deserves praise for cracking down on forced labor in the solar industry. But this is only one small change, and the president shows no sign of backing down from the renewable energy agenda. The American people will be far better off if fossil fuel energy producers are allowed to thrive free from bureaucratic overreach. Unfortunately, the administrations haste to overturn Trump-era policies shows this isnt a priority.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Striking Chicago teachers and their supporters attend a rally at Union Park in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 15, 2012. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Chicago Teachers Union Warns of No In-Person Classes Over Immediate Threat of COVID-19 Delta Variant

One of the largest teachers unions in the countrythe Chicago Teachers Unionwarned that the COVID-19 Delta variant or other new strains of the virus may pause in-person instruction.

In a letter (pdf) to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the union said that new pandemic variants pose immediate threats to the health of all Chicagoans, but especially our unvaccinated student population, while praising Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzkers mask mandate at schools.

The union then made demands for upgrades to schools ventilation systems, a testing plan for vaccinated and unvaccinated staff and students, full-time contact tracers and nurses in every school building, and maintenance of criteria and health metrics based on COVID prevalence to pause in-person instruction.

Throughout the pandemic, in some major metropolitan areas, there has been a back-and-forth battle between teachers unions, parents, and at times, local officials over when to restart in-person classes. The unions have faced criticism for essentially dragging their feet on reopening schools while issuing more and more demands tied to resuming in-person classes.

Some studies, including one from three U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers, have found there is little evidence that schools have contributed to a significant number of COVID-19 infections.

But the Chicago Teachers Union, which carried out a lengthy strike in late 2019, noted that Lightfoots office has not used $4 billion in federal funds for the citys schools, calling on her to provide what it described as needed upgrades and safeguards against the virus.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks to reporters outside a school, in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 11, 2021. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Open bargaining will provide Chicago families insight into how the [Chicago schools] budget will directly impact their children and schools, where we stand in negotiations today, and the gaps that must be closed before the fall return, the letter said. Merely surviving the COVID-19 pandemic is not enough. Chicago Public Schools needs to earn the trust and confidence of families across the city, and by joining our Union team for open bargaining, we can reach that goal together.

For now, Chicago school students are slated to return to class starting Aug. 31. During the prior school year, elementary students returned to part-time in-person instruction in February while high school students returned in April, coming after about a year of distance or virtual learning.

And its not just the Chicago Teachers Union that has suggested schools may not reopen for in-person classes in the fall.

About a week ago, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten claimed that the fall reopening schedule isnt a done deal, citing the Delta variant. For that, Weingarten got significant criticism.

So the bottom line is, were going to keep kids safe, were going to keep our members safe, were going to try to open up schools, and were going to move through this political battlefield, Weingarten said.

The Epoch Times has contacted Lightfoots office for comment.
China and US Corporate Hypocrisy

Commentary

The U.S. Business Roundtable, the Chamber of Commerce, the American Farm Bureau, the Semiconductor Association, and several other major U.S. business groups have just asked that President Joe Biden reduce U.S. tariffs on imports from China and negotiate a new trade deal with Beijing.

These groups explain that they are making this request because the tariffs have resulted in higher prices that are harming consumers and the big corporations want to do all they can to help U.S. consumers.

But wait a minute. The American Farm Bureaus members and customers dont import much, if anything, from China. They export a lot to China, but China isnt a significant exporter of agricultural goods. Is the bureau really concerned about the prices American consumers are paying for imported foodstuffs? Indeed, according to the official consumer price index, U.S. food prices are up less than 2 percent over the past year.

Its just very difficult to believe that the Farm Bureau is terribly concerned about rising U.S. food prices spurred by tariffs.

But maybe the farmers are an exception. Lets look at the semiconductor industry. Its a big importer as well as an exporter of semiconductor chips. Its sales are up about 20 percent this year, and according to Kiplinger Advisors, it is swimming in huge profits. Now, its true that there are tariffs on some imports of semiconductors from China. However, given the immense profits the makers are accruing, it would be easy for them to reduce prices to help consumers if they think consumers are hurting too much. Even with reduced prices, they would still be making extraordinary profits. Interestingly, none of the semiconductor companies who are so solicitous of consumers paying high prices have offered to lower their own prices, despite making record earnings.

All of this suggests that there is something aside from consumer prices driving this industry demand to the president for reduction of tariffs on imports from China. What could it be?

An employee makes chips at a factory of Jiejie Semiconductor Co. in Nantong, in Chinas Jiangsu Province on March 17, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The farmers dont care about consumer prices on any imported food from China. Their hope is that a deal with China would lead Beijing to reduce the tariffs it imposed on imports of U.S. agricultural products in response to former President Donald Trumps raising of tariffs on imports into the United States from China. They want to sell more to China. It doesnt bother them that the Chinese regime is crushing freedom in Hong Kong and conducting genocide against the Uyghurs of Xinjiang and threatening to invade Taiwan. They just want to sell and make more money.

The semiconductor industry, the Business Roundtable, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are more complex and more interesting. Remember that they are businesses whose leaders have been schooled to believe that their only responsibility for their corporations is to make profits for shareholders and, of course, for themselves. They are all making record profits now. If they were truly and greatly concerned about consumer prices, they could all afford to reduce their prices. They would still be very profitable. But they are also not really worried about consumers. Many of them want to increase their profits by holding prices level while reducing their costs by dint of having the tariffs reduced.

But there is another, perhaps more important, angle. Most of them do a lot of business in China by producing there and selling there or by having their production done there and importing from China. Apple is a good example. Everything it sells in the U.S. market is made in China. Or take Walmart. Virtually everything it sells in America is made in China also.

Now, if you have been following events in China recently, you know that Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have been cracking down on big Chinese corporations and CEOs. You know also that the Party has enormous power to coerce not only Chinese corporations but also foreign corporations operating in China. The Party could bankrupt Apple or Walmart or many others at the flick of a switch. The CCP wants the United States to remove the tariffs in order to supercharge Chinese exports as a way of regaining growth for the Chinese economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It should be clear to any close observer of the scene that what lies behind the new calls for lifting the tariffs isnt so much the U.S. corporations as the CCP. The corporations are hostage to the CCP and are willing and able to challenge the U.S. government on its behalf. They are the Washington Lobby for Beijing.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Part of the Chinese Communist Party's army of "internet trolls" in an undated leaked photo, in Fangzheng County, Harbin City, China. (The Epoch Times)

Chinese Regime Has Stolen Enough Data to Compile Dossier on All Americans: Former Official

A former U.S. national security official warned that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is stealing data to compile a dossier on every American adult and may use coercive means to influence private citizens and political leaders.

During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing this week, former Trump deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger said the CCP has stolen Americans sensitive data via illicit methods, including cyber theft and hacking.

Assembling dossiers on people has always been a feature of Leninist regimes, but Beijings penetration of digital networks worldwide, including using 5G networks  has really taken this to a new level, Pottinger said, referring to former Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin.

With the information the CCP has obtained, he said, it now compiles dossiers on millions of foreign citizens around the world, using the material that it gathers to influence, target, intimidate, reward, blackmail, flatter, humiliate, and ultimately divide and conquer.

Going a step further, Pottinger sounded the alarm that Beijings stolen sensitive data is sufficient to build a dossier on every single American adult and on many of our children too, who are fair game under Beijings rules of political warfare.

Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger arrives for a Medal of Honor ceremony for Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 11, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

For years, the CCP has engaged in campaigns to steal U.S. intellectual property and technology secrets in a bid to militarily and geopolitically gain an advantage over the West.

The regime has also carried out significant hacks against private entities, including last months alleged cyberattack against Microsoftwhich the United States and its allies blamed on the Chinese Ministry of State Security. In addition, four Chinese nationals were charged by the Department of Justice over a number of separate cyber intrusions that targeted corporate and research secrets.

During the hearing, the former director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, William Evanina, said that the CCP is using a whole of country approach to leverage, infiltrate, influence, and steal from every corner of U.S. success.

It is estimated that 80 percent of American adults have had all of their personal data stolen by the CCP, and the other 20 percent most of their personal data, he said.

Furthermore, he said that the Chinese regime poses an existential threat to the United States and is employing complex, pernicious, strategic, and aggressive tactics to accomplish its goals.

William Evanina, nominee to be director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, testifies during a hearing held by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington, on May 15, 2018. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Chinese regime is even working to illegally obtain data to create artificial intelligence, research, and development programs to bolster its military and economic goals.

After the recent cyberattacks, Biden administration officials offered sharp criticism against Beijings state-sponsored hacks, including intellectual property theft. But the critical words were not accompanied by any punitive actions including diplomatic expulsions or sanctions against the regime.

Separately, Pottinger also warned about the CCPs so-called United Front efforts to spread propaganda and influence decision-makers around the world and within the United States.

The CCPs 95 million members are all required to participate in the system, which has many different branches. The United Front Work Department alone, which is just one branch, has three times as many cadres as the U.S. State Department has foreign service officers, he noted.
Vehicles and a home are engulfed in flames as the Dixie fire rages on in Greenville, Calif., on Aug. 5, 2021. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)

Climate Change Isnt Driving Western Wildfires; Government Mismanagement Is to Blame

Commentary

In late July, President Joe Biden held a virtual joint planning meeting and press conference with the governors of various Western states to discuss how to handle 2021s wildfire season.

Every leader blamed catastrophic human climate change for the severity of recent wildfire seasons. The New York Times allowed Oregons Democratic Gov. Kate Brown to follow up that event with an editorial titled The West Is on Fire, Its Past Time to Act on Climate Change.

Biden and the governors are wrong.

Wildfires have been common throughout the West historically, often burning more acres than theyve burned in recent years. To the extent that wildfires have increased in intensity recently, it isnt due to modest warming, but rather to decades of federal and state mismanagement of publicly owned forests throughout the Western United States, leaving those forests in tinderbox conditions.

It has been more than a century since California experienced wildfires of the magnitude it has suffered recently. But research published in Forest Ecology and Management reported that prior to European colonization, more than 4.4 million acres of California forest and shrub-land burned annually. And those huge wildfires came when the Earth was cooler than it is today.

Had Brown studied history a bit, she would have found Oregon has suffered large fires throughout its history.

As detailed in an article sponsored by Oregons Department of Forestry: Prior to Euro-American settlement large, stand-replacing crown fires burned Pacific Northwest coastal forests every 200500 years. Smaller surface fires revisited dry interior forests as often as every 420 years. West-side Cascade wildfire intervals and intensity fell somewhere in the range between.

This changed with the arrival of Euro-American settlers in the West, who stopped the regular burning both to deny Native Americans of their traditional lifestyles and food production system and to prevent fires from burning newly settled towns and farms.

Forests grew thicker.

With the rise of widespread federal and state ownership of forests in the West, management with the ax, firehose, firebreaks, and roads replaced regular widespread forest fires. For nearly 80 years, the U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, drove thousands of miles of roads deep into the forests to allow logging. The roads also created artificial fire breaks and allowed access for firefighters into the backwoods to fight fires when they started, typically far from settled areas.

In 1985, Oregons federal forests produced more than 4 billion board feet of timber annually. By 1995, concerns about the spotted owl and a change in forest management philosophy from one of productive use to natural ecosystem management resulted in thousands of miles of forest roads being closed and ripped out. Soon thereafter, timber harvests plunged to less than 1 billion board feet per year. The same decline in logging, and the destruction of forest roads, was common throughout Western public forests.

This has resulted in overcrowded forests and the easier spread of insect infestations, such as bark beetles, which have killed an untold number of trees. Many federal forests now contain more dead and dying timber than living trees. And since loggers can no longer clear large areas of forests and firefighters cant get to fires, except from the air if conditions are right, wildfires are on the rise again. Sadly, hundreds of towns, homes, and businesses are being burned out.

With so much fuel, these fires are different. Rather than replenishing the soil, they burn so hotly that they often kill key microbes in the soil. This leaves millions of acres of land denuded for decades, looking like moonscapes. Under the current federal policy of letting nature take its course, loggers usually cant even get into burnt-over areas to clear fallen burnt timber and replant new trees in areas where, with human help, they might possibly take root and flourish.

So, for political reasons, Biden and the governors want to blame modest recent warming for the scope and intensity of wildfires in Western states in 2020 and 2021. The true culprit is more than 30 years of forest mismanagement.

Contrary to Biden and the governors assertions, state and federal efforts to address racial disparities, increase electric vehicle usage, and stop using fossil fuels to generate electricity will do nothing to prevent wildfires.

Wildfires are natural. They cant be stopped. They can be managed. The damage they cause to the forests and the people living near them can be dramatically reduced.

Wise management of forests is required, either through regular, widespread, low-intensity burning, as the Native Americans did, or through active forest management, including intensive logging and brush clearing and firefighting efforts, as governments did prior to 1990. These tools, not massive, misdirected spending on climate change, are the best hope of preventing Westerners lives and livelihoods from being consumed by flames.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A sign for the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons is displayed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York, on July 6, 2020. (Mark Lennihan/File/AP Photo)

Colombian Narcotrafficker Sentenced for Distributing Over 30,000 Kilograms of Cocaine in the US

A Colombian drug trafficker was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for conspiring to distribute more than 30,000 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

According to the Justice Department, Carlos Gentil Ordonez Martinez, 50, pleaded guilty in November 2019 to his pivotal participation in a massive international drug smuggling operation.

He was sentenced on Aug. 4 in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

It is fitting that the defendant, who trafficked in massive amounts of cocaine to be sold at high prices in the United States, will now pay for his crimes by forfeiting his freedom for more than 17 years and forfeiting $10 million in criminal proceeds, said Acting United States Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis. This Office and its law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to bring national and international narcotraffickers to justice.

The operation ran from 2009 to 2014. The drugs, according to court filings, originated in labs inside the jungles of Colombia and were then transported by sea to intermediary sites in Central America and Mexico prior to their delivery into the United States.

Ordonez made a conservative estimate of $10 million, earning more profit by selling the cocaine at significantly greater prices in areas closer to the United States.

The convicted narcotrafficker was taken into custody in Panama in June 2018 and then extradited to the United States the next month.

A chart showing the amount of cocaine seizures made by CBP. (DEA)

The real Narcos of the world are receiving justice, as evidenced by todays sentencing, DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan said. Time and again, this DEA investigation has led to the arrest, extradition, and sentencing of an international drug kingpin responsible for flooding the streets of U.S. cities with multi-ton quantities of dangerous drugs. I applaud the members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, HSI, and the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of New York for their diligent work throughout this investigation.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in 2018, the four states that saw the most deaths from drug poisoning involving cocaine were: New York, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, all of which had over 1,000 deaths.

In 2019, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, the three major producers of cocaine, had over 326,000 hectares of coca cultivation, with a potential of about 1,800 metric tons of pure cocaine.

Colombia is the largest producer of cocaine in the world. According to Reuters, a U.S. army unit traveled to Colombia to help local armed forces to combat drug trafficking for four months in 2020.

SFABs mission in Colombia is an opportunity to demonstrate our mutual commitment against drug trafficking and support for regional peace, respect for sovereignty and the lasting promise to defend shared ideals and values, U.S. Southern Commander Admiral Craig Faller said.

A chart showing Colombias coca cultivation and potential pure cocaine production. (DEA)

In mid-July, Colombian authorities, together with Panama and U.S. officials seized 5.4 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $185 million, according to WION.
A hydro tower is seen with the CN Tower as a backdrop in Toronto in this file photo. (CP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

Colorado Man Sentenced in Major Green Energy Fraud

An Aurora, Colorado man was sentenced Friday to 18 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $37 million restitution by United States District Judge Joel Slomsky for operating a $54 million Ponzi scheme in one of the largest green energy frauds in U.S. history.

Wayde McKelvy, 59, was convicted in October 2018, after a trial of seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to engage in securities fraud, acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said in a press release.

McKelvy and his co-conspirators ran an elaborate Ponzi scheme operating as Mantria Corporation, which received more than $54 million in fraudulently obtained new investor funds.

The group promised investors huge returns, as high as 484 percent, for securities investments in supposedly profitable business ventures in real estate and green energy. In reality, Mantria, based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, was a classic Ponzi scheme in which new investor money was used to pay returns to early investors, and the business generated meager revenues and no actual profits, the release said.

To induce investors to invest money, McKelvy and his co-conspirators repeatedly made fraudulent representations and material omissions about the economic state of Mantria. McKelvy also promoted himself as a financial wizard through aggressive marketing tactics, even though he had little financial acumen and was an unlicensed securities salesman. McKelvy operated what he called Speed of Wealth clubs which he advertised on television, radio, and the internet; held seminars for prospective investors; and promised to make them rich.

During those seminars and other programs, McKelvy lied to prospective investors to dupe them into investing in Mantria. When the SEC shut down Mantria in November 2009, the pyramid scheme collapsed and was exposed, the release said.

McKelvys co-conspirators, Troy Wragg and Amanda Knorr, who met as Temple University students, were previously sentenced for their involvement in this scheme to 22 years and two and a half years in prison, respectively.

This case is a classic example of the warning: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, Williams said in the release. McKelvy is nothing more than a twenty-first century snake oil salesman, with all of the trappings to make him appear to be a legitimate businessman. The defendant is clearly a danger to the investing public and deserves to be in prison for a very long time, as the government demonstrated at trial.

Wayde McKelvy didnt care about green energy. The only green on his mind was money, said Michael Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Philadelphia Division. At his bogus financial seminars, he actively and enthusiastically duped people into investing in Mantria, even urging them to liquidate retirement funds and other assets to do so. When the teetering Ponzi scheme finally collapsed, many victims were left financially devastated.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Livermore and Sarah Wolfe. The U.S. Attorneys Office was also assisted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Critical Race Theory Is Not the Basis for Instruction at South Dakotas Colleges: Regents

South Dakota Board of Regents announced on Thursday that Critical Race Theory (CRT) is not currently, nor in the future, the basis for instruction at public universities in the state.

The South Dakota Board of Regents said their history program will include instruction on Americas flaws and mistakes so students can learn from the past but it will also focus on American values and teach students to appreciate the nations founding principles.

Part of that instruction is to acknowledge and discuss Americas flaws and mistakes so that we can learn from them and improve, it says. Critical Race Theory is not the basis for instruction in our state universities and its not going to be. But this is a label that means different things to different people, said S.D. Regent Board member (pdf), Tony Venhuizen, prior to the publishing of the Board of Regents statement known as Opportunity for All.

South Dakotas Governor Kristi Noem sent a letter (pdf) to the president and members of the board of regents in May to ask them to assess if CRT, which the governor is concerned is unpatriotic, was being taught in the states education facilities.

Thats why our board today is taking a step back and stating the American values that will continue to guide the university system, Venhuizen added.

Noem responded to the board of regents by saying the decision by the board was a step forward, in our quest to resist the harmful effects this ideology can have on students and preserve honest, patriotic education.

I am grateful the Board of Regents is taking steps to address this divisive subject and limit its application in our university classrooms. Critical Race Theory, the 1619 Project, and the works of Ibram Kendi divide students, distort their understanding of history, and seek to indoctrinate them with anti-patriotic rhetoric, said Noem.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks to attendees at the NCGOP convention in Greenville, N.C., on June 5, 2021. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Each of the 50 states has a Board of Regents which is an independent governing body that oversees a states public colleges and universities.

The boards Opportunity for All statement stresses that their states education institutions will provide opportunities for each student, safeguard American traditions, and teach the ideas that made the country exceptional, so students feel pride in the United States.

In addition, the curriculum used will be based upon widely held and accepted knowledge and thought.

CRT is 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 the theory in U.S. schools has been pushed by progressive politicians, activists, and major teachers unions, drawing backlash from parents and conservatives. CRT labels all American institutions as systemically racist and calls for the dismantling of those institutions.

CRT has been promoted under other names, such as equity, anti-racist, or culturally responsive initiatives. Speakers like Ibram X. Kendi (American author, professor, anti-racist activist), get paid to diagnose an organization as systemically racist, prescribe CRT-based initiatives as the remedy, and then consultants help institutions implement it.

Ibram Kendi discusses the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You at Build Studio in New York City on March 10, 2020. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Keisha N. Blain, co-author with Kendi on the book Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 16192019, and advocate for the implementation of CRT throughout American institutions, explained Blain in an interview.

So, Critical Race Theory, I think, is important for helping us understand race as a social construction, but also understanding how race and racism permeate the law, as well as how it permeates various aspects of society and, you know, the way to fix a problem is to confront it, not to run away from it, and so when we first talk about racism and we say that we want to dismantle oppressive systems, Blain told MSNBC on June 24.

The first way to do that is to recognize what the problems are and Critical Race Theory will help you confront what the problems are, will help you see how racism functions in American society, and then youll be able to participate in the process of dismantling these structures and making sure that we create a more democratic and inclusive society, Blain added.

In July, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order banning the state Department of Education from applying for federal grants tied to Critical Race Theory and action civics.
Lithuanian and European Union flags flutter at the Lithuanian border guards unit headquarters near Adutiskis, Lithuania, on June 15, 2021. (Ints Kalnins/Reuters)

EU Summons Belarus Envoy Over Migrant Stream to Lithuania

BRUSSELSThe European Union has summoned the Belarusian envoy in Brussels and held talks with the Iraqi government after accusing Belarus of using illegal migrants, largely Iraqis, as a political weapon against EU sanctions imposed on Minsk.

A spokesperson said the European Commission summoned the envoy on Wednesday in protest over a refugee problem that Lithuania says Belarus has orchestrated on its border in retaliation for EU sanctions.

These practices must stop and Belarus must respect its international commitments in combating irregular migration and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, the Commission spokesperson told a news conference.

Lithuania has reported a surge in illegal border crossings from Belarus and accused Minsk of flying in migrants from abroad and dispatching them to cross the border.

Belarus in May decided to let migrants enter Lithuania in retaliation for EU sanctions meted out after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested a dissident blogger who was on board. President Alexander Lukashenko said Belarus would not become a holding site for migrants from Africa and the Middle East.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and other EU officials have also sought a solution with the Iraqi government that could include a suspension of flights from Baghdad to Minsk.

There is growing speculation that an extraordinary online meeting of EU interior ministers will convene in mid-August, normally a holiday period for EU institutions, on the migrant issue, although this is still to be confirmed.

By Philip Blenkinsop
FBI Officials Widely Ignored Rules in 2016, With Dozens in Contact With Reporters: Watchdog

FBI policy strictly limiting which employees can speak to reporters was widely ignored in 2016, with over 50 officials having contact that year with one or more reporters using government-issued devices, a watchdog found.

The Department of Justices Office of Inspector General (OIG) probed allegations that FBI employees improperly disclosed non-public information in 2016 before the presidential election in violation of bureau rules.

A review of FBI records and a forensic examination of FBI devices found that 52 employees had contact in April and May 2016 with reporters who wrote stories using the information. The investigation also found 33 FBI employees had contact with the reporters in October 2016.

Staffers at the OIGs office interviewed 56 current and former FBI employees who were identified as having contact with reporters in 2016. Nearly all of them acknowledged the contacts but denied providing non-public information. Many also claimed they were authorized to be in touch with the media, either by FBI policy or by a supervisory official.

There could well be more employees who were in touch with reporters using their personal devices or face-to-face, the OIG said in the report on its investigation (pdf) released this week.

The probe was hampered by what the FBI described as a gap in its collection of text messages from bureau-issued devices for four of the people in contact with the media. The OIG asked for the government-issued phones to fill the gap, but the FBI couldnt locate the devices that the employees were using in 2016.

Additionally, the large number of employees in touch with reporters made pinpointing the source of the leaks difficult.

The OIG was unable to figure out which agents or officials were the source of leaks.

However, it was able to confirm that six employees at the FBIs headquarters in Washington were not authorized by policy to have contact with the media and referred those to the bureau to determine if the conduct warrants disciplinary action.

FBI Director Christopher Wray arrives to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 2, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/Pool via Reuters)

The same watchdog previously found misconduct by three senior FBI officials for unethical interactions with reporters. One accepted sporting tickets from a reporter and lied to OIG investigators about paying for them, a second accepted a ticket valued at $225 to a media-sponsored dinner, and a third received items of value from reporters.

The misconduct by these three senior officials, and the substantial media contacts identified by the OIG involving numerous other FBI employees, evidenced a cultural attitude at the FBI that was far too permissive of unauthorized media contacts in 2016, the watchdog said.

That culture reached the top of the bureau. Former Director James Comey leaked to his attorneys classified information, some of which later appeared in the media.

The FBI declined to comment on the new report. In a letter to the OIG, Douglas Leff, the FBIs assistant director, said the bureau has strengthened procedures guiding media contacts. For instance, the bureau has updated its training on media policy.

There is no indication that any of the employees who broke policies were punished in any way.

The FBI decided in 2018 that the penalties for violations of the rules are sufficient to deter unauthorized contact with the media, improper acceptance of gifts, and other misconduct.

Thats whats noticeably missing to meyoure never going to change the culture of unlawful conduct until you actually start to enforce the rules, Timothy Parlatore, a lawyer representing former Trump campaign associate Carter Page, who the FBI illegally surveilled, told The Epoch Times.

And the reality is you have that all the way to the top, you have Jim Comey himself whos doing that stuff. So if you dont hold people accountable, how is anything ever gonna change? Otherwise its just lip service, added Parlatore, who is involved in ongoing litigation with the FBI over Pages case.

The OIG found found that agents assigned to the case made at least 17 significant errors or omissions. One FBI lawyer, Kevin Clinesmith, pleaded guilty to manipulating an email from saying Page was a CIA asset to saying he was not, and sending it along to be used to bolster the case to get secretive warrants to spy on Page. Clinesmith was sentenced to probation.
Florida Approves Private School Vouchers for Families Unhappy With COVID-19 Mask Mandates

Floridas Board of Education on Friday approved private school vouchers for families unhappy with public school districts requiring masks or other COVID-19-related measures.

Parents in the state now are allowed to access vouchers for private schools if they believe pandemic-related rules are a health or educational danger to their child, according to the state agency, local media outlets reported.

They could request vouchers under provisions that are generally used to protect children who believe theyre being bullied.

COVID-19 harassment means any threatening, discriminatory, insulting, or dehumanizing verbal, written or physical conduct an individual student suffers in relation to, or as a result of, school district protocols for COVID-19, including masking requirements, the separation or isolation of students, or COVID-19 testing requirements, that have the effect of substantially interfering with a students educational performance, says the new emergency rule around vouchers.

Board member Ben Gibson said that if school districts dont comply, the Board of Education could hold up the transfer of state money.

Were not going to hurt kids. Were not going to pull money thats going to hurt kids in any way, he said, reported local media, adding: If a parent wants their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right. If a parent doesnt want their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right.

Florida state officials have been at odds with federal authorities over masking amid the COVID-19 pandemic, coming after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended late last month that all children regardless of whether theyve been vaccinated or not should wear masks.

Several Florida school districts so far have decided to comply with the CDCs recommendations.

Duval County said on Thursday that it will require any student not wearing a mask inside to opt-out of the districts policies, and Alachua County authorities voted to mandate that students wear masks for the first two weeks of class.

Teachers unions, including the Florida Education Association, praised the counties decisions, claiming that every county should be empowered to make decisions on how best to keep their students safe in consultation with local health experts and based on the unique needs and circumstances in their area.

But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican with his sights on the 2024 presidential election, issued an executive order stipulating that parents are the ones who should decide whether their children need to wear masks in schools. School boards who refuse to comply with DeSantiss order would face a loss of funding from the state.

I want to empower parents to be able to make the best decisions they can for the well-being of their children, DeSantis said before adding that parents are the best ones who can evaluate the effect that this would have on their children.
Footage Shows Animals Using Wildlife Bridge to Cross Dangerous Interstate Highway in Utah

Protectors of wildlife in Utah have reason to celebrate, thanks to an overpass specifically designed for animals to cross the Interstate-80 highway in the northern part of the state.

The bridge, decked out in natural rocks, logs, and branches, was erected in Parleys Canyon in 2018 in an effort to reduce the number of wildlife/vehicle accidents occurring on a 13-mile stretch of road that has been dubbed Slaughter Row, east of Salt Lake City.

Last November, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) posted on Facebook some of the results theyve seen so far, since the crossing was implemented. The projects success is judged, in part, by the fact that wildlife are using the bridge (humans are prohibited from using it, as doing so would deter animals) and footage confirms that they are.

Having set up cameras on the bridge, DWR officers spotted such species as: moose, bears, coyotes, chipmunks, porcupines, mountain lions, and other wildlife traversing the highway, safely to the other side.

The project targets areas where the highest numbers of animals are attempting to migrate across hazardous roads.

Our biologists have a program in the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative where we collar a lot of wildlife specimens and that helps us track their migration routes, DWR public information officer Faith Heaton Jolley told The Epoch Times. Then we basically partner up with the Department of Transportation to incorporate some of those areas where a wildlife crossing would be appropriate.

She calls the projects recent success very exciting. The research and effort helping wildlife migrate safely has paid off.

Some 4,470 deer and elk were reported killed in 2020, as of November 25, according to the DWR; but the number is probably much greater than that, they add.

Deer typically follow the same migration routes every year, said DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative coordinator Daniel Olson. Many of those routes include roadways, which the deer will often cross regardless of traffic. However, putting up fences can limit the migration opportunities for deer and other wildlife, and its not possible to fence every stretch of highway across the state. So it is important to ensure the passage of wildlife in these areas through the installation of properly placed wildlife crossings.

They said studies have shown a 90 percent reduction in wildlife/vehicle collisions where a crossing or structure has been implemented.

In addition to the wildlife overpass in Parlays Canyon, structures such as fences and culverts have been erected in central and southern Utah.

(Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

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G7 Foreign Ministers: Irans Behaviour Threatens International Peace and Security

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) nations said on Friday that all evidence of the recent attack on an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea clearly points to Iran, and that the regimes behaviour is a threat to international peace and security.

We condemn the unlawful attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman on 29 July, which killed a British and a Romanian national, foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union said in a statement.

The attack on Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker managed by London-based and Israeli-owned company Zodiac Maritime, is the first known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with the Islamic regime over its tattered nuclear deal.

This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law. All available evidence clearly points to Iran. There is no justification for this attack, G7 foreign ministers said.

The ministers said that their nations will continue to do their utmost to protect shipping from threats from irresponsible and violent acts.

Irans behaviour, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security, the ministers said, calling on the Iranian regime to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant UN Security Council [UNSC] resolutions, and on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace.

The UK, Romania, and Liberia on Wednesday wrote to UNSC president T. S. Tirumurti, saying the council must respond to the attack.

UNSC is due to discuss the attack in its meeting on Friday, according to the official Twitter account of the UKs Mission to the UN.

While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads.

Israel was the first country to have blamed Iran after the fatal attack. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that Israeli intelligence has evidence to support the allegation, but did not elaborate.

NATO on Tuesday condemned the attack and extended condolences, saying that the United Kingdom, the United States, and Romania have concluded that Iran is highly likely responsible for this incident.

The Iranian regime has denied involvement, calling the allegations baseless.

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. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019.

Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
CEO of Alphabet Larry Page (R) and his wife, Dr. Lucinda Southworth, attend the 2017 Breakthrough Prize at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., on Dec. 4, 2016. (Kimberly White/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize)

Google Founder Larry Page Obtains New Zealand Residency Right, Stoking Controversy

Google co-founder and billionaire Larry Page has obtained the right to live in New Zealand and also gained entry to the country in the midst of CCP virus border restrictions, officials confirmed on Friday, raising questions whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the country.

The 48-year-old internet entrepreneur, who promised to invest millions of dollars in the South Pacific country, applied for residency in New Zealand last year under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million New Zealand dollars ($7 million) to invest, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said.

As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said in a statement. Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.

The confirmation also came as news broke earlier this week that Page visited the country earlier this year after his son fell ill in Fiji and required medical treatment at an Auckland hospital, according to local news outlet Stuff.

Page, who is the sixth-richest person in the world with a net worth of reportedly $115 billion, filed an urgent application in January for his child to be evacuated from the South Pacific country due to a medical emergency.

Larry Page and his wife, Lucy Southworth, attend the 2014 Breakthrough Prize Inaugural Ceremony for Awards in Fundamental Physics and Life Sciences at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif., on Dec. 12, 2013. (Steve Jennings/Getty Images for MerchantCantos)

The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort Medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand, Health Minister Andrew Little said.

The handling of the billionaires entry into the country has since stoked a debate over special immigration privileges, with some lawmakers questioning why Pages request was approved so quickly at a time when borders to non-residents were shut down in an attempt to stop the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, along with other questions, like separated family members who pleaded the government to enter the country but got turned away.

The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers, and families who are separated from their children, ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

Little responded to lawmakers that the family had abided by applicable pandemic protocols when they arrived, noting that his residency was approved about three weeks after his arrival.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters after being questioned over Pages entry that it was not decided by politicians, but by clinical staff, adding that she was not briefed on the billionaires stay, Stuff reported.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at a news conference in Hamilton, New Zealand on July 28, 2021. (Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

So no, Im not advised of every single individual  because politicians do not make that decision, and nor should they, she said. As with all cases, those are decisions for clinicians, and I absolutely trust our clinicians to make decisions between those in the host country and receiving country around what is best for a patient.

INZ said while responding to the controversy over wealthy people being granted special access into the country, that while the billionaire had become a resident, he doesnt have permanent residency status and remains subject to certain restrictions.

At the time of this publication, the border of New Zealand remains closed to most travelers due to the CCP virus pandemic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
2014 Tang Prize winner Yu Ying-shih (L) with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou at a ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan on Sept. 18, 2014. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Prominent Chinese Historian Dies in Princeton, Global Chinese Community Mourns

Yu Ying-shih, 91, a world renowned Chinese historian and sinologist, passed away in his sleep at home in Princeton, New Jersey on Aug. 1.

On Thursday (Aug. 5), when the family announced his death, the global Chinese community mourned Yu and praised his contributions to Chinese studies, as well as his support for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

[Yu] was widely recognized as one of the most prominent historians of his generation and had made lasting contributions to the study of Chinese history and culture, professor Alan K.L. Chan, acting vice-chancellor of Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), wrote in the universitys eulogy on Aug. 5.

[Yu] supported Taiwans Sunflower Student Movement and Hongkongers protest against the controversial extradition bill. He always voiced for justice at the most critical moments, and has never wavered, Chen Fang-Ming, professor at Institute of Taiwan Literature, National Chengchi University, told Taiwanese semi-official Central News Agency on Aug. 5.

In Mainland China, where the Chinese regime banned Yus books and articles, scholars mourned Yu as well.

The knowledge of Mr. Yu Ying-shih integrates East and West, blends the ancient and modern. Its rich and broad, has pioneering power and inspiring significance, BBC quoted He Weifang, former professor of Peking University Law School, on Thursday. [He] demonstrated the independent personality and free spirit that an intellectual should have.

Yu had a large number of students in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States. He was a tenured professor at Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University, where he was an emeritus professor.

[Yu] was known for his mastery of sources for Chinese history and philosophy, his ability to synthesize them on a wide range of topics, and for his advocacy for a new Confucianism, Princeton University said on its website.

An Anti-Communist Historian

In Yus books and articles, he frequently talked about communism, saying that the party is against humanity, the regime rules China using force, and socialism is in fact the worst kind of capitalism.

As a historian, Yu said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) distorted the Chinese history to favor its rule of the country and fooling the people. The history that mainlanders learned is a fake one.  Its a pseudo history that [the CCP] created for its political propaganda, Yu told the website China in Perspective on Feb. 17, 2002.

In his books, Yu said that he witnessed the CCP army kill 300 villagers who didnt support it in the 1940s. In 1989, one of Yus cousins lost her 19-year-old son during the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The young man went there for a peaceful protest seeking Chinas democracy.

In Yus books, essays, and interviews, he frequently advocated for freedom and democracy. Yu publicly praised the democratic system that Taiwan has, and criticized the socialism that the CCP created in mainland China.

A Chinese man, now known as Tank Man, stands alone to block a line of tanks heading east on Beijings Avenue of Eternal Peace on June 5, 1989, during the Tiananmen Square Massacre. (Jeff Widener/AP Photo)

A Living Legacy

Yu was called a living legacy by many of his students.

He studied in China, Hong Kong, and the United States, taught in Hong Kong and the United States, published at least 59 books in Chinese and English, was elected to the American Philosophical Society and the Taiwanese Academia Sinica, and won the John W. Kluge Prize and Tang Prize in Sinology.

Yu was born in Chinas Tianjin in 1930, and studied in China until 1949, when he studied History at Yenching University in Beijing.

Yu moved to Hong Kong, which was then a British colony and free land, before the CCP controlled mainland China, and studied with Chien Mu, a scholar rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy.

In 1955, on Chiens recommendation, Yu went to Harvard University in the United States, where he obtained a Ph.D. in history. His teacher was Yang Lien-sheng, the first full-time historian of China at Harvard and a prolific scholar specializing in Chinas economic history.

Yu spent most of his life in the United States, and taught at different universities, including University of Michigan and the three previously mentioned Ivy League schools. In the 1970s, Yu went back to Hong Kong, and became the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CUHK and the head of his alma mater New Asia College, a CUHK constituent college, before he returned to Harvard.
Hagerty Holds Up the SenateFor Good Reason

Commentary

An article in the Washington Times this morningGOP Sen. Hagerty blocks Democrats from expediting $1.2T infrastructure bill in late-night sessionmade this bald guys hair stand on end this morning.

Sen. Bill Hagerty blocked Democrats from ramming through President Bidens $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill late Thursday, only hours after the package was found to be not fully paid for as promised.

Mr. Hagerty, a first-term Republican from Tennessee, refused to sign off on a deal between Democratic and GOP lawmakers to expedite passage of the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer had worked out an agreement with Republicans to pass a series of amendments to the infrastructure package en masse.

If successful, the tactic would have all but ended debate on the bill, setting up a final vote for Saturday. To succeed, however, all 100 members of the Senate had to acquiesce, something Mr. Hagerty refused.

It appears Hagerty had a good reason. A report had just come in from the Congressional Budget Office detailing that the bill, which had been ballyhooed as revenue neutral (i.e., No new taxes, as the saying goes), was coming in all of a quarter of trillion dollars short.

Who pays for that? Well, we know. And then theres the little matter of the astronomical national debt no ones supposed to care about.

Bravo, Bill Hagerty!

But where were the rest of the supposedly fiscally-responsible Republicans?

Arguing with Hagerty to get him to change his mind, according to Examiner reporter Haris Alic, so they could go off on vacation. Its the dog days of August, so the beaches were calling, and, besides, Schumer & Co. were going to get their way in the end anyway. The rancid Green New Deal was next.

Yet, Hagerty held his ground. And, to be clear, the freshman senator is no naive freshman, wet behind the ears. He was the ambassador to Japan, not exactly a lightweight job.

This kind of report, assuming its accurate, and unfortunately it reads true, makes you wonder about many of your favorite senators talk a good game on television but when the rubber meets the road (hate that expression, but its still early in the morning) dont come through.

Ill be a nice guy and not name names, but readers can fill in their own. Almost any will do.

When we do see a politician acting, not just talking, with integrity, were pleased, but shocked at the same time. Were not used to it. (This accounts for a lot of the popularity of Gov. Ron DeSantis.)

This all talk and little or no action, maybe some pro-forma flag-waving, approach is the familiar way in politics, both nationally and on a state level and has made many of us cynical about the process.

But it also speaks to our own lack of engagement with that process. If we were all paying more attention, and making our views knownrespectfully, but firmly and constantlymore people would be acting like Hagerty.

Start locally.

Roger L. Simon is an award-winning novelist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, editor-at-large for The Epoch Times. His most recent books are The GOAT (fiction) and I Know Best: How Moral Narcissism Is Destroying Our Republic, If It Hasnt Already (nonfiction). He can be found on Parler as @rogerlsimon.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
School children wearing masks walk outside Condit Elementary School in Bellaire, outside Houston, Texas, on Dec. 16, 2020. (Francois Picard/AFP via Getty Images)

Judge Blocks Arkansas From Banning Mask Mandates for Schools

An Arkansas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a ban on mask mandates, including public schools, after lawmakers left the prohibition in place.

Pulaski County Judge Tim Fox issued a preliminary injunction against the mandate, saying that it discriminated between public and private schools. The order came several hours after Arkansass state Legislature ended a special session and didnt vote on the ban on mask mandates.

Fox, who was elected, wrote his opinion in response to the parents of two school-age children who claimed the ban on masks violates the rights of children in public schools.

The law cannot be enforced in any shape, fashion or form pending further court action, Fox wrote.

In April, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, signed Act 1002, which prevented government agencies and schools from enforcing COVID-19 mask mandates. The governor requested the special session to overturn the ban on mask mandates, claiming that surge in the Delta variant made him change his mind on the rule.

But Republican lawmakers said they opposed the recent proposal from Hutchinson, who has faced significant criticism from fellow Republicans in his state over other issues in recent months.

The governor, who has said he regretted signing the ban into law, said he agreed with Foxs decision but didnt plan to reimpose the statewide mask mandate he lifted in March. He also criticized lawmakers who opposed taking action, saying many of them had taken a casual, if not cavalier, attitude toward COVID-19.

What concerns me is many are simply listening to the loudest voices and not standing up with compassion, common sense, and serious action, he told reporters Friday.

Before that, he wrote on Twitter that he was unhappy with a GOP-led legislative committee when lawmakers voted against removing the ban on masks.

It is conservative, reasonable and compassionate to allow local school districts to protect those students who are under 12 and not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, Hutchinson wrote. If we are going to have a successful school year, then the local school districts need to have flexibility to protect those who are at risk.

The Republican sponsor of the mask mandate ban said he thinks the state needs to focus on other ways to address outbreaks in schools, such as leave for teachers who have to quarantine.

What I dont want is this false sense of security that masks seem to be providing because its an easy political tool, said Republican Sen. Trent Garner. Lets come up with the real solutions when this happens in our schools, and I think were woefully inadequate on that.

Critics of school mask mandates have said that forcing children to wear face coverings for hours on end in schools may do more harm than good.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who worked with Floridas government, told The Epoch Times earlier this year, while citing studies, that in the case of masks, the evidence that children spread the disease even without a mask is that theyre much less efficient spreaders. Its not like the flu where children actually are efficient spreaders of the disease.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Long-Lost Dog Reunites With His Family After Being Found 10 Years Later 1,600 Miles Away

A beloved dog that went missing in 2011 was found 10 years later, 1,600 miles away from his home, and has since been reunited with his family in Arkansas thanks to a cross-country chaperone from a dog-loving pilot.

The miniature schnauzer, Razzle, was owned by Aaron and Rhonda Howard and their sonsSimon and Seth, then 8 and 15when he disappeared from their home in McRae. He was 6 years old then.

However, on July 6, the entire family finally got to reunite with now 16-year-old Razzle. Helping put the missing puzzle pieces back together was pilot and dog rescuer Jeremy Wade.

Jeremy Wade and Razzle head from California to Arkansas. (Courtesy of Jeremy Wade)

Razzle was unusual for a number of obvious reasons, Wade told The Epoch Times, but also was the only transport Ive had occasion to do where the dog wasnt going into a rescue, but rather was going [back] to a family.

The special reunion of Razzle and his family. (Courtesy of Jeremy Wade)

According to a Facebook post, Razzle was microchipped. Thus, when he showed up at a shelter in Stockton, Northern California, staffers scanned his microchip and were able to track down his original owners. Despite being apart for the last 10 years, the family was very keen on having Razzle back home but had no idea how to do it.

When Razzles story began circulating on social media, dog rescuer Jules Beer decided to step in to help. He acted as a liaison between the Stockton shelter and the Howards. However, Razzles health was in dire shape; they feared he wouldnt survive an 11-hour trip as animal cargo, and flying him cabin-class with a chaperone was simply too expensive.

Jennifer Colletto, nicknamed transport queen by local rescues, stepped in to help and contacted Wade who already had a flight planned to visit friends and cousins back home in Arkansas. This was the perfect match, and it wouldnt cost the Howards a penny, either.

Wade, who was born in Heber Springs, had moved to San Francisco from Arkansas in 1997 and got involved with Fremont-area dog rescue with his wife. He later began working with Pilots N Paws after he started flying a few years ago. [Its] basically just a message board where people working to get animals transported post the trips that are needed, and then pilots can find missions that they can help with, Wade told The Epoch Times.

Meanwhile, Razzles fosterer, Debbie Newton of RSQ209 animal shelter, was determined that she was going to get [Razzle] in shape to reunite with his owners, Beer shared in a Facebook post. After over a month of medication, feeding him the good food, and a trip to the groomer, Razzle was given the all-clear to travel.

According to Fox News, Wade set out around 3:30 a.m. on July 6, flying from San Carlos to Calaveras County to collect Razzle from the shelter before making the 5 1/2-hour journey to Santa Fe for a fuel stop. It was then a further 5 1/2-hour trip to Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Wade made provisions for his tiny passengers comfort along the way.

Since my plane isnt pressurized, and [the Sierra Nevada mountain range] is in the way, I fashioned an oxygen mask to use for him if needed, he told The Epoch Times. Typically when I cross over the Sierras, I breathe supplemental oxygen for the time spent above 12,500 feetan FAA rule if youre not in a pressurized cabin.

Yet on this special occasion, Wade navigated a route to Arkansas flying at 11,500 feet, a major first. He was thrilled that Razzle had no problems at this altitude and didnt even need his custom oxygen mask.

Razzle is back with his family after 10 years in Arkansas. (Courtesy of Jeremy Wade)

On the evening of July 6, stunned into silence, the Howard family gathered as Wade lifted Razzle from his crate and put him into their arms.

I think just disbelief would really summarize it well, said Wade of the familys reaction to their long-lost pet.

If only Razzle could tell us what hes been doing for the last 10 years, Beer marveled, posting on Facebook. What a journey he has had. And he is now home all because of one tiny, rice-sized microchip.

In general aviation, all sorts of things can go wrong that might leave us stuck overnight somewhere, waiting for weather to pass, Wade told The Epoch Times while reflecting on the one-of-a-kind mission, and then there was Razzles fragile health, which was always a concern for him flying this distance.

To see him back home where he can enjoy the love of his people again is just wonderful, said the pilot. Im thrilled and humbled to have been a part of it all.

Watch the video:

(Courtesy of Jeremy Wade)

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Activists and supporters of residents of a homeless encampment protest in front of police at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles late on March 24, 2021, ahead of a planned and announced clean-up of the encampment. (Photo by RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Police Commission Approves LAPDs Echo Park Protest Report

The Los Angeles Police Departments (LAPD) report on its handling of the March Echo Park demonstrations was approved by the Los Angeles Police Commission on Aug. 3, citing many challenges the department faced during and after its attempt to clear the park of homeless encampments.

The citys Parks and Recreation Department and the LAPD attempted to close Echo Park in March to conduct repairs to the park as part of a $500,000 rehabilitation effort spearheaded by Los Angeles Councilman Mitch OFarrell.

According to the report, the only closure-related crimes were crimes against officers and Department property, committed by protestors, including vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon.

Officers clashed with protesters and social justice groups, including some of the unhoused, as they attempted to clear the park; the LAPD declared unlawful assembly twice that evening after officers were attacked with rocks, bottles, and smoke bombs, according to tweets by the LAPD.

In response to the projectiles, police fired less lethal and bean bag rounds into the crowd, according to an LAPD statement. More than 180 people were arrested for failure to disperse.

Among those arrested or detained were several local journalists; some other media members were injured or shot by the LAPDs projectiles. Local journalism organizations, including the Media Guild of the West and the Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles, criticized the report as incomplete without interviews from journalists who interacted with officers.

Without it, the reports discussion of police-press interactions is a rough draft, not a reliable accounting, Adam Rose, chair of the Press Rights Committee for the LA Press Club, said during the commission.

Rose told The Epoch Times that the constitution doesnt discriminate against journalists who happen to be independent, freelance, stringer, student, or any other category.

When theyre trying to do their job, they all have the same rights, Rose said. Instead of protecting some special class of journalists, lets focus on protecting the special act of journalism.

The report recommended that the department provide formal guidance to approach interactions with independent journalists, as well as more formal guidance for officers when they detain someone at the scene of an unlawful assembly.

Homeless Encampments in Echo Park

The northwest corner of Echo Park saw continuous and unprecedented habitation by a group of homeless people over the past year and a half. The group became increasingly aggressive toward the parks maintenance staff, according to the after-action report.

Neighbors reported an increase in crime, drug abuse, violence, and rape as a result of the encampments. Since the closure of the park, LAPD figures show a significant decrease in crime.

The report said that fair-housing advocates and social justice organizations became increasingly critical of the citys attempts to clear the homeless encampments and began regularly organizing protests in opposition.

The presence and influence of these activists, who are often confrontational and resistant to any intervention from Park Rangers and other law enforcement, made it increasingly difficult for the City to adequately address basic health and safety concerns, the report reads.

Recreation and Parks (RAP) leadership determined that any attempt to close the park would be framed as displacement in support of the activists narratives, justifying further resistance and attempts to repopulate the park during the rehabilitation process, the report states. Therefore, RAP decided that the entire park would have to be fenced off.

Local homeless outreach organization SELAH urged the city to cancel the repairs, criticizing the city for its lack of notice to the residents of the encampment.

The more than 66,000 unhoused people currently in Los Angeles County will be affected by the measure, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in 2020. LAHSA recorded a 12.7 percent increase in unsheltered people in 2020.

Police Report Notes Interaction With Press

In addition to the history of encampments in the park, the report includes a section on journalists and legal representatives present during the protest.

It said that despite having a designated media area in the park, three individuals were arrested, but released after identifying themselves as press. The report called the system that was utilized ultimately successful because of the fact that the three legitimate media representatives were identified and released without being booked.

Captain Stacy Spell of the LAPD told The Epoch Times that the LAPD continues to strive to find ways to more quickly identify legitimate members of the media and protect their right to cover these types of events, and that there have been individuals who have encouraged violence and participated in unlawful actions while claiming to be media.

The report noted that the LAPD conducted an evaluation of the events that led up to the detention of media members and that a sergeant who dealt with Los Angeles Times reporter James Queally is being investigated separately as part of a personnel complaint.

According to the report, Queally told an officer that he heard the dispersal order but said that a protest is a fluid situation, and that he couldnt stay in the designated media area. Queally also reportedly didnt identify himself as a member of the press until he was detained.

According to California Penal Code Sections 407 and 409, media are not exempt from having to disperse after an unlawful assembly has been announced. The report said that several orders were given to members of the media to move into a designated area located north of the park.

Christian Monterrosa, a freelance journalist who was injured during the protest, declined to comment for this article. Kate Cagle of Spectrum News 1 declined to comment for this article, and James Queally of the Los Angeles Times didnt respond to a request for comment by press deadline.

The commissions report will be sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti and the city council for review.
Los Angeles Public Health Urges Returning Students to Get Vaccinated

Its back-to-school season, and Los Angeles County officials, educators, health experts, and parents tuned in to a recent virtual town hall with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to discuss the countys return to in-person learning on Aug. 16.

Last month, Los Angeles County reinstated an indoor face mask mandate for all residents regardless of vaccination status. Students attending in-person classrooms are expected to wear masks, and to practice physical distancing where possible.

Several parents who joined the town hall on Aug. 3 expressed concern for their younger children who are school age but not old enough to get vaccinated. The two-dose Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine available for children 12 to 17 years of age.

Appearing at the town hall was Dr. Nava Yeganeh, a professor in the Division of Infectious Disease at the David Geffen School of Medicine who specializes in pediatrics.

Yeganeh outlined several safety measures students can take as they return to in-person learning.

The first [step you can take] of course is to get them vaccinated if theyre vaccine eligible, Yeganeh said.

The second item on Yeganehs list was ensuring that each student wears a well-fitting mask. Third, Yeganeh said, is talking to your child about how theyre feeling each morning, and how to care for themselves at school.

Some who commented on the town hall stream on social media called for an end to pandemic safety measures that do nothing but disrupt education, according to one Twitter user, in light of the fact that children only make up around 14 percent of overall COVID-19 cases and less than 4 percent of hospitalizations, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Meanwhile, the Orange County Board of Education (OCBE) voted on Aug. 3 to sue Newsom for his extension of the state mask mandate for K12 students in the upcoming school year. Last year, the OC board sued Newsom for mandating virtual classrooms.

OCBE President Mari Barke told The Epoch Times that she thinks Newsom has exceeded his power in extending the state of emergency.

Our goal is always to put the kids first. I think the majority of the board think that parents make the best decision for their kids, Barke said. If parents believe in masks, by all means, wear them, but if you dont believe in masks, I think it should be an individual choice.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health didnt respond to a request to comment by press deadline.

Dr. Robert Gilchick of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said each county has its own COVID-19 Prevention and Control Plan that includes regular COVID-19 testing for the unvaccinated, excluding symptomatic staff and students from campus, and protocol for notifying the school community of COVID-19 exposure, and safe activities for students.

Any member of the school community is required to report a positive COVID-19 test to the Public Health Department within one day. Unvaccinated people who were potentially exposed must quarantine and be excluded from the school for up to 10 days, though there may be a possibility of shortening that period with a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccinated individuals are required to get tested, but not required to leave school to quarantine.

In response to a question about why the county would choose to open schools as cases in the county rise, Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo said schools have had very little spread of COVID-19.

If we follow all the layering of strategies such as wearing our masks, hand washing, physical distancing and really encouraging everybody who can get to get vaccinated, were really confident that schools are safe places, Duardo said.

I think looking at the data and the evidence tells us that schools are probably the safest place students can be to prevent the spread of COVID, she said.
A group of more than 350 illegal immigrants wait for Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico into Del Rio, Texas, on July 25, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

More Illegal Immigrants, Border Agents Testing Positive for COVID-19: DHS Official

The rate at which illegal immigrants are testing positive for COVID-19 has increased significantly in recent weeks, a Department of Homeland Security official said this week.

The number of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who have tested positive has also risen, despite more and more of them getting vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19.

The rates at which encountered noncitizens are testing positive for COVID-19 have increased significantly in recent weeks. And although the rate of infection among CBP officers had been declining, this rate recently began increasing again, even though the percentage of officers and agents who have been fully vaccinated has grown significantly since January. This has led to increasing numbers of CBP personnel being isolated and hospitalized, David Shahoulian, assistant secretary for border and immigration policy, said in a court filing.

Shahoulian included the information as he warned a federal judge of adverse consequences if the judge decides to block enforcement of Title 42, an order the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has in place that enables border agents to immediately expel illegal aliens who cross into the United States because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal officials have been releasing COVID-19 positive immigrants in Texas and other border states, stoking concern that the illegal immigrants are spreading the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19.

The city of McAllen said Wednesday that over 7,000 COVID-19 positive aliens have been released into the city by CBP since February, including 1,500 in the previous week. That prompted them to set up an emergency shelter.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told senators during a recent congressional hearing that federal officials do not always notify local jurisdictions before releasing illegal immigrants.

The number of illegal border crossings keeps rising during the Biden administration, coming in at over 200,000 in July. That surge has strained Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations and filled DHS facilities well beyond their capacity, according to the recent filing.

As of Aug. 1, Border Patrol was at 389 percent of its COVID-19 adjusted capacity along the southwest border.

Border Patrol facilities on that date were holding 17,778 illegal immigrants, including 2,223 immigrant children without parents, known as unaccompanied minors.

The adjusted capacity is 4,706.

Facilities were overfilled in seven of nine sectors at the southwest border, including holding 10,002 illegal immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley sector, the epicenter of the current surge.

That was 783 percent over the COVID-19 adjusted capacity and 287 percent above its normal capacity.

These capacity figures are extremely worrisome, particularly because of the continued spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Shahoulian said.

U.S. officials have said recently that the variant is more transmissible and early research indicates it is better at breaking through vaccine protection than other variants.

Young children lie inside a pod at the Department of Homeland Security holding facility run by the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in Donna, Texas, on March 30, 2021. (Dario Lopez-Mills/ Pool/Getty Images)

If Title 42 is blocked, DHS officials would not be able to safely hold and process all the illegal immigrants who are entering the United States, according to Shahoulian.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the original Title 42 order in October 2020. A new version of the order issued in August came after officials evaluated the particular risks of COVID-19 transmission in DHS facilities, including the significant increase in CBP encounters that has caused DHS facilities to exceed COVID-constrained capacity and to routinely exceed even non-COVID capacity and the emergence of the Delta variant, government officials said in another filing in the same case this week.

The August order was extended this week indefinitely.

Shahoulian and other officials are trying to convince U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan not to block temporarily or permanently use of Title 42.

Three families who were expelled under the order sued the government in January, arguing that they were blocked illegally from asserting claims for humanitarian protection like asylum.

The parties said in two joint filings this week that they were negotiating for about six months but that talks broke down.

Sullivan proposed mediation, but that wouldnt be beneficial, the parties said in a joint filing on Wednesday. Instead, they said the case should move forward.

A reply to the governments filings by plaintiffs, who are being represented by groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, was expected by the end of the week.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated when the case was brought. It was filed in January. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
A worker cleans on the vaccination area of the Townsquare Mall in Rockaway, New Jersey on Jan. 8, 2021. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

New Jersey GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Opposes Vaccine Mandate

A Republican candidate running for governor of New Jersey in November and challenging the incumbent Democrat told a local PAC in July that he supports medical freedom and vaccine choice while opposing mandatory vaccinations or vaccine passports.

Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican candidate for the governor of New Jersey, said in an interview with New Jersey Public Health Innovation Political Action Committee (NJPHIPAC) that he would ensure wide access to COVID-19 vaccine for New Jersey residents while also respecting each individuals freedom to choose to get vaccinated or not.

As a governor, Ciattarelli said he would secure for New Jersey as many doses of the vaccine as possible and then give it to the county governments to do the rollout. There are 21 country governments in the state which act as regional service providers, he added.

The gubernatorial candidate criticized policies of the current New Jersey government which he said carried out an ineffective distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. A missed deadline resulted in 100,000 vaccines for nursing homes not being provided, Ciattarelli said adding that vaccination mega-sites established by the state government were not run well.

Gov. Phil Murphys re-election campaign said in a statement that the incumbent governor [set] up six vaccine mega-sites across the state, with vaccinations available at nearly 800 locations statewide, including community-based vaccination partnerships to reach vulnerable communities.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Murphys reelection campaign for comments.

Vaccine Mandate

When asked whether as a governor he would institute a COVID passport or any other marker for New Jersey residents that will be used to track their medical status, Ciattarelli said, Absolutely not. Its an invasion of privacy. And I believe its discriminatory.

Jack Ciattarelli is a Republican candidate for the governor of New Jersey. (Jack Ciattarell/Wikipedia)

Ciattarelli emphasized that he supports bodily autonomy. Ive always been about medical freedom. Ive always been about vaccine choice. I dont think the government has any right to tell any individual [that] they have to take a vaccine or medicine.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday that all workers in certain state-owned and private health care facilities, or high-risk congregate settings would be required to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Ciattarelli said that, if elected, he would create, with the state administration, an office of the ombudsman, who will work in the Department of Health, and their only responsibility will be to protect parental rights.

I see that person not only just focusing on parental rights with regard to things like vaccines but parental rights with regard to whats going on in our public school with the public school curriculum which I think is harmful and dangerous to our children, he said.

Religious Exemptions

The GOP gubernatorial candidate said that he fully supports the medical and religious exemption from mandatory vaccination. Moreover, he wants to expand it to include a philosophical exemption.

Some people use the religious exemption wrongly, just because they dont want to be forced to vaccinate their children, Ciattarelli said adding that introducing a philosophical exemption would give them another avenue.

About roughly 2.5 percent of New Jersey families utilize a religious exemption from mandatory vaccinations according to Melanie Dragone, a director at NJPHIPAC.

Phil Swibinski, a spokesman for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, commented in a statement on Ciattarellis remarks saying that Murphys contender will cave into the anti-vaccine movement by drastically weakening school districts ability to ensure that children are vaccinated.

This would open the floodgates for more anti-science disinformation and make all our kids less safe, potentially even allowing dangerous diseases like measles and the mumps to re-emerge here as they have in other states with large anti-vax contingencies, Swibinski said.

People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at the Ann Street School Covid-19 Testing Center in Newark, New Jersey on Nov.12, 2020. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Mask Mandate for Children

Ciattarelli said that there should be no mask mandate for children in our schools. I think it should be completely optional, left up to parents.

He also encouraged people to run for Board of Education positions.

If youre upset, run for office. I mean, thats the way to really effectuate change. Lets get some of our important voices on local school boards with respect to any type of mask mandate for students or the changes that public school curriculum, he said.

New Jersey Public Health Innovation Political Action Committee endorsed Ciattarelli for the office of New Jersey Governor.
Police Officers Respond to Elderly Woman in Need, Pitch in to Buy Her a New Fridge, Groceries

Officers and staff at the Seguin Police Department cooperated to bring groceries and a new refrigerator to one elderly Texas woman in need mid July.

The department received a call of concern and officer Dustin Kincade went to check on the woman at her home.

I was just talking to her and a little bit and she told me her refrigerator went out, shes on a fixed income and she didnt know how she would get it fixed or get a new one and afford to buy food, Dustin told The Seguin Gazette.

Hearing the womans struggles, Officer Kincade knew she needed urgent help and took it upon himself to set the wheels in motion to get her the help she needed, expressing her situation to his fellow colleagues.

Fellow officers and staff at the department responded with good will, and before the end of the day, they secured a new fridge and had gathered enough money to purchase her some groceries.

I am blown away by the response that I got from my fellow officers and co-workers at the Seguin Police Department, Officer Kincade said.

This was a department effort. Everybody helped. We were pointed to a problem and the Seguin Police Department fixed it. This is why we do what we do; help people.

Seguin Police Chief Terry Nichols took to Facebook to congratulate the officers and staff for their kind act, and the post has garnered around 1,600 reactions, to date.

Again, many SPD staff members contributed out of their own pockets to make this happen and I could not be more proud of our team, part of the post read. A sincere thank you to everyone at SPD who made this possible from a humbled chief Terry Nichols.

Officer Kincade has since befriended the woman, who normally has few people to talk to, and plans to visit with her at least once every week.

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A piece of police tape is strung across North Camden Street in Minneapolis, Minn., on June 24, 2018. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Probe: Suspect Fatally Shot by Texas Officer Posed No Threat

FORT WORTH, TexasA murder suspect who was wielding a knife posed no immediate safety threat when a Texas police officer fatally shot him from as far as 20 feet away, state investigators said in charging the officer with assault.

Forest Hill Officer Logan Barr, 23, faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the shooting death of 32-year-old Michael Lee Ross Jr., the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

Barr responded to a call on June 9 in a convenience store parking lot and found a woman identified as Kieona Hall with stab wounds and Ross hiding in a creek near the parking lot. Hall later was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Texas Ranger Eisenhower Upshaw determined that Ross, who held a knife, posed no threat and was as far as 20 feet away from Forest Hill officers when he was found in a creek, according to a warrant.

Barr and another officer can be heard on the video shouting to Ross to drop the knife. A Forest Hill sergeant arrived on the scene and also began to order Ross to drop the knife.

In a news release a few hours after the shooting, Forest Hill police said the suspect attempted to harm himself with the knife.

Upshaw said in the warrant he did not see Ross attempt to stab himself based on the officers body camera video. He also said the suspect never made any verbal threats, raised the knife in a threatening manner toward the officers, attempted to climb the muddy embankment toward the officers, nor make any effort to run away.

The Texas Rangers have examined the known facts and circumstances of the case to this point in the investigation, according to a statement released Wednesday by officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Rangers are waiting on the final autopsy report from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. Depending upon the results of the Medical Examiners report, the charge may change. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is currently available.

The Star-Telegram could not reach Forest Hill police officials for comment.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to reporters after a lunch with President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 14, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Rebutting Bernie Sanderss Argument in Favor of the $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Package

Commentary

One underestimates Sen. Bernie Sanders at ones own risk. Any politician able to win over presumably bright college students by telling them that he wants to get the money out of politics while, at the same time, offering to give them a free college education is unusually clever, perhaps mesmerizing.

For those of you not yet under the Vermont senators spell, let me point out some of the beguiling rhetoric in his Aug. 3 Wall Street Journal opinion article, Why We Need the $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Package.

While praising earlier post-COVID emergency legislation for doing much to help Americans cope with the effects of the pandemic and subsequent government-mandated shutdowns, Sanders complains that President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (plan being a favorite word of socialists) didnt address the long-neglected structural crises that many U.S. families face. Sanders then lists three (alleged) structural crises: Three people own more wealth than the bottom 50%, real wages for workers havent increased in almost 50 years, and we are facing the existential threat of climate change.

The first Sanders-labeled crisis is true, but irrelevant and misleading. We dont live in a zero-sum society in which the rich take wealth from the poor; on the contrary, the mega-rich have provided abundant value to others, i.e., they have enriched their fellow man without impoverishing anyone. We need more billionairesmore wealth creators and employersnot fewer.

The second so-called crisis is based on flawed calculations. The average American has a far higher standard of living today than 50 years ago, with myriad consumer products requiring far fewer hours of labor to purchase today. Thats partly because real wages are actually up by approximately half and partly because market competition has pushed prices lower while pushing quality higherexcept in areas of the economy where the government has intervened.

As for the allegedly existential threat of climate change, that pseudo-religious belief rests on the flimsiest of scientific foundations. Climate change has long served as cover for a radical socialist agenda, and treating dire predictions as proven or even likely is a big green lie.

Sanders then indulges in rhetorical hyperbole, claiming that Republicans in recent years (presumably the Trump years) passed trillions in tax breaks. Trillions? In Barack Obamas last year as president, FY 2016, Uncle Sam collected $299 billion from the corporate profits tax. In 2020, that figure was $211 billiona less than $100 billion drop, not trillions. As for the personal income tax, revenue from that source was higher in every year of the Trump presidency than during the Obama presidency. Bottom line: trillions of tax breaks is a myth. By the way, when one considers how the Trump tax cut boosted employment and wages for blue-collar workers, most notably minorities, it seems surprising that a self-professed champion of the common man such as Sanders the socialist would want to undo such gains.

As for spending, Sanders offers a central planners dream list. Space forbids debunking all of his proposed spending initiatives, but lets look at a few:

Sanders advocates free community college for all Americans. That would be a gross misallocation of resources. Nothing against community colleges (theyre relatively excellent value in higher education), but the fact is that colleges already are cranking out far more degrees than job markets can absorb. Increasing enrollment would only exacerbate the problem of frustrated grads on the outside looking in. As a country drowning in red ink, we dont need more wasteful spending.

Sanders writes, We will also make sure that we have enough doctors, nurses, and dentists in underserved areas. Really? Think about it: What does it mean for government to guarantee that more professionals will serve in designated areas? It sounds to me like medical professionals are going to start being treated like their Cuban (free health care) counterparts: Go where the state tells you to go, because you wont have a choice.

Make an unprecedented investment in affordable housing? Apart from the dubious history of poor-quality public housing, the more the government dictates what must be built, the more supply chainsalready badly disrupted by the COVID lockdownswill be stressed. The result will be that many businesses will experience shortages of inputs they need to make the products their customers (you and I) want. Thats socialism for youeconomic discombobulation on a massive scale.

Pay for people with disabilities to receive care at home rather than in expensive nursing facilities? Sounds great. But where will Uncle Sam suddenly find enough skilled personal care workers to provide this one-on-one care? It takes such a worker a lot less time to walk down the hall to see 10 patients than to drive all around town to do so. And, of course, the government will have to monitor and regulate all these workers, so the government will need to hire more bureaucrats to keep records, etc.

And, of course, Sanders continues to push for a Green New Deal, a central planners dream agenda. The newest wrinkle in this master plan is the Biden proposal to create a Civilian Climate Corps, which will hire hundreds of thousands of young people to protect our natural resources and fight against climate change. Thats rather vague. What are they going to do, stand in front of a tree so that nobody cuts it down? Camp out in the country to count how many critters of a certain species they see? And how are they expected to fight against climate change when the causes of climate change are far more complex than our current scientific knowledge can decipher?

Maybe these young Americans can be paid to write anti-fossil fuel op-eds, or to work as teaching assistants to help brainwash children, or even organize rallies promoting pro-Green New Deal politicians. Ah, the possibilities are endless (especially for waste and mischief).

Sanders closes his call for support for the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package by telling us that we are living in an unprecedented moment and now is the time for bold action. For once, I agree with Bernie Sanders 100 percent. The proposed bill is an unprecedentedly gigantic spending proposal.

With $28.6 trillion dollars of federal debt already on the books, lets take the bold action of saying, Enough! No more!

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 30, 2020. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images)

Rep. Norman Tests Positive for Breakthrough Case of COVID-19

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced on Thursday that he has contracted a breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Norman, who said he has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 since February, released a statement saying that he tested positive.

After experiencing minor symptoms this morning, I sought a COVID-19 test and was just informed the test results were positive, he wrote. Thankfully, I have been fully vaccinated and my symptoms remain mild.

Norman said he will be in quarantine for the next 10 days.

It comes just days after Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced that he has a breakthrough COVID-19 infection, despite being fully vaccinated against the virus.

Graham was the first senator in several months to test positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. He was also the first publicly known breakthrough case among members of Congress.

I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning, the senator wrote on Twitter. I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms.

This too shall pass. Im confident the vaccine helped us both! Know you will be back at it soon! https://t.co/SpM9g8BHqP  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 5, 2021

The breakthrough cases come as the Delta COVID-19 variant spreads across the United States, and shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) altered its COVID-19-related guidance telling fully vaccinated people to wear masks in some indoor areas.

Brian Monahan, the Capitols attending physician, issued a memo last week stating that masks will once again be required on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The mask mandate was initially put in place at the start of the pandemic last year by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who ruled that all members and aides must wear masks in the halls of the House except when they are speaking.

However, the mask requirement was lifted in June when the CDC updated its guidance to state that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, were generally no longer required to wear masks or social distance.

Norman was one of three Republican lawmakers to sue Pelosi after he was fined $500 alongside Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) for not wearing masks on the House floor in May.

The lawmakers said at the time that the face coverings are oppressive and nothing but a political tool.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) speaks during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on the nomination of Former Senator Bill Nelson, FL, to be NASA administrator, on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 21, 2021. (Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images)

Rubio Urges American Airlines to Suspend Free In-Flight TikTok Access

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Aug. 5 called on American Airlines to suspend its innovative partnership with popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, citing privacy and data security concerns.

American Airlines announced the partnership with TikTok on Monday, saying it would allow passengers to get 30-minutes of free access to the platform.

TikTok, Rubio said, is notorious for its collection of childrens personal information, including phone numbers, locations, and even biometric data.

As you know, in 2019, the U.S. Government launched a national security review of TikTok due to data privacy and data security concernsa review which remains active to this day, Rubio wrote in his letter (pdf) to American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker.

Under the Trump administration, U.S. officials sounded the alarm that Chinese tech hardware and software could be exploited by Beijing for spying, citing Chinas national intelligence law that mandates companies and individuals to cooperate with Chinese intelligence efforts when needed.

TikTok isnt the only Chinese mobile app that has drawn U.S. concerns. On Jan. 5, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning U.S. transactions with eight Chinese apps, including Ant Groups Alipay, Tencent QQ, and WeChat Pay.

Rubio in his statement on Thursday warned that TikTok continues to actively censor views that are not in line with the PRC Government and CCP [Chinese Communist Party] directives.

Last year, cybersecurity experts warned TikTok was being used by the Chinese regime to spy on Americans. Critics have also warned that users content could be censored if the CCP deems it politically sensitiveeven if that user lives outside of China.

Casey Fleming, CEO of intelligence and security strategy firm BlackOps Partners, told The Epoch Times that all technology coming out of Chinaeither manufactured in China, created in Chinais controlled by the CCP.

Separately, TikTok in December 2019 banned a U.S. teenager for a month after she posted a video calling out the Chinese regime for its treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. Feroza Aziz in an interview with The Epoch Times accused the Beijing-based company of covering up the truth.

Rubio said that by partnering with TikTok, American Airlines is lending its brand credibility to a company that endangers national security and the data security of tens of millions of Americans, many of them minors.

I urge you to suspend American Airlines innovative partnership with TikTok while the U.S. Government completes its investigation into the national security risks posed by the Chinese-owned app.

American Airlines didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times.

Frank Fang contributed to this report.
Rural Michigan Town Commission Rejects Illegal Alien Resettlement Center

ALMA, Mich.A proposal to open a federally funded resettlement center to house illegal alien teenage boys in a small central Michigan city was dealt a severe setback on Wednesday.

The Alma, Michigan, planning commission on Aug. 4 voted 42 to reject the conditional rezoning request of Bethany Christian Services (BCS), a Grand Rapids-based non-profit, to open what it said was a small group shelter for short-term care of low-risk children between the ages of 12 and 17 until they can be reunited with their families or placed in foster care.

The non-profit had announced plans to contract with the federal government to house and care for between 15 to 25 illegal immigrant youths at the proposed Alma facility, and expects the operation to create about 50 jobs.

The location for the residential resettlement center is on a 6.1-acre site of a former nursing home owned by a non-profit called Masonic Pathways, which intends to lease the large building and spacious grounds to Bethany Christian Services for $385,440 per year.

The proposed site for a residential resettlement center for illegal alien teenage boys in Alma, Michigan on August 4, 2021. (Steven Kovac/The Epoch Times)

A contentious four-hour public hearing on Bethanys rezoning request was held by the planning commission on July 12 at Alma High School. About 400 people attended the forum, with most speakers adamantly opposed to the rezoning.

The planning commission shelved any action on the issue until Aug. 4 in order to allow members to give consideration to the public comments made at the hearing, and the hundreds of letters, phone calls, and emails they received, both for and against the proposal.

Because of Alma mayor Greg Mapes involvement with the Masonic Order, which stood to benefit financially from the rezoning, he recused himself and did not participate in Wednesdays meeting.

The Alma planning commission convened the special meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4 before a crowd of about 200 people. Public comment was reserved until the end of the meeting. By 6:40 p.m., a motion was made, discussed, and passed to deny the rezoning request.

Planning commission member Matt Schooley, who made the motion to deny, laid out for his colleagues the legal reasoning behind his motion. He asserted that under the city charter, if a majority of the planning commission members determine all of the five specified factors to be considered in a conditional rezoning request cannot be affirmatively resolved, a rejection of the request is required.

Schooley explained that it was the fifth factor of consideration that made up his mind, saying, I cannot see how the proposed project would serve the safety, health, general welfare, convenience, and comfort of this community. The way this community is split over this is not an indication of comfort. We are not unified on this.

City Attorney Tony Costanzo cited a city ordinance in support of Schooleys legal argument, arguing that the rezoning request was a way around the prohibition of spot zoning.

Planning commission chairman Don Ayers told the audience, The federal administration has put the people in communities like ours at odds with each other through its immigration policies. We have a choice whether we want to support them here. We do not have to support such policies through this. I dont feel comfortable with this request, nor do I see a benefit in it. I recommend denial.

Schooley commented, We are told we are not to hear debate on immigration law or national issues. Are we really that naive to believe this is all about zoning and not bigger issues? Look at the big picture in light of what we are facing right now in this country.

Speaking in opposition to the denial, planning commission member Ellen Richter stated, I am a little upset. Im an immigrant sitting at this table. I think we are going by emotion, which is disappointing. We have approved several conditional rezoning requests. Be consistent.

The planning commissions recommendation to deny the rezoning request now moves to the Alma city commission for consideration. No date has yet been set to take up the matter.

An Alma resident named Susan told the Epoch Times, I am embarrassed that our town is not more welcoming.

One audience member told the Epoch Times, If the illegals had been stopped at the border they wouldnt be here and we would not have to go through all of this.

Surgeon Jeff Smith, an outspoken opponent of the resettlement center, stated after the meeting, Finally somebody is standing up to the radical left and saying no. Our country does not support open borders. We need to build the wall and seal the border.

Smith told the Epoch Times that in his 27 years of observing Alma city politics he has never seen the city commission overrule a recommendation of the planning commission.

And I dont expect to see that happen now, he said.

Bethany Christian Services did not respond to a request for comment by the Epoch Times before press time.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Brentwood, N.Y., on April 12, 2021. (Michael M. Santiago/Pool via Reuters)

Sheriff: Aide Who Accused Cuomo of Groping Her Files Criminal Complaint

An aide who said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo groped her in the Executive Mansion has filed a criminal complaint against the Democrat, a sheriff said.

The complaint was filed during a meeting on Thursday with the Albany County Sheriffs Office, Sheriff Craig Apple told the New York Post.

If the allegations are substantiated, the governor could be arrested.

The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest, he said. Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it.

Apple told a press conference on Saturday that a female filed a complaint against the governor.

A lawyer representing the woman, who has not been identified publicly, wasnt immediately available.

Sheriff Apple is the chief law enforcement officer in Albany County and I contacted him on her behalf, the lawyer, Brian Premo, told the Albany Times-Union.

Fabien Levy, press secretary and senior advisor for New York Attorney General Letitia James, said in a statement that the office will cooperate fully with the Albany sheriff and turn over all evidence related to this complainant.

Investigators tapped by the office investigated allegations against Cuomo by 11 women and announced this week that the governor did sexually harass the women.

The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, and in doing so violated federal and state law, Letitia James, the attorney general, told a press conference on Tuesday.

The aide who filed the complaint is described in the report as Executive Assistant #1.

The woman told the investigators that Cuomo groped her under her blouse at the mansion in November 2020.

That was part of a pattern of inappropriate conduct by Cuomo against the woman that was substantiated by investigators. The part included close and intimate hugs, at least one kiss on the lips, the grabbing of the womans buttocks, and inquiring whether the aide would cheat on her husband, according to the investigative report.

The aide kept the groping incident to herself but became emotional when she watched Cuomo claim during a press conference on March 3 that he had never touched anyone inappropriately, investigators said. She confided in colleagues, who reported her allegations to senior staff. The incident was leaked, and the media report that followed was part of the impetus for the investigation.

Cuomo denied in testimony to investigators touching anyone inappropriately, and specifically denied touching the aide inappropriately. He said he may have kissed some staff members on the lips, but insisted he had not done so to the executive assistant.

Cuomo painted the aide as the initiator of the hugs and said he would go along with them because he did not want to make any one feel awkward about anything.

Cuomo has refused to resign following the reports publication, despite calls to step down from numerous Democrats in his state. Lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled legislature may try to impeach him.

At least four prosecutors are delving into the sexual harassment allegations. They are Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr., acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Roach, and Albany County District Attorney David Soares.

A spokeswoman for Soares told The Epoch Times via email: We are aware that there are media reports of formal complaints being filed in an ongoing inquiry being conducted by our office. We will not be confirming these reports, nor will any documents or information be disclosed and released from our office at this time. This is an ongoing matter that is under review.
Former president Jacob Zuma addresses the press at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Zuma has been admitted to hospital for observation at a hospital outside the Estcourt Correctional Center where he is currently serving a 15-month jail sentence, the government announced on Aug. 6 2021. (Shiraaz Mohamed, File/AP Photo)

South Africas Jailed Ex-President Zuma in Hospital

South Africas imprisoned former President Jacob Zuma has been admitted to hospital for observation near the Estcourt Correctional Center where he is currently serving a 15-month sentence, the government announced on Friday.

Zuma is in prison for defying a Constitutional Court order to testify at a state-backed inquiry probing allegations of corruption during his presidential term from 2009 to 2018.

A routine checkup indicated that Zuma should be admitted to a hospital, according to the correctional services departments statement.

Zumas jailing last month sparked violent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, which quickly descended into widespread looting of shopping centers and the torching of trucks in KwaZulu-Natal.

More than 330 people died in the rioting and more than R20 billion ($1.36 billion) in property was destroyed.

Zuma has filed an application for his prison sentence to be rescinded by the Constitutional Court, and is expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court next week in a separate trial for corruption.

The news of Zumas hospitalization follows the Cabinet reshuffle in which President Cyril Ramaphosa fired some of his ministers over the recent riots and corruption allegations.
The qualities of a childs developing immune system may offer them unique protection from COVID-19 (L Julia/Shutterstock)

South Carolina Mayor Declares Emergency, Mandates Masks for Children Under 12

The mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, Stephen Benjamin, declared a state of emergency in the state capital on Wednesday, triggered by Prisma Health Childrens Hospital in Columbia reporting that it is reaching a strained capacity of children being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Columbia City Council in South Carolina subsequently ratified the state of emergency during an emergency meeting on Thursday, mandating masks for all faculty, staff, visitors, and children in public and private schools, and daycares that instruct children from ages 2 to 14.

The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office issued a press release later that day stating that it would be investigating the legality of the ordinance and would have an announcement next week.

Local Ordinance Versus State Law

During the meeting, Councilman Daniel Rickenmann said, though the council needs to do everything we can to motivate and encourage people to wear masks and get vaccinated, there is state legislation that prevents the council from mandating masks in schools.

Benjamin then told Rickenmann that the ordinance does not violate state law, and to not use that argument as a decision to vote against this ordinance, which Rickenmann later did.

Councilwoman Tameika Devine said going back to virtual classrooms or shutting down schools and businesses is not an option anyone wants, so the mask ordinance is a step to prevent that.

Im all for this ordinance, Devine said. I wish we could cover our colleges and our high schools as well, but I know that looking at, again, the least restrictive means, we are trying to protect those who are not eligible for vaccinations, but I would like us to continue to work with our school districts, our state and others to encourage even our higher education and high schools to be protected as well.

Councilman Edward McDowell said its the moral responsibility of the council to protect the children.

The South Carolina Constitution authorizes the city of Columbia enact health regulations for the protection of its citizens, Benjamin said.

Thats our state constitution, Benjamin said. Our city code also gives the mayor the authority to declare a state of emergency to provide adequate protection for lives, safety, health, and welfare when directed by city council, which is what we are doing here today.

The Ordinance

In the ordinance, the surge of the Delta variant being a threat to unvaccinated children is cited as the impetus for the emergency declaration, with vaccination rates in South Carolina near the lowest in the country.

The relaxing of social distancing, mask-wearing, and low vaccination rates, are being blamed for creating a perfect storm that has strained capacity at Prisma Health Childrens Hospital in Columbia as more children are diagnosed with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, causing crowded offices, emergency rooms, floors and intensive care units, according to the language of the emergency ordinance.

Failure to comply will result in a civil infraction and a fine of $100.

The CDCs Changing Recommendations

Currently, the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) recommendation is for fully vaccinated people to wear masks in indoor settings, a reversal of a brief period during which the CDC said vaccinated people didnt need to wear masks indoors.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 cases have surged since June, despite what medical officials have called the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines.

Political leaders like President Joe Biden and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper are blaming the surge on the unvaccinated.

But despite being vaccinated, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on Twitter on Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced on Thursday that he also contracted a breakthrough case.

The recommendations on masks have changed from them not being effective to the now fully vaccinated needing to mask up.

In March 2020, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci told 60 Minutes: Theres no reason to be walking around with a mask. When youre in the middle of an outbreak, wearing a mask might make people feel a little bit better and it might even block a droplet, but its not providing the perfect protection that people think that it is.

In February 2021, the CDC issued recommendations to wear two masks.

Recent Mask Rulings

On Aug. 3, the University of South Carolina dropped its indoor mask mandate adopted on July 30 after South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson ruled that the mandate violated state legislation.

In an interview on Fox News on Aug. 2, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said that the education of children is inhibited by the wearing of face masks.

Amid school boards nationwide voting whether to mandate masks or not in their district, McMaster said in the interview: Were going to let the parents decide, but there is no confusion among the parents, the Republican governor said. We have seen what happens when these children are subjected to requiring masks so they cant perform, they cant learn.
A nurse fills a syringe with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Dobong health care center in Seoul, South Korea on Feb. 26, 2021. (Jung Yeon-Je-Pool/Getty Images)

South Korea to Compensate Nurse Paralysed After COVID-19 Shot

SEOULFor the first time in South Korea, a nursing assistant who was paralyzed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine was recognized as a victim of an industrial accident, making her eligible for government benefits and compensation.

The nursing assistant, who has not been identified, received AstraZenecas shot on March 12 and later suffered from double vision and paralysis and was diagnosed with acute encephalomyelitis, the state-run Korea Workers Compensation & Welfare Service said on Friday.

The service said in a statement the woman did not have underlying conditions and there seemed to be a reasonable causal link between the side effects and the vaccination.

AstraZeneca, asked about the case, did not refer to it directly but said patient safety was of the utmost importance for it and regulators around the world.

International regulators, including the World Health Organization, continue to reaffirm that the vaccine offers a high-level of protection against all severities of COVID-19 and variants of concern, and is a key part of global efforts to overcome the virus, AstraZeneca said in a statement.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) had determined that with the available evidence, it could not verify a connection between the womans case and the vaccine but it was open to re-evaluation when more evidence was available, said agency official Choi Seung-ho.

South Korea, like many other countries, has indemnified major vaccine makers against claims and set up funds to cover any costs.

It offers up to 10 million won ($8,747) to anyone who suffers serious side effects from the coronavirus vaccines but this is the first case in which the side effects are considered an industrial accident.

Healthcare workers were among the first to be eligible for the vaccines in South Korea and were encouraged by employers to be vaccinated but they were not forced to.

The compensation service concluded that the woman was eligible for government compensation and benefits under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act because her medical situation was related to her work.

She will be compensated for missed work hours and benefits will cover her medical expenses and disabilities, the service spokesman told Reuters. There were six more cases pending a decision, the spokesman said.

The KDCA said a total of 1,562 cases, including 14 deaths, had been reviewed for compensation regarding damages from COVID-19 vaccination, of which 983 had been compensated. There has been no compensation for a case involving a death.

Liability and Claims

AstraZeneca has been granted protection from product liability claims related to its COVID-19 vaccine by most of the countries with which it has struck supply agreements.

After reports of rare blood clots associated with the vaccine this year, several countries announced restrictions on its use in younger people.

In Asia, countries including Singapore, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia have financial assistance programs or set up compensation funds for those who suffer serious side effects from vaccines.

In Thailand, the government has paid out 13 million baht ($389,454) to 400 cases of COVID-19 vaccine side-effects, its health agency said. In cases of death, it pays 400,000 baht, and side effects that impact daily life, 240,000 baht.

Payments are not proof, however, that the vaccines have side effects, it said, because that is under the purview of an expert panel.

This year, the World Health Organization agreed to a no-fault compensation plan for claims of serious side effects in people in 92 poorer countries due to get COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX sharing scheme.

India, which has the second-highest number of cases globally, is a holdout. The government is in talks over legal protection sought by companies like Pfizer and Moderna, and no shots have been shipped by these companies. The U.S. government has a compensation fund for people who are victims of side effects of a vaccine, but lawyers say few claims have been compensated.

By Sangmi Cha
Suspect Arrested Over Hit-and-Run Death of Gone Girl Actress Lisa Banes

Police in New York have arrested a suspect in connection with the hit-and-run crash that killed Gone Girl actress Lisa Banes in June this year.

Brian Boyd, 26, was arrested on Thursday and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failure to yield to a pedestrian, New York City police said in a news release.

Patrol cops who recognized Boyd from a wanted poster made the arrest, law enforcement sources told the New York Post.

Banes, 65, was struck by an electric scooter on Manhattans Upper West Side near Lincoln Center on June 4 as she was crossing Amsterdam Avenue.

She was on the way to visit the Julliard School, her alma mater, at the time of the incident according to manager David Williams. Boyds address is listed as an apartment on Amsterdam, according to police.

The actress suffered a traumatic brain injury and died on July 14 at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, a police department spokesperson said.

We are heartsick over Lisas tragic and senseless passing. She was a woman of great spirit, kindness and generosity and dedicated to her work, whether on stage or in front of a camera and even more so to her wife, family and friends. We were blessed to have had her in our lives, Williams said in a statement.

Banes appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including Gone Girl in 2014 where she portrayed the mother of the missing woman, played by Rosamund Pike.

She also starred in Cocktail with Tom Cruise in 1988.

On television, she had roles on Nashville, Madam Secretary, and NCIS.

She acted on stage regularly, including Broadway appearances in the Neil Simon play Rumors in 1988, in the musical High Society in 1998, and in the Noel Coward play Present Laughter in 2010.

Few details on the arrest were immediately announced. Police did not say whether Boyd had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

The arrest comes shortly after state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) introduced a new proposal in the state legislature that would bring penalties for hit-and-run electric scooter and electric bike riders similar to those facing car and truck drivers.

Krueger told the NY Post in June that the bill would create equal penalties whether youre driving a vehicle, or an electronic bike or scooter.

There have been multiple cases of people getting hit by electronic bikes, scooters, Krueger said.

Were talking about things that actually look like motorcycles or mopeds. Theyre hefty vehicles, and they dont have a license plates  which is why we think its so important that the same rules that apply to a car in a hit-and-run apply to you if youre using one of these electric vehicles, she continued.

I think its almost common sense policy that we should have these vehicles have to follow basically the same rules of the roads.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal have also called for stricter penalties for e-scooter hit-and-runs following the death of Banes.

With reporting from The Associated Press
Afghan security personnel arrives at the area where the director of Afghanistan's Government Information Media Center Dawa Khan Menapal was shot dead in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo)

Taliban Assassinate Top Afghan Government Spokesman, Take Control of Provincial Capital

Taliban terrorists ambushed the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday and assassinated the director of a state media center while also taking control of a provincial capital in the province of Nimroz.

The murder of Dawa Khan Menapal, who handled the Afghanistan governments interactions with local as well as foreign media, came as local officials announced the capital of Zaranj appeared to be the first provincial capital to fall to the terrorist group since the pullout of U.S. troop in February 2020.

We are saddened & disgusted by the Talibans targeted killing of Dawa Khan Meenapal, a friend and colleague, whose career was focused on providing truthful information to all Afghans, U.S. Charge dAffaires Ross Wilson said on social media.

These murders are an affront to Afghans human rights & freedom of speech, he added.

Ambassador Ross Wilson, U.S. Charge DAffaires, speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 30, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters)

Clashes between Afghan forces together with targeted militias allied with the government and Taliban terrorists have recently intensified across the South Asian nation as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the United States, and foreign forces are leaving.

The Islamic terrorist group has been fighting fierce battles to claim more territory, laying siege to provincial capitals in the south and west of the country after capturing district after district and even seizing several key border crossings.

Though Zaranj appeared to be under full control of the insurgents on Friday, the Afghan government said they are still fighting around key infrastructure in the city. But the terrorists posted multiple images online that showed the insurgents inside a local airport and at the entrance to the city.

#

                        .

  pic.twitter.com/sp0FgCRw9b  Ahmadi (@QyAhmadi21) August 6, 2021

Some of the images were posted by Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi. Additional sources also confirmed the provincial capital has fallen under the control of the extremist group.

This afternoon in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province, the governors office, command, and many other facilities fell into the hands of Mujahidin, Ahmadi said on Twitter, adding pictures of the insurgents who appear to have taken control of the provincial capital. Mujahidin is an Arabic term that broadly refers to Islamic terrorists.

Fridays assassination of Afghanistans Government Information Media Center Director Menapal has dealt a high-profile blow to the Western-backed administration following battlefield gains by the Islamic terrorist group.

Smoke rises from the city of Lashkar Gah after an airstrike against the Taliban in Helmand province south of Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2021. (Abdul Khaliq/AP Photo)

Afghan security personnel arrives at the area where the director of Afghanistans Government Information Media Center Dawa Khan Menapal was shot dead in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo)

The assassination took place during weekly Friday prayers, according to the Interior Ministrys deputy spokesman, Said Hamid Rushan. After the shooting, Afghan forces fanned out across the neighborhood of Kabul where Menapal was gunned down.

Nimroz is sparsely populated in a region thats mainly desert and Zaranj, the provincial capital, has about 50,000 residents. Its fall to the Taliban, if confirmed, was a mostly symbolic victory for the insurgents.

He [Menapal] was a young man who stood like a mountain in the face of enemy propaganda, and who was always a major supporter of the [Afghan] regime, said Mirwais Stanikzai, a spokesperson of the interior ministry.

More than half of Afghanistans 421 districts and district centers are now in Taliban hands. While many of the districts are in remote regions, some are deeply strategic, giving the Taliban control of lucrative border crossings with Iran, Tajikistan, and Pakistan.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Undated photo of Verphy Kudi, a teen mother jailed for manslaughter after her daughter died as a result of neglect. (Sussex Police)

Teenage Mother Jailed Over Death of Toddler She Abandoned for Days of Partying

A teenage mother who left her toddler daughter to starve to death while she partied in London and Coventry has been jailed.

Verphy Kudi, 19, was sentenced on Friday to nine years imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex, England. She has pleaded guilty in March to the manslaughter of her 20-month-old daughter Asiah in December 2019.

Prosecutor Sally Howes QC said CCTV covering Kudis home showed that she had left the toddler alone in the flat for five days, 21 hours, and 58 minutes.

Asiah tragically died from influenza and starvation after having been left unattended in the flat for days on end, prosecutors say.

Kudi left Brighton on Dec. 5, 2019, and went to London, where she spent her birthday with her boyfriend.

On Dec. 7, she attended a 1990s music concert in Elephant and Castle, staying out until 4 a.m., and had a DJ announce her birthday.

On Dec. 9, she moved on to a birthday party in Coventry150 miles from Brightonbefore returning to London the next day and then home to East Sussex on Dec. 11.

At 6:12 p.m. on Dec. 11, ambulance staff arrived at Kudis Brighton flat, founding Kudi incoherent, distressed, and distraught and her daughter lying on the floor. Asiah was taken to the citys Royal Alexandra Childrens Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Peter Wilcock QC, defending Kudi, said it is truly a tragic and devastating case.

She herself, the defendant, is both very young and we would submit very vulnerable, he said.

Wilcock cited Kudis young age at the time of the offence and her history of vulnerability, as well as the effects any sentence will have on her going forward.

Sentencing Kudi, Judge Christine Laing QC said: Asiah was alone in that flat for six daysless two hoursunable to do anything to draw attention to her plight.

She was a helpless child and relied completely on you as her mother to provide for her needs.

It is almost unbearable to contemplate her suffering in the final days of her life, suffering that she endured so that you could celebrate your birthday and the birthdays of your friends as a carefree teenager.

It goes without saying that this is a particularly tragic case and it no doubt raises strong emotions in all who hear of it, but everyone should bear in mind that the charge I sentence you for is one of manslaughter, it being accepted that you did not intend to cause Asiah death nor to cause her really serious harm.

Kudi stood motionless as she was jailed and taken away by court staff.

In a statement released by Sussex Police, Asiah and Verphys family said: We are saddened by the current situation and as a family we have many unanswered questions.

Verphy has experienced so much at such a young age and we have always done what we can to support her.

As a family we are in the midst of an unbearable tragedy. Not only are we coming to terms with what has happened today but we are also still grieving for our beloved Asiah.

We would be grateful if our privacy can be respected at this moment.

PA contributed to this report.
Police tape cordons off the area where a woman was found dead a day earlier at a secluded spot on the southern island of Phuket, Thailand, on Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo)

Thai Officials Raise Security After Swiss Woman Found Dead

BANGKOKThai authorities have ordered heightened security measures on the resort island of Phuket after the discovery of the body of a 57-year-old Swiss tourist amid signs of foul play, officials said Friday.

The womans partially clad body was found face down in water in a rock crevice near a waterfall Thursday afternoon by an island resident, police said.

From the condition of the body, it appeared she had been dead for several days, Phuket regional police commander Kitirath Phanpetch told local MCOT television.

From what we saw at the scene, the body was covered with a black sheet, which suggests it was done by someone and she did not die of natural causes, he said.

Below a sign marking indigenous species of trees, flowers are placed at the scene where a woman was found dead a day earlier at a secluded spot on the southern island of Phuket, Thailand, on Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo)

At a news conference in Bangkok on Friday, national police deputy spokesman Col. Kissana Phathanacharoen said investigators were still awaiting autopsy results to determine a cause of death.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed his condolences to the family of the woman, identified as Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, and urged police to devote all efforts to quickly solving the case.

The prime minister ordered concerned agencies to expedite the investigation to identify and arrest the culprit, he said.

He also ordered other government agencies to increase support for tourists in Phuket and to tighten safety and public health measures.

Swiss media reported that Sauvain-Weisskopf was a member of the countrys diplomatic service but Thai officials did not comment on her job.

Switzerlands Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of a female citizen, but refused to release any details about her on privacy grounds.

Investigations into the circumstances are underway, the ministry said, adding that the Swiss Embassy is keeping in contact with the local Thai authorities about the case.

The incident casts a pall over Thailands so-called Phuket Sandbox program to try and bring fully vaccinated foreign tourists to the previously popular tourist destination, which has been struggling massively during the coronavirus pandemic.

From the start of the program at the beginning of July through the end of the month, 14,055 visitors traveled to Phuket, generating an income of 1.925 billion Thai baht (about $58 million), according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The top five nationalities of visitors were American, British, Israeli, German, and French.

By Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul
A car recycling plant is on fire during a wildfire in Afidnes village, about 19 miles (31 kilometres) north of Athens, Greece on Aug. 6, 2021. (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP Photo)

Thousands Flee Greeces Capital as Wildfires Rage Through Mediterranean

Thousands of Greeks on the outskirts of Athens have fled their homes on Friday as a resurgent wildfire burned homes north of the capital, with firefighting crews struggling to stop the blaze from spreading.

We are continuing our efforts, hour by hour, to tackle multiple fires today, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said, as authorities ordered the evacuation of more suburbs north of the Greek capital, where wildfires on the foothills of Mount Parnitha burst back into life late on Thursday.

The blaze, which first broke out on Tuesday and has since spread to more than 50 active fronts across the country by Friday, has kept firefighters occupied day and night. The wildfires have already destroyed or seriously damaged dozens of homes and businesses.

A catastrophe, said farmer Marinos Anastopoulos. The fire came around midday with swirling winds and homes were burned, a lot of animals burned to death. Rabbits, sheep, dogs, everything.

A sheep with burnt fur stands in a farm following a wildfire in the village of Lasdikas near ancient Olympia, Greece on Aug. 6, 2021. (Giorgos Moutafis/Reuters)

Officials said that luckily no serious injuries have been reported so far, adding that about 20 people, including four firefighters, required treatment for minor injuries. The wildfires, however, have destroyed or damaged more than 90 homes and 27 businesses. At least 80 vehicles have been burned.

The ground crews did vital work, [fighting] nightmarish fires in suburban forests, Greeces Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said while visiting a mobile control center in the area.

We had no loss of human life.  Homes will be rebuilt, and over time the forest will grow back, he added.

Multiple European nations, including France, the Netherlands, and Cyprus, have sent aid to Greece to help the countrys fire crews against the raging blazes. Israeli authorities said they will also send over a dozen firefighters and a large shipment of fire retardants in a civilian plane as soon as possible.

A burnt hotel during a wildfire in Lalas village, near Olympia town, western Greece on Aug. 5, 2021. (Giannis Spyrounis/ilialive.gr via AP)

A burnt hotel during a wildfire in Lalas village, near Olympia town, western Greece on Aug. 5, 2021. (Giannis Spyrounis/ilialive.gr via AP)

A heatwave was forecast to continue in Greece until the end of the week. Temperatures have been over 107 Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) with gale force winds expected to spread the flames even further.

In neighboring Turkey, wildfires that have been described as one of the worst in decades, had flames sweep through its southwestern coastal regions for the past 10 days, forcing evacuations for tens of thousands of people. At least eight Turkish residents were killed due to the wildfires so far.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
COP26 President Alok Sharma rehearses a speech at Whitelee Windfarm, near Glasgow, Scotland, on May 14, 2021. (Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

UK Government Defends Climate Ministers Quarantine-Free World Tour

The UK government has rejected criticisms of the quarantine exemption given to climate minister Alok Sharma, saying that face-to-face meetings with foreign leaders are key to success in climate negotiations.

The Daily Mail reported that Sharma travelled tens of thousands of miles to at least 30 foreign destinations over the past seven months to prepare for the COP26 climate conference, but did not need to quarantine on his return despite visiting seven countries on the UKs COVID-19 red list.

In response to the report, a government spokesman said: Helping the world tackle the climate emergency is an international priority for the government.

Virtual meetings play a large part, however face-to-face meetings are key to success in the climate negotiations the UK is leading as hosts of COP26 and are crucial to understanding first-hand the opportunities and challenges other countries are facing in the fight against climate change.

But David Lammy, the main opposition Labour partys shadow justice secretary, told LBC radio that Sharmas lack of self-isolation is bizarre and dangerous and hugely worrying.

The optics are very clearits one rule for them and another rule for us, he told Sky News.

Of course some international travel is required, but this amount of international travel when youre climate change minister feels to me bizarre, and feels to not be setting the example.

Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Sarah Olney MP accused Sharma of treating flexible rules for Crown servants as a get-out-of-jail free card.

As usual with this government, its one rule for them and another for everybody else, she said.

While Alok Sharma flies to red-list countries with abandon, hard-working families can hardly see loved ones or plan holidays as the government changes travel rules on the hoof. People are sick of the government giving themselves get-out-of-jail free passes while the rest of us stick to the rules.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the ministers behaviour really undermines the effort that we know everybody has to make.

Weve all got used to having meetings with people in different parts of the world without needing to travel around the world to do it, he told Sky News.

Green Party peer Baroness Jones also said Sharmas international travel is excessive.

When youre in charge of COP26, to take this many flights is hypocritical, she said.

Sharma is currently in Brazil where he is meeting with state and business leaders in a bid to get them to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Under the UKs COVID-19 regulations, ministers conducting essential travel are exempt from quarantine regardless of the status of the country.

PA contributed to this report.
Registered Nurse, Mesfin Desalegn administers the Pfizer vaccine to a client at the St Vincent's Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic in Sydney, Australia on July 1, 2021 . (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Union Criticises SPCs Decision to Make Vaccinations Compulsory for Workers

A union has criticised Australian food company SPCs decision to require all staff and visitors to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entering any company premises.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said the company failed to properly consult with workers and their union on the decision to make vaccinations mandatory.

AMWU also said it was unrealistic to expect all their workers to book appointments by September then get fully vaccinated by November since many workers are still not eligible to receive vaccines.

SPC are not showing workers that they are genuinely willing to consult with them over a planned vaccine rollout, AMWU National President Andrew Dettmer said. Mandating vaccination in workplaces needs to be based on the advice of health professionals and a proper risk assessmentnot just a poorly consulted plan by bosses.

The union also said the move by SPC to ban unvaccinated workers from onsite work was discriminatory to those who had health concerns that prevented them from being vaccinated.

Assorted canned fruit and vegetables made by SPC Ardmona pictured in Brisbane, Australia, on Feb. 5, 2014.

SPC Chairman Hussein Rifai has previously said that people with medical exemptions for vaccines would be worked through on a case-by-case basis.

Rifai said the decision was made to protect their workers and the broader community from the Delta variant. Workers would receive paid leave to get the jab and extra days of special paid leave to recover if needed.

The AMWU said that while paid vaccination leave was a positive step, broader questions around realistic vaccination timelines and banning workers lacked proper consultation.

A number of American companies have moved to make vaccinations mandatory for employees in the United States, including Delta Air Lines, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.

Australian companies have been unwilling to take the hard-line approach and instead strongly encourage employees to get vaccinated. However, most are also concerned about the legal complexities involved.

University of Sydney employment law expert Giuseppe Carabetta said compulsory vaccinations were a complex decision for employers.

The main issue for employers, outside of high-risk sectors where direct laws and public health orders may apply, is to ensure the policy is lawful and reasonable, Carabetta told NewsCorp.
A member of the Iraqi rapid response forces walks past a wall painted with the black flag commonly used by ISIS terrorists, at a hospital damaged by clashes during a battle between Iraqi forces and ISIS terrorists in the Wahda district of eastern Mosul, Iraq on Jan. 8, 2017. (Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters)

US Military Report Warns ISIS Will Operate Indefinitely

A U.S. military report released this week suggests the ISIS terrorist group will operate in the Middle East indefinitely, describing the group now as a low-level terrorist threat about seven years after the organization took over swaths of Syria and Iraq in the backdrop of the Syrian Civil War.

ISIS was ousted from its strongholds in Syria and Iraq about two years ago, but, according to a Department of Defense quarterly report (pdf), the group still attempts to exploit weaknesses in the region.

U.S. Central Command, the report found, stated that ISIS likely has sufficient manpower and resources to operate indefinitely at its present level in the Syrian desert but that environment limits the capacity of ISIS to grow or strengthen its insurgency there as the desert is sparsely populated with few possible recruits. ISIS members currently shelter in caves and abandoned buildings, said the military.

Currently, the terror group extracts money from truckers carrying oil through the region to make money, the report found. However, its likely far below the funds ISIS raised when it had control over several regional oil fields.

The report noted that the group persistently uses hit-and-run attacks and roadside bombings and has cash reserves in the tens of millions of dollars range. For recruitment purposes, the group attempts to lure boys who live in the al-Hol refugee camp in Syria.

Meanwhile, the most serious threat posed by ISIS to the United States and Europe is the radicalization of lone-wolf-style actors, according to the 140-page report.

Radicalization of lone actors remains the most serious threat from ISIS to the U.S. homeland and Europe, the DIA told the IG.

Although the Biden administration is aiming to change its mission in Iraq and is pulling troops from Afghanistan, the United States still reportedly has hundreds of troops stationed in northeastern Syriawhere ISIS once reigned. Northeastern Syria is also where most of the countrys oil fields are located.

In July, President Joe Biden told Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi that the administration would agree to end the U.S. combat mission in Iraq by the end of 2021. But the DOD report said that hundreds of American troops are likely to remain in Iraq to provide training to government forces.

On Thursday, the Biden administration encouraged the Senate to repeal an Iraq war authorization that was created before the United States invaded Iraq to topple Saddam Husseins regime in 2003 as well as the 1991 measure that sanctioned the Persian Gulf War.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who sponsored the measure with Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), told The Associated Press he was hopeful of a full Senate vote in coming weeks.
Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

US Should Get Tougher on Chinas Attacks Against Falun Gong

Lets hope that increasing numbers of Americans will support the Falun Gong in their search for freedom from a degree of persecution that should sadly be called genocide

Commentary

Between July 16 and July 20, thousands of yellow-clad Falun Gong supporters took to the streets in Washington, New York, San Francisco, London, and elsewhere in their distinctively choreographed annual protest rallies against Chinas relentless, decades-long human rights abuses. At the Washington, D.C., event, a Hudson Institute expert on religious freedom rightly alleged that China was perpetrating a genocide against the Falun Gong.

Numerous U.S. government sources have acknowledged global reporting and scholarship on the persecution of the Falun Gong and significant, uncontroverted evidence of mass imprisonment, torture, and forced organ harvesting of perhaps millions. Chinas acts meet the legal definition and scholarly description of genocide pursuant to the 1948 U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Falun Gong is spirituality rooted in Buddhist and Daoist principles that was popularized in China beginning in 1992. Seven years later, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) saw this peaceful practice as its biggest threat.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, promotes the three principles of compassion, truth, and forbearance, which are apparently inimical to the CCPs own philosophies of, for example, political power growing from the barrel of a gun (according to Mao Tse Tung in 1938).

The Falun Gong movement is a particular threat to the growing power of the CCP because it is often internal to Chinese businesses, universities, and the state. Falun Gong practitioners within China, forced into secrecy by state persecution, operate at least 200,000 underground printing houses within the totalitarian country, in what likely constitutes the largest non-violent, grassroots resistance in the world, according to a Falun Gong website.

Falun Gong practitioners have at times leaked critical information to publications established outside of China. This makes Falun Gong a natural and powerful ally of all democracies seeking to reveal the truth about the atrocities committed by the CCP.

There were as many as 70 to 100 million Falun Gong practitioners globally in the late 1990s, according to various sources, including Chinese government media. This was greater than the number of CCP members at the time.

Increasingly adverse attention from the CCP forced the founder of Falun Gong, Li Hongzhi (), to resettle in the United States in 1995. As negative attention increased, especially in state media, Falun Gong practitioners in China started to protest. This peaked on April 25, 1999, when at least 10,000 Falun Gong appealed to the CCP with a peaceful meditation at Zhongnanhai, Chinas central government building in Beijing.

The Party felt threatened. It declared the movement a heretical religion and the biggest threat to state security since the democracy movement of 1989. CCP head Jiang Zemin banned Falun Gong on July 20, 1999, and established the Gestapo-like 610 office to override the courts and police in China, where religious freedom is supposedly, but not really, protected by the Chinese constitution.

The persecution of Falun Gong that followed was implemented by CCP officials such as Chen Quanguo (), and used reeducation techniques that would later be part of the genocide against the Uyghurs. The persecution of Falun Gong in China is likewise an attempt to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, including by killing, and other bodily and mental harm, and is, therefore, a genocide pursuant to the U.N. definition.

Academic research has estimated the total number of liver and kidney transplants in China from 2000 to 2014, likely principally from the Falun Gong, to be as high as 1.5 million. The 2020 China Tribunal, held in London, cited statistics that indicate as many as 60,000 to 90,000 organ transplants annually (minus approximately 5,000 documented voluntary donors, revealing a gap of approximately 55,000 to 85,000 unexplained annual transplants).

Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, chair of the China Tribunal, delivers the tribunals judgment in London on June 17, 2019. (Justin Palmer)

The China Tribunal further found that, Forced organ harvesting has happened in multiple places in the PRC and on multiple occasions for a period of at least 20 years and continues to this day.  In the long-term practice in the PRC of forced organ harvesting it was indeed Falun Gong practitioners who were used as a sourceprobably the principal sourceof organs for forced organ harvesting.

According to a 2015 Freedom House report, Hundreds of thousands of [Falun Gong] adherents were sentenced to labor camps and prison terms, making them the largest contingent of prisoners of conscience in the country, and I might add, the world. Falun Gong sources say that over the last twenty years in China, several million Falun Gong have been detained.

Freedom House in 2017 independently verified 933 cases of up to twelve-year sentences of Falun Gong between 2013 and 2016, often imposed solely for their religious beliefs. According to the nonprofit organization, Available evidence suggests that forced extraction of organs from Falun Gong detainees for sale in transplant operations has occurred on a large scale and may be continuing.

A critical part of the anti-Falun Gong campaign is the use of state media to portray practitioners as subhuman in order to justify their torture and eradication.

Acts of torture, generally, reveal an overall consistent attitude and approach of the Chinese state towards practitioners of Falun Gong, which is systematic in nature and designed to punish, ostracise, humiliate, dehumanise, demean and demonise practitioners of Falun Gong into renouncing and abandoning their practice of it. The PRC and its leaders actively incited such persecution for the sole purpose of eliminating the practice of, and belief in, Falun Gong.  the China Tribunal

The widespread and devastating effects of state media dehumanization of the Falun Gong should not be underestimated in a society without freedom of speech. Yet according to Freedom House, millions of Falun Gong in China have persisted over years of persecution. This months demonstrations commemorated the twenty-second anniversary of the CCPs suppression of Falun Gong.

Increasingly, Americans are waking up to the genocide being perpetrated against the Falun Gong. Politicians are taking action in a bipartisan manner. Of seventeen U.S. Senators and Representatives who supported a Falun Gong request to show support on the twenty-second anniversary of its persecution, eight were Democratic, and nine Republican. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) both showed support in separate July 20 statements for the Falun Gong and for religious freedom more generally.

This year, the Democratic Representatives who showed support, and therefore deserve public credit, have been Zoe Lofgren (California), Mike Doyle (Pennsylvania), Bill Foster (Illinois), Sean Maloney (New York), Dean Phillips (Minnesota), David Trone (Maryland), Juan Vargas (California), and Gerald Connolly (Virginia). The Republicans were Elise Stefanik (New York), Gus Bilirakis (Florida), Vicky Hartzler (Missouri), Tim Walberg (Michigan), Steve Chabot (Ohio), Glenn Grothman (Wisconsin), and Jack Burgman (Michigan).

Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd anniversary of the start of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong, in Washington on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Senator Menendez, who is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, provided a best-in-class July 20 statement on the Falun Gong. Twenty-two years ago today, the Peoples Republic of China undertook a ruthless and brutal crackdown against the followers of the Falun Gong spiritual movement that continues to this day, he wrote in a letter. In the more than two decades since, tens of thousands of Chinese citizens have been persecuted for their religious beliefs, imprisoned, tortured, subjected to forced labor, and credible allegations of organ harvesting.

Senator Rubio made a similarly pitch-perfect statement on July 20. The CCP has detained Falun Gong practitioners, and in some cases, multiple times, in transformation-through-reeducation centersa preview of the ongoing mass internment and acts of genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang. CCP officials have subjected Falun Gong practitioners to physical and sexual assault, forced labor, and torture to make them renounce their beliefs. Even more disturbing are the credible allegations of forced organ harvesting.

A May 12 U.S. State Department report on religious freedom noted reports of up to tens of millions of Falun Gong practitioners in the country, arrests of over 6,600 in 2019, and over 600 sentenced to up to fourteen years in prison. The report noted torture and deprivation of food and medical care to practitioners in prison, and referred to the evidence of forced organ harvesting, including as found in reports by the China Tribunal and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC).

The State Department cited media reports that authorities broke into the home of a Falun Gong practitioner, pinned her down, and forcibly took a sample of her blood, telling her it was required by the state. One officer shouted, The law does not apply to you. Were going to wipe you all out.

At the release of the report, Secretary of State Antony Blinken rightly imposed a visa ban on Chinas Yu Hui and his family for this officials complicity with the arbitrary detentions of Falun Gong believers.

The 2021 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report also noted the persecution of Falun Gong in China and evidence of forced organ harvesting. According to reports, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners were harassed and arrested during 2020 for practicing their faith, and some likely died due to abuse and torture while in custody, it stated. Credible international reports also suggested that organ harvesting, including from Falun Gong practitioners, likely continued.

We might not expect many academics or major corporations to champion the cause of the Falun Gong anytime soon, as many are seeking some business advantage from China, including more Chinese students who pay full tuition in American universities. However, lets hope that increasing numbers of Americans, of the principled type mentioned above, will support the Falun Gong in their search for freedom from a degree of persecution that should sadly be called genocide. This genocide is doubly abhorrent as the basic tenets of what the Falun Gong practice, namely truth, forbearance, and compassion, are so laudable and ruefully missing in the governance of China today.

From NationalInterest.org.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Miguel Cardona speaks during his confirmation hearing to be Secretary of Education, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Susan Walsh/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

White House Extends Pause on Federal Student Loan Repayments

The White House on Friday extended a pause on federal student loan repayments, delaying them until Jan. 31, 2022, according to a statement from the Department of Education.

The reason why, according to the agency, is because federal officials believe this additional time and a definitive end date will allow borrowers to plan for the resumption of payments and reduce the risk of delinquency and defaults. The pause will be the final one, the department added.

Student loan payments were placed on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium was slated to expire on Sept. 30.

Congressional Democrats had urged the White House to push back the date due to the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Now the department, the statement said, will start notifying borrowers about the final extension in the coming days and provide resources and information about how to plan for payment restart as the end of the pause approaches.

It is the departments priority to support students and borrowers during this transition and ensure they have the resources they need to access affordable, high-quality higher education, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in the statement.

Approximately 41 million Americans will benefit from the moratorium, according to the Education Department.

Several top Democrats hailed the Education Departments decision on Friday.

Our broken student loan system continues to exacerbate racial wealth gaps and hold back our entire economy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.). We continue to call on the administration to use its existing executive authority to cancel $50,000 of student debt (per borrower).

Democrats in Congress and White House officials have sparred over whether President Joe Bidens administration has the authority to forgive student loans. Schumer and others, for months, have routinely called for Biden to forgive the loans.

During a weekly press conference on July 28, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated that Biden can only pause or delay student loan payments and cannot unilaterally cancel them.

He can postpone, he can delay, but he does not have that power, Pelosi told reporters. That would best be an act of Congress.

If such a measure is proposed during this congressional session, several Democrat senators said they wouldnt support it, arguing it would be unfair to borrowers who paid off their debts.

Said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to reporters earlier this year: Im not inclined to support because a lot of people have worked very, very hard to pay off their debts, and this would set a bad example.
Why Is Male Fertility Declining?

Mounting studies suggest environmental toxins that could be behind a collapse in male fertility

In the United States, nearly 1 in 8 couples struggles with infertility. Unfortunately, physicians like me who specialize in reproductive medicine are unable to determine the cause of male infertility around 30 percent to 50 percent of the time. There is almost nothing more disheartening than telling a couple I dont know or Theres nothing I can do to help.

Upon getting this news, couple after couple asks me questions that all follow a similar line of thinking. What about his work, his cellphone, our laptops, all these plastics? Do you think they could have contributed to this?

What my patients are really asking me is a big question in male reproductive health: Does environmental toxicity contribute to male infertility?

Male Fertility Decline

Infertility is defined as a couples inability to get pregnant for one year despite regular intercourse. When this is the case, doctors evaluate both partners to determine why.

For men, the cornerstone of the fertility evaluation is a semen analysis, and there are a number of ways to assess sperm. Sperm countthe total number of sperm a man producesand sperm concentrationnumber of sperm per milliliter of semenare common measures, but they arent the best predictors of fertility. A more accurate measure looks at the total motile sperm count, which evaluates the fraction of sperm that are able to swim and move.

A wide range of factorsfrom obesity to hormonal imbalances to genetic diseasescan affect fertility. For many men, there are treatments that can help. But starting in the 1990s, researchers noticed a concerning trend. Even when controlling for many of the known risk factors, male fertility appeared to have been declining for decades.

In 1992, a study found a global 50 percent decline in sperm counts in men over the previous 60 years. Multiple studies over subsequent years confirmed that initial finding, including a 2017 paper showing a 50 percent to 60 percent decline in sperm concentration between 1973 and 2011 in men from around the world.

These studies, though important, focused on sperm concentration or total sperm count. So in 2019, a team of researchers decided to focus on the more powerful total motile sperm count. They found that the proportion of men with a normal total motile sperm count had declined by approximately 10 percent over the previous 16 years.

The science is consistent: Men today produce fewer sperm than in the past, and the sperm are less healthy. The question, then, is what could be causing this decline in fertility.

Environmental Toxicity and Reproduction

Scientists have known for years that, at least in animal models, environmental toxic exposure can alter hormonal balance and throw off reproduction. Researchers cant intentionally expose human patients to harmful compounds and measure outcomes, but we can try to assess associations.

As the downward trend in male fertility emerged, I and other researchers began looking more toward chemicals in the environment for answers. This approach doesnt allow us to definitively establish which chemicals are causing the male fertility decline, but the weight of the evidence is growing.

A lot of this research focuses on endocrine disrupters, molecules that mimic the bodys hormones and throw off the fragile hormonal balance of reproduction. These include substances such as phthalatesbetter known as plasticizersas well as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, toxic gases, and other synthetic materials.

Plasticizers are found in most plastics, such as water bottles and food containers. Exposure is associated with negative impacts on testosterone and semen health. Herbicides and pesticides abound in the food supply and somespecifically those with synthetic organic compounds that include phosphorusare known to negatively affect fertility.

Air pollution surrounds cities, subjecting residents to particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other compounds that likely contribute to abnormal sperm quality. Radiation exposure from laptops, cellphones, and modems has also been associated with declining sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic are also present in food, water, and cosmetics and are also known to harm sperm health.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds and the infertility problems they cause are taking a significant toll on human physical and emotional health. And treating these harms is costly.

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 isnt strong enough and that the rapid development and introduction of new chemicals challenge the ability of organizations to test long-term risks to human health.

Current U.S. national toxicology regulations follow the principle of innocent until proved guilty and are less comprehensive and restrictive than similar regulations in Europe, for example. The World Health Organization recently identified 800 compounds capable of disrupting hormones, only a small fraction of which have been tested.

A trade group, the American Chemistry Council, says on its website that manufacturers have the regulatory certainty they need to innovate, grow, create jobs, and win in the global marketplaceat the same time that public health and the environment benefit from strong risk-based protections.

But the reality of the current regulatory system in the United States is that chemicals are introduced with minimal testing and taken off the market only when harm is proved. And that can take decades.

Dr. Niels Skakkebaek, the lead researcher on one of the first manuscripts on decreasing sperm counts, called the male fertility decline a wake-up call to all of us. My patients have provided a wake-up call for me that increased public awareness and advocacy are important to protect global reproductive health now and in the future. Im not a toxicologist and cant identify the cause of the infertility trends Im seeing, but as a physician, I am concerned that too much of the burden of proof is falling on the human body and the people who become my patients.

Ryan P. Smith is an associate professor of urology at the University of Virginia. This article was first published on The Conversation.
Protesters attend a rally to express solidarity with Palestine at Marble Arch in London, England, on May 15, 2021. (Chris J. Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

Why Justice for Palestine! Is Antisemitic

Commentary

American leftists are becoming increasingly open about their antisemitism. On July 31, hundreds of Pro-Palestine demonstrators in Brooklyn stripped away all euphemisms with a call to Globalize the Intifada. A global intifada is a worldwide terror war against Jews. Its alsoby farthe most honest expression of what it would mean to achieve Justice for Palestine.

This tying anti-Jewish violence to the Palestinian cause is hardly new. Since Yasser Arafat launched his intifada in Jerusalem in late 2000, every outbreak of terrorism against Israels Jews has motivated simultaneous terror against Jews living elsewhere. Most recently, the war that Hamas launched this May grew to include attacks against Jews in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and elsewhere.

Worse, this notion that Israels alleged suppression of the Palestinian nation excuses antisemitic violence is hardly restricted to a radical fringe. Prominent voices on the left tend to distance themselves from the violence while conceding the claimed rationale behind it.

When the 2008 Mumbai terrorists attacked several high-profile tourist spots plus a Chabad house, an op-ed in the leftist Guardian explained that because the single surviving terrorist noted that they chose Chabad House to avenge the suffering of the Palestinians  the attack was anti-Israeli, though not necessarily antisemitic.

When the 2015 Parisian terrorists targeted a Kosher supermarket along with the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, President Barack Obama lamented the misfortune befalling random people in a deli. Secretary of State John Kerry appreciated that there had been a rationale to the choice of targets.

This spillover from a Middle East conflict to a global war against the Jews is hardly coincidental. It was the explicit intent driving the 20th century imperialists, communists, fascists, and Pan-Arabists who created the entire notion of a distinct Palestinian nation.

Thats not to say that the Arab/Israeli conflict was fabricated. That conflict rests upon competing, valid, historically grounded claims. They are not, however, both national claims. That conflict always pitted an imperial Arab claim against a Jewish claim for self-determination.

A bit of history: When the fall of the Ottoman Empire appeared imminent, Arabs and Jews both petitioned the soon-to-be-victorious Europeans. In 1915, Sharif Hussein of Mecca, writing on behalf of all Arabic speakers between Egypt and Persia, sought British recognition of his rule over that entire area. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration agreed to Zionist aspirations for a Jewish homeland in the Palestine region, provided that it did not compromise the civil and religious rights of non-Jewish residents. The San Remo Conference of 1920 enshrined that Jewish homeland in international law.

Thus, a century ago, the Arabs forwarded a broad imperial claim that included Palestine; the Jews sought self-determination within Palestine. The European concern addressed the civil and religious rights of non-Jews within that Jewish homeland. No oneArab, Jew, or Europeansuggested that a distinct Palestinian nation might find itself disenfranchised. That concern arose only later, as a bald attempt to stymie Jewish self-determination. It did not gain broad Western acceptance until the Oslo Accords of 1993.

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict rests in fiction. Its a zero-sum game pitting ancient Jewish self-determination against a modern Palestinian identity created for the sole and explicit purpose of countering the Jewish claims.

The Palestinian cause has thus always combined the inner workings of an anti-Jewish hate movement with the outer trappings of a nationalist movement. Both the Palestinian movement itself and the allied Justice for Palestine movement remain far more concerned with destroying Israel and harming Jews than with helping Arabs.

Recent developments highlight the difference between a conflict grounded in history and a conflict grounded in hatred. The unspoken secret behind last years Abraham Accords is that Israel won the Arab/Israeli conflict. Self-determination defeated imperialism. As Arab leaders came to see their states as distinct rather than as parts of an inchoate empire, their opposition to minority self-determination beyond their borders softened.

The Arab/Israeli conflict is resolving itself in ways that benefit Jews, Arabs, regional welfare, and world peace. Those seeking to forward these positive trends are simultaneously pro-Jewish and pro-Arab; those seeking to undermine them are simultaneously antisemitic and anti-Arab.

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is very different. Because Palestine exists solely to negate Jewish territorial claims, only one can survive. If thats Israel, most of the Arabs consigned to bear the Palestinian label will integrate into countries around the region (including Israel). If Palestine rises in its stead, the Israeli Jews fortunate enough to escape its genocidal birth will find themselves scattered around the world.

Its far beyond time to end the charade and the euphemisms. Justice for Palestine is a benign way of shouting Injustice for Jews. Though it might feel good to seek justice for all, its morally repugnant to balance the concerns of a hate movement against those of its targets.

The Brooklyn bigots deserve credit for their honesty. Palestine was founded as an antisemitic hate movement. Thats precisely what it remains today.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Children hold up signs during a rally against critical race theory being taught in schools at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Wokeism and Communism: 2 Sides of the Same Cultish Coin

Commentary

In many ways, communism is a cult and a dangerous one at that. In China, to this day, the cult of Mao still carries significant weight. Across the country, young people are still drawn to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a vicious cult led by Xi Jinping.

In the United States, wokeism has formed into a cult of its own. Like communism, it threatens to destroy the very fabric of American society. The writer Max Funk calls the woke movement a new religion, comparing it to a tidal wave ripping through every facet of western culture, shaping and redefining society.

Another writer, Andrew Sullivan, famously described wokeism as a religion whose followers show the same zeal as any born-again Evangelical. Linguist John McWhorter, one of wokeisms biggest critics, has labeled the movement profoundly religious in nature. In Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America, due for release in October, McWhorther, an associate professor at Columbia University, set out to reveal the workings of this new religion.

Theres just one thing, though: Wokeism isnt a religion. Its a cult.

Before going any further, its important to state the following: From this point forward, when discussing religion, I will use Christianity as a reference point throughout. This is a little narrow, you might say. Not quite. There are more than 2.5 billion Christians worldwide. Although it doesnt speak for all religions, Christianity certainly speaks for a large number of believers. Also, with more than 4,000 religions worldwide, I dare not speak for all of them, nor would I ever want to.

Separating the Sacred From the Silly

A traditional religion such as Christianity is a social-cultural system of belief, replete with designated behaviors and practices, traditions, teachings, and philosophies. Although wokeism has its own set of practices and beliefs, it isnt a religion. Karate has its own sets of practices and beliefs, and no one calls it a religion. No, wokeism is little more than the weaponization of personal grievances.

Unlike Christianity, theres little, if any, room for empathy. In fact, the entire woke movement appears to be underpinned by a high degree of narcissism, the antithesis of empathy. Christianity, in its purest form, is about being at one with God. For this to occur, ego dissolution, or the death of the ego, must occur. In other words, an individual must offer himself up to a higher power.

However, traditional religions and the woke movement do share one common characteristic. Theyre both tribal. Although the very utterance of the word tribal conjures up images of heated exchanges, vindictiveness, and even warfare, its important to remember that a tribe is little more than a group of people with very specific links. Hostility is optional, not mandatory. So, yes, even if Christians are to some degree tribal, this isnt necessarily a bad thing. Most Christians are united by a devotion to a higher power.

With wokeism, on the other hand, many of its members are united by a mutual disdain for the other. A nonconformist can ask for forgiveness, but its rarely, if ever, granted. Christianity, in stark contrast, offers the chance for redemption.

Red Guard members wave copies of Chairman Maos Little Red Book during a parade in Beijing in June 1966. Lenins and Maos paranoid loathing of the bourgeoisie has once again mutated, as it did a century ago, from class hatred into race hatred. (Jean Vincent/AFP via Getty Images)

If religion, in its purest form, is the sigh of the oppressed, then wokeism, in its purest form, is the sigh of the ostensibly oppressed. A self-indulgent pastime for the privileged, the woke movements followers are mostly affluent millennials.

How to Speak Cult

In her new book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, linguist Amanda Montell explained the ways in which cults immerse themselves in technical jargon. Although the author refrained from discussing wokeism, the woke glossary is filled with words such heteronormativity, gender presentation, and cisgender. Acronyms abound: A.F.A.B and A.M.A.B., for example, stand for assigned female at birth and assigned male at birth. The C in C.A.F.A.B or C.A.M.A.B stands for coercively. Oh, and it would be remiss of me not to mention the acronym T.E.R.F., which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist.

When the woke speak, they usually speak in tongues. According to Steve Eichel, a psychologist who researches cults, speaking in tongues is a common feature of cults. Wokeism has a number of other cult-like qualities. It prospers by further dividing people. As Eichel wrote, cults have a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which causes conflict with the wider society.

Cults regularly make their members read assigned texts. The New York Posts Karol Markowicz recently discussed the ways in which wokeism has infiltrated schools around the country. In New York, teachers have been told to read the book Stamped by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds.

As part of the Teachers College curriculum in the fall, students in grades seven and eight will read the young-adult edition of Stamped. Students in grades three to six will be reading the junior edition of this title by Sonja Cherry-Paul, Markowicz wrote.

She calls the woke movement an agenda.

As history has taught us, every cult has an agenda. These agendas tend to be radical in nature. Most definitely radical in nature, wokeism has successfully infiltrated every aspect of U.S. society, from school classrooms to the highest echelons of American politics.

John Mac Ghlionn is a researcher and essayist. His work has been published by the likes of The New York Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, The American Conservative, National Review, Public Discourse, and other respectable outlets. Hes also a columnist at Cointelegraph.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
YouTube Not the Arbiter of Medical Truth: Australian Senator

An Australian senator has called YouTubes suspension of Sky News Australia dangerous, saying that the platforms previous attempts at moderating COVID-related information were ultimately wrong.

Around early August, online video-sharing giant YouTube suspended the popular conservative channel from posting on its platform for one week over the alleged publication of COVID-19 misinformation.

The tech giant said the decision was based on local and global health guidance, which Sky News has challenged, saying the standards were subject to change.

South Australian Senator Alex Antic said Big Tech platforms deemed themselves the arbiters of free speech and medical truth and that it was a risk to democratic societies.

In a free society, we must be able to discuss ideas, events, freely, and the fact that a foreign company has censored Australian news is indicative of the issues facing our democracy from these platforms, he told The Epoch Times.

Liberal Senator for South Australia Alex Antic delivers his first speech in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, September 17, 2019. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

We know that Big Tech has been wrong in the past; why should we believe that they have it correct this time? he added. At the outset of the pandemic, YouTube removed videos claiming that the virus was leaked from a lab in Wuhan, and now the accepted consensus is that this was correct.

People often say that if we dont like these Big Tech platforms, then we should just move to another one. The problem is that these corporations have such a monopoly that that is very difficult to do, he said. The answer to how this issue is to be addressed is not a simple one and one which requires investigation.

Alex Wake, President of the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia, said it was concerning that the tech giant had the power to cut off free speech.

That said, I think this sends a strong message to Sky News about the need to do something about its content. I dont think, however, that itll make any difference to what they broadcast, she told The Epoch Times. Itll probably only encourage more people to tune in.

Wake noted that popular conservative Sky News host Alan Jones had his column discontinued by News Corp-owned The Daily Telegraph, over commentary regarding COVID-19 and opposition to lockdowns.

In fact, differences in opinion over the veracity of COVID science and lockdowns has caused a schism within conservative ranks, with Jones and radio host Ray Hadley engaging in a war of words in recent weeks.

Alan Jones speaks during the Ampuni (Mercy) Vigils at C3 Church, for Toongabbie for Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan who were on death row in Indonesia on February 18, 2015, in Sydney, Australia. (Cole Bennetts/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, tech entrepreneur and star of the business reality program Shark Tank Australia, Steve Baxter, lambasted YouTube but conceded that current Australian laws did not offer enough protections to deal with Big Techs control of the content.

I think from a free of speech (perspective) that theyre just mugs. Its going to end very poorly for them, and its just a matter of time and how long away it is, he told The Epoch Times.

We have very few rights afforded by the Constitution, and the courts tend to override those they see fit anyway, he said. So, we probably need a legal remedy, to be honest.

Currently, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is spearheading the governments efforts to regulate Big Tech.

The ACCC is carrying out an extensive, five-year investigation into the influence of the Silicon Valley giants, including the market dominance of Googles (YouTubes parent company) search, browser, and ad tech services.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  An Arkansas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its ban on mask mandates after lawmakers left the prohibition in place despite a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox issued a preliminary injunction against the law that Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in April banning mask requirements by governmental entities. The ban was being challenged by two lawsuits, including one from an east Arkansas school district where more than 900 staff and students are quarantining because of a coronavirus outbreak.

Fox ruled the law violates Arkansas' constitution, saying it discriminates between public and private school students. He said it also infringes on the governor's emergency powers, as well as the authority of county officials and the state Supreme Court.

The law cannot be enforced in any shape, fashion or form" pending further court action, Fox said.

Fox issued the ruling hours after lawmakers adjourned a special session that Hutchinson had called to consider rolling back the ban for some schools. Hutchinson had said the change was needed to protect children under 12 who can't get vaccinated as the state's virus cases and hospitalizations skyrocket.

Hutchinson faced heavy opposition from fellow Republicans, who had been inundated with calls and messages from opponents of masks in schools.

The governor, who has said he regretted signing the ban into law, said he agreed with Fox's decision but didn't plan to reimpose the statewide mask mandate he lifted in March. He also criticized lawmakers who opposed taking action, saying many of them had taken a casual, if not cavalier, attitude toward the state's COVID-19 crisis.

What concerns me is many are simply listening to the loudest voices and not standing up with compassion, common sense and serious action," he told reporters.

Republican Attorney General Leslie Rutledge was talking with the governor and Legislature about the ruling to determine the next steps, her office said. Hutchinson, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the state and legislative leaders, left open the possibility of separately asking the state Supreme Court to uphold Fox's ruling if it's appealed.

There had been growing calls to lift the ban before school starts statewide later this month. The Marion School District, which joined with Little Rock's schools in challenging the ban, on Friday said 949 staff and students have had to quarantine since classes began last week because of a coronavirus outbreak. The district said 54 students and 11 staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

Marion Superintendent Glen Fenter warned lawmakers that his district's experience could be a harbinger of what other schools will face. He said Friday he will consult with attorneys and will begin discussing the possibility of a mandate with the local school board.

This gives us another opportunity again to potentially protect our students," he said.

Pediatricians and health officials have said masks in schools are needed to protect children, as the delta variant and Arkansas low vaccination rate fuels the states spiraling cases. The state on Monday reported its biggest one-day increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations since the pandemic began, and the Department of Health on Friday said only 28 intensive care unit beds were available in the state.

Only 37% of the state's population is fully vaccinated against the virus.

Arkansas ranks second in the country for new cases per capita, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University researchers. The state reported more than 3,000 new virus cases on Friday, bringing its total since the pandemic began to more than 400,000. It also reported 22 new COVID-19 deaths.

Arkansas is among several Republican-led states that banned mask mandates, and GOP figures nationally have been criticizing efforts to require them in schools despite revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Some school districts in Florida and Arizona are defying their state's prohibitions and requiring masks.

Opponents of lifting Arkansas' ban who testified before the Legislature repeatedly cited false and discredited claims about the virus, including a woman who falsely suggested COVID-19 doesn't exist.

That's what's frustrating, is we're not making decisions on data, respected data," Democratic Rep. Denise Garner, who co-sponsored one of two proposals rejected by a House panel that would have allowed some schools to require masks.

The Republican sponsor of the mandate ban criticized the ruling, calling Fox a liberal extremist judge."

He is allowing government to threaten you with penalties if you dont wear a mask," Sen. Trent Garner tweeted. But they made a mistake. They didnt know that we are ready to fight."

The House and Senate on Friday gave final approval to the only other item on the session's agenda, legislation aimed at preventing the state from resuming supplemental unemployment insurance payments to 69,000 people in the state.

A state judge last week ordered Arkansas to resume the payment, ruling that Hutchinson didn't appear to have the authority on his own to cut off the payments. Hutchinson was among more than two dozen GOP governors who ended their states' participation in the federally funded payments, which were scheduled to run through early September.

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This story has been corrected to show the ruling was issued Friday
GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  A 3-week-old wildfire engulfed a tiny Northern California mountain town, leveling most of its historic downtown and leaving blocks of homes in ashes as crews braced for another explosive run of flames Thursday amid dangerous weather.

The Dixie Fire, swollen by bone-dry vegetation and 40 mph (64 kph) gusts, raged through the northern Sierra Nevada community of Greenville on Wednesday. A gas station, church, hotel, museum and bar were among the fixtures gutted in the town dating back to California's gold rush era where some wooden buildings were more than 100 years old.

The fire burnt down our entire downtown. Our historical buildings, families' homes, small businesses, and our childrens schools are completely lost," Plumas County Supervisor Kevin Goss wrote on Facebook.

Plumas County Sheriff Tom Johns, a lifelong resident of Greenville, said that well over" 100 homes were destroyed, as well as businesses.

My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he said.

We lost Greenville tonight, U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represents the area, said in an emotional Facebook video. There's just no words.

As the fires north and eastern sides exploded Wednesday, the Plumas County Sheriffs Office issued an urgent warning online to the towns approximately 800 residents: You are in imminent danger and you MUST leave now!

A similar warning was issued Thursday as flames pushed toward the southeast in the direction of another tiny mountain community, Taylorsville, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Greenville.

To the northwest, crews were protecting homes in the town of Chester. Residents there were among thousands under evacuation orders or warnings in several counties.

No injuries or deaths were immediately reported.

Margaret Elysia Garcia, an artist and writer who has been in Southern California waiting out the fire, watched video of her Greenville office in flames. It's where she kept every journal shes written in since second grade and a hand edit of a novel on top of her grandfathers roll-top desk.

Were in shock. Its not that we didnt think this could happen to us, she said. At the same time, it took our whole town.

Firefighters had to deal with people reluctant to leave on Wednesday. Their refusals meant that firefighters spent precious time loading people into cars to ferry them out, said Jake Cagle, an incident management operations section chief.

We have firefighters that are getting guns pulled out on them, because people dont want to evacuate, he said.

The blaze that broke out July 14 is the largest burning in California and had blackened over 504 square miles (1,305 square kilometers), an area larger than Los Angeles. The cause was under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines.

The fire was near the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire that became the nations deadliest in at least a century and was blamed on PG&E equipment.

Ken Donnell left Greenville on Wednesday, thinking hed be right back after a quick errand a few towns over, but couldn't return as the flames swept through. All he has now are the clothes on his back and his old pickup truck, he said. Hes pretty sure his office and house, with a bag he had prepared for evacuation, is gone.

Donnell remembered helping victims of 2018s devastating Camp Fire, in which about 100 friends lost their homes.

Now I have a thousand friends lose their home in a day, he said.

By Thursday, the Dixie Fire had become the sixth largest in state history, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. Four of the state's other five largest fires happened in 2020.

The fire forced Lassen Volcanic National Park to close to visitors.

Dozens of homes had already burned before the flames made a new run Wednesday. The U.S. Forest Service said initial reports show that firefighters saved about a quarter of the structures in Greenville.

We did everything we could, fire spokesman Mitch Matlow said. Sometimes its just not enough.

About 100 miles (160 kilometers) south, officials said between 35 and 40 homes and other buildings burned in the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near Colfax, a town of about 2,000. Within hours, it ripped through nearly 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) of dry brush and trees. There was no containment and about 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, Cal Fire said.

In Colfax, Jamie Brown ate breakfast at a downtown restaurant Thursday while waiting to learn if his house was still standing.

He evacuated his property near Rollins Lake a day earlier, when it looked like the whole town was going to burn down. Conditions had calmed a bit and he was hoping for the best.

After firefighters made progress earlier this week, high heat, low humidity and gusty winds erupted Wednesday and were expected to remain a threat.

Winds were expected to change direction multiple times Thursday, putting pressure on firefighters at sections of the fire that havent seen activity in several days, officials said.

The trees, grass and brush were so dry that if an ember lands, youre virtually guaranteed to start a new fire, Matlow said.

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

About 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of the Dixie Fire, the lightning-sparked McFarland Fire threatened remote homes along the Trinity River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. There was little containment of the fire after it burned nearly 33 square miles (85 square kilometers) of drought-stricken vegetation.

Risky weather also was expected across Southern California, where heat advisories and warnings were issued for inland valleys, mountains and deserts for much of the week.

More than 20,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 97 wildfires covering 2,919 square miles (7,560 square kilometers) in 13 U.S. states, the National Interagency Fire Center said.

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Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Janie Har and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report.

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This story has been corrected to say the Dixie Fire started on July 14, not July 21.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP)  The United States has slapped visa restrictions on 50 immediate family members of Nicaraguan officials who have been involved in or benefited from President Daniel Ortegas growing repression, the U.S. State Department said Friday.

The officials include lawmakers, prosecutors and judges. Over the past two months, Ortegas government has arrested nearly three dozen opposition figures, including seven potential challengers for the presidency.

Nicaragua is scheduled to hold national elections Nov. 7. Ortega is seeking a fourth consecutive term and this week the government placed an opposition vice presidential candidate under house arrest.

Ortega and (Vice President and first lady Rosario) Murillo once again demonstrated that they are afraid of running against anyone who they feel might win the support of the Nicaraguan people, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

On Friday, Nicaragua's electoral council, which is packed with Ortega's allies, barred an antigovernment conservative coalition from running in the Nov. 7 elections.

The conservative Citizens for Liberty coalition on Monday registered as its presidential candidate Oscar Sobalvarro, a rancher and former commander in the U.S.-backed Contra rebellion against Ortegas government during the 1980s.

Its vice presidential candidate, Berenice Quezada, has been charged with inciting terrorism, but was released pending trial.

Among those arrested in recent weeks was former Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Francisco Aguirre Sacasa. The 76-year-old was arrested after border police stopped him from leaving Nicaragua to enter Costa Rica. He had planned to fly to Houston for back surgery, two of his children said Friday.

Since his July 27 arrest, the family has received no information about his whereabout or condition.

There are no details, there is no information, we know absolutely nothing, said Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, one of the former diplomats sons.

The lawyer says he cant do anything because the case doesnt exist, said Georgie Aguirre Sacasa, the ex-diplomats daughter.

They said their mother visits the Managua prison known as El Chipote every day, because they suspect he is there, but his name does not appear on the list of prisoners. She takes food, water and medicine, but the guards only sometimes take the water without ever confirming if he is there.

Aguirre Sacasa was arrested by police on the highway back to Managua from the Costa Rican border where guards had confiscated his passport. When his wife arrived at their home she found police searching it. They seized computers and documents from Aguirre Sacasas home office.

Nicaraguan authorities released a statement after the arrest saying he would be held for 90 days as an investigation proceeded into allegations that he had committed crimes against Nicaraguan society.

They say they are following the law, but if that were true he would be on the list of prisoners, he could talk to us, they could visit him, Georgie Aguirre Sacasa said. But none of those human rights is being respected in Nicaragua.

The State Department announcement of visa sanctions against 50 Nicaraguans Friday follows similar actions taken against 100 others on July 12. The U.S. said they were believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy, including those with responsibility for, or complicity in, the suppression of peaceful protests or abuse of human rights, and the immediate family members of such persons.

The Nicaraguan government did not immediately comment on the new restrictions. In the past, Ortega and Murillo have maintained that widespread protests that began in April 2018 were an attempted coup with foreign backing.

Also Friday, Marcos Carmona, a lawyer and executive secretary of the nongovernmental Permanent Commission on Human Rights, said in a news conference that police had stopped him from boarding a flight to Miami and taken his passport.

This is another abuse by this government that is violating my constitutional rights and protections, Carmona said. He said he was trying to travel for medical attention and to visit relatives.

On July 29, police arrested Maria Oviedo, a lawyer with the commission. She remains jailed and is being investigated for alleged crimes against the state.

Carmona did not rule out that he too could be at risk of arrest.

We are all exposed here, he said.

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AP writer Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed to this report.
NORWALK  Over the next two weeks, COVID vaccinations will come with free concert tickets for some residents who receive their shot at a Community Health Center clinic.

Through Aug. 16, one attendee at each of the clinics will receive a pair of tickets to one of the states Rock the Shot campaign concerts, city spokesperson Josh Morgan said.

Announced in June, the Rock the Shot campaign allows vaccinated Connecticut residents to enter into a raffle to win tickets to one of at least 11 concerts in the state.

Norwalk launched a localized version of the campaign, entering residents who receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the upcoming mobile clinics, into a raffle for tickets to one of seven Rock the Shot shows, Morgan said.

The Norwalk Mobile Vaccine Team has received seven pairs of concert tickets, so at seven different clinics, those who get vaccinated will be entered into a random drawing for tickets, Morgan said.

Tickets for each of the concerts will be raffled off to a resident vaccinated at a specific upcoming clinic.

Attendees of Fridays clinic at Columbus Magnet School and the Sunday clinic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calf Pasture will be entered to win tickets to a Brothers Osbourne concert on Aug. 20.

Residents vaccinated at the Aug. 9 clinic held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park and the Aug. 11 clinic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Monterey Village will be entered to win tickets to the Trippie Redd concert on Sept. 8.

Attendees of the Aug. 13 clinic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbus Magnet School will be entered to win tickets to the Sept. 29 NF concert.

Attendees of the Aug. 15 clinic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calf Pasture and the Aug. 16 clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Vets Park will be entered to win tickets to the Oct. 1 Rod Wave concert.

The concerts will be held at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. Winners must have identification to show they are 18 or older and a Connecticut resident. CHC will draw the winners at the end of each day, and winners can pick up the tickets at the centers main location at 49 Day St., Morgan said.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
District 7 held a special board meeting on Wednesday to allow for a public hearing on the Back-to-School proposal released earlier this week.

Several members of the community attended the meeting to address the board regarding the proposal or to show their support for others speaking at the meeting. Visitors were asked to wear a mask upon entering the building in response to Governor J.B. Pritzkers announcement this week where masks have been mandated in all Illinois schools.

Some individuals were opposed to the request and police officers J. Sprinkle and C. Williams arrived to help maintain a safe environment for all in attendance.

Opinions of the proposed plan were split among attendees.

Homeschool, said Beth Lang, a District 7 parent who was unhappy with the proposed plan. Thats my comment.

Parent Sarah West also disagreed with the districts proposal.

I dont think theyre looking at any of the science at all, West said. I think a mask is considered a medical device and the law states parents make the decision on medical devices in schools.

Keith St. Pierre, a parent of a third grader in the district, said several concerned parents met via zoom the night before the board meeting to discuss the proposed back-to-school plan.

Im upset about it, St. Pierre said. Up until now in our history, its been up to parents to make the health decisions for our kids. It should be a recommended thing, not a required thing. I have the right to choose my health decisions and my childrens health decisions. And people should not be made to feel a certain way because they do or do not make a certain choice.

Im not an anti-mask person, necessarily, St. Pierre continued. But Im an American. Im about freedom, so I think its the parents choice.

Parent Debbie Ochu was at the meeting in support of the districts decision.

They took a lot of time to work on this plan and if they feel this is the safest thing, I support it, Ochu said.

Parent Amanda McKean and Karen Reed, a grandparent, both attended the meeting in support of the school districts plan as well.

Its such an easy thing. I dont know why people cant get over it, said McKean.

All they are asking is for us to put a piece of cloth over our face to care for others, said Reed. They are not asking us to sacrifice a limb or our first born, they are asking us to care for others.

Both Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton and School Board President John McDole were present via call rather than in-person after testing positive for COVID.

Katie Robberson was acting board president for the meeting.

The public hearing began with an overview of the proposed plan provided by Shelton.

According to Shelton, the plan was developed with input from the districts administrative team, Back-to-School task force, a panel of medical professionals, community stakeholders and organizational input from the CDC, IDPH and ISBE as well as the Madison County Health Department.

According to Shelton, the community input consisted of 211 responses with 82% of those responses coming from parents. Of the total responses, 66 percent were supportive of the plan, 33 percent were not supportive of the plan and 10 percent offered questions and other suggestions.

The plan details the mitigation efforts the district will put into place at all grade levels for the upcoming school year as well as details about randomized testing and quarantining.

After the overview, the floor was opened to public comment.

Byron Hotson, father of a District 7 middle school student, was the first to address the board.

Wearing a mask helps to stop the spread of Covid-19. And really I can stop it there. As long as we all leave this room understanding that, thats the important thing, he said. Disrupting public safety by keeping masks optional as other districts have done is both existentially and pragmatically damaging to our nation and will continue to be met with resistance from those that strive to protect all americans from scientifically and constitutionally illiterate special interest groups with ulterior motives.

This grandmother of three Edwardsville students sincerely thanks you for taking hard looking at where we are, where the data shows we can go, and acting accordingly, Peg Flach said. We trusted you to do the right thing, the safest thing, the big picture for all of the children in the school district and you did it, as did our governor this afternoon. Now our larger community can work to create an environment of solidarity against the true culprit which is the virus, not each other.

Wanda Cerny, a grandmother of two children in the district, did not support the districts proposal.

The mask policy is a flashpoint for larger issues. Its not about a virus, Cerny said. Why do we continue to follow the CDC, a federal agency with poor credibility when it comes to COVID and a lot of other diseases? Under the guise of a health emergency our freedoms have been taken away, even to our very breath.

You have an opportunity to build trust and warm regards with the citizens of District 7, Cerny continued. Were not asking that you change anything you do for yourselves or to break any laws, but we are demanding that you respect the Constitution and state laws and take your knee off the necks of our children because they cannot breathe in these masks.

Beth White also spoke against the proposal, saying, So far, youre allowing us to not have to be vaccinated and not have to be tested, but I dont think this is where its going to stop, with the masks, and you are trying to force the mask issue.

White asked the board for more clarification regarding the plan, including defining what they mean by encouraging vaccines and sharing more of the research their decisions have been based on.

Alison Lamothe, a parent of two children who have gone through District 7 and an educator herself, spoke in support of the decision to require masks.

I had a child that chose to learn remotely and it did not go well so I support any policy that helps you to have a consistent, in-person year of instruction and I believe that masking will help you to do that, said Lamothe.

Students were required to mask last year and managed fine, Lamothe continued. As a parent of an asthmatic child I find it highly offensive to have wearing a mask compared to an asthma attack. I am fairly confident that no child in the district ended up in the emergency room for low blood oxygen levels.

Elizabeth Landau, the parent of a junior and a freshman, was most opposed to the quarantine measures mentioned in the proposal. She recounted last year when her eighth grader at Liberty Middle School was quarantined due to a positive COVID case in his class.

Imagine my surprise when I got a call from the school saying he could not come to school for education but he could come back for wrestling practice, Landau said. How ridiculous is that, that he was not able to go to school but could wrestle with other kids in other classes?

She went on to say she is grateful to District 7 for allowing students to return to in-person learning last year, but refuses to accept the quarantine protocol.

If masks work, then they shouldnt be sent home. If they dont, then why are they being worn in the first place? she concluded.

Several other parents shared her sentiments, saying they would require a court order to accept the schools quarantining their children from learning.

Other parents spoke out in opposition to the masks due to physical and mental problems they may cause. Parents cited anxiety, dental hygiene, acne, depression and missed social cues as reasons why masks can be more harmful than helpful to their children.

For every one child who is autoimmune compromised, I also have a child who cannot hear, has severe hearing loss due to a birth defect, parent Jamie Horstman said. Masks dont help her because she cant hear very well and she cant lip read like other children can. I am not saying that Im going to make a decision for someone elses child to be masked. If that parent feels better with that child being masked, and maybe they have a situation at home where that needs to take place, please do so. Thats all were saying is choice.

Several parents who spoke out against the proposal also asked for an end goal. The board made it clear that the proposal is a fluid plan to allow for change as the year goes on, but several parents requested a certain number of cases, vaccinations or other measurable goal to strive for to remove the mask mandate.

Some parents requested the mask breaks outlined in the plan be changed from passing periods in the halls to the periods of time where students are seated and socially distanced in class. Another suggestion was for a specific mask-mandated classroom.

Several individuals spoke in support of the mask mandate saying a mask mandate can be undone later but a covid infection or death cannot be.

Following the public comments the board discussed the proposal before voting. The plan was passed unanimously.
EDWARDSVILLE  For students throughout Illinois, wearing masks will be a fact of life as they start the 2021-22 school year.

On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker announced that masks will be required for students, teachers and staff at pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade schools and day cares across the state.

District 7, meanwhile, announced its back to school plan shortly before Pritzkers announcement, and masks are mandated.

Pritzker and Illinois Public Health Department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike noted that the rise of the Delta variant of the coronavirus spurred them to take action.

With the rising rates of the virus, I wasnt surprised by the governors announcement, but we didnt know about it ahead of time, said Amy Yeager, public information officer for the Madison County Health Department. I suspected that some kind of mask mandate was possibly coming but I didnt know what form it may take.

In Madison County, we are at the case numbers and infection rates that we were around Feb. 8 of this year. In mid-November, we were on the cusp of a big surge with the same kind of numbers. Thats just without the same number of deaths because the vaccine is effective. Weve had more deaths recently than we had been having, but not the volume that we had before.

As local districts prepare for the school year, the MCHD is doing whatever it can to help them.

We meet regularly with the Madison County Regional Office of Education and we meet with our public school superintendents once a week, Yeager said. We also meet occasionally with the private and parochial schools. We have provided them with a lot of data, guidance and information over the past year and a half to help to develop their strategies and back to school plans.

The CDC provided guidelines and the Illinois Department of Public Health aligned with those guidelines. When the CDC made adjustments to those guidelines, Illinois also made adjustments. The IDPH and the Illinois State Board of Education worked closely together and ISBE provides its guidance as well.

Yeager noted that prior to Wednesdays announcement by the governor, each district came up with slightly different plans based on their communities.

But most of the plans, even those that didnt include a mask mandate, still seemed to align with most of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the IDPH recommended.

Some of the school districts in our county have chosen to also participate in the COVID testing initiatives and the state provides free testing materials, Yeager said. The testing is one of the preventive layers to help stop the spread of the virus in schools.

The CDC announced about two weeks ago that 80 percent of the tests for COVID-19 are now coming back as the Delta variant. It has a viral load that is at least 200 percent higher than the original virus.

That makes it a lot more transmissible and also increases the effects of how sick people get from it, Yeager said. Those are all things to consider, and when you throw in the fact that we dont have a vaccine yet for children under the age of 12, you want to do whatever you can to protect people, especially kids and the elderly.

We have been preparing for school outbreaks because we know they are going to happen. (Masking) will hopefully decrease the number of outbreaks and the number of sick kids.

Pritzker also announced on Wednesday that the state will require vaccinations for all state employees who work in congregate facilities such as veterans homes, correction facilities, Department of Human Services developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals.

Pritzkers third announcement was a universal mask mandate in all long-term care facilities across Illinois, including those that are privately owned and operated.

The state has the data on long-term care facilities, so we dont know the employee vaccination rates at those facilities in our county, Yeager said. But we like to protect everyone, especially the kids and the elderly, because they are two of our most vulnerable populations. There are also people who have specific diseases such as cancer, and those people have suppressed autoimmune systems.

Even if they are vaccinated, those people dont have as much protection. At the recent meeting of ACIP (Advisory Council on Immunization Practices), there was a discussion about whether we need a booster shot for people with autoimmune issues. I feel like what the governor did (with mandatory vaccination and mask mandates) was to try to give additional protection for those people in light of the current situation.

Yeager realizes that the frustration is growing on both sides of the school masking issue, especially with the new mandates coming from Pritzker and from District 7.

But her message for bringing a quicker end to the pandemic remains the same.

If you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated, and until you are fully vaccinated, you need to be masking and social distancing, Yeager said. Get a COVID test if you are displaying symptoms or if you have been in high-risk situations. COVID testing is still readily available throughout the county and the metro region. There are plenty of vaccination opportunities and Madison County is providing two vaccine clinics a week, as well as almost all of the retail pharmacies and local pharmacies.

Some pediatricians are offering the vaccine for kids and for adults as well, and some of our doctors offices are starting to get it. Those opportunities are also available in St. Clair County and all throughout St. Louis and the other surrounding counties in Illinois. It does not matter where you live, work or attend school. You can go anywhere on either side of the river and get vaccinated.

Yeager added that every vaccinated person can also play a small role in bringing the virus under control.

A question that comes up a lot on our social media sites is how does me getting the vaccine affect the spread of the virus in our community? It helps us build a vaccine wall and the CDCs current estimate is that we need at least 80% of the population to get vaccinated in order to get herd immunity, Yeager said.

The bigger the vaccine wall that we build, the fewer hosts there are for this virus to continue to mutate. From what we have seen of this virus, it keeps getting stronger with each mutation.

For more information on vaccination locations or testing sites, visit madisonchd.org.
DanBred's booth at the World Pork Expo was loaded and ready to receive interested customers.
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25% of arrivals at checkpoint denied entry to Phuket

PHUKET: Up to 25% of the people still arriving at the Phuket Check Point to enter the province from the mainland by road are being turned away for failing to meet the current criteria that allow only people conducting essential or urgent business onto the island.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismtransport

By The Phuket News

Friday 6 August 2021, 04:47PM

Traffic at the checkpoint has fallen by 75% since the new restrictions came into effect on Tuesday (Aug 3). Photo: PR Phuket

Traffic at the checkpoint has fallen by 75% since the new restrictions came into effect on Tuesday (Aug 3). Photo: PR Phuket

Essential deliveries are still allowed, but only if the drivers are vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arriving. Photo: PR Phuket

Nearly a quarter of those arriving at the checkpoint are being refused entry to the island. Photo: PR Phuket

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Aganit Danpitaksat said that since the new measures came into effect on Tuesday (Aug 3), the volume of traffic arriving at the checkpoint at Tha Chatchai had fallen by some 75%.

Even then, nearly a quarter of those who are continuing to arrive are being refused entry to the island, Col Aganit said yesterday.

The people had failed to understand the new measures in effect, and were told to return to their home provinces, he said.

The Phuket Provincial Government wants to prevent any infections from outside coming into the area, and wants to reduce the chance of any transmissions and reduce the number of new infections as soon as possible.

This means such measures may affect some parts of the transport industry, which had a meeting to find a way to relax to be able to continue their business to alleviate the suffering and living conditions of the people while being safe from the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible, he added.

The high rate of people being refused entry to Phuket follows 190 drivers being turned away at the checkpoint on Tuesday (Aug 3), the first day of the island isolation from domestic arrivals from the mainland.

The new measures that came into effect on Tuesday are to remain in effect until at least Aug 16.

Under the provincial order introducing the measures, the only persons and vehicles to be allowed onto the island during the period are as follows:

1) Medical ambulance emergency patient, lifeguard, rescue

2) Transport drugs, materials, medical supplies, medical chemicals

3) Transport consumer goods, agricultural products, livestock, animal feed

4) Transporting cooking gas fuel

5) Transport for banks, money, financial institution

6) Transport of parcels and publications

7) People who need to travel through international channels Phuket International Airport (must have a ticket of the travel date only)

8) Persons who have been ordered or have a written assignment from the agency to perform duties in the prevention and control of diseases in Phuket

9) People who have been ordered by government agencies to go or perform urgent missions in Phuket

10) Those who have an appointment according to the court proceedings prosecutor or the investigating officer which must have clear documentary evidence that if postponing the said appointment will seriously damage the consideration process or an appointment to register rights and juristic acts only in case of urgent need that cannot be avoided otherwise it will cause damage to the parties or greatly affect the economy.

11) Transport construction materials, machinery and spare parts used for maintenance. Only used in the implementation of projects to solve the flood problem. or projects of the state, state enterprises, other government agencies in solving problems of peoples troubles or in case of urgent need

12) Any other cases that have practical problems that need to be diagnosed and ordered The incident commander at the Phuket checkpoint shall have the authority to consider on a case by case basis.

Even then, the checkpoint onto Phuket will remain closed to all traffic except for emergencies from 11pm to 4am each night.

In order to be allowed into Phuket, all of the above exceptions still must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by having received two doses of the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine, or one injection of the Sinovac vaccine and one injection of the AstraZeneca vaccine, or at least one injection of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 14 days before arriving.

Alternatively, arrivals must have been discharged from medical care for recovering from COVID-19 no more than 90 days before arriving.

Also, in order to be allowed into Phuket, all arrivals must present results of an RT-PCR test or antigen test performed by a medical facility within 72 hours of arriving proving that they are not infected.
Asia Pacific hotel transactions remain flat

BANGKOK: Asia Pacific hotel investment remained flat in the first half of 2021 with US$3.7 billion in sales, a decline of 3.7% year-on-year. In total, 61 hotel investment deals were transacted in the first half of the year across nine countries and representing over 10,000 rooms, reports JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

tourismeconomicscorruption

By The Phuket News

Friday 6 August 2021, 11:21AM

Photo: JLL

According to investment data tracked and analyzed by JLL, hotel transaction volumes in the first half of 2021 stand approximately 18% below the same period in 2019, which was the peak of the investment market in Asia Pacific. However, the completion of several major transactions continues to demonstrate the resilience of the sector and growing confidence of investors in the hospitality market despite the current challenging operating environment and travel restrictions.

Confidence in the Asia Pacific hospitality sectors recovery remains high and investor sentiment continues to view the industry through a longer-term lens. Volumes have held up well within the backdrop of government lockdowns and travel curbs, with the hotel sectors resilience remaining an evergreen theme throughout the pandemic, said Mike Batchelor, CEO, Asia Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

Investment in the Asia region totaled US$3.53 billion, accounting for approximately 94% of the overall volume. China, Japan and South Korea represented the three most active markets in the Asia Pacific, collectively accounting for 86% of sales.

China led regional deal volume at US$1.3 billion of transactions, up 54% year-on-year, with conversions of serviced apartments for strata sale and sale of older hotels for conversion to alternative use a key theme. Traditionally the regions most active market, Japan had a slower start to the year with volumes down 47% to US$1.1 billion. However, major sales by Japanese corporations that are underway or planned for the second half of the year will boost transaction volumes.

Activity in Australia also rebounded strongly in the first half of 2021 driven by the closing of AccorInvest Portfolio for circa US$134 million, advised by JLL. Overall volume of US$215 million in deals closed represented a 312% year-on-year increase in investments with scalable and core opportunities continuing to attract strong investor interest and in turn holding up pricing.

Additionally, a two-tier market is at play across the region and, other than a handful of gateway markets where buyer demand is holding up pricing, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and hospitality, investors continue to adjust their risk expectations across most markets and are largely targeting opportunistic value-add plays, according to JLL.

In our interactions, it is clear there remains a gap in pricing across most of the key markets. However, for the most part, the regions hotel owners are not under any stress owing to relatively low gearing, strong lender relationships and, depending on jurisdiction, broader government support, said Nihat Ercan, Senior Managing Director, Head of Investment Sales, Asia Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

Longer-term confidence in the sector remains high as buyers remain on the hunt for opportunities across the region. Record amounts of capital are being raised for investment into the real estate sector. with an assortment of buyers from private equity players to high net worth investors and corporates are vying for positions on sales. According to JLL analysis, Australia and Japan top the list for offshore capital, while domestic investor demand is driving activity in China and South Korea.

Additionally, leisure markets are seeing a resurgence of investor interest on the back of expectations for expedited recovery in view of the pent-up leisure demand. Maldives, Phuket, Koh Samui and Bali are all set to see sales concluding during the second half of the year with Maldives expected to be the regions most active leisure investment market in 2021.

While investors remain wary of some of the shorter-term challenges facing the Asia Pacific hotel industry, highlighted by delays in vaccine rollouts and the impact of new strains and outbreaks, JLLs full year outlook points to increased investment activity in the second half.

We anticipate a sharper business cycle rebound, which will drive hotel investment momentum across the Asia Pacific region. The strong finish to the second half of the year will likely be driven by a pipeline of major sales that have exchanged and which are due for completion in Australia, Thailand, Japan and China. With this backdrop, our full year forecast for the region remains in line with our forecast of US$7 billion at the start of 2021, representing an approximately 20% increase in year-on-year transaction volume, said Mr Ercan.

Chakkrit Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya, Executive Vice President of Investment Sales - Asia, at JLLs Hotels and Hospitality Group, noted, Thailands hotel markets, particularly Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, have continued to receive a high level of enquiries from regional investors with two transactions completed in the first half of 2021 and at least five transactions scheduled to complete in the second half of the year, according to our records.
Phuket Governor vows to bring justice to Swiss tourist murdered

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew this morning vowed to bring justice for the killing of Swiss tourist Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, whose body was found near the Ao Yon Waterfall on Phukets east coast yesterday afternoon.

murderdeathcrimetourismSafetypolice

By The Phuket News

Friday 6 August 2021, 01:22PM

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed his deepest condolences and vowed that Phuket officials would do their utmost to deliver justice. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed his deepest condolences and vowed that Phuket officials would do their utmost to deliver justice. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew (centre) expressed his deepest condolences and vowed that Phuket officials would do their utmost to deliver justice. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The body of Ms Sauvain-Weisskopf, 57, was found by a local resident yesterday. She is believed to have been raped and murdered.

I, Narong Woonciew, the Governor of Phuket Province, am really saddened by the passing of Ms Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, a Swiss national who came to Thailand as a tourist under the Phuket Sandbox programme on July 13, 2021, Governor Narong said in English at the Phuket Sandbox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Phuket Town this morning (Aug 6).

On behalf of the province of Phuket and the people of Phuket I wish to extend my profound sympathies and deepest condolences to Ms Nicoles family and friends, and to the Swiss Federation.

Most importantly, Phuket officials and I will do absolutely everything we can to investigate what has happened and bring justice to Ms Nicole. Please be assured of our fullest efforts to follow up very closely with this case, he said.

Over a hushed silence in the room Swiss honorary consul for Phuket Andrea Kotas Tammathin said, I am deeply, deeply sorry what has happened to this innocent woman. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family.

It saddens me to see how evil people can do something like that in a country which is usually known for its friendliness and kindness, and especially for the Phuket community. It is a sad, sad day for Phuket.

The killing of Ms Sauvain-Weisskopf has sent shockwaves throughout the Phuket community, with an outpouring of condolences and anger vented online since the news broke of her death yesterday.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, President of Phuket Tourist Association, this morning joined that outpouring.

On behalf of all tourism people in Phuket, together with the other people in Phuket, I would like to deliver our deepest condolences, especially to the people in Switzerland, he said.

I would like to assure you two things. All officers who will be involved in the investigation will do their best to find the wrongdoer and will deliver the maximum punishment to whoever has done this to Ms Nicole, he added.

Secondly, on behalf of all tourism people in Phuket, we will not tolerate any incidents like this. We would like to make sure that we put our efforts together to make sure that tourists who come to visit Phuket will be safe and sound and have very good memories to take back home. Thank you very much, he said.

Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol also expressed his deepest condolences.

Forensic staff have intensified their investigation and have already completed their initial findings, he said.

The forensic department already conducted the autopsy of her body yesterday. The results of the initial examination have already come out, but I have to say that we cannot reveal any details at this moment. Today, forensic police will come and conduct the autopsy again with our staff to determine the cause of her death, he said.

What we have done is just the initial examination. There are many other things needed to be done to determine the details of her death. For an unnatural death like murder, we still need to follow the processes of forensic science, Dr Chalermpong noted.

We will collect samples to have DNA tests conducted in Bangkok as soon as possible. I expect that we will be able to reveal the results of the initial examination this evening, and in three to five days, the result of DNA tests will come out, he said.

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Aganit Danpitaksat also expressed deepest condolences from police across Phuket.

The National Police Chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk and the Region 8 Police Commander have been following this case closely and ordered local police to work thoroughly and decisively, he said.

Gen Suwat will come to Phuket to control the investigation by himself later today and reveal details about the police efforts, he added.

I would like to promise to her family and our people that the Royal Thai Police will do our best to investigate and search for whoever has done this, he Col Aganit said.

Kosin Ponmang, who as Chief of the Phuket Passport Office is one of the leading representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the island, this morning explained that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha had already expressed his deepest condolences over Ms Sauvain-Weisskopfs death.

Last night, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs called to the Swiss ambassador directly to express their condolences for the loss. The Phuket Governor called and spoke with the Director-General of the Department of European Affairs. He also called the Swiss ambassador at about 9pm, he said.

A representative from Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, where Ms Sauvaint-Weisskopf was staying, also joined the messages of condolences.

On behalf of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, I would like to express my deepest condolences for the loss. Ms Nicole was a lovely and kind woman who really loved Thailand. While staying with us, she often joined our cooking class and other activities with our staff, she said.

We as people working in tourism, along with all Thai people, will do our best to take care of our tourists to have a very good, and safe, experience while staying at our hotel and in our country, she added.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub
Phuket Town fresh markets battered by COVID infections

PHUKET: The Phuket City Municipality Fresh Market 1 on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town has been ordered closed for one week while mass testing is conducted on all vendors following a spate of COVID-19 infections confirmed at the market.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Friday 6 August 2021, 05:39PM

Ranong Rd quiet in the heart of Phuket Town with the fresh market now closed. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Ranong Rd quiet in the heart of Phuket Town with the fresh market now closed. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Ranong Rd quiet in the heart of Phuket Town with the fresh market now closed. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Ranong Rd quiet in the heart of Phuket Town with the fresh market now closed. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Health officials continue their mass testing of vendors at the fresh market. Photo: Phuket City Municipality

Phuket City Municipality ordered the market closed after Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon on Wednesday (Aug 4) confirmed that 27 people at the market had been confirmed as infected with COVID-19.

The 27 new cases were discovered through proactive screening of over 100 of vendors at the market, Dr Kusak said.

Those 27 cases contributed to Phuket on Tuesday marking a record 65 cases confirmed on one day.

Phuket City Municipality declared the market a COVID risk area and ordered the market closed for seven days, from yesterday (Aug 5) until next Wednesday (Aug 11), or until the area is managed according to market sanitation measures to control and prevent the spread of disease.

Phuket City Municipality and related agencies have visited the area to carry out screening of high-risk groups or high-risk contacts, the municipality said in its announcement.

After the mass testing has been conducted, the market is to be cleansed thoroughly, with disinfectant to be sprayed through the entire market, the announcement added.

Meanwhile, Phuket City Municipality Fresh Market 2, located behind the Robinson department store on Ong Sim Phai Rd, underwent intensive cleansing and disinfecting today.

The market will reopen tomorrow.

The municipality last week ordered that market to close for seven days, from July 31 to today (Aug 6).
Swiss victims timeline to murder

BANGKOK: Tourist Police on Friday (Aug 6) revealed the timeline of the Swiss woman who loved Thailand but was found murdered at a waterfall in Phuket on Thursday afternoon, and the information included details of her last 1.4-kilometre lone, uphill walk.

tourismSafetydeathmurdercrime

By Bangkok Post

Friday 6 August 2021, 07:21PM

Security camera footage shows Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, 57, walking alone past Ao Yon beach at 11:33am on Tuesday, towards Ao Yon Waterfall, where her body was found. Image: Royal Thai Police

Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, 57, deputy head of protocol of the Swiss Federal Assembly, arrived at Phuket airport on Singapore Airlines flight SQ726 at 10:34am on July 13, travelling on a Swiss passport. She had a tourist visa set to expire on Aug 26, reports the Bangkok Post.

She stayed at Dusit Laguna Hotel in Cherng Talay, Thalang, from July 13 to 27. She had reserved her room there via the Phuket Sandbox reopening project.

At the hotel she practised yoga every morning with hotel staff and slept at the hotel every night.

On July 25 she went to Bangkok Hospital Phuket in a limousine of AIG Co, which provided the service at the hotel.

On July 27 she checked out from the hotel and left in a Phuket-registered taxi called via the 12GO website, heading for Ao Nang in Krabi. She was alone. The chauffeur was identified as Hathairat Promchan.

She passed the Phuket Check Point at Tha Chatchai at 11:05am on July 27.

At 1:36pm she checked in at Vacation Village Phra Nang Inn in Ao Nang, Krab. She stayed there until July 31. On July 30 she chartered a van arranged by the hotel to visit downtown Krabi that afternoon. The van driver was identified only as Bang Bao.

On July 31 the woman checked out of the hotel and travelled by the same taxi she had used in Phuket on July 27. The driver this time was Prasat Promkamnerd and he brought her back to Phuket.

She checked in at The Mooring Resort Hotel in Wichit, Phuket. From July 31 to Aug 3, she stayed at the hotel and relaxed on its beach.

According to security camera footage, on Tuesday (Aug 3) she walked out of the hotel about 11:25am to Ao Yon Beach. At 11:48am she walked alone on the Ao Yon-Khao Khat Rd towards Ao Yon Waterfall. She wore shorts, a white shirt and dark shoes, tied a long-sleeved shirt around her waist and carried a dark rucksack.

She walked 18 minutes, covering 1.4 kilometres from The Mooring Resort to Ao Yon Waterfall. She was later found dead in the stream at the waterfall at about 1:30pm on Thursday (Aug 5).

The management of Dusit Laguna Hotel said she was a generous guest and told them that she loved Thailand and Thai people.
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Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low around 21C. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
EAST ALTON  After 20 years of songwriting for some of the biggest artists in country music, Riverbend native Tommy Karlas will release his debut album in October.

At the age of 19, East Alton native Karlas moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in hopes of starting a career in country songwriting. He signed his first deal a week later.

I kind of had a plan of five to seven years, which is the typical range to get your first publishing deal, Karlas said. I pretty much wanted to write songs; I didnt want to be an artist. I ended up getting my first publishing deal on Music Row after a week.

Music Row is home to hundreds of record label offices, radio stations and recording studios in Nashville. Karlas said it was here where he and many other country artists would meet to write or record music.

Theres about 300 to 400 songwriters that have different appointments with each other, he said. When you become a professional, you learn how to turn it on when you need to. Theres not much writers block or anything.

Karlas said he had been signed by multiple smaller publishing companies but, in September, he will be signing with Sony Music  one of the largest labels for country artists.

Ive been working my way up to the bigger and bigger companies, he said. To be able to be signed there and have the reach that they do, hopefully, Ill be able to songwrite for these big artists like Luke Combs.

Karlas will be featured at an Oct. 16 concert at Lewis and Clark Community Colleges Hatheway Cultural Center in Godfrey. He will be performing his new album, Put It In Drive, which features songs he has written over the past 20 years. One of the songs, Lessons, will be released as a single on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Growing up, Karlas said he used to perform on the Lewis and Clark stage and is excited to be back.

Whenever I was in high school, I did a lot of talent shows at the Lewis and Clark Hatheway Hall, he said. Whenever I moved to Nashville, I always dreamed of doing a show there.

Its kind of a full-circle moment to be able to come back to that theatre  and release my album that day in my hometown.

Karlas will be joined by Charlie Brown from Wood River and Billy Hurst from Grafton, who will open the show. The $30 tickets can be purchased on the Eventbrites website.
ALTON  Riverbend residents can learn more about local endangered species research through a partnership between two museums.

The Missouri History Museums Mighty Mississippi exhibit is getting a second life at the National Great Rivers Museum in East Alton. The comprehensive, immersive exhibit was on display at the Missouri History Museum November 2019 through June 2021. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in fewer people being able to enjoy the exhibit.

With a new exhibit scheduled to take its place, the Missouri History Museum sought a way to share the Mighty Mississippi display with more people. The exhibit covers flooding, droughts, river navigation, commerce, steamboat history and native civilizations.

It now will be included in the National Great Rivers Museum operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers next to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam.

Sitting near the confluence of the nations two greatest rivers, the National Great Rivers Museum is the place to experience how community is defined by our river system, said David Lobbig, Curator of Environmental Life for the Missouri History Museum.

With key elements of Mighty Mississippi now there, visitors continue seeing how so many organizations, agencies, and individuals work to keep river habitat and biology healthy and diverse, he said. Were extremely happy to work with our partners to celebrate our shared river heritage and see the exhibit live on.

Allison Rhanor, Natural Resources Specialist for the USACE and Director of the National Great Rivers Museum, said the facility was honored to provide a second life to the Mighty Mississippi exhibit.

Our museum takes a holistic approach in the way we engage visitors with different aspects of large rivers, making our location the perfect fit for the Mighty Mississippi, she said. We plan to use different elements from the Missouri History Museums expansive exhibit to create smaller exhibits that focus on specific river-related topics that can be cycled in and out for years to come.

The first of the rotating, temporary exhibits will focus on the ecological health and diversity of river species. It will be on display in conjunction with exhibit pieces that showcase critical endangered species research the USACE is currently working on together with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

The work is focused on lake sturgeon  a large, ancient species of fish that is endangered in both Missouri and Illinois. The only known occurrence of this fish spawning in either state occurred right outside the walls of the National Great Rivers Museum, near the locks and dam. Researchers want to know why, and how they can make it happen again.

The dual exhibit will be unveiled Aug. 14. With the unveiling will come a multitude of fishy festivities for the entire family to enjoy.

The Illinois Natural History Surveys Great Rivers Field Station will be at the museum with their large portable tank, full of big river fish straight from the Mississippi River. Visitors will be able to get an up-close look at these Mississippi Monsters and interact with fisheries biologists who work on this stretch of the river.

MDCs Lake Sturgeon Coordinator Travis Moore will also be giving presentations in the museums theater throughout the day.

Lake sturgeon are Missouris second largest fish, and we believe they are the states oldest living animal, said Moore. It is surprising that they can reach over 200 pounds, a length of eight feet, and live over 125 years, eating only insects, crayfish, and small fish.

As a fisheries biologist who tries to manage this species, I have to keep in mind that my 31-year career covers only a small part of a lake sturgeons lifespan, he said. We may not know how the management actions we take today will impact the population for another 25 or 30 years.

In addition to live fish and presentations throughout the day, kids will be able to make their own Save Our Sturgeon buttons and help to fill in a portion of the exhibits wall with their pledges to make choices that benefit endangered species.

A third of the exhibit wall will feature a life-sized sturgeon, waiting to be filled in with these pledges from local youth.

The day is really about community and partnership in addition to endangered species awareness, said Rhanor. We are very fortunate to have so many organizations working with us to provide this experience to our visitors.

Free, public tours of Melvin Price Locks and Dam will also be offered on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more about the unveiling of the Missouri History Museums Mighty Mississippi exhibit at the National Great Rivers Museum, check out the Facebook event on either museums page at https://fb.me/e/TtpwEiD6.

To read more about the fishy festivities happening on Aug. 14, including Moores presentation topics and times, visit https://fb.me/e/1lJxVMmOU.

The National Great Rivers Museum is located at 2 Locks and Dam Way in Alton Illinois. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and is free of charge.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Western nations are marking Saturday's 13th anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Georgia with renewed condemnation of Moscows illegal military presence in two Georgia regions and calls for the withdrawal of its forces without delay.

In a joint statement, six European countries and the United States also condemned what they called Russias continuing provocations in Georgia despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They cited Moscow's reinforced military presence and military exercises on Georgias territory, arbitrary detentions and kidnappings of local citizens, restriction of movements and prohibition of education in residents native language.

In August 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Moscow then recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian province, Abkhazia, and set up military bases there.

The statement marking the Aug. 7 anniversary of the start of the conflict again calls on Russia to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgias territories.

The statement from Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, Albania, the United Kingdom and the United States was read outside the U.N. Security Council chamber on Wednesday after closed-door council discussions.

It noted that in January the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights stated that Russia has been responsible for grave human rights violations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia including killing civilians, torturing prisoners of war, preventing Georgians from returning to their homes and failing to investigate rights violations.

The Western nations called for urgent unimpeded access for human rights monitors and humanitarian workers.

Representatives of Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the United States have held talks in Geneva since October 2008 to address the consequences of the Georgia conflict under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union and the United Nations. The talks have made little headway.

The seven nations expressed support for the Geneva talks and stressed the necessity of a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict based on international law, including the U.N. Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told reporters that Russian aggression does not exist" and the independent uprising in South Ossetia is the reality which cannot be ignored. He accused some Western nations of directly or indirectly encouraging Georgian military adventures in 2008.

Polyansky said Moscow considers it important that Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia continue discussions in Geneva to find a legal formula for their mutual commitments on non-use of force and for resolution of other urgent matters.

On Russia-Georgia relations, he said, We want to express our concern with the continued policy of Tblisi for accelerated Euro-Atlantic integration as well as of this country joining plans of U.S. and NATO on containment of Russia.

Polyansky said Russia is ready to normalize relations to the degree to which Georgian side is ready to do that.

Estonias deputy ambassador Andre Lipand, who read the Western statement, responded when asked about the lack of movement from Russia on Abkhazia and South Ossetia: We will continue to focus on this issue in the (Security) Council and we will not let it go without recourse.
DIXON, Ill. (AP)  A former Dixon comptroller convicted of stealing nearly $54 million from the northern Illinois city has won an early release from federal prison.

Rita Crundwell, 68, was sentenced to serve 19 years and seven months in prison. She had been scheduled to be released Oct. 20, 2029, U.S. Bureau of Prisons said. However, with about eight years left on her 19-year sentence, she was released Wednesday from the Federal Correctional Institute in Pekin to a Chicago halfway house.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Friday the launch of the new Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, with a $10 million commitment from the state to provide additional training programs aimed at expanding the talent pipeline while boosting diversity within the construction industry and building trades.

A Notice of Funding Opportunity released by the DCEO Illinois Works Office aims to expand access to training programs that will prepare residents for well-paying jobs in the trades  with plans to focus on reducing barriers to entry and increasing representation of women and people of color in these fields.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a key component of the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act  a result of legislation put forward by Pritzker to prepare residents for jobs created by the historic $45 billion capital expansion plan. DCEO is now accepting applications for grant proposals.

"The Illinois Works program is designed to turn the tide on representation in Illinois construction trades, which for too long left women and people of color out of key jobs in the industry," Pritzker said. "Its a down payment on our future and will help increase opportunities for thousands more residents  regardless of where they live  to join us as we revitalize our infrastructure and rebuild a new Illinois."

Through the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, DCEO and the Office of Illinois Works aim to create a network of providers across the state to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. More importantly, providers will structure pathways and manage the program graduates transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades. DCEO estimates that pre-apprenticeship training programs supported by these grant funds will serve as many as 1,000 participants during the first program year.

Our new pre-apprenticeship training program is designed to help more Illinois residents, especially those from underrepresented populations, benefit from jobs created by our historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan  building a strong talent pipeline and career paths for those who need them most, said Sylvia Garcia, Acting Director of DCEO. Working alongside training organizations, our partners in labor and members of the legislature  the new Office of Illinois Works is aiming to not only boost capacity, but diversify the construction and building trades here in Illinois. We encourage qualified partners to apply for the NOFO as we seek to expand career training in high-demand trades jobs in Illinois.

Participants of the program will attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive services to help overcome systemic barriers to entering the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices will receive industry-aligned certifications which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a full-time apprenticeship program in one of the trades.



Eligible applicants include non-profit, community-based organizations, such as colleges, industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools and school districts. Grants awards will range from $200,000-$550,000 for a one-year agreement.

Signed into law in 2019, the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act aims to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. It created three major programs: the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative and the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. Together these three programs aim to create a talent pipeline of skilled and diverse candidates to fill new job opportunities created by the Act.

The Office of Illinois Works operates in collaboration with workforce partners, the building trades and construction industry, as well as the Illinois Works Review Panel, which contributed to the development of this NOFO.

Prior investments by the Pritzker administration to increase access to apprenticeship opportunities throughout Illinois include the passage of bipartisan legislation to create the Illinois apprenticeship tax credit, funding additional workforce training partners and sites statewide and the creation of a new apprenticeship navigators model focused on increasing equity in apprenticeship positions funded in Illinois across all industries. Increasing access to apprenticeship opportunities was a priority outlined in the state's 5-year economic plan.

With pre-apprenticeship training programs lasting three to four months on average, Illinois aims to award funds and launch training programs that will put more residents on the job site in time for the spring 2022 construction season. The deadline for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is Oct. 4, 2021. Informational webinars will be held on Aug. 12, Aug. 19, Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 to help prepare organizations applying for training dollars.
EAST ALTON  The largest towboat on the Mississippi River will be at Melvin Price Locks and Dam Saturday and the public is invited to see inside the massive vessel.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Motor Vessel Mississippi is the fifth such vessel to bear that name. All have been associated with the protection and development of the Lower Mississippi Valley, seeing it change from a largely undeveloped and flood-ravaged wilderness to one of the worlds leading agricultural and industrial areas.

The MV Mississippi towboat will be in Alton 2-5 p.m. Saturday with access through the National Great Rivers Museum at 2 Locks and Dam Way in East Alton. It then will make more stops up river.

All guests must wear masks.

This towboat is operational and does bank stabilization, said the museums director Allison Rhanor.

Its normally fully operational, she said. As far as when they take it out of operations for public viewing, that doesnt happen often  once every couple years. The public can come to the museum and, out our back doors, board the vessel completely free of charge.

Bank stabilization aids in mitgating erosion.

More Information If you go: What: Motor Vessel Mississippi Open House When: 2-5 p.m.; masks required Where: National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Locks and Dam Way, East Alton Info: www.mvs.usace.army.mil See More Collapse

We dont want the bank to sink into the river, Rhanor said. We want to keep it stable for recreational purposes and to maintain public lands. Theres lots of different ways to do this.

Rhanor has been working in public outreach along the Mississippi River for seven years. She spent three years working at a stream ecology lab in Carbondale and became the National Great Rivers Museum director a year ago.

According to the Corps, the first MV Mississippi was a steamer built in St. Louis in 1882. President Theodore Roosevelt made a trip on it from Cairo to New Orleans in 1907. Two years later, President William Howard Taft made a similar trip. In 1919, she was transferred to what is now the Memphis District and renamed the Piomingo where she served many more years as a towboat.

The second MV Mississippi was built in 1899 as a dredge tender named Steamer Leota. She was selected as the new inspection vessel in 1920. She was stripped two years later, with her hull and machinery sent to New Orleans where new boilers and a new cabin were installed before she was re-designated as the Mississippi.

The third MV Mississippi was the last of the Texas-deck sternwheelers that continued in service until April 1961. She now is the showboat Becky Thatcher in Marietta, Ohio.

The fourth MV Mississippi was the first diesel-powered one to carry that name for the Corps. She was built with an all-steel superstructure and powered by two eight-cylinder engines, each producing 1,860 horse-power.

Unique controllable pitch propellers allowed it to develop a reverse thrust of more than 70% of that in the forward direction, greatly improving its maneuverability. It served the Mississippi River Commission as an inspection vessel and working towboat until it was decommissioned in 1993.

The current MV Mississippi also is an inspection vessel for the commission and a working towboat. Each spring, during traditional high water and late summer during traditional lower water the commission conducts public meetings aboard the vessel at various communities.
EDWARDSVILLE  Wearing masks will be a fact of life for Illinois students as they start the 2021-22 school year.

On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced masks will be required for students, teachers and staff at pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade schools and day cares.

With the rising rates of the virus, I wasnt surprised by the governors announcement, but we didnt know about it ahead of time, said Amy Yeager, public information officer for the Madison County Health Department. I suspected that some kind of mask mandate was possibly coming but I didnt know what form it may take.

In Madison County, we are at the case numbers and infection rates that we were around Feb. 8 of this year, she said. In mid-November, we were on the cusp of a big surge with the same kind of numbers. Thats just without the same number of deaths because the vaccine is effective.

Weve had more deaths recently than we had been having, but not the volume that we had before.

Yeager said the MCHD meets regularly with the Madison County Regional Office of Education and public school superintendents. It also meets occasionally with the private and parochial schools.

Yeager noted that, prior to Pritzkers Wednesday announcement, each district developed slightly different plans based on their own communities. Most of the plans  even those that didnt include a mask mandate  seemed to align with most of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health recommended, she said.

Some of the school districts in our county have chosen to also participate in the COVID testing initiatives and the state provides free testing materials, Yeager said. The testing is one of the preventive layers to help stop the spread of the virus in schools.

About two weeks ago the CDC announced that 80 percent of COVID-19 tests are now coming back as the Delta variant, which has a viral load at least 200 percent higher than the original virus.

That makes it a lot more transmissible and also increases the effects of how sick people get from it, Yeager said. Those are all things to consider. Ane when you throw in the fact that we dont have a vaccine yet for children under the age of 12, you want to do whatever you can to protect people, especially kids and the elderly.

We have been preparing for school outbreaks because we know they are going to happen, she said. (Masking) will hopefully decrease the number of outbreaks and the number of sick kids.

On Wednesday Pritzker also announced a universal mask mandate in all long-term care facilities in Illinois, public and private.

The state has the data on long-term care facilities, so we dont know the employee vaccination rates at those facilities in our county, Yeager said. But we like to protect everyone, especially the kids and the elderly, because they are two of our most vulnerable populations. There are also people who have specific diseases such as cancer, and those people have suppressed autoimmune systems.

Even if they are vaccinated, those people dont have as much protection, she said. At the recent meeting of ACIP (Advisory Council on Immunization Practices), there was a discussion about whether we need a booster shot for people with autoimmune issues. I feel like what the governor did (with mandatory vaccination and mask mandates) was to try to give additional protection for those people in light of the current situation.

Yeager realizes frustration is growing on the school masking issue. But her message for bringing a quicker end to the pandemic remains the same.

If you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated, and until you are fully vaccinated, you need to be masking and social distancing, Yeager said. Get a COVID test if you are displaying symptoms or if you have been in high-risk situations.

COVID testing is still readily available throughout the county and the metro region, she said. There are plenty of vaccination opportunities and Madison County is providing two vaccine clinics a week, as well as almost all of the retail pharmacies and local pharmacies. Some pediatricians are offering the vaccine for kids and for adults as well, and some of our doctors offices are starting to get it.

Those opportunities are also available in St. Clair County and all throughout St. Louis and the other surrounding counties in Illinois, she said. It does not matter where you live, work or attend school  you can go anywhere on either side of the river and get vaccinated.

Yeager said every vaccinated person can play a role in bringing the virus under control.

A question that comes up a lot on our social media sites is, How does me getting the vaccine affect the spread of the virus in our community? she said. It helps us build a vaccine wall and the CDCs current estimate is that we need at least 80% of the population to get vaccinated in order to get herd immunity.

The bigger the vaccine wall that we build, the fewer hosts there are for this virus to continue to mutate, she said. From what we have seen of this virus, it keeps getting stronger with each mutation.

For more information on vaccination and testing locations, visit madisonchd.org.
ALTON  The Alton Municipal Band, led by conductor David Drillinger, held its second-to-last concert of the summer 2021 season Thursday in Riverview Park.

With long time guest vocalist Robyn Brandon, the concert was a very nice way to round out the season.

The August night was a bit muggy, though not unbearable, when the band began playing. However, about halfway through the performance, as the sun set and the sky darkened, it cooled down quite a bit.

After a short introduction, the playing of the national anthem, and a short piece, the band played the first of many spotlight pieces. These pieces were focused on showcasing the talent in one specific section of the band, with the rest of the musicians plays an accompaniment. The first of these pieces was the Leroy Anderson song, Clarinet Candy, which, as the name suggest, featured the clarinet section.

After this began the childrens parade portion of the concert, which the Muny Band holds at every concert. For those unaware, the band asks for any children in the audience to march around to the next song, while one lucky child is chosen to conduct. Although there were few children in attendance for this performance, the conductor, 8-year-old Wyatt, enjoyed himself.

This specific concert was made special by the guest, long-time Muny Band collaborator vocalist Robyn Brandon, who sand three songs with the band. The first song was Anything Goes, from the musical of the same name.

This led into a lower, more bluesy song, titled Cant Help Loving That Man, and finally, Get Happy, a joyous, upbeat song that did indeed seem to help the audience get happy.

After Brandon left the stage, the band performed an arrangement of Gee, Officer Krupke from West Side Story. This was followed by the saxophone sections feature piece, A Night in Tunisia, a dark, slinking song with a constantly changing groove.

As the night sky began to come in more, and the lamps of Riverview Park began to be the only light, the Band asked the audience to sing along to the next song, On The Mall. Although the audience seemed somewhat unsure at first, once it was their turn to sing, they jumped in excitedly. The song also featured a whistling section led by the piccolos.

The final spotlight piece came next, which gave the French horn section the focus, titled Sweet Horn Rag.

As the concert came to a close, the band asked for a moment of silence in memory of all the musicians they have lost over the years, and, to punctuate the end of this moment, the band broke out into an incredibly soulful performance of Auld Lang Syne.

The final piece of the night was entitled Encore and gave all sections of the band a short solo section. After this, the national anthem was played again, and the concert was done.

The final concert of this season for the Muny Band is at 7 p.m. Sunday in Haskell Park.
WOOD RIVER  Brooklyn Police Officer Brian Pierce Jr., 24, headed home to southern Illinois on Friday with a send off by police officers and first responders from across the region.

Pierce was struck and killed by a vehicle fleeing police on the McKinley Bridge early Wednesday morning, according to the Illinois State Police. A suspect has not been arrested in his death; the vehicle that struck Pierce was later found, abandoned, in Missouri.
Robert Keith Rogers, age 60, of Corbin, KY passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation. Born in Corbin, he was the son of Buelah Baker Rogers and the late Melvin Rogers. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two children, Robert Rogers and wife Amand
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

A few passing clouds. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
For a growing number of investors, the idea of putting cash into green infrastructure projects across Britain is a strong one.

Whether it is a tomato farm in Suffolk or an energy project in the Forest of Dean, the thought of money being put to green use while also earning interest is undoubtedly appealing.

One investment firm is looking to capitalise on the growing popularity of crowdfunding, as well as environmental concerns, among retail investors and give them an opportunity to invest in companies making an impact.

Bruce Davis and Karl Harder launched Abundance Investments in 2012 after a coffee in the British Library.

Abundance Investments gives everyday investors the opportunity to invest in green projects

The marriage of Bruce's work on the democratisation of finance with peer-to-peer firm Zopa, and Karl, who was in the middle of an MBA and looking at green finance, culminated in what is now Abundance.

Here, as part of our new B Corp Beat series - focusing the spotlight on 'green' British companies - we find out more

From wind turbines to tomato farms...

Bruce and Karl - and later joined by Louise Wilson - cottoned onto the importance of green finance well before the term Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) became a buzzword among corporates.

What is a B Corp? In our new B Corp Beat series, we are interviewing British businesses which meet these strict standards. They are described as businesses that are said to meet the 'highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.' One the website, it says: 'B Corp Certification doesn't just evaluate a product or service; it assesses the overall positive impact of the company that stands behind it. And increasingly that's what people care most about.' B Corp was started in 2006 and gives scores to companies in order for them to be verified. These five areas are: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

The Financial Conduct Authority regulated firm launched in 2012 to offer everyday savers the opportunity to invest in eco-projects that have usually been the preserve of institutional investors.

Its first investment was to fund the construction of a community-sized wind turbine in the Forest of Dean, one of the largest investments of its kind at the time.

Since then it has invested 116.2million through 48 projects and paid 36.3million in returns since its launch.

Environmental concerns have climbed up the agenda for a small investor and Abundance is proving to be the gateway for savers to invest in physical projects.

It has offered a range of different projects up to 8million, from renewable energy projects to, most recently, a strawberry farm.

But Abundance is still relatively small scale and does not have the capacity to launch multiple projects at a time, which means investors have little choice still through the platform.

'The pandemic did slow down the rate that our pipeline was operating at - the number of projects we've had to invest in is longer as a result,' Bruce concedes.

'The main way people find out about Abundance is when we have something new to invest in.'

However, the firm says it continues to see strong demand and it is starting to see a wave of new, younger investors come through.

The path to net zero: tomato farms and council bonds

The projects are central to what Abundance offers but for Bruce it is about much more: the UK's transition to net zero.

'We want our customers to benefit financially from that, obviously, but if it's not achieving that purpose then the financial returns are largely irrelevant in our view. There's a greater cost to inaction on the climate emergency'.

The UK has set itself a target of a 68 per cent reduction of emissions by 2030, 78 per cent by 2035 and a goal for net-zero emissions by 2050.

'2050 is all very well but I always feel like that's far enough away that people think it's not that urgent,' Bruce says.

It is something echoed by the Government's own COP26 spokesperson in recent weeks.

Where Abundance has been ahead of the curve in terms of investing in infrastructure projects, it is now turning its attention to food and agriculture.

'Food is the second biggest problem we have in terms of carbon - not necessarily the focus on the food you choose in a supermarket or the packaging, but the agriculture,' Bruce says.

'At the moment we don't count the production of food overseas within what we consider to be net zero. We count the consumption - getting it from the harbour to supermarket - but don't count production in say Egypt or Morocco. If we did, it would increase significantly.'

Investors have shown strong demand for this new sector - its investment in a strawberry firm sold out within a week.

Now it is looking to raise 6.75million for Sterling Suffolk, a company using glasshouse technology to grow tomatoes.

The 11-year investment offers a fixed 8 per cent rate of a return, which Abundance says is competitive with rates offered by banks and specialist lenders. On 5,000 invested, this would equate to 2,777.67 interest.

The rate of return is in the mid-range of risk for investments on its platform - from 1.2 per cent for its council bonds to high risk corporate bonds or construction projects which offer a return of between 12 and 15 per cent.

'Sterling Suffolk is an established company with existing revenues and track record but returns are not guaranteed and if Sterling Suffolk performs less well than expected you may receive a lower return or even loss of your original investment,' Abundance says.

Debentures and Bonds on the Abundance platform are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme so your capital is at risk.

Customers do have recourse to the Financial Ombudsman if they have a complaint and Abundance Investment, as a regulated investment crowdfunding platform is part of the FSCS scheme which covers investors for any losses from negligence in the event the platform was to go bust, but this is very much a last resort.

Louise, Bruce and Karl launched Abundance in 2012 and became a B Corp in 2018

Elsewhere, investors also have the opportunity to invest in councils across the country who are delivering green and social projects.

It is a UK first and allows people to invest directly into councils with a lower risk return. It's 5-year green bonds with West Berkshire and Warrington both offered a fixed 1.2 per cent rate of return.

Abundance launched its first Community Municipal Investment (CMI) in July 2020 and already over 800 investors have invested 2million with two councils.

The funding has been put towards solar panels on council buildings and more EV charging points throughout West Berkshire. Warrington is aiming to become the UK's first carbon neutral town and is investing in a new solar farm.

Bruce says there are five more in the pipeline and is in conversations with a quarter of all councils in the UK.

B Corp certification an 'extension of our purpose'

It took the Abundance team six months to be certified as a B Corp.

Prospective companies have to go through rigorous assessments and the certification is awarded to organisation who achieve as core of at least 80 out of 200 against five areas of impact: governance, community, workers, environment and customers.

Abundance made some changes: it now buys its office electricity from a renewable supplier and buys cleaning products, soap and paper from ethical suppliers.

Such small changes perhaps indicate becoming a B Corp was a natural step for the team.

'We'd always taken the view that we were a business that fitted the B Corp philosophy rather than having to transform our business into a B Corp,' Bruce says.

'You can be quite blase about your footprint when you're building wind turbines and solar parts so we had a look at what we were doing with our employees and governance.'

But it is still hard not to think a lot of companies view the B Corp process as a box ticking exercise. Bruce is adamant this is not the case for Abundance: 'It was a good extension of our purpose.'

'When you're a startup company and you're trying to grow, you don't always have the processes you need in place particularly around employees so it did make us think about that.'

'It's easy when you're a fast growing business to react to problems rather than think about the strategy. It stops you being complacent.'
Mark Drakeford has criticised the UK Government over its handling of the latest changes to international travel restrictions, describing it as shambolic.

Waless First Minister told a press conference on Friday that his Government has a different view of the risks around the easing of travel rules.

He said this is due to the increase in coronavirus cases witnessed last autumn, which was partly down to large numbers of people returning from other countries and bringing the virus with them.

Wales had delayed following Englands lead in relaxing travel restrictions, but confirmed on Thursday it too will bring in the major changes from 4am on Sunday, along with Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The changes include no longer requiring fully vaccinated passengers returning from France to quarantine.

India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will be moved out of the red list, while Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia join the green list.

Mark Drakeford is unhappy with the UK Governments handling of changes to travel restrictions (PA)

Mexico, Georgia and the French overseas territories of La Reunion and Mayotte are being added to the red tier.

Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan has accused the UK Government of not consulting the devolved governments on the changes beforehand.

Mr Drakeford said: I did think that the last week was pretty shambolic at the UK level  trying to get a sensible answer to a sensible question about the extent to which people were going to have to self-isolate, which countries were affected, how the system was to run in the future, was pretty hard to do and it seemed to change on a daily basis.

We would have had a different, a simpler system, one that was easier for people to understand.

One of the things that I think we have learnt, and certainly being advised from early on in the pandemic, is that you have to try to make what you are asking of people as simple and as easy to understand as it can be, because the more easily it can be understood, the more likely it will be the people will be able to follow it.

Latest travel update:



Fully vaccinated arrivals from France will no longer need to quarantine (conditions apply)



Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia to be added to the green list



More info on amber and red list changeshttps://t.co/btX5s1spQT pic.twitter.com/EieWVbquBJ  Department for Transport (@transportgovuk) August 5, 2021

I dont honestly think you could say that the traffic light system measures up to those sort of criteria.

Travel companies have said the changes are a positive step forward but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being urged to open up travel, particularly in Europe, faster and to do away with expensive testing regimes.

While UK Transport Secretary Minister Grant Shapps has said there is a need for continued caution, Mr Johnson told broadcasters he wants people to go on holiday.

The PM said: We want people to be able to travel, we want the travel industry to get going again, we want to see tourists coming back to our country  a very, very important part of our economy  but youve got to balance that against the need to protect ourselves against the pandemic.
BANGKOK, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Thailand is investigating the death of a 57-year-old Swiss tourist after her body was found near a waterfall on the resort island of Phuket, with signs she had died of unnatural causes, officials said on Friday.

The woman was visiting under the "Phuket Sandbox" scheme, a pilot project to allow in vaccinated foreign tourists to help revive a sector decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Phuket governor Narong Woonciew said, adding that she had arrived on the island on July 13.

The woman appeared to have been dead for three days before her body was found, partially unclothed, said Kitirath Phanpetch, commander of Region 8 police that oversees Phuket, in an interview on MCOT television.

Although police have not yet determined the cause of death, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat expressed condolences to the Swiss Embassy in Bangkok in a statement that described the case as a "murder".

Thailand's Phuket tourism scheme, in which vaccinated visitors can skip COVID-19 quarantine but have to remain on the island for 14 days, has faced a difficult start particularly as the rest of Thailand faces a surge in coronavirus infections.

The scheme attracted about 15,000 visitors in July, its first month, just 1% of pre-pandemic arrivals https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-thailand-tourism/numbers-low-in-thailands-phuket-tourism-revival-bid-official-idUSL4N2PB1RG.

"After finishing the terms of the sandbox, she travelled to (the nearby island of) Krabi and returned," Kitirath said.

She stayed at a hotel in Phuket that was about two km (1.24 miles) from a waterfall where she was later found. The body was found with swelling and bruises, Kitirath said, adding that results of an autopsy would be ready later on Friday.

"There was a black cloth covering the body, which suggests somebody placed it there and that the cause of death was unnatural," he said.

Kitirath said police were investigating people with criminal records and also migrant workers for possible involvement in the death. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat Editing by Ed Davies and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Tifton, GA (31794)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
FILE - Event signage appears above the red carpet at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards, on Jan. 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Thursday announced reforms to its bylaws and an overhaul of its membership process in a bid to diversify its ranks and potentially restore the heavily criticized Golden Globes.


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Shawn Lang and Kris Prepelica are natural-born entertainers. The partners in life and love have been inviting guests into their Sullivan County home for years, though most visitors come their way digitally, beckoned by the warm portrait of country life they paint through their lifestyle and home decor brand The Farmhouse Project.

Lang and Prepelica, a product designer and research oncologist respectively, bought their Hortonville property in 2012 as a weekend escape but soon traded their bustling New York City lives for a quieter pace, moving upstate full-time. While undeniably charming, the duos Dutch colonial home, built in 1800 and originally known as the Woodman Cottage, needed a bit of TLC.

Were looking for a project  something that had history and something that we could bring back to life, they said. The structure of the house was pretty sound, but it was a big project. When we first moved up here, we overheard a kid that was walking by say, Oh, someone bought the creepy house. He was right, we had.

The duo began documenting their home renovation on their blog, also called The Farmhouse Project, soon amassing an audience that included more than 70,000 followers on social media. Fans  who the pair affectionately refer to as their farmhouse family  watched them makeover the homes various rooms, entertain friends and cook up seasonal feasts, cementing their spot as envy-inducing curators of that oh-so-appealing upstate New York lifestyle. Naturally, it wasnt long before the pair turned their sights from digital creation to tangible experiences.

Through The Farmhouse Project brand, weve kind of established ourselves as being great entertainers, you know, doing tablescapes and cooking good food, says Lang. The pair wanted to host dinner parties  big ones  but their home was not the venue they had in mind.

We wanted to dream up a means of hosting people in this huge, beautiful way like we would if you were in our home, says Lang.

Enter: Terrain and Table. The dining and entertaining venture, which began in 2019, allowed the gents to host locals, weekenders and tourists alike, enlightening them to unique venues and noteworthy chefs in the area.

Head to one of their dinner parties (held monthly from late spring through early fall) and you may find yourself noshing at an alpaca farm, sipping local wine in an orchard, or toasting with 100-plus strangers-turned-friends in fragrant lavender fields.

The events have become famous for the connections they foster, including sealing the deal for a few couples looking to move to the area full time. (A particularly savvy real estate agent suggested a dinner to her clients, who serendipitously ended up buying a house down the road from Lang and Prepelica.)

Lawrence Braun

However, Lang and Prepelica didnt just stumble their way into being successful dinner party hosts. In fact, the pair had been flexing their event designer muscles for a while, through their first venture, Makers Market. A modern interpretation of a craft fair, the market hosts over 100 vendors and artisans (this years event will be held Labor Day Weekend in Callicoon Center), spotlighting local talent and giving vendors a way to connect with customers across the region.

There are so many amazingly talented artisans and no one was really hosting a cool event, Lang says of the duos thought process behind the event, now in its third year. The first year, we were expecting a couple of hundred people to come, and a couple thousand showed up. We ran out of food, wine, and even some products.

Helming both a buzzy craft fair and an artisanal dinner has taught the duo a lot about hosting. Their biggest takeaway? There will always be something that doesnt go to plan  but youre probably the only one that will notice.

Whether youre hosting a cocktail party for five friends or a dinner for 100 people, its all about planning, says Lang. But youre never going to get it completely right  theres always going to be a dish that fails or a vendor that doesnt show up or weather that decides to change. Thats why you need a solid plan in place  that way, you can keep your cool and carry on.

This year, Terrain and Table is focused on highlighting female chefs in the area, an overarching theme the hosts decided on intentionally. Partnering with female chefs this season was important to us, explains Lang. Its a tough industry and its very male-driven. We have some pretty incredible friends who are just powerhouse female chefs and thought it made sense with what we believe in to promote the female talent in the industry.

Three more events are still to come for the 2021 season:

A dinner with Chopped chef Lizzy Singh-Brar and For the Love of Pie  pastry chef Cheryl Perry at Stone Ridge Orchard on August 21

pastry chef Cheryl Perry at Stone Ridge Orchard on Amy Miller and Dayna Halprin, the duo behind Callicoons Early Bird Cookery, at Buck Brook Alpaca Farm on September 18

Chef Melissa DElia at Saratoga Lakes Old Tavern Farm Winery on October 2

Future iterations of The Farmhouse Project brand include an expanded line of eco-conscious products designed by Lang and the duos favorite makers, like a dishware collection with master ceramicist Nonna Hall and signature candles poured in partnership with Hudson Naturals (already available for sale online), and eventually a brick-and-mortar concept shop in the area.

Its not lost on the pair that theyre drawn to industries badly hurt by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the live events they throw themselves to the retailers they represent. But the need for reinvention is  at least in part  all part of the appeal.

Its no secret that these industries have been hit really hard, and its definitely been scary, says Lang. As we've seen from our friends who own small businesses and people who work in the industry, the ones that have overcome and thrived in it are the ones that were able to think outside the box to reinvent themselves.

He continued: Its been challenging, but it's also really inspiring to see these businesses that had to react to it, change their model, and come out doing better than they ever had. Were just one part of this community of everyone trying to do beautiful things.
The YMCA of Greater NYC has found a buyer for its three camps in the Hudson Valley.

The Wend Collective, a philanthropic organization, purchased the camps for $7 million  $2 million over the original asking price. Plans for the property have not yet been developed.

About 1,200 campers a year attended the three camps  Talcott, McAlister and Greenkill  before they were shuttered and put on the market last March to help fill the giant hole blown in the YMCA of Greater NYC's budget by the coronavirus pandemic.

The sale was announced exclusively to Times Union: Hudson Valley late Thursday.

The Wend Collective plans to undertake a yearlong engagement process, reaching out to "the communities that historically attended the camps, the communities in which the camps are located, and the broader youth camp sector" to plan what to do with the property, according to a statement by the Collective.

Though the end result is unknown, the Collective wants to continue to serve disadvantaged youth.

President and CEO of YMCA of Greater NYC Sharon Greenberger expressed satisfaction with the sale.

From the very start of this process, our hope has been to see this property continue as a place where New York City children can enjoy nature, play outdoors, and make lifelong memories, she said in a statement. We are delighted that Wend will be the next steward of this beloved property. We received many thoughtful offers for our camp properties, and we selected Wend Collective because of their integrity, commitment and vision to continue serving the interests of the community."

Members of the board of managers for the camps were fearful the property would be sold to a private camp operator or a resort. The three camps are on nearly 1,000 acres in the town of Huguenot, about two hours northwest of New York City.

Board of managers members were sad the property was no longer in YMCA hands  they were hoping donors would contribute money so the camps could continue  but expressed hope about the purchaser.

Member Monica Bermiss noted the Wend Collective reached out to the board and camp alumni for ideas about the property.

"I look forward to hopefully working with a group that has the same interests and the same values that the board members had about this property," she said.

Board member Amina Kennedy expressed frustration at the way the board was informed of the purchase. Members were contacted early Thursday afternoon to request a meeting at 3 p.m. where they were told of the sale, she said.

"The way that the whole thing went down was not preferred  that's the most political way to put it," she said.

Board members had complained about a lack of communication from the YMCA of Greater NYC since they were abruptly told in late March the property would be sold.

However, Kennedy was hopeful about the purchaser, calling the sale "bittersweet."

"We're losing the camp, but based on the info we have on the Wend Collective, it seems that they are very much in alignment with the dynamics we wanted to maintain at the camp," she said.

The Wend Collective, which focuses on education, arts and culture, and the environment, became interested in the property because of its history of serving communities that don't traditionally have access to nature.

Tuition for the sleepaway camp at the three sites was offered on a sliding scale to New York's youth, with about 750 of the 1,200 campers coming from New York City, according to the YMCA of Greater NYC.

The Wend Collective, co-led by Walmart scion James Walton, is both an impact investing fund  an organization that invests in philanthropic causes  and a grant-making foundation, according to the Collective.

As well as purchasing the camp, the Wend Collective granted $500,000 to the YMCA of Greater NYC.
GREENWICH - A Washington County man was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child after an investigation by the Hoosick Falls police and State Police.

State Police said the 41-year-old Cambridge man sexually abused three children, all under the age of 11. Police believe the abuse happened more than a decade ago at the man's home. He was also charged with sexual abuse. He was arraigned in Washington County's centralized arraignment and sent to the county jail.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  The United States Coast Guard offloaded drugs worth more than $1.4 billion at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday.

The agency announced that the crew of the Cutter James offloaded about 59,700 pounds (27,079 kilograms) of cocaine and approximately 1,430 pounds (548 kilograms) of marijuana.
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GREENWICH - The purchase of the former Toy Works building will allow the region's food bank to double its food recovery and distribution program.

Comfort Food Community's new 18,090-square foot building, once home to a toy manufacturer, will offer more space for its the Fresh Food Collective, a program that recovers surplus food from local farms that it then distributes to pantries, soup kitchens and libraries throughout Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties. Last year it recovered 130,000 pounds of food for at-risk households.
The allegations in this timeline are based on the findings of an investigation conducted by the state attorney general's office. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo disputes that he sexually harassed or inappropriately touched women.

ALBANY  At a wedding in 2019, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, while meeting a woman named Anna Ruch for the first time, placed his hand on her bare back. She removed his hand and he called her aggressive. Then, he cupped her face and kissed her.

Nine days later, Cuomo grazed his hand across the stomach of a female state trooper working in his protective detail, touching her from belly button to hip as she held a door for him.

That same month, Cuomo grabbed the butt of a female aide while she posed for a photo with him.

On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a 165-page report detailing the experiences of 11 women who described seven years of sexual misconduct by Cuomo, which the governor largely denies occurred. James found Cuomos conduct constituted sexual harassment in violation of state and federal laws.

BREAKING NEWS Cuomo resigns after report said he's a serial sexual harasser In this still image from video, Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Cuomo has resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19. (Office of the Governor of New York via AP) HOGP/AP Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday said he will resign as governor, effective in 14 days, in the wake of an attorney general's report that concluded he was a serial sexual harasser. Read the full story

A timeline of the allegations based on the attorney generals report created by the Times Union indicates the alleged sexual harassment incidents often occurred within days or weeks of one another. The timeline also reveals Cuomo asked multiple women similar intimate questions and engaged in similar behavior, including kissing or touching.

The timeline includes specific dates and times listed in the report. But for some incidents, the women could not pinpoint exact dates when events occurred.

The sequence of events indicates that when the alleged victims spoke out about the misconduct, it often triggered a chain reaction that affected the decisions and emotions of the others. The public statements also set off a flurry of activity in the Executive Chamber to counter them.

I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances, Cuomo said in response to the attorney general's findings. He denied some, but not all, of the allegations made against him in testimony to the attorney generals investigators. He released his own report countering the conclusions.

The independent investigators appointed by the attorney general concluded the claims were credible and, in many instances, buttressed by evidence such as text messages.

Cuomo has declined to resign despite mounting pressure to do so.
ALBANY  On Monday, Mikaela Connelly will meet her girlfriend for the first time.

While Connelly lives in Buffalo, New York's largest city touching Canada, the 27-year-olds girlfriend lives two hours and one border away. The pair connected online in January, but with COVID-related restrictions limiting normal travel in both directions, they havent yet seen one another in person.

Now that Canada will start allowing most vaccinated American travelers into the country for visits next week, that is about to change.

We [originally] didn't want to start dating until the borders opened, Connelly said, but they quickly ended up talking nonstop, and things changed.

When the pair first matched on a dating app last winter, they didnt realize they were in different countries. Connellys girlfriend had been visiting a friend near the border, so the app placed the two women within a dating radius, one that would have worked out fine pre-COVID. Now, Connelly is excited but nervous to be making the trip north. She can travel only from Monday to Wednesday, the days she has off from her job managing a Greek restaurant.

Planning has been a lot more complicated than I first thought, Connelly said, explaining that shed struggled to find a site with a slot open for a Canadian border-approved COVID-19 test where the sample would be taken 72 hours or less before her trip, but where the testers would still guarantee her a result in time. Shes also still deciding which bridge to take into Ontario  she lives closest to the Peace Bridge but is worried it will be the most packed on the first day American visitors are allowed into Canada.

And, she said, though shes clear on the form American travelers need to fill out on ArriveCAN to enter Canada, she isnt sure if theres a similar process to return to the United States. (So far, there is not: while travelers flying to the U.S. require a negative COVID-19 test in order to board, Americans returning to the country by car have no pre-entry steps to complete.)

Looking around for advice, Connolly read lots of information online, including the official Canadian guidelines and a Facebook group called Faces of Advocacy, which has brought together thousands of people separated from loved ones due to Canadas pandemic border restrictions.

The groups founder, Dr. David Edward-Ooi Poon, is a Canadian physician who was separated from his own partner when the pandemic began. He has since developed a large community online and used his platform to advocate for a shift in Canadas border policies to better account for family reunification, including successfully pushing the government to adopt an extended family and compassionate exemption last year.

Poon said the biggest issue hes seen for those trying to reunite with loved ones in Canada is that they have been getting conflicting information, even from different Canadian officials or departments within the country. Some members of his group have complained that when they come to the border armed with information about what they are entitled to, a specific border officer unaware of a recent change meets them with skepticism.

During the pandemic, Canadians were presented with an unnecessary dichotomy, Poon said. They were told, bring your foreign national family members in and everyone dies, or stay apart and everyone lives. This bred a lot of misunderstanding in regards to the border, and extended to xenophobia.

While he thinks some provincial leaders have been responsible for misrepresenting foreign national travel as the reason for [COVID-19] spikes, he said attitudes have been shifting.

There is already a large divide on whether or not we should have anyone come in, particularly in light of a fourth wave, Poon said. However, the public perception is significantly different than what we faced earlier in the pandemic.

Historically, more people have traveled every year to Canada from the U.S. than from any other country. Destination Canada, a government group that promotes the countrys tourism industry, calculated that nearly 15 million Americans visited Canada in 2019, and spent $11 billion Canadian dollars  worth about $8.3 billion U.S. dollars as of August of that year.

It will take some time for us to reach our 2019 numbers again, said Marsha Walden, Destination Canadas CEO, with the U.S. forecasted to bring in $800 million (Canadian dollars) in 2021 and climbing to $5 billion (Canadian dollars) in 2022.

Jan Freitag, the U.S. director of hospitality analytics for CoStar group, thinks the added barriers to travel during the pandemic make it more challenging, and less likely for Americans to go anywhere outside of the country, a pattern that will likely continue even when travel to Canada is possible again.

There's almost no international travel, Freitag said. I mean, it's minimal. It's possible, of course, for the American consumer to figure out what it takes to go to Italy or what it takes to go to Croatia. But it's just sort of a headache, and so people are just like 'Nah, let me just go domestically.' 

This has driven an uptick in the domestic leisure demand in the U.S. But the many Americans with family and friends in Canada, like the people Poon is working with, face a different calculation. Freitags colleague Laura Baxter, director of hospitality analytics for CoStar group in Canada, thinks the end to this separation will create a significant demand for travel.

I think in August, American leisure travelers will certainly want to reconnect with family, Baxter said. I think that's going to lead the uptick in demand in August. So the benefit could be seen really at roadside hotels as people take the road trip to go reconnect with family.

According to data collected by STR, a hospitality analytics company, hotel occupancy across Canada was down by over 50 percent in the first half of 2021 compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Room rates and prices have been climbing back in recent months, however, even before the expected influx of travelers on Aug. 9.

Baxter does think some corporate travel will resume in September, and that incoming American visitors will benefit the hotel and tourist industries in cities and urban centers as well, spaces that are currently lagging behind in recovery within the industry.

Ruby Roy, a Montreal tour guide and former president of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, isnt overly optimistic about an influx of tourists in August, especially among her usual high-end clientele for whom she offers perks like limousine transport, tasting platters and a champagne finish. She said she does expect a little more action in September, but isnt holding her breath.

There's no events, there's no cruise ships, there's no corporate events. So for me, I'm down to zero, she said, explaining how shes pivoted largely to video tours and online experiences since the pandemic began.

In August, I have one tour booked, Roy said. Originally, she had 23 in August, 27 in September and 21 that were booked for October, and they're all canceled. They've all been postponed again like last year.

A local company that Roy sometimes helps out, which she said offers more typical walking tours, has cut down their group sizes to 10 per guide. With a reduced capacity they are mostly booked up with local Canadian travelers through the end of the summer, though they have had some bookings for September and October for Americans that were hopeful.

Though she doesnt have city tours on the agenda, Barbara Boness is one Capital Region resident who cant wait for her upcoming trip to Montreal. Shes currently planning to make the drive with her husband on Aug. 10, providing she gets her COVID-negative test result on time.

Boness opted to take two tests for COVID-19 before her trip, one this week and another the requisite 72 hours or less before travel, because as she was preparing for her trip the vaccinated 71-year-old started to feel feverish. Talk about a monkey wrench in the works!

If her tests come back negative, the Montreal native who moved to New York at age 8 will drive with her husband to visit his two sisters and one cousin. They usually travel to Canada twice annually, but now havent seen their family in two years, since before the pandemic began.

Even though Boness is not traveling to sight see, she will still take advantage of Montreals hospitality industry, which was hit hard by the pandemic and is now diligently maintaining government-imposed COVID safety measures.

Im insisting upon outdoor restaurants, but Montreal has lots of outdoor restaurants, Boness said. And they are nice in the summer, they really are.

Note: An earlier version of this article included an inaccurate conversion of a Canadian dollar figure.
BANGKOK (AP)  An investigation is underway in Thailand after the body of a Swiss woman was found Thursday at a secluded spot on the southern island of Phuket.

Thai media reported that the womans partially clothed body was lying face down in a rock crevice near a waterfall and appeared to have been concealed by a sheet. Personal documents nearby showed she was 57 years old.
The last footprints left on the moon were imprinted there by Apollo astronaut and Chicago native Eugene Cernan in 1972. In all, only 12 men walked the dusty lunar surface during the Apollo program before it ended. No one has been back.

Thats a shame. The United States led the way in those heady early days of space exploration. But NASAs manned space program has been stuck in low-Earth orbit now for decades. Now, three billionaires  Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson  are pioneering private space flight and stirring excitement again about space tourism and a new space race.

Critics argue spending billions of dollars on space is misguided, given the problems of poverty, disease, hunger and climate change that desperately need funding. Others call out the vanity of the super-rich and condemn the wealthy for spending their money to travel to the edge of space with few obvious scientific benefits. They argue such funding should go to solving existing crises.

But they miss the point. It shouldnt be either/or; it has to be both/and. It always has been. Humans need to address our problems on the planet but still strive to break barriers, push the envelope of the possible and aim for the final frontiers.

Such risky ventures as space exploration have to be driven by governments, to mitigate risks and costs, but private companies can make enormous contributions.

U.S. space exploration has been hampered at times by cutbacks in congressional funding or worse, tragic losses of life that delayed programs, such as the fatal launch pad fire on the Apollo 1 command module in 1967 or the deadly in-flight destruction of two space shuttles, the Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003.

The space shuttle program ended in 2011, and, since then, NASA had to pay Russia for Soyuz rockets to fly American astronauts to the International Space Station. Recently, NASA has contracted with Musks SpaceX to ferry astronauts and cargo on the companys Falcon 9 rockets to and from the ISS. In April, SpaceX beat out two rivals to win a $2.9 billion contract from NASA to use its giant Starship rocket to fly astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon as part of NASAs Artemis program  a plan to return U.S. astronauts to the moon as soon as 2024. If successful, astronauts would be there for a sustained, long-term presence to pave the way for deep space operations and a human voyage to Mars, perhaps in the 2030s.

This is precisely the kind of program that can help enable exploration, revive excitement over space and inspire the next generation. The public-private partnership may be a more viable new model.

President Joe Biden should jump at the chance to return Americans to the moon as a way station to the Red Planet, and to revive Americas inspirational leadership in manned missions. He has touted the need to demonstrate that democracies can get things done, and he could find and forge a bipartisan consensus for the Artemis program in Congress. Biden has already committed to funding NASA with $24.7 billion in the budget, and he supports Artemis.

Bezos and the billionaires deserve some credit for getting on with the race. Bezos even took a special guest with him when he traveled to the edge of space July 20. Wally Funk was a pioneering aviator and one of the original Mercury 13 female aviators who took astronaut tests, but she never got to fly to space or get her astronaut wings until Bezos took her there.

At 82, Funk spoke for many grounded Americans when she grew impatient over a six-minute hold on the launch pad before takeoff, Bezos said. He recalled Funk asking him, Are we going to go, or not? What the hell. Were burning daylight. Lets go.
Times Union

The assertion by Albany County District Attorney David Soares and others that bail reform is to blame for gun violence is without merit. The data referred to in the article Data muddles bail rule debate, July 26, should be dis-aggregated by category of crime in order to give us a clear picture before divisive and politically motivated conclusions are drawn. Black and brown people are experiencing disproportionately negative outcomes due to the pandemic while legislators absolve their role in creating the conditions that give rise to violence. To point to bail reform as the culprit is misleading.

Soares should ask himself why is it easier for a Black youth to access the underground street economy than it is to have stable housing and culturally responsive education. Community violence is an epidemic for which Black and brown communities must have the autonomy to create solutions that do not entrench harmful systems.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  It's not a question of if, but when. And if you are a betting person  and most who come to Saratoga Race Course are  take sooner rather than later.

Trainer Chad Brown is on a very fast track to 2,000 career wins. His total is 1,998, and the magic number will come soon, maybe Friday, but for sure by the time the weekend is over. The 42-year-old from Mechanicville continues his ascent up the ladder of career training victories.

He is still a ways off from challenging the all-time record of 9,445, set by Dale Baird, which is about to be eclipsed by Steve Asmussen, who is sitting at 9,443. Don't sell Brown too short of one day blowing by everyone. Right now, he concentrates on the moment.

"It means a lot," Brown said Thursday morning about closing in on 2,000 while sitting in his office at his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. "It's a big milestone to share with my team. It gives you a little time to reflect on all those winners, some real special moments."

It wasn't that long ago that Brown secured win No. 1,000. It came right here, on Aug. 24, 2016, when Mr Maybe won the John's Call Stakes. That was also a memorable summer for another reason. That was the first year Brown won the training title at Saratoga and he did it with a flourish, getting 40 wins.

It doesn't seem possible that the second thousand has arrived so quickly for Brown, but here he is. Day in and day out, he tends to his horses, getting them ready to compete on the biggest stage in the sport.

To have the success come at Saratoga makes this extra special.

"It's my home track," Brown said. "It's where all my friends and family are. This is where it all started for me. Coming to this track is what got me interested in horse racing ... one track alone ... Saratoga."

Brown's stable is not only filled with powerful thoroughbreds, it is also stocked with a robust group of owners. Peter Brant. Seth Klarman's Klaraich Stables. Bob Edwards and his e Five Racing Thoroughbreds Stable.

Edwards has been along for the ride for the past seven years. Among the horses Brown has trained for him are Rushing Fall, the 2020 Eclipse Award winner for champion turf female; New Money Honey, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner of 2016; and Good Magic (owned in partnership with Stonestreet Stables), the 2017 2-year-old colt Eclipse Award winner.

"Chad is one of a kind," Edwards said Thursday afternoon. "We are all really stoked to see him hit this milestone. The thing about Chad is he sees things in a horse I would never see. He has forgotten more than I will ever know. He can pick, maintain and manage horses so well."

Brown had one chance to get one closer to 2,000 on Thursday. His only starter, Life On Top, finished off the board in the seventh race. Friday, Brown has horses entered in five races: the favored 8-5 entry of Commandandcontrol and School of Thought in the fifth, 9-2 Value Engineering in the sixth, 2-1 favorite Public Sector in the Grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame and 7-5 favorite Digital Software in the 10th.

Getting to this number will obviously not be the final goal. Brown is still a young man and has decades left of training in front of him. Still, winning 2,000 races is an achievement.

"It's one of those things where you aim high and you just put your head down and work towards it," Brown said. "When you finally look up again, you're there. It's just a testament of a lot of great teamwork. For me, it's not only winning races, but creating memorable moments and experiences for my clients. I appreciate that a lot more now."

When the number comes, it will come. Brown still runs his barn, preparing his horses for the spots they should be running in. He is hopeful that one of them, Miles D, will be ready to run in the Travers. He finished second in last Friday's Curlin in just his third start.

"I am planning on it," Brown said. "He has come out of the Curlin in good shape and I would like to take a crack at it. I would be going into the race with an outsider, but you can't win it if you're not in it. That's the one race that if I have a horse that remotely looks like there is a chance he can be competitive in it if things go his way, I am going to run him."
ALBANY  In December, a former economic development aide to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo became the first woman to publicly accuse him of sexual harassment, tweeting that Cuomo was one of the biggest abusers of all time.

Lindsey Boylans decision to come forward, at a time when Cuomo was still nationally popular, set off a furious internal debate in Cuomos camp about how and whether to retaliate. And as a political crisis grew in the following months, quiet conversations about how to combat the allegations did not just include current Cuomo staffers, but also an array of former high-ranking administration officials, most of whom now work for private interests.

Those details are revealed in a 168-page report issued on Tuesday by state Attorney General Letitia James, which finds Cuomo and his members of his administration had allegedly violated both state and federal laws, including by retaliating against Boylan. (An attorney representing Cuomo's office has criticized the report's authors for burying a detailed legal rebuttal to the retaliation allegation in a footnote.) While Cuomo denied the reports conclusion that he sexually harassed women over the course of years, the findings have prompted the state Assembly to hasten impeachment proceedings.

As Cuomo faces the likely prospect of removal, also at risk are the reputations of members of his inner circle, whose emails, texts and group chats are extensively detailed in the report, and made public in attached exhibits. They show that some of the advisors were deeply involved in the efforts, others on the periphery. Some also urge caution about shaming accusers. And some of the former aides say that during the efforts, they were unaware of the full scope of Cuomo's alleged misconduct.

Still, after Boylans tweets in December, Cuomos top government staffer soon decided to leak Boylans confidential personnel file, against the advice of some in the tight-knit circle. Certain Cuomo confidants  including several involved in prominent groups that fight discrimination  advised Cuomo about a proposed op-ed attacking Boylan, which was never published. And at least one former staffer was enlisted to find out whether a woman allegedly harassed by Cuomo was speaking to the media.

Richard Azzopardi, Cuomos longtime spokesman and one of his most ardent defenders, testified to investigators that the outside advisors were people who have been with us for a long time who we could trust.

When you feel like youre in battle, you turn to those you trust, Azzopardi testified.

BREAKING NEWS Cuomo resigns after report said he's a serial sexual harasser In this still image from video, Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Cuomo has resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19. (Office of the Governor of New York via AP) HOGP/AP Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday said he will resign as governor, effective in 14 days, in the wake of an attorney general's report that concluded he was a serial sexual harasser. Read the full story

'Proven, personal loyalty'

None of the outside advisors was officially retained by the Executive Chamber. Instead, they quietly did the work on a volunteer basis while holding day jobs for private interests.

Yet the outside advisors were regularly provided with confidential and often privileged information about state operations, the attorney general's report concludes, and helped make decisions that impacted state business and employees  all without any formal role, duty, or obligation to the state."

Their common thread was proven, personal loyalty to the governor, and their roles reflected how loyalty and personal ties were valued as much, if not more, to Cuomo than any official function or role in state government.

Former government or campaign aides enlisted included Lis Smith, a Democratic consultant and a senior advisor to 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg; Joshua Vlasto and Rich Bamberger, who work as the consulting firm Kivvit; Steven Cohen, an attorney who is a former secretary to the governor and has worked a consultant for the prominent investment holding company Macandrews and Forbes; Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a major national organization that fights for LGBTQ rights; Dani Lever, a communications manager at Facebook; and the governors brother, Chris Cuomo, a prominent anchor who hosts a primetime program on CNN.

Kivvit  a New York City-based firm founded by Cuomos former campaign manager  has this year registered as a lobbyist for 10 clients with business before state government, although the firm says it does not directly lobby Cuomo or anyone else. Another person briefly mentioned in the report, former aide Cathy Calhoun, is managing director at Accenture, a consulting firm with tens-of-millions of dollars in state contracts. Calhoun herself has not worked as a lobbyist for the company in New York, according to the company's lobbying disclosures, and the report's only passage mentioning Calhoun says she was approached about signing onto a letter criticizing Boylan, which was never published.

Give them the docs!

Melissa DeRosa, the secretary to the governor, made the ultimate decision to release Boylans personnel records, the report states. As Cuomo's top aide, DeRosa has made fighting for womens rights a significant part of her public persona.

In December, DeRosa reached out to David, Cuomos former chief counsel, about obtaining Boylans full file. David passed along files relating to an internal investigation into Boylan shortly before her 2018 departure from the Executive Chamber.

Vlasto, Cuomo's at-times combative former chief of staff and spokesman, told investigators that he had supported disclosing the files as long as it was legally permissible, because they provided relevant context for the reporters.

Give them the docs! Vlasto wrote to Cuomo advisers Dec. 13.

DeRosa decided to release the personnel file that day because Boylans tweets had gotten more and more escalating, she told investigators. Azzopardi sent the confidential files to reporters at several media outlets, including a reporter for the Times Union. The files discussed complaints made against Boylan while she worked in Cuomos office.

According to Azzopardi, Boylan had made public statements on Twitter and in the media that she left because of a toxic workplace. Azzopardi had told reporters that Boylan got fired after being confronted, and when they asked him to prove it, Azzopardi provided the files to prove the allegation, the report states.

But according to the attorney general's report, the files themselves state that Boylan resigned voluntarily, with one part noting, under the heading, Ms. Boylans Resignation, that David said at a meeting with Boylan that she was not being asked to resign, being fired, or pushed out in any way.

In her testimony, Cuomo special counsel Judith Mogul denied that the files were personnel records, confidential or legally privileged. DeRosa and Mogul did not discuss whether releasing the files could be considered retaliation, the report states.

The files were shared with various people who were outside of the Executive Chamber and not state employees, including Cohen, Vlasto and Bamberger, without any discussion of whether that was appropriate or permissible, the report states.

DeRosa testified she only notified Cuomo about releasing the personnel file after the Executive Chamber had already leaked it, since she wanted to protect him from any criticism.

An unpublished attack

Several days later, in mid-December, Cuomo and certain advisors worked up a draft of a possible letter or op-ed, which was to be signed by former Cuomo staff that had worked with Boylan and the governor.

That draft included complaints against Boylan from the confidential files, and allegations about interactions between Boylan and male colleagues. It attacked her allegations as politically motivated, the report states, and included theories about her connections with supporters of President Donald J. Trump, as well as an unnamed politician with an alleged interest in running for governor.

Two Cuomo aides testified that Cuomo wrote the first draft; Cuomo testified that he did not remember handwriting any document but had participated in drafts.

Cuomo directed DeRosa to seek input from some of the folks on the team, including Roberta Kaplan, a New York City-based attorney and co-founder of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, an organization that supports individuals who've experienced sexual harassment or retaliation at work to come forward. (Kaplan was also the private counsel to DeRosa during the attorney general's investigation.)

According to DeRosas testimony, Kaplan read the letter to the head of Times Up  Tina Tchen  and both suggested that without the statements about Boylans interactions with male colleagues, the letter was fine.

On Wednesday, Kaplan told The Washington Post that she tried to respond to the governors office in a way consistent with the mission of Times Up, making it very clear that any response should never shame an accuser. Given the attorney generals revelations, Kaplan has now called on Cuomo to resign.

Tchen said in an interview with the Post that she did not remember the particulars of what she discussed with Kaplan, but was angry Cuomos office used the conversation internally to justify the letter, telling the Post she was confident that she would have pushed back on any effort to attack Boylan.

David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, told the Post that when he was first approached about the letter, he was not aware of the extent of the allegations against Cuomo.

The facts as outlined in the report are devastating," David told the newspaper. "Seeking our engagement without disclosing all of the relevant facts about any and all survivors is reprehensible.

Davids role in the matter has sparked discord at the LBGTQ rights organization and internal questions about his resignation, the Post reported. While the nonprofits chairs have expressed full confidence, a planned publicity campaign regarding Davids new contract has been delayed at Davids request.

Aides inside and outside the Cuomo administration sent the letter to former Executive Chamber staff members, asking them to sign, or get others to sign. Although the letter was never published, over a dozen people inside and outside the Chamber saw drafts of the letter, the report says, and it was provided to members of the media.

When the letter was fact-checked by a Cuomo aide, many of the allegations against Boylan proved to be unverified. Cuomo eventually accepted the groups view that the letter was a bad idea. In his testimony, according to the report, Cuomo drew a comparison with Abraham Lincolns practice of handwriting a long response to an article that infuriated him, then crumpling up the response and throwing it out.

Cuomo testified that, like Lincoln, the writing process was cathartic for him.

'Making the rounds'

The circle also engaged in efforts to determine which former Executive Chamber staffers might be supportive of Boylan or might have their own allegations of harassment, according to the report.

In mid-December, the report states, DeRosa and Benton asked certain former Executive Chamber staff members to contact other former staff.

One former staffer  referred to in the James report only as Kaitlin  posted a tweet in support of Boylan in December. In response, DeRosa insisted that an unnamed former Cuomo staff member call Kaitlin to find out if she was working with Boylan, had her own allegations against Cuomo, or was talking to reporters, the report states.

A transcript of the Dec. 17 phone call, between Kaitlin and the unnamed former staffer, is included in the addendum to the James report.

I just wanted to reach out because, like, your tweets are definitely making the rounds with reporters and I wasnt sure if you know or  I definitely wanted to let you know, the former staffer said.

Kaitlin asked the former colleague which reporters had reached out .

Folks have definitely reached out, like, the Times Union, the former staffer said.

I dont know anybody in that world so I am just as surprised as you, Kaitlin responded.

The James report details Cuomos hiring of Kaitlin to a $120,000 position  after briefly meeting her at a 2016 fundraiser  and then, repeated, demeaning comments Cuomo allegedly subsequently made to her while she was working in the governors office.

Cuomo's troubles escalated on March 9, when the Times Union first reported that an executive assistant to the governor had alleged he groped her breast at the Executive Mansion last November. That prompted an unnamed former Cuomo consultant to text DeRosa.

I think he needs to say he is going to counseling for his tendency to be aggressive and to re-acclimate how he interacts with people, the former advisor texted. AG report may find no offense but will find inappropriate behavior so why not get out ahead of this now. So the pattern of all these allegations is addressed with this effort for counseling and training.

In his testimony, Chris Cuomo also said there was discussion about remedial measures the Chamber should take in light of the sexual harassment allegations.

Attacking the investigators

Gov. Cuomo was apparently receptive to the advice initially, but soon instead grew more defiant, outright denying the allegations against him at a press conference March 12.

"I never harassed anyone. I never abused anyone. I never assaulted anyone," Cuomo said.

In a March 16 text message, Vlasto wrote that, Steve (Cohen) told me this morning they are asking him to spread oppo on Joon Kim. Dont think we want to be getting down with that crowd.

Kim  one of the lead investigators retained by James in the harassment inquiry  is a former acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan and had also worked there under former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who was widely feared in Albany after a series of high-profile prosecutions, including of a former top Cuomo aide.

Vlasto testified that at one point, Cuomo asked him to take over the politics and press operation in leading the response to the Assembly and all of (the) investigations. Vlasto declined because of personal reasons, the report says, and also because he did not believe in the overly negative style the governor and his advisors were adopting.

Cohen testified that he did not recall anyone asking him to do opposition research, but according to the report, said there may have been discussions from the start of the attorney general's investigation about James motivations, the backgrounds of the attorneys selected for the investigation, and what they would say if the investigative findings were not favorable.

An 85-page rebuttal from Cuomo, issued soon after the release of James report on Tuesday, contains a lengthy section attacking Boylans credibility. The report was issued by Cuomos private attorney, Rita Glavin, and raised questions about Boylans departure from Cuomos administration and whether her 2021 run for Manhattan borough president had motivated her allegations against the governor.

Cuomos report notes that on Aug. 15, 2018, Boylan tweeted, Proud to work for a governor who takes women seriously. The tweet, according to the Cuomo report, was written one month after an incident where Cuomo allegedly kissed Boylan on the lips.

Boylan declined to comment about the tweet.

As for the campaign to discredit Kim, the attorney generals independent investigator, some effort was also apparently made on that front.

On July 19  two days after Cuomo was interviewed by Kim and others for the harassment probe  the New York Post reported that someone in Cuomos camp was circulating the false story that Bharara, the former U.S. attorney, was considering a run for governor against Cuomo.

And in his public statements, Cuomo also repeatedly attacked the motivations of the investigators, while Azzopardi suggested without proof that James is exploring a run for governor.

I have concerns as to the independence of the reviewers, Cuomo said in late July. Is this all happening in a political system? Yes, that is undeniable.
ALBANY  The executive assistant who accused Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of groping her at the governor's mansion in November filed a criminal complaint on the incident with the Albany County Sheriff's Department on Thursday.

In March, after the incident had been disclosed by the Times Union, Cuomo's acting counsel referred the sexual assault allegation against the governor to the Albany Police Department. That referral was "highly unusual" because it was a matter that would normally be handled by the State Police, Mayor Kathy Sheehan said at the time.

As we said previously, we proactively made a referral nearly four months ago in accordance with state policies," said Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for the governor.

BREAKING NEWS Cuomo resigns after report said he's a serial sexual harasser In this still image from video, Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Cuomo has resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19. (Office of the Governor of New York via AP) HOGP/AP Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday said he will resign as governor, effective in 14 days, in the wake of an attorney general's report that concluded he was a serial sexual harasser. Read the full story

The complaint filed with sheriff's investigators has triggered a new investigation of the allegations against Cuomo just days after the release of a devastating report from the office of state Attorney General Letitia James concluded that the governor had violated state and federal law in his alleged serial harassment of 11 women  including the aide who filed the complaint.

The Albany County district attorney's office also is involved with the sheriff's investigation, and has requested all of the attorney general's records to examine all of the misconduct described in the report, including allegations that senior members of the administration may have violated laws or engaged in official misconduct.

Cuomo's private attorney, Rita Glavin, posted a lengthy written response this week to the report issued Tuesday by the attorney general's office that concluded Cuomo had groped his female aide more than once.

In Glavin's response, which noted the attorney general's report indicated the incident occurred on Nov. 16, she provided a detailed breakdown of the governor's busy schedule and asserted it would have been impossible for him to have groped the woman in the mansion  which was bustling with activity that day. There were also numerous aides in the mansion throughout Nov. 16, Glavin noted.

But the attorney general's report also included a footnote to the paragraph that mentioned the assistant had been dispatched to the mansion on Nov. 16 and spent several hours there. The footnote states the assistant "did not remember the exact date of the (groping) incident, but recalled that it was around when she was tasked with photographing a document, and provided a copy of the photograph to us that was dated Nov. 16, 2020."

During a news conference on Friday, Glavin and other attorneys representing the governor or his office criticized the attorney general's investigation and sought to poke holes in the executive assistant's account. They said that what they believe is contradictory evidence about the bustling Nov. 16 workday at the mansion was not shared with the media by the attorney general's office.

"What she has alleged is probably the most significant allegation made against the governor. She has said that during a workday the governor groped her breast in his office," Glavin said. She said the woman's allegation "is false. The documentary evidence does not support what she said."

But the woman told the Times Union that the alleged groping incident did not take place on Nov. 16  and that it took place on another day when she had gone to the mansion to assist the governor with a technical issue involving his phone. She said that day the only employees present were mansion staff members, and no one from the Executive Chamber.

That technical issue was his inability to text a note from his iPhone to Stephanie Benton, the director of the governor's office. The woman told sheriff's investigators on Thursday that if they subpoena the telephone records of Cuomo and Benton, they would reveal the day on which that text was sent  and that it was on the day the governor had allegedly groped her.

The woman's estranged husband is politically active; her attorney, Brian D. Premo, on Thursday told the Times Union they were concerned about the potential for any political influence being placed on the Albany police or the State Police  an agency that the governor controls.

"Sheriff Apple is the chief law enforcement officer in Albany County, and I contacted him on her behalf," Premo said. "We're not casting aspersions on any other police agency."

The filing of the criminal complaint was first reported by the New York Post.
Farmington, WV (26555)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
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With the Venango and Warren county fairs fast approaching, what draws you to the fair?

You voted:
A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate whether a Missouri judge lied on an affidavit he filed in a long-running feud with an elected official he suspended from office
The Liberian Dilemma By Ansu Opa Dualu The balance of nature is struck and maintained because there exists a mutual agreement of coexistence. Chaos ensues when this balance is obstructed and those forces that create the counterweight which supports that very existence of all in that ecology can no longer sustain themselves in this intentional disorder that has been created. Liberia deliberately continues to put a wedge in its own existence; hence, it is always out of balance! Call it a conundrum, a quandary; in the end, it seems there is always a self-inflicted wound that stagnates Liberia in every sense of reason! Why do we do this to ourselves, and by extension, our posterity? There is a counterintuitive way that the typical Liberian approaches his well-being: He wants excellence but selects mediocrity and underlings to provide the results of preparedness and assiduousness! He blocks any form of competition but expects the output of superior scrutiny! The Liberian wants change but is unwilling to pay the price of political agitation, commitment to a higher national ideal, institutional governance and civic duty. He does not move to promote organized governmental structures, but rather prefers futile big men who abuse public funds to build private projects and private wealth while government institutions are left unattended. The typical Liberian celebrates these men because as they say, at least they built it here as though that makes it any better. Greed by a few keeps away Liberias best and brightest thus minimizing any chance for national revitalization. Wicked leaders prey on Liberians because we ALWAYS turn the other cheek and never stand up for ourselves even after they murder us! The Liberian leader does not fear or has any reverence for the people; he actually loathes them. The Liberian fears death, but his political decisions kill him like the Mission Ants in the dried season; those decisions even pose an existential threat to everyone around him! He is oddly unusual in his thinking; he shuns the most prepared citizens, those who have put in the time and efforts to master leadership and produce results, but rather he champions illiterates, vagrants, criminals, murderers and rapists while still expecting transformative change. The Liberian confuses infamy with celebrity. My countrymen make a rational being wonder in bewilderment!

The gullible Liberian claims that education is not important yet he longs for the fruits of education and spends a considerable portion of his time seeking a diluted form of education in poorly funded government institutions that are free of education! Liberian Leadership maintains poverty as a way to control the masses without realizing that better control comes from the elimination or reduction of human sufferings. He deifies his leaders and gives them unchecked access to state resources with full impunity in all matters and expects those leaders not to hold themselves far above the people. The Liberian puts himself into difficult and impossible positions despite having the clear option to do the opposite. His political decisions are continuously perplexing. He sells his votes for rice but remains hungry and begs for rice from greedy politicians when the voting is over. He loves to be pitied when he has the power to be in charge. He creates unnecessary conflicts and hardships upon himself while spending the bulk of his leisure time in quasi-religious houses miraculously expecting Gari to turn into Jollof Rice without work. The Liberian steers clear of industry and diligence but allows hustlers and con artists masquerading as evangelical preachers to pick his pocket using twisted prosperity messages and the promise of Heaven. Right before their eyes, they see these so-called pastors go from wearing rags to $2000 Amani Suits in a country where most of their practitioners live on less than $2/day! Despite all this, they continue to fatten these so-called Men of God like a celebrated calf in bone-crushing poverty without any intention to slaughter it. The Liberian even baffles God Himself. It is a catch-22. The Liberian intentionally puts himself in a sticky situation and expects poverty and Third World Deprivation not to stubbornly cling on to him. Our condition is like a vicious circle that is naively defended by the very people who suffer the most in this puzzling predicament of self-imposed hardship. Moreover, it is not a stretch to conclude that the typical Liberian enjoys suffering given the political decisions he makes and the no-win, awkward positions he puts himself in especially when it comes to taking a rational position. Blame this on the gullibility caused by the consequence of prolonged dispossession, sexual abuse, gluttonous exploitation, the continuation of chronic corruption and civil conflict; the Liberian constantly fights against his own upward mobility by directly countering any action that improves his condition. He even prefers foreigners to his own countrymen! His is a psychological complex not yet fully diagnosed. He separates himself from his family but expects to have one when he needs it. Instead of creating the local environment where each and every one of us can self-actualize, he claims to seek greener pasture abroad without taking into account that the likelihood of achieving any true success is near zero given that he is not prepared to adequately function in a developed environment. Consider however, that the argument is not to discourage travel but to ensure we are prepared before we leave home  most of us are not. The Liberian man breaks up the family, and by extension the society with unfettered promiscuity and neglect, but wants a virgin when he is looking for a bride. The debaucheries of our women in many instances are on equal footing. We brush aside nobility, diligence, loyalty and integrity but call villains honorable to give them unearned credibility. Ours is a society sick and weakened with misplaced priorities. The typical Liberian is infatuated with Academic Degrees; he buys them, manufactures them, and fakes them, have others get it for them even at the highest level of the presidency. Most semi-illiterate govt officials titled themselves Dr., Bishop or Professor to make themselves relevant! He loves designations he has not earned nor does he have the training to defend them. He blurts out fancy vocabularies that he cannot properly pronounce yet claims to be right about everything without having the discipline to dig a little deeper to know he is entirely wrong. He has substituted internet searches for education and is oblivious to the fact that his temporarily borrowed talking points cannot be used as a proxy for transformative education. He wants the trappings of success without putting in the work  this is why he only focuses on stealing public funds! His homeland is where dreams go to die! Moreover, the typical Liberian spoken about throughout this article will attack this piece not on any valid grounds but because he hates to hear the truth about why his pitiful conditions persist. Despite all this self-imposed suffering and backwardness, the proper leader (Google and read A Guide to Picking Liberias Next President) can easily reorient the Liberian thinking and actions because we are an easy people. The question is: How do we get that leader when these dilemmas stand in the way?
VIRGINIA, MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA

Date Posted: August 2, 2021 Closing Date: August 26, 2021 Category: Administrative Job Type: Full-Time / Residential Position: School Principal Term of Service: Contractual / 2 - 5 years / Renewable Reports to: The Board of Trustee of Ricks Institute Salary: Commensurate with qualification and experience

Objective:

The School Principal, as the chief administrator of the school, is responsible for delivering a program of holistic growth in a culture of academic excellence; maintaining the schools historic identity and reputation as a flagship Baptist institution; supervising and developing key leadership talent within the administration, staff and faculty; developing and retaining enrollment to maximize available facilities; facilitating sound and transparent management of all school assets, including financial; and representing the school professionally and enthusiastically while developing positive relationships with key stakeholders. Summary:

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of Ricks Institute is seeking expressions of interest from qualified, experience and reputable individuals, preferably with post graduate degree, or at minimum, graduate degree, to serve as principal of Ricks Institute. Also being a Baptist or a Ricks graduate could serve as an added advantage. Skills, Experience and Character:

Provide strategic direction to the school

Develop standardized curricula

Assess teaching methods

Monitor student achievement

Encourage parent involvement

Revise policies and procedures in line with the BOT

Administer the budget

Hire and evaluate staff

Oversee facilities

Develop safety protocols and emergency response procedures

Personally  The individuals life shall reflect the following:

Utmost integrity in business, finance, human resource and ethical matters

A life lived in public and private consistent with biblical principles

A model of Gods ideal for the family

A spirit willing to listen and appropriately include the views and counsel of others Essential Job Functions  The Principal will lead in such a way that the following are characteristics of the school: Commitment to the School/Institution

 Professional leadership that facilitates flexibility, change and innovation

 Current knowledge and integration of major trends in education and Christian education specifically

 - Creation of and management of an annual budget in conjunction with the Board Finance Committee

 A strategic plan for the school that is reviewed annually, and inclusive of safety protocols and emergency response procedures Accountability to the Board - The Principal will do the following:

Attend each Board and Executive Committee meeting unless otherwise excused by the Board

Prepare and give a written monthly report on school activities, issues and trends

Perform all duties consistent with Board policies

Keep the Board informed of significant issues or potential risks/crises through the Board Chairman

Give support and provide loyalty to the Board at all times

Provide feedback, counsel and annual written professional evaluation of key faculty and staff leadership

Please drop your completed application package to the following locations.

1. Providence Baptist Church, Ashmun/Center Street, Monrovia, Liberia.

2. Office of the Department on Secondary school, Education Commission, (LBMEC) C/O Dr. Arnoid G. Hill Metro building RM#: 106 A & B Broad Street, Monrovia or email your applications to: ricksinstitutesnc2021@gmail.com For information, please call the following Numbers:+231(0)886-923682/+231(0)886-356820/+231(0)886-780707 Signed: Amb. Corey S. K. M. Holmes

Secretary Search & Nominating Committee

Approved: Deacon Joseph S. Morris

Co-Chair Board of Trustees (BOT)

Chair Search & Nominating Committee

Ricks Institute
Did you start your own company? Congratulations! It's great to be able to work for yourself. You are your own boss and you can do things exactly the way you want. However, entrepreneurship is not always a dream come true. After all, there is a lot to consider. Think of the financial administration, worries in times of crisis and customers who do not meet their payment obligations. That can all cause a lot of stress! Are you a starting entrepreneur and do you experience stress? In this article we give you 3 tips to experience less stress.







Look for useful software

More and more work is automated and that offers a lot of advantages. Tasks that normally require a lot of time and effort, are now easy to fulfill. And believe us, you can find handy software for almost every repetitive task these days. So are you tired of all that paperwork, the continuous correspondence of the same type of emails, or the manual preparation of invoices? Then take a look at what software is available. For example, use Mailchimp to schedule emails once for the rest of the month. Or use Simplicate to log hours. There is always software that can help you do your work better and faster.

Outsource work

As a starting entrepreneur, it may feel a bit strange to outsource work. You may want to do it yourself because you want to stay in control or simply want to save money. However, we recommend you to outsource certain tasks. By that we mean tasks you are not good at or cost you a lot of time and energy. Outsourcing work to a professional often ensures that the work is delivered faster and better. After all, a professional is the expert in that type of work. They have the knowledge, but also the tools. Tools that are not available to you or that cost you a lot of money.

For example, consider a debt collection agency. They have the tools and resources to quickly detect defaulters and approach them effectively. And let's be honest: a message on letter paper with the logo of a debt collection agency makes more of an impression than a self-written email. The great thing about a collection agency is that they can help you from A to Z. From drafting and sending a formal reminder (Dutch: aanmaning) to engaging a bailiff. Many debt collection agencies, including Credifin debt collection agency (Dutch: Credifin incassobureau), work according to the No Cure No Pay principle, which means that you have no costs in the amicable stage if no result is achieved. And that offers security!

Schedule appointments with yourself

Your business is of course extremely important, but never more important than your health. That comes first! That is why it is important to schedule time for yourself during and after work. Time when you put your phone on silent, close the laptop and do the things that help you relax. Think of a walk in the park, a short workout or a yoga session, dinner with friends or family etc. Our tip: schedule this time in your agenda! Just like you put an appointment in your agenda with others, you do the same with yourself. This way other people can not reserve time.
[August 06, 2021] Babylon Eclipses 100,000 U.S. Value-Based Care Members

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Babylon today announced it now serves more than 100,000 members in the United States through its Babylon 360 digital-first, value-based care platform. The company has seen rapid adoption of Babylon 360 by major health plans across the country since its introduction in 2020. Significantly, Babylon 360 has grown by 600% in the first seven months of 2021, compared to the entirety of 2020. "We're excited to share this milestone because it demonstrates the appeal and effectiveness of our platform," said Paul-Henri Ferrand, Babylon's chief business officer. "Babylon 360 is a leading offering in digital-first value-based care, that is changing the way we interact with our health and delivering high quality outcomes for members at scale." Quality at scale is one part of the Babylon value proposition; speed is another. In New York, Babylon got the system live for more than 15,000 members with Babylon 360 in less than 90 days from signing a contract  all amid a global pandemic, which has put significant strain on the overall healthcare system. Babylon 360 is available to members in California, Missouri and New York through a variety of Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance plans and providers. The Babylon 360 platform combins cutting-edge AI-powered technology with human medical expertise to help members stay out of the hospital and remain in control of their health.



Using a combination of doctors' expertise, data and Babylon's proprietary technology platform, Babylon 360 gives members actionable insights and information about their wellbeing, and  by helping members to understand their specific needs  helps them set personalized health goals. If there's a problem, Babylon 360 gives 24/7 access to a dedicated Personal Care Team, so that members can receive the most appropriate care, medication and treatment. A recent survey among Babylon 360 members identified that more than 40% of consultations had resulted in members avoiding the Emergency Room or urgent care visits, generating significant cost savings.

About Babylon

Babylon is a world leading, digital-first, value-based care company whose mission is to make high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone on Earth. Babylon is re-engineering healthcare, shifting the focus from sick care to preventative healthcare so that patients experience better health, and reduced costs. This is achieved by leveraging a highly scalable, digital-first platform combined with high quality, virtual clinical operations to provide all-in-one, personalized healthcare. We endeavor to keep patients at the peak of health and get them back on their feet as quickly as possible, all from their devices, with the aim to promote longer and healthier lives. When sick, Babylon provides assistance to navigate the health system, connecting patients digitally to the right clinician 24/7, at no additional cost. Founded in 2013, we have since delivered millions of clinical consultations and AI interactions, with c.2m clinical consultations and c.3.9m AI interactions in 2020 alone. We work with governments, health providers and insurers across the globe, and support healthcare facilities from small local practices to large hospitals. For more information, please visit www.babylonhealth.com/us . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/babylon-eclipses-100-000-us-value-based-care-members-301350243.html SOURCE Babylon

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[August 06, 2021] Chipz Public Presale is Here!

Singapore, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) Chipz is adding thrill to its already promising fanfare of decentralized betting through its recently launched public presale. Even better, unlike most public presales, where it is all about hitting fundraising targets, the public presale will reward early Chipz participants with NFTs. Heres what you need to know about the Chipz public presale. We all know that NFTs have become a way of earning crazy cash in a very short time. But, more so, NFTs are a worthwhile concept for anyone interested in gaming collectibles. Chipz will give away an NFT worth $5k to one lucky participant. In addition, the NFT will be eligible for use in Chipzs new NFT marketplace for the chipzdrive.io, which is set to go live in August. The lucky NFT winner can choose to bet with the token on the chipzdrive.io marketplace or cash out for the CHPZ token. Would you like to tak advantage of this new prospect? The good news is that anyone participating in the public presale is eligible for the reward. As a participant, all you have to do is tweet Get your Chipz at mychipz.io,  and provide your wallet address.



The NFT marketplace will provide another exciting dimension to the Chipz platform. For starters, once the market place goes live this month youll be able to buy an NFT race car from the three levels of cars, personalize it to your liking, race it on chipz.drive and place a bet on it. Whats more, CHPZ holders without an NFT race car can still use their CHPZ to bet on races on chipzdrive.io.

As a CHPZ holder, you will; Have access to the NFT marketplace where you can buy NFTs, race your personalized car on chipz.drive and, better yet, earn returns by placing bets on the race.

Be able to run a decentralized sportsbook. Chipz allows you to become a bookmaker at only $30 for the quarter or $60 per year and host as many clients as possible -- compares favorably with other sportsbooks that charge $12 per person per week.

Get back 3% on your placed bet.

Be part of a community of blockchain developers and advisors looking to revolutionize the gambling industry. The public presale will end on August 6, the same day when Chipz will go live at $0.05 per token on Uniswap. You can stay updated by following these links below Public presale: https://mychipz.io/the-final-countdown/ Website: https://mychipz.io/ Whitepaper: https://mychipz.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CHPZ-technical-whitepaper.pdf Contat:

Karnika Yashwant CEO KEY Difference Media key@keydifferencemedia.com







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[August 05, 2021] Global Direct Mail and Corporate Gifting Platform Reachdesk Expands Into Australia and New Zealand

Reachdesk, the leading global direct mail and corporate gifting company, has announced its expansion to Australia and New Zealand following continued growth in Europe and the US. This is a major move for Reachdesk on its mission to help B2B companies deliver moments that matter at scale, globally. With offices in New York, London and Lisbon, Reachdesk empowers businesses to build deeper connections through direct mail and corporate gifting, while driving results and ROI. The company powers revenue generating direct mail and corporate gifting campaigns for some of the world's leading brands, including ZoomInfo, Hootsuite, Sendbird and Zscaler. "This is a huge milestone in our global expansion plan. After seeing over 900% growth in Europe and US over the past few years, we're thrilled to grow our presence in an exciting new territory. We're already working with customers and local partners in the ANZ region while growing our world-class team in Australia and New Zealand." said CEO Temy Mancusi-Ungaro. With a warehouse in Australia, a growing number of local partners on its marketplace, and dedicated customer service teams, Reachdesk is servicing clients in Australia and New Zealandto deliver moments that matter at scale globally.



Reachdesk was founded in 2018 and in 2020 raised $6 million in funding and is recognized as one of the top 5 fastest-growing companies on G2 (News - Alert) Crowd. The business is focused on investing in their customers and people, as well as expanding further around the globe, with a large focus on the US. Reachdesk: www.reachdesk.com

Learn more about Direct Mail and Corporate Gifting: https://go.reachdesk.com/direct-mail-and-corporate-gifting-guide Reachdesk in real life: https://www.reachdesk.com/case-studies About Reachdesk Reachdesk enables B2B companies to deliver moments that matter at scale, globally, throughout the entire customer lifecycle. Through Reachdesk companies can deliver gifts and direct mail that build deeper connections with customers, prospects and employees at the click of a button. Our integrations to your tech stack power a clear and quantifiable ROI; the direct channel is no longer a guessing game. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210805005863/en/

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[August 06, 2021] Governments of Canada and Ontario invest up to over $73 million to bring high-speed Internet to the Golden Horseshoe

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on our Internet connections, making access to fast and reliable Internet service even more critical. For too long, many rural Canadians have lacked access to high-speed Internet, impacting their ability to work, learn and keep in touch with family and friends. The pandemic has made addressing this divide even more urgent. That's why the governments of Canada and Ontario are accelerating their investments in broadband infrastructure. Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement the Member of Parliament for Oakville, and Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for PeterboroughKawartha, together with the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, highlighted a joint investment of up to over $73 million to bring high-speed Internet to almost 26,000 rural Ontario households in the Golden Horseshoe.

This investment is being made as part of a joint federal-provincial agreement through which the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario have partnered to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to all corners of the province by 2025. In addition, the Canada Infrastructure Bank is assessing opportunities proposed through the Universal Broadband Fund to provide additional financing on a project-by-project basis toward significant expansion of broadband in partnership with private and institutional investors. Canada-wide, more than 890,000 rural and remote households are on track to be connected to high-speed Internet as a result of federal investments. At the end of March 2021, 175,000 rural and remote households had been connected to high-speed Internet under projects supported by the Government of Canada. By the end of this year, over 435,000 households will be connected thanks to support from the federal government. This investment represents a concrete step forward that will move Ontario almost 40% of the way in its ambitious plan to achieve 100% connectivity for all regions in the province by the end of 2025. This investment builds on Ontario's recently announced investment of up to $14.7 million for 13 new projects under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program. This will provide up to 17,000 homes and businesses with access to reliable high-speed Internet and builds on a range of provincial initiatives under way that will connect another 70,000 homes and businesses. Also part of Ontario's plan to achieve 100% connectivity is a recently announced innovative procurement process that is being used to help connect the vast majority of the remaining underserved and unserved communities. Procurement under this delivery model, led by Infrastructure Ontario, will begin later this summer. Together, these initiatives are part of Ontario's plan to help bring reliable high-speed Internet to more communities across Ontario.



Today's announcement builds on the progress the governments of Canada and Ontario have already made to improve critical infrastructure in Ontario. This includes leveraging over $30 billion in federal, provincial and partner funding for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). This investment supports over 265 local transit projects; 140 projects in rural and northern areas; over 70 green infrastructure projects; and over 270 community, culture and recreation projects. Also, as part of ICIP, Ontario launched the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure stream with combined federal and provincial funding of $1.05 billion. This includes up to $250 million in federal and provincial funding for municipalities to address critical local infrastructure needs to improve health and safety. Quotes

"Broadband is undeniably critical infrastructure in the modern world, and the pandemic has made this more apparent than ever. Reliable high speed Internet allows us to learn, attend school and work remotely, and it allows small businesses to serve customers. Yet, far too many rural communities still do not have access to high-speed Internet. This investment, in partnership with Ontario and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, will connect almost 26,000 households in the Golden Horseshoe to high-speed Internet. Broadband access is critical for our country's economic growth and recovery, and our government is committed to making sure no community is left behind."

 The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Oakville "Access to high-speed Internet will create jobs, improve health and safety for all, and help bridge the rural-urban divide. The pandemic added urgency to this work, and the Government of Canada responded with the Universal Broadband Fund. Our government's investments to date have helped connect 175,000 households to highspeed internet. By this Christmas, 435,000 households that didn't have high-speed internet last Christmas will be connected. That number will grow to more than 700,000 by the end of 2022 and more than 800,000 by the end of 2023. Our partnership with the province of Ontario will help nearly 280,000 households in close to 900 communities in Ontario."

 Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre "Our government is taking another step forward as part of our plan to bring high-speed internet to every community in the province by the end of 2025. Our latest investment to bring access to high-speed internet to more homes and businesses will make a positive difference in the lives of countless families and individuals in the Golden Horseshoe. By working together with our federal partners, we've achieved another important milestone in building a stronger, more connected, Ontario"

 The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre Quick facts Since 2015, Government of Canada investments have helped more than 175,000 rural and remote households across Canada gain access to high-speed Internet.

investments have helped more than 175,000 rural and remote households across gain access to high-speed Internet. The Government of Canada has committed $7.2 billion to broadband Internet infrastructure, including $2.75 billion through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

has committed to broadband Internet infrastructure, including through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). These investments will help ensure that 98% of Canadians will have high-speed Internet access by 2026, and 100% will have access by 2030.

The Government of Ontario is helping to improve connectivity across the province. This is supported by a commitment of nearly $4 billion to ensure all Ontarians have access to high-speed Internet by the end of 2025.

is helping to improve connectivity across the province. This is supported by a commitment of nearly to ensure all Ontarians have access to high-speed Internet by the end of 2025. The Ontario government has invested in initiatives to improve connectivity across Eastern and Southwestern Ontario . It has also invested in high-speed Internet projects in rural and Northern Ontario , such as through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Next Generation Network Program.

government has invested in initiatives to improve connectivity across Eastern and . It has also invested in high-speed Internet projects in rural and , such as through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Next Generation Network Program. The Ontario government is also helping to speed up construction of broadband projects through the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021, which received royal assent this spring. Stay connected Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.

Twitter: @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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[August 06, 2021] Harris Williams Advises Social Solutions Global on its Pending Sale to Apax Partners LLP

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it is advising Social Solutions Global (Social Solutions), a portfolio company of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), on its pending sale to Apax Partners LLP (Apax). Social Solutions is a leading cloud software provider for nonprofit and public sector social service organizations. The pending sale of Social Solutions is part of a three-company merger alongside CyberGrants and EveryAction, creating a diversified social impact software platform serving nonprofits, public sector agencies and corporations. The transaction is being led by the Harris Williams Technology Group. "Social Solutions is an established leader in the nonprofit and public sector software industries, both of which represent incredible opportunity and are undergoing transformational periods of digitization," said Sam Hendler, a managing director at Harris Williams. "Under the leadership of CEO Erin Nelson and a world-class management team, and with support from Vista, Social Solutions has continued to evolve in response to increasingly complex and important needs of nonprofits and health and human services organizations looking to improve social outcomes through innovative software, data science and analytics." "Social Solutions is an incredibly impressive business, but more importantly a powerful enabler of social change and impact," added Scott Reinig, a director at Harris Williams. "The combination of Social Solutions, EveryAction and CyberGrants is a milestone event in the nonprofit and public sector sotware space and we're excited to see what the combined platform is able to achieve for nonprofits and the organizations that fund them."



Social Solutions, a public benefit corporation, is a leading provider of cloud software for nonprofit and public sector social service organizations. The company's Apricot, Penelope and ETO products offer clients some of the most comprehensive and secure social good platforms available, including case management, participant connection, data insights, outcome analytics and funder enablement solutions. Based in Austin, Texas, Social Solutions was founded 20 years ago by social workers who saw the potential of technology to improve outcomes and help accelerate lasting social change in the communities they serve. To date, more than 90,000 users have adopted the Social Solutions platform to improve their data by measuring and optimizing outcomes. Social Solutions serves clients in the U.S., U.K., Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Vista is a leading global investment firm with more than $75 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020. The firm exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled organizations across private equity, permanent capital, credit and public equity strategies, bringing an approach that prioritizes creating enduring market value for the benefit of its global ecosystem of investors, companies, customers and employees. Vista's investments are anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions and proven, flexible management techniques that drive sustainable growth. Vista believes the transformative power of technology is the key to an even better future - a healthier planet, a smarter economy, a diverse and inclusive community, and a broader path to prosperity.

Apax is a leading global private equity advisory firm. For nearly 50 years, Apax has worked to inspire growth and ideas that transform businesses. The firm has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of more than $60 billion. The Apax Funds invest in companies across four global sectors of tech, services, healthcare and internet/consumer. These funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC (News - Alert) Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). The Harris Williams Technology Group advises leading private and public companies, founders, and private equity, growth equity and venture capital firms on mergers and acquisitions and capital-raising transactions worldwide. The Technology Group has deep domain expertise in software and technology-enabled services and dedicated focus areas across a variety of vertical software applications and end markets. For more information on the Technology Group and its recent transactions, visit the Technology Group's section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: hwgermany@harriswilliams.com). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005375/en/

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[August 06, 2021] Key Mortgage Services Names Top Industry Executive Ralph Melbourne As New President

Chicago-based Key Mortgage Services today announced the hiring of top industry executive Ralph Melbourne as its new president. Selected after Key Mortgage engaged in a nationwide search, the Chicago-area financial services professional begins his new role immediately at the mortgage arm of Baird & Warner, Illinois' largest family-owned independent real estate services company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005437/en/ Key Mortgage Services, a full-service financial products provider, announced the hiring of top industry executive Ralph Melbourne as its new president. (Photo: Business Wire) "As one of the first one-stop-shop companies delivering brokerage, mortgage and title services, we're proud to add the expertise and knowledge of Ralph Melbourne as we continue making the process easier for homebuyers and sellers in the Chicago area and beyond," said Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. "We're amid another record-breaking year and Ralph's 25-plus years of work as an innovative change leader in the financial services ndustry will help us further elevate the transaction-to-closing experience with a vision toward future growth."



Melbourne most recently served as national head of mortgage lending for BMO Harris Private Bank, and as managing director of Guaranteed Rate Affinity's mortgage origination venture with Realogy Holdings Corp. - both based in Chicago. Prior to those leadership roles, he was president of the real estate channel for PHH Mortgage in Mount Laurel, N.J., where he managed an operation of more than 400 loan officers with annual volume of over $8 billion. Preceding his pivotal role at PHH Mortgage, Melbourne held a variety of executive positions at PNC (News - Alert) Mortgage, Morgan Stanley Credit Corp., Washington Mutual and Citibank. "I'm proud to lead such a successful independent mortgage firm and work with the talented team at Key Mortgage in developing new methods and processes to support additional volume as the market continues its trajectory," Melbourne said. "Consumers want easy mortgage solutions, and the one-stop-shop model Baird & Warner has perfected over three decades quickly connects clients to finance products that get them into the house of their dreams."

Melbourne has a bachelor of business administration degree from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. A resident of Chicago's western suburbs for over 30 years, he has volunteered at Shriners Hospitals for Children, and continues as a governing member of the Chicago Zoological Society. In 2020, Baird & Warner recorded the most successful year in its 166-year history with more than $11.5 billion in sales and over 37,500 transactions companywide. Its one-stop-shop partners at Baird & Warner Title Services and Key Mortgage Services contributed to those results, achieving their own record sales of over $2 billion and $1 billion, respectively.* About Key Mortgage Services: Established in 1988, Key Mortgage is a full-service financial products provider, consistently ranking among the top lenders in Chicagoland. The company has been named a Top Employer five years in a row by National Mortgage Professional Magazine, while its affiliation with Baird & Warner Real Estate was ranked #5 for Core Services / Mortgage Closings on the 2021 RealTrends 500 list. Key Mortgage loan originators combine industry-leading technology and operational excellence with in-house underwriting capabilities and a wide variety of financial products to ensure homebuyers get a loan that fits their unique situation and closes on time, every time. Learn more at MyKeyMortgage.com. About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.: Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is Illinois' largest family-owned independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation, and integrity for more than 165 years. Steve Baird, the firm's fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry's most influential leaders. In 2019, Baird & Warner was named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for the eighth year in a row. With more than 2,500 broker associates in 29 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, and relocation services, Baird & Warner ranks among the nation's top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com. * Source (News - Alert) for sales and transaction data: Baird & Warner Real Estate Inc. residential sales, mortgage, and title companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005437/en/

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[August 06, 2021] LUBA Workers' Comp Selects Insurity to Expand Its Use of Data Analytics

Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers and MGAs has announced that LUBA Workers' Comp has successfully implemented Insurity's Valen Analytics solution. This new implementation will help LUBA expand their use of predictive modeling, mitigate business risk, and embrace straight-through processing (STP) to provide faster underwriting to their agency partners. As one of the largest workers' compensation providers in Louisiana, LUBA also provides coverage for businesses in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Most recently, LUBA has expanded into the Florida market through the acquisition of Florida-based casualty insurance carrier, FHM Insurance Company. LUBA has a longstanding history of steady and controlled growth through aggressive claims management, active loss prevention, and disciplined underwriting. "We are excited to be partnering with Insurity," said Matt Whisenant, Vice President of AppliedAnalytics & Innovation at LUBA. "We believe in a hands-on underwriting approach, and this is an additional tool that will enable us to provide that. When working with our agency partners and policyholders we are always looking for ways to better assess risk and offer competitive pricing."



"LUBA is a company very dedicated to their mission of customer service and delivering genuine dependability," said Kirstin Marr, Head of Insurity Analytics. "We are pleased we were able to provide a product that leverages technology to advance that mission." About Insurity

Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software and analytics for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 15 of the top 25 P&C Carriers in the US and has over 250 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform and with unrivaled industry experience and thought leadership, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners. For more information, visit www.insurity.com. About LUBA Workers' Comp Founded in 1991, LUBA Workers' Comp is a regional casualty insurance company covering businesses in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas through select, independent insurance agencies. LUBA's motto, "Genuine Dependability" captures the essence of its relationship-driven work philosophy providing customers with superior customer service and complete claims support. Learn more about the LUBA difference by visiting lubawc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005372/en/

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[August 06, 2021] Majic's Subsidiary CGCX Launches Advanced Decentralized Blockchain Platform

Houston, Texas, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Majic Wheels, Corp. (OTC Pink: MJWL) ("Majic" or the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, that is positioning itself as a player in the disruptive industries of fintech and software development by means of acquisitions, announces launch of iChain Advanced Decentralized Blockchain Platform by its wholly-owned subsidiary CGCX. CGCXs iChain is an ambitious Layer 2 scaling project dedicated to the establishment of a truly decentralized infrastructure. It provides one of the largest blockchain-based operating systems and offers public blockchain support of high throughput, high scalability, and high availability for all Decentralized Applications (DApps) on the CGCX iChain ecosystem. iChain is designed to be a complete platform for launching interoperable blockchains and offers significant transparency, security, scalability, performance, and low/no gas fees. The first project - iBG (www.ibg.finance), a Smart DeFi Robo Advisory app that provides users with AI enabled asset management, has already gone live on CGCX iChain, with more than 3000 transactions logged in the first hour. The second project is CGCX token. CGCX is the worlds first fully insured hybrid trading platform and its native utility token will migrate from Ethereum blockchain to iChain blockchain. There are two further enterprise blockchain projects in the pipeline that are due to go live on the CGCX iChain. Aneesha Reihana, Chief Product Strategist of iBG.finance added CGCXs iChain has provided us a scalable platform to expand our service offerings at not only no cost to our consumers, but even more importantly on an insured platform. The go to market strategy is to help fortune 500 multinational companies move into blockchain with a highly scalable/secured low to no cost model. This provides a truly decentralized platform and offers POSI (public offering security insurance) to all the digital assets available in the iChain platform, subject to insurance premiums. The founder of CGCX and iBG Dr Vin Menon said we are very proud to be the world's first insured platform where all the digital assets are reinsured by Lloyds of London Syndicates and provide safe custody and peace of mind for our asset owners. This is unique to the market and we have been working on developing this infrastructure for a number of years.



The CGCX iChain is a protocol designed to help scale key Decentralized Applications (DApps) by handling transactions off the Ethereum mainnet, while taking advantage of the robust decentralized security model of the mainnet, by anchoring transaction hashes to the mainnet, which ensures that the immutability of the blockchain is maintained. iChain seeks to address some of Ethereum's major limitationsincluding its throughput, poor user experience in terms of high speed and delayed transactions and its high gas fees. In a recent interview, Vitalik Buterin, Ethereums co-founder, has commented on how the Ethereum ecosystem will not work if gas fees cripple the average users and sees sidechains and parachains as playing a key role in reducing network costs, amplifying performance, and anchoring Ethereum.

About Majic Wheels Corp. Majic Wheels Corp., a Delaware corporation, intends to position itself as a player in the disruptive industries of Fintech and software development by means of acquisitions and mergers. Majic Wheels Corp. is listed and traded on the Over-the-Counter Market under the trading symbol "MJWL". For more information about the Company visit: Our OTC Markets Profile: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/mjwl/overview

Our website is: https://majiccorp.co/

Our Twitter account is: https://twitter.com/MajicCorp

Our Discord: https://discord.gg/apolloassets About CGCX Ltd. Founded in 2018, Calfin Global Crypto Exchange CGCX set out to offer a highly sophisticated cryptocurrency exchange for a seamless & secure crypto trading experience. Unlike most exchanges that offer only cryptocurrency trading, CGCX caters to the larger blockchain community by providing four services under a single platform. CGCX Website: https://www.cgcx.io SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions. Many forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to enhance our products and systems to address industry changes, our ability to expand our customer base and retain existing customers, our ability to effectively compete in our market segment, the lack of public information on our company, our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business, operations, our ability to continue as a going concern, and a limited public market for our common stock, among other risks. Many factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the company's control. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. SOURCE: Majic Wheels Corp. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: David Chong

Email: info@majiccorp.co



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[August 06, 2021] Mini Shiba Inu Ready To Follow Father's Footsteps Into a Social Phenomenon

Cape Coral, Florida, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After the extraterrestrial emergence of Dogecoin, Safemoon, and of course the great Shiba Inu, thousands of new crypto projects have been trying to capitalize on the movement but to no avail, until now. Welcome to the creation of the Mini Shiba Inu, the son of Shiba Inu.

Mini Shiba Inu launched less than a week ago on July 31st, to commemorate the birthday of his father Shiba Inu which was exactly 1 year ago - to the day.



Launching as a safe binance smart chain token for investors, with reflection reward tokenomics built-in, it is no wonder why Mini Shiba has broken all-time records for any previous binance smart chain launch. This highly anticipated project had over 2500 investors in their telegram voice chat on their launch as thousands wanted to see the birth of the son of the "Dogecoin Killer." The vision of the team from top to bottom is that this is not your typical meme coin, it is built for longevity and sustainability as it will eventually be heading to over a billion-dollar market cap and beyond. Not to mention, Mini Shiba Inu is run by a fully doxxed marketing team, as a way to ensure the trust and safety of its investors. The stigmatization of Mini Shiba was designed to be endearing and to appeal to all demographics and audiences. The team's aim was to create a powerful logo and tell a story of Mini Shiba that is so compelling, that it draws people in and makes them want to be a part of this revolutionary project. As the story goes, Mini Shiba was the runt of the litter and has been lost fending for himself against the perilous dangers of the world. His deficiency in size is promptly redeemed through his fearlessness and resoluteness. As a result, from young to old, the Mini Shiba Inu story is a narrative that you can get behind as the community looks to reunite him on his mission to the moon to be with his father Shiba Inu (SHIB). Younger generations of the world, who already have been drawn into the success story of Shiba Inu, will undoubtedly be drawn to the aurora that Mini Shiba Inu creates. Because of the deep admiration that the developers' cognizance towards the original Shiba Inu brand and community, it was their aim not to compete, but preferably to complement the current Shiba marque. Mini Shiba will follow in his father's footsteps and be another thriving element in the chapter of the Shiba story. The direction has always been to appeal to the current investors as another great Shiba Inu asset to invest in. The team also mentioned in their latest AMA that their belief in the cognition of the community is indispensable in order to make the Mini Shiba Inu project a monumental success story.

To their recognition, this team does tout sensational results already in the short timeframe since their launch. It has not even been a week and the project boasts a very active community of nearly 30,000 telegram members and already has nearly 20,000 holders on record. Consequently, their base of loyal investors has been growing stronger each day as the story of Mini Shiba Inu catches more and more hearts of the investors.



So the most obvious question to ask is what distinguishes Mini Shiba from other meme tokens? The head developer's response to this question was, "The story of Mini Shiba gives holders something more to attach themselves to emotionally. It gives the element of feeling a part of something bigger than the typical meme coin...And our team is second to none. Moreover, we have a huge marketing wallet (currently $300,000 and growing), way above average for the typical meme coins. We plan on marketing this hard yet effectively as we are using a combination of algorithms to find out the most cost=effective methods that produce the highest results for our community. We believe that many projects fail on this point and we strive to deliver in a way that will result in our investors seeing a healthy rise in the chart. In the end, Mini Shiba Inu will be delivering a social phenomenon that the binance smart chain investors and the rest of the world have yet to see." Another distinguishing asset of holding Mini Shiba is its unique tokenomics, with a total of one Quadrillion, with 5% burned on launch. Built-in with a buy tax of 18% and a sell tax of 12%, which is used as encouragement for investors to hold on to invested tokens so that the investment can continue to grow with a steady flow of reflection rewards. With a 2% buy and 7% sell reflection, this ultimately translates to the more Mini Shiba tokens you hold the bigger the reflection rewards. Finally, with 4% to marketing and charity wallet, and featuring a 6% buy and 7% sell tax going directly to the unique ShibaBoost protocol, a truly unparalleled buyback mechanism designed to provide an automated system. This buyback ensures the team doesn't have to manually adjust buybacks, essentially guaranteeing a creaseless procedure every time. The Mini Shiba team already has nearly $250,000 in buyback money ready and waiting to smash the open market at any time!

An immense milestone will come for holders of Mini Shiba Inu when the market cap surpasses the 1 billion mark in the form of an animated film. This will be a high-quality produced film about the life of Mini Shiba Inu, the son of Shiba Inu. Several of the major meme coins will be staring in the film such as DogeCoin, Baby Doge, and Safemoon. This will be the first-ever movie of its kind and it will all focus around the Mini Shiba Inu brand. Mentions in the film of Elon, Space X, and the famous Falcon 9 rocket are used throughout the motion picture. Big-name Hollywood writers and producers are actively involved in this project as the Mini Shiba Inu team knows it's just a matter of time until the billion-dollar market cap comes into reality. Following the release of the film will be merchandise and accessories such as Mini Shiba clothing for children, backpacks, shoes, toys, and more! The iconic position that the Mini Shiba Inu grasps as a project in the entire cryptocurrency community is that they are able to exclusively refer to themselves as the only son of Shiba Inu. As a team, the Mini Shiba Inu is following that pattern to be able to become prodigious just like their father. Since Mini Shiba Inu has taken this awe-inspiring position to be a part of the Shiba Inu family, any other coin, regardless of use-case can't take that away from them. Mini Shiba Inu has the DNA of his father Shiba Inu and this runs deep into the project. This DNA provides the Mini Shiba team a formula to replicate in order to gain the same traction as the Shiba Inu project. And from how the community is responding, the Mini Shiba team intends to represent and fill the position of Shiba Inu well. This is where the old expression comes into play, "like father...like son." Join the Mini Shiba Inu, which launched on the same day (July 31) as his father Shiba Inu just one year earlier. For more information go to the telegram page (link below) and go into their 24-hour voice chat for any questions Social Links:

Telegram: https://t.me/MiniShibaInu

Website: http://www.minishibatoken.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=dV8yr55dYs4&t=494s&ab_channel=BPCryptoNuggets Media Contact:

Dave Ruiz

Email: dave@cryptokidfinance.com The Post Mini Shiba Inu Ready To Follow Father's Footsteps Into a Social Phenomenon appeared first on Zex PR Wire.



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[August 06, 2021] Neil Jacobs Joins Spire Global as Scientific Advisor

Today, Spire Global, Inc. ("Spire" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services announced that it has hired Dr. Neil Jacobs as a Scientific Advisor. In his role, Dr. Jacobs will work with Spire's leadership team to further commercialize the company's weather solutions and strengthen the data offerings to government partners. "Neil brings with him not only a deep scientific background, but also experience in both the private and public sectors," said Peter Platzer, Spire's Chief Executive Officer. "The impacts of climate change on business and society will only increase as we look forward. I am confident that Neil's unique perspective will prove indispensable as we build towards ever more accurate and valuable weather solutions for our customers." Dr. Jacobs previously served as the Acting U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Prior to his government post, he served as chief atmospheric scientist at Panasonic (News - Alert) Avionics Corporation. He was previously Director of Research and Business Development at AirDat LLC, where he worked on the development of the company's Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting weather monitoring system before the company was acquired by Panasonic Avionics Corporation. Dr. Jacobs holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, in mathematics and physics, from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Science and a PhD in atmospheric science from North Carolina State University. About Spire Global, Inc. Spire is a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services, offering access to unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so that organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world's largest multi-purpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world's toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, Boulder, Washington DC, Glasgow, Luxembourg, and Singapore. To learn more, visit http://www.spire.com. About NavSight Holdings, Inc. NavSight Holdings, Inc. ("NavSight") (NYSE: NSH) is a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Special Meeting of NavSight Stockholders to Approve Business Combination On July 26, 2021, Spire announced that the registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-256112) of NavSight relating to the previously announced merger of NavSight and Spire (the "Business Combination") was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as of July 22, 2021. A previously announced special meeting of NavSight's stockholders (the "Special Meeting") is expected to be held on August 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM ET to, among other things, allow stockholders to vote to approve the proposed Business Combination. The Special Meeting will be completely virtual and conducted via live webcast. Stockholders of record of NavSight common stock as of the close of business on the record date of June 21, 2021 may vote at or before the Special Meeting. If the proposals at the Special Meeting are approved, the parties anticipate that the Business Combination will close shortly thereafter, subject to the satisfaction or waiver (as applicable) of all other closing conditions. Upon the closing of the Business Combination, the parties expect that the combined company will operate as Spire Global, Inc., and that the shares of common stock and the warrants of the combined company are expected to be listed on New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "SPIR" and "SPIR.WS," respectively. NavSight stockholders who need assistance voting, have questions regarding the Special Meeting, or would like to rquest documents may contact NavSight Holdings, Inc., 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, Virginia 20191, by telephone at (571) 500-2236, or by email at jack@navsight.com, or NavSight's proxy solicitor D.F. King & Co., Inc. by calling (800) 207-3158 or banks and brokers can call at (212) 269-5550, or by emailing NSH@dfking.com.



Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed Business Combination (the "Proposed Transaction"), NavSight has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC (News - Alert) , which includes a proxy statement which has been distributed to holders of NavSight's common stock in connection with NavSight's solicitation of proxies for the vote by NavSight's stockholders with respect to the Proposed Transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Spire's stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction, and an information statement to Spire's stockholders regarding the Proposed Transaction. NavSight has mailed a definitive proxy statement/prospectus/information statement and other relevant documents to its stockholders of record as of June 21, 2021, the record date established for the Special Meeting. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus/information statement, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety as they become available because they will contain important information about NavSight, Spire and the Proposed Transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus/information statement and other documents filed with the SEC by NavSight (when available) through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: NavSight Holdings, Inc., 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191.

Participants in Solicitation NavSight and Spire and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of NavSight is set forth in its final prospectus filed on July 22, 2021 (the "NavSight Prospectus"). Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the Registration Statement, the NavSight Prospectus and other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction as they become available. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement and NavSight Prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the commercialization of Spire's weather solutions and strengthening of its data offerings to government partners, the accuracy and value of Spire's weather solutions, the potential success of Spire's market and growth strategies, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Proposed Transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of NavSight's and Spire's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of NavSight and Spire. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of NavSight's securities; (ii) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed by NavSight's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by NavSight; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the stockholders of NavSight, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions by NavSight's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the Proposed Transaction; (v) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Transaction on Spire's business relationships, performance, and business generally; (vii) risks that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans of Spire and potential difficulties in Spire employee retention as a result of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against NavSight or Spire related to the business combination agreement or the Proposed Transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of NavSight's securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (x) the ability to address the market opportunity for Space-as-a-Service; (xi) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not generate expected net proceeds to the combined company; (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xiii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (iv) the risk of downturns, new entrants and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive space data analytics industry; and those factors discussed in the NavSight Prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of NavSight filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or Spire's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither NavSight nor Spire presently know or that NavSight and Spire currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect NavSight's and Spire's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. NavSight and Spire anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause NavSight's and Spire's assessments to change. However, while NavSight and Spire may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, NavSight and Spire specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NavSight's and Spire's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005113/en/

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[August 06, 2021] Protecting Canada's Energy Supply Chains From Cyber Threats

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - Cyber security is integral to safeguarding Canada's citizens, information, economy and critical infrastructure. The need has never been greater as threats evolve and threaten to disrupt our daily lives. The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $407,000 in funding for the University of Waterloo to develop an enhanced cyber security system to protect Canada's critical energy infrastructure. The innovative hardware assurance system will be developed by the University of Waterloo and can detect compromised parts and devices, ensuring the safety and reliability of Canada's energy delivery by mitigating risks in its supply chain. This is especially important as the growing complexity of supply chains makes it more difficult for organizations to identify and mitigate potential risks as they can lose sight of the supply chain security practices of their vendors and suppliers. Bruce Power will provide equipment, evaluate machine learning processes and evaluate the overall performance of the new system, while Palitronica Inc., a Canadian cyber security hardware and software company and part of University of Waterloo's innovation ecosystem, will provide hardware sensors to enable the technology development. The University of Waterloo and Bruce Power also contributed to the project, bringing the total investment to over $830,000. Federal funding for this project is provided by Natural Resources Canada's Cyber Security and Critical Energy Infrastructure Program, which received $2.42 million in Budget 2018 to enhance the cyber security and resilience of domestic and cross-border energy infrastructure under Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy.



The Government of Canada continues to assess emerging cyber security threats to keep Canada's critical energy infrastructure safe. NRCan is making cyber security a priority and playing an active role in shaping Canada's cyber security. Quotes

"Our lives have become increasingly digital which means the security threats we face are also becoming digital. We're investing in cutting-edge technologies with universities and industry leaders to protect Canada's energy sector from cyber threats and keep our critical infrastructure secure." The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr.

Minister of Natural Resources "Cyber security is a core area in the university's research profile. We are delighted to employ our research excellence to advance the state of the art in a sector as important to the Canadian public as the energy sector. Our daily lives depend on the proper functioning of the power grid, and increasing its cyber posture is an important and worthwhile challenge." Mary Wells

Dean, University of Waterloo "Bruce Power strongly supports this project to develop new hardware assurance technology to non-intrusively and non-destructively detect counterfeit parts or devices. The project complements our current efforts to ensure security and integrity of the supply chain for digital components." Jim Coady

Department Manager, Engineering, Bruce Power "With the global rise in cyber attacks, protecting Canada's energy infrastructure has never been as important as it is today. We are excited to work with Natural Resources Canada, the University of Waterloo and Bruce Power to demonstrate how our groundbreaking technology enables unprecedented hardware assurance and improves the cyber-resilience of Canada's energy sector." Griffin Barnicutt

Co-founder, Palitronica Inc. Associated Links University of Waterloo

Bruce Power

Palitronica Inc.

Cyber Security and Critical Energy Infrastructure Program

National Cyber Security Strategy Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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[August 06, 2021] Rocket Lab to Launch NASA Funded Commercial Moon Mission From New Zealand

Rocket Lab, the leading launch and space systems company, today announced it will launch the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand from Q4 2021. It will be Rocket Lab's first launch to the Moon. CAPSTONE (the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) aids NASA's Artemis program, which includes landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon and establishing a long-term presence there. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005495/en/ A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle lifts-off from Launch Complex 1 (Photo: Business Wire) Launching on an Electron launch vehicle and deploying from Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft platform, CAPSTONE is a 55-pound satellite created by Advanced Space that will serve as the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit. As a precursor for Gateway (News - Alert) and other Artemis elements, an international and commercial Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA's Artemis program, CAPSTONE will help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies and verifying the dynamics of this halo-shaped orbit. The mission is the first time Rocket Lab will use its Photon spacecraft platform as a trans-lunar injection stage to place a satellite on a trajectory that will take itbeyond Earth orbit to the Moon. After lifting off on Electron to an initial elliptical low Earth orbit, Photon will separate and use its 3D printed HyperCurie engine to provide in-space propulsion to allow CAPSTONE to break free of Earth's gravity and set a course for the Moon. After deploying the CAPSTONE satellite, Photon will continue on its own trajectory to conduct a lunar fly-by, while CAPSTONE will use its own propulsion system to enter a cislunar orbit.



Following a three-to-four-month trip to the Moon, the CAPSTONE CubeSat will enter a near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), which is a highly elliptical orbit over the Moon's poles. During its six-month primary mission in orbit around the Moon, CAPSTONE will validate the propulsion requirements for maintaining this type of orbit as predicted by models, reducing logistical uncertainties for future missions. It will also test the accuracy of innovative spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation solutions as well as demonstrate capabilities for commercial support of future lunar missions. The NRHO provides the advantage of an unobstructed view of Earth in addition to coverage of the lunar South Pole. Originally slated for lift-off from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, the CAPSTONE mission will now take place from Launch Complex 1 to support a Q4 launch window.

"Flexible isn't a word usually used to describe lunar missions but operating two launch complexes gives us the freedom to select a site that best meets mission requirements and schedule," said Rocket Lab Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Beck. "Our team is immensely proud to be launching one of the first pathfinding missions to support NASA's goal of delivering a sustainable and robust presence on the Moon. We've teamed up with the NASA Launch Services Program on previous Electron missions to low Earth orbit, so it's exciting to be working with them again to go just a bit further than usualsome 380,000 km further." Advanced Space of Colorado, a leading commercial space solutions company, owns the satellite and operates the mission. CAPSTONE development is supported by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate via the Small Spacecraft Technology Program at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. Advanced Exploration Systems within NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate supports the launch and mission operations. NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for launch management. Web Resources www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/small_spacecraft/capstone

advancedspace.com/missions/capstone/ Images and Video Content: www.rocketlabusa.com/about-us/updates/link-to-rocket-lab-imagery-and-video/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005495/en/

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[August 05, 2021] Paradigm Appoints Former Humana Executive Elizabeth Bierbower to Board of Directors

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Paradigm, the industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex health care challenges and improving lives, today announced the appointment of Elizabeth (Beth) Bierbower to its board of directors. With more than 30 years of health care insurance industry experience, Beth will help guide the development of Paradigm's accountable specialty care management model and extend the company's impact beyond workers' compensation. Beth will help extend Paradigm's impact beyond workers' compensation. "At Paradigm, our mission is to improve more lives. The achievement of this goal centers on leveraging our proven clinical expertise and market leadership to create solutions for a broader market, while delivering value to our current clients and the injured workers we serve," said John Watts, Chief Executive Officer of Paradigm. "We are thrilled to add Beth to our Board. She will be instrumental in helping us identify new opportunities, and it's reassuring that she shares our view on delivering value throughout the care continuum, fortifying our position as the leader in accountable specialty care management for complex and expensive cases."



"As a firm believer in advancing a connected continuum that delivers value to payers, providers, and patients alike, I was instantly captivated by Paradigm's deep commitment to delivering better outcomes for all parties," said Bierbower. "Paradigm is truly unique in their ability to assume risk on difficult cases and deliver a guaranteed outcome for clients and injured workers. I look forward to working with the leadership team to identify ways to extend their impact to more people."

Bierbower was formerly a member of Humana's Executive Management Team and led their Employer, Specialty, and Military businesses and product innovation efforts. Her understanding of discrete populations and depth of product and innovation contributed to Humana's successful growth during her tenure. Before joining Humana, Bierbower held leadership roles with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, as Vice President of Healthcare Strategy; and Coventry Health Plans of Pittsburgh, as Chief Operating Officer. She serves on several boards, including BlueSprig, Brella Insurance, and Quest Analytics, L.L.C. She obtained her master's degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Carlow University. About Paradigm Paradigm is an accountable specialty care management organization focused on improving the lives of people with complex and catastrophic injuries and diagnoses. The company has been a pioneer in value-based care since 1991, offering deep clinical expertise, high-value specialty networks, behavioral health support, payment integrity solutions, and robust data analytics to generate the very best outcomes for patients, payers, and providers. Paradigm is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, with offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.paradigmcorp.com. Media Contact

Ronda Clement

VP of Marketing

ronda.clement@paradigmcorp.com

(727) 488-9345 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paradigm-appoints-former-humana-executive-elizabeth-bierbower-to-board-of-directors-301349958.html SOURCE Paradigm

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[August 05, 2021] Advancing Digital Tools, Nu Skin Empowers Entrepreneurs to Reach New Customers

SINGAPORE, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As more people connect and share online, social eCommerce is fast becoming a popular way for customers to recommend and shop for their favorite products. In an increasingly digital world, Nu Skin, a global leader in innovative beauty and wellness products powered by its dynamic affiliate opportunity platform, is empowering entrepreneurs around the world to sell products and services using their mobile devices and reach new customers with innovative digital tools. Nu Skin has helped entrepreneurs chase their dreams since 1984  an achievement that has earned the company an induction into the Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards' Hall of Fame in the Inspirational Brand category. As a direct selling company, Nu Skin first started with Sales Leaders sharing and recommending the company's next-generation beauty and wellness products face-to-face with customers. Today, with the abundance of social media platforms available, Nu Skin is helping Sales Leaders become modern entrepreneurs by allowing them to connect with customers using its latest digital platform, VERA, and other tools like My Site and Product Offer. "As we build on our world-class beauty and wellness products that are delivered through our affiliate opportunity platform, we are committed to providing our affiliates with the support and tools needed to maximize customer engagement and elevate the product experience. Digital tools like VERA and My Site will make it easier for affiliates to utilize the power of their personal brands and relationships to provide authentic product recommendations and personalized customer engagement via social media," said Ryan Napierski, President & CEO-elect. Advanced consultations at your fingrtips



A first-of-its-kind skin consultation tool, VERA helps Nu Skin Sales Leaders recommend a tailored skincare regimen based on their customers' requirements. Using data-driven insights into an individual's lifestyle, it captures their photo using AI to analyze skin concerns. An intelligent algorithm then uses the information to help customers understand their skin needs better so as to identify the right products for them. Click here to discover more about VERA.

Nu Skin also harnesses digital features like My Site and Product Offer to help Sales Leaders connect with customers and influence people with their expertise. With a customizable Nu Skin branded page, Sales Leaders can use My Site to promote their favorite product recommendations and simultaneously build their personal branding. Moreover, the Product Offer feature help Sales Leaders promote products to audiences on social media, then DM a link to those items for seamless express shopping. "We are constantly imagining new solutions to help Sales Leaders transform more lives through Nu Skin products, and drive innovation in the beauty and wellness industry. Nu Skin will continue developing digital platforms and virtual innovations to help entrepreneurs reach new customers, while cementing the sustainability of our brand," said Dr Vicky Pakapun Leevutinun, President Southeast Asia & Pacific. Experience a virtual Nu Skin world with SEA L!VE Digital A great way to experience a virtual Nu Skin world is to join its upcoming SEA L!VE Digital event. The two-part event features a Virtual Expo from August 5-8, where aspiring entrepreneurs can discover Nu Skin's digital tools, learn about the products and company, and win prizes. Nu Skin will also host its main business session and recognition events from August 6-7, where participants can hear about Nu Skin's upcoming plans to digitalize and transform its business directly from the management team, hear from the Founders, discover the latest products from Nu Skin's scientists, and learn how top Sales Leaders built their Nu Skin business by creating a strong social presence. To participate, please visit the official SEA L!VE Digital website and save this event to your calendar. About Nu Skin Founded more than 35 years ago, Nu Skin develops and distributes innovative consumer products, offering a comprehensive line of premium-quality beauty and wellness solutions. The company builds upon its scientific expertise in both skin care and nutrition to continually develop innovative product brands that include the Nu Skin personal care brand, the Pharmanex nutrition brand, and most recently, the ageLOC anti-aging brand. Nu Skin sells its products through a global network of sales leaders in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. As a long-standing member of direct selling associations globally, Nu Skin is committed to the industry's consumer guidelines that protect and support those who sell and purchase its products through the direct selling channel. Nu Skin International is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (NYSE: NUS). More information is available at nuskin.com. SOURCE Nu Skin Southeast Asia

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[August 06, 2021] Global Semiconductor Market Size Growing at 6.81 Percent CAGR, Says SpendEdge

NEW YORK, Aug.6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Semiconductor market will register an incremental spend of about USD 171.69 Billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.81% during the five-year forecast period. A targeted strategic approach to Semiconductor sourcing can unlock several opportunities for buyers. This report also offers market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download free sample report Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices.

Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation on pros and cons of prevalent pricing models.

Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Get a free sample report for more information Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers:

Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the Semiconductor market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Semiconductor pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfill their category objectives. For more insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers, www.spendedge.com/report/semiconductor-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report



Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth:

The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. During the forecast period, the market expects a change of 6.00%-8.00%.

Identify favorable opportunities in Semiconductor TCO (total cost of ownership).

Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes.

Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities. Some of the top Semiconductor suppliers listed in this report:

This Semiconductor procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. NXP Semiconductors NV

SK Hynix Inc.

NVIDIA Corp.

Broadcom Inc. To get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. Subscribe Now for Free Table of Content Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix Get instant access to download 5 reports every month and view 1200 full reports. With every purchase, we also offer complimentary research add-ons and Covid-19 impact assessments  Purchase Now! About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contacts

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Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-semiconductor-market-size-growing-at-6-81-percent-cagr-says-spendedge-301348602.html SOURCE SpendEdge

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[August 06, 2021] TCL Electronics' Revenue in the First Half of 2021 Increased by 103.7% YoY to HK$34.93 Billion

TCL Electronics Holdings Limited ("TCL Electronics" or "the Company", 01070.HK) announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021. In the first half of 2021, against the backdrop of the continued tight supply and demand for TV panels, the Company demonstrated strong resilience. With the world's leading capabilities in brand and products, the Company's smart screen sales volume and Internet business have maintained steady growth. During the reporting period, the revenue from continuing operations of the Company reached HK$34.93 billion, increasing by 103.7% year-on-year; gross profit reached HK$5.57 billion, up 57.6% year-on-year. Attributing to the Company actively optimising the supply chain and channel layout, as well as strengthening cost and enhancing efficiency, the expense ratio fell by 1.2 percentage points year-on-year to 14.2%. In the first half of the year, the Company's net profit attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations reached HK$1.04 billion, up 122.9% year-on-year. Of which, the profit attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations after deducting one-off non-operating items reached HK$245 million. The basic earnings per share from continuing operations was HK43.30 cents, a year-on-year increase of 113.3%. The Brand has Achieved Remarkable Results in Overseas Markets, Smart Screen and Internet Businesses have Developed Rapidly In the first half of 2021, TCL Electronics seized the opportunity in the evolving industry, adhered to the smart display business as its core development strategy, deeply implemented the "AI x IoT" full-scenario smart and healthy life strategy, and increased research and development ("R&D") and innovation investment, achieving steady growth in the Company's global smart screen sales and Internet business. Sales Volume of TCL Smart Screen has Steadily Increased in Global Market Share, and the Penetration of High-End Products has Accelerated (News - Alert) Leveraging its global production capacity and supply chain advantages, the sales volume of TCL smart screens in the first half of 2021 maintained a good trend of steady growth. The global sales volume reached 11.27 million sets, a year-on-year increase of 11.8%. According to the latest report of Sigmaintell, in the first half of 2021, the market share by shipment of TCL smart screen in the global TV market increased by 1.0 percentage point to 11.6%, ranking firmly among the top three in the world. According to the latest data released by GfK and NPD, the sales volume of TCL smart screen during January to May 2021 ranks among the top five in 19 overseas countries and regions. According to China Market Monitor's omni-channel data, sales volume of TCL smart screen in the People's Republic of China ("PRC") accounted for 13.9% of the market share in the first half of the year, ranking third domestically. The market share in terms of sales revenue in the PRC reached 13.2%, jumping to second domestically. In the first half of 2021, TCL Electronics continued to top the global market, and the competitiveness of its international business continued to increase. In the first half of 2021, the sales volume of TCL smart screen in overseas markets increased by 22.2% year-on-year, and the average selling price increased by 32.0% year-on-year. Revenue reached HK$16.66 billion, up 61.4% year-on-year while gross profit reached HK$2.40 billion, up 34.3% year-on-year. Among which, the North American markets increased by 31.6% year-on-year, the emerging markets increased by 74.9% year-on-year, and the European markets increased by 140.8% year-on-year. In the PRC market, affected by the increase in screen prices, TCL Electronics adopted active strategies such as raising selling prices and optimising product structure, which offset part of the cost pressure. In the first half of 2021, the average selling price of TCL smart screen in the PRC market surged by 75.8% year-on-year, and revenue reached HK$6.43 billion, up 47.9% year-on-year. Gross profit reached HK$1.31 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.7%. At the same time, the Company ushered in a breakthrough in high-end products, and the trend of large-screen product became increasingly obvious. In the first half of 2021, the sales volume of TCL quantum dot ("QLED") smart screen increased by 61.8% year-on-year, and its sales volume increased by 2.1 percentage points year-on-year to 4.5%. The average size of TCL smart screen sold increased by 2.6 inches to 52.5 inchs from the same period last year. In the future, the Company will adhere to the mid-to-high-end lines, continue to optimise the product and channel structure, and promote the steady improvement of operating performance.



Internet Business Profitability Continued to Grow, and Revenue Increased by 38.3% YoY to HK$721 million TCL Electronics has been steadily propelling the development of home Internet services on a global scale and is committed to providing users with products and services that are multi-screen, real-time interactive and with full-scenario intelligent perception. In the first half of 2021, the Company's global Internet business revenue reached HK$721 million, a significant year-on-year increase of 38.3%.

In the PRC market, in the first half of 2021, revenue from the Company's domestic Internet business (mainly the relevant business of Falcon Network Technology Group) reached HK$600 million, a significant year-on-year increase of 51.3%. Falcon Network Technology is committed to enhancing user experience, and its software competitiveness continues to improve. Among them, the revenue of its membership business, value-added business and advertising business has increased by 75.9%, 44.8% and 13.0% year-on-year respectively. While deepening the cooperation with major video content providers, Falcon Network Technology has vigorously explored innovative businesses such as children's business, large-screen education, and seniors' business. At the same time, it has developed vertical content fields such as cloud games and short videos. User loyalty continues to improve. As of end June 2021, the number of monthly active users of Falcon Network Technology increased by 13.8% year-on-year to 19.29 million. The average daily user time spent in the first half of 2021 was 5.13 hours and the ARPU reached HK$31.4 in the first half of 2021, a year-on-year increase of 31.5%. In overseas markets, for the first half of 2021, revenue from overseas Internet business of the Company reached HK$121 million, which remained flat when compared to that of the same period last year. The Company continued to deepen cooperation with global Internet giants such as Roku, Google (News - Alert) and Netflix and completed TCL Channel's commercial transformation by expanding the global household Internet business. As of June 2021, the Company's content aggregator platform TCL Channel covered 18 countries in total. The Company will continue to launch TCL Channel in more countries to bring better quality user experience and service to consumers in key markets. Total Sales Volume of Smart Mobile, Connective Devices and Services Reached 14.70 Million Sets, up 37.7% YoY TCL Electronics has continued to optimise its diverse business ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of its core strategy of "AI x IoT" since merging with the global business of TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited. For the first half of 2021, the Company's total sales volume of smart mobile, connective devices and services reached 14.70 million sets, up 37.7% year-on-year, revenue reached HK$7.09 billion. In key overseas markets, according to the IDC (News - Alert) ranking data for the first quarter of 2021, sales volume of the Company's mobile phone ranked No.4 in the U.S., Canada and Australia, and No.5 in Western Europe. Sales volume of the Company's smart tablet ranked No.5 globally. Of which, it ranked No.3 in the U.S. and No.5 in Western Europe. In the future, the Company will further consolidate the smart mobile, connective devices and services business and increase the diversity of sales channels to embrace the broader market potential. Continuously Increased Investment in R&D, Leading the Way in High-End Display and Intelligent Interaction Technology The Company highly values the design, R&D and advanced manufacturing of the next-generation smart screens, especially in the areas of display, AI and intelligent interaction technologies, with the objective of providing an enhanced user experience, augmenting the products and brand values, and gradually increasing the penetration rate of smart screen in households. For the first half of 2021, the Company's R&D expenditure increased by 102.6% and amounted to HK$1.03 billion, and the R&D expense ratio was 2.9%. In the first half of 2021, the Company continued to launch mid-to-high end smart products such as TCL X12 8K Mini LED starlight smart screen, TCL C12 QLED Mini LED smart screen and the new TCL 20 Series mobile phones. Of which, the Company had launched the world's first TCL OD Zero Mini LED product - TCL X12 8K Mini LED starlight smart screen, which is also as the thinnest Mini LED smart screen in the world. Moreover, TCL X10 8K QLED smart screen was honored with the "2021 Display Industry Award" by the Society for Information Display ("SID") for its Mini LED new technologies and diverse product functions. Being China's only smart screen product to receive this accolade, it demonstrated the Company's capabilities in technological and research development. The Company also increased the investments in "AI x IoT" technologies R&D, covering advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, cloud service, big data, intelligent interaction, Android (News - Alert) TV system and Internet applications. Seizing Opportunities amid Industry Transformation, Deepening the Smart and Healthy Living Core Strategy of "AI x IoT" for All Scenarios Cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT are developing rapidly. The "digital intelligence" transformation of the display industry will be accelerating and bringing major development opportunities. The Company will focus on the smart screen business and revolve around the core of "Smart Screens Interconnect Everything and Lead to the Future" to develop high-end displays and intelligent interaction technologies. Meanwhile, the Company will continue to implement its intelligent and global development strategy by strengthening the global supply chain and channels, while investing further in R&D and product innovations that center around cutting-edge technologies including AI, big data, 5G and smart manufacturing. In efforts to strengthen the core competencies of the Company, the innovative business unit will be given full play to steadily increase the revenue of Internet value-added service. Looking ahead, the Company will endeavor to become a global leader in providing users around the world with the best products and services that enable multi-screen, real-time interactions and all-scenario smart sensing, while bringing long-term sustainable growth and returns to the Company's shareholders. About TCL Electronics Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (stock code: 01070.HK, incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) is engaged in the R&D, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products such as smart TVs and mobile communication devices and independently developed home Internet services. TCL Electronics has emerged as a world-leading and China's only diversified consumer electronics platform with advantages of vertically integrated industrial chain. With smart display as the core of the strategy and 5G and "AI x IoT" as technology drivers, TCL Electronics provides users with a smart and healthy life with household, mobile and commercial scenarios and is devoted to becoming a world-leading smart technology company. According to the latest report from Sigmaintell, the market share of global brand smart TV of TCL Electronics in the first half of 2021 ranked Top 3 in the world. With leading positions in the domestic and overseas markets, the MAU and ARPU of TCL Electronics' home Internet operation platform, Falcon Network Technology, both ranked among the top in the PRC market. TCL Electronics has also emerged as the industry's only Chinese company with sustainable and large-scale revenue in the overseas Internet services. TCL Electronics is included in the eligible shares list of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Scheme, Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index, Hang Seng Composite MidCap & SmallCap Index and Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index. For more information, please visit the website of investor relations of TCL Electronics: http://electronics.tcl.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005170/en/

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[August 06, 2021] AI and Big Data Join Hands to Assist Physicians in Diagnosis and Reporting

TAIPEI, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the advent of the 5G era and the growing popularity of big data and artificial intelligence applications, the Joint Commission of Taiwan (JCT) is hosting Smart Healthcare Expo Taipei 2021: International Smart Healthcare Forum (Session 2) with a focus on two key themes: healthcare information technology and AI for medical image analysis. Taiwan is known as a treasure island of technology, and its achievements in epidemic prevention highlight the abundant healthcare capacity. The forum's main topics are healthcare big data, data science, and AI medical image analysis. Four experts from the healthcare and IT sectors were invited to propose different solutons.



The healthcare profession is both complex and highly detailed-oriented, while the advent of a service-oriented approach coupled with artificial intelligence, from paperless electronic health records to big data analysis, as well as the development of AI technology for data analysis and medical image recognition, are all indispensable steps in building a smart hospital.This forum gave a presentation on how hospitals in Taiwan are using thoracic X-ray AI and automated reporting. In addition, the latest VeriSee DR software can assist in interpreting diabetic retinopathy. In recent years, the Malaysian government has advocated "working together to improve the health of the nation", and has been promoting mobile healthcare services, hospital management, and the application of smart healthcare, all of which demonstrates the importance of applying intelligent solutions to meet challenges in the healthcare field.

The Joint Commission of Taiwan officially established a one-stop portal in 2019: "Health Smart Taiwan (HST)" ( https://www.hst.org.tw/en/ ). According to the CEO of the Joint Commission of Taiwan, Dr. Pa-chun Wang, HST not only showcases Taiwan's cutting-edge smart healthcare solutions, but also works with Taiwan's application field demonstration sites (Demo Site) to facilitate an understanding of the practical application and future portfolio of smart healthcare and to create a new model for the smart hospital. The third forum in this series will be launched online on August 26th and will focus on intelligent chronic kidney disease care. Information concerning this third forum will be forthcoming soon. SOURCE Joint Commission of Taiwan

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[August 06, 2021] FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD Turns a New Page in the Post-Gen 3 Era

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by accelerated global digital transformation, the storage demand seen in various segments has continued to soar in 2021, granting a massive boost to the SSD market. As a key part of PC and server components, SSD has always been a focal point for major PC OEMs when it comes to performance, stability, and compatibility. Figuring out how to purchase SSD products that can accurately match the market has become a challenge, as resources are in short supply. To resolve this issue, the FORESEE SSD R&D team from Longsys has come up with a solution: FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD. With a capacity of up to 2TB, this guaranteed future success is one of the high-capacity products in the current FORESEE SSD product line. Compared with the previous generation of mainstream products, the performance of FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD has been improved by nearly 50%, up to 3500MB/s and 3000MB/s in sequential read/write, and 327K/294K IOPS in random read/write. The product supports L1.2 low power consumption. In actual tests, the product even achieved L1.2 at less than 3.3mW, which can be effective in prolonging the battery life of the terminal device. Thanks to its excellent performance and low power consumption, FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD is expected to become a force to be reckoned with in the post-Gen 3 SSD era.







Product Series XP1000 PCIe SSD Interface PCIe Gen 3*4 Type M.2 2280 Capacity 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB Model (XXXX represents capacity) XP1000FXXXX Flash memory medium 3D TLC DRAM DRAM-less Operating Temperature 0C70C Sequential Read/Write Speed Up to 3500MB/s / 3000MB/s Random Read/Write Speed (IOPS) Up to 327K/294K Mean Time Between Failures (Hour) 1500000 Warranty 3 years S.M.A.R.T. Function Support Y TRIM Function Y Application Laptops, desktops, all-in-one computers, home IPCs

FORESEE Customized Master Controls Uses Multiple Features to Ensure Data Stability and Security The FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD employs customized main controls and an enhanced local DRAM-less architecture with HMB technology support. The product conforms to the mainstream NVMe 1.4 protocol. Empowered by a built-in intelligent power management unit, it achieves ultra-low power consumption in both active and idle modes. In addition, FORESEE customized master controls incorporate multiple protection mechanisms, Smart Cache, power-on reset integrated within chip, multi-level power management, NAND boot partition and other functions, which ensure the stability and data security of storage products. Compatibility Certified by Multiple Platforms Complies with Mainstream Hardware Standards In recent years, the Intel Evo platform has been making extensive upgrades to laptop components, technologies, functions, and appearance to improve the mobile user experience of laptops. The "1-second wake" function, meaning the laptop can awaken from the sleep state in less than 1 second, significantly optimizes the user experience. However, this function must be certified by Intel Modern Standby, which poses a huge challenge in regards to the performance and power consumption of SSD products. To meet the high hardware requirements of mainstream platforms, the FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD completed certification in July 2021, and will soon be applied to the Evo platform. In addition, the FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD was also UNH-IOL-certified. The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) is a well-known public laboratory providing testing services in multiple fields. UNH-IOL defines NVMe Test Suites, including: NVMe Conformance Test Suite

NVMe Interoperability Test Suite This further proves the FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD's superior performance and low power management. EMI&ESD Qualified Addresses the Procurement Pain Points of PC OEMs With the advancements in electronic technologies and the popularization of electronic products, electromagnetic environments are more complex than ever. Electromagnetic interference has become a key issue that must be tackled by engineers and manufacturers. Qualified EMI and ESD are mandatory items of the national standards for electronic information products. They have always been a problematic issue in the development of SSD products, and are a rigid demand for PC OEMs. On the one hand, it is necessary to prevent the EMI generated during SSD operation from affecting other hardware products or modules. On the other hand, it is also necessary to prevent ESD from affecting how SSDs are used. To this end, the FORESEE XP1000 PCIe SSD has undergone stringent testing by FORESEE SSD R&D and test teams. EMI and ESD indicators are above the national standard and have passed the product test, meaning that it also meets FORESEE's quality requirements for SSD products. Outlook The recent debut of Intel 12th Gen Core processors enabled by PCIe 4.0 has unveiled the era of PCIe 4.0 storage, an era featuring higher performance and lower latency. To keep up with the pace of the industry, the FORESEE SSD product line plans to launch the FORESEE PCIe Gen4*4 mainstream XP2100 SSD (DRAM-less) and the FORESEE PCIe Gen4*4 flagship XP3000 SSD (DRAM-Base) in the second half of this year. The read performance of these two series can reach up to 5000MB/s and 7000MB/s, respectively. Users will be seeing them on major PC applications very soon. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foresee-xp1000-pcie-ssd-turns-a-new-page-in-the-post-gen-3-era-301350157.html SOURCE Longsys

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[August 06, 2021] LifeSpeak Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Second quarter 2021 revenue reached $5.6 million , an increase of 132% compared to the same period in 2020

, an increase of 132% compared to the same period in 2020 Second quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA reached $2.2 million , an increase of $1.5 million over the same period in 2020

, an increase of over the same period in 2020 Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA margin of 40%, compared to 28% in the second quarter of 2020

Client count increase of 45% to 253 as at June 30, 2021 , compared to 175 as at June 30, 2020 TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - LifeSpeak Inc. ("LifeSpeak" or the "Company") (TSX: LSPK), the mental health and total well-being platform for employee and customer-focused organizations, today announced its three and six month financial and operational results for the period ended June 30, 2021. All references to dollar values in this press release are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. "Our second quarter revenue and Adjusted EBITDA grew significantly compared to the second quarter of 2020, largely due to a client base that increased by 45% compared to the prior-year period," said Michael Held, Founder and CEO of LifeSpeak. "We believe that our effective and affordable mental health and total well-being platform for employee and customer-focused organizations is becoming increasingly important to clients, and our quarterly growth reflects that." Consolidated Business Highlights for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

(All capitalized terms not defined herein, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, unless otherwise stated] Second quarter 2021 revenue of $5.6 million , an increase of 132% compared to the same period in 2020, representing a continuing trend of growth in the adoption of the Company's platform.





, an increase of 132% compared to the same period in 2020, representing a continuing trend of growth in the adoption of the Company's platform. First half 2021 revenue of $10.5 million , an increase of 139% compared to the same period in 2020.





, an increase of 139% compared to the same period in 2020. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $22.9 million as at June 30, 2021 , an increase of 132% over the same date in 2020, representing a continuing trend of growth in ARR.





as at , an increase of 132% over the same date in 2020, representing a continuing trend of growth in ARR. Second quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 million , an increase of $1.5 million over the same period in 2020.





, an increase of over the same period in 2020. First half 2021 Adjusted EBITDA of $4.1 million , an increase of $3.0 million over the same period in 2020.





, an increase of over the same period in 2020. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 of $0.5 million , and increase of $0.8 million compared to a net loss of $0.3 million for the same period in 2020.





of , and increase of compared to a net loss of for the same period in 2020. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 of $0.6 million , an increase of $1.4 million compared to a net loss of $0.8 million for the same period in 2020.





of , an increase of compared to a net loss of for the same period in 2020. Total client count of 253, a 45% increase when compared to 175 at the same time last year. Highlights Subsequent to Quarter End On July 6, 2021 , the Company closed its initial public offering of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, for total gross proceeds of $125 million , including a secondary offering totaling $35 million , resulting in LifeSpeak receiving gross proceeds of $90 million .





, the Company closed its initial public offering of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, for total gross proceeds of , including a secondary offering totaling , resulting in LifeSpeak receiving gross proceeds of . Following the end of its second quarter, LifeSpeak continued to execute on its global expansion strategy, signing enterprise agreements with Lego Group ( USA ), Celestica International ( Canada ), and Majorel Group ( Europe ), among others. The Company also signed several embedded agreements, including with T-Cup Studios ( Europe ).





), Celestica International ( ), and Majorel Group ( ), among others. The Company also signed several embedded agreements, including with T-Cup Studios ( ). Launched a new corporate website (www.LifeSpeak.com) to better reflect the Company's business, including its services for clients. Financial Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021







Selected Consolidated Financial Information (In thousands of Canadian dollars)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,



2021 2020

2021 2020













Revenue

5,585 2,412

10,507 4,388 Less:











Product Development and Content

378 249

783 493 Gross Profit.................................................

5,207 2,163

9,724 3,895













Gross Profit Margin (1)











Gross Profit Margin......................................

93% 90%

93% 89%













Deduct Expenses:











Sales and marketing.....................................

1,935 952

3,624 1,749 General and administrative...........................

1,250 1,227

2,809 2,263 Share-based compensation..........................

401 --

1,333 -- Foreign exchange loss (gain).......................

40 85

78 63 Depreciation.................................................

14 14

29 28



3,641 2,278

7,873 4,103













Income (loss) before restructuring and other costs and finance expense...........................................

1,567 (115)

1,851 (208)













Restructuring and other costs (2)..................

726 133

915 439 Finance expense, net...................................

332 67

339 147













Income (loss) before income taxes...............

508 (315)

598 (795) Income taxes (recovery) ..............................

-- --

-- --













Net income (loss) .........................

508 (315)

598 (795)













Non-IFRS Measures











EBITDA (3) .....................................................

855 (233)

965 (620) Adjusted EBITDA (4) ......................................

2,224 684

4,093 1,083

















Notes:

(1) Gross profit margin is calculated as gross profit divided by revenue for the relevant period. (2) Restructuring and other costs are costs related to the entry into of the Company's credit agreement and recapitalization distributions and expenses related to the investment by the Institutional Investors and costs and expenses in connection with the Company's IPO and related matters (3) "EBITDA" is defined as net profit or loss before income tax expenses, finance costs and depreciation and amortization. (4) "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA before non-recurring restructuring and other costs related to the entry into of the Company's credit agreement and recapitalization distributions, expenses related to the investment by the Institutional Investors, costs and expenses in connection with the Company's IPO and related matters, share-based compensation, foreign exchange loss (gain) and shareholders distributions. Conference Call Notification The Company will hold a conference call to provide a corporate update on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. ET, hosted by senior management. A question-and-answer session will follow the corporate update. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS



DATE: Friday, August 6, 2021



TIME: 8:30 a.m. ET



DIAL-IN NUMBERS: 1-226-828-7575 or toll free at 1-833-950-0062



REFERENCE NUMBER: 481990 This live call is also being webcast and can be accessed by going to: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3335695/18905F7FD7E5D00C5E12CAEBE9379A4A An archived replay of the webcast will be available for two weeks by clicking the link below, using access code 718929: https://www.incommglobalevents.com/replay/6567/lifespeak-inc-second-quarter-2021-financial-results-conference-call/ Non-IFRS Measures and Key Performance Indicators As appropriate, LifeSpeak supplements its results of operations determined in accordance with IFRS with certain non-IFRS financial measures and key performance indicators that the Company believes are useful to investors, lenders and others in assessing its performance and which highlight trends its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. LifeSpeak management also uses non-IFRS measures and key performance indicators for purposes of comparison to prior periods, to prepare annual operating budgets, for the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects, to measure the profitability of ongoing operations and in analyzing our financial condition, business performance and trends. As such, these measures and indicators are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective, including how it evaluates its financial performance and how it manages its capital structure. LifeSpeak also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use these non-IFRS measures and key performance indicators in the evaluation of issuers. These non-IFRS measures and key performance indicators are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may include or exclude certain items as compared to similar IFRS measures, and such measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Accordingly, these measures and indicators should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. Non-IFRS Measures EBITDA "EBITDA" is defined as net profit or loss before income tax expenses, finance costs and depreciation and amortization Adjusted EBITDA "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA before non-recurring restructuring and other costs related to the entry into of the Company's credit agreement and recapitalization distributions, expenses related to the investment by the Institutional Investors, costs and expenses in connection with the Company's IPO and related matters, share-based compensation, foreign exchange loss (gain) and shareholders distributions. These non-recurring costs are independent events which are non-recurring in nature and occurred over several financial periods. Selected Consolidated Financial Information

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June, 30



2021 2020

2021 2020 Net income (loss)........................

508 (315)

598 (795) Add:











Depreciation expense..................

14 14

29 28 Finance expense..........................

332 67

339 147 Income tax expense....................

-- --

-- -- EBITDA (1)...................................

855 (233)

965 (620) Add:











Restructuring and other costs (2)

726 133

915 439 Share-based compensation.........

401 --

1,333 -- Foreign exchange loss (gain) .....

40 85

(78) 63 Shareholders distributions (3).......

-- 700

600 1,200 IPO-related costs

202 --

202 -- Adjusted EBITDA (4)................

2,224 684

4,093 1,083













Notes:



(1) "EBITDA" has the meaning ascribed herein under "Non-IFRS Measures".



(2) Restructuring and other costs are costs related to the entry into of the Company's credit agreement and recapitalization distributions and expenses related to the investment by the Institutional Investors and costs and expenses in connection with the Company's IPO and related matters.



(3) Shareholders distributions includes private company legacy profit sharing payment to shareholders.



(4) "Adjusted EBITDA" has the meaning ascribed herein under "Non-IFRS Measures". Key Performance Indicators Annual Recurring Revenue "Annual Recurring Revenue" or "ARR" is equal to the annualized value of contracted recurring revenue from all clients of our platform at the date being measured. Contracted recurring revenue is revenue generated from clients who are, as of the date being measured, party to contracts with LifeSpeak. Such revenue is annualized by: (i) in the case where a contract was in existence for the entire month, multiplying recognized revenue in the calendar month of the date measured by 12; and (ii) in the case where a contract was entered into mid-month, extrapolating recognized revenue at the date measured for the entire calendar month, and then multiplying by 12. Contract lengths typically range from one to three years and, based on our past experience, the vast majority of clients renew their contracts upon expiry. ARR is mainly comprised of revenue from enterprise and embedded solutions and includes revenue from small business and ancillary services (comprised of portals, kits and events purchased by our existing clients or distributed through our channel partners). ARR provides a consolidated measure by which we can monitor the longer-term trends in our business. About LifeSpeak Inc. LifeSpeak is a leading software-as-a-service provider of a platform for mental health and total well-being education for organizations committed to taking care of their employees and customers. With 17+ years of experience creating and curating thousands of expert-led micro-learning videos and other digital content, LifeSpeak's proprietary library's depth and breadth of easily consumable content helps companies around the world support their people anytime and anywhere. LifeSpeak serves a diverse global client base across many industries and sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, insurance providers, and other health technology firms. To learn more, follow LifeSpeak on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/lifespeak-inc), or visit www.LifeSpeak.com. Forward-Looking Information This press release includes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology and phrases such as "forecast", "target", "goal", "may", "might", "will", "could", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "indicate", "seek", "believe", "predict", or "likely", or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking information, including references to assumptions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts nor guarantees or assurances of future performance but instead represent management's current beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events, circumstances or performance. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by LifeSpeak as of the date of this release, is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the risk factors identified under "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated June 28, 2021 (the "IPO Prospectus"), and in other periodic filings that the Company has made and may make in the future with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, all of which are available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect LifeSpeak. However, such risk factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this release. LifeSpeak undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not currently known to us or that we currently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information represents our expectations as of the date of this earnings release (or as the date it is otherwise stated to be made) and is subject to change after such date. However, we disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable Canadian securities laws. All of the forward-looking information contained in this earnings release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. SOURCE LifeSpeak Inc.

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[August 06, 2021] WELL Health to Present at Canaccord Genuity's 41st Annual Growth Conference

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - WELL Health Technologies Corp. (the "Company" or "WELL") (TSXV: WELL), a company focused on consolidating and modernizing clinical and digital assets within the primary healthcare sector, is pleased to announce that it is participating in the 41st Annual Canaccord Genuity Growth Conference. Hamed Shahbazi, WELL's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, August 11th at 4:30pm EST (1:30pm PST) in Track 12. Mr. Shahbazi will discuss WELL's revenue growth plan, near and long-term expansion plans and the Company's recent acquisitions. Management will also be participating in one-on-one meetings with institutional investors. The Canaccord Genuity 41 st Annual Growth Conference, to be held August 10th  12th, is a virtual conference that provides investors access to public and private companies in various sectors. To register for the event, please contact your Canaccord Genuity representative.



About WELL WELL is an innovative technology enabled healthcare company whose overarching objective is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower and support healthcare practitioners and their patients. WELL has built an innovative practitioner enablement platform that includes comprehensive end to end practice management tools inclusive of virtual care and digital patient engagement capabilities as well as Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and data protection services. WELL uses this platform to power healthcare practitioners both inside and outside of WELL's own omni-channel patient services offerings. WELL owns and operates Canada's largest network of outpatient medical clinics serving primary and specialized healthcare services and is the provider of a leading multi-national multi-disciplinary telehealth offering. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL". To access the Company's Canadian telehealth service, visit tiahealth.com, and for corporate information, visit: www.well.company.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/well-health-to-present-at-canaccord-genuitys-41st-annual-growth-conference-301350076.html SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.

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[August 06, 2021] City of Tampa, Florida Unveils Online Budget Book and Performance Metrics Built with OpenGov

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Tampa, FL, has successfully published an online budget book and aggregate performance metrics for the public using OpenGov Budgeting & Planning. "OpenGov enables greater clarity and collaboration, and it helps me communicate how we are doing" -- Mayor Jane Castor

Yesterday, Mayor Jane Castor announced that Tampa is making the Fiscal Year 2022 budget available online. With new interactive gaphs, charts, and other data visualizations powered by OpenGov, she invited residents to explore the new budget book to see how the City is spending against major initiatives, goals, and projects.



"OpenGov enables greater clarity and collaboration, and it helps me communicate how we are doing to our stakeholders in Council and our community. By enabling everyone to see the data and the metrics that matter most, so that we can be fully aligned and successful at Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow," explained Mayor Jane Castor. "OpenGov is thrilled to be helping drive Tampa's transformation to a more effective and accountable government by providing solutions to connect and visualize data across sources, enable a better budget process, ensure departments meet financial goals internally, and share performance data publicly," said Mike Mattson, SVP of Sales, OpenGov

With the implementation of OpenGov Budgeting & Planning, the City of Tampa enables a variety of capabilities to modernize its budgeting and planning processes, including Reviewing, versioning, and approving department budget proposals from a single portal

Building a printed or online budget book faster, while preserving institutional knowledge with access to historical records

Providing staff and residents with critical budget information via powerful dashboards and data visualizations To see Tampa's proposed FY 2022 budget, CLICK HERE.

To see Tampa's performance metrics, CLICK HERE. The City of Tampa joins more than 1,000 public sector organizations leveraging OpenGov to revolutionize work processes with cloud software designed specifically for the needs of government. About OpenGov

OpenGov is the leader in providing our nation's state agencies and local governments with modern cloud software to help power more effective and accountable government. Built exclusively for the unique budgeting, financial, and community development needs of the public sector, OpenGov solutions help our more than 1,000 customers plan effectively, increase efficiency, and improve engagement through better collaboration and transparency. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-tampa-florida-unveils-online-budget-book-and-performance-metrics-built-with-opengov-301349943.html SOURCE OpenGov

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Coursera to Participate in the KeyBanc Technology Leadership Forum

Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR) announces that Ken Hahn, Coursera's chief financial officer, is scheduled to participate in a virtual fireside chat at the KeyBanc Technology Leadership Forum on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 12:20 p.m. PT / 3:20 p.m. ET.

A live webcast and archived replay will be available on Coursera's Investor Relations website at investor.coursera.com.

Disclosure Information

In compliance wit disclosure obligations under Regulation FD, Coursera announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, company blog posts, public conference calls and webcasts, as well as the investor relations website.







About Coursera

Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 87 million registered learners as of June 30, 2021. Coursera partners with over 200 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including Guided Projects, courses, Specializations, certificates, and bachelor's and master's degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in many high-demand fields, including data science, technology, and business.

Source (News - Alert) Code: COUR-IR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005100/en/
[August 06, 2021] Swap desks for deckchairs this summer by using the power of Three, the UK's fastest 5G network

- When it comes to work, two thirds of Brits (67%) are itching for a fresh perspective, keen to work from somewhere other than their home or office - However 82% say a need for a strong internet connection is keeping them tethered indoors - Three is launching a fully connected 5G workspace on Margate Beach to highlight that with the right network, you can create the ultimate work/life balance READING, England, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During the past year and a half we have witnessed significant changes to our lives, especially around the traditional '9-5' working day. Today, for a majority of Brits, remote working is fast becoming the new normal. While this offers many benefits, new research from Three has found it also presents a new set of challenges, including an elongated work week and a reliance on connectivity, leaving many with no option but to stay indoors. A majority (66%) of Brits say that working from home has had a positive impact on them - however just under half (48%) said that it has impacted their mental health as result of feelig stuck indoors (35%), less connected to colleagues (34%), and finding it harder to switch off (25%). It is therefore unsurprising that two thirds (67%) of Brits are open to a change of scenery in search of a more inspirational working set-up (48%).



Three is therefore encouraging the UK to get outside and explore inspirational, new locations this summer to create the ultimate work/life balance through the power of its network. Nearly half of Brits (47%) say getting outside is what helps to keep them motivated, but when it comes to getting work done, they're stuck indoors due to the need for connectivity. As remote working looks like it's here to stay, Three is proving that with a reliable network, people can clear their inboxes while still enjoying the physical and mental benefits of the great outdoors. This new research coincides with the launch of Three's ultimate 5G connected workspace, right on the beach in Margate where workers are invited to work on their presentations while they work on their tans.

The pop-up beach hut and surrounding deskchairs will be available for a week from today, August 5 until August 11. It is free for anyone that turns up and is fully kitted out with everything you need for a home-away-from-home office. 82% of people stated that connectivity was key to keeping them tethered to their homes but here you can experience Three, the UK's fastest 5G network in action. So you can enjoy being outdoors without worrying about being unable to stay on top of your work. With 99% connectivity outdoors and the fastest 5G in the UK, Three customers can experience the freedom of working from their most inspiring locations freeing them from the shackles of their work areas at home. Aislinn O'Connor, director of marketing for UK and ROI at Three, said: "A majority of us are still trying to settle into this new approach to working life. "Reliable connectivity is the key to us being able to unlock everyone's perfect work/life balance. The strength of our network provides our customers with the confidence to get outdoors this summer and find new locations to inspire and motivate them at work. Whether it's the beach, the dales or the coffee shop around the corner, we will keep you connected so you can happily work and play." Notes to editors The UK's Fastest 5G Network based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data for Q1Q2 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. *Source: Survey conducted in the UK by OnePoll with 2,000 UK employed adults, conducted between July 15, 2021  July 21, 2021. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1589940/Three1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1589941/Three_2.jpg

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[August 06, 2021] KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Goldman Home Improvement Trust 2021-GRN2 Issuer Trust

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) assigns preliminary ratings to four classes of notes issued by Goldman Home Improvement Trust 2021-GRN2 Issuer Trust ("GHIT 2021-GRN2"), a home improvement loan ABS (News - Alert) transaction. GHIT 2021-GRN2 will issue four classes of notes totaling $264.795 million, collateralized by 95% economic interests (the "Participations") in a pool of approximately $283.7 million consumer loans used to finance home improvement products and services originated by third-party banks under the GreenSky Program. The Participations will be sold from Goldman Sachs Asset Backed Securities (the "Depositor"), and then from the Depositor to GHIT 2021-GRN2, which will in turn contribute the Participations to the GHIT 2021-GRN2 Grantor Trust. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, GreenSky, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, "GreenSky") operates a platform for merchants that facilitates point-of-sale financing for consumers in the home improvement and elective healthcare markets. Loans are originated by GreenSky's third-party bank partners, under the GreenSky Platform, with GreenSky providing related loan servicing and collection services. Loans originated under the GreenSky Platform generally include reduced rate loans ("Reduced Rate Loans"), zero interest loans ("Zero Interest Loans"), and deferred interest loans ("Deferred Interest Loans"). KBRA applied its Global Consumer Loan ABS Rating Methodology and its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology as part of its analysis of the transaction's underlying collateral pool and the proposed capital structure. KBRA also conducted an operational assessment of GreenSky, as well as a review of the transaction's legal structure and transaction documents. KBRA will review the operative agreements and legal opinions for the transaction prior to closing. Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.



Related Publications Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology

Consumer Loan Global ABS Rating Methodology Disclosures

Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com. About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005332/en/

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[August 06, 2021] DCM to Announce Second Quarter 2021 Results Tuesday, August 10, 2021

DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX: DCM (News - Alert) ) ("DCM" or the "Company"), a leading provider of marketing and business communication solutions to companies across North America, will issue its second quarter results for fiscal 2021 the evening of Tuesday, August 10, 2021. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. Richard Kellam, President and CEO of DCM, and James Lorimer, CFO, will present Q2 results followed by a live Q&A period. Instructions on how to access both the webcast and telephone call are available below. For those unable to join live, a replay of the webcast will be available on the DCM Investor Relations page. DCM will be using Microsoft (News - Alert) Teams to broadcast our Q2 Quarterly Call which will be accessible via the options below: Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 647-749-9154,,52699597# Canada, Toronto

Phone (News - Alert) Conference ID: 526 995 97#

Find a local number |





Website URL

https://bit.ly/3xt8Euw The Company's full results will be posted on its Investor Relations page and on www.sedar.com. Following the call, a video message from Richard Kellam, DCM's President and CEO will be posted on the Company's website.

ABOUT DATA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT CORP. DCM is a communication solutions partner that adds value for large enterprises by creating more meaningful connections with their customers. Our technology-enabled content and workflow management capabilities solve the complex branding, communications, logistics and regulatory requirements of Canada's leading enterprises. We pair customer insights and thought leadership with cutting-edge products, modular enabling technology, and services to power our clients' go-to-market strategies. We help our clients manage how their brands come to life, determine which channels are right for them, manage multimedia campaigns, deploy location-specific and 1:1 marketing, execute custom loyalty programs, and fulfill their commercial printing needs all in one place. Our extensive experience has positioned us as experts at providing communication solutions across many verticals, including the financial, retail, healthcare, cannabis, energy, and public sectors. Thanks to our locations throughout Canada and in the United States, we meet our clients' varying needs with scale, speed, and efficiency - no matter how large or complex the ask - delivered through our technology-enabled service model. Additional information relating to DATA Communications Management Corp. is available on www.datacm.com, and in the disclosure documents filed by DATA Communications Management Corp. on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005361/en/

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[August 06, 2021] ZT Corporate Enforces Mandatory Vaccination Program in Corporate Offices

ZT Corporate, a private equity firm that specializes in healthcare and automotive investments, announced today that as of Tuesday, August 3rd, the company enforced a mandatory vaccine mandate amongst its employees. The mandate pertains to all affiliated employees working at the company's headquarters in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Pearland, TX, locations. ZT Corporate, along with its healthcare portfolio brands, Altus Community Health and Neighbors Emergency Centers, was one of the first employers in the Greater Houston area to offer free testing and vaccines to their employees starting in April 2020. Throughout the pandemic crisis, the private sector, in partnership with the government, has continuously led with solutions that allowed for the transition back to the workplace and normality. Alongside its healthcare portfolio, ZT operates financial services and automotive dealerships - all of which require employees to be on the frontline. "Since the start of the pandemic, I've been passionate about providing access to vaccines and testing for my employees and the community to help stop the spread ofCOVID-19," said Taseer Badar, CEO of ZT Corporate. "As a company with a portfolio of essential businesses, it's important for our employees to be vaccinated to maintain critical infrastructure operations and ensure the safety of those around them. It's up to the private sector to implement preventative measures, such as this, and we're proud to be taking this step on behalf of our employees and the community."



"Our employees have already adjusted and adapted so much during these challenging times, making it possible for us to continue our essential operations." Employees who are unable to receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons must complete an applicable exemption form and provide a weekly negative PCR (News - Alert) test. HR and management are working with employees to coordinate testing to ensure compliance. ZT Corporate is currently evaluating rolling the mandate out to its entire employee force in the coming months, which would extend outside of Houston to their financial services and automotive personnel.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines. About ZT Corporate Established in 1997, ZT Corporate is a private equity firm with an active portfolio in healthcare services and automotive dealerships. With offices in Houston, Los Angeles and New York, the team provides full-service wealth management services to its clients and investors and creates value through a broad range of financial channels, including traditional and alternative investments. ZT Corporate's active healthcare portfolio operates under Altus Healthcare and Neighbors, with automotive dealerships branded under the ZT Motors umbrella. For more information: www.ztcorporate.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005386/en/

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[August 06, 2021] Global Agriculture Drones Market to Reach $4.4 Billion by 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Agriculture Drones - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" . The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Edition: 5; Released: May 2021

Executive Pool: 6062

Companies: 44 - Players covered include AeroVironment, Inc.; AgEagle Aerial Systems Incorporated; Delair Technologies Inc.; DroneDeploy; Parrot SA; PrecisionHawk; SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.; Trimble Navigation and Others.

Coverage: All major geographies and key segments

Segments: Type (Hardware, Software); Application (Crop Spraying, Field Mapping, Crop Scouting, Livestock, Variable Rate Application, Other Applications)

Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry ABSTRACT-

Global Agriculture Drones Market to Reach $4.4 Billion by 2024

Agricultural drones are unmanned aerial vehicles designed for monitoring crop growth and boosting production. Equipped with digital imaging capabilities and advanced sensors, these drones provide farmers with a detailed picture of their farms to help them improve farm efficiency and crop yields. The bird's-eye view of the field offered by agricultural drones allows farmers to identify various issues like fungal/pest infestations, irrigation problems and soil variation. Multispectral images offered by agricultural drones reveal a near-infrared view and a visual spectrum view, enabling farmers to identify differences between unhealthy and healthy plants, which are difficult with the naked eye. These views help farmers in evaluating crop growth a well as crop production. Agricultural drones can be used by farmers for periodical survey of crops, providing hourly, daily or weekly images revealing changes in crops and trouble spots for better crop management. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Agriculture Drones is projected to reach US$4.4 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2% over the analysis period. The United States represents the largest regional market for Agriculture Drones, accounting for an estimated 31.1% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$1.9 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 36.9% over the analysis period.



Agricultural drones are set to disrupt the agriculture industry owing to their immense potential to make agriculture more efficient, precise and productive. With farmers grappling with mounting pressure to boost production while adapting to climate change and dealing with various issues, drones present a compelling solution to improve efficiency of the entire farming enterprise. . Farmers can use the technology to timely identify failing plants, take crop inventory, study and map farmland, improve efficiency of irrigation systems. Agricultural workers can exploit the technology for collecting data, automating redundant processes and maximizing efficiency. In addition to spraying water, fertilizers or pesticides on crops, drones can be used for livestock monitoring and tracking animal population and health. Drones considerably expedite various time-intensive tasks to improve overall productivity. Equipped with cameras, sensors and advanced data-gathering devices, agricultural drones offer detailed images of farms from the sky to help farmers identify plant health, soil conditions and dry spots or plant pests. The technology is witnessing increasing acceptance among farmers globally to intensify production. While farmers in Japan are relying on agricultural drones to deliver pesticides or fertilizers, US farmers are investigating drones for identifying dry spots or other stress areas. The technology is anticipated to also play an important role in generating new job opportunities and attract people towards farming. Over the last several years, a large number of people in the EU and US have turned away from agriculture owing to factors such as inadequate farm incomes, low reliability, and risky, seasonal and demanding nature of farming. Considering these factors, less than 1% of the US is engaged in farming, with the total number of farm workers in the country declining from around 3.4 million during the last century to less than 1 million. Agricultural drones are anticipated to reverse the trend by making farming a more efficient and productive venture. More MarketGlass Platform

Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today`s busy business executive`s intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide.

Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world`s only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years. CONTACTS:

Zak Ali

Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

www.StrategyR.com

Email: ZA@StrategyR.com LINKS

Join Our Expert Panel

https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp Connect With Us on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./ Follow Us on Twitter

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Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-agriculture-drones-market-to-reach-4-4-billion-by-2024--301349096.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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[August 06, 2021] Phillips 66 Invests in Seeq, an Advanced Analytics Software Developer

Phillips 66 is driving to expand its advanced analytics capabilities with an investment supporting Seeq, a developer of software applications for analyzing and sharing insights on process manufacturing data. The investment is through the Altira Group, a venture capital firm that counts Seeq as one of its portfolio companies. It is the first investment by Phillips 66's Digital Ventures organization, which is part of the AdvantEdge66 program launched by the company to drive digital transformation and innovation. "Data can yield incredible value and insights when properly gathered and refined through advanced analytics," said Zhanna Golodryga, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Administrative Officer for Phillips 66. "That's why it's important for us to collaborate with companies to advance innovation in the digital and analytics spaces. This investment provides a pathway for us to help Seeq grow and continue to improve its products, which we believe will be beneficial for our digital transformatio journey."



Seeq is a privately held virtual company headquartered in Seattle with a comprehensive set of process manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things software applications. These applications, which include time-series data visualization tools, enable stakeholders to rapidly investigate, collaborate and distribute insights to improve operations and business outcomes. About Phillips 66

Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company's master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,000 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $57 billion of assets as of June 30, 2021. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @Phillips66Co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005403/en/

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[August 06, 2021] U.S. Bank Foundation invests $1 million to support emerging leaders and community-led solutions to address economic disparities

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Bank Foundation announced a $1 million investment to 20 nonprofit organizations, including New Mexico Community Capital (NMCC) driven by a diverse group of exceptional emerging leaders who are focused on creating effective community-led solutions toward the increasing economic disparities. Organizations are in both rural and metro communities and are focused on support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, workforce development programs and financial inclusion efforts for individuals and families as solutions to wealth building. NMCC increases economic opportunity for Native entrepreneurs by providing foundational business readiness training, including cutting edge digital courses and individually tailored technical assistance. The Native Entrepreneur in Residence 90-day program (NEIR-90) provides a three-month training curriculum focused on business pillars such as management, marketing and financials. The training teaches skills that can help increase business owners' profitability, which supports economic opportunity and mobility. "NMCC is helping business owners get to a place where they can thrive, and their businesses can grow," said Liz Gaboa, executive director of NMCC. "The NEIR-90 program is a shortened version of the impactful Native Entrepreneur in Residence (NEIR) program which has seen 46 graduates over the course of 5-plus years. We are looking forward to starting the program up again in this 3-month format."



Henry Jake Foreman is an emerging leader at NMCC. Promoted to program director earlier this year, Foreman leads the educational efforts for the Financial & Business Basics program and contributed to the new curriculum for the NEIR-90 program. As with all programs, he works to integrate indigenous methodology into his teaching, a critical method for success with program participants. Foreman went through the original NEIR program several years ago and was selected to develop the Financial & Business Basics program in 2017. He holds a master's degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico. "We are dedicated to empowering our communities by listening to those with lived experience and supporting their ideas on how to address racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change," said Arturo Perez, community affairs manager in New Mexico. "In addition to the funding, we are exploring ways to support these leaders and organizations by creating points of connection and access as well as opportunities to build their networks. We look forward to learning from these leaders as we continue to work to break down traditional power dynamics in philanthropy."

Contact:

Jennifer Fredrick, U.S. Bank Public Affairs & Communications jennifer.fredrick@usbank.com | 530.646.3858 About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $559 billion in assets as of June 30, 2021, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. The Minneapolis-based company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses: Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; Corporate & Commercial Banking; and Wealth Management and Investment Services. The company has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2021 World's Most Ethical Companies and Fortune's most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-bank-foundation-invests-1-million-to-support-emerging-leaders-and-community-led-solutions-to-address-economic-disparities-301350371.html SOURCE New Mexico Community Capital

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[August 06, 2021] Kim Spencer McPhee Barristers, P.C. Announces Hycroft Gold Corp. Securities Class Action Settlement Approval

This Notice of Settlement Approval is directed to all persons, excluding certain persons associated with the Defendants, who acquired common shares of Hycroft Mining Corporation ("Hycroft") pursuant to the secondary public offering by way of a final short form prospectus dated May 9, 2013, during its distribution period ending May 17, 2013, and continued to hold those common shares on July 22, 2013 ("Class Members" and the "Class"). PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE: A class action brought on behalf of Class Members has been settled. The Settlement has been approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. This Notice provides Class Members with information about how to submit a Claim Form to the Administrator in order to participate in the distribution of the Net Settlement Amount. THE ACTION: On August 14, 2014, a proposed class action was commenced on behalf of investors who purchased shares pursuant to a secondary public offering in the Ontario Superior Court: LBP Holdings Ltd. v. Allied Nevada Gold Corp., Scott A. Caldwell, Robert M. Buchan, Cormark Securities Inc., and Dundee Securities Limited, brought in the Court under Court File No. CV-14-50851300-CP (the " Action"). The Plaintiff in the Action alleges that the Defendant made misrepresentations related to a short-form prospectus dated May 9, 2013. The settlement of the Action, without an admission of liability on the part of the Defendant, was approved by The Honourable Justice Belobaba on July 30, 2021. This notice provides a summary of the settlement. SUMMARY OF THE SETTLEMENT TERMS: The Defendants in this Action will pay or cause to be paid USD $4,375,000 (the "Settlement Amount"), in full and final settlement of all claims against it in the Action. The Settlement Amount, less the lawyers' fees and disbursements, administrator's expenses, and taxes (the "Net Settlement Amount"), if approved by the Court, will be distributed to the Class in accordance with the court-approved Plan of Allocation. The Settlement Agreement may be viewed at https://www.investorcomplexlaw.com/hycroft-mining-corporation/ or at www.canadianalliednevadasecuritiessettlement.ca. HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION: CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 4, 2021 Each Class Member must submit a completed Claim Form in the online claims administration portal on or before 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 4, 2021 in order to participate in the settlement. The Claim Form can be accessed at www.portal.canadianalliednevadasecuritiessettlement.ca and/or through the website at www.canadianalliednevadasecuritiessettlement.ca or obtained by calling the Administrator at 1-877-400-1211 or by emailing claims@trilogyclassactions.ca. If you do not submit a completed Claim Form by December 4, 2021, you will not receive any part of the Net Settlement Amount. The Court appointed Paul Battaglia of Trilogy Class Action Services as the Administrator of the settlement to, among other things: (i) receive and process Claim Forms; (ii) decide eligibility for compensation; and (iii) distribute the net Settlement Amount to eligible Class Members. The Claim Form should be submitted to the Administrator by using the secure Online Claims System at www.portal.canadianalliednevadasecuritiessettlement.ca and/or www.canadianalliednevadasecuritiessettlement.ca. You may submit a paper Claim Form only if you do not have internet access. The paper Claim Form may be sent by mail or courier to the Administrator: Trilogy Class Action Services

117 Queen Street, P.O. Box (News - Alert) . 1000

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Attention: Hycroft Class Action

Fax: 416-342-1761

Email: claims@trilogyclassactions.ca QUESTIONS: Questions for the Class Members' lawyers may be directed to:







Andrew Morganti Kim Spencer McPhee Barristers, P.C. 1200 Bay Street, Suite 1203

Toronto, ON (News - Alert) M5R 2A5 Tel: (416) 596-1414 Email: amorganti@investorcomplexlaw.com

INTERPRETATION: If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Notice and the Settlement Agreement, the terms of the Settlement Agreement will prevail. This notice has been approved by the Court. Questions about matters in this notice should NOT be directed to the Court. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005006/en/

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[August 06, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Reminds Investors of Looming Deadline in the Class Action Lawsuit Against RLX Technology Inc. (RLX)

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz reminds investors of the upcoming August 9, 2021 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the case filed on behalf of investors who purchased RLX Technology Inc. ("RLX" or the "Company") (NYSE: RLX) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs" or "shares") pursuant or traceable to the Registration Statement and Prospectus issued in connection with RLX's January 2021 initial public offering ("IPO"). If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. RLX purports to be the "No. 1 branded e-vapor company in China," which the Company claims is its "largest potential market." In January 2021, RLX conducted its IPO, selling approximately 116.5 million ADSs) at $12 per ADS, raising approximately $1.4 billion in gross proceeds. On Mrch 22, 2021, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology posted draft regulations confirming that e-cigarettes and new tobacco products would be regulated similar to traditional tobacco offerings.



On this news, RLX's share price fell $9.31, or 48%, to close at $10.15 per share on March 22, 2021, thereby injuring investors. Then, on June 2, 2021, the Company announced its first quarter 2021 financial results, reporting only a 48% increase in net revenues quarter over quarter, and second quarter guidance suggesting that its gross margin would "remain steady."

On this news, RLX's share price fell $0.97, or nearly 9%, to close at $9.90 per share on June 4, 2021, thereby damaging investors further. The Company's shares have traded as low as $7.89 per ADS, or 32% below the IPO price. The complaint alleges that Defendants overstated certain financial metrics and failed to disclose that these metrics were not indicative of future financial performance since regulators in China were already working on a national standard for e-cigarettes that would regulate them either under the same rules or in the same manner as ordinary cigarettes. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you purchased or otherwise acquired RLX Technology securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than August 9, 2021 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210806005145/en/

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[August 06, 2021] In Commemoration of Hip Hop's 48th Anniversary The Universal Hip Hop Museum & The City of New York Presents "It's Time For Hip Hop In NYC" a Free Concert Series During NYC Homecoming Week, August 14-22

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) and the City of New York proudly presents "It's Time for Hip Hop in NYC," a series of free concerts during New York City's Homecoming Week, August 14 - 22. In celebration of Hip Hop culture's 48th anniversary, the UHHM is bringing the culture back to the boroughs where it all began. The concert series will make its way to each of the boroughs of NYC (The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, & Queens), kicking off in The Bronx on Monday, August 16th and wrapping up in Queens on Friday, August 20th. Free tickets now available HERE for the "It's Time for Hip Hop in NYC" concert series produced by New York City, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and IDEKO The UHHM has tapped an array of Hip Hop and Hip Hop influenced artists (Latin freestyle, dance, techno, and funk) to grace the city's outdoor stages, in celebration of New York City's comeback during NYC Homecoming Week . The dynamic line up, representing every era of Hip Hop, includes KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma, Raekwon, Ghostface, Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, Too $hort, and a much anticipated set from George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars on Friday. The free concerts will be livestreamed by Behind The Rhyme, a channel on Twitch. See full line up below: Monday, August 16 th , 3:00 p.m. at Orchard Beach in The Bronx - KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma , Busy Bee, CL Smooth, DJ Hollywood, DJ Jazzy Joyce, DJ Kevie Kev, Fantastic Five, Furious 5 featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio, Grand Wizard Theodore, Joeski Love, Kid Capri, Nice & Smooth, PopMaster Fabel, Soul Sonic Force, T La Rock, Ultra Magnetic MC's

- KRS One, Slick Rick, , Busy Bee, CL Smooth, DJ Hollywood, DJ Jazzy Joyce, DJ Kevie Kev, Fantastic Five, Furious 5 featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio, Grand Wizard Theodore, Joeski Love, Kid Capri, Nice & Smooth, PopMaster Fabel, Soul Sonic Force, T La Rock, Ultra Magnetic MC's Tuesday, August 17 th , 4:00 p.m. at Midland Beach on Staten Island - Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Crystal Waters , DJ Chuck Chillout, EMPD, Force MDs, Hakim Green , HeeSun Lee , Kool Keith , Lizzy Ashliegh, Pharoahe Monch, Rikki, Rob Base

- Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, , DJ Chuck Chillout, EMPD, Force MDs, , , , Lizzy Ashliegh, Pharoahe Monch, Rikki, Thursday, August 19 th , 4:00 p.m. at Brooklyn Army Terinal in Brooklyn - Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, C&C Music Factory, DJ Mr. Cee, Elle Varner , Judy Torres , Lizzy Ashliegh, Maino, Obasi Jackson , Papoose, PopMaster Fabel, Special Ed, Stetsasonic, Sweet Sensation, Young Devyn

- Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, C&C Music Factory, DJ Mr. Cee, , , Lizzy Ashliegh, Maino, , Papoose, PopMaster Fabel, Special Ed, Stetsasonic, Sweet Sensation, Young Devyn Friday, August 20 th, 4:00 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens - George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars with Special Guests, Too $hort, DJ Hurricane, DJ Wiz, EPMD, Havoc of the Infamous Mobb Deep, Yo-Yo



**Select artists will be available for interviews upon request** "Hip Hop comes home to celebrate NYC Homecoming Week!" said Rocky Bucano, Executive Director and President of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. "Many of the artists performing in these shows are native New Yorkers hailing from the five boroughs. It's their talent, creativity and passion for the culture that spread it from the stoops, parks and playgrounds to stages worldwide. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is proud to welcome them home, back to where it all began."

"I'm excited to see this marquee event for NYC's homecoming kick off in The Bronx. The Birthplace of Hip Hop will set the tone for the upcoming "It's Time for Hip Hop in NYC" concerts around New York City. This will be a show you do not want to miss," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "You don't want to miss the local, legendary talent performing throughout NYC Homecoming Week," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "As we celebrate this Summer of New York City, we're proud to partner with Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop Museum to bring these momentous concerts to our boroughs, free of charge. And if you get a ticket, you can go as long as you have proof of your first dose of an approved COVID vaccine." Tickets for all NYC Homecoming Week concerts are now available and can be found HERE . All media personnel who plan to cover one or more of the Homecoming week concerts must complete a media request form HERE by Wednesday, August 11th. To cover a NYC Homecoming Week concert, all media must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, except for persons who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability, who will be provided reasonable accommodation. Proof of vaccination includes at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, such as Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or AstraZeneca/Oxford. Media can present proof of vaccination by showing their: CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card;

A photo (digital or printout) of their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card;

New York City COVID SAFE App; or

New York State Excelsior Pass. (Note: You do not have to be a New York State resident to obtain an Excelsior Pass, however, you must be fully vaccinated to use the pass.) Any media who is not able to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to: Sign an attestation to that effect to enter the concert;

Present proof of a negative COVID PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test taken within 72 hours prior to the concert; and

If medically able to tolerate a face-covering, wear a mask for the entire duration of the concert. Media questions for "It's Time for the Hip Hop in NYC" concert series can be addressed to 316042@email4pr.com and 316042@email4pr.com. A targeted logistical media advisory will be released at a later date. Media should register for Press Credentials HERE CONTACT:

DECOTA LETMAN, The Chamber Group

316042@email4pr.com RENEE FOSTER, Dir. of Communications, The Universal Hip Hop Museum

347-278-4899

316042@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-commemoration-of-hip-hops-48th-anniversary-the-universal-hip-hop-museum--the-city-of-new-york-presents-its-time-for-hip-hop-in-nyc-a-free-concert-series-during-nyc-homecoming-week-august-14-22-301350394.html SOURCE Universal Hip Hop Museum

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[August 06, 2021] $ 8.31 Bn growth in Global Watch Market 2021-2025 | Growing Number of Fashion Conscious Consumers to Boost Growth | Technavio

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio has been monitoring the watch market and it is poised to grow by USD 8.31 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of over 2% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario and information of several leading watch manufacturers including Casio Computer Co. Ltd. (Japan), Citizen Systems Japan Co. Ltd. (Japan), Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA (Switzerland), Fossil Group Inc. (US), LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (France), Movado Group Inc. (US), Ralph Lauren Corp. (US), Rolex SA (Switzerland), Seiko Holdings Corp. (Japan), and The Swatch Group Ltd. (Switzerland). Download the Free Sample Report to Know More The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Although the growing number of fashion-conscious consumers and celebrity endorsements will offer immense growth opportunities, the presence of counterfeit products will challenge the growth of the market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Watch Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Watch Market is segmented as below: Product

Quartz



Mechanical

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



MEA



South America Subscribe to our "Lite Plan" at only USD 3,000 a year to download 3 reports a year and view 3 reports every month Related Reports on Consumer Discretionary Include:

Global Luxury Watch Market - Global luxury watch market is segmented by end-user (men and women), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, MEA, and South America).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report Global Eyewear Market - Global eyewear market is segmented by product (eyelass, sunglass, and contact lenses) and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and MEA).





Download Exclusive Free Sample Report Watch Market 2021-2025: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our watch market report covers the following areas: Watch Market size

Watch Market trends

Watch Market industry analysis This study identifies rising demand for premium watches as one of the prime reasons driving the watch market growth during the next few years. Watch Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Watch Market. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Watch Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile, and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Watch Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist watch market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the watch market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the watch market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of watch market vendors Table Of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition Market Segmentation by Product Market segments

Comparison by Product

Quartz - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Mechanical - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Product Market Segmentation by Distribution channel Market segments

Comparison by Distribution channel

Offline - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Online - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Distribution channel Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Casio Computer Co. Ltd.

Citizen Systems Japan Co. Ltd.

Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA

Fossil Group Inc.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton

Movado Group Inc.

Ralph Lauren Corp.

Rolex SA

Seiko Holdings Corp.

The Swatch Group Ltd. Appendix Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: www.technavio.com/report/watch-market-industry-analysis

Newsroom: newsroom.technavio.com/news/watch-market View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/-8-31-bn-growth-in-global-watch-market-2021-2025--growing-number-of-fashion-conscious-consumers-to-boost-growth--technavio-301350150.html SOURCE Technavio

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[August 06, 2021] Vending Machine Market 2021-2025 | Increasing Adoption of Vending Machines to Boost Growth | Technavio

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio has been monitoring the vending machine market and it is poised to grow by USD 9.33 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of over 16% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario and information on leading vendors in the market including Azkoyen SA (Spain), Compass Group Plc (UK), Crane Co. (US), FAS International Srl (Italy), Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. (Japan), GLORY Ltd. (Japan), Orasesta Spa (Italy), Royal Vendors Inc. (US), Sanden Retail System Co. Ltd. (Japan), and Westomatic Vending Services Ltd. (UK). Download the Free Sample to Gain More Insights The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Although the increasing adoption of vending machines will offer immense growth opportunities, high initial investments and maintenance costs for vending machines will challenge the growth of the market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Vending Machine Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Vending Machine Market is segmented as below: Product

Intelligent Vending Machines



Low-End Vending Machines

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



MEA Subscribe to our "Lite Plan" at only USD 3,000 a year to download 3 reports a year and view 3 reports every month Related Reports on Consumer Discretionary Include:

Global Gifts Novelty and Souvenirs Market - Global gifts novelty and souvenirs market is segmented by product (souvenirs and novelty items, seasonal decorations, greeting cards, and other gift items), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and MEA).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report



Global Online Clothing Rental Market - Global online clothing rental market is segmented by end-user (women, men, and children) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA).

Download Exclusive Free Sample Report Vending Machine Market 2021-2025: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our vending machine market report covers the following areas: Vending Machine Market size

Vending Machine Market trends

Vending Machine Market industry analysis This study identifies the growing demand for retrofitting of vending machines as one of the prime reasons driving the vending machine market growth during the next few years. Vending Machine Market 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the Vending Machine Market. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Vending Machine Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile, and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Vending Machine Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist vending machine market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the vending machine market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the vending machine market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of vending machine market vendors Table Of Contents : Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Summary

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition Market Segmentation by Product Market segments

Comparison by Product

Low end vending machines - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Intelligent vending machines - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Product Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Key leading countries

Market opportunity by geography

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview

Vendor landscape

Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Azkoyen SA

Compass Group Plc

Crane Co.

FAS International Srl

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

GLORY Ltd.

Orasesta Spa

Royal Vendors Inc.

Sanden Retail System Co. Ltd.

Westomatic Vending Services Ltd. Appendix Scope of the report

Currency conversion rates for US$

Research methodology

List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: www.technavio.com/

Report: https://www.technavio.com/report/vending-machine-market-industry-analysis View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vending-machine-market-2021-2025--increasing-adoption-of-vending-machines-to-boost-growth--technavio-301349667.html SOURCE Technavio

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today that Van Tucker will step down from her role as president and CEO of Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN).

LaunchTN is a public-private partnership that focuses on supporting the development of Tennessees entrepreneur ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of fostering job creation and economic growth. Tucker became LaunchTN president and CEO in Dec. 2020 after being appointed interim CEO in July 2020 and serving as chief operating officer prior to that time.

Effective immediately, the LaunchTN Board of Directors will begin a national search to fill this leadership role in the organization. Bruce Doeg, LaunchTN board member and shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, will lead the Search Committee.

In the interim, the Board has appointed Abby Trotter as interim CEO. Trotter is a founding partner at Hall Strategies, a Nashville-based, independent public and government relations firm.

Van has been a valuable asset to the LaunchTN team, and her leadership has made a great impact on Tennessees entrepreneurial landscape, Rolfe said. I have enjoyed working and collaborating with Van during her time at LaunchTN and wish her the very best. I have confidence that Abby will make this a seamless transition as LaunchTN continues its mission to encourage entrepreneurial growth in our state.

Working daily with such a dedicated and talented Board, staff - and along TNECD and our many network partners - has been a highlight in my career, Tucker said. Since joining LaunchTN our team has brought Tennessees innovation ecosystem to an important phase where we need to capitalize our growth and opportunities. I look forward to assisting in the transition and being a continued supporter of advancing Tennessees innovation economy and entrepreneurial spirit.

Following the growth seen with Tuckers leadership, LaunchTN will continue to build on its vision as Trotter assumes responsibilities.

Trotter brings considerable experience and familiarity with LaunchTN programs to the interim CEO position. In addition to her role at Hall Strategies, Trotter serves as the executive director of Life Science Tennessee and BioTN, both LaunchTN programmatic partners. Through Life Science Tennessee, she has been a key champion of the states SBIR/STTR Matching Fund, administered by LaunchTN.

I am humbled to take on the role of interim CEO of LaunchTN, an organization whose mission I am deeply committed to, Trotter said. I look forward to working with LaunchTNs talented staff to continue to serve our Network Partners, industry partners and entrepreneurs to build companies that create high-wage, high-tech jobs in Tennessee.

About LaunchTN

LaunchTN is a public-private partnership with a vision to make Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation. Our mission is to empower a high-functioning network of resources focused on core priorities that support Tennessees entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through our network of Entrepreneur Centers and partner organizations across the state, LaunchTN fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, the private sector, capital sources, institutions, and government to offer entrepreneurs what they need to succeed and stay in Tennessee to build companies and create jobs.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

TNECD Media Contact

Jennifer McEachern

Director of Communications and Marketing

(615) 336-2689

Jennifer.McEachern@tn.gov

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Soak Creek originates in Cumberland County, Tennessee and flows down the Cumberland Plateau into a remote cliff-lined canyon of primitive Appalachian wilderness to its confluence with the Piney River near Spring City, Tennessee. This free-flowing river serves as a critical habitat for the iconic species of the Cumberland Plateau, and offers whitewater paddlers a scenic Class III descent when flows rise following rains. Hikers on the Cumberland Trail can also benefit from a recent land conservation purchase that borders Soak Creek creating a corridor between Piney Falls State Natural Area and Stinging Fork Natural Area.

Bledsoe & Rhea County

Soak Creek was designed in 2016 as a Class III Developed River Area. The affected segment of Soak Creek begins in Bledsoe County at its confluence with Georgia Branch continuing to a point downstream to its confluence with the Piney River in Rhea County.

Nearby Attractions

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park

From Spring City, take State Route 68 north toward Crossville, or from Crossville travel south on S.R. 68. Look for a convenience store near the bridge over the Piney River. On the same side of S.R. 68 as the convenience store, the first cross street is Shut-In-Gap Road. Turn on there and travel about 1 mile to a parking area on the right by a picnic area at the Piney River. Park here for access to Soak Creek, which is a short walk continuing up Shut-In-Gap Road, across the bridge over the Piney River, to a gated jeep trail going up Soak Creek. Learn more about Cumberland Trail State Park.

Piney Falls State Natural Area

From Spring City take State Route 68 north toward Crossville, or from Crossville travel south on S.R. 68. As you get to the crest of the Cumberland escarpment, you enter the unincorporated town of Grandview. Look for a sign for Piney Falls State Natural Area and turn onto the Fire Tower Road (a.k.a., Hillary Road). The trailhead is on the right approximately one mile from Highway 68 or one-fourth mile before you get to the fire tower, which is located at the end of the road. Learn more about Piney Falls SNA.

Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area - Learn more about Stinging Fork Falls SNA.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessees Adjutant General, announced today that Brig. Gen. Jimmie Cole will serve as the Tennessee Military Departments Deputy Adjutant General effective immediately.

Brig. Gen. Cole has done an outstanding job in his previous role as Land Component Commander, said Holmes. His numerous deployments and key assignments have prepared him for this position of increased responsibilities as our Deputy Adjutant General. He will have a positive impact in supporting our 12,000 members of the Tennessee National Guard and we are fortunate to benefit from his years of service.

Cole will be taking over the position previously held by Maj. Gen. Tommy Baker, who retired from the Tennessee Military Department and is now the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Prior to this appointment, Cole served as the Land Component Commander for the Tennessee Army National Guard and was responsible for 9,000 Soldiers serving throughout Tennessee. He will be promoted to the rank of Major General during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, in Nashville, on Sept. 10.

In order to serve as the Deputy Adjutant General, Cole was first approved by a federal general officer recognition board, then confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

A Mount Juliet native, Cole started his military career in 1989 by enlisting in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. He then commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 1995 Cole left active duty and joined the Tennessee National Guard. Since then, he has held various command and staff positions to include the commander of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Chief of Staff for the Tennessee National Guard. Cole deployed to Iraq twice for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2010 as well as served in Ukraine in 2018.

Cole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the United States Army War College where he received his Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.
Tonight we consider the ascendance of a diva along with pop culture, community news and top headlines . . . Take a peek:



Check the www.TonysKansasCity.com collection . . .

The Great Kansas City Eat Out Cont'd

Travels in the Heartland: Tasting the Kansas City, Kansas Taco Trail KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KMTV) - Forget the Border War between the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers. There's a new battle along the Missouri River and it involves food. While Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO to locals), is known for its great barbecue, Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), has its own delicacy to challenge people's taste buds - Mexican food.

Foodies Offer Helping Hand

Culinary interns create healthy meals while feeding families in need KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant is known for her healthy and hearty meals. "Today we're making enchiladas in the tomatillo sauce, with spinach, roasted zucchini, red pepper and red rice that's going with that," she said. It's this type of meal Chef Shanita says anyone should have access to.

Golden Ghetto Copes With COVID

Johnson County Mental Health getting more calls to its crisis line as COVID-19 cases rise As COVID-19 cases are rising again and mandates are coming back, mental health experts are seeing the impact. At Johnson County Mental Health, calls to the crisis line are climbing and there are specific areas of concern.Throughout the pandemic, we've all had to deal with change. That, alone, can be stressful.

DIVA EARNS BIG BUCKS!!!

Rihanna now officially a billionaire At the time, she said the aim of the line was to appeal to "every type of woman" and launched 40 different foundation shades, which at the time was largely unprecedented. It led to the so-called "Fenty Effect" where rival brands broadened their shade ranges for make-up products.

Top Doc Speaks Of Doom

Fauci warns more severe COVID-19 variant could emerge as cases rise: US 'could really be in trouble' Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Wednesday that another coronavirus variant could emerge as the nation's daily case rate continues to climb. In an interview with McClatchy D.C., the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director warned that cases of the super-infectious delta variant could double in the near future.

Prez Trump Takeover Exposed?!?

The full picture of Trump's attempted coup is only starting to emerge President Donald Trump -- back in the final days of his presidency -- didn't exactly make a secret of his effort to overturn the election he'd just lost and so it's very easy to get tired of thinking about it, now that he's out of office and his official powers have been clipped.

MAGA Suffers Spell Check

Trump encourages supporters to buy misspelled 'Trump Offical Card' Former President Trump Donald Trump Majority of Americans in new poll say it would be bad for the country if Trump ran in 2024 ,800 bottle of whiskey given to Pompeo by Japan is missing Liz Cheney says her father is 'deeply troubled' about the state of the Republican Party MORE on Wednesday sent an email to supporters asking them to vote on designs for membership cards indicating their alliance with him, though one of the options misspelled the word "official."

Iran From Discussion

US urges Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi to resume nuclear talks The 2015 deal between Iran and six other countries - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany - saw it stop some nuclear work in return for an end to sanctions hurting its economy. But Iran re-started banned nuclear work after Mr Trump pulled out of the deal.

Longtime Hottie Keeps Rolling

Elizabeth Hurley, 56, goes for a bike ride in a blue bikini top Elizabeth Hurley is all smiles on a summer day. The Royals actress, 56, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a photo of herself sporting a blue bikini top and white skirt. Posed on a bicycle with a large wicker basket in front, Hurley's caption read, "Even if, like me, you can't get to the beach this summer, you still deserve a treat."

Internets Teachable Moment

Hundreds of metro families opt for virtual schools OLATHE, KS (KCTV) -- As the school year approaches, some families are gearing up for another year of virtual school. This time, by choice. Over the last year, schools on both sides of the state line have developed virtual schools within their districts.

Demand For New Working-Class Grocery Model Emerges In The Dotte

Don't call it a pantry: KCK groups fight hunger with markets, co-op, mobile grocer Delivered every Tuesday and Thursday morning A donation to The Beacon goes beyond the newsroom. We amplify community voices, share resources and investigate systems, not just symptoms. The Beacon in your inbox. In-depth reporting delivered every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Kansas City Summer Dog Daze Ahead

Kansas City region will see heat and humidity start building in Friday Hide Transcript Show Transcript WE WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT FOR ANOTHER FEW HOURS OR SO. THE CLOSER WE GET TO SUNDOWN, THE MORE LIKELY THEY ARE GOING TO BE FEWER AND FAR BETWEEN. EVERYBODY SHOULD BE CLEARING OUT BY MIDNIGHT ON FRID.AY HOUR-BY-HOUR FORECAST HAS ISOLATED SHOWERS AND A COUPLE OF THUNDERSTORMS AND THE SLOW CLEARING TRENDS.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for tonight . . .
@IsaacAvilucea on Twitter

Isaac Avilucea is The Trentonians main municipal scribe. A two-time prior restraint winner and testicular cancer survivor, he relishes his reputation as the "Mean Girls" reporter that followed his 18-day stay at the now-defunct North Adams Transcript.
Johnstown, PA (15901)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Johnstown, PA (15901)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Low around 65F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with late night showers or thunderstorms. Low around 65F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Illinois bridges, public transportation and high-speed internet would get funding as part of the Biden administration's $1 trillion national infrastructure plan.

The 2,700-page bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has been debated for days and negotiated for weeks and is a first part of Biden's infrastructure agenda.

TownNews.com Content Exchange
Hello

I'm going to be in the Dordogne (Sarlat specifically) and would like to travel to Switzerland and trying to figure out some options when travelling by train (and bus)

Getting from Sarlat to Switzerland by how the crow flies seems complex, specifically getting to Lyon for example seems like a maze of regional train changes. But once in Lyon getting to Geneva looks straightforward.

So would it be easier to go Sarlat->Bordeaux->Paris (spend night) then Paris->Lyon->Geneva (or Paris->Strasbourg->Basel). Or is there some efficient way to get frpm Sarlet toSwitzerland.

The actual entry point into Switzerland doesn't matter, once there I'll travel around for some days before re-entering France.

Edited: 06 August 2021, 01:23
SInce if you get late, you won't miss a flight, you could arrange a tour to Downtown Guatemala, (depending on the day and time of the day, the traffic changes).

Some places are closed, like the shark tank restaurant I use to recommend when with kids; the jelly fish on the smaller tanks was really nice. Munae is closed at the moment for roof restorations. Yet The zoo is open and very near from the airport (5 minute by car)

If you know what to see, just take a taxi to the Downtown, and from there you need to walk all the time. I guess it won't really work for you, since you have your bags with you... but I put it for the other readers as well.

I wouldn't recommend going to the malls with your backpacking nor to downtown city...

Also near to the airport, Plaza Berlin, you'll get a nice view of the volcanoes, and then head back to the airport. I would recommend calling a taxi from the plaza, since you wont find many transportation back from there.

For food go to z10 or the hotel area, there are plenty of places for eating.
@Bhutantraveller,

Yes, I saw this too in the Kuensel:

>> Yes, she arrived yesterday in the country and accordingly to some social medias, she is expected to stay for 3 months in Bhutan.

But... first after arrival is 21 day quarantine on own costs and then: through which countries is it possible to arrive? All are still very red, like India, Nepal and Thailand. This doesn't sound really possible.

>> Currently we have one flight from Thailand and one flight India (Delhi/Kolkata) only. On selective dates from rest of the cities/countries, mostly cargo.

I too am a returning visitor, still have a valid ticket for the Delhi-Paro section. but I'll not be able just to sit 3 weeks in a quarantine facility before another visit. I wonder how many will be happy to do that, and then do another 7 day quarantine when arriving from high risk to low risk area's.

>> It must be many many times for you in Bhutan, not just returning :), we will be very happy to see you in Bhutan post covid.

>>This is feasible for tourist staying for long duration/months. Most of our guests said the same, we cannot spend 3 weeks for 7-12 days tour.

So I'll wait till the request for quarantine is lifted, and only vaccination is required.

>> Expecting more relaxed protocols, lets hope for the best. However situation across Asia is becoming worse again :(.

We will keep you posted. Stay safe and stay healthy.

HBT
Hi,

Next week I plan to visit Lebanon and the latest news about shots between Israel and Hezbollah are bothering.

Do you think that the conflict might be intensified to the point where the new war occurs?

Are there any plans/ tendencies regarding the strategies of the countries?

Should aforementioned actions be considered as simple threats appearing only in the south of the Lebanon/ north of Israel or this time it feels like the conflict might exceed to the capital cities as well?

What is the general ambiance in the country? Does it feel safe?

Please, if anyone has any information about the current situation - post it here. I would appreciate any help with letting me understand how strong the tension is at this moment and within the next days.

Thanks.
Just got back from a last minute 4 day stay at Hoburne. We had a fantastic time (2 adults and 2 children, 5 and 2 years old). We stayed in a 3 bed caravan with hot tub and I have to say the caravan was spotless. We had a small problem with ants but it didn't bother us. In hindsight we should have mentioned it before we checked out but it really didn't bother us but when I did mention it they were very apologetic. Staff are all very friendly and helpful. We only used the outside pool and adventure playground which again were both very clean and the indoor pool and other areas looked very good. My only tiny niggle is the location of the hot tub vans, they were on the edge of the park next to a main road...again it didn't really bother us but as you are paying a premium it would have been nice for the vans to have a more peaceful location somewhere else in the park. That is my only small niggle. Everything else was faultless and I wouldn't hesitate to return.
I stayed at the hotel from 27th July to 1st August 21, when I arrived at the hotel the staff were wat before checking in time, the staff were very friendly and trying to get us into our room. Our rooms were not ready since we arrived early, so they put our wrist bands and told us to use the hotel facilities and have some breakfast till they try to find us rooms.



The room are great and clean and rge furniture is perfect. The food, there are many types of food that add suitable for everyone at the restaurant and there are many types of restaurants that suites everyone.



There are many activity sports and fun that is for everybody and the night events are great too at gingers.



Rashid is my favourite member of staff there he is very hard working person, and he really does his best that everyone at the hotel enjoys the moments. He works for the morning till late night.



The only reason that is didn't give the hotel 5 starts, because the rooms did not have qibla sign and the bathroom are not suitable for Muslims because there are not water, to wash after some one uses the toilet. I would not take a notice of that if I was in Europe or non Muslim country, but Zanzibar is Muslim States that is part of Tanzania.
Sammy is right about not staying in Zurich. It IS worth spending a few hours walking around the old town, Bahnhofstrasse (window shopping) and the lake front. But split your 9 days between Luzern (1 hour from Zurich and German speaking), either Zermatt (best alpine views in the country) or Wengen or Murren in the Oberland and Montreux (French speaking with an entirely different culture and on a lovely lake).

For travel here see

for the places mentioned, to see more about them, what they offer and to search for hotels etc see the following websites AND go to the individual forum pages for each one and see what is listed under "Top Questions about..:", links on the top right hand tool bar of each page:

Depending whether you want to hike or not spend more or less time in either Zermatt or the Oberland. I think with 9 days here you could spend 3 nights in each of Luzern and Montreux and either 3 or 2 in the mountains.

Bern is easily visited from Luzern as a day trip OR if you end in Montreux it is very easy to stop off there for a few hours on your way back to Zurich.
My view is you should go. It might get worse. I went to Greece twice this spring/ summer. Now off to France.

Im months or next year it might be a lot worse. And the crowds are slightly better.

Enjoy
The states cannabis social equity council took up its first major task Thursday, approving a list of disproportionately impacted neighborhoods that will receive preferential treatment in licenses and other benefits in Connecticuts budding recreational marijuana industry.

The idea is to ensure diversity in the industry, although the rules cannot single out race or ethnicity as factors.

The 15-member council met in Hartford for the first time and voted unanimously on the list of 215 census tracts in which residents and some former residents will receive a higher share of licenses for cultivation, packaging, transportation, and sale.

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP /Getty Images

Connecticuts new adult use cannabis law stipulates that at least half of all initial licenses must be reserved for so-called social equity applicants, who must be from these impacted areas as current or longtime former residents. Equity applicants must also make no more than three times the median income.

Many of the impacted areas are concentrated in the states cities including Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. In New Haven, the Fair Haven and Newhallville neighborhoods, among others, are included. Most of Bridgeport also qualifies.

The areas were chosen based on unemployment rates and percent of residents who have been convicted in drug crimes  a way of steering benefits to places hardest hit by the now-discredited war on drugs launched by former President Richard Nixon in 1971.

Some wealthier areas such as Morris and the west and south ends of Stamford also made the list.

The targeted communities will also financially benefit from the market. The law direct much of the state revenue from cannabis sales  an estimated $70 million to $75 million annually once the market is mature  to those same communities.

Well finally have within the community of Black and brown a way to wealth creation. This is truly an opportunity to see the 40 acres and a mule of our ancestors, said Joseph Williams, a business adviser and trade specialist at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center at UConn, who was appointed to the council by Gov. Ned Lamont.

The list of impacted areas was generated based on drug-related convictions, including drug paraphernalia, drug possession, and drug manufacturing and sale, from 1982 to 2020 and the 5-year estimate of the unemployment rate in 2019 per Census data.

Towns and cities affected Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Derby, East Hartford, East Haven, Enfield, Fairfield, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Morris, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Plainville, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, Torrington, Vernon, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Hartford, West Haven, Windham, Windsor. See More Collapse

The impacted areas, 215 of 833 census tracts, represent 23 percent of the states population but two-thirds of the drug convictions in the state over the past 38 years.

The list of cities and towns includes the states nine largest municipalities and 18 of the 20 largest  with only Greenwich and Milford not included among those 20.

We know about those communities that were hardest hit by the war on drugs, a war on drugs that incarcerated a lot of people that shouldnt have been incarcerated, Lamont said at the start of Thursdays meeting. It set a lot of communities back. It set a lot of people back in a way that was fundamentally unfair.

Some equity council members expressed concern with having to vote on the list, seen as critically important to ensuring fairness in Connecticuts new recreational cannabis market, at their first meeting without much time for deliberation or to review it.

I just find it just a bit troubling to be voting on disproportionate areas at our first meeting without really having true discussion, said Corrie Betts, criminal justice chair of the NAACP Connecticut State Conference.

The governors office generated the list approved by the council Thursday and said tracts with conviction rates greater than one-tenth of 1 percent or an average unemployment rate greater than 10 percent were marked as disproportionately impacted areas. The law set Aug. 1 as deadline for the council to identify the impacted tracts.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
Connecticut surpassed 10 million COVID-19 tests on Thursday, a milestone in the coronavirus pandemic which has stretched 17 months and has lately entered a new chapter with the threat of the highly contagious delta variant.

The states daily report showed 10,022,271 tests completed, an average of 2.8 tests for every man, woman, and child in the state since March 2020.

That compares with slightly less than one-half of one test, on average, for Americans as a nation  meaning Connecticut residents have had 5.7 times more tests per person than the United States as a whole.

At the peak last winter, the multiple testing sites by multiple health providers exceeded 1 million per month  making Connecticut a standout in tests per resident.

Throughout the pandemic, Connecticut has been one of the top five states in the nation in terms of testing and it certainly helped us through last fall, last winter, keep close tabs of where there were hot spots around the state and helped ensure that everyone who felt sick was able to quickly get tested, said Josh Geballe, the states chief operating officer, who oversaw the system.

The large number of tests means Connecticuts total number of documented cases, 357,345 as of Thursday, represents a larger share of actual cases than other states totals. Geballe and other state officials, including Gov. Ned Lamont, have been quick to point out that we cant compare illness totals from states that have different test rates.

Testing milestones Connecticut ramped up its testing slowly, eventually hitting a peak of 250,000 tests per week. This past week, the state administered about 116,000 tests. Mid-October 2020: 2 million tests Late December 2020: 4 million tests Early February 2021: 6 million tests Early April 2021: 8 million tests See More Collapse

How does the testing break down by the numbers? How many of the 10 million were antibody tests, or other types? How many people never had a test? The state Department of Public Health did not respond to requests for information about the Connecticut testing program.

Certain populations, such as nursing home residents and workers, correction department personnel and members of the governors staff, were required to get regularly tested because of their jobs. In all, thousands of state residents endured dozens of tests, perhaps even hundreds  often, especially early on, involving an uncomfortable swab up their noses.

Major companies such as submarine builder Electric Boat in Groton initiated their own testing programs, in some cases aggressively.

With 3.6 million residents averaging 2.8 tests each, and many having far more than that, its clear that many Connecticut residents have only been tested once, or never at all.

Demand for testing is up nationally since July as the delta variant surges in many areas across the country and as more businesses and workplaces are requiring proof of a negative test. Connecticut is also seeing an uptick in people getting tested, with about 116,000 tests over the last week, compared with about 104,000 in the last full week of June.

Hitting ten million tests in Connecticut is a noteworthy milestone representing a tremendous amount of hard work that was done at a number of different state agencies, Geballe said, adding the state stood up the entire program from scratch.

At the start of the pandemic, states scrambled to build up testing capacity to detect the level of infection within their borders and to curb further spread. With supplies limited early on, officials advised only people who were symptomatic or knew they were exposed to the virus to get tested.

In May 2020, Connecticut ramped up testing, entering contracts with labs and hospitals to monitor the level of infection in frontline workers and to set up emergency clinics in communities to contain localized outbreaks.

The ten vendors performed 1.4 million tests in total from May 2020 to May 2021, primarily serving high risk residents and those in underserved communities, followed by frontline state employees including corrections officers, and staff at the states social service agencies and group homes, according to a report from the comptrollers office. The state paid $90.86 per test on average, the report shows.

Connecticut averaged one million tests per month between October 2020 and April 2021, when the state opened vaccinations to all residents 18 and older. Testing slowed sharply this spring and summer.

Some of Connecticuts largest testing sites, set up in parking lots and elsewhere, were shut down at the end of June amid weakened demand with low infection and hospitalization rates and more than two-thirds of Connecticut residents at least partially vaccinated.

Community Health Center Inc., was one of them, shifting from drive-through sites open to the public to testing only its patients at its in-person sites across the state. The health center has performed nearly 660,000 tests since April 1, 2020, with an uptick in the last month.

On July 11, the health center performed 155 tests compared to 367 on Aug. 1, with many of them young kids under the age of 12 who are not eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccines, said Meredith Johnson, chief of staff.

Johnson said the health center has also seen an uptick in the number of its Hispanic patients getting tested, which could be because of the shift to testing only its patient base, which is more diverse than the population that was getting tested at its mass sites.

At several of the sites, which have been busy, Johnson said theres talk about plans to move people outside if demand for testing rises to a level that theres too many people congregating indoors to maintain social distancing requirements.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
The Ministry of Health has labelled status concerning the arrival of the Delta variant in T&T as being contained. While it is believed based on the evidence at hand that there is no spread of this variant among the population...
Despite the scheduled shutdown of the Yamal-Europe and Nord Stream 1 pipelines, as well as the record prices hikes in European gas markets in July, Russia's Gazprom expressed no interest in Ukraine's additional transit capacity and started shrinking reserves of its underground gas storage facilities in Europe.

Thats according to the press service of the Gas Transit System Operator of Ukraine (Gas TSO of Ukraine), Ukrinform reports.

It is noted that throughout a 10-day period of repairs at Nord Stream 1 in Germany, the EU countries fell short of more than 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas, and another 320 million cubic meters  due to the repair of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline.

"In order to compensate Europeans for the shortfall in gas volumes and at the same time not to increase additional transit through Ukraine, Gazprom is shrinking the volume of gas stored in its underground storage facilities (USFs) in Europe. According to GIE data, Gazprom-operated USFs are seeing the lowest reserves in Europe at the moment, are precisely in underground storage facilities controlled by Gazprom, said Serhiy Makogon, CEO of the Gas TSO of Ukraine.

According to the CEO, today Gazproms USF operator in Germany, Astora, has a storage capacity rate of less than 13%, while other operators have an average of 63%. At the same time, USF operators Astora and GSA, located in Austria, have 14%, while others have 48%.

According to the head of Gas TSO of Ukraine, such moves by the Russian company pursue two goals  economic and political. Thats to pump up the price of natural gas and to accelerate the commissioning of Nord Stream 2.

"Gazprom's behavior has a negative impact on the European gas market and affects the economy of the entire region. In my opinion, the relevant European Antimonopoly Authority should intervene. In addition, such a strategy pursued by the Russian company should be taken into account when certifying Nord Stream 2, Makogon added.

As reported, Nord Stream 2 is a Russian gas pipeline being built bypassing Ukraine. It is laid on the bottom of the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The sole shareholder of the project is OAO Gazprom.

In July, Germany and the United States reached an agreement under which the United States would not resist the completion of the gas pipeline, and Germany undertook to impose sanctions in the event of Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as to assist Ukraine in energy transformation.

As reported, Nord Stream 2 is a Russian gas pipeline under construction, bypassing Ukraine. It is being laid along the Baltic Sea seabed to connect Russia and Germany. The project cost is estimated at EUR 9.5 billion. The sole shareholder is Russias energy giant OJSC Gazprom.

On July 21, the U.S. and German governments issued a joint declaration outlining their position on the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The U.S. committed to refrain from hindering the pipes completion, while Germany undertook to impose sanctions on Russia in case Moscow goes for another act of aggression against Ukraine, as well as vowed support for Ukraine in energy transformation.

im
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, foreign relations have been somewhat chaotic for the past two years. Most countries have focused on their own issues and paid much less attention to the situation around them. Against this background, Canada and Ukraine had to work together to deal with the UIA plane downing in Tehran, supporting the families of the victims, conducting negotiations, and pursuing inquiries.

Ukrinform spoke with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada, Andriy Shevchenko, about the challenges and achievements of the pandemic year.

UKRAINE AND CANADA GOT TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER

Last year, unfortunately, started with bad news: the UIA plane crashed in Iran. How has this situation affected the relations between Canada and Ukraine?

Friendships are tested in difficult situations, and during this time we got to know each other better. Let's go back to January 2020. A plane carrying 167 passengers, 138 of who, are traveling via Kyiv to various Canadian destinations, gets shot down near Tehran. Canada has no embassy in Tehran and realizes that its experts, who would be able to conduct a proper forensic examination, wont be allowed to the crash site. In addition, its clear that Iran wont be willing to share information. In that situation, the assistance that Ukraine provided was extremely important because we became Canada's eyes, ears, hands, and feet on the ground. Ukraine saw many happy episodes in relations with Canada, but last year reminded me that sometimes we have to grieve together and resolve complex problems. It was a serious ordeal that brought us very close together.

After the plane crash, the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, which also affected diplomacy. What has it brought to Ukrainian-Canadian relations?

The pandemic struck Ukrainian and Canadian families very hard, as well as contacts between us. Canada shut its borders to tourists in March last year and is yet to reopen them. This separation isnt easy. However, we were still looking for ways how Ukraine could help. We can be proud of the fact that the Ukrainian Mriya cargo aircraft last spring made several flights to Montreal and Toronto, delivering much-needed medical supplies. Our plane would deliver up to 60 million masks in a single flight, providing each Canadian with at least one. During the pandemic, we were in constant consultations, trying to help each other by coordinating our policies. We believe that we need to get out of this mess together  and this is one of our many points of contact.

MUTUAL TRADE SLID BY 9%

Another aspect that has been seriously affected by the pandemic is the free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine, which has just celebrated its fourth anniversary. Did it live up to the expectations?

The FTA has softened the impact of the pandemic on our trade and economies. In bare numbers, last year looks bleak, as the volume of bilateral trade slid by 9%. However, this is commensurate with both the overall decline in the economies of both countries and the decline in global trade.

At the same time, if we take a closer look at the stats, there are some really interesting indicators there. For instance, exports of Ukrainian services to Canada in 2020 decreased by a mere 0.7%, which against the background of the general economic downturn can be considered a pretty good result. However, all this is a springboard for a jump, which we expect to see in the coming years. We believe that Ukraine and Canada are still to see times when we reap to the fullest all benefits of free trade.

At what stage is the process of extending the Agreement to the area of services and investments?

Technical consultations between the two countries, held in a virtual format, have already been completed. Now everything is ready for the transition to the final stage of our talks.

Last month, the Antonov-Canada company was created, which should ensure the entry of Ukrainian aircraft into the North American market. Could you tell us more about the project?

I can confirm that there is a significant interest in Canada in working with Antonov, in particular in our wonderful AN74 aircraft, which in NATO terminology is affectionately referred to as Cheburashka. This transport aircraft, unpretentious to the type of runways, has been specially designed to operate in difficult weather conditions, particularly in northern climates, which is why it is so interesting to Canada.

In general, how would you assess the level of economic cooperation between Canada and Ukraine, and in which areas lie the greatest prospects for its development?

So far, Ukrainian-Canadian trade is a crumb against the background of that great potential that is out there between our two states with 40 mln populations, one of which is among the worlds most powerful economies. Even the first years of the free trade agreement have revealed certain surprise benefits so our future trade relationship should be guided by the principle of "expect the unexpected." For example, according to last years data, every fourth liter of apple juice in Canada comes from Ukraine. Until a few years ago, we would have been very surprised if someone said that apple juice could be such a powerful item of export to Canada. In 2020, Ukraine also overtook Japan among the leading buyers of Canadian fish and seafood. This also surprised many because we rarely see ourselves as large seafood consumers. With this in mind, I would be very careful to bet on any particular sector of economy and trade, because the potential is enormous. Ukrainians and Canadians looking for interesting profitable projects should take a closer look at the opportunities that arise between our countries.

ALL OBSTACLES TO WEAPONS TRADE CLEARED

The situation with Canada's arms supplies to Ukraine, including lethal weapons, has long remained uncertain. What progress has been made on this issue?

Weve cleared administrative blockages and obstacles to joint work and arms trade. A few years ago, we succeeded in including Ukraine in the list of countries with which Canada can trade in small arms. We have also created conditions for joint production. So I expect that we will definitely see success stories together. Diplomatic and administrative work has been done and everything should be determined by demand and capabilities of Ukraines Armed Forces.

The visa issue has remained another hot topic for years. Is there anything to brag about in this field?

This spring, a Ukrainian-Canadian working group on mobility was established to facilitate mutual travel. It is important that institutional tools are set up that are independent of the names of ministers, ambassadors, presidents  anyone. We launch this train, which sooner or later should bring us to the desired result.

People will probably have to wait for this result for years. What can be done in the short term to facilitate interpersonal contacts?

There are two practical tasks that were working on. The first is to restore full-fledged travel in the post-coronavirus period. In this regard, Id like to remind you that Canada will open its border to vaccinated foreigners on September 7. Another major task is to reduce the number of visa denials. Last year, their share slid slightly to 23%. That's less than almost 30% seen over the years, but its still too much. This share doesnt meet our needs and, in my opinion, is not supported by the actual state of affairs. Thats why we continue our work to convince our Canadian partners that we need to find mechanisms allowing Ukrainians to travel more freely.

CANADA FIRMLY SUPPORTS THE CRIMEAN PLATFORM

Despite a certain lull in the international arena due to the pandemic, Canada has not ceased to regularly expand and renew its sanctions, including against Russia. What can we expect in this area?

We can count on Canada to pursue a very firm stance on Russian aggression in Ukraine. Canada is our true ally and like-minded partner. We can expect that it will remain among the leaders of the international coalition in support of Ukraine. However, this shouldnt be taken for granted. We should be grateful for this friendly policy of our partner and constantly remind that deterring Russian aggression and forcing Russia to play by international rules is in our common interest.

What do people in Canada think about the Crimean Platform initiative?

Were looking forward to Canada's pro-active participation in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform. Canada was one of the first countries to clearly and publicly support this initiative of ours, sending an official letter to our Foreign Ministry, which is a serious sign in diplomatic language. However, we have one technical issue due to the likely approach of parliamentary elections in Canada, which may be held this fall. Under Canadian regulations, all politicians running for office are strictly prohibited from any international engagement. If their election campaign falls at the time of the Crimean Platform summit, we will have to find creative solutions to Canada's participation. We may not see leading Canadian politicians, but that should not override Canada's fullest support for the initiative.

The mandate of Canadas UNIFIER military training mission in Ukraine is expiring next year. Will it be extended?

We look forward to seeing this Mission continue because it is praised in both Ukraine and Canada, allowing not only Ukrainians to learn from Canadians, but also the other way round. We have the experience of waging war against the worlds second-largest army, and we pay a high price in this regard, so it is important that our closest allies can also benefit from our experience. More than 26,000 Ukrainian military passed through UNIFIER and gained access to life-saving knowledge. These trainings make our Army stronger and bring it closer to victory.

Earlier, Ukraine regularly asked Canada to restore access to RADARSAT satellite imagery. Does the request remain relevant?

High-quality intelligence is important to us, and Canada, as a respectable player in the intelligence community, can be very valuable to this end. However, as for the specific technical solution, my military colleagues note that life has already moved forward, and now we need to set more ambitious goals in the context of information exchange. We now need maps of higher resolution and scale than we received at the onset of war. Therefore, the answer to this question is that we do need help, but we would like to adjust it to better meet our current needs.

RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA DOESNT WORK IN CANADA

Canada has recently named Russia and China responsible for most cyberattacks on the worlds democratic processes. This is certainly not news to Ukraine, but could we learn from the Canadian experience of countering these attacks?

The main lesson we could learn from Canada is of a philosophical nature. Russian propaganda and infowar operations on Canadian soil have not been too successful, primarily because its a strong, healthy, and cohesive society that is very difficult to stir. Russian propaganda is effective where conflicts are raging and where theres no unity. If we share our lessons, I would first pay attention to the following: a society with a high level of trust and an understanding of common values and goals is very difficult to destabilize. At the same time, Canada still looking very closely at Russian attacks and is very interested in our experience in combating hybrid propaganda threats.

What is the main achievement of Ukrainian-Canadian relations in the last two years?

I will not undertake to single out any particular thing but I would note three main achievements. First, our cooperation on the PS752 tragedy because Ukraines diplomatic position was highly assessed. From the very start, weve had very difficult negotiations with Iran on behalf of the five countries, and there have been attempts by Iran to destabilize this unity by dragging us into separate negotiations. Western partners have praised our toughness, commitment, and professional diplomatic strength. The second important achievement Id say is the establishment of a working group on mobility, which will pave the way for free travel between Ukraine and Canada. Behind these bureaucratic words stand people's destinies, travel and business opportunities  something from which we will benefit significantly for decades to come. And third, we launched an agreement on joint audio-visual production, finding quite unexpectedly another sector of the economy where we can mutually benefit. Now its time to wait for an Oscar award for some Ukrainian-Canadian film.

Maksym Nalyvaiko, Ottawa

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Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Head of the Presidents Office Andriy Yermak during their meetings with U.S. officials in Washington discussed how the Crimean Platform initiative would function after the inaugural summit was held.

Thats according to the comment Kuleba provided to Ukrinform.

"The United States was one of the first to support the Crimean Platform," he said. "Today we have heard many words of support for the continued work of the Crimean Platform."

According to the minister, the platform as such "has already become a reality  it is a fact, it will take place," he added.

During the meetings, the parties discussed what would happen after the summit rather than the event itself, the top diplomat explained.

"And we had a friendly and objective conversation about it with our American panthers," the minister stressed.

On August 4-5, Yermak and Kuleba were in Washington as part of preparations for President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the United States in late August.

As reported earlier, the Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to increase the effectiveness of the international response to the temporary occupation of Crimea, respond to security challenges, strengthen international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, and protect victims of the occupation authorities, as well as achieve its ultimate goal  deoccupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine.

Thirty-one states and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Crimean Platform summit to be held on August 23 in Kyiv.

According to preliminary information, the United States is likely to be represented at the event by Secretary of Transportation Peter Buttigieg.

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Implementing plans for a peaceful settlement in eastern Ukraine, as well as reintegration and deoccupation, cannot depend on Ukraine alone, as the will is also required of the Russian president.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized this in an interview with the Dom TV channel, Ukrinform reports.

"I believe, and the President of the Russian Federation is aware of my opinion, that today 90% of success in the return of Donbas, the deoccupation of our territories depends on one person. And we must know for sure that he lives with it. And people in Donbas must understand this. They shouldnt have any illusions. Indeed, we do involve our international partners, we have developed certain plans. Yes, we do have everything in place. What is needed is will. Political will. Human will," Zelensky said.

Read also: Zelensky suggests steps to win minds of inhabitants of occupied areas

According to the Ukrainian leader, people living in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions should also realize this.

"Very often journalists say, 'Listen, well, what's next?' A new stage required. People want certainty. But there is no such thing. Theres some documents and steps laid down. Like, here it is, step by step, what needs to be done. You follow this plan, and then something goes wrong. Did you promise to end the war in a year?! Of course, I really want this. Ive been doing everything to this end. But, unfortunately, not everything depends on me," Zelensky stressed.

He has stressed that Ukraine has the will for political and diplomatic settlement, while illegal armed groups in the occupied territories open fire on civilians.

As reported earlier, on the morning of August 5, the occupation forces shelled a residential neighborhood in Krasnohorivka, Donetsk region, injuring a local man and damaging an apartment in a residential block on Skhidna Street.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Violation of the laws and customs of war).

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Ukraine is one of the few topics that unites both the Republican and the Democratic parties in the U.S. Congress.

"We are proud that Ukraine is a topic that unites both parties  Democrats and Republicans. And, by the way, all our interlocutors note that 99 percent of issues now divide the parties, while the issue of Ukraine unites," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said, commenting on the results of talks in Washington, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Kuleba and Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said they had fruitful talks with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, six senators, and one congressman.

"Washington waits for the arrival of our President, and everyone is set to a very productive, fundamental visit. We have made sure once again that the United States is indeed a strategic partner of Ukraine, and that the security and defense of Ukraine, the support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity is a priority of the U.S. foreign policy," Yermak added.

According to him, the President of Ukraine "will bring a completely new vision, a clear vision of the strategy for the development of our partnership for the first time over the years of independence."

Kuleba noted that the forthcoming meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States "will determine the dynamics of bilateral relations for the coming years."

According to him, Joe Biden is the first president in the history of the United States who "knows what Ukraine is, understands what Ukraine is, and who does not need lectures about Ukrainians."

He noted that President Zelensky was the second European leader, after Angela Merkel, invited to the White House, "and this is a signal in itself."

Kuleba also said that the recent decisions on judicial reform and the land market, "which the President was personally involved in", opened a unique opportunity to take the strategic partnership with the United States to a new level, not only in politics but also in investment and large-scale economic projects in Ukraine.

On August 4-5, Yermak and Kuleba paid a visit to Washington in preparation for President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the United States in late August.

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The United Kingdom actively supports the launch of the Crimean Platform initiative and will be in close contact with Ukraine on its future activities, British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons has said.

She said this at the inaugural forum of the Crimean Platform expert network in Kyiv on Friday, August 6, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Simmons stressed that Britain does not, and will not, recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and called for maintaining international pressure on Russia for its actions in 2014 and for what has been happening in Crimea since then.

"We need to keep reminding the world that Crimea is, and always will be, Ukraine. That is why the United Kingdom welcomes Ukraine's active efforts on the Crimean Platform. This platform has been created to unite and strengthen international efforts to resist Russian aggression and to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity. The Crimean Platform will help the international community demonstrate their strong and unequivocal position on the Crimea issue, better coordinate joint actions, policies and projects in support of Crimea, and keep the Crimea issue on the agenda. We are proud to have been able to provide support to Ukraine during the creation of the platform. [...] We look forward to the grand opening of the Crimean Platform on August 23 and will be in close contact with Ukraine regarding its further activities," Simmons said.

She said that the expert network would play a crucial role in the work of the Crimean Platform. According to her, the international community relies on expert information, analysis and advice to better understand the situation on the peninsula and decide on how to maintain pressure on Russia.

"Without this expertise, our knowledge base, our politicians and positions in multilateral fora will be much weaker. Thanks to information and regular reports, individual testimonies of human rights violations in Crimea provided by NGOs, the UK and international allies can call Russia to account for violating the rules of treatment of political prisoners. This allows us to raise specific issues of human rights violations in our discussions within international organizations such as the UN or the OSCE," Simmons said.

She also expressed confidence that conferences, reports and recommendations from the expert network would allow the international community to better support Ukraine in Crimea-related issues.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, 32 countries have already confirmed their participation in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform, due to be held in Kyiv on August 23, 2021.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to increase the effectiveness of the international response to the ongoing occupation of Crimea, intensify international pressure on Russia, and achieve the main goal  de-occupation of Crimea and full restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty over the peninsula.

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Ukraine's sanctions policy towards Crimea requires a complete reset, starting with the development and adoption of a new law on sanctions as soon as possible.

Thats according to Valentyna Samar, editor-in-chief at the Center for Journalistic Investigations, who spoke at the inaugural forum of the Crimean Platform expert network, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

She noted that Crimea still enjoys the status of a free economic zone, so the greatest violators of Western sanctions on the peninsula are Ukrainian businesses and Ukrainian oligarchs.

"Ukraine, Ukrainian businesses, and Ukrainian oligarchs are the biggest violators of Western sanctions in Crimea. In 2014, the Ukrainian authorities applied a free economic zone regime to Crimea. The law allows Ukrainian businesses to do whatever has been prohibited by Western sanctions, including investing in Crimea, opening businesses, buying corporate rights and other assets, extracting oil and gas, and working in those sectors of the economy that are covered by EU and U.S. sectoral sanctions," Samar said.

According to her, in early July, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine repealed the law on the free economic zone, "but this shameful page hasnt been turned because the President of Ukraine is yet to sign or veto this law.

"That is, the situation is suspended, while law continues to work," the expert stressed.

In general, she believs, Ukraine's sanctions policy requires a complete reboot, "starting with the development and adoption of a new law on sanctions, verification of sanctions lists, creation of a single state register of persons subject to sanctions, creation of a sanctioning body and a government network of sanctions policy."

According to Samar, the expert group, which includes Ukrainian researchers and experts on Crimea issues, including economists, international lawyers, scientists, investigative journalists, has been monitoring the developments in economy, demography, colonization, and militarization of Crimea for more than seven years, since the onset of occupation.

Among monitoring results is the creation of unique databases on ships and aircraft violating law. Experts are also studying schemes of sanction circumvention and corruption-related dealings in Russia. Among the experts are co-authors of the law on resetting the law on sanctions policy.

The purpose of the experts' research work, the editor-in-chief emphasized, is to look into the effectiveness of Crimea sanctions, analyze Ukraine's sanctions policy, and inform the government and the general public on the results of the study.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, 32 countries have already confirmed their participation in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, increase international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, and protect victims of the occupation regime, as well as achieve the main goal, which is putting an end to the occupation of Crimea by Russia and ensuring that Ukraine regains control of the peninsula.

The Platform is expected to operate at several levels: heads of state and government, foreign ministers, inter-parliamentary cooperation, and expert network.

Officially, the Crimean Platform will be launched at its inaugural summit in Kyiv in August 2021.

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The epidemiological situation in Ukraine is gradually deteriorating due to the spread of the Delta variant, and a surge in COVID-19 cases is possible in two weeks, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Nation Health, Medical Care and Medical Insurance Mykhailo Radutskyi has said on Facebook.

According to Ukrinform, he said this, commenting on a forecast made by Kyiv School of Economics.

"Kyiv School of Economics believes that an outbreak of the disease may happen within two weeks. According to KSE, the risk zone includes the Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia and Khmelnytskyi regions," Radutskyi said.

He said the WHO had recently predicted that Ukraine could face a new wave of coronavirus in late August or early September. And these predictions almost coincide, he said.

"The main cause of the outbreak is the spread of the Delta variant. About 150 cases have already been confirmed in Ukraine. A recent study in China shows that the concentration of the virus in the blood of an infected person in the case of the Delta variant is a thousand times higher than in the case of the Chinese strain. The patient is much more likely to infect other people," Radutskyi wrote.

He noted that the Delta variant has other symptoms - fever, headache, sore throat and runny nose, as well as cases of hearing loss, gastrointestinal problems and blood clots.

Some 1,081 new coronavirus cases were registered in Ukraine on August 5. As many as 167,383 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country over the past day.

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Ukraine received 54,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine as humanitarian aid from the Government of Lithuania. The country plans to later provide Ukraine with another 77,000 doses of this vaccine.

"Our goal today is to protect as many Ukrainians as possible from COVID-19 by the end of this year. More than 6 million COVID-19 shots have been already given in Ukraine. We do not stop and continue to provide access to vaccination to everyone who wants it. I am grateful to the Government of Lithuania for providing vaccines. I ask Ukrainians not to hesitate and visit the nearest mass vaccination center or vaccination point as soon as possible and protect their health," said Health Minister Viktor Liashko, the press service of the Ministry of Health informs.

As reported, 509,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine donated by Denmark arrived in Ukraine.

The 5th stage of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign is currently underway in Ukraine, within which all willing Ukrainians aged 18 and older can be vaccinated.

Currently, four vaccines are available in Ukraine: AstraZeneca (Covishield, SKBio), Comirnaty/Pfizer-BioNTech, CoronaVac/Sinovac, Moderna.

As of August 5, 2021, Ukraine received almost 12 million doses of these vaccines.

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As many as 500,000 foreigners have documents entitling them to a long stay in Poland, of which 55% or 277,000 are citizens of Ukraine, spokesman for the Polish Office for Foreigners Jakub Dudziak has said.

According to the Polish Radio, the figures provided by the Office for Foreigners show that although the majority of foreigners who hold documents for a long stay in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, the number of Belarusians moving to the country is growing. These are mostly young people who immigrate to Poland to work.

"Of the 500,000 foreigners who hold residence permits and documents issued to citizens of the European Union, the largest groups include citizens of Ukraine  277,000 people, Belarus  34,000, Germany  20,000, Russia  13,000, Vietnam  11,000, India  10,500, Georgia  9,000, Italy  8,500, China  6,500, and Great Britain  6,500," Dudziak said.

He added that in the first half of this year, the number of foreigners with a residence permit increased by almost 42,000 people. The largest increase among foreigners who moved to Poland, according to the Office for Foreigners, concerned citizens of Ukraine (by 31,500 people), Belarus (by 4,400 people), Georgia (by 1,000 people), Moldova (by 900 people), and India (by 700 people).

"Foreigners prefer to live in regions with large urban centers that offer opportunities for work or study. The most popular voivodeships are Masovian  132,000 people, Lesser Poland  60,000, Greater Poland  46,500, Lower Silesian  40,500, and Silesian  31,000," according to the Office for Foreigners.

Over 265,000 Ukrainian citizens had valid residence permits in Poland as of May 2021.

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Some guests of the Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen scheduled for August 23 will participate online.

"Some guests will arrive in Kyiv, some will join online, some will record a video addresses about their intention to join in the future. I think colleagues from the Baltic states  Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia  will definitely arrive," President's wife Olena Zelenska said in an interview with the FOCUS media outlet, Ukrinform reports.

In addition, Zelenska noted that the summit would be attended not only by first ladies and gentlemen but also by world experts and representatives of international organizations.

According to her, the main topics of the meeting will be health care, education, equal opportunities in new conditions.

"The most pressing topic around the world is the post-COVID reality. The world has changed, we are facing a great crisis, and now the new reality needs new coordinates. We will discuss this at meetings," Zelenska said.

According to her, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is a new type of event in the context of world humanitarian policy and soft power diplomacy. Zelenska noted that she sought to create a platform for meeting, exchanging experiences, joining forces in humanitarian, social, and cultural projects.

As reported, the Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen will take place in Kyiv on August 23, on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. The event is organized on the initiative of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

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| By Giordana Segneri and Mary T. Phelan

The University of Maryland School of Nursings (UMSON) Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics (SINI) offered its 30th annual conference virtually July 15-16 with the theme Real-World Evidence and the Changing Landscape of Health Informatics. With an undertone of celebrating its history, which is deeply entwined with the history of UMSONs Nursing Informatics masters program, SINI also focused on the future by reflecting on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top: Jane Kirschling, Barbara Van de Castle, Patricia Brennan, Jianying Hu. Bottom: Eun-Shim Nahm, Polun Chang, Sayonara Barbosa.

Barb Van de Castle, DNP 14, ACNS, OCN, RN-BC, UMSON assistant professor and chair of this years institute, welcomed more than 200 participants from around the world and said she hoped SINI would serve to nourish, to challenge, to stimulate, and stretch your thoughts. Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, thanked the 17-member planning committee, comprising UMSON faculty and staff in addition to informatics academicians and clinicians from a variety of organizations, and welcomed all attendees.

The Summer Institute has a long and distinguished history of engaging both leaders in informatics and those who are new to the field, she said. The early days of nursing informatics were reflected in the shape of the earliest Summer Institutes. She explained that UMSON was the first school in the world to offer a masters specialty in nursing informatics, in 1988, followed by its groundbreaking offering of the worlds first PhD specialty in informatics, in 1991.

Today, as we think about the challenges facing nursing and health care systems, disparities are at the forefront, she said, reinforcing a primary theme of the National Academy of Medicines recently released report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Todays informatics holds the promise of helping to address these disparities. It is an exciting and challenging time with tremendous opportunities and complex questions. This is nothing new for informatics.

Kirschling then passed the virtual podium to Patricia Flatley Brennan, PhD, FAAN, director of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and a pioneer in the development of information systems for patients. Brennan aims for the NLM to accelerate data-driven discoveries and develop the workforce for a data-driven future, she said.

Brennan presented on Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Evidence for Practice and Getting It Into Practice, outlining how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of a virtuous cycle of real-world evidence and nursing practice, critically appraising the NLMs contributions, and devising nursing informatics strategies that support the cycle. The pandemic changed the world around us and changed the world of nursing practice, Brennan said. Were at the transition of our understanding and demands of our practice to address the post-acute sequela of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She discussed tools the NLM puts at the disposal of informaticians, clinicians, and scientists, including PubMed and PubMed Central, explaining how artificial intelligence has powered the search, retrieval, and presentation of literature. She also addressed how the NLM can help support the creation of evidence from practice, accelerating the use of data standards, making sure data flow freely, she said, and getting evidence into practice. Having evidence alone at NLM isnt enough; we have to make sure it gets into the hands of clinicians, patients, and policymakers, she continued. NLMs focus is on novel approaches to information delivery. If youve been watching carefully, youve been noticing text messages, PSAs, and new types of billboard advertising are happening. Imagine our ability to link to a community, identify where resources are, and connect people to services as quickly as possible. As the future unfolds, nursing informatics plays a key role in creating a virtuous cycle and ensuring its valuable to patients.

Following a brief break, SINI offered nine virtual Expert Roundtable Discussions via conferencing breakout rooms. In one focused on artificial intelligence (AI) led by Kathleen McGrow, DNP 14, MS 02, RN, PMP, chief nursing information officer, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences Industry Team, and Ronald J. Piscotty Jr., PhD, RN-BC, FAMIA, assistant professor, UMSON, nearly 25 participants discussed how AI is present in mundane, everyday processes, from shopping on Amazon.com to using content streaming services. We need to understand how to leverage AI in our clinical practice, McGrow said before inviting participants to share how they do so and to identify the benefits and downside of the technology.

Where do we allow the system to stop and the nurse to take over? one participant asked. Nurses have such great knowledge, and we should rely on them.

AI is assistive technology. Its not here to take over the nurses job or anyone elses, McGrow asserted. How do we train the machine to be accurate? Dirty data is a big problem in the informatics world. McGrow explained that inaccurate data can create bias that leads to systemic racism and exacerbating disparities.

The pandemic has seen remarkable growth regarding the publics adoption of digital health programs using innovative technologies, government financial support, and policies, according to an afternoon session presented by two international informatics scholars.

Polun Chang, PhD, FIAHSI, professor, Institute of BioMedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, China, and Sayonara Barbosa, PhD, RN, associate professor, Nursing Informatics and Critical Care Nursing, and sub-coordinator, Graduate Program in Health Informatics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, shared their insights during a panel discussion, Innovative Approaches to Engaging the Public in Self-Care During and After COVID-19: Global Efforts. The session was moderated by Eun-Shim Nahm, PhD 03, RN, FAAN, professor and program director, Nursing Informatics, UMSON.

COVID-19 has resulted in significant contributions by nurse informaticians in patient engagement and in developing ways to help people stay safe and healthy, Chang explained.

In China, Chang said, the use of smartphones is so prevalent, officials knew that creating something for mobile devices would be most effective. Chang and his colleagues created an app to help people manage their time in quarantine and to communicate with others so they would not feel so isolated. The app also notified users when there was an outbreak in their community and included a way to track symptoms and to make appointments for COVID-19 testing.

At National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, QR codes are located at the entrances to all buildings for faculty, staff, and students to scan using their smartphones, and the university can track a mobile users body temperature, testing status, and quarantine history, all monitored in real time. So with our mobile platform, we can track all people inside our university. Each building, each floor, each area, we can control very well, Chang said.

Barbosa echoed Changs remarks about the importance of informatics to manage the pandemic in Brazil.

Remote patient monitoring, patient engagement technologies, and telehealth or virtual health access are all integral to creating an all-encompassing health care experience, Barbosa said. The pandemic has forced the change in the traditional model of care. What we see in primary care and also in the hospital is that the use of information and telecommunication technologies are improving.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health developed an online chat, a hotline number, and a WhatsApp channel to facilitate communication between patients and health services, minimizing risks of exposure. The service is structured as a telephone call center operated by physicians who evaluate patients symptoms. Information from the consultation is transferred to the patients electronic file, and the respective health services follow up with patients via daily calls to assess their health.

Another initiative being used in Brazil: Biologix, a sleep apnea home diagnostic and monitoring system used to remotely monitor individuals with suspected COVID-19 or mild symptoms of the disease. A cordless portable sensor placed on a patients index finger captures oxygen saturation and heart rate data. The data is collected in real time by a smartphone app that automatically sends it to the cloud and to a control panel operated by a medical team responsible for monitoring each patient. If the system shows a drop in oxygen saturation, the medical team contacts the patient or on-site care provider. If the patient reports additional symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue, or difficulty breathing  all symptoms typical of a COVID-19 infection  the team advises immediate hospitalization.

COVID-19 brings a reshape of health care. So we really need to think about health care in a different way, and it includes health care that is shaped by telemedicine, Barbosa said. Digital transformation is a must for the new reality we have to face.

Wrapping up the conference, Jianying Hu, PhD, IBM Fellow, Global Science Leader, AI for Healthcare, director of the Center for Computational Health, IBM Research Fellow, IEEE, IAHSI, IAPR, presented an endnote, Computational Methods for Next Generation Health Care. She examined the challenge of how to leverage modern methodologies from machine learning, data mining, and decision science to extract insights from data collected over large populations and apply them at the individual level to improve health.

Computational health, in our view, is really about enabling the journey from data to impact, Hu said. The key lesson that we have learned over the years is we really need to resist the temptation of using one hammer to solve all the problems. Instead, we need to work very closely with domain experts to first understand the specific use case and then identify the most meaningful problem to solve. And finally, identify the most appropriate model to solve that problem.

Van de Castle and Mary Etta C. Mills, ScD, MS 73, BSN 71, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, professor, UMSON, concluded the two-day event paying tribute to SINI trailblazers with a video featuring nursing informatics pioneers who helped build the field over the last 30 years and with the announcement of the Peoples Choice for Best Poster Award winner, a highlight of the conference each year.
Key Mortgage Services, a full-service financial products provider, announced the hiring of top industry executive Ralph Melbourne as its new president.
Felon who killed cellmate for sexually abusing his sister gets more than 24 years in prison
The theme from "Love Story," which starred Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw, was quite popular in 1970 when the romantic drama came out. The film and best-selling novel of the same name were written by Erich Segal.
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 05th Aug, 2021) startAD, the Abu Dhabi-based startup accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at New York University Abu Dhabi, has announced the winners of the NextGen Incubator.

The virtual programme has been designed specifically for UAE-based university students between the ages of 18 and 25 who are passionate about developing tech-enabled solutions for global challenges as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, said a startAD press release on Thursday.

The "Showcase Day" represented the conclusion of a rigorous entrepreneurship training programme. This edition included skill-building workshops, mentorship, and network access during which teams acquired the skills and tools to develop their project into a start-up with a business model that is scalable, repeatable, and capital-efficient.

Organised in partnership with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Sandooq Al Watan, and Etihad Airways, the programme takes advantage of the regions favourable entrepreneurial environment, and equips students with future-ready social, digital, entrepreneurial, and business skills that spark curiosity, enhance employability, and encourage innovation.

The winning start-ups presented outstanding solutions for responsible consumption and production, quality education, climate action, good health, and wellbeing and won prizes worth US$33,000.

Mental Health AE, a platform that provides services, information, and resources to create awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health in the UAE, won the National Impact Award, a US$10,000 prize offered by Sandooq Al Watan.

Ground Z, an innovative digital platform that aims to reduce educational inequality with the help of artificial intelligence won first prize of US$3,000 from GGGI.

5mm, a start-up which creates sustainable microplastic clean up solutions placed second with a prize of US$1,500 from GGGI RePlaste, a sustainable design studio addressing waste management, won the Etihad Airways Challenge and return business class tickets to any destination served by the Etihad Greenliner, as well as the opportunity to test and validate their technology through a pilot project on Etihad Airways Ecoflights. They also received the third prize of US$500 from GGGI.

Twelve teams comprising 34 students pitched their solutions to a panel of experts during Showcase Day.

Commenting on the fourth edition of the NextGen Incubator, Managing Director of startAD and also Vice Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NYUAD, Ramesh Jagannathan said, "According to the UN 2020 World Youth Report, 600 million jobs would be needed in the next 15 years to meet global youth employment needs.

Entrepreneurial disruption is now more essential than ever before; as the world tackles a global pandemic, technology disruptors will rise to play a critical role in reshaping economies "The NextGen Incubator is dedicated to promoting innovation as a crucial pillar of the UAEs transition into a thriving knowledge-based economy. By providing the nations talented and entrepreneurial youth with the skills and tools needed to realise their ideas into successful businesses, we are contributing towards building a brighter and more prosperous future for all, with sustainability at its core."

Chief Digital Officer of Etihad Aviation Group Frank Meyer said, "Our warmest congratulations to the winning teams and the finalists, who have shown us yet again the enormous potential of UAE youth in driving innovation and progress. We look forward to working with these future leaders to explore innovative ways of continuing to make air travel more sustainable, not just for Etihad, but for the global aviation industry as a whole."

Director General at Sandooq Al Watan Hind Baker said, "Sandooq Al Watan is delighted to partner with startAD in supporting the NextGen Incubator programme, which functions as an instrumental tool to help motivate and encourage the UAEs young entrepreneurs to find tech-enabled solutions for some of the most pressing challenges the global community is facing. As an organisation that is committed to promoting social responsibility and community cohesion, Sandooq Al Watan seeks to collaborate with the most impactful initiatives that can make a difference in UAE society."

The virtual programme received 146 applications from 27 universities. The 34 finalists, of whom 50 percent were female, represented 15 nationalities, seven universities, and three Emirates of the UAE.

The jury included Head of Sustainability & Business Excellence at Etihad Aviation Group Mariam Al Qubaisi, Director General at Sandooq Al Watan Hind Baker, Senior Strategic programme Manager at Sandooq Al Watan Sama AlHammadi, and Senior Officer at Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Hyun S. Lee. The investor panel consisted of CEO and Cofounder of The UAE Angels Capital Investment Dr. Abdulhannan Kareem and Corporate Leader, board Director and Advisor to multiple family offices and Venture Capital companies Alaa Alhashem.

To date the NextGen Incubator has advanced 369 youth entrepreneurs from 30 universities and five emirates in the UAE. Many of these entrepreneurs have gone on to incorporate their businesses and secure significant local and international projects with leading UAE corporations, said the press release.
Frankfurt, Aug 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Aug, 2021 ) :German industrial output slumped in June for the third month straight, as businesses continued to contend with shortages of raw materials and components, official figures showed Friday.

Industrial production was down 1.3 percent in June compared with the previous month, according to the German Federal statistics agency Destatis.

The fall is best attributed to "supply bottlenecks for semiconductors, particularly in the automotive sector, which continue to pose a problem," the economy ministry said in a statement.

It follows a drop of 0.8 percent in May, revised downwards by the Destatis in its latest statement, and a further contraction of 0.3 percent in April.

Production of capital goods in particular was down 2.

9 percent in June, while consumer goods went up by 3.4 percent.

Construction also slid by 2.6 percent, although figures remained at a high level overall. A shortage of timber was partly to blame, although this could "shortly be overcome", according to the statement.

Businesses remain "optimistic" about the outlook for the industrial economy and exports, despite recent struggles, the ministry added.

Production is still up over the course of the year, 5.1 percent higher compared with last June. But the indicator is still 6.8 percent below the level in February 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic curtailed trade and travel worldwide.

After contracting by 1.8 percent in the first quarter, the German economy grew by 1.5 percent between April and June.
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Moscow, Aug 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Aug, 2021 ) :The brother of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was sentenced on Friday to a one-year suspended sentence for breaching coronavirus regulations earlier this year.

Along with several other opposition figures, Oleg Navalny, 38, was accused of calling for Russians to attend an unsanctioned rally in January in support of his brother, who had returned to Russia after being treated in Germany for a near-fatal poisoning attack.

Moscow's Preobrazhensky district court on Friday also slapped a Navalny ally, Nikolai Lyaskin, with a year of restricted movement in the same case.

The 39-year-old activist said that the court had banned him from leaving his home between 10 pm and 6 am as well as from attending mass events and leaving Moscow.

Russia's opposition says authorities have stepped up a campaign of intimidation against dissenters ahead of a parliamentary vote in September, allegations the Kremlin has rejected.

In June, Russia declared Navalny's organisations extremist and barred his allies from running in the polls.

Earlier this week a court sentenced another key Navalny ally, Lyubov Sobol, to a year and a half of restricted movement in the same case.

In 2014, Alexei and Oleg Navalny were convicted in a fraud trial related to their work for French cosmetics company Yves Rocher.

While the opposition politician received a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence, his brother was jailed for the same amount of time in a move activists compared to hostage taking. Oleg Navalny served out his sentence in full and was freed in 2018.

Alexei Navalny, 45, who survived a near fatal poisoning with a Soviet-designed nerve agent last summer, was imprisoned in February for two-and-a-half-years on old embezzlement charges.
Pak-Maldives Business Council of FPCCI organized virtual Dialogue in collaboration with State Trading Organization of Maldives to discuss untapped opportunities to boost bilateral trade

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Aug, 2021 ) :Pak-Maldives Business Council of FPCCI organized virtual Dialogue in collaboration with State Trading Organization of Maldives to discuss untapped opportunities to boost bilateral trade.

The event was facilitated by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and High Commission of Pakistan in Mal, Maldives, said FPCCI statement here on Friday.

President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Mian Nasser Hayat Maggo said FPCCI could play an active role in connecting Maldives businessmen with exporters in Pakistan to meet their import requirements.

He highlighted the potential to enhance the volumes of bilateral trade mainly in construction materials, pharmaceuticals, textiles and food items.

Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo said FPCCI was ready to host a trade delegation from Maldives to Pakistan to facilitate the Maldivian importers to have first-hand knowledge of Pakistani products from varied industries and sectors. He also offered his full support to establish B2B linkages.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Ather Mukhtar shared his vision for Pak-Maldives relations and encouraged both sides to make the best use of the business potential on both sides.

Acting High Commissioner of Maldives in Pakistan, Ali Rilwan also underlined the need for to work together in very organized way to explore business opportunities.

Chairman Pak-Maldives Business Council of FPCCI, Imran Khalil Nasser apprised the audience of the enormous potential to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

He said Pakistan and Maldives should explore investment including joint venture opportunities through regular B2B contacts.

Pakistan's Trade and Investment Attach in Maldives, Asmma Kamal, gave a detailed presentation on existing trade figures between the two countries. She also highlighted potential industries and sectors for Maldives to source goods from Pakistan. Director Pak Maldives Business Council Altaf Hashwani enquired about the potential of STO Maldives to enhance imports of textiles and hosiery products from Pakistan.

Participants raised their queries with STO on product registration requirements and procedures in Maldives and the appetite to import Pakistan's world-famous fruits like mangoes and oranges.
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The leaders of five Central Asian countries gathered for talks in Turkmenistan on Friday, with the spiral of war in neighbouring Afghanistan topping their agenda as US-led forces leave the country

Avaza (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Aug, 2021 ) :The leaders of five Central Asian countries gathered for talks in Turkmenistan on Friday, with the spiral of war in neighbouring Afghanistan topping their agenda as US-led forces leave the country.

The talks in the Caspian Sea town of Avaza come as the Taliban challenges Afghan government forces in several large cities after weeks of gains in the countryside, including in provinces next to the three former Soviet 'stans' that border the country -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov called Afghanistan "the question that worries all of us" on Wednesday as state television showed him receiving his Tajikistan counterpart Emomali Rakhmon for bilateral talks ahead of the summit.

Russia, meanwhile, was involved in joint military drills close to Afghanistan's borders in both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as a top Kremlin military official flew into the region Thursday to observe the exercises and hold talks.

Fighting in Afghanistan's long-running conflict began to intensify in May, when US and other foreign forces began the withdrawal due to be completed later this month.

In June, the Taliban captured Afghanistan's main crossing with Tajikistan, Shir Khan Bandar, while Kabul's troops have been forced to retreat into both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in recent weeks during heavy fighting with the group.

The Taliban insisted that it has no designs on Central Asia, and has established official contacts with both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan as it casts itself as a government-in-waiting.

But analysts argue that a growing security vacuum in the country can pose its own threat to Central Asia, as well as the region's growing economic cooperation with Kabul.

Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian military's General Staff, arrived in Uzbekistan for talks Thursday, and to observe military drills that are expected to wrap up next week.

During a meeting with Uzbek counterpart Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, Gerasimov said the drills took place "to practise actions to repel terrorist threats".

"The main threat to the Central Asian region today comes from the Afghan direction," Gerasimov said, noting that Moscow was increasing its supplies of weapons to the region.

The annual summit being held in Avaza is a rare instance of the Central Asian states convening for talks without powers from outside the region, such as Russia, China or the United States.

al-cr/acl/spm
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CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th August, 2021) The Moldovan Foreign Ministry said on Friday it cannot yet confirm whether criminals who escaped earlier in the day from a temporary detention facility in the Moscow region were citizens of the republic, but expressed readiness to help Russian law enforcement officers with the search if needed.

The Moscow region prosecutor's office reported on Friday that five prisoners had escaped from a detention facility in the town of Istra. The Russian Investigative Committee said that among them was Alexander Mavridi, accused of murdering businessman Vladimir Marugov. The rest of the fugitives had theft charges.

All five escaped prisoners are native Moldovans, a source in the Russian law enforcement told Sputnik.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova found out about the escape of Moldovan natives from the isolation ward in the Moscow region from the press.

We cannot yet confirm whether they are citizens of Moldova. The Embassy of Moldova in Russia launched an official request concerning the case. If necessary, Moldovan law enforcement officers will assist their Russian colleagues in finding and arresting the fugitives, " Daniel Voda, the ministry's spokesman, said.

The so-called "Sausage King" Marugov was shot with a crossbow in his bathhouse in Istra during a robbery last November. Mavridi was detained soon after as a suspect. During a search in his apartment, law enforcement officers found an elderly man handcuffed to a bed. Mavridi was then also suspected of committing fraud with the apartments of lonely people in Moscow and the Moscow region.
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Hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze on the outskirts of Athens on Friday as dozens of fires raged in Greece in what the prime minister dubbed a "critical situation," while neighbouring Turkey is also battling wildfires

Athens (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Aug, 2021 ) :Hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze on the outskirts of Athens on Friday as dozens of fires raged in Greece in what the prime minister dubbed a "critical situation," while neighbouring Turkey is also battling wildfires.

Greece and Turkey have been fighting blaze upon blaze over the past week, hit by the worst heatwave in decades, a disaster that officials and experts have linked to increasingly frequent and intense weather events caused by climate change.

French firefighters arrived in Greece on Thursday night to help, while Switzerland, Sweden, Romania and Israel are due to send back-up.

"Our country is facing an extremely critical situation," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said late Thursday, putting six out of 13 regions in the country under high alert.

"We're facing unprecedented conditions after several days of heatwave have turned the country into a powder keg." Some 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Athens, a fierce blaze ate through vast areas of pine forest, forcing yet more evacuations of villages overnight and blowing thick, choking smoke all over the Greek capital.

In the small town of Afidnes, firefighters were seen standing on their truck in the dead of night, dousing flames that leapt high above them.

Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country has been shut down as a precaution.

- Foreign help - Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said that out of 99 fires reported on Thursday, 57 were still active during the night, notably on the island of Evia where monks who refused to leave their monastery had been forcibly evacuated.

Around 82 French firefighters -- both military and civilian -- arrived on Thursday evening, a French official said.

France was also due to send two water-bombing planes, as was Sweden, while Romania was to dispatch 112 firefighters and 23 vehicles and Switzerland three helicopters, a spokesman for the Greek firefighters told AFP.

Israel, too, said it is planning to dispatch an aircraft carrying 15 firefighters and a large cargo of flame retardant.

Given the extreme danger, the Greek authorities have issued a blanket ban on any visits to forests, national parks or nature spots until Monday.

- Erdogan under fire - In Turkey, 208 fires have lit up since July 28, and 12 were still ablaze on Friday, according to the Turkish presidency.

Eight people have died and dozens have been hospitalised across the southern coasts of the country.

In one particularly critical event earlier this week, winds whipped up a flash fire that subsumed the grounds of an Aegean coast power plant in Turkey storing thousands of tonnes of coal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said an initial inspection conducted after the flames had been doused showed "no serious damage to the main units in the plant".

The government is facing rising pressure after the opposition referred to a report which showed only a fraction of the budget for forest fire prevention had been spent.

The General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) spent only 1.75 percent of nearly 200 million Turkish lira ($23 million) allocated for forest fires in the first six months of 2021, main opposition party MP Murat Emir said, referring to numbers apparently from the state agency's own report, which he submitted in a parliamentary question.

The government has defended itself by blaming the Turkish Aeronautical Association, which Erdogan said at the weekend had not been able to update its fleet and technology.
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WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th August, 2021) Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley held talks with visiting Latvian armed forces commander Lieutenant General Leonids Kalnins at the Defense Department, Joint Staff spokesperson Col. Dave Butler said on Thursday.

"Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley met with Latvia's Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Leonids Kalnins today at the Pentagon," Butler said in a readout of the conversation. "The leaders discussed a range of issues including bilateral cooperation, capabilities and areas of mutual interest in the Baltic region."

General Milley also reinforced international commitments to maintaining readiness, Colonel Butler said.

Latvia was a key NATO ally and shared a strong partnership with the United States around the globe, the readout said.
ONeal Buoyed by Successful Performance at 2021 Miss Mississippi Pageant

Fri, 08/06/2021 - 16:34pm | By: David Tisdale

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) alumna Vivian ONeal came away with a lot of positives from her performance at this years Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg, including one of the events top awards, funding for graduate study and a renewed belief in herself and her abilities.

ONeal, who entered the pageant as Miss University of Southern Mississippi, placed as first alternate at the pageant and won the events Quality of Life Award and Scholarship.

After a three year wait period, to say I was thankful to be back in Vicksburg (for the pageant) is an understatement, said the Pine Belt resident who earned a bachelors degree in public relations from USM in 2020. Any nerves I had were quickly replaced with joy and gratitude to be surrounded by the most incredible women, production staff, board of directors, and volunteers.

I've been a performer since I was three years old, so it also felt good to be back on stage doing what I love, especially as a representative of my beloved alma mater.

While an undergraduate at USM, ONeal was a member of its famed Dixie Darlings dance team and the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Mu sorority, among other organizations. She will use the scholarship to pursue a masters degree.

The Quality of Life award recognizes the competitor with the most impactful social impact initiative; ONeals is the CapABLE Curriculum, which has been taught to more than 5,000 students in four states, and she plans to continue engaging with Mississippi students and educators through it.

CapABLE provides education stakeholders with solutions for bridging emotional learning for all students, including those with disabilities. The initiative focuses on celebrating the differences between students, eliminating stigma, and encouraging diversity.

I am especially excited to see this particular area grow and continue establishing programs that promote inclusivity in classrooms across the country, she said.

ONeal said the week of Miss Mississippi is a learning experience that provokes exponential growth, and to go from not having made the events top 15 in previous years to nearly winning the title made her confidence soar.

It was so humbling to see the hard work pay off, even after one of the most challenging years our country has experienced, she continued, referring to the impacts of the worldwide pandemic. I walked away from this year's competition a better and more confident person, dancer, communicator, along with scholarship funds and a brand-new set of goals and opportunities.

As for the future, ONeal says that if the past year has taught her anything, its that plans seldom go the way you intend them.

With that being said, Im continuing to seek opportunities for growth, but ultimately following God's lead.
Valdosta, GA (31601)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
On the first anniversary of a massive explosion in Beirut which claimed many lives and caused widespread destruction, Pope Francis appeals for the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon, calling on the international community to provide concrete assistance.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis during his weekly General Audience appealed for what he called, the beloved country of Lebanon.

Addressing pilgrims in the Paul VI hall on Wednesday, the Pope said he was thinking of the country a year after the terrible port explosion in its capital, Beirut, with its toll of death and destruction. I think above all of the victims and their families, the many injured, and those who lost their homes and livelihoods, he noted.

On 4th August last year an explosion in Beirut, set off by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, killed more than 200 people and left more than 300,000 displaced.

In July this year, the Pope met with Lebanese Christian leaders in the Vatican.

Speaking of this, Pope Francis said that During the Day of Prayer and Reflection for Lebanon last 1 July, together with Christian religious leaders, all of us listened to the hopes and aspirations, the frustrations and weariness of the Lebanese people, and we prayed for Gods gift of hope to overcome this difficult crisis.

In his words, the Pope also appealed to the international community to offer Lebanon concrete assistance in undertaking a journey of resurrection. It is my hope that the current International Conference hosted by France with the support of the United Nations will prove productive in this regard, he said.

In conclusion, Pope Francis expressed his desire to visit the country.

I continue to pray for you, he said, so that Lebanon will once more be a message of peace and fraternity for the entire Middle East.

Confronting the crisis

Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Raymond Abdo, Provincial of the Discalced Carmelites in Lebanon, said Pope Francis was an inspirational support.

Pope Francis has given us hope that we can confront this crisis, with his appeal to the universal Church not to let us go under. The Pope is not going to abandon the Church in Lebanon.

Father Abdo added: We are regaining some degree of confidence despite all the difficulties. Why should we fear anything when we have our faith in Jesus Christ?

Economic hardship and migration

The economic crisis facing the country has seen families unable to make ends meet, leading many Christians to contemplate the prospect of emigrating.

Sister Eva Abou Nassar, administrative director of Holy Family School in Jounieh, 20km from Beirut, said the economic crisis had led her to lose up to 20 teachers in June and July.

Most of them want to emigrate, since they can simply no longer make ends meet. Their purchasing power has fallen drastically, she said.

She added that Some of the families here in Jounieh, a town not generally regarded as being poor, actually go out early in the morning, in order not to be seen, scavenging food from the dustbins.

ACN support

ACN has supported the Christian community with 2.3 million (2.74 million) to help rebuilding in the Christian Quarter which was badly hit by the explosion.

The charity has also provided 1.9 million (2.25 million) in emergency relief aid.
The U.S. military is testing cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that the Pentagon says will allow American forces to predict major events prior to them happening.

At a press conference, on July 28, General Glen D. VanHerck, commander of the North American Defense Command and the United States Northern Command, addressed a crowd of reporters and revealed that trials have been ongoing in an attempt to improve the militarys use of data for key decision making.

The initiative is called the Global Information Dominance Experiment (GIDE) which VanHerck has said is showing promising results.

GIDE was designed to access real-time information that assists military leaders to prepare for enemy action and has the potential to deter conflict before it even starts.

A new era of new and renewed strategic competition

VanHerck stated in a press conference, Right now, the threats we face and the pace of change in the geostrategic environment continues to advance at really alarming rates. Weve entered an era of new and renewed strategic competition, and this time, were facing two peer competitors, both nuclear-armed, that are competing against us on a daily basis.

While VanHerck declined to name the two peer competitors, the nations he is referring to are most likely Russia and China.

The goal of the GIDE experiments is to outpace competitors by accelerating efforts to transform culture, including factoring in homeland defense into every strategy, every plan, force management, force design decision, as well as aspects of acquisition and budget so that we can deter in competition, de-escalate in crisis and if required, defeat in conflict. VanHerck said.

VanHerck asserted that by utilizing machine learning and AI they can detect changes in watched parameters that would then trigger an alert supplying the military with information that would allow them to focus on a specific location like, for instance, the Panama Canal.

What weve seen is the ability to get way further what I call left, left of being reactive to actually being proactive. And Im talking not minutes and hours, Im talking days. VanHerck said, adding that, The ability to see days in advance creates decision space. Decision space for me as an operational commander [allows us] to potentially posture forces [or] to create deterrence options to provide to the secretary or even the president.

11 U.S. command units participate

The experiment, conducted by the Pentagon, saw 11 U.S. command units simulate the takeover of crucial sites such as the Panama Canal.

Vanherck stated that during a simulated operation, data obtained from various sensors both military and civilian, spread out across vast distances, is fed into an artificial intelligence model capable of detecting patterns and providing alerts when signs are detected such as a submarine preparing to leave port.

Knowing what an adversary is doing prior to them doing it creates time to review strategies and plan within a conflict scenario, which is invaluable and could potentially create opportunities to avoid deadly conflict before it has the opportunity to emerge.

VanHerck stressed that all the information used to feed the artificial intelligence algorithms already existed; it is simply being utilized in a very different manner.

Keep in mind that its not new information. Its information that today is just not analyzed and processed until later in the time cycle, if you will, said VanHerck.

And all were doing is taking and sharing it and making it available sooner. So that our key decision-makers will have options versus being reactive where they may be forced to take some kind of escalation option. he added.

Growth of automation tools in warfare raises concerns

Using artificial intelligence to better inform military decisions is a primary objective of the Pentagon especially as adversaries escalate their use of the emerging technology but, the growth of automation tools in warfare is raising serious concerns among numerous advocacy groups.

The GIDE experiments were carried out with numerous other groups within the U.S. Department of Defense and worked on projects including the infamous Project Maven.

Project Maven sparked controversy in 2018 when Google employees rose up against the companys involvement in the warfare experiment. At the time, Google was contracted to assist in the development of the technology behind Project Maven.

Project Maven is a Pentagon project that uses machine learning and engineering talent to distinguish people and objects through drone videos.

VanHerck was keen to address concerns over the use of automation in warfare stating that Humans still make all the decisions in what Im talking about, and that, We dont have any machines making decisions.

The technological capabilities trialed in GIDE are already available and ready to be used in the field across multiple combatant commands. The intent of the U.S. Armed Forces is to further improve its ability and, in future, to collaborate with international allies and partners to create a global exchange of real-time intelligence.
India plans to send four warships into the contested South China Sea waters in August, according to its Defense Ministry. The exact date of departure has not been revealed. The two-month deployment will also include joint exercises with other Quad partnersthe United States, Australia, and Japan.

The Indian task force sailing to the South China Sea will consist of a guided-missile destroyer, an anti-submarine corvette, a guided-missile frigate, and a guided-missile corvette. They will participate in the Malabar 2021 naval exercises, which will be the second time the Quad coalition takes part in the mega wargame. In addition, the group also plans to work with naval units from the South China Sea nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia.

The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence, and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain, the Indian Navy said in a statement. It added that such maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly nations based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea.

The communist Chinese government claims the vast majority of the South China Sea as its own territory, which is dismissed by other nations. Beijing has built several artificial islands in the South China Sea in a bid to justify its territorial claim. Many of these islands are militarily fortified, equipped with weapons systems, and missiles. The Indian government has taken a hardened stance towards the Chinese government after the two sides clashed along the Himalayan border last year.

Collin Koh is a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore who specializes in naval affairs. In an interview with CNN, he said that the naval deployment is Indias most visible show of flag naval presence east of the Malacca Strait.

However, he does not expect Indian warships to unnecessarily take a confrontational approach against China or even conduct freedom-of-navigation operations close to islands claimed by Beijing.

The mere presence of the ships in the South China Sea, even if outside the 12 (nautical mile) limit of each Chinese-occupied feature, would have sufficed to meet New Delhis strategic objectives of signaling its intention to remain engaged in the Western Pacific, Koh said.

The United States and the UK have already deployed naval vessels to the South China Sea. The UKs HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group is presently headed towards Japan. Beijing, irked by the British vessel, warned the UK not to do any improper acts while passing through the South China Sea. The group apparently did not sail close to the Chinese regimes artificial islands while crossing the contested waters.

New aircraft carrier, Quad ties

India will begin sea trials of its first domestically developed aircraft carrier next month. Named INS Vikrant, it will boost New Delhis defensive and offensive capabilities while sending a strong message about the countrys technological capabilities.

The carrier will allow India to counter Chinas increasing presence in the Indian Ocean. INS Vikrant is Indias second aircraft carrier; the first is a 35-year-old ship bought from Russia. China already has two aircraft carriers in service and is building a third one.

Aircraft carriers allow India to achieve some sea control in the Indian Ocean and therefore, would prove instrumental in any economic blockade of China during crisis situations, Yogesh Joshi told the South China Morning Post. Joshi is a research fellow at the National University of Singapores Institute of South Asian Studies.

China has been unnerved by the Quad alliance, accusing it of being a military alliance aimed against Chinas resurgence and labeled it the Asian NATO. Beijing also stated that the Quad will destroy the international order.

During his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed Chinas criticism. Jaishankar stressed that India has interests that are far beyond its immediate neighbors in this globalized world.

People need to get over the idea that somehow other countries doing things is debited against them. I think countries do things for what are in their interests for their good and for the good of the world, and that is exactly the case with the Quad, Jaishankar said.
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International Development, Samantha Power, on a visit to Sudan and Ethiopia, has starkly contrasted the trajectory of the two countries, saying Sudan is on a fragile path to democracy, while Ethiopia is mired in conflict and facing famine. VOAs Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 has had positive results in South Africa, the co-head of a trial, Glenda Gray, told reporters Friday.

A research study conducted from mid-February to May with upwards of 470,000 health workers showed positive results in those inoculated, and the countrys health regulator approved the single-shot J&J vaccine in April. It is being used in addition to Pfizer's.

The study showed 91% to 96.2% protection against death, Gray said, and 67% efficacy against infection when the beta coronavirus dominated and 71% when the delta variant did.

As of Thursday, more than 8.3 million people had been vaccinated in South Africa.

Worldwide, about 4.3 billion people have been vaccinated.

Despite the introduction of new COVID-19 vaccines in recent months, however, the virus continues to spread across all parts of the world, primarily the highly contagious Delta variant, infecting a growing number of people and triggering a new round of strict social restrictions and lockdowns.

More than 20 months after the first cases were detected in Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 global pandemic has far surpassed 200 million total confirmed infections, including 4.2 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center data released Friday.

The United States tops the list with more than 35 million cases, including at least 600,000 deaths, followed by India, Brazil, France and Russia.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Olympics organizers report 29 new Games-related coronavirus cases.



Information from the Associated Press and Reuters was used in this report.
Tanzanian riot police detained a number of protesting supporters of arrested opposition leader Freedom Mbowe on Thursday, as a terrorism case against him was postponed.

Mbowe and other officials from the main opposition party Chadema were arrested last month ahead of a planned conference to demand constitutional reform.

The 59-year-old has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and some Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new leader.

Mbowe had been due to appear in court in the financial capital Dar es Salaam on Thursday via a video link from prison but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said.

Chadema supporters waving placards saying "Mbowe is not a terrorist" and "Free Freeman Mbowe" gathered outside the court.

Police responded by arresting protesters, the party said on Twitter. Images from the scene showed helmeted police bundling people into a pickup truck and taking them away.

It was not immediately clear how many were detained.

Chadema also said police had raided its regional office in the capital Dodoma on Wednesday night and assaulted a guard before making off with documents.

The party's secretary general John Mnyika urged supporters to turn up at the court again on Friday when Mbowe is due to appear in person. "Going to court is not a criminal offence," he said on Twitter.

'Politically-motivated'

Mbowe's lawyer Kibatala told AFP he was "saddened by the massive use of force" against the protesters.

"All of them were very orderly. They were expressing solidarity and support," he said.

He added the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law".

"They are opportunistic and probably politically motivated."

Mbowe's arrest came four months after Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, took office following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

There had been hopes that Hassan would usher in change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style.

Prosecutors say the terrorism charges against Mbowe do not relate to the constitional reform forum Chadema had planned to hold in the northwestern city of Mwanza last month, but to alleged offences last year in another part of Tanzania.

Amnesty International has joined the calls for his release, saying the government must substantiate the charges against him.

"Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan's inauguration, the Tanzanian government has taken some encouraging steps towards allowing greater freedom of expression and association in the country," Amnesty said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This case is a concerning development that casts doubt on whether that progress will continue or whether repression will once again be the order of the day."
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe cut electricity supplies to several parts of the country on Wednesday after its biggest coal-fired generating station suffered a technical fault, losing 368 megawatts, the state power utility said.

The southern African nation has in the past experienced deep power cuts lasting up to 18 hours due to drought and ageing equipment at its power plants.

Hwange Power Station, in western Zimbabwe, has a design capacity of 920 MW but has been generating around 360 MW due to ageing equipment.

A technical fault at Hwange Power Station forced the company to curtail supplies, known locally as load shedding, ZESA said in a statement.

Only Kariba Hydro Power Station was operating on Wednesday, producing 1,000 MW, below the 1,500 MW that the country needs, according to official data.

The government contracted China's Sinohydro to add two units of 300 MW each at Hwange, which are expected to come on stream next year. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Mike Harrison and Richard Chang)
A farm belonging to a son of a national hero and his colleagues has been seized by some people said to be linked to Zimbabwes feared spy network, the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO), despite a pending High Court case over the Nyamandlovu piece of land.

In a Facebook message, Siphosami Malunga, who is the son of the late PF Zapu stalwart Sydney Malunga, said a man identified as Davison Gumbo invaded the Esidakeni Farm last night in the company of several individuals.

The case is in the High Court. We have elaborated our side and are waiting for the responses from every respondent we cited, yet the farm grabbers have now invaded the farm. Dumisani Madzivanyati came with a certain Davison Gumbo a few days ago. Last night Gumbo came with a gang and told our farm manager to leave. Said Zeph Dhlamini is now barred from coming to the farm. Ordered workers to shut down all borehole & irrigation pumps & "dismissed" the entire workforce & "locked" us out. We reported to ZRP. They are afraid of the High Court. This was always a land grab and Gatsha Mazithulela and CIO and Richard Moyo are all over it. We will defend ourselves, our rights & our workers. They will have to kill us.

Malunga, Dhlamini and Charles Moyo bought the farm from a commercial farmer but the government claims, without evidence, that Esidakeni was compulsorily acquired in 2004 and is in the process of being subdivided for several people, including CIO deputy director Gatsha Mazithulela, CIO operative Reason Mpofu, Dumisani Madzivanyathi and others.

The three owners filed a High Court application seeking an order to block declare as null and void claims that the farm was acquired by the state.

Dhlamini was blocked by Gumbo from entering the farm today resulting in a harsh exchange of words in the presence of the police, who were alerted about the farm invasion by the current owners of the land.

Malunga, Dhlamini and Moyo accuse Mazithulela, Madvivanyathi, provincial minister Richard Moyo, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu of attempting to push them out of the farm.

In court documents filed by the three, Mazithulela is said to have noted that his aim is to get rid of Maunga, who is a well-known government critic.

Responding to the invasion of the farm, David Coltart, a senior member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, said, For all the sycophantic claims of some who should know better that this is a new dispensation  and the economy is in good hands, the reality on the ground is far different. This farm was bought lawfully by Siphosami Malunga and his partners and they have invested heavily in it. Sipho is the son of the late and real national hero Sydney Malunga. The farm has been targeted by ZANUPF because Sipho is a staunch critic of the Mnangagwa regime - indeed a real thorn in their side.

The way they can get at him is by unlawfully invading this farm as they have done. There is of course no rule of law to speak of in Zimbabwe so the legal route is difficult, but the only course a democrat like Sipho can take. It is important that this story be shared - in particular diplomats of countries Mnangagwa is trying to impress need to note the reality on the ground. This is a regime which is a master at smoke and mirrors games; it is not a new dispensation but rather a new deception.

Some people being cited in the High Court case have denied any involvement in the farm invasion. Obert Mpofu said, The farm is in my neighbourhood and it is along the road to town. How then can I avoid passing through it besides I have never spoken to anyone about subdividing it although I know that the farm has never been and its not owned by Malunga and company. I know the history of that farm very well. What they are trying to do is laughable.
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Plan a magical wedding day in Vermont, whether ablaze with fall color, capped with snow, or lush with the green of summer. If you're interested in learning more, click here.

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.@MeghanMcCain shares her final words as co-host as she leaves @TheView: Thank you all so much again for the privilege and honor it has been for the last four years to work on this show. It really has been incredible.



This has been a really wild ride. https://t.co/kS1p3Jmn3v pic.twitter.com/N4QhKngBfZ  The View (@TheView) August 6, 2021

Its the end of an era  of bad takes, bad blood, bad basic-television-hosting competency, so-bad-theyre-accidentally-good takes, and bad hair, but an era no less. Meghan McCain celebrated her last show on The View on August 6, the finale of the talk shows 24th season. This has been a really wild ride, the past four years of my life, said the former Fox News host, who joined the panel in 2017. Its been, honestly, the best of times and the worst of times, in all ways, on and off the show. McCain announced her departure at the beginning of July, saying she planned to live in Washington, D.C., to raise her new baby girl, Liberty. I hope that our executive producer, Brian, can forgive me for making his blood pressure rise for the past four years as much as I probably have, McCain added in her closing comments.

Across her four seasons, McCain hosted The View through her pregnancy, a pandemic, and perhaps most valiantly, an ongoing feud with co-host Joy Behar, her outspokenly liberal counterpart. In her final appearance on the show, she spoke to some fellow Arizonans, Democratic senator Kyrsten Sinema, and her own mother Cindy McCain, along with receiving a send-off message from former Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. But her best send-off came, of course, courtesy of Behar. Okay, bye! she said after McCains final comments. Wed venture to say she still wont be missed.
Two inmates died while in custody at the Russellville City Jail and now attorneys representing the families of the inmates have sent letters to the city stating they might sue.

The jail is located in the Russellville Police Department.

According to the letters of intent, Dylan Lane, 21, was found dead in his Russellville City Jail cell in November 2020. A few months later Sarah Campbell, 30, was found dead in her cell in April 2021.

The Franklin County Coroner responded to both calls and told WAAY 31 Lane and Campbell did not die of suicide or foul play.

He could not comment further on how they died.

The letters of intent legally have to be filed six months after both incidents occured and reserve the right of the attorney's to file suit for two years after their deaths. No lawsuits have been filed in the case.

Each letter of intent calls their deaths 'wrongful' and says the city was 'negligent.'

In total, both cases are seeking $30 million from the city.

Right now, its not clear how many jailers work at the city jail, how Campbell and Lane died, or if cameras are installed in the cells that could shed some light on their deaths.

WAAY 31 has filed an open records request with the city attorney to get these details.

The Russellville police chief and mayor both said they couldnt say anything about the cases because of pending lawsuits.

They referred WAAY 31 to the city attorney who said it would be premature to make a comment since lawsuits have not been filed.
Clouds are streaming in from the southwest which will reduce sunshine and temperatures some Friday for north Alabama. By the afternoon pop-up showers and storms will form mostly west of I-65. Storms will not be strong or severe Friday but gusty winds and lightning will impact outdoor plans including kids heading home from school.

Some showers and storms could linger overnight for areas east of I-65 and closer to Sand Mountain but most areas should dry out this evening.

We'll return to a weather pattern that is much more typical for North Alabama in early August. Lows in the lower 70s and highs in the low to mid 90s as early as Sunday, continuing into next week. Each afternoon features a few showers and storms, too.
If you are planning to visit someone at one North Alabama hospital, there are some new updates you need to know.

This week, Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro updated its visitation guidelines.

Right now, all non-COVID-19 patients are allowed one visitor per day. COVID-19 positive patients are only allowed visitors at end-of-life care or under special circumstances.

"With the rise of the COVID positive rate in our community, we really felt the need to help protect the patients, the family members who are visiting, and our staff members by limiting the number of people who are able to come in and out of the hospital," said Wendi Raeuchle, Director of Marketing at Highlands Medical Center.

The policy will be in place until further notice. As of Thursday, there were 10 COVID-19 inpatients at Highlands Medical Center.

For the full visitation guidelines click here.
Huntsville City Schools is back and in full swing, but they're currently short-staffed across the district.

The school system has more than 100 positions it is working to fill, and 30 of those positions are for teachers.

Huntsville City Schools is in need of teachers Huntsville City Schools is in need of teachers

A spokesman with the district, Craig Williams, said the teaching shortage really won't impact student learning.

That could mean a substitute teacher in the classroom," he said. "Ultimately, that means filling in the gap with one of those teachers until a permanent teacher is in that position.

HCS is the largest school district in North Alabama. Williams said seeing more than 100 job openings on their website might seem like a lot, but it's all relative to its size.

If youre comparing apples to apples, versus other school districts that may be half the size that we are, that does explain why it may appear that we do have more vacancies, and thats primarily because we do have more students," said Williams.

There are 37 schools in the district and HCS is looking to hire about 30 teachers district-wide.

In an attempt to get more employees, HCS is offering $1,000 to both new and current teachers, if they simply take a COVID-19 learning class. All new and current employees like janitors, nurses, or counselors, can earn $500 for taking the COVID-19 learning class also.

Williams wants to remind all potential hiree's that they will put both your health and the student's health first.

We were the first district to put a mask mandate in place to begin the school year," Williams said.

"Not only is it a commitment to the health and safety to the students but its a commitment to the health and safety of staff members as well. We want to do everything we can to promote a safe learning environment, and ultimately we want to be in a place where we can do teaching and learning in the safest way possible.

WAAY 31 spoke with several parents on Facebook and they said the teaching shortage isn't noticeable. They said there's about the same number of students in their kids' class this year, compared to last.
A bombshell development in the former Limestone County Sheriffs corruption conviction.

Juror Sue Pentecost has come forward with an affidavit saying she felt forced into giving Mike Blakely a guilty verdict. Now, she says a mistrial should have been declared on those two guilty verdicts.

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely mugshot Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely mugshot

She says, "I understand I told the judge that was my verdict, but that was incorrect, not truthful, and I'm ashamed of myself for not saying something when I was asked. I want to set the record straight now."

In the affidavit, Pentecost says she originally voted not guilty on both count 2 and count 13 of the indictment because she did not believe the state proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

But other members of the jury did not agree with her. When she would not change her vote, she said in her affidavit the foreman yelled at her, saying "I am not going to have a mistrial."

Every time Pentecost asked the foreman to speak with the bailiff or judge to say they could not reach a consensus, the foreman ignored her and yelled, "What is wrong with you?" she says in her affidavit.

She then claims the other jurors bullied her and started raising their voices as well. Due to a health condition, she was scared she was going to have a stroke.

So, she ended up changing her vote just to get out of the deliberation room.

She said it was her choice to come forward and make the court aware of "a serious error" that had occurred. She said no one threatened, harassed, or pushed her to come forward. She came forward because she could not get the decision off her conscience.

WAAY31 reached out to another member of the jury who convicted Blakely, and they remember the jury deliberations differently.

That juror claims Pentecost's affidavit is full of lies. They say the deliberation room was definitely intense at times, but no one was ever screaming or yelling profanities like Pentecost claims.

They added that from the beginning, Pentecost said she was giving Blakely the benefit of the doubt and didn't want to be the reason he lost his job.

The other jurors said that wasn't how jury deliberations work, she needed to look at the facts and evidence presented during the trial.

They also claim Pentecost was on her phone most of the time playing solitaire and answering phone calls. The jurors had to ask Pentecost to put her phone away so they could focus on the trial as a group.

The affidavit was taken under oath, so Pentecost was asked to tell the full truth. But with differing sides of the story, it's hard to know what exactly happened behind those closed doors.

At this time, neither the defense or Attorney General's office have a comment on the matter.
Local and state health officials are continuing their push for coronavirus vaccinations, as the number of deaths in the state climbs.

State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said 26 people died in Alabama from coronavirus on Thursday. The majority of those people were unvaccinated.

Thousands of vaccines are now going to waste but are still readily available. As the Delta Variant continues to spread, he's urging people to get vaccinated.

Harris said even if you get vaccinated today, you won't be protected against the virus for another five to six weeks.

Protection against the Delta Variant increases when you're vaccinated, Harris said, citing breakthrough infections at only 2%.

"We have really high levels of disease transmission going on in every single part of the state right now," said Harris. "Our recommendation for universal masking is going to stand."

Harris made it clear that the state isn't going to order a mask mandate, but it's health officials' recommendation to wear a mask when indoors.

80% of coronavirus cases in Alabama are the Delta Varient, consistent with the percentage of delta cases the nation is seeing.

Harris said only .002% of vaccinated people have died from the virus. The state is now seeing about 3,000 cases per day.

On a local level, Madison County has 122 coronavirus-positive cases, last month just 18 positive cases. 29 people are currently on ventilators versus last month, just one person. Fourteen people are in the ICU, last month, just two.

Those numbers alone showing the spike in cases.

Huntsville Hospital's staff is tirelessly working to keep COVID-19 positive patients alive.

Tracy Doughty, President of Huntsville Hospital, said they're converting normal units, both medical and surgical, back to COVID units. ICU beds are also filling up.

"There are still people that don't want to wear masks or get their vaccines," said Doughty. "It's really impacting the lives of our nurses, techs, pharmacists, doctors, all the people who take care of those patients."

90% of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated.

Doughty said not too long ago staff members thought they were at the tail end of COVID. Now, working extra hours and days to treat more COVID patients.

To find a vaccine near you, visit here.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Incoming COP26 President Alok Sharma wants to consign coal to history, which would be a key step toward limiting warming to 1.5C. But thats proving difficult. An all-night meeting of Group of 20 ministers in Naples, Italy, in July failed to produce an agreement on phasing out coal power, the most polluting source of energy. India -- which depends heavily on coal and is the worlds third-largest emitter -- was a key holdout at the Naples meeting. Some key decisions need to be made as well on remaining details of the Paris deal related to financing, transparency, loss and damage, and help for poorer nations to build technical expertise to tackle climate change. At COP25, held in Madrid in 2019, countries tried but failed to create a global carbon-market mechanism that could allow them to generate credits from projects that reduce pollution. The idea is to allow the trade of credits, which in theory pushes funding toward places where the biggest gains can be made most cheaply. Countries will be looking to find a compromise this time to get a deal done.
Too many cooks in the kitchen? Diener, 24, who started at Heirloom the same week as Kearn almost five years ago, explains that she and her colleagues first meet to see what they have to work with. The next time they gather, each cook is expected to come up with a few ideas, which are then refined by the group and eventually tested and tweaked. An abundance of mushrooms, banana peppers and Swiss chard recently led to a roesti of shredded king trumpets, staged with banana pepper sauce and sauteed Swiss chard, a market-fresh accompaniment to a steak entree. Lee compares the drill  what to do with whats on hand  to competitive cooking shows on TV. At the same time, says Diener, we are all equals, even when he was there, a reference to the recently departed head chef. The reality that all our palates are a little different  some cooks prefer more acidity, others more heat  results in what Diener thinks is a well-rounded spectrum of flavors.
Muscadet, the crisp white wine from the region near the mouth of the Loire River, is a traditional match for oysters on the half shell. The wine hasnt been fashionable, perhaps because of its lean profile and the similarity in name to muscat, or moscato, and muscatel. So the labeling here puts the word Muscadet in small print on the back label, and the burgundy-style broad shouldered bottle suggests a fleshier wine. It is satisfyingly ripe, with the briny mineral quality the region is known for. Some of the proceeds from this wine are donated to oyster bed revitalization efforts, to ensure there will always be food to enjoy with it. ABV: 12 percent.
Its best to contact medical offices and service providers before any appointments to express your concerns, Gatter said. Its fine to say, for example, that you are vaccinated and wouldnt feel comfortable coming into close contact with anyone who is unvaccinated or unmasked. Then, he said, you can ask about the safety policies in place, such as vaccination and masking requirements, and how they are being enforced. Gatter also encouraged employers to inform employees about how they plan to address these questions, and ideally obtain consent from workers to publicly disclose general information about vaccination rates among staff or to make assurances that patrons wont have contact with unvaccinated individuals.
 United Medical Center: The D.C. hospital is working towards requiring the coronavirus vaccine for all staffers but has not yet unveiled the policy, a spokeswoman said. She said it is difficult to know what percentage of the staff has been vaccinated because not all employees get their shots at the hospital.
Lawyers familiar with the probe, in which more than 565 have been charged, say Mosss fast-tracking of the question may help create legal certainty in the long run. But now it throws a wrench into plea talks between prosecutors and defendants if their counsels see a key charge on shaky footing. If so, prosecutors may be forced to turn to charges with weaker penalties  such as rioting or civil disorder, which some think fail to capture the severity of events  or re-indict defendants with more politically charged crimes such as seditious conspiracy.
Defense attorney Thomas Durkin argued that Thompson had lost his job, his family was poor and he had allergies to vaccination that put him at elevated risk of infection if detained immediately during the coronavirus pandemic. He noted that his client never planned to engage in violence and was readily identified after wearing a Seattle Seahawks aviator hat and W-emblazoned University of Washington jacket on Capitol grounds.
Just because we cant see [ransomware], we have this kind of perception that everybody is on their own, Thomas said. What we really need to be doing is figuring out how we can provide a collective umbrella to shield us from the cyber criminals and state actors that protects the individuals, but in essence, is protecting all of our society.
The investigation began in March when opponents of critical race theory, an intellectual movement that examines the way policies and laws perpetuate systemic racism, accused a school board member involved in ARPLC and other group members of targeting those who oppose the theory. According to the sheriffs office, residents who oppose critical race theory alleged that ARPLC had created a hit list of opponents and sought to infiltrate their efforts on social media.
The flag-raising boosted morale, but it did not mark the end of the siege of Iwo Jima. The battle waged on for another month before U.S. forces had rooted out and killed all but 200 of the islands Japanese defenders. Almost 7,000 Marines died on Iwo Jima, according to the National World War II Museum, and another 20,000 were wounded. Col. Severances unit, which initially consisted of 240 men, had a casualty rate of 75 percent.
A few years later, he was accepted into a prestigious leadership-development program in the State Department. But he told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he could not believe it when his name was proposed soon after for an ambassadorship. People from my area of specialization, administration, dont get many opportunities for envoy jobs, he said, adding that he saw the possibility as a metaphor of hope for the underclass in the United States.
Ive said that Joe Biden is legitimately our president so there is no question here, Youngkin said. As I tried to say politely the other day, there is no legal proceeding that will change the fact that Joe Biden and his liberal allies are dragging our economy down with their bad policies until 2025, and instead of litigating the past we must be focused on winning in November to stop those policies here in Virginia.
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Will we look at other sectors of the federal government and make determinations about where other, you know, potential mandates or self-attestation programs might be effective? Yes, said the official. The president has been very clear that he is going to use every tool available to him, ranging from the bully pulpit to various authorities that he has as president to work to try to get as many people in this country vaccinated as possible.
It is here that faith and religious communities are particularly obligated to make the call for reparations. Faith and religious communities, by definition, are accountable to provide a more just future, or as Martin Luther King Jr. called it, the Beloved Community  a call not simply to look back, but also to look ahead. Thus, these communities must call for a program of reparations that demonstrates a comprehensive path forward to a more just future, not just one that makes amends for the past.
Earlier studies showed the Amazon absorbs about 2 billion of the 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide the world emits into the atmosphere each year, making it an important part of the global effort to curb climate change. But a study led by the Brazils Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, published in Nature on July 14  spanning 10 years and involving nearly 600 flyovers  found the dry seasons intensification and increased deforestation had caused more fires and higher carbon emissions. The southeastern part of the Amazon, particularly ravaged by logging, has become a net source of carbon.
But at Biblots pharmacy, the enthusiasm took a sudden and unexpected hit. On July 24, panicked staffers and pedestrians had to take shelter behind the shop windows, some of them struggling to breathe through the tear gas that floated in the air. Outside, a small group of protesters attacked and dismantled a coronavirus testing site that had been set up in a tent. They attempted to shatter a window of the pharmacy.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said just one case would not have that much influence on Russias investment climate, but that we know well that foreign businesses are following this case very closely. Foreign entrepreneurs, big foreign businesses, they met with our president more than once over this period, and they raised the Calvey issue.
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Similar concerns have come from human rights activists as well as Colombias government, which is worried about the health of 18 former Colombian soldiers arrested in the case. Colombia has said they have limited access to water and some are exhausted and have lost weight. It says one was limping and another couldnt stand without help from a colleague.
The Labor Department said that $9.50 per day would be enough to buy the minimum basic necessities for 1.7 people. Mexicos Constitution requires the minimum wage should be enough to allow a worker to support his family  obviously, more than 1.7 people  but that mandate has not been observed in practice for decades.
Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.
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The coronavirus outbreak that pulled Victoria into its sixth lockdown has grown by four new local cases overnight, including a student who attends a specialist school in Melbournes south-west.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the state was in a precarious situation as it entered its first day of a seven-day lockdown in a bid to suppress the growing number of cases.

Streets are quiet street in Melbourne after the state went into lockdown for the sixth time. Credit:Justin McManus

The state recorded six new local cases on Friday, which are linked to previous cases but were not in quarantine while infectious. Two of those cases had previously been reported on Thursday.

Mr Foley said three of those cases are members of a household who are linked to the teacher at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina.
The nations top economists expect the housing boom to end this year, with many predicting potential regulatory action and coronavirus lockdowns will take some of the heat out of the property market.

The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age Scope mid-year survey of 22 leading economists, of which 18 provided housing predictions, shows a rapid slowdown in property price growth is expected in the nations two biggest capital cities over the next year and a half amid lockdowns to limit the spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus.

Regulators and lockdowns could start to weigh on property values. Credit:Graham Tidy

The panel on average believes the height of the property boom has passed, forecasting dwelling prices to end up 16 per cent for Sydney and 11 per cent for Melbourne at the end of this year.

In 2022, Sydney and Melbourne property values are expected to rise another 4 per cent and 3 per cent respectively. This could see the median Sydney house price at $1.23 million by the end of next year, from $1.02 million at the start of 2021, and Melbournes median house price at $915,000, from $800,000.
New York: A former employee who accused New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of groping her in the Executive Mansion in Albany has filed a criminal complaint with the Albany County sheriffs department, the department said.

The woman, whose name has not been made public, was an executive assistant who told state investigators that in one incident Cuomo groped her breast. It is the gravest of the sexual harassment allegations faced by Cuomo, whose once ascendant political career as part of one of the countrys most powerful Democratic Party families is on the brink of collapse.

State investigators this week said Governor Andrew Cuomo, pictured, sexually harassed at least 11 women. Credit:AP

The former aide was one of at least 11 women who state investigators this week said were sexually harassed by Cuomo, a Democrat, who is resisting widespread calls, including from US President Joe Biden, to resign, and faces impeachment by state lawmakers.

The executive assistant told investigators that Cuomo called her to the mansion in November 2020, led her into a room, closed the door, slid his hand under her blouse and cupped her breast over her bra, according to the investigators report, released on Tuesday by New York Attorney-General Letitia James.
Wilmington, DE (19810)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low near 75F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low near 75F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Reporter

I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years.
Copyright 2021 AccuWeather. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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GREENFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM)-- At least one State Trooper and Greenfield Officer were assaulted by a "large unruly group" Friday night while responding to a large fight, according to Greenfield Police.
WESTPORT  A former Starbucks supervisor has filed a federal lawsuit against the coffee giant, alleging the company did nothing to protect him from a customer who repeatedly called him racial slurs.

Dayshawn Rodriguez, who worked at the Parker Harding Plaza Starbucks in Westport, claims in his complaint filed in the District of Connecticut court that he reported all of the incidents to upper management, but they failed to take action against the woman.

A protest was held last July in front of the downtown Westport Starbucks after Rodriguez, 29, posted about his experience on Instagram.

Im not fighting just for me, Im also fighting for other Black and brown people who work at Starbucks who feel the same way, Rodriguez, a Bridgeport resident, said this week in an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media.

Rodriguez, a Black man, said the incidents began in October 2019, when a woman, who is white, came in to use the bathroom while he and another barista were closing the store.

When he realized the woman was still in the bathroom after closing, Rodriguez said he knocked on the door. When the woman came out, she told him not to rush her and called him a racial slur, according to the lawsuit.

Rodriguez said he spoke to his manager the following day, telling her he didnt feel comfortable being in the store with the woman after the incident, the lawsuit said.

After he asked the woman to leave the store the next time she came in, Rodriguez said his manager told him to not ask customers to leave, the lawsuit said.

In another incident, Rodriguez said the woman threw water on herself and claimed he had done it, the lawsuit said.

Rodriguez said he documented what happened in an incident report, but his manager told him he made corporate feel uncomfortable because he referenced the customer calling him a racial slur, the lawsuit said.

When the woman came into the store in June 2020, Rodriguez claimed she loudly said she would not be served by him and again called him a racial slur, the lawsuit said.

Starbucks did not respond to a message seeking comment this week.

When the demonstration occurred last summer outside the Starbucks, a company a spokesperson said the woman had been banned from the Westport store and others in the area.

None of our partners should feel harassed while in our stores and we take these matters seriously, the company spokesperson said in a statement. Our stores are a place of community, where everyone is welcome, provided they contributed to a positive environment and an enjoyable experience.

The company has not responded to Rodriguezs complaint in federal court, according to online records.

Rodriguez, who is representing himself in the suit, said he first contacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before filing the complaint.

A spokesperson for the agency said she couldnt confirm or deny charge filings, investigations, or administrative resolutions. A letter from the EEOC included in Rodriguezs complaint said it was closing its investigation without making a determination.

The suit asks for monetary damages without specifying an amount.
NEW DELHI (AP)  Salimullah, a Rohingya refugee, has been living in the Indian capital of New Delhi since 2013 when he fled violence in Myanmar. Stateless, and now homeless after a fire razed his camp, the 35-year-old lives in a tent with as many as 10 other people at a time.

Before the pandemic, he ran a small business selling groceries from a shack. But that was closed during India's harsh, months-long lockdown, and his savings are gone. He and his family have been surviving on donated food, but he has to return to work soon, despite the risk of getting COVID-19 and infecting others.

Although some refugees in India have begun getting vaccines, no one in his camp has received shots. Just over 7% of India's population is fully vaccinated and vaccine shortages have plagued the nation of almost 1.4 billion.

The disease doesnt discriminate. If we get infected, locals will also, Salimullah said.

It wasnt supposed to be like this.

For months the World Health Organization urged countries to prioritize immunizing refugees, placing them in the second priority group for at-risk people, alongside those with serious health conditions.

That's because refugees inevitably live in crowded conditions where the virus can spread more easily, with little access to the most basic health care or even clean water, said Sajjad Malik director of the U.N. refugee agencys division of resilience and solutions.

They are really living in difficult situations, he said.

Over 160 countries included refugees in their plans, but these have been upended by supply shortages. According to the WHO, some 85% of vaccines have been administered by rich countries. In contrast, 85% of the world's 26 million refugees live in developing countries struggling to vaccinate even the most vulnerable, according to the U.N. refugee agency.

Some countries, like Bangladesh, pinned their hopes on COVAX, the global initiative aimed at vaccine equity. In February, it altered its original vaccination plan to include nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees in crowded camps on the countrys border with Myanmar. Initial deliveries were scarce, but in the last few weeks, the country has received more than 6 million doses.

Globally the initiative has delivered less than 8% of the 2 billion vaccine doses it had promised by the end this year.

Even in countries where refugee vaccination has started, supplies remain an issue. In Ugandas Bidi Bidi camp less than 2% of the 200,000 refugees have received a single shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with second doses in short supply after India stopped exporting them after its own cases exploded.

Other obstacles ranging from language barriers to misinformation about vaccines are exacerbating the problem. Thomas Maliamungu, a South Sudanese refugee and teacher in Bidi Bidi, said he overcame his fears to get his first shot only after it was made mandatory for teachers.

Based on the rumors on the ground, I never wanted it," he said.

Some countries, like India, initially required documents like passports or other government identification, that many refugees lack to register for vaccines. Online registration was also a barrier for many without internet access.

India started vaccinating people in January. Four months later documentation requirements were eased. The Chin community in New Delhi, a Christian minority who fled the violence in Myanmar, started getting shots in June. By then, Indias monstrous surge had already ripped through their crowded settlement, with entire families falling sick and dying.

With the citys health system collapsing, refugees struggled to get a hospital bed and private hospitals were charging around $4,000 for a few days, said James Fanai, president of the Chin Refugee Committee in Delhi. Getting oxygen was almost impossible, he said.

Registration initiatives, like volunteers going to camps to help refugees sign up for vaccines, have sometimes fallen flat, said Miriam Alia Prieto, the vaccination and outbreak response adviser for Doctors Without Borders.

Many arent in camps but living with relatives, she said, noting refugee populations in Jordan and Lebanon.

Due to the transient nature of some refugee populations, some countries in Europe are gravitating towards using the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine for refugees. Prieto said that Spain is waiting for these vaccines to arrive. Greece began a drive for those living in migrant camps and shelters in early June using Johnson & Johnson shots.

Refugees are getting shots in EU countries, but the situation is worse in other parts of the continent, said Frido Herinckx, COVID-19 Operations Manager at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescents Regional Office for Europe. For example, only some 1.5% of people in Armenia and 4.2% in Ukraine are fully vaccinated.

In some countries, like Montenegro, the fear of arrest or deportation remains an obstacle and, he said, Red Cross volunteers are accompanying migrants, including refugees, to help them get shots while ensuring they weren't arrested afterwards.

"So (its) keeping that firewall between ... the border guards and the health service, he said.

But even if vaccine supply increases theres the issue of liability  the question of whos responsible in rare cases of serious side effects from the vaccine.

Humanitarian organizations can apply to distribute vaccines under the humanitarian buffer  a contingency mechanism set up by COVAX as a last resort. But doing so also means accepting liability for any serious side effects.

Prieto said Doctors Without Borders wants to try to get vaccines from the manufacturers but doesn't want to assume liability. Many vaccine makers have refused to ink deals for vaccines or ship them without that stipulation.

Another obstacle, she said, is that sometimes a vaccine greenlit by WHO is not yet authorized by the host country, creating a mismatch between what vaccines are available and what can be used.

Were in this weird phase where theres a drug being approved, but no one wants to take liability, she said.

As the virus continues to spread, the difficulties facing vaccinating refugee populations around the globe could spell disaster for host communities.

The virus doesnt distinguish between a national and a refugee. So, if you dont protect and save your refugee population it becomes a public health issue, Malik said.

___

Milko reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. AP journalists Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda, and Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece, contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

___

This story was first published on Aug. 2, 2021. It was updated on Aug. 6, 2021, to correct Bangladeshs vaccine delivery.
The Salvation Army is calling out to the community to help collect school supplies on August 6th and7th for children going back to school.

The Salvation Army says this year is more important ever as many families have already reached out for help.

"I know for a fact, there's over 100 families here in Warrick County that really need help with school supplies," says Major Loren Carter, Development Coordinator.

Buses are in front of four local Walmart stores in the Evansville area along with boxes for anyone to drop off supplies. Throughout the day, volunteers will be in front of the stores to hand out supply list to patrons as they walk in the store.

The Salvation Army says they are not taking cash this year, but they are accepting donations through their new QR code link.

The Teachers Closet will distribute the supplies collected to Vanderburgh County students, through their teachers. The Indiana Department of Child Services in Boonville will distribute the supplies gathered in Warrick County.

The event will run from 10am - 6pm on Friday and Saturday.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

A mix of clouds and hazy sunshine and continued very hot and humid with a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heat index up to 105 degrees..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy and muggy with a few showers and thunderstorms.
NWS Weather Alert NOTE: This information is provided by the National Weather Service. Forecast may differ from local information provided by our own 69News Meteorologists

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105. * WHERE...Portions of central, northern, northwest and southern New Jersey, east central and southeast Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

A mix of clouds and hazy sunshine and continued very hot and humid with a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heat index up to 105 degrees..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy and muggy with a few showers and thunderstorms.
NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut's governor gave the power to create mask requirements to municipalities.

Gov. Ned Lamont issued the executive order on Thursday.

Rising COVID-19 infection numbers and a challenge to vaccinate people have been issues for both state leaders and those who are fully vaccinated.

New Haven will be the first city in the state to return to a mask mandate.

Effective Monday, Aug. 9 at 12:01 a.m., the City of New Haven will require indoor masking at all establishments, such as bars, restaurants, theaters, and office buildings, regardless of peoples vaccination status, said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. This commonsense measure will help protect our residents amidst the increasing spread of the Delta variant.

Elicker said the mandate never went away for municipal buildings. Will simply be expanded to include places where people are likely to potentially expose other people to the virus.

The states positivity rate has increased nearly five fold in the past three weeks, said New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond. Nearly 2/3 of eligible residents in New Haven are now vaccinated, but vaccination still lags among younger residents and we still have thousands of residents who fall below the 12-year-old eligibility threshold. Get out and get your shot today."

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said he considering a similar order that would requiring masks in businesses such as restaurants.

Businesses told Channel 3 that they worry that customers could head to towns that are less strict.

They also fear that mask requirements could lead to the return of capacity limits.

Another change that could come has to do with vaccine requirements for those working for the cities.

Both Elicker and Bronin said they agreed that such an order is needed.

"Its not like wearing a seatbelt where the only one affected is you," Bronin said. "Not getting vaccinated is a lot more like driving drunk where youre putting other people at risk, so at this point when we have vaccines out there that are safe and effective, theres only one responsible choice."

Bronin has yet to issue an order.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself from becoming very ill," Elicker said. "If you havent been vaccinated, you should do so as soon as possible.

Stay with Channel 3 for continuing coverage.
Heavyweight producer Cameron Mackintosh has given his thoughts on last night's announcement regarding a new state-backed insurance system to help mitigate risks during the pandemic.

While seen as a positive step, many highlighted key flaws in the current arrangements that will mean the scheme does not aid theatre events in a way many producers have requested over the last 16 months.

Mackintosh released a statement this morning saying: "Welcome though the news is that the live event and music industries are finally being offered an insurance scheme, backed by the Treasury in partnership with Lloyds that will enable this important sector to plan their programmes for a year with greater certainty from this September, it is shocking that whilst theatre has been included, the specific needs of the commercial theatre have once again been ignored. In contrast the TV and Cinema industry has enjoyed government backing over this last year and is consequently thriving.

"This latest insurance scheme is unsuited to the way the theatre works, where we normally stage eight shows a week for 52 weeks a year. Music and business events are usually one offs lasting at most a few days. Yet the theatre is the spawning ground for much of the talent that fuels the live event, TV and Cinema sectors that the government are welcoming with open arms as more studios are being built in the UK.

"The prohibitively expensive insurance on offer explicitly excludes some of the protection the theatre desperately needs, namely cancellation of performances caused by illness or enforced isolation and the negative effects of the reintroduction of limited capacities which would make most shows financially unviable. It would help even if insurance covered any shortfall of running costs (not profits). There is also no contribution on offer to help mitigate the tens of thousands of pounds spent on Covid protection that the big shows are each spending every week to keep artists staff and audiences safe.

"We desperately need the current five per cent VAT rate to be extended at least till next spring to help us through till next Easter when hopefully everyone will be vaccinated, and the pandemic will have run its disruptive course."

The producer has been running a concert production of Les Miserables for the last few months, initially with socially distanced audiences. He also reopened The Phantom of the Opera this week at Her Majesty's Theatre.

"We employ many thousands of artistes and freelancers who have had an exceptionally tough 18 months and are currently now involved with us ramping up our productions to get our industry and the West End going again. The public are responding very encouragingly to our efforts to reopen by booking in large numbers to see theatre again in London - but not in the regions at the moment. All this is at risk if we are forced to close again through no fault of our own through an inadequate insurance scheme.

"The Treasury has earned billions from us over the years, and will do again if we survive, yet aside from furloughing the comparatively few building based staff, they continue to exclude us from the protection and rebuilding programmes afforded to others. There IS no business like show business and it's way past time the government helps us ensure that the show not only goes on but stays on.

Sondheim Theatre

 Matt Crockett

In a similarly skeptical statement, the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre issued a joint statement saying: "Yesterday's announcement of a government backed insurance scheme for the live performance and events sectors, which is accessible also to theatres and productions is a welcome demonstration of the need for insurance to protect against the severe impacts of the pandemic. These have led to costly cancellations of theatre productions, and a major inhibition to producers, venues, and external investors from making the commitments necessary to bring our world leading theatre sector back to normal levels of activity, with all the employment which that creates, right the way across the UK.

"Theatre generates 1.4bn in revenue annually and we estimate that as a sector our total economic impact including to the hospitality, travel and the tourism markets, coupled with the vibrancy theatre brings to our city centres, is worth at least treble this number to the economy as a whole. We also provide critical international earnings as our high quality productions are exported around the world. The sector will not be able to flourish and return to pre pandemic levels without an effective insurance scheme in place, that provides cover for Covid-19 related risks.

"Currently commercial insurers are unwilling to offer such crucial cover without government backing. We therefore welcome government intervention to help plug the gap left by this market failure - especially in relation to possible future national or regional lockdowns.

"However today's proposal addresses only some, and not all, of the major risks that theatre faces. Self-isolation regulations have been forcing the closures of shows at short notice. Social distancing audience number caps have been a constant burden to an industry which requires high audience occupancy levels to be economically viable. The threat of their possible reimposition represents a major risk, that we need to obtain insurance cover for - especially if larger, high cost productions are going to resume at normal levels. Theatre productions need long term sustainable cover for shows running daily over a considerable period of time. These risks and requirements are not addressed properly by the proposal. For any scheme to be effective it has to be comprehensive, and it also has to be affordable.

"We recognise the considerable engagement that has been made by DCMS and HMT, over the past year, in working closely with the theatre sector on the issue of insurance. It is important that we continue those negotiations and discussions as we work through the specific detail of the proposal announced today, but also to find ways to mitigate cover to include more of the risks that the sector is facing due to the pandemic, and to making the costs involved significantly more viable."
A government-backed insurance scheme to help mitigate risks for live events during the pandemic has been unveiled.

While the government's announcement, unfathomably, does not make specific reference to theatres, theatre performances are reportedly set to be covered by the scheme, which begins in September and will run for a year. The scheme will give producers confidence that, if their shows are cancelled, financial losses may be covered by insurers (in a similar situation to the events of March 2020).

Coming over a year after a similar program was unveiled for the film sector (despite repeated pleas from high profile stage producers and companies), the 750 million initiative was hailed by culture secretary Oliver Dowden as "an important next step as we develop live events insurance to give them the confidence they need to plan for a brighter future."

However, the scheme is not said to cover financial risks where performances have their capacities capped due to social distancing or the non-availability of a star due to Covid-related reasons  but only if they are cancelled due to legal restrictions.

DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight said in a statement: "It is really welcome that the Government has acted on a key recommendation from our inquiry into the future of UK music festivals. We have been calling on Ministers to introduce this safety net since January.

"Though it is a shame that it has come too late for some this summer, this scheme will provide the confidence the sector needs to plan and invest in future events."

Duncan Bell from #WeMakeEvents said: "WeMakeEvents was formed to represent the businesses, organisations and freelancers that make up the Live events supply chain and whose livelihoods have been severely hit by Covid.

"We are pleased to learn of plans for a government-backed insurance scheme for the events sector, and hope that this will start to re-build confidence and investment in live events, conference, and exhibitions in the UK. WeMakeEvents looks forward to working closely with the Government to fine tune the details of the scheme."
A lawsuit filed by the state of West Virginia accusing several opioid manufacturers of misrepresenting the risks of their painkilling drugs will go to trial next April
Funeral of man who died of COVID-19 is turned into vaccine and testing event
Today

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

Tomorrow

Scattered thunderstorms. High 86F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
AP

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Heavy rains in northeastern North Korea have destroyed or flooded 1,170 houses and forced 5,000 residents to evacuate to safety, North Koreas state TV reported.

Thursdays TV broadcast said this weeks downpour in South Hamgyong Province inundated or washed away hundreds of hectares (acres) of farmlands and destroyed many bridges. Footage showed houses submerged up to their red-brick roofs, a severed bridge over muddy water and a swollen river.
Winchester, VA (22601)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
In January, Jorge Torres bought a Boler trailer  a little fiberglass egg on wheels  and brought it to his fiancees house to surprise her.

In January, Jorge Torres bought a Boler trailer  a little fiberglass egg on wheels  and brought it to his fiancees house to surprise her.

"The opposite of a good surprise is what she had," laughs Torres, a 30-year-old contractor. "She says, What is this garbage?"

That garbage, Torres calmly explained, was a cult classic, a lightweight, ovoid escape pod first designed in Winnipeg in 1968, of which only 10,000 were manufactured, making it a valuable commodity and a retro, futuristic objet dart with room for four sleepers. It was in pretty rough shape: scuffed up, beat up, used. It looked as though it needed a fresh coat of everything.

ALEX LUPUL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jorge Torres says his fiancee was not impressed when the first Boler followed him home. Shes since changed her tune and the couple now have nine Bolers in their rental fleet.

So to ease his fiancees worry, Torres, who had a rough year business-wise owing to the pandemic, found some images of refurbished models. "Im telling you, I can fix it up and make it look really cool, even nicer than this," he said, saying they could rent it out. There was a market, and a growing one at that, for camping and seeing the great outdoors after a year-plus spent indoors. She started to come around.

A month later, they bought their second, then came the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth, and the ninth. Five have been remodelled, and Torres came through as promised: on the outside, the Bolers look as good as or better than new, and on the inside, they look like they came straight out of a Pinterest board or the latest issue of Dwell on a stylish boomers or aspirational millennials coffee table.

When the trailers were posted online to rent on Facebook Marketplace, Torres was inundated with inquiries, with each renovated Boler having been rented out every weekend since. "I knew people would be interested, but I cant honestly say I thought it would be like this," he says.

Thats Sharon McComas thinking exactly. She and her friend Susan Hopps renovated their 1973 Boler over four months last year, with some help from their husbands, as a "little project" before deciding to suss out the market and rent it out. (The friends share another Boler for personal use, bought after hearing a wolfs snarl on a camping trip in 2016).

Free Press The Boler started life in 1968, designed by Ray Olecko and Sandor Dusa.

"We had no expectations," says McComas. "We put it up and within an hour had 60 messages. I think two days later, the first renters"  who pay $75 per night  "took it out." Thirty have followed suit.

People, McComas says, really love their Bolers, especially in Winnipeg.

The trailers origins are in the Manitoba capital, where in the late 1960s a man named Ray Olecko went camping or hunting with his family in an old canvas tent, with many nights rained or snowed out, according to a detailed history of the Boler compiled by Tom McMahon, a local Boler enthusiast and the former general counsel for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Olecko had the idea in his head  reportedly drawing a rudimentary circle on a piece of paper, as rough a rough draft as could be  but he needed a skilled hand to make it a reality, so he approached a colleague, Sandor Dusa, who worked with him at Winnipegs Structural Glass, to develop a wooden mockup and later, a master mould to serve as the template for fiberglass trailer.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Friends Susan Hopps (left) and Sharon McCoomas bought and renovated a 1973 Boler last year. When it was first listed as a rental, they had 60 replies in the first hour.

Dusa had migrated to Canada from Hungary in 1956, the year of the Hungarian revolution, and in his native land worked as a cabinet maker, with a mechanical mind and an innate understanding of carpentry. With no specs, aside from the rough sketch, Dusa got to work, and soon, the duo had collaborated on a 13-foot, 800-pound prototype. It was light enough and small enough for a common sedan to tow, with little expertise or set-up needed, and thanks to the insulated fiberglass, it was also leak-proof and rust-proof: built to last.

Their families served as product testers, and over time, Olecko promoted and Dusa tinkered, before in June 1968 setting up a plant on Higgins Avenue, mortgaging their homes and taking out bank loans to raise $5,000 and start their company, Boler Manufacturing Ltd.

The first ads for Bolers appeared in the Free Press in July, selling for $1,495 (an ad from August, 1968, above, shows a price of $1,595). By 1969, nine Bolers per week were being manufactured at a larger warehouse on Dufferin to meet heavy demand, Olecko told the Free Press, and the Boler was awarded a Manitoba Design Award. (Dusa, a private man, was rarely if ever quoted, and routinely turned down interview requests about the Boler, which is why Oleckos name tends to surface more in early and subsequent media coverage).

By 1971, Olecko and company had negotiated franchised manufacturing rights not only in Ontario and Alberta, but in the United States, striking a deal with Kansas-based conglomerate Elenor International to start production at three plants in northern states. In 1973, with production in full swing in Winnipeg as well as the other plants, Olecko, Dusa and Krieg sold their shares in the company to businessman Jim Pattison, per McMahons history.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The lightweight Boler can be towed by most small SUVs and some sedans. Sharon McComas helps a client hook up earlier this week.

"Were the only company in North America producing fibreglass trailers," Olecko said in 1971. "I wouldnt be surprised to see our idea revolutionize the trailer industry."

"We knew right from the beginning that we had a winner," he said.

The last Boler was manufactured in 1988 in Midhurst, Ont., with most enthusiasts saying about 10,000 were made: the limited number of Bolers manufactured, along with their simplistic design, low maintenance and long-lasting materials can be attributed as reasons for their original popularity as well as their enduring value.

"They dont leak. Theyre extremely light. Theyre retro-looking. As soon as theyre put on Kijiji, theyre as good as sold," says Doug Kendel, a salesperson at GNR Camping World RV Centre. A decade ago, a well-maintained one sold for $3,500 or so. "Now, thats what wrecks are going for."

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Hopps (left) and McCoomas ready the Boler for their next client.

"Theres been a subculture of lightweight fiberglass trailer enthusiasts really for 50-odd years," McMahon says. "I think COVID has dramatically increased it."

Part of that has to do with the increased verve for local tourism and the enthusiasm for camping in general, which subsequently means finding bookable campground space is difficult. McMahon says many boomers no longer want to deal with tent set up or inclement weather, and neither do novice campers put off by the prospect of a bumpy sleep, mosquito bites, or a leaky nylon roof.

"As travel opens up, glamping is helping indoorsy families get outside," declared National Geographic in April.

Dale Podaima, a Boler owner in Winnipeg for 25 years, saw ads for rentals in July and decided to put her 1973 model, nicknamed Peace, up for rent. "Within a day, I had it booked for three weeks," she says. The only reason there are any gaps in her calendar, she says, is that camping spots, like Boler trailers, are such a hot commodity.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Light enough, and well-balanced enough, the Boler can be moved with a simple wheeled dolly, as McCoomas demonstrates.

For Torres, there is no concern that the popularity of his fleet of rentals will be sapped. Hes confident his renovations fit the needs of a wide and growing range of consumers. Not sounding unlike Ray Olecko, he says his models, renting for $75 to $90 per night, have staying power; he wants to buy even more, and plans to expand his company, My Little Boler, in the new year.

"Camping has been popular way before the pandemic, and if anything, I hope we have all learned that we need to get outside and explore more," he says.

Hes received generous offers to buy the renovated models. But his fiancee has changed her tune since the first one showed up on her driveway in January.

"Now," Torres says, "she wont let me sell them."

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca

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GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Shelton Douthit and his team at the Feather River Land Trust in Northern California have been working to restore the lush natural habitat and protect Indigenous artifacts around Lake Almanor. Now, after a ferocious wildfire tore through the area, he knows nothing's safe."

Santa Rosa firefighters retract a hose while battling the Dixie Fire in the Lake Almanor West community on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

GREENVILLE, Calif. (AP)  Shelton Douthit and his team at the Feather River Land Trust in Northern California have been working to restore the lush natural habitat and protect Indigenous artifacts around Lake Almanor. Now, after a ferocious wildfire tore through the area, he knows "nothing's safe."

Driven by fierce winds and bone-dry vegetation, the Dixie Fire destroyed most of downtown and dozens of homes in the gold rush-era community of Greenville, growing to become the third-largest in California history. The museum, medical offices, fire equipment and structures significant to a Native American tribe were lost in the town of about 1,000.

"This fire is so intense that I think were learning as a community, as a region, that this is not a normal fire. Its a beast," said Douthit, who is the trust's executive director.

The Dixie Fire, named for the road where it started, was still raging Friday and now spans an area of 676 square miles (1,751 square kilometers), greater than the size of New York City. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but the fire continued to threaten more than 10,000 homes Friday. It is just 35% contained.

Fire officials said the gusts were so strong on Thursday they uprooted a tree and knocked it over a garage.

Santa Rosa firefighter Capt. AJ Alcocer and his crew battle the Dixie Fire in the Lake Almanor West community on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

"This is going to be a long firefight," said Capt. Mitch Matlow, spokesperson of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

About a two-hour drive south, firefighters are gaining the upper hand on the fast-moving River Fire that broke out Wednesday near the town of Colfax and destroyed nearly 90 homes and other buildings. More than 5,000 people were ordered to evacuate in Placer and Nevada counties, state fire officials said.

Dale Huber walked into the fire zone Friday to check on his brothers home, which was reduced to rubble.

This photo shows cars and homes destroyed by the Dixie Fire line central Greenville on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

"It used to be a bunch of cool stuff, and now its just trash," Huber said. "You cant fix it. We can tear it out and start over again or run away. I think hes decided he wants to rebuild here."

The three-week-old Dixie Fire was one of 100 active, large fires burning in 14 states, most in the West where historic drought has left lands parched and ripe for ignition.

The fires cause was under investigation. But Pacific Gas & Electric utility has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of the utilitys power lines.

Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a home on Highway 89 south of Greenville on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Heavy smoke produced by the fires intense, erratic winds was impeding firefighters efforts Friday to look for hot spots from the air, forcing them to instead rely on infrared technology. The smoke also blanketed central California and western Nevada, causing air quality to deteriorate to very unhealthy levels.

By midday, the air quality index in Chester, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Greenville, shot up to 998, more than triple the amount where hazardous levels begin, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index.

In Susanville, Randy Robbins watched quarter-sized pieces of ash fall as the fire crept 6 miles (10 kilometers) from his home.

Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a pickup truck on Highway 89 south of Greenville on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

"Its crazy to think this fire started 50 miles (80 kilometers) from our house, easily," he said. "You cant imagine how big it is. You look at a map, and youre like, How is that possible?"

Heat waves and historic drought tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

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The flames heavily damaged Canyondam, a hamlet with a population of about three dozen people, and also reached Chester, but crews managed to protect homes and businesses there, officials said.

A church marquee stands among buildings destroyed by the Dixie Fire in Greenville on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Plumas County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The fire was not far from the town of Paradise, which was largely destroyed in a 2018 wildfire sparked by PG&E equipment that killed 85 people, making it the nations deadliest U.S. wildfire in at least a century.

Eva Gorman said she managed to grab photos off the wall, her favorite jewelry and important documents before fleeing. She was told that her home burned down but is waiting until she can see it with her own eyes to believe its gone.

How could another California town could be reduced to ashes, she asked herself.

"Thats what I keep thinking. Its happening, again," she said. "Its unfathomable."

Nguyen reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press writers Terry Chea in Colfax, California, Christopher Weber and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles and Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed to this report.
The nation's top aviation regulator is suggesting that local police around the country should file charges more often against unruly airline passengers and that airports should clamp down on alcohol sales.

This July 2, 2021 photo shows a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare airport in Chicago. The nations top aviation regulator is asking local officials to consider filing criminal charges more often against people who act up during airline flights, Thursday, Aug. 5. Federal Aviation Administration chief Stephen Dickson says airline crews often ask police to meet their plane when it lands because of unruly passengers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The nation's top aviation regulator is suggesting that local police around the country should file charges more often against unruly airline passengers and that airports should clamp down on alcohol sales.

Federal Aviation Administration chief Stephen Dickson said that every week, police are asked to be there when a flight lands after an incident involving passengers, including cases in which they assault flight attendants.

"Nevertheless, many of these passengers were interviewed by local police and released without criminal charges of any kind," Dickson said in letters to airport officials. "When this occurs, we miss a key opportunity to hold unruly passengers accountable for their unacceptable and dangerous behavior."

Dickson noted in the letters dated Wednesday that the FAA has proposed civil fines against dozens of passengers in recent months, but the agency has no authority to file criminal charges.

Dickson also asked airports to work with concessionaires to limit alcohol-related incidents. He said some concessionaires sell alcohol to go and passengers get drunk before the flight or believe they can carry their drinks on to the plane.

The letter went to more than 500 airports and two airport trade groups.

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This week, the FAA said airlines have reported 3,715 incidents involving unruly passengers since Jan. 1, with about three-fourths of the events involving people who refuse to wear face masks, as the federal government requires on airline flights. The FAA said it started investigating more than 600 incidents  nearly double the numbers for 2019 and 2020 combined  and has proposed fines in 99 of them.

The Association of Flight Attendants has pushed for more criminal prosecutions. The union said last week that nearly one in five members who responded to a survey reported witnessing or being involved in physical incidents involving passengers this year.

The surge in incidents of bad behavior on planes has been attributed to many factors including opposition to the mask rule, stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and the easy availability of alcohol in airports. Planes have been packed this summer with vacation travelers, and flight delays and cancellations have soared for reasons including thunderstorms, staffing shortages and technology outages.

Longtime flight attendants can't recall a similar level of tension. They say it is worse than an increase in unruly passengers in the 1990s that led Congress to make it a crime to interfere with airline crews. Some have reported being harassed, followed through terminals, and assaulted.

Reports of arrests have been rare, although they were made in two of the more notable recent incidents.

A 22-year-old Ohio man was arrested last week in Miami after allegedly groping two female flight attendants and punching their male colleague on a Frontier Airlines flight. He spent the end of the flight duct-taped to a seat. In late May, a 28-year-old California woman was charged with felony battery after allegedly slugging a Southwest flight attendant in the face. The attendant lost two teeth, according to her union president.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Norwegian Cruise Line asked a federal judge Friday to block a Florida law prohibiting cruise companies from demanding that passengers show written proof of coronavirus vaccination before they board a ship.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Norwegian Cruise Line asked a federal judge Friday to block a Florida law prohibiting cruise companies from demanding that passengers show written proof of coronavirus vaccination before they board a ship.

Norwegian contends the "vaccine passport" ban, signed into law in May by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, jeopardizes the health and safety of passengers and crew and is an unconstitutional infringement on the First Amendment's free speech guarantee, among other things.

Norwegian attorney Derek Shaffer told U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams during a remote hearing the vaccination requirement for its passengers is especially needed as Florida has recently experienced a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

"It's scary what is happening in Florida. Florida is a hotspot," Shaffer said. "All we're doing is trying to protect our staff and passengers."

The lawsuit names state Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, who leads the Florida Department of Health. The state's attorney, Pete Patterson, said the law's aim is to prevent discrimination against passengers who don't get vaccinated.

"You can't discriminate against customers on the basis of their refusal to give you information," Patterson said. "If it weren't for this law, there would be a vaccine passport required to get on a cruise ship."

Williams did not immediately rule Friday on Norwegian's request for a temporary injunction halting the law's enforcement. Violations of the law could trigger a penalty of $5,000 per passenger, which Shaffer said would cause the company "irreparable harm."

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"This law should be fatal on arrival," Shaffer said, adding that the Legislature and governor sought mainly to "score political points" in the heated national debate over getting the coronavirus vaccine.

The hearing comes as the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the validity of cruise line rules adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The appeals court recently upheld a Tampa judge's decision, hailed by DeSantis, making those CDC rules on how to resume cruise sailing into guidelines rather than requirements.

Miami-based Norwegian operates 28 cruise ships around the world but only those boarding in Florida ports are affected by the state vaccine passport law. Once the ships leave Florida waters, the law no longer applies. Many cruise destinations, however, have their own vaccination requirements for passengers to go ashore.

Norwegian is planning an Aug. 15 cruise from Florida under its vaccination proof policy. If the law banning that policy remains in effect, the company said that ship won't sail  and Norwegian has also threatened to abandon Florida entirely over this issue.

"Simply stated, (Norwegian) cannot sail as planned unless and until Floridas ban gives way," the company said in court documents. "There is no adequate substitute for documentary proof when it comes to maximizing onboard safety."

Other cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have already begun voyages from Florida with a variety of policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's overburdened ambulance service was offered up Thursday during a televised party leaders' roundtable as one of the key reasons why the province's health system isn't providing timely care to patients.

NDP Leader Gary Burrill fields a question at a Halifax Chamber of Commerce pre-election event in Halifax on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's overburdened ambulance service was offered up Thursday during a televised party leaders' roundtable as one of the key reasons why the province's health system isn't providing timely care to patients.

Earlier this year, a study of the province's privately operated ambulance service found that ambulances spend too much time off-loading patients at hospitals causing delays in response times. The report, written by consultants with Fitch and Associates, also found ambulances are often tied up transferring patients between facilities.

The consultants said Nova Scotia's current model also doesn't take advantage of the medical care paramedics can provide because all patients who accept assistance must be transported to hospital.

Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said his government had been working on the report's recommendations before the Aug. 17 election call.

"There are many recommendations that can help us make sure that we make our system more efficient so that when we are transferring patients from institution to institution they aren't tying up ambulances," said Rankin.

He said the government recently hired more paramedics and if re-elected would make investments to improve the ambulance system where needed and "follow the report."

But Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston said the ambulance service wouldn't be fixed until the "root causes" of the delays are tackled across the health system.

"When the emergency room gets full the ambulance that pulls up at the hospital can't off-load because the emergency room is full," Houston said. "That's why we're talking about more doctors ... these things are all tied together."

The Tory leader has kept almost a singular focus on the province's health system over the first 20 days of the month-long election campaign.

He pointed out that as of last Sunday, nearly 72,000 Nova Scotians are on the province's wait-list for a family doctor.

But Rankin said keys to creating more access to the system will be more virtual care options and the utilization of a broader range of health professionals in collaborative practices.

He again distanced himself from a Liberal campaign promise made in 2013 of a doctor for every Nova Scotian when asked by CTV anchor and moderator Steve Murphy whether he thought the promise was ever realistic.

"The model has changed," said Rankin. "We no longer have a so-called family doctor that takes on 5,000 patients. That's why we have to spend money on collaborative care and on other health infrastructure."

NDP Leader Gary Burrill said the challenge of providing primary health care was not beyond the province's "capacity to meet." However, he too stopped short of saying that everyone would have a family doctor and like Rankin touted the use of collaborative medical practices.

In fact, the concept was introduced in Nova Scotia in 2011 by the former NDP government led by Darrell Dexter. The goal was to address gaps in rural access to emergency care.

"There is a path ... and it involves seeing that every primary care provider works to the full scope of their practice," Burrill said. "We have done quite well in areas like advance care paramedics but we have done poorly in other areas, for example with physician assistants."

The wide-ranging 90-minute discussion also touched on areas such as the economy and deficits, long-term care, leadership, and COVID-19.

The leaders sidestepped questions on whether they would impose a vaccine passport system such as Quebec announced Thursday or mandate vaccines for all school staff, health care workers and provincial employees.

All three complimented the province's public health response during the pandemic and Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer of health. They said they would continue to rely on the advice of health officials.

As of Thursday Nova Scotia had 15 active cases of novel coronavirus.

"I think if there were a Nova Scotian equivalent of a Nobel Prize we would want to award it to the public health authorities of our province," said Burrill. "So it's only prudent for any government to follow the lead and the example and the guidance that we have been seeing."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2021.

- With files from Michael MacDonald
Statistics Canada said the country added 94,000 jobs in July as public health restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be lifted, but economists warned there is still a "long slog" toward a full recovery ahead.

A help wanted sign is displayed at car wash in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. Statistics Canada will reveal this morning how the labour market fared in July as restrictions meant to quell the COVID-19 pandemic were rolled back in many provinces. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Michael Conroy

Statistics Canada said the country added 94,000 jobs in July as public health restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be lifted, but economists warned there is still a "long slog" toward a full recovery ahead.

The federal agency said Friday that the job gains caused the unemployment rate to fall to its lowest level since March of this year, at 7.5 per cent for July compared with 7.8 per cent in June.

The gains were seen primarily in Ontario and in the service sector, with 35,000 jobs added in the accommodation and food industry. Full-time work, which rose by 83,000 or half a percentage point across multiple sectors, also delivered growth.

Many economists had expected the country to add at least 100,000 new jobs during July and thought the unemployment rate would sit around 7.4 per cent last month.

Despite falling short of those predictions, CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes said "there's not a whole lot to complain about when the economy creates almost 100,000 jobs in a month."

"That's a sign of recovery, but not a sign of mission accomplished," he said.

A worker smooths concrete at a construction site in Toronto, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

July's increase, he said, continues the pattern begun with the 231,000 jobs added in June and can be considered a strong gain, making up for employment losses incurred during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But Canada is still 246,400 jobs, or 1.3 per cent, shy of pre-pandemic employment levels seen in February 2020 and threats to the economy's recovery loom.

The number of people considered long-term unemployed  those out of work for more than six months  in July was 244,000 higher than before the pandemic and accounted for 27.8 per cent of total unemployment. Of that number, more than two-thirds have been out of work for a year or longer, Statistics Canada said.

Mendes pointed to scores of companies seeking workers and the virulent Delta variant as potential barriers to recovery.

"It might sound odd to be discussing labour shortages at a time when the unemployment rate is still very elevated, but generous government support, concerns about contracting COVID in high contact work settings and childcare duties are among the reasons there are labour shortages out there," he said.

Restaurants, retailers and hospitality companies have all reported that hiring has been difficult because Canadians are seeking more stable employment, jobs they can complete from home and assurances that their workplaces won't be temporarily closed if another wave of the virus arrives.

Some have had to resort to remaining closed, hiking pay or offering signing bonuses, extra vacation and other incentives to entice workers.

Even if another wave comes, Mendes doesn't expect another economic contraction or major round of job losses to materialize because vaccinations are keeping large numbers of Canadians out of hospital and the government is opting for more targeted measures to quell the virus.

He also sees room for hiring growth in sectors that already saw big gains like food and accommodations and areas that haven't yet seen a boost like recreation and culture.

But he is still cautious around how much of a recovery these sectors will experience.

"We should expect that over the course of this year and even well into next year, the level of employment in those high-contact service industries will not reach pre-pandemic levels because there will still likely be some restrictions needed to keep virus cases low," he said.

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"When we look out on the horizon, the way the economy might look when it's fully healed, will be very different than it looked pre-pandemic."

Meanwhile, Douglas Porter, BMO Capital Markets' chief economist, predicted the country will see one more employment bump before it settles into a "long slog" as job gains tied to reopening dissipate and the economy begins to more seriously deal with the Delta variant of COVID-19.

He saw positive signs in the number of full-time positions added and the 1.3 per cent increase in total hours worked, though that figure was still 2.7 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

"It will only take a few more reports like today's to get employment all the way back to pre-pandemic highs," Porter said in a note to investors.

"But this is a sturdy step in the right direction."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2021.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Thousands of people jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital, defying social distancing restrictions, after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown that started Friday.

A resident is inoculated with AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Mandaluyong city, Philippines Friday, July 23, 2021. Philippine officials said a local transmission of the highly contagious delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in the country and announced Friday tighter quarantine restrictions in the capital and a weeklong ban on the entry of travelers from hard-hit Malaysia and Thailand. (AP Photo/Joeal Calupitan)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Thousands of people jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital, defying social distancing restrictions, after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown that started Friday.

Officials placed Metropolitan Manila back under lockdown until Aug. 20, as a new spike in COVID-19 infections that health officials say could be due to the highly contagious delta variant threatens to overwhelm hospitals. Three other regions, including nearby Laguna province, were also placed under lockdown until Aug. 15.

Only authorized workers for essential businesses and residents on medical emergencies or food-buying errands can venture out. An eight-hour curfew was imposed in the capital region starting at 8 p.m. and police checkpoints were set up in city boundaries.

A day before the lockdown, false news spread on social media that unvaccinated residents would either be prohibited from leaving their homes to go to work or deprived of 1,000 pesos ($20) aid. It sent large crowds heading for vaccination centers in the cities of Manila, Las Pinas and Antipolo even without prior registrations.

Thousands lined up for several blocks in designated government centers and shopping malls to get the jabs, at times sparking arguments and complaints and snarling traffic.

FILE - In this July 23, 2021, file photo, residents sit at an observation area after receiving their second dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Mandaluyong city, Philippines. Thousands of people jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital Manila, defying social distancing restrictions, after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown that started Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Joeal Calupitan, File)

In Manila alone, up to 22,000 people showed up outside vaccination centers before dawn. People descended in groups and arrived in vans from nearby provinces, some rowdily removing barricades, city officials said, citing police reports. Many were not registered under Manilas immunization program.

Police were forced to stop vaccinations in at least one of the shopping malls and asked the crowds to return home.

Critics partly blamed President Rodrigo Duterte for the confusion. The brash-speaking leader warned Filipinos last week that those who refuse to get vaccinated will not be allowed to leave their homes as a safeguard against the spread of the delta variant. He acknowledged that there was no specific law for such a restriction.

A woman receives a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a drive-thru vaccination site during a stricter lockdown in Manila, Philippines on Friday. August 6, 2021. Thousands of people jammed coronavirus vaccination centers in the Philippine capital, defying social distancing restrictions, after false news spread that unvaccinated residents would be deprived of cash aid or barred from leaving home during a two-week lockdown that started Friday. (AP Photo/Basilio Sepe)

For people who refuse to receive COVID-19 vaccine, Duterte said, well, for all I care, you can die anytime.

We cannot allow our national immunization program to become superspreader events, especially given the threat posed by the delta variant, the Department of Health said in a statement following the chaotic scenes.

Officials later stressed that even unvaccinated residents could venture out in case of medical emergency. They can also obtain village permission to buy food, medicine or other essential items. They cautioned the public not to fall for fake news on social media and urged them to follow official government announcements.

The governments vaccination campaign, which started in March after repeated delays, has faced vaccine shortages, delivery delays and hesitancy, including from those who prefer Western brands.

More than 10.2 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated and 12.2 million others have received their first coronavirus shots. About 70 million people are targeted to be immunized this year, said Carlito Galvez Jr., who oversees the program.

The Philippines reported more than 10,600 confirmed COVID-19 infections Friday, the highest since April, with 247 deaths, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to more than 1.6 million with 28,673 deaths in one of Southeast Asia's worst outbreaks.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  A pledge by China to supply 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to other countries this year expands the commitments made by a nation that is already the largest exporter of the shots by far.

FILE - In this July 6, 2021, file photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the CPC and World Political Parties Summit in Beijing. Xi pledged 2 billion doses of Chinese vaccines would be supplied to the world through this year and $100 million would be donated to a U.N.-backed distribution program, state media reported. (Li Xueren/Xinhua via AP, File)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  A pledge by China to supply 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to other countries this year expands the commitments made by a nation that is already the largest exporter of the shots by far.

President Xi Jinping made the announcement Thursday in a message to an international forum China organized on vaccine cooperation. He also promised to donate $100 million to COVAX, the program that aims to distribute vaccines to low- and middle-income countries,

This means that China stands ready to provide safe and effective vaccines for nearly 10% of the population in the rest of the world," said Wang Xiaolong, the director general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of International Economic Affairs.

China has already delivered 770 million doses to foreign countries since September last year, Wang said at a briefing for foreign media Friday. Most of those have been exported under bilateral deals. Wang said that donated doses are in the tens of millions, but did not provide a precise figure.

The U.S. has donated 110 million doses, mostly through COVAX, the White House said earlier this week.

China's two biggest COVID vaccine makers, Sinopharm and Sinovac, have entered agreements to deliver up to 550 million doses through COVAX by the middle of next year. Wang said the first deliveries under the U.N.-backed program will be made this month to Bangladesh, Pakistan and Algeria.

A medical worker takes a swab sample to test for COVID-19 from a worker at the Foxconn factory in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. China's "zero tolerance" strategy of quarantining every case and trying to block new infections from abroad helped to contain last year's outbreak and has kept China largely virus-free. But its impact on work and life for millions of people is prompting warnings that China needs to learn to control the virus without repeatedly shutting down the economy and society. (Chinatopix Via AP)

Hundreds of millions of Chinese shots have been administered to people both in China and around the world. However, there are concerns about whether they protect adequately against the highly transmissible delta variant.

In Indonesia and Thailand, which have relied heavily on Sinovac's shot, the governments are planning to give a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine to health workers after reports that some had died despite being fully vaccinated with the Chinese shot.

The Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, which both use inactivated viruses, have shown lower effectiveness against the delta variant but still provide some protection, according to Feng Zijian, an official at China's Center for Disease Control, who spoke to state broadcaster CCTV in June.

Most of the more than 1.7 billion vaccine doses that have been administered in China are from Sinopharm and Sinovac. China is currently fighting a widespread outbreak driven by the delta variant, which has infected people who have been vaccinated.

Sinovac published a study online in July, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, that showed a third booster shot given at least six months after the second shot could greatly increase antibody levels.

The company has submitted clinical research data to regulators for emergency use approval for new variations of its CoronaVac shot designed for the newer delta and gamma variants, CEO Yin Weidong announced at China's vaccine forum, which was held virtually.

CanSino, another private company whose one-shot vaccine is in use in Pakistan, Mexico and other countries, said it is working on adapting it for the variants. Its founder, Zhu Tao, said at a separate forum Thursday that the vaccine did show declines in effectiveness in lab tests against the delta variant, but that it is still protective.

Zhu said the company's latest research data show that a third booster shot would significantly raise antibody levels.

State-owned Sinopharm has told state media that it is developing vaccines tailored to four major variants, including the delta one.

Globally, vaccine distributions have been starkly unequal, as wealthy countries consider issuing booster shots to their citizens and poorer nations struggle to get enough vaccines for a first dose.

Over 4 billion vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 75% of those have gone to just 10 countries, World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the Chinese vaccine forum.

China has been accused of using vaccines as leverage in diplomatic dealings. In June, diplomats told The Associated Press that China had threatened to withhold vaccines to pressure Ukraine into withdrawing from a statement calling for more scrutiny of China's treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in its Xinjiang region.

U.S. President Joe Biden made a point of saying that American vaccine donations would come without pressure for favors or potential concessions" when announcing U.S. donation plans in June.

Japan has also stepped up its donations in the region, pledging 30 million doses through COVAX and other channels. It has already donated several million doses through bilateral deals.

Taiwan was one beneficiary of Japan's aid, after the island faced an outbreak that stressed its health system in May and June. Taiwan accused China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory, of interfering in deals to buy the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed.

This story has been corrected to say that China's announcement was made Thursday, not Wednesday.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A sightseeing plane crashed Thursday in southeast Alaska, killing all six people on board, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam is docked on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at Berth 4 in Ketchikan, Alaska. Holland America confirmed Thursday that five passengers from the Nieuw Amsterdam were aboard a float plane that crashed Thursday morning during a tour of the Misty Fjords National Monument. There were no survivors, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The de Havilland Beaver aircraft was owned by Southeast Aviation LLC. (Dustin Safranek/Ketchikan Daily News via AP)

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A sightseeing plane crashed Thursday in southeast Alaska, killing all six people on board, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The plane's emergency alert beacon was activated around 11:20 a.m. when the plane crashed in the area of Misty Fjords National Monument, near Ketchikan, the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration said. A helicopter company reported seeing wreckage on a ridgeline in the search area, and Coast Guard crew members found the wreckage around 2:40 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter lowered two rescue swimmers to the site, and they reported no survivors, the agency said.

The identities of those killed in the crash were not immediately released. The Alaska State Troopers and volunteers from the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad will coordinate recovery efforts Thursday and Friday.

The plane involved Thursday, a de Havilland Beaver, was owned by Southeast Aviation LLC.

Our hearts are shattered at the loss of six people today. We are thinking of and grieving with the families of the five passengers and our dear friend and pilot aboard the aircraft, the company said in a statement. We are cooperating with the first responders and agencies involved, including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board and Alaska State Troopers.

The five passengers on the flight were from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, the company said in a statement. The ship stopped in Ketchikan on Thursday and delayed its afternoon departure after the plane crash. The company said it was making counseling services available to guests and crew.

The float plane excursion was offered by an independent tour operator and not sold by Holland America Line, the statement said.

Ketchikan is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting Alaska, and cruise ship passengers can take various sightseeing excursions while in port.

Popular among them are small plane flights to Misty Fjords National Monument, where visitors can see glacier valleys, snow-capped peaks and lakes in the wilderness area.

In 2019, two sightseeing planes collided in midair, killing six of the 16 people on board the two planes.

Southeast Aviation on its website says it provides sightseeing tours to Misty Fjords National Monument and bear-viewing sites, along with air charters to other communities in southeast Alaska.

The Coast Guard was told by the plane's operator that five passengers and a pilot were on board, Wadlow said.

Wadlow did not have details on when the plane took off. Weather conditions were a cloud ceiling of 900 feet (274.32 meters) with mist and light rain. Visibility was 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) and winds were 8 mph (12.87 kph), the Coast Guard said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a crew to investigate the crash. The team is expected to arrive in Alaska on Friday.

The FAA is also investigating.

____

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
DURANGO, Colo. (AP)  The owner of an inactive southwestern Colorado mine that was the source of a disastrous 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three Western states has sued the U.S. government, seeking nearly $3.8 million in compensation for using his land in its cleanup.

FILE - In this Aug. 14, 2015, file photo, water flows through a series of sediment retention ponds built to reduce heavy metal and chemical contaminants from the Gold King Mine wastewater accident, in the spillway downstream from the mine, outside Silverton, Colo. The owner of an inactive southwestern Colorado mine that was the source of a disastrous 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three Western states has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $3.8 million in compensation for the federal government's use of his land in its ongoing cleanup response. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

DURANGO, Colo. (AP)  The owner of an inactive southwestern Colorado mine that was the source of a disastrous 2015 spill that fouled rivers in three Western states has sued the U.S. government, seeking nearly $3.8 million in compensation for using his land in its cleanup.

Todd Hennis claims the Environmental Protection Agency has occupied part of his property near the Gold King Mine but hasn't compensated him for doing so since the August 2015 spill, The Durango Herald reported. He also contends that the EPA contaminated his land by causing the spill, which sent a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals into rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Hennis argued that the EPA's actions have violated his Fifth Amendment rights to just compensation for public use of private property.

The EPA didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday.

An EPA-led contractor crew was doing excavation work at the entrance to the mine when it inadvertently breached a debris pile that was holding back wastewater inside the mine.

The spill released 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of wastewater that made its way into the Animas River and eventually down to the San Juan River. Water utilities were forced to shut down intake valves, and farmers stopped drawing from the rivers as the plume moved downstream.

After the spill, the EPA designated the Gold King Mine and 47 other mining sites in the area a Superfund cleanup district. The agency is still reviewing options for a broader cleanup.

The lawsuit says Hennis verbally authorized the government to use part of a 33-acre (13-hectare) piece of land as an emergency staging area right after the blowout. He thought it would be temporary and that he would be compensated, according to the lawsuit.

Hennis claims that months later and without his permission, the EPA built a $2.3 million water treatment facility on the property. The agency continues treating water and storing waste there, the lawsuit says.

He's asking for at least $3 million in compensation for damage to and occupation of the property, which he says is worth at least $3 million according to a private appraisal this year. The lawsuit also seeks interest.

In January, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation announced settlements in litigation over the spill with companies that had operated mines near Gold King. Last year, the U.S. government settled a lawsuit brought by Utah for a fraction of what it was initially seeking in damages.
ROSARIO, Argentina (AP)  The Parana River, one of the main commercial waterways in South America, has reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years due to a prolonged drought in Brazil that scientists attribute to climate change.

Birds fly over a man taking photos of the exposed riverbed of the Old Parana River, a tributary of the Parana River during a drought in Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Parana River Basin and its related aquifers provide potable water to close to 40 million people in South America, and according to environmentalists the falling water levels of the river are due to climate change, diminishing rainfall, deforestation and the advance of agriculture. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano)

ROSARIO, Argentina (AP)  The Parana River, one of the main commercial waterways in South America, has reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years due to a prolonged drought in Brazil that scientists attribute to climate change.

At peril is a vast ecosystem that includes potable water for 40 million people, the livelihood of fishing communities and farmers, and the navigability of a major grain export hub.

The National Water Institute of Argentina has defined the low water level of the Parana River, which goes through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, as the worst since 1944.

This natural asset is clearly giving us signs that its not infinite, said environmentalist Jorge Bartoli, coordinator of the organization El Parana No Se Toca (Parana Should Remain Untouched).

The low water level is due to a record drought in Brazil, where the river begins.

People who live in the fishing village of Espinillo Island walk their goods across the Parana River delta now that boats can't reach their community amid a drought that turned the river into a sand bank, across the river from Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021. The falling water levels of the Parana River worry environmentalists and authorities alike because it impedes river traffic, creates a shortage of drinking water, and effects productivity in the northeast of the country through which the river flows. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano)

The midwestern and southern regions of Brazil are in a big water crisis. Water reservoirs, including the giant Itaipu dam, are at their lowest levels in 91 years and Brazilian authorities have issued an emergency alert for five states: Minas Gerais, Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul, Sao Paulo and Parana.

Reduced water levels are part of a natural cycle, but specialists warn that the scenario is more extreme because of climate change.

These climate changes that were less frequent before are becoming more frequent, said Brazilian climatologist Jose Marengo.

The massive Rosario-Victoria Bridge crosses the Parana River near Rosario, Argentina, Thursday, July 29, 2021, amid a drought. Argentinas National Water Institute has defined the rivers falling water levels as the worst since 1994, saying that in September, the water levels in several provinces will reach their lowest ever. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano)

Environmentalists say deforestation is contributing to the problem.

The Parana waterway and its aquifers supply fresh water to some 40 million people in countries including Brazil and Argentina.

In turn, it receives water from the Paraguay River, which has among its main sources the Pantanal area, a huge wetland located in the Mato Grosso region of southern Brazil.

The drought of the river is impacting the transport of goods.

Guillermo Miguel, president of the port of the city of Rosario, said vessels had to reduce their tonnage by approximately 20% to continue moving. He said transport costs are increasing.

In 2019, 79 million tons of grain, flour and oil were exported from Rosario, according to the city's stock exchange, making it one of the biggest agricultural export hubs in the world.

Calatrava reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Oil companies fighting dozens of lawsuits that blame drilling for decades of coastal erosion and wetland loss in Louisiana are pleased with a new appeals court ruling that could lead to some of the cases being heard in federal court.

FILE - In this June 3, 2011 file photo, Cypress trees that formerly stood on land are seen from the air near the rapidly receding shoreline of Lake Salvador in Jefferson Parish, just outside New Orleans. Oil companies, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, fighting dozens of lawsuits that blame drilling for decades of coastal erosion and wetland loss in Louisiana are pleased with a new appeals court ruling that could lead to some of the cases being heard in federal court. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Oil companies fighting dozens of lawsuits that blame drilling for decades of coastal erosion and wetland loss in Louisiana are pleased with a new appeals court ruling that could lead to some of the cases being heard in federal court.

The oil companies want all 42 lawsuits brought by six coastal parishes to be tried in federal court, a request that federal district judges had rejected. On Thursday, however, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the judges should reexamine whether cases from two parishes that involved federally overseen oil and gas operations during World War II should be heard in federal court.

Melissa Landry, spokesperson for legal teams representing BP America Production Company, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Shell, said in an email late Thursday that the teams welcome the new ruling.

While the parishes say the oil companies should be held responsible for wetlands loss, the companies say the suits are meritless. The activities at issue were legally conducted and actively encouraged at every level of government, and they delivered tremendous economic benefits to federal, state and local governments and communities, Landry said.

A lead lawyer handling the lawsuits said Thursday that the ruling was, in his view, a victory for the parishes. John Carmouche said the decision effectively means that at least 15 of the 42 lawsuits  those that don't deal with World War II-era operations  will still be heard in state court. And, he said, the remainder could also be tried in state court, depending on the results of the newly ordered review.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Floridas Board of Education decided Friday to provide private school vouchers to parents who say a public school districts mask-wearing requirements amount to harassment of their children.

FILE - In this Monday, April 5, 2021, file photo, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava holds up her mask as she speaks during a news conference, in Miami. As coronavirus cases continue to soar, two Florida mayors, including Levine Cava, are announcing mask and vaccine mandates and defying Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is firmly opposed to any pandemic restrictions. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Floridas Board of Education decided Friday to provide private school vouchers to parents who say a public school districts mask-wearing requirements amount to harassment of their children.

The move to take private tuition costs from public school funding created yet another flashpoint in the fight between local school boards and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over coronavirus safety measures in schools. DeSantis has long supported efforts to expand school privatization and says parents should be able to decide how to provide for their childrens health and education.

DeSantis had ordered the state education department to come up with ways to pressure school districts against creating mask mandates and punish them if they do. He said the rules could include withholding money from school districts or other actions allowed under Florida law.

The board then invoked an existing law to clarify eligibility for the Hope Scholarship, which is meant to protect children against bullying, adding COVID-19 harassment as a prohibited form of discrimination. It defined this as any threatening, discriminatory, insulting, or dehumanizing verbal, written or physical conduct students suffer as a result of COVID-19 protocols such as mask or testing requirements and isolation measures that have the effect of substantially interfering with a students educational performance.

Were not going to hurt kids. Were not going to pull money thats going to hurt kids in any way, said board member Ben Gibson.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, near the Shark Valley Visitor Center in Miami. DeSantis is doubling down as the state again broke its record for COVID-19 hospitalizations. The Republican governor insisted Tuesday that the spike will be short-lived. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

But he said the rule the board approved has the effect of law, and that if school districts dont comply, the board could hold up the transfer of state money.

If a parent wants their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right. If a parent doesnt want their child to wear a mask at school, they should have that right, Gibson said.

In response to the governor's order, the Department of Health approved a rule saying students can wear masks, but school districts must allow parents to opt their children out of any local mandates.

Christine O'Riley, a school teacher and the mother of a child under 12 holds her protest umbrella outside the school board building ahead of their Tuesday evening meeting to discuss the masking issue Aug. 3, 2021. Around 50 people gathered outside the Duval County School Board building in Jacksonville, Fla., in support of having mandatory masking of teachers and students ahead of the school board taking up the issue in their Tuesday evening meeting. Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis has forbidden mandating masks in Florida's public schools despite CDC recommendations to wear masks due to the recent surge of COVID-19 infections which are particularly high in Northeast Florida. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

So far, three Florida school districts have decided to follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and require masks when they restart classes next week, citing Florida's dramatic rise in coronavirus infections.

More than a dozen Florida parents filed a lawsuit Friday in Miami federal court against DeSantis, the state Department of Education and some of the largest school districts, alleging that the ban on mask mandates violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. They say their disabled children will be unable to attend public schools with unmasked classmates because they are at high risk of COVID-19 infection.

Florida leads the nation in COVID-19 related hospitalizations, rising from 12,516 on Thursday to 12,864, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Hospital data shows 2,680 of those patients required intensive care, using about 42% of the ICU beds in the state, compared with less than 20% they were using two weeks ago.

Will Hartley, 10, Lila Hartley, 12, and Gabby Waxman hold their signs in support of masking in schools at a rally before Tuesday evening's school board building Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 in Jacksonville, Fla.. Around 50 people gathered outside the Duval County School Board building in support of having mandatory masking of teachers and students ahead of the school board taking up the issue in their Tuesday evening meeting. Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis has forbidden mandating masks in Florida's public schools despite CDC recommendations to wear masks due to the recent surge of COVID-19 infections which are particularly high in Northeast Florida. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)

The Florida Department of Health published its weekly statistics showing a rise of seven-day average cases from 15,817 last Friday to 19,250, the highest average in the pandemic for the third time this week. The state tallied 616 deaths in one week, raising the total COVID-19 death toll to 39,695.

The number of people getting vaccinated is also rising, with more than 380,000 people getting them in the last seven-day period, compared with 334,000 the previous week.

At a news conference Friday, DeSantis reiterated his general opposition to restrictions, such as lockdowns, business closures and mask mandates.

Francesca Anacleto, 12, receives her first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot from nurse Jorge Tase, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Miami Beach, Fla. On Tuesday, the CDC added more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases in the state over the previous three days, pushing the seven-day average to one the highest counts since the pandemic began, an eightfold increase since July 4. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

In terms of imposing any restrictions, thats not happening in Florida. Its harmful. Its destructive. It does not work, he said, noting that Los Angeles County had a winter surge despite all its restrictions. We really believe that individuals know how to best assess their risks. We trust them to be able to make those decisions. We just want to make sure everybody has information.

For years, Republicans have pushed to expand the school voucher programs, which include vouchers for low-income families and students with disabilities. The board said it was appropriate to expand the vouchers to protect children from bullying to include COVID-19 protocols. Voucher opponents say money is diverted from public to private schools once the child transfers.

School boards in Orange County, home to Orlando; Duval County, home to Jacksonville; and Alachua County, home to Gainesville, decided this week to require mask-wearing indoors.

People line up to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in Miami Beach, Fla. On Tuesday, the CDC added more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases in the state over the previous three days, pushing the seven-day average to one the highest counts since the pandemic began, an eightfold increase since July 4. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

The Duval and Orange boards are allowing parents to submit paperwork if they want their children not to wear masks. The Alachua board said it had voted to require masks for the first two weeks of school, a decision that will be reevaluated in two weeks. Students in all three districts go back to school Tuesday.

South Florida districts remained undecided Friday on their mask directives.

The Broward County School Board, which covers Fort Lauderdale and suburbs, had voted to require masks after hours of contentious debate that included a screaming match from angry anti-mask parents who set fire to masks and held picket signs outside. The board reversed course Monday over fear of losing funding, but on Wednesday said on Twitter that they are waiting for guidance in light of the governors orders.

Passengers wait in a long line to get a COVID-19 test to travel overseas at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Recent flight cancelations caused many passengers to redo their tests while others were unable to get the test locally due to long lines caused by the surge of the Delta variant. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

The Miami-Dade school district hasn't said whether masks will continue to be optional, as they were, or required.

Separately, late Thursday, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that weekly COVID-19 testing will be required for all 29,000 non-school county employees unless they show proof of vaccination amid a surge of infections from the delta variant of the coronavirus. The policy takes effect Aug. 16.

Weve endured too much and seen too many families hurting. We have the power to avoid what is truly preventable, the mayor said in a tweet on Thursday urging people to get the vaccine, Cava said.

Associated Press Writer Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this story.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Google co-founder Larry Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2015, file photo, Google co-founder Larry Page speaks at the Fortune Global Forum in San Francisco. Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Google co-founder Larry Page has gained New Zealand residency, officials confirmed Friday, stoking debate over whether extremely wealthy people can essentially buy access to the South Pacific country.

Immigration New Zealand said Page first applied for residency in November under a special visa open to people with at least 10 million New Zealand dollars ($7 million) to invest.

As he was offshore at the time, his application was not able to be processed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said in a statement. Once Mr. Page entered New Zealand, his application was able to be processed and it was approved on 4 February 2021.

Gaining New Zealand residency would not necessarily affect Page's residency status in the U.S. or any other nations.

New Zealand lawmakers confirmed that Page and his son first arrived in New Zealand in January after the family filed an urgent application for the son to be evacuated from Fiji due to a medical emergency.

The day after the application was received, a New Zealand air ambulance staffed by a New Zealand ICU nurse-escort medevaced the child and an adult family member from Fiji to New Zealand," Health Minister Andrew Little told lawmakers in Parliament.

Little was responding to questions about how Page had managed to enter the country at a time when New Zealand had shut its borders to non-residents in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Little told lawmakers the family had abided by applicable virus protocols when they arrived.

Page's residency application was approved about three weeks later.

Immigration New Zealand noted that while Page had become a resident, he didn't have permanent residency status and remained subject to certain restrictions.

Still, the agency on its website touts the Investor Plus visa as offering a New Zealand lifestyle, adding that you may be able to bring your car, boat and household items to New Zealand, free of customs charges.

Some local news organizations reported that Page had since left New Zealand.

Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Forbes on Friday ranked Page as the worlds sixth-wealthiest person, with a fortune of $117 billion. Forbes noted that Page stepped down as chief executive of Googles parent company Alphabet in 2019 but remained a board member and controlling shareholder.

Opposition lawmakers said the episode raised questions about why Page was approved so quickly at a time when many skilled workers or separated family members who were desperate to enter New Zealand were being turned away.

The government is sending a message that money is more important than doctors, fruit pickers and families who are separated from their children," ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden said in a statement.

In 2017, it emerged that Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel had been able to gain New Zealand citizenship six years earlier, despite never having lived in the country. Thiel was approved after a top lawmaker decided his entrepreneurial skills and philanthropy were valuable to the nation.

Thiel didnt even have to leave California for the ceremony  he was granted citizenship during a private ceremony held at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.
TORONTO - Magna International Inc. has cut its revenue forecast for the year due to an expected reduction in global light vehicle production caused by ongoing semiconductor chip shortages.

The Magna International Inc. logo is seen prior to the company's annual general meeting to begin in Toronto on May 10, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO - Magna International Inc. has cut its revenue forecast for the year due to an expected reduction in global light vehicle production caused by ongoing semiconductor chip shortages.

It is clear that the global semiconductor chip shortage has been, and will be, more impactful to 2021 than most in the industry anticipated earlier this year," said Magna chief executive Swamy Kotagiri on an earnings call Friday.

The global shortage of chips for the numerous electronic components in vehicles has forced automakers to slow production for some models and cut features in others as supplies remain unpredictable.

"As a result of much lower production than we had anticipated back in early May, particularly in North America and Europe, our sales came in well below our expectations for the quarter," said Kotagiri.

Sales for the quarter ending June 30 totalled US$9.03 billion, more than double the US$4.29 billion the same quarter last year when there were unprecedented industry-wide production suspensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global light vehicle production in the quarter was up 58 per cent from last year, but down about 10 per cent in the first quarter this year largely due to the chip shortage, said Magna.

The Ontario-based auto parts company, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, says it earned US$424 million or US$1.40 per diluted share in the second quarter, compared with a net loss of US$647 million or US$2.17 per share a year earlier.

Adjusted net income swung to US$426 million or US$1.40 per share, compared with a loss of US$511 million or US$1.71 per share in the second quarter of 2020.

Analysts on average expected Magna to report US$1.38 per share in adjusted profits on US$9.29 billion of revenues, according to financial data firm Refinitiv.

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Kotagiri said that rising commodity costs, as well as wage pressures in some markets and new labour laws in Mexico, have also put pressure on margins.

Magna is forecasting that 14.4 million North American light vehicles will be built this year, down 7.7 per cent from its previous forecast for 15.6 million vehicles. European production is expected to decrease 2.2 per cent to 18.1 million units while Chinese production should remain steady at 24.7 million.

As a result, it has reduced its forecast for net income by US$200 million to between US$2 billion and US$2.2 billion. It expects total sales to come in between US$38 billion and US$40 billion, down about US$2.2 billion.

In July, Magna announced it had reached a US$3.8-billion deal to buy Swedish tech company Veoneer, a Swedish tech company focused on automotive safety, but on Thursday Qualcomm Inc. said it had submitted a US$4.6-billion bid for the company.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2021.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Norwegian Cruise Line asked a federal judge Friday to block a Florida law prohibiting cruise companies from demanding that passengers show written proof of coronavirus vaccination before they board a ship.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)  Norwegian Cruise Line asked a federal judge Friday to block a Florida law prohibiting cruise companies from demanding that passengers show written proof of coronavirus vaccination before they board a ship.

Norwegian contends the "vaccine passport" ban, signed into law in May by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, jeopardizes the health and safety of passengers and crew and is an unconstitutional infringement on the First Amendment's free speech guarantee, among other things.

Norwegian attorney Derek Shaffer told U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams during a remote hearing the vaccination requirement for its passengers is especially needed as Florida has recently experienced a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

"It's scary what is happening in Florida. Florida is a hotspot," Shaffer said. "All we're doing is trying to protect our staff and passengers."

The lawsuit names state Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, who leads the Florida Department of Health. The state's attorney, Pete Patterson, said the law's aim is to prevent discrimination against passengers who don't get vaccinated.

"You can't discriminate against customers on the basis of their refusal to give you information," Patterson said. "If it weren't for this law, there would be a vaccine passport required to get on a cruise ship."

Williams did not immediately rule Friday on Norwegian's request for a temporary injunction halting the law's enforcement. Violations of the law could trigger a penalty of $5,000 per passenger, which Shaffer said would cause the company "irreparable harm."

"This law should be fatal on arrival," Shaffer said, adding that the Legislature and governor sought mainly to "score political points" in the heated national debate over getting the coronavirus vaccine.

The hearing comes as the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the validity of cruise line rules adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The appeals court recently upheld a Tampa judge's decision, hailed by DeSantis, making those CDC rules on how to resume cruise sailing into guidelines rather than requirements.

Miami-based Norwegian operates 28 cruise ships around the world but only those boarding in Florida ports are affected by the state vaccine passport law. Once the ships leave Florida waters, the law no longer applies. Many cruise destinations, however, have their own vaccination requirements for passengers to go ashore.

Norwegian is planning an Aug. 15 cruise from Florida under its vaccination proof policy. If the law banning that policy remains in effect, the company said that ship won't sail  and Norwegian has also threatened to abandon Florida entirely over this issue.

"Simply stated, (Norwegian) cannot sail as planned unless and until Floridas ban gives way," the company said in court documents. "There is no adequate substitute for documentary proof when it comes to maximizing onboard safety."

Other cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have already begun voyages from Florida with a variety of policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  Since President Joe Biden asked the Pentagon last week to look at adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the military's mandatory shots, former Army lawyer Greg T. Rinckey has fielded a deluge of calls.

Retired Army Col. Arnold Strong poses for a portrait Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Long Beach, Calif. President Joe Biden asked the Pentagon last week to look at adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the military's mandatory shots. "I think the majority of service members are going to line up and get vaccinated as soon as it is a Department of Defense policy," Strong said. He has lost five friends to the virus, three of whom were veterans. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

SAN DIEGO (AP)  Since President Joe Biden asked the Pentagon last week to look at adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the military's mandatory shots, former Army lawyer Greg T. Rinckey has fielded a deluge of calls.

His firm, Tully Rinckey, has heard from hundreds of soldiers, Marines and sailors wanting to know their rights and whether they could take any legal action if ordered to get inoculated for the coronavirus.

A lot of U.S. troops have reached out to us saying, I dont want a vaccine that's untested, I'm not sure it's safe, and I dont trust the government's vaccine. What are my rights?'" Rinckey said.

Generally, their rights are limited since vaccines are widely seen as essential for the military to carry out its missions, given that service members often eat, sleep and work in close quarters.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said he is working expeditiously to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for military personnel and is expected to ask Biden to waive a federal law that requires individuals be given a choice if the vaccine is not fully licensed. Biden has also directed that all federal workers be vaccinated or face frequent testing and travel restrictions.

Lawyers say the waiver will put the military on firmer legal ground so it can avoid the court battles it faced when it mandated the anthrax vaccine for troops in the 1990s when it was not fully approved by the federal Food and Drug administration.

The distrust among some service members is not only a reflection of the broader publics feelings about the COVID-19 vaccines, which were quickly authorized for emergency use, but stems in part from the anthrax programs troubles.

Scores of troops refused to take that vaccine. Some left the service. Others were disciplined. Some were court martialed and kicked out of the military with other-than-honorable discharges.

FILE - In this July 21, 2021 file photo, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks at a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington. Austin has said he is working expeditiously to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for military personnel and is expected to ask Biden to waive a federal law that requires individuals be given a choice if the vaccine is not fully licensed. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

In 2003, a federal judge agreed with service members who filed a lawsuit asserting the military could not administer a vaccine that had not been fully licensed without their consent, and stopped the program.

The Pentagon started it back up in 2004 after the FDA issued an approval, but the judge stopped it again after ruling the FDA had not followed procedures.

Eventually the FDA issued proper approvals for the vaccine, and the program was reinstated on a limited basis for troops in high-risk locations.

Military experts say the legal battles over the anthrax vaccine could be why the Biden administration has been treading cautiously. Until now, the government has relied on encouraging troops rather than mandating the shots. Yet coronavirus cases in the military, like elsewhere, have been rising with the more contagious delta variant.

If the military makes the vaccine mandatory, most service members will have to get the shots unless they can argue to be among the few given an exemption for religious, health or other reasons.

According to the Pentagon, more than 1 million service members are fully vaccinated, and more than 237,000 have gotten at least one shot. There are roughly 2 million active-duty, Guard and Reserve troops.

Many see the COVID-19 vaccine as being necessary to avoid another major outbreak like the one last year that sidelined the USS Theodore Roosevelt and resulted in more than 1,000 crewmember cases and one death.

An active-duty Army officer said he would welcome the vaccine among the military's mandatory shots. The soldier, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said he worries unvaccinated service members may be abusing the honor system and going to work without a mask.

He recently rode in a car with others for work but didn't feel like he could ask if everyone was vaccinated because it's become such a political topic. Commanders have struggled to separate vaccinated and unvaccinated recruits during early portions of basic training across the services to prevent infections.

Accommodating unvaccinated troops would burden service members who are vaccinated since it would limit who is selected for deployment, according to active-duty troops and veterans.

The military travels to vulnerable populations all over the world to be able to best serve the U.S.," said former Air Force Staff Sgt. Tes Sabine, who works as a radiology technician in an emergency room in New York state. We have to have healthy people in the military to carry out missions, and if the COVID-19 vaccine achieves that, that's a very positive thing."

Dr. Shannon Stacy, who works at a hospital in a Los Angeles suburb, agreed.

As an emergency medicine physician and former flight surgeon for a Marine heavy helicopter squadron, I can attest that COVID-19 has the potential to take a fully trained unit from mission ready to non-deployable status in a matter of days," she said.

The biggest challenge will be scheduling the shots around trainings, said Stacy, who left the Navy in 2011 and did pre-deployment, group immunizations.

Army Col. Arnold Strong, who retired from the military in 2017, said he believes it's not anything the U.S. military cannot overcome: Troops working in the farthest corners of the Earth have access to medical officers. Given that most people sign up to follow orders, he thinks this time will be no different.

I think the majority of service members are going to line up and get vaccinated as soon as it is a Department of Defense policy," he said.

Strong has lost five friends to the virus, three of whom were veterans.

His hope is that the military can set the example for others to follow.

I would hope if people see the military step up and say, 'Yes, let's get shots in arms,' it will set a standard for the rest of country," he said. But I dont know because I think we face such a strong threat of disinformation being deployed daily."

Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.
MONTREAL - Quebec has reached a deal with Ottawa that will allow up to 20 per cent more temporary foreign workers in the province to work in low-wage jobs.

Federal Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino speaks during a press conference in Ottawa on July 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

MONTREAL - Quebec has reached a deal with Ottawa that will allow up to 20 per cent more temporary foreign workers in the province to work in low-wage jobs.

The federal government announced the pilot project today in a news release, saying it will run until Dec. 31, 2023.

Ottawa says the agreement also allows an extra 7,000 annual work permits to be given to people whom the Quebec government has issued a Certificat de selection du Quebec, which is required to become a permanent resident in the province.

A major employers' association called Conseil du patronat du Quebec welcomed the deal today, saying it will help alleviate the labour shortage in the province.

It says the federal government's temporary foreign workers program carries many restrictions that are not adapted to the country's labour market.

Quebec's unemployment rate was 6,1 per cent in July.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 6, 2021.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  A woman who accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of groping her breast at the governor's state residence filed a criminal complaint against him, the Albany County Sheriff's office said Friday.

FILE - In this June 23, 2021 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in New York. Eleven women have described to investigators hired by the New York attorney general's office how Gov. Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment of them made them feel. Cuomo has denied that he sexual harassed or inappropriately touched anyone. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  A woman who accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of groping her breast at the governor's state residence filed a criminal complaint against him, the Albany County Sheriff's office said Friday.

The complaint, filed Thursday with the sheriff's office, is the first known instance where a woman has made an official report with a law enforcement agency over alleged misconduct by Cuomo.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple told the New York Post it is possible the Democratic governor could be arrested if investigators or the county district attorney determine he committed a crime.

The end result could either be it sounds substantiated and an arrest is made and it would be up to the DA to prosecute the arrest, he told the newspaper, which was the first to report on the complaint. Just because of who it is we are not going to rush it or delay it, Apple said.

Apple didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press. His office confirmed to The AP that the report had been filed.

The Cuomo aide who filed the report has accused him of reaching under her shirt and fondling her when they were alone together at the Executive Mansion last year. The woman also told investigators with the attorney generals office that Cuomo once rubbed her rear end while they were posing together for a photo.

The sheriffs office didnt immediately provide a copy of the complaint. A request for comment was sent to Cuomos lawyer, Rita Glavin.

The Albany County district attorney would not confirm that they received a complaint, saying they had no plans to release any information because "this is an ongoing matter that is under review, spokesperson Cecilia Walsh said in an email.

Cuomo has denied touching anyone inappropriately. His lawyers have acknowledged that Cuomo and the woman met together on the day of the alleged encounter, but said he never groped her.

Calls for Cuomo's resignation or impeachment soared this week after an independent investigation overseen by the state attorney general's office concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and worked to retaliate against one of his accusers.

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Prosecutors in several New York counties have said they are interested in investigating claims of inappropriate touching by Cuomo, but all had said they needed the women involved in the allegations to make a formal report.

The Albany Police Department, the primary law enforcement agency for the city, had been informed of the woman's allegations regarding the encounter at the mansion several months ago and had spoken to her lawyer, but didn't open an investigation at the time because she didn't make a report.

The criminal investigation comes as lawmakers were moving toward a likely impeachment proceeding over the allegations.

Lawyers working for the state Assembly sent a letter to Cuomo Thursday giving him until Aug. 13 to respond to the allegations against him or provide documents to bolster his defense.

The state Assemblys judiciary committee plans to meet Monday to discuss the possibility of impeachment proceedings. A majority of members of the legislative body have already said they favor an impeachment trial if he won't resign.

__ AP reporter Michael Hill contributed from Albany, N.Y.
BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2014, file photo, Lebanese army soldiers and U.N. peacekeepers investigate near the site where Hezbollah had attacked on an Israeli patrol, in the hills of Kfar Shouba village, near the Israeli-occupied Shebaa farms, southern Lebanon. The militant Hezbollah group said it fired a barrage of rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari, File)

BEIRUT (AP)  The militant Hezbollah group fired a barrage of rockets toward Israel on Friday, and Israel hit back with artillery in a significant escalation between the two sides.

It was the third day of attacks along the volatile border with Lebanon, a major Middle East flashpoint where tensions between Israel and Iran, which backs Hezbollah, occasionally play out. But comments by Israeli officials and Hezbollahs actions suggested the two were seeking to avoid a major conflict at this time.

Israel said it fired back after 19 rockets were launched from Lebanon, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett swiftly convened a meeting with the country's top defense officials. No casualties were reported.

We do not wish to escalate to a full war, yet of course we are very prepared for that, said Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel has long considered Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, its most serious and immediate military threat. Friday's exchanges came a day after Israels defense minister warned that his country is prepared to strike Iran following a fatal drone strike on a oil tanker at sea that his country blamed on Tehran.

Smoke rise from Israeli shelling near the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba, after Hezbollah fired rockets near an Israeli positions the Golan Heights, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The militant Hezbollah group said it fired a barrage of rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border on Friday, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

The tensions come at a politically sensitive time in Israel, where a new eight-party governing coalition is already trying to keep the peace on another border under a fragile cease-fire that ended an 11-day war with Hamas militant rulers in Gaza.

Sirens blared across the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee near the Lebanon border Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a statement that it hit open fields in the disputed Shebaa farms area.

The group said it fired 10 rockets, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes the day before. Israel said those strikes were in response to rocket fire from southern Lebanon in recent days that was not claimed by any group.

A rocket launcher placed on a pick up truck that was used by Hezbollah to fire rockets near Israeli positions, is seen in the southeastern village of Shwaya, near the border with the Golan Heights, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The militant Hezbollah group said it fired a barrage of rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border on Friday, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Shebaa Farms is an enclave where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet. Israel says it is part of the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967. Lebanon and Syria say Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon, while the United Nations says the area is part of Syria.

This is a very serious situation and we urge all parties to cease fire, the force known as UNIFIL said. Force commander, Gen. Stefano Del Col, said the force was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security measures in the area.

Hezbollahs decision to strike open fields in a disputed area rather than Israel proper, appeared calibrated to limit any response.

Israeli forces fire artillery from their position on the border with Lebanon after a barrage of rockets were fired from Lebanon, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The militant Hezbollah group said it fired rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier. (Ayal Margolin/JINIPIX via AP)

Shefler, the Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Friday that three of the 19 rockets fired fell within Lebanese territory. Ten were intercepted by the defense system known as the Iron Dome.

Israel estimates Hezbollah possesses over 130,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in the country. In recent years, Israel also has expressed concerns that the group is trying to import or develop an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Lebanese border villages where it accuses Hezbollah of hiding rockets. An Israeli security official said Friday the military was carrying out airstrikes unlike any in years and was planning for more options. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military policy.

Israeli forces fire artillery from their position on the border with Lebanon after a barrage of rockets were fired from Lebanon, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The militant Hezbollah group said it fired rockets near Israeli positions close to the Lebanese border, calling it retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon a day earlier. (Ayal Margolinc/ JINIPIX via AP)

The attack sparked tensions between locals and Hezbollah. Videos on social media after the rocket attack showed two vehicles, including a mobile rocket launcher, being stopped by residents of Shwaya village. The windshield of one vehicle was smashed.

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Some of the villagers could be heard saying: Hezbollah is firing rockets from between homes so that Israel hits us back.

The Lebanese army said it arrested four people who were involved in the rocket-firing and confiscated the rocket launcher. It said Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are taking all the measures to restore calm.

Hezbollah issued a statement saying that the rockets were fired from remote areas, adding that the fighters were stopped in Shwaya on their way back.

We lived a similar period in the 1970s, when Palestinian fighters were carrying out guerrilla attacks against Israel. We are now to the same status and this is causing tension, said Ajaj Mousa, a resident of nearby Kfarchouba.

The escalation also comes at a sensitive time in Lebanon, which is mired in multiple crises including a devastating economic and financial meltdown and political deadlock that has left the country without a functional government for a full year.

Kellman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed reporting.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was hospitalized after a demonstrator threw a rock at his head during an anti-vaccine protest led by nurses and other workers in the eastern Caribbean island, officials said late Thursday.

FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2019 file photo, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters. Gonsalves was hospitalized after a demonstrator threw a rock at his head during an anti-vaccine protest in the eastern Caribbean island, officials said late Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen, File)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was hospitalized after a demonstrator threw a rock at his head during an anti-vaccine protest led by nurses and other workers in the eastern Caribbean island, officials said late Thursday.

Gonsalves was bleeding profusely but is expected to recover, according to a statement from his office.

However, the prime minister will be flown to Barbados for further medical treatment including an MRI scan, Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves told Parliament on Thursday, according to local media.

Authorities said Gonsalves was injured when he stepped out of his car and tried to walk into Parliament amid a crowd of some 200 people that had blocked the entrance as they set roadblocks on fire.

Such an act is to be unequivocally condemned, his office said.

The attack was criticized by others including Ronald Sanders, ambassador to the Organization of American States.

This development in Caribbean politics is reprehensible, he said.

Local media quoted Senator Julian Francis saying that an unidentified woman had been arrested. No further details were immediately available.

The protest was organized by unions representing nurses, police and other workers who claimed that the government planned to mandate vaccines for certain employees. Gonsalves clarified that he would not make vaccines mandatory.
HARTFORD, Conn.  Connecticut has become the latest state to mandate that workers in nursing homes be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tourists wait in a queue to enter the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The so-called Green Pass, is required from Friday to access indoor dining, theaters, indoor swimming pools, gyms, museums and other gathering places and it is granted to anyone with at least one dose of vaccine in the last nine months, who has recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months or tested negative in the previous 48 hours. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

HARTFORD, Conn.  Connecticut has become the latest state to mandate that workers in nursing homes be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday directed an executive order that requires all employees of long-term care facilities to receive at least the first dose of a vaccine by Sept. 7.

In a statement, he said it would absolutely irresponsible for staffers not to be vaccinated, given the vulnerability of the people in their care.

According to Lamonts release, more than half of all nursing homes in Connecticut have a staff vaccination rate lower than 75%. Connecticut joins at least five other states that have issued similar mandates.

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

Tourists have their "green pass" checked by security staff at the entrance of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The so-called Green Pass, required from Friday to access indoor dining, theaters, indoor swimming pools, gyms, museums and other gathering places is granted to anyone with at least one dose of vaccine in the last nine months, who has recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months or tested negative in the previous 48 hours. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

 Study: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors big immune boost

 Vaccination form for federal workers adds penalties for lies

 Some US schools reopen with mix of masks in classrooms

 United Airlines will require US employees to be vaccinated

 Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

Empty vials of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19 sit in a pile during a vaccination campaign for people over age 18 at Universidad Mayor de San Andres public university in La Paz, Bolivia, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California has announced another round of coronavirus vaccine incentives.

The California Department of Health Care Services on Friday said it would spend $350 million to vaccinate more people on the states Medicaid program. Medicaid is the joint state and federal health insurance program for people who are disabled or have low incomes.

About 76% of California residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. But only 45% of the states Medicaid population has been vaccinated.

The new incentives include up to $50 grocery store gift cards. About 13.8 million people are enrolled in Californias Medicaid program.

LANSING, Michigan  Hundreds of people gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol on Friday to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Carrying signs with slogans such as Jab or Job? Wrong! and Let me call my shots, the demonstrators heard speakers criticize government officials and and urge their audience to contact elected representatives to express their opposition.

FILE - In this July 2, 2021 file photo, a United Airlines jetliner taxis down a runway for take off from Denver International Airport in Denver. United Airlines will require U.S.-based employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late October, and maybe sooner. United announced the decision Friday, Aug. 6. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)

Ron Armstrong, president for Stand Up Michigan, one of the organizers of the rally, said they were fighting for individuals rights to choose  thats all  in the employment area, in the student area, in the schools, in the universities . . . or wherever else it is mandated.

JACKSON, Miss.  The Mississippi State Medical Association on Friday urged all school districts to require masks for students and employees as COVID-19 cases continue to proliferate with the highly contagious delta variant.

At MSMA, we love to follow the science. We digested it, and we believe in mask mandates for the schools, the associations president, Dr. Mark Horne said during an online briefing about the pandemic.

The state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, said during the briefing that he applauds school administrators and school board members who stand firm for mask mandates, even as some face pushback from angry parents.

Its tough to be a good leader, but its good for the kids, Dobbs said. Its going to save lives.

Many districts are leaving decisions about face coverings up to students and parents, saying they dont want to set a requirement if Republican Gov. Tate Reeves is not issuing a statewide mask mandate for schools.

A worker disinfects the flooring outside the inflated cabins at the pop-up Huo-Yan Laboratory set up in an expo center to test samples for covid-19 virus in Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu province Wednesday, July 28, 2021. China's worst coronavirus outbreak since the start of the pandemic a year and a half ago escalated Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, with dozens more cases around the country, the sealing-off of one city and the punishment of its local leaders. (Chinatopix Via AP)

LIBERTY, Mo.  Thirty ambulances and more than 60 medical personnel will be stationed across the state of Missouri to help transport COVID-19 patients to other regions if nearby hospitals are too full to admit them, Gov. Mike Parson announced Friday.

Parson said the mutual aid ambulances will begin arriving Friday in five districts from across the state and will operate anywhere they are needed through Sept. 5.

The state sent ambulances from Arkansas to Springfield in mid-July when that region began straining under new COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant.

These 30 new ambulance teams triple our transport capacity and expand it to the entire state, as needed, Parson said in a statement. Our health care professionals are performing heroically to save lives as the delta variant dramatically increases hospital admissions. We will continue to support our health care heroes across the state.

The move comes as Missouri reported a seven-day average of 2,069 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, which is the highest number since Jan. 12 when the the seven-day average was 2,348, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

NAMPA, Idaho -- A popular Idaho ski destination had one of the highest per-capita rates of coronavirus in the country at the start of the pandemic last year. Now the Sun Valley region is leading the state  and most of the country  in vaccinating its citizens.

A worker disinfects the flooring outside the inflated cabins at the pop-up Huo-Yan Laboratory set up in an expo center to test samples for covid-19 virus in Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu province Wednesday, July 28, 2021. China's worst coronavirus outbreak since the start of the pandemic a year and a half ago escalated Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, with dozens more cases around the country, the sealing-off of one city and the punishment of its local leaders. (Chinatopix Via AP)

The Idaho Press reports numbers from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare show that more than 87% of Blaine County residents ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to healthdata.gov, 80% of the countys residents are fully vaccinated, which puts the county in the top 10 among more than 3,000 counties nationwide.

HOUSTON  Houston area officials say the latest wave of COVID-19 cases is pushing the local health care system to nearly a breaking point, resulting in some patients having to be transferred out of the city to get medical care, including one who had to be taken to North Dakota.

Dr. David Persse, who is health authority for the Houston Health Department and EMS medical director, said some ambulances were waiting hours to offload patients at Houston area hospitals because no beds were available. Persse said he feared this would lead to prolonged respond times to 911 medical calls.

The health care system right now is nearly at a breaking point ... For the next three weeks or so, I see no relief on whats happening in emergency departments, Persse said Thursday.

Last weekend, a patient in Houston had to be transferred to North Dakota to get medical care. An 11-month-old girl with COVID-19 and who was having seizures had to be transported on Thursday from Houston to a hospital 170 miles away in Temple.

FILE - In this July 29, 2021 file photo, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson stands next to a chart displaying COVID-19 hospitalization data as he speaks at a news conference at the state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark. Arkansas lawmakers are leaving the state's mask mandate ban in place, ending a special session called to revisit the prohibition for schools because of the state's COVID-19 surge. The majority-Republican Legislature on Friday, Aug. 6, adjourned the session that GOP Gov. Hutchinson had called to consider rolling back the ban for some schools. (AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo)

The rising hospitalization and positivity rate in the Houston area prompted Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II on Thursday to announce that he plans to ask the school board during its meeting next week to approve a mandate requiring all students, teachers and staff to wear masks. Classes in the Houston school district, the states largest, begin Aug. 23.

We know that were going to get pushback for this, House said. If approved, the mask mandate would go against an executive order Gov. Greg Abbott repeated last month banning such mandates by any state, county or local government entity.

BATON ROUGE, La.  Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards warned residents that their states place at the epicenter of the latest coronavirus surge isnt lessening.

He noted that Louisianas COVID-19 case growth and hospitalizations continue to worsen, and he said the percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive continues to go up, reaching more than 15% Friday.

We have no reason to believe in our data that weve reached the peak or that were coming down, the Democratic governor said.

He urged people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus illness and to follow the states mask mandate, saying thats the only way to lessen the surge.

People wear face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus as they go shopping in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

I know were going to get through this, Edwards said. But he added: How many people die between now and then is largely going to be up to us.

Still, the governor offered some signs of hopefulness in the continued increases in people newly seeking the vaccine. Edwards chief public health officer, Dr. Joe Kanter, said vaccinations have increased more than 500% over the last month.

But Kanter also offered a list of grim statistics as well, saying 15% of emergency room visits in the state are now related to COVID-19. He said 50 hospitals have asked the state for staffing assistance, warning they can no longer adequately provide care to the community. And he noted that over the past two weeks about 1% of the states entire population has become infected with COVID-19.

TOPEKA, Kan.  A small but growing number of places in Kansas are requiring people to wear masks indoors.

The spread of the more contagious delta variant across the state prompted the University of Kansas on Friday to reverse course and impose a mask mandate on its main campus in Lawrence and a satellite campus in Johnson County in the Kansas City area. The mandate takes effect Monday and applies whether someone is vaccinated or not.

Washburn University in Topeka also announced an indoor mask mandate, and Wyandotte County has one in place for most residents.

Passengers wait in a long line to get a COVID-19 test to travel overseas at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Recent flight cancelations caused many passengers to redo their tests while others were unable to get the test locally due to long lines caused by the surge of the Delta variant. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Meanwhile, Gov. Laura Kelly released a new public-service announcement urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Jennifer Psaki said Friday that there are early discussions about a range of options for new vaccine mandates or penalties for certain situations, such as domestic travelers and nursing home workers. She added that the administration has concern about anti-mask, anti-vaccine mandate restrictions in some states.

If you dont want to abide by public health guidelines, dont want to use your role as leaders, Psaki said, then you should get out of the way.

She also applauded United Airlines announcement that it would require workers to get vaccinated, saying support these vaccination requirements to protect workers, communities and our country and we hope to see even more action from the public and private sector over the coming weeks.

TOPEKA, Kan.  Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids has tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated against it and is in isolation.

Davids said Friday in a statement that she has had only mild symptoms from her breakthrough case. She said she was tested after undergoing outpatient surgery involving the parathyroid glands in the neck that regulate calcium levels in the blood.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The two-term Democratic congresswoman for the states portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area said shes been following precautions recommended by health officials, including wearing masks indoors.

She said shes grateful for COVID-19 vaccines and urged people to get inoculated. Her statement did not say how she contracted COVID-19.

LAS VEGAS  More than 6,000 people in Nevada have died of COVID-19, a grim milestone the state surpassed Friday as officials struggle to respond to another surge of the coronavirus.

Gov. Steve Sisolak called it another significant and heartbreaking milestone for the state and issued another plea for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Nevada reported 26 new deaths Friday and 1,299 new cases of COVID-19.

Since the pandemic began, the state has reported 363,574 COVID-19 cases and 6,005 deaths.

Sisolak and state health officials have been struggling to mitigate another resurgence of the virus in Nevada driven by the highly contagious delta variant and a still-lagging rate of vaccinations.

Motorcycles cruised through downtown Sturgis, S.D., on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts Friday, even as coronavirus cases rise in South Dakota. (AP Photo/Stephen Groves)

PHOENIX  Arizona is seeing another significant leap in new COVID-19 infections, with more than 2,800 reported Friday.

The number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations also continued to climb, with 1,309 patients. The state Department of Health Services dashboard showed 2,826 new confirmed cases and 42 deaths. The latest figures bring Arizonas pandemic totals to 940,762 cases and 18,342 deaths.

Since most Arizona schools returned this week, eight districts have now made indoor masking mandatory in defiance of the law. All except for Tucson Unified are in the Phoenix area. It has prompted a lawsuit from a Phoenix biology teacher.

Brophy College Preparatory, a private, all-boys high school in Phoenix, will require everyone regardless of vaccine status to wear masks indoors when classes start Monday. Masks will then be optional starting Sept. 13. But thats when students and staff must be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to a letter from the principal.

Any student who wants to participate in overnight retreats or school-related travel will have to show proof of vaccination. The Catholic, Jesuit high school, which counts Duceys two sons as alumni, is not obligated to follow the state law.

MINNEAPOLIS  Target said Friday that it will not require its downtown Minneapolis headquarters employees to return to the office for the rest of the year, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the delta variant.

Target has about 8,500 workers at its headquarters offices, making it the largest employer in downtown Minneapolis.

In an email sent to employees Friday, Target said it is still planning a gradual transition back to the office starting Sept. 20, but only common areas such as cafeterias or conference rooms will initially be open.

Plans to reopen other floors and personal workspaces in September have been put on hold, the Star Tribune reported.

NEW YORK  Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice had twice the risk of getting reinfected.

The report Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention comes as scientists urge people to get vaccinated because of the highly contagious delta variant. That includes people who had a prior infection.

The report out of Kentucky adds to growing laboratory evidence that vaccines offer an important boost to natural immunity, including broader protection against new variants.

If you have had COVID-19 before, please still get vaccinated, said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads around the country.

Theres little information yet on reinfections with the newer delta variant. But U.S. health officials point to early data from Britain that the reinfection risk appears greater with delta than with the common alpha variant, once people are six months past their prior infection.

Theres no doubt that vaccinating a COVID-19 survivor enhances both the amount and breadth of immunity so that you cover not only the original (virus) but the variants, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert, said at a recent White House briefing.

WASHINGTON -- Federal employees who need to certify their vaccination status under a new policy instituted by President Joe Biden intended to encourage COVID-19 shots will face disciplinary action and potentially criminal prosecution if they lie on the form.

The Biden administration on Friday unveiled the attestation form that employees will need to fill out about whether they have been fully vaccinated against the virus, adding legal teeth to the presidents mandate.

Federal employees wont be following the honor system but will instead be required to acknowledge that making a knowing and willful false statement on this form can be punished by fine or imprisonment or both.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the form, which was distributed Friday to agency leadership.

 By Zeke Miller
DROSOPIGI, Greece (AP)  Wildfires raged uncontrolled through Greece and Turkey for yet another day Friday, forcing thousands to flee by land and sea, and killing a volunteer firefighter on the fringes of Athens in a huge forest blaze that threatened the Greek capital's most important national park.

Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire near Olympia town, western Greece, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. (Giannis Spyrounis/ilialive.gr via AP)

DROSOPIGI, Greece (AP)  Wildfires raged uncontrolled through Greece and Turkey for yet another day Friday, forcing thousands to flee by land and sea, and killing a volunteer firefighter on the fringes of Athens in a huge forest blaze that threatened the Greek capital's most important national park.

Eight people have died in Turkey's blazes, described as the worst in decades, that swept through swaths of the southern coast for the past 10 days.

In Greece, which had suffered a record heat wave, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said firefighters faced exceptionally dangerous, unprecedented conditions as they battled 154 wildfires Friday, with 64 still burning into the night.

Over the past few days we have been facing a situation without precedent in our country, in the intensity and wide distribution of the wildfires, and the new outbreaks all over (Greece), he said in an evening briefing. I want to assure you that all forces available are taking part in the fight.

Evacuation orders were issued for dozens of villages on the mainland and the nearby island of Evia, as well as outlying settlements on the forested fringes of Athens. Scores of homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged, although authorities have been unable yet to provide detailed figures.

A wildfire burns a forest in Afidnes area, northern Athens, Greece, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

Shifting winds and new flashpoints Friday afternoon caused the blazes outside Athens and Evia to repeatedly change direction, in some cases returning to threaten areas that had narrowly escaped destruction earlier this week.

After burning through forests and houses towards Lake Marathon, the capitals main water reservoir, a branch of the fire headed off into the Mount Parnitha national park  one of the last remaining substantial forests near Athens, which already bore deep scars from wildfires in 2007.

A 38-year-old volunteer firefighter died after a falling utility pole struck his head in an area north of Athens affected by the fire, officials said. At least 20 people have required treatment nationwide.

A wildfire burns a forest in Afidnes area, northern Athens, Greece, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

The causes of the fires are under investigation. Hardalias said three people were arrested Friday  in the greater Athens area, central and southern Greece  on suspicion of starting blazes, in two cases intentionally. Police said the suspect detained north of Athens had allegedly lit fires at three separate spots in the area ravaged by the large blaze, which first broke out Tuesday.

In the village of Limni on Evia, residents and vacationers were urged to hasten to the harbor and await embarkation after flames cut off all other means of escape. Two ferry boats picked up about 1,000 people, and one more would remain at Limni to take on later arrivals, the coast guard said.

Earlier in the day and late Thursday the coast guard evacuated nearly 700 people from other parts of the island, using patrol vessels, fishing boats and other private vessels.

Flames spread over a highway during a wildfire in Afidnes area, northern Athens, Greece, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.Wildfires rekindled outside Athens and forced more evacuations around southern Greece Thursday as weather conditions worsened and firefighters in a round-the-clock battle stopped the flames just outside the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

We're talking about the apocalypse, I don't know how to describe it, Sotiris Danikas, head of the coast guard in the town of Aidipsos on Evia, told state broadcaster ERT, describing the earlier sea evacuation.

A coast guard vessel also rescued 10 people trapped on a beach by another fire near the town of Gythio in the southern Peloponnese region.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed deep gratitude to all involved in the firefighting effort during a visit to the Fire Service headquarters Friday. She added: We are all vulnerable to fire. There is much that needs to be done, both on a large and a small scale. But now we must display self-restraint and unity.

An helicopter drops water over a fire in Ippokratios Politia village, about 35 kilometres (21 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Thousands of residents of the Greek capital have fled to safety from a wildfire that burned for a fourth day north of Athens as crews battle to stop the flames reaching populated areas, electricity installations and historic sites. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Greek and European officials have blamed climate change for the multiple fires burning through southern Europe, from southern Italy to the Balkans, Greece and Turkey.

In Italy, firefighters battling a wildfire in the province of Reggio Calabria found the bodies of a man and a woman in an olive grove. LaPresse news agency said they died of smoke inhalation.

Massive fires have been burning across Siberia in Russia's north for weeks, while hot, bone-dry, gusty weather has also fueled devastating wildfires in California.

A wildfire burns in Krya Vrisi village on the island of Evia, about 139 kilometers (86 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. The coast guard in Evia evacuated hundreds of people by sea. In heat wave conditions, the blaze has torn through forest areas north of the capital, destroying more homes. (AP Photo/Thodoris Nikolaou)

Greece has been baked by its most protracted heat wave in three decades, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), although it was cooler Friday.

At least 20 people have been treated for injuries from the fires. Two firefighters were in intensive care in Athens, while another two were hospitalized with light burns.

More than 1,000 firefighters and nearly 20 aircraft are now battling major fires across Greece, while extra firefighters, planes, helicopters and vehicles were arriving from France, Switzerland, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, Israel, Sweden and the U.S. Some 80 French and 40 Cypriot firefighters joined in efforts to fight the blazes north of Athens.

A firefighting helicopter flies over as firefighters and volunteer workers dig trenches and cover the vegetation with dirt in a rushed endeavor to protect the Yenikoy power plant from approaching wild fires, in Milas area of the Mugla province, Turkey, Friday Aug. 6, 2021. Thousands of people fled wildfires burning out of control in Greece and Turkey on Friday, as a protracted heat wave turned forests into tinderboxes that threatened populated areas, electricity installations and historic sites. (AP Photo/Emre Tazegul)

In Turkey, authorities on Friday evacuated six more neighborhoods near the Mugla province town of Milas as a wildfire fanned by winds burned some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from a power plant. Two other neighborhoods were also evacuated as a precaution later in the day, as another fire spread from the region of Yatagan, in Mugla, toward the edge of the neighboring province of Aydin, further north.

At least 36,000 people were evacuated to safety in Mugla province alone, officials said.

Excavators formed firebreaks to keep flames from the Yenikoy power plant, the second such facility to be threatened in the region.

A firefighter tries to extinguish fire in Agios Stefanos, in northern Athens, Greece, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Thousands of people have fled wildfires burning out of control in Greece and Turkey, including a major blaze just north of the Greek capital of Athens that left one person dead. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

Wildfires near the tourism resort of Marmaris, also in Mugla, were largely contained by late Thursday, while by Friday afternoon the two main fires in neighboring Antalya province were brought under control.

In Greece, the Athens fire halted traffic on the main highway connecting the capital to the north of the country and damaged electricity installations. The power distribution company announced rolling cuts in the wider capital region to protect the electrical grid.

In the Drosopigi area, resident Giorgos Hatzispiros surveyed the damage to his house Friday morning, the first time he was seeing it after being ordered to evacuate the previous afternoon. Only the charred walls of the single-story home remained, along with his children's bicycles, somehow unscathed in a storeroom. Inside, smoke rose from a still-smoldering bookcase.

A burnt forest after a wildfire in Drosopigi village, about 28 kilometres (27 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Thousands of residents of the Greek capital have fled to safety from a wildfire that burned for a fourth day north of Athens as crews battle to stop the flames reaching populated areas, electricity installations and historic sites. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Nothing is left, Hatzispiros said.

In the southern Peloponnese region dozens of villages and settlements were evacuated, and a blaze was stopped before reaching monuments at Olympia, birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

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The fires also disrupted COVID-19 vaccinations. The Health Ministry announced the suspension of vaccinations at centers in fire-affected areas.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address Thursday that the wildfires display the reality of climate change.

In 2018, more than 100 people died when a fast-moving forest fire engulfed a seaside settlement east of Athens.

____

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey, and Paphitis from Lemnos, Greece. Elena Becatoros in Argostoli, Greece, Mehmet Guzel in Mugla, Turkey, and Frances D'Emilio in Rome contributed.

Read stories on climate issues by The Associated Press at https://apnews.com/hub/climate
Thousands of health-care support staff are preparing for a strike vote, two months after Manitoba nurses did the same.

Thousands of health-care support staff are preparing for a strike vote, two months after Manitoba nurses did the same.

About 18,000 health support staff, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, are set to hold a strike vote this month because bargaining has stalled, the union says. The employer disagrees: Shared Health says bargaining is still in the early stages and any talk of a strike is "premature."

The union has been meeting with its members daily leading up to the Aug. 18 strike vote.

"They feel through COVID they've been disrespected. Calling them heroes and treating them like zeroes at the table," said CUPE Local 204 president Debbie Boissonneault, who was meeting with staff at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's distribution site in St. Boniface Friday.

The goal, she said, is not to go on strike, but to advance contract talks.

In June, 12,000 Manitoba Nurses' Union members voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike and later reached an agreement to secure a contract through binding arbitration if bargaining is unsuccessful. Details of the agreement haven't been shared with the union for health-care support staff, but they want to make sure their members are also being treated fairly, said Lee McLeod, regional director for CUPE Manitoba.

"That offer (for binding arbitration) hasn't been extended to health-care support workers, and obviously we don't want to see people left behind."

Fairness and compensation are key issues that bargaining hasn't resolved, McLeod said, adding home-care workers have "vastly inferior benefits" compared with other health-care workers.

The support workers have put themselves at risk during the pandemic and have told the union they are exhausted and demoralized, but McLeod said they aren't being treated fairly in bargaining.

"There are many outstanding issues, and it's the consensus of the bargaining group that they're not being treated seriously at the bargaining table."

The employees support patients, nurses and other health-care professionals in hospitals and care homes under Shared Health, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, as well as the Northern and Southern health authorities. About 5,000 of the unionized employees are home-care workers.

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Like nurses, support workers have been without a contract since 2017 and are facing the prospect of no salary increases for the next two years under wage-freeze legislation the provincial government introduced four years ago. That legislation, which wasn't proclaimed into law, has since been declared unconstitutional. The government appealed the decision to the Manitoba's Court of Appeal. A decision isn't expected for months.

The union has another bargaining date set on Aug. 17, a day before the strike vote. Talks started in December 2020.

In a statement, a Shared Health spokesman said the organization hasn't delayed the bargaining process.

"We fully respect union processes and bargaining tools but any talk of strike action seems premature. All of our health care support workers should have the benefit of a new, fair and long-term agreement, and we are fully committed to pursuing this shared goal at the bargaining table."

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Manitobans concerned about the end of the indoor mask mandate as of Saturday are taking to the internet to promote businesses that will keep maskless customers out.

Manitobans concerned about the end of the indoor mask mandate as of Saturday are taking to the internet to promote businesses that will keep maskless customers out.

Collaborative directories of places in Winnipeg that will continue to require masks inside have cropped up on social media. One of the largest is a Google Docs spreadsheet that lists the names and addresses of more than 50 Winnipeg businesses, with notes on whether they will continue to require masks or proof of vaccination despite the change to public health orders. Others, including @SafeToDoMB on Twitter, share the mask policies of local businesses and organizations with thank-you notes and recommendations.

Unique Bunny, a local seller of Japanese and South Korean products, was proud to be featured on the lists. It will continue to require that customers wear a mask inside, assistant manager Kazumi Yoshimo said, regardless of pushback they had received after informing customers theyd still have to mask up.

"Since we announced our policy on our social media, some people gave us negative comments," she said. "Actually in the beginning (of the mask mandate), wed have some angry customers who came inside and then refused to wear masks in store."

Yoshimo said she approves of community members working together to list businesses with a mask-mandated environment.

"We are definitely happy for that. I heard that lots of local businesses still require masks in store, so we feel kind of more (of a) connection with other local businesses and we can unite to protect our community together," she said. "I think that's really amazing."

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president Chuck Davidson was more critical of the idea, calling it an "unnecessary stress" on businesses already dealing with a year and a half of pressure and restrictions.

"You're creating additional problems for businesses, that's not something we necessarily need to see at this point in time," he said. "I think so many businesses are under enough stress as it is."

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Some online commenters werent supportive of the directories  on one spreadsheet, which is open for people to anonymously add and edit information, fake entries with criticisms of the directory and mask-wearing in general cropped up and were removed on Thursday.

Davidson emphasized that he understood the decision of many businesses to keep the mask mandate in place and that his office would continue to require masks.

He said businesses that keep the mask rule understand the needs of their clientele and it's a response to growing anxiety from customers after the provinces decision.

"We think it would have made better sense to just keep it in place, even if it's just for the next two weeks, or for the next month, until the general public is a little bit more comfortable with going in that direction," he said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
The COVID-19 vaccine will be added to the provinces routine school immunization program this year in an effort to make jabs more readily available to students aged 12 and older and boost uptake.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be added to the provinces routine school immunization program this year in an effort to make jabs more readily available to students aged 12 and older and boost uptake.

During a briefing Thursday, Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of the vaccine implementation task force, announced a plan to improve vaccination rates among youth.

"This fall, immunization teams will attend all schools with students aged 12 to 17 to provide both first and second doses to students. Were going to look at the epidemiology, the vaccine uptake, and other data to help guide this work," she said.

Reimer said just 66.4 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 to 17 have received one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine; 52.3 per cent have been fully immunized, which is below the provincial average of 80 per cent with at least one shot.

Lower immunization levels among youth can be attributed to the fact they were the last to become eligible and there are fewer severe outcomes in this group, Reimer said.

However, she said, there are still incidents of severe outcomes and deaths in youth in Manitoba, which is why the province recommends everyone get fully vaccinated as soon as possible  no matter their age.

"We also want the youth to be able to get back to normal life. We want to have a successful school year without having to switch to remote learning, without having people have to isolate at home and missing that in-person schooling," Reimer said.

"It's really critical that even though a younger person certainly has a lower risk of a severe outcome, there's many other reasons on top of protecting themselves from severe outcomes, that the vaccine is still extremely beneficial for them."

Reimer said the province plans to start targeting schools in communities that have the lowest immunization rates to help reduce potential barriers to immunization and increase protection for the whole community.

When and if a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children aged 5 to 11, the province will also offer those shots in schools. Health Canada approval for the younger age group could come this calendar year, Reimer said.

It's estimated 125,000 children aged five to 11 live in Manitoba.

She noted the consent process for COVID-19 immunization at schools will follow the same procedures as routine school-based immunization programs, with a customized consent form sent home with children to parents.

COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory, Reimer noted.

"Like everything else in health care, whether its a medication, a surgery, where parental consent may not be available, we will do the individual assessments of competency of the students to consent on their own, but that would not be the main approach," Reimer said.

"The main approach will be that theyll be able to use these customized consents to have their parents review and sign ahead of time, both COVID or not COVID," Reimer said.

Other vaccines  including those for meningitis, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough  will be offered to students who have fallen behind in immunizations due to the pandemic, Reimer said.

As of Thursday, there was no firm timeline for when the vaccine campaign would conclude but it is expected to ramp up as early as this month.

When asked whether the vaccination status of students and staff would have to be disclosed to school administration as part of the province's plans for the return to the classroom, an official with Manitoba Education deferred questions on the subject to public health.

Reimer said she has not been part of any discussions related to disclosure of immunization status of students and staff returning to school.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca

Danielle Da Silva

Reporter Danielle Da Silva is a general assignment reporter. Read full biography
After two months of rotating strikes, followed by an application for arbitration in the spring, Manitoba Hydro workers have been awarded a slight wage increase and a special payment for those exposed to extra hazards and hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After two months of rotating strikes, followed by an application for arbitration in the spring, Manitoba Hydro workers have been awarded a slight wage increase and a special payment for those exposed to extra hazards and hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its a "significant improvement" from the provincially owned power utility's final offer and recognizes workers' "front-line contributions to the public," the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2034 said in a message to its 2,300 members. They'd been without a deal since Jan. 1, 2019.

The union alleged the rotating strikes are the result of interference by the Progressive Conservative government in the collective bargaining process.

After two months of rotating strikes, followed by an application for arbitration in the spring, Manitoba Hydro workers have been awarded a slight wage increase and a special payment for those exposed to extra hazards and hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new agreement expires Feb. 4, 2022. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)

The Pallister administration has been pushing for public-sector collective agreements to be capped at zero per cent increases in the first two years, followed by increases no higher than 0.75 per cent and one per cent in years 3 and 4.

After reaching an impasse with the employer, the Hydro workers staged rotating strikes.

They ended in May, when, after 60 days, the union was able to apply to the labour board for an alternative dispute resolution process, as allowed by Manitoba law.

The board has now imposed a 1.5 per cent wage increase, effective Jan. 1, 2019, 0.5 per cent effective Jan. 1, 2020, and a 1.5 per cent raise effective Jan. 1 of this year.

"We wish we could've got the result bargaining in good faith with the employer," business manager Mike Espenell said Thursday. "We've, historically, had good relations with the employer."

The board-imposed deal includes a one-time COVID-19 payment to IBEW members whose work can't be done from home  roughly 95 per cent  for being exposed to additional "risks, hazards and hardships."

Each will receive $1 per hour worked from March 20, 2020, to July 31, 2021  up to a maximum of $1,250 per employee.

"Throughout this whole period, they've had to deal with lots of things," Espenell said.

Bill 16 (Labour Relations Amendment Act) would eliminate the right of striking workers to access binding arbitration after 60 days of strike action or lockout, allow an employer to fire an employee for "strike-related misconduct"  even if the employee has not been convicted of a criminal offence  and would require only 40 per cent of workers (instead of the current 50 per cent) to call for a union decertification vote. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun files)

Impacted workers have dealt with shifts changing on a weekly basis, for instance, and been required to stay longer than expected at remote workplaces to maintain critical assets when COVID-19 outbreaks occurred, he said.

The new agreement expires Feb. 4, 2022, and then it's back to the bargaining table.

"We hope next time there isn't this level of interference," said Espenell.

However, next time, labour faces a shifting landscape under new legislation the PCs plan to pass this fall.

Bill 16 (Labour Relations Amendment Act) would eliminate the right of striking workers to access binding arbitration after 60 days of strike action or lockout. The legislation introduced by the Tories in October was one of five bills the Opposition NDP selected to delay passage of until fall.

If the bill had passed in the spring, and prevented Manitoba Hydro workers from applying for arbitration after 60 days, the recent labour action could've been worse, said Espenell.

"I believe the strike, in that case, would've been very difficult," he said. "It would've been a lot more disruptive."

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The Progressive Conservative government has said Bill 16's proposed changes will better balance the rights of union members, unions and employers, and make unions more accountable and transparent. No other Canadian jurisdiction's labour law allows one party to force the other into binding arbitration for subsequent agreements, it has said.

The bill would allow an employer to fire an employee for "strike-related misconduct"  even if the employee has not been convicted of a criminal offence  and would require only 40 per cent of workers (instead of the current 50 per cent) to call for a union decertification vote.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Down the road from the beer vendor, blood spattered the sidewalk and the front door of a small apartment block on Maryland Street.

Down the road from the beer vendor, blood spattered the sidewalk and the front door of a small apartment block on Maryland Street.

One person was assaulted Thursday evening, Winnipeg Police Service Const. Rob Carver said Friday.

Officers were called to the scene around 5:45 p.m., and the victim was taken to hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Police had not yet announced an arrest, and Carver said, at this point in the investigation, they can't reveal how the victim was injured.

However, a woman who lives in the apartment building and the part-owner of the adjacent corner shop at Maryland Street and Wellington Avenue both said it was a stabbing.

The tenant was leaving her apartment shortly after 6 p.m., when she saw the doors leading into the unlit front vestibule were open. She didnt think twice about it, she said, but then saw police tape and several officers huddled in front of the building. Officers urged her to leave the crime scene.

In her rush, she initially saw droplets of blood on the sidewalk. When she returned later in the evening, police were still there, and she got a closer look.

"I could see well enough that there was blood all over the carpet, blood all over the doorknob, all over the door, everywhere," she told the Free Press.

"It hit me that this must have been one hell of a stabbing."

As of Friday morning, the building tenant said there was still no clarity as to who was involved in the altercation, however, a good portion of the blood had been cleaned up, aside from the spattered front carpet.

She said police had mostly left by around 1 a.m.

Blood droplets on the sidewalk outside of 722 Maryland Street in Winnipeg, where a suspected homicide occurred. (Alex Lupul / Winnipeg Free Press)

Meanwhile, Ahmed Mohamed spent the morning washing blood from the concrete in front of his family's Maryland Food Store, before he covered the wet spot with cardboard.

The victim had rushed to the door, bleeding, Mohamed was told by his sister's husband, who also works at the convenience shop.

"One guy leaving the apartment block, he got stabbed  he came for help, he fell down here," said Mohamed, 44, gesturing to the spot he had cleaned.

He was away from the shop at the time. A neighbour called him around 9 p.m.

"All the store was taped (off), police all over... when I came, I couldn't even get in (to the store)," Mohamed said, adding investigators had asked for camera footage from the shop.

Neighbourhood crime is worse than ever, the shop owner said, blaming on the beer vendor and bar down the street, near the intersection at Notre Dame Avenue.

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"In 2006, 2007, 2008, it wasn't bad like now," Mohamed said.

"People are sitting in the front... asking for change, taking beer from people... They steal a lot of stuff from here, too. It's ridiculous... It's not safe."

On May 10, 27-year-old Jasmine Normand was found dead in a three-storey, red brick apartment block near the corner of Wellington Avenue and Maryland Street, just down the block from the scene of Thursday's bloody assault.

Normand's death was ruled a homicide. Police have not yet announced an arrest.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca

Erik Pindera

Multimedia producer Erik Pindera is a multimedia producer at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography
Railside at The Forks, an ambitious project to erect 30 four- to six-storey residential and commercial buildings, just got an injection of taxpayers' cash.

Railside at The Forks, an ambitious project to erect 30 four- to six-storey residential and commercial buildings, just got an injection of taxpayers' cash.

"Were so excited to see Railside come to life," said Sara Stasiuk, vice-president of finance and operations at The Forks.

The land borders Union Station and is currently being used as two parking lots.

Plans for the project include 1,000 to 1,200 residential units, 10 per cent of which will be "affordable" housing as defined by the province. There will also be a mixture of public storefronts, office space and other commercial uses.

Construction crews broke ground on the geothermal system in early May. Next spring, work is scheduled to begin on two public plazas, pedestrian streets and alleys and Israel Asper Way will be repurposed into a parkway.

The federal government has committed up to $1.8 million for the geothermal system that will heat and cool the development, said Dan Vandal, Manitoba's senior federal cabinet minister.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sara Stasiuk (left), Paul Jordan, Dan Vandal, Clare MacKay, Jon Reyes, and Sherri Rollins pose for a photo after an announcement about Railside at The Forks development in Winnipeg on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. For Cody story.Winnipeg Free Press 2021.

The cash will come from a national fund to support carbon emission reductions.

"We know that climate change is already here, and its a reality thats affecting our daily lives all over the world and we know that the problem is carbon pollution," said Vandal.

The Forks will cover the rest of the $4.5-million budget for the geothermal system, which is estimated to prevent 12,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

The province and the City of Winnipeg will contribute money through tax-increment financing, meaning theyll redirect a portion of increased property tax revenue generated by the development.

The provincial government has allocated up to $7.7 million to support the first of two phases of the project: development of the south lot. Thats down from the $11.9 million the province first approved in December 2019.

The two phases are scheduled to be done over 20 years.

However, provincial tax-increment financing is currently funded through the education property tax, which the premier has promised to phase out. Its unclear if this will affect the provinces contribution. Newly installed Economic Development Minister Jon Reyes did not respond to a request for clarification.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES The federal government has committed up to $1.8 million for the geothermal system that will heat and cool the development, said Dan Vandal, Manitoba's senior federal cabinet minister.

The city will chip in a maximum of $7.9 million over 20 years.

Coun. Sherri Rollins said the project represents a move toward "green builds" in the city.

"Were centring this project to do all the things we need to be doing in terms of city building," she said, noting the many wildfires that set a thick smoke over Winnipeg Thursday as evidence for the need for climate action.

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Vandal also cited Manitobas wildfires, as well as the prolonged heat and drought ravaging the province, as he pitched the importance of the geothermal project.

He touted his governments carbon emission targets announced in July: emission reductions of 40 to 45 per cent by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. However, Canada has been historically poor at following through on its targets. It failed to meet its targets from the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, from which it withdrew in 2011, and from the Copenhagen Accord in 2009.

A study from the Pembina Institute concluded not a single province is prepared to hit the 2030 targets and points to Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta as particular offenders.

But Vandal said projected growth in the "clean economy" could help promote carbon emission cuts, pointing to the new development at The Forks as a way to "build back greener" after the pandemic.

The three governments are the shareholders of The Forks.

cody.sellar@freepress.mb.ca
Relief is coming for Manitoba farmers who are battling drought and wildfires.

Relief is coming for Manitoba farmers who are battling drought and wildfires.

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Friday $100 million has been earmarked to address the "immediate extraordinary" costs faced by producers.

The funding is designed to match all provincial AgriRecovery submissions on the 60-40 cost-shared basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. By making funding available now, producers know they will receive assistance as soon as full assessments by the provinces  from B.C. to Ontario  are completed, Bibeau said in a press release.

The federal government is open to submissions that include direct assistance to livestock producers for added costs of obtaining feed, transportation and water.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler and Bibeau also announced on Friday an increase in the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage to 75 per cent from 50 per cent, so producers can access a greater portion of their final benefit early when it is needed most.

Manitoba is also invoking the late participation provision of the AgriStability program so producers who did not enroll in it may still access program support. They can also apply for interim payments under AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges, the two levels of government said in a joint release.

Eichler said the province is still reviewing the details of Friday's announcements.

He said he's been working with his federal counterpart "making sure producers get funding in a timely manner."

"The day after I got sworn in, I didn't even move into my office and I reached out to Minister Bibeau," said Eichler, who moved back to the ag portfolio in a July 15 cabinet shuffle after serving as ag minister from 2016 to 2019. Bibeau visited Manitoba last month to see the drought for herself and meet with producers.

"I'm really big on relationships, making sure we understand each other (and) put the politics aside and do what's best for farmers," Eichler told reporters Friday.

CP Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks with Curtis McRae as she tours his grain farm in the drought-stricken Interlake Region of Manitoba to discuss support measures for Manitoba and Canadian farmers impacted by extreme weather throughout the 2021 growing season. (David Lipnowski / Canadian Press)

"We want to ensure that they have sustainability and they have hope for next year," Eichler said.

The Opposition NDP said the provincial government isn't doing enough to help producers or address the long-term climate crisis.

"This is the worst drought our ranchers have ever faced," NDP agriculture critic Diljeet Brar said. "They need support right now... cows need to eat today. Cows need water right now.

"This situation is not just impacting the farming community. It's going to impact all of us, irrespective of whether we live in rural Manitoba or the cities," Brar said.

After touring drought-stricken areas and meeting with producers, Brar said he's concerned producers will be forced to sell their animals, then their farms, and move to urban areas to make a living.

"The current government should have planned to face this situation in advance," Brar said.

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"Everybody recognizes we're in a climate crisis," NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine said. "It's really incumbent on us to push the government to develop a sustainability and climate change strategy which we still don't have after five and a half years," she said.

"What we're seeing on the ground, what farmers are living through day in and day out, is going to get exponentially worse," Fontaine said.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Justice officials are seeking a life sentence for a teen convicted of murdering two men at a house party on Bloodvein First Nation two years ago.

Justice officials are seeking a life sentence for a teen convicted of murdering two men at a house party on Bloodvein First Nation two years ago.

The 18-year-old man was found guilty by a jury of two counts of second-degree murder in the January 2019 killings of Darrell Fisher, 38, and his nephew Zachary Fisher, 22.

The man was 16 at the time of the killings. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the maximum sentence for a 16-year-old convicted of second-degree murder is seven years, at least three of which must be served in the community.

Prosecutors argued the man should be sentenced as an adult to life in prison. Because he was still a youth at the time of the killings, he would be eligible for parole after serving seven years in custody, not the minimum 10 years required for adults convicted of second-degree murder.

The clock starts ticking at different times, depending on whether the man is sentenced as a youth or adult, Crown attorney David Burland told court Thursday.

If sentenced as a youth, the man would receive no credit for pre-sentence custody. If sentenced as an adult, he would receive credit from the day of his arrest, Feb. 1, 2019. If sentenced today, and assuming he was granted parole at the earliest opportunity, the man would serve only six months more in a custodial facility than if he were sentenced as a youth, Burland told Queens Bench Justice David Kroft.

But unlike a youth sentence, if sentenced as an adult, the man would be subject to lifelong supervision under terms of his parole, he said.

"If sentenced (as a youth), he would be in the community with zero supervision by age 25  for two murders, that would be it," Burland said.

"To help and encourage rehabilitation and reintegration, there needs to be a mechanism to assist the offender to be successful," he said. "In this case, the Crowns submission is that mechanism would be parole."

To secure an adult sentence, prosecutors must "rebut" the presumption the young offender is less morally culpable than an adult. They must convince a judge that a youth sentence would not be long enough to hold him accountable for his crimes.

Since his arrest, the teen has strengthened his gang ties in custody, actively recruited new members and been involved in a violent escape attempt that resulted in a corrections officer being assaulted with a shovel, Burland said.

Court heard evidence at trial that Darrell and Zachary Fisher arrived uninvited at the party and proceeded to bully the teen, calling him "a little bitch" and goading him to drink more.

Trial testimony was complicated by witnesses who had clear allegiances to the accused, including one woman who initially told police she was the killer and another who testified the victims "deserved to die."

Prosecutors alleged the teen attacked Darrell Fisher first, by stabbing him with a steak knife four times in the chest, leaving him dead on the porch floor.

Zachary picked up a window frame to defend himself before the boy slashed and stabbed him 21 times. The last stab embedded the knife in Zacharys ear.

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In a later text message to his girlfriend, the teen claimed: "It was them or me."

While there was evidence the accused had been drinking and using drugs, he was not so intoxicated he didnt know what he was doing, prosecutors argued. The sheer number of stab wounds showed the teen had the state of mind to commit murder and was not defending himself.

Defence lawyers argued at trial the teen was intoxicated by alcohol, cocaine and meth and believed the victims might kill him if he didnt respond with deadly force.

It was open to jurors to convict the teen of the reduced count of manslaughter, but their verdict shows they believed he had the required state of mind to commit murder.

The sentencing hearing continues today.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
Last week, we learned that Premier Brian Pallister ordered senior political staff to hire a private investigator who was tasked with digging into NDP leader Wab Kinews personal history in search of previous brushes with the law. This was one part of Pallisters long-term fascination with exposing alleged cover-ups of Kinews past misdeeds and indiscretions, as the premier kept pressure on his staff to wield their shovels and keep excavating.

Opinion

Last week, we learned that Premier Brian Pallister ordered senior political staff to hire a private investigator who was tasked with digging into NDP leader Wab Kinews personal history in search of previous brushes with the law. This was one part of Pallisters long-term fascination with exposing alleged cover-ups of Kinews past misdeeds and indiscretions, as the premier kept pressure on his staff to wield their shovels and keep excavating.

Pallister apparently keeps a well-thumbed copy of Kinews autobiography. The premier reportedly identified passages of the book where he suspected Kinew was being less than fully truthful and directed staff to investigate those possibilities. Forget Abe Lincolns famous dog-eared Bible; this is Pallisters dog-eared The Reason You Walk.

This unsavory episode was brought to our attention courtesy of the PC partys current leadership crisis. Two anonymous former staffers revealed Pallisters directive and the pressure he applied on his helpers to dig into Kinews past. Apparently, these staffers were not particularly bothered by this at the time, and might well have been cheering Pallister on.

But that was before the premiers popularity was battered by both time in office and a series of missteps. Now that he is an electoral liability for his party, Pallisters anonymous former staffers are suddenly scandalized by his past behaviour and so rushed to spill the beans.

As it turned out, siccing a P.I. on Kinew was done with only the most honourable of intentions. "One of the most important duties of any political party in our democratic system is to present clear and factual information to the public so that they can make fully informed decisions," lectured a PC Party spokesperson, casting the partys investigation of Kinew as an exercise in civic responsibility.

To this, Pallister added that he hoped any dirt dug up on Kinew because of his own order would lead to a kind of cleansing forgiveness: "The sooner he wrestles those demons, the sooner forgiveness will come. And thats what I hope for him."

I will leave it up to readers to assess the persuasiveness of that explanation.

As political scientist Paul Thomas recently pointed out, almost all parties dedicate some resources into looking into the backgrounds of their opponents. The advent of social media has made that task much easier, as a few clicks on Facebook can often easily unearth embarrassing pictures and thoughtless writings from the past.

But Pallisters tactics in this case  directing senior staff in the taxpayer-funded executive council to dig up dirt on a political opponent  was viewed as a bridge too far. "You shouldnt have people walking into the premiers office to provide updates from an investigator on how the investigation into Wab Kinew is going," Thomas argues. "This is taking partisan behaviour to an extreme." Indeed.

Canadians have long held politicians in low esteem. For example: an Angus Reid Institute survey conducted in 2019 found nearly two-thirds of respondents agreed with the view that most politicians "cant be trusted."

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This has always been regrettable to me. In my career, Ive spoken with hundreds of politicians across several democracies for my research. The vast majority of them have been interesting, thoughtful, likeable, well-intentioned and deeply concerned with the well-being of their constituents. Ive always been struck and discouraged by survey findings that reveal the low regard in which Canadians view their politicians.

But perhaps when people open the newspaper and find columns about elected officials hiring private investigators to dig up dirt on their opponents, its no surprise they hold those politicians in contempt as a result. What a shame that the actions of a few reflect so broadly across our entire political class.

One also wonders what effects these stories have on outstanding people who might have contemplated running for public office but who hesitate at the thought of one of their opponents hired guns rifling through their underwear drawer. Pallister even seemed to unwittingly give voice to this concern when asked about his decision to hire a private investigator. "I would encourage people who want to enter public life to remember  just as I am reminded frequently  that your life is on display," he warned.

This is a remarkable statement from someone who was being asked to defend his order to hire a private investigator to look into the past of his political opponent. The ominous suggestion appears to be that if youve made mistakes in your past, or if there are episodes youre not proud of, its probably best to take a pass on politics lest the premier of Manitoba hire a private investigator to dig up and publicize those mistakes for everyone to see. As though this is perfectly normal.

Would any sane person run for office in light of this? Would you?

Royce Koop is an associate professor in the department of political studies and co-ordinator of the Canadian studies program at the University of Manitoba.
It's up to Manitobans to protect themselves from the fourth wave of COVID-19 following the provincial government's decision to scrap the mask mandate as of Saturday.

It's up to Manitobans to protect themselves from the fourth wave of COVID-19 following the provincial government's decision to scrap the mask mandate as of Saturday.

"The Manitoba government is moving away from mandatory (masking), but I think everyone should do a personal risk assessment," Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said in response to questions from the Free Press.

"It is very difficult in some public settings to figure out whos vaccinated (and) who is not vaccinated, and the prudent thing to do is just add other personal measures, such as masking."

Dr. Roussin has increasingly taken to saying Manitobans have to learn to live with the virus which includes the possibility of following recommendations, in lieu of public health orders, in what he refers to as a post-pandemic province. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

On Saturday, mask use in most public spaces will be recommended, but no longer required, despite the rise of the highly contagious Delta variant.

During Tuesday's announcement, Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, pointed to the province's high vaccination rate. Seventy-three per cent of the eligible population was fully immunized as of Wednesday, while 81.7 per cent have had their first dose.

Roussin said Manitobans have to learn to live with the virus and that restrictions cannot continue indefinitely.

Tam congratulated the province for having one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, but said Manitobans should still use measures such as masking and ventilation in crowded, closed environments, especially when its not known if everyone has been immunized.

"A mask could have that added layer of protection, even (for) vaccinated people," she said, adding that people have learned habits that reduce the risk of transmission.

"Every bit kind of helps, and increases your chances of being able to open essential places like schools and other areas as well."

Premier Brian Pallister said Tuesday that Manitobans should be rewarded for getting vaccinated and obeying restrictions. He said it was time to reopen the economy.

"We actually provide our modelling data to the provinces on an ongoing basis, and we discuss it at the special advisory committee. Those kinds of modelling studies have already been provided, not just for the national but also for the provincial breakdowns."  Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer

Yet businesses have complained they must shoulder the burden of imposing mask rules as they balance the expectations of customers and staff, as well as the risk of someone lodging a human rights complaint.

The lifting of the mask rule has also alarmed health-care workers, who say the medical system needs time to catch up on backlogged surgeries and procedures. They've warned that burned-out staff might not be able to endure a fourth wave, which is expected to be fuelled by the more transmissible Delta variant.

Manitobas intensive-care wards were so overwhelmed this spring that it had to airlift ICU patients to other Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It was the only province to send patients to another province.

To that end, Tam noted that regions within Manitoba might have less ability to cope with a fourth wave, based on their resources and vaccine uptake.

"Even at a provincial level, you may have to look at local situations as well; the health-care capacity is not the same everywhere," she said.

Premier Brian Pallister said that Manitobans should be rewarded for getting vaccinated and obeying restrictions. He said it was time to reopen the economy. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Parts of southern Manitoba remain among the worst for vaccine uptake in Canada. The RM of Stanley, near Winkler, recorded a meagre 21.2 per cent of residents having one shot. Winkler has 37.7 per cent of residents with one shot.

Tam was at a loss to explain Manitobas delay in providing its own modelling of the expected impact of the Delta variant in the province.

"We actually provide our modelling data to the provinces on an ongoing basis, and we discuss it at the special advisory committee," she said.

"Those kinds of modelling studies have already been provided, not just for the national but also for the provincial breakdowns," Tam said.

"Our modelling is not just focused on case surges, but keeping the health-care system intact and not overwhelmed."

The province has said its models that include projections for Delta variant transmission are under review. A provincial spokeswoman said the modelling is developed internally by provincial staff and was initially completed in late July, "but additional analysis is underway and will be reviewed before it is released publicly."

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Since July 2, the province has been promising to release the modelling to the public. The COVID-19 projections it released in mid-May, right before the peak of the third wave forced ICU patients to be transferred to hospitals in other provinces, didn't take into account the more contagious Delta variant.

Roussin said last week that the Delta variant is not yet dominant in Manitoba and accounted for about 30 per cent of cases. The provincial Cadham Laboratory began using a specific screening test to detect the Delta variant on July 5, the province said.

 with files from Katie May

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
This is not leadership.

Manitoba's Progressive Conservative government engaged in a profound dereliction of duty Thursday, announcing a back-to-school plan that does not include any meaningful COVID-19 pandemic protection for staff and students.

Full-time, in-person classes for all students ages 12-17 will resume in September, with no requirement to be fully vaccinated or wear masks; younger ages will still attend in cohorts, but again without any vaccination requirement or masks.

Both measures are still "strongly recommended" but will not be enforced  as in other public places across the province come Saturday, a result of new public health orders.

Remarkably, the government of Premier Brian Pallister will not prevent private businesses, public facilities or institutions (such as school divisions) from demanding proof of vaccination status or the donning of masks.

Premier Brian Pallister and his government will not prevent private businesses, public facilities or institutions such as school divisions from demanding proof of vaccination status or the donning of masks. (Alex Lupul / Winnipeg Free Press files)

It is leaving the final decision up to each individual business, facility or institution. It's the coward's way out.

Pallister says he wants Manitobans to wear masks and get vaccinated, but won't impose a mask mandate or demand school staff and students be fully vaccinated. He is, however, quite happy if others step forward to make those difficult decisions, and then take any heat.

Even more maddening: Pallister is, remarkably, repeating a strategy that led Manitoba into the teeth of two previous epidemiological disasters.

Almost exactly one year ago, the premier launched an aggressive reopening plan and ignored the need for a mandatory indoor mask mandate, all against the advice of scientists outside the government realm. The result was a prolonged and deadly second wave of COVID-19 that claimed the lives of hundreds of Manitobans.

The same approach was used again in the early months of 2021. Case counts began to drop, and Pallister started removing social and economic restrictions, once again against expert advice, setting the table for a third deadly wave.

It is true case counts were increasing when Pallister dialed back restrictions one year ago; now, they have dropped to very low levels. It's also true one year ago, there were no vaccines; currently, Manitoba has vaccinated a significant proportion of its population.

Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, is singing the same old song. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

However, we must now account for COVID-19 variants.

Delta, most prevalent in the world today, is highly contagious and extremely unpredictable. So much so, two doses of approved vaccines provide only a reasonable level of protection. Even then, there is evidence fully vaccinated people can be infected and transmit the coronavirus as easily as the non-vaccinated.

Add it to increasing concern about the arrival of a vaccine-resistant variant, and you have a precarious situation that screams out for a better-safe-than-sorry approach, which is not what the Pallister government is providing.

The abandonment of mandatory mask orders remains a perverse mystery when public health officials continue to describe face coverings as "a critical component" of the pandemic response.

Epidemiological modelling on the delta variant might substantiate the government's strategy; however, if that modelling exists, the province is (once again) refusing to share it with the public.

When pressed to justify the end of mandatory masking, Roussin would only say it was government's intention to employ "the least-restrictive means for the least amount of time."

By not being more aggressive at the outset of a pandemic, governments may be prolonging the suffering, says Dr. Ross Upshur. (Mike Aporius / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Man, have we heard this song before.

Dr. Ross Upshur, Toronto-based godfather of the doctrine of less-restrictive means, told the Free Press in June provinces such as Manitoba are misapplying the concept in their pandemic strategies.

Although government must respect individual freedoms, when public health is threatened restrictions are legally and morally justifiable. Least-restrictive does mean a minimalist approach, it means applying the right restriction at the right time to get the best outcome.

"And in a situation where there is concern about variants, you would want to be more aggressive at the outset. By not being more aggressive, you may actually be prolonging your suffering by not being strict enough at the beginning," Upshur said.

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Which brings us back to mask use. Even in Roussin's flawed interpretation of the concept, non-medical masks could be categorized as the most effective, least-restrictive public health measure.

Masks allow the public to do almost everything it did before COVID-19, with a greatly diminished chance of passing the virus on to innocent bystanders. Without masks and with greater freedoms, Manitoba is rolling the dice with everyone's life, regardless of vaccine status.

As premier, Pallister is duty-bound to provide clear, unambiguous leadership in this moment of crisis. Unfortunately, he hasn't done it.

In his failure, we see him for what he really is: a leader who has seemingly lost his will to lead.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
With this information, I reached out to the principal of the Waupun High School who put me in touch with Zac Dickhut, president of the Waupun Historical Society who supplied photos and a history of Mr. Curtiss life after the war.

Romsos said his familys wish now is to donate the sword to the Waupun Historical Society where future generations can get a feel for an extraordinary man who distinguished himself in battle and went on to become an outstanding community leader in the Dodge County area.

Dickhut said, The Waupun Historical Society is honored and excited to have such a cherished piece with direct ties to the city being donated to our museum. Its especially humbling for Glenn to consider historical and community value over financial gain when considering where to house a relic such as this. I thank him tremendously, not only on behalf of the board and the membership, but on behalf of countless future generations who will learn from this, and numerous other artifacts in our newly-redesigned museum.

Kyle Clark, Historical Society executive director, said, He was a leader in the Waupun community and the return of his sword will help us tell his story.

About 25 other relatives from Wisconsin to Connecticut gathered for the ceremony.
It began when the middle school was going to be remodeled, said Barb. Of course when the paintings were installed in the main stairwell in 1934 it was the high school. In 1995, the district was planning to redo the middle school. We were kind of under the gun to get the project done fast and in time for a fall opening.

Work was continuing while school was in session, so classrooms were shared and areas under construction were being isolated from students and teachers. The situation was controlled pandemonium, Barb Link said.

A demolition contractor came up to me and said, Barb, we really should take those huge paintings down because were going to be doing a lot of jackhammering and I dont want to be responsible for them. I said fine, and he said he would take care of them.

Everything came down to the wire with an open house, and school ready to restart after the summer, Barb said. I never looked at the wall. A couple months later I remembered the pictures. Nobody knew where they were. We looked all over and we couldnt find them. Its not like they could just disappear  but they had.
MOSCOW (AP)  A court in Moscow convicted a prominent U.S. investor on charges of embezzlement and handed him a suspended sentence on Friday, a verdict he deplored as deeply unfair.

Michael Calvey was accused of embezzlement from the Russian bank Vostochny, in which his investment firm Baring Vostok had a controlling stake. He denied any wrongdoing.

The Meshchansky District Court in Moscow gave Calvey a 5 1/2-year suspended sentence. Prosecutors have asked for a six-year suspended sentence.

I view the verdict as unfortunate and deeply unfair, he said after the verdict, adding that he would meet with his lawyers to decide on his next steps over the following week.

The prosecution alleged that Calvey took a loan of 2.5 billion rubles ($37 million at the time) from the bank and that in turn he transferred to the bank his shares in a company called IFTG that he said were worth the amount of the loan, but were actually worth far less.

Calvey rejected the accusations.
ROME, N.Y. -- The Rome Rotary Clubs Canalfest returns to Rome this weekend featuring rides, games, the annual fishing derby and nightly fireworks.

The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic, but is back with a full schedule of events for this year.

The festival opens Friday at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday evening at Bellamy Harbor Park.

There is no entry fee but Rotarians will be at the gates taking donations.

Anyone who is not vaccinated is asked to wear a mask.

For a full list of events and activities, visit the Canalfest 2021 Facebook page.
A criminal complaint against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been filed with the Albany Sheriff's Office by a former staffer who is among the 11 whose sexual harassment allegations against the embattled Democrat were detailed in the state attorney general's report released earlier this week.

The complaint was confirmed to CNN by an attorney representing the anonymous accuser and a second source with direct knowledge. Albany County Undersheriff William Rice confirmed to CNN that a criminal complaint was filed by an unnamed accuser Thursday, but he did not go into details about the complaint.

The woman, identified only as "Executive Assistant 1," was among the 11 women who accused Cuomo of sexually harassing them in a report released Tuesday by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office.

"Executive Assistant 1" told investigators that Cuomo grabbed her buttocks during hugs and a photo, according to the report. In testimony, Cuomo has denied inappropriately touching the woman.

The state attorney general's report also detailed an allegation, previously reported by the Albany Times Union, of an incident at the governor's mansion in which Cuomo allegedly reached under her blouse and grabbed her breast.

Asked to respond to the complaint, Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, would only say, "As we said previously, we proactively made a referral nearly four months ago in accordance with state policies." It was unclear to what entity the referral was made.

CNN has reached out to the Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office for more information.

CNN reported earlier this week that Soares' office requested investigative materials from James' office regarding the report on Cuomo.

Soares also said that his office is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation on the matter and that they will refrain from further public comment at this time.

This story is breaking and will be updated.


About a dozen protesters gathered outside the NYS Office Building, in downtown Utica, today, to keep the pressure on the NYS Assembly to impeach Governor Cuomo, in the wake of the Attorney General's report that he sexually harassed multiple women.

Barbara Ames, of Deansboro, held a sign saying, "Cuomo need help packing?"

"Absolutely. I'm a farm girl. I've got the trucks and equipment. He can go!"

The protesters, with Mohawk Valley Main Street Patriots and Right Way USA, don't believe the governor is going anywhere on his own.

"We were here, you guys covered us in March, we were here saying the same thing. "He's gonna leave, he's gonna leave, he's gonna leave.' He's still here," said organizer, James Zecca.

Their patriotic music the protesters played was interrupted by frequent honks of support, from downtown traffic.

The protesters had a little something for Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.

"We have right now about 70 signatures that we're gonna bring up to her office and present to her but we've been presenting her every week, mailing her petitions, so she's got well over, I would say by now, about 700 signatures in hand in her office and that's gonna help her," said Zecca.

The founder of The Zogby Poll, John Zogby, believes impeachment proceedings will begin, but that the governor will likely resign before they conclude.
FRANKLIN, N.Y.  A shooting suspect was killed by New York State Police after pointing a shotgun at troopers in the village of Franklin early Friday morning.

New York State Police say 59-year-old Roger Lynch was suspected in a shooting in Delhi on Thursday, Aug. 5, at a home on Bob Holloway Road. William Effner, 28, was shot just before 8:30 p.m. and taken to Albany Medical Center to be treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Following the incident, state police spotted Lynchs vehicle on State Route 28, and followed the suspect until he reached his home, also on Route 28. Police say after Lynch pulled into his driveway, he got out and shot at police before barricading himself inside his home. No members of state police were injured.

Around 7 a.m. on Friday, Lynch came out onto his porch, and leveled a shotgun toward police who were outside his home. A member of the state police Special Operations Response Team shot and killed Lynch after he pointed the gun at the troopers.

The name of trooper who shot the suspect has not yet been released.

The investigation is ongoing.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Two New York lawmakers are introducing a bill to extend the states eviction moratorium until Oct. 31 in light of the states failure to send out enough COVID-19 rental aid for an estimated 200,000 households in need.

The states eviction moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31. Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, both Democrats, are urging the Legislature to return to Albany to extend the moratorium.

New York was the last state to release any of its $2.4 billion in new rental relief funds this year, according to U.S. Treasury data provided to The Associated Press. New York processed $2.7 million in aid as of July 29, but lawmakers say thats far too little.
LAFAYETTE. Ind. (WLFI)  Indiana lawmakers are preparing to re-draw the state's legislative districts, but the process is being questioned by Democrats.

Friday, community members got the chance to give feedback to those responsible for deciding the district lines.

"How do we explain that gerrymandering doesn't exist?" asked a community member.

Strong opinions were shared about Indiana's redistricting process Friday morning.

"There's too much pretending," said another community member. "There's too much lip service and not enough reality."

Community members packed a room at Ivy Tech to give feedback to Indiana's redistricting committee.

It's part of a series of public meetings across the state taking place before legislators re-draw the district boundaries.

"I think that the districts need to be fair and equitable and that we need to have some people, for sure, that represent both parties," said Democratic State Rep. Sheila Klinker.

Indiana is required to redraw its districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate following the nationwide census every 10 years.

Democratic State Rep. Chris Campbell said the concern is that because Republicans make up the majority at the statehouse, the data will be used to re-draw district lines to favor their party.

"We almost down to the street how many people are voting each party and how they're voting," Campbell said. "If you're using that data, you're not creating fair maps."

A study by Women for Change Indiana found the state's current legislative maps are some of the most gerrymandered in the United States.

The study also found that Indiana's maps have been found to be 95% worse than other states.

"It definitely does not appear that it was created in a non-partisan, non-biased way," Campbell added.

However, not everyone thinks the system is flawed.

"Just exactly what people were asking for today, we got these very same comments 10 years ago when we had these meetings and the committee addressed those significantly," Lehe explained.

Democrats would like to see a bipartisan approach with more competitive districts, but Republican State Rep. Don Lehe said that's unrealistic.

"You can't get 100 percent competitive districts," said Lehe. "If you did, you would not like to look at those districts because you would have them hundreds of miles long."

Campbell thinks the districts should not be decided using the same data.

"When you look at our districts and how they're created, it should reflect those populations," Campbell added.

Legislators are expected to return to the Statehouse in mid-to-late September to redraw the district boundaries.

Democratic lawmakers are working to give the public an opportunity to give input on the new maps before they are finalized.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) -- Kindergarteners across Tippecanoe County are getting prepped for their first day of school. Hundreds of them just finished United Way of Greater Lafayette's Kindergarten Countdown Camp.

The Lafayette and Tippecanoe School are the two corporations that participated. Those Kindergarteners spent the last several weeks prepping to become a student for the first time. This camp isn't new for these school corporations as it's been provided going on for 11 years now.

But teachers are finding it's more beneficial now than ever in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kindergarten Countdown Camp is allowing those incoming students to get a feel of school for the first time. Lafayette School Corporation's camps were four weeks and ended the last week of July. And Tippecanoe School Corporation's camps were two weeks and will end the first week of August.

The students learn several academic lessons like the alphabet and numbers but they're also learning social skills and classroom etiquette.

Kelci Fox, Community Impact Associate for United Way, said this camp has been beneficial not only for the students who attend but those who don't.

"A lot of these kids will actually be in these classrooms in the fall so they may actually have their teacher for Kindergarten Camp that they'll have in the fall so they can kind of lead the other students that are coming in that didn't the Kindergarten camp experience," said Fox.

She said the camp is even more beneficial this year after having to quarantine and social distance for more than a year.

"The kids haven't maybe even been around a classroom full of 19 other kids with them, so it really helps them socially to be comfortable in this setting," said Fox. "As well as, you know, emotionally leaving their parents after maybe being with them the entire year."

The camps were two and half hours Monday through Friday. United Way organizers say the majority of incoming Kindergarteners across the county did participate in the camps. The organization mainly helped recruit Kindergarteners and fund resources for the camp.
Show Low, AZ (85901)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Show Low, AZ (85901)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
SNOWFLAKE  The Snowflake Lobos football team will look to continue its dominating ways this season after finishing last season 10-1 and winning the most prized possession of all  the 3A state championship, something every team strives to achieve.
A minor receives a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in a primary school in Handan, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 4, 2021. Handan launched its vaccination drive for minors aged between 12 and 17 recently. [Xinhua/Hao Qunying]

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua)  Schools in China's areas classified as having medium or high risks of COVID-19 outbreaks may delay the start of the upcoming autumn semester, an education official said Thursday.

Liu Peijun, an official with the Ministry of Education, told a press conference that should there exist the medium or high-risk areas right before the start of the new semester, schools in the areas will adopt postponement accordingly.

COVID-19 prevention and control is the top priority for the new semester's work, the official said.

Local education authorities and schools have been asked to carefully make thorough preparations for various scenarios to ensure a smooth and safe start of the new semester, Liu said.

Education authorities across the country, in cooperation with medical institutions, will organize vaccinations for students aged between 12 to 17 properly and safely upon informed consent from the students as well as their parents and guardians, Liu said.

Vaccinations among eligible students and teachers are going smoothly, according to the official.

The ministry will work with health and disease control authorities to roll out plans for COVID-19 prevention and control before and after the opening of the new school year, Liu added.

(Source: Xinhua)
, 83 of Buffalo, OK. Funeral service was held at 10:00AM Friday August 13, 2021 at the First Christian Church in Buffalo. Burial at the High Point Cemetery, Buffalo, under the direction of Wilkinson Funeral Service Buffalo.
The second highest mountain in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenyas highest peak, the Bation, rises to a height of 17,057 ft. The mountain, which is an extinct volcano, is located in central Kenya, 150 km northeast of the capital of the country, Nairobi. The snow-capped mountain is also surprisingly close to the equator located 16.5 km south of the Equator. Lying in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is situated 320 km to the south of this mountain. For its impressive landscape and bewildering biodiversity, Mt. Kenya and its surrounding habitat had been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site starting in 1997 onwards. Besides the Bation, Nelion (17,021 ft) and Point Lenana (6,355 ft) are the other notable peaks of Mt. Kenya. Tyndall and Lewis, meanwhile, are the largest among the 12 small, receding glaciers that feed the streams and marshes of the mountain and areas below it.

History Of The Mountain

A climber nearly on top of Mount Kenya.

The last volcanic eruption of Mt. Kenya is estimated to have taken place somewhere between 2.6 and 3 million years ago. The stratovolcano probably rose to achieve a height of around 19,700 feet before being eroded down to its current height of 17,057 feet. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the area, the region around the mountain was inhabited by African indigenous tribes like the Embu people. In 1849, a German missionary worker by the name of Johann Ludwig Krapf became the first European to report the presence of the mountain, as well as the one to assign it the name of Mt. Kenya. Reports from Krapf soon spread like wildfire, and thereafter several attempts were made to climb the mountain. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, in 1899 the British Geographer Halford John Mackinder and his team were the first to a end to the peak of Mt. Kenya.

Human Habitation

The fertile soils and water availability on the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya support agricultural practices producing a wide variety of crops. Most prominently, these include the tea, coffee, wheat, barley, rice, bananas, and citrus fruits all being cultivated here. Over 200,000 people inhabit this region, mostly practicing agriculture, cattle ranching, and forestry activities. The forests of the mountain have been heavily exploited by the timber, charcoal, and construction industries for its wood resources. The lure of climbing the snow-capped, tall mountain, coupled with the opportunity to observe its amazing biodiversity and natural splendor, also draws many tourists to this spot every year, increasing the income of the locals of the region from the flourishing tourism industry. The high ecological significance of Mt. Kenya, with its amazing variety of flora and fauna, led the Kenyan National Government in the country to lend a protective status to this ecological region, formally doing so by declaring the formation of the Mt. Kenya National Park in 1949.

Flora And Fauna

Landscape of Mount Kenya at 4,200 m.

The flora and fauna of Mt. Kenya varies with its different levels of altitude. The dry and warm climate at the base of the mountain supports the growth of grasslands and scrubs. As one moves up, the rich volcanic soil of the lower slopes of the mountain support the growth of high-yield agricultural crops. Vast areas of these slopes, which were previously covered with forests, have now been cleared for the cultivation of food and commercial crops. Human settlements, such as those of the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru peoples, also are scattered throughout this region of the mountain.

A Grevy's zebra in the grasslands surrounding Mount Kenya.

At higher altitudes, Mt. Kenya supports the growth of dense montane forests comprising of trees (East African juniper, Podo, African olives), herbs (clover, balsams, stinging nettles), and shrubs (raspberry, elderberry). These forests also have a natural bamboo zone towards their middle. The drier and cooler climate of the mountain above the montane forest belt allows for the growth of moorlands, with their short, shrub-like vegetation including populations of such plants as African sage, Erica, and sugarbrush species. Further up, Afro-Alpine vegetation exists, which gradually gives way to Alpine desert vegetation, wherein only mosses and lichens are found covering the rocky surfaces. Finally, towards the summit, which is bare and lifeless, ice and snow covered rocks and glaciers form the landscape of Mt. Kenya.

Waterbucks at Lewa Conservancy in the Mount Kenya area.

A large number of species inhabit the montane forests of Mt. Kenya, including elephants, leopards, hyenas, rhinoceros, the rare albino zebra, and sunni buck, as well a large number of avian species. The latter includes hornbills, parrots, and turacos, while swallows can also be sighted on this mountain. The Afro-Alpine zone also hosts its own set of species including mammals (the African dormice, groove-toothed rat, elands, zebras), birds (alpine chats, Mackinders eagle owl, red-tufted sunbirds), butterflies, and wildflowers. The animals in the moorlands, meanwhile, are representative of a mix of the species of the montane forests and Afro-Alpine zones alike

Threats To The Ecosystem

As per estimates, nearly 7 million people are dependent upon Mt. Kenyas water resources for their livelihoods and lifestyles. However, the shrinkage of the mountains glaciers, due to a combination of global warming, illegal irrigation practices, extensive cattle grazing on the mountain slopes, and clearance of large tracts of the montane forests, have all lowered the water-holding capacity of the mountain. This is threatening the well-being of the local dwellers of this mountain's adjacent regions. Illegal logging, the expansion of human settlements, the clearance of land for agriculture (including marijuana farming), the poaching of wild species, and increased incidences of forest fires have all led to the destabilization of the Mt. Kenya ecosystem. Such destabilization has pushed many critical species of the region towards the very brink of extinction.
California's Dixie Fire has destroyed more than 100 homes, leveled a historic community and left some people unaccounted for
A van overloaded with migrants crashed south of Encino, Texas, approximately an hour north of the US-Mexico border late Wednesday afternoon, killing ten people on the spot and leaving twenty others seriously injured. According to a statement released by Texas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when the Ford vans driver tried to make a turn and fatally hit a metal utility pole.

The aftermath of the crash (Photo: Brooks County Sheriff's Office)

Brooks County Sheriff Urbino Martinez claimed that the accident happened because the vehicle was top-heavy and tipped over when the driver lost control on a curve. The statements from various authorities highlighted the fact that 29 of the 30 passengers were undocumented migrants.

While authorities have declared that the van was not being pursued, the first to respond to the crash were members of BORTAC, short for Border Patrol Tactical Unit, a special operations unit within Customs and Border Protection comparable to military special forces. In addition to operating in border areas, BORTAC agents were deployed by President Donald Trump to suppress protests against police violence in Portland, Oregon, in July 2020.

This is not the first, or even the worst, crash involving undocumented migrants in recent months. In early March, thirteen people including the driver died when a SUV packed with at least 25 undocumented migrants collided with a semi-truck near the US-Mexico border in California. The same month, eight migrants were killed when a pickup truck crashed into another truck in southwestern Texas after a 50-mile police chase.

In June 2020, several people were killed when a car attempted to flee Border Patrol vehicles giving chase in El Paso, Texas. Prior to that, in 2019 a police chase in rural south Texas resulted in six deaths and five people charged with migrant smuggling. In July 2012, in one of the worst border-related crashes of the last decade, a Ford pickup crammed with more than twenty undocumented adults and children struck two trees, killing 15 people, including an 8-year-old girl, in Texas.

Car crashes in the border area are not uncommon and usually have been the result of vehicles trying to flee the Border Patrol. In this case, statements from Highway Patrol, the County Sheriffs office and Texas Department of Public Safety made it a point to reiterate that they had not been giving chase and that this was a single-vehicle crash that resulted from the driver losing control of an overcrowded vehicle that was not designed to hold more than 15 people. At a technical level, that might be true. It, however, still evades the question of why such situations seem to unfold with frightening frequency.

The immediate context for the Texas crash is the Executive Order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott last week. Abbott, a Republican, issued the order to insist that no person, other than a federal, state, or local law-enforcement official, shall provide ground transportation to a group of migrants who have been detained by CBP [Customs and Border Protection]. The order also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to stop any vehicle that they believe could be transporting migrants. In effect, the order gave a free rein to precisely the kind of chases that result in deadly crashes.

As Felicia Rangel-Samponaro, the founder and director of the Sidewalk School for Asylum Seekers, told the New York Times, the order scared off licensed drivers who transported migrants in the Rio Grande Valley, leaving them to make their own arrangements, which were even more dangerous.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of migrants trying to enter the United States from the southwestern border in the past few months. CBP places the number of migrants encountered in June at 188,829. Many of the encounters are happening along the border in Texas, with the Rio Grande Valley area seeing the largest numbers.

This has been seized on by various Republican officials in Texas as an opportunity to paint their state as being imperiled by hordes of migrants. On Wednesday, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, a Republican, posted a message on Facebook blaming the Biden administration for releasing 1,800 migrants a day, 15% of whom test positive for COVID and causing substantial problems to the great city of McAllen.

Governor Abbott reiterated this claim while defending his Executive Order: As the Governor of Texas, I have a responsibility to protect the people of Texasa responsibility that grows more urgent by the day while the Biden Administration sits on the sidelines Until President Biden and his Administration do their jobs to enforce the laws of our nation and protect Americans, the State of Texas will continue to step up to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.

This picture of a pro-immigrant Biden administration, however, bears no resemblance to reality. The Biden administration has turned away the majority of migrants coming to the border using the cover of a policy called Title 42, which was initiated by the Trump administration. Title 42 allows CBP officials to expel migrants under the guise of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in holding facilities. But, even this has been seen as insufficiently rigorous within the Biden administration for turning away immigrants.

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reinstated a policy that allows immigration authorities to target migrant families that do not fall under Title 42 and send them back without a hearing. Announcing the reinstatement last week, the department issued a statement declaring: The expedited removal process is a lawful means to securely manage our border, and it is a step toward our broader aim to realize safe and orderly immigration processing By placing into expedited removal families who cannot be expelled under Title 42, we are making clear that those who do not qualify to remain in the United States will be promptly removed.

The first flights deporting families began a week ago, and sent migrants back to Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. DHS announced that 73 individuals have been placed on these flights, noting righteously that these flights sent the message that crossing between a port of entry or avoiding inspection at ports of entry is the wrong way to come to the United States. Given that successive US administrations have restricted asylum laws, tightened the screws on refugees and made it virtually impossible for desperate migrants fleeing violence, wars and povertycaused in large measure by US policies in the region over decadesto find legal recourse, one wonders what the right way to come to the United States looks like.

As Dylan Corbett, the founding director of the Hope Border Institute in El Paso, told the New York Times, People who make the journey and choose this know they are putting their lives in danger but they dont have many options.

The usual response of the US government to tragic accidents such as the one that happened on Wednesday in Texas has largely taken the form of bemoaning the evils of human trafficking and a ramping up of militarized border policing.

After the California crash in March, acting US Attorney Randy Grossman claimed: Cramming dozens of people into eight-passenger vehicles and driving recklessly to avoid detection shows an utter disregard for human life We will find and prosecute smugglers who use these methods and cause such tragic and avoidable deaths. The irony of a representative of the Biden administration, which has overseen not just the continuation of inhumane anti-immigrant policies, but also the tragic and avoidable deaths of several hundred thousand during this pandemic, making such statements cannot be lost on the reader.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) health authorities last month confirmed the Pacific countrys first case of the highly virulent COVID-19 Delta variant.

Medical staff of Papua New Guineas Defense Force receiving COVID-19 training last year (Credit: World Health Organization/PNG)

The 65-year-old Philippine captain of cargo ship, the Grand Tajima, which arrived in Port Moresby earlier in July was escorted to the Pacific International Hospital where he tested positive. Because the ship had previously docked in countries with known cases of the Delta strain, additional quarantine precautions were taken.

The PNG government only recently re-introduced strict border measures in a bid to prevent the Delta strain entering. Given PNGs close proximity to Australia and Indonesia, both facing uncontrolled outbreaks of the variant, it was only a matter of time before it appeared.

Even before the Delta strains arrival, however, PNG had experienced an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in recent months. After managing to keep the virus at bay for most of last year with strict border controls, PNG has now registered 17,774 cases and 192 deaths.

The vulnerable country is poorly equipped to deal with the deadly virus. National Pandemic Response deputy controller Daoni Esorom said the new case represented a serious threat. As we all watch the number of deaths continue to rise in Fiji, in India and right around the world, we should take this as a wakeup call for us all to vaccinate. The only way for our people to survive COVID-19 is through vaccination, he warned.

In fact, vaccination on its own is not sufficient to bring the deadly strain under control. The same strategy is being pursued by Fijis Bainimarama government. The Pacifics second largest country is in the grip of an uncontrollable health and social crisis after the Delta variant entered through a quarantine breach in early April. There are currently 22,800 active cases, 272 deaths and an average daily test positivity rate of 32.3 percent. The World Health Organisation's threshold, indicating widespread and out-of-control community spread, is five percent.

PNGs official figures vastly understate the real situation. For the past several weeks the government has not been testing for the virus, so the only information comes from people presenting at health facilities. The limited testing regime was scaled back on the pretext that it would allow authorities to shift focus to vaccinating vulnerable sections of the population.

However, less than 1 percent of the nearly nine million population has received a first dose of the vaccine. The government is blaming misinformation and widespread reluctance for the dangerous situation. Esorom said a survey had found that 62 percent of people do not think they will catch COVID-19, and that is why they have not come forward to be vaccinated.

In reality the fault lies with the crisis-ridden government of Prime Minister James Marape which has responded to the growing crisis with a mixture of incompetence and blatant self-interest. Like governments around the world, the PNG ruling elite is determined to prioritise business interests above public health.

In March, following a six-day surge that brought the total to over 4,000 cases, the government implemented a limited month-long isolation strategy. Restrictions were placed on travel, public gatherings and schools, but businesses, including markets and shops remained open, as did government departments. The measures inevitably failed to stem the outbreak, with cases exploding by over 6,000, including more than 40 deaths, during the four weeks.

While the virus ran rampant in the capital Port Moresby and elsewhere, Marape used the COVID-19 threat to abruptly suspend parliament in April to avoid facing a no-confidence motion. The move followed confirmation that a quarter of parliamentary staff and one MPthat is, 42 out of 167 peoplehad tested positive for the virus. As many as seven MPs had earlier tested positive.

During the surge in cases from March through May, infection numbers climbed at a rate of 1,000 a week, reaching nearly 17,000. This did not stop Health Minister Jelta Wong falsely declaring in early June that the government had the situation under control and the outbreak was not out of hand.

PNG is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. The working class and rural poor have an average life expectancy of just 65 years. Diseases including polio, malaria, and HIV-AIDS ravage the country, contributing to an annual death toll of more than one in every 13 children. The health system is now near collapse with hospital beds fully occupied and oxygen, gloves, antibiotics and other supplies running out. Over half the workforce at the main hospital in Port Moresby has tested positive for COVID.

Marape recently declared that the National Control Centre overseeing PNGs pandemic response, under police commissioner David Manning, is to be disbanded by the years end and integrated into the failing health system. With the economy collapsing and an election due next year, Marape flagged that reopening international borders will soon be considered and those who choose not to be vaccinated will have to face the consequences.

Against this background, PNG has become a major arena in the escalating diplomatic and economic confrontation between Australia and China as part of the US-led drive to war against Beijing. The local imperialist powers, Australia and New Zealand, are seeking to assert their domination in what they consider their own backyard and push back against emerging Chinese influence.

Last month the Chinese state-run Global Times accused Australia of sabotaging Chinas vaccine rollout in PNG. At a press conference a Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticised Australia for undermining vaccine cooperation in the region.

Amid the surge in cases in March, PNG agreed to offers of vaccine supplies from both China and Australia. PNG initially held off using 200,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine until they received emergency use approval from the World Health Organisation. By the time the vaccine was approved in May, PNG had found alternatives. Beijing claims Canberra was planting consultants in Australias former colony to obstruct the authorisation of the Chinese-supplied vaccines.

Australias minister for the Pacific, Zed Seselja, hit back at Beijings claims, telling CNN the countrys commitment to the Pacific is longstanding and comprehensive. We support Papua New Guinea making sovereign decisions, he maintained. In fact, Canberra has a long history of interference in PNGs affairs in order to protect its geo-strategic interests and the profits of Australias massive mining corporations.

Canberra has supplied 600,000 doses to its Pacific neighbors and Timor Leste and has promised to another 15 million doses to the region by mid-2022. PNG has also received 132,000 AstraZeneca vaccines from global vaccine alliance COVAX while New Zealand sent 146,000 doses in June. Last Tuesday, New Zealand sent 100,000 AstraZeneca doses to Fiji adding to an earlier promise of 500,000 doses.

China meanwhile has donated 270,000 vaccine doses to the Solomon Islands, PNG, and Vanuatu. Chinese President Xi Jinping has also offered to provide vaccines to Fiji and at an online meeting of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders on July 17, announced a $US3 billion fund to combat the COVID pandemic.

None of these measures go anywhere near meeting the escalating disaster unfolding globally and in the impoverished semi-colonial countries of the Pacific. PNG and Fiji need vastly more financial, medical and aid resources than the paltry offerings provided so far.

Vaccines have not been distributed on the basis of need, let alone a global public health strategy, but to advance the economic and strategic interests of competing ruling elites. International tensions have only escalated as a result of the pandemic, heightening the danger of open military conflict.
The Teacher-Student-Parent Safety Committee (TSPSC) in Sri Lanka held an important online meeting on July 30. Entitled How to win the teachers wage struggle, the meeting was attended by about 100 people with several dozen watching via Facebook.

Joint teachers protest outside Colombo Secretariat July 23 [WSWS Media]

Teachers from across Sri Lanka, including Colombo, Kalutara, Kandy, Chilaw, Dankotuwa, Nawalapitiya, Polonnaruwa, Bandarawela, Kurunegala and Kuliyapitiya, participated, along with students from several other areas. So far more than 500 have watched the event.

Around 250,000 Sri Lanka teachers and principals are involved in an ongoing online learning strike to win higher pay and other demands. The industrial action has now entered its fourth week.

On July 26, a meeting of cabinet ministers overseen by Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapakse rejected the teachers pay demands. The following day Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse told the teacher unions leaders that the wage claims could not be granted because of the countrys difficult economic situation.

The TSPSC issued a statement at the very beginning of the strike, insisting that teachers needed to take control of their strike and go forward on the basis of an independent political perspective and an international socialist program.

TSPSC member Kapila Fernando, who is also a member of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) Political Committee, chaired the online meeting. He reviewed the teachers determined action, pointing out that it had developed in response to increased living costs, unsafe working conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governments refusal to provide the necessary facilities for online education.

The starting monthly salary of a teacher is currently 32,500 rupees ($US163), while the salary of a senior teacher with over 20 years service is only 65,000 rupees, Fernando said.

While the net salary for a teacher, after deductions of loan instalments, is insufficient to provide the daily food and clothing needs of a family, teachers have to spend their own money to conduct online lessons, he added.

Fernando explained that the Rajapakse government had reintroduced the Kotelawala National Defence University Act (KNDUA). The legislation, he said, would enable the military, which is controlling the facility, to establish fee-levying campuses as part of the governments privatisation of education and militarisation of the country. The Rajapakse regime has rejected the opposition of teachers and students to this bill, as well as teachers salary demands.

The speaker insisted that teachers needed to break with the unions bankrupt perspective of pressuring the government and called on teachers to take forward the struggle by building their own action committees in schools and neighbourhoods.

Fernando pointed to initiative of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) for an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees and referred to the recent support from the Educators Rank-and-File Committee in New York for the striking Sri Lankan teachers and the TSPSCs July 28 statement.

Prageeth Aravinda presented the main report to the meeting, explaining how the unions have consistently betrayed teachers wage struggles over the past 24 years. The teachers unions, he said, had called the current industrial action only because they feared teachers opposition could escalate out of their control.

According to the union leaders, the teachers struggle has now gone too far and they are seeking a way to betray this struggle. They have appealed to the government to accept a wage increase for teachers as a policy decision, whilst agreeing that the government is in economic difficulties and cannot give a wage rise at this time, Aravinda said.

The speaker reviewed how the current union leaderships behaved when teachers went on strike during the communal war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

In 2007, the then President Mahinda Rajapakse confronted teachers union officials, including Ceylon Teachers Union leader Joseph Stalin, by asking: We do not have money to allocate for this [wage increase]. Do you say that we should withdraw the military from the North and East? Stalin and other union leaders retreated and called off the strike in order to support the war.

Mahinda Jayasinghe, leader of the Ceylon Teacher Service Union (CTSU), which is controlled by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, says governments have cheated us for 24 years. However, the same union leaders have presented successive governments false promises as victories! Aravinda said.

The speaker said that the Rajapakse government, which is carrying out brutal austerity measures amid the crisis exacerbated by the global pandemic, was gutting social spending, including education and health, imposing tax burdens on the masses and privatising public enterprises. Aravinda pointed out that the government had reduced spending on education and health in this years budget by 40 billion and 28 billion rupees respectively.

The Rajapakse government, he continued, is moving towards a presidential dictatorship based on the military and on May 27 used essential public service orders to ban strikes and protests. The unions have silently supported all these measures, including the governments essential services decree, he said.

Aravinda told the meeting that the unions function as sellers of labour power within the capitalist system and defend the major corporations and governments in every country. He referred to Why are the trade unions hostile to socialism? by WSWS international editorial board chairman David North and went on to explain how the health workers unions had betrayed their members, forcing them back to work in unsafe conditions amid the pandemic.

The speaker reviewed the TSPSCs call for teachers minimum basic salary to be increased to 60,000 rupees, indexed to the cost of living, the provision of pensions, and for teachers and students to be given computers and internet data access.

None of these demands, Aravinda said, can be met under the capitalist system. Only a workers and peasants government, implementing socialist policies, can grant them. We urge teachers and other workers to join the SEP, our action committees and read the WSWS.

During the question session, a teacher from Chilaw in the Northwestern Province asked for more clarification of the SEPs program to win the wages and defeat government repression. He suggested that the trade unions expected to market teachers wage demands by basing them on opposition to the KNDUA.

SEP General Secretary Wije Dias responded from the audience:

The approach of the listener from Chilaw who commented on the struggle of the teachers, suffers from a fundamental fault. He says that the struggle was started by the union leaders, who thought that their arrest during the protest demonstration of teachers and university students against the KNDUA, was an opportune moment to market their demand for the eradication of teachers salary anomalies.

The subjective intentions of the union bureaucracies, Dias continued, cannot be used to assess the broad and militant struggle of the teachers who are angered by unbearable cost of living increases and 24 years of delays in correcting salary discrepancies, despite continuous demands and protests by teachers.

As our listener acknowledges, he is deprived of about 35,000 rupees a month due to the salary anomalies. So these are the objective factors that drove the teachers into struggle, despite the hesitations and opposition of the union bureaucracy. This is part of the widespread struggles of the workers throughout the region of South Asia and internationally, at present.

The capitalist system, Dias continued, is embroiled in an unprecedented economic and political crisis around the world, on which the speakers have spoken at length. This has created a situation where an unbridgeable gulf has been created between what the bourgeois ruling elites are preparing for the people and the aspirations of the working class and the oppressed masses. The answer of the ruling classes everywhere to the demands of the working people and youth is to prepare social counter-revolution and war.

The working class, under these conditions must end its existence as an exploited class for the capitalist system and become a class for itself. This means overturning capitalist rule and the establishment of working-class power with the support of the rural poor and youth, to implement a socialist program.

The existing left parties and trade union leaderships are not only totally inadequate for this but completely hostile to such a struggle. This is because they are tied, from head to foot, to the coat tails of the ruling classes. This is why the Socialist Equality Party is fighting to build a mass revolutionary party of international socialism to lead the working class in the socialist economic, political and cultural transformation of society to fulfil the needs of working people, Dias said in conclusion.
A new wave of cuts to jobs and courses throughout the public universities in Australia is fuelling student opposition, including among post-graduate students. Through petitions and protests, students are seeking ways to fight the sacking of much-appreciated educators and the shutting down of critical courses, and to break through the stifling of opposition by the student and staff unions.

University of Melbourne staff and students protesting wage theft (Source: WSWS Media)

At the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth, a petition against the retrenchment of academics in the School of Social Sciences and the virtual scrapping of anthropology and sociology now has over 8,500 signatures as well as hundreds of comments denouncing the pro-corporate shift taking place.

One student wrote: University education is not meant to be a degree factory which supports capitalist industry. Another stated: The proposed cuts to important areas of teaching at UWA are undemocratic, unjustified and outrageous. One comment called for nationwide opposition to the profit-driven schemes of the university managements: I strongly support UWA student and staff action, and encourage similar action against greedy corporate universities across the country.

Other comments reflected serious concern about the educational and intellectual damage being done. Social Sciences, including Anthropology, are essential to our understanding of society and to the breadth of our education system, one said. Without them we would be poorer for it as a society and limit the educational opportunities of the next generation. Such disciplines have intrinsic value that is vital to our ability to engage with complex social and global problems now and in the future.

UWA management has moved to abolish 16 academic positions in the School of Social Sciences and remove research rights from another seven posts. Many more cuts are planned across the university, as part of the pro-business Structural Reform Program. An estimated 300 to 400 jobs are being targeted to reach Vice-Chancellor Amrit Chakmas goal of cutting $40 million from the universitys operational spending.

The federal Liberal-National Coalition government and the university employers are continuing to use the financial crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate the transformation of universities into largely vocational institutions servicing the narrow profit requirements of big business, both in teaching and research. This is provoking student anger and concern.

At the University of Adelaide, where up to 130 full-time equivalent staff face retrenchment, the Labor Party-led National Union of Students (NUS), which has been virtually silent throughout the pandemic, felt compelled to organise a protest outside the vice-chancellors office on July 16, under the banner, No mergers, no staff cuts at Adelaide Uni! Dont trash our education!

The refusal of the student unions and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), which covers staff members, to mount any struggle whatsoever against the government-management offensive across the country has encouraged the employers to go further. More job cuts have been unveiled, some involving brutal spill-and-fill operations that force staff members to compete against each for smaller numbers of positions.

Despite the student-led petition at Macquarie University, which forced the reinstatement of maths lecturer Frank Valckenborgh, the management is still proceeding with the Hunger Games-style process to terminate the jobs of 34 other academics. The University of Tasmania has proposed to shed five senior academics from its Australian Maritime College.

Last year, the NTEU dragooned staff at the University of Adelaide into accepting a 3.5 percent pay cut, loss of annual leave loading, postponement of a pay increase of 1.5 percent and a purchased leave scheme. The NTEU falsely claimed this would save 200 jobs.

Likewise, La Trobe University in Melbourne is conducting a restructure that would reduce overall staffing levels by the equivalent of 200 full-time positions, after exploiting the NTEUs bogus Job Protection Framework (JPF) to announce around 400 redundancies under the framework last July and August.

The NTEU proposed the JPF in May 2020 to allow university managements nationally to cut wages by up to 15 percent while still eliminating at least 12,000 jobs. After an eruption of rank-and-file opposition to the JPF, most universities abandoned the deal to pursue similar pacts with individual NTEU branches. Since then, up to 90,000 jobspermanent, contract and casualhave been eliminated.

The NTEU is continuing to block any unified struggle by staff and students, and is instead trying to tie educators into another round of enterprise bargaining. This regime splits workers into individual workplaces and subjects them to the associated Fair Work Act anti-strike laws imposed by the last federal Labor government.

At the UWA, NTEU branch president Sanna Peden responded to the cuts by appealing for an extension of the managements consultation period with staff and the union, and urging the vice-chancellor to look for savings elsewhere. Peden said: We are extremely disappointed in the proposal to cut staff at a point when the University is explicitly seeking to increase student numbers.

In effect, the NTEU is pleading with management for the union to assist it to meet the cost-cutting and corporate-driven agenda of the government, as it did recently at the University of Queensland. There the NTEU claimed a resounding success was achieved by convincing five academics to take voluntary redundancies to avoid the elimination of two positions in the architecture school.

Similarly, at the University of Adelaide, NTEU branch president Nick Warner said: We believe that listening to the views and ideas of staff is the only way for a path forward that minimises the pain that job losses will bring.

In other words, the NTEU is volunteering once more to help divert and defuse the outrage of staff and students, and deliver the government-management agenda.

Members of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) are fighting to mobilise students and staff against this offensive. They are calling for full support to the campaigns taken up by students at UWA, Adelaide, Macquarie and other universities.

They are urging the rejection of the entire enterprise bargaining straitjacket and union-led consultations that serve only to block any actual fight against the jobs onslaught and pro-business restructuring.

They are demanding that, instead of big business being bailed out with billions of dollars, and billions more being handed to the military to prepare for war, resources be poured into healthcare and education funding, to protect the population from COVID-19 and guarantee the basic social right to free, first-class education for all students, including international students, and secure jobs for all university workers.

The IYSSE and CFPE are calling for a unified struggle by staff and students against the government-management assault, and for the formation of a network of joint student-staff rank-and-file committees to take forward this counter-offensive.

These committees are also essential to protect university staff and students from unsafe COVID-19 conditions and link up with workers internationally who are facing similar critical struggles against the impact of the worsening global capitalist crisis.
CHICAGO (AP)  Illinois dispensaries sold a record $127.8 million in recreational marijuana in July, with a big boost coming from out-of-state fans who converged on Chicago for the Lollapalazoo music festival.

The months sales were 10% higher than Mays record of $116.4 million, which were slightly higher than Junes $115.6 million, according to a monthly report by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Business boomed at Chicago-area cannabis dispensaries during the four-day Lollapalooza festival, which ended Sunday and which returned after last years event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Because recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois in January 2020, pot was legal in the state during Lollapalooza for the first time in the festivals 30-year history. Although its illegal to smoke or otherwise consume the drug in public or around anyone younger than 21 years old, the large crowds at Grant Park boosted sales by as much as 50% at nearby dispensaries in River North and the West Loop, operators told the Chicago Tribune.

We saw thousands of festivalgoers over the weekend at our River North store, making it our biggest weekend to date, said Jason Erkes, spokesman for Chicago-based Cresco Labs, whose Sunnyside Dispensary in River North was the closest to the festivities.

In July, Illinois 110 dispensaries sold a record 2.8 million recreational weed products. State residents spent about $85 million, while sales to out-of-state customers topped $42 million, up 16% from June, according to the state.

Summer tourism and the Lollapalooza attendees were strong contributors to Julys out-of-state sales, Erkes said.

Illinois is one of 18 states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, which is still illegal under federal law. Through July, the state has generated $753 million in recreational cannabis sales, which is more than all of last year.

Total sales reached $1.03 billion last year, including $669 million in recreational weed and more than $366 million in medical marijuana sales.

Illinois has not yet released its medical marijuana sales figures for July.
PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A man is dead after officials said he fired shots at two Parke County deputies.

It happened around 11:15 Thursday night last just outside of Rockville.

Indiana State Police said the deputies responded to a domestic call between a father and son.

When they arrived, police said 35-year-old Chad Fiscus fired a rifle at them.

Following an exchange of gunfire between the deputies, Fiscus was shot. He was sent to Union Hospital in Clinton, where he later died.

A deputy involved in the exchange suffered superficial wounds. He was taken to Union Hospital in Terre Haute, where he was treated and released.

Indiana State Police told us the situation escalated quickly.

"This was originally a domestic call to the Parke County dispatch center, and then upon arriving, within one minute, the officers had relayed on the radio that officers were being shot at from the suspect," Sgt. Matt Ames said.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave. Their names haven't been released.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A new climate resolution is coming to the city of Terre Haute.

Terre Haute will join cities like Carmel, Muncie and Bloomington in developing its own plan.

The goal is to reduce carbon emissions around the community and increase energy efficiency.

This new resolution was set up by kids ages 11 to 17.

It creates a partnership with the city council and the Earthlings climate activist group.

The name of the new plan is 'The Resilient Terre Haute Climate Action Plan.

"The motion carries," those are the words the environmental activists for a resilient Terre Haute, or Earthlings, were waiting to hear.

Now a climate resolution is on the way to Terre Haute.

The resolution allows for an environmental sustainability commission.

That starts in January of next year.

The Terre Haute government will now treat the current climate changes as a "climate emergency."

"I was just so elated, I'm like, 'we've been working towards this for like 3-4 months now, maybe even longer," said Ahan Bhattacharyya, an activist involved with Earthlings.

That work started with the goal of a greener Terre Haute.

Ahan Bhattacharyya is a 15-year-old working with earthlings.

He says their goal is to make a better future for generations to come.

"Climate change, it's, it's our futures, really. Because we're the ones that are gonna have to live into this world. It's gonna be our kids, our grandkids, and we wanna leave the best world possible for them," said Bhattacharyya.

City council member Todd Nation was one of the members that voted to pass this resolution.

He is giving the earthlings a big thumbs up, for their conservation efforts.

"I applaud them for their civic-mindedness and being out there, actually trying to make these things happen," said Nation.

For that reason, Nation says he's happy to help, however he can.

"Honestly it's their passion that brought me to help them craft this resolution," said Nation.

Bhattacharyya says more action is needed if they really want to keep the wheels turning.

"This is just the first step, you know? We got the resolution passed and that's great, it's amazing, but now we just need to have more action so that we can live in this cleaner, greener world," said Bhattacharyya.

This means the Earthlings work is far from over.

"Now we're just needing to move forward and get more done," said Bhattacharyya.

News 10 asked the earthlings what their next step is.

Bhattacharyya told me on Tuesday they'll be meeting with Indiana secretary of education Katie Jenner.

They'll be discussing climate change activism and how it can be brought into the classroom.
President Joe Biden has a political health care problem on his hands. Over the past week, his administration has been trying to contend with Republican governors who refuse to cooperate in national efforts to vaccinate, mask, and curb the new surge of Covid-19.

At the top of the obstructionist pack has been Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who many consider to be a top possible Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential campaign. Even as the Covid-19 rates are flaring in his state within the unvaccinated population, DeSantis is doubling down in resisting the President's initiatives. The governor has gone so far as to threaten the funding for schools that require younger students to wear masks. He's labeled New York City as a "bio-medical security state" for requiring proof of vaccination in many indoor facilities. As some Republicans are finally moving away from these sorts of dogmatic stances, the Florida governor is standing his ground.

The tension between President Biden and Gov. DeSantis is a glaring example that the problem the President faces with the pandemic is a political one. He's dealing with large pockets of public health denialism that are deploying this issuepackaged in the rhetoric of individual freedomto undercut efforts to protect the population, the economy, and our health care system from the ravages of this ongoing pandemic.

Many Republicans, like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, are digging into the anti-vaccination, anti-mask mantra at a time this outlook seems popular in red parts of the electorate. Even as some patients who are about to be ventilated say they wished they had received the vaccine, politicians are capitalizing on distrust, conspiracy sentiment and outright rage to combat what the administration is trying to do.

One of the great ironies is that former President Donald Trump likes to brag about Operation Warp Speed and how the incredibly effective vaccines are a legacy of his administration. While most scientists would say that the technology behind this vaccine has been in the making for some time, even members of President Biden's Covid team admit that this was a major accomplishment.

Yet the former President also fueled a kind of conspiracy-centered, anti-science and anti-anything-politicians-tell-you mentality that has been extraordinarily damaging to the nation's efforts to return to some sort of normal.

America is today a divided nation, one faction vaccinated and sometimes masked, the other against vaccines and always unmasked that makes containing the virus and its variants nearly impossible. And the costs of the continued damage are paid by everyone, through funding health care, to the damage to our economy, to the psychological carnage of entering another school year with this virus.

President Biden seems to have become more aware that he is facing a political challenge much tougher than he expected. This has been evident with the administration's recent shift to a much more aggressive stand on vaccination. The President is requiring federal workers to receive the vaccine, convincing the military to do the same with our troops and is working to persuade businesses and local political leaders to ramp up the pressure on citizens to take the steps needed to stop the variants from spreading.

Whether Biden is successful remains unclear. The intensity of science denialism in much of the Republican electorate is extraordinarily strong, with 31% of GOP voters saying they're unlikely to ever get the vaccine, according to the latest Monmouth University poll. We have seen this with regard to other vaccines and on other issues such as climate change.

But there are some signs that President Biden might finally have the wind at his back. Vaccination rates have been rising fast in red states that are being battered by the highly contagious Delta variant. In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson reversed himself on a law that forbids a mask mandate in schools, as his state's hospitals are reeling from the latest surge.

But Biden doesn't have much time. He will need to continue to press his foot on the gas to reverse the direction that the nation has taken in the past few months, largely as a result of the anti-vaccination movement. While more incentives and efforts at persuasion are necessary, he will also have to continue to govern with a strong hand to make sure that many more Americans finally agree to take the vaccine which the Trump administration proudly spent so much money to produce.

The-CNN-Wire

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BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - Students in the Booneville School District returned to school yesterday with guidelines to keep them safe from the spread of the Coronavirus.

Like many schools this yearmasks are not required, but Superintendent Todd English is still encouraging his students to do so.

Wearing a mask is not about politics, its not about inconveniencing peoplewhat it is about is keeping the kids in school because we have to address the learning loss, said English.

He said the district will issue a mask mandate if it is necessary based on quarantine numbers. If students have to quarantine, theyll have access to virtual learning.

When were dealing with positive cases and things like that, we look at vaccination status and we also look at whether they were wearing a mask, he said. That matters when were trying to decide who needs to quarantine or not.

He said students need to keep in mind close proximity to their fellow classmates to avoid a potential outbreak.

Students must wear a mask on school buses. English said all these plans came with input from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
OXFORD, Miss. - The family of a woman who was murdered by an Oxford, Mississippi, police officer has filed a federal lawsuit against the city's police department.

The family and their attorneys discussed the lawsuit outside the Lafayette County Courthouse Thursday afternoon, saying Dominique Clayton's fourth and 14th Amendment rights were violated.



Clayton family attorney Carlos Moore. Photo Date: Aug. 5, 2021. Source: WMC. Clayton family attorney Carlos Moore. Photo Date: Aug. 5, 2021. Source: WMC.

Clayton family attorney James Bryant, Photo Date: Aug. 5, 2021. Source: WMC. Clayton family attorney James Bryant, Photo Date: Aug. 5, 2021. Source: WMC.

They cited an interview by [Matthew] Kinne during the investigation in which he said he was performing a welfare check when he went to Clayton's house.

They say he was acting as a police officer, in his police uniform, with his police-issued gun and in his police car, when he murdered the 39-year-old.

The former Oxford police officer accepted a plea deal just a week ago in connection to Clayton's murder.

Read More - Matthew Kinne pleaded guilty to capital murder

The family says the two were involved in a relationship at the time of her death.

"On May 19, 2019, Ms. Clayton lost her life at the hands of someone sworn to protect and serve, family attorney Carlos Moore said. The individual who killed her in cold blood was Matthew Kinne. Last week, Matthew Kinne pled to capital murder and he will now serve the rest of his natural life in prison. So, that the family was pleased they got justice in chapter one, it's now time for chapter two. They have justice in the criminal courts and now they need justice civilly."

"It means that cities and departments are held accountable when an officer is held accountable when an officer is on duty or off duty so long as they are acting under the color of the law and that is exactly what we have here folks, family attorney James Bryant said. And, we hope that the city of oxford can understand that this grave tragedy could have been avoided."

The family's attorneys also say Oxford police should've never hired Kinne because he was forced to resign as an officer in Olive Branch where he previously worked.

The attorneys said any money collected as a result of the civil suit would go into a trust fund for Clayton's children, the oldest of which was 14 when she died.
OKOLONA, Miss. (WTVA) - A judge ruled in favor of a special runoff election for Ward 1 in Okolona.

In the April 27 runoff, Doris Ann-Lowe Bailey received 48 votes to Sarah Beans 46 votes.

Beans attorney William Starks said two absentee ballots were accepted after the deadline. He said the ballots were given in person the day before the runoff election. He said this goes against Mississippis election laws.

Starks said two ballots were mailed without a postmark and accepted by the city clerks office. It couldnt be determined during a hearing if the mailed-in ballots were sent in a timely manner, which judge Andrew Howorth said wasnt anyones fault.

Because of the close race, the four ballots could have swayed the election, Starks added.

Gov. Tate Reeves will set the special election date.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - The Columbus Police Department identified the person wanted for a shooting that happened Thursday afternoon.

Chief of Police Fred Shelton said Caleb Gardner, 21, is wanted for questioning following a shooting that injured two people at the Southside Market.

RELATED ARTICLE: Police: Two shot in Columbus

He said an argument in the store between two other customers and Gardner escalated to violence.

Gardner is accused of firing gunshots and hitting the two other customers.

First responders rushed the victims to the Baptist Hospital Golden Triangle in Columbus.

Chief Shelton also said they are looking for a gray late-model Dodge Charger that Gardner drove.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151 or the Columbus Police Department.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The Family Resource Center and Access Family Health gave people a chance to protect themselves from the coronavirus on Thursday.

Employees gave each patient a box of food after they got vaccinated

Family Program Director, Shelia Davis said they are trying to get as many people in the community vaccinated as possible.

We want people to be healthy, we want people to be safe, and there's no better way to be safe than to get your shots," Davis said.

Davis said they will host this event again when everyone comes back to get their second dose.
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David M. Fryson, a lawyer and diversity professional, is the Pastor of the New First Baptist Church of Kanawha City. A longtime civil rights advocate, he is the retired Chief Diversity Officer and founding Vice President of the West Virginia University Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion currently serving as the Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for an institution of higher educational in the Boston area.
Morgantown, WV (26505)

Today

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Charleston, WV (25311)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Clarksburg, WV (26301)

Today

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
We never would have worried about the iPhone 13 series launching on time in the pre-pandemic world. Since 2012, Apple has launched new iPhone models every September, with the new devices hitting stores days later. That changed last year when the pandemic forced Apple to postpone the iPhone 12 launch. In mid-October, Apple unveiled the four iPhone 12 models, but only the two 6.1-inch versions hit stores that month. The mini and Pro Max variants launched a few weeks later. Thats not going to be the case for the iPhone 13 series. Were getting more and more evidence indicating that launch delays are unlikely to be an issue this year.

No launch delay warnings

Weve seen plenty of reports detailing Apples iPhone 13 manufacturing preparations. All of them suggest that Apple has been taking steps to prevent launch delays. The company ordered key parts well before iPhone 13 production kicked off. It also ensured the chip crisis would not impact the iPhone.

Apple warned investors in late July 2020 that it wouldnt launch the iPhone 12 on time. Wed have gotten a similar heads-up a few days ago when Apple released its earnings report for the June quarter. Apple acknowledged that it will feel the effect of the chip crisis, but not when it comes to the custom A-series processor that powers the iPhone. That said, Apples top executives did not indicate the iPhone 13 would see any launch delays.

iPhone 13 suppliers struggling to hire staff

We got even more proof from Asia that the iPhone 13 will not be delayed this week. According to South China Morning Post, Apple suppliers are scrambling for workers ahead of the iPhone 13 launch. Foxconn, Lens Technology, and Luxshare Precision are among the parts suppliers named in the story. The report says that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find workers, so these companies have come up with better incentives.

Foxconn raised the hiring bonus for new employees to a record 10,200 yuan ($1,579). The payment is available only if the new hires stay with the company for at least 90 days. The worker gets 9,500 yuan ($1,465) out of that, with the person who referred them getting the remaining 700 yuan ($108).

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Lens Technology is looking for 5,000 workers and 2,000 quality inspectors. The company doubled its bonus from 5,000 yuan ($771) in February to 10,000 yuan ($1,542) in May. An employee needs to work at least 20 days per month for seven months to be eligible.

Luxshare also doubled its referral bonus from 2,500 yuan ($386) in April to 5,000 yuan ($771) in late May. The company is offering a 3,800 yuan ($586) bonus to former employees who return to the company as well.

Apples big iPhone 13 launch plans

Apple has big plans for the iPhone 13 this year, just as Samsung is struggling to sell the Galaxy S21. Recent reports say that Apple wants to make between 90 million and 100 million iPhone 13 units this year. The new SCMP story mentions the same estimates. In total, Apple wants to ship between 130 million and 150 million iPhone units in the second half of the year. That explains the massive hiring push in Asia. These estimates also indicate that we shouldnt expect any iPhone 13 launch delays.

The report notes that suppliers have a harder time finding workers. Factory jobs are losing appeal with Chinas younger generation, even though Foxconn and other suppliers have been raising wages and bonuses significantly over the years.

Apple might unveil the iPhone 13 series on September 14th, according to some analysts. Whatever the date, the company should announce the virtual press event in the coming weeks.

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Image via @bare_clips

Rightly hailed as the sound of the summer, the percussive grooves and rolling bass patterns of South African-bred genre Amapiano have been worming their way into everything from house music to drill and even pop. The latest to join the party is Jorja Smith who returns after her recent EP, Be Right Back, with her new single, All Of This, which features production from Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz.

When the EP dropped back in May, Smith made it known that it was a quick little release to tide us over while we wait for whats to come. Details on what exactly that could be were somewhat elusive, so its not clear if this new single will form part of a larger project or not; either way, its a welcome surprise on the way to whatever comes next.

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In the accompanying press release, Jorja explained how the song came together: I met [Guilty] when I went over to Port Antonio in Jamaica for a writing camp in 2019. Hes so wonderful to work with and when we initially started the song, it was more a fall to the floor type beat. Hes shared Amapiano playlists with me before and then during the first lockdown in 2020, he sent me a version of the song like it is now. Its all about someone who doesnt deserve you and thinking, Wow, you really had all of me once. Ew.

Hit play on the visuals at the top and then add All Of This to your playlists.
Alexander Vindman leaves Capitol Hill after testifying. (AP)

A former National Security Council official whose testimony about former President Donald Trumps contacts with Ukraines government led to the presidents first impeachment trial unloaded about the continued threat he believes Mr Trump poses to the republic.

Speaking with The Washington Post for a discussion coinciding with the launch of his book, Here, Right Matters, retired Lt Col Alexander Vindman excoriated Mr Trump over the events of 6 January and explained that he believes the president has done more damage to the US than just about anyone else in recent history.

Hes an enormous threat, said Mr Vindman. I can make cold, hard calculations about the threat...former president of the United States Donald Trump poses. He continues to pose a keen threat based on propagating this lie that the election was stolen, in fact, he was the one trying to steal the election.

Mr Vindman added: Hes a vile man that has done more damage to the United States than any other leader in recent U.S. history.

The Independent has reached out to the office of Mr Trump for comment.

Mr Vindman left the NSC in July 2020 following his testimony to congress about Mr Trumps activities, citing bullying and retaliation from members of the Trump administration. He previously served as director for European affairs.

Mr Trump claimed to have never met Mr Vindman in a February 2020 tweet that simultaneously accused the military officer of being very insubordinate, causing his superior to file a horrendous report about him. The former president famously demonized members of his administration and the broader White House and military spheres who criticised him in any way following their respective exits from his administration.

The 45th president survived both impeachment efforts launched by Democrats over the Ukraine scandal as well as the attack on the US Capitol earlier this year, though his second impeachment trial ended in the most bipartisan support for a presidential impeachment in US history.
Three brothers are working to create endowments to help students afford to attend historically Black colleges and universities.

After struggling to afford to attend a HBCU and taking on student loans, Victor Collins started the C-Note Foundation in 2010. Collins told "Good Morning America" that he started the foundation so that other students would not be in the same situation he was.

Victor, along with his two brothers, Chantin and Daniel Collins created the foundation's first endowment at their alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The scholarships that the endowment gives are reserved for students in the College of Engineering who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and either reside in Durham, North Carolina or graduated from Hillside High School, North Carolina, the university said in a press release. The endowment is now worth $52,000.

"We felt like, 'Wow. We have to pay this [student loan] money back. How cool it would have been if we could have had some additional resources to help ... pay for school,'" Victor, the founder and CEO of the foundation, said. "We felt like [HBCU endowments] would be  a good way to pay it forward. That way, future kids would be less burdened with school debt."

In 2021, student loan debt exceeded $1.7 trillion, according to estimates by the Federal Reserve. This reality is even bleaker for Black Americans, who owe an average of $25,000 more in student debt than their white counterparts, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

PHOTO: A C-Note fundraising event showcased local artists and musicians. (Courtesy C-Note Foundation)

Victor told "Good Morning America" that his family's experience with college inspired him to create endowments for students to attend HBCUs.

After graduating and founding the foundation Victor made the endowment a priority.

To raise the money, the C-Note Foundation utilized businesses in North Carolina that were willing to help.

MORE: How a former financial aid counselor helps students navigate the costs of college

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"A lot of private businesses have want[ed] to partner with us to do some fundraising, do some exposures to kids in the community," Victor said. "They're helping us with some funding, they're helping us build ... the scholarship[s], they're helping us provide an event space."

Chantin said he helped Victor with these fundraising efforts by assisting his brother with C-Note Foundation events that ranged from concerts to collaborations with beer companies.

PHOTO: Proceeds from the sales of Durty Bull Brewing Company's Black is Beautiful Chai Imperial Stout were donated to the C-Note Foundation. (Courtesy C-Note Foundation)

"The events ended up being very successful, so we've turned it into a way to raise money for our endowment," Chantin explained. "That's really how we raised the majority of money, hosting events and making connections with businesses throughout the city.

The rest of the money was raised through donations from individuals that were inspired by the work that the C-Note Foundation was doing, Victor said.

"We've got a lot of personal gifts from people just by doing ads on Facebook and Instagram and things like that," Victor said. "People are really ... into the cause, and that really has helped us."

MORE: Teen gets college scholarship, donates savings to help other students in need

With these donations, the Collins brothers said the C-Note Foundation raised $26,000 for North Carolina A&T. This money was then matched by the school to create an endowment worth $52,000.

Now that the C-Note Foundation has raised the money needed for this endowment, Victor, Chantin and Daniel say they are focusing on raising money for endowments at other HBCUs in North Carolina, most notably North Carolina Central University and Shaw University. However, they believe that the C-Note Foundation's mission extends beyond the confines of North Carolina.

"We want to have an endowment at every HBCU across the country," Chantin said. "We plan to have to dominate every HBCU across the country to encourage kids of every background, particularly the underprivileged who don't have as much access... to go to [a] HBCU and see what our institutions have to offer."

Brothers raise money to help students afford to attend HBCUs originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) suggested to an audience in Alabama that government workers should be shot if they come knocking on their doors asking if they have been vaccinated.

In a video that was recorded during Greenes appearance at an Alabama Federation of Republican Women event and leaked to radio host David Pakman, she told the audience that should President Joe Bidens police state friends show up asking if they have been vaccinate for COVID-19 that they know how to respond.

Read more

Here is what she told them, per AL.com:



You lucky people in Alabama might get a knock on your door because I hear Alabama might be one of the most unvaccinated states in the nation, Greene told the crowd, who cheered at being unvaccinated, July 23 in the Dothan Civic Center, according to footage released by liberal political talk show host David Pakman. Well Joe Biden wants to come talk to your guys. Hes going to be siccing one of his police state friends to your front door, take down your name ... and [ask] whether youve taken the vaccine or not. She then suggested Alabamians would respond by firing their weapons. What they dont know is in the South we love our Second Amendment rights, and were not big on strangers showing up on our front door, unfortunately, Greene said.

It is true that Biden is, in fact, calling for door-to-door checkups, clinics at workplaces and urging employers to offer paid time off to workers to get vaccinated. Enough people arent being vaccinated to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The Times also reports that the presidents options are few and far between:

But Mr. Bidens options to be more aggressive are limited. As president, he can mandate that members of the military get the vaccine  a step that his administration has declined to take, in part because the drugs are still considered experimental under the emergency authorizations that the Food and Drug Administration granted last year. The Biden administration considered and rejected calls to require a federal vaccine passport, a move that some experts said would help contain the spread of the virus by allowing people to prove that they had been inoculated. And the administration last month issued guidance to federal agencies saying they should not require employees to be vaccinated. For the most part, the power lies in the hands of states, employers or private institutions.

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Greene is correct that Alabama is one of the least vaccinated states in the Union. Fewer than 35 percent of its residents are vaccinated, but CNN reports those numbers are starting to improve:

On Thursday, the states 7-day average of vaccine doses administered per day was about 13,301 doses, according to a CNN analysis of data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats up from a month prior, when the 7-day average of doses administered each day was about 7,250 doses. Alabama is among a handful of states that are now vaccinating people at a pace not seen since April, White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said at a briefing Thursday. UAB Hospital, the states largest, was administering more than 3,000 shots a day in the spring. A month ago, it had fallen to about 80 a day, Vanessa Davis, supervisor of the hospitals injection clinic, told CNN. Over the last week, its been slightly higher, about 200 a day, she said. (People are) getting vaccinated so they can feel normal again, Davis said when asked whats changing minds. Parents are worried about sending their kids back to school this fall, and some are returning to work for the first time in a year. Others just want to travel again, or theyre tired of feeling cooped up in the house, Davis said.

So, while Green is free to travel across the country and spread her lies and conspiracy theories about vaccines, people in the state of Alabama are starting to smarten up about their health and getting jabbed.

But the reality of Greenes behavior is that she is going to get someone killed, suggesting that people respond with gun play if asked about their vaccination status. This lady is flat out dangerous and has no business in Congress, but it is a good sign that the people of Alabama are not listening to her.
Chad Daybell at a hearing in Idaho in August 2020. Associated Press

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Chad Daybell.

Daybell and his wife, Lori Vallow, are accused of killing her two children.

The couple are entangled in a doomsday cult and several mysterious deaths.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Idaho prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Chad Daybell, the "doomsday cult" husband who's accused of killing his ex-wife and the two children of his current wife, a Madison County court record viewed by Insider said.

Daybell and his wife, Lori Vallow, have been indicted on murder charges in connection with the deaths of Vallow's children, Tylee Ryan, 17, and Joshua "JJ" Vallow, 7.

The children hadn't been seen for two months when their grandparents reported them missing to the police in November 2019. Their bodies were found buried on Daybell's rural property in June 2020.

Daybell, a former gravedigger, has also been charged with murder in the death of his first wife, Tammy Daybell. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Vallow has also been charged with planning the killing of her ex-husband, Charles Vallow.

"The State will seek the death penalty against Chad Guy Daybell in the event of the defendant's conviction for any of the three counts of first-degree murder and/or any of the counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder as charged in the Indictment," the newly filed court documents said.

In the court documents, prosecutors described the killings as "especially heinous, atrocious, cruel, or manifesting exceptional depravity."

Daybell, the documents said, "exhibited a propensity to commit murder and will probably constitute a continuing threat to society."

Daybell and Lori Vallow, known as the "doomsday couple," are entangled in a complex web of mysterious deaths. Courtesy of Rexburg Police Department

A web of doomsday beliefs and deaths

The disappearance of Vallow's children captivated the US in early 2020 when she was found vacationing in Hawaii with Daybell, a well-known apocalyptic novelist, while they were entangled in a web of suspicious deaths and missing-persons investigations.

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Vallow had moved to Rexburg, Idaho, from Arizona soon after her brother fatally shot her ex-husband on July 11, 2019. She and Daybell were married a month after Tammy's death in October 2019.

In November 2019, the police in Rexburg went to Vallow and Daybell's home to check on JJ and Tylee. Vallow told the police that the kids were staying with family, which authorities later learned wasn't true.

The couple disappeared the next day and were later discovered vacationing in Hawaii.

This May, Vallow and Daybell, followers of the Preparing a People doomsday movement, were charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of the children. They are also both charged in the deaths of their former spouses.

Those who know Vallow told officials that she believed her two children were "possessed and had become zombies," court documents in an unrelated case involving Vallow's niece said.

Vallow and her brother, Alex Cox, who has since died, believed she had special powers and was a goddess chosen to prepare 144,000 people for the end of the world, an affidavit filed in the case of Charles Vallow's death said.

In May, Vallow was found not competent to proceed with a trial in the case of her children's deaths and has been receiving mental-health treatment, though the case involving Charles Vallow's death continues. Daybell's cases are also proceeding.

Read the original article on Insider
A US A-10 aircraft landing on a highway in Estonia. The US military has conducted these types of landings abroad, but this is the first time a modern aircraft has done so on US soil. NATO

A-10 attack aircraft practiced operating from a Michigan highway on Thursday.

The training is believed to be the first time modern aircraft have operated from highways on US soil.

US A-10 pilots have repeatedly carried out this type of training in Europe.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

A-10 attack aircraft landed on and took off from a US highway on Thursday in a first for modern Air Force planes.

Authorities closed off Michigan State Highway M-32 on Thursday for a training exercise in which the Michigan National Guard's 127th Wing, the Air Force's 355th Wing, and Air Force Special Operations Command practiced operating four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft and two C-146A Wolfhound special operations transport planes from the roadway.

A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II lands on a Michigan State Highway in Alpena, Michigan, Aug. 5, 2021 US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alex M. Miller

The training was part of the larger Exercise Northern Strike at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center.

"This is believed to be the first time in history that modern Air Force aircraft have intentionally landed on a civilian roadway on US soil," Air Force Col. James Rossi, commander of the NADWC's Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, said in a recent statement.

"Our efforts are focused on our ability to train the warfighter in any environment across the continuum so our nation can compete, deter, and win today and tomorrow," he said.

The Michigan Department of Transportation, which helped to remove some power lines and road signs but did not make any modifications to the road during the planning for the exercise, released multiple videos of the training.

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The Michigan State Police jokingly tweeted Thursday that "no speeding citations were issued during the exercise."

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"This year's Northern Strike exercise includes testing the rapid insertion of an Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) into a bare-base environment," Brig. Gen. Bryan Teff, the Michigan Air National Guard adjutant general for air, said recently.

"They will establish logistics and communications in order to receive follow-on forces, generate mission employment including the austere landing on M-32, and project combat power across all domains," he added.

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While the training made history in the US, it is not uncommon. In 2018, for example, the Michigan National Guard pilots practiced landing A-10s on highways in Estonia.

A US A-10 aircraft landing on a highway abroad during a past exercise. NATO

Other fighter wings have done the same in the Baltics.

During the Cold War, fixed-wing aircraft occasionally trained to operate from civilian airfields and highways in Europe as opposed to established airstrips more likely be targeted during a great power conflict.

The Michigan National Guard said in a recent statement that "dynamic exercises like the highway landing during Northern Strike demonstrates the Air Force's ability to deploy rapidly from anywhere, at any time, which is a critical edge the Air Force maintains over its adversaries."

Training to operate from a highway is linked to the Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, a National Guard spokesperson told Insider. The strategy looks in part at the dispersal of forces to traditional and non-traditional airstrips to make it harder for an adversary to eliminate a combat capability.

US Air Force pilots have also practiced operating from other austere runways. For instance, in 2019, A-10 pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron practiced landing on a rough landing strip in the California desert.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 190th Fighter Squadron of the Idaho Air National Guard makes an austere landing and takeoff on the Freedom Landing Strip at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin in California in 2019. US Army National Guard/Sgt. Mason Cutrer

Unlike some of the other aircraft in the US arsenal, the A-10, an aircraft built around a powerful 30-millimeter cannon for close air-support missions, is built for austere landings on nonstandard runways.

"This proof of concept proves that we can land on any highway and continue to operate," Capt. John Renner, a squadron flight commander and pilot who participated in Thursday's training said.

"The A-10 allows us to land a lot more places to get fuel, weapons and other armament so we can operate anywhere, anytime," he said, adding that "this will allow us to get away from using built-up bases that our adversaries can target by moving much more rapidly."

Read the original article on Business Insider
COVID-19 mitigation efforts will cost the Iowa State Fair between $300K and $400K this year, organizers told Axios.

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Quick take: Janitorial services account for much of the extra expense. Bathrooms and high-contact areas will be cleaned more frequently than in previous fairs.

At least 100 hand sanitizer stations are set up this year. There were 40 in 2019.

What to watch: No masks are required and there are no capacity limits this year, but Iowa's fair neighbors to the north are reconsidering such measures.

Minnesota's state fair  which last year cancelled its event before Iowa did  announced this week that an indoor mask mandate now appears likely.

Fun fact: The fair used 560 gallons of hand soap and 60 gallons of hand sanitizer in 2019.

It'll be a lot higher this year, fair spokesperson Mindy Williamson predicts.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) concluded its massive search operation launched on Congress leader and legislator, B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan and former Minister R. Roshan Baig, who are allegedly involved in a multi-crore IMA Ponzi scam, said an official on Friday.

Over 100 ED sleuths launched a massive search operation on the duo in the early hours of Thursday and lasted about more than 24 hours, the officials added.

According to sources, over 100 ED sleuths had fanned out across Bengaluru to carry out simultaneous search operations. The search operation in Khan's properties lasted about 23 hours while it took 25 hours to complete their search on Baig's premises.

Reacting to the raid on his premises and entities, four time legislator from Chamarajpet, Khan told reporters that the ED's raid was pertaining to a luxurious bungalow he had built just a couple of months ago in the Cantonment area in Bengaluru.

"Some of my opponents may have complained to them (ED) and they may have raided on my properties besides carrying out similar search operation on my brothers and few close relatives as well," he said trying to clarify that the raid on his properties was not in connection with the multi-crore IMA Ponzi scam.

He added that he built his luxurious home with his hard earned (white) money and not a paise of ill-gotten wealth was used.

Khan, leader of opposition Siddramaiah`s close aide, added that the ED has taken away their documents and directed them to be available whenever the ED summons him or his family members for further questioning.

"I firmly believe that 'jo bhi hota hai acche ke liye hota hai' (Whatever happens, happens for the good). This raid will prove my being innocent as this raid is connected to my properties and dealings from my family business entities," he said.

Khan is also the owner of his family business -- National Travels -- which is one of the oldest bus fleet operators in Karnataka. It is headquartered at Kalasipalyam in Bengaluru, the company offers a wide range of bus services from Bengaluru to various cities across the country. The National Travels was founded in 1930, Khan`s father B.P. Basheer Ahmed Khan and now it is taken over by his sons Zameer Ahmed Khan and his brothers. The company has a fleet of more than 1,700 busses.

While reacting about raids on his premises, former minister, R. Roshan Baig told reporters, "I have given full cooperation to the officials. I have given reply to all their doubts. The inquiry should have ended in three-four hours, but I don`t know what made them take so much time. The officials asked me questions about various issues, including money laundering."

Baig was in the Congress and became minister whenever the party came to power in the state till July 2019. However, he quit the Congress to join the BJP, but could not be inducted into the BJP owing to controversies surrounding him.

Baig has already been chargesheeted, arrested and even granted bail in the IMA case that is being probed separately by the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI).

The Competent Authority in IMA and other scams of Karnataka on July 6 has already attached around 20 movable and immovable properties belonging to Baig, estimated to be worth over Rs 15 crore.

Bengaluru headquartered I Monetary Advisory (IMA), an investment company founded by its founder Mohammed Mansoor Khan, who is the main accused in this Ponzi scam. His company under the umbrella of the IMA Group, had diversified into other businesses including jewellery, real estate, bullion trading, groceries, pharmacy, hospitals and publishing allegedly duped over 45,000 people across Karnataka over a whopping Rs 4,000 crore.

Both Zameer and Baig's names were linked after Mansoor Khan in his video messages posted prior to being arrested by the ED officials in New Delhi in July 2019, had specifically named them alleging that they were in connivance with him to commit a scam of such magnitude.

Prior to this high profile arrest, over 25,000 complaints were filed against the company and its founder with Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT), demanding that their money be returned.

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New Delhi: With daily COVID-19 cases grazing the 2,000 mark over the past few days and the fear of a third wave, Tamil Nadu government has announced a new set of restrictions. All places of worship will be shut on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, in order to prevent crowding. Earlier, the government had also permitted the District Administration, Civic Body or Police to close all marketplaces that witness huge crowds.

Claiming that the health experts had advised so, the government says it plans to resume physical classes for students of classes 9 to 12, from September 1. The government intends to do so with 50 per cent occupancy in classrooms and in adherence to COVID-19 norms and they add that it would be decided based on opinions of all concerned stakeholders. The government also emphasized that online learning has caused a huge disparity as many students couldnt attend online classes. It must however be noted that those below the age of 18 (school students) are not eligible for vaccination and suitable vaccines arent made available for them.

Regarding medical and nursing colleges, the government said that they would be permitted to re-open from August 16, adding that the students and faculty had been vaccinated under the frontline workers quota. Owing to the third wave fears and rising cases in Kerala, from August 5, Tamil Nadu has made two-shot vaccination certificate or RT-PCR mandatory for those entering from Kerala.

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New Delhi: The Delhi University on Thursday (August 5, 2021) announced that it will commence classes in physical mode for project and practical work for science students from August 16 in view of the decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, adding that the theory classes will continue online.

Soon after the announcement, an office-bearer of the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA), in an interview with news agency PTI slammed the move, saying that the varsity had no regard for the safety of students and teachers.

"Taking note of the decline in a number of COVID-19 cases, it has been decided that classes and practical/project work with respect to PG and UG programmes students in science courses in the university and its colleges shall be conducted in physical mode with effect from 16.08.2021 observing necessary protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19," an official notification read.

"... Therefore all teaching and non-teaching staff shall attend the duties at their workplace with immediate effect," it said, adding all colleges, centres, and departments shall be fully functional.

The online teaching and learning activities shall continue for all other academic programmes, it said.

In the notice, the university also directed the principals of colleges and provosts of hostels to ensure complete and strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines laid by the government while providing accommodation for eligible outstation students.

The announcement comes a day after Registrar Vikas Gupta revealed that the varsity is exploring the possibility of reopening the campus for students of the science stream.

It is to be noted that the university was closed since March last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, but allowed final year students to return to colleges for accessing labs and take practical classes in February this year. Later on the classes were suspended again in April due to the second wave of COVID-19.

Additionally, the treasurer of DUTA, Professor Abha Dev Habib, criticised this decision by the university and said that overcrowding in classrooms and labs will act as a hindrance in enforcing social distancing norms, adding that returning to the city and finding an accommodation in just 10 days will posses a challenge for outstation students.

"Can a notice ask classes for any stream to be held in physical mode? It is easy to write that all protocols should be followed but how to ensure that they are followed or in fact, can be followed," she said.

"In both UG colleges and science departments, there is overcrowding in classrooms and labs. MSc physics department has more number of students than can be actually accommodated. Can the university expect students to return to Delhi and find accommodation in 10 days?" she said.

The university has not cared to publish any report on how many students, teachers and karamcharis have been able to get themselves and their families vaccinated, she added.

"The notification declares that Covid cases are decreasing even as there are reports which predict third wave building anytime now. This letter has been issued in complete disregard of the interests of students, teachers, karamcharis," she said.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi: Expressing concern over the incidents of judges getting threats and abusive messages, the Supreme Court on Friday said the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the CBI are not helping the judiciary at all and there is no freedom to a judicial officer to even make such complaints.

The apex court said there are several criminal cases involving gangsters and high-profile persons and at some places, judges of the trial courts as well as high courts are being threatened not only physically but also mentally through abusive messages on WhatsApp or Facebook.

In one or two places, the court ordered CBI inquiry. It is very sorry to say that CBI has done nothing in more than one year. At one place, I know, CBI has done nothing. I think we have expected some changes in CBI's attitude. But there is no change in the attitude of CBI. I am sorry to observe this but this is the situation, said Chief Justice N V Ramana, who was heading a bench that also comprised Justice Surya Kant.

The bench told Attorney General K K Venugopal that in criminal cases where high-profile persons are involved if they do not get expected orders from the court they start maligning the judiciary.

This is a new trend developed in the country, unfortunately. There is no freedom to a judge even to give a complaint. Such a situation is created, said the bench, which was hearing a suo motu case on the issue of safeguarding courts and protecting judges in the wake of the recent incident of alleged mowing down of a judge at Dhanbad.

The CJI said though judges complain to the chief justice or the concerned head of the district and when they complain to the police or the CBI or others, these agencies do not respond.

They think it is not a priority item for them. The IB, CBI are not helping the judiciary at all. I am making this statement with a sense of responsibility and I know the incident that is the reason I am saying this. I do not want to divulge more than this, the CJI said.

The bench termed the issue serious and told Venugopal that some interest has to be taken to help the judiciary. Venugopal said judges dealing with criminal cases are very vulnerable and said there have to be safety measures for them.

He said judges are more vulnerable than the bureaucrats who make decisions within the four corners of their rooms. Venugopal said he would file his written note on the issue.

Meanwhile, the bench issued notice to the CBI after it was informed by the Jharkhand government that investigation into the death of the judge in Dhanbad has been handed over to the probe agency. The apex court also asked all the states to file status reports explaining what security they are providing to the judicial officers.

At the outset, Jharkhand's advocate general Rajiv Ranjan told the bench that the state had constituted a 22-member special investigation team (SIT) which had arrested the two drivers of the auto-rickshaw which had hit the judge when he was on a morning walk on July 28.

Ranjan said the case has now been handed over to the CBI. So, you have washed off your hands, the bench said. To this, Ranjan said SIT had collected several pieces of evidence and since the area is a border district with West Bengal, there might be a larger conspiracy and cross-border implications.

We will hear the Jharkhand matter on Monday (August 9). We are issuing notice to the CBI, the bench said. It asked Jharkhand's counsel whether they have provided adequate security at the residence of judges in the state.

The counsel said orders have been issued and adequate police protection has been provided at the residences and colonies of the judicial officers. Referring to the Dhanbad incident, the bench said it is an unfortunate case where a young judicial officer lost his life.

The state's counsel apprised the bench about the steps being taken in this regard and also about beefing up security in court premises by installing more CCTV cameras and having boundary walls. The bench observed that hardened criminals cannot be stopped by these boundary walls.

During the hearing, the bench told Venugopal that a writ petition was filed in the apex court in 2019 seeking certain directions, including on security in court premises and also to create an environment where the judges can work independently.

The apex court asked the states to file a status report regarding security provided to the judges and posted it for hearing on August 17. District and Sessions Judge-8 of Dhanbad court, Uttam Anand, was out on a morning walk on July 28 when he was killed by an auto-rickshaw at Randhir Verma Chowk near the district court in the Sadar police station area.

On July 30, the top court had taken suo motu cognizance and had sought a status report within a week from Jharkhand's Chief Secretary and the DGP on the probe, saying reports and video clippings suggested it was not a case of simpliciter road accident.

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New Delhi: With many countries completing the vaccination of the majority of their population, the development and supply of booster COVID-19 doses has begun as more dangerous variants of the virus threaten to prolong the global pandemic.

Apart from Israel, where booster shots have already become available to those fully vaccinated, Germany, France and UK have stated that they might begin supplying booster shots to the public.

India has a long way to go as less than 8 per cent of the population has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to data provided by the Union Health Ministry.

According to a report by the New Indian Express, Samiran Panda, chief epidemiologist with the ICMR and member of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID said that there is insufficient data to suggest a booster is needed for those who are fully vaccinated.

Many people still want the government to explore the possibility of booster doses, mainly for healthcare workers who were the first to be vaccinated and are still fighting on the frontlines.

The WHO recently called for a "moratorium" on booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine until at least the end of September, noting with concern the disparity in vaccination levels in low and high-income countries.

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a news conference in Geneva that while high-income countries have now administered almost 100 doses for every 100 people, low-income countries have only been able to administer 1.5 doses for every 100 people, due to lack of supply.

"We need an urgent reversal, from the majority of vaccines going to high-income countries, to the majority going to low-income countries," he said.

"Accordingly, WHO is calling for a moratorium on boosters until at least the end of September, to enable at least 10% of the population of every country to be vaccinated," the WHO chief said.

WHO urged 'everyone with influence' - Olympic athletes, investors, business leaders, faith leaders, and every individual in their own family and community - to support its call for a moratorium on booster shots until at least the end of September.

(With inputs from news agencies)

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New Delhi: Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on Friday said he is hopeful that Covovax, another COVID-19 vaccine being manufactured by his company in India, will be launched in October for adults and for children by the first quarter of 2022.

He also thanked the government for all the support provided to Serum Institute and said the company is always trying to expand its Covishield production capacity to meet the demand.

Poonawalla met Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament and the meeting between the two lasted for 30 minutes.

"The government is helping us and we are facing no financial crunch. We are thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all the cooperation and support," Poonawala told PTI after his meeting.

When asked about vaccines for kids, he said, "The Covovax vaccine for kids will be launched in the first quarter of the next year most likely in January-February."

Poonawala said he is hopeful that for adults Covovax will be launched in October, depending on DCGI approvals.

It will be a two-dose vaccine and the price will be decided at the time of launch, he added.

On production capacity of Covishield, the vaccine being manufactured and supplied by Serum in India under a licensing agreement with Oxford and AstraZeneca, he said the present capacity is 130 million doses per month and always try to increase it further.

Earlier in the day, Poonawalla also met Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The minister tweeted that he had a productive discussion on the supply of the Covishield vaccine with Poonawalla.

"I appreciated their role in mitigating COVID-19 and assured continued Government support in ramping up vaccine production," Mandaviya said.

Last month, an expert panel of India's Central Drug Authority recommended granting permission to Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2/3 trials of Covovax on children aged 2 to 17 years with certain conditions, official sources had earlier said.

The trials would cover 920 children, 460 each in the age group of 12-17 and 2-11 across 10 sites.

The Pune-based pharmaceutical company had submitted a revised protocol for inclusion of pediatric cohort in the ongoing Covovax phase 2 and 3 observer-blind, randomised, controlled study in Indian adults aged 18 years and above to determine the safety and immunogenicity of the jab.

In the revised application, SII director (government and regulatory affairs) Prakash Kumar Singh and director Dr Prasad Kulkarni had stated that globally, all adults aged 18 and above are being vaccinated and after this population is protected against COVID-l9, children will remain the most susceptible group.

Currently, only those who are 18 or above are eligible for vaccination against the coronavirus.

The SII is learnt to have informed that their collaborator, Novavax, Inc, US has already generated a large amount of data in adults in different countries and that the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity data on the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are very robust which includes a safety database of more than 50000 adults with data from Australia, South Africa, UK and USA and preliminary safety data in 2248 children.

"Further in the ongoing Phase 2/3 study in India, more than 1400 participants have received at least first dose of the vaccine with no safety concerns reported so far," the application stated.

"This will ensure that a life-saving vaccine can be brought at the earliest for our pediatric population also in addition to the adult population immediately after the grant of Emergency Use Authorisation.

The SEC on June 30 had recommended against granting permission to SII for conducting phase 2 and 3 trials of Covovax on children aged 2 to 17 years following which the company had submitted a revised study protocol last week.

In August 2020, US-based vaccine maker Novavax, Inc had announced a licence agreement with SII for the development and commercialisation of NVX-CoV2373, its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in low and middle-income countries and India.

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Aurangabad: Irrigation schemes that have got delayed due to disputes over compensation should be completed and he would take up the issue with the concerned minister, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said at Hingoli on Friday (August 6).

Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who is on a three-day tour of the Marathwada region, was speaking to reporters after meeting officials and reviewing irrigation projects in the Hingoli district. His tour, which began on Thursday, and scheduled meetings with local officials have come under criticism with the ruling alliance partner NCP accusing him of encroaching on the state government's authority.

The Governor enquired about the progress of Human Development, tribal welfare and forest right, Covid control and vaccination, agriculture, irrigation and other relevant issues. pic.twitter.com/sH2NqYRh17  Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) August 6, 2021

"The Constitution has made me the head of development boards. I learnt about irrigation and drinking water schemes from concerned officials. This will be helpful while interacting with the Central and state governments on these issues," Koshyari told reporters. Only 25 per cent of land in the Hingoli district is irrigated, he said, adding that he would tell the state government that incomplete irrigation projects which are delayed due to compensation issues must be completed.

"The government is paying four times the cost for acquired land (as compensation). Even if people do not agree to give up their land, it should be acquired," the governor said.

"I will have a word with irrigation minister Jayant Patil. We will sit together and work on it," he added.

The governor's official Twitter handle said that he sought information from local officials about "human development, tribal welfare and forest rights, Covid control and vaccination, irrigation and other relevant issues".

He also visited Narsi Namdev, the birthplace of the 13th-century Bhakti poet-saint Namdev, in the district.
Kochi: Marital rape can be a valid ground of divorce, Kerala High Court observed on Friday. This judgement can have a significant impact on divorce cases. The court observed this while dismissing an appeal of a man who had challenged a Family Court order that allowed a plea of his wife for divorce on the ground of cruelty.

The bench of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Kauser Edappagath stated, "In this case, the insatiable urge for wealth and sex of the husband had forced the wife to take a decision for divorce. His licentious and profligate conduct cannot be considered as part of normal conjugal life. Therefore, we have no difficulty in holding that insatiable urge for wealth and sex of a spouse would also amount to cruelty. The right to respect for his or her physical and mental integrity encompasses bodily integrity, any disrespect or violation of bodily integrity is a violation of individual autonomy."

Also: Penetration in-between girl's thighs would amount to rape as defined under Section 375 of IPC: Kerala High Court

"Autonomy essentially refers to a state of feeling or condition one believes to possess having control over it," the Court explained.It further said, "In matrimony, the spouse possesses such privacy as an invaluable right inherent in him or her as an individual. Therefore, marital privacy is intimately and intrinsically connected to individual autonomy and any intrusion, physically or otherwise into such space would diminish privacy. This essentially would constitute cruelty. Merely for the reason that the law does not recognise marital rape under penal law, it does not inhibit the court from recognising the same as a form of cruelty to grant a divorce."

As per media reports, the wife had, among other things, complained that she was forced to have sex while she was "sick, bedridden and even on the day the husband's mother expired".

The husband, again as per reports in the media, is a qualified medical doctor, but he never practised. Rather, he engaged in the real-estate business. His father was a well-known doctor in Kozhikode. The woman's family had apparently given 501 gold sovereigns at the time of marriage besides a car and flat. Her father also gave Rs 77 lakh to the appellant on different occasions, claimed the wife.

Court described that case as a "struggle of a woman" within the "clutches of law" and said that the woman was driven to distress. "This case depicts a story of the struggle of a woman within the clutches of law to give primacy of choice not to suffer in the bondage of legal tie. An insatiable urge for wealth and sex of a husband had driven a woman to distress. In desperation for obtaining a divorce, she has forsaken and abandoned all her monetary claims. Her cry for divorce has been prolonged in the temple of justice for more than a decade," the bench said while hearing the case today (August 6).

While hearing the plea, Court further noted that the concept of family as a "social unit" is gradually "withering away."The Bench of two Justices said, "If marriage is seen as a symbol to project status, without reflecting the values the individuals or society would cherish to profess, we may miss the basic concept required for marriage. The concept of family as a social unit is also slowly withering away to recognise the concept of bond created by the individuals. The individuals who were reluctant to separate, fearing social fear, and on the ideal of the sacrament of marriage, have no fear now to approach the court for divorce to establish the free act of will. Matrimonial relationship is all about contentment. When there is harmony at home, that leads to contentment in marriage. The harmony is evolved through mutual respect and trust. The debt of the husband sparked the dispute between him and the wife."

"Sex in married life is a reflection of the intimacy of the spouse. In this case, she was subjected to all sorts of sexual perversions against her will. A spouse in a marriage has a choice not to suffer, which is fundamental to the autonomy guaranteed under natural law and the Constitution. Law cannot compel a spouse to suffer against his or her wish by denial of divorce," the Court said.

(With ANI inputs)

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Shillong: The pass percentage in Meghalaya Class 10 examination was 52.91 per cent and in Class 12 (arts stream) it was 80.75 per cent, the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) said.

The results of class 10 or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination and Class 12 or Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Arts stream were announced by MBOSE on Thursday.

Unlike in many states where board examinations were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class 10 and 12 board examinations were held in Meghalaya.

Kevinstrong Lawriniang of St Thomas Higher Secondary School, Mairang, in West Khasi Hills district topped the SSLC examination by scoring 576 marks out of 600, while Wanteibok Pator of Sawlyngdoh Higher Secondary School, Mookaiaw (575) and Khasish Samee of St Mary's Higher Secondary School, Shillong (574) and Mridumay Saha of Sherwood School, Tura (574), bagged the second and third positions respectively.

Daniel Ksanbor Khyriemmujat of St Anthony's School topped in the HSSLC examination as he scored 462 marks out of 500, while L Kennedy Vaiphei of St Edmund's Higher Secondary School and Jethro Jarvis Roy Jyrwa of St Anthony's were placed in the second and third position by scoring 450 and 449 marks respectively.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to twitter to congratulate all the successful students of both the examinations.

"Congratulations to our dear students who passed their SSLC & HSSLC (Arts) examinations. Kudos to the toppers who have done their parents, teachers and school/college proud! Wishing each of you a successful future. May you always shine!" Sangma tweeted.

A total of 34,003 out of 64,269 students from 630 schools cleared the SSLC examination held in 147 centres, while 20,740 out of 25,683 students from 237 schools who appeared in the HSSLC exams held in 103 centres were declared successful by the Board.

East Jaintia Hills district scored the highest pass percentage at 85.09 per cent while South West Garo Hills registered the lowest at 23.01 per cent in the SSLC examination.

In the HSSLC examination, West Khasi Hills District recorded the highest pass percentage at 92.91 per cent while South Garo Hills is the lowest with only 54 per cent.

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New Delhi: Ahead of the 2022 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil on Friday (August 6) ruled out the possibility of coalition between BJP and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The Mumbai civic body polls are scheduled to be held in February next year.

The remark comes after Patils meeting with MNS chief Raj Thackeray at the latters residence in Mumbai on Friday fuelled speculations of a possible alliance. Several MNS leaders also attended the meeting.

"Currently, there is no proposal of BJP and MNS going together in 2022 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Patil was quoted as saying by ANI.

He added that Raj Thackeray believes local residents should be given priority while giving jobs in the state.

Patil said, "He told me 'if he goes to Uttar Pradesh or Kashmir, he will demand 80 per cent reservation in employment for the residents of the state."

"The Maharashtra chief further said, "Some of his statements gave an impression, he is against non-Maharashtrian. But after speaking to him, I realised that he is vocal about the rights of Maharashtrians and fights for them. Simultaneously, he does not want to spread hatred against non-Maharashtrians."

The BMC has been under Shiv Senas control since 1985. After losing power to Shiv Sena in the state, Patil had announced in 2019 that BJP will wrest Mumbai from Shiv Sena. He had also said that state BJP and the central leaderships of the party have commenced preparations for the BMC elections in 2022.

(With ANI inputs)

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New Delhi: The chances of contracting COVID-19 after getting both doses of COVID-19 vaccine is down to one-third as per a study in UK the data of which was released on Wednesday. The study was conducted by scientists at Imperial College London and market research company Ipsos MORI based on 98,233 swabs taken between June 24 and July 12.

The study points to a prevalence rate of 0.40 % for the fully vaccinated but the rate nearly trebles at 1.21% for unvaccinated respondents in a pool of 160 people infected with coronavirus. Also, it found double vaccinated people are less likely to pass on the SARS virus to others than those who have not received a vaccine.

"I urge anyone who has yet to receive a vaccine to get jabbed and take up both doses the vaccines are safe and they are working," the UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid was quoted by PTI.

Meanwhile, the Public Health England (PHE) revealed that the vaccines are "highly effective" against all variants of COVID-19. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after getting the double shot, as per a PTI report.

However, officials and scientists in Britain appealed for caution even as the government eased all COVID-19 curbs on July 19, including the mandatory mask rule in certain indoor settings.

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Ankit Gujjar, a 29-year-old criminal mastermind from Uttar Pradeshs Baghpat, has been beaten to death in Delhis Tihar Jail, as per a report by the Financial Express. Violent clash inside the jail premise could be the reason behind Gujjars death, reveals primary investigation. Two other inmatesGurpreet and Gurjeethave been severely injured. The injured are admitted at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital.

Gujjar, who was in Tihar in connection with a 2019 case, was wanted in eight murder cases by the UP Police. He was also accused of killing one Vijay Pandit during the local elections. It is alleged that he had distributed posters in the village claiming the murder. He was also needed as part of the investigation in 22 cases of extortion and threatening.

Gujjars father has alleged that his son has been killed because he didnt pay up the security money to the jail authorities. On being asked, DG (Tihar) Sandeep Goel told FE, The Tihar jail administration has also initiated an inquiry into the incident.

It was believed that Gujjar had big plans to control the crime underbelly of South Delhi, and for this reason, he had also joined hands with another gangster Rohit Chaudhary. Gujjar was arrested from haryanas Jhajjar.

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New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UPSSSC) will soon release the notification for the recruitment to posts of Chakbandi Lekhpal. The state government is expected to release a total of around 8000 vacancies for the said posts. Interested candidates can submit their online applications as soon as the official notification is released.

Interested candidates should know the important details about the upcoming vacancy, including Eligibility criteria, selection process, and other key details of the examination, on the official website of UPSSSC.

Earlier, the selection process for UP Lekhpal comprised two stages of written test and Interview, but now the interview has been revoked. It will be conducted through a single stage of the written examination consisting of a total of 100 questions.

The written examination will consist of Mathematics, Hindi, GK, and Rural Development & Rural Society.

Notably, the Course on Computer Concepts is mandatory or not will be revealed once the official notification is out.

The UP Lekhpal Application Form 2021 will be available on the UPSSSC's website - upsssc.gov.in. The interested candidates should follow the steps given below to submit their applications.

1. Click on the direct link to apply for UP Lekhpal at upsssc.gov.in

2. Enter the relevant details required to fill the online form

3. Candidates should pay the Application Fee with the given payment mode

4. Upload a copy of the scanned recent photograph and signature using the Testbook Editing Tool to resize the documents

5. After verifying all the details, click 'Submit'

Notably, interested candidates will have to pay the application fees via online modes of payment and take a printout of the "Print Payment Receipt for future reference.

Those who have passed class 12th with a minimum required percentage of marks can apply for Uttar Pradesh Lekhpal 2021.

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New Delhi: New Iran President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi told India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that his country "we will take new steps in the development of Tehran-New Delhi ties". EAM Jaishankar is in Tehran for the oath-taking ceremony of the new President, his second visit to the country in the matter of one month. Last month, he was the first foreign minister to call on the Raisi after his victory in June elections.

Emphasising, "Iran attaches special importance to establishing extensive relations with India", the President said, "From today on, we should take new and distinct steps in the development of bilateral, regional and international relations with a new perspective".

Iran is important for India on connectivity and to fullfill energy needs. Chabahar port in Iran is key to New Delhi's connectivity plans towards its west. The port, where India has invested provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

During the meet on Friday, Raisi said that the "Iranian government will pursue a policy of developing relations with neighbouring countries and the region, especially India", explaining, "There are various sectors, especially in the economic and commercial fields, as well as new technologies, that we should use to promote the level of our relations.

India-Iran commercial ties were traditionally dominated by Indian import of Iranian crude oil. In 2018-19 India imported US$ 12.11 bn worth of crude oil from Iran. But following the end of the Significant Reduction Exemption (SRE) period on May 2, 2019, India had suspended importing crude from Iran.

During the talks, Afghanistan was also discussed between the two sides. The new Iran President told EAM Jaishankar, "Iran and India can play a constructive and useful role in ensuring security in the region, especially Afghanistan" and "Tehran welcomes the New Delhis role in establishment of security in Afghanistan.

During July meet as well, Afghanistan had dominated the talks between the two sides. During Friday's talks, the Iran President highlighted that the "fate of Afghanistan must be decided by the Afghans themselves, and we believe that if the Americans do not sabotage the situation, this issue will be resolved quickly".

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NEW DELHI: The National Investigating Agency (NIA), in a joint operation with Karnataka Police, has arrested the grandson of late former Congress MLA B M Idinabba over suspected links with the Kerala module of the Islamic State.

According to reports, 35-year-old Ammar Abdul Rahman was arrested from Ullal in Mangaluru following raids by the NIA.

Rahman was held in connection with the Kerala module of the Islamic State which is being investigated by the federal agency since March this year. According to the NIA, Rahmans niece is believed to be among the 13 residents of Keralas Kasaragod, who left India to fight for the IS in 2016.

The security agencies believe that a total of 21 people left Kerala during that time to join the IS. Importantly, the NIA along with J&K Police has arrested five members of the ISIS module arrested from Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

All these five people were arrested for their alleged role in propagating the ISIS propaganda on social media and luring the youth for Jihad.

Based on the inputs gathered by the intelligence sources, the arrested members of the module were involved in radicalising the youths, planning targeted assassination of select right-wing leaders, media personalities and mobilising funds for ISIS.

Kerala IS module headed by one - Mohammed Ameen - was first busted by the NIA in March 2021. The central agency also later arrested three people on March 14-15.

Based on the info provided by them during the interrogation, the agency carefully examined the data obtained from the seized digital media for the identification of other members of the module.

The agencies began to track the activities of the module when it came to their notice that it was operating an Instagram Channel, Chronicle Foundation with more than 5,000 members nearly a year ago.

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New Delhi: The latest post by Saif Ali Khans sister Saba Ali Khan grabbed a lot of attention from the fans because little Saif looks very similar to Taimur.

The throwback picture from their family album featured Sharmila Tagore, Mansoor Ali, Khan Pataudi, Saif, Saba and Soha Ali Khan. Posting the picture Saba wrote  Family portraits! The Khan clan  Still.

Even though it was a beautiful family photo all the attention was grabbed by Saif, who looked very similar to his son Taimur. Their fans showered the post with comments. Where they wrote, Saif Ali Khan looks like Tim, Saif Bhai looks like Taimur and many more.

Saba keeps dropping interesting family photos from time to time, with fun captions. Other than constant updates of little Taimur and Inaaya, these old pictures really make the day of their fans.

Even with his on and off career in the cinema, he has given some amazing performances from Love Aaj Kal, Kal Ho Na Ho to Agent Vinod and Sacred games.

Fans are excited to see Saif make a comeback in his upcoming film Bhoot Police by Pavan Kirpalani. The film also stars Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam and Jacqueline Fernandes and is directed by Pawan Kripalani. The movie is produced by Tips Industries.


Mumbai: Police on Friday recorded the statement of actor-model Sherlyn Chopra for nearly eight hours in connection with the porn films case in which businessman Raj Kundra has been arrested, an official said.

Chopra appeared before the property cell of the Mumbai crime branch at around 12 pm to record her statement and left at around 8 pm, the official said.

Last month, the crime branch had arrested Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, and his company's IT head Ryan Thorpe in the case which relates to alleged creation of pornographic films and publishing them through apps.

Earlier this week, the police had quizzed the director of Armsprime, a company linked to the alleged porn racket. Last week, a court had rejected the pre-arrest bail application filed by Chopra.

In her plea, Chopra has said she apprehended arrest in the case registered under IPC sections 292, 293 (sale of obscene material), as well as relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.

The crime branch is investigating the case that was registered at the Malwani police station in suburban Mumbai in February 2021.
Employee Provident Fund (EPF), a government-backed scheme that takes contributions from both employers and employees, comes as the most important thing for savings. Employer and employee both contribute 10% of the basic salary every month.

The accumulated amount can be withdrawn in the event of retirement, or resignation. However, witnessing the tough times for many, the EPFO has now given a chance to the employees to withdraw a part of the amount in case of these crises.

In life-threatening diseases, many times it becomes imperative to get the patient immediately admitted to hospital on emergency to save his/her life and it is not possible to get the estimate from the hospital in such situations. A need is felt for streamlining the advanced facility for such serious in-patient treatment in hospital wherever family members of employees are not able to manage estimate from the hospital concerned in which such patient has been admitted in an emergency, the EPFO said.

Sometimes a situation arises where an employee gets admitted to the ICU in a hospital and there is no idea on the expenses, then there is a specific procedure where a patient is admitted to an emergency in a private hospital and competent authority considers it a fit case to grant relaxation in rules for medical bills reimbursement, then advance specified below can also be given.

After that, the employee is asked to submit a request letter from him or any of the family members without an estimate along with details of the hospital and the patient.

A lump sum medical advance up to Rs 1 lakh can easily be granted by the authority with a relaxation on the formality or documents required. This amount is immediately granted on the same working day, given the situation that employee is in. The Ofcer in charge of the concerned office (ACC-ASD for Head Office) should make sure that this medical advance is granted by the next working day after the receipt of the application of advance.

If the amount is above Rs 1 lakh, then the authority further advances the additional amount as per rules.

The medical advance amount will either be credited to the salary account of the employee or will be paid to the Hospital directly.

The employee should submit the bill within 45 days of discharge and the amount from the bill is adjusted from the final bill.

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#mute
Apple Inc on Thursday said it will implement a system that checks photos on iPhones in the United States before they are uploaded to its iCloud storage services to ensure the upload does not match known images of child sexual abuse.

Detection of child abuse image uploads sufficient to guard against false positives will trigger a human review of and report of the user to law enforcement, Apple said. It said the system is designed to reduce false positives to one in one trillion.

Apple`s new system seeks to address requests from law enforcement to help stem child sexual abuse while also respecting privacy and security practices that are a core tenet of the company`s brand. But some privacy advocates said the system could open the door to monitoring of political speech or other content on iPhones.

Most other major technology providers - including Alphabet Inc`s Google, Facebook Inc and Microsoft Corp - are already checking images against a database of known child sexual abuse imagery.

"With so many people using Apple products, these new safety measures have lifesaving potential for children who are being enticed online and whose horrific images are being circulated in child sexual abuse material," John Clark, chief executive of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, said in a statement. "The reality is that privacy and child protection can co-exist."

Here is how Apple`s system works. Law enforcement officials maintain a database of known child sexual abuse images and translate those images into "hashes" - numerical codes that positively identify the image but cannot be used to reconstruct them.

Apple has implemented that database using a technology called "NeuralHash", designed to also catch edited images similar to the originals. That database will be stored on iPhones.

When a user uploads an image to Apple`s iCloud storage service, the iPhone will create a hash of the image to be uploaded and compare it against the database.

Photos stored only on the phone are not checked, Apple said, and human review before reporting an account to law enforcement is meant to ensure any matches are genuine before suspending an account.

Apple said users who feel their account was improperly suspended can appeal to have it reinstated.

The Financial Times earlier reported some aspects of the program.

One feature that sets Apple`s system apart is that it checks photos stored on phones before they are uploaded, rather than checking the photos after they arrive on the company`s servers.

On Twitter, some privacy and security experts expressed concerns the system could eventually be expanded to scan phones more generally for prohibited content or political speech.

Apple has "sent a very clear signal. In their (very influential) opinion, it is safe to build systems that scan users phones for prohibited content," Matthew Green, a security researcher at Johns Hopkins University, warned.

"This will break the dam  governments will demand it from everyone."

Other privacy researchers such as India McKinney and Erica Portnoy of the Electronic Frontier Foundation wrote in a blog post that it may be impossible for outside researchers to double check whether Apple keeps its promises to check only a small set of on-device content.

The move is "a shocking about-face for users who have relied on the companys leadership in privacy and security," the pair wrote.

"At the end of the day, even a thoroughly documented, carefully thought-out, and narrowly-scoped backdoor is still a backdoor," McKinney and Portnoy wrote.
New Delhi: Customers in India can now pre-reserve the upcoming Galaxy flagship smartphones by paying a token amount of Rs 2,000, the company said on Friday. Users can pay the amount on Samsung Indias e-Store www.samsung.com or Samsung Shop App. "Customers making the pre-reservation will get the `Next Galaxy VIP Pass` which entitles customers to get a smart tag worth Rs 2,699 for free when they pre-book the device," the company said in a statement.

"When the customer pre-books the device later, the token amount of Rs 2,000 will be adjusted against the device price," it added.

On August 11, the South Korean giant will unfold the new generation of Galaxy devices at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021. Samsung is likely to showcase new foldable devices Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.

A recent report said that Samsung is expected to unveil the latest foldable smartphones with lower price tags compared with its predecessors.

The company is also expected to unveil a Galaxy FE phone, two Galaxy Watches, and a set of new Galaxy Buds.

The tech giant is expected to start sales of the Galaxy Z Fold3 at around 1.99 million won ($1,744), which is 17 per cent lower than the 2.39 million won set for the previous model, according to the sources. Also Read: Meet Azani, India's first ever electric Supercar! Goes up to 700 km on single charge, sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in less than 2 seconds

The price of the Galaxy Z Flip3 is also expected to be around 22 per cent lower than the predecessor, a report said earlier. Also Read: Xiaomi to unveil Mi Pad 5 with stylus support on August 10, check variants, top features and more
New Delhi: Virgin Galactic has reopened the sales of tickets to one of its spacecraft that will fly to space in the coming future. The Richard Branson-led space-tech company is selling the tickets starting from $450,000, Virgin Galactic announced on Thursday (August 6). The new price is almost double what Virgin Galactic was selling the tickets to space between 2005 and 2014.

Notably, during those years, Virgin Galactic was selling the tickets at around $200,000 to $250,000. Around 600 space enthusiasts had booked flight tickets during those years.

The increase in the prices could have been because of the successful flight of Virgin Galactics founder Richard Branson last month. Branson had taken a flight to space on July 11, nine days earlier than Blue Origin founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos went to space on July 20.

In a statement, CEO Michael Colglazier said that the company is excited to announce the reopening of sales effective that day (August 5). "As we endeavour to bring the wonder of space to a broad global population, we are delighted to open the door to an entirely new industry and consumer experience."

Virgin Galactics next test flight is scheduled for September 2021. Members of the Italian Air Force are likely to be a part of the test flight.

Virgin Galactics first commercial flight date

Virgin Galactics first commercial flight date is expected to take off in the third quarter of 2022, CEO Colglazier had recently announced in an earnings call. Customers can book a single seat, seats for couples, friends and families. The company is also offering customers to book all the seats on the flight. Also Read: Oppo Reno 6 4G launched at Rs 26,700: Check features, colours and more

How to get free space flight ticket?

Virgin Galactic is running an early bird offer wherein its offering two free seats on one of its commercial flights to space. If you are planning to participate in the offer, then you can register yourself on the official website. The registrations till September 1. Also Read: Ola Electric bike versus Simple One: Compare top speed, range, and features before booking
New Delhi: Xiaomi is all set to launch the Mi Pad 5 on August 10, the Chinese consumer electronics giant has confirmed. The upcoming tablet that has been much talked about will offer stylus support.

However, not much is known about the Mi Pad 5 yet, as Xiaomi has remained secretive about the launch. However, the latest images posted by the Chinese microblogging website Weibo has confirmed that the tablet will be launched with support for a stylus.

Besides the Mi Pad 5, Xiaomi will also unveil the Mi Mix 4 on August 10. The company is expected to unveil more features of the upcoming smartphone and tablet senior before the official launch.

Mi Pad 5 variants

The Mi Pad 5 is also expected to have flat frames. Moreover, Xiaomi reportedly will launch the Mi Pad 5 in three variants: Mi Pad 5, Mi Pad 5 Lite, and Mi Pad 5 Pro.

Mi Pad 5 features

At this point, there is no clarity whether Xiaomi will sell the stylus separately or itll come in bundled with the Mi Pad 5. The latest leaks also point out that the tablet will sport a metal build and will offer LTE/5G connectivity.

All three variants will reportedly sport a 10.9" IPS LCDs display thatll offer an impressive refresh rate of 120Hz. Mi Pad 5 and Mi Pad 5 Pro are likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 870 processor. On the other hand, the Mi Pad 5 Lite is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 860 processor. Also Read: Virgin Galactic is offering 2 flight tickets to space for free! Check offer, flight price, other details

The upcoming tablet will have a holster for the stylus. Customers can also use the tablet with a keyboard cover case. Also Read: BSNL launches Rs 201 prepaid plan, Rs 187 STV and Rs 1,499 STV: Check offers, benefits and more
Pune: We often come across incidents that are utterly absurd and gives a shock to our conscience. In a recent development, a Pune-based man has stabbed a minor. The reason he did this act is even more shocking, the minor refused to bring him a condom from a local pharmacy.

According to the reports, the victim was stabbed in the neck and got severely injured. The accused seized the weapon from a nearby vehicle.

21-year-old Nilesh Waghmare is identified as accused. A case has been lodged against him in Pune's Chandanngar police station. The minor is from Tukaramnagar, he had visited Nilesh. Nilesh asked him to bring condoms from a local pharmacy store. The victim denied this.

This refusal made Nilesh Waghmare agonized, and he started beating the victim, he went on to verbally abuse him at the same time. The eyewitnesses have clarified that it was this time when Nilesh seized a knife from a nearby car and stabbed the minor with it.

The victim was severely injured and was rushed to the nearest hospital. The minor's family has registered a complaint under various sections including Section 307 for an attempt to murder. The local police are still investigating various angles of the case.
Israeli vlogger Nuseir Yassin, whose Facebook page is popular by the name Nas Daily, has found itself in two back to back controversies. First, it was accused of featuring a course by Apo Whang-od Oggay or Whang-od, a revered tattoo artist from Philippines, without consent from her family. And now he is entangled in a war of words with another agriculturist from Philippines by the name Louise De Guzman Mabulo. Here, we try to figure out whats the post viral truth here.

In the Whang-od controversy, Nas Daily has put forward its statement that says it respects the old traditions and conventions followed in Philippines.

The statement reads: There has been a post circulating online regarding our beloved Whang-Od Academy. The post claims that Whang-Od has no knowledge of the Academy and that this is a scam.

We approached Whang-Od because just like you, we love her. We love her traditions, and are inspired by her. We wanted to share her culture for future generations to appreciate and respect the ancient Kalinga tradition of mambabatok. So, we pitched her family the idea of creating Whang-Od Academy. Her and her family present both loved this idea, and have worked WITH US to build it, with Whang-Od teaching herself. As a matter of fact, Whang-Ods trusted niece, Estella Palangdao, was present and translated the content of the contract prior to Whang-Od affixing her thumbprint, signifying her full consent to the project. This is the clearest evidence that it is not a scam and achieved the consent of her and her immediate family.

He has released another statement after being accused of making fun of the social and economic fabric of Philippines. It came after Louise DG Mabulo, founder of the Cacao Project, put out a Facebook statement that read: In 2019, Nas Daily had come to my town to cover my story on The Cacao Project at the time, I was a huge fan, watching his clips with my Dad daily. At the time, I was gaining some press exposure and building up on opportunities thanks to UNEPs recognition of the work I do in my hometown for my farmers. It was enough that a friend, Shai Lagarde, had referred Nas Daily to us.

I watched him imitate and mock the local accent and language, vocalising Tagalog-sounding syllabic phrases saying it sounded stupid. He repeatedly said that the people of my hometown poor.

The statement further tries to portray Nas Daily a part of systematic colonization and against the idea of indigenous culture.

Heres how Nas Daily responded to it: We spent 2 days flying and we were very excited for your story of how you "revolutionised the cacao industry in your province" according to the Internet. We know the "story" already, so that's why we flew in to come meet you.

To my biggest sadness and surprise, your story was not true on the ground. Once we arrived at your plantation, once we saw the village and talked to the farmers, we came to the conclusion that there is no story here. That the awards on the Internet are just that...awards.

Our investigation has made it clear that your story in the media is false. And that there are no "200 farmers" that you work with, and there are no Cacao plantations that you don't personally profit from.

As per the vlogger himself, more than 40% of his work force has roots in Philippines, and he never intended to disrespect the local culture.

The verbal dual doesnt seem to end anytime soon, and it would be interesting to see how the vlogger tackles it who has a huge fan base in Philippines.
New Delhi: It seems like the Lucknow girl, who made headlines after a video of her assaulting a cab driver went viral on social media, is in no mood to leave the lime light anytime soon. Few days after the shocking video of her slapping and thrashing a cab driver in Lucknow went viral online, another video, purportedly of Priyadarshini Narayan Yadav, has surfaced on social media.

The netizens who have been posting and sharing the video said that it is over two years old. In the second video, Priyadarshini can be seen arguing with her neighbours and requesting the police to direct them to paint their walls anti-black as black painted walls attract international drones which can be dangerous for the lives of people in the neighbourhood.

They have coloured their house black Tell them to paint their house anti-black because international drones fly around here and because of them, the lives of all the colony residents are in danger, Priyadarshini can be heard saying in Hindi.

This is the 2 Year Old Video Of #PriyadarshiniYadav

Arguing with Neighbours over the Black Colour of their Main Gate. Credits: ig@be_harami#ArrestLucknowGirl #PriyadarshiniNarayan pic.twitter.com/KMB5eR6IW0  Fackt Checker (@FacktChecker) August 5, 2021

In the 2-minutes-20-second long video, the infamous Lucknow girl can be seen saying scene over the issue, while the police officer tries to pacify her by saying, You go home, I will make them understand and will take it in written from them.

ALSO READ | This is why the cab driver didnt hit back when he was beaten up by Lucknow girl

Meanwhile, after the incident went viral on social media and came to light, the Uttar Pradesh police filed an FIR against the woman for hitting the cabbie. In the case of the viral video of a woman slapping a man, we received a complaint from the man today. Based on the complainant, An FIR was filed in Krishna Nagar police station under relevant sections, said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central (Lucknow), Chiranjeev Nath Sinha.

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Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has admitted that meeting the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein was "a huge mistake" in his life. In an interview with CNN, Gates said that "several" meetings with Epstein gave him credibility, which was a mistake. According to him, the friendship with Epstein was an attempt to get "billions for philanthropy".

In 2019, Gates told The Wall Street Journal that he had met Epstein, but "didn't have any business relationship or friendship with him".

"Gates regrets ever meeting with Epstein and recognises it was an error in judgment to do so," The New York Times had also quoted a spokesperson for Gates as saying.

Epstein died in prison in August 2019 as he awaited, without the chance of bail, his trial on sex trafficking charges. He was arrested in New York following allegations that he was running a network of underage girls, some as young as 14, for sex.

His death was determined to be suicide.

Prosecutors alleged that between 1994 and 1997, Epstein's former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently in custody, helped him groom the young girls.

In the CNN interview, when asked if he had any regrets about an affair with a Microsoft employee, Gates said that everyone has regrets but that he needed to "go forward" with his work.

Some of the Microsoft board members last year wanted Gates to step down amid an internal investigation into his alleged affair with an employee.

Gates finally resigned from the Microsoft board in March 2020 before the investigation had been completed, according to reports.

In May, the mega-billionaire couple Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were divorcing because their 27-year marriage has "irretrievably broken".

Melinda will resign from her position as co-chair and trustee at Gates Foundation after two years, if either she or Bill Gates find they are unable to continue to work constructively together.

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